Chapter Thirty-Two.Sitting at the terrace of Randall's grand mansion, I watched the sun descend over the expansive estate, the golden rays glistening off the carefully trimmed maze garden that borders the property. I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me as I took in the view. But my peace was abruptly shattered by the sound of Randall’s phone ringing, followed by him snapping it up with an incredulous expression on his face.Bringing the cup of coffee to my lips, I looked at Randall waiting for him to pick up the phone.“Bencio?” Randall’s voice was laced with calmness and a hint of confusion.I leaned back in my chair, my curiosity piqued as I caught snippets of the conversation floating towards me through the warm, evening air. “Please don’t kill me,” Bencio’s voice echoed, making it hard for me to suppress a laugh. I stifled the chuckle, maintaining my composure as I watched Randall's expression turn alarmingly serious. “What do you mean my mother is coming over?” There was
Chapter Thirty-Three.After what felt like an eternity planning the intricate details of our relationship charade, I departed the terrace with Randall’s chuckle hanging in the warm, fragrant air. The sun stood high in the sky, casting a shimmering glow across the expansive estate, filling the mansion with an air of quiet elegance.“Are you ready for the culinary emporium the maids are about to unleash?” Randall mused as I led the way back inside. The sound of commotion grew louder as we neared the kitchen—the cheerful chatter of servants echoing through the halls, punctuated by the clatter of pots and pans.“Let’s hope they’ve stocked up on enough comfort food to win over your mother,” I replied, biting back laughter. “And I still need to figure out what to do with my hair. Got anything inspiring on you?”“Can’t help you with that,” he said with a feigned look of innocence before a more genuine smile crept in. “But you’ll look wonderful in anything. Just be yourself.”As I entered my
Chapter Thirty-Four.“Tell me, what are your future plans together?” Amanesis pressed, leaning in with the tenacity of an investigator digging for answers.“I can’t exactly predict the future,” I replied playfully, “Perhaps something simple—cooking together, leisurely strolls through flower markets, and, of course, impromptu journeys to wine tastings.” “And maybe some historical tours too?” Randall injected with feigned seriousness, his lips quirked into a half-smile. “Just to keep her well-rounded.”“I’m sure it’ll only add to my charm!” I quipped back, feeding off his playful energy.“Honestly, the way you two interact, it warms my heart,” Amanesis exclaimed, her previous strict demeanor disappearing as her protective maternal instincts began to show through. “You both deserve happiness. And Randall, don’t you dare allow anyone else to distract you from what you have here.”Randall’s expression softened slightly, and he inclining his head slightly as a grateful acknowledgment.As l
Chapter Thirty-Five.The light drizzle that misted Calderon City had stopped by the time I stood in front of Randall’s penthouse, staring up at the sky through glass walls that seemed to kiss the clouds. I could hear my heart pounding, not because I was scared, but because this moment felt like a turning point I’d never expected. I tightened my grip on the suitcase in my hand, the other wrapped around a paper bag of freshly picked carnations from the flower shop — a symbolic goodbye, maybe, or maybe just a touch of home.Randall opened the door before I could even knock.His hair was slightly damp, like he’d just stepped out of the shower, and his eyes, impossibly dark and piercing, softened just a little when they landed on me. "You're here," he said, as if he hadn’t been entirely sure I would come.I nodded. "I said I would."He stepped aside, and I entered the sprawling space that was now, unbelievably, going to be my new home. The air smelled faintly of expensive cologne and laven
Chapter Thirty-Six.The penthouse was warm, its atmosphere imbued with the citrusy scent of fresh linens and the smooth undercurrent of Randall’s cologne—something woodsy and undeniably expensive, an infusion of cedar wrapped in midnight. The sun bathed the room in a soft glow, filtering through the expansive windows to cast golden light over marble floors and pristine walls. Everything was immaculate, a reflection of Randall’s fastidious nature, yet beneath its polished surface, I felt chaos swirling within myself.I sat cross-legged on the plush living room rug, half-opened suitcases scattered around me, boxes waiting to be unpacked, the diary resting in my lap like a cursed relic. The leather cover, worn with age, felt familiar yet foreign, and I let my fingers trace the initials “M.H.” — my mother's. It had been years since she'd left us, yet her presence lingered in the most unexpected ways. Old birthday cards with her elegant handwriting; a cherished recipe scrawled on a torn na
Chapter Thirty-Seven.The next morning greeted me with silver skies and a low growl of thunder rumbling in the distance. A storm was rolling in—outside, and I could feel the tumult within me echoing that same ominous energy. The diary still sat unopened, resting on my nightstand like a weight I couldn't yet lift. But today wasn’t about that. I had somewhere to be. Dressed in black jeans and a fitted leather jacket, I tied my hair back into a low ponytail. Nothing fancy. Just enough to blend in, like a shadow slipping between cracks. At exactly nine o'clock, my phone buzzed with a text from Nero, a simple message: “Car’s ready.”Since dawn, Randall hadn't spoken a word to me. He’d brewed my coffee, placed it beside my plate, and then disappeared into his office as if he needed the distance. I couldn’t blame him—he hated losing control, and here I was, about to walk straight into chaos.I hesitated at the elevator, waiting for Randall to call out, to stop me. But nothing came, only the
Chapter Thirty-Eight.Sleep didn’t come easy. I tossed under the silk sheets of Randall’s bed, the storm outside like a lullaby sung by giants. Rain traced invisible paths down the tall windows, and every clap of thunder felt like a warning from the past—a reminder that I was teetering on the edge of a truth I wasn't ready to face.Exhausted, my body refused to settle. The images from earlier replayed in my mind like a relentless highlight reel: Vivian’s smile, the scarred man, those shadowy camera feeds inside the warehouse. She had looked so comfortable in that world—confident, in control. It was like she was an actress on a stage she knew all too well.The scariest part? She hadn’t even tried to hide it. The ease with which she handed that envelope over to the man with the scar meant she didn’t expect to get caught. She was clearly involved in something much bigger than any of us had imagined, and the implications of that realization sent my heart racing, even as I lay motionless i
Chapter One.Allysa's POV.It was an ordinary day, my work revolved around meetings and creative planning. My eyes roamed around the ridiculous amount of paperwork on my desk. Grimacing slightly, I spared a glance at the grandfather clock standing still like a guard on duty at the corner of the office.I thought my day would end just like the same, but instead, I was suddenly summoned to my father’s office. I could not even say goodbye to some of my workmates as I was told to make haste.Walking towards the office, I saw some of the executive officers getting out one by one. I smiled at them happily but to my surprise, they looked away and walked directly past me. I was quite dumbfounded but didn't mind, perhaps their meeting didn’t turn out quite alright.It did not take a while until I reached my father’s office, twisting the silver door knob, and the tinted glass double door opened silently.Click.I saw my father sitting on his swivel chair, his back facing me.“I’m here Dad, what
Chapter Thirty-Eight.Sleep didn’t come easy. I tossed under the silk sheets of Randall’s bed, the storm outside like a lullaby sung by giants. Rain traced invisible paths down the tall windows, and every clap of thunder felt like a warning from the past—a reminder that I was teetering on the edge of a truth I wasn't ready to face.Exhausted, my body refused to settle. The images from earlier replayed in my mind like a relentless highlight reel: Vivian’s smile, the scarred man, those shadowy camera feeds inside the warehouse. She had looked so comfortable in that world—confident, in control. It was like she was an actress on a stage she knew all too well.The scariest part? She hadn’t even tried to hide it. The ease with which she handed that envelope over to the man with the scar meant she didn’t expect to get caught. She was clearly involved in something much bigger than any of us had imagined, and the implications of that realization sent my heart racing, even as I lay motionless i
Chapter Thirty-Seven.The next morning greeted me with silver skies and a low growl of thunder rumbling in the distance. A storm was rolling in—outside, and I could feel the tumult within me echoing that same ominous energy. The diary still sat unopened, resting on my nightstand like a weight I couldn't yet lift. But today wasn’t about that. I had somewhere to be. Dressed in black jeans and a fitted leather jacket, I tied my hair back into a low ponytail. Nothing fancy. Just enough to blend in, like a shadow slipping between cracks. At exactly nine o'clock, my phone buzzed with a text from Nero, a simple message: “Car’s ready.”Since dawn, Randall hadn't spoken a word to me. He’d brewed my coffee, placed it beside my plate, and then disappeared into his office as if he needed the distance. I couldn’t blame him—he hated losing control, and here I was, about to walk straight into chaos.I hesitated at the elevator, waiting for Randall to call out, to stop me. But nothing came, only the
Chapter Thirty-Six.The penthouse was warm, its atmosphere imbued with the citrusy scent of fresh linens and the smooth undercurrent of Randall’s cologne—something woodsy and undeniably expensive, an infusion of cedar wrapped in midnight. The sun bathed the room in a soft glow, filtering through the expansive windows to cast golden light over marble floors and pristine walls. Everything was immaculate, a reflection of Randall’s fastidious nature, yet beneath its polished surface, I felt chaos swirling within myself.I sat cross-legged on the plush living room rug, half-opened suitcases scattered around me, boxes waiting to be unpacked, the diary resting in my lap like a cursed relic. The leather cover, worn with age, felt familiar yet foreign, and I let my fingers trace the initials “M.H.” — my mother's. It had been years since she'd left us, yet her presence lingered in the most unexpected ways. Old birthday cards with her elegant handwriting; a cherished recipe scrawled on a torn na
Chapter Thirty-Five.The light drizzle that misted Calderon City had stopped by the time I stood in front of Randall’s penthouse, staring up at the sky through glass walls that seemed to kiss the clouds. I could hear my heart pounding, not because I was scared, but because this moment felt like a turning point I’d never expected. I tightened my grip on the suitcase in my hand, the other wrapped around a paper bag of freshly picked carnations from the flower shop — a symbolic goodbye, maybe, or maybe just a touch of home.Randall opened the door before I could even knock.His hair was slightly damp, like he’d just stepped out of the shower, and his eyes, impossibly dark and piercing, softened just a little when they landed on me. "You're here," he said, as if he hadn’t been entirely sure I would come.I nodded. "I said I would."He stepped aside, and I entered the sprawling space that was now, unbelievably, going to be my new home. The air smelled faintly of expensive cologne and laven
Chapter Thirty-Four.“Tell me, what are your future plans together?” Amanesis pressed, leaning in with the tenacity of an investigator digging for answers.“I can’t exactly predict the future,” I replied playfully, “Perhaps something simple—cooking together, leisurely strolls through flower markets, and, of course, impromptu journeys to wine tastings.” “And maybe some historical tours too?” Randall injected with feigned seriousness, his lips quirked into a half-smile. “Just to keep her well-rounded.”“I’m sure it’ll only add to my charm!” I quipped back, feeding off his playful energy.“Honestly, the way you two interact, it warms my heart,” Amanesis exclaimed, her previous strict demeanor disappearing as her protective maternal instincts began to show through. “You both deserve happiness. And Randall, don’t you dare allow anyone else to distract you from what you have here.”Randall’s expression softened slightly, and he inclining his head slightly as a grateful acknowledgment.As l
Chapter Thirty-Three.After what felt like an eternity planning the intricate details of our relationship charade, I departed the terrace with Randall’s chuckle hanging in the warm, fragrant air. The sun stood high in the sky, casting a shimmering glow across the expansive estate, filling the mansion with an air of quiet elegance.“Are you ready for the culinary emporium the maids are about to unleash?” Randall mused as I led the way back inside. The sound of commotion grew louder as we neared the kitchen—the cheerful chatter of servants echoing through the halls, punctuated by the clatter of pots and pans.“Let’s hope they’ve stocked up on enough comfort food to win over your mother,” I replied, biting back laughter. “And I still need to figure out what to do with my hair. Got anything inspiring on you?”“Can’t help you with that,” he said with a feigned look of innocence before a more genuine smile crept in. “But you’ll look wonderful in anything. Just be yourself.”As I entered my
Chapter Thirty-Two.Sitting at the terrace of Randall's grand mansion, I watched the sun descend over the expansive estate, the golden rays glistening off the carefully trimmed maze garden that borders the property. I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me as I took in the view. But my peace was abruptly shattered by the sound of Randall’s phone ringing, followed by him snapping it up with an incredulous expression on his face.Bringing the cup of coffee to my lips, I looked at Randall waiting for him to pick up the phone.“Bencio?” Randall’s voice was laced with calmness and a hint of confusion.I leaned back in my chair, my curiosity piqued as I caught snippets of the conversation floating towards me through the warm, evening air. “Please don’t kill me,” Bencio’s voice echoed, making it hard for me to suppress a laugh. I stifled the chuckle, maintaining my composure as I watched Randall's expression turn alarmingly serious. “What do you mean my mother is coming over?” There was
Chapter Thirty-One.The sun shone gloriously over the sprawling garden of a mansion that had seen better days; its once-vibrant flowers were wilting slightly under the unrelenting afternoon heat. Yet, at least one thing still radiated with energy and color: Amanesis. She buzzed around the estate with the enthusiasm of a hummingbird, her vibrant dress swishing as she made her way to the office where Bencio was stationed.“Bencio, darling!” she called out with the flair of a theatrical heroine, throwing open the door without knocking. The assistant looked up, startled, as if summoned from some far, distant realm of paperwork and duty. “You will never believe the tragedy that has befallen me!”“Uh, good afternoon, Madam,” Bencio began, sliding his glasses up his nose as he attempted to shift his thoughts from spreadsheets to the whirlwind of drama that was Amanesis. “What seems to be the problem?”“Sit down, dear! You’re going to want to hear this,” she urged, waving her hand as if becko
Chapter Thirty.As our lips met, time seemed to come to a standstill, the world around us fading softly into a blur. The initial shock that coursed through my body melted away, replaced by a warm, comforting sensation enveloping us both like a soft blanket draped in tenderness. It wasn’t merely a kiss; it was a silent acknowledgment of the journey we were embarking on together, a beautiful testament to the intertwining of our lives in the most profound of ways.When we finally pulled away, breathless and a little awestruck, I saw a flicker of mischief dancing in Randall's deep blue eyes. "Did that meet your expectations?" he teased, his voice low and warm, sending delightful shivers racing down my spine.I couldn't help but chuckle, a delightful concoction of nerves and joy bubbling up inside me. "I suppose it will do for now," I said, my own teasing tone emerging, echoing his playful spirit. Somehow, the tension that had been momentarily knotted in my stomach loosened, replaced by an