Finally, I’m out of the prison mansion, all thanks to Ryan.But now I’m not so sure of what I’m getting myself into. When he said I should follow him to his training, I didn’t expect it to be the very next day!!!Oh well….A bulky dark-skinned guard standing by a door Ryan has been walking to, reaches out and opens it. He bows at Ryan, who’s in front of me, and as I’m about to pass through, he bows at me as well.“Thank you,” I say, before stepping through the door, and as I do, my eyes expand in astonishment.“We’ll start with shooting,” Ryan says, but I’m barely paying attention to him, as my eyes roam around the arena. My heart thudding with a mix of nerves and curiosity as I take in the sight.It’s a black room with high walls, thickly padded with soundproof panels, shutting out the chaos and noise of the outside world and trapping us in an eerie silence.My gaze shifts to the firing lanes, each separated by tall black barricades, each marked with a number from 1 to 6. Far ahead,
Ryan… he’s too close, way too close. I get that he’s just trying to teach me, but God! He’s just too close. I can barely focus on anything, but him.He leads me and the gun fires, the recoil is too strong, too impactful, too much for me to handle,it jolts through my hands and up my arms and If not for Ryan, who is close behind me, holding me firmly, I would have flown to the ground.Yet, it still pushes me backward, making me press my body against him. I feel a shift in tension between us.“Good.” He husks in my ears, his voice voicing rough, sending a shiver down my spine.Oh no! That tone… I can hear it, I can feel it—he’s aroused.“Ahn,” a moan forces its way out of my lips, as he sinks his teeth into the soft, sensitive skin of my neck. My body reacts instinctively, arching slightly into him, and I know it’s only adding fuel to the fire.“Do you remember that night?” he whispers, his hot breath brushing in trail to my ear. My mind spins. ‘Night? What night— it can’t be that nigh
Since that day, training with Ryan has become a routine, especially in the basics of self-defense. It’s a breath of fresh air, being out of the mansion.But today, I don’t follow Ryan. Today, I have something more important to do. I'm running out of time—Zephyr will soon be back. If I keep putting this off, I might never leave this place.I didn’t tell Ryan about my plan; I didn’t want him talking me out of it. Instead I just told him I felt a bit sick, and he let me stay back.I want nothing to change my mind today. I must get what I want!Thanks to Ryan, Aldo only watches me for little to no time, but he’s always ready the moment I step out of the main mansion building to the backyard, or even the front porch.And that’s a huge problem because my destination is beyond the mansion.But that doesn’t stop me, I’ve timed myself. When Aldo goes for a quick lunch break, when he will not be able to hold me back, I’ll quietly slip away and do what I have to do.As for Rafa, he’s not been aro
I’m back early from training today because Hazel didn’t come with me.The first day was . . . surely unexpected for both of us— especially me, who said I’d control myself. But the next two days, nothing happened—she made sure of that.This morning she told me she felt a bit sick, and it didn’t trouble me much, cause she said it’s not serious, but as I trained, I started to feel more and more worried. I just had to come early to check in on her; Maybe I pushed her too hard, and that’s why she’s sick.Or am I coming back early because I miss her?Training felt so boring and empty without her—a little scaredy-cat who’s both determined and terrified.We’ve only trained together for three days, yet it feels like I can’t train properly without her next to me. it just doesn’t feel right.As soon as I enter the mansion, noise blasts in my ears. Not just any noise, but screams—screams and shouts from Hazel… and… Rafa?Adrenaline kicks in my blood as I sprint toward the sound. My eyes flare w
“Wh—what?” I stutter, my eyes blinking repeatedly in disbelief. My brows narrow in anger. “Am I stupid, Ryan?” I repeat pointing at myself, anger, and confusion clear in my voice.“You’re asking me if I’m stupid because I’m worried about my brother’s safety?” I question, clearly getting annoyed and angry.He shifts his eyes back to me, “Why would you go there Haze?!” He demands, yelling again, his eyes filled with fury.“Why wouldn’t I Ryan?” I snap back, my anger rising to meet his. “I just told you, I went to look for my brother.”He clenches his jaw as he looks away and my shirt tightens. I thought he would understand me, but he doesn’t. I’m so… so very disappointed.“Shit!” he curses as he turns sharply, and walks away from me, bursting toward his room.“What?” I mutter under my breath, my eyes following his retreating form. “Ryan,” I call out, walking after him. “You can’t just yell at me and walk off!”He halts abruptly just in front of his door, spins around and suddenly reac
In my bathroom, I take a long, hot bath to relax, letting the scalding water wash over me, easing the tension in my muscles and mind.Anger, disappointment, sadness, regret, and so many other emotions are coursing through my veins at the moment.I need to cool down, to clear my head, so I can think properly and process everything the right way.When I finally step out of the bath, I change into a simple, loose gown that stops just above my knees, then sink into the sofa with a loud sigh. Thoughts swirl through my mind like intense waves in the ocean, crashing against rocks. “Did I overreact?” I murmur to myself, starting to see things in a new light. But that doesn’t change the betrayal I still feel in my heart.Ryan… The more I think about it, the more I understand him.He didn’t tell me the truth because he knew that if I had known, I wouldn’t hesitate to escape or even allow Zephyr to have sex with me. I would’ve fought back until he got angry and did something terrible.I get it
“Y-you should come with me.” The instant the words leave my mouth, I know I’m dead. “Huh?” she blurts, as confused and surprised as I am. Then I think, ‘This is your chance, Ryan. Tell her you’re just kidding.’“I mean,” I clear my throat, “Hazel… will you be my prom date?” Oh, fuck! I can’t help it—I want her to come with me and experience it. The sadness in her voice makes it seem like she truly regrets missing it prom.I never took much interest in prom. it’s almost like a waste of time—getting all dressed up, doing that cringe dance, eating food, which we can do anywhere. But then, if I have prom with the right person… maybe I can enjoy it. And that right person is Hazel. She shakes her head frantically. “No, Ryan, what do you mean? Y—you already have a girlfriend that you should take her—” “Hazel—” “—besides, I’m a third-year college student, not a high school senior. I’m not 18, Ryan... It’ll be weird.” She argues.“Girlfriend?” I murmur to myself, my gaze drifti
I walk down the stairs leading to the mansion’s yard, Aldo’s hand steadying mineI should be annoyed by his presence, but my focus is entirely on Ryan.He’s waiting for me at the foot of the stairs, his gaze fixed on me as if I’m the only thing that exists in his world. I look down at my dress for a brief second. It’s like I’m the main character of a princess fairytale.The soft pink dress flows like a dream, shimmering , as if sprinkled with stardust. The bodice hugs my torso snugly, clinging to my waist and bust. Thin straps rest on my shoulders, and the ethereal off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves fall over my arms, fluttering gently against my skin. The full skirt cascades gracefully to the floor, its layers endless, light, and airy—it almost feels like I’m floating in the sky. The whole dress is perfection, but when I think I’ve experienced perfection, the moment I finally get off the stairs and reach Ryan is when I see what real perfection is. “You look very beautiful,” he whis
I slip away from the crowd to a quieter corner of the venue, not hesitating to snag a glass of champagne from a passing tray.Taking a sip, I exhale, the tension in my chest easing slightly. My gaze drifts over the lavish hall, the glittering chandeliers, and the hum of conversation, until I notice a secluded lounge area tucked along the edge of the room.I walk over and take a seat in the comfortable velvet chair when I see a young woman, dressed in a fitted red gown, striding confidently in my direction. Her chin is held high, and her sharp eyes are locked on me.I glance away quickly. ‘Oh no, I sense trouble.’“Hey,” she greets smoothly, her voice commanding enough to pull my eyes back to her.I rise instinctively, nerves prickling under her scrutiny. “Hi…” I begin cautiously, then recognition clicks into place. Her face matches one I’d seen on the list earlier. “Mrs. Ellsworth, nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”She laughs lightly, a sound that seems polite y
I walk down the grand stairs of Lennox’s mansion in a classy deep purple dress. The fabric clings to my body perfectly, smooth and luxurious. The halter neckline that wraps snugly around my neck, with a draped piece of fabric flowing over my shoulder down to my knee, adding a majestic touch. My hair is styled up in a casual bun, stray tendrils framing my face, while the soft makeup accentuates my features with perfection. Aldo, my bodyguard, helps me down the stairs while Lennox stands at the very end. I have been avoiding him all day. I’m glad he wasn’t not in the mood to have lunch together. But as the clock struck 6 p.m, my door burst open, and Madam Adora stormed in, tablet in hand, flanked by two familiar faces—a fashion designer and a makeup artist I instantly recognized as the ones that styled me for Ryan’s prom.Without explanation, she thrust the tablet at me, her sharp voice cutting through my confusion. “Memorize these names. Important people will be attending the
(3rd POV ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)Ryan’s eyes are fixed on Hazel the whole time, his concern deepening with each passing moment. They’re all seated at the long, rectangular dining table—the supposed Zephyr family. Lennox is seated at the head of the table and by his right is Hazel, detached from what’s going on around her. By his left is Melody, little and cute, smiling brightly as if she understands what the adults are talking about. Beside Melody is her older half-brother, Ryan, his full attention focused on Hazel. And sitting next to Hazel is Selene, forcefully laughing for validation from Lennox. Finally, there's Rafa, occupying the seat beside Selene.They’re all at the table for mere breakfast, just for the warm welcome of Lennox. If not, you’d never see them seated together like this in the morning.Despite Lennox dominating the conversation, casually recounting cruel tales and jokes of violence—how his men killed, kidnapped, tortured, and manipulated their way to victory over the rival ma
Lennox… He’s here. The monster has finally returned!I tremble uncontrollably where I stand as I hear his heavy footsteps stomping around the room. “I’m… I’m here,” I call out, finally answering his growl after taking seconds to muster up the courage. His footsteps quicken, each one louder, more deliberate, as they approach my walk-in closet door.The door isn’t fully shut, and through the narrow gap, I see his form coming closer, his imposing frame against the translucent glass of the door. He slides the door open with a force that has me jerking upright. The sound of the door slamming against its track as jarring as a gunshot, ricochets through the room and straight into my chest. And there he is, Lennox Zephyr, My husband.His dark eyes fix on me—deadly and angry. His towering frame fills the doorway, broad shoulders encased in a flawlessly tailored black suit that clings to his insanely built muscles.“What are you doing here?” he asks with a quiet menace that sends chil
My body feels weightless and comfortable, as I drift out of a deep sleep. The first thing I notice is the warmth—one I’m not so familiar with—surrounding my body, like a protective shield.My head rests against something hard, yet oddly comfortable, a faint, steady rhythm beating beneath my ear.Reality finally snaps me awake and my eyes fly open, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains casts a golden glow over the bare chest next to me.Ryan!Flashes of last night instantly floods my mind.Oh my gosh! I never went back to my room after we had sex! Fuck! We both fell asleep!!My eyes dart back to him, and my heart melts. He’s still deep in a peaceful slumber, his dark long lashes resting subtly against his skin framing his closed eyes. His tousled brunette hair, falling across his forehead, each strand curling at its end towards directions.Despite the panic swirling inside me, I can’t deny the comfort of this moment— the way one of his arm is resting lightly on my waist, the
“Then let’s not fight it,” Ryan says, his voice dropping to a raspy whisper, as he gazes at me, his eyes burning with uncontrollable desire.“Okay,” I breathe, nodding as I try to steady the rapid rise and fall of my chestHis firm grip that’s on my waist presses me forward, guiding me close to his face as if he can’t bear the distance between us. He wastes no time, grinding his soft lips against mine, kissing me hungrily, swallowing every soft moan and shallow pant I give, his soft lips moving with an urgency that sends shivers racing down my spine, I barely notice the covers on top of him and beneath me slipping further and further down as he presses it down with his legs until it’s completely gone. “Mmh,” I moan into his mouth as I feel his bulge more—hard between my thighs, making my naked pussy throb with the need for pleasure.The thin layers of fabric are the only thing preventing our bodies from touching skin to skin—My silk nightgown that clings to me, whispering against
It’s Saturday late in the night, far too late to still be awake. Yet Hazel lies wide-eyed, body rigid and shivering cold, even under the thick duvet. The coldness—it’s in her bones, seeping into every muscle, making her feel limp and extremely uncomfortable despite the softness of the mattress. It’s not like the weather is cold or anything…. the thought that’s lingering in her mind is.‘Tomorrow. Lennox will be here. Tomorrow.’She can’t believe it. She refuses to believe the thought pounding relentlessly in her mind. And what worries her even more is the fact that she doesn’t know the exact time he’ll be here: Morning? Afternoon? Evening? It’s all too much. Suddenly, she bolts upright, her gaze shifting to the alarm clock on the bedside drawer; 11:50 PM.10 minutes to midnight and she still can’t sleep. Hazel’s legs instinctively swing off the bed, and she finds herself pacing around her room for a few minutes, trying to stop herself from seeking that one presence that comfor
RYAN’S POVAnger surges through me like wildfire as Rafa grabs Hazel’s hand roughly. My eyes darken with anger.“Get your hands off her!” I shout sharply, shoving his hand away from her. I instinctively pull Hazel back, closer behind me and step forward to face Rafa. But he laughs—a low, mocking chuckle that sets my nerves on edge. “What’s going on between you two, Ryan?” he asks, raising a brow. I freeze in response, momentarily shocked. Panic seizes my breathing for a fleeting second as his question catches me off guard, but I quickly compose myself, hardening my expression.“Nothing,” I snap curtly, my tone leaving no room for doubt. I can’t afford to slip— not even a second of guilt or uneasiness— if not, we’re done for. Rafa’s too perceptive and catches on to things very quickly. The smallest crack in my façade will give him the confirmation he needs. Turning to Hazel, I drop my hand from her arm. “Hazel, leave,” I order firmly, my tone soft but filled with urgency. K
Two days later, it’s Ryan’s graduation day. At first, I hesitated to go, worried his friends might recognize me. But when I hear Selene is coming along with Melody, I decide to go, Allowing Selene to play the stepmother role while I continue as the college girlfriend. Fortunately, it all goes smoothly. I’m just glad I was able to be there for Ryan on his special day. That night, he heads out to another party and the following day, we hardly get a chance to be alone. The house seems to be bustling with more staff preparing for Zephyr’s arrival, leaving us with only stolen moments and fleeting kisses. On Friday afternoon, I sit alone in my room on my bed watching a series I’m not too interested in when an idea suddenly strikes me like lightning, making me feel foolish for not thinking of it sooner. I leap off the bed and rush out, heading straight for Ryan’s room. When I reach his door, thankfully, he’s there. He opens it almost immediately. Our eyes lock, but mine later fli