Chapter 4

　　Araceli POV

　　Five years later.

　　I had a dream. I dreamed that a man in a suit pinned me underneath him.

　　My clothes were torn. He kissed every inch of my body, and I couldn't resist.

　　I wanted to see his face, but it was a blur before my eyes. I could only see his eyes.

　　His eyes were deep and sharp. Even when he was having sex with me, there was no emotion in his eyes.

　　The look in his eyes made me feel scared.

　　My eyes snapped open.

　　"Mommy, are you okay?"

　　My son's voice sounded in my ears.

　　I opened my eyes and realized that I had a dream on the plane.

　　Five years ago, on the night of my coming-of-age ceremony, I fell into Melany's trap and had a one-night stand with a strange man.

　　I saw my son's clear eyes and felt a little embarrassed. "It's okay. I'm just a little tired from the long flight."

　　My son's name was Krish Chancey, and he shared my last name. Krish touched my forehead, took a small pillow and put it behind my back. "Mommy, this will make you feel better."

　　I gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Krish, my good and sweet little boy, thank you so much. I feel better now."

　　I looked over at the sleeping little girl sitting next to Krish. She was Valeria Chancey, my little daughter.

　　Five years ago, I fought to escape the fire and finally found a way to live.

　　I took Krish and Valeria to the hospital. Luckily, they survived.

　　Krish was in better health and recovered well, but Valeria...

　　I had no choice but to take her out of the country to seek medical help.

　　Valeria was blinded by that fire. After that, she couldn't fit in with other kids and suffered from autism.

　　I couldn't help but clench my fist when I thought of this. At that moment, Valeria opened her eyes.

　　Her eyes were beautiful and bright, like the stars at night.

　　However, there was no emotion in her eyes.

　　I suppressed the regret and loss in my heart, smiled, and said, "Valeria, did you sleep well?"

　　I didn't get any response.

　　Valeria turned her head and looked out the plane window at the clouds, looking cold and detached.

　　I frowned.

　　Valeria's autism was getting worse.

　　This was one of the reasons why I suddenly returned to New York.

　　"Valeria, here you go. This is your favorite doll. I gave her a new outfit. It's gorgeous, and..."

　　Krish handed a doll to Valeria and taught her to feel the fabric patiently.

　　I stroked Krish's head.

　　I was so grateful that I had a son as thoughtful and gentle as Krish.

　　"Mommy, I think Valeria will get better. Don't worry, I will always protect her." Krish looked at me firmly.

　　I nodded. "Krish, you must know that I love you and Valeria more than anything in this world."

　　...

　　The plane soon arrived in New York.

　　I took the kids to pick up our suitcases.

　　Suddenly...

　　There was a commotion from the front.

　　A four or five-year-old girl rushed towards me and jumped head first into my arms.

　　The girl looked cool. She was wearing a duck-tongue hat, a small jacket, and sneakers.

　　Her eyes were so clear and beautiful.

　　I didn't want to get into trouble, so I took a step back to keep a social distance from her.

　　However, the girl suddenly pulled my shirt hard.

　　"Help me! Someone is trying to kidnap me! You gotta trust me!"

　　She looked at me and said anxiously.

　　"Who is trying to kidnap you?" I asked.

　　I looked into her eyes.

　　I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt my heart skip a beat.

　　A group of people came over.

　　"Ms. Essel! Please come back with us! Your dad is very angry!"

　　"Ms. Essel, please come back with us now!"

　　Several bodyguards pleaded softly. I felt like those sturdy men in suits were on the verge of tears.

　　The little girl named "Essel" hid behind me, pulling my clothes hard.

　　I probably knew what was going on. I patted Essel on the back and said gently, "Essel, your dad must be worried about you..."

　　I gestured to the bouncer standing at the front to come and carry Essel, and he got my meaning and picked her up.

　　"Ms. Essel! Your dad will come soon. If you run away again, all of us will be punished..."

　　Essel was held by him. She struggled and looked desperate.

　　She looked at me and frowned, and there were complicated feelings in her eyes. I didn't know if I was mistaken, but I really thought she looked familiar.

　　Essel shouted at me, "Madam! What's your name?"

　　I was about to answer her, but Krish suddenly took my hand. "Mommy, our suitcases are there."

　　I gave Essel a look, didn't say anything and took my two children by hand to get my suitcases.

　　I walked out of the airport with Krish and Valeria. A car had been waiting at the airport for a long time.

　　"Ms. Chancey, Mrs. Felton is waiting for you at home."

　　I nodded and got into the car with the kids.

　　The car went all the way to Silver Fang's villa.

　　Silver Fang was my mother's pack.

　　Eclipse Group was established by Silver Fang. When it was founded, my mother, Alina Felton, had technical exclusivity in it. After my mother died, all her exclusive rights went to me, and that was also why I got 30% of Eclipse Group's shares. Everyone at Eclipse curried favour with me, and I was named the heir to Eclipse Group at my coming-of-age ceremony.

　　The day after my coming-of-age ceremony, I was photographed naked by reporters.

　　After that, I was put into a warehouse. My life was ruined.

　　It was all Melany's conspiracy.

　　When I escaped from the fire, I wanted to go to Silver Fang to seek refuge with my grandmother, Veronica Felton.

　　Melany, however, held a press conference and made a big deal out of the fact that I had children out of wedlock. She said that after I gave birth to two dead babies, I set a fire in Eclipse and committed suicide in fear. The whole town thought that was the truth. They abused me as a slut and said I was a horrible woman.

　　I was Silver Fang's granddaughter, so Silver Fang was implicated.

　　Everyone thought I was dead, so it was the wisest choice for me to leave this place.

　　After that, I took my two children and lived abroad for five years.

　　During these five years, I endured humiliation. Now, I was no longer the eldest daughter of Eclipse who could be easily fooled and framed.

　　I was perfectly capable of protecting myself and my children, and fighting back against those who wanted to hurt me.

　　The car soon stopped at the entrance of Silver Fang's villa.