“Do you like the smell?” Raven held a fresh truffle under Gia’s nose.The truffle had a strong aroma, but Gia no longer felt nauseous. Her stomach had grown more tolerant of strong smells.The nausea she had experienced had diminished significantly. Though she still couldn’t eat fruits, she no longer minded being in the same room with them.“Are you going to buy it?” Gia asked. The truffle was incredibly expensive, and she knew it was one of the priciest ingredients in the world.“Of course! It’s hard to find fresh truffles like this outside their season. I’ll buy a few.”Raven’s idea of “a few” differed from most people’s. He spent thousands of euros on a small bag of truffles.The finest white truffles indeed came from Italy. This year, only a few wild truffles had been found in Neive, causing their price to skyrocket. Raven seemed to be the last customer because the seller hung a “sold out” sign as they left the shop.“Let’s take it slow,” Raven said, guiding Gia down the steps as
“Why are there so many cars?” Gia wondered aloud as they returned to the Ranallo residence. Several cars were parked in the yard, three or four neatly lined up.“Maybe Matteo’s business,” Raven replied nonchalantly.“He doesn’t handle his legal or illegal business here at home anymore since we moved in,” Gia countered.Aria had said that before. Since Gia began living in the house, Matteo has significantly reduced his work activities there. No business—legal or otherwise—is discussed in the residence anymore. The usual affairs involving Aria or the more “extraordinary” dealings involving Dante are no longer part of the household’s daily life.Gia’s presence made him restrain himself. Matteo didn’t want to mix her life with anything illegal.“Let’s get inside. You’re probably tired. We’ve been out for hours,” Raven said.Gia agreed. The sun was already beginning to set; they had been out since morning.Yet her curiosity heightened again as they entered the house. There was no crowd ins
“Thank you,” said Raven without thinking, directing it to the servants who had just finished cleaning the pavilion from the party’s remains. He closed the door as soon as they all left.“Tired?” he asked Gia, who was lounging on the sofa, stretching out her legs to relax.Gia nodded. Her eyelids felt heavy, but she wasn’t ready to sleep yet. The excitement and energy from the party still lingered in her body.“Why couldn’t Sophie make it?” Gia had asked this earlier, but Raven’s answer had been drowned out by Dante’s loud laughter as he tried to charm Rose.“They’re on vacation,” Raven replied. “I told them to take some time off, and they’re probably in Japan right now. I’m not sure. Sophie wanted to come, but since I only told her yesterday, they couldn’t book the right flight. She sent a long message congratulating you. I’ll send you the video later.”Raven seemed annoyed as he explained. Sophie had scolded him endlessly for failing to inform her about the event earlier. Gia smiled,
The lingerie didn’t hide its wearer’s body; almost everything was made from transparent fabric. Given the exceptionally wide area around the stomach, it was clearly designed specifically for pregnant women.“What is this?” Raven was confused. “Are they trying to torture me?”Gia immediately knew who was behind this gift idea and vowed to kill Vero the moment they met. Reluctantly, Gia had to explain everything to Raven.Sitting up nervously, Gia straightened her posture while Raven stared at her with his piercing gaze.To Raven, the gift felt like a form of torment because Aria’s words were true—Raven hadn’t touched Gia for more than three months. Now, the tightly repressed desire within him surged uncontrollably at the sight of the lingerie and the so-called toy included with it.Unable to stop, Raven pictured how Gia’s body would look in the lingerie. Naturally, it was an enticing image to him. Gia’s body had always been irresistible, no matter its shape.“Are you just going to stay
“Why did you choose him?!” Raven wanted to shout but couldn’t bring himself to do it to Gia.Raven clenched his right fist at his side while pointing his left hand at Matteo, who stood arrogantly in front of the pavilion door.Matteo felt victorious because Gia had chosen him to accompany her for today’s yoga session."You’re busy, Rave. I chose Matteo because you’re busy,” Gia explained patiently.“I’m not busy!” Raven retorted immediately.Standing at the door near Matteo, Jasper shook his head in disagreement. He had been waiting for Raven as well.Raven was incredibly busy. He was cramming his work schedule so that he wouldn’t have to worry about unfinished tasks when the expected due date, about two weeks from now, arrived.Jasper had meticulously organized the schedule, but the downside was that Raven had to work extra hard now to avoid future setbacks.“You are busy! So today, I’ll be with Matteo. I’ll be fine, Rave. Don’t you trust him?" Gia asked."Of course not. Matteo nearl
Their journey ended on the outskirts of Neive, in a hilltop residential complex. It was an exclusive location, with no neighbors in sight, resembling the kind of hideout Raven always preferred.At a glance, the house perched on the hill blended seamlessly with its surroundings. The soothing green walls and dominant wood tones made the house look serene and inviting.And let’s not even mention the surrounding environment. Standing atop the hill guaranteed its occupants breathtaking views of lush greenery and a stunning valley stretching before them. The view alone could easily double the house’s value.“Where are we? Whose house is this?” Gia bombarded Matteo with questions, her eyes roaming the house’s details. So far, she hadn’t found any flaws worth criticizing.“Let’s go inside,” Matteo said.“This is your house?”Matteo’s short answer didn’t stop Gia from probing further. But his response became even more elusive when he merely shrugged.Gia felt an urge to grab Matteo by the coll
“What does that even mean? He’s so stupid!" Gia complained.Commenting on movie absurdity was probably one of Gia’s bad habits. Rose had reprimanded her countless times, but it never worked. Gia would curse in frustration whenever the movie she watched didn’t go how she wanted. Naturally, her outbursts annoyed anyone watching with her.“You shouldn’t call people stupid,” Matteo scolded.The two of them spent a relaxing morning in the pavilion, watching a movie with popcorn. Since Raven hadn’t returned yet, it was Matteo’s turn to keep Gia company.“Stupid isn’t a curse word. I’m just calling it as it is. It’s not an insult.”Her absurd response was just a way to justify herself. Raven would have laughed at her defense, but since Matteo was with her instead, he only nodded understanding before returning to the TV. His focus didn’t last long, though. Slowly, his gaze turned vacant as his thoughts drifted elsewhere, leaving his body behind.“You don’t seem to be enjoying this,” Gia said,
After the panic that left Raven’s mind blank, they spent the rest of the trip in a calmer state.The journey to the hospital was relatively uneventful. Matteo drove while Raven sat in the backseat with Gia. Throughout the ride, Raven never let go of Gia’s hand.Gia’s grip left red marks on Raven’s hand as she squeezed tightly every time a contraction hit. The contractions grew more frequent as time went on.Matteo carefully pulled up to the emergency room entrance, where Vero was waiting with a wheelchair. Matteo had called her before they left.“They must be eager to see the world,” Vero said as Gia stepped out of the car.“I was hoping they’d inherit some patience,” Gia replied.Raven forced a smile despite his pale face. He was far calmer now. “I was hoping for the same. I don’t want them to end up like me,” he added.Vero chuckled as she helped Gia into the wheelchair and pushed her inside.Gia held her breath again as another wave of pain struck. Raven extended his hand and clasp
King Gustaf held Raven’s hand tightly for a moment. He was aware that their happiness depended on each other.He kept his eyes on Raven as their hands separated.“Well then, I’ll take my leave.” King Gustaf saw no reason for further pleasantries, so he turned around immediately. But before taking a step, he glanced back.His gaze focused on Lonan, who had remained silent and lowered his head after declaring he would be a witness.“I truly wished you had married Willow, but I couldn’t force her. I’m sorry. And please forgive Willow for her mistake this time.” His eyes flickered toward Raven as well, not just Lonan. Then, finally, he stepped out.Two deep sighs of relief filled the room as the door closed—one from Lonan, one from Raven. Raven picked up his phone, checking something. Maybe he was telling Jasper to cancel a plan.“King Gustaf will keep his promise because he will never let Willow’s name be tarnished in the eyes of society. He always avoids scandals so that Willow can live
Gia didn't know who Tilda was, but Raven's intense reaction made her suspect something. Raven clearly cared about whoever Tilda was."Why can't I mention her name? She's Willow's mother!"Gia's suspicion proved correct. King Gustaf disgustingly uttered a name that would surely shake Raven. He mentioned someone Raven loved as dearly as her own family. It was a deceitful move.Raven's face burned with anger, yet the furrow in her brow showed she was thinking. That name had driven her to get engaged and save Willow's life. The inner battle flared up again—this time, it was Raven's turn."For Tilda's sake, I beg you: don't press those charges. And please hand over that recording. You surely don't want to ruin Willow's life, right?""He ruined himself without my interference. You only sped up his plunge into ruin by continually excusing all his misdeeds." Raven stopped using the formal "you" when addressing King Gustaf. Merely mentioning Tilda's name ignited deep emotions within her."You
King Gustaf stared at Al and Frey. "Are they your children?" Gia wanted to answer with a scathing remark with the word idiot, just like she'd used earlier to respond to Lonan's question. It was blatantly obvious who Al and Frey's parents were. "Yes," Gia replied politely. The time when she could curse at the king had long passed. "Then you must understand my feelings. The feelings of a father who must do everything to protect his child." King Gustaf quickly turned to Raven. Unfortunately, his emotionally charged statement was met with a mocking laugh from Raven. "No. I can't understand your feelings. Because I'll make sure these two don't grow up to be manipulators who casually stab others in the back," Raven retorted sharply. King Gustaf's jaw tightened in anger. "What's going on?" Gia demanded. Seeing Raven provoke the king's anger, she felt some satisfaction, but she still didn't grasp the full context. "I'm filing charges against Willow. This time, I'll ensure she
"Oh... My... God...," Lonan muttered as he saw Raven enter carrying Freya. Gia followed behind, with Al playfully twirling around her neck.They had to wrestle a bit while heading to the hospital. Al began teething and fussed whenever things didn't go his way.Freya, who always imitated her older sibling, considered crying together a fun activity. As a result, Gia and Raven had to fight through a torrent of tears before they could leave the house."They…"Lonan shot a disbelieving glance. He rarely saw Raven accompanied by a cute baby; in his opinion, it didn't seem right. In fact, Gia used to feel the same—but that was then. Gia feels something is missing without Freya clinging to Raven's chest.It wasn't Gia's idea to bring them to the hospital; Raven requested it. He wanted to introduce Al and Freya to their uncle. It was a common wish, and Gia simply couldn't refuse."Are they twins?" Lonan asked."You don't eat enough apples. How can you ask such a stupid question? The answer is
Gia peeled the apple on the table and cut it into smaller pieces. That wasn't how she ate apples—she preferred whole ones, eating them with the skin on.The apple wasn't for her. After placing it in a bowl, Gia carried it to the patient's bed and set it on the table. The person sleeping in that bed jumped awake at the sound of movement and footsteps.Gia glanced sideways, and their eyes met. Too late to look away, she could only huff in irritation.Lonan looked toward the bowl of apple. "I thought you'd never do something kind for me again."Gia snorted. "Exactly! I didn't do this for you. I did it for Raven. He'll be upset if he finds out I still despise you."Lonan gave a bitter smile. He had set his hopes too high. Gia always tried her best to be kind to him because she knew that if she kept showing her dislike, Raven would end up sad. Gia understood that feeling well—it reminded her of the time she watched Matteo and Raven argue.Of course, that argument couldn't compare to the ha
Raven felt a little calmer after Gia invited him to sit. Although he still felt anxious, his breathing steadied. He leaned back in his seat while gripping Gia's hand.Doctors had been operating on Lonan for about four hours, and they still hadn't given any news about his progress. Based on her experience, Gia could only guess that the knife must have injured one of his organs—she couldn't tell how severe the damage was.The wait felt like hell to Raven. He no longer displayed any emotion, as if his tears had drained every ounce of feeling. The overwhelming memory of his parents leaving haunted him, and he clung to the hope that Lonan would pull through.All his anger melted away and gave way to hope. He no longer cared about Lonan's mistakes—they now seemed insignificant.Whenever a lousy memory threatened to overwhelm him, Raven squeezed Gia's hand, and Gia stroked Raven's arm gently. Gia reminded him of other parts of his life that still awaited him, assuring him that his world woul
From the beginning, Willow never planned to jump in or be fooled by Raven's blatantly apparent lies. Willow orchestrated this drama to get close enough to Raven so that they could hurt him.Now, Willow screamed in anger as their plan failed once again. Willow didn't care at all that Lonan collapsed and bled because of what they had done."Lonan!"Raven finally realized what was happening and roared Lonan's name. He tried to catch the falling body but couldn't manage it well."No!" Raven roared again when he saw the red stain spreading across Lonan's stomach.Gia pushed aside the nearby guards and ran toward them."Help him, Haze… I beg you," Raven whimpered. He clutched Lonan's head as Lonan began losing consciousness.Gia studied the wound that kept bleeding. The knife is still stuck there.Gia pressed her hand against the wound to stop more blood from flowing out and to prevent Lonan from going into shock from excessive blood loss."Call for help!" Gia shouted. Many ambulances waite
Yesterday's mini forest that once looked peaceful and comfortable had transformed into a warzone. Gia now understood why all the police were downstairs. The royal guards had taken over their duties—not just the ones earlier on the stairs, but a much larger force now spread across the roof. Their primary purpose here wasn't Willow but because their master was also on the rooftop. King Gustaf stood roughly five meters behind Willow, trying to coax her down. Willow had already stepped outside the safety railing, facing the open air, her hands still gripping the rooftop's edge barrier. "Don't jump! Willow!" Gia could faintly hear his desperate pleas. "I should've made that barrier taller," Raven muttered. The railing would have been sufficient to prevent someone Gia's height from climbing over. But Willow, tall as a giraffe, stood only a few centimeters shorter than Raven. Her perfectly proportioned body—especially those long legs—made it easy for her to vault the barrier.
“What's going on?!" Gia demanded, staring at Raven. Her face was pale, and her hand covered her mouth, holding back a torrent of curses.“How did she get in?!” Raven shouted, still directing her question to Jasper at the other end.After hearing Jasper’s response, Raven lowered the phone from her ear. Her eyes shifted to Lonan, who now looked as if he were having a heart attack."You gave her your pass card?" Raven asked quietly.Lonan shook his head. “She came to apologize yesterday... I didn't know... she must've taken it then.”He straightened up and rushed toward Raven.“We have to go there...,” Lonan said, shaking Raven’s arm."Why?"“Can someone explain what's happening?” Gia hated being left in the dark.“Willow is trying to kill herself. She's on the roof of the Lindgren Tower, ready to jump,” Raven explained.“She...” Gia couldn’t find the right words—Willow was beyond crazy.Raven didn’t look at Gia as he spoke. His eyes were fixed on Lonan, who kept shaking his arm.“We hav