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
FIVE YEARS AGO"Is that your house?" Gia pointed to the building in front of her, mouth agape.She knew Lonan was one of the sons of the Lindgren family, a European conglomerate with wealth so immense it had more than ten zeros. But seeing it first hand made Gia's knees suddenly weak. The Lonan she knew, the one who was always relaxed and down-to-earth, showed no signs of belonging to a place that looked more like a castle.If Lonan hadn't said it was his home, Gia would have guessed that the magnificent building was the Swedish king's palace or maybe the prime minister’s residence. The vast yard was bustling with rows of luxury cars belonging to the other party guests."Come on..."Lonan got out of the car ahead of her, then opened her door, extending his hand sweetly in front of Gia."Are you sure I should go in? Lonan, I feel like I don’t belong here." Gia, in a panic, checked the dress she was wearing. The gown was stunning; she almost cried when she saw it earlier that day.The
Caius didn't feel guilty and instead laughed at the innocent attitude displayed before him."Are you really Raven's girlfriend? He usually chooses women who are more mature. A kiss on the hand shouldn't surprise you."Gia felt warmth rising as she began to grow angry. "I'm not Raven's girlfriend!" she snapped."Oh? But..." Caius looked toward the room Gia had pointed out earlier. He misunderstood, assuming the 'boyfriend' Gia mentioned was Raven."Lonan? You're Lonan's girlfriend? Hmm... You’re more suited for Lonan. He’s always liked petite, innocent girls."Whoever Caius was, Gia hated him. She might be petite, but she was a grown woman, 24 years old. Yet Caius had guessed accurately, as Gia could indeed be considered innocent when it came to romance.At the age of twenty-four, Gia remained a virgin—not by choice, as her commitment to her studies and work left little time for relaxation.Even with Lonan, things hadn't gone further; they had only kissed and been affectionate. This wa
"Hold on a second. Breathe slowly..." Gia bent her patient's right leg, holding it for ten seconds before switching to the left leg."How is it, Beth? Does it still hurt?"Gia asked with a broad smile. Beth had made a lot of progress. She still couldn’t stand, but her leg movements were much smoother."No, it doesn’t. You’re an amazing therapist, Gia. Thank you." Beth lovingly stroked Gia’s cheek. She had been Gia’s patient for nearly three years. It was natural for them to be close despite their age difference—Gia was twenty-nine, while Beth was nearly seventy."Is Mr. Norad coming soon?" Gia pushed Beth's wheelchair out of the therapy room, heading toward the hospital waiting area."Yes. He's getting coffee in the cafeteria," Beth replied, glancing at a message from her husband on her phone, which she was holding at arm's length because she had forgotten her reading glasses."Why do you still call him Mr. Norad? He told you to call him Luke. You can call me Beth, so why not him?" B
"That's right. He's currently blind and paralyzed. In the process of recovery, too. A small blood clot in his head, caused by the impact during the accident, is affecting the nerves that control his vision."Gia once more seemed taken aback."Actually, surgery could quickly restore his eyesight. But the clot's location is extremely precarious. Even the slightest mistake could result in permanent blindness. The doctors are trying to dissolve the clot with medication. Hopefully, it works. But, like physical therapy, the results might take months to show."This explanation brought Gia a sense of relief. If Raven was blind, then he wouldn’t know who she was."Did you already send my details to Mr. Lindgren?" Gia asked carefully."Why would I? Raven doesn't have the right to choose who I send. He just has to accept whoever I send. I only need to send a photo and your name to his secretary to set up the payroll contract. Why?" Stefan asked, frowning in confusion."It's nothing. Just curious
"Oh… Dr. Stefan said yesterday that the Lindgren Mansion looked like a castle. And this isn’t a castle.” Gia was relieved she didn’t stutter as she spoke such a long lie. It showed just how strong her intention was to hide her identity.“Dr. Stefan seems like a unique person. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to meet him yet." Jasper accepted the excuse.“Better that you two don’t meet!” Gia thought. Her lie would be easily exposed if that happened.“Come on… Mr. Lindgren is waiting on the second floor.” Jasper climbed the stairs ahead of her once they were inside.Gia’s heartbeat echoed in her ears as she climbed the stairs. She’d mentally prepared herself for this meeting long before, rehearsing an introduction to sound natural yet distant. But it felt useless. The words she had memorized seemed to scatter with each beat of her heart.Jasper led her to a spacious, luxurious office. But it was a different kind of luxury than what Gia had seen at the Lindgren Mansion. The
Gia checked her outfit once more, making sure everything was perfect. Her dark blue uniform, consisting of her shirt and pants, was immaculate. So were her hair and shoes. Her actions felt a bit silly, as it was clear Raven wouldn’t notice any of it. Plus, while on duty at the house, she wasn’t required to wear a uniform. But by wearing it, Gia wanted to emphasize that she was here in a professional capacity.The elevator in front of her buzzed, indicating that Raven had come down. This lift was specifically built to allow Raven to move easily between floors in this house.This luxurious house had three floors. Raven’s room was on the top floor. The entire third floor was his. The second floor housed the library, guest rooms, study, and rooms for Sophie, Jasper, and other staff members. Gia also occupied one of the rooms on the second floor. The ground floor contained the living room, relaxation room, dining room, and kitchen. Sophie explained all of this during dinner last night. T
But thats only because his leg loosing his tense. With precise skill, Gia's fingers explored his muscles, gently pressing into the tight to locate the nerve points.“That’s... nice,” Raven moan again.There was nothing wrong with Raven’s nerves, so he could fully feel Gia’s touch.“Quiet!” Unknowingly, Gia reprimanded him, her tone a touch harsh. It wasn't his fault but Gia felt like she was starting to lose her sanity if Raven kept moaning.Raven straightened up, surprised at her sharp tone. But Gia, having refocused, paid no attention to his reaction.Gia lifted Raven’s foot parallel to the water, bending his sole outward briefly. She repeated the motion several times to help his leg muscles get accustomed to movement. The second part of the session went more smoothly, as Raven had learned to keep quiet.Perhaps it was only Gia's own heart that lacked peace. With their position, she was 'forced' to look in Raven's direction, unable to avert her gaze.Gia tried to keep her eyes lower
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
Lonan looked much better than the last time Gia saw him.His clothes were neat—a white shirt paired with a navy blazer. His face looked clean, his stubble freshly shaved. He appeared more refreshed, though dark circles still lingered under his eyes. Most relieving of all, he stood tall without even a hint of alcohol on him. He was entirely sober, entirely in control."What do you want?" Gia couldn’t hold her tongue. She knew it wasn’t her place to ask, but she asked anyway."I want to see...” He lifted his hand, pointing at Raven."For what?!" Raven suddenly found his voice. He stared at Lonan with a cold expression, or at least tried to look indifferent.Gia hated Lonan all over again for this. Raven was pretending to be fine, but he was obviously hurt the moment he saw Lonan.Lonan lowered his gaze to the grass beneath his feet. His feet shifted anxiously as if the heavy guilt on his shoulders weighed him down. His mouth stayed shut.“How did you know I’d be here?” Raven asked again
“Who are you meeting here? This place feels like such a strange spot for an appointment,” Gia said, noticing that they had stopped at a cemetery.At first glance, Gia thought the area was a tourist site because of its beautiful arrangement, which is comparable to Frogner Park in Oslo. She only realized it was a cemetery after reading the inscription on a stone monument that said Himmels Hörrkyrkogård (Heaven’s Door Cemetery). The memorial stood not far from where Raven had parked the car.On their way in, Gia hadn’t seen any signs that this was a cemetery. All she noticed were rows of tall, lush trees with no headstones.A soft floral fragrance filled the air when Gia opened the car door and stepped out. The scent of spring flowers surrounded her.She sniffed the air, trying to locate the source of the pleasant aroma. This kind of cemetery wouldn’t scare her—unless they visited at night, in which case, she’d still be afraid.“They’re over there,” Raven said.He took Gia’s hand and led
“How many women have you brought to this house?” Gia asked, pulling the blanket up to cover her bare body.Raven pulled her closer, wrapping her tightly in his arms."How many?" Gia pressed, growing impatient with his silence.Raven raised his hand and began folding his fingers one by one, counting silently. When he lifted his second hand to continue, Gia suddenly felt irritated. She no longer wanted to stay in this house.Seeing the furrow in her brow, Raven smiled. "One. I’ve only ever brought one woman here.”"Oh... Then what’s this?” Gia slapped Raven’s raised hands, still counting."I was just teasing you, Haze.”Gia scoffed. “Then who was that girl?" She felt the need to ask because the girl seemed unique.Raven laughed at her question. "You still don’t get it? That one girl is you, Haze. You’re the only woman I’ve ever brought into this house."Gia’s face flushed as if touched by the morning sun, blushing between embarrassment and shyness."I meant besides me!" Gia snapped, try
"Was this your old home?” Gia asked."Correct."Raven turned out to live in a luxurious apartment complex in the city center. The building stood out among its surroundings, emitting a soft, mesmerizing blue glow on nights like this. Raven stayed there whenever she didn’t want to reside at the Lindgren mansion. The mansion felt too vast for someone living alone. “Don’t tell me you own this apartment building too!” Gia blurted wildly."I love it when you hit the bullseye."Gia rolled her eyes. She’d only thrown out a random guess. Who’d have thought it would land so perfectly? It dawned on Gia just how massive Raven’s tax contributions to the kingdom must be. Matteo likely knew the exact figures, so he’d suggested extorting funds from her. “What businesses does Lindgren actually run?” Gia asked as they walked into the building.“The most prominent one is hospitals. My father started that venture. You already know about it…” Gia nodded. Hospitals weren’t as surprising as owning skys