"After this, we’ll start practicing walking with an aid. I think your legs are strong enough now."Gia presented a new challenge to Raven. The ten steps Raven had managed yesterday were still done with her hands leaning on a bar for support. Using a walker meant her legs would have to bear her entire body weight alone."Really?""Yes… First, we’ll try with a walker," Gia said."Walker?" Raven frowned, unfamiliar with the term."A walker, a mobility aid with four legs. There are two types of walkers: those with wheels and those without wheels. We’ll start with the non-wheeled version to ensure your legs are strong enough to stand and bear weight," Gia explained."Is it one of those walking aids older people use?""Oh… right. You do know what it is!" Gia was relieved she didn’t have to explain further."Can we just go straight to a regular cane?"Gia paused the massage, looking at Raven’s reluctant expression. "Are you worried you’ll look like an old person using it?"Raven didn’t answe
"After this, we’ll start practicing walking with an aid. I think your legs are strong enough now."Gia presented a new challenge to Raven. The ten steps Raven had managed yesterday were still done with her hands leaning on a bar for support. Using a walker meant her legs would have to bear her entire body weight alone."Really?""Yes… First, we’ll try with a walker," Gia said."Walker?" Raven frowned, unfamiliar with the term."A walker, a mobility aid with four legs. There are two types of walkers: those with wheels and those without wheels. We’ll start with the non-wheeled version to ensure your legs are strong enough to stand and bear weight," Gia explained."Is it one of those walking aids older people use?""Oh… right. You do know what it is!" Gia was relieved she didn’t have to explain further."Can we just go straight to a regular cane?"Gia paused the massage, looking at Raven’s reluctant expression. "Are you worried you’ll look like an old person using it?"Raven didn’t answe
They were complete opposites. Raven was like a snowy winter, while Caius was like a sunlit summer. Raven's laughter stemmed from the satisfaction of teasing Gia, while Caius brought out pure joy with his jokes.Although both were equally handsome, their physical features and clothing styles perfectly captured their contrasting personalities. Raven almost always dressed in black, while Caius, with his light brown hair and fair skin, often wore pastel colors.Raven was often silent and kept his thoughts to himself, except when he wanted to debate Gia. Caius, on the other hand, openly expressed whatever was on his mind.And Caius was serious. He openly pursued Gia.---"How are you? Do you think you can keep going? Five meters is quite a distance."Gia supported Raven's body. His progress was rapid. Within two days, his initial three steps had turned into five meters. Gia considered swapping his current walker for one with wheels. His legs seemed coordinated enough now.Raven wiped his s
After three days of knowing Caius, this may be the first time Gia has seen him thinking seriously."The full story would be long and involve many people, so I'll just give you the simple version."Gia raised her eyebrows, curious. It seemed Caius wanted to be honest, but he was restrained by something he couldn’t freely discuss."I approached you because I know that the women with Raven are usually fake.""Fake? Fake women?! Do you mean transgender?"Gia couldn’t hide her surprise. She wasn’t homophobic, but Raven seemed very normal, especially considering how passionately he had kissed her before."What? Ha...ha...ha..."Caius burst into laughter, tears forming in his eyes at Gia’s wildly off-target guess. Gia eventually smiled a little, realizing she had gone too far."Not that kind of fake, Gia!" Caius wiped his tears. "I wonder what Raven’s reaction would be if he knew you were questioning his manhood.""There’s no need to bring this up with him!"Gia panicked. She knew Raven woul
"Hello? Hellooo…" Caius snapped his fingers in front of Gia's face, as his question was only met with silence."Huh? What? Sorry, I was daydreaming a bit." Gia ran her fingers through her hair, trying to pull her wandering mind back into focus."You’re daydreaming again, Gia. You've been in this state since the day before yesterday. Every time you're quiet, your eyes go blank, lost in thought. What’s really on your mind?" Caius sounded like a sulking teenager."Sorry. I'm just struggling with planning the training schedule.""Huh? But isn't everything with Raven’s schedule set? What are you still thinking about?"Gia silently cursed at herself, realizing her excuse hadn’t fooled Caius. He was right, of course. Raven's schedule was already arranged.“It is. But Jasper’s coming back tomorrow. I need to coordinate with Raven's usual work schedule.”"Oh, I see.” Caius believed her this time.Gia lowered her gaze to the tea in her hand. She didn’t like lying to Caius. But she also couldn’t
Gia gently pressed Raven's ankle, loosening his stiff muscles. Since starting to walk with a wheeled walker, Raven's leg muscles, which bore much of the strain, had become sore.Gia became aware of this only after observing the peculiar movement in Raven's leg, as he had not expressed any complaints.After what Gia referred to as "that unfortunate night," they had once again become distant, mirroring their initial separation following Willow's arrival. Raven worked hard without complaining, and the atmosphere between them was strictly professional. No teasing, no sarcasm, no touch.It was a perfectly healthy work environment until Gia discovered that Raven was silently enduring the pain in his leg.“You may not want to talk to me, but please at least tell me if something’s wrong with your leg. Your condition will worsen if this is left untreated!” Gia growled, trying not to raise her voice.“I don’t want to talk to you? You’re the one avoiding me, Haze. Not me!” Raven immediately con
"Take a left, then stop at the house with the black gate," Jasper instructed Gia, giving her directions."We’re not going home?" Gia asked, not recognizing the area. Raven's house was situated in an urban area, but this one appeared to be deep in the forest, surrounded only by trees and darkness, with no other light source besides their car's headlights."No. It’s too risky," Raven replied."What about Marlow?" Raven asked Jasper."I already sent a message. They've evacuated," Jasper answered.Gia didn’t need to ask further. She was incredibly curious about the conversation unfolding between them. She wanted to know what was happening and why they were being attacked, but she realized this wasn't the right time, especially with Jasper sounding tenser than usual. His wounds needed attention."We’re here." Gia saw the black iron gate, covered in creeping vines."Press the green button located on the left side of the dashboard," Jasper instructed.Gia searched briefly. "This one?" She fo
Gia awoke with a startle, momentarily confused.“Nightmare?” asked Raven.Gia turned to see him seated on a single sofa to her left. Raven looked like a model, sitting with one leg crossed over the other, holding a classic teacup in one hand. Elegant and mysterious. He had also changed into a neat suit, complete with sunglasses. Last night, his clothes had been stained with Jasper's blood."Control yourself, Gia. Wipe your drool," Gia thought to herself, blinking to dispel the intoxicating sight.“Did he do this on purpose?” Gia grumbled inwardly.“How’s Jasper?” Gia asked. The sofa where he had slept was already empty.“Upstairs, cleaning up. He’s fine. No fever or infection,” Raven replied.“His arm needs a sling to keep his shoulder stable.” Last night, Gia was unable to locate one.“It’s taken care of. The doctor who came last night provided him with a cloth sling.”“Doctor?” Gia was surprised a doctor would come to such a remote place.“A lot happened while you were asleep, Haze.
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