The room was silent. Aurora glanced around, her mind restless. For some reason, the image of the girl she had seen at the restaurant and again at the hospital lingered, nagging at her memory. She looked familiar, yet Aurora couldn’t quite place her. It was morning, and Damien had retreated to his study. Aurora had moved in with him, but life here was restrictive. Stella no longer had the freedom to come and go as she pleased, and the monotony was beginning to weigh on her. Aurora picked up her new phone but soon set it down, wandering to the balcony instead. The labyrinth that had once trapped her lay just below Damien’s balcony, its intricate paths still a mystery. She smiled faintly, imagining what might have happened if Damien hadn’t come to her rescue that day. Even now, looking at it from above was disorienting. She sighed and sank into a cushion by the balcony, absentmindedly rubbing her stomach. A soft smile crept across her face. Away from everything, life felt calmer. Even
Aurora flinched but quickly steadied herself. “It is for you,” she countered, her voice rising. “You think I don’t notice how much you bottle up? How cold you are to everyone—including me?” He stiffened, his hazel eyes narrowing. “Aurora…” “No, let me finish,” she said, her voice trembling but firm. “You act like you don’t care, but I know you do. Deep down, you care about your grandfather. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.” For a moment, silence hung between them, thick and suffocating. Damien’s jaw tightened as he studied her, as if trying to decide whether to be angry or amused. “You’re braver than I thought,” he finally said, his voice softer now. Aurora took a shaky breath, relieved that he hadn’t pushed her away. “I’m not trying to fight with you,” she said gently. “I just think… maybe it’s time you stop shutting everyone out.” Damien stared at her for a long moment before sighing deeply and rubbing a hand over his face. “Fine,” he said at last, his tone laced wi
Aurora turned quickly, startled by Damien’s sudden presence. He stood tall and imposing, his sharp hazel eyes flicking between her and Beverly. Beverly took a step back, momentarily startled, before her composure slid effortlessly into place. “Not at all,” she said smoothly, her tone deceptively casual. “Just catching up.” Damien’s sharp gaze didn’t waver as Beverly turned on her heel and walked away, her stiff posture betraying the calm facade she tried to maintain. Damien’s focus shifted back to Aurora. “Is there a problem?” Aurora hesitated, her heart pounding. “No,” she replied, forcing a casual tone. She discreetly slipped the vial into her pocket and met his penetrating gaze. “Nothing serious.” His hazel eyes narrowed, suspicion evident. He stepped closer, his commanding presence making her breath hitch. “Aurora, what did she say to you?” “Just… small talk,” she lied, plastering a weak smile on her face. “It’s fine, really.” He studied her, his expression unreadabl
Damien sat on Camila’s balcony, gazing at his wristwatch before he rose to his feet.Aurora sat in a daze, her thoughts consumed by regret. She wished she had insisted on telling Damien or Camila about the vial. Now, she felt foolish for accepting Beverly’s gift and remaining silent.The silence in the room grew oppressive, driving her to her feet. She walked over to Damien, her voice barely a whisper.“Can I get some ice cream? The baby feels like having one,” she said, her tone hesitant.Damien frowned, his sharp hazel eyes shifting to her. “Get your coat. We’re going home.”Aurora pouted. “Aren’t we waiting for the final toast? I thought—”“No,” Damien cut her off, his voice firm. “I’ve had enough of everyone tonight. We’ll grab your ice cream on the way home.”Aurora sighed, her lips forming a small pout. “I thought you said you weren’t upset with me, Damien?”“I’m not,” he replied, retrieving her fluffy white coat and draping it over her shoulders. He held her hand as they walked
The room was deathly quiet, and the tension was palpable. Damien stood before Audrey, his cold, calculating gaze boring into the man who dared to upset his world. Every muscle in his body screamed for him to act—to punish the man who had brought so much pain to Aurora. But Damien held himself back. Not for Audrey’s sake, but for Aurora. She deserved to have a say in his punishment.Audrey’s face was pale as sweat trickled down his temples. He had never felt fear like this before. The silent wrath of the man before him was suffocating, and he knew he was staring into the eyes of death itself.“I didn’t know she was married, I swear!” Audrey’s voice trembled, his words barely coherent. “I wouldn’t have approached her if I’d known—please, believe me!”Damien’s expression remained stone-cold. He stepped closer, his presence as oppressive as a storm cloud. “You’ll remain here until she wakes up,” he said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “If anything happens to her or ou
Sara’s hands trembled as she clutched her phone. The image of Damien Vladimir—his imposing stature, piercing gaze, and commanding aura—stared back at her from the screen. The headline accompanying the photo detailed his immense wealth, influence, and ruthlessness. Her breath hitched as the realization hit her like a tidal wave. “Aurora? Married to him?” Sara whispered in disbelief, her voice shaky. Her mind reeled, trying to reconcile the innocent orphan she once knew with the wife of one of New York’s most powerful men. She glanced back at Agatha, whose arms were crossed as she studied Sara with a mix of pity and disdain. “She’s not the orphan girl you remember, Sara,” Agatha said sharply, her tone laced with finality. “Aurora is Mrs. Aurora Damien Vladimir. And your boyfriend? He just signed his death warrant by messing with her.” “No… no!” Sara shook her head vehemently, tears brimming in her eyes. “Audrey didn’t know! He didn’t mean to upset anyone!” Agatha’s expression harden
The mansion was silent as Damien walked in carrying Aurora. Her head rested softly against his chest, her breaths steady as he carried her up the grand staircase. The dim light from the crystal chandeliers cast a golden hue on the pair, giving the scene an almost ethereal quality. As Damien entered their bedroom, he carefully lowered Aurora onto the plush bed. The silk sheets crinkled as he adjusted her position, ensuring her comfort. Gently, he pulled the blanket up to her chest, his movements deliberate yet tender. His hazel eyes met her tired blue ones, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. “What are you staring at?” he asked, his voice a low rumble as he tucked the blanket more securely around her. Aurora reached out, her hand finding his. “I’d love to visit the apartment I shared with Audrey,” she murmured. Damien’s brows knitted instantly, his expression hardening. “Why?” he asked, his tone clipped. “Do you miss your old life?” Aurora sighed, her fingers idly tracing cir
Aurora’s gasp echoed through the dimly lit room. Her breath caught as her gaze fell upon Audrey, slumped in the corner. The man who once radiated confidence and pride now appeared as a shadow of his former self. His clothes hung loosely on his gaunt frame, his skin pale and sickly. Trembling hands gripped the edge of a worn chair, and his hollow eyes flickered with a mixture of desperation and defeat. “Aurora…” Audrey rasped, his voice cracked and barely audible. He squinted under the harsh glare of the overhead light, his frail gaze locking onto her. “Why are you here?” Aurora stepped forward hesitantly, her heart constricting at the sight of him. Memories surged to the forefront of her mind—some tender, others stained with the bitterness of betrayal. “Audrey… what happened to you?” she whispered, her voice trembling under the weight of her pity and confusion. Behind her, Damien stood silently, his imposing presence casting a long shadow across the room. His piercing hazel eyes
At Vladimir Empire, Damien sat behind his massive desk, his sharp eyes scanning the documents before him. His pen glided smoothly over the paper, signing off on year-end deals, but his mind was elsewhere. The image of Aurora’s tear-streaked face, her shattered expression, played in his mind like a broken record. He hated it. He hated how much her pain affected him. His grip on the pen tightened. He was never the type of man to hesitate, to regret—but this time… The door slammed open. John Vladimir strode in, his face a mask of fury. His presence was commanding, but Damien didn’t even look up. “That was too much,” John said, his voice low but filled with anger. “He is your brother, Damien!” Damien didn’t react, didn’t acknowledge his father’s presence. He simply continued signing the document in front of him. John took another step forward. “Why can’t you, for once, listen to me?” he demanded. “We were still trying to find Aurora, and that had nothing to do with Daniel. Do you h
Damien’s masculine hands held Aurora’s fragile hands lightly. He brought them to his lips, placing a soft kiss on them before offering her a rare smile. His long, slim thumb moved to her eyes, gently wiping away her tears.“I’m glad you came back to me,” he whispered, making Aurora smile faintly.“Can you remember anything?” he asked, watching as Aurora closed her eyes.“My baby…” Her eyes snapped open, locking onto Damien’s. His grip on her hands tightened slightly.“What do you remember?” he asked gently, his voice quiet.“I woke up on cold metal… I was running, screaming for help… then I blacked out,” she murmured, and Damien’s fingers brushed against the bandage on her head.“Is that all?” he asked. Aurora nodded, then instinctively placed a hand on her stomach.“Is my baby alright?” she asked, attempting to sit up, but Damien gently held her down.“Relax, my love,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her bandaged forehead. He smiled at her again, and unease crept into Aurora’s chest
Simon paid the bills and also compensated the man who found Aurora. He arranged for her to be transferred to the family hospital, with guards stationed at her ward. He didn’t leave her side because, for the time being, he knew Damien didn’t need him.At Damien’s mansion, he sat in his study, sweat breaking out on his forehead. The urge to do what he wanted was so overwhelming now that he couldn’t control it. The urge—the dark, violent desire—was clawing at his chest, and this time, he had no intention of suppressing it. His breathing was slow, controlled, but his fingers twitched with barely restrained rage. The study door opened, and Mason walked in.“Man, calm down,” he whispered.Damien didn’t reply. His expression remained void of emotion as he stood, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door.“Don’t follow me.” he muttered before walking out.Mason bowed his head, sighing.“What’s wrong with these people?” he muttered, exhaling before leaving too.Moments after Damien drove out,
*Few Hours Before Damien’s Arrival*Just like every other night, Daniel was in his bar. The music was loud, he lit up his cigar while smooching the girls around him, laughing.His assistant walked towards him, then bowed and whispered something to him. Daniel sent him away, not ready to deal with their family problems.The assistant sighed frustratedly before leaving the cabin to respond to John, who had demanded to speak with Daniel.A few seconds after his assistant left, four men approached the cabin. Daniel’s guards immediately stopped them, but they were electrocuted, making both guards fall unconscious.The men entered the cabin and pulled out their guns, pointing them at the girls, who immediately covered their mouths in fear.“Who sent you?” Daniel asked, but the men didn’t respond. Instead, one of them walked toward Daniel, removed the cigar from his mouth, and crushed it beneath his foot.“How dare you?” Daniel said angrily as he tried to stand up, but before he could react,
The Vladimir family was restless. Hours had passed, and still no sign of Aurora. When Daniel finally drove in, he wasn’t alone. A medical team accompanied him, carrying Old Man Vladimir in his bed. John and Ciara rushed out as the team carefully transported the frail man inside. “Where’s Aurora?” John demanded, his voice sharp. Daniel exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t see her. When I arrived, it was just Grandpa.” John’s face darkened. “We need to find Aurora, Daniel. If Damien returns without her, none of us will be safe. You know that.” His voice wavered with anxiety. Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples. “My men are searching for her. We—” “Report to the police,” Camila interrupted coldly. Ciara spun to face her. “Who told you to come out?” she snapped, narrowing her eyes. Camila folded her arms defiantly. “I have my own key, and I’m not a child anymore. Report this to the cops, or I’ll tell Damien myself.” Without another word, she turned an
Mason could read the expression on his father face, that name wasn’t just a name. He thought. Gerald sighed too. “Mom is upset. Go tell her it was a mistake.” “I just blurted it out, son. I can’t explain that she looks like a woman I met on a business trip.” Mason chuckled. “If Aurora looks like her, she must be breathtaking.” Gerald nodded. “Indeed, she was.” “The girl—where is she from?” Gerald asked. “She’s an orphan. That’s what Damien said.” Gerald nodded, then sighed. “Let’s go in.” At the hospital, Aurora stood outside the ward with Agatha after greeting Ciara and John. “Grandpa wants only you to visit,” Camila said. Aurora looked confused. “Go. He must be lonely. But tell him I’m very upset with him.” Aurora nodded and entered the ward with Agatha. Ciara clenched her fists in anger, then turned and left. “Aurora, my dear.” The old man smiled as Aurora hugged him. “Meet my sister, Grandpa.” Agatha bowed slightly. “What’s her name?” “Agatha.”
Gerald scoffed. He couldn’t get Aurora’s face out of his head—the blue eyes, thick lips, finely shaped nose, and that smile. It was exactly like the college student he had met in Moscow during his business trip. Jane Petrov. He wouldn’t call it love, but it was one of his best nights in Russia. That cold evening, Gerald and his assistant had booked a cabin at one of the finest restaurants in Moscow. The air was freezing. After settling in, a young waitress walked in to take their order. His eyes couldn’t move away from her pretty face, especially the way she smiled as she set the table. He bit his lips and sighed. “Enjoy your meal,” her delicate voice said as she turned to leave. Gerald stopped her. “Excuse me.” The girl turned back. “What’s your name?” he asked. She bowed her head slightly. “Jane,” she said quietly. “I’m Gerald. Gerald Mason.” She nodded politely. “Sit.” Jane quickly shook her head. “It’s unprofessional, sir.” Gerald smiled, then glanced at hi
The morning was bright. Naomi arranged her luggage with a smile all over her face. It was Christmas, and they were traveling for their honeymoon. If she could, she would always travel—even without Mason. She loved him, but one thing was certain: she was here to spend money and fulfill her dreams. Humming happily while folding her clothes, she turned when Mason walked in. “Are you done?” he asked. “Yes, babe,” she replied, holding onto his hands. “You look beautiful,” he whispered, making Naomi blush. “I can’t wait for us to leave and be alone for a little while,” she said. Mason nodded with a smile. “Damien left already. Before we go, let’s check on Aurora.” Naomi rolled her eyes and released his hands. “Mmm,” she murmured, nodding before turning back to her clothes. Mason smiled and hugged her from behind. “You don’t like Aurora?” Naomi turned immediately. “Why would you ask that? Do I look like I hate her? It’s just that I don’t want anything to sabotage our plans. That’s
John entered shortly after, his expression unreadable. He stood near the foot of the bed, watching Damien carefully.“I’m your father, and that’s why I’m asking you to stay,” John said again, his tone softer than before.Damien scoffed, folding his arms across his chest. “You’re not worthy of that role. You missed your chance.”Aurora frowned at Damien’s harsh words, sensing the deep-seated resentment behind them.“John,” Old Man Vladimir called weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.John turned to face his father, stepping closer to the bed.Damien’s smirk returned as he glanced at John. “Think twice about what you say to me,” his father muttered, his tone low but firm.Damien shook his head, amused. “I’m not your competitor for an inheritance. Grandpa calling my name first when he woke up doesn’t make me special. Stop acting like a child, John Vladimir.”With that, he turned and walked out of the ward, leaving John standing there, fists clenched at his sides.Ciara, who had been