The afternoon was bright. Aurora followed Stella and the other maids into the grocery store. One bodyguard stood outside, beside the car, while the other two followed the women inside to accompany them as they shopped. As soon as the women entered the store, Stella looked at Aurora. “Please stay close,” she said. Aurora nodded, and Stella smiled at her as they began shopping. “Miss Stella, please check this out,” one of the maids called, prompting Stella to walk toward her. At that moment, Aurora seized the opportunity to sneak away. While the guards followed the women, Aurora slipped out of the store. As she attempted to cross the road, the guard by the car noticed her and quickly approached. “Madam, do you need anything?” he asked. Aurora smiled. “No, I just want to grab snacks for lunch. I’ll be back,” she said, pointing at the café across the street. The guard nodded, and Aurora crossed the road. Once on the other side, she walked toward the café. As the guards returned to
The large, exquisite room was silent after Simon heard what the butler said. “Ran away,” he murmured. He wanted to ask more questions when the door opened, and Damien walked in with Mason following behind, causing Simon to quickly hang up. “Welcome, boss,” Simon greeted, bowing his head slightly. “Where are my clothes?” Mason asked. Simon quickly walked to the single cushion and handed him the tailored Dior suit. “Thanks, Simon,” Mason said, while Damien walked into his bedroom to undress and take a shower. Mason followed behind as Damien grabbed his bathrobe. Mason began to unbutton his shirt. “What are you doing?” Damien asked, frowning. “Taking a bath, of course,” Mason replied, but Damien glared at him. “Don’t you have your own room? Why do you want to share my bathroom after I let you dress here?” Damien said, still glaring. “I can’t go back to my room and shower and then come back to dress…” “Then take your clothes to your room, dummy,” Damien said, his voice sharp. “
The hall was decorated with a beautiful, bright red color, with round tables now occupied by guests from both large and small companies from different parts of the country. The ladies were dressed elegantly, while the men donned their expensive suits. As soon as Damien walked in with Mason, his appearance drew attention from everyone, including the non-business guests. Business partners immediately approached him, exchanging pleasantries and talking business. Though Damien disliked standing for long conversations, he had no choice—this gala was not just for the award ceremony but also a prime opportunity to meet more businesspeople.“I’m so glad I made the right choice by choosing the contract with Vladimir,” said a man in his late forties, smiling at Damien, who nodded politely.“Please, if you’ll excuse me,” Damien said, giving a dry smile as he walked toward his table at the front row.“Is he alright?” another man asked Mason, who smiled.“Yes, he just doesn’t like standing for too
Immediately after Damien stepped into his hotel suite and started walking towards his wardrobe, he noticed a red light beeping beside the room cushion.He moved towards it and quickly realized it was a fixed bomb.Damien knew it would be too dangerous and too late to try disarming it, so he sprinted towards the door. Just as he managed to open it and run out, the explosion went off, and the force flung him against the opposite wall. He hit his back and head, falling unconscious instantly.Simon, who heard the screams of people outside and the sound of the explosion, rushed out of the garage into the busy night street. Looking up, he saw that the explosion had occurred on the nineteenth floor, right where his boss’s room was.“Shit, boss!” he yelled, sprinting back into the hotel while guests and workers scattered in a panic.“Call the ambulance immediately!” Simon shouted to a security guard while he ran towards the elevator.“Take the stairs!” he ordered the guards who rushed towards
The doctor sighed, his expression grave as he wiped his brow. “He made it through the surgery,” he began, his voice steady but heavy with caution. “However, he’s in a critical condition. The head trauma is severe, and there’s internal bleeding we had to control. We’ve done everything we can for now, but the next 48 hours are crucial.” Mason’s heart sank. “Will he wake up?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper. The doctor glanced between the two men, hesitating before answering. “We can’t say for sure. The extent of the head injury is significant, and he’s in a medically induced coma to reduce the swelling. We’ll have to wait and monitor his brain activity.” Simon, feeling a knot in his stomach, clutched his hands tightly together, his knuckles white. “But he’s strong, right?” he asked, almost pleading. “My boss is a fighter. He’s made it through worse, hasn’t he?” The doctor nodded sympathetically but remained realistic. “He is strong, yes. But this is a delicate situation. We
The room was silent, with only the sound of Beverly’s sobbing as everyone watched John comforting her.“It’s okay, Bev. He will survive,” John said, rubbing Beverly’s back.Camila walked over to her stepbrother, who was still unconscious. She held his hand, trying not to cry as tears formed in her eyes.“Who wants him dead? Is it something related to business, Simon?” she asked, looking at Simon, who sighed.“We’ll find out, young madam. The cops are on it. Our priority is to make sure he’s stable first,” he replied, and Camila sighed.“Please, Damien. I know we don’t talk much, but I love you, and seeing you every day makes me proud. You gave me a unique identity among my peers. Just being known as Damien Vladimir’s baby sister makes even the rich in the same caliber respect me. Please come back, Damien, please,” she said, hugging him and starting to cry.John sighed after releasing Beverly from the hug.“Go and change into something comfortable, okay? Have you all eaten?” John asked
After what felt like an eternity, the doctor returned, holding the test results in his hand. He looked at her with a serious expression. “Congratulations, Miss Aurora,” he said softly. “You’re almost two weeks pregnant.” Aurora gasped, her breath catching in her throat. She felt the world spinning around her, and before the doctor could say another word, everything went black as she lost consciousness. When Aurora woke up, she was lying on a small clinic bed, a nurse hovering over her, checking her pulse. “Miss, are you alright?” the nurse asked, her voice soft but concerned. Aurora blinked, trying to adjust to the light. Her head was throbbing, and the weight of the news she’d just received came crashing down on her. “I… I’m pregnant?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Yes, ma’am,” the nurse confirmed gently. “You fainted after the doctor told you the news. We’ll give you some time to rest and recover before you leave.” Aurora lay there, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’
The drive to the villa was intense and fast. Daniel kept tapping his fingers on his legs, unable to believe what his grandfather had just done to him. He bit his lower lip, anxious. Was this because he refused to go to California? No, the old man couldn’t be this cruel to him. No way, he was part of the family and deserved to be treated as one.At the villa, Ciara smiled at the Masons, who had come to visit after hearing from their son what had happened to Damien. While Mr. Wilfred Mason left to visit old man Vladimir’s study, his wife stayed with Ciara as they conversed.“After Junior told me about the incident, I was surprised it wasn’t on the news. I can’t doubt what my son says is true, so my husband and I decided to pay a visit,” Matilda said as Ciara sighed and nodded.“Yes, after his assistant called, Grandpa made sure the news wasn’t aired so he could heal in peace. You know how these reporters are with their gossip,” Ciara replied, and Matilda sighed.“Gladys was a good frien
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
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
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
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
It was already snowing heavily outside. Simon watched as Agatha rubbed her hands, which made him remove his coat.“Wear this; it will keep you warm,” she said, but Agatha shook her head.“Despite the heater in here, you’re still cold. I won’t give it to you next time. Take it,” he said, and Agatha took the coat. As she put it on, Simon’s phone began to ring.“Shit!” he cursed, biting his lips.“Who’s that?” she asked, and Simon gave her a silent gesture.“Boss,” he picked up, standing up with his body tense.“Is my wife at home?” Damien’s voice came through, silent and cold.“Not yet, boss,” Simon said, biting his lips.“Where is she, Simon?” he asked, and Simon hit his forehead.“She’s at the hospital, boss,” he said, and Damien’s already frowning face deepened.“How dare you, Simon?” Damien’s voice came in anger, making Simon’s hands shake. Agatha wondered what might be going on, seeing the agile man earlier shiver.“Text the address,” Damien said and hung up.At the Vladimir villa,
“You should sign here, miss,” the judge said, pointing to the document. Aurora hesitated but finally signed. A picture was taken, and she still couldn’t believe her fragile heart was enduring all this. On a night she decided to stand up for her weak emotions, everything had changed.Damien had just officially registered their marriage. After the photo was taken, Damien took her hand, and they walked out towards his car. Onlookers, including couples who were there to get registered, stared in amazement. The figure that had just passed looked incredibly familiar. Hidden photos were taken of the newlyweds as they walked to their car.Damien helped Aurora settle into the car before climbing into the seat beside her. Simon then drove off.“Drop her at the mansion,” Damien instructed as Simon parked the car in the VIP garage of the company.“Damien,” Aurora called, causing him to turn.“Whatever you need, tell Simon. Whatever she asks for, don’t hesitate,” Damien said curtly. Without lookin
A wave of emotions surged through Damien, but he quickly composed himself. Holding Aurora tightly, he carried her out of the study.Damien took her to his bedroom, his mind replaying the events from the study. He carried her into the bathroom and gently cleaned her up. Afterward, he laid her on the bed, tucking her under the soft sheets. She stirred slightly, her lips parting as though she wanted to say something, but sleep claimed her once more.Sitting at the edge of the bed, Damien reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. His gaze softened as he took in her peaceful expression. She looked so small, so fragile, and yet there was a strength in her that he deeply admired.The sight of the blood on the desk had unsettled him. He knew she had been hesitant, and he silently cursed himself for not being more careful. But her words echoed in his mind: I love you, Damien.It wasn’t the first time someone had said those words to him—even from Aurora—but this time, they felt
Aurora’s eyes were wide open. She hadn’t expected Damien to kiss her, but it was something she had been craving from the man who had been giving her the “I don’t care” attitude.Damien slowly laid her down on the table as he continued to kiss her gently, waiting for her response. The moment she tried kissing him back, he bit her lower lip, eliciting a soft moan that granted him access to her warm mouth. As he deepened the kiss, Aurora felt a rush of emotions. She wouldn’t say she was inexperienced, but this felt entirely new to her. Aurora didn’t understand what Damien was doing, but she wasn’t going to back out.He slowly slid his hand under her gown, feeling her warm skin. Breaking the kiss, he traced a trail of kisses to her neck and whispered into her ear.“I want the gown off,” he said, turning to gauge her expression.Aurora’s blue eyes stared at him, shocked. Then, she immediately bowed her head, hiding a shy smile. Damien smiled at her shyness and pressed a soft kiss on her fo
Beverly’s eyes followed Aurora as she turned to Butler Thomas.“Where’s Stella?” Aurora asked.“She’s in the garden, madam,” Thomas replied, bowing respectfully.Beverly frowned. Her heart boiled with anger; she couldn’t believe the men she hired failed to carry out her orders. She had sent them Camila’s photo from her Instagram story and paid a hefty sum, yet they still couldn’t complete the task. Without another word, Beverly turned sharply and stormed toward Damien’s study.“Next time, if she comes visiting, don’t stop her,” Aurora said, turning back to Thomas. “She’s Damien’s lover, so let her in.”Aurora started toward the dining area but paused. “Has he eaten?”Thomas shook his head. “I’m about to serve his meal, madam.”“Leave it,” Aurora said.“Pardon, ma’am?” Thomas asked, confused.“I’ll serve him myself,” she said, smiling gently. Her newfound boldness surprised Thomas, but he nodded and went to set Damien’s meal.At the door to Damien’s study, Beverly stopped to compose he