Aurora’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat as Damien kissed her. The kiss was sudden, filled with a mixture of his lingering frustration and something else—something deeper. It caught her completely off guard, but as the initial surprise faded, she found herself responding. Her lips moved softly against his, timid but sincere. The atmosphere was intense as Aurora’s wide-open eyes gently closed as she kissed him back. The kiss was intense, and her fragile hands moved into his hair as she tried to match the energy he was giving her, but it was too overwhelming. Damien could taste the delicious flavors of the meal she had eaten earlier as he deepened the kiss, not giving her space to breathe. Simon, who was driving the car, couldn’t help but quickly find a nearby empty park. He parked the car and left the couple alone as he took a walk. “Ahh,” Aurora let out a soft moan as Damien released her lips, slowly kissing her neck down to her collarbone. Without hesitat
At the Owen’s luxury jewelry store in the heart of the city, an elegant elderly lady stood glaring at the manager who refused to accept the Owen’s free card, a privilege that only the Owen family holds.“Do you know who I am?” she angrily asked, her voice sharp with indignation.The manager sighed, keeping his composure. “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but the company president has disapproved all branches of the Owen’s jewelry company from accepting anyone with the free card. It’s no longer valid.”“What nonsense!” she exploded. “Damien has no right to do that. I need to speak to him. I have every right to shop with this card.”The manager sighed again. “Excuse me,” he said, picking up the company phone to call the president.At Damien’s mansion, after instructing Simon on his tasks, Damien continued working alongside Mason. Suddenly, his phone rang.“Yes,” his voice was cold as he answered.“Sir, I’m sorry to bother you, but there’s a woman here demanding free jewelry using the Owen’s family fre
The dinner hall was quiet, everyone’s eyes on Beverly. She sighed, rubbing her head, then looked at Daniel. “I’m disappointed you think that of me. Why would I want to have an outside relationship with my colleague when Damien is there? It’s unprofessional,” she said, while Daniel scoffed. “Don’t be. I’m just suggesting because nothing is pointing fingers at a reason why…” “Daniel, that’s enough. You shouldn’t conclude something that’s not happening. Beverly won’t do it,” Clara cut in, and everyone sighed. “I know my daughter, Mr. Daniel Vladimir. She wouldn’t hurt Damien. I believe he has something he just doesn’t want to say. He’s Damien, and everyone here knows how he acts sometimes,” Mrs. Wales said, rubbing her daughter’s back. “That’s fine. There’s nothing I can do anymore. He has introduced his wife, and I’m not going to pressure him into marrying you, but I can tell you this—I don’t invite people whose identity I don’t know into our family,” Old Man Vladimir said, causing
The morning was so bright. Aurora had already bathed but now didn’t want to leave her room. It had been three days since she last spoke to Damien. After he asked her to leave that evening, he hadn’t looked at her or spoken to her—not that he did much before—but after the heated moment in the car that night, she thought they were supposed to be closer. Her heart raced whenever she thought of him, and she feared his rejection after that evening, so she stopped checking up on him. “Madam,” Stella called, catching Aurora’s attention. “You haven’t been yourself since the evening the boss asked you to leave his study,” she said, causing Aurora to sigh. “I told you, I understand he didn’t want to be disturbed, so I thought I should give him space,” she explained, as Stella sat beside her. “That’s what you say, but that’s not what your face is saying. I know you’re in love with him. You should understand he’s not like other men. He hardly shows affection, but I’m sure he’s fallen in l
Damien’s cold gaze locked onto the fragile figure standing before him as he buttoned up his shirt. Aurora’s hands nervously gripped the edges of her pajama shirt as she stood there, unsure of how to proceed. He sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What do you want?” he asked, his voice piercing through the silence like a blade. The commanding tone made her flinch slightly, her blue eyes flickering with uncertainty. “Speak,” he ordered as he fastened his wristwatch. Aurora swallowed hard, her lips trembling. She had to do this. She had to say it now, or she never would. “I’m in love with you, Damien,” she said, her voice small but steady. The room seemed to freeze in that moment. Damien paused, his expression unchanged, though his eyes darkened slightly. Aurora’s heart pounded in her chest as the silence stretched on, suffocating her. She wasn’t sure if he was about to reject her, laugh, or dismiss her entirely. Damien’s cold, unreadable gaze lingered on her, his jaw tight.
The morning was bright as Damien woke up after an almost seven-hour flight from New York to California. He took a bath and put on his bathrobe. The five-star hotel presidential suite he was staying in wasn’t too far from the event center for the business gala. His food was already served, and he ate the little he could before taking a glass of wine to his balcony. The city view was spread out before him, with busy streets and other skyscrapers visible in the distance. Damien took a deep breath. It was a beautiful scene to behold. He looked down at the people walking around, and when his eyes landed on a couple, an image flashed in his head, making him hiss. He sat down to relax, going through his mail, but the events of the previous night in his study started replaying in his mind. “I’m in love with you, Damien.” Aurora’s words seemed to be haunting him, and he dropped his iPad. He didn’t understand why those words still echoed in his mind. Since he was born, the only image that s
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 chill of the night air hit them the moment they arrived at Sara’s house. Aurora stepped out of the car, her white fluffy coat rustling with the motion. Her gown beneath shimmered softly in the dim light, adding an ethereal glow to her already radiant appearance. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders in sleek waves, and her peach-toned skin glowed softly even in the harsh streetlight. Her blue eyes, sharp and calculating, flickered briefly over the house before she turned toward the door. A knock echoed through the quiet house, sharp and assertive. From inside, Sara heard it and quickly wrapped herself in a blanket before rushing down the stairs. She paused before the door, peering through the peephole, and saw two men dressed in black. Her heart skipped. Could it be Audrey? Without a second thought, she flung open the door, only to have the two men push past her, forceful and unyielding. “Who are you? What do you want?” Sara demanded, confusion and panic rising in her
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
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
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 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
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