The grand dining hall was breathtaking, with a magnificent chandelier hanging in the center and a large family dinner table surrounded by beautiful Turkish royal chairs.The table was filled with various cuisines, and the delicious aroma filled the air. The maids and butler stood aside as Damien walked toward the chair next to Camila. He pulled it out for Aurora, who gently sat down, and then he took his seat beside her.Clara sat to the right of Grandpa Vladimir, who was at the head of the table, while John sat on the left, facing his wife. Daniel sat next to his father. Camila was beside her mother, facing her brother, and now Aurora was seated beside her, with Damien next to her.The atmosphere at the dinner table was heavy with silence. The family’s eyes were still on Damien and Aurora, making Aurora feel uncomfortable. The awkwardness of the situation was so intense that she couldn’t raise her head to meet anyone’s gaze.The silence was broken when Grandpa Vladimir cleared his th
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 It’s no longer valid.”“What nonsense!”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
Jay closed his mouth for a second before sighing.“I think it’s time. Boss is waiting downstairs for—”“Please, I want to know,” Aurora interrupted, making Jay sigh again.“It’s what normal couples do. He’s come to check how his princess looks and hopes she likes the service. If—”“It’s okay,” Aurora cut in, making Jay glance at Stella, who gave him a sad smile. Aurora took a deep breath, then left.Downstairs, Simon held an umbrella, waiting patiently. He turned when he heard Aurora coming down the stairs.“Madam,” he greeted, smiling at her.“Boss is waiting in the car,” he added as Aurora nodded.Simon wished he could compliment Aurora’s beauty—her captivating blue eyes, her luscious red lips, her radiant smile, and the elegance of her dress. He quickly opened the umbrella to shield her from the snow.When Simon opened the car door, Aurora stepped in, dusting off the snowflakes from the fur trim of her coat.Damien’s gaze moved to her, and his eyes lingered on her exposed thighs. A
The weather grew colder as the festive season approached. Naomi watched Mason type on his laptop, looking serious and focused. A bright smile spread across her face as she stood silently, admiring him.“You look handsome when you’re working,” she said, prompting Mason to raise his head.“Thanks, babe. What are you doing?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.“Watching you,” she replied, setting down the cup of hot coffee she had brought for him. “Staring at the man my sons will resemble someday—the man they’ll thank me for choosing as their father.”Mason smiled, raising her hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on it.“I love you,” he whispered, making Naomi blush before she sat on his lap.“I love you, Mason,” she whispered back, her hazel eyes locking with his. Her polished fingers started to unbutton his shirt slowly.Naomi leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against Mason’s face. Gently, his slim fingers slid into her shirt, touching her warm skin. She smiled at the sens
Naomi grabbed Mason’s hands, her gaze filled with unspoken emotions. Mason sighed and turned toward her. Gently, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the blood on her lips. “Are you hurt?” he asked softly. Naomi shook her head. “Just my cheeks,” she replied. Mason leaned in and kissed her cheek tenderly. Nearby, Becky sat frozen, her expression a mixture of disbelief and pain. Mason hadn’t touched her, not even as the other woman had demanded. As Butler James stepped forward to assist her, she pulled back abruptly. “Don’t touch me,” Becky snapped, her voice trembling as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her face was a burning red from Naomi’s slap. Wiping the blood from her mouth, she steadied herself and rose. “So, it’s true,” Becky spat, her voice laced with venom. “You married a woman who has no respect for your mother.” Mason turned to face her, his expression cold. “You know nothing about her, Becky. Don’t—” “What about you?” Becky interrupted, her voice breaki
The room was cold and quiet. Sara watched as Audrey tried to eat his meal before taking his pills, still recovering from Damien’s torture.“You went to her like a fool. It makes me doubt the fact that you said you love me. Didn’t you see how she acted like we were never best friends? And yet you—”“I wanted to apologize for betraying her, Sara. She didn’t deserve—”“And now look at you. What did you get in return?” Sara asked, causing Audrey to sigh.“Who knows how she used her orphan status to attract Mr. Vladimir? I’m very sure she’s not his type,” Sara said with disgust, and Audrey nodded in agreement.“Since she let him treat me this way, I know some of her secrets. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Audrey looked at Sara, who scoffed.“I’m sure her rich husband would want to save his reputation,” she said, and Audrey nodded.“Let’s make some money, Aurora Gibson,” he said with a scoff.At the Mason mansion, Mrs. Mason’s hands trembled with anger. The elegant and beautiful young
Aurora struggled to free herself from the pressure of the pillow suffocating her, but she was too weak and fragile. The fear of losing her baby overwhelmed her fear of losing her own life.Meanwhile, Stella, who had been sleeping on the couch, woke to Aurora screaming and shaking in her sleep. Immediately, she rushed to Aurora’s side, trying to wake her.“Madam!” she called, but to no avail. Aurora continued to struggle.Panicked, Stella grabbed the jug of water on the bedside table and splashed it on Aurora’s face. Aurora gasped loudly.“Ahh! Ah!” Aurora gasped, looking around frantically.“Madam, it’s just a nightmare,” Stella said, hugging Aurora as she breathed heavily.“My baby… he tried to suffocate me! He was pressing the pillow on my face, trying to kill me. What did I do wrong?” Aurora cried, her voice trembling.“It’s all a dream, Madam. No one was here,” Stella reassured her, but Aurora shook her head vehemently.“No! Call Damien. I want to go home. I can’t stay here,” she
Aurora woke to the beeping of machines and the sterile scent of antiseptic. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she found herself in a hospital room. The soft hum of a heater filled the space, muffling the sounds of footsteps in the hallway.“Madam, thank God,” Stella said, rushing to her side. “You’re awake.”Aurora struggled to sit up, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen. “My baby…”The maid hesitated, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.Before she could respond, the door opened, and Damien strode in. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his worry. He dismissed Stella with a curt nod, and she scurried out.Damien sat beside Aurora, his piercing gaze meeting hers. “You’re safe,” he said, his voice softer than usual.Aurora’s eyes filled with tears. “What about the baby?”Damien hesitated, his jaw tightening. “The doctors managed to save the pregnancy, but they said you need to rest. Stress isn’t an option anymore.”Aurora covered her face,
Damien pinned Daniel to the floor as his younger brother writhed and struggled beneath him, attempting to free himself. Despite Daniel’s resistance, Damien’s strength held firm. Daniel continued his futile attempts to break free. “Damien! Let me go!” “Go upstairs now!” Damien’s voice, cold and commanding, cut through the air like a blade. Aurora, standing at the door, froze in her tracks, torn between staying and intervening. “Don’t chase her away!” Daniel spat, his voice filled with venom. “Let her see the kind of man she’s with—a murderer.” Aurora’s face paled as she looked at Damien, her concern evident. “I said leave!” Damien’s glare was enough to make her flinch. Without another word, she turned and left the study, the sound of the door clicking shut echoing in the tense room. As soon as Aurora was gone, Damien released Daniel, who staggered to his feet, his expression twisted with rage. “What nonsense is this?” Damien snapped, watching as Daniel brushed dust off his coat.
The weather was bitterly cold, and the two men huddled in opposite corners of the damp, dimly lit cell. Their breath rose in faint, visible puffs as they shivered uncontrollably. The air smelled of mildew and despair.“I told you it was a bad idea to accept Daniel’s offer,” one of the men muttered, his voice trembling. “He won’t lift a finger to save us. Look at where we are, trapped in this godforsaken hole. Thanksgiving has passed, and instead of being with my family, I’m stuck here. And I know—I know—this place is the last thing I’ll see before Damien gets rid of us.”The other man didn’t respond, his eyes darting nervously toward the heavy iron door. The faint sound of chains rattling grew louder until it stopped abruptly.The door creaked open, and a tall, commanding figure stepped inside. The dim light flickered as Damien entered, his sharp features casting dark shadows across the walls. His coat swayed slightly with his steps, and his cold, calculating eyes surveyed the room.T
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