The director couldn’t believe his ears. What he had just heard from Beverly was shocking. He knew Mr. Vladimir to be a man of substance, but being petty? That was something he couldn’t imagine.“That’s too petty of Mr. Vladimir,” he scoffed. “He pulled out of a billion-dollar movie just because you haven’t given him an answer? It’s not like you rejected him.”Beverly wiped her tears, and Michael continued to hug her supportively, while the director discreetly turned off the recorder in his pocket.The team listening to the recording frowned. They thought Beverly had something serious to share, but instead, it seemed like a petty reason. Without hesitation, they sent the recording to an anonymous media outlet, attaching it to an article.The next morning, the internet was buzzing with the leaked voice recording of Beverly and her director discussing the Vladimir investment withdrawal. Some netizens supported Damien’s actions, while others doubted the story. Various people threw shades
The mansion was in a state of tension. All the maids and the butler were running helter-skelter, searching for Aurora. They scoured every possible location, from the grand halls to the servants’ quarters, but she was nowhere to be found. Stella, the maid in charge of her, was already in tears. Her body trembled with fear, dreading the consequences she would face if their boss returned and his wife was still missing. The butler, Thomas, hurried to the security quarters and announced that the madam was missing, causing an uproar among the staff. As they all frantically tried to locate her, Thomas instructed the security team to check the mansion’s surveillance footage. Perhaps the cameras had captured Aurora during the early hours of the day. He watched the day’s activities, fast-forwarding to noon when the mansion had been quiet due to the staff’s afternoon rest. On the screen, he saw Aurora walking out of the house, glancing around as if she was bored. He continued watching as sh
Aurora knelt on the wet stone floor of the maze, her body trembling as the rain battered her relentlessly. There was no shelter in this endless labyrinth of towering hedges and twisting pathways. Her clothes clung to her skin, soaked through, and her hair was plastered to her face. Every breath felt colder, harder to draw in, as the storm intensified around her. She had tried to run, to find a way out, but the deeper she ventured into the maze, the more disoriented she became. Now, completely spent, she collapsed to her knees, shivering as the cold seeped into her bones.She had never felt so alone.At the mansion, the worry had grown unbearable. The butler, Thomas, paced by the grand windows, staring out into the sheets of rain that obscured the maze. His face was lined with concern, his usually composed demeanor fraying at the edges. Stella, equally anxious, stood beside him, wringing her hands.“Sir, we need to call the boss. The storm has been raging for hours, and she’s still out
She hesitated at the threshold, her heart racing. His cold, distant presence made her feel even smaller than she already was. She twisted the fabric of the shirt between her fingers, unsure of what to say.“If you want to die so badly,” Damien’s voice cut through the stillness of the room like a blade, “why not jump off your balcony? Why torment yourself in my maze?”Aurora froze where she stood, his cold words slicing through her like the rain had earlier. The shame washed over her as quickly as the tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip, trying to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. Her heart raced with fear and regret, and the soft dawn light that streamed into the room felt harsh and unforgiving against the rawness of her emotions.“I—I didn’t mean to…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I just wanted to understand…”“Understand what?” Damien turned slowly from the balcony, his dark gaze locking onto her tear-filled eyes. His face was impassive, though something deep
Aurora couldn’t sleep for long as she felt Damien was still upset with her, after thirty minutes, of deep slumber, she began turning on the bed before her eyes opened gently. The sun was up and her eyes saw Damien sitting in his balcony. Quietly she sat up, her body still aches from the exhaustion last night, she weakly walked towards him standing beside him. “You should be sleeping” his cold voice said for Aurora to sigh. “I can’t sleep” she whispered rubbing her hair backwards. Damien didn’t say anything as he silently stared into the estates. Aurora stood there, she don’t know what is going on, after his words during dawn, she felt something within her she have never felt before. Despite being nervous by his intimidating aura, she stood at his side because the urge to be beside him seems like it’s growing on her and very fast. After some minutes, Damien stood up and walked closer to the glass protector of the balcony then turn to look at her. “You can leave. Fredric wi
Aurora sat on her balcony, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. Her heart was light, a smile lingering on her lips as she reflected on what had happened earlier with Damien. She still couldn’t believe her boldness, the way she kissed him so impulsively, and how he had kissed her back. It was as if something had awakened inside her—something new, something she has never felt before. She made the move, she didn’t leave, she will never leave. The thought made Aurora chuckle.. Her thoughts were interrupted when Stella came back from her nap, refreshed but eager to get back to her duties. After serving Aurora lunch, she left to take care of the housework. The day passed uneventfully until the evening began to creep in. Stella was still doing her choice, she was cleaning the glass window at the mansion’s backyard when a colleague of hers walked towards her. “Butler Thomas is asking for you,” the blonde haired girl said, her voice filled with curiosity. “Me? Why? What did I do?”
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
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