Aurora’s throat tightened. She instinctively wrapped her hands around her stomach, holding herself together. “Before you go around getting pregnant for another woman’s man,” Beverly continued coldly, “know this—he will never forget the taste of the woman you’re trying to make him forget. This is just the beginning. I’ll fight for what’s mine. And trust me—if I open my legs for him, he’ll lick me clean.” She chuckled as Aurora fought back tears. At that moment, footsteps echoed through the restroom. “Aurora, aren’t you done yet?” Camila’s voice rang out as she and Naomi reentered. Beverly scoffed and turned to leave, but Camila stepped in her way. Aurora’s shoulders slumped as she silently walked past them. Camila turned to Beverly with a glare. “What did you do to her?” Beverly smirked. “Nothing. Just the usual—stay away from my man.” “You showed her something,” Naomi stated, her sharp eyes narrowing. “Your moans were all over the restroom.” Beverly scoffed. “And who are yo
Aurora’s body froze. Why was it so easy for him to locate her? Why was it so easy for him, yet so hard for her to run away?Agatha, who stood by the door, sighed and looked toward Aurora.“She’s not in a good state right now. Let her sleep…”“I’m sorry. Our boss demands we bring her with us,” Simon interrupted.“I’m not going,” Aurora firmly said as Simon walked in, followed by the men behind him.“Madam, please, we can’t—”“I said I’m not going,” Aurora interrupted.“Please, you have to forgive me,” Simon bowed his head, then looked at the men, who immediately approached Aurora and forcefully carried her.“How dare you touch me?! Let me go! Agatha, do something! Simon, you will pay for this!” Aurora struggled as the men carried her away, while Agatha stood aside.“Please tell your boss that her sister would like to visit once in a while to keep her company,” Agatha said, looking at Simon with pleading eyes.“Sure, I will. Thank you for not interfering,” he said and left.The limousin
Damien stood quietly, his jaw clenched as he watched her cry, standing just steps away from him. Her words replayed in his head. “I want a divorce.” It echoed again. He was sure if she had said it yesterday or earlier today, he might not have flinched. However, after learning that Beverly had shown her the video, a feeling of guilt and fear—something he had never experienced before—began to take root inside him, and he couldn’t shake it off.“Damien, thank you for everything—the times you made me feel like I meant something and even the times you treated me like I was nothing but trash in your space. Thank you.I wish I truly meant something to you, but tonight, it became clear that I don’t. I can never be compared to her. Who am I? A poor orphan. Why would I even think of competing with an A-list actress—the woman my supposed husband is clearly in love with?”Aurora scoffed and sighed.Damien remained silent. He knew he might not care whether she saw it or not, but for the first ti
Aurora’s breath hitched. She had waited so long to hear those words, but now that they had come, a deep fear settled inside her. Could she trust them? She cupped his face, her blue eyes searching his for sincerity. “If you love me, Damien… don’t ever allow Beverly close,” she whispered, her voice trembling. Damien exhaled deeply, resting his forehead against hers. “I swear to you, Aurora.” She swallowed hard and nodded. As if sealing that promise, he lifted her leg around his waist, deepening their connection until she shuddered against him, her moans swallowed by his hungry kisses. Minutes later, they emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in towels. Aurora sat on the edge of the bed, running a comb through her damp hair while Damien watched her. He had never seen her like this—so vulnerable, so breathtaking. He had never been truly interested in her before, but tonight, everything felt different. She deserved his love and protection. “You’re staring,” she murmured, a small smile p
The doctor finally sighed and turned to face the family. “We need to admit him immediately.” “What was the cause of his sudden cardiac arrest?” John asked. The doctor hesitated for a moment before answering. “Heart valve disease.” Gasps filled the room. Just then, the heavy sound of a car pulling up outside echoed through the hall. Moments later, Damien strode into the room, his presence commanding attention. Aurora followed closely behind him, her face still damp from tears. The moment he stepped inside, John’s gaze landed on him. “Finally, you’re here.” Damien ignored the tension in the air and walked straight to the bed. His grandfather looked so frail, so… unlike himself. “Grandpa,” Damien murmured, reaching for his cold hand. There was no response. The doctor cleared his throat. “We have to move him now. The ambulance is already outside.” “I’ll ride with him,” Damien said without hesitation. Aurora stood beside him, gripping his arm. “I’ll come too.” Before anyone c
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
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
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 night was cold. After much anticipation, Simon decided to meet with the lady who had called earlier. He had calculated everything and knew where it was going to end.The Bridgeton Bar was bustling with celebrities and influencers inside. Simon entered and went upstairs to the cabin he had been told about earlier.As soon as he entered, he saw the familiar face.“I thought you wouldn’t be coming,” Kayla said as she sat up, causing Simon to scoff.“Miss Kayla,” he said, then sat down.“Drink?” she asked.“Get to your point,” he said with a straight face.“Let’s make a deal. Tell me where Beverly is, and your secret is safe with me,” she said, causing Simon to scoff. He sat up, shaking his head before looking at her.“In other words, I should betray my boss for my secret,” he said, and Kayla smiled.“If you say so,” she said, causing Simon to chuckle.“Do you know that once you agree to blackmail, it never stops?” he added, causing Kayla to look at him.“In this case, it stops. All I
Naomi swallowed hard and immediately hung up. She cleared her throat, trying hard not to look at Damien’s expressionless face. “It’s uncultured to listen to someone’s phone call,” she said. Damien simply nodded. “I can identify a fake the very first day I see one. If Mason believes you are the one, so be it. But take note—if you mess with his naivety, the earth will be a place you will wish you never existed.” His voice was quiet, but every word sounded like a warning. Without waiting for Naomi’s response, he walked away. Naomi frowned. Her palms were sweaty, and her body was shaking. She swallowed hard and tried to sit down to calm herself. As Damien walked back upstairs, he saw Mason coming out of their room. “Did you see Naomi?” Mason asked. Damien shook his head. Mason sighed and left to go look for his wife. Inside the master bedroom, Aurora was in her nightwear, focused on her phone when Damien walked in. “You should be sleeping,” his voice said, making Aurora raise he
The room was silent. Everyone watched as the nurse removed Aurora’s IV drip and prepared her for discharge. After a few minutes, she smiled at Aurora.“All done,” she said, prompting Damien to bend down and carry Aurora in a bridal style.After they left the hospital, Damien drove her to get ice cream. Everyone chose their flavors, with the happiest person among them being Naomi, who stuck close to her husband. The smile on her face was so obvious that Mason had to ask.“Did you win a lottery?” he asked as they all sat down.Damien didn’t take sweets, so he just focused on his phone. Aurora and Agatha looked at Naomi, who chuckled.“Something like that, my love,” she said, then pecked Mason’s cheek.“Do you mind sharing?” he asked, but Naomi shook her head, laughing. The DNA result worked as she planned.“Damien,” Aurora turned to her husband, who immediately dropped his phone.“Yes, honey?” He sat up straight and looked at her.Aurora chuckled. She had noticed he had been calling her
Daniel smirked, watching Kayla adjust her handbag with a determined look in her eyes. “You really think his assistant will be your way in?” he asked, amusement lacing his voice. Kayla turned to him, her eyes cold. “Simon is more loyal to Damien than a dog to its owner, but even the most loyal men have weaknesses. I just need to find his.” Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Kayla. Seems like you’re tired of governing your cosmetic company.” “I have to do this. Beverly loved him, and this is all she gets?” she shot back. “I can make a difference before he even realizes what’s happening.” Daniel leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “And what exactly do you plan to do? Seduce him? Bribe him? Because Simon is not stupid.” Kayla smirked. “I don’t need to seduce or bribe him. I just need to make him desperate enough to come to me.” Daniel arched a brow. “And how do you plan on doing that?” Kayla took a deep breath. “I have some di
The room was silent. Aurora’s skin was clear of the rash but still pale. Damien sat on the couch, watching her. Everyone had left the room to give him space. He bit his inner cheeks, watching her closely, trying to catch any slight movement she might make. While he kept staring, his phone began to ring. “Boss,” Simon’s worried voice sounded. “Our ship transporting goods to Australia was attacked. We lost a lot of goods and the team. I’m trying to—” “They fell for it,” Damien scoffed. “What? Boss?” Simon tried to understand what he meant. “Find out if Daniel is awake,” Damien ordered and hung up. Mason walked into the room. “Work?” he asked. Damien didn’t respond. He just sat there, his gaze fixed on Aurora. “I just came from the doctor. The DNA result will be out by evening,” Mason said. Damien only nodded. Naomi, who had been about to enter, stopped in her tracks when she heard Mason mention a DNA result. She frowned and leaned in to eavesdrop. “The last time I remember, i
Damien chuckled. “I never said that. But Mason is different. He doesn’t have the same coldness. Naomi keeps pushing him to be something he’s not.” Aurora stared at him for a moment before sighing. “I don’t know if you’re protecting him or just manipulating the situation.” Damien smirked, turning his eyes back to the road. “Maybe both.” Aurora scoffed. “You’re impossible.” Damien reached over and took her hand. “And yet, you’re still here.” Aurora bit her lip, looking away. She couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through her when he held her like that. The car slowed down as they approached a grand, glass-fronted restaurant with golden lighting reflecting off its entrance. The valet rushed forward as Damien pulled into the driveway. “We’re here,” he said, letting go of her hand. Aurora inhaled deeply before stepping out of the car, already sensing that the night wasn’t over yet. The moment Aurora stepped inside Restaurant de Sea, the aroma of grilled seafood and ocea
It was already 1 a.m. Agatha refused to let Aurora sleep in her room. Instead, she held Aurora’s hand and took her to their bedroom.“I don’t want—”“He’s your husband. If you don’t want to, you tell him you don’t want to,” Agatha whispered. Aurora sighed and bit her lip.She slowly opened the door and gently walked into the room. The light was off, so she carefully stepped inside, moving quietly toward their bed.Just as she tried to lay down, a cold, commanding voice stopped her.“Where are you coming from?”The voice made Aurora freeze in place.She couldn’t move until she felt Damien’s breath on her.“Where are you coming from?” he asked again, grabbing her waist and turning her around. Aurora’s eyes widened, but she still couldn’t see his face in the darkness of the room.“I asked you a question.”Aurora swallowed hard. “A-Agatha,” she pointed toward the door.Damien dragged her closer. “Is it fair, hmm?” he asked, his voice unreadable.Aurora looked up at him like a shocked bunn
The words Damien said earlier still ran through Aurora’s mind. She frowned, looking at Damien, but still tried not to glance at the lower part of his body. “My head?” she asked nervously, pointing at her head. “Mmm,” Damien nodded. “Help me out with your head,” he said again, making Aurora take a step back. She was confused as hell. She swallowed hard, then turned around. The closer Damien got, the more she couldn’t imagine what she was feeling or what she was supposed to do. “I… I…” “I will teach you,” he whispered. Aurora felt his breath on her neck. She swallowed hard, and in the next moment, Damien watched as she bolted out of the room. Damien chuckled, then looked down at his bulging member. “Tsk,” he clicked his tongue before shaking his head. “I’m sure she doesn’t even know what that means,” he muttered, walking back to the bathroom. After running out of the bathroom, Aurora stopped beside a pillar, taking a deep breath. Her flushed face was still red, and her hands t
Aurora was excited that she wouldn’t be stuck with Damien—at least Agatha was here to keep her company.“Good evening, Mr. Vladimir,” Agatha greeted.Damien only nodded before turning and heading to his study. Naomi, who had been standing nearby, immediately turned and left before Agatha could catch a glimpse of her.“Thank you for coming. This place would have been suffocating,” Aurora said with a smile.“Don’t say that,” Agatha whispered.“Ma’am, your room is ready. Please come with me,” the butler said, but Agatha held onto Aurora’s hand.“This place is beautiful, Aurora,” Agatha said, smiling.“Mmm… it is,” Aurora murmured.“Damien is here, and he’s obviously trying to make you forgive him for what happened. So don’t say it will be suffocating. This is the time you should make him fall in love with you so deeply that he can’t spend a second without you. Okay?” Agatha said.Aurora smiled but shook her head. “Mmm… His heart is strong. He might have a soft spot for me now, but I can’