Damien had a scoff on his face, what his grandpa just said to him still rings in his head. First, he tried all he could to get hold of every single empire owned by Vladimir because he knew his mother died because of his father's affairs with his stepmother. The product of that affair which is his stepbrother and sister is now used to threaten him not only that but he is being forced to marry the woman who just betrayed him. He chuckled relaxing his back on his exotic office chair before he stared at the photo on his desk.
The beautiful smile of the woman in her early thirties made Damien close his eyes. “Mom, I promise to get you justice, I thought Grandpa was on my side but it seems, just like you were betrayed after all you’ve done for them. They are turning their back on me too but don’t worry too much, your son is no weakling.” He said using his slim masculine fingers to touch the picture. Meanwhile, At the Gladys Vladimir hospital, Aurora's unconscious body has been arranged and fixed into a presidential suite. Simon watched the doctor check on her life-supporting machine before he carried his phone and called his boss. “Boss” he called after the call was picked and without waiting for a response, he began to speak. “Sir, the girl has been transferred and we are at the family hospital. Also, the CEO of the Theatre Group asked for dinner to… “I’m not interested. Also, cut off any latest investment we already made. I’m not investing in anything movie.” He said and hung up for Simon to sigh biting his lower lips. After Damien hung up, he called Mason. “I’m upset Damien, you didn’t pick up my call or call me… “Let’s race,” he cut in and hung up then carried his coat and left his office. Mason looked at his phone chuckling. “I’ve been waiting for you to say this.” He said standing up from his office chair. He knows Damien's race to let go of some things he doesn’t want to react to. “Cancel any meeting today,” Mason said to his assistant before he left his office. It was 7:30 pm, Agatha took an excuse and closed early because she wanted to find the taxi that took Aurora yesterday night. After calling the New York taxi transportation center and also giving them the plate number, a number was sent to her which she called. “Hi, good evening. I’m calling to know where you dropped the girl you picked up at Western restaurant last night.” She said for the taxi to respond. “Newston Street block nine I guess,” he said for Agatha to sigh. “Ok, thank you,” She said and hung up. Immediately she called Audrey but the number didn’t go through. “Does not exit?” She asked after calling the number. She did it again multiple times and it kept saying the same thing. “Audrey, what have you done to Aurora, she’s an orphan for Godsake” Agatha whispers biting her lower lips before she calls a taxi. “Newston Street” she called then stepped in. At the Vladimir villa, a young blonde-haired girl at age twenty-two walked towards the lounge area where her mother sat with Beverly. “Mom” she called sitting on the couch, her striking resemblance with the older lady would make anyone know that they are mother and daughter. Her beautiful hazel eyes looked at Beverly who had changed her clothes as she would be spending nights with them. “Tomorrow is your movie premiere, I heard Damien backed off the investment. That’s a huge loss but still, the rumors going on make me wonder if it’s true” she said for Beverly to frown. “What rumors?” Clara asked. “Damien broke up with you because you cheated that’s why… “How dare this useless internet user, they think they know everything about me,” she said tearing up. “I was even thinking about it, Damien is my brother and I know him well he doesn’t act this heartless unless he cannot physically hurt the person. Unlike Daniel” she said for her mother to frown. “You don’t dare compare Damien and Daniel together Camila, they are half brothers for a reason. I won’t let my son be so heartless like your idolized elder brother because I see no reason you love your half-brother more than your brother.” Clara angrily said for her daughter to stand up. “He’s teaching me a lot,” Camila said chuckling then left the lounge for Beverly to break down into new tears. “Stop my dear, your mother has called and I told her you are ok. Don’t worry, Grandpa Vladimir gives him one week to decide on marriage with you or he loses the family inheritance.” She whispered for Beverly to feel a sense of relaxation then she hugged Clara. At Huston racing field, Mason gulped a full bottle of water after they’d been racing for hours. “Common man, don’t use anger to exhaust me,” he said breathing hard while Damien removed his helmet dropping it on his race car. “I have been expecting to hear something bad happen to Micheal,” Mason said for Damien to chuckle. “It won’t be satisfying putting him down at once. Inch by inch” Damien said for Mason to chuckle. “And Beverly? I just can’t believe that girl for a second.” He said for Damien to close his eyes. “I know you loved her man but women… “My mother is the only woman I love and who truly loves me. That’s how I picture the world I’m in and with Beverly's disgusting act, I have finally believed it” he said for Mason to hold and squeeze his shoulder. “So what are you going to do with old man Vladimir's request I’m very sure Daniel is excited to see you out of that seat.” He said but Damien didn’t respond “Have you found out who sent the video?” He asked but still got no response and instead, Damien wore his helmet. “No man, I’m going home, I’m exhausted,” Mason said watching Damien who entered his race car and zoomed off. “Stubborn man “ he whispered wearing his helmet stepped into his sports car and zoomed off chasing after Damien. At Newston Street, Agatha stopped at block nine and then walked towards Aurora's little apartment, she knocked, and after a few seconds, a girl opened making her frown. “Is Audrey at home?” She asks for the girl to shake her head. “Wait, I think I know you. Sarah, Aurora's best friend” she said for the girl to sigh. “Yes, she’s missing and Audrey has been looking for her all day. I’m here to help make something” she said for Agatha to look at her frowning. “Can I come in?” She asks Sara to shake her head. “I said Audrey is not around. You can drop your number, I will call you when he’s back” she said for Agatha to nod scoffing. “I will be back, he has my number, tell him to call me,” she said looking at the girl. She doesn’t look like someone sad because their best friend is missing instead excited. She sighs walking down the street. “Poor Aurora” she whispered walking away. It was raining heavily, Aurora couldn’t feel her feet as she had been running for half an hour. She doesn’t know why she was running but she knows she’s hurting from something bad that happened to her. She decided to cross the highway when she felt herself floating in the air and as she was coming back to the ground, Aurora opened her eyes gasping for air while tears rolled down from her eyes. “You are awake,” a nurse who came to check on her said smiling but Aurora looked confused. The sunlight from the down-to-ceiling windows made the room very bright. She looked around still lying down. She didn’t recognize anything and this made her look at the nurse who was checking her drip stand. “Where am I?” She weakly asked for the nurse to smile at her. “You have been sleeping for almost two days. Wait I will call the doctor” she said smiling at Aurora before she walked out of the ward room. Aurora kept looking around confused. She tried to remember what happened but every time she closed her eyes, it was her in an accident. “Welcome back Miss,” the doctor said smiling. “I’ve called your guardian and they will be here. Do you remember anything or what happened to you?” He asked Aurora to try sitting up which the doctor helped her. “Accident” she whispered for the doctor to nod. “Anything else?” He asked but Aurora shook her head. “What’s your name?” He asked Aurora to look around before closing her eyes. “Aurora” she heard a female voice calling as she giggled but the image was too blurry for her to recognize. “Aurora” she whispered for the doctor to sigh then he looked at the nurse. The door of the wardroom opened and Damien with Simon walked in, he looked at the fragile-looking girl who looked lost, her beautiful blue eyes stared everywhere in the room including him. “What’s her name?” Damien asked for the doctor to sigh. “Aurora, that’s the only thing she could remember apart from the accident. With this, it’s a temporary memory loss and within six months she will gain others back” the doctor said for Damien to nod. Simon walked towards Aurora smiling at her. “Welcome back” he whispered for Aurora to look at him. “Since you can’t remember anything from your past, my boss wants you to sign a six-month marriage contract so he can take care of you legally.” He said for Aurora to look at Damien but the cold eyes of the man made her bow her head. Without saying anything or asking any questions, weakly, she signs at where Simon points for her. The doctor and nurse both smiled at Aurora who still looked dazed and confused. “Congratulations Mrs Vladimir,” Simon said while Damien left the ward room without saying a word…..The bright sun shone into the big study at the Vladimir villa, old man Vladimir sat facing the two men sitting on the couch while Beverly sat opposite them. “We are sorry to come directly to you Chairman Vladimir, yesterday was supposed to be the movie premiere date but due to Mr Damien's withdrawal, we couldn’t make the premiere possible and it’s going to affect us. We have asked Beverly to speak to him but she didn’t give us any positive feedback. I came here with the lead actor Micheal and as the director, it’s my job to make sure everyone benefits. Please Chairman Vladimir we need to ask Mr Damien what went wrong.” He said for Grandpa Vladimir to sigh looking at Beverly and then the other two men. “I have talked to him, don’t worry he will come around just postpone the premiere date.” He said with confidence knowing his grandson will not want to give space for his illegitimate brother. “Ok sir, we will…. A knock was heard cutting the director's words. The door opened and D
Agatha scoffed at the scene she had just seen, after getting no response from the two people on the bed, she closed the door and walked away. She called Aurora's number but was switched off then she was about to leave when she saw a familiar bag at the back of the door. Immediately she rushed and carried it, it was Aurora's work bag, her uniform was inside, and her makeup things. “The truth is that I don’t know where she is, she caught Sara and me in bed that rainy night and she ran away. I’ve looked for her everywhere I know she might find solace but no one saw her so I give up.” He said for Agatha to scoff turning towards him. “Why? She’s an orphan, Audrey, she put all her trust in you, even when the possibility of you cheating was visible she still trusted you.” Agatha said for Audrey to not respond then Sara walked downstairs already dressed. “You both will pay, I swear” Agatha angrily said and left the apartment with Aurora's working bag. It was raining so heavily, and th
The study was silent, everyone washed Beverly's body trembled in anger, and she folded her fist after reading the certificate. “Who is Aurora?” She asked but nobody answered as they didn’t even know who she was. “ Camila, Aunt Clara, Grandpa.. who the hell is Aurora?” She angrily asked and stood up while tears began to form in her eyes. “Grandpa you said he’s going to marry me, I should not worry but now I’m seeing the name Aurora on a marriage certificate with Diamen. This is bullshit” Beverly hit the door and stepped out angrily. “ follow her Clara, don’t let her do something stupid.” Old man Vladimir said for Clara to run after Beverly. Beverly rushed upstairs taking her car key before rushing back downstairs. “ Beverly wait please,” Clara said holding her hand. “ no Aunty, if he’s going to do this to me at least dumb me first, not only that let me know what I did, how dare he register a marriage between him and a girl while we are still dating? Damien must give me an a
Aurora watches the blonde-haired girl walk towards her, she wonders why and what’s going on. “Are you Aurora?” She heard the blonde girl ask her and she nodded before she could respond, her words were cut off by two fast but yet a strong thunderous slap landed on her left cheek making her lower lips cut from the side and blood began to come out. “Snatcher” she heard the blonde-haired girl say while she held her cheeks confused and also feeling the metallic taste of blood in her mouth. She watched the lady leave with three men following her from behind which made her wonder what was going on and why is she slapped. Aurora felt a whooping headache which made her immediately walk back to her room, she walked towards her bathroom, and on the sink tap, she watched her mouth, pouring out the blood then her face, using the clean white towel to dap her face before her broken lips. “Ssh” Aurora hissed in pain before walking out of the bathroom. Her head still ached so she took some p
Damien's tall figure looked at the petite girl at his front, his slim long fingers raised her hot chin to look at him and her blue eyes stared at him with fear. He turned her purple cheeks and scoffed. “Are you a statue?” He asked Simon and the doctor to open their mouth shocked with his question. “Huh,” Aurora gasped with surprise at his question. “I asked a question,” he said releasing her face. “No” she whispered. “Then you must be dumb,” he said looking at her face. “No” She whispered bowing her head as she wondered what kind of emotionless person was in her front. “I don’t think so, because there no reason you will stand still and let a fellow woman slap you this hard, except you are a statue or you are dumb or both,” he said to Aurora whose tears were forming in her eyes but she tried hard not to let tears flow. “Make sure she’s alright,” he said to the doctor and as he was about to leave, her question stopped him. “She calls me a snatcher,” she said for Damien
The Vladimir family left Damien's mansion with a sour face, the big black Chevrolet SUV drove into the city why the clouds roaring, Camila was on her phone while the old man look at Clara and John, he pushed his head backward because he had been wondering what changed his grandson, the cold shoulder, heartless attitude and total no regards for his stepmother. The cloud kept roaring as the driver diverted into the Vladimir family villa, immediately the car stopped at the garage and the door was opened by the guards, the old man stepped out, He looked at his son. “ in my study, both of you,” he said and walked away for Clara to look at her husband. Both adults sigh while Camila shakes her head leaving her parents behind as she walks to her room. Inside the old man Vladimir study, she rubs his forehead waiting for his son.The two adults walked in sitting on the couch. “ justifying your statement John,” he said for John to sigh. “ nothing to justify dad, I have been with Clara
Aurora was heading from her room to check if Damien was back so she could thank him when she saw him rushing upstairs. The urgency in his movements made her worry, so she hurried after him. When she reached his door, it was ajar. Stepping inside, she looked around anxiously before entering the main bedroom, where she found Damien groaning on the floor.Immediately, she rushed to his side, kneeling beside him.“Are you alright?” she asked, her voice trembling with concern. But instead of answering, Damien suddenly pushed her down, capturing her lips with his in a fiery kiss. Aurora’s eyes widened in shock.She struggled to free herself, but Damien’s weight pinned her down as his heated mouth claimed hers, his lips and tongue rough and demanding. She could feel the intense heat radiating from his body, making her wonder what had happened to him.As she fought against him, the lack of escape left Aurora with no choice but to relent. She started to kiss him back, but her compliance was sh
The sun shone brightly as Aurora lay naked on the cold floor. Damien, also naked, was sprawled next to her, their torn clothes scattered around them. The intense sunlight directly hit Damien’s face, causing him to groan. His head felt heavy as he attempted to stand but quickly lay back down, rubbing his face. After a moment, he managed to sit up and frowned when he noticed Aurora still asleep beside him. He immediately covered her naked body with her torn gown. Damien tried to recall the events of the previous night, but his memory was a blank. “Shit,” he muttered. He knew something had happened, but he couldn’t remember what. He stood up and walked to the bathroom to freshen up. After a quick shower, the headache subsided. Damien wrapped a towel around himself and exited the bathroom. He sat on his cushion and called his butler. “Take two maids to come carry her out of my room,” he instructed before hanging up. He rubbed his forehead, still puzzled by his blank memory of the n
Simon paid the bills and also compensated the man who found Aurora. He arranged for her to be transferred to the family hospital, with guards stationed at her ward. He didn’t leave her side because, for the time being, he knew Damien didn’t need him.At Damien’s mansion, he sat in his study, sweat breaking out on his forehead. The urge to do what he wanted was so overwhelming now that he couldn’t control it. The urge—the dark, violent desire—was clawing at his chest, and this time, he had no intention of suppressing it. His breathing was slow, controlled, but his fingers twitched with barely restrained rage. The study door opened, and Mason walked in.“Man, calm down,” he whispered.Damien didn’t reply. His expression remained void of emotion as he stood, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door.“Don’t follow me.” he muttered before walking out.Mason bowed his head, sighing.“What’s wrong with these people?” he muttered, exhaling before leaving too.Moments after Damien drove out,
*Few Hours Before Damien’s Arrival*Just like every other night, Daniel was in his bar. The music was loud, he lit up his cigar while smooching the girls around him, laughing.His assistant walked towards him, then bowed and whispered something to him. Daniel sent him away, not ready to deal with their family problems.The assistant sighed frustratedly before leaving the cabin to respond to John, who had demanded to speak with Daniel.A few seconds after his assistant left, four men approached the cabin. Daniel’s guards immediately stopped them, but they were electrocuted, making both guards fall unconscious.The men entered the cabin and pulled out their guns, pointing them at the girls, who immediately covered their mouths in fear.“Who sent you?” Daniel asked, but the men didn’t respond. Instead, one of them walked toward Daniel, removed the cigar from his mouth, and crushed it beneath his foot.“How dare you?” Daniel said angrily as he tried to stand up, but before he could react,
The Vladimir family was restless. Hours had passed, and still no sign of Aurora. When Daniel finally drove in, he wasn’t alone. A medical team accompanied him, carrying Old Man Vladimir in his bed. John and Ciara rushed out as the team carefully transported the frail man inside. “Where’s Aurora?” John demanded, his voice sharp. Daniel exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t see her. When I arrived, it was just Grandpa.” John’s face darkened. “We need to find Aurora, Daniel. If Damien returns without her, none of us will be safe. You know that.” His voice wavered with anxiety. Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples. “My men are searching for her. We—” “Report to the police,” Camila interrupted coldly. Ciara spun to face her. “Who told you to come out?” she snapped, narrowing her eyes. Camila folded her arms defiantly. “I have my own key, and I’m not a child anymore. Report this to the cops, or I’ll tell Damien myself.” Without another word, she turned an
Mason could read the expression on his father face, that name wasn’t just a name. He thought. Gerald sighed too. “Mom is upset. Go tell her it was a mistake.” “I just blurted it out, son. I can’t explain that she looks like a woman I met on a business trip.” Mason chuckled. “If Aurora looks like her, she must be breathtaking.” Gerald nodded. “Indeed, she was.” “The girl—where is she from?” Gerald asked. “She’s an orphan. That’s what Damien said.” Gerald nodded, then sighed. “Let’s go in.” At the hospital, Aurora stood outside the ward with Agatha after greeting Ciara and John. “Grandpa wants only you to visit,” Camila said. Aurora looked confused. “Go. He must be lonely. But tell him I’m very upset with him.” Aurora nodded and entered the ward with Agatha. Ciara clenched her fists in anger, then turned and left. “Aurora, my dear.” The old man smiled as Aurora hugged him. “Meet my sister, Grandpa.” Agatha bowed slightly. “What’s her name?” “Agatha.”
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 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
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 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
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