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
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
It was already snowing heavily outside. Simon watched as Agatha rubbed her hands, which made him remove his coat.“Wear this; it will keep you warm,” she said, but Agatha shook her head.“Despite the heater in here, you’re still cold. I won’t give it to you next time. Take it,” he said, and Agatha took the coat. As she put it on, Simon’s phone began to ring.“Shit!” he cursed, biting his lips.“Who’s that?” she asked, and Simon gave her a silent gesture.“Boss,” he picked up, standing up with his body tense.“Is my wife at home?” Damien’s voice came through, silent and cold.“Not yet, boss,” Simon said, biting his lips.“Where is she, Simon?” he asked, and Simon hit his forehead.“She’s at the hospital, boss,” he said, and Damien’s already frowning face deepened.“How dare you, Simon?” Damien’s voice came in anger, making Simon’s hands shake. Agatha wondered what might be going on, seeing the agile man earlier shiver.“Text the address,” Damien said and hung up.At the Vladimir villa,
“You should sign here, miss,” the judge said, pointing to the document. Aurora hesitated but finally signed. A picture was taken, and she still couldn’t believe her fragile heart was enduring all this. On a night she decided to stand up for her weak emotions, everything had changed.Damien had just officially registered their marriage. After the photo was taken, Damien took her hand, and they walked out towards his car. Onlookers, including couples who were there to get registered, stared in amazement. The figure that had just passed looked incredibly familiar. Hidden photos were taken of the newlyweds as they walked to their car.Damien helped Aurora settle into the car before climbing into the seat beside her. Simon then drove off.“Drop her at the mansion,” Damien instructed as Simon parked the car in the VIP garage of the company.“Damien,” Aurora called, causing him to turn.“Whatever you need, tell Simon. Whatever she asks for, don’t hesitate,” Damien said curtly. Without lookin
A wave of emotions surged through Damien, but he quickly composed himself. Holding Aurora tightly, he carried her out of the study.Damien took her to his bedroom, his mind replaying the events from the study. He carried her into the bathroom and gently cleaned her up. Afterward, he laid her on the bed, tucking her under the soft sheets. She stirred slightly, her lips parting as though she wanted to say something, but sleep claimed her once more.Sitting at the edge of the bed, Damien reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. His gaze softened as he took in her peaceful expression. She looked so small, so fragile, and yet there was a strength in her that he deeply admired.The sight of the blood on the desk had unsettled him. He knew she had been hesitant, and he silently cursed himself for not being more careful. But her words echoed in his mind: I love you, Damien.It wasn’t the first time someone had said those words to him—even from Aurora—but this time, they felt
Aurora’s eyes were wide open. She hadn’t expected Damien to kiss her, but it was something she had been craving from the man who had been giving her the “I don’t care” attitude.Damien slowly laid her down on the table as he continued to kiss her gently, waiting for her response. The moment she tried kissing him back, he bit her lower lip, eliciting a soft moan that granted him access to her warm mouth. As he deepened the kiss, Aurora felt a rush of emotions. She wouldn’t say she was inexperienced, but this felt entirely new to her. Aurora didn’t understand what Damien was doing, but she wasn’t going to back out.He slowly slid his hand under her gown, feeling her warm skin. Breaking the kiss, he traced a trail of kisses to her neck and whispered into her ear.“I want the gown off,” he said, turning to gauge her expression.Aurora’s blue eyes stared at him, shocked. Then, she immediately bowed her head, hiding a shy smile. Damien smiled at her shyness and pressed a soft kiss on her fo
Beverly’s eyes followed Aurora as she turned to Butler Thomas.“Where’s Stella?” Aurora asked.“She’s in the garden, madam,” Thomas replied, bowing respectfully.Beverly frowned. Her heart boiled with anger; she couldn’t believe the men she hired failed to carry out her orders. She had sent them Camila’s photo from her Instagram story and paid a hefty sum, yet they still couldn’t complete the task. Without another word, Beverly turned sharply and stormed toward Damien’s study.“Next time, if she comes visiting, don’t stop her,” Aurora said, turning back to Thomas. “She’s Damien’s lover, so let her in.”Aurora started toward the dining area but paused. “Has he eaten?”Thomas shook his head. “I’m about to serve his meal, madam.”“Leave it,” Aurora said.“Pardon, ma’am?” Thomas asked, confused.“I’ll serve him myself,” she said, smiling gently. Her newfound boldness surprised Thomas, but he nodded and went to set Damien’s meal.At the door to Damien’s study, Beverly stopped to compose he