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 night was cold, and the restaurant was already getting prepared to close, the black-haired girl removed her apron laughing at what her colleague said, and she changed from her restaurant uniform to her mufti. “It seems like it’s going to rain tonight,” a blonde-haired girl said carrying her handbag as she looked at the dark-haired girl who nodded in agreement. She raised her head and her beautiful blue eyes smiled at the lady looking at her. “I’m waiting for you Aurora,” she said for Aurora to push her hair to the back of her ear. “No need Agatha, Audrey promised to pick me up tonight,” she said for the girl to chuckle. “Audrey this, Audrey that. Ok then, hope to make it to work tomorrow early because, with this weather, I think Audrey will make sure your moans fill the room.” She chuckled for Aurora to shyly smile. “I’ve told you again Agatha, I’m sealed not poked yet.” She said for Agatha to squeeze her brows. “So you weren’t joking when you said it before?” She as
The night was cold, the empty road was empty due to the heavy rain. Damien drives while his dark hair covers his left eye and his long masculine fingers hold tight on his steering. The image of what he saw kept playing in his head as he drove as fast as he could to the address sent along with the video. His girlfriend for two years, Beverly Wales, is a Hollywood actress and model, she featured in a lot of movies and also appeared in most magazines. They were supposed to hang out tonight as her movie premiere will be in two days but she didn’t show up or even text him. Damien wasn’t thinking, he just wanted to go there and make the actor who they are having a moment together at the moment feel what it means to touch what belong to Damien Vladimir. Immediately he took a sharp corner and accelerated, he heard a thud sound which made him step on his break immediately. He felt he hit something and this made him wonder what it might be, he looked around through his car window but the
Simon looked at the still unconscious girl in the hospital bed with her head wrapped around a bandage. He wonders why his boss asked him to move her to the hospital he opened in his mother's name. “I wonder why the production company has been calling me” he looked at his phone before he called the CEO of Theatre Group. “Mr Fredric, I’ve missed your calls,” Simon said after the phone was picked up. “Why did your boss withdraw his investment from the movie that’s already set to premiere.?” He asked Simon to frown, Damien didn’t tell him to withdraw their investment because he invested in the movie because of his girlfriend but if he withdrew without letting him know then it’s not meant for him to know. “It’s best known to him sir, I just follow orders,” he said for the CEO to scoff. “This is not right Simon. Please tell him I want to invite him over for dinner and let’s talk about it. If we did something and we need to apologize then we will” he said for Simon to sigh. “Ok
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 arrange
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 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
The morning sun rose high, casting its bright, golden rays across the room, illuminating Aurora’s serene face. Her soft, dark hair framed her delicate features, tucked neatly behind her ears. Her skin, smooth and glowing like polished peach, reflected the sun’s warmth as if nature itself admired her beauty. Aurora moaned softly, her body stirring under the silk sheets, the corners of her lips twitching into a relaxed expression.But something was off.The scent in the air was unfamiliar—sharp and distinctly masculine. It wasn’t the gentle lavender aroma she was accustomed to waking up to. Her brows furrowed as she turned on the bed, pulling the blanket closer. Slowly, her heavy eyelids fluttered open, revealing the room’s dark, unfamiliar surroundings.She sat up abruptly, her heart pounding as she scanned her surroundings. This wasn’t her room. The walls were a dull gray, with heavy, dark curtains that muffled the sunlight’s entrance. The air was cold and almost suffocating. Everythi
Aurora chuckled, knowing the influence Damien had out there. For some reason, she felt proud being his woman, even though it was clear she wasn’t his forever—only for a period of time. “I guess you recognize him,” Aurora said, causing the man to burst out laughing. They had been anonymously hired for the kidnapping, so he didn’t actually know who sent them, but they had been paid very well. “We’ll know after I have you,” he said, smiling. Aurora folded herself, scared. He approached her, licking his lips while Aurora tried to untie her hands, but to no avail. The struggle began to make her wrists red. As he approached, he bent down and held her face while she struggled to free herself. “Don’t touch me! I’m pregnant, please,” she pleaded. He dragged Aurora down, but suddenly, a gunshot sounded, making Aurora scream. “Ahhhhh!!!” Aurora screamed out loud in horror as the blood of the man in front of her splashed all over her face. “Ahhhh!!” she kept screaming as he fell o