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
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
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
The room was deathly quiet, and the tension was palpable. Damien stood before Audrey, his cold, calculating gaze boring into the man who dared to upset his world. Every muscle in his body screamed for him to act—to punish the man who had brought so much pain to Aurora. But Damien held himself back. Not for Audrey’s sake, but for Aurora. She deserved to have a say in his punishment.Audrey’s face was pale as sweat trickled down his temples. He had never felt fear like this before. The silent wrath of the man before him was suffocating, and he knew he was staring into the eyes of death itself.“I didn’t know she was married, I swear!” Audrey’s voice trembled, his words barely coherent. “I wouldn’t have approached her if I’d known—please, believe me!”Damien’s expression remained stone-cold. He stepped closer, his presence as oppressive as a storm cloud. “You’ll remain here until she wakes up,” he said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “If anything happens to her or ou
Sara’s hands trembled as she clutched her phone. The image of Damien Vladimir—his imposing stature, piercing gaze, and commanding aura—stared back at her from the screen. The headline accompanying the photo detailed his immense wealth, influence, and ruthlessness. Her breath hitched as the realization hit her like a tidal wave. “Aurora? Married to him?” Sara whispered in disbelief, her voice shaky. Her mind reeled, trying to reconcile the innocent orphan she once knew with the wife of one of New York’s most powerful men. She glanced back at Agatha, whose arms were crossed as she studied Sara with a mix of pity and disdain. “She’s not the orphan girl you remember, Sara,” Agatha said sharply, her tone laced with finality. “Aurora is Mrs. Aurora Damien Vladimir. And your boyfriend? He just signed his death warrant by messing with her.” “No… no!” Sara shook her head vehemently, tears brimming in her eyes. “Audrey didn’t know! He didn’t mean to upset anyone!” Agatha’s expression harden
The mansion was silent as Damien walked in carrying Aurora. Her head rested softly against his chest, her breaths steady as he carried her up the grand staircase. The dim light from the crystal chandeliers cast a golden hue on the pair, giving the scene an almost ethereal quality. As Damien entered their bedroom, he carefully lowered Aurora onto the plush bed. The silk sheets crinkled as he adjusted her position, ensuring her comfort. Gently, he pulled the blanket up to her chest, his movements deliberate yet tender. His hazel eyes met her tired blue ones, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. “What are you staring at?” he asked, his voice a low rumble as he tucked the blanket more securely around her. Aurora reached out, her hand finding his. “I’d love to visit the apartment I shared with Audrey,” she murmured. Damien’s brows knitted instantly, his expression hardening. “Why?” he asked, his tone clipped. “Do you miss your old life?” Aurora sighed, her fingers idly tracing cir
Aurora’s gasp echoed through the dimly lit room. Her breath caught as her gaze fell upon Audrey, slumped in the corner. The man who once radiated confidence and pride now appeared as a shadow of his former self. His clothes hung loosely on his gaunt frame, his skin pale and sickly. Trembling hands gripped the edge of a worn chair, and his hollow eyes flickered with a mixture of desperation and defeat. “Aurora…” Audrey rasped, his voice cracked and barely audible. He squinted under the harsh glare of the overhead light, his frail gaze locking onto her. “Why are you here?” Aurora stepped forward hesitantly, her heart constricting at the sight of him. Memories surged to the forefront of her mind—some tender, others stained with the bitterness of betrayal. “Audrey… what happened to you?” she whispered, her voice trembling under the weight of her pity and confusion. Behind her, Damien stood silently, his imposing presence casting a long shadow across the room. His piercing hazel eyes
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
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
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 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
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
The kiss was intense. All Damien wanted was to release the burning, unusual sensation coursing through his body. His once strong aura became desperate and vulnerable. The taste—he was familiar with it. The breath—he was familiar with it. He wanted more, so he deepened the kiss. At that moment, Beverly pulled away, not wanting to get carried away. She immediately unzipped his pants and guided him into her as fast as she could. A male waiter, following Kayla’s instructions, discreetly recorded the incident as it unfolded. “Oh, Damien, don’t you miss us? Mmm…” Beverly moaned loudly, riding him fast, desperate for him to pour all his seed into her ovulating womb. Meanwhile, outside the restroom, in the grand hall filled with influential men and women, Old Man Vladimir turned to Simon. “Where is Damien? It’s time for our private meeting with Mr. Ontario,” he asked. “He went to the restroom. He’ll be back soon,” Simon replied. The old man nodded and returned to the group, trying to
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