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
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
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
“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
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,
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
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
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’
Damien’s grip tightened on his phone, his knuckles turning white as he listened to the silence on the other end. Simon held his breath, waiting, watching the doctor shift uncomfortably under his stare.“B…” Simon started, but Damien’s voice cut through like a blade.“Abort it, and take her back to the bunker”Then, the line went dead.Simon’s eyes widened as he slowly turned to the doctor. He swallowed hard before asking, “How is she?”The doctor gave a small nod. “She’s still unconscious but stable. She’ll recuperate soon.”Simon exhaled in relief, but the weight of Damien’s decision pressed heavily on him. “And the baby?”The doctor hesitated before responding, “The procedure will proceed as instructed.”Simon clenched his jaw, nodding once before turning on his heels and leaving the dimly lit room. Back at the Bahamas, As Damien drove out of the secluded area, he sat still in his car, staring ahead at nothing.She was the reason Aurora lost their baby.He would never accept this p