The mansion was in a state of tension. All the maids and the butler were running helter-skelter, searching for Aurora. They scoured every possible location, from the grand halls to the servants’ quarters, but she was nowhere to be found. Stella, the maid in charge of her, was already in tears. Her body trembled with fear, dreading the consequences she would face if their boss returned and his wife was still missing. The butler, Thomas, hurried to the security quarters and announced that the madam was missing, causing an uproar among the staff. As they all frantically tried to locate her, Thomas instructed the security team to check the mansion’s surveillance footage. Perhaps the cameras had captured Aurora during the early hours of the day. He watched the day’s activities, fast-forwarding to noon when the mansion had been quiet due to the staff’s afternoon rest. On the screen, he saw Aurora walking out of the house, glancing around as if she was bored. He continued watching as sh
Aurora knelt on the wet stone floor of the maze, her body trembling as the rain battered her relentlessly. There was no shelter in this endless labyrinth of towering hedges and twisting pathways. Her clothes clung to her skin, soaked through, and her hair was plastered to her face. Every breath felt colder, harder to draw in, as the storm intensified around her. She had tried to run, to find a way out, but the deeper she ventured into the maze, the more disoriented she became. Now, completely spent, she collapsed to her knees, shivering as the cold seeped into her bones.She had never felt so alone.At the mansion, the worry had grown unbearable. The butler, Thomas, paced by the grand windows, staring out into the sheets of rain that obscured the maze. His face was lined with concern, his usually composed demeanor fraying at the edges. Stella, equally anxious, stood beside him, wringing her hands.“Sir, we need to call the boss. The storm has been raging for hours, and she’s still out
She hesitated at the threshold, her heart racing. His cold, distant presence made her feel even smaller than she already was. She twisted the fabric of the shirt between her fingers, unsure of what to say.“If you want to die so badly,” Damien’s voice cut through the stillness of the room like a blade, “why not jump off your balcony? Why torment yourself in my maze?”Aurora froze where she stood, his cold words slicing through her like the rain had earlier. The shame washed over her as quickly as the tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip, trying to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. Her heart raced with fear and regret, and the soft dawn light that streamed into the room felt harsh and unforgiving against the rawness of her emotions.“I—I didn’t mean to…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I just wanted to understand…”“Understand what?” Damien turned slowly from the balcony, his dark gaze locking onto her tear-filled eyes. His face was impassive, though something deep
Aurora couldn’t sleep for long as she felt Damien was still upset with her, after thirty minutes, of deep slumber, she began turning on the bed before her eyes opened gently. The sun was up and her eyes saw Damien sitting in his balcony. Quietly she sat up, her body still aches from the exhaustion last night, she weakly walked towards him standing beside him. “You should be sleeping” his cold voice said for Aurora to sigh. “I can’t sleep” she whispered rubbing her hair backwards. Damien didn’t say anything as he silently stared into the estates. Aurora stood there, she don’t know what is going on, after his words during dawn, she felt something within her she have never felt before. Despite being nervous by his intimidating aura, she stood at his side because the urge to be beside him seems like it’s growing on her and very fast. After some minutes, Damien stood up and walked closer to the glass protector of the balcony then turn to look at her. “You can leave. Fredric wi
Aurora sat on her balcony, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. Her heart was light, a smile lingering on her lips as she reflected on what had happened earlier with Damien. She still couldn’t believe her boldness, the way she kissed him so impulsively, and how he had kissed her back. It was as if something had awakened inside her—something new, something she has never felt before. She made the move, she didn’t leave, she will never leave. The thought made Aurora chuckle.. Her thoughts were interrupted when Stella came back from her nap, refreshed but eager to get back to her duties. After serving Aurora lunch, she left to take care of the housework. The day passed uneventfully until the evening began to creep in. Stella was still doing her choice, she was cleaning the glass window at the mansion’s backyard when a colleague of hers walked towards her. “Butler Thomas is asking for you,” the blonde haired girl said, her voice filled with curiosity. “Me? Why? What did I do?”
The grand dining hall was breathtaking, with a magnificent chandelier hanging in the center and a large family dinner table surrounded by beautiful Turkish royal chairs.The table was filled with various cuisines, and the delicious aroma filled the air. The maids and butler stood aside as Damien walked toward the chair next to Camila. He pulled it out for Aurora, who gently sat down, and then he took his seat beside her.Clara sat to the right of Grandpa Vladimir, who was at the head of the table, while John sat on the left, facing his wife. Daniel sat next to his father. Camila was beside her mother, facing her brother, and now Aurora was seated beside her, with Damien next to her.The atmosphere at the dinner table was heavy with silence. The family’s eyes were still on Damien and Aurora, making Aurora feel uncomfortable. The awkwardness of the situation was so intense that she couldn’t raise her head to meet anyone’s gaze.The silence was broken when Grandpa Vladimir cleared his th
Aurora’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat as Damien kissed her. The kiss was sudden, filled with a mixture of his lingering frustration and something else—something deeper. It caught her completely off guard, but as the initial surprise faded, she found herself responding. Her lips moved softly against his, timid but sincere. The atmosphere was intense as Aurora’s wide-open eyes gently closed as she kissed him back. The kiss was intense, and her fragile hands moved into his hair as she tried to match the energy he was giving her, but it was too overwhelming. Damien could taste the delicious flavors of the meal she had eaten earlier as he deepened the kiss, not giving her space to breathe. Simon, who was driving the car, couldn’t help but quickly find a nearby empty park. He parked the car and left the couple alone as he took a walk. “Ahh,” Aurora let out a soft moan as Damien released her lips, slowly kissing her neck down to her collarbone. Without hesitat
At the Owen’s luxury jewelry store in the heart of the city, an elegant elderly lady stood glaring at the manager who refused to accept the Owen’s free card, a privilege that only the Owen family holds.“Do you know who I am?” she angrily asked, her voice sharp with indignation.The manager sighed, keeping his composure. “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but the company president has disapproved all branches of the Owen’s jewelry company from accepting anyone with the free card. It’s no longer valid.”“What nonsense!” she exploded. “Damien has no right to do that. I need to speak to him. I have every right to shop with this card.”The manager sighed again. “Excuse me,” he said, picking up the company phone to call the president.At Damien’s mansion, after instructing Simon on his tasks, Damien continued working alongside Mason. Suddenly, his phone rang.“Yes,” his voice was cold as he answered.“Sir, I’m sorry to bother you, but there’s a woman here demanding free jewelry using the Owen’s family fre
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