Erin found herself unable to contain her tears as she sat in the waiting area of the emergency room. They took Tanya to the hospital, and it weighed heavily on her mind. Tears streamed down her cheeks, betraying the fear and uncertainty raging within her. With no clear idea of what to do next, she reached out to Lily, the only person she could think about at this moment of distress. Lacking close friends, Erin felt the weight of her past pressing down on her like an oppressive shadow. The mere thought of being entangled in another tragedy involving the Arvesso family filled her with terror, stirring a primal fear within her. She couldn't shake the nagging question: what if Orion directed his anger towards her again? Outside the emergency room, Erin was consumed by sobs, feeling utterly lost. Questions raced through her mind: what happened to Tanya? Erin hadn't anticipated Lily's arrival at the hospital following their phone conversation, accompanied by either a driver or a body
Orion sat among shareholders in a tense meeting, wrestling with rumors about his relationships with Erin and Tanya. Resolute in his defense of Erin and committed to mending his ties with her, he even expressed a willingness to compensate Tanya's family if necessary. However, pressure from the shareholders was mounting. "Mr. Arvesso, we've talked about this a lot, and you promised to marry Ms. Tanya in exchange for property in Madrid. Wasn't this the deal you offered her? If you go back on your word, it could hurt the company's stability," one shareholder asserted. "The Arvesso Group's future is now in jeopardy over a mere romantic entanglement with a simple model," remarked Mr. Gray. "Heh, Mr. Gray probably needs some rest in his old age," he warned, "Erin is no ordinary woman. I hope you're not trying to insult the mother of my child!" Orion countered sharply, fixing his gaze unwaveringly on the man. The man visibly faltered. "I-I meant..." he stuttered before being interrupted
"Hi!" a voice greeted warmly. Erin took a step back in surprise as she recognized Marco, one of Orion's closest friends from five years ago, who used to watch over her. "M-Marco?" she stammered, unable to believe he was standing outside her gate. "The one and only!" he replied with a wide grin. "Oh, my God!" Erin exclaimed, throwing her arms around him as if any past grievances were instantly forgotten. Erin had arranged to drop off her child at the nursery before heading to the hospital to visit Tanya. With a firm resolve to push forward and no room for contemplation and sadness, she was caught off guard when Marco unexpectedly appeared at her gate. Marco's gaze shifted to her child, Lacey. "Wow! Erin's little one!" he exclaimed. "Hello!" Lacey greeted, though clearly confused. She looked up at Erin. "Mommy, who is he?" "He's a friend, Uncle Marco," Erin explained simply before turning to Marco. "Why are you here?" Marco glanced around nervously. "Orion sent me. I'm here to
"Ms. Tanya instructed me to ensure that the cup she used yesterday was properly washed. I'm aware something went awry yesterday, and I still feel guilty about the emotions I displayed, Miss Erin," Sandra explained. Erin's eyes began to glisten with moisture, recognizing the sincerity in Sandra's words. The accusatory glance she had received from Sandra the day before flashed through her mind. "I felt terrible. I'm truly sorry. I also understand that you wouldn't sabotage Ms. Tanya, so... I took the cup," Sandra added. Erin's expression softened with understanding. "Where is it?" she inquired. "I took it away last night to have it examined by a friend." This implied that another cup was placed in the corner of the room, visible to them. However, Erin couldn't shake her doubts about the assistant, mainly since Sandra had been serving Tanya for years. What if this was yet another test of her trust? "How can I be certain you're being honest?" Erin questioned. "Ms. Erin, co
A week had passed, yet Erin still hadn't crossed paths with Orion. Marco informed her that he had traveled to Greece to address an issue concerning Tanya, reportedly consulting with Mr. Niel Arvesso. Erin had already filed a complaint against Tanya, accusing her of orchestrating the 'miscarriage' scandal to defame her publicly. Tanya's team denied the accusations in response, claiming she had never directly accused Erin. However, witnesses such as Assistant Sandra and several guards from the Elusion's office confirmed otherwise. Now, Erin found herself at home, preparing to go live on her Instagrab account. "The remaining issue is how to address inquiries from the public regarding your frequent meetings with Orion," Marco reminded her. "People will undoubtedly inquire about your encounters in Bali and Berlin. Some online commentators are insinuating that you're either O's mistress or an escort." Erin contemplated this dilemma. Indeed, it was a significant concern, and meet
"Why the fuck did you do that, Orion?!" Tanya's voice seethed with frustration as she held the phone tightly, her knuckles white with tension. She paced around her home, unable to contain her agitation. Her desire to marry Orion stemmed from his control over the entire Arvesso Group, inheriting all the shares from Mr. Niel Arvesso. Initially, she questioned why Orion's sisters, Lily and Danica, displayed no inclination to partake in the Arvesso's wealth. But now, Orion had shattered her plans. He had relinquished his position, handing over all his shares to Lily and Danica. To her astonishment, he had also transferred some properties to Erin's daughter, Lacey! Tanya gritted her teeth as Orion's actions shattered her carefully laid plan. At first, Tanya doubted Erin's assertion that Lacey was Orion's daughter, thinking it was false and that Orion was unaware of the situation. Yet, his recent actions confirmed his knowledge, dispelling Tanya's doubts. "You can't do this to me! I'll
Erin emerged from her home in response to the persistent ringing of the doorbell, only to be met by the sight of Tanya, accompanied by a group of stern-faced police officers. Confusion etched across her features as she addressed Tanya, who appeared visibly agitated. "Tanya?" Erin's voice held a mix of bewilderment and concern. "Get that woman out of here! This is my brother's house, and I have proof. Technically, it belongs to my parents, and she has been living here without our consent!" Tanya's accusatory tone filled the air. Erin's expression tightened as she glanced down at Lacey, clutching her leg with palpable fear in her eyes. The situation escalated as Tanya continued her tirade. "Leave this place! You and your daughter are not welcome here!" Tanya's voice rang out again, filled with indignation. "M-Mommy..." Lacey whimpered, her tears now flowing freely. "Tanya, Zach entrusted me with his house. Before my return, I discussed it with your father, and he permitted me to s
Anna Lerman's enigmatic smile graced her lips as she lounged on the cruise ship at South Harbor. Her eyes shimmered with delight as they absorbed the expanse of the ocean through her circular window while her lips savored the drink in her hand. Moments later, a knock at the door interrupted her reverie. "Miss, Erin has been escorted by our staff," a crew member announced. A wry grin tugged at the corners of Anna's lips as she gracefully made her way to where Erin awaited. With a deft maneuver, she orchestrated Erin's smooth transition to her presence. Numerous staff members patrolled throughout the ship, leaving no avenue for Erin's escape. Anna was determined not to let her slip away so easily. Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room, Erin struggled against dizziness. A sharp blow to her head by a man bearing a prominent scar had rendered her unconscious moments earlier. Her wrists were bound together behind her back, restricting her freedom of movement. Darkness draped the exterior of
Months later... As the days unfolded amidst the ancient branches of towering trees, a soft breeze caressed the leaves, weaving a delicate melody that echoed the whispers of times past. The relentless march of time had etched its mark upon the weathered gravestones, standing as solemn guardians adorned with the names of those who once thrived with vitality. Some graves bloomed with freshly placed flowers, while others surrendered to the embrace of moss and roots, each telling a tale that had reached their poignant conclusion. Erin tenderly laid a bouquet of pristine white roses before the gravestone of someone she once knew as Orion's wise and strong brother, Daryl. It marked the anniversary of his passing. Having become a part of the Arvesso family through her recent marriage to Orion, Erin joined them in visiting Daryl's resting place. As she fixed her gaze upon the inscription of his name and the date of his death, a pang of guilt coiled around her heart, unseen but deeply f
Orion's waning interest in responding to Erin's question was palpable. "Well?" Erin asked once more, anticipation etched on her face. "Why did you agree to marry Tanya?" Orion's brow furrowed. "Do you believe I was romantically involved with Zach's sister?" "No." Initially, Erin had presumed there was a romantic connection between Orion and Tanya, conjecturing that their relationship had grown deeper, considering Tanya's pregnancy as evidence of such intimacy. However, the harsh reality of Tanya's miscarriage and Orion's subsequent public explanation unveiled the true nature of their bond with Erin. It dawned on her that what she had perceived as a serious relationship was, in fact, a casual affair. Orion recounted the events involving Mr. Niel Arvesso and Tanya, shedding light on what transpired in the hotel and the circumstances surrounding Tanya's pregnancy. "If that's the case, you knew from the beginning you weren't the father of the child she was carrying..." E
Erin's fingertips lightly brushed against Orion's cheek as they sat together in the car. Despite having a driver at their disposal, they paid him no attention, lost in each other's company. Orion monopolized her thoughts entirely. The disbelief lingered within Erin as though the day's events existed only in a dream. "Please, tell me this isn't a dream," Erin pleaded. In response, Orion silenced her with a tender kiss, his lips tracing a path down her neck. The driver's cheeks flushed crimson as he glanced at the rearview mirror. He wished he could vanish, overwhelmed by the palpable passion unfolding in the backseat. Their actions were simple yet intimate—kisses exchanged, sweet words whispered. Before long, they arrived back at Orion's residence, where Erin and Lacey were currently staying. Orion scooped Erin into his arms, carrying her inside. As they crossed the threshold, Erin's gaze fell upon a lone suitcase nestled by the doorway, a silent witness to Orion's hurried d
The movements, exchanges of conversation, and the beeping of various devices reverberated in Orion's ears like echoes from a dream. Erin's tears haunted his thoughts, her pleas for him not to let go echoing endlessly. Each time she cried, his heart sank deeper, consumed by worry. "Wake up, Orion… Wake up!" The urgent call seemed to emanate from everywhere—Erin's voice and even a faint whisper within his own mind. He needed to rise, to return to the woman he loved. It was as if an enchantment had ensnared his skin, holding him captive in its grasp, steadfast and unyielding. With deliberate slowness, he unfurled his eyelids, welcomed by the scene of Marco's fervent typing on his laptop. A lump materialized in his throat, accompanied by a cascade of numbness and anguish that inundated his entire being. The intensity of the pain threatened to elicit curses from his lips, but his voice emerged raspy and weak. "W-water..." he managed to croak. Marco's eyes widened, the color draining
As they sat together in the hospital lounge, Lily's tender touch wiped away Erin's tears. They both waited anxiously for any updates on Orion's condition, their shared concern palpable in the silent moments between them. The hospital restricted access to the intensive care unit to prevent overcrowding and minimize the risk of introducing infections. Visitors were required to wear gowns to prevent any potential transmission of bacteria to the patient. "Erin, you must continue to balance your responsibilities, both at work and with Lacey," Lily advised, offering her support. It had been a challenging month since Orion's hospitalization, and Erin struggled to juggle her obligations. Despite Lily's occasional return home to Bel-Air, Erin remained steadfast in her vigil by Orion's side in the city. "I know your heart is with Orion, but don't forget about Lacey," Lily reminded her gently. As Erin sank onto the couch, the weight of her exhaustion evident, she reflected on her sacrifices
"Orion! Orion! P-please, do your best to stay awake," Erin pleaded, trailing behind James' group of men carrying Orion. She feared that if he closed his eyes, it could be the last time she saw him. Orion's gaze appeared delirious, mirroring Erin inside his mind. He struggled to place his palm on her cheek, his efforts indicative of his weakening condition. James swiftly called for a helicopter to expedite their departure from the area where they had engaged Douglas Mikael's group. As they exited the building, Marco hurried towards Erin. "Erin!" he called out. "Marco!" She sobbed, embracing her friend tightly. "O-Orion..." Her voice faltered, unable to articulate her fears. "I understand. We must get him to the nearby city. I've informed the hospital and made the necessary arrangements. We cannot linger here in Acapulco," Marco assured her. Minutes later, assistance arrived. Erin followed silently, tears streaming down her face as she held Orion's hand, her prayers unspoken. A me
Five years ago, Erin and Orion engaged in meaningful agreement when Orion served as her bodyguard. During that time, he provided her with a number to call in case of trouble, a number that Erin never imagined would remain working to this day. Upon hearing Erin's voice, Orion struggled to contain his emotions. Both of them felt the weight of the situation, teetering on the edge of tears. "My love, are you alright?" Orion's voice trembled with concern, his trembling words betraying the depth of his emotions. The weight of sadness hung palpably between them, echoing the turmoil of their hearts. "I need a solid crust," Erin replied. Attempting to steady himself, Orion exclaimed, "I must compose myself! Fuck! How many guards are there? How many require rescue?" Recalling her observations earlier, Erin cryptically mentioned, "There's an abundance of cheese, an overwhelming number of pepperonis. The crust must be sturdy and thick," conveying to Orion the gravity of the challenge he face
"I need your help," Erin pleaded with Jenna as she made her way to Jenna's cabin. Caught off guard by Erin's sudden appearance, her cousin paused momentarily, her eyebrows furrowing in surprise. However, she swiftly composed herself, her hands continuing their fluid motion as she applied blush to her cheeks with practiced precision. Raising an eyebrow at Erin's request, Jenna couldn't help but wonder if she was losing her mind, entertaining the thought of helping someone she had distanced herself from. Jenna paused her makeup routine, crossed her arms, and met Erin's gaze in the mirror. "Are you suggesting I aid in your escape?" "Yes," Erin replied. She felt desperate. Honey had assured her that staying on the current floor offered some safety, thanks to Boss Scar's protection. However, venturing to the main deck, where the cruise clients resided, seemed perilous; too many individuals there harbored ill intentions towards her, making escape unlikely and survival uncertain. "Tha
Erin was so taken aback that she found herself unable to form a response. "J-Jenna?" she stammered. The woman before her remained stoic. Her demeanor drastically altered after five long years. She moved with unsteady steps, avoiding Erin's gaze. Erin recalled Honey's account of a woman who had been mistreated almost to the point of death by Bald, staying inside a cabin to recuperate. Could that woman possibly be Jenna? Approaching her cousin cautiously, Erin asked, "What happened to you? Why are you here?" She reached out for Jenna's hand, only to have it swiftly withdrawn. "Don't feign concern now!" Jenna retorted sharply. Despite her surprise, Erin's concern for Jenna was genuine; she simply hadn't anticipated this turn of events. Jenna attempted to compose herself, her facade crumbling. "A woman I share a room with mentioned Boss Scar's involvement in your abduction. I need to know if it's true!" "You've seen me. Are you reveling in your revenge?" Erin questioned, grappling