DAMIANMONTGOMERY HOLDINGS — CEO’S OFFICE.Reading the report Vivian brought me, I fell into stunned silence.“Ria’s mom is my mom’s twin sister?”I looked up at her, nearly laughing at the absurdity.“My mom has a twin sister? How come I, her own son, have no idea?”I asked as I threw the report another glance.“Only madam knows the answer to that question. But I’m sure she has her reasons,” Vivian answered respectfully.“Of course I know she has her reasons!” I snapped, agitation rising within me. “But it makes no sense that I never heard even a whisper about it until now. They’re identical twins, for goodness sake!”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts in a mess, “Because she never spoke of her family, I and my siblings naturally assumed she was an orphan. And now, out of nowhere, I find out that not only does she has a twin—my aunt—but also a cousin who looks almost exactly like her and Eve?”I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.“Tell me, Vivian, if we hadn’t f
“Long time no see, dear twin sister.”A woman appeared on the screen.She looked almost identical to my mother, but younger.With a calm, almost amused expression, she adjusted the camera.I glanced at my mother. Her lips trembled, her face ashen as she stared at her twin in horror.I frowned.What the hell had they done to her?My curiosity returned full force, clawing at me. I needed answers.So, I ignored mom's almost desperate pleas for me to stop watching and continued.Then I learned the ugly truth.Charlotte and Catherine Sinclair were twin sisters, born into a family that used their daughters as bargaining chips to secure ties with wealthy and powerful families.But unlike most twins, they weren't close.Charlotte—Ria's mother—was withdrawn and stubborn. On the other hand, Catherine—my mother—was sociable and a sweet talker. Naturally, the parents and relatives favored the latter.While Catherine was pampered and adored, Charlotte was treated as nothing more than a tool—mistr
VALERIAA YEAR LATERI reclined on a lounge chair by the swimming pool, my body and mind completely at ease.I was on vacation with Zane in another country—an escape he had tricked me into.After graduation, I had taken over Treasure Media, and the relentless workload barely left me time to breathe. Yet, as much as I hated to admit it, he had been right. I needed this.Time really flew by.I gazed up at the clear blue sky, the events of last year playing through my mind. My lips curled slightly as I recalled Vanessa’s spectacular downfall.She had gone live, sobbing and claiming I had stolen her music to gain fame. She even accused me of staying mysterious out of fear—fear that she would expose me. And the netizens, ever eager for drama, took her side.After all, between a music major at one of the country’s top conservatories and a business administration major, the former seemed like the more credible artist.So, I let the rumors spread. Let her think she had won. Let the scandal f
VALERIA Pa! The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the living room. My head snapped to the side from the sheer force of it, a burning sting spreading across my cheek. For a moment, my ears rang, drowning out the world. I blinked—a disoriented look flashing in my eyes—before raising a trembling hand to touch my face. She hit me. At this realization, I turned to face my mother, my voice wavering between disbelief and anger. “You hit me?” "Because I helped Nessa escape this damned marriage? A marriage that shouldn't have existed in the first place?" For a split second, I saw something flicker in her eyes—regret? Guilt? But just as quickly, her expression hardened. "You shouldn’t have helped your sister escape!" she snapped. "Do you even realize what you’ve done or consider what happens when that man’s subordinates come looking for her?“ “You’ve put this family in danger, and you have the audacity to ask why I hit you?" "We all could no longer be bothered to care about yo
"Yes! How did I not think of that? !" The woman I called mom was the first to stand up and clapped her hands in excitement. Her eyes that shone brightly as she stared at me only served to make me feel disgusted since they made me feel the same way as a dog would look at a piece of fleshy and delicious bone.The description could be considered very disrespectful, especially when the person in question was my biological mother but that was how I felt.I heard her continue saying, "Nessa and you hapoen to be identical twins and most importantly, when we made the agreement with that man, we never specified which daughter it would be!""Shut up!""Mom!"The moment my mom finished saying the.last sentnce, my dad and Aaron both shouted simultaneously at her and for some reason, their reactions made my heart sink.If I hadn't seen it wrong, they seemed afraid and amxious...But afraid of what?Those two weren't people who would lose their composure normally..Wait!What had her mom just said?
Even if I were to die in his hands someday, at least it was better than staying in this den of snakes and scorpions that I call family.After making a decision in my heart, I calmly wiped away the tears on my face before standing up to face the three of them and then I couldn't help but thinking. How was it that I did not realize how selfish, hypocritical, detestable and mercenary these people I called family were all this while?Let's start with mom. She appeared to love her children very much but in fact she loved the luxurious life that only my dad could offer more. Therefore, she would never allow anyone, not even us, her children to disrupt or hinder it. And as for the man in question, he seemed like a stern and loving father normally but was in fact an hypocritical bastard who wouldn't hesitate to sell his daughter for glory as long as it brought enough benefits.As for Aaron... Like the others, today has made me realize that the brother in my memories who always had a warm and
AaronIt should be said that the issue that was hanging over their heads like a sword had been resolved however I knew that none of us who were still in the living room felt completely relieved about it. Myself in particular had a heavy heart as I gazed in the direction which Valeria had disappeared to with mixed feelings in my heart. Unable to completely understand what was really going on, I turned to my dad to talk to him about it but before that, I noticed my mom's fidgety appearance first. I didn't even have to make use of my brain cells that much to figure out what was on her mind, especially when she seemed not to be able to take her eyes off the direction of the stairs - wasn't she just worried and panicked about Valeria's dismissive attitude towards her? To be honest, sometimes not even me myself could figure out the exact kind of person my mom was even with how smart I consider myself to be. But as far as I had observed, she was a person who seeks only what benefits her an
VALERIAUpstairsInside my bedroom, I was busy stuffing my clothes and other necessities into the suitcase when I heard the door open. I looked over casually and the shadow of my mom's shrinking figure reflected in my eyes and on seeing that it was her, I disinterestedly withdrew my gaze and continued with what I was doing. Only then did I ask in an emotionless voice, "What is it that you want?"Behind me, I didn't see how my mom's face instantly fell after I said that but she probably thought of why she was here in the first place and instantly forgot or rather set aside her dissatisfaction with my attitude."Valeria, I... I had no idea that that was what they were planning from the start If I had known I would have... would have...""You would have what?" I turned around and asked in a tone literally dripping with sarcasm. "You would have risked the anger of the man who held your financial lifeline in his hands and the man who would also have that power in the future and told me
VALERIAA YEAR LATERI reclined on a lounge chair by the swimming pool, my body and mind completely at ease.I was on vacation with Zane in another country—an escape he had tricked me into.After graduation, I had taken over Treasure Media, and the relentless workload barely left me time to breathe. Yet, as much as I hated to admit it, he had been right. I needed this.Time really flew by.I gazed up at the clear blue sky, the events of last year playing through my mind. My lips curled slightly as I recalled Vanessa’s spectacular downfall.She had gone live, sobbing and claiming I had stolen her music to gain fame. She even accused me of staying mysterious out of fear—fear that she would expose me. And the netizens, ever eager for drama, took her side.After all, between a music major at one of the country’s top conservatories and a business administration major, the former seemed like the more credible artist.So, I let the rumors spread. Let her think she had won. Let the scandal f
“Long time no see, dear twin sister.”A woman appeared on the screen.She looked almost identical to my mother, but younger.With a calm, almost amused expression, she adjusted the camera.I glanced at my mother. Her lips trembled, her face ashen as she stared at her twin in horror.I frowned.What the hell had they done to her?My curiosity returned full force, clawing at me. I needed answers.So, I ignored mom's almost desperate pleas for me to stop watching and continued.Then I learned the ugly truth.Charlotte and Catherine Sinclair were twin sisters, born into a family that used their daughters as bargaining chips to secure ties with wealthy and powerful families.But unlike most twins, they weren't close.Charlotte—Ria's mother—was withdrawn and stubborn. On the other hand, Catherine—my mother—was sociable and a sweet talker. Naturally, the parents and relatives favored the latter.While Catherine was pampered and adored, Charlotte was treated as nothing more than a tool—mistr
DAMIANMONTGOMERY HOLDINGS — CEO’S OFFICE.Reading the report Vivian brought me, I fell into stunned silence.“Ria’s mom is my mom’s twin sister?”I looked up at her, nearly laughing at the absurdity.“My mom has a twin sister? How come I, her own son, have no idea?”I asked as I threw the report another glance.“Only madam knows the answer to that question. But I’m sure she has her reasons,” Vivian answered respectfully.“Of course I know she has her reasons!” I snapped, agitation rising within me. “But it makes no sense that I never heard even a whisper about it until now. They’re identical twins, for goodness sake!”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts in a mess, “Because she never spoke of her family, I and my siblings naturally assumed she was an orphan. And now, out of nowhere, I find out that not only does she has a twin—my aunt—but also a cousin who looks almost exactly like her and Eve?”I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.“Tell me, Vivian, if we hadn’t f
CHRIS"No."I refused the moment Val told me about the so-called solution Zane had proposed.We were in my office at Treasure Media, seated across from each other—them on the small sofa, me in an armchairTurning to Zane beside her, I gave him a cold stare. "Have you considered the consequences of going public? You know better than anyone how much it would affect her, don’t you?"I didn’t spell it out, but I knew he understood exactly what I meant.Sure, revealing that he—Zane, the young and powerful CEO of Blaze Corporation—was Val’s husband could work PR wonders.But!That was only if he wasn’t also the leader of AMETHYST, a fearsome force active in the underworld.Exposing Val’s connection to him would only make her a target.“I already told her about it,” Zane said, glancing at Val before looking back at me.I frowned, not understanding what he meant.“Told her about what?”“About AMETHYST.”Shocked, my gaze snapped to Val, seeking confirmation.She nodded slightly, “Yes. He told
VALERIA After our moment in the study, Zane insisted I take a nap, claiming I’d had a rough day and needed to recharge. In return, I made him lie down with me. The dark circles under his eyes hadn't escaped my notice—he looked utterly exhausted. Clearly, he had been so busy that he'd forgotten to rest. That would explain why he hadn't made it home yesterday. .... By the time I woke up, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, filling the room with a warm glow. As my eyes fluttered open, Zane’s face was the first thing I saw, just inches away from mine—his sharp features were peaceful and his breathing steady as he slept. For a moment, I just stared. Then, it all came rushing back. He had confessed to me. He said he loved me. A sweet smile crept onto my lips as I propped myself up on one arm, gazing down at him. Without thinking, my fingers reached out, tracing his features—the curve of his brow, the straight slope of his nose, his thin lips. I had just barely brushed his lips
ZANEWhen I closed my first deal.When I put a bullet into someone’s heart for the first time.I hadn’t felt nervous. But as I squatted in front of Valeria, about to say the words I’d held back for so long, my voice trembled with nerves.I could only hope that she didn't notice.Looking up at her, I took a deep, steadying breath and said solemnly, “I love you.”Not like—love.Because ‘like’ felt like a weak, flimsy word compared to what I felt for her.My vision blurred slightly as my thoughts driftedActually, even I pinpoint when it started, but somewhere along the way, she had become irreplaceable. Maybe it was at Atlas Resort.Maybe it was in the Hale’s living room.Or maybe it started with a glance, a touch, or that kiss we shared.It didn’t matter anymore. All I knew was that I wanted her by my side—forever.I refocused, anticipation bubbling in my heart as I studied her expression.How would she answer? I wondered, only for my heart to plummet in the next moment.She looked…
VALERIAThe drive back to Harrison's mansion was silent. Upon arriving, I headed straight for the study, with Zane following close behind.Once seated, I wasted no time. “Is what you said true? About Chris’…”I swallowed hard, suppressing the nausea threatening to rise. I didn’t finish my sentence—I couldn’t—but I knew he would understand what I meant.Zane’s gaze remained steady. “I said it back there, Valeria, and I’ll say it again—I never lie.”I wasn’t doubting him. In fact, I believed him, if not I wouldn't have reacted that way. But I still felt the need to hear it again.Now that I had, there was nothing left but a deep, visceral revulsion toward that family. As a matter of fact, I wanted nothing more to do with them.Before, even after demanding the severance letter, I still held onto some attachment. After all, they were my direct blood relatives—people I had spent most of my life with. Cutting them off completely wasn’t easy as it sounded. But now? Just the thought that th
ANDYToday was truly an ‘exciting’ day. So exciting that I never want to experience it again.First, I was caught in a real-life car chase. Then, I witnessed the live-action version of a shura field, something my Japanese PUBG friends often mentioned in our chats.And now...As if that wasn’t enough, Valeria’s contract husband had just dropped a revelation that sounded nothing short of a bombshell.What?The Hales' first-choice marriage candidate for Val was James Leone? Chris’ father?They had planned to make the son’s best friend his stepmother?It was so ridiculous that my first instinct was to deny it outright.I glanced at Val, whose face was frozen in disbelief, then at Chris, who had lunged forward, grabbing Zane by the collar. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought this was insane.“To absolve yourself, you would even lie about something like this? Have you no shame?” Chris gritted out, fury burning in his eyes.My gaze shifted to Zane's face. His expression remained unre
VALERIAWhy is Zane here?I wondered, feeling as though I were sitting on pins and needles between him and Chris on the sofa.Thinking back to a few minutes earlier—when he pulled me toward him and asked if I was okay in that unbearably soft, affectionate voice—my heart started racing all over again.It had taken considerable willpower to pull away from him in that moment. If I had stayed even a second longer, I was afraid I might have melted into his embrace.Clearly, I was still not immune to his voice.Arriving at this conclusion, my heart twisted in a mix of bitterness and frustration.I had warned myself not to have any illusions and to stick to being his contracted wife. But who knew that all it would take was one smile from him for my defenses to nearly crumble?I am truly hopeless.Lowering my gaze in self-disappointment, I failed to notice the pleading look Andy sent my way.It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that I finally looked up.The atmosphere is freezing. Do somethi