ZAYLENAs we pulled up to Liana’s hotel, I felt a knot of regret tightening in my chest. I turned to her, my heart heavy with everything that had happened tonight. “Hey, I am so sorry for ruining our first date,” I said, my voice low and sincere.Liana cupped my cheek gently, her touch soft and reassuring. “It’s alright, I get it. Things like this happen, don't worry. We can always make up for it later,” she replied with a warm smile that eased some of the guilt gnawing at me.I nodded, grateful for her understanding. “Thank you for everything,” I murmured, feeling a rush of affection for this incredible woman.“I’ll get going now. Goodnight,” she said, opening the car door.Before she could step out, I reached for her hand, tugging her closer to me. “By the way, I never got to mention… you look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” I uttered, my eyes locking onto hers, hoping she could see how much I meant it.She laughed softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Glad you finally noticed,” sh
ZAYLENLiana lay on my chest, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on my skin. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the city outside casting gentle shadows across her face. We were both naked, bodies tangled together. A comfortable silence enveloped us after the intensity of our lovemaking.“Hey,” I murmured, breaking the silence. “How long are you planning to stay in this hotel?”She sighed, her breath warm against my chest. “I know, right? I should finally get to searching for an apartment.”I tightened my arm around her, feeling the contentment in the moment. “Let’s do it together. I will help you find a place.”Liana lifted her head to look at me, a small smile playing on her lips. “You should first fix things with Leonel.”I sighed heavily. “I really want to, but he won’t talk to me. Plus, I will have to hunt down his address too. Noelle won’t give it to me.”Liana frowned thoughtfully. “Okay, okay, I will talk to Noelle. I will do my best to get the address out of her.”I
LIANAAs I stood inside my hotel room, I could faintly hear voices in the hallway. Curiosity got the best of me, and I cracked the door open just enough to catch a glimpse of Zaylen and Leonel talking. Their voices were low, but carried a sharp edge that spoke of unresolved pain.“Oh, right. You made it far as an author. I never got to congrat—” Zaylen started, but Leonel cut him off. “Thank you, but I don’t want to talk anymore,” he said curtly before walking away.I watched Zaylen’s shoulders slump, the weight of their strained relationship pressing down on him visibly.My heart ached for him. I knew how much he cared, how much he tried to protect his siblings. Seeing him so hurt and defeated made something inside me twist painfully.I closed the door softly and leaned against it, my mind racing.Zaylen had done so much for me, always putting my happiness and well-being first. I couldn’t stand to see that look of hurt on his face ever again. I had to do something to fix this, to
LIANA“It seems like the rogue is on a spree. We need to put an end to it as soon as possible. The elders are mad as to why we haven't found the killer yet,” Jordan continued, his voice tense.“Okay, I will come to the murder location immediately,” Zaylen responded, his voice steady but I could sense the underlying tension.Once Jordan hung up, I looked at Zaylen, noticing the worry etched on his face. His jaw was clenched, and his knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel.I felt a pang of pity for him, wishing there was something more I could do to ease his burden.“I’ll drop you at the office and leave, okay?” he said, trying to keep his tone casual.“Alright. But are you okay?” I asked softly, my concern evident.“Yeah, of course,” he replied, but I could tell he was hiding his emotions. The strain in his voice and the tightness in his shoulders gave him away.I reached over and squeezed his hand gently, trying to offer some comfort. “Hey,” I said softly, “you don’t ha
LIANAI stood there, stunned by Leonel's admission. "What? You intentionally booked the same hotel as me?"Leonel shook his head quickly, his expression earnest. "No, no, this one is a real coincidence. I meant the restaurant and café.""How did you even find out?" I asked, trying to process his words.He sighed, looking slightly sheepish. "I wanted to meet Zaylen that day at the office, but I couldn't gather the courage. On his way out of the office, I overheard him talking about his plans to someone. He mentioned to someone that he wanted to bring someone named Liana to this restaurant and then to the café."My mind reeled with this new information. "So you actually wanted to meet Zaylen, to begin with?" I asked incredulously, still trying to piece together the implications of his confession.I listened intently as Leonel continued to explain. "Yes, I did want to meet Zaylen. But then he canceled on your plan. After that, I stopped expecting it and was just casually talking to you.
LIANAAs I stood there, enveloped in the warmth of Zaylen's embrace, a whirlwind of emotions churned within me. It wasn't just the sudden realization of Zaylen's difficult past that had driven me here tonight. It was the searing anger I felt towards everyone who had made his life so unbearably tough.I thought about his father, Ryan—the abusive man who had inflicted so much pain and suffering on Zaylen. My fists clenched at the thought, my anger boiling over at the injustice of it all. How could someone be so cruel to their own flesh and blood?And then there was his mother, who died, abandoning him when he needed her the most. My heart ached for the boy Zaylen must have been, left to shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years.The thought of him enduring all that alone, without a mother's love and support, filled me with a sorrow so deep it threatened to overwhelm me.His siblings, too—how could they have taken him for granted? They had relied on his strength, his sacrifice, w
LIANANoelle crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "You and Zaylen? Am I seeing this right? Really?"I nodded, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Yeah, really."She shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "I can't believe I had to see that. When did this happen?"I laughed, feeling a sense of relief at her reaction. "It's a long story. But for now, let's just say it was a long time coming."Noelle rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, you better spill the details. I need to know everything.""Deal," I agreed, linking my arm with hers. "Now, how about we get inside and wait for Zaylen to come back? I can tell you whatever you want to know during this time.""Sounds like a plan," Noelle said, her initial shock giving way to excitement. "But seriously, Liana, you and Zaylen? My brother being romantic? I can't imagine that. This is going to be interesting."I chuckled, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me. "Yeah, it sure is."Once we were in he
ZAYLENI stood with Jordan and Marcel amidst the dense foliage, the air thick with humidity and the scent of earth. The crime scene lay before us, a tapestry of scattered leaves and disturbed ground, marking where the struggle had taken place.Jordan glanced around, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "The way we have been investigating, at this point, I think we deserve detective badges,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.Marcel let out a chuckle, though it held a hint of frustration. "And the way we are failing to find any clue, we deserve failure badges, I would say."Jordan frowned slightly at Marcel's negative comment. He was trying to make the mood better here! "Hey, at least we are trying."“And it's getting us nowhere. Sometimes, I wish one of us worked in the police forces,” Marcel mumbled.“The police are thinking this is the work of a serial killer who scars their victims like an animal,” Jordan said, “They have no idea this is the work of an actual animal.”“That's beca
LIANAThe morning sun poured through the curtains, casting a gentle light across our bedroom. I woke up to the soft, familiar hum of the world outside, the sound of birds chirping in the distance. I turned to see Zaylen sleeping beside me, his face relaxed in peaceful slumber. The sight of him always filled me with a profound sense of contentment and love.I stretched, carefully sliding out of bed to avoid waking him. Today wasn’t just any day—it was a day I had looked forward to for a long time. The house was still, the calm before the storm of our bustling family life. I tiptoed down the hallway, my heart swelling with excitement as I made my way to the nursery.Our twins had brought a new kind of joy into our lives, their arrival a culmination of love and anticipation. The nursery was painted in soft pastel colors, with a cozy crib in the corner and shelves lined with toys and books. The gentle hum of the white noise machine filled the room, blending with the soft sunlight filte
LIANA It was mid-morning, and the office was bustling with the usual activity. The gentle hum of conversation and the clacking of keyboards filled the air, but I could barely focus on anything other than the growing discomfort and irritability that had become a constant companion over the past few weeks. I sat at my desk, my fingers drumming impatiently on the surface. The pile of paperwork before me seemed to mock my inability to concentrate. I sighed heavily, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Zaylen, ever observant, noticed my agitation from his office. He appeared at my desk, a look of concern etched on his face. “Hey, baby. How’s it going?” I glanced up, trying to muster a polite smile. “Just peachy,” I said, though the words were more of a snarl than anything else. “If you consider battling an insurm
LIANA The next few days, I couldn’t shake a strange feeling. I was more tired than usual, and the scent of coffee, which I normally loved, was suddenly making me nauseous. Sara noticed my discomfort. “Liana, are you feeling okay?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “I’m fine, just a bit tired” I replied, trying to brush it off. “Been feeling nauseous and my head is pounding these last few days.” Sara gave me a knowing look. “Maybe you should take a pregnancy test.” I blinked, surprised by her suggestion. “A pregnancy test?” She nodded. “There might be a possibility.” The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. Could it be possible? I decided to take Sara’s advice to heart. During my lunch break, I headed to the pharmacy just a few blocks away. The fluorescent lights and the hum of the store seemed unusually bright as I picked out a pregnancy test kit. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I made my way back to the office, clutchin
LIANAThe past few months had flown by in a blissful haze. Our honeymoon had taken us from the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and finally, to the serene countryside of Tuscany. Each day had been filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But now, it was back to reality—our reality, where Zaylen and I were not only husband and wife but also Alpha and Luna, and for the time being, colleagues.I walked into the office, the familiar scent of coffee and paper filling the air. As I made my way to my desk, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. This was our first day back after the long honeymoon, and though I was eager to dive back into work, I couldn’t ignore the butterflies in my stomach.Zaylen’s office door was slightly ajar, and as I passed by, I saw him sitting behind his desk, engrossed in a document. He looked up, catching my eye, and a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face.“Good morning, my Luna,” he called out, his
LIANAThe following morning, we decided to explore more of the city. After a quick breakfast, we set off to visit the Louvre Museum. As we walked through the grand halls, admiring the masterpieces, Zaylen kept me close, his hand never leaving mine."Look at this one," he said, pointing to a painting. "Doesn't it remind you of one of our dates?"“The one we had just before you proposed to me?” I asked to be sure. As he nodded, I laughed, remembering that endearing evening. "It does. We have come a long way, haven't we?""We have," he agreed, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "And I wouldn't change a thing."We continued our tour, losing ourselves in the beauty of the art and the history that surrounded us. As we exited the museum, we found a street vendor selling crepes. Zaylen insisted on buying one for each of us, and we sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the sweet treat."These are delicious," I said, licking a bit of Nutella from my fingers."Almost as sweet as you," Zaylen tea
LIANAThe Eiffel Tower stood tall and majestic against the twilight sky, its twinkling lights casting a romantic glow over the city of Paris. I marveled at the sight, my heart swelling with awe and excitement. Our long honeymoon had brought us from the tropical paradise of the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and I couldn't have been happier.Zaylen and I strolled hand in hand along the Seine River, the soft murmur of French conversations and the distant sound of street musicians creating a magical atmosphere. He looked dashing in a tailored suit, and I felt like a princess in my flowing dress."Isn't this beautiful?" I sighed, leaning my head on his shoulder."It is," he agreed, pressing a kiss to my temple. "But not as beautiful as you."I blushed, my heart fluttering at his words. "Always the charmer.""For you, always," he replied with a playful wink.As we walked, we passed a quaint café with outdoor seating. Zaylen tugged me toward it. "How about a little dessert?"
LIANAThe soft rustling of palm trees and the rhythmic lapping of waves greeted me as I stepped onto the sunlit balcony. The warm, salty breeze of the Maldives caressed my face, bringing with it a sense of serene contentment I hadn't felt in years. The crystal-clear waters stretched out endlessly, a shimmering expanse of turquoise that promised days of relaxation and intimate moments with Zaylen.I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of paradise envelop me. A gentle smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Zaylen still asleep in our villa, the man who had turned my world upside down in the best way possible."Liana?" Zaylen's voice, husky with sleep, reached me, making my heart flutter.I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his dark hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. He looked so different from the domineering, fierce leader I had first met. Here, he was just Zaylen, my husband, the man I loved with all my heart."Good morning, sle
LIANAToday was the day—the day Zaylen and I would finally stand before our loved ones, pledging our hearts to each other in marriage. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable, mingling with the fragrant scents of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves. Our wedding was set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the venue a picturesque garden that seemed to be alive with joy and celebration.The sun shone brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The ceremony was to be held in a charming outdoor setting, with a floral arch adorned with cascading white roses and delicate greenery. The aisle, lined with white rose petals, led to a beautifully decorated altar where Zaylen and I would exchange our vows.I took a deep breath, feeling the flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach as I prepared to walk down the aisle. Noelle, radiating beauty even with her eight-month baby bump, adjusted her position next to me. She looked stunning in her deep emerald g
LIANAThe morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled light across the campsite. The soft, golden rays glinted off the sparkling surface of the waterfall, creating a mesmerizing display of light and water. The gentle roar of the falls provided a soothing soundtrack as the water cascaded into a clear, shimmering pool below.The campsite, nestled beside this natural wonder, was waking up with the day. The cool, fresh air carried the crisp scent of pine and morning dew. The grass was still damp from the night, and the tents stood slightly crumpled, evidence of a night spent in cozy slumber.Trevor, ever the early riser and mischief-maker, had a gleam in his eye as he set his plan into motion. He crept quietly towards Zaylen, who was enjoying a leisurely breakfast by the fire, unaware of the prank that was about to unfold. Trevor had filled a bucket with water and carefully rigged it to tip over when Zaylen’s chair was moved.I observed from a distance, sipping my