Nica heard the store door open. She took a peek, only to be disappointed when it wasn't Vincent. Ever since he left that day, she hadn't set her eyes on him."He just returned-where could he have gone?" Nica mumbled."He went to meet his old dancing team," Old Evan replied, emerging from the room behind her."Huh? I mean, why?"Vincent's dancing team had disbanded after the last competition, where they hadn't performed well. Besides, they didn't want to be part of a company owned by Vincent's family. Since then, there had been no word from the team."After you left, they called Vincent. One of them found out he was back. He said he'll be there until his family returns."Nica's face fell. Oh, great. She'd have to wait for him again._Klaus woke up from his sleep when he heard the sound of his door creaking open at night. He looked up and saw Morticia."Hey," he greeted in a whisper, rubbing his eyes. He had fallen asleep at his desk while doing research.Morticia stepped closer. "You
The morning came quickly. Ava stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open to meet the empty space beside her."Morty?" she mumbled, getting out of bed. Heading downstairs, she found Katie preparing breakfast. Her expression soured immediately."Good morning, Ava," Katie greeted cheerfully, but Ava only cleared her throat."Is my daughter down yet?" Ava asked curtly.Before Katie could respond, Morticia's voice came from behind."Mom."Ava turned to see Morticia standing beside Klaus. Both were dressed casually and comfortably."I went to call Klaus for breakfast," Morticia quickly explained."Well, I'm not having breakfast here," Klaus stated flatly."You said you would," Morticia shot back."I would, but not a meal made by her," Klaus replied, gesturing toward Katie, who simply smiled despite the tension."Please," Morticia whispered. Reluctantly, Klaus moved to the dining table, ignoring his father's greeting as he sat down.Ava watched the scene unfold, surprised. She needed to clear h
It was evening when Rhea finally finished helping Old Nana on her farm, gathering corn and grains. They chatted and laughed, leaving Valerie wondering if they had known each other long before they met.Her attention lingered on Rhea's smile-the way her dimple appeared whenever she stretched, making her look even more beautiful.By evening, Old Nana promised to make something special for dinner. Rhea offered to help, but the old woman refused.Reluctantly, Rhea gave up and joined Valerie, who was sitting outside staring at the night sky."Hey," Rhea greeted, and Valerie smiled at her."Sorry my Nana has been stressing you," Valerie mumbled."No... it's fun here. She reminds me of my grandmother. She loved taking me to the farm. Doing it with Old Nana feels like a breath of fresh air. With Morty not around, I feel relaxed here," Rhea chuckled."She is kind of extravagant sometimes, though," Valerie mumbled."I'm fine," Rhea assured her.Silence settled between them."So, you... you said
YEARS AGOThe Fire IncidentTrapped in a room engulfed by flames, Mr. Addams and little Morticia were the only ones inside. The fire grew worse with every second that passed.Sirens echoed outside as firefighters desperately tried to extinguish the blaze, but their efforts were futile. Morticia's eyes grew drowsy; it was getting harder to breathe. Still, she tried her best to hold on.Mr. Addams kept trying every possible way to create a path for them to escape. Finally, he succeeded, finding a small opening."Come on!" Mr. Addams pulled Morticia and began leading her out of the fiery trap. But a crack echoed above them. Mr. Addams quickly noticed a massive, cracked beam falling toward them.It was going to crush Morticia.Instinctively, he grabbed her and threw her through the small opening, just as the beam came crashing down on him."No!" Morticia's high-pitched scream pierced the air. Her father gave her one last look before taking his final breath."Dad!" Morticia screamed, tryin
Vincent finally stopped. Klaus spat out blood, sliding to the floor, bleeding all over. His breath was ragged."I'm sorry," he breathed, groaning at the intense pain surging through him.Two or three ribs were probably broken from the brutal hits. Blood trickled down his lips and nose. He was a mess, marred with his own blood and bruises."Get out before I kill you. And stay the fûck away from her," Vincent growled.Sucking in a breath, Klaus forced himself up. Vincent clenched his fists, tears falling from his eyes as his best friend staggered past him.Klaus gripped the table for support, his gaze meeting Morticia's, who was in tears."Klaus," she mouthed, her lips trembling."Don't worry about me," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'll get myself treated and reach out... I promise."Morticia shook her head, tears streaming freely. "You can't just leave like this. You're hurt, Klaus. Let me-""Don't," Klaus cut her off, his voice firm despite his battered state. "I don't want you getting
Jamie stared at the unconscious Klaus with a satisfied grin on his face. Klaus's phone buzzed on the floor, flashing the name Bunnie on the screen.Jamie's smile disappeared as his gaze landed on it."She's calling him," he mumbled, his gaze darkening.Reaching for the hammer in his pocket, he slammed it on Klaus's phone. He did it again and again until it was completely destroyed.Taking a deep breath, his eyes settled on Klaus again. "Fûcking asshole," he chuckled darkly."I would have loved to kill you with my bare hands, but... sigh... that weird guy Simon who released me said I should make it look like an accident," he scoffed. "Let's see how this goes."Simon had chosen Klaus's favorite place-the beach-to stage the "accident." It was supposed to look as though Klaus had drowned himself, ensuring it would take time for anyone to find the body and making it impossible to trace back to them.Groaning, Jamie dropped Klaus onto the sand, gasping for air."This motherfûcker is heavy,"
Klaus woke up late the next day, his eyes fluttering open to a slightly familiar room.Slowly, he sat up, meeting Vincent's blank gaze from the corner of the room. He glanced around but saw no sign of Morticia."She's home with my mother," Vincent clarified, sensing Klaus's confusion. "So Ava won't suspect anything and make Josephine worry.""Oh," Klaus muttered, and a long silence settled between them."How is she?" Klaus finally asked, breaking the stillness.Vincent raised a brow."I know you're mad at me, bruh. I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Klaus said. "I planned to once you got back, and I never meant for you to find out like that."Another heavy pause hung in the air before Vincent spoke. "I'm not sorry for hitting you. But I'm sorry for not being there sooner."Klaus studied his friend. There was still anger in Vincent's eyes, burning fiercely. But beneath the rage was something else-something unfamiliar. It was the first time Klaus couldn't read him."I'm not gonna hurt her,"
"Kill who?" Ava asked again when they all remained silent, staring at her. She stepped further into the room."Are you just going to stand there and say nothing? I just asked you both a question!" she snapped.Klaus made to speak, but Vincent stopped him and began explaining instead. Ava's eyes widened with every word, and she instinctively stepped back in shock."After a year of working for him, he didn't release us. He threatened to go after our family if we didn't continue to work for him," Klaus added.Ava shook her head in disbelief. "Are you both serious right now? What in the hell did this so-called Simon do to drag you both into this? And why didn't you tell me?! What could he have possibly used to threaten you?!""It was because of you!" Vincent snapped at her for the very first time.Klaus gave him a look, silently urging him not to say it.Ava's mouth hung open. "Because of me?""August 19th, last year. What happened that night?" Vincent questioned, and the color drained fr
Cassian’s chest heaved, his face reddened with anger as he glanced at the men who had utterly betrayed him. His voice tinged with anger and deperation. “You fools! You think Klaus will treat you right? Klaus isn’t even a Moore!”“But my husband led the clan in defeating their greatest enemy," Morticia glared sharply, her voice cold. "While you hid and cowered in fear,” Cassian gritted his teeth in anger, but that anger quickly turned to fear the moment the door opened. A lifeless body fell at the threshold making Cassian gulped in fear, and Klaus stepped in, blood staining his face and black suit, making him look like a handsome devil emerging straight from hell.Cassian trembled as Klaus approached with light yet powerful steps, an instinctive fear making him shift back. Sweat pooled his body.Klaus’s strong arm wrapped possessively around Morticia’s waist, while his other hand gripped a gun aimed directly at Cassian’s forehead.“Wait! Wait! Are you really going to kill me? I’m one
Cassian's face quickly twisted from an amused one into a panicked one. “How the hell did he find us?” They must have underestimated Klaus. How did Klaus even know they were after him?Drake’s jaw clenched. “I'll head out to stop him.” He grabbed his gun and stepped out of the room with some men.Cassian, however, swiftly pulled out his gun and pointed it at Morticia’s forehead. He chuckled.“What makes him think I won't kill you before he gets here?” Cassian asked with a smirk. He clicked on his gun, ready to shoot, but Morticia showed no fear; Cassian knew she was only acting tough.“Ending you right here will solve everything and bring everything back together. If you die, Klaus will forget all about you and marry my daughter.”Cassian crooked his neck. “That’s how he is; he doesn't give a fuck about anyone. Even you. You're just a worthless whore he'll soon throw away. So I'll do you the favor by driving this bullet into your forehead.”“Oh, little man. Our bond is way stronger tha
As Rhea told Morticia the whole story about Valerie’s uncle, Morticia felt anger and worry rising in her chest.The urge to find the man named Drake triggered her.“He said that bastard is in town. Definitely has a motive… a dangerous one, I presume,” Rhea sighed. “Val asked me not to tell anyone… but I think you already know the reason why I'm telling you.”Morticia nodded, knowing what Rhea meant. “Sure, that bastard needs to be caught. How dare he return after all he did and still have the guts to appear at Nana's funeral?”“I know, right? I wish I could break both of his legs!” Rhea's jaw clenched, and Morticia gave her an assuring squeeze.“It's okay… we’ll find him.”****“Drake Grayson,” Klaus's jaw clenched. “I know that bastard.”“You do?” Morticia asked, a slight hint of hope lacing her voice. If Klaus knows him, then they can have their revenge for what he did to Valerie.“Yes. And as a matter of fact… he is after me,” Klaus said, his voice devoid of panic. He looked as tho
Rhea didn't realize the tears that slipped down her face, running down her own cheek. Never had she thought Valerie could face such cruelty from her own relative—someone she had once trusted.Why do trusted people seem to hurt her? Even her only sister and her first love did, cheating on her on her birthday.“Oh… Val,” Rhea whispered.“I was nine.” Valerie's jaw was gritted so hard that her teeth sent a signal of aching. “No one seems to believe me since there was no proof to support my claim, and I had spoken up too late,” Valerie whispered, her voice slightly heavy with emotion. “Nana wasn't around. It was just my sister who tried to fight for me.”“She tried to get to the root of the matter, wanting to run a test on me, but… the police never listened…”Rhea’s jaw clenched. “They must be insane. How could they dismiss you like that? How could they turn their backs on a child?” she whispered, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow.Valerie let out a bitter laugh, the sound devoid
Rhea returned home a bit early from work. Setting her coat aside, she stepped further into the room. Her eyes searched for Valerie. Was she not home yet?“Val?” Rhea called out gently, deciding to check their room. Getting there, she hesitated but pushed the thought aside. She opened the door, and there was Valerie, sitting on the bed, her back bent, her face cradled in her palms, and her elbows resting on her knees. She seemed lost in thought, a million miles away.Rhea stepped forward, her steps light and careful. Sadness swept across her features.“Val,” she called lightly, but Valerie remained unmoved, still drowning in her thoughts.Sighing, Rhea stepped closer and touched Valerie's shoulder.Valerie seemed to snap out of her trance, her gaze shooting up to meet Rhea's. “Rhea!”She stood up to face her and took a deep breath, clearing her throat and masking the sadness that Rhea had glimpsed for a fleeting moment.“Hey… uh, you got off work quite early. How are you doing?” Valer
Klaus chuckled, a low sound that felt like music to her ears. He pressed a swift kiss to her cheek.“Go freshen up. Breakfast will be ready soon,” he said, pulling away.Morticia noticed the restraint in his retreat. She would have loved to tease him more, but her body ached, though she tried to deny it.Back in the room, she entered the bathroom, opting for a warm bath since it was quite cold outside. The weather was relaxing, and she could already imagine using the chill as an excuse to have Klaus wrap his strong arms around her and talk for hours.She wished this honeymoon would never end.After her bath, she stared at her reflection. Love marks adorned her delicate skin, reminders of their passion.Geez, Morticia, enough with the thoughts about him.But no, there was no stopping them. Klaus was her husband now. Hers forever. She imagined their future—children, boys or girls, whatever God blessed them with. She pictured herself and Klaus parenting together, telling stories to their
In the cold hall, Drake weaved his way through. His shoulders were squared, his eyes serious, and his expression cold as ice. At the end of the hall stood three guards, securing a room.Drake gave them a nod, and one of the guards knocked on the door, announcing his presence. Upon receiving permission, the guards opened the door, letting Drake step inside.The room was large and imposing, with dark walls. In the middle of the room was a king-sized bed, where a man lay surrounded by three women, their hands and lips shamelessly exploring him.“What is it, Drake?” Cassian Moore raised his gaze to Drake, his calloused hand squeezing the ass of the woman straddling him. “Care to join before discussing whatever it is that’s on your mind?”“It’s about the new Don,” Drake said, his tone cautious. “He just got married.”Cassian’s brow furrowed as he sat up abruptly. “Klaus Barnard got married?” he questioned, disbelief sharpening his voice.“Yes. He tried to keep it a secret. His wife’s name
Work continued as usual, with Morticia's team chatting about how much they would miss this office compared to their own. They spoke about the treats, the atmosphere, and the facilities.But Morticia's fingers kept tapping on her desk, her mind drifting.She sighed. "What the hell is wrong with me? I should be patient, right?"She leaned back in her sleek black chair. "Is he bored of me?""Is something troubling you, Miss Addams?" Lisa asked.Morticia snapped out of her trance. "No, there's nothing wrong.""Don't worry about the project. We did an awesome job," Nolan reassured her.Morticia forced a smile and tried her best to focus on her work.--By evening, Morticia got out of a cab, paid the driver, and shut the door. She checked Klaus's message again and sighed.~Meet me at our spot. 8pm, don't be late~Her gaze shifted to the small beach ahead. "What could he be planning?"As she walked further, her eyes caught sight of a transparent tent. Approaching it, her heart warmed at the
The sun settled on Morticia's face, stirring her awake from sleep.She moaned softly, shifting in the soft bed. Her head bumped into a firm chest, prompting her eyes to flutter open and meet a pair of beautiful metallic eyes."Good morning, love," Klaus greeted in a sweet, deep voice that made her blush and smile."How long have you been staring at me?" she asked, her voice tiny, like a little child.She recalled last night's activities, and heat crept onto her cheeks. She quickly covered her face with the duvet."Shy?" Klaus chuckled, pulling the duvet away, but she covered her face again. "You're damn cute."He tugged the duvet away again, pinning it down this time so she couldn't hide. He leaned down to kiss her.Morticia smiled brightly. "Is this real?" she whispered.Klaus didn't reply. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her again, nibbling her lips gently to let her know it wasn't a dream.He was really here with her. She wasn't the cold, distant woman she had been since his ret