Lenka’s POVLately, I’ve realized that I’ve been paying more attention to Michael than before.That man always seems to be within my line of sight, making me want to look at him even without meaning to. His captivating face, his presence that draws the attention of other women, and the aura he gives off just by sitting there.The usually peaceful and calm atmosphere of the coffee shop feels slightly different with him around. As if my café has somehow become an inseparable part of him.A strange feeling wraps around me.I try to hold myself back, not wanting to show him that I keep watching him—especially when I saw that woman approach him.I also notice that he has been looking at me more often, but I fight the urge to meet his gaze.When the woman finally leaves, he leans back in his chair, looking relaxed. Before I know it, I’m already standing in front of him, staring at him in silence.His eyes widen as he looks at me.I see a glimmer in his gaze as he calls my name.“Lenka?”I h
Lenka's POVI sat across from Michael, still struggling to process his earlier words. I couldn't believe it.I already knew that he never ended up marrying Ava—he had confirmed it himself. But beyond that, I had never sought out any more information about them.Their relationship had never seemed anything but harmonious in my eyes.Well, that woman always exaggerated their affection, flaunting it in a way that only deepened my pain, while he never rejected her advances.Years ago, I had assumed they would end up together and that their two groups would unite. But reality was far different from what I had imagined.Instead, she caused trouble and ran away. She never became the partner Michael had always claimed to want and cherish.What really happened between them?I looked at him, forcing myself to stay composed. "Didn’t you have a good relationship with that woman?"He met my gaze, raising an eyebrow."Did it seem that way? From the very beginning, she was the one who wanted our rel
Lenka’s POV“Won’t you be serving that cake, miss?”I snapped out of my thoughts, blinking and then looking toward Tina, then at my hand holding the tongs.I was supposed to have served the cake to the guest my staff was attending to, but there was no longer a line at the cashier, and he was just staring at me, waiting for me to serve his order.It seemed like I had been standing still, doing nothing, for quite some time.I swallowed, took the cake, arranged it on a plate, and handed it to Tina. “Sorry, I almost forgot about it.”“It’s alright, miss.”She quickly took the cake to a guest, while I stood there in silence.My conversation with the man still lingered in my mind. I felt frustrated, but I also couldn’t fully blame him for taking the opportunity.He was the type of person he was—a mafia boss and businessman who knew exactly what steps to take. I thought that he probably applied the same approach when dealing with me.I wasn’t as skilled as he was, and the only business I had
Lenka's POVIf it weren't for Felix's request, Lenka wouldn't have wanted to fulfill her child's wish. The three of them walking together seemed like a small family.Felix had invited both her and Michael to a festival in the city.He was in between us, holding each of our hands and swinging them joyfully. He was truly happy.I couldn't bring myself to protest again when my child invited that man once more."Mom, Mr. Michael saved us. I want to take him out so he doesn't just stay at the café all the time. So, please don't refuse."From there, my child truly knew how to stun me. Even with an excuse he had used many times, which was true.It was me who couldn't be honest about the real reason behind my resistance when facing Michael.I just stayed silent, not saying much during our journey until we finally arrived. My mind was wandering, and I didn't want to keep looking at that man.Still, it was Michael who broke my thoughts."Would you like some gelato?"I looked at him and then at
Lenka’s POVI walked out of the Ferris wheel and immediately exhaled a long breath.That was the most thrilling experience of my life, which, in reality, was not dangerous, but it made it impossible for me to feel at ease.I tried to act normal, but the fear still wouldn’t go away.In the end, I gave up and continued holding onto Michael, who was accompanying my son to enjoy the Ferris wheel’s atmosphere, while I kept my eyes on the floor.Felix followed me down after I got off, reaching for my still-trembling hand and holding it. His gaze was directed at me, looking curious."Are you scared of the Ferris wheel, Mom? I shouldn't have asked you to ride with me. Your face looks pale."I closed my eyes for a moment before looking back at him and shaking my head. I didn’t want to make my son regret asking me to join him on this ride.A faint smile appeared on my face."I'm fine. It’s just that I didn’t have breakfast this morning."His eyes widened. "Really? But you always tell me not to
Lenka’s POVI remained silent on the way home, still unable to believe that I had spent the entire day playing with Felix and that man.My son had enjoyed it the most, but I had no real complaints—so long as Michael kept his mouth shut and didn’t speak to me.For the most part, he focused on my son, taking him to multiple rides, while I spent most of my time waiting in one spot. I used exhaustion as an excuse, not wanting to cause any trouble while Felix was having fun.He was the one who drove us home.I wanted to refuse, but my son was too exhausted to wait for a ride, and I didn’t have enough money to book a taxi.Within minutes, we arrived in front of our house.Felix immediately stepped out after politely thanking him, and Michael accepted it well—but he didn’t extend the same courtesy to me."Wait."I was just about to step out, without a word, when he stopped me. I glanced at his hand, making him quickly withdraw it before turning his gaze toward me.He raised an eyebrow. "Aren
Lenka’s POVI was playing with Felix in the room.Several books were stacked up—some we had already finished reading together, while others remained untouched. Scattered around were toy cars and a chessboard we had played with earlier.My son’s face grew gloomier by the minute.It seemed like he couldn’t hold back any longer and finally decided to speak his mind. His gaze no longer sparkled with excitement as it usually did.“Mom, why have we been staying at home all the time lately? I’m so bored. I want to go outside.”I looked at him with a small smile, knowing this moment would come sooner or later.No matter how much I tried to keep him occupied, there was only so much patience a child could have when it came to playing indoors. He needed space, an open area—not just the confines of our home.Gently stroking his head, I tried to soothe him. “Mom just wants to rest for a while. And the weather outside isn’t good, so it wouldn’t be a good idea to spend time outdoors, Felix.”My son
Chapter 1Lenka“Why are you crying? You’re incapable of saying anything from that mouth of yours?” He said as he looked at me coldly.Michael and I had been married for two years, but he had always been a nightmare to me with his attitude. The love I used to feel that made me live in heaven slowly disappeared after my vows with this man.Now, he was acting as usual. As I tried to figure out what my husband was really thinking.“How pitiful, Lenka.” Michael grabbed my chin, rough and painful.Another pain made me sob. The sting of his cold, piercing demeanor, he never cares about that.“Speak!”Another wave made me unable to breathe correctly, but I wasn’t a puppet he could always control. Tears continued to flow and made my eyes red.I forced myself to reply to the words of this dangerous man, Michael Vonhof, the leader of the Dragontooth mafia. When I first met him, he was sweet and gentle. He only asked if he was an ordinary, responsible worker. This was the opposite of
Lenka’s POVI was playing with Felix in the room.Several books were stacked up—some we had already finished reading together, while others remained untouched. Scattered around were toy cars and a chessboard we had played with earlier.My son’s face grew gloomier by the minute.It seemed like he couldn’t hold back any longer and finally decided to speak his mind. His gaze no longer sparkled with excitement as it usually did.“Mom, why have we been staying at home all the time lately? I’m so bored. I want to go outside.”I looked at him with a small smile, knowing this moment would come sooner or later.No matter how much I tried to keep him occupied, there was only so much patience a child could have when it came to playing indoors. He needed space, an open area—not just the confines of our home.Gently stroking his head, I tried to soothe him. “Mom just wants to rest for a while. And the weather outside isn’t good, so it wouldn’t be a good idea to spend time outdoors, Felix.”My son
Lenka’s POVI remained silent on the way home, still unable to believe that I had spent the entire day playing with Felix and that man.My son had enjoyed it the most, but I had no real complaints—so long as Michael kept his mouth shut and didn’t speak to me.For the most part, he focused on my son, taking him to multiple rides, while I spent most of my time waiting in one spot. I used exhaustion as an excuse, not wanting to cause any trouble while Felix was having fun.He was the one who drove us home.I wanted to refuse, but my son was too exhausted to wait for a ride, and I didn’t have enough money to book a taxi.Within minutes, we arrived in front of our house.Felix immediately stepped out after politely thanking him, and Michael accepted it well—but he didn’t extend the same courtesy to me."Wait."I was just about to step out, without a word, when he stopped me. I glanced at his hand, making him quickly withdraw it before turning his gaze toward me.He raised an eyebrow. "Aren
Lenka’s POVI walked out of the Ferris wheel and immediately exhaled a long breath.That was the most thrilling experience of my life, which, in reality, was not dangerous, but it made it impossible for me to feel at ease.I tried to act normal, but the fear still wouldn’t go away.In the end, I gave up and continued holding onto Michael, who was accompanying my son to enjoy the Ferris wheel’s atmosphere, while I kept my eyes on the floor.Felix followed me down after I got off, reaching for my still-trembling hand and holding it. His gaze was directed at me, looking curious."Are you scared of the Ferris wheel, Mom? I shouldn't have asked you to ride with me. Your face looks pale."I closed my eyes for a moment before looking back at him and shaking my head. I didn’t want to make my son regret asking me to join him on this ride.A faint smile appeared on my face."I'm fine. It’s just that I didn’t have breakfast this morning."His eyes widened. "Really? But you always tell me not to
Lenka's POVIf it weren't for Felix's request, Lenka wouldn't have wanted to fulfill her child's wish. The three of them walking together seemed like a small family.Felix had invited both her and Michael to a festival in the city.He was in between us, holding each of our hands and swinging them joyfully. He was truly happy.I couldn't bring myself to protest again when my child invited that man once more."Mom, Mr. Michael saved us. I want to take him out so he doesn't just stay at the café all the time. So, please don't refuse."From there, my child truly knew how to stun me. Even with an excuse he had used many times, which was true.It was me who couldn't be honest about the real reason behind my resistance when facing Michael.I just stayed silent, not saying much during our journey until we finally arrived. My mind was wandering, and I didn't want to keep looking at that man.Still, it was Michael who broke my thoughts."Would you like some gelato?"I looked at him and then at
Lenka’s POV“Won’t you be serving that cake, miss?”I snapped out of my thoughts, blinking and then looking toward Tina, then at my hand holding the tongs.I was supposed to have served the cake to the guest my staff was attending to, but there was no longer a line at the cashier, and he was just staring at me, waiting for me to serve his order.It seemed like I had been standing still, doing nothing, for quite some time.I swallowed, took the cake, arranged it on a plate, and handed it to Tina. “Sorry, I almost forgot about it.”“It’s alright, miss.”She quickly took the cake to a guest, while I stood there in silence.My conversation with the man still lingered in my mind. I felt frustrated, but I also couldn’t fully blame him for taking the opportunity.He was the type of person he was—a mafia boss and businessman who knew exactly what steps to take. I thought that he probably applied the same approach when dealing with me.I wasn’t as skilled as he was, and the only business I had
Lenka's POVI sat across from Michael, still struggling to process his earlier words. I couldn't believe it.I already knew that he never ended up marrying Ava—he had confirmed it himself. But beyond that, I had never sought out any more information about them.Their relationship had never seemed anything but harmonious in my eyes.Well, that woman always exaggerated their affection, flaunting it in a way that only deepened my pain, while he never rejected her advances.Years ago, I had assumed they would end up together and that their two groups would unite. But reality was far different from what I had imagined.Instead, she caused trouble and ran away. She never became the partner Michael had always claimed to want and cherish.What really happened between them?I looked at him, forcing myself to stay composed. "Didn’t you have a good relationship with that woman?"He met my gaze, raising an eyebrow."Did it seem that way? From the very beginning, she was the one who wanted our rel
Lenka’s POVLately, I’ve realized that I’ve been paying more attention to Michael than before.That man always seems to be within my line of sight, making me want to look at him even without meaning to. His captivating face, his presence that draws the attention of other women, and the aura he gives off just by sitting there.The usually peaceful and calm atmosphere of the coffee shop feels slightly different with him around. As if my café has somehow become an inseparable part of him.A strange feeling wraps around me.I try to hold myself back, not wanting to show him that I keep watching him—especially when I saw that woman approach him.I also notice that he has been looking at me more often, but I fight the urge to meet his gaze.When the woman finally leaves, he leans back in his chair, looking relaxed. Before I know it, I’m already standing in front of him, staring at him in silence.His eyes widen as he looks at me.I see a glimmer in his gaze as he calls my name.“Lenka?”I h
Michael's POVI was already seated in my usual spot—at Lenka’s coffee shop, with a cup of coffee and a croissant.Nothing was too different, except for a certain feeling that made this visit feel more special than the previous days.After my conversation with that woman, it felt like we had reached an unspoken agreement, as if our hearts had aligned. I truly believed this was the beginning of something good.No arguments. No misunderstandings like before.Maybe we weren’t completely close yet, but I could sense that she was starting to open up to me.She no longer looked at me with cold or sharp eyes. Instead, she was calmer, able to have a conversation with me like any ordinary person would.We weren’t a couple—not yet—but for me, this was already more than enough.I took a sip of my coffee, savoring its distinctive aroma and the bittersweet taste that lingered on my tongue.The croissant smelled even more fragrant, even though it was no longer warm. It was the perfect companion to a
MichaelMy eyes widened, and my mouth felt frozen. I couldn’t say anything after hearing her words.Lenka watched me in silence. Then, as if deciding something, she turned to leave when she saw me standing there speechless.I immediately reached out and grabbed her hand, stopping her."Wait. What… what did you just say to me, Lenka?"She frowned and pulled her hand away—easily, because I let her. But she didn’t refuse to answer.She let out a deep breath."I said thank you. For helping me. Not just once, but twice now—you saved me and Felix when we needed it."She looked tense, but I could tell her words were genuine.After how she had treated me whenever we met at her coffee shop recently, after our last conversation… this was the first time she had been this kind to me.No anger. No sharp remarks. Just a simple statement. But it meant everything to me.I pressed my lips together, shaking my head as I looked at her."You don’t have to thank me. I’ve made too many mistakes when it com