My eyes woke up with a face that was both happy and embarrassed. This was all because Thane and I were still on the same bed, not wearing a single thread. There was only a blanket temporarily covering our bodies.I glimpsed Thane's face, still deep in sleep. He looked so charming and handsome despite not wearing his suit.Not wanting to get lost in my thoughts about last night's activities, I decided to get out of bed and walk towards the bathroom. Just as my feet stepped on the floor, my bottom felt painful. I grimaced and bit my lip to endure the pain."Akh, shit! Why is it only hurting now?" thought I, who was now trying to walk towards the bathroom even though I was a little limping.Upon entering the bathroom, I started preparing soap and some aroma therapy mixtures for the bath. Yes, I wanted to spend my bath time soaking. I mixed everything in the bathtub and stirred it a little so the foam would come out.After that, I got into the bathtub and soaked my whole body. Slowly, I r
[Thane's POV]I wasn't that interested in auctions, but this time was different. Two days ago, someone told me there would be an auction for a woman. I heard that she was the collateral currently in Brams' hands. If I would typically send my assistant to be there, this time I went myself.There was a feeling that I would find someone to be my mate, either from the guests present or perhaps the rumored woman. At the very least, I should be around her, smell her scent, and use my instincts like a hunter.I am now preparing to head to the auction venue. I had prepared myself, so I wouldn't make a mistake when looking for that woman. I'm not one to let my chosen woman go to someone else."Sir, the car is ready," said my assistant, who opened the car door for me.I was on my way to pick up that woman. The woman who would become my mate, and I would mark her so that no one could touch her but me.As my car entered the basement area, I told my assistant to ensure the information she had gott
[Thane's POV]I was always so busy with work that I couldn't stay by Elinor's side. I wanted her to want me immediately, but it wasn't easy. Every day, another job comes along when the other is done.Not once did they allow me to relax. Especially those groups that don't know themselves, they always show up and leave at will. Even going problems for me to solve.Before exiting the penthouse, I saw Elinor sitting in the living room relaxing. I saw her reading a magazine with a snack on the table. I guess the maid had treated Elinor well. I couldn't greet her because the problem was waiting for me to solve.I walked away, perhaps Elinor didn't notice. But I was always watching what Elinor did and felt. I'd go crazy if she didn't surrender to me soon.Just as I was about to get into the car, one of my confidants came and bowed briefly beside me. He was Darius, a man with a firm jaw, blue eyes, and jet-black hair. Darius always provided important information when he came, like today. I wa
[Thane's POV]I didn't like having my hands dirty just because of a little intruder. I gave them to Darius for his punishment."You can do as you please. I hope they're cut according to the number of those who will enjoy them," I said as I stood behind the bars again.Without closing my eyes, I watched Darius and my men in action. It was fun to witness the punishment firsthand. I could enjoy the screams of those who got slashed."Argh! No! Stop!" shouted one of those who still had life in them as a part of his body began to separate.The scent of fresh blood that pooled behind the iron wafted out, piercing the nose with every gasp. I hadn't smelled this scent in a long time. It was so pleasant this time when two people were willing to give up their lives for me.Darius was done with his work. I saw that his clothes and some parts of his body were stained with blood."Sir, the job is done." Darius never disappointed me with his results."Clean your body, then come back to see me." I sa
[Thane's POV]I seem to look very cruel tonight. I could see that she was frightened by my whispered voice. Yes, I whispered threats so she would not respond to the men praising her. I couldn't resist the urge to touch her. I was afraid of breaking the promise I had made to her. I'd seen her so sad a few times, but I couldn't be friendly and made Elinor feel worse. However, until now she hadn't wanted me.I cursed my stiff demeanor. I don't know how to be excellent in front of someone I like?"So, who is this beautiful woman beside you, Thane?" This question aroused my emotions, especially when I knew who was saying it."She's my lover, Elinor," I replied firmly. My piercing gaze did not waver from his mischievous eyes that continued to stare at Elinor.I'd let my guard down too much, I shouldn't have brought Elinor out to be seen by the many ignorant eyes in this room. Moreover, those who greeted us were my enemies. My emotions were boiling, like I was on a stove ready to explode. "
[Thane's POV]After solving a problem, I returned to the penthouse with a wound on my hand. I never thought that Elinor would care about me. All this time, I thought she hated me for being so hard on her. Hearing what Elinor said made my heart melt. "I don't hate you, Sir. Truly, there is no hatred, as you say." That was the sentence she said.I paused, whether my current smile was visible to her or not. I gazed at her shady-looking face, it made me lulled by her natural beauty.I finally let Elinor treat the wound on my hand. Then, after she finished, a servant came to tell me about Amanda's arrival.Amanda was one of my confidants. I had forgotten about Amanda's existence for a long time. She had power, so she surprised me when she came without giving any news. I said nothing to Elinor and left her alone to meet Amanda."Follow me!" I said to Amanda.She followed me to the room Elinor had never been to. Without thinking about how Elinor would look, I just walked in with Amanda."Si
[Thane's POV]I needed some peace for my tortured mind. I left Elinor in the penthouse alone once again. I suppose there was nothing wrong in my actions for her. However, for some reason, she seemed so tormented by the protection I had given her all this time.Right now, I was standing on the rooftop. Around me were several bodyguards guarding me. They are minimizing emergencies in case something attacks us from a distance. They won't care what I do. This was all because of my position as the group leader."Argh!" I shouted as I hit the wall until it cracked.I could see that there were cuts around my fingers. However, I didn't feel any pain at all. This frustration I vented out gave me a bit of peace of mind."Why can't I restrain myself when I see her? The desire to get her is higher than the patience I have. I almost broke my promise several times." My lips continued to speak, though no one answered or cared.My desire to touch Elinor was very high. I wanted to possess her complete
[Thane's POV]I could no longer stop myself from looking at Elinor. Especially since Mia gave me the news that Elinor seemed to really like the cell phone I gave her. I wanted to see her in person. It seems, to make Elinor happy is indeed very easy. It's just that I don't know how, all because I'm not good at being sweet in front of my own woman.I told my driver to take me back to the penthouse immediately. I really can't wait to see how Elinor reacts when we meet. Mia also sends a message about Elinor wanting to contact me. It seems Elinor had just contacted one of her friends, and Mia said Elinor wanted to ask me for permission to go somewhere.Mia didn't elaborate, which made me even more curious. Where did Elinor want to go? All this time, I've never allowed Elinor to leave the penthouse. This time, maybe I'll follow her lead.Arriving at the penthouse, I caught a glimpse of Elinor, who looked shy and a little scared. She probably wanted to tell me right away, but not now. I gues
Elinor wandered around the park, focusing on the few small children playing or playing there. One name she called didn't come up with an answer. A sense of worry began to set in, and Elinor now looked confused about where her son was.Elinor searched anxiously around the park for Theodore. She called his name repeatedly, but there was no answer. The desire to find Theodore made her heart flutter even more. Amongst the low noise of the park bustling with children, it seemed difficult for her to see or hear Theodore.Elinor tried to keep her composure, thinking that perhaps Theodore was busy playing and hadn't noticed her mother's call. However, worry lingered in her mind. She asked some children playing nearby, "Have you seen Theodore? He was playing here earlier."The children shook their heads, and Elinor felt even more worried. She started walking faster, checking every corner of the park to find Theodore, who was either lost or too engrossed in his play to hear his mother's call.R
Elinor lived her days with happiness and impatience. Every month, her belly grew bigger, and Elinor looked forward to the day her child was born. The few months of waiting made Elinor a more maternal figure. How she interacts with the baby in her belly and some other preparations are almost complete."It's just a matter of days, or even hours, before we meet, darling. Your mother can't wait to see your face," Elinor says, speaking to the baby in her belly as she gently strokes it.Elinor lived every day with enthusiasm and love for her unborn child. Her pregnancy was a miraculous moment for her, and she prepared everything with great love.Every night, Thane stayed by Elinor's side with great care. He often gently massages Elinor's belly and talks to the baby inside. The closeness between Thane, Elinor, and the unborn child grew even closer."Truly, I cannot wait to see your little face, my child. You will be the light of our lives," Thane said sincerely.Elinor also actively sought i
The party that had been planned finally began with great fanfare. The party was held in the main house, in the spacious courtyard. Many came from the Royal group. They congratulated Elinor and Thane with gifts.Songs and laughter filled the air as the guests celebrated the happy news. The spacious courtyard was decorated with coloured lights, and tables were laden with delicious dishes to share. Grace looked so excited to see the festivities.Elinor and Thane walked among their guests, accepting congratulations and gifts with genuine smiles. They felt blessed with the support of their friends and family.As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew more intimate. Some guests started dancing in the courtyard's centre, and others gathered around the campfire, telling stories. Thane held up a glass and gave a short speech about their happiness at having a new member in the family."Look, who's going to be a father? Congratulations to you, sir Thane, you're great. You guys are a match m
Elinor is lying down, with Thane and Grace keeping her company. Elinor had mixed feelings as the doctor began to touch her for examination. Everyone there had tense faces as they waited for the mind-numbing results.The doctor examined Elinor carefully, and the atmosphere in the room was tense. Thane and Grace looked at each other, trying to offer support without saying a word. They knew how important this moment was for Elinor.After the examination, the doctor took a breath and calmly said, "Congratulations, you are pregnant. Everything is going well."Elinor looked up at the doctor with teary eyes, and Thane and Grace felt happiness welling up in their hearts. This was the news they had been waiting for, and now their little family would grow.The doctor proceeded to give some guidance and care advice during pregnancy. Elinor, Thane, and Grace listened intently.Thane hugged Elinor and repeatedly planted kisses on her forehead. Grace was so happy that she almost jumped up to hug El
After telling his subordinates to call a doctor, it wasn't long before a man in a white coat arrived and confirmed Grace's condition. She was now lying in the room with a haggard look. However, when the doctor examined her, there was nothing unusual about her body. In fact, there were no signs of a disease that might be lodged in her body.The doctor noted that Grace should be in good physical health. However, he was considering further testing to ascertain if any health issues might not be detected immediately. Thane and Elinor, sitting at the bedside, followed every word spoken by the doctor in the hope of getting some answers as to what was happening to Grace.The doctor left as soon as his job was done. Shortly afterwards, Grace woke up and leaned against the body of the bed. Elinor was grateful that her lover's mother had opened her eyes again. They immediately approached Grace and asked her how she felt and what had happened.Elinor worriedly asked, "Mom, what happened earlier?
a sedan stopped in the basement, the car Thane and Elinor were in. They had arrived at the Penthouse after a long day of work. The two of them immediately went to the main room to meet Grace.When the door opened, they saw Grace sitting in one corner with a beautiful new bag beside her. Grace's face lit up with happiness as she saw Thane and Elinor enter the room."Mommy!" exclaimed Elinor with a bright smile. She ran over to Grace to give her a warm hug.Thane, happy to see Grace, followed her and smiled. "Hi, Mom. How was your day?"Grace smiled at the arrival of the two, feeling so relieved to meet the couple. Originally, they had planned to meet outside, but Grace had returned to the Penthouse first.This made them rush home to make sure she was okay. "Mom, didn't we plan to meet at the café? Why did you go home first?" Asked Thane, who looked worried about his mother's condition."My body suddenly felt uncomfortable. I'm glad to see you guys back early, I just arrived and want to
At this point, Grace headed into town, where Thane and Elinor were. She had just arrived and was picked up by Thane's subordinates. Unfortunately, Thane and Elinor could not do it in person because they were busy with Thane's work.Grace was happy to arrive in the city where Thane and Elinor were, though a little disappointed that they were both busy with work. Nonetheless, she knew that her arrival would give them added encouragement.Thane's subordinates helped Grace with her luggage and escorted her to the place that had been prepared for her. Grace was grateful for their warm welcome even though Thane and Elinor couldn't greet her in person."Give my regards to Thane and Elinor. I will rest for a while in my room. If they have time later, I'd be happy to meet them," Grace told Thane's subordinates.Once in the room, Grace felt exhausted after the long journey. Although she felt exhausted, the curiosity and worry that had haunted her for the past few days had not completely disappe
Grace's footsteps sounded loud. She was running like she was being chased by something. She was breathing heavily, sweat soaking her face and body. In front of her was a huge full moon. Grace continued to run, each step heavy and carried by the persistence to get away from something that seemed threatening. The full moon gave her an inescapable illumination, creating shadows stretching along her path.The roar of breathing and the sound of footsteps echoed around, creating tension in what should have been a quiet night. Grace looked up at the sky and saw a large full moon that casts a bright light, creating strange shadows around her.Relentlessly, she stepped faster, her heart racing. There was no sign of what might be chasing her, but fear continued to haunt her. She tried to remember which direction to take, seeking shelter.While the full moon watched her every step, the darkness of the night held her tight. Suddenly, Grace heard a baby crying and opened her eyes wide.Sweat floo
Thane and Elinor arrived at the Penthouse. They were now making their way to their rooms to rest. Before heading to his cozy place with Elinor, Thane cleaned up first. Meanwhile, Elinor headed to the kitchen to get a drink and some snacks to enjoy in the room. Elinor was sure Thane would not immediately ask her to sleep with her. So, she wanted something to eat while they talked to make the atmosphere more relaxed.Elinor happily grabbed some drinks and light snacks from the kitchen, thinking a relaxed and warm atmosphere could be created as they talked in the room. She selected some fruits and snacks Thane liked and brought his favorite drink.Meanwhile, Thane was in the bathroom, letting the warm running water soothe him after an eventful day. He mused momentarily about the day's events, hoping his decision would bring peace to Elinor and himself.After finishing cleaning up, Thane put on some comfortable nightwear and stepped out of the shower. He saw Elinor already preparing with