Aiden stormed into Ryan’s hospital room, the door crashing against the wall as it flew open. The sudden intrusion startled the group of friends gathered around Ryan’s bed. Daniel, Eva, and Mia turned in unison, their eyes widening in shock and fear.Ryan lay on the bed, his face pale and drawn, his breathing shallow. The morphine had finally eased his pain, leaving him in a deep, drugged sleep. But Aiden’s rage flared at the sight of him resting peacefully, as if he had a right to be there, as if he had a right to Amira.Without hesitation, Aiden drew his gun, his movements precise and deadly calm. He pointed the barrel directly at Daniel, who was closest to the bed, his expression unreadable, but his eyes burning with anger. “Where is she?” Aiden demanded, his voice a dangerous growl that sent a shiver down Daniel’s spine.Daniel squared his shoulders, refusing to show fear. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Aiden,” he replied evenly, though his heart pounded in his chest.Aid
Aiden stood in the hospital room, his frustration boiling over as he pointed his gun at Ryan’s head. Daniel, Eva, and Mia were pleading with him, their voices desperate, but he wasn’t listening. All he could think about was Amira—how she had defied him, how she had run, and now how she had dared to hide behind these pathetic attempts to shield herself from him.But then, in the middle of their frantic arguments, something caught his attention. Ryan, the pathetic excuse for a man who had tried to take Amira from him, stirred. His eyes slowly fluttered open, and Aiden felt a surge of satisfaction—he would make Ryan watch as he claimed what was rightfully his. He would make him see that Amira would never belong to anyone else.But then Ryan spoke, his voice weak yet clear as he said the one name that had driven Aiden to the brink of madness: "Amira."Aiden's heart skipped a beat, a sense of something shifting in the air. He turned sharply, his eyes following Ryan’s gaze—and there she was
When Aiden grabbed my wrist and tried to take me with him, something in me snapped. I wasn’t the same woman I was moments ago, filled with fear and uncertainty. No, I was done being the victim of his twisted games, done letting him control me. I planted my feet firmly on the ground and resisted his pull, forcing him to stop and turn around. His eyes, dark and full of that familiar, dangerous intensity, bore into mine, silently questioning why I wasn’t complying.I stared back at him, my gaze unwavering, bold, and daring. Aiden was used to women falling at his feet, cowering before his power, but I wasn’t going to be one of them anymore. Not now. Not ever.“I’ll come,” I said, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling around us.Aiden’s eyes narrowed slightly, amusement flickering across his face. He wasn’t expecting that. “Still 30 minutes are left,” I added, my words laced with a subtle reminder.He paused, staring at me as if trying to decipher the meaning behind my words. Then, as
The room was thick with tension, every second ticking by like a countdown to an explosion. I could feel the weight of the gun at my side, a cold, unforgiving reminder of the power I held. My every muscle was coiled, ready to spring, my jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. The words she had just uttered, those damned words, echoed in my mind, bouncing off the walls of my skull like bullets ricocheting in a steel cage.“I love you ,Ryan.”My hand tightened around the grip of the gun, knuckles white as the fury built up inside me. I fought to keep my face impassive, but the rage was a beast clawing at the edges of my control, desperate to be unleashed. She had said it like it was nothing, like it didn’t matter that those words tore through me, unraveling the last thread of restraint I had left.But then…then they kissed.It was as if the world had slowed down to a crawl, every agonizing detail magnified. Her lips met his in a kiss that was anything but hesitant. There was no awkward fumbling
Aiden’s grip on my wrist was suffocating, his rage pulsating through his fingers as he dragged me along. I could feel the raw anger simmering just beneath his skin, ready to erupt at any moment. My wrist throbbed under his tight hold, and I knew that if he pressed any harder, he could break it. But I didn’t resist. There was no point in fighting him, not now.As we left the room, I glanced back over my shoulder, my heart aching at the sight of Ryan and my friends. Ryan’s face was a mess of blood and bruises, and the guilt weighed heavy on my chest. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. My friends stood there, stunned, helpless, unable to do anything but watch as Aiden dragged me away. Their eyes pleaded with me to fight, to do something, but I couldn’t. I was too broken, too defeated.When we exited the hospital, I was met with a sight that only added to my confusion and fear. Men in suits stood like statues around the entrance, their eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, their po
Aiden povWhen I received the message from my parents, I was in Italy, deep in the heart of my company. The world of mechanics and gadgets had always fascinated me—the cold precision of gears, the mathematical elegance of circuits, the way technology could be manipulated and bent to my will. Everything made sense in that world; everything was controllable, predictable, unlike the mess of emotions and human interactions. The company had grown quickly, thanks to my intellect and ruthless business acumen, but I never bothered with the accolades or the people that came with success. They meant nothing to me.Women, in particular, were a distraction I could never abide. Their incessant neediness, the way they clung and fawned, it all made me sick. At university, while other guys were busy chasing skirts, I kept to myself, focused on my studies. The only person I bothered to talk to was Michael, a quiet, unassuming guy who understood my disdain for the superficial. He respected my space, an
Aiden povAmira walked into the room with a quiet confidence that immediately drew my attention. Her posture was upright, her steps deliberate, and when our eyes met, she didn’t look away like most women did. Instead, she held my gaze with an intensity that intrigued me.I studied her as she approached, noting the way her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes sharp and intelligent. She was beautiful, but it was more than that. There was a strength in her, a fire that flickered just beneath the surface. I could sense it, and for the first time, I felt a twinge of curiosity, a desire to understand what drove this woman who seemed so different from the rest.**Amira:** (glancing at her watch as she arrives) "I don’t usually do this kind of thing. But my father insisted, so here I am."**Aiden:** (leaning back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips) "And here I thought I was the one being forced into this. Seems we’re both prisoners of parental expectations."**Amira:** (rais
Amira’s povThe day had been long and exhausting, as it always was in the pediatric ward. The endless cycle of treating small bodies, hearing their cries, and offering comfort to worried parents had taken its toll on me. Yet, there was something grounding about my work—something that made me feel like I was doing exactly what I was meant to do.After hours of consultations, check-ups, and delicate procedures, I finally left the hospital, my body aching for rest. I arrived home, the familiar warmth of my space wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The sun had just set, casting a soft, golden glow through the windows as I kicked off my shoes and made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water. I leaned against the counter, taking a moment to let the silence settle over me.My phone buzzed on the table, interrupting the rare moment of tranquility. I grabbed it, smiling as I saw the familiar names of my friends lighting up the screen.“Hey, Ryan,” I answered, a small smile on my l
Author pov,At Mia’s Hospital in the US, the air was heavy with a mix of tension and concern. Ryan was lying on a hospital bed, bandages wrapped around his wrists from multiple self-inflicted cuts. His face was pale, but his eyes held a stubborn defiance .In the corridor just outside his room, Mia, Eva, and Daniel stood huddled together, their expressions a blend of anger and worry. Mia had been harsh with Amira recently, and though her anger towards Ryan had initially fueled her outburst, she now realized that Amira was bearing the brunt of everyone’s frustration.“I can’t believe Ryan could be so reckless,” Eva whispered, glancing towards Ryan’s room. “I tried talking some sense into him, but he just kept going on about how much he loves Amira. It’s like he’s lost all sense of reality.”Mia crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. “I know he’s been struggling, but to put Amira through this… It’s not fair. I shouldn’t have taken our frustration out on her.”Daniel rubbed the back of his
The next day, I was at the hospital, busy with my rounds when my phone buzzed. It was Mia, calling me in a tone that dripped with anger.“Amira, what the hell did you do?” she snapped before I could even say hello. Her voice was filled with accusation, and I could almost feel the heat of her frustration through the phone.“What are you talking about, Mia?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “What did I do?”“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Ryan is devastated, Amira. You’ve really hurt him this time,” she said, her words like sharp daggers. “By the way, congratulations on all the likes your post is getting. You and Aiden look so cozy, practically made for each other.”The line went dead before I could say another word. I stood there, frozen for a moment, confusion and panic washing over me. What post? What was Mia talking about? My pulse quickened as I pulled out my phone and opened Instagram.There it was—a post of me and Aiden, arms wrapped tightly around each other, o
The air between us was thick with tension as Aiden closed the door behind him. His eyes burned with a possessive intensity, and before I could even register what was happening, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me against him, his grip firm and unyielding. His mouth crashed down onto mine, urgent and demanding, and my immediate instinct was to push him away. I pressed my hands against his chest, clamping my mouth shut, but it only seemed to fuel him more.“Stop it, Aiden,” I managed to say, turning my head to the side to escape his lips. But he was relentless. His hand snaked up to my neck, and he gripped a fistful of my hair, yanking it just enough to bring my face back to him, forcing me to look into his darkened gaze. His voice was low and dangerously soft as he murmured, “I’m showing you that I own you, Amira.”I clenched my lips together, determined not to give him the satisfaction of my compliance. He kissed me again, harder this time, his mouth moving against mine with a hu
As I sat at the dining table, I couldn’t help but notice the tension thickening in the air. Aiden stormed into the mansion wearing his perfectly tailored suit, but his face carried a look of cold fury. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes burned with an unspoken anger. He glanced at me with a scowl before heading upstairs without a word. I watched him disappear down the hall, utterly confused about what had triggered his sudden temper.I turned back to my dinner, but the curiosity gnawed at me. What could have possibly happened to make him so furious? Aiden returned after a few minutes, freshly showered, and looking more composed. He strode down the stairs, his steps purposeful, his hair slightly damp, and his white shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing a hint of his toned chest. His mother, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, instructed the servants to serve him dinner.As he settled at the table across from me, the tension was palpable. He began eating in a calm, almost too measured
L following day at the hospital, I was already feeling the strain of having my personal bodyguard shadowing me everywhere. Every step I took, there he was, a few paces behind, his stern gaze making my every move feel scrutinized. It was as if Aiden’s reach extended beyond the confines of our home, clutching me tightly even here. I desperately needed some space, and my irritation was starting to show.As I was tending to one of the pediatric patients, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was Eva. I quickly excused myself and stepped out into the hallway, pressing the phone to my ear. “Eva? Is everything okay?”“Amira, I just wanted to check on you. How are you doing?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “You’re really working in that hospital in Italy now?”“Yes,” I replied, glancing back at the bodyguard who stood near the corner, pretending not to eavesdrop but clearly listening. “I’m fine, just adjusting to everything here.”“Adjusting?” Eva’s tone became more skeptical.
At dinner, the atmosphere was a blend of tension and a strange sense of belonging I hadn’t quite felt in a while. Aiden’s mother, a warm and elegant woman with a gentle demeanor, was seated across from me. She looked at me with an encouraging smile as she asked, “How was your first day, dear? You must have had quite the challenge working in a new country.”I took a deep breath, setting my fork down. “It was… different,” I admitted, a small smile creeping onto my lips. “But I managed. The language barrier was difficult, but I’m learning.”She nodded, clearly pleased. “I’m proud of you,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “It takes courage to adapt so quickly.”A rush of pride filled my chest, and I couldn’t help but cast a quick glance at Aiden, who sat at the head of the table, casually eating as if the whole conversation was of little interest to him. He didn’t look up, his focus solely on his meal, and it only made my resolve harden. At least his mother was proud of me, and that
The morning of my first day working at the hospital in Italy, I woke up with a strange mix of eagerness and anxiety. The air in the mansion felt heavy, almost suffocating, as if reminding me that I wasn’t here by choice. I sat at the edge of the bed, pulling on my slippers with a sense of determination. Working at the hospital was my one opportunity to feel some sense of normalcy, even if it came with strings attached.I headed downstairs holding Leo in my hand and handed over to his mom to take care of him. where Aiden was casually seated at the dining table, sipping his coffee as though he didn’t have a care in the world. His presence filled the room in a way that made me feel small and insignificant, even though I wasn’t about to let him see that. Marco, my assigned bodyguard, was already waiting by the door, dressed in a black tuxedo that seemed completely out of place for a hospital.As I picked up my bag, Aiden glanced up at me with that familiar controlling look in his eyes. “Y
I sat on the couch with Leo nestled in my lap, his small body curled up as I ran my fingers through his soft fur. The house felt unusually quiet, save for the occasional ticking of the wall clock. Aiden had just finished getting ready to leave for the hospital, his keys jingling in his hand as he strode toward the door. There was a finality in his movements, like he was already in his own world, where I didn’t matter. And for some reason, that bothered me.I glanced at the clock again and then at Leo, who seemed perfectly content to lie there and bask in the moment. Something inside me stirred—a resolve I wasn’t sure I had before. I couldn’t just sit here every day while my career and life slipped away. I needed to do something, to reclaim a sense of normalcy, of independence.Before I could overthink it, I called out to Aiden, my voice breaking the stillness of the room. “Aiden.”He stopped, halfway out the door, and turned back with a look of mild surprise. I almost never called him
The next morning, I woke to the soft tickle of a small, warm tongue licking my cheek. I opened my eyes to see Leo’s tiny face staring at me, his big brown eyes full of curiosity and affection. He let out a little whine and limped slightly as he moved closer, nudging my hand with his nose. It was as if he was trying to wake me up properly, to start the day together. I reached out and stroked his fur gently, feeling a pang of worry as I noticed the slight limp from the previous day’s accident.“Good morning, little one,” I whispered, lifting him up and kissing the top of his head. His tail wagged weakly, but there was a spark of life in his eyes that made me smile.As I got up, I noticed Aiden stirring on the couch. He sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his neck and wincing in pain. Sleeping on that couch hadn’t done him any favors, and it was evident by the irritated grimace on his face. He caught sight of Leo and me cuddling together, his expression darkening. For a moment, I saw a fl