The boy stood apart from the rest, a fearless soul despite being caked in mud and filth. His eyes burned with a cold defiance that seemed too intense for someone his age. On that fateful afternoon, his piercing gaze struck her numb heart like a razor-sharp arrow. Suddenly, she felt trapped in a bottomless, repulsive swamp, desperate to grasp at a ray of light. He was that longed-for beacon of hope.Jensen was rescued by Kohen, the younger brother of Hayes of the McCray family. Kohen had never brought an orphan into their home before, marking Jensen as an extraordinary exception. One day, Kohen grinned at Hayes. "This boy is fascinating. Train him for me, but be careful not to break him."Hayes, a mischievous glint in his eye, toyed with the knife in his hand, chuckling. "I'm not the heartless monster you imagine. I don't decide their fates. Here, survival depends entirely on their own skills and willpower." He tossed the knife to land at Jensen's feet, pointing at the other boys and
"Fantastic!" Hayes declared, his eyes lighting up with anticipation as he sat up straight. He addressed the young men and women gathered in the courtyard. "Give it everything you've got. If you lose, there's no point in continuing your training. Coincidentally, some friends of mine have been experimenting with intriguing games lately, and they're in need of a few test subjects."As Hayes spoke, a chill ran down the spines of the young men and women in the courtyard. Despite Jensen's seemingly fragile appearance, his icy demeanor was imposing. As he stepped into the courtyard, dagger in hand, not a single person dared to confront him.Hayes smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, fear has gripped you all now? I expected better after all the training I have put you through.""Mia." He suddenly shifted his gaze to her. "You've always been my star student. It's time for you to prove your worth against him."Mia could not help but clench her dagger tightly. She had never been a c
Mia and Jensen finally clashed in a heated battle. As Hayes had pointed out, the young man seemed inexperienced and even fragile. It did not take long for Mia to seize the advantage, but Jensen stubbornly refused to accept defeat. After being knocked down, he quickly sprang back up, his determination driving him to face Mia once more. Throughout their fierce exchange, Mia held back, skillfully redirecting a potentially deadly blow to Jensen's chest so that it merely grazed his arm instead.Kohen watched, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he glanced over at Hayes, who sat in a nearby chair. Hayes wore a chilling expression, his icy gaze fixated on the fighting duo.After more heart-pounding combat, Mia's blade pressed against Jensen's chest while his was poised at her throat. They found themselves in a tense deadlock.One of the other girls jeered at Mia. "Mia, you're always so ruthless toward us, never showing us any mercy. Why are you treating this pretty boy with such tenderness
A group of girls swarmed around Mia, their taunts and jeers cutting through the air. Mia picked at the grass, her eyes locked on the retreating figure of the young man she had just met. A bitter laugh escaped her lips, wondering if she had truly lost her senses. The usually cold and ruthless Mia had shown mercy to a complete stranger. But as his indifferent silhouette faded into the distance, she felt no regret, only a sense of resignation.Against all odds, Jensen found himself staying with the wealthy McCray family, enduring the relentless brutality of the training camp. Each assassin-in-training had their own room, nestled in the nearby courtyard, the boys' and girls' quarters arranged in parallel rows. The elegance and serenity of the McCray estate belied the bloody, vicious reality of their daily lives.As dusk settled, Hayes's bodyguards came to escort Mia away. She braced herself, knowing that she might never return. As she followed them, her heart caught in her throat when sh
As Mia stared in disbelief, Hayes' lips twisted into a wicked smile."Spend one night with me, and you can avoid the Velvet Vagabonds."Mia's shock intensified, and she could not help but feel repulsed. Rumors swirled about Hayes, with many girls attempting to seduce him, but none succeeding. She was at a loss as to why he was suddenly making such a proposition to her.The cigarette between his fingers burned away, and Hayes fixed her with an impatient stare."Well? Make your choice. I don't have all day."Mia's hands clenched, her heart warring within her. If not for the captivating young man she had met, she might have been tempted by the offer laid before her now. However, that young man had become a ray of hope in her heart, and she longed to pursue that light unblemished.As if a sudden resolve gripped her, she gazed at the formidable man before her with a fierce, unwavering determination for the first time."I... I'll go to the Velvet Vagabonds."To her surprise, Hayes sh
Mia's heart raced as she was repulsed by the touch of an unfamiliar man. With a surge of adrenaline, she wrenched herself free from his grasp and retreated a couple of steps.The man, Kenneth, was instantly incensed. His sneer was icy as he spat. "What's wrong? Can't handle a little attention from me? Don't get cocky just because you're a little easy on the eyes. You're not special. I could throw you in a cage and let the dogs have their way with you!"Another man laughed menacingly. "Kenneth, she just finds you repulsive. Now, if you looked like Hayes, do you think she'd still push you away?""True," chimed in another voice. "It's a shame that Hayes isn't interested in women, though. No matter how beautiful, they don't seem to catch his eye."Truth be told, this group of privileged young men was striking, especially Hayes. The McCray family's genes were undeniably exceptional. Hayes had a brooding and terrifying air about him, yet his face was more captivating than most women's. H
The deadly archery contest they referred to was far from ordinary; it involved using living, breathing human beings as targets. In the past, this chilling game had claimed lives and those who survived were left crippled for the rest of their lives. Their shooting skills were nothing to brag about; they played for the adrenaline rush it provided.In no time, Mia found herself bound and spread-eagled to a large spinning wheel. Fear surged through her veins as her hands clenched into fists. Yet, compared to the prospect of being thrown into a cage to battle a wild beast, this option seemed marginally more bearable.The men swiftly split into teams. One of them stared at Mia's hauntingly beautiful face, lamenting, "Why'd you have to be so stubborn? If only you'd been like the woman earlier, just a single night with one of us would have granted you your freedom. Such a senseless choice!"Mia bit down on her lip, internally agreeing with the man's sentiment.'Yes, why be so obstinate? It
The wheel spun wildly, faster than they could handle. They were all terrible shots, except for Hayes' one perfect arrow. Mia, though unharmed by Hayes' shot, was left bloodied by the others. Some arrows merely grazed her arms and legs, while others pierced her shoulder deeply. By the time the game ended, Mia was soaked in blood, resembling a gruesome, bloody figure. Her teeth gritted, sweat dripping down her spine and forehead, her face was as pale as paper. Yet, despite all of this, she did not appear the least bit broken. Instead, she exuded a fragile beauty and an undeniable, captivating resilience.The game's outcome was soon clear. Hayes' team had won, all thanks to his one arrow. Mia was released from the spinning wheel, struggling to stand and collapsing to one knee. Kenneth glanced at her and then sidled up to Hayes, chuckling. "Hayes, this woman's got some luck on her side, surviving that ordeal.""It's all thanks to your mercy," Hayes replied with a wry smile.The other me
In a small town in the South, a gentle breeze caressed the cheeks of passersby, creating a pleasant and serene atmosphere. This town, known for its tourism, was adorned with flowers even in its narrow alleys. The surrounding houses were all quaint inns, exuding a poetic and picturesque charm.Beneath an arching bridge, Kisa set up an easel to display and sell her paintings. She had always loved painting since childhood. Although she had not achieved great success in this field, her vivid and evocative paintings were very popular with tourists. She would sell most of her paintings every day.On weekends, Blake would join her at the stall, but today was Wednesday, and she was alone. After arranging her paintings, she had barely sat down when people began to gather around. Some admired her art, while others immediately offered to buy. Her paintings were reasonably priced, which attracted many customers."Miss, I'd like that painting of the snow-covered rose garden at night.""Alright,
In the backyard, Kohen looked at his older brother's calm expression, a hint of worry in his voice. "Bro, are you alright?""I'm fine," Hayes said, adjusting the blanket on his lap. "Tomorrow, take me to meet those medical geniuses you found.""Oh, sure..." Kohen nodded in agreement, but after a moment, he could not help but ask, "Bro, what did that woman say to you that made you change your mind so suddenly?"Hayes gazed at the stars in the sky, his voice cool and distant. "She told me she's doing well, very happy. Then she pointed out how pitiful and miserable I am right now. She asked me if I don't feel envious, knowing how well she is doing compared to me."Kohen grimaced, realizing that the woman had provoked his brother into action.Hayes lowered his eyes, a faint smile on his face. "That's right. How could I not be envious? So, I want to heal my legs, live a good life, and show her that I can do better than her."Kohen felt a pang of sympathy for his brother. From Hayes's
Mentioning Hayes, Eylul's expression became complex. "Hayes is reclusive and doesn't like to see people. Only a single old servant has been taking care of him all these years. I only met him once, back when I married Kohen."Mia's heart ached, recalling the enigmatic yet deeply emotional man. She could not help but feel a lump in her throat. "How's his health?" Mia asked.Eylul replied, "His health is fine, but his legs have remained the same. Kohen has found top orthopedic experts for him and even sought out Kelvin Hoover from Calthon, but he refuses treatment. For so many years, he hasn't even stepped outside the backyard.""You mean he's been living in the backyard all this time?" Jensen asked gravely.Eylul nodded. "Yes, Kohen wanted him to live in the main house, but he refused. He only likes staying in the backyard. Moreover, the room he stays in used to be..." Eylul glanced at Mia. She had heard that Mia used to live in that room.With a complicated expression, Mia pursed h
"Let's forget everything that just happened,' Mia said.Jensen looked up at her. In the moonlight, his eyes were deep and complex, profound and unfathomable.Mia tried to muster a smile. "You don't have to feel burdened. In a way, I forced you. And you must have always disliked me. Actually, I didn't come to you for money; I just wanted to see you. Now that I have, I should go. Jensen, from now on... take care."With that, she walked away, fearing that if she lingered any longer, she would not be able to leave. But after only a few steps, she was embraced from behind.Jensen's voice was low and hoarse. "Stay with me."Mia trembled at his words. Jensen continued. "But I still have so many things to do and someone in my heart I can't let go of. I don't know... when I will be able to give you a satisfactory answer. If you don't want to stay with me without any promises or guarantees, you can—""I'm willing," Mia blurted out, "as long as I can be with you, I don't care about anything
Mia's face changed instantly. " You... you know I like Jensen, why would you...""Heh, if you like Jensen, shouldn't you be willing to do anything for him? If you can't even do this, how can you claim to love him?""I won't do it! Doing this would be betraying Jensen. I would risk my life for him, but I can't do this."Adrien stared at her flushed face and gently chuckled, his words loaded with meaning. "Aren't you feeling all hot and bothered yet?"Mia frowned. Her body was indeed getting hotter and more agitated. 'Why would Adrien ask this? Could it be the drink...?'As the thought crossed her mind, her heart sank. Seeing Adrien's cold expression and the man's playful smile, Mia turned and ran. But before she could take more than a few steps, she was dragged back. Weakened by the drink, her desperate struggles were futile. As the man pressed her down, playing with her like a toy, she closed her eyes in despair. She thought she could never face Jensen again. With a bitter laugh,
Adrien Tanner, Jensen's father, stood before Mia with a warm smile. "My son is truly awkward when it comes to matters of the heart. He's even willing to refuse such a beautiful young woman like you."Mia stared at him, her tears suddenly streaming down her face. "I only wanted to see him, even if it was to face rejection. Wouldn't it better to say it clearly to my face?""Yes, it would." Adrien agreed. "But standing here stubbornly won't help, because he left on a business trip a couple of days ago."Mia's heart ached even more, realizing that Jensen had avoided using the front door just to evade her.Adrien continued. "I have a way to make him come to you willingly, but it depends on whether you're willing to cooperate."Mia nodded. "What do I have to do?"Adrien motioned to his bodyguard, who handed him a glass of wine. "Drink this," he said.Mia furrowed her brow, hesitant.Adrien gently patted her shoulder, like a father would."Don't be afraid. I won't harm you. From the
Filled with guilt, Mia stepped forward, but Kohen suddenly pulled out a handgun and aimed it at her."Get out!"Jensen pulled Mia back. He looked at the cold man before him. It was this man who had taken him in years ago. At that time, Kohen was young, a carefree and privileged young man. Now, he seemed to have grown up all at once, his eyes colder and more distant.Jensen said with a troubled expression, "If you ever need me in the future, don't hesitate to find me."Kohen sneered coldly; pain etched in his brow. He mocked himself. "I never should have taken you in back then. In the end, it was I who harmed my own brother."Jensen pursed his lips, not knowing what to say, only feeling an unbearable pain in his heart. It was the first time he felt he owed someone. That sense of indebtedness suffocated him."Get out, and don't let me see you two ever again."On that night, Jensen and Mia left the McCray family. As a result of Hayes's ordeal, the McCray family underwent tremendous
"What on earth happened?"Jensen did not speak. Mia choked out. "The collaboration between the Burton family and the McCray family was a trap. We were ambushed by the Burton family, and Hayes... he was hit by a car trying to save us.""Damn it!" Kohen cursed under his breath, abruptly pulling a knife from a nearby bodyguard and pointing it at them. "What are your lives worth? Why would my brother save you? Why?"Mia bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. 'It's my fault. I wanted to save Jensen, but I should have gone alone. I shouldn't have dragged Hayes into this. He seemed cold-blooded and heartless, and I never thought that he would risk his life for me. Why was he so good to me?'"Kohen..."Suddenly, a weak cry rang out. Hayes had awakened.Kohen hurriedly moved closer, gripping Hayes's hand. "Bro!"Hayes's face was deathly pale. He did not look at Kohen, but instead turned his gaze to Mia. His eyes were calm. He saw Mia's red-rimmed eyes and the tears lingering there,
Hayes was sent flying by the car, his body crashing into a wall before bouncing back.Mia's entire body felt ice-cold as she trembled, yelling, "Hayes!""Kill them all!" A hoarse, aged voice suddenly rang out from the entrance. It was Curtis. He looked at Kendall's lifeless body on the ground, his eyes filled with rage, shouting, "Run them over! I want them to join my grandson in death!""Ah!" Jensen roared, disregarding the guards' swinging knives, and like a madman, charged at Curtis. Curtis's face changed, desperately pulling a nearby guard in front of him as a shield. But it was useless. Jensen, like a crazed beast, attacked anyone in his path. Soon, his knife was held against Curtis's throat.Curtis trembled all over. "Wh-What do you want?"Jensen, covered in blood with splatters on his face, looked like a demon that had emerged from a battleground. He grabbed Curtis and held him hostage in front of him. "Let us go!""Don't even think about it!" Curtis retorted angrily. "You