The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet as the villagers gathered around the open-air stage. The air buzzed with excitement, the chatter of anticipation mixing with the rhythmic beat of drums being tested in the background. Wooden benches creaked under the weight of spectators, while others sat cross-legged on woven mats, eager to see the night's entertainment.Lucy stood at the edge of the stage, her arms crossed as she surveyed her team. Their faces mirrored her concern—none of them had expected a dance competition."We're not prepared for this," she muttered under her breath, then exhaled sharply. "Alright, I can dance, but I need a drummer." She turned to her teammates, her gaze scanning their uncertain expressions.Vivian grinned, stepping forward. "I’ve got that covered."Lucy blinked. "You play the drums?"Vivian tossed her braids over her shoulder, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "I have many talents you don’t know about."The group
The internet was on fire."Guys, check this out! I think Caspian knows Emmanuelle is alive. Someone just posted a picture of them together in California!"The comment section erupted like a volcano."Wait, what? If that’s true, why did they frame Lucy?""I hate Caspian already. He needs to be exposed."Lucy twirled under the stage lights, oblivious to the storm brewing beyond the velvet curtains. The audience cheered, caught in the magic of the performance, but outside, social media was tearing apart the illusion."So you’re telling me my Lucy is innocent? Caspian doesn’t deserve to be the leader of G Group!""It’s high time he stepped down.""Who is the paparazzi that posted this? I checked their page, and nothing was there. Someone’s playing a dangerous game with Caspian and Emmanuelle.""I don’t care who it is, as long as they exposed them both.""Where is that damn Emmanuelle? She should come forward and explain herself. I always thought she was the victim, but now it turns out sh
“Get the hell out of my son’s house!” Mrs. Thalassa’s voice cut through the dimly lit room, sharp as a blade, echoing off the walls. The venom in her words struck Elowen like a physical blow, freezing her in place. Three years of marriage, three years of love now shattered with a single command.Elowen’s heart hammered in her chest as she stood, rooted to the spot. This was her home too, wasn’t it? But in Mrs. Thalassa’s eyes, she was an intruder. Her gaze swept the room, once filled with love and laughter. Now, it felt foreign, hostile. The air buzzed with betrayal.Her fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms. She had devoted herself to Caspian since childhood, her love wrapping around him like vines. But those vines had turned to shackles, tightening with each passing day, choking the life out of her. His touch once warm and tender now felt cold, like a ghost of what they once shared."Why should I leave my husband's house?" Elowen’s voice trembled, weak against th
Elowen shot awake, her body heavy with a deep, throbbing ache. The damp sheets clung to her, and the dim, claustrophobic room felt as if it was swallowing her whole. Her breathing was labored, shallow gasps escaping her as panic crawled up her spine. Something was horribly wrong.She tried to sit up, but the sharp pain in her lower abdomen forced her back down. Wincing, she peeled away the covers to reveal an unfamiliar bed. Where am I? Her heart hammered in her chest as she scanned the room, eyes darting from the heavy velvet curtains to the modern, sleek furniture. None of this was hers. This wasn’t her life.The fragments of last night flickered in her mind like pieces of a shattered mirror: music, laughter, and the touch of a stranger. Her palms pressed against her temples, but it did little to suppress the rising nausea.On the nightstand, a delicate silver necklace gleamed beside a crumpled piece of paper. Dread filled her as she reached for it, her fingers trembling.Find me. I
Elowen stepped off the train, her heart racing as she scanned the bustling city of Alphacrest. The cacophony of voices and the rhythmic clattering of luggage on the platform felt like a distant storm, but one familiar face stood out amidst the chaos. Seraphina beamed at her from the crowd, a handmade sign with Elowen's name scrawled in bright red letters held high.“Elowen!” Seraphina called, her voice cutting through the noise like a beacon. Before Elowen could respond, Seraphina swept her into a tight embrace. The familiar scent of vanilla and jasmine enveloped her, grounding her in memories of laughter and simpler times.“Come on, let’s get you home,” Seraphina said, grabbing Elowen's suitcase with a determined tug.As they drove through the city, the lights blurred past like fleeting memories, but Elowen felt the weight of unspoken tension thickening the air between them. She stared out the window, lost in the shadows of her past.Once inside Seraphina’s apartment, silence stretch
Four years later…“Mummy, Mummy!” Eulalia’s tiny voice echoed through the hallway as she burst into her mother’s office, tears streaming down her cheeks.Elowen looked up from her desk, her heart melting at the sight of her daughter’s distress. She rushed to scoop Eulalia into her arms. “What’s wrong, my little angel? Why are you crying?”Eulalia sniffled, clinging tightly to her mother. “Leander took my toy and won’t give it back!”At that moment, Leander appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and brow furrowed. “Mum, she’s going to break it! I told her she can’t just throw it around. You bought it for her, but she’s being childish!” he muttered, glaring at his sister.Elowen gently set Eulalia down and crouched to Leander’s level, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Leander, she’s your little sister. You have to teach her with love, not force. Can you do that for me?”Leander’s stern expression faltered, replaced by guilt. He glanced at Eulalia, whose teary eyes watched him expectantly.
Elowen turned slowly, her heart pounding as her eyes met Caspian’s across the crowded lot. His piercing gaze narrowed in suspicion. She lowered her cap, tugging it further down her face, and adjusted her mask to obscure her identity. Her every instinct screamed at her to remain calm, even as her pulse quickened.“Who are you looking for?” Caspian’s tone was measured, but the steel edge in his voice betrayed his unease.Elowen hesitated for a beat, carefully schooling her expression. “I’m just looking for a friend,” she replied evenly, gesturing vaguely toward the far side of the lot. “I must have gotten the address wrong.”Caspian’s sharp gaze lingered, scanning her face for cracks in her story. “Strange place to meet a friend,” he said, his voice low. “I could help you find them.”“No need,” she said, her voice clipped as she took a deliberate step back. “I’ve got it under control.” Turning on her heel, she walked away, her pace steady despite the fire raging within her.Sliding into
Elowen’s heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she approached the tall figure by the door. His back was turned, but the sharp cut of his suit and the commanding way he stood told her he was accustomed to power. She extended her hand when he turned to face her. "Mr. Lysander, nice to meet you," she said, her tone professional but cool, her hand steady despite the air of intimidation around him. He glanced at her hand for a fraction of a second before taking it. His grip was firm, almost testing. "Nice to meet you too," he said smoothly. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. Shall we go inside?" Elowen withdrew her hand and raised her chin. "Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll be working with you." Lysander stilled. No one had ever declined to work with him, let alone with such nonchalance. "I beg your pardon?" "It’s your wedding," she said, her voice cutting like glass. "You can give the job to someone else. I don’t tolerate
The internet was on fire."Guys, check this out! I think Caspian knows Emmanuelle is alive. Someone just posted a picture of them together in California!"The comment section erupted like a volcano."Wait, what? If that’s true, why did they frame Lucy?""I hate Caspian already. He needs to be exposed."Lucy twirled under the stage lights, oblivious to the storm brewing beyond the velvet curtains. The audience cheered, caught in the magic of the performance, but outside, social media was tearing apart the illusion."So you’re telling me my Lucy is innocent? Caspian doesn’t deserve to be the leader of G Group!""It’s high time he stepped down.""Who is the paparazzi that posted this? I checked their page, and nothing was there. Someone’s playing a dangerous game with Caspian and Emmanuelle.""I don’t care who it is, as long as they exposed them both.""Where is that damn Emmanuelle? She should come forward and explain herself. I always thought she was the victim, but now it turns out sh
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet as the villagers gathered around the open-air stage. The air buzzed with excitement, the chatter of anticipation mixing with the rhythmic beat of drums being tested in the background. Wooden benches creaked under the weight of spectators, while others sat cross-legged on woven mats, eager to see the night's entertainment.Lucy stood at the edge of the stage, her arms crossed as she surveyed her team. Their faces mirrored her concern—none of them had expected a dance competition."We're not prepared for this," she muttered under her breath, then exhaled sharply. "Alright, I can dance, but I need a drummer." She turned to her teammates, her gaze scanning their uncertain expressions.Vivian grinned, stepping forward. "I’ve got that covered."Lucy blinked. "You play the drums?"Vivian tossed her braids over her shoulder, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "I have many talents you don’t know about."The group
Just as Elowen and Lysander reached the car, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out, eyes narrowing as he read the message. His jaw tensed.He turned to her, voice low and clipped. “We have a problem.”Elowen’s stomach knotted. “What is it?”Without a word, he handed her the phone.A single message glowed on the screen:"You think I didn’t see this coming?"Elowen’s lips curled into a smirk. So, Caspian finally knew. About time. He had to have figured out she was Elowen by now. And if he had, that meant the real game was about to begin. He wouldn’t let go easily not after what she had taken from him.She handed Lysander back his phone, her fingers brushing his knuckles. His entire body was coiled tight, his grip turning his knuckles white against the steering wheel.“How the hell does he know I’m with you?” Lysander’s voice was quiet, but the fury simmered just beneath the surface. His eyes, sharp and cold, stayed locked on the dashboard. “And how dare that low-class bastard send me a dir
The single, dim light flickered above, casting eerie shadows against the damp walls. Chains rattled as Emmanuelle shifted, the metal cuffs around her wrists biting into her skin. Her lips curled into a smirk despite her predicament.Elowen leaned in, her face unreadable, but her voice was laced with quiet authority. “Tell me why you framed Lucy.”The words were soft, coaxing even, but there was steel underneath them.Emmanuelle swallowed. Hard.Because in Elowen’s eyes, she saw something terrifying.A woman with nothing left to lose.Emmanuelle let out a breathy chuckle, her voice dripping with arrogance. “I’m smarter than that, Elowen. I’m not Caspian—who couldn’t even recognize his own ex-wife.” She tilted her head, studying Elowen’s expression. “If you promise to help me, I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”Elowen’s lips twitched, but she remained still, her gaze slicing through Emmanuelle like a blade. She knew Emmanuelle was playing a game, and if she wasn’t careful, she’
Emmanuelle stopped struggling. Her breath hitched, her body going rigid as her gaze locked onto the woman before her. The dim light cast eerie shadows over Elowen’s face, making her sharp features appear even more haunting.“I—I know you…” Emmanuelle’s voice was barely a whisper, hoarse with disbelief.Elowen didn’t move, didn’t blink. She simply watched, waiting.Emmanuelle swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling in uneven gasps. “You’re Elowen. The daughter of the true owner of G-Group.”The words trembled in the space between them.Elowen tilted her head slightly, the corner of her mouth curling into a slow, dangerous smirk.So.Someone remembered her.Interesting.She dragged a chair forward, the metal legs screeching against the concrete floor. The sound made Emmanuelle flinch, but Elowen took her time settling into the seat, crossing one leg over the other as if she had all the time in the world.“How…” Emmanuelle’s voice cracked. “How are you alive?”Elowen rested her elbo
His face darkened, shadows cutting sharp lines across his jaw.Silence coiled around them, thick with tension.Then, finally—“Fine,” he ground out, his voice edged with reluctant defeat. “We have a deal.”Elowen’s lips curled, amusement flickering in her sharp gaze. With practiced ease, she reached for the small device strapped to his chest, fingers brushing the cold metal. A soft click echoed through the room as she disarmed the bomb.The air shifted. The men standing around them, hardened criminals who had seen their share of blood and betrayal, exchanged wary glances. One of them muttered under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear.“That woman’s dangerous.”Elowen smirked. They had no idea.She turned on her heel, her coat flaring behind her as she strode toward her car. The city lights shimmered in the distance, cutting through the night like broken glass. She slid behind the wheel, the leather seat cool against her skin, and started the engine.She had one destination.T
They raised their guns, all pointed at her.Elowen didn’t flinch.Instead, she smiled a slow, deadly smirk.“Cute,” she murmured, tilting her head slightly.The air was thick with tension, the kind that curled around the edges of a fight just waiting to explode.A man stepped forward, his boots crunching against the damp pavement. His voice was cold, emotionless. “Caspian sends his regards.”Elowen’s fingers flexed, a subtle movement that most would overlook. She shifted her weight slightly, not in fear, but in calculation.The alley was narrow, the brick walls on either side worn and stained from years of neglect. The distant hum of the city felt miles away, leaving only the steady breaths of the men surrounding her. They thought they had her cornered.They had no idea what was coming.Elowen took a step forward.The men tensed, fingers tightening around the triggers of their guns. But she didn’t stop.She walked straight into their midst, her heeled boots clicking against the concre
The evening air was thick with tension, yet for the first time in days, Mr. Douglas found himself smiling. The live broadcast had gone better than he’d expected. The response from the online audience was overwhelming, and he knew exactly what to do next.As he strolled across the set, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek black phone. With only two days left until the broadcast ended, it was time to let the contestants see what was happening outside. One by one, he handed them their phones, relishing the anticipation in their faces.Then, with deliberate steps, he approached Lucy.She sat on the edge of a wooden bench, her fingers twisting together in her lap. The golden light of the setting sun caught the strands of her dark hair, making her look almost ethereal like the star she once was. Douglas stopped in front of her, tilting his head.“You know,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, “after this broadcast, I’m shooting a new movie. I’d like you to be the fem
The rhythmic echo of footsteps filled the dimly lit hallway, but Caspian remained still. His fingers curled into fists at his sides as he stared out over the city skyline. The neon lights below flickered like dying embers, and for the first time in years, he felt the ground shift beneath him. His world his empire was unraveling. And he would burn it all to the ground before letting someone else seize control.A hesitant voice broke the silence."Sir..."Caspian didn’t turn. His mind was elsewhere, weaving a hundred different ways to eliminate the woman who had dared to challenge him."Sir," the voice came again, more urgent this time.He exhaled sharply and shifted his gaze from the city to the man standing near the door. His assistant normally composed looked pale, his fingers twitching at his sides like he wasn’t sure if he should step forward or run.That look. Caspian knew it well. Fear. But there was something else beneath it hesitation. Whatever news his assistant had come to de