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FIFTY-SEVEN

Penulis: Cosmix
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-19 23:53:00

Reigna

“Princess, if you’ll leave without permission, I’m locking you inside.”

The penthouse was silent.

Too silent.

I shifted on the couch, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the afternoon pressing down on me like a heavy blanket I couldn’t shake off. Carlisle had left for work early, brushing his lips against my forehead with a whispered, Stay home, princess, please.

Erwin had pouted the entire way out the door, clearly unhappy that I wasn’t coming along to watch him get on the school bus.

And me? I was stuck here.

The realization made something itch beneath my skin.

I had tried to argue this morning, had insisted that I was fine, that I could go to work like any normal person would after a scandal, a confrontation with their ex, and an emotionally exhausting night.

But Carlisle had simply given me that sharp, unyielding look of his—the kind that made resistance feel utterly useless—and said, You’re staying home today. And just like that, my fate had been sealed.

I sighed, shift
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  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   FIFTY-EIGHT

    Reigna“Mommy, I don’t really hate this, but why are you always h-”“-Happy to see him draw a family portrait.” Lucy cut off, chuckling nervously as she covered Erwin’s mouth. “That’s what he wanted to say, hehe.”I smiled, nodding at her given that I understand her—Erwin was supposed to ask why I’m always home, after all.Three days had passed since Axle showed up at the penthouse, and I hadn’t seen or heard from him since. Not that I expected him to stay quiet for long—he was stubborn like that, always believing he had a right to my life just because he was once a part of it. But right now, I had more important things to focus on.I leaned against the counter in the penthouse kitchen, staring into my untouched cup of coffee, the rich aroma doing little to soothe the tension knotting my shoulders. Carlisle was at work, and for the first time in days, I finally had a moment to breathe.Except, I wasn’t breathing. Not properly, at least. My mind kept circling back to the things I could

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   FIFTY-NINE

    CarlisleThe city lights flickered beyond the glass walls of my penthouse, a quiet hum settling in the space around me. It was past midnight, and yet, sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.“You’ve been drinking often, Carlisle.” I am too accustomed of her voice that I didn’t turn around—instead, I just savored the feeling of knowing she’s right behind me.“I need a break every now and then, princess.” I stood by the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, the amber liquid swirling slowly as I stared at nothing in particular. My thoughts were a mess, tangled in things I didn’t know how to name, things I didn’t want to name.I had spent years building my walls, perfecting the art of control, of detachment. But lately, it felt like I was slipping, like something—or someone—was slipping through the cracks.“I don’t know what I should do to help, but I also don’t want to leave you alone either.”And that someone is here in my penthouse, unaware of the way she was pulling me under.I exhaled

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY

    Reigna“Say goodnight to mommy, little brat.” Carlisle grinned as he took Erwin away from my lap, earning us an ear piercing screech.“NOOO!”Laughing, I closed the story book and stood up to cup the little boy’s cheeks and kiss his forehead. “We’ve read two stories already, sweetheart. You have school tomorrow.” I tried to explain while caressing his cheeks, but he only pouted with a huff, crossing his cute little arms.“But how come dada gets to spend more time with you? He have work too!” he reasoned, making Carlisle and I blink and then look at each other, and before we knew it, we chuckled.“Well,” not knowing what to say, I smiled and turned to Carlisle, wanting him to explain on our stead.“Because adults get to sleep later and children don’t.” with his believable tone laced with his ‘no-more-questions-to-be-asked’ vibes, Erwin stared at him for a while before dramatically sighing.“Okay, goodnight, mommy.”***While Carlisle is working in his study room, I stayed inside while

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-ONE

    Carlisle“Are you doing fine?” I asked, glancing at her.Reigna hummed in response as she sat across from me, her gaze fixed on the open book in her lap. She wasn’t reading it—her eyes weren’t moving, and her fingers were gripping the pages too tightly. I knew she was nervous.The charity gala was supposed to be a platform to clear her name, a public display to shift the narrative, but it also meant walking into a lion’s den. The press would be relentless, the socialites unforgiving.And I had to be the cold, distant bastard they expected me to be.I took a slow sip of my whiskey, watching her beneath hooded eyes. She hadn’t spoken much since we boarded, but I could feel her unease.The moment the plane landed, my guard was up. “Remember what I told you before, princess?” before I stood up, I turned to face her, gauging her delicate features laced with anxiety.“About what?” she breathed, clearly intoxicated by the upcoming social battle. After a few moments, a hint of recognition is

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-TWO

    Reigna“As much as possible, never interact with them. Do you understand, princess?” His reminder echoed in my head the entire night—I obeyed, and basically, our set-up was him doing all the talking, and I am just there, nodding, smiling, or waving my and no.The ballroom continued to hum with life, laughter and conversations blending into the clinking of glasses and soft orchestral music in the background. The golden chandeliers above us flickered, casting an ambient glow that reflected off the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits. The auction had ended, but the night was far from over.Just a few hours more and maybe we could finally leave. I sat beside Carlisle, the taste of champagne still lingering on my lips, my fingers absently toying with the rim of my glass. My pulse had only just begun to settle after the tense exchange with Axle, but the weight of the evening still pressed down on me.This entire night had been suffocating.The scrutiny. The whispers. The way people lo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-THREE

    ReignaThe morning sun poured over the island in golden streaks, casting a warm glow over the sprawling estate that housed the guests of the charity gala. Everything looked postcard-perfect—the blue waves lapping at the white shore, the distant hum of morning chatter from the estate’s balconies, the glint of silverware catching the early light as staff prepared the grand breakfast buffet.It was beautiful.But it was suffocating.I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the elegant resort robe draped over my shoulders. I hadn’t slept much. The weight of the previous night still sat heavy in my chest, pressing against my ribs like an ache that refused to fade.Carlisle had played his part to perfection.And I had stood beside him, smiling, nodding, pretending like his words didn’t carve into me.I exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside. There was no point in dwelling on it. We had agreed to this. I knew what I signed up for. It wasn’t supposed to hurt.A sharp knock on my door snapp

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-FOUR

    Carlisle“Carlisle,” Reigna spoke, her voice soft as I fix my polo while watching her reflection through the mirror. “Uhm, maybe tomorrow, I should just stay inside?” she asked, her voice getting smaller as she finished her question.Ah. She’s bothered by it.“I’m not attending.” I finished fixing myself and kept my eyes on hers through the mirror that keeps us connected. “It’s just a birthday, princess. We’re not needed on it.”“But Carlisle-”“Let’s go out.” I turned to pick up my sports bag, ready to tackle another afternoon activity with the acquaintances involved in this hypocritic gathering. “The others are waiting. I was told we’re playing golf today.”“Carlisle…” her tone sounded defeated, but I heard no other complaints or suggestions, rather, I can hear the faint ruffling of her preparing her own things to bring as we face those ridiculous people once more.***The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the pristine green of the private golf course. A cool breeze

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-25
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-FIVE

    ReignaThis trip on a private island is t*rture.Carlisle wanted us to attend so we could furtherly shut down the rumors and rebuild my reputation. But hell, things kept on going south—and before I knew it, we are already here…celebrating Violet Harrington’s birthday.“Anxious?” I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Carlisle’s voice, making me turn and face him. Dressed in his suit fit for his status, he looked too dazzling just to be alone with someone like me. His green orbs looked intimidating, yet his presence screams for everyone to approach him and pay respect.Currently, we are at the elevator, slowly approaching the venue where I’m about to be grilled alive once more. “I think I can’t stop myself from feeling it.”He stared at me for a short while, ad instead of responding through words, he tilted my chin and kissed me, causing my eyes to widen before I savored the feeling. Closing my eyes, I basked in the warmth of his kiss, having his tongue dance with mine eased my worr

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27

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  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   EIGHTY

    EIGHTYReignaHow many promises has Carlisle made and broken?I should’ve ran away and didn’t come along—but when I was looking up at him, something stirred within me: the memories I had with him as a boss, as a father of a lovely kid, and as a partner, all flood down, and before I knew it, I had no words to decline and my body already gave away my permission to be brought home.…but where exactly is my home?“You must’ve been scared earlier.” Breaking the silence, Carlisle spoke in a low, gentle voice, filling his car with tension that is an unsteady mix of hoping to come closer, and the fear that the boundary between us has gone much bigger than before.“I know I am too much, following you around, but princess, I-” stopping his own words, his pause caught my attention, but I refused to look at him and just stared outside the window, keeping my eyes on the dim streets.“-we miss you.”Hearing the words he spoke nearly made my breath hitch. We? I know Erwin definitely is looking for m

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-NINE

    SEVENTY-NINECarlisle"Marcus." My voice cut through the stagnant air, low and sharp. "I want updates. Every fifteen minutes. If there’s nothing, find something. I don’t care how you do it — just find her.""Yes, sir." Marcus answered without hesitation, though the tension in his jaw betrayed the weight of my command. I know that right now, he is keeping his senses alert, waiting for instructions as night continuously gets darker over time."Teams are already in position. We'll know if she moves, sir, traffic cameras, subway stations, even the taxi cabs. The only locations without hacked surveillance are the area directly under the mayor’s influence"Good.But it wasn’t good enough. None of this was.I should’ve been the one to stop her. I should’ve forced her to listen, made her understand that she wasn’t walking away from me.As much as I regret being such a fool, I’d let her slip through my fingers. And now, the city was swallowing her whole."Expand the radius," I growled, the wor

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-EIGHT

    CarlisleDamn it. I should’ve stopped her and run after her no matter what she said, wanted, or did—all to bring her back home.But I didn’t.And now? Now I was left with nothing but the bitter taste of regret clinging to my tongue.The car’s interior was suffocating. Marcus sat tensely in the front, his phone pressed to his ear as he barked orders to the security team. They were searching every corner of the city. Every street, every café, every possible place she could have gone. But none of it was enough. None of it would be until I saw her standing in front of me again."Status?" My voice was low, but the crack of it was unmistakable.Marcus shifted slightly, lowering his phone. "No updates yet. Surveillance spotted her near the park earlier, but she’s not there anymore. We’ve widened the search, and more cameras are being pulled."I clenched my jaw, the familiar sting of frustration settling deep beneath my ribs. "Not good enough.""We’re doing everything we can, sir," Marcus re

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-SEVEN

    ReignaMy steps were hurried, driven by the unbearable pressure lingering behind me — the weight of Carlisle’s stare, the tension that had coiled itself around us, choking out every rational thought.I could still hear the low murmurs of the gathering crowd, the harsh clicks of camera shutters echoing faintly against the distant hum of traffic. People were watching. People were judging.But none of that mattered.All I could think about was the way Carlisle had looked at me. Not with the cold detachment I had braced myself for. Not with the calculated authority he wore like armor. No, this time, it was something far more dangerous. Something I didn’t know how to face.He was broken.And it wasn’t because of Violet or the scandal or the relentless public scrutiny. It was because of me.“Reigna,” Axle called from behind, his voice cautious, like he was afraid I’d disappear if he spoke too loudly. I didn’t slow down. Not until his fingers brushed against my wrist, pulling me to a stop. “

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-SIX

    ReignaThe air between us was charged, thick with words neither of us could say. Axle’s hand lingered near mine, a silent reassurance I didn’t ask for, but couldn’t bring myself to pull away from.“Reigna.” His voice was low, rough around the edges like it always was when he wanted to sound sincere. “You don’t have to say anything. I’m not here to push.”I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. Because even if I wanted to believe him, I knew better. Axle Daniels had always been good with words.“Please don’t push me away too.” The way they slipped from his lips — tender when I needed comfort, sharp when he wanted to win. But right now, those words were neither. They were just… there.Floating in the space between us like fragile glass. And I didn’t know whether to shatter them or cradle them like they meant something.But before I could decide, the air shifted.At first, it was subtle. The sound of distant footsteps, the faint hum of engines idling nearby. Then, a presence — heavy, watchful, unm

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-FIVE

    CarlisleShe was gone.Reigna had walked out without a second glance, her parting words echoing through my mind like a relentless drumbeat. “Just once, I wanted you to believe me.”My hands curled into fists at the memory. I should’ve gone after her. I should’ve stopped her the second she turned her back, but instead, I stood there like a goddamn coward. I let the silence consume us both, even though I knew exactly where it would lead.And now?Now I didn’t even know where she was. I tried looking for her but to no avail, which ended up with me coming himeafter receiving Lucy’s distressed call that Erwin was crying.…should I track her down?"Sir?" The driver’s voice broke through my thoughts, hesitant but firm. "We’re approaching the building."I didn’t respond. Instead, I shifted my gaze to the looming silhouette of the Veil Hyde Residence, its glass exterior gleaming under the city lights. Normally, the sight of it brought a certain sense of authority — a reminder of everything I’d

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-FOUR

    ReignaThe words hung in the air between us, weighty and unshakable, settling deep into my chest like a stone sinking to the bottom of a river. I could still hear them echoing in my mind, could still feel the way they wrapped around my ribs, squeezing too tight, making it hard to breathe.I should have dismissed them. I should have rolled my eyes, thrown his words back in his face, reminded him of every way he had shattered me and walked away without looking back. But instead, I sat there, gripping my coffee cup like it was the only thing tethering me to reality, feeling the weight of Axle’s gaze pressing against my skin."You can’t just say things like that," I finally murmured, my voice quiet, controlled—forced.Axle tilted his head slightly, a flicker of something unreadable flashing across his face. "Why not?"I exhaled sharply, shaking my head as I set my cup down, fingers tightening around the ceramic. "Because it’s unfair. Because it’s a lie. Because if you really never stopped

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-THREE

    ReignaI just needed space.I had thrown on a simple dress before leaving, one of my older ones from when my life had been normal, before Carlisle Amoroso had rewritten my entire existence. It was plain, nothing remarkable, but as I wandered past a group of people huddled near the park entrance, I caught the way their heads turned, their whispers slicing through the air like knives.At first, I ignored them.But then—“Wait, isn’t that—?”“Oh my god, it’s her.”“Is she seriously walking around like nothing happened?”My heart slammed against my ribs, my throat tightening as I quickened my steps, pushing forward, hoping—praying—that they would just let me pass. But the whispers only grew louder, venomous, laced with amusement and cruelty, the kind of sharp-edged mockery only people who had never lived a second in my shoes could wield so easily.“She has some nerve showing her face after trying to Violet Harrington.”“I hope Carlisle Amoroso finally saw her for what she is.”“Me too. Sh

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SEVENTY-TWO

    Carlisle“Dada! Mommy said she’ll see you later, but I told her it should be now!” he declared, completely oblivious to the suffocating tension between us.Reigna let out a slow breath, reaching up to smooth his hair with a trembling hand. “Sweetheart,” she murmured, her voice soft, tired. “Maybe another time, okay?”Another time.I clenched my jaw, stepping further into the room. “Erwin, come here,” I said, my voice quiet, measured.He pouted but obeyed, slipping off the bed and running over to me. I placed a hand on his head, smoothing down his curls, before finally shifting my gaze back to Reigna.She was already looking away.It irritated me more than it should have."You’ve been in here all morning," I said evenly, my eyes never leaving her. "And now you’re avoiding breakfast. How long are you planning to keep this up?"Reigna flinched, but she masked it quickly, schooling her features into a calm, unreadable expression. "I just need time," she said, echoing the same words she ha

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