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FORTY-THREE
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-11 00:18:38
Bab terkait
Seven Minutes in Heaven FORTY-FOUR
ErwinI didn’t go to school today. Nanny Lucy told me I’d be staying home, but she didn’t explain why.“Can I at least go play with my friends later once their class was done?” I looked up, but she just gave me a little smile, and then ruffled my hair.“No, baby. I think it’s better for you to stay at home today.” She softly said, patting my cheeks since I huffed and crossed my arms as soon as I heard ‘no’.“Come on. You’ll like it! Didn’t you always say that you wanted to skip classes so you can stay with your mommy and dada?”“But mommy and dada aren’t here!” I stomped my foot, making her pick me up from where I was playing legos with, and then brought me to sit at my desk when my math is waiting. “This isn’t what I want when I said I want to skip school.” I pouted.“Your mommy is still recovering, Erwin.” She crouched down. “Your dada is taking care of her. Besides, don’t you like math and arts? How about you answer all of this,” points at the page that’s currently open. “And then
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11Seven Minutes in Heaven FORTY-FIVE
ReignaWhile Carlisle and I are in the middle of…erm, kissing, we heard a little voice that made me push him away.“No!I barely had time to react before he ran into the room, his tiny arms wrapping around my waist, clinging onto me as if I’d disappear if he let go. His small fingers dug into the fabric of my dress, holding on for dear life, his tiny chest heaving from holding back sobs."Mommy don’t leave! You and Dada have to get married so no one will be mean to you!" he wailed, pressing his face into my stomach.The weight of his words hit me like a brick wall.Married?Carlisle and I—?I looked up, my breath shallow, my eyes locking onto Carlisle’s. He looked just as stunned, his entire body rigid, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides as if he wasn’t sure what to do. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out.I crouched down slowly, my hands shaking as I cupped Erwin’s chubby cheeks, forcing him to look at me. His big, teary eye
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-12Seven Minutes in Heaven FORTY-SIX
ReignaThe best way to counter public announcements are through public announcement—where? In the charity event where Carlisle Amoroso is a prominent name.Carlisle had made it clear before we arrived.“This will be good for you,” he had said, adjusting his cufflinks before stepping out of the car. “We clarify your role, fix your image, and this scandal dies. You’ll only be seen as my secretary. A close friend, at most.”“Yes,” I breathed, trying to condition myself as I close and opened my fists.Taking my hand, I watched him kiss my knuckles. “Whatever I’ll say outside, don’t believe it.” he spoke, intertwining his fingers with mine. “Do you understand, princess?”***The grand ballroom of the Green Dale Foundation Charity Gala was nothing short of breathtaking. Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft, luxurious glow over the sea of high-profile guests dressed in their finest attire.The rich and powerful were all gathered here, their laughter a polished melody
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14Seven Minutes in Heaven FORTY-SEVEN
CarlisleReigna looked uncomfortable being talked to with the private journalists that received invitations to attend tonight’s gala. If things weren’t as they were, she should’ve been beside me—yet there she is, carrying the glasses of water she fetched for us, stuck with a reporter.“She’s quite a doll, isn’t she?” A long-time business partner asked.“Indeed. She looks just like her grandmother, Adelaide. I can recall attending all the fashion week with my wife just to see her.” a fellow businessman, far more veteran than I, spoke, grating my nerves upon how sensualizing it sounded. “If only she took modelling too, no?”I wanted to reply or punch them in the face—but tonight, I can’t. Not as her boss.The Green Dale Foundation Charity Gala was designed for the elite. A night where power met influence, where money dictated alliances, and where the press lingered at the edges, waiting to sink their claws into any slip of scandal.This year, I was the scandal.The moment I entered the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14Seven Minutes in Heaven FORTY-EIGHT
ReignaThe ride home was silent.Carlisle’s hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white, his jaw locked in tension. The glow of the city lights flickered across his face, casting sharp shadows over the unreadable expression he wore. He hadn’t said a word since we left the gala, and I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or frustrated by it.I turned my head, staring out the window, watching the blurred streets pass by. My reflection in the glass looked just as lost as I felt. Tonight was supposed to fix things. To prove that the rumors were nothing more than fabricated noise.But instead, Carlisle had played his part so well—cold, distant, dismissive—that I almost believed it myself.And yet…Twenty million.A man like Carlisle Amoroso didn’t throw that kind of money away unless he had something to prove. But what? To whom?To Violet?To the press?To himself?I swallowed hard, fingers curling into the fabric of my dress. I hated this. This uncertainty. The way my heart twisted at th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15Seven Minutes in Heaven FORTY-NINE
Reigna“Do you, Reigna Amethyst, take thee, Carlisle Amoroso, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”Eh? Why am I in a wedding?!“Do promise to love and cherish him, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her/him, for so long as you both shall live?”I felt my heart hammering in my chest—why am I in a freaking’ cathedral?!Kriiiiing!Jolting awake, my eyes are wide and the first thing I checked was my left hand. “No ring.” I muttered to myself, gulping as I tried to brush it all away. “It’s just a dream.”The morning light poured in through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the penthouse. It was quiet—soft, peaceful—but my mind was anything but.I lay still, staring at the ceiling, feeling the ghost of last night’s moments linger on my skin like an unshaken dream. I had kissed Carlisle.“Dang it.”Not once, but twice. And he had kissed me back. Not out of duty. Not bec
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15Seven Minutes in Heaven FIFTY
Third PersonThe day was well spent—for the first time in their shared lives, they stayed altogether with no one thinking about work, talking about school, or even complaining about outdoor stress. The three of them are just there…bonding like any normal family with normal life would.Today, they will return to their common grounds: work and school. Reigna, though, remained at home.“I’ll bring the little brat to school.” Carlisle spoke, snaking an arm from behind Reigna as she fixed herself in front of the full body mirror. “Do you want to come? I’ll make sure there’s no paparazzi.” He whispered, lips slightly touching the shell of her ear.Since yesterday, they fell into a silent conclusion that their relationship has been deeper than they ever acknowledged, but, despite it all, neither of them could actually put a name on what they are.Reigna smiled, placing a hand over his. “I would love to, but I promised Venice to see her before we clock in to work.” She gently rubbed his knuc
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16Seven Minutes in Heaven FIFTY-ONE
Reigna“Mommy, don’t go to work.” Erwin begged with puppy eyes.“He’s right, princess. Just stay at home.” Carlisle stubbornly agreed, for the first time in sync with our son.Seeing that they’re worried for me after the news broke out and the scandal spread like wildfire, they both kept on persuading me to stay at home—sure, the posts and articles are all gone, but the public won’t let such an issue go that easily,No matter how much money Carlisle threw at the problem, no matter how many teams worked tirelessly behind the scenes to erase every last trace of the scandal, the damage had already been done.“I’m going to be okay.” Said, shutting their worries off for the nth time.“But mommy, dada won’t tell you not to go if it’s really safe.” Even with his innocence, Erwin grew up under Carlisle’s protection, so his mind completely understands that I am in deep trouble, despite not knowing what causes it.“I’m going to be okay, sweetheart.” I smiled. “Your dada is with me.”***The ne
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16
Bab terbaru
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
