"I plead guilty." The courtroom was hushed, the air thick with anticipation. Ellaya Stone stood tall, her gaze unyielding as she uttered those damming words: The judge, a stern figure in black robes, raised an eyebrow."Ms. Stone, are you certain you do not wish to say anything in your defence?" Ellaya's lips curved into a sardonic smile "I, Ellaya Stone, accept responsibility for all of my crimes. As Mr Iden Ruan's personal assistant at Ruan Corporation, I stole and sold the company's proprietary information to the M&D group. I also poisoned Mr Alex Ruan, leaving him comatose." Her admission hung heavy in the room. The man opposite her, Iden Ruan himself watched her with eyes that held both anger and something deeper- a glint of melancholy. "Life in prison sentenced for Ms Ellaya Stone." the judge declared. Ellaya's pride remained intact as she extended her hands to be handcuffed, stepping alongside two police officers. But her gaze lingered on Iden, that mocking smile sti
In the dim moonlight, his breath hitched as he reached for the doorknob, fingers trembling. The wood groaned in protest and the door swung open, revealing a room steeped in memories. there, on the wall, a faded photograph captured a moment frozen in time: a radiant woman beside a man, their smiles etched into the paper. But an ache in his chest told a story beyond the frame. His knuckles whitened, clenched fists trembling like fragile birds. The room's air thickened, anchoring him to the floorboards. His gaze fixed on the photograph fading with age, But words eluded him trapped in his throat, a silent plea. "Ellaya," he rasped, the syllables etching pain across his chest. His trembling fingers brushed the frame, a whispered against time's canvas. The curtains swayed, revealing an emptiness that echoed through his chest. The photograph clung to the wall, sepia hues softening the edges of memories. She, radiant in lace, defied the years. He traced her counters the curves of her cheeks,
It's her, he exclaimed, his voice trembling as he threw her hand in the air and bolted from the cafe'. His eyes darted left and right, scanning the empty road. Just a moment ago, those doe-like purple eyes had locked onto his, but now she was gone-vanished into thin air. It couldn't be his imagination, right? Not another delusion. Ana burst out of the cafe', her face etched with concern."Iden... what's wrong?" He turned to face her, his expression hardening "Nothing," he murmured, hesitating, before taking her hand and pulling her away "Let's go." With determined strides, he led her away his mind racing. He couldn't afford to waste any more time or reveal anything. As they hurried off, a shadowy figure emerged from behind a large tree near the cafe'. She leaned against the tree, lighting a cigarette. With a single trough puff, half of it turned to ash, scattering into the air and falling to the ground.................................................................................
"You, what are you doing here" The woman jolted awake and shouted at the person standing at the door. The man at the door stepped forward, his face etched with worry. "She is back... She is back from prison." her heart pounded in her chest."How is that possible isn't she in the cell for life imprisonment? How could she possibly return? You must be mistaken." he shook his head, his expression resolute."No, my informant can't be wrong." His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed his anxiety. With unsteady steps, he moved to the bed and wrapped his arms around the terrified middle-aged woman.She trembled uncontrollably, the breath coming in short, panicked gasped, Words failed her as the weight of he husband's revelation sank in. In the dark corner of the room, the woman in black sneered, her eyes glintered with disdain. She lurched away silently uninterested in the conversation behind her.She entered a vast library, the air thick with the scent of old books. Thousand of vol
The tall, obstinate trees swayed gently in the light breeze and the sounds of passing birds as the dew on their leaves kissed the morning sun. The curtains in the white-painted room lifted a speck, and sunbeams fell on the sleeping man on the bed. His eyes quivered twice as he heard greetings from his associates. The first view he saw was not the beautiful one he dreamed about every night, but a white ceiling, and he realized he was in a hospital room. "What am I doing here?" His voice was croaked, and his head was heavy. A dull pain throbbed in his neck. "Boss, we found you unconscious last night. You had a fever, the doctors said, you need to stay under observation and rest for a few days." He was taken aback. The night before, he remembered seeing her, holding her in his arms. It felt so real. How did he end up fainting in the street? Where had she gone? Was it all just a dream? No, it couldn't be. he felt her warmth and heard her voice calling his name in the cold, wet night. I
The man in the ward frowned as he looked down at his phone. His ambience was like a king with the authority to hold the world in his palm and spin as he wished. Clad in a hospital dress, he looked no less than Adonis. His tall frame, standing over six feet three inches, bore the strength of a bull, accentuated by angular muscles and prominent cheekbones, His jawline cut like a blade, and his lips seemed designed for passionate kisses. But it was his silver-grey eyes that held the most captivating allure-a blend of angelic grace and devilish intensity. As the light caught his black hair, it shimmered, adding to his enigmatic charm. It took him no more than fifteen minutes to wash himself off and grab the coat before strutting out of the hospital ward. His every step exuded confidence and authority, and as James trailed behind, flanked by a group of people clad in black. Iden adjusted his Rolex watch as James recited the day's schedule. The chauffeur leaned forward opening the door
A woman, petite and short-haired, sat on her couch, with a face mask. clutching a novel, her legs dangled over the armrest a playful rhythm to their moment. The melody weaving through the air. The knock interrupted her reverie. placing the novel on the table, pulled off the mask. Her smile, sweet as confectionary greeted the visitor as she swung upon the door. But the visitor did mirror her joy. Holding the person's hand she dragged her inside. Ellaya snapped her hands free, rushed into the room, growled at her. "How did you get my number?" Her eyes shot toward her. Whetted. The tension in the room was palpable as Ellaya and Mia faced off. Ellya's eyes bore into Mia, Demanding an answer. "I have my way". She tried to reply with a smile. "You better not contact me if you love your life"; her eyes constricted as her tone grew sterner. "I love my life, which is why I contacted you." "But, more than anything else, I believe you would like to exact revenge on those who have h
The party hall was lavishly decorated with every imaginable detail. Men and women were laughing, drinking, talking, and displaying their status. Mr. and Mrs. Stone cut the huge cake, while holding each other's hands and smiling affectionately. Music played and couples danced. Only one man was leaning against the railing of the balcony watching everything with his colourless beautiful orbs. To put straight his hawk-like eyes searching for someone. People were perplexed by his presence today, much like he was. He was not a partygoer. The world knew that no one could make Mr. Iden Ruan attends their personal parties. Not even his immediate family. He never understood the concept of broadcasting their special day to the world and wasting the most expensive thing. Time. And despises wasting his time on such frivolous pursuits. But today, he was here to spend his most important time. BORED. He was smoking while leaning against the balcony. Men attempted to approach him but were turned away
The opulent hall sparkled under the shimmer of chandeliers, draped in luxurious silks and fragrant flowers. Every detail whispered luxury, while the wait staff moved with the grace of supermodels. The man in the grey suit commanded attention, his tall frame exuding a magnetic charm that outshone his surroundings. With piercing blue eyes and dark, tousled hair, he seemed to possess a beauty as rare as it was effortless. Surrounded by a group of admirers, he stood regal and poised, embodying the elegance of the Ruans. A middle-aged man approached, a genial smile lighting up his round face as he extended his hand. “Mr. Alex Ruan, happiest of birthdays to you. May you be blessed with health and happiness,” he greeted warmly. Alex’s handshake was confident, his smile genuine yet tinged with a hint of mystery as his gaze swept across the room. “Thank you, Mr. Williams,” he responded graciously, his eyes betraying a deeper contemplation beneath the surface. Suddenly the tension hung
Kaito, intense and focused, delivered the chilling report to Iden in the private sanctum of their high-end nightclub. “They struck again, boss. Thirteen of our own, gone. Our ship’s under threat for the third time this month,” he revealed, his voice low but urgent, eyes darting around the dimly lit room. Iden, a formidable figure exuding authority, absorbed the news with a steely gaze. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the polished mahogany desk, a subtle sign of his simmering anger. “And our armory hit once more last night. Second time in weeks,” he mused, his jaw clenched in silent resolve, the muscles in his neck taut. Kaito’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. “Someone’s trying to undermine us while you’re away, boss. But they forget who sits beside the king.” His eyes burned with raw determination as he leaned forward, the dim light casting sharp shadows on his face. “I’ve held our ground", he fought in the shadows without a whisper to disturb his absence. The
Iden’s self-curses echoed through his mind, a storm of regret and anger. " Fuck! What was I thinking?" he murmured again She wasn't an angel fallen from grace or a broken spirit. She was the siren, the seductress, who led Leo astray, shattered his pure heart without remorse. She was like a potent drug, that ensnared deeper with each touch, and Leo, innocent and naive, became her plaything; she twisted his emotions with her enchanting ways and reveled in her power, relishing in her control over him. Leo, once vibrant and alive, fell prey to her wiles. He succumbed to her allure, losing himself in her web until he was left broken and defeated, begging for release. In the end, he found solace in death’s embrace. Iden’s thoughts churned, grappling with the pain of witnessing Leo’s tragic downfall at the hands of this beguiling enchantress. The memories of Leo’s suffering haunted him, a stark reminder of the destructive power love could wield in the wrong hands. And could kill the m
In that instant, time seemed to stand still as he drew in a deep breath, the sound of her humming washing over him like a soothing balm. With a newfound resolve, he strode purposefully towards her, his every step filled with an urgent longing. She remained lost in her own world, unaware of his approach, her sweet melody filling the air around them. And then, in a sudden whirlwind of movement, he spun her around, his grip firm yet gentle around her slender waist. The flowers she had gathered scattered around them in a graceful arc, adding to the surreal beauty of the moment. Her feet left the ground as he lifted her effortlessly, her skirt billowing around them like a flurry of petals in the wind. And then, without warning, his lips met hers in a tender yet passionate kiss, sealing their connection in a moment of pure, unbridled emotion. inside, his heart soared with love and desire, knowing that in her arms, he had found his true home. The man she waited anxiously, the man who had
As the day melted away into dusk, her heart smoldered with a fiery mix of anger and betrayal. Each second dragged on, a taunting reminder of the man who had abandoned her to face life’s storms alone. Despite her frustration, a flicker of unwavering trust lingered deep within her—a trust reserved for the man she cherished above all. She imagined him basking in sun-kissed escapades on distant shores, surrounded by strangers, as if she were a forgotten memory. The urge to unleash a tempest of accusations and sorrowful cries clawed at her insides, yet an invisible thread tethered her to the belief in his love. No video or photo could sway her steadfast heart from its loyalty. As twilight settled over her world, she stood on the edge of an emotional storm, torn between the agony of doubt and the enduring flame of love for a man whose shadow now loomed large over her fractured heart. Refusing to dwell on the same thoughts and act like a damsel in distress, she decided to do somethin
"What have you done?" Iden's voice rumbled low, his fist crashing onto the dining table with a resounding boom that silenced the entire restaurant. The mask of calm he habitually wore cracked, revealing a storm of emotions beneath. His brows knitted tightly, eyes flashing with intense fury, and the creases on his forehead etched deep with seething rage. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you hadn’t told her about the trip,” Annabell’s voice quivered with regret, her eyes darting around the room as if seeking an escape. “I really am sorry.” "Why did you have to call her?" His voice rumbled, resounding through the restaurant and capturing the attention of everyone present. Ignoring the curious glances, he focused solely on the repercussions of her actions. Emotions clashed on his face—anger sparking like lightning in his eyes. "Pay close attention. You stay away from her. Understand?" Leaning in, his words were sharp as his breath lingered heavily between them. His gaze penetrated hers with
Two months had passed, and Iden was still away. Each morning, the alarm’s harsh beep signaled another day of solitude for Ellaya. She moved through her routine mechanically—fixing breakfast, tidying up, and doing laundry—accompanied only by the hum of the washing machine and the clatter of dishes. The once vibrant house now echoed with silence, a stark contrast to the lively conversations and laughter it once held. Opening the store, Ellaya sighed heavily, realizing it was time to restock. With Iden’s absence came the absence of funds, forcing her to dip into her savings. An anxious frown creased her brow as she retrieved a packet of rice. It had been two days since she last cooked, but feeling her strength wane, she opted for a simple meal. Living a middle-class life for a year had been manageable, but now, the harsh reality hit her. Financial constraints forced her to be mindful of every expense. She meticulously planned the household budget, ensuring every penny was accounted f
Iden received a call from his mother last night inviting him to a family dinner at one of New York's most upscale hotels. When he arrived, he realised he had been tricked again. "Mom, I told you I don’t want any of these ridiculous blind dates,” Iden said, frustration evident in his voice.The girl he met was overly made-up, wearing a dress too short to hide anything. It was clear she was there for a blind date, but her attempts to seduce him were painfully obvious. He was tired of his mother setting him up without his consent. “But why not? You’re not getting any younger. I want my grandchildren before I die,” his mother insisted. Iden was packing his luggage, talking while he folded his clothes. Blind dates and marriage when he already had a woman waiting for him. He found the whole situation absurd. "Mom, who knows if he’s already married and hiding his wife from us?” Kai, the troublemaker, chimed in. Iden shot him a glare, but it was futile. Kai was never one to be intimidate
As the weight of his thoughts bore down on him, the plush sofa sank under his burdened frame. The pulsating beats of the club reverberated through the air, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within him. Kaito’s voice cut through the haze of music, delivering news that should have ignited a spark of triumph. “We got the deal,” Kaito announced triumphantly, thrusting the signed document into Iden’s hands. The paper, a symbol of their hard-fought victory, felt heavy in Iden’s grasp. Yet, he merely glanced at it with a detached expression, the mask of indifference firmly in place as he took another sip of his drink. The amber liquid burned down his throat, but it did little to thaw the ice encasing his heart. Kaito, ever the observant friend, noticed the lack of enthusiasm. “Thinking about your high-and-mighty wife again?” he needled slyly, his eyes darting around the room, searching for a distraction from the palpable tension.The club’s patrons were a blur of movement, laughter,