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
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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
It had been weeks since Ellaya woke up. Though her physical injuries were healing, she seemed to be a shadow of her former self. She had shut herself off completely, retreating into a silent world where no one could reach her. Iden never brought up Uncle Richard, and she didn’t seem inclined to talk about him either. Their unspoken agreement to avoid the topic only deepened the growing chasm between them. Iden rarely visited the hospital, but when he did, he lingered outside her door, never stepping in for more than a brief glance. The once vibrant and animated Ellaya sat on the hospital bed one sunny morning, staring out of the window. The sunlight poured in, illuminating her frail figure. She had lost so much weight that her clothes hung loosely on her, and the dark circles under her eyes revealed the sleepless nights she endured. Her hands rested idly in her lap, motionless, and her lips trembled faintly, as though she wanted to speak but had forgotten how. Iden had seen many
Iden walked in, hands shoved deep in his pockets, his eyes darting between Ellaya’s face and the man sitting on her bed. His footsteps were slow and deliberate. His expression was cold, void of any emotion, as always. The man’s gaze tracked Iden with narrowed eyes and a stoic demeanor. Iden paused near him, then turned to look at Ellaya, who seemed transfixed on her husband, like a deer caught in headlights. “Will you not introduce me to him, puppet?” the man asked, his voice dripping with condescension, a grin plastered across his face. Iden chewed the word puppet under his breath as his brows knitted. As if jolted from a trance, Ellaya flinched at his words and shifted her gaze from the Iden to man then again, man to Iden . “He… is Iden he... is my h... husband,” she stammered, licked her dry lips, her voice shaking, tears glistening in her eyes. Iden observed her with a mix of curiosity and concern. He had seen every expression on her face, but never fear—now, she looke
Iden leaned back, a devilish grin spreading across his face, eyes sparkling with malice. “This is for thinking about my woman the wrong way, Alex,” he sneered, his voice smooth yet laced with venom. “And for the girls whose lives you ruined.” Alex's breath quickened, panic flaring in his chest as he clutched his neck, feeling the warmth of the poison seeping into his veins. “You son of a bitch,” he gasped, desperation coursing through him. “You can kill me, but not him. He would never let her go, never.” His voice faltered, each word strained as the poison began to tighten its grip. Iden froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto Alex. Kai and Annabel spun around, concern etched across their faces. Iden moved in close, gripping Alex's hair tightly, forcing him to look up. “Who is he?” His voice was low and menacing, a growl that sent shivers down the spine. Alex, however, just grinned defiantly through the pain, his eyes sparkling with defiance. Iden lifted him
Annabel twirled the pendrive between her manicured fingers, a sly smile curving her lips as she leaned closer. “Is this what you were talking about, sweetheart?” she purred, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. She crouched down, her fingers brushing against Alex's cheek, sending a shiver down his spine. Alex’s eyes widened in disbelief, a storm brewing within him. “Fucking bitch,” he growled, his voice low and menacing. Anger radiated off him like heat waves, and he clenched his fists, knuckles turning white. “I knew you were a fucking traitor! I knew you were just putting on an act to get close to me.” A cruel laugh escaped him, echoing around them, sharp and bitter. “I should have killed you after I… after I fucked you that night.” He paused, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air, his chest heaving with rage. “But wait, it was my damn mistake. I wanted to kill both of you together.” His eyes fixated on the pendrive again, narrowing suspiciously as if it he
The hand under his trembled slightly, her eyelashes flicked. Iden's body stiffened, rigid, and his heart throbbed violently. He clenched his hand, his eyes focused on her. Her eyes weren't focused, but she slowly opened them and tried to say something. "Laaya," he whispered. Finally, the tear he had been holding back fell down his cheeks, and he didn't even realize it. "Iden," she spoke softly. Her eyes were still not focused and fluttered twice before she finally shut them again. "Ellaya," he called out, his voice laced with panic. The doctors rushed in. "She... she just opened her eyes," he said anxiously, gently rubbing her hand. "Don't worry, Mr. Ruan. She's out of the coma now," the doctor reassured him. Iden exhaled deeply, nodding silently, his gaze fixed on her pale face and the steady rise and fall of her breaths. Every passing moment felt like agony to him. Guilt, a sensation foreign to him until now, gnawed at his insides, tormenting him with every breath. At
Iden returned to the hospital, his clothes clean and looking noble and handsome, as if the accident meant nothing and was just a passing moment. But the scrapes on his knuckles hinted at a fierce battle he had fought, as if he had gone through hell and back. He pushed open the door, and the sight still stung his eyes, hurting him like hell. His footsteps were light on the floor as he approached her bedside. Sitting down beside her, his fingertips touched her. She was pale and warm against his skin, still unconscious, still in a coma. He caressed her cheeks, noting the bandages on her head and the faint marks of several small cuts. "I am sorry, princess. I should have done better," he whispered, his voice cracking with sheer emotion. He had beaten the shit out of the person who caused her condition, but the flame in his heart still burned fiercely, and he knew why. If only he had not allowed her to sit in the car and wait for her death. If only he had never left. But he knew th
Ellaya was taken to the emergency room, leaving Iden waiting outside, surrounded by doctors and nurses. He was injured and still bleeding but was hell-bent on not getting treated until he was sure she was mended. "Iden, you need to wrap up your wound first," Annabel said, clasping his shoulder and squeezing lightly to ground his lost soul. Iden sat on a chair, his fingers clasped together, head hung low, legs spread apart. His shirt was dyed with red and dark blood, not only his. He was amidst a quest for revenge, yet here he was, tortured by the woman he sought vengeance upon. His eyes flicked toward the operating room, and his fingers tightened. His lips stretched in a straight line, and his eyes were bloodshot. The cold metal gate stared back at him as if mocking him. Inside, Ellaya was surrounded by doctors and nurses. Each moment stretched like an eternity, piercing him like a knife cutting through his very soul. Kaito stood in the corner, arms folded, eyes fixed on his brothe
Iden gently lifted Ellaya out of the wreckage, holding her close as he carried her away from the burning car. Ellaya felt delicate and weightless in his arms, her skin warm to the touch. Despite the searing heat from the flames, Iden pressed on without hesitation. His sole purpose was to ensure Ellaya's safety. Ellaya, can you hear me?" he gasped, his voice trembling with fear and anxiety as he hurried to a safe distance, Annabel right beside him. His heart raced in his chest as he rushed away from the burning wreckage, holding Ellaya close. Each step felt like a race against time, every movement fueled by desperation and a fierce resolve to save her. Ellaya's body seemed so delicate and weightless in his arms, her skin radiating warmth against his own. Her eyes fluttered open for a moment, meeting his gaze with a hint of recognition before gently closing again. "Stay with me, Ellaya," he murmured, his words thick with emotion. "Please, stay with me." Tears welled up, clouding
Sitting rigidly in the car, Ellaya watched in horror as her husband, holding her best friend, jumped out, leaving her utterly alone in the speeding vehicle. Her face lost all color, and her body shivered uncontrollably. Tears streamed down her cheeks like raindrops, and her grip tightened around the car seat as fear crept into her bones, sending chills down her spine. Her fingers trembled as she grabbed the handle of the car door, contemplating jumping out to save her own life. But as if something shifted within her, she dropped the idea. She retreated, folding her legs to her chest and hugging them tightly, hiding her face between her knees as if shielding herself from impending harm. She felt cold and numb, her mind unable to process anything but her past—her abusive and manipulative parents, her struggles in childhood to live a normal life, her desperate craving for parental love, and then Iden, who had entered her life like a sweet melody. Everything had seemed surreal at th