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
The festivities were a whirlwind of energy and style, with music pounding through the air and dancers moving with electrifying grace. The tantalizing scents of exotic foods mingled with the laughter and chatter of the crowd. Flickering lights cast dramatic shadows, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation and mystery. As the night wore on, the party’s allure only grew, each moment more thrilling than the last. The elegant melody wafted through the air a hush fell over the room as all eyes turned toward the woman in a stunning red gown. the soft glow of candlelight bathed her in a warm, inviting aura, highlighting her flawless features and accentuating the curve of her crimson lips. "Happy birthday, Mr. Ruan," she purred, her voice a sultry whisper that seemed to linger in the air like a tantalizing perfume. The long slit of her dress revealed a hint creamy skin as she glided towards him with an undeniable allure. Alex felt a magnetic pull as she approached, her presence
Ellaya sat perched on the kitchen island, a swirl of steam dancing above her bowl of noodles. The savory aroma enveloped the room, but her gaze was fixed beyond the window, where birds sang harmonies on a nearby branch. It was New Year’s Day, yet she found herself entrenched in solitude within her modest abode. Despite the bustling world outside, her own kin seemed distant, preoccupied with their own lives. Work used to be her solace, but today it only accentuated her loneliness. Lost in her thoughts, she pondered Iden’s absence. He had vanished without a trace two days prior, back from his overseas trip but still unreachable. As midnight approached, her attempts to reach him for a simple New Year’s greeting were met with silence—his phone stubbornly powered off. As she contemplated him, the heavy main door creaked open with a drawn-out groan, and in walked the very man who had been occupying her thoughts. His arrival brought with it an icy aura that seemed to permeate the room,
A tear slid down Ellaya’s cheek as memories flooded her mind. “Like you did two days ago?” she whispered, the pain evident in her voice. Her body trembled, and she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. He realized he had let his anger get the best of him, and as he felt the tension in his muscles ease, he gently cradled her face in his hands, his touch tentative as he drew her closer, his warm breath softly caressing her skin. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on me!” she screamed, her voice echoing through the walls, tears cascading down her cheeks like a waterfall of emotion. His jaw clenched, frustration flashing in his darkened eyes as he ran his fingers through his hair in a display of exasperation. “Ellaya, please. This is not the time to be irrational,” he growled, his voice laced with a tinge of impatience. But she refused to back down, her voice filled with a mix of hurt and anger. “You lied to me, Iden. And then you treated me like a whore. Do you even realize how much it
The doctor left the room, but Iden remained, sitting on the floor beside her, clutching her hand as if it were his lifeline. His eyes bore into her, heavy with a mix of anger and sorrow. Her breath was steady, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. She looked so innocent, almost childlike. His heart ached, refusing to believe she was the same woman who had shattered Leo’s life. But the evidence was damning. He threw the medicine into his mouth, filling with mouthful of water. Rising from his position, he moved to sit beside her, his movements deliberate and tense. He bend over, his fingers gently gripping her cheeks, forcing her mouth open. With a desperate urgency, he pressed his lips to hers, pushing the medicine and water into her mouth. Ellaya coughed violently but he saw her managed to swallow. She remained still, her eyes closed. Iden stood up abruptly and left the room, his footsteps echoing in the silence. .................... Ellaya awoke to the soft glow of the m
Ellaya sat on her patio, bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. Her fingers traced the words of a novel, but her thoughts were far away with Iden. The breeze tugged gently at her hair as she savored the mingling scents of coffee and blooming flowers. A sudden, sharp honk shattered the peaceful moment, causing Ellaya to startle. Her brow furrowed with determination as she rose from her seat, each step towards the door brimming with tension. Could it be Iden, who had promised to return in three days but had been absent for a month? whenever she called he was always busy and never replied back. She pushed open the heavy metal gate of her home, only to be met by the sight of a crimson Ferrari gleaming in front of her modest abode. Car idling outside, its engine humming softly. The luxurious car seemed out of place in her humble neighborhood. "Darling, step inside. I have a surprise for you," she ventured onto the porch, her gaze locked with the visitor's, a blend of
Ellaya tore through the drawers, her movements frantic and eyes wild with frustration. “It’s not here!” she shouted, her voice sharp with urgency. Annabel, clutching her hands in pain, winced. “Check the other drawer or the table,” she gasped, tears brimming in her eyes. Ellaya’s desperation grew with each passing second as she scoured every corner of the room. “I can’t find the brown file anywhere!” she cried, glancing at Annabel, who sat on the sofa, fists clenched, tears streaming down her face. Suddenly, Ellaya’s eyes locked onto a drawer beside the table. Determination ignited within her as she yanked at the handle. “It’s locked,” she said, her voice seeking reassurance. Annabel nodded, her expression a mix of pain and resolve. “Try 12042004,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Ellaya’s heart skipped a beat at the familiar date. With a mix of surprise and apprehension, she entered the numbers. The drawer slid open smoothly, revealing the coveted file inside. It
In the private room of his nightclub, Iden sat rigidly in front of his laptop, a storm brewing within him. His gaze, cold and intense, remained fixed on the screen, every muscle in his body tensed with barely contained fury. As he observed Alex's every move with Ellaya, a deep scowl creased his forehead, his jaw clenched so tightly that he tasted blood from biting his inner cheeks. The air crackled with tension as Alex reached for Ellaya's hand on the screen. In response, Iden's grip on the glass in his hand tightened involuntarily, the pressure causing it to shatter with a sharp, echoing sound that mirrored the fracture in his own composure. He slammed his fist onto the table, the impact making the laptop tremble violently, scattering files around like fallen leaves. Around him, his men sensed the shift in atmosphere, their murmurs barely registering in Iden's furious haze. His eyes blazed with an intensity that bordered on madness, his nostrils flaring with each ragged breath.
Ellaya wiped her tears as she exited the washroom, trying to regain her composure. Her eyes were red and puffy, evidence of the emotional storm she had just endured. She took a deep breath, hoping to steady herself, when she was suddenly startled by a voice. "Hello, rockstar." The deep, husky male voice came from the shadows. Ellaya looked up, her eyes narrowing. The man seemed familiar, but she couldn't place him. He had long hair tied neatly, and he was extremely handsome. "Had a rough night, I see?" The voice carried a hint of mockery. Ellaya saw the man leaning against the wall, arms crossed and smirking at her. His dark eyes seemed to pierce right through her, making her feel even more vulnerable. She tried to mask her emotions, but the pain was still evident in her eyes. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Kaito pushed himself off the wall and took a step closer, his smirk never wavering. "Just here to enjoy the party, like everyone else. B
Fuck the marriage. Fuck the damn woman Fuck this feeling. It was the fifth bottle of whiskey—maybe rum or vodka, who knew? The burn, the goddamn burn, was still there. He tried to soothe it with alcohol, but the more he drank, the more the unbearable fire engulfed him. It was an inferno that never dimmed, swallowing him whole. His coat jacket was thrown somewhere in the corner, necktie dangling loosely, shirt buttons ripped and lost. His disheveled hair mirrored his total mess of a state. His phone rang, and for a second, he wished it was her—the woman who had turned his world upside down. At first, he married her for revenge, to show her what poverty felt like, to make her realize the sting of broken trust, to leave her surrounded by people yet utterly alone in darkness. To make her feel heartbreak. But now, whatever was happening was totally different from what he had planned. He didn't know when and how he had fallen into the dark grave he had dug for her. Not only was sh
Ellaya moved with deliberate grace, the clinking of dishes softly counterpointing the morning stillness. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room, mingling with the scent of warm pastries. Iden's gaze bore into her, his body tense, betraying the storm brewing within. As he sipped his coffee, the ceramic cup clinked against the saucer, harsh against the quiet tension. His eyes, dark pools of emotion, followed her with an intensity that made her skin prickle with unease. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken words, each gesture laden with meaning. After their latest confrontation, he didn't leave the house. Instead, he sought refuge in the guest room. Anger boiled inside him, driving him to smash everything in sight. Despite hating to waste money, he took out his frustration on the furniture. Each blow was intense, showing his inner turmoil. The room echoed with his destruction. From the adjacent bedroom came muffled cries, fueling his rage even more. Breaki
In a tense room thick with apprehension, the man's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "I'll ask you this one final time, my dear princess. Who is Leo?" His words hung in the air, heavy with expectation and a hint of danger. Her eyes snapped from his hand to his gaze. His expression was eerily composed—too composed—which only hinted at the storm brewing within him. Uncertainty clouded her mind as she shook her head, faltering, "I... I don't know." Beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead, her heart racing as if desperate to break free from her chest. A pulsating ache throbbed in her temple, and her breaths came in short gasps. Almost instantly, a barrage of photos flew towards her, grazing her skin as they scattered across the bed and floor. Among the chaos, her gaze locked onto one of the fallen pictures. Shock contorted her features, her eyes widening in horror. One burning question echoed in her thoughts: how? How did he find out? His next inquiry snapped her back t
Ellaya refrained from stopping her or asking more, feeling a sense of unease. Memories of recent events flooded back, creating tension in the air. She guided him to their room and helped him onto the bed. Gently, she removed his shoes, socks, and tie, tenderly wiping his face with a damp cloth. As her hand brushed his cheek, he grasped it, locking eyes with her. The intensity in his gaze sent shivers down her spine. He held her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he drew her closer, his gaze focused intently on her face, examining every detail. With his other hand, he caressed her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his touch. She closed her eyes briefly, then met his intense look once more. Running his fingers through her hair, he pulled her nearer, his scent mingling with the faint tang of alcohol, enveloping her in a daze. The world around them faded into a blur as they breathed in sync, their desire palpable in the air. The warmth of his palm against her skin creat
Ellaya's world was in turmoil. Each day felt like a storm, with every moment echoing Iden's absence. His silence wrapped around her like a suffocating shroud, leaving her gasping for answers. Desperation gripped her as she dialed his number, only to be met with the deafening void of unanswered calls. Seated before a mirror, Ellaya gazed at her reflection. The woman staring back had eyes like amethyst orbs, wide and hauntingly deep. Cascading waves of dark hair with a mystical purple sheen framed a face that defied convention. Her complexion, a delicate shade of baby pink, hinted at otherworldly origins. In the mirror's gaze, she saw a being that transcended mere humanity. It was a face marked by whispers of ancient power and forbidden allure. Inside, emotions roiled—anguish, defiance, and a fierce longing for acceptance. Her form spoke of a silent struggle against judgment and isolation. The reflection before her was not merely a woman; she was a paradox. In her mother's words, a d
Ellaya's mind raced, unable to shake off the unsettling sight in the study. Despite the disbelief tugging at her thoughts, her heart felt heavy with a truth she was reluctant to accept. Lost in her turmoil, she stared intently at the table, her grip on the spoon tightening as it dug into her plate. "Ellaya," Annabell's urgent voice pierced through her thoughts, causing her to startle. The clatter of her spoon hitting the floor echoed in the tense silence. Ellaya reached down to retrieve it, her gaze lifted, only to catch Iden gripping Annabell's hand forcefully. A surge of emotion gripped Ellaya as she witnessed Annabell's futile attempt to free herself from his grasp, the unshed tears burning in Ellaya's eyes, threatening to fall down. She wiped away the tears with a trembling hand as she sank back into her seat. Uncertainty clouded her mind, yet one thing remained clear; her heart refused to believe in this cruel charade. Their eyes met in a silent clash of wills, both refusin
"I demand to know, Ellaya," Iden growled, his voice thick with seething jealousy. The day's events were a blur, but his wife's subconscious whispers of another man's name gnawed at him as she slept, leaving him burning with rage. His grip tightened around her chin, pulling her closer, his eyes ablaze with fury. She quivered, unable to meet his intense gaze. "Tell me... who. Is. Leo?" he demanded, with sheer anger and hurt. Her voice wavered as she tried to respond, "I don't... I don't... know," she stuttered, the fear evident in her eyes. The frustration boiling inside him spilled over. He flicked her chin with a mocking smile. His heavy gaze scanned her for the last time before storming out of the room, leaving behind a tense silence. Ellaya was left alone, the echo of their confrontation ringing in her ears. She folded her legs close to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as tears streamed down her face. The room echoed with her sobs. Her body shook violently and her hear
Iden's footsteps echoed softly in the dark hallway as he made his way to the bedroom, his heart heavy with a mixture of guilt and tenderness. The air was thick with silence, broken only by the hushed rustle of his movements. As he turned the doorknob, a sense of trepidation gripped him, unsure of what he would find inside. The moon cast a haunting glow into the now clean room, illuminating Ellaya's form like an ethereal specter in the night. Her peaceful slumber seemed at odds with the turmoil that had unfolded earlier, her face a mask of innocence marred by the evidence of her silent suffering. Gently, he approached her, his presence a mere whisper in the stillness of the room. He carefully sat on the floor beside her bed, his gaze fixed on her pale face. The sight of her tear-stained cheeks and delicate features stirred a storm of emotions within him. He reached out and tenderly brushed her hair away from her face, revealing the faint traces of a cut on her lips and the bruise