"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
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,
The courtroom was suffocating in its silence, the weight of anticipation pressing against every breath. Even the fluorescent lights seemed sharper, more unforgiving, casting stark shadows across Ellaya Stone’s face. She stood tall—spine straight, chin lifted—but her eyes burned with something beyond defiance. Pain. Exhaustion. Resignation. Then, she uttered those damning words: “I plead guilty.” The gasp wasn’t just a sound—it was a ripple of disbelief, swallowing the room whole. The judge, wrapped in his black robes, leaned forward, his gaze steady but edged with scrutiny. “Ms. Stone, are you absolutely certain you wish to say nothing in your defense?” A sardonic smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Not joy. Not regret. Just a quiet bitterness, something worn thin with time. “I, Ellaya Stone, accept responsibility for all of my crimes.” Her voice was steady, but the sadness beneath it ran deep—like water pressing against cracked glass. “As Mr. Iden Ruan’s pers
The buzz of his phone dragged him from oblivion, sharp and insistent, like a wasp stinging him back to life. He groaned, clutching his pounding head, the taste of regret bitter on his tongue. The screen’s light seared his eyes, but he answered anyway—out of reflex more than intention. “Kai,” he croaked. His voice was shredded. “What is it?” “Where the hell are you, Iden?” Kai’s voice was raw, urgent. “I’ve been calling you all night. What the fuck is going on?” “What could possibly be so important,” Iden growled, voice jagged, “that I can’t have one night to myself?” Kai’s laugh was cold. Dead. “Your wife turned herself in this morning.” The words were simple. But they detonated inside him. He didn’t breathe. Didn’t blink. Just… broke. His hand tightened around the phone like it might hold him together. “What?” It came out strangled. The forest swayed around him, uncaring. Trees moved with the wind, indifferent to the fracture inside him. The ground shifted, unreliable und
Ellaya walked forward, the wind lashing at her like invisible claws, tugging at her tattered dress—ghostly fingers urging her forward... or trying to hold her back. She flinched as thunder roared above, a deafening snarl that vibrated through her bones. A flash of lightning lit up her face, casting her features in a pale, sharp glow—one second of clarity in the suffocating darkness of the haunted night. Her legs trembled beneath her, each step sending a sharp, searing pain through her foot. Blood oozed from an open wound, mixing with the dirty puddles beneath her, leaving behind crimson trails like silent cries for help. But it wasn't the pain in her body that mattered. It was the wound in her soul. That was deeper. Far crueler. The heinous act that had shattered her into unrecognizable pieces clung to her like a second skin. Her face twisted with fear and anguish, etched permanently with the scars of betrayal. Her muffled sobs, raw and aching, echoed behind her, swallowed
"Please let me go…. Please, I am your daughter", Ellaya's plea rang in the room as her so-called father threw himself on the bed, clutching her hands tightly and attempting to kiss her. She kicked and scratched him on the face protecting herself. " Fuck. You bitch", he slapped her. Richard gripped her legs tightly. "Help… help .. mumma please help ..."she plead again and again. She retorted, "Fuck you bitch, you deserve it," She yelled as she sat on the couch and began polishing her nails as if watching a television drama. "You know what, Ellaya? Her soul was deeply wounded by her father's filthy remarks, "I always wanted to rip your clothes and make you feel good, baby girl." She wanted to hurl it in his face as her stomach roiled. For his own daughter, how could a father think this way? She shook her head, "No.. no.. please." Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she was crying and sweating but still fighting. The grip on her leg was cutting into her skin. "Now be a good g
She jolted upright, her breath hitching, wide eyes darting around the dimly lit room. The door slammed shut behind her mother, the sound reverberating through the walls like a final, sealing sentence. Trapped. The air thickened, suffocating, filled with unspoken threats that coiled around her like invisible chains. Her mother’s voice echoed in her ears, sharp and unforgiving—but it was her father’s gaze that rooted her in place. Cold. Calculated. Promising that this was only the beginning. _"Mumma… what are you…"_, she choked out, but the words barely formed before— Rosi lunged. Her fingers twisted mercilessly into Ellaya’s hair, yanking hard enough to send bolts of pain slicing across her scalp. "You bitch!" The venom in Rosi’s voice sent ice through her veins. "I told you to listen to your father, didn’t I?" Spittle flew as she spat her fury, words trembling with rage. "You dare come back after abandoning us? After throwing your childish tantrums?" The air between t
**Trigger Warning** The chapters ahead contains depictions of attempted sexual violence, survival, and themes of trauma that may be distressing for some readers. Please prioritize your well-being and proceed with caution. If these themes are sensitive for you, consider skipping this chapter. _______________________________ With a crushed heart and shattered hope, Ellaya sank to the cold, damp floor, her hands obscuring her face as tears streamed through the cracks of her fingers. The muffled sobs echoed in the vast villa, heavy like the weight of betrayal pressing down on her chest. Around her, faces twisted into masks of indifference, some even smirking. Mr. Stone leaned casually against the arm of the chair, pushing the woman on his lap away lightly before rising, towering over Ellaya. Rosi, fists clenched at her sides, threw her arms up in frustration. "You were the one who supported her every whim! Look where it’s gotten her!" “Enough!” Mr. Stone's voice boomed through
Her heart pounded with every hesitant step as she crossed the threshold into the familiar yet suffocating house. The spacious, opulent rooms, once a haven, now felt overwhelming, almost foreign. The contrast between the house’s warmth and her cold, dripping body was jarring. Water pooled at her feet as droplets trailed behind her, evidence of the storm she had been through—not just outside, but within. Her damp dress clung to her trembling frame, her fingers clutching the fabric tightly, as if it could anchor her amidst the tide of fear and guilt rising in her chest. Her eyes swept over the familiar surroundings, each detail stirring memories that surged relentlessly. Some were fleeting moments of comfort, others sharp reminders of hurt. The pounding in her temples intensified as thoughts swirled—thoughts of how other children ran to their homes for safety, for solace, while she stood here, terrified of what lay ahead. This place, though grand and inviting, was never truly home.
Ellaya knelt on the rain-slick ground, her trembling fingers splayed across the jagged edges of the gravestone. The icy night wind lashed at her exposed skin, turning her hands numb as the cold seeped through her drenched clothes. Strands of her hair stuck to her tear-streaked face, the relentless downpour soaking her completely. The weight of despair pressed heavily on her chest, tightening with every ragged breath. Her sobs came in sharp, uneven gasps as the venomous words of the man she had once given her heart to echoed in her mind, relentless as a cruel melody. *“I regret meeting you. I regret marrying you—even if it was only on paper, even if it was for revenge.”* The memory of his voice was a knife, twisting and tearing through her already shattered heart. She had believed in him, in the love she thought they shared. Every touch of his hands had felt like a symphony, every word a promise of a future together. She had abandoned everything for him—her career, her family, ev
Ellaya knelt on the cold, damp ground, her fingers trembling as they traced the jagged edges of the gravestone. The biting wind clawed at her skin, its chill settling deep into her bones. Her hair, disheveled by the relentless breeze, clung to her tear-streaked face. The night wrapped around her like a shroud, heavy and unforgiving, as the venomous words of the man she once loved echoed mercilessly in her mind. *“I regret meeting you. I regret marrying you—even if it was only on paper, even if it was for revenge.”* Each word had struck like a dagger, cutting through her soul and leaving it raw and exposed. The love she had cherished so deeply now felt like poison, eating away at her. Once, her heart had found its rhythm in his presence, had felt safe in his arms. Now, it was nothing but a hollow vessel, incapable of anything but pain. He had destroyed her, ensured she could never love again—not him, not anyone. A sob tore from her throat, shattering the stillness of the gravey