"You thief!" Barbara's voice echoed angrily as she pointed at me, furious, while I held her cellphone tightly.I swallowed nervously, feeling the tension rise. I hid the cellphone behind my back, afraid of their angry faces."No wonder I couldn't find it earlier! If Eza hadn't mentioned your suspicious behavior, we wouldn't have known! Give it to me!"Barbara quickly approached me. Fear and anxiety filled my chest. But instead of giving it back, I held onto her cellphone tightly, trying to fight her off!"Give it to me, damn it?!" Despite her size, it was impressive how she struggled to retrieve her cellphone from my slender hand."You have some nerve!" I was surprised when Davina also charged at me to help her friend."Serena, stop it!!" Panying's voice took over the place.But I didn't listen to any of them. I couldn't give up the cellphone without erasing Haleanna's contact information!Even though I was being scratched, slapped, and hit, I couldn't just surrender it!I tried to bre
Early in the morning, Ezekiel summoned his employees inside the mansion.For some reason, his anger shifted towards his staff."Starting from now, whoever lets Serena have contact with the outside world will be punished and kicked out of the mansion. Whether the reason is lending her a phone or even if she stole it, it will be that person's fault. I don't tolerate any act of helping her have an easy life inside my territory, nor do I let her have her way out of this place," his eyes were filled with threats, devoid of any emotion. "Whoever has objections, you can pack your things and find a new job."He looked at each male and female staff member in the mansion, but none of them met his gaze directly.A long silence prevailed. The maids seemed to be sensing each other, and in the end, no one opposed what Ezekiel said.He clicked his tongue in annoyance and satisfaction. He knew he paid his employees well and didn't make their stay difficult compared to others, which is why he rarely h
"SERENA?!"Surprised, Raquel and I stared at each other.The weakness in my body suddenly disappeared, replaced by hope, joy, and the possibility of shedding tears at any moment."Raquel... Raquel!" I managed to fly to where she was, despite my unsteady steps.I hugged her tightly! I pressed my face against her neck. It felt like I was a child seeking solace.Nothing else crossed my mind except finding solace in her presence. I wanted her to take me away from this hellish place right now! I wanted her to hear my grievances again and help me rise once more.I wanted to tell her that I made the wrong choice with Brantley, that all he did was hurt me for three years! I never found love and happiness with him, but rather abuse and endless torment!"R-Raquel, help me..." I whispered to her in fear of Ezekiel hearing. "Help me get out of here. I beg of you..."But Raquel stood frozen like a statue. I couldn't even hear her breathe. It was as if she had seen a ghost and couldn't recover from
"Let go of me, you big dumb fuckers!!" Even before the guards could fully drag Raquel out of the room, Ezekiel's arms wrapped around my waist from behind. I can sense his superiority and possessiveness lingering around me no matter how I am contradicting those senses. I bit my lower lip and wiped away the remaining tears from my eyes. This is the first time Raquel and I have seen each other in three years. I pray that this is not just a dream. I hope that her promise to help me escape this place is not just a dream. "Did you use my shampoo?" Goosebumps formed on my arms as Ezekiel smelled my hair and neck with intimacy. His grip on me tightened, and I held my breath. From outside the room, I could hear Raquel screaming and causing a commotion. But Ezekiel acted as if nothing was happening, and it felt like we were the only two people in the world. "You smell even better with my scent printed on you." His warm breath blew into my sensitive ear. I struggled to swallow my saliva.
It's been almost a month since I last saw Raquel. Every passing day, I hold on to her promise to me.I know that escaping will be extremely difficult. Especially since Ezekiel, who has no heart and is obsessed with getting everything he wants, is our common enemy.But Raquel has never let me down. I believe that she will come at any moment and take me away from this demonic mansion.She always cares for me and looks out for me, and I know it will be possible to escape if it's through her. She's the only one who could help me."Miss Serena, let me help you."I was surprised when a gardener approached me in the mansion."H-Huh? Help?" I couldn't believe what he said as he carried two garbage bags. "You'll help me??""Ah," he smiled and scratched his head. "I've been seeing you go back and forth throwing garbage. How many more bags do you have? Let me help you with the remaining ones."My eyes widened in shock. I thought I heard an offer of help from one of Ezekiel's staff!That man had b
"Hmmm... mhm," Ezekiel's moans echoed repeatedly as I massaged his back.I didn't feel comfortable hearing those sounds, especially since we were both naked.He remained lying face down while I kneeled on the large bed."Press it harder." His voice hinted at the pleasure he was feeling.I hesitated. I took the oil again, poured a little on my palm, and spread it on his tense back.No wonder my body was always sore with all the weight he put on me every night."Here?""No, lower.""Here?""Oh fuck, yes."I winced. I slowly and firmly ran my hand down his lower back, using karate-like moves. As time went on, I exerted more force, fueled by my frustration towards him."I'm surprised that you actually knew how to massage," he laughed bitterly. "You're used to massaging someone? Not to mention that motherfucking lover of yours?"I paused for a moment and looked at the top of his head. He remained buried in the pillow; he didn't look at me.Was he referring to Brantley?I sarcastically smir
I immediately turned to the sturdy man, who took the three garbage bags I was carrying."Oh! You're like a mushroom, popping up everywhere," I playfully teased Dan.He kindly walked alongside me. "I just want to make sure that no one else sees. You know?""Yes, sure," I jokingly replied. "Thank you.""You're welcome!"Fortunately, the garbage disposal area was behind the mansion, close to the garden that the old man used to take care of, and now Danilo does.The mansion's staff doesn't pass through the garden, as it's not part of their duties. They only see the gardener when they have to dispose of the trash. That's when they encounter him.In the past few days, he has been helping me with the garbage disposal, and I also take ten minutes to rest in his garden, unnoticed by anyone."You have a great job, Dan. It's so peaceful here in the garden, perfect for relaxation," I said as I lay on the clean grass.I looked up at the white and blue sky, shielding the sun's rays.Dan also looked
"She's so slow! It takes her an hour just to throw away the garbage!""You said it! She's lazy, she doesn't want to move, and she has so much piled-up work!"Davina and Barbara whispered to each other, making sure I could hear them. Every day, they openly insulted me, and it had become a routine.They couldn't approach me directly anymore, not like before when Barbara's cellphone was stolen, out of fear of being implicated in my actions. So, I used their presence as an opportunity to sharpen my tongue."Sorry." I smiled and apologized. "Your boss really went wild on me last night, so I can't walk properly today."Both of them were stunned, their faces twisting as they exchanged glances, before I sarcastically looked at them from head to toe."You're so proud to be Sir Heskel's playthings, aren't you? You're so flirtatious!" Davina uttered in disgust. "I really don't understand why he even bothers with you, considering you have nothing to offer!"I laughed sarcastically. "And so? Do yo
"How is Ezekiel after fainting?" Serena asked, concerned but amused after giving birth."Well, he got a bump on his forehead," Panying replied with a smile. "He's asking for ice from the nurse. Hahaha!"Serena burst into laughter. "Panying, I didn't know he couldn't handle it inside, but he insisted on being the emotional support. Turns out, he's the one who needs support during my delivery! Hahaha!""Seriously! He's brave when it comes to others, but he's weak when it comes to you. He fainted because of the stress and fear of seeing you in pain. He hasn't slept because he was nervous about your labor. Poor guy."Serena couldn't stop laughing despite her exhaustion and weakness due to Ezekiel's scene. "My poor love.""I'm fine!" Ezekiel exclaimed as he entered the hospital room. He took big steps towards Serena's bed to check on her. "My wife, are you feeling okay?""Pfft!" Serena noticed the redness and bump on her husband's forehead. "My love, what happened to you? Where's the ice p
The first woman Ezekiel loved was none other than his own mother.He treated Eliza with respect and honor. She was a wonderful mother to him, and all their memories together were truly happy moments of his childhood.She was the light of their home, so when she passed away, his world turned dark.He sat there in the corner of his room, surrounded by darkness, with no one to comfort him. No one was there but his own shadow.He mourned alone, drowning in his own tears; the heaviness in his chest was unbearable.And because he was a man, his father expected him not to show any emotions in front of people. That's when he started hiding and suppressing his true feelings behind his cold face.The insults he heard about Eliza from his own relatives and the rumors about his new stepmother, Elizabeth, didn't help either.He wanted to die because of the pain he felt at that moment. He always pretended to be ice-cold and unaffected by everything.But unexpectedly, while no one was watching the t
"Ta-da! You look so beautiful!"My female makeup artist was delighted with her work."This is a work of art! Look at yourself in the mirror, girl!"I couldn't help but smile sweetly. When I faced the mirrored wall, I couldn't help but admire myself.Wearing a stunning and expensive white wedding gown, I could hardly recognize myself. My makeup enhanced my natural beauty even more.The way my heart beats now is full of happiness. I can't believe I'm really getting married to Ezekiel again! It's only been a month since he proposed, and here we are, preparing for this day!In fact, when we first got married, I didn't feel this way. Perhaps because I didn't know him back then, I was overwhelmed with sadness and despair. My mother had to force me to smile and pretend to be happy.But now, my heart is overflowing with joy; there's no room for anything else! I think I'll always remember this feeling."Serena, you look so beautiful! You're like an angel turned into a princess! You've even sur
We were at the beach with Ezekiel, watching Duziell play with Halaenna, Freya, Panying, and Danilo in the distance, accompanied by three guards secretly keeping watch.We were resting and enjoying the hot weather. The sand between my toes and the deep blue color of the sea brought a unique joy and peace to my heart.Vacations are so enjoyable. I can't remember the last time I experienced this."Wife, didn't you have a shoot here before for the Sirena?" Ezekiel asked with a smile, as if remembering something. "I remember this is where it was shot.""Huh?" I was taken aback. I looked around again. "Is it here? I don't remember, because I was only fifteen when I played one of the Sirenas." I couldn't help but be surprised. "Honey, really? You were such a fan of mine back then that you even know this?"He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me. "I can name every teleserye and movie you're in. You basically dominated my teenage years. That's why I'm crazy about you."My lip
"Be careful where you step, my wife!" Ezekiel was very attentive as we got out of the car, just coming from the hospital.I didn't know what to feel. "Ezekiel, I'm only three weeks pregnant. My belly doesn't even show yet.""Still!" His face didn't recover from its paleness. "W-We need to be extra careful, of course.""Of course, when my belly gets bigger, we need to be extra cautious. But the doctor said I'm healthy, so just by walking, our baby won't be in danger of falling, okay?" I clarified to him.But his nervousness and worry didn't diminish. "I should buy everything a woman needs during pregnancy!""Honey," I pinched his cheek. "All I need during my pregnancy is you by my side."He paused. "Then I should stop working—"I leaned in to capture his lips. I kissed him deeply and passionately before pulling away and giving him a sweet smile."You still need to work if you don't want us to starve."His mouth dropped open, as if on the verge of tears, and he looked at me, unable to c
Ezekiel leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on his father's lawyer, Samson, waiting for his response.The old lawyer, Samson, had been his father's trusted legal advisor for many years. They were discussing the final will and testament of Ezekiel's late father, which contained the key to dividing the family's substantial wealth."As the rightful heir, I expect to inherit the majority of my father's wealth, as stated in the document. However, there is an additional matter I would like to address."The old man adjusted his glasses and nodded attentively. "Of course, Ezekiel. Please continue."He continued, "According to the will, my stepmother, Elizabeth, who has already passed away, is entitled to a portion of the inheritance. However, given what happened, I believe that those rights should now be transferred to me."The lawyer nodded, paying attention to Ezekiel's request. "I understand your perspective, Ezekiel. However, please allow me to review the legal implications and consu
Ezekiel entered the underground basement. From a distance, the smell of blood permeated the familiar place, but it no longer affected him."Open the cell," he commanded Ramil, who promptly obeyed.As the cell door opened, he made his way inside. The two individuals he intentionally sought out were not immediately visible. He had to walk a few meters before finding them.Meanwhile, the people imprisoned in the cells on the sides were filled with anguish and pleaded to be set free. Those arrogant and brutal criminals were now acting like victims, always begging for his mercy whenever they saw him.This was the side of him he never wanted Serena to understand. He knew that Serena already knew about this organization. However, he wanted to keep it a secret and bury it along with the people inside.This was a place where he only encountered his own brutality and mercilessness towards those who once mocked, insulted, and threatened his life. There was nothing here but a nightmare."Brother?
"Don't worry, Mrs. Serena, your child is in good condition. Thankfully, the wound on his neck isn't deep. However, due to the severity of the cut, it will leave a scar. I recommend an ointment to speed up the healing process. As for why he is still unconscious, it's because of the sedative he was forced to take. But it's nothing to worry about; his breathing is perfectly fine, just like he's in a deep sleep."My mind slowly calmed down after hearing the doctor's words. I took a deep breath and turned to Duziell, who was still peacefully sleeping, unaffected by his injury.The tension in my body from what happened still lingered as I slumped in the chair next to Duziell's bed."Thank you, Doc." I expressed my gratitude. It wasn't easy for him to wake up in the early hours to do his job. Fortunately, the mansion is only a three- to five-minute drive from his house."You're welcome. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can do, I'll respond immediately.""Thank you
Ezekiel woke up when he realized Serena wasn't on her side of the bed.He groped around the bed and confirmed that she wasn't there, causing him to open his eyes and sit up."Serena?" He yawned as he got up to check the bathroom inside. But she wasn't there.When he looked at the clock, he wondered where Serena could be at only three in the morning."Serena?" He furrowed his brow as he left the room to go to Duziell's adjacent room. He was sure Serena left their bed to be with their son. "Se—"His mind quickly woke up when he saw that the door to the room was open. He rushed inside. The messy bed greeted him, but his son was not there, where Serena had put him to sleep."Where the heck did they go?" He hurriedly left the room and practically flew down to the living room.The surroundings were still, the lights were off, and there was no trace of his wife or child! That's when he sensed something was wrong.He quickly went to the maid's quarters, remembering where Serena's mother was p