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Defying the Devil
Last Updated:
2025-02-10 23:18:15
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Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXIV : Don’t Tell Me What to Do
I stepped out of the room, not intending to dress up.I don't care.It's just dinner. In my house. Or, rather, the house that Aaric forced to be my house.So, I would dress as comfortably as possible, without caring if he liked it or not.I wore loose black boxers and an oversized T-shirt that fell past my thighs. My long, thick, brown hair was tangled up on top of my head, a few strands falling around my face, but I didn't bother to tidy it up.In addition, I wore round glasses that I rarely wore except when I was too lazy to put in contact lenses. My vision was a little myopic, and tonight, I chose not to try any more than necessary.With lazy steps, I descended to the first floor.This house is too big, and I haven't even explored everything yet. But at least I know where the kitchen and dining room are.When I arrived at the dining room, I found Aaric sitting there.He wore an expensive-looking black sweater and dark jeans that sat perfectly on his body. His usually neatly styled h
Last Updated : 2025-02-12Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXV : Bitter Coffee
The morning sunlight pierced through the cracks in the curtains, warming my skin and waking me up gently.I blinked, taking a long breath before finally reaching for my phone on the nightstand. The clock on the screen showed 8 am.And Aaric wasn't here.I didn't know if that was good or bad, but I didn't want to think about it now.I sat on the edge of the bed, letting my body adjust from the residual sleepiness that still hung around. Last night, after our argument at the dinner table, I chose to go to my room and go straight to bed.I was too tired to continue arguing about how he was trying to control me again. And, as it turned out, I could sleep well.Maybe it was because I was tired, or maybe it was because the air in this house differed from the air in my apartment, which was full of city noise.I got up slowly, walking towards the balcony directly connected to the bedroom. I opened the sliding glass door, and the breeze immediately greeted my face.I stare at the scenery in fr
Last Updated : 2025-02-12Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXVI : The Art of Reinvention
B.U. Tower towers over the centre of Los Angeles' business district, its glittering glass reflecting the morning sun. The building is luxurious and sterile and feels so exclusive.When I stepped out of the elevator on the floor that was now my office, I was immediately greeted by a different energy.So many faces turned towards me, enthusiastic smiles that greeted me as soon as I entered.“Good morning, Miss de Cruz!”“Welcome back!”“Nice to see you here!”I held my breath for a moment.This was... different.I was used to walking into the management building, which had an awkward atmosphere. People avoided my gaze for fear of being dragged into my scandal, and I was used to the quiet whispers and fake smiles from people who doubted my future in the industry.But today? Everything changed.Cassandra, the head of management that Aaric had appointed to take care of me, walked over with quick yet elegant steps. The woman, as always, looked perfect. She wore a white blazer and black slac
Last Updated : 2025-03-04Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXVII : A Dance of Power
Vivian froze in place, her eyes widening in shock. She tried to pull her hand away, but Aaric's grip remained firm and harsh, but enough to warn her.Aaric's gaze did not change, flat and cold.“Let go of me,” Vivian hissed, her voice still filled with anger but I can heard it mixed with a subtle fear she was trying to hide.Aaric remained silent for several seconds before slowly removing his hand. Vivian pulled her arm to her chest.Vivian swept her hateful gaze towards Aaric and then back to me. “You think you can hide behind this man?” her voice trembled. "One day, all will be revealed, Maya! Everyone will know how dirty you got everything!”Aaric tilted his head slightly, that faint, almost mocking smile never leaving his lips. “You sound awfully sure of yourself, Mrs. Rowe…” He let his words hang, then leaned in just enough to make Vivian instinctively step back. His voice dropped, smooth and lethal. “But we both know who’s really covered in filth.”I could see her fear flash acr
Last Updated : 2025-03-05Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXVIII: Shadows in Silk
I stood in front of the large mirror in my room, staring at my reflection.The black midi dress wraps around my body perfectly simple, elegant, and not overdone. The cut is classic, not too tight, not too loose, and stops just below the knee. I chose something that wouldn't draw too much attention, not giving Aaric the chance to think that I was really trying for him.Because I wasn't.My hands skillfully applied natural makeup, thin foundation, a slight blush on the cheeks, mascara to emphasize the eyes, and nude lipstick that wasn't too flashy. I didn't want to look like someone who wanted to impress the man. I just wanted to get this over with and get back to my life.I gave my long, thick, dark brown hair a natural wave and left it down. No extra effort, no exaggerated style. Just me, as usual.Just as I checked the final result, there was a knock on the door. I took a deep breath, trying to ignore my heart beating a little faster than it should."I won't wait all night," Aaric's
Last Updated : 2025-03-08Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXIX : Fingers Like Fire
I was just about to take a distance when something warm wrapped around my waist.My body stiffened instantly.Aaric's arm.His fingers gripped the sides of my waist firmly, not roughly, but firmly enough to ensure I had nowhere to go. His touch created an unwanted warmth, burning my skin even through the fabric of my black dress.I jerked around to face him, but he strolled on like nothing was out of place."What are you doing?" I hissed."Smile, Princess." He ignored me, refusing to even glance my way. "And don't bother trying to pull away. Let's not cause a scene tonight."I swallowed and made no move to get away from him. It wasn't that I obeyed him, I just knew it was useless to fight in this place. The two large men at the door stared at us blankly, but I could feel their assessing gazes from behind their sunglasses.Fighting the urge to turn back, I stepped forward. Aaric's arm remained around my waist, his fingers occasionally moving slightly.We passed the two guards, who imme
Last Updated : 2025-03-10Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXX : Eat, Princess.
A high ceiling with a sparkling crystal chandelier greeted us as Alejandro opened the large door at the end of the room. My steps halted for a moment, my eyes sweeping across the room.The walls were covered in dark wood paneling with detailed carvings that were far too lavish for a place like this. The ceiling was adorned with a low-hanging chandelier, its light reflecting off a long table in the center of the room.Seated around the table, men and women lounged in casual ease, yet there was something calculated in their stillness. I swallowed. A few of them turned to watch us enter, their eyes lingering. Unease coiled in my stomach."Please," Alejandro raised one hand, gesturing for us to enter.I stood in the doorway while Aaric stepped inside first, still gently gripping me around the waist."What is this?" I whispered.Aaric glanced at me, his lips curving in a faint smile. "Dinner."I looked up, giving him a sharp look. "Dinner?"Aaric just shrugged like this wasn't something st
Last Updated : 2025-03-11Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXXI : Cold Eyes, Warm Blood
The sound of clinking spoons and forks around the table continued, but it seemed to grow more and more distant, muffled by the sound of my own heartbeat echoing inside my head. I could feel Aaric's gaze on the side of my face, piercing and waiting."Princess." His voice was calm and low, but there was something behind it that made the air in my lungs feel heavier.I didn't turn my head, keeping my eyes on my still-intact plate."Don't make me repeat it," he continued, quieter, more subtle, even more threatening than before.I swallowed, my jaw clenching tightly. I reached for the fork beside my plate, poking the tip into the perfectly cut piece of steak. I brought the piece of meat to my mouth with slightly trembling hands.Aaric remained silent by my side, but his presence was too great to ignore.As soon as the piece of steak passed my lips and touched my tongue, I immediately realized something.This food was... amazing.The meat was tender, almost melting in my mouth. The sauce w
Last Updated : 2025-03-12
Latest chapter
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee Trouble at My Door
Marcus and I walked slowly down the glossy corridor, the chandelier lights shimmering overhead. The soft echo of our footsteps mixed with the low hum of the ship’s engines in the distance. I pulled my thin cardigan tighter around me, the night air starting to bite at skin that had gotten used to the warm Los Angeles sun.When we stopped in front of my cabin door, Marcus slipped his hands into his pockets, his face relaxed—but there was something in his eyes. A small, unspoken hope.“Hey,” he said, leaning in just a little. “After coffee on deck tomorrow... want to go snorkeling? We can head to the quieter side of the beach. They say the water’s crystal clear.”I smiled, raising an eyebrow with my best acting skills. “Snorkeling? Sounds like a plan. I definitely need something more exciting than watching Mellan and Aaric show off their couple goals all day.”Marcus chuckled softly, his voice low and easy. “That’s the spirit. I’ll book the spot later, so we can just head out tomorrow.”
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee She Stood Anyway
I didn’t know why I agreed. Maybe because I was too tired to say no, or maybe because Marcus said it so casually—like he was inviting me to watch the sunrise. Not like he was asking me to walk to the quieter part of the ship and watch a theater rehearsal up close.“We’ll just take a quick look,” he’d said, like fifteen minutes could erase all the tension from the dinner we’d just survived.The back deck of the ship felt like another world. No elegant dining tables here, no classical piano music, and most importantly—no Mellan and no Aaric. Just a small, semi-permanent stage with rows of stage lights hanging above like manmade stars. Around it, the crew and cast moved in rehearsal clothes—some in dance shoes, others in loose shorts and tight black tees.Marcus stood beside me, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the stage like a man who genuinely appreciated art. I, on the other hand, stood with my arms crossed, trying to calm the heartbeat that hadn’t settled since dinner.“You know w
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee A Seat at the Table
Dinner on the main deck started promptly at seven.They even sent out little invitations to our cabins, like this was a small wedding, not a family vacation wrapped in pretense.The dinner table stretched long across the deck, covered in crisp white linen with a centerpiece of white flowers and tall, slender candles. Each place had a cushioned chair and a small name card tucked neatly above the plate.The waitstaff looked like they were serving dinner to senators.I showed up five minutes late. Just enough to signal disinterest, but not long enough to start a scene.“Yes, Maya’s sitting next to Marcus,” my mom said as I arrived, her voice cheerful but her eyes already issuing a warning before I could say a word.Of course.Marcus stood and pulled out my chair, polite as always. “You look great,” he said quietly as I sat down. “Santorini colors suit you.”I gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”Across the table, Mellan was sitting with Aaric, showing him photos on her phone, laughing, chat
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee The Weight I Wear
The room was spacious. Dark wood panels lined the walls, streaked with shiny gold accents, and the floor was covered in thick cream-colored carpet—too soft for shoes to tread on. Sheer white linen curtains danced in the ocean breeze, revealing an endless blue beyond the private balcony.I should have been grateful to be here.But all my body wanted to do was collapse.Ever since we boarded the yacht this afternoon, I hadn’t had a single second to just sit still without someone approaching me—family, guests, or people Mom had invited solely because their last names carried weight.“Maya! I’m a huge fan of Helena!”“You still look as gorgeous as ever. Are you filming something new?”“Is it true you and Marcus are still friends? You two are just perfect together.”All of it with wide smiles. All of them with eyes waiting for a slip. A crack. A weakness.And me?I smiled. I nodded. I recited the answers I’d memorized. “Thank you. Yes, we’re still close. Filming starts again next month.”T
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee I Packed a Smile and Left My Heart
The sky looked freshly washed from the night before. The morning air was still cool, the sun hadn’t turned harsh yet, and the street outside Aaric’s house felt too peaceful for a day I knew would slowly tear me apart.A black SUV had been waiting in front of the gate since 8:10.I walked down with a small suitcase, lips glossed just enough, sunglasses covering half my face, and a professional smile I’d been practicing in the mirror all morning. The same smile I used to wear for the press when I was with Marcus. Now I wore it for my own family.The car door opened.My mom sat inside, dressed in an ivory blazer and an expensive scarf wrapped too perfectly around her neck. Her eyes scanned me quickly, then she gave a small nod. No compliments, no critique. That meant: “acceptable.”Next to her, Dad was busy on his phone as always, giving a half-nod without even looking up.And in the backseat—someone who made my breath catch for just a second.Mellan.Her face was glowing. Her long hair
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVI : Half a Heart, Fully Sketched
The house had gone still. Even the waves sounded farther away than usual, as if intentionally giving space to the worries stacking quietly in my chest.An open suitcase sat on the bed. Summer dresses folded neatly. A straw hat. Leather sandals. Two bikinis I chose not because I planned to swim, but because I thought—that's just how it’s supposed to look. That’s how a woman should show up on a vacation with her younger sister’s fiancé’s family.Tonight, I wasn’t Maya. I was just… a prop in someone else’s story.I opened the drawer on the right side of the wardrobe, looking for sunscreen or maybe a light t-shirt—anything to fold, just to keep my hands busy. But the drawer stuck. I tugged a little harder… and as it opened, something slipped out from underneath.A dark brown leather notebook. The corners worn. No label. No name.My heart started pounding.I stared at the thing for a few seconds. It felt like stealing. But this was… my room too, wasn’t it? At least, by our agreement.My fi
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVIII —The Calm Before the Wreck
Morning came without a sound.I sat at the edge of the bed, wearing a thin T-shirt and sleep shorts, while the early sunlight slipped quietly through the gap in the curtains, casting strange patterns on the wooden floor.My phone buzzed on the nightstand. The screen lit up: Mom.I let out a reflexive sigh. Answering a call from my mother wasn’t just a conversation—it was like walking into a job interview without knowing what position you were applying for.I hit the green button.“Maya.”Her voice was cold and firm as always—no hello, no small talk.“Morning, Mom.”“I spoke to Mellan last night.”I straightened up, suddenly feeling like a little girl caught breaking the house rules.“Yeah?” I answered cautiously.“We’re going sailing next week. The Blackwood family’s private yacht. Summer vacation. We leave Monday. I want you to come.”I froze. “I have a shoot next week.”“I checked your schedule. Nothing that can’t be moved,” she said quickly, like she’d already planned this far in a
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVII — Too Close for Pretend
The coastal night air greeted me as the front door clicked shut behind me. My shoes tapped wearily against the wooden floor, and a moment later, I saw him.Aaric.Standing on the second-floor balcony, leaning against the glass railing, his silhouette tall and still under the soft, dim glow of the outdoor lights.The ocean stretched out behind him. Dark and calm. A stark contrast to the chaos inside my head.He didn’t say anything.But he looked at me.That look... deep, unhurried, like he was trying to etch the image of me into his memory.For a second, I wanted to go to him. Ask how he was after nearly dying last night. Make sure he wasn’t carrying any invisible wounds.But I didn’t move.Because I knew: the moment I made room for emotion, none of this would be about the deal anymore.Our arrangement was clear. I came to him when my reputation was in ruins, and he—with all his power and toxic influence—offered help. A house. Protection. Career support. In return, I had to stay here.
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVI : You Look Better in Heartbreak Lighting
After an hour-long break, I was back on set. My hair was still slightly damp from the setting spray Amira had used, and my skin felt a little sticky from the fake tears that had been washed off and reapplied. But inside me, Helena’s pulse was still lingering.The shooting space was different this time—brighter, more open. We were on the dining room set. The next scene showed Helena finally coming home after disappearing for a few days, trying to act “normal” even though her world had just fallen apart.Daniel was already in his seat, wearing a soft cream sweater, his hair tousled like he’d just rolled out of bed. He was reading the script, marking up a few lines with a pencil, occasionally scribbling notes on facial expressions.I sat across the table and grabbed the hot coffee waiting for me. As I took a sip, I stared at the set in front of us: a long wooden table, two tea cups, and a vase of slightly wilted flowers. The props were perfect—just understated enough. Like Helena’s relat
