Chapter 63: Unloved~"I am saddened by the fact that I will no longer exist in my own body after this..." Damian's voice softened, his gaze drifting, as if searching for words he hadn't spoken in years. "So I want to tell you something before I go..."Alaric stood silently, watching Damian with intrigue."My family's downfall wasn't by chance," Damian continued. "It was orchestrated by Claudia's father and I knew it long before. He sought our wealth, our influence. My father trusted him as an ally, a business partner, but the man was ruthless. He sabotaged everything, forced our empire to crumble, and when my parents refused to yield... he made sure they never had the chance to fight back."Alaric felt his chest tighten. "You mean he..."Damian nodded grimly. "Yes. My parents were killed and later, I was poisoned. It was made to look like an accident, but it wasn't. And Claudia... she had no idea."Alaric was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath as he finally caught a real
Chapter 64: RebuildDays had passed since Alaric had fully taken control of Damian's body and everything tied to it. The identity, the wealth, the reputation—it was all his now. This wasn't just a power grab but it was a promise fulfilled. Damian had asked Alaric to reclaim what was stolen, to make right the wrongs inflicted by those who had betrayed him. And Alaric had every intention of honoring that request.But his true focus lay far beyond business or revenge. His thoughts were consumed by one person—Selene.She wasn't just Selene. She was Amaris. The woman he had loved in another lifetime, another world. The one who had recognized him, even when he didn't recognize himself. She had seen him for who he truly was and not the face he wore or the memory he lacked. But now, she was gone. Vanished from the city, leaving only fragments of hope in her wake.The search for her was maddening. Each day that passed without a trace felt like a century, but Alaric refused to give up. He had b
Chapter 65: Stubborn Young ManSelene groaned softly as she bent down to pick up the fallen cloth. Her balance was slightly off as her growing belly made even the simplest tasks a challenge."My goodness," she muttered, straightening with a wince. "Being pregnant is no joke."And as if in response, a tiny kick thumped against her belly. Selene paused, laughing gently as she rested a hand over the spot."Oh, I see," she said warmly, her voice soft with affection. "You're listening, aren't you?"Her other hand joined the first, cradling her belly protectively. "I know, my loves, I know," she whispered while her fingers traced soothing circles over her bump.The sound of birds chirping outside and the rustling of leaves filled the air. Her small, countryside home sat surrounded by rolling fields and a scattering of other cozy houses. The neighbors had been kind from the moment she arrived, welcoming her with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude.She still remembered the day she moved in,
Chapter 66: Relentless"Thank you for helping me out. I owe you," Selene said in a light and genuine tone as a warm smile lit her face.Noah raised a brow before his lips curled into a faint smirk. "What did I even do? I just peeled you some oranges.""Exactly," Selene replied with a soft chuckle. "It's the little things that count."Before Noah could respond, Selene leaned forward slightly, reaching out. Her fingertips brushed against his forehead in a light, playful gesture."Good job," she teased. "The oranges are sweet. Make sure to thank your grandma for me."Noah stiffened at the unexpected touch, his eyes darting to her hand before quickly averting them. His ears reddened despite his attempt to keep a straight face. "You're weird," he muttered, his voice a little too gruff to be convincing.Selene pulled her hand back, laughing softly. "And you're grumpy. I'd say that makes us even."Noah shook his head, trying to hide the small smile threatening to break through. "Yeah, yeah.
Chapter 67: ConferenceReporters immediately scrambled to capture photos while their cameras clicked incessantly."Mr. Clarke! Over here!" one called out, hoping for an early comment, but Alaric didn't acknowledge them. His focus was forward and his stride purposeful as he approached the stage.As he took his place at the podium, the room fell into an anticipatory hush. He let his piercing gaze sweep across the crowd, ensuring he had their full attention before he spoke. Finally, his deep and steady voice carried easily across the room."Good morning, and thank you all for being here today," he began, his tone commanding yet measured. "The past year has been a transformative journey for Clarke Industries. What once faced instability has now become a beacon of resilience and innovation in the industry."A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd as some reporters nodding in agreement. And so Alaric continued."This success is not solely mine," he said, gesturing subtly toward the pa
Chapter 68: The StormThe polished halls of the establishment echoed with footsteps as Alaric strode toward the main entrance. His long strides looked elegant while his tailored coat billowed slightly as he moved. Behind him was his secretary, Margaret, struggling to keep up, her heeled shoes clicking rapidly against the floor."Mr. Clarke, wait!" she called, clutching a tablet and a folder to her chest. Her voice was firm, though it carried a hint of exasperation.Alaric didn't break his pace while his sharp gaze remained fixed on the doors ahead. "Whatever it is, it can wait," he said tersely."But it can't!" Margaret insisted, finally catching up to him near the elevators. "The investors are arriving this afternoon. They've flown in specifically to meet with you. If you're not here—""I'm aware of their schedules," Alaric interrupted, his tone clipped. He jabbed the elevator button with more force than necessary, the light blinking in response. "But I have more pressing matters to
Chapter 69: Fate Against UsThe storm was merciless. Sheets of rain hammered against the windshield of Alaric's car as he gripped the steering wheel tightly and his knuckles began turning white. The wipers fought a losing battle, barely clearing the water before another wave drowned the glass. The road ahead was a blur, swallowed by the tempest, but Alaric pressed on with his jaw clenched in determination.Selene was out there. He didn't know exactly where, but every instinct screamed that he had to reach her before everything is too late.Suddenly, a deafening crack split the air, and Alaric flinched as lightning illuminated the road for a brief second which revealed a fallen tree blocking his path. His heart dropped as he slammed on the brakes and the tires immediately skidded against the slick asphalt. The car screeched to a halt mere feet from the massive trunk."Damn it," Alaric muttered under his breath, slamming his palms against the steering wheel.He threw the car into park a
Chapter 70: RescueAs the hours passed, the raging storm finally began to quiet. The heavy rains softened into a gentle drizzle, and the angry roars of thunder faded into the distance. Lightning no longer flashed across the sky, and the darkened clouds slowly drifted away, leaving the early morning air cool and damp.Mrs. Callaghan stirred awake as her body was already accustomed to the dawn despite the restless night. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and glanced toward the window. A faint glow of sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a soft warmth against the storm-battered town.She shuffled to the window with her old slippers scuffing against the wooden floor, and peered outside. The streets were still wet, small puddles dotting the paths, and leaves scattered across the yards from the storm's wrath. She could see the dark clouds lingering far on the horizon but knew they wouldn't return.With a sigh of relief, Mrs. Callaghan turned toward the kitchen to start her morning tea,
Chapter 90: Happily Ever After?Five Years Later "Luna! You can't catch me!" Lucian's voice rang out as he dashed through a group of guests, narrowly avoiding toppling a tray of drinks."Oh, yes, I can!" Luna shot back, her face flushed with determination as she lifted her skirts slightly to run faster.The Clarke estate was alive with the sounds of joy and celebration. The grand ballroom were adorned with delicate garlands of flowers and shimmering drapes. Blue and pink ribbons intertwined across the space, signifying the shared celebration for the twins, Lucian and Luna.Two grand cakes sat at opposite ends of the room—one decorated with stars and moons for Lucian, and the other adorned with flowers and butterflies for Luna. The twins, now five, were darting around the room like a storm as their laughter echoed.Selene stood near the refreshment table with her hand resting protectively over her growing belly. Her floral dressed flowed gracefully around her, though it was tailored t
Chapter 89: Second LifeThe Elysian Empire was a land of grandeur, steeped in tradition and hierarchy. Its people were not only divided by their noble ranks but also by the unique genders bestowed upon them by nature itself. The six genders—male and female alphas, male and female betas, and male and female omegas—shaped the very fabric of their society. Each bore distinct roles, and though unity was idealized, inequality and prejudice often thrived beneath the surface.Alphas were leaders, strong and dominant by nature. Male alphas often held positions of power, while female alphas were just as capable, known for their strength and determination. Both experienced ruts, intense periods when their instincts took over, driving their need for a mate.Betas were the steady, dependable ones. Male betas were the merchants, builders, and thinkers, while female betas were skilled at solving problems and keeping peace. Unlike alphas and omegas, betas didn't have ruts or heats, which made their
Chapter 88: ForgivenessAs Claudia approached, Alaric's expression hardened. The relaxed warmth he'd displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by the icy demeanor he had perfected from his past life. He stepped forward, positioning himself subtly between Claudia and Selene. His sharp gaze bore into her as though dissecting her every move."Damian. Selene.""What are you doing here, Claudia?" Alaric's tone was cold, cutting straight to the point.Claudia stopped a few feet away, her grip on the bouquet of hydrangeas tightening. She met his gaze, though her confidence faltered slightly under the weight of his stare. "I came to—""To what?" Alaric interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "To dredge up more chaos? Or to play the victim again?"Claudia flinched as the harshness of his words hit her squarely. She glanced down at the flowers in her hand, her shoulders stiffening. "I didn't come to cause trouble," she said quietly but her voice clearly wavered out of guilt.Alaric's brow
Chapter 87: Blue HydrangeasThe atmosphere at the garden party was cheerful. It brimmed with the warmth of the midday sun and the vibrant hum of people's laughter and chatter. The estate's sprawling yard was alive, dotted with tables adorned with bright, freshly picked flowers and a spread of delicious food. The smell of roasted meats, buttered rolls, and fruit tarts lingered in the breeze, adding to the cozy ambiance.Under the shade of a grand oak tree, Selene sat comfortably with Luna in her arms. Her baby girl's tiny fingers occasionally reached for Selene's long, wavy hair. Nearby, Noah crouched to entertain Lucian, waving a brightly colored napkin in front of him. The baby's soft giggles were contagious, drawing smiles from everyone present. Mrs. Callaghan sipped her lemonade with a look of satisfaction, while Mr. and Mrs. Weaver chatted animatedly about the twins' resemblance to their parents.Alaric stood slightly apart while his watchful eyes scanned the joyful scene. His typ
Chapter 86: Family and Friends"Are you ready, grandma?" Noah's voice called from the living room sounding mildly impatient. He stood near the window with hands tucked into his jacket pockets, peering out at the sleek black car idling outside.Mrs. Callaghan, bustling in the kitchen, replied without turning. "Patience, Noah. You don't rush a visit."Noah chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm not rushing. I'm just saying we shouldn't keep them waiting too long. Alaric doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who likes delays."Mrs. Callaghan paused with a smile tugging at her lips. "You're not wrong there. But don't forget, Selene invited us because she wanted to see us. No need to act like we're meeting royalty."At that moment, the door creaked open, and Mr. and Mrs. Weaver entered, both holding small wrapped packages. "We're set," Mr. Weaver announced, adjusting his scarf. "The driver's already got our bags. You about ready, Callaghan?""Almost," Mrs. Callaghan replied, placing the la
Chapter 85: ConquestThe usually calm and orderly floors of Clarke Industries had transformed from all the frantic activities currently happening. Employees rushed through hallways with files and folders. Their shoes clicked against the polished floors, while maintenance staff scrubbed every surface as though their jobs depended on it—which, in their minds, they did. The hum of printers, the frantic tapping of keyboards, and the occasional bark of instructions created a symphony of barely contained chaos.After a month of Alaric's absence, the announcement of his return sent ripples of panic and urgency through the company. The CEO's reputation for ruthless perfectionism preceded him, and every employee, from executives to interns, was painfully aware that even the smallest oversight could spell disaster for their career. To many, this day felt like a final exam they were unprepared for, and failure wasn't an option.Arthur stood at the center of the storm. His composed demeanor and s
Chapter 84: TestifyClaudia's bedroom was dimly lit and the heavy curtains were drawn to block out the light from outside. She sat on her chaise lounge, staring blankly at the glass of wine in her hand, swirling the deep red liquid absentmindedly. The once-polished and pristine young woman now looked worn, her elegant appearance marred by days of worry and sleepless nights.The door to her room suddenly burst open with a loud crash, making her jump. The glass of wine slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor as her father, Mr. Yves, stormed in. His face was twisted with fury as his usually composed demeanor completely unraveled."You testified against me?!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "Are you stupid?! Do you have any idea what you've done?"Claudia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Dad, I—""You've destroyed everything!" he interrupted as his hands trembled and pointed an accusing finger at her. "Everything I built, everything I worke
Chapter 83: The Light and The Moon"Are you sure you're alright after whatever Arthur rudely said to you earlier?" Alaric asked, his concern evident as Selene carefully leaned back against the headboard.Selene let out a soft chuckle and exhaled. "He was rude and mean... but I don't think he meant any harm. I'm more worried about my babies. We left them behind at Mrs. Callaghan's. It's—"Before she could finish, a knock on the door interrupted her, followed by Arthur's voice from the other side. "Mr. Clarke, you have visitors."Alaric who momentarily forgot about his expected visitors, spoke without hesitation. "Let them in."The door opened slowly, and Arthur stepped aside as two men entered, each accompanied by a nurse. In their arms were two tiny bundles, wrapped snugly in soft, warm cloths. Arthur had thoughtfully suggested removing the newborns from their incubators so the mother could hold them freely.Selene's breath hitched at the sight, and tears instantly welled up in her ey
Chapter 82: Twins"What do you know?" Alaric finally asked, confused and suspicious.Arthur smiled solemnly. "I knew. From the moment you returned and spoke to me, I could tell that you were different. The way you carried yourself, the way you spoke—it was as if someone else had taken his place. Damian was my young master, and I knew him better than anyone."Selene's breath hitched, and her gaze darted between the two men. "Then why... why didn't you say anything?" she whispered.Arthur sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his back as he straightened. "Because I knew the truth wouldn't change the situation. Damian Clarke was already gone. I saw his body myself the day he fell unconscious in his own home."Alaric's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"Arthur hesitated for a moment before continuing, his tone heavy with regret. "Damian's death was no accident. It wasn't illness or stress as it appeared. He was poisoned."Selene gasped, her free hand covering her mouth. Alaric's grip o