Chapter 1: The Coffee GirlSelene Ramirez sat quietly at her desk, clutching a cold cup of coffee that wasn't even hers. Around her, the office buzzed with life—designers arguing over fabrics, sketching on tablets, and tossing around ideas as if it were the most natural thing in the world.None of them paid her any attention. To them, she was invisible.She glanced at her phone as a familiar feeling of longing washed over her. She could picture her room, cozy and welcoming, where she could lose herself in the pages of her latest dark romance novel. Just last night, she had stayed up late reading 'The Tyrant's Child', captivated by the love story of Rosalind and King Alaric. The thought of curling up in her bed with the book made her heart ache."Ramirez! Don't forget to get my oat latte," came a snide voice from across the room.Selene flinched but didn't respond. Of course, she wouldn't forget. She never did. The endless coffee runs, the errands that no one else wanted to do—those we
Chapter 2: The HeartbreakWhen Selene was finally released from work, she quickly rushed out of the building while her heart raced with the desire to binge-read her books. She longed to escape into the familiar comfort of her favorite stories, where reality faded and adventure beckoned. But as she walked past the various establishments lining the street, her gaze fell upon the local bookstore.She bit her lip thinking, torn between her love for reading and her dwindling allowance. Just one book wouldn't hurt, right? She hesitated, mentally calculating how much she could spare. Before she could make her final decision, her feet had already started walking toward the entrance of the bookstore, as if possessed by a force greater than her resolve.As soon as she stepped inside, the atmosphere wrapped around her like a warm hug. The scent of aged paper and fresh ink filled the air, and her demeanor shifted almost instantly. Here, she was no longer the quiet coffee girl. Among the shelves
Chapter 3: RosalindSelene's eyes scanned the final words on the page while her heart began sinking deeper with each sentence. THE END. It read.Her hands trembled as she slowly closed the book, but the pressure of Rosalind's fate crushed her chest. Tears welled in her eyes that blurred her vision, and before she could stop herself, they spilled down her cheeks.She choked on a sob, pressing the book tightly against her chest as though holding onto it would somehow change the ending. "No... no, she didn't deserve this," she whispered, her voice cracking with grief. The image of Rosalind—broken, abandoned, and forgotten—flashed through her mind, and Selene's tears flowed harder.But it wasn't just Rosalind's story that stung. It was too close, too familiar. She could feel the pain as though it was her own. Then, her mother's face flashed before her eyes—the woman who had been left to fend for herself when she found out she was pregnant with Selene. She remembered the long nights and
Chapter 4: Alaric, The TyrantAs they reached a quiet hill overlooking the town, the fresh mountain breeze carried the scent of earth and wildflowers, gently brushing against Selene's face. She closed her eyes, letting the cool air fill her lungs, and in that brief moment, her mind raced back to the life she had known—the buzzing city, her cramped apartment, her job at the design firm. Memories flickered like fading photographs, and the realization hit her with full force: she really wasn't in her world anymore.Her breath caught in her throat, and she opened her eyes, wide with panic.Rosalind, noticing the shift in Selene's expression, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Amaris... What ails you?" she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You've been distant, unlike yourself. Please, tell me what troubles your heart."Selene glanced at Rosalind, her heart pounding as she tried to form words. How could she explain the truth—that she wasn't Amaris at all, but a woman
Chapter 5: Amused"My King..." The manor fell into a suffocating silence as everyone bowed low, trembling under the tyrant's presence. Rosalind curtsied deeply as her eyes lowered in a show of submission that seemed to satisfy Alaric. His cold gaze swept over her before moving through the room, inspecting the others with a detached indifference.Amaris, however, remained frozen in place. Her wide hazel eyes locked on the king in disbelief. She could barely comprehend the reality before her—King Alaric, standing not twenty feet away, with every detail matching the book's description. The two-colored eyes, one dark, the other piercing blue, and the unmistakable scar crossing his blue eye, a reminder of his brutal past. It's really him... she thought, her mind struggling to keep pace with the unfolding scene.Alaric's gaze shifted and landed squarely on her. His brow furrowed, and a scoff escaped his lips. "Is something the matter with your knees?" he asked sternly, his voice cold and c
Chapter 6: LapdogAs the carriage doors swung open, sunlight streamed into the small space, and Amaris instinctively flinched, blinking against the sudden brightness. But then, the sight outside made her stomach churn. On the left, a line of lady servants stood in perfect formation, their heads bowed in deference, with their head handmaiden poised at the front. On the right, soldiers were lined up with their chins held high, their swords grounded but ready, as if silently affirming their king's presence.Alaric stepped out first, every movement fluid and controlled. The sun caught his striking blue eye, making it gleam like polished steel. He commanded attention effortlessly, and Amaris could already see how Rosalind's eyes widened in awe at his figure, her breath caught at the sight of him.No... Amaris thought as her heart began sinking. He's the reason you're going to die. Don't fall in love with him, Rosalind. I won't let it happen. I will do everything—anything—to stop your bitt
Chapter 7: Wild and RompingThe next morning, Amaris found herself knee-deep in the laundry yard, surrounded by the soft morning light. The palace, though grand and imposing, seemed smaller in this secluded corner. Beside her was Rosalind working quietly while her delicate hands scrubbing at the fabric, and for the first time, Amaris felt a small sense of comfort, knowing she wasn't alone in her task."I cannot say I have ever imagined myself in such a position," Rosalind remarked, her voice light despite the effort. "A Beaumont washing linens... it seems the world has turned on its head."Amaris smirked, wringing out a sheet. "Welcome to my life, Rosalind. Though, I'd say you're handling it a lot better than I would've expected."Rosalind smiled softly, her posture still dignified despite the task. "It is far from the life I once knew, yet... I find solace in knowing I am not alone in this ordeal."Amaris nodded, grateful for her calm presence. "Yeah, well, as long as we stick togeth
Chapter 8: Little LordAmaris groaned, dragging a fallen tree stick through the dirt to absentmindedly write her name on the ground. "My gosh... it's so boring. I can't believe I actually miss my work. Ugh."Just then, a soft giggle echoed nearby, catching her attention. "You talk funny, lady," a young voice said, filled with amusement.Amaris looked up, her grumbling quickly fading into a smile as her eyes landed on a small, well-dressed boy, no older than six or seven. His attire was far too fine for a common child—he was clearly of noble birth."Hello there," she greeted warmly, her curiosity piqued. "What's your name?"The boy glanced down at the letters she had scribbled into the dirt before straightening his posture. "You are to address me as Lord Estridsen," he declared, with all the dignity of someone much older. "I am the youngest brother of Duke Estridsen."Amaris couldn't help but grin. His proud stance and serious expression, paired with those striking green eyes—rare and
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
Chapter 81: The Wise ArthurAlaric stood by the window of his hotel room with his freshly cleaned hands clasped behind his back. He was dressed in a crisp, dark suit from the clothes Arthur had brought and looked every bit the powerful figure he once was. Yet the lines of worry etched into his face betrayed the turmoil within him.He picked up his phone and dialed a number swiftly. The call connected after a single ring.“Gather a pair of neonatal nurses immediately,” he commanded, his voice firm but slightly hoarse. “I need them ready to travel to the address I will be sending you. You’ll find two newborns there under Mrs. Callaghan’s care. Ensure they are handled carefully and brought to the Union General Hospital where Selene... Selene Clarke is in.”The person on the other end hesitated but obediently answered. “Yes, sir. Should I arrange for additional help?”“Do whatever it takes. I expect them taken here as soon as possible,” Alaric replied sharply. Then, before ending the call
Dear lovely readers,We’re nearing the final chapters of The Tyrant’s Baby. It’s been an incredible journey bringing this story to life, and I’m so grateful for your support, love, and patience along the way. Stay tuned as we uncover the last twist, turn, and heartfelt moments in Selene and Alaric’s story.Thank you for being part of this adventure!With love,Yña Banana 🌙
Chapter 80: MistakeSelene's eyelids fluttered open. Her gaze was unfocused as the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room swam into view. Her body felt heavy with every muscle weighed down by exhaustion, and a dull ache spread across her abdomen. She blinked a few times, trying to make sense of her surroundings.Then, she sees a doctor standing at her bedside, meticulously checking her vitals. A nurse was beside him, recording notes on a clipboard and adjusting the IV drip connected to her arm. She was still in a daze, almost forgetting what exactly had happened to her."Mrs. Clarke," the doctor said gently, noticing her eyes opening. "You're awake. That's a good sign. Can you hear me?"Selene's lips parted, but her voice came out in a barely audible rasp. "Where... where am I?""You're in the hospital," the doctor replied calmly, leaning in slightly. "You've been through quite an ordeal. We're monitoring your recovery, but you're stable now. Don't try to move too much just yet."
Chapter 79: A RealizationThe nurse hesitated for a moment before gently placing a hand on his arm. "Mr. Clarke, you need to clean yourself up. Please," she urged in a soft yet firm voice. "The doctors are doing everything they can. We'll inform you as soon as there's any news."Alaric barely reacted as his bloodied hands trembled at his sides. His gaze remained fixed on the emergency room doors waiting for someone to come out. "I can't leave," he rasped. "Not until I know she's okay."Before the nurse could insist, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway which caught their attention. He turned his head sharply to see an older man rushing toward him. It was his butler, Arthur, followed closely by two maids. Each of them carried bags while their faces were etched with panic and concern."Mr. Clarke!" the butler called with relief seeing that a nurse seemed to be attending to him. He then stopped in front of Alaric, scanning his disheveled and blood-streaked appearance. "We came as so
Chapter 78: Unbearable Pain"Selene? Dear? Wake up." Mrs. Weaver's voice trembled with nervousness, cutting through the haze of relief that had only just settled moments before.Alaric who was just a few steps away from the room, froze. The words he heard sank into his mind like ice. Then, like a man possessed, he whirled around with his fear propelling him back into the room. In one swift motion, he handed the newborn to Mrs. Weaver as his trembling hands betrayed his panic."Take her!" His voice cracked out of desperation.His focus tunneled in on Selene. Her still, pale figure was a vision he couldn't bear to accept. He instantly dropped to his knees beside her while his hands reached out, trembling as they cupped her face. "Selene," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Stay with me, my love. Please."When she didn't respond, his breath hitched. His panic quickly rose like a tidal wave. Without hesitation, he slipped his arms beneath her, carefully but urgently pulling her limp body
Chapter 77: BetrayalSelene's raw and unrelenting cries echoed through the room. Her grief was pouring out in waves that seemed to ripple through everyone present. Mrs. Weaver, though composed, handed the crying infant boy to Mrs. Callaghan with steady hands. "Take him," she instructed softly. "He'll need tending to."Mrs. Callaghan nodded with a grim expression on her face as she took the tiny boy and cradled him close to her chest. The baby's wails filled the void left by Selene's sorrow, but it did little to lessen the burden inside the room.The midwife never strayed far from Selene's side. Her sharp eyes watched every movement of the grieving mother. "Selene," she called gently, her voice steady but lined with concern. "You need to rest. You've just been through so much." But Selene's sobs only grew louder, her anguish blinding her to the world around her.Meanwhile, across the room, Alaric stood frozen. His frame was rigid while his hands trembled at his sides. He had seen death