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 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