Alexander's POVAs we walked away from the City's old park, I could feel the weight of our mission settling in. We had to uncover the Order's plans and stop them before it was too late.As we split up to start our tasks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. We were taking a huge risk by going against the Order, and I knew they wouldn't hesitate to strike back.But I also knew we had no choice. We had to stop them, no matter what it took.I made my way back to SHADOWS' headquarters, my mind focused on the task ahead. I had to find a way to get into the Order's systems, to uncover their secrets and stop their plans.As I sat down at my computer, I took a deep breath and began to work. The clock was ticking, and I knew I had to move fast.Layla already dozed off, her head on the desk as she snored loudly. She must have been so exhausted. I thought as I carried her bridal style and placed her gently on the bed, tucking her under the duvet. I placed a gentle kiss on her head.As I t
Layla's POVI patted Emilia gently on the back. And I must say this the first time we are sitting this close to each other.My heart ached for some reason as I saw the tears flow down her cheek.Shouldn't I be in regret that I ended up in a family like this? So full of secrets and wounds? I heaved a sigh, staring into oblivion.There is no going back, Layla. I said to myself as I glanced at Emilia who cleaned her nose with a tissue.Rachel stood up to get water for Emilia, “let me get you a glass of water.” Emilia held her hands. “Bring me alcohol instead.” She said,I shook my head at her. “No Emilia, you can't take that. It's dangerous to your health. You're growing old already.”The tears she had held back escaped her eyes as she wailed. “I need to get wasted. I need to punish myself for not looking after my son.” She sniffled. “He ended up in this situation because of me!”I nodded at Rachel as I stood up to go look for Alex. “What is taking him so long?” I muttered.Just as I tur
Layla's POVIn the ancestral mansion of the wealthy and influential Torres family, a shocking and unimaginable incident was unfolding.The rain poured down heavily as screams and shattering of glasses could be heard."Mom!" I shrieked, my voice piercing the air as I witnessed a shocking scene unfold before my eyes. My grandmother's face was twisted in a fierce scowl as she violently pushed my mother, her words cutting deep like a knife."Leave this place, you slut!" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the halls. "Oh, you think we didn't know? You seduced my son into marrying you just to inherit his properties. You poverty-stricken being!" The venom in her words was palpable, her anger and resentment boiling over like a pot left unattended.We've pretended for far too long," my grandmother's voice dripped with hostility, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "Now that my son is dead, you'll leave this house with nothing! You came here with nothing, but you've managed to produce
Layla's POVI smiled brightly as I read the message on my phone. "I can't believe it!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist in the air. "I just got the job at the city's most influential club house!"I remembered sending an application a month ago, and they really chose the best time to reply.Seems like fate has finally smiled on me.Now, I could take a loan to pay for my mother's treatment. I heaved a sigh of relief.I hurried to her ward, feeling a mix of emotions. She lay frail in her bed, her eyes sunken. I broke down in tears, feeling guilty. She worked so hard for me that she neglected herself.I became so determined to care for her, to fight for her, just as she had always fought for me."Mom, I won't let you down," I promised, holding her frail hand in mine. "I'll do everything I can to make sure you get the treatment you need."She weakly shook her head, her eyes filled with tears.The next day, I fasted and prepared for my interview. I really need money because I don't want to dro
Alexander's POV"Last night's incident was a mistake and it should be forgotten. Women are scum!" I slammed, trying my best to forget last night's encounter with the waitress. "Why can't I get her out of my head?" I ruffled my hair with my hands agressively. "I hate this!"With a throbbing pain in my head, I entered the bathroom and switched on the shower.I allowed the water to do its work as it ran its way through my skin.I seethed with rage, wondering who had the audacity to spike my drink.The culprit is either extremely foolish or has a death wish. I guess they have no idea who they are messing with. I will make them pay! They will beg for their dear lives.As I stepped out of the bathroom utterly naked, trickles of water coursed down my body, forming a tiny puddle on the floor at my feet.Today is Sunday and it's family time for the Kings' family.I put on a cotton shirt and a denim jeans, and ran to the grand hall where we have our family time.Everyone was already sitted e
Alexander's POVI went back to the club the next day in search of her.I don't even know her name, how do I find her?Surprisingly, it wasn't a difficult search. I think she is quite famous because they all know who I was describing.But I was shocked with the response I got."She doesn't work here anymore." The manager said, his head bowed to the ground."What!" How is that possible? Why? Is she okay?" I couldn't stop myself from asking questions.She is the only one that can save me from this doom."She quit her job yesterday, sir and didn't give a reason." He said, wondering why I would be searching for a mere waitress. "So how do I find her?" I demanded, my voice laced with desperation. I stared hard at him, my eyes burning with anger. I looked like I might explode if I didn't get the answers I needed.With fear in his eyes, and his head bowed to the ground, he stammered. "I…I…don't know sir." She said she won't be working for long, so I didn't get any details." He was visibly
This man is gorgeous. His cold hands on my skin was affecting me in a way I can't explain."I'm sorry, Layla." He pleaded. Awwn, he is so cute. I felt a flutter in my chest as he said my name. No one has ever called my name so perfectly.What is worng with you Layla? I shouldn't be feeling this way for someone who took my pride and left me all to myself.Caution Layla! Caution! I warned myself, but there's no going back."It's just a contract marriage, for three years." He explained, holding out some papers. "You can read the terms before signing it." I collected the papers from him.Shock gripped me as I scanned the content.A part of me wanted this marriage to be real not just a fake agreement.We went back inside. " So what do you say? He asked.I hesitated, not wanting to seem desperate. But I am desperate!"Hum, do I get to think about it?" I asked. "Yes, you can, but I really don't have much time, you have just one week to decide. When you are ready, call my assistant." He sa
Layla's POV"Who are you?" She asked, looking at me disdainfully like I was dirt.I was taken aback. My mind went blank as I struggled to respond. What do I say? That I am his contract bride or what?I just stared blankly at her."Alex, darling." She turned to him, smiling from ear to ear "Who is this…this person?" Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "Get your hands off me!" He growled, his deep voice resonating across the room.In fear, she took her hands off, visibly shaking."You want to know who she is, huh?" He walked closely to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. "She is my wife." He said sweetly, smiling. One would have confused us for newlyweds who are madly in love.I looked at him in surprise and he signaled me to act along.My face flushed red. The room suddenly became hot.How do I pretend? I wondered.I just smiled sweetly back at him."This better be a joke Alex!" She screamed, her face blazing hot. Our parents are already making preparations for o
Layla's POVI patted Emilia gently on the back. And I must say this the first time we are sitting this close to each other.My heart ached for some reason as I saw the tears flow down her cheek.Shouldn't I be in regret that I ended up in a family like this? So full of secrets and wounds? I heaved a sigh, staring into oblivion.There is no going back, Layla. I said to myself as I glanced at Emilia who cleaned her nose with a tissue.Rachel stood up to get water for Emilia, “let me get you a glass of water.” Emilia held her hands. “Bring me alcohol instead.” She said,I shook my head at her. “No Emilia, you can't take that. It's dangerous to your health. You're growing old already.”The tears she had held back escaped her eyes as she wailed. “I need to get wasted. I need to punish myself for not looking after my son.” She sniffled. “He ended up in this situation because of me!”I nodded at Rachel as I stood up to go look for Alex. “What is taking him so long?” I muttered.Just as I tur
Alexander's POVAs we walked away from the City's old park, I could feel the weight of our mission settling in. We had to uncover the Order's plans and stop them before it was too late.As we split up to start our tasks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. We were taking a huge risk by going against the Order, and I knew they wouldn't hesitate to strike back.But I also knew we had no choice. We had to stop them, no matter what it took.I made my way back to SHADOWS' headquarters, my mind focused on the task ahead. I had to find a way to get into the Order's systems, to uncover their secrets and stop their plans.As I sat down at my computer, I took a deep breath and began to work. The clock was ticking, and I knew I had to move fast.Layla already dozed off, her head on the desk as she snored loudly. She must have been so exhausted. I thought as I carried her bridal style and placed her gently on the bed, tucking her under the duvet. I placed a gentle kiss on her head.As I t
Layla's POVAs Yvette stepped forward, a sly smile spreading across her face, I thought for sure she was the spy. But then she spoke."Alex, I've been investigating the Order's communication channels. I think I've found something big."My eyes narrowed, confusion etched on my face. "What are you talking about, Yvette?" I asked.She glanced around nervously before pulling out a small device from her pocket. "I've been tracking a suspicious signal. I think it's coming from one of our own."Alex's eyes shone in alert. "What do you mean?"Yvette hesitated before speaking. "I think the spy is someone close to you, Alex. Someone who's been feeding information to the Order."Alex's expression darkened.My mind raced as I thought about the possibilities. Who could it be? Rachel? Phoenix? Larry? No, it couldn't be. I trusted them with my life."Who is it?" Alex demanded, his voice firm.Yvette hesitated again before speaking. "I'm not sure yet. But I have a few suspects in mind. Let me investi
Alexander's POVI woke up groggily, rubbing my eyes. "What's going on?"Layla took a deep breath before speaking. "Alex, we need to talk to you about your father."My expression changed from sleepy to alert in an instant. "What about him?"Rachel stepped forward, her voice gentle. "We've discovered that Phoenix, your father, is alive."My eyes widened, and I sat up straight, as if punched in the gut. "What? That's impossible."Rachel nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy for me. "We know it's a lot to take in, but we have evidence. He faked his own death to protect you and SHADOWS."My face went through a range of emotions. Shock, anger, confusion. I looked like I was struggling to process this new reality.Finally, I spoke, after much silence. My voice barely above a whisper. "Why didn't he tell me?"Rachel shook her head. "We don't know, Alex. But we're here for you, and we'll help you find out.”“How did you find out, yourself?” I asked Rachel who was looking at me.“Yvette, a skilled
Layla's POVI had always watched my husband, Alex, walk out the door, every morning, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. As the leader of SHADOWS, he had a heavy burden to carry, and I couldn't help but worry about his safety.But I knew he was strong and capable, and that he had a team of skilled fighters and strategists behind him. I had to trust that he would come home to me every night.As I went about my day, I couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought us here. From the moment Alex had discovered his father's secret, our lives had been turned upside down. But through it all, our love had only grown stronger.I remembered the look on his face when he had told me about becoming the leader of SHADOWS. I had seen the fear and uncertainty in his eyes, but also the determination and conviction. I knew then that he would do great things.Now, as I waited for him to return home, I felt a sense of pride and admiration for the man he had become. He was fighting for a
Alexander's POVAfter I had signed the necessary documents, I left the mansion a changed person.As the car sped away, I remembered the man's words.“You are the new leader of SHADOWS. Those people must be aware already and they know you came here, so they will try to kill you. They must have sent their men to the road by now to get rid of you since they can't get into this place. That's why I'm giving you a group of skilled fighters and bodyguards who will follow you everywhere.” I looked behind me and saw a fleet of cars driving behind me and some in front. Even the president isn’t this heavily guarded.As I gazed out at the convoy of cars surrounding me, I felt a mix of emotions. Fear, excitement, and a sense of responsibility. I was now the leader of SHADOWS, a secret organization that seemed to be hidden in mystery.The driver, a skilled fighter named Marcus, glanced in the rearview mirror. "Sir, we have a situation ahead. There's a roadblock up front, and it looks like an ambus
Layla's POVAs the man approached us, I felt my legs trembling in fear. His massive figure stood in front of us, trying to be intimidating and he really is doing a good job. Alex didn't quiver, he kept his stern expression.“You may have your seat,” he said.We had our seats and the butler came in with maids crying trays of food. They placed it on the table before us.The exquisite foods made my mouth watery as I eyed each plate of professionally cooked delicacies. I took a quick glance at Alex, whose gaze was fixed on the man as though he was trying to read him.Neither Alex nor Larry are making an attempt to touch their food. This is not fair! I exclaimed under my breath. Alex looked at me and I smiled. He gave me a sign and I knew to take my eyes off the food.“Is the food not to your taste?” The man asked, as he smoked on his cigarette, choking me with the smoke. There were like ten already smoked cigarettes in the ashtray. “I'll have them prepare something else for you then.” He
Alexander's POVI need to learn more about the secret society members. Why didn't my father mention them in his journals? I've searched his study and library, but found no clues or documents. How can I become their leader when I know nothing about them?I entered my father's room, searching for it for the umpteenth time today. I slumped on the bed, worried for my life. How can I go against people I know nothing about?As I looked around, my eyes landed on a strange object in his walk-in closet. It blended with the silver design. How did I miss this?I pressed it hard, and suddenly, a ladder dropped from the ceiling to the floor. I was surprised and wondered what secrets I would uncover this time.I climbed the ladder and entered a small room. Looking around, I realized my father was indeed involved in a secret society. The room was filled with arms and ammunition on the walls and computers on tables, displaying various activities.On the screen, a casino was displayed as people gambl
Layla's POVThe way Alex stormed off made me worried. He is back to his old self.I didn't want to annoy him further so I left him to himself, praying inwardly that he comes back to his senses.I kept having the feeling that the King's family has deep secrets that no one must hear about. I have to uncover them if I want to have a peaceful marriage with Alex.Should I go talk to Emilia about it? I chuckled softly, who am I?Since Alex had decided to stay mad, I decided to explore the mansion. It has gotten better since the last time I came, all thanks to Emilia’s unique taste.I walked through the long corridors, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. Suddenly, I heard a faint noise coming from the library. I pushed open the door and found a hidden room behind the bookshelf. It was slightly opened, that was why I knew someone had been there, but not recently. Spider webs covered my face as I walked in quietly. Inside, I found a series of journals belonging to Alex's father. His nam