Alex caressed Elisha’s cheek."What were you thinking to make your cheeks that red?""That's— Of course, about what you said earlier, Alex.""Why? Is there something wrong with my words?"Elisha bit her lip. Somehow, she felt uneasy."Don't bite your lip, Elisha. These lips are mine."He whispered while his hand caressed her lower lip."If you want, I can do it better than you do."Elisha felt unusual. There were many things she wanted to say, but her words were stuck in her throat."Alex—" She said with difficulty. "Why don't you tell me what you want me to do?"Alex grinned as if there was something about Elisha's words that pleased him."Will you grant it?""Huh?""The thing I want. If I told you, would you say yes, Elisha?"There were a few minutes of silence before Elisha finally answered."Tell me what you want first, Alex. I'll decide later whether I can grant it or not. I don't want to promise something I can't fulfill."There was a slight smile on Alex's face. Somehow, he loo
It had been a long time since Aramis had smiled this wide.He walked with his head held high, and his chest puffed out. He looks so similar to a male peacock showing off its tail arrogantly.Aramis checked his appearance several times in any mirror he met, convinced of how handsome he was right now and ignoring his chubby stomach."My dear, Bellona. Do you know what day it is today?"Bellona, who had been trying to hold back her nausea from her husband's behavior, answered in an indistinct voice."Who knows? Why ask me? Just check for yourself what day it is."Aramis glanced at her reprovingly, but seconds later, he smiled broadly again."Today is a sunny day," he said. "Because it was today that I, in the end, could defeat that brat. At least now he will realize again where he belongs."He looked at Bellona and Garren, his son, with a smile meant to be authoritative, even though it wasn't."Mom, is Dad okay?"Garren whispered to Bellona."Since then, he's been acting strange. Did h
'MAC Capital Management decided not to back down from the competition to win Airland Steel Company.'"I, at this moment, declare that MAC will increase the bid amount to creditors to acquire Airland."'Maximillian Myers, co-owner of MAC Capital Management, has provided an official statement. According to information from a reliable source, the number of offers made by MAC this time is greater than that offered by Winter Corporation.'"Airland Steel Company is an independent steel company with a long history. MAC Capital Management believes that Airland Steel Company can prove itself to rise again and deliver the astonishing profitability of its former heyday."'The following is a statement from Maximilian Myers delivered directly to the press. As we know, Airland Steel Company has been operating since—'Bam!Aramis threw the remote control at the TV, causing the screen to crack instantly.“I can’t believe that little bastard—"He growled."He dared to try to fight me."Anger flowed fr
"Yes, sir. Yes, we will visit. Okay."It was lunchtime.For some reason, for a few days now, Alex always returned to the mansion to have lunch with Elisha.Like today. He and Elisha were having lunch together when his phone vibrated.The phone call has ended. Alex was twirling his phone with a smile hung on his face."What's wrong?" Elisha asked.Her fork stopped halfway. She paused to eat the egg salad that became her lunch menu."Is there any good news? Your face looks so happy, Alex.""Yes, Elisha. It is. There is great news for us, thanks to you.""Me?"Elisha's forehead creased. She continued her lunch in astonishment."What have I done?""I'll explain it later."Alex looked at his watch and then quickly got up from his chair."I have to go back to the office now. Go on with your lunch. After that, you can rest for a bit, then start getting ready.""Get ready?"Elisha asked as Alex kissed her forehead."Get ready for what?"He smiled.Alex rubbed a little bit of salad dressing on
As Alex and Elisha entered the anteroom of the Winter residence, the conversation that had sounded so familiar stopped in time.And everyone stared at them.There were his two uncles and aunt, his three cousins: Garren, Bellona, and Aramis' only son; then Pamela and little David, who is still ten years old, the two children of Diora and Aeron.His grandfather wasn't there. It looked like Elliott was still in his office.No one approached them or even greeted them. There were only cold glances and facial expressions of dislike.Alex was used to this kind of greeting.They always behaved as if there was someone who shouldn't be here whenever he came. The feeling of never being accepted, even by his family, never bothered him anymore.But then he realized which way Garren was looking."Alex."Elisha called him. She also touched Alex's arm carefully."What is it?"Elisha looked at him worriedly. She was aware of Alex's stiff jaw and tense body.Right now, Alex looked more like a beast pre
Elisha felt that her stomach wouldn't be able to digest the food she just ate."Oh, God," she muttered. "This must be a nightmare's nightmare."She closed her eyes, hoping this was just a dream and these people would disappear, but it wasn't. "Geez. How could she still come here so shamelessly?""Plus, take a look at her appearance tonight. What's with that white dress she's wearing? Did she think she would be the bride?""Ah, I've wanted to talk about that too. Don't you think her neck is too exposed? Why is she wearing that kind of dress? Doesn't she have any other clothes?"Take a deep breath. Exhale.Elisha was trying hard to maintain her composure. She knew that she would only look ridiculous if she returned the fuss.So, even though her ears were turning red, Elisha acted indifferently. She chose to be busy with her cell phone, sending unimportant messages to several people at once.Including Alex."Look at that attitude. She didn't even ignore us and instead was having fun pla
An hour later.Elisha and Alex were already in the car on their way back to Alex's mansion.There was hardly any conversation between them until it was Alex who spoke."I don't know how many times I've said this," he said. "But you did an excellent job, Elisha. Great."Elisha looked at him.She knew what Alex meant about the incident after dinner with his family.When Elliott asked her and Elisha were confused about what to answer, Aramis and Aeron, who had previously left under the pretext of wanting to get some fresh air, suddenly came in noisily.The two men were silent for a sudden. It seemed they were aware of the situation that was going on."What's the matter?" Aramis asked.There was a strong smell of alcohol wafting from him, which could even be smelled from where Elisha was standing."Diora, did something happen?" Aeron rushed to his wife. He then looked at Pamela and noticed her daughter's pale face."Pamela, Dear. What's wrong with you? Are you unwell?"Diora tried to rep
Alex could predict what was going on at the Winter residence.His grandfather must have ordered Harris Hilton, his right-hand man, to quickly find out where Aramis had gotten so much money to win Airland's bid.It's only a matter of time until his grandfather finds out about the illegal Quinn family business that Aramis and his wife have been trying to cover up."One pawn will fall soon," said Alex while taking a white soldier pawn."And I just need to take down the other pawns before finally succeeding in bringing the king to his knees."The black warrior pawn he was running stopped before the king's instrument, his opponent.Alex observed the position of the pieces on the chessboard he was playing with himself.Currently, he is in the office at his mansion. Alex was just about to run his horse pawn when there was a soft knock on the room door."Sir Alex, it's me.""Come on in."It was Evan Page, his bodyguard's aide.Evan bowed slightly to give him a salute, then said, "Sir, I would
'Alex gave me twenty million dollars to stop trying to contact you. He also put pressure on Dudley Baker with the help of a woman named Nora Hawk, if I remember correctly.' Elisha rubbed her sweaty forehead. She had never expected to hear such a thing. Alex had lied to her. He lied to her from the start. "If so, is it possible that everything he's said all this time is also a lie?" she whispered. "He said he loves me and that he needs me... Those are all lies?" Elisha's head throbbed painfully. Being in a relationship with someone who couldn't tell the difference between lying and not wasn't something Elisha could hope for. "Madame, are you all right?" "What?" "Since you were in prison earlier, you've been more silent." Elisha smiled faintly. "It's okay, sir Evan. I'm fine. But can you take me to my dad's? I want to see him." "Of course, madam. But don't forget that later you have lunch plans with Sir Alex in his office." "Ah, about that, I'll meet Alex with my family's dri
After the storm, there will be a rainbow, which suits the current situation.Elisha woke to the morning sunshine. She stretched a little, enjoying the sensual feel of the sheet against her naked body. And she saw him.Alex was sitting in a chair near the window, wearing only his shorts, reading something on his cell phone. She came to him.Elisha climbed into his lap and curled herself against him as he wrapped her in his embrace."Good morning," she whispered.Alex put down his phone and looked at his wife intently.He felt the soft heat of her breast against his chest, the gentle touch of her hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes when her lips were soft against his as she kissed him."It's killing me," he said gruffly. "I feel like my sanity depends on you, Wife.""What?""My desire for you is a burden on my soul. I'm desperate for you. I want to have you completely. Your mind, your heart, and also your body. I want to have all of that, Wife.""Alex, I—""Would you believe me if I s
It's been a month since Aeron's funeral.Today, Elliott decided to visit the graves of his wife and two sons.First of all, he visited Natasha's grave. There, Elliott spent half an hour recounting what had happened.He tells about Aramis, who is now in jail. Elliott also expressed his great disappointment towards Aramis, whom, although he was not his biological son, he had raised well."I feel guilty towards Aeron because all this time I hardly ever paid attention to him, Natasha," he said in a very low voice. "All this time, I thought of him as a useless child without me first trying to teach him well."Of course, Elliott's regrets didn't stop there. There was another, even greater regret he felt."Adrianus." He whispered. "Even though our son was innocent, I kicked him out cruelly. I never even wanted to meet him and his family, not until he and his wife died in an accident. Then, Natasha, do you know what more terrible things I have done?"Elliott looked at his wife's tombstone. Th
"Sir, this— Is what you said just now true?"Harris Hilton's voice sounded so surprised. Not long after, he hurriedly apologized for speaking in such an exclamatory tone."That's right, Harris. Please keep this secret to yourself. My children can't find out just yet. I'm telling you this so that I don't explode.""But why? How could you keep something this big a secret even for so many years?""I had to, Harris! Do you think I would do it if I still had a choice? The Winter family's reputation is at stake, and there is no way out.""But, this— Excuse me, sir. I didn't think that—""My younger sister, Maura, attends a boarding school in Switzerland. But one day, she suddenly came home pregnant. We are, of course, shocked by a situation like that. Moreover, Maura didn't want to tell who the man who had made her pregnant was. She carried the secret even to the end. She died in childbirth."There was silence for a few moments until Harry finally found his voice again. "So how— Ah, apologi
Aeron's funeral took place on a beautiful day.The sky looks so blue, decorated with white clouds. The sun was shining brightly, and the air was refreshing. Truly a perfect day to spend on vacation.Alex frowned.This pleasant weather seemed to mock those who were grieving.Many people attended Aeron's funeral, including Diora, his ex-wife. Alex could see Diora standing a bit away and alone. She looked like she didn't want people to recognize her.Neither Pamela nor David accompanied Diora because Alex knew that his two cousins were with Elisha, his wife.Alex snorted in amusement while one corner of his lips pulled upwards.Now, he felt ridiculous about himself. It didn't feel long ago that he had been irritated that David was clinging to Elisha like a kitten following its mother everywhere.But now, Alex was grateful.He was grateful for having Elisha because it was thanks to his wife that his two cousins could be stronger through this terrible storm."Wife, I miss you.""I'm he
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.Alex was sitting looking at Elisha, who was making up. All the movements that his wife did seemed to be inseparable from his pair of deep blue eyes.He watches her when Elisha looks up when wearing eyeliner or when her lips are slightly parted when Elisha applies lipstick, and he doesn't feel bored at all.This was crazy.Ever since Alex realized his feelings for Elisha, he didn't want to leave his wife. Even to go to work, he felt so lazy, whereas before, Alex was a workaholic. He didn't seem like he was, but surprisingly Alex didn't mind.This was weird."Is there something weird?""Pardon?""Alex, since earlier, you have been looking at me incessantly. So, what's wrong? Is there anything strange about my appearance?"He smiled. "I think you have caught me, Wife," he said.Alex approached Elisha, hugged her from behind, then rested his chin on Elisha's shoulder. He looked at himself and Elisha in the mirror and was amazed by how perfect th
"Of course, we'll come, Aeron. Don't worry. Anyway, please prepare lots of delicious food for us."Aeron heard a soft groan which was followed by a chuckle. He smiled, too, because he could imagine that on the other side of the call, Adrianus was being beaten by Willona."All right," he said with laughter. "See you tonight.""See you tonight. Oh, and Aeron.""Yes?""I'm glad you invited us. Thank you."Aeron was silent for a few moments. He, too, felt so moved.It had been quite some time since Adrianus had been chased out of the house by Elliot, and finally, tonight, they would gather again for dinner together."I feel happy too, Brother," he said then. "See you tonight."Their phone call finally ended. Aeron then informed Aramis that Adrianus and his family were coming. After that, he waited happily but impatiently for dinner.But in fact, everything ended not according to Aeron's expectations.That night Adrianus had an accident that killed him and his wife, Willona. And the dinne
Aeron was very shocked when he found out how Pamela was.His daughter needed treatment to remove all the effects of the drug in her body. On top of that, Pamela was clearly under a lot of mental stress.Aeron sat hunched over and covered his face with both hands.He was relieved already that David had regained consciousness after undergoing various treatments for the concussion he had. But now, he again felt worried about Pamela's condition."Oh, Lord. Why is everything getting messed up like this?"Aeron groaned and wailed. He felt that the happiness that he had, now shattered in the blink of an eye.Hadn't his life been nearly perfect all this time?Even though he is not the main heir in his family, Aeron has more than enough wealth. He has a magnificent house and all kinds of other luxuries.Aeron also has a beautiful wife and two children, a daughter, and a son.Her life is perfect. He has everything. But now, everything seemed to be turned upside down."Why am I going through all
In the quiet bedroom, only the sound of two people breathing could be heard.Elisha was breathing, calming down to an even pace, and Alex lowered his head, turned her body sideways, then wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his arms.He embraced her for a while, then covered her lips, eyes, and forehead with kisses."Alex, I think we should get up now.""Mmhh."Elisha laughed. Alex's kisses amused her."Stop it. Ha-ha. Alex, please. That’s ticklish.""Then, how about I make it not ticklish?""No! Alex, it's already morning.""We can still make it. Wife, there is plenty of time."Alex whispered, then bit her neck and left another hickey there.His hand stealthily slipped from her back to her waist, but Elisha twisted her body and naturally pushed his hand away.When the smooth sensation of her skin disappeared from his palm, he reached out stubbornly and grabbed her buttocks.This time, Elisha pushed away from his chest."Wife?""We can’t, Alex. Don't you have to go to w