“Ahh!” The silence of the night shattered as the door to Amir’s room burst open, followed by his agonized screams. Amir ran out of the room with his body bloodied and covered in vicious lash marks nd bruises. He was in a horrific state while trembling and bleeding badly. “Prince Amir!” the guard stationed outside exclaimed and his eyes went wide with shock. He had never seen the prince in such a terrible condition. Without wasting a moment, the guard sprinted to the Queen’s study, where she was still involved in her working. “Your Majesty, Prince Amir!” he called out breathlessly.The Queen looked up, alarm flashing across her face. “What happened?”What did that stupid boy did again? The guard stammered, “He’s… he’s badly bruised! He is bleeding everywhere!”She ran out of her office with her heart racing. When she reached the hallway, Amir was slumped in a chair, shivering uncontrollably as a doctor tended to his wounds. His face was pale and eyes darting around in terror. Th
“How can it be you?” the queen whispered, her voice filled with disbelief as she stared at the figure sitting before her. Her life has been nothing but a roller coaster lately. Belrose smirked, a cold glint present in her eyes. “You should have known better than to mess with what’s mine.”The queen stood frozen as she was too stunned to speak. She tried to look for her weapon but before she could reach it, Belrose flicked her wrist, and a dagger whizzed past the queen’s face, fixing itself into the bedpost and narrowly missing her face by mere centimeters.“Don’t you dare move,” Belrose warned, her tone was sharp and commanding.“I-I…” The queen stammered, her voice shaky. “I meant no harm to Anne. I haven’t hurt her. I’m protecting her here in my palace.”She had so many excuses to give Belrose the right at this moment. Belrose’s gaze hardened. “Then why has not she been sent back? Charlotte was returned. Why not Anne?”The queen swallowed nervously, trying to muster her courage.
The next day, before anyone else arrived, Nicholas was anxious about Anne and the babies. He quickly called a team of doctors to check on them. He paced back and forth, waiting for the doctors to arrive and worried about their health. When the doctors finished their exams and assured him that Anne and the children were fine, he finally felt some relief. However, his anxiety didn't go away completely. For the next couple of days, he stayed close to Anne, not letting her out of his sight. He even followed her to the bathroom, feeling that he needed to keep her safe everywhere. He became so worried that he increased security around the mansion, ensuring that every entrance was monitored. It wasn't just Nicholas who was on edge. The entire Hart family shared his concerns. Ellora and Nikolai decided to stay at the mansion as well, not wanting to leave Anne alone. Ellora, especially, was scared and insisted on being nearby during this vulnerable time.One usual morning, Anne woke up to fin
It was a sunny afternoon and a perfect day for Anne’s baby shower. Emery had taken it upon herself to organize the event and making sure everything was just right. The guest list was small and intimate, just close friends and family gathered to celebrate this special moment. Among them were Sabrina and Beatrice who had recently become close with the family. Their relationships was once complicated but now because of Coco, it had softened into something more amicable and now even supportive. Sabrina had shwn them that she was not the woman that she once was and had changed a lot for her daughter. The living room was buzzing with quiet conversation and the laughter of children. Coco who was as lively as ever spotted Sabrina sitting on the sofa with others and rushed over as she said in a her voice filled with urgency. “Mom!” Coco called out, her little voice ringing through the room.Sabrina turned from her conversation with Beatrice towards Coco with a gentle smile playing on her lip
AN: Checkout my new book Contract Marriage: The Billionare’s First Love20 readers equalling 20 comments, And i will do a mass release. ……………..“I thought you wouldn’t come!” Anne exclaimed, her eyes bright with happiness as she pulled back to look at Bella’s face.Bella shook her head, a small smile forming as she replied, “You called me and invited me to your baby shower. How could I not be here for you?”Anne’s grin only widened. “Weren’t you busy delivering your First Lady duties?”Bella chuckled softly and playfully ruffled Anne’s hair. “Not busy enough to miss this.”With a contented smile, Anne looped her arm through Bella’s and they walked back toward the group of women who were gathered there for the baby shower. As they walked, Anne glanced at her friend and in a tone half-joking and half-serious, asked, “Bella, do I look fat?”This was a question that she was only asking to people who did not mind being mean to her. Without missing a beat, Bella responded, “Nonsense. You
“Nicholas?” Anne called out his name as he entered the room. “Yes?” His voice was soft as if he already knew that something was on her mind and she wanted to share it with him. Just like he expected, she said, “I want to talk to you about something urgent.”He shifted slightly, turning to face her. “Yes?”She said in a firm tone, “I want to meet my dad.”A heavy silence fell between them. Nicholas didn’t respond immediately. His face was tensed, his eyes were swirling with so many reactions that he could not hide, and she could tell he didn’t like the idea. But instead of blurting out his disapproval, he held back this time. He knew he couldn’t make this decision for her. She had the right to speak her mind without him imposing his opinions.“I am done playing Roseanne,” she said, her voice softer now. “I am done punishing him.”“What happened?” he asked. He wanted to know what changed her mind. “I miss my father,” she whispered, her eyes lowering as if admitting it felt like a bet
She stood up instinctively, her voice trembling as she asked, “Why is he handcuffed?”One of the officers replied, “Madam, he is a criminal. It is not safe to have him roaming free. He can hurt you or anyone around. Best to keep a beast like him restrained.”The words stung. Anne glanced at Nicholas who remained silent. She wanted to protest and to demand they release her father from those shackles but something stopped her. She knew Jacob’s crimes were severe in law’s eyes. Still in this moment, all she could see was her father. The man she had missed so much and the man she had loved all her life. A daughter’s bond with her father was very deep. She could not see her father in distress. Jacob said nothing. He simply stood there and kept staring at her. His eyes which were once full of pride and authority were now clouded with confusion. He had not seen his daughter in years. The woman standing before him looked so much like the Anne he remembered. She had the same blonde hair and t
“Roseanne De Luca...” Jacob whispered the name as if it were a curse.Anne nodded, a solemn look on her face. “Yes.”His voice shook. “The woman…”“It was me,” Anne confirmed. “I adopted that identity.”He was talking about the woman Nicholas had been for the last one year. He did not like her. Infact, he hated that woman because she was taking his daughter’s place. His hate for that woman knew no boundaries. However, now…Jacob’s voice broke, his words barely making it past his lips. “You gave me...”It was his daughter who gave him a part of her liver. Ever since he had the transplant, he was unable to keep calm. He hated Nicholas and that woman who he didn’t know was his daughter at that point. He spoke so cruelly to her that day in the hospital. He did not know that it was his daughter. Anne nodded again. “Yes, it was me. You were so sick, I had to help you.”His confusion deepened as he asked, “When you returned to Nicholas, why didn’t you come to me?”Anne’s expression harden
The birthday party had ended and the Hart family gathered to leave. “Mr. King, we will take our leave now,” Leon said respectfully. Carter frowned slightly at the prospect of their departure. His gaze softened as it rested on Charlotte, “Why don’t you all stay the night?” he suggested, though even he realised how impractical it sounded. He wasn’t ready to let Charlotte leave just yet.Charlotte’s lips curved into a kind smile. “We will come to see you again someday,” she promised. “You better,” Carter replied. He stepped forward, pulling her into a hug that was long enough to draw a few curious glances from those nearby.Not far from the scene, Emily stood with Seraphina with her arms crossed and her expression clouded with irritation. Her brows furrowed as she watched Carter’s unusually affectionate behaviour. “Why is Carter being so affectionate with her? Even Seb seems to be revolving around her all evening. Just who is this girl?” she asked her tone filled with frustration.Se
Charlotte walked into the room and noticed only a grand piano, nothing else. She looked around, confused. Did not he say that he wanted to show her the birthday gift for his father? Or was he saying it just to spend time with her? Then again. Why would he even want to spend time with her? "Where's the gift you wanted to show me?" she asked Sebastian after a while when she could not control her thoughts.He pointed at the piano with a soft smile. "There."Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "You want to give your dad a piano?"She could not think of another explanation of why would he want to bring her to a room that only had a piano in it. Sebastian chuckled and shook his head. "No," he said, walking toward the piano. He sat down on the stool and placed his fingers on the keys.The music started, and Charlotte stood frozen. The sound was so beautiful and emotional like the piano was telling a story all on its own. She couldn’t describe how it made her feel, but it was like a deep sadness m
"Sebastian King. Pleased to meet you," Sebastian introduced himself, his voice smooth as he extended his hand to the Hart brothers."Likewise.”Sebastian smiled an enigmatic expression with no hint of malice or curiosity but still carrying an unmistakable poise that made it hard to look away.The introductions concluded just as more guests began to trickle in. Alessia, Leon, and Callum made their way to their designated table, while Charlotte excused herself to take a call. “So?” Leon asked, glancing at his brother. “What do you think?”Callum leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes flickering with thought. Unlike Rhys and Leon, Callum had an uncanny ability to read people. He was the observer, blending into the background while Rhys commanded attention and Leon’s charisma drew people in. It gave him the advantage of seeing what others often missed.“He’s... something,” Callum admitted, his tone measured. “Even I’m a little starstruck, to be honest. The guy isn’t just handsome, he is be
Today was the day of Carter King’s birthday party. Along with Charlotte, Sia was invited too, and since she decided to attend, Leon was her plus one. It was not a big event but a very intimate birthday party. Still the guests surpased a few hundred. Charlotte was nervous the whole way. Thankfully, she was attending with her brother and best friend. She dragged Callum as her plus one since she didn’t want to appear alone.Sia and Leon entered first.All the while, Sebastian’s gaze was on the door as if he was waiting for someone to enter. When that person arrived, his eyes lit up, but it soon diminished as he saw her holding a man’s arm. The man looked younger, but he couldn’t tell much.When Charlotte appeared to greet Carter, she intentionally didn’t look at Sebastian, but she could feel his gaze bore a hole into her head. As Carter saw Charlotte, he forgot all the guests.He didn’t bother with formalities and hugged Charlotte. “My girl. How are you? It has been months since I last
From across the room, someone was watching the entire scene unfold with an amused glint in his stormy grey eyes.Sebastian leaned back as his lips curled into a half-smile, clearly enjoying the drama, but there was something else in his gaze. Something deeper and darker.“Mr. King, what are you watching?” one of his business partners asked, noting Sebastian’s lingering attention.Sebastian’s eyes never wavered from the group. “Mr. Jones, I hope you don’t mind, but I just spotted an old friend. Would you mind if I went over and said hello?”“Not at all, we are done here,” Mr. Jones replied, excusing himself as he walked away.Meanwhile, Charlotte, having just made her point to Ronan, turned to rejoin her girls. But as she did, she froze. Her gaze met a pair of stormy grey eyes. Eyes that seemed to burn with a quiet intensity.For a moment, Charlotte thought it was just another mirage, a trick her mind was playing on her. She moved as her steps were hesitant, but those eyes followed her.
Tonight, the Hart girls had planned a much-needed night out. Charlotte and Abella took the lead, guiding Sia, Kate, and Estelle to one of their favourite clubs. Over the past few days, Estelle had been spending time with Abella, and despite their age difference, the two had become fast friends. So, when Abella invited her to join the group, Estelle didn’t hesitate.Estelle had a naturally chill personality. Even though she was a bit more reserved, she knew how to let loose when the moment called for it.“Boss, I missed you!” Kate exclaimed as she threw her arms around Sia, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go.“Come on, Kate, I’m not your boss here,” Sia said, laughing as she tried to pry Kate off, but Kate clung to her like glue.“I know that! But calling you by your name still gives me the shivers,” Kate grinned mischievously. “You are scary.”Charlotte raised a brow and teased, “How can Sia baby possibly be scary?”The girls burst into laughter as Sia shot them a glare. Normal
“Where are you taking me, Leon?” Sia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and amusement. He had covered her eyes with his hands and was carefully guiding her along the path. From the moment they met that morning, she could see the anticipation in his eyes. There was excitement, almost boyish, but beneath it there was a hint of nervousness, as if he wasn’t entirely sure how his secret plan would unfold.“Just a minute,” Leon replied his voice brimming with eagerness. “Once we are there, you will see.”They walked along the winding and uneven path, Sia grumbling at every step. Finally, after what felt like an eternity to her and just a blink to him, he stopped.“We are here,” he announced softly. Then, his voice took on a deeper and more heartfelt tone. “Before you open your eyes, I want to tell you—I love you so much, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter of our life together.”Sia felt her heart skip a beat at his words. Slowly, Leon removed his hands, and she opened her eyes.
“What do you want to know about her?” Carter asked, his tone measured as he observed his son’s restless demeanour. He wondered if his son recalled anything about her? As much as he knew that stubborn yet kind woman, she would not come to him again. “Who is Charlotte?” Sebastian asked directly, his voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension.Carter leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. “She is your wife. Or rather, she was your wife.”Sebastian frowned. “Our divorce isn’t finalized yet,” he corrected.“Great,” Carter said with a small satisfied smile.Sebastian raised an eyebrow, surprised by his father’s reaction. “Are you happy that we are still married?”“You bet I am,” Carter replied with a nonchalant shrug.Sebastian leaned forward, his confusion evident. “As much as I know you, you are an overprotective man. How on earth did you approve of a woman who married me after what was, by all accounts, a drunken mistake?”Carter chuckled, his expression softening.
“What’s up?” Sia asked, leaning casually against the doorframe. Charlotte was sitting quietly in her room, staring at nothing in particular.“I met Sebastian,” Charlotte said flatly, her voice devoid of any emotion.“Oh?” Sia raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “How did that go?”It was as if she was not sitting with Anne and scheming about Charlotte. Charlotte gave her a look. “Knock it off. I know you already know everything. Whatever you are thinking, it’s not going to happen. He asked me to sign the divorce papers, not to be his wife.”Sia stepped into the room, sitting across from her. “The real question is, do you want to be his wife?”Charlotte’s gaze faltered. “He doesn’t even remember me, Sia. And don’t forget—he loves Emily. Always has, always will.”“Did you ask him if Emily is still in his life?” Sia pressed, tilting her head.Charlotte shrugged. “How does it even matter?”“Coco,” Sia said, “How does it not matter? Why are you being such a coward? We both know you still