Today's second update is a bit late, sorry. Heading to bed now. Goodnight, everyone! :)
The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the villa.The warmth of the room and the comfort of the bed had wrapped around her, soothing her into a deep, restful sleep last night. For the first time in a long while, the weight of her worries felt just a little bit lighter.Everyone had left for work, except for Emmeline. She tossed and turned in bed until noon, boredom gnawing at her restless mind. Suddenly, an idea struck her – a way to alleviate the monotony of her day.Cursing herself inwardly, yet unable to resist the temptation, Emmeline found herself drawn to Zavian’s room. It was the same room where Zavian had given her her first taste of ecstasy. Its walls were a light gray hue, save for the one that hugged his bed – that one was as dark as the man himself.Emmeline lay on Zavian's bed, staring up at the ceiling. Moments later, she rolled over onto her stomach and reached for the bedside table, curiosity getting the better of her."Let's see what's o
Emmeline took a step closer, reducing the distance between them and burying her index in his chest, hissing. "I raise my voice as I like and in the face of whoever I want. How did you manage to mess with my feelings, Mr. Blackthorn?"Zavian grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand off his chest in annoyance. "You're being dramatic."He squeezed her wrist with his fist until her face shrank in pain. "I didn’t expect you to misinterpret my treatment of you as stemming from feelings, especially since I told you clearly and more than once that love isn’t my specialty."Emmeline lowered her head, unwilling to let him see the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "How can I not misunderstand you when you give me everything I need, and even take me into your house to protect me from my violent husband?"Zavian released her wrist with a tight sigh. "I thought you needed a distraction."Emmeline’s thoughts centered around her own brokenness. When she checked her actions, she realized she was wrong
Emmeline hated the disappointed, almost wistful tone her voice had taken right at the end - like she'd somehow built up all these unrealistic expectations around Zavian.What had she been thinking? This was just a messy situation she'd allowed herself to get tangled up in, nothing more.Flopping facedown on the bed, she grabbed her phone off the nightstand and was surprised to see three missed calls from Richard.She must have left it on silent earlier, because it hadn't made a sound. Figures that controlling prick would already be blowing up her phone, trying to reassert his dominance.Emmeline swallowed hard, steeling herself when his name flashed across the screen again before answering in a cold tone. "What do you want?""What nonsense is Mr. Blackthorn spouting? What's this about you not leaving his house until I apologize in front of everyone? Has that guy lost his damn mind or what?" Richard's shouts exploded so loudly from the speaker that she instinctively pulled the phone awa
Emmeline crumpled to the grass, hugging her knees to her chest as she stared unseeingly into the distance.She didn't even register the presence beside her until a warm cardigan was draped over her shoulders.She looked up to find none other than Zavian towering before her. "Are you alright?" The worry swimming in his deep eyes made her heart pound erratically all over again."I saw you arguing heatedly with someone on the phone. Who was the caller?"Emmeline recalled the harsh words they'd exchanged earlier that afternoon. Thus, she shrugged off the jacket, letting it pool in his lap. "I don't think it's any of your business, Mr. Blackthorn. Who am I to you that you'd come down here specifically to check on me?"She made to stand up but Zavian wrapped the soft cardigan snugly around her shoulders again, the weight of his hands pinning her in place. "I told you I care about you. And what happened between us this afternoon doesn't change that - you'll just have to live with my concern
Emmeline kept her chin up as Richard finally stormed into view, her lips twitching despite herself at the sight of his black eye peeking out from under the bandage."Good evening, everyone," he greeted tightly.The others merely inclined their heads in curt acknowledgment, refusing to be swayed by his feigned niceties as his glare zeroed in on Emmeline."Did you really have to go so far as to punish me like this, Emmeline?" he asked in a deliberately defeated tone, clearly hoping to garner their pity. "I called you so many times after our...disagreement this afternoon. I was hoping to find you home when I returned. But despite my begging, you showed me no mercy."His pathetic attempt to turn them against Emmeline failed miserably.Zavian stared him down with undisguised disdain. "You think a simple phone call apology is enough to make up for what you did yesterday? That is, if you even truly apologized at all like you claim!"Richard tugged at his slacks nervously. "I'm sorry for the..
~Back at the Blackthorn Villa~Yuna exhaled a soft sigh of relief once the front door closed behind Emmeline and Richard, leaving her alone with Zavian.She turned to face her husband, her lips curving into a bright, innocent beam. Her arms stretched out invitingly as she closed the distance between them, fully intending to envelope him in a warm, wifely embrace as was expected of her. However, a deep, guttural snarl suddenly rumbled up from Zavian's chest, causing Yuna to freeze in her steps.Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the full force of his expression - his ruggedly handsome features were twisted into a look of such intense hatred and disgust that she felt her heart stutter in her chest.Zavian's usually deep blue eyes were literally engulfed in flickering flames right now as they bore into hers with an intensity she had never witnessed before, not even in their most heated arguments.The usual calm control and casual arrogance he exuded was utterly shattered, replaced b
Aetherion launched himself high into the air, rapidly becoming a dark speck against the ominous gray clouds that mirrored his foul, thunderous mood.Not far away, Grandma Eva’s spies and Zavian's most elite, hand-picked guards had watched in awe and reverence as their King transformed into his majestic beast. He was beyond… magnificent.They instantly dropped to one knee and bowed their heads low in respect to the second Aetherion's true draconic form emerged.Luca felt a shiver of unease trickle down his spine as the dragon King took to the skies. He knew all too well that this level of towering fury could only herald imminent disaster and chaos.He had recently uncovered disturbing leads about the treacherous activities Yuna had been carrying out behind everyone's backs, and it was nothing short of a miracle that Zavian hadn't simply snapped her slender neck on the spot in his blinding rage once he inevitably discovered the truth.Luca immediately opened his mind, establishing a secu
Luca quickly snatched up another robe to wrap around himself before hurrying after Zavian, who had already turned and started striding with grim purpose toward the immense central building where the high council's meeting was taking place.A hush fell over the courtyard as Zavian passed, every person dropping to one knee and bowing their heads in utter respect and deference for their king whose eyes blazed with an intensity that seemed to scorch the very air around him.Zavian did not so much as spare a glance at his subjects as he stalked by, Luca scurrying to keep up with his master's long strides.When they reached the council hall's towering double doors, two hulking warriors pushed them open, and Zavian swept inside with all the elegance and majesty befitting his noble bloodline.The cavernous chamber fell utterly silent as his eyes turned toward the dais where the high council was seated."Your Majesty!" The gathered lords and ladies rose as one in a reverent chorus of respect fo
Taehyung’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Something tells me you won't be single for long, though."Understanding his hint about Zavian, Emmeline ducked her head as heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe."She turned toward her brother Emile, who waited with the patience of someone used to family obligations. His expression revealed nothing."Congratulations, Emmeline," he offered, his tone measured.Emmeline responded with a small smile.Emile placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice taking on that big-brother seriousness she'd known all her life."A dark chapter of your life is over. Every door is open to you now. Choose the right path. Our family made a terrible mistake pushing you toward Richard. I hope you'll be smarter going forward."His pointed reference to Zavian made Emmeline's jaw clench, but she forced herself to appear agreeable. This wasn't the time or place."I've had enough pain to last a lifetime, Emile. I won't walk into more."Her brother studied her face, clearly suspi
Emmeline closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sweetness of liberation. When she opened them again, she found Zavian watching her with an expression that contained unmistakable tenderness.She sat motionless, letting the words wash over her like warm sunlight after an endless storm.Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a celebration of newfound freedom.The courtroom around her blurred into insignificance. Only Zavian remained in sharp focus, whose distinguished features softened by something deeper than satisfaction.Their eyes remained locked across the formal expanse of the courtroom, defying the crowd of spectators, attorneys, and court officials surrounding them.Zavian gazed at her with such intensity that Emmeline felt heat rise to her cheeks. The subtle curve of his lips spoke of personal triumph, of a private victory shared between them alone.She finally snapped out of their spellbound when the courtroom erupted into a cacophony of reactions.The chaos provided E
The courtroom hummed with tension as everyone returned to their seats.Emmeline’s hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. However, felt a strange calm beneath her nervousness. Today might finally mark her freedom from Richard.Brody rose from his seat with confidence. His tailored suit and commanding presence gave Emmeline a small measure of reassurance as he buttoned his jacket and addressed the court."I am Attorney Brody Park, representing the plaintiff, Emmeline Lawson," he announced.While Brody spoke with unwavering authority, Emmeline found her attention drifting to Zavian.The man commanded respect without effort. With penetrating eyes that seemed to see through pretense and his expression remained neutral as he listened to the proceedings."My client has filed for divorce and is seeking damages against her husband, Richard Maine," Brody continued. "The grounds for this petition are irreconcilable differences and, more significantly, the pattern of physical vi
Emile released his grip on Emmeline's arms and exhaled deeply. "That's somewhat comforting."He took a seat in the front row while Emmeline proceeded to the plaintiff's table with Brody at her side.Brody’s expression shifted from contemplation to something sharper and more predatory. "I was looking forward to another round against Yuna," he admitted with a competitive gleam lighting his eyes. "I wanted to outmaneuver her in her own field and prove once and for all that I'm the superior divorce attorney. It's rather disappointing."Emmeline regarded him with barely concealed disapproval. "This divorce represents my entire future," she reminded him sharply. "Your attitude about it being some sort of professional competition is deeply troubling."They settled into their seats behind the prosecution table, and Emmeline added with admonishment, "I don't appreciate you viewing my personal trauma as just another notch in your professional belt."Brody placed his briefcase on the table and fo
The kitchen door slammed shut behind Yuna.The thick tension she'd brought with her lingered for a few seconds, then faded away, leaving Emmeline alone with her ragged breathing and wounded pride.Barely a moment passed before the door swung open again. Noel poked his head in, then stepped fully into the kitchen with worry plastered all over his usually chill face.His eyes darted around before landing on Emmeline."Thank God she's gone.” His shoulders dropped with obvious relief.He ran fingers through his hair and let out a huge breath. "Lucky she didn't show up during lunch rush. Can you imagine the drama with all those customers watching?"Then he really looked at Emmeline and his eyes widened.Her waist-length waves normally her best feature was in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Angry red prints marked her cheek, and her white blouse was rumpled."My God." The words came out barely above a whisper. He rushed over, stopping just short of touching her. "What the hell happened
Emmeline's mind raced back, trying to remember where Zavian had been, what he had told her about that night.Had he actually been with Yuna?"Why are you telling me this?" Emmeline’s voice sounded hollow. "Why not just tell him about the baby and let him make his choice?"Yuna's expression softened slightly. "Because I know my husband," she said quietly. "He has a strong sense of duty. If he knows I'm carrying his child, he'll feel obligated to stay with me, to give our baby a proper family. But if he's torn between that duty and his feelings for you..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air."You want me to make the choice for him," Emmeline realized aloud. "You want me to walk away so he never has to know."Yuna nodded slowly. "It would be better for everyone," she insisted. "He wouldn't have to choose between his child and his... infatuation. You wouldn't have to live with the guilt of separating a father from his child. And I wouldn't have to raise this baby alon
Emmeline blinked rapidly as her mind refused to process the devastating news.The world around her seemed to slow, sounds becoming muffled as though she were underwater. Her chest constricted painfully, making each breath a conscious effort."What?" The single word escaped her lips as a strangled whisper.Yuna's lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. With deliberate slowness, she placed her hand over her stomach in a protective, almost reverent gesture."I said I'm pregnant." Each syllable was delivered with precision. Her gaze remained fixed on Emmeline's face, drinking in every flicker of devastation with undisguised satisfaction.The room tilted precariously. Emmeline's hands fell limply to her sides, fingers suddenly numb and disconnected from her body. Blood drained from her face, leaving her skin ashen against the pristine white of her shirt. Her mind raced frantically, desperately searching for any explanation other than the one hammering at her consciousness."By
The morning brought a return to routine. Emmeline resumed her work at the restaurant after a two-week absence, grateful that her manager Noel had kept everything running smoothly in her absence.She dressed casually in a white T-shirt under a wheat-colored cardigan and comfortable jeans. A beige apron was tied around her waist, and she had pulled her hair back into a simple ponytail.The familiar motions of working in the kitchen: chopping vegetables, rolling dough, checking seasonings helped ground her after the emotional turbulence of the previous day.Emmeline was in the middle of preparing a vegetable pie when the kitchen door burst open with unexpected force."Let's talk," demanded a familiar voice, sharp and commanding.Emmeline's eyes widened when she turned to find Yuna standing in the doorway."Yuna?" Emmeline asked, genuinely surprised. "What brings you here?""I'm sorry, Mrs. Lawson. I tried to stop her from entering, but she insisted on seeing you." A flustered waitress app
“Fuck!” Zavian cursed under his breath, seemingly losing his composure.Emmeline bit the inside of her lip to suppress a laugh, not wanting him to realize she was deliberately trying to provoke him."I love hearing what happens inside you," she continued in a seductive purr. "When you express your pleasure with those deep sounds, I feel it too. I never knew men's voices could be so seductive when they're aroused.""Your voice can't be beaten, minx." Zavian’s response came out slightly slurred, as if he were struggling to maintain control.Before he could say another word, Emmeline sighed dramatically."But alas, I can't continue this game right now," she lamented. "If I get too excited, I risk my brother hearing sounds from my room that would be difficult to explain."Zavian's ragged breaths were audible through the phone, making Emmeline's body respond in kind. A warmth spread through her lower abdomen, and she had to consciously keep her hands from wandering."How can I restrain my i