Today's update. :)
Zavian's fingers closed around Richard's throat and delivered a single, calculated punch to Richard's midsection without a flicker of emotion crossing his marble-carved features.The sound of impact echoed sickeningly in the hushed corridor.Richard doubled over with a strangled wheeze escaping his lips as the air violently fled his lungs. His knees buckled that only Zavian's iron grip on his throat kept him from collapsing entirely.The sudden violence caused ripple through the courthouse corridor. Several onlookers gasped and stepped back, creating a widening circle around the confrontation.The temperature plummeted so drastically that everyone visibly shivered. Zavian's eyes darkened to an obsidian void that reflected nothing. They were the eyes of something merciless that had merely been wearing a man's skin."Don't. You. Dare. Insult. Her!" Each word fell from Zavian's lips like an icicle shattering on stone—a voice that scraped along the primal fear centers of everyone who heard
The effect proved instantaneous. Richard's face drained of color until it resembled chalk as his earlier bravado evaporated like morning mist before a scorching sun.A visible tremor ran through his body, starting at his hands and traveling upward until his entire frame shook uncontrollably.His mouth worked silently, opening and closing without producing sound, resembling a fish thrown onto dry land. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the unnatural cold, trickling down his temples.The moment stretched unnaturally into what felt like hours.Zavian straightened his rumpled shirt with slow, almost ceremonial motions. His eyes never left Richard's face, pinning him in place like a butterfly to a collection board. "Emmeline can sue you for domestic violence," he stated coolly. "Ask your lawyer about the consequences."The last remnants of Richard's confidence crumbled visibly. His shoulders sagged as though under an unbearable weight. His desperate, searching eyes turned to Yuna, silent
Emmeline remained rooted to the spot until Zavian reluctantly removed his hands from her shoulders.His jaw clenched in frustration, and he muttered something that sounded like "stubborn" under his breath.Only then did Emmeline allow her brother to lead her away."Thank you all," Emile threw over his shoulders in genuine gratitude despite his obvious desire to leave.Minnie looked annoyed at Emile's behavior. She waved enthusiastically to Emmeline nonetheless."You’ve won the case now and there's no longer any need to hide. I expect you to come visit me soon!"She raised her voice deliberately to ensure Emile would catch her next words. "No more locking you up at home, do you hear me?"Emile rolled his eyes disapprovingly at the comment.On the other hand, Emmeline kept her gaze fixed on Zavian as long as possible, drinking in the sight of him until they turned the corner at the end of the hallway and he disappeared from view."You're really something, Emmeline," Emile muttered once t
They drove in silence for the remainder of the journey, the familiar streets of Riverwalk passing by in a blur outside the window.Emmeline found comfort in the quiet, grateful that at least her brother would keep her secret from their parents.After fifteen minutes that felt much longer, they pulled into the driveway of the family home.The building loomed before them. To outsiders, it represented success and harmony. To Emmeline, it had become another kind of prison, different from her marital home but confining nonetheless.They entered quietly, only to find their parents standing in the living room, their postures tense with anticipation.Eleanor rushed toward them. "You’re so late! My heart almost stopped from the stress of waiting," she exclaimed, directing her words to Emile despite Emmeline being the one whose fate had been decided today. "What happened in court? Did Emmeline lose the lawsuit?"Emile forced a smile. "What's all this pessimism, Mom?"Charles approached them as w
Zavian's arms tenderly enveloped Emmeline, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other pressed firmly against her spine.The steady beat of his heart against her ear provided a rhythm to focus on—something solid and real amid the chaotic storm of her thoughts.She surrendered to his embrace, drawing strength from his unwavering presence as she had done countless times before, though never with such desperation clinging to her every breath."Please help me," Emmeline whispered. "I don't want to leave."Her arms tightened around his waist with such intensity that her knuckles blanched white.The warmth of his body contrasted with the cool evening air, grounding her in the moment even as her thoughts threatened to spiral into an abyss of panic and loss."My worst nightmare is about to come true, and I have no choice but to submit.” The words tumbled out, each syllable laced with raw fear. "You're the only one who can prevent this from happening."Zavian's hands moved to her sho
Emmeline pulled back from his chest, certain she had misheard… certain Zavian, of all people, would never suggest such a thing.A desperate smile formed on her lips and denial was written across her features like text on a page."Tell me you're not serious," she pleaded, searching his face for any sign this was some cruel joke or test. Anything but the truth she feared.Her smile faded rapidly when she took in his expression. It was solemn, resolved, and tinged with a resignation that mirrored her own sorrow.The realization that he meant what he said crashed over Emmeline, driving the air from her lungs and leaving her gasping."You won't let them send me to France!" Her voice rose with panic.Her hands trembled as they gripped the lapels of his coat with the force of her desperation.Zavian's face remained impassive, though the muscle ticking in his jaw betrayed his inner turmoil. His usually warm gaze when they looked at her had grown distant as if he were already preparing himself
Emmeline attempted to pull away, to escape his hold, but he tightened his grip slightly, keeping her firmly against the car.She stared into his blazing eyes with defiance and hurt warring within her own."What could you possibly have to say?" she challenged. Her voice was hoarse from crying. "More excuses? More empty promises I'm supposed to believe?"Zavian's control finally shattered. "Did it ever occur to you I might be thinking of your best interests?" he demanded, anger flashing in his eyes like lightning in a midnight sky.Emmeline flinched at his raised voice, her eyes widening in shock. Throughout their relationship, he had never raised his voice to her. He had always maintained control that was as much a part of him as breathing.The fresh tears in her eyes trembled precariously, threatening to spill over at any moment."What did you expect from me when you told me they were sending you to France?" he continued, vibrating with emotion. "That I'd suggest we run away together t
Emmeline had been about to protest his rough handling of her wrist, but the words died in her throat when his fist connected with the car, missing her cheek by inches.She felt the rush of air on her skin, heard the crash of impact mingling with his words through clenched teeth. However, it was his words that truly froze her in place.She stared at him without blinking, watching emotions spark in the darkness of his eyes despite the anger that clouded them."What did you just say, Mr. Blackthorn?" Emmeline’s voice was barely audible in the silence that had fallen between them."You heard me loud and clear. Or are you stunned I actually have feelings?" Zavian snarled through his teeth.Emmeline placed her free hand on his chest in a silent plea. The confession she had longed to hear had come at last, though in circumstances so far from what she had imagined that she couldn't even rejoice in it."Please.” The single word carried all the weight of her regret, her fear, and a desperate hop
Emmeline exhaled with relief that their confrontation had ended well and focused on the road ahead.Her brother was waiting for her in the living room when she got home a few minutes later.His rigid posture and stern expression warned of an impending confrontation.Emmeline decided to ignore him and head straight to her room, but his strict voice stopped her in her tracks."Did you go to see him?" Emile demanded.Emmeline halted but avoided looking at him directly. "Why does it matter to you whether I saw him or not?"Emile straightened. "Emmeline!"Emmeline turned to face him bravely despite his grim expression. The happy moment she had felt with Zavian just moments ago gave her courage."You made a life-altering decision about my future," she stated firmly. "You're forcing me to travel to France without giving me any chance to object. The least you can do is allow me my freedom during these few days I have left in Riverwalk."As soon as she finished speaking, her brother crossed th
They exchanged longing glances. Their eyes communicated what words could not."I visited France twice during my human teenage years," Zavian remarked. "Paris was one of my stops. It's a beautiful city, well worth experiencing."Emmeline studied him closely. "With your family?""My grandmother loved spending holidays in different places," Zavian explained. "Because of her, I traveled to many countries. In recent decades, though, most of my trips have been for business, mainly across Europe and other continents."Emmeline nestled closer into Zavian's embrace, savoring the security of his arms around her."A while ago I felt depressed because traveling seemed like punishment," she sighed. "Now it seems like a reward. With you, even hell would become heaven.""France isn't that bad," Zavian teased. "Don't think of the trip as punishment. Look at it from the bright side. Together we'll visit a new city and spend good times together. No one there knows our past. No one will hold us accounta
Emmeline lifted her head from Zavian's chest to gaze at his handsome features. "Truly?" Her voice trembled with hope and disbelief.Zavian pulled his left hand from her back and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. Her crying had subsided, leaving only the glistening trails on her flushed skin.The tenderness of his touch contrasted sharply with his earlier anger, making her heart ache with renewed emotion."I would throw myself into hell in the name of loving you," he said.Emmeline's heart fluttered wildly in her chest, threatening to burst from the overwhelming emotion. She tightened her arms around his waist and spoke in a voice that quivered with joy. "Oh my God, how I've waited for this moment!"A tremulous smile spread across her lips as her gaze became lost in the depths of his eyes.Zavian continued to tenderly clean the remnants of tears from her cheeks, his arm still protectively wrapped around her shoulders."I waited so impatiently to hear you say those
The accusation was fair, and Emmeline knew it. She had allowed her insecurities to override her trust in him, had permitted her fear of abandonment to dictate her response rather than waiting to hear him out.The realization was humbling, forcing her to acknowledge a pattern in her behavior that had caused problems before.Emmeline's eyelids trembled in response to his outburst, fear momentarily overriding her other emotions.She had rarely seen Zavian this angry. She extended a tentative hand toward his chest, a peace offering amid their emotional battlefield."I won't make that mistake again," she promised softly. "I swear to you. Next time, I'll listen completely before letting my fears consume me."Her voice was steady despite her inner turmoil. She meant every word—this evening had shown her how quickly her insecurities could poison something precious, how easily fear could override reason and trust.The lesson was painful but necessary, one she was determined to learn from.Zavia
"Do not test my patience, Emmeline," he warned. "Even I have limits to how much I will sacrifice my pride for you!"The threat hung between them, all the more potent for its delivery.Emmeline had no doubt that he meant every word. Zavian Blackthorn was not a man given to empty warnings.A chill ran down her spine that had nothing to do with the cooling evening air.Pain flickered across Emmeline's features at his words and the pressure of his grip. Noticing this, Zavian immediately loosened his hold on her shoulder.The sudden shift from anger to concern was so characteristic of him. Even in his fury, he could not bear to cause her physical discomfort.The realization made Emmeline's heart constrict with renewed affection and regret for pushing him so far.Seizing the opportunity presented by his momentary softening, she rushed forward again, throwing her arms around his waist and pressing herself against him in a desperate embrace.She buried her face on his chest, inhaling his famil
Zavian’s gaze softened briefly at her touch and the hope in her voice, though the hardness quickly returned as if he were fighting against his own desire to forgive her. The conflict was evident in the slight furrow of his brow and in the way his lips pressed together in a thin line of resistance."I didn't mean any of those harsh words I said to you," Emmeline insisted, desperation creeping into her tone. "Please believe me, Zavian. Please."The use of his first name… something she rarely allowed herself hung in the air between them.Zavian placed his hand over hers and forcefully yanked it from his cheek. His touch lacked its usual gentleness. His fingers were cool and his grip firm as he detached himself from her caress."Perhaps you didn't mean what you said. However, you intended to wound me. You deliberately chose words you knew would cut the deepest."The accusation struck home with devastating accuracy.Emmeline couldn't deny the truth in his words. She had lashed out in her pa
Emmeline had been about to protest his rough handling of her wrist, but the words died in her throat when his fist connected with the car, missing her cheek by inches.She felt the rush of air on her skin, heard the crash of impact mingling with his words through clenched teeth. However, it was his words that truly froze her in place.She stared at him without blinking, watching emotions spark in the darkness of his eyes despite the anger that clouded them."What did you just say, Mr. Blackthorn?" Emmeline’s voice was barely audible in the silence that had fallen between them."You heard me loud and clear. Or are you stunned I actually have feelings?" Zavian snarled through his teeth.Emmeline placed her free hand on his chest in a silent plea. The confession she had longed to hear had come at last, though in circumstances so far from what she had imagined that she couldn't even rejoice in it."Please.” The single word carried all the weight of her regret, her fear, and a desperate hop
Emmeline attempted to pull away, to escape his hold, but he tightened his grip slightly, keeping her firmly against the car.She stared into his blazing eyes with defiance and hurt warring within her own."What could you possibly have to say?" she challenged. Her voice was hoarse from crying. "More excuses? More empty promises I'm supposed to believe?"Zavian's control finally shattered. "Did it ever occur to you I might be thinking of your best interests?" he demanded, anger flashing in his eyes like lightning in a midnight sky.Emmeline flinched at his raised voice, her eyes widening in shock. Throughout their relationship, he had never raised his voice to her. He had always maintained control that was as much a part of him as breathing.The fresh tears in her eyes trembled precariously, threatening to spill over at any moment."What did you expect from me when you told me they were sending you to France?" he continued, vibrating with emotion. "That I'd suggest we run away together t
Emmeline pulled back from his chest, certain she had misheard… certain Zavian, of all people, would never suggest such a thing.A desperate smile formed on her lips and denial was written across her features like text on a page."Tell me you're not serious," she pleaded, searching his face for any sign this was some cruel joke or test. Anything but the truth she feared.Her smile faded rapidly when she took in his expression. It was solemn, resolved, and tinged with a resignation that mirrored her own sorrow.The realization that he meant what he said crashed over Emmeline, driving the air from her lungs and leaving her gasping."You won't let them send me to France!" Her voice rose with panic.Her hands trembled as they gripped the lapels of his coat with the force of her desperation.Zavian's face remained impassive, though the muscle ticking in his jaw betrayed his inner turmoil. His usually warm gaze when they looked at her had grown distant as if he were already preparing himself