-Flashback-Cassandra hugged herself in the middle of the night. She sat in the corner of Samuel's penthouse. Tears streamed down her cheeks, while Samuel's voice continued to echo in her ears.“You have nowhere else to go but me,” the man had said a few hours earlier, after he managed to destroy Cassandra's only contact with her family. “Your family doesn't care about you. Your parents left you forever. Meanwhile, Maxian is busy with his company and his wife. Then the rest of your family chose to be busy with their affairs and left you in solitude.”Cassandra looked up when Samuel cupped her face. She didn't blink as the man's fingers wiped away her tears. “But my uncle still cares about me. He worries about me.”“Shhh…” Samuel shook his head softly with a sharp look in his eyes. His touch turned rough, his sharp nails pressing against Cassandra's soft cheek. “I know all your family, dear. That uncle of yours doesn't really care about you. He only cares about the shares in your compa
Cassandra pulled her woolen coat tightly around her body, her eyes staring out the fog-covered car window. The road leading to Maxian's house felt long, like it was leading her into an invisible trap. The rain began to fall, soaking the glass until it reflected the image of her face, which looked more tired than usual. Maxian's house was in sight, grand yet cold, just like its owner. Cassandra took a deep breath before opening the car door. However, before her feet stepped into the courtyard, a heavy voice she recognized all too well stopped her.“Good afternoon, Cassandra.” The voice made her nape crawl.Samuel stood under an old oak tree in the corner of the courtyard, hands stuffed into the pockets of his black suit. His smile was wide, but there was no warmth there. “What are you doing here?” Cassandra tried to keep her tone calm, though her heartbeat was beginning to race against the clock.“Making sure you're okay. Family is always important, right? Especially with such a big
Cassandra stood on the balcony of Caspian's penthouse, the night breeze rustling her simple black dress. The view of New York shimmered below, a city that never slept, as restless as her mind. But far above it all, there was a strange calmness that she could hardly find anywhere else.Footsteps sounded from behind. Cassandra turned her head, seeing Caspian coming with two glasses of wine in hand. The man looked casual tonight, his white shirt folded up to his elbows, his black hair slightly disheveled by the wind. But despite his simple appearance, his aura remained the same—a power that was hard to hide, a gaze that always made one feel he knew more than he revealed.“Not a terrible view, is it?” he said, handing Cassandra a glass of wine.“Not bad,” Cassandra replied, taking the glass. “But I'm not sure if it's better to see the city from here. I feel so small underneath it.”Caspian laughed softly, a low sound that was almost a whisper. “You were never small, Cassandra. Even when
As dawn began to break, the sunlight sneaking through the curtains awakened Cassandra. She found Caspian sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a shirt that was not fully buttoned. His back was to Cassandra, but she knew he wasn't just enjoying the morning view.“You're up early,” Cassandra said in a husky voice.Caspian turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Habit.” Cassandra leaned closer, touching his shoulder gently. But before she could ask further, Caspian said, “I know about your plans, Cassandra.”Cassandra's world seemed to stop. She withdrew her hand slowly, her eyes rounding in alarm. “What plans?” she asked, though she knew the answer was obvious.Caspian turned his head fully, looking at her with sharp yet tender eyes. “You want to trap Samuel, don't you? Destroy him once and for all.”Cassandra fell silent, her hands shaking. “How did you know?”Caspian stood up, staring out the window for a moment before looking back at her. “Samuel is a dangerous man, C
The night sky in the city glitters, but nothing is more luxurious than the ballroom where the business gala takes place. Crystal chandeliers reflecting a soft glow hang low, intimidating and alluring all at once.Classical music plays, providing a backdrop for the chatter of socialites and businessmen busy showing off their power and wealth. However, amidst the elegance beneath the surface glitter, a game was afoot.Caspian stood tall in the crowd, his black suit impeccable, like the armor of a modern knight. However, it was not his appearance that stole the show; it was the intense aura that emanated from him. His gaze flashed like a sword ready to slash.In the corner of the room, Melvin, in his matching security uniform, was scanning every corner with the precision of a hunter. He wore a small earphone in his right ear, connected to a hidden microphone attached to his collar button.“The target is already inside. Samuel brought three bodyguards.” Melvin's voice sounded low, yet fir
The afternoon sun filtered through the gap in the curtains, coloring the room with a warm, soothing glow. But the atmosphere in the room was far from calm. Cassandra lay sprawled on the bed. Sweat drenched her body, and her chest heaved with panting breaths. Her throat felt dry and sore, probably from the screams she had unconsciously let out earlier.Meanwhile, Caspian looked different. Strapping, relaxed, without the slightest sign of fatigue. He stepped out of the room without saying anything. A few minutes later, the door opened again. With a glass of water in hand, he approached, a faint smile gracing his face.“Drink up,” he said softly, handing the glass to Cassandra.Cassandra sighed weakly, lifting her body with difficulty. After a few sips, she looked up, fixing Caspian with a sharp, emotion-laden gaze.“What's so funny?” she asked coldly, her eyes narrowing. Caspian's smile widened, showing off his annoying dimples. “I just remembered the first time we did it a month ago.
Cassandra sat silently on the sofa. Her cell phone lying on her lap vibrated constantly. Maxian's name flashed on the screen for the umpteenth time. The calls were a symbol of worry that turned into urgency. Dozens of incoming messages filled the screen, demanding answers.But Cassandra couldn't answer. There was a thick wall inside her that prevented her from facing her brother's voice.Sitting nearby, Caspian looked on attentively. He didn't say a word, but his gaze was enough to make Cassandra feel read. When the phone vibrated again, Caspian finally spoke up.“If you would rather not talk to him, I can represent you.” His voice was soft yet firm, a tone that carried a sense of security. “Maxian won't stop until he knows you're okay. If I do the talking, he knows you're safe.”Cassandra turned her head slowly, then shook her head. “No, no, no. He'll be more upset if you pick up.” Her eyes avoided Caspian's gaze. “Trust me, this won't make the situation any better.”Caspian took a d
The New York afternoon sky faded into orange. An autumn breeze slipped through the gap in Maxian's balcony, sweeping the dry leaves that littered the floor. Maxian stood leaning against the railing, trying to form words for the man standing a few steps behind him.“Drinks?” Maxian offered as he raised the whiskey glass in his hand.Caspian shook his head, shoving both hands into his black coat pockets. “I'd rather focus on our conversation.”Maxian snorted, taking a sip of his drink before setting the glass on the railing. He turned around, giving Caspian a sharp look. “I just found out that Cassandra is already close to you. Are you serious about marrying my sister?”Caspian didn't answer right away. He walked closer to Maxian, his gaze much colder than the surrounding air. “I thought we would discuss Samuel first before talking about marriage.”Maxian frowned, his forehead furrowed. “Samuel?”“A man like you must know Samuel's behavior,” Caspian replied, his tone almost sounding lik
Alaric's POVI never thought this moment would come so soon.Three years ago, I watched Freya fill out her university application form with trembling hands, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear.I remember the long nights she spent with books scattered across the table, working on essays and projects with unwavering determination.And now, here I stand in the grand hall of New York University, dressed in a crisp black suit, watching her name appear on the big screen as the valedictorian.Freya Verity, Bachelor of Communication—Top Graduate of the Year.I look up at the stage where she stands, clad in a black graduation gown and a gold sash signifying her achievements. The spotlight casts a soft glow on her face, and for a brief moment, time seems to stop.She did it.She made it.And I have never felt prouder in my entire life.Beside me, Hero sits in his small chair, wearing the miniature suit Freya picked out for him, complete with a slightly crooked bow tie. He tries to sit
Alaric's POVI never imagined my life would turn out like this.I used to think I would always be the kind of man who only knew how to survive—content with cooking in a small restaurant kitchen, satisfied with a modest paycheck, and avoiding anything remotely connected to the Verity name. Furthermore, I thought I would remain the man who rejected his past, carving out his own path without ever looking back.But three years later, my life had thoroughly changed.Now, I stood in the penthouse suite of Verity Hotel, wearing a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, my tie discarded hours ago. The city lights of New York shimmered beyond the massive windows, casting a golden glow into the room.On the sofa, a small two-year-old boy slept soundly, his tiny arms wrapped around a stuffed bear. His breathing was soft, his face peaceful, as if the world around him wasn’t full of chaos.Hero Verity. My son.I still remembered when Freya chose that name. “Because he's our hero, Alaric. H
Freya's POVI had never felt happiness quite as terrifying as this before.There was still a part of me trying to process all the changes happening so fast—going back to college, finding a new rhythm in life, and now carrying another life inside me.But if there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that I wasn’t doing any of it alone.I watched Alaric from across the room as he stood in the kitchen, his back straight as he cooked over the stove. The scent of eggs and toast filled the air, wrapping the space in a warmth that was oddly comforting.Leaning against the doorway, I crossed my arms and observed him.Who would’ve thought that the same man who once lived in darkness could look so at home in a kitchen like this?“I still can’t believe you’re actually making me breakfast,” I finally said, breaking the morning silence.Alaric glanced over his shoulder, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m not letting you skip breakfast again. Especially now, since you’re eating for two.”I pouted.
Freya's POVI’ve realized something over the past few days.Love alone isn’t enough.Love is the foundation, but what keeps it standing is commitment—the courage to choose each other every single day, through the good and the bad.And now, I’m at a point where I need to make sure that Alaric and I aren’t just in love, but that we’re also moving in the same direction.I sat on the couch, holding the ultrasound results we’d just gotten yesterday. Our baby. Still so tiny, but its presence was real. Its existence changed everything—not just for me, but for Alaric too.I heard the sound of the door opening, followed by familiar footsteps. Alaric had just returned from a meeting with his father. He’d mentioned it was about the inheritance he was set to receive.As soon as he saw me, he walked over, kissed the top of my head, and then dropped onto the couch beside me.“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice soft.I turned to him, offering a small smile. “A little nauseous this morning, bu
Freya’s POVI sat at the edge of the bed, one hand resting on my stomach. My fingers traced over the still-flat surface of my skin, as if trying to grasp the reality of what I had just learned.I was pregnant with Alaric’s child.I repeated it in my head, trying to let the words sink in. This was real. It wasn’t just a possibility or a joke from a faulty test.The doctor had confirmed it—I was carrying Alaric’s baby. And somehow, ever since that moment, the world felt like it was moving in slow motion.I lifted my head, my gaze falling on Alaric, who stood by the bedroom door, arms crossed over his chest. He was watching me with an unreadable expression—a mixture of awe, relief, and something deeper that I couldn’t quite define.“Are you still in shock?” His voice was low, almost gentle.I let out a breath and nodded slowly. “Of course. I just found out a few hours ago that there’s a tiny human growing inside me.”A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he stepped closer and
Alaric's POVI’ve faced a lot in my life.Life in prison, betrayal, losing people I considered family. Even surviving the criminal underworld that nearly swallowed me whole.I’ve been on the brink of destruction, standing between life and death more times than I can count.But none of that could have prepared me for what I just heard.“Congratulations, Mr. Verity. Your partner is pregnant. She’s about eight weeks along.”I froze in place like an idiot.The doctor’s voice echoed in the room, but my brain seemed to stop functioning. I stared at the blood test results in my hand. The numbers should have made sense, but right now, they just felt like a jumble of meaningless symbols.I had to lean on the desk because, for the first time in my life, my knees almost gave out.Freya… pregnant?I took a deep breath, trying to regain my focus. “Are you sure?” My voice came out hoarser than I expected.The doctor smiled, unfazed by my reaction. “We ran the test twice to confirm. All signs point
Freya's POVI’ve always loved the atmosphere of classes at NYU. The lecture halls are spacious, modern, and filled with students who are just as passionate as I am.Professor Callahan, who teaches Media, Culture, and Society, is the kind of academic who’s both brilliant and insightful. His voice is confident as he explains how media shapes social perceptions. Popular culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s a social phenomenon with a profound impact on everyday life.I listened intently, jotting down key points in my notebook. But today felt different.Since this morning, my body had been feeling a little off.I woke up with an uncomfortable sensation in my stomach. It wasn’t exactly pain, but more like waves of nausea that came and went.At first, I thought it was just the usual nervousness I feel before heading to class. I’m the type of person who’s always excited, and sporadically that excitement turns into a bit of anxiety.But this time was different.I swallowed hard, trying to ign
Freya’s POVI stood on the balcony of our apartment, letting the cool night breeze brush against my skin. Below me, New York pulsed with life—city lights scattered like stars, distant honks and the faint hum of the city still audible despite the late hour.Leaning against the railing, I hugged myself and gazed at the skyline.I should be in bed, but my mind was too restless.Today, I had finalized all my administrative paperwork for college. I had my class schedule, my student ID, and had even spent the last few hours reading through reference materials for my first course.I should be proud of myself. But there was an unsettling feeling in my chest: a quiet anxiety I couldn’t fully understand.The sound of the sliding door opening behind me pulled me from my thoughts, followed by familiar footsteps. I didn’t have to turn around to know it was Alaric.He didn’t say anything, just stood beside me, resting his hands on the railing, his sharp green eyes focused on the city.I glanced at
Freya’s POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror, letting out a slow, deep breath.This morning, I wore a peach blouse, paired with loose white pants that draped comfortably around my legs. On my feet were white flats adorned with delicate floral accents— a gift from Alaric. I completed the look with a cross-body bag filled with books and pens.Today marked the beginning of something new.I had officially enrolled at New York University (NYU), choosing to major in Communication Studies with a Bachelor of Science in Media, Culture.I was rebuilding my life, choosing not just to be someone who had survived her past but someone who was actively shaping her own future.Alaric had never tried to change me. Instead, he always made sure I had the freedom to be myself.I checked my natural-looking makeup, ran my fingers through my shoulder-length hair to fix it, and then stepped out of the bedroom, finding Alaric already waiting for me.He was standing in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup