Cap. 14: Interested in Your Life“Lavínia has always been a very difficult woman to deal with, so it’s expected that she’d hide her relationship to keep her parents from interfering. She must really like you,” the doctor remarked. “She thinks she’s protecting people by keeping things hidden, which is probably why she hasn’t told you what happened two months ago. She was covered in bruises, and it was obvious someone had assaulted her to the point where she lost the baby, but she claimed she had fallen.”“Fallen?” he asked, a dark aura clouding his expression.“Anyway… she lost the baby during the first trimester, just shy of three months. That was two months ago, and she hasn’t taken proper care of herself or come in for follow-up exams. Now that she’s here, I can take care of that. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d appreciate your help for her well-being,” the doctor said, slightly anxious.“Are you close to her?” Zen asked, suspicious.“I’m a family friend and their doctor.”“Alrigh
Cap. 15: Who Punished You?"I'm not saying anything, we’ve arrived. Even though you're exhausted, we still have to work later," he warned, his voice tinged with exhaustion that contrasted with the growing tension between them. As she opened the car door, an ironic smile curved her lips."Good luck to you. I don't need to worry about that. Just go. Don’t you need to rest and return this car that's above your expectations for life? And just so you know, it's almost nine," she said with an arrogance bordering on cruelty, turning her back on him with disdain.He watched her walk away, her slender figure disappearing into the doorway of the building."Anyone who looks would think she’s something other than a woman riding on the back of her rich friend," he thought, a bitter smile curving his lips. Before he could start the engine, the car door opened, and three men entered, sitting in the back seats. The calmness with which they did so was more terrifying than any explicit threat."Drive o
Cap. 16: Standing Even While Dying"Sorry for the delay!" he announced, entering the room with a confident posture. His eyes scanned the group of interns, analyzing them with a calculating gaze."I heard they’re still going to set up the room for him, right?" Samuel asked Zara, his voice tinged with curiosity bordering on sarcasm."Yes, he’s still under evaluation, so he’ll be with everyone, but... with a different supervisor, Cintia!" Zara replied, a mischievous smile curving her lips."The... the HR goddess?" Samuel asked, feigning surprise."Exactly, Zen will share a desk with her, she’ll give him direct guidance, and the guy already got a good start at Alpha Corp by being next to the company’s most coveted woman, second only to Lavínia, of course." Zara sighed, pretending to feel sympathy."Cintia is below you too," Samuel remarked indifferently, walking toward the center of the room. "We don’t need to introduce ourselves again, my name is Samuel Devan, but you should call me Mr.
Cap. 17: You Hide, But I See YouTogether, they began carrying the piles of files, the silence between them heavier than the paper itself. With every movement, Zen’s pain intensified, but he ignored it, focused on helping Lavínia.They continued in silence, and this time she didn’t argue with him. She noticed he was very different from earlier in the day, even noticing a slight swelling at the side of his eyes. That look of disdain had been replaced by one of exhaustion, almost resignation.They were at the last pile when he let out a soft groan as he placed it on the ground."For someone so young, you're really out of shape," she commented, examining him more closely. But he didn’t even respond, sweating coldly, sighing heavily several times, trying to disguise the pain consuming him."It’s time, right? It’s time to go?" he asked, his voice firm, though a tremor betrayed him."Yes." She replied, still observing him. When he turned to leave, she noticed a small red stain forming on t
Cap. 18: So You Don't Hear"What are you doing here?" He asked, slowly opening his eyes with difficulty. Lavínia’s hand, soft and warm, made him shiver. She seemed so fragile yet so strong, taking care of him like a mother. Her large, expressive eyes overflowed with compassion."How did you end up like this? You were fine just this morning." She asked, her voice soft to avoid disturbing the silence of the night.He blinked slowly, trying to focus his sore eyes. The weak moonlight filtered through the torn curtains, illuminating only a corner of the room. The air carried a faint smell of blood and disinfectant."What do you think you're doing? What if someone sees you?" He murmured, his voice hoarse."Does it matter now? I’m going to help you change those bandages and dress the wound. Actually, it’s better if I take you to the hospital. This is very serious. What happened to you?" She asked, trying to unroll the bandages around his arm.He smiled faintly, a bitter gesture."You... some
Chapter 19: A StalkerLavinia was dragged to a blind spot where the light was scarce. The man let her go abruptly, but she held onto the wall, her nails leaving red marks in the paint. The air was damp and heavy, carrying a metallic smell that made her shiver."How long are you going to keep bothering me?" he asked, his voice low and hoarse echoing in the hallway."Until you understand that I won’t give in!" she asserted, her voice firm despite the fear consuming her. She pushed him with all her strength, but he grabbed her by the neck, pressing his forehead aggressively against hers. His eyes, dark and piercing, stared at her with a hatred that seemed to grow every day, as if she were the cause of all his problems."Have you forgotten our last fight? You don’t have the upper hand," he commented, his voice threatening."I might not have the physical advantage, but you can be sure that as long as you keep intimidating me, I won’t let you get anywhere!" she shouted, her voice faltering.
Chapter 20: Updated LieLavínia stared at Zara alertly as she became frantic, her eyes darting around the room."Well... I’m leaving," Zara mumbled. "Feel free to talk, I hope this issue gets resolved, and you can get back to work." She said, grabbing Samuel's arm and dragging him away from the chaos."Why do they think he’s the father of the child she lost?" Samuel asked."Her parents saw him with Lavínia twice," Zara informed him as she continued to drag Samuel.Zen, for his part, was still standing near the door, watching Lavínia’s parents who were now sizing him up as if they were preparing to evaluate him. All he could do was stare at Lavínia with questions in his eyes but without the chance to ask them."How did you two meet?" Lavínia’s mother started the conversation, but Zen looked at Lavínia, waiting for her to say something."So, you’re together, right?" her father asked next, stepping closer to Zen. "Hello, young man, my name is Fausto, I’m Lavínia’s father and also a lawye
Chapter 21: Zen Quits the JobLavínia stared at him, intrigued. The dim light of the library highlighted the shadows on his face as she tried to decipher the young man's intentions."Do you think Mrs. Bayer is disturbed, by any chance?" he asked, his voice laden with indignation, leaving her unsettled."Everyone here worships her, but since yesterday, when I came in and saw these letters, horrific and macabre gifts—among them even locks of hair and things that really shouldn't be kept—it made me think about what this woman must be going through," his voice echoed in the silence of the warehouse as his eyes scanned the shelves filled with boxes and objects."She’s not that bad; she has everything," Lavínia commented, forcing a smile."No, someone who receives so many hate letters and malicious gifts will never be truly okay. Plus, now she hides. Otherwise, I would have seen her by now. Mrs. Bayer is certainly someone I could get to know and try to understand," he said, moving closer, h
Chapter 90: The Desperate Struggle"Alright, you need to wake up. I know you said we have nothing to talk about, but I have plenty to say."She tried to push him away, but he held her firmly."I don't want to!" she screamed, her eyes wide. The anger consumed her from within.Before she could react, he picked her up in his arms and carried her toward the cold water. The shock froze her for a moment."Hey! What are you doing?" she protested, her voice faltering.Zen threw her into the water, the icy sensation instantly waking her up. She struggled, trying to break free, but he held her tightly. Water splashed everywhere, creating a mist that obscured their vision."I've heard that water helps clear the mind," he said, a playful smile on his lips.She shoved him with all her might, getting out of the water. The thin dress was soaked, clinging to her body."My dress! You have no idea how much this costs!" she shouted, her indignation mixed with fury."I don't know, but it must be expensiv
Chapter 89: Amidst the ChaosHalf an hour earlier...“Lavínia seems really upset, doesn’t she?” Jenner asked, uncomfortable with Zen’s constant stares in her direction.“She does? I’m way more upset,” he commented, taking the wine glass and downing it in a single gulp.“You... I don’t understand the tense atmosphere between you two. Why did you take issue with them?”“For no reason,” he replied, still watching her, then shifting his attention to Bowen as he noticed Lavínia stumble discreetly.Bowen gave a malicious smile and slid one hand along her cheek and through her thick hair with a certain careless air, which made Zen more alert.Zara and Samuel stayed at a distance, both on edge, knowing Bowen’s aggressive behavior toward Lavínia and understanding that his kindness was an act.Zen pretended to be distracted as Bowen started glaring at him, then grabbed his glass and poured the white liquid out, while Mr. Romanov signaled his men in position.The waiter, with a twisted smile, de
Chapter 88: A Tense Confrontation"What’s going on? Are you confusing things?" Bowen asked, his voice trembling. Cedrick’s accusation had caught him off guard, and the anger in his eyes was evident."What are you doing?" Lavínia interrupted, her voice cold and cutting. Her eyes, once filled with love, now radiated disdain."I want to know, what are you doing here, and on top of that, next to this bastard? What’s this story about you being married to him? Is this for real? Weren’t you divorced from him?" Cedrick asked, his voice heavy with pain and resentment. His words echoed through the room, drawing the attention of everyone around."So what if I was married? What difference does it make? I just found out you’re engaged, right? Cedrick Romanov." She spat the words, each syllable full of contempt. The mask of happiness she had worn had fallen, revealing the woman who had been wounded and betrayed by the one she loved."That’s easy to explain, but how can you lie? Are you really marri
Cap. 87: My Girlfriend Is Married"Are you really trying to destroy your own son?" Valmont asked, his voice laden with frustration and disbelief. The idea of sacrificing his son’s sanity to protect an empire seemed absurd to him."He must marry Jenner. He was destined to do that a long time ago. Besides, Bayer, despite everything and her growth, became a problem when she took control of Dimon’s companies. Her lawyers are meddling with everything, trying to find a connection between me and him." Mr. Romanov spoke with the same coldness as always, as if discussing the weather."But I’ve already taken care of it. Nothing will happen. The only concern now is what you're trying to do," Valmont commented, feeling a tightness in his chest. With every word from Romanov, it became clearer the abyss separating them."You will do exactly what I say. Just don’t tell him that she’s Mrs. Bayer. He doesn’t need to know that the woman he’s sharing a house with, and is right now on the dance floor, is
Chapter 86: The Game of Truth“Wait... Jenner’s fiancé is Zen Obedon?” Zara asked, her voice low so they wouldn’t be overheard by the crowd. Her heart raced with surprise and excitement.“Actually, it’s Cedrick Romanov. We never could have imagined, but it was obvious a simple guy couldn’t afford a couture suit from another country,” Samuel sighed, thoughtful. He seemed perplexed by the revelation.“Lavínia is going to be shocked when she finds out who the guy was that she spent the night with. She just hit the jackpot of her life,” Zara laughed, but her voice was dripping with irony. She pulled Samuel away from the crowd, needing a moment to process the information.“Why don’t you two talk? Let’s choose a table and sit down,” Mr. Romanov suggested, his commanding voice echoing through the room. Jenner, with a radiant smile, held onto Cedrick’s arm firmly, demonstrating possession. Cedrick, in turn, felt a shiver run down his spine. He had completely forgotten everything around him wh
Chapter 85: The Prodigy and His Fate“Ah... how wonderful, we never knew she was married. I understand now, but I must say that thanks to this little argument, we’ve reaped great benefits. Thank you, Mrs. Bayer,” one of the men said, the irony dripping from each syllable. Lavínia shot him a deadly glance, but he just smiled, clearly pleased to have humiliated her.“Anyway... I hope our disagreements today can be overcome, since we’re back to what we were before,” Bowen remarked, but the tension in the air was palpable. The guests, uncomfortable with the situation, disguised their unease by drinking more wine.Meanwhile, in a more private corner, Zen Obedon and Mr. Romanov were the center of attention. The crowd gathered around them, eager for a glimpse of the famous prodigal son. Zen, however, seemed distant, his eyes fixed on the bottom of his glass, gently swirling it.“Finally, we can meet your son, Mr. Romanov. After years of knowing you had a son, and that he’s a prodigy, we’ve b
Chapter 84: A Glimpse of the PastBoth Zara and Samuel froze upon hearing Bowen’s words. Their eyes widened in surprise as they tried to decipher the meaning behind the statement. Turning to face him, they found a sarcastic smile on his lips and a velvet box in his hands. As he opened it, they revealed the ring—a unique model everyone knew well.“Do you remember?” Bowen asked, stepping forward with confidence. Lavínia, feeling her stomach churn, narrowed her eyes, trying to push the image of the jewel away.“What is he talking about? Didn’t you two break up?” Zara asked, her voice trembling.“Of course not!” Bowen declared vehemently, waving them off with a sharp gesture. Samuel, however, stepped in between them, blocking his path. “Ah, still playing bodyguard, you little assistant!” Bowen muttered under his breath, his voice low but filled with contempt.“Let’s not fight here,” Zara warned, her voice firm. “If something goes wrong, there’s no avoiding the press.”“Good, you know that
Chapter 83: The Locked DoorZen had no idea what Mr. R was planning besides the event. As soon as he arrived at the mansion, the servants were waiting for him at the gate and accompanied him, along with Valmont.“What’s happening now?” he asked, confused.“He doesn’t want you arriving all messed up at the event, so he wants to make sure you don’t go into that woman’s room, at least not today,” Valmont warned. Zen followed in silence, unsure where he was being led, until they stopped by a room he already knew well.“Am I going to visit someone, by chance?”“Actually, no,” Valmont answered, turning the doorknob. “This is your room, next to your father’s room.”Zen smiled skeptically, with a mocking air.“Don’t think I’m impressed, considering I already have all of this and more outside these walls.”“Still, you’ve limited yourself to a simple and poor life. You barely use the card you got. You should take advantage of all of this, since you’ve worked hard to get what you have today. Don
Chapter 82” The Man from the Past“For as long as necessary. It’s not the right time yet. After the event, I’ll tell him everything.”“And Evandro hasn’t bothered you again, right?” Zara asked, concerned.“Even after I ruined yet another business opportunity for him, he still hasn’t come after me,” she said with a victorious air.“You need to stop. This could be dangerous. The last visit nearly killed you, and the one before that gave you the worst experience of your life. When will you stop?” Zara asked, worry evident in her voice.“Don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll press the button and be safe again,” she reassured, shaking the delicate stone bracelet on her wrist.“I hope we’re not too far for the worst to happen,” Zara commented.“But I still don’t understand. Why do you keep trying to undermine him?”“It’s not that I’m trying to undermine him. He’s trying to take everything I have, cutting ahead of me.”“He must be furious now that you’ve won another victory. Be careful.”“T