A bucket full of used laundry water soaked the body of a woman who was locked up in a secret room isolated from the outside world with weak and bruised body.
"Listen to me carefully, Valen. Luze is mine. The day after tomorrow, we will be engaged! You enjoy the rest of your life in this disgusting room." Said a woman who was Valen's close friend with a smirking smile."Carissa, don't think you can enjoy your life peacefully after getting rid of me. And let me say this: I don't need an ignorant man like Luze! Now that I'm giving it to you for free consider it my gift to you, my best friend!" Valen said with emphasis.'I need to get out of this disgusting room right now! Fortunately, I had time to spit out the paralyzing medicine Carissa had given me earlier. It's time to fight back. I've had enough of being tortured and drugged every day. Carissa, don't think I will stand by and watch you torture me daily. Even ants will bite if they continue to be tortured like this.' Valen thought."Insolent! How dare you say that to me when you're in your current tramp-like condition. You deserve to die, Valen!"A penknife was suddenly in Carissa's right hand without Valen realizing it. Without thinking, Carissa pointed the knife toward Valen's stomach.Seeing the knife pointed at Valen, she quickly held Carissa's right wrist and kicked Carissa's body.Kick!"Enjoy this room, Carissa. I was kind enough to let you enjoy it for a moment!"Valen managed to kick Carissa to the ground. For safety's sake, Valen took the knife.Seeing an opportunity, Valen immediately walked out of the isolation room. But before Valen left, without realizing it from behind, Carissa took the gun that was still hidden.Without feeling afraid, Carissa pointed the gun at Valen and pulled the trigger."Valen, I'll send you to hell right now!" Carissa threatened.Bang!Valen, who heard the threat and the shotgun, realized the danger. She jumped to the side, trying to dodge.Crash!Although Valen managed to dodge, the bullet injured his arm. After enduring the pain, Valen chose to leave before Carissa did anything more.'Strange. Why can my body react this quickly, as if I'm used to it? Is there something important about me that I don't remember?' Valen thought.Valen walked through the vast building with the pain of the shotgun wound on his arm. With great struggle, she made it to the last point. One more step, and she could get out of the torture chamber. However, there were guards on every side, keeping watch."There are so many guards. How do I escape them?" Valen muttered.Instantly Valen remembered the knife that was still in his hand. Although she was hesitant to act, Valen could only gamble for now. She moved to throw the knife at the guard at the door.Crash!The knife hit the guard's back, and he fell to the ground. Valen got out of the place before the other guards arrived.Valen managed to escape the torture place, and in front of him stretched the wilderness. Inevitably Valen had to pass through it and continue walking without direction.In his mind, as she kept walking, she would find a way out. But the reality was not as beautiful as expected. Valen wandered through the forest for hours but did not find a way out."I've lost so much blood. What should I do now? Will my struggle be in vain?"Valen's eyesight began to blur, and his face paled even more. Valen continued to force himself to walk without realizing a cliff was in front of her until she fell."Arrrgh!" Valen shouted.Her body continued to fall, bumping into trees and gravel until his body was numb.Slowly Valen began to lose consciousness.'Is this the end of my life? I don't know the truth of my true self yet. And those who did all this are still laughing freely. Is this fair, God!' Valen thought.***"Sir, the car is ready! This morning you have a business trip to Broughton Country. The plane has been prepared. Do you have any other needs?" Asked Ken Reynold, who worked as the Director's assistant."Right, we will leave now. Prepare all the necessary documents! How is your investigation regarding the spy that was placed in District B? I heard another organization secretly conducts arms transactions that dominate the underworld?" Asked the person who served as the Director. He was Asher William Xander."According to the information, they are not from a large organization. But their leader dominates 60% of the arms trade in parts of Either Continent. According to the news received, it has been two years since their leader disappeared.""Really? I wonder what kind of person is ranked first in the underworld market." Asher muttered.Asher William Xander is a man of Stanford nationality with a tall, sturdy posture and sharp jet-black eyes that make him respected by many.This man with a dominating character is the son of one of the 5 Lunaris Noble Families. Despite having a high background, Asher, born in the womb of an ordinary woman living in Broughton, had his childhood experience bullying from several children of the nobility. Having a dark past made him hate the Stanford aristocracy.Seeing Asher's dedication while leading his own company made his father, Mr. Louis Wilbert, decide to appoint Asher as the next Head of the Family. Because of Louis' decision, it is not uncommon for some people to target Asher's life. Because, according to them, Asher is not worthy of occupying the position of Head of the Family.Asher himself owns a private company, Thunder Corp. One of the large companies that dominate the Lunar State. Apart from being engaged in his field, their leader Mr. Asher also has a secret organization.Dragon Knight is a secret organization engaged in the trade of weapons and the like, which is now ranked 3rd in the underworld market. Only certain members of the Organization know Asher's true identity.***The flight from Stanford to Broughton took at least 10 hours. The time showed 04.00 local times. Asher and his assistant Ken arrived at the airport. At the airport itself, several people from the Company invited cooperation waiting for his arrival."Mr. Asher, welcome to Broughton. Introducing, I am David, the Manager of the Addison Group. Incidentally, our Director, Mr. Addison, eagerly awaits your arrival." Greeted one of the colleagues who welcomed Asher's arrival. Mr. David, who happened to be young, was able to mingle with Asher. He extended a hand as a sign of a meeting."Mr. David, thank you for your welcome. This happens to be my first business trip to Broughton. I hope to gain a lot in this tropical country." In reply, Asher accepted David's hand and shook hands."Mr. David, let me introduce you to Ken Reynold. Ken is my assistant. In the future, Ken will take care of everything." Asher introduced Ken in a friendly manner."Mr. David, I am Ken Reynold. In the future, I hope we can establish a good relationship." Ken greeted,"Mr. Ken, it's nice to meet a consistent assistant like you. Of course, sir." David replied. They shook hands with each other. "Oh yes, Mr. Asher, we have prepared dinner for you. Come, I'll take you!" David invited Asher to enter the car."Manager David, apologies in advance. Mr. Asher is unable to receive the banquet dinner tonight. Due to the long journey, Mr. Asher will temporarily rest." Ken said, refusing David's invitation."Ah... well, Mr. Ken, here are the car keys. We can talk about the banquet another time." Although a little disappointed because of the refusal to have dinner together, David seemed to be trying to understand Asher's condition.Asher and Ken entered the car and left the colleague who had picked them up. Ken had bought a Villa located quite far from the city center. Although it was a little far, the real reason was that Asher could still communicate with the Dragon Knight Organization."Ken, what do you think about this country?" Asher asked suddenly."Sir, isn't this country where Master's mother lives? This country is wonderful. There are abundant natural resources, and besides that, this country is also a strategic place to develop places that have not been seen as a tourism sector in addition to the construction of villas, apartments, and others. Are you interested in this one?""What you said has some truth to it. But I prefer something other than the things you're talking about it. I'm more interested in the docks in this country. If we can take control of one of the docks in this country, we can expand the supply of weapons to this country and beyond."Mr. Asher, you are indeed full of mystery. Your ambition is quite big. Until now, I have not been able to understand what you think and what you want to achieve,""It's not time for you to know. Never mind!"In the middle of their conversation, Ken suddenly braked the car. He saw a young woman lying in the middle of the road with a bruised body."Sir, there's an injured woman. It looks like she's been seriously injured.""I'll take a look." Asher got out of the car and saw a woman lying on the road with many injuries. Asher quickly picked her up and carried her into the car."Ken, hurry to the Villa. After this, call the doctor to check her condition.""Yes, sir." Ken accelerated his car toward the Villa.Asher looked closely at the face of the young woman, who looked beautiful and sweet despite her injuries. 'Who is this beautiful woman? Why did she get injured like this?'Just as the car arrived in front of the Villa, Asher immediately brought the woman, who turned out to be Valen, out of the vehicle and the Villa door was already open. Inside the Villa, the butler and other servants were waiting for him."Welcome, Mr. Asher. I am the butler of this Villa. Just call me Aunt Anna," greeted the butler named Aunt Anna."Don't you see there is an injured woman in my hands? Stop the basics, quickly call the doctor, and prepare clean clothes. Help her to clean up and prepare dinner right now!" Asher insisted,"Yes, as you ordered. Sir, one of the servants, will escort you to the guest room." Aunt An replied firmly, despite feeling guilty for not seeing the si
As Asher was about to leave his seat, Valen suddenly held Asher's hand tightly. "Don't go, don't leave me alone..." Valen mumbled. Without realizing it, Valen burst into tears."Sweety girl, are you having a nightmare, even to the point of tears?" Asher wiped Valen's tears from her face. "Alright, I'm not leaving. Sleep well, sweet girl." Asher finally sat down and let the woman beside him hold his hand tightly.Knock. Knock.Ken came in carrying a laptop and documents, along with the schedule for tomorrow. He handed the items to Asher. "Sir, I have updated the schedule you requested. Regarding the meeting with colleagues, I have postponed it entirely. And one more thing, I have contacted the Dragon Knight Headquarters. I assure you that no one will discover the location of this place. Is there anything else you want to say?" Ken asked."No need. You may leave." Asher opened the laptop to look at the data regarding the monitoring in District B.Not long after, Valen calmed down. Vale
When Valen returned from dinner, she did not immediately close his eyes. Instead, Valen sat with an irritated face imagining Asher's every annoying behavior and word."Even after I got hurt, the person who helped me was a jerk like Asher. Seeing how he looks and talks makes me want to stuff him with cayenne pepper. Aaargh ... I wonder why I've been able to like a guy like Luze for a year and have a traitor like Carissa. But come to think of it, Asher is a handsome guy. I have nothing to lose by being saved by him." Valen babbled until the end sentence.Valen, who was sitting, slammed her body on the mattress with a flushed face. "Never mind, I'd better get some sleep. Tomorrow I have to prepare myself to go back to Addison's house. That old fart definitely won't let me off so easily."The next day at the villa, Valen woke up from her sleep. She got up from the bed and walked out of the room. In front of the door of his room, there was already a servant ready to take orders.Valen appr
Asher left the Villa early in the morning because he wanted to see the conditions around the docks. He planned to monopolize one of the docks as an entry point for weapons from various countries. "Ken, what do you think of the dock conditions? This place is very strategic and connects various neighboring countries. If we can monopolize this place, we can expand the black market area to the entire Either continent." "Sir, what you say is true. But according to the information I got, the person who manages the docks is difficult to talk to." Asher, gazing at the endless sea, turned to Ken with a grin, "Difficult?! Nothing is complicated if it's about money. In this world, money rules. If the person managing this place is so difficult to control, find someone else concerned and offer him what we have." "Yes, sir, I will find out as soon as possible and report to you." Ken then went to take care of what his master ordered. Bzzzt bzzzt Asher's cell phone in his pocket suddenly vibrate
Asher immediately approached Valencia, lying on the floor covered in bruises. Even the stitches from the bullet that grazed her arm had reopened and were oozing fresh blood. "I can't believe this family is so cruel, even torturing without feeling the slightest guilt!" Asher said, looking sharply at Mrs. Jane in front of him. "Who are you? How dare you enter our residence without any manners. Are you one of this damn woman's customers?" Mrs. Jane said in a high tone without knowing who she was talking to. Addison, overwhelmed by Asher's anger, rushed to catch up. Once he reached the living room and heard his wife talking nonsense, he immediately stopped her. "Shut up!" Mr. Addison pointed at Mrs. Jane. "Don't you know that Mr. Asher is one of the largest shareholders in Stanford State?" The woman called Mrs. Jane turned to Mr. Addison, "Really?" Mrs. Jane was wide-eyed, her face instantly turning pale. The other people in the house were no exception. They began to think about their
It didn't take long for the shadow guards to turn the tables. The seven remaining assassins lay covered in blood. Two of them were unconscious and already under guard. Not long after, a helicopter managed to land not far from the scene. Asher returned to the car's location and carried Valencia's bridal style into the helicopter. Judging from her condition, Valen's body looked increasingly pale. Asher checked Valen's breathing and heartbeat several times, hoping the breath was still there even if it was weak. "Damn it! Why is her condition deteriorating!" Asher growled, annoyed at being unable to do anything when his woman's condition was critical. He unconsciously showed his concern. The helicopter began to take off with the best pilot Dragon Knight had and flew to one of the nearest hospitals in the Burnley township, Broughton Country. Fifteen minutes passed, and not far from the Burnley hospital, there was a large field, and the helicopter landed there. Asher went out to take V
"What tricks are you going to play, Asher? I definitely won't fall into the same hole!" Valen replied. She looked at her interlocutor with confidence and a hint of annoyance."Whatever you want to think of me. If I make you love me in half a year, you must accept your status as Mrs. Asher. But I will let you go if I fail and will not interfere with your life." Asher said, releasing his embrace and raising both hands by his words."What tricks are you going to play, Asher? I'm not going to fall into the same hole!" Valen replied. She looked at her interlocutor with confidence and a hint of exasperation there."Whatever you want to think of me. If I make you love me in half a year, you must accept your status as Mrs. Asher. But I will let you go if I fail and will not interfere with your life." Asher said, releasing his embrace and raising both hands at his words.Valen did not waste that. She quickly moved from Asher's lap and chose to sit back against the headboard.Released from Ashe
"Hn. Think of it that way." Asher hugged Valencia and stroked the long hair that was left loose. "Remember one thing, dear. No matter how cruelly the world betrays you, there is still me here who will always embrace and support you no matter what. I'm not asking you to trust my words, but trust your feelings and your heart." Asher spoke softly and touched Vallen's heart deeply. "Aaugh..." Valencia whimpered. It seemed that her injured arm was accidentally pressed by Asher's hand while hugging her. Hearing her moan, Asher released his embrace and looked at Valencia's body, which was partially scarred. Luckily, the gunshot wound was not open and was safe. Asher sighed, "Thank goodness the wound did not re-open. Sorry, dear. I think I hugged you too tightly earlier." "It's okay. You're just like that." Vallen replied curtly. Spending time with Asher made Vallen know a little about the personality of the man who married her forcefully and shamelessly. "It looks like I must get used t
"Surprise?!" repeated Asher with one eyebrow raised. 'Valencia doesn't usually make surprises like this. What does my naughty wife want to do?' but the words stuck in Asher's mind.Asher massaged his temples and signaled the waiters to disperse. Asher was completely unaware that today was his birthday. All Asher knew was that he was irritated by his nosy wife's behavior, who arbitrarily changed the order of the mansion. Even though Asher always kept the mansion the same as before, which was when his late mother still occupied it.Asher's light steps carried him up the stairs to their bridal suite, hoping his wife was there or making sure Valencia didn't leave the mansion without his knowledge. Every step Asher took was like a flower blossoming in spring. It felt so thrilling."Since when did my heart become so pounding just from stepping into a room and imagining Valencia sleeping on her back. Oh shit! I really can't seem to help it." Asher said.The door to the room was still firmly
Valencia let out a long sigh after seeing Avrora's departure from her sight. Her body that had tensed up with the veins on her forehead that were interlocking gradually decayed and went limp. Her sluggish body collapsed and sat down on the sofa with both palms that still left a sense of anger, fear and trembling. 'I never thought I would have to deal with a woman of such high status in the Kingdom so quickly. It's really tiring, even my hands are still shaking after her departure.'"Madam, are you alright?!" Asked Rey worriedly at Valencia who looked exhausted and had a worried look on her face. Valencia turned to Rey who was standing beside her with a smile. She waved her hand slightly as a sign that she was okay. "I'm fine, Rey. Oh yeah, I hope this incident doesn't reach Asher's ears." Valencia said calmly, though not as calmly as her heart was still racing at the thought of Avrora's name. "Are you sure you don't want me to report it to Lord? Because I think, in the future, th
Valencia turned her head with a smile and patted Liana's hand to ease the anxiety of the maid Valencia already considered a friend. "I'm fine. After all, from the moment I found out that Asher had been matched, I already had a premonition that there would definitely be a time for me to meet Princess Avrora. It's just that I didn't expect that the time to meet would be this soon, I will definitely deal with it.""Madam, you are truly full of patience and maturity. It is fitting that the lord chose you to be his lifelong companion. Master has never made a wrong choice.""Never mind... don't keep praising me. Rather, prepare the meal for Princess Avrora immediately. I'm afraid the maid made a mistake out of fear. I'm going to change my clothes to welcome her."Valencia and Liana began to move off on their own. Valencia went upstairs to change into proper clothes. Liana, on the other hand, took over the maid's duties to serve the honored guests of the Kingdom.In the living room, Princ
Asher glanced with a sharp glance at Louzen, "Louzen you come to my office." Asher ordered."Yes, sir." Louzen trailed behind Asher, following his leader to the Dragon Knight leader's private study.In the Dragon Knight leader's private study, Asher was already sitting at his desk. Meanwhile, Louzen stood in front of him quietly waiting for Asher to start talking. "Tell me Louzen. What information did you get from the incident that happened at The Angel building?" Asher asked calmly. He didn't want to pressure Louzen and make him too cautious.As much as possible Asher made Louzen feel that he didn't know anything Louzen had done, so that in time Asher could catch those who were traitors in the Organization. As the saying goes, if you want to catch a fish, you need to spread the bait, widen the net and pull it slowly so that the fish is not surprised and get a satisfactory catch.Louzen was still silent. He seemed to be organizing the right words to say to Asher. "Sir, I've sent a t
Asher glanced at Rey. "Rey, escort Her Highness the Princess back to her palace. Tell Her Majesty the Queen to take good care of her daughter. I have a busy schedule and don't have time to play with her spoiled daughter!" Rey immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Swearing by anything, Rey would do everything he was told, except bringing Princess Avrora back to the Palace. But Rey was just a subordinate, he was forced to obey his lord's orders. "Your Highness Princess, please return to the Palace. Currently the Master cannot accompany you, he has a busy schedule that cannot be postponed." Rey said with all due respect to the daughter of the leader of the Stanford Kingdom. Avrora could only snort in annoyance. She was indeed old enough to lead a country. Avrora was also smart enough to follow protocol or state meetings. It was just that her attitude suddenly turned spoiled and childish when in front of Asher. That's what made Asher feel ill-feeling and uneasy if he had to linger wi
Valencia noted the ingredients needed to make the cake, tumpeng yellow rice, young coconut, other fresh fruits to make fruit ice and finally vegetables for the side dish to complement the yellow rice. "Yep... Can you read it, Liana?" Asked Valencia, she handed the piece of paper to Liana. "Let me read it. Hmm... " Liana looked like she was reading seriously. "It looks like the meal that Madame is going to make is going to be special. There are a lot of spices that are said to make food have a high flavor. I'm really looking forward to Madame cooking a lot of food." Liana grinned. Valencia had already prepared it earlier. She took out her gold card and gave it to Liana. "Shop all you want, Liana. I'll be waiting for you here.""Yes, ma'am. Then I'll go shopping." Liana said cheerfully. Valencia could only shake her head in understanding. She did not expect, the figure of Liana that Valencia first saw looking very mature and calm was only a cover. The Liana that Valencia saw at thi
Asher looked at the file in front of him to check. But his mind drifted to thinking about the arranged marriage forced by his father. "Rey, order a team of hackers and spies to track down the ulterior motives between father and Her Majesty the Queen. I'm still sanctioning this just an ordinary matchmaking. There must be a price to be paid by Father for this." Asher ordered. "Sir, isn't your wife the fiancée of the Crown Prince who disappeared two years ago?!" Rey asked while struggling with the documents in front of her. "Hm. Alexa Zheyana Hoult is the official fiancée with a will and stamp from the late King. Therefore, even though I am legally married to Alexa in Broughton. Alexa's engagement to Daniel was still valid in Stanford, as long as the will and royal seal had not been returned. And damn it, those seals were nowhere to be found. Perhaps someone from the late Madame Harsha's camp has deliberately kept it.""So, according to the master. Lady Alexa's supporters still expect
"Shhh... don't let anyone else hear about this, let alone Asher." Alexa warned Liana with her index finger to keep what she saw and heard a secret. "But why would you do that, ma'am?" Liana asked not understanding Alexa's train of thought. She put the porridge on the table and sat next to Alexa. "You know, Liana. The first time I met Asher was a miracle. I had just fallen off a cliff because I was escaping from someone's captivity and Asher was lucky to save me. It was only a few days after that. He suddenly legalized the marriage without my knowledge on the grounds that I was unconscious, isn't that ridiculous." Alexa said recounting the beginning of her meeting with Asher. "Madam, I have become very curious about the course of Madam's love story with Tuan. Because as far as Liana knows about Tuan. He is a rigid man who is against women." "Really?! Ah... don't just say that. How can any woman reject a man as handsome and rich as Asher." Alexa chuckled with her opinion. "I'm
Louzen and his men took over the job of taking care of the guards. Asher headed for the car that was ready in the courtyard. Yes... The Ferrari that Asher was using was parked in front of the building. Maybe Louzen had brought the car to the courtyard. Asher opened the car door behind the steering wheel with his left hand. He sat Alexa down with the car seat stretched out to make Alexa feel comfortable. Alexa's eyes were still closed, which made Asher even more worried and anxious. He closed the side door then switched to the driving seat and took his sports car at high speed. A 30-minute drive from The Angel building to the mansion. In front of the main door, Asher stopped the car. From the front side of the door, the mansion guard approached the car and opened the front door and invited Asher to get out. Asher came out from inside and gave the car keys to the guard. "Move the car." Asher ordered. He immediately went to the side door of the car and lifted Alexa bridal style and