***It was a quiet night when Anastasia entered her apartment on the 15th floor of a skyscraper overlooking the city center. Her head was full of plans for the future after meeting Christian Idzes, a major producer who gave her new hope for her music career. But her peace was soon shattered as she approached her apartment door and noticed something strange.Her apartment door was open.Anastasia felt her heart race. With quick but careful steps she approached. When she reached the door, she was shocked to see her belongings unceremoniously thrown out, scattered in the hallway. The closet was open, her clothes piled haphazardly on the floor. Her laptop sat on one of the chairs outside the door."What the hell?" she cried in panic. "Who would dare do this?"Her eyes searched for someone responsible, but there was no answer. She picked up her cell phone with shaking hands, ready to call building security or even the police."I'm going to report this!" her voice was full of emotion, but b
***The rain poured relentlessly, drenching the entire city of New York without mercy. The night was eerily quiet; even the usual roar of vehicles on the highway was absent. Only the patter of raindrops on the asphalt and the rumble of thunder breaking the pitch-black sky could be heard. In the midst of the downpour, Anastasia stood beneath a deserted city bus stop. She clutched her suitcase tightly, her clothes and body slowly soaking as there wasn't enough shelter to keep her dry.She stared at her dead cell phone, feeling utterly hopeless. "Damn," she muttered softly, looking at the dark screen. Anastasia had planned to call Lyra, her best friend and manager, but she knew that Lyra already carried a heavy burden as the breadwinner of her family. She didn't want to add to Lyra's problems."I shouldn't bother her," she whispered to herself. With a deep sigh, she sat down on the bench at the bus stop, hoping that the rain would stop soon. Anastasia's mind drifted to Maximilian. Her h
***That night, Anastasia and Maximilian arrived at a luxurious penthouse where opulence shone in every corner. The view from the balcony overlooking the city seemed untouched by the bustling world below. Anastasia's heart raced as they were escorted by Bryan Evans, a man known for his cold demeanor. Anastasia had often heard rumors about Bryan, the Kingsley family's trusted right-hand man, someone notoriously difficult to approach.Bryan gave them both a polite nod, maintaining his formal posture. "Welcome. Please make yourselves at home," he said in a flat tone before leaving them in the main living area of the penthouse.Anastasia gave Bryan a brief, respectful nod in return, though curiosity bubbled inside her. Once Bryan was gone, she grabbed Maximilian's hand and pulled him slightly away from where Bryan had been standing."Max, how do you know Bryan Evans? And why did he bring us here?" Anastasia whispered, her voice tinged with concern. "Why would he agree to bring us here? I'
***Elora walked confidently to the main stage. The roar of the crowd gathered in the large stadium only fueled her excitement. Tonight was her night - her big chance to perform alongside top international singers. This stage was the stepping stone she had dreamed of for years. Finally, she could compete with Anastasia, who had always been the lead singer. Leon walked beside her, his eyes full of pride as he watched his friend about to shine."Elora, you're going to dazzle everyone tonight," Leon said, holding her hand.Elora beamed. "I know, love. Tonight is mine. All eyes will be on me. They'll finally see that I'm better than Anastasia."But as they approached the entrance to the backstage area, a member of the event staff suddenly stopped them. The man in the black shirt looked tense and uncomfortable."Excuse me, Miss Elora," the staffer said hesitantly, "you can't go in."Elora froze, her face turning to confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked sharply, disbelief in her tone.Th
***Steven sat on the edge of the bed and checked Anastasia's body temperature, which was slowly dropping, but still at a worrying level. Sighing, he scribbled a prescription in his notebook."Her temperature is still not normal. This is a stronger antipyretic," he said and handed the prescription to Maximilian.Maximilian accepted it without a word, his eyes fixed on Anastasia, who lay weakly on the bed. Her face was still pale, though her breathing had begun to stabilize.Steven let out a long sigh and settled into a chair across from Maximilian, loosening the collar of his rumpled shirt. He looked at his friend with a mixture of mild annoyance and curiosity."You made me rush over here in shorts! My reputation will be ruined if any of my colleagues or patients see me like this," Steven complained, gesturing at himself. "I had to run like crazy just to answer your distress call."Maximilian let out a quiet snort. "I don't care about your shorts, Steven. The only thing that matters i
***"Is the food bad?" asked Maximilian.Anastasia shook her head, "It's very good. It's probably the most delicious food I've ever had," she replied with a faint smile."Why is that?" asked Maximilian curiously."Because I've forgotten what it's like to have someone cook for me with sincerity. In the past, it was always frowned upon because I was a star, it was served only to curry favor with me. Now there's you, you even asked me in detail what foods I avoid. No one has ever asked me so many questions, least of all my mother," Anastasia retorted, her voice choking."Eat, I promise I'll make the food you like as long as you eat it," Maximilian said."I should cook for you, a woman should be able to cook, right? If I want to try cooking, would you like to taste it?""Of course, with pleasure. I can't wait to see how a star cooks for a simple man like me," Maximilian said.Anastasia finally smiled, "You are a wonderful man, Max. I'm not a star anymore either, they say I'm a fading star
***Inside the Athena Records meeting room, the tense yet professional atmosphere is palpable. Anastasia sits across from Christian Idzes, one of the most influential music producers in the industry. The room is decorated with awards on the walls, showing how successful Athena Records has been in producing big stars. But Anastasia's situation was far from ideal. The public was still skeptical of her after the various scandals that had rocked her career.Christian looked at Anastasia with a serious look, his hands folded on the table. "I've heard some demos of your new song," he said, his voice calm but sharp. "There's potential there, but I have to be honest, Ana. These songs aren't strong enough to change the public's perception of you yet."Anastasia swallowed, trying to stay calm even though the criticism felt heavy. She knew that this was not an easy time for her. "I understand, Christian," she replied quietly. "But I promise I'll make it up to you. I don't want to disappoint you
***Anastasia opened the door to her new home and invited Lyra inside. The minimalist yet elegant living room, with a stunning view of the city from the large windows, immediately caught Lyra's eye."Wow, Ana! This place isn't as big as the old apartment, but it's so cozy!" Lyra exclaimed as she turned around to admire the apartment's decor. "Who picked this place for you? It's in a great location. It's very close to Athena Records."Anastasia smiled slightly and closed the door behind them. "It wasn't my choice. The apartment was rented by Max," she replied, taking off her coat and hanging it by the door. There was a reluctant tone in her voice, as if she didn't want to say too much.Lyra looked at Anastasia with a questioning look. "Max? You mean your mysterious husband? The man I've never seen before? He seems to be more than just an ordinary husband, doesn't he? I wonder why this man always brings you unexpected happiness."Anastasia took a long breath. She knew that this conversa
***Maximilian sat behind his desk and looked at the files piled in front of him. His thoughts and feelings were in turmoil due to the problem that someone had attacked him that night and that person could be dangerous if he knew that he and Anastasia were married. He let out a long sigh and tried to concentrate on his work. However, a gentle knock on the door of his room stopped him in his tracks. He looked up and was surprised to see Robert standing in the doorway."Uncle Robert?" Maximilian frowned, it was rare for his uncle to enter his room unannounced. "Can I help you?" He invited his uncle to take a seat.Robert smiled as he entered. "No need to be so formal, Max," he said as he sat down on the sofa. "I just want to talk to you casually."Maximilian felt a wave of anxiety that he couldn't ignore. He knew that if Robert had come without business, the conversation would have been more personal."So," Robert began after a moment of silence, "I hear you have a girlfriend?"Maximili
***That evening, Robert invited Shayne and Selene, Maximilian's parents, over for dinner. At the long table, decorated with small candles and delicious food, the conversation flowed. But one question stuck in Robert's mind."Why didn't Maximilian come with you?" asked Robert as he looked at Shayne and then at Selene sitting next to him.Shayne chuckled, "Max is too busy with his own affairs. He often forgets his parents," she replied with a broad smile, although there was a slight note of disappointment in her voice.Robert smiled, then leaned back in his chair and looked at his daughter, Renata, who sat gracefully at the side of the table. "When you have grandchildren, you won't feel lonely. If Max is too busy, at least you can play with your grandchildren," he said, trying to break the ice with a little humor.Shayne and Selene exchanged glances and nodded, "We've been wanting grandchildren for a while," Selene replied quietly, brushing back her long hair. "But you know how Maximil
***Selene confidently opened the door to the CEO's office. Maximilian's office was quiet as his son was having a serious conversation with Bryan at his desk. The room was filled with natural light from the large windows.Bryan said goodbye as soon as their conversation was over, nodding respectfully to Selene before leaving the room. Selene looked at Maximilian with the gaze of a mother who missed her son but understood the burden he carried."I'm sorry, Ma," Maximilian said as he came over and gave Selene a loving hug. "I haven't had a chance to see Mama and Papa lately."Selene smiled warmly and gently rubbed Maximilian's back. "Mama and Papa understand, Max. We know you've been busy. But I heard from Bryan that you're going abroad the day after tomorrow?"Maximilian released their embrace and nodded slowly. "Yes, I have some business in Finland this weekend.""Finland, huh?" Selene looked at Maximilian for a moment, then smiled slightly. "Can you come with me? It's been a while si
***Selene sat on the cozy couch in the living room, straightening up as she looked at Shayne, her husband, who seemed to be deep in thought. They had just finished dinner, but their conversation was more focused on what was going on with Maximilian, their perpetually reclusive son."Shayne, I object," Selene began, her voice calm but firm. "I see you giving Robert and Renata hope. They are both desperate for a relationship, but Maximilian already has a woman of his choice."Shayne shook her head, frustration written all over her face. "Darling, I can only see how suitable Renata is to be our daughter-in-law. She's beautiful, intelligent, and very kind. She can make Maximilian happy, and Maximilian and Renata have known each other since childhood.""Don't overdo it, Shayne," Selene replied, her voice beginning to rise. "Don't let Maximilian leave again. It's enough for me to lose Isabelle. Max... he's still hurting from the loss of his sister. He is still healing, and I hope you will
***Maximilian is on edge when Bryan tells him that Anastasia will be attending his family's charity event. The news immediately makes his blood boil and the fears that have been haunting him return. Selene, his mother, is so close to Anastasia and it's very likely that Selene will show Anastasia her old photos. What Maximilian fears most is that Anastasia will find out his true identity from someone else. That would ruin all his plans to tell her about his past."I have to go to the apartment," Maximilian muttered and rubbed his face roughly. He didn't want to take any more risks by showing up at the charity event where too many people knew him. He didn't want Anastasia to find out who he really was under inappropriate circumstances.***Time seemed to pass slowly for Maximilian as he waited in Anastasia's apartment. His thoughts were mixed between worry and a deepening sense of longing. Every second felt so slow, as if the world had stopped spinning as he thought about the worst tha
***The Kingsley family's Charity Night has always been an event that high society looks forward to, an opportunity to socialize and contribute to philanthropy at the same time. Anastasia, who was still busy preparing for her new album, could not refuse Selene Kingsley's invitation. Selene had come personally to ask her to attend, and Anastasia appreciated the direct invitation from the woman who has been so supportive of her. Despite her busy schedule, Anastasia made time to attend.When Anastasia arrived, she immediately became the center of attention. Dressed in an elegant black gown that hugged her body perfectly, Anastasia looked like a star that had descended to earth. Every eye stared at her in awe, and rumors began to fly among the guests."Is that Anastasia?" one woman whispered in awe."Yes, it is. She's stunning every time she shows up," another replied.Selene immediately greeted Anastasia with a broad smile as she entered the room. "Anastasia! I'm so glad you could come!"
***"My husband," Anastasia whispered in a tone that was so soft yet seductive. "You came at the right time."Without warning, Anastasia's weak hands suddenly moved to grasp Maximilian's shirt collar. Pulling the man closer, her fingers deftly unbuttoned Maximilian's shirt one button at a time. Maximilian's gaze changed instantly, a mixture of surprise and interest. But he said nothing, just looked at Anastasia, who was now dancing with her own emotions."Darling..." Maximilian tried to stop Anastasia's movements, but she ignored him. Her half-closed eyes stared at Maximilian with a desire she could not hide. Then, slowly but surely, Anastasia stood on tiptoe and brought her face closer to Maximilian's lips.She kissed Maximilian's lips gently, and a warm glow immediately spread through her body. The kiss began slowly, as if she wanted to confirm that the man before her was indeed her husband, the one she had chosen to love.Maximilian was momentarily surprised, but his body responded
***Anastasia sat on the balcony of her apartment, gazing up at the late night sky. The cold night breeze hit her skin, but the chill was nothing compared to the turmoil in her heart. The glass of wine in her hand was nearly empty, and the bottle on the table next to her was nearly gone. Anastasia didn't usually drink, let alone wine. She knew she was a bad drinker, but tonight she didn't care. Her mind was too full and she just wanted to drown out the pain that wouldn't go away.He looked up at the empty black sky, only a few stars were faintly visible. In the silence of the night, her mind continued to wrestle with the images of the past that continued to haunt her. The pain, the betrayal, the humiliation never seemed to disappear from her life. Especially when her mother's name was mentioned, the wound would reopen as if it were yesterday."Mama..." she murmured softly, her voice almost drowned out by the night wind. Her eyes began to tear, but she held them back. She didn't want t
***Maximilian sat in a luxurious leather seat in his private jet. The gentle breeze from the plane's vents created a serene atmosphere in the cabin. Meanwhile, on the screen of the tablet in his hand, he watched a video of Anastasia, who had just won the Best Female Vocalist award. He couldn't take his eyes off her radiant face on the stage.His eyes were fixed as he listened to Anastasia's grateful words. And then, at the end of her speech, when Anastasia mentioned "husband" in front of thousands of spectators, Maximilian smiled faintly. That one word, that one word that made the crowd go wild, made him feel an unbearable sense of pride. He played the video over and over again, making sure that every word that came out of Anastasia's mouth sounded perfect in his ears."Husband... Yes, that's how it should be," Maximilian murmured in a low voice. He adjusted the collar of his shirt and loosened his tie a little, feeling more comfortable in his solitude on this plane.Anastasia's vide