***"Mom, are you going to Paris?" asked Maximilian.Selene nodded. "I miss your aunt. Celine couldn't go back to New York yet. Your uncle is also going there to be with Anastasia.""Why don't I take you there?" offered Maximilian.Selene looked at Maximilian with big eyes. She had never expected Maximilian to suddenly offer to take her to Paris. For a moment, she thought it was a joke, but the serious tone in Maximilian's voice made her pause."Are you serious about taking Mom to Paris?" asked Selene with a frown, a little confused by the offer.Maximilian nodded while sipping his coffee. "Yes, I'm surveying for a new project there. I also received an invitation from Uncle Christian."Selene was even more puzzled. She knew that Maximilian was always busy with his business affairs, but what was it about Paris that interested him this time? Besides, her son hated the hustle and bustle of the bustling world."You want to expand our business into fashion?" Selene asked curiously.Maximil
***Maximilian slowly opened the door to his apartment. The clock on the wall read two in the morning. The cold night air pierced his skin, but his mind was on only one thing - Anastasia. She should still be at the office, finishing up some outstanding reports, but the urge to see Anastasia's face was strong. He needed that energy, something he could only get from her smile, even if only for a moment.After closing the door, his footsteps stopped when he saw that the light in the living room was still on. "Ana?" she called softly, hoping that Anastasia was already asleep. But to her surprise, she found Anastasia sitting on the sofa, still awake."Max," Anastasia turned her head gently. She smiled, although there was a hint of tiredness on her face. "You're home."Maximilian looked at Anastasia questioningly. "Ana, why aren't you sleeping? Did you have another nightmare?" he asked, his tone full of concern.Anastasia shook her head gently. "No, I waited for you on purpose," she replied
***Anastasia and Lyra walked quickly to the departure gate at the New York airport. The airport was busy that morning, but Anastasia's mind was filled with thoughts of her trip to Paris. Paris Fashion Week, an exclusive invitation from Coeur de Luxe, and a great opportunity that should make her happy - but not today.Anastasia's footsteps suddenly stopped. Her eyes were fixed on a figure she knew very well. In the crowd of passing passengers, she saw the man she had missed for so long, but who also made her heart hurt even more - her father, Rhett Noire.Rhett stood there, smiling warmly, but not at her. His hug was tight, loving, but not for his daughter. Elora, his stepdaughter, received all the attention, a satisfied smile painted on her face. Like a dagger slowly piercing, Anastasia's heart felt broken.Tears almost fell, but Anastasia held them back. She couldn't cry. Not here. Not in front of Lyra. And especially not in front of Rhett, Aria and Elora. With trembling lips she tr
*** Inside Maximilian's private jet, silence accompanied their flight to Paris. He sat in his seat and stared at his cell phone, which had just vibrated. A message had arrived from Lyra. He opened the message and on his phone screen appeared a somber photo of Anastasia staring out of the window of an airliner. There was a distinct sadness on her face, a look that seemed to speak without words.Lyra added a message below the photo:"Max, Anastasia may not be in a good mood, especially after meeting her biological father. Maybe you know the story too, I'm sending this because you're her husband and I hope you can encourage her."Maximilian looked at the photo for a long time, his gaze sad. He could feel the sadness radiating from Anastasia, as if the weight of the world was crushing down on her. If only he could be there now, he would want to hug her, comfort her, and tell her that she was not alone. That there were many people in the world who loved Anastasia, including himself, even
***The camera lights shimmered, casting soft shadows in the large room filled with luxurious fabrics and photographic equipment. Anastasia stood in the center, her body draped in a gorgeous white gown with delicate lace details, specially designed by top designer Celine Idzes. Every curve of the gown accentuated her figure, making her look like an angel descended to earth. The diamond necklace that sparkled around her neck - the work of Laura Moen - added an inevitable touch of opulence.Celine stood at the side of the set, her eyes twinkling as she saw her handiwork reflected so perfectly on Anastasia's body. Not only did the dress look beautiful, but it exuded incredible elegance. Celine clapped her hands lightly, her smile wide."Anastasia," Celine said as she approached. "This gown was truly made for you. Your back is so beautiful, the cut of this gown is perfect for you. And that diamond necklace... it really completes everything. I've never seen anything so harmonious."Anastas
***Anastasia stared at her reflection in the mirror, still wearing the dress that made her look like a goddess. Her hair was in a neat bun, her makeup was perfect, and the jewelry around her neck sparkled in the lamplight. Despite her elegant and charming appearance, her heart was far from calm. She had just finished one of the most important fashion shows of her life, and she was filled with mixed emotions.Suddenly, the door to her dressing room opened without knocking. Anastasia frowned when she saw who it was. Leon, her ex-boyfriend, stood in the doorway with a smile that had once driven her crazy. But this time there was no admiration in her heart. She just stared at the man."Anastasia," Leon greeted her in a soft tone, as if they were still close. "You were really amazing on stage earlier. I couldn't stop watching you. You were like a bright shining star in a dark night."Anastasia remained silent, not wanting to return the hollow compliment. In her heart, a feeling of disgust
***Spring in Paris felt different this time. The flowers bloomed with bright colors, the breeze gently touched her skin, as if inviting Anastasia to enjoy every moment of beauty. However, despite the fresh air and charming scenery around her, there was an empty feeling in her heart.Anastasia walked alone along the Rue de Rivoli, her steps slow, almost aimless. She had deliberately given Lyra the day off to rest, to allow herself to enjoy the solitude amidst the hustle and bustle of bustling Paris. But despite being in a city that was always touted as the city of love, Anastasia felt lonely. The loneliness was so deep that it penetrated every inch of her soul."Why do I always feel this way?" she murmured softly, her eyes looking straight ahead, but her mind drifting far into the past.Since childhood, Anastasia had been used to loneliness. After her mother died, the world she knew shattered in an instant. Her mother was the center of her world, the only person who gave her love and
***"Max...""Max... what's Max's name?" asked Anastasia."Maximilian Kingsley. Why, don't you know Mom's son?"Anastasia breathed a sigh of relief and shook her head. "I don't know him." Meanwhile, Maximilian prepared to meet Selene. From a distance he saw the woman sitting with Selene. She looked so elegant, her hair flowing softly, looking out of the café window with a faint smile on her face. His heart fluttered immediately when he realized who she was. Anastasia."Oh my," he muttered in surprise. His footsteps immediately stopped.Maximilian hadn't expected his mother to be so familiar with Anastasia. He didn't know how he felt right now. Embarrassed? Surprised? Or just nervous? One thing was for sure, he was not ready to face Anastasia right now. And Selene would be surprised when Anastasia introduced herself as her husband. Selene would definitely give him a sharp look.Maximilian quickly turned around, looking for a way out of this situation. He needed to hide his identity. H
***The evening was more special than usual. The laughter and excitement of the Athena Records staff filled the room as they celebrated the success of Anastasia's latest album, which would be released in two days. Music played softly in the background while warm lighting added to the festive atmosphere. However, in the midst of the fun, a sudden feeling of unease came over Anastasia.She sat in a corner of the room, holding a sparkling glass of red wine and staring out the window. The spring night in New York was filled with stars, but her mind was distracted. She was worried because Maximilian hadn't returned her messages and she hadn't heard from him until this evening.Anastasia tried to distract herself by chatting with some of the staff, but somehow the excitement felt hollow. Suddenly, the glass she was holding slipped from her hand and fell to the floor. The sound of the broken glass echoed through the room, attracting the attention of many people."Ouch!" she cried, seeing tha
***Maximilian stood in front of his sister's grave, the spring breeze blowing gently, carrying the scent of flowers blooming from the trees around him. His eyes were fixed on the gravestone with a name that was always painful to remember. Ten years had passed, but the wound was still fresh in his memory."Max..." A soft voice behind him made Maximilian jump. He turned to find Renata still standing there, her face filled with fear.He let out a long breath, holding back the emotions that were churning inside him. "Renata, why are you still here? You'd better leave. I don't have much time. I have a lot of work to do."Renata didn't move, tears began to run down her cheeks. She knelt down in front of Maximilian, ignoring the cold floor and the piercing wind. "I'm sorry, Max," her voice trembled with regret. "These ten years I have been tormented because you hated me. I can't live like this anymore... Please, forgive me."Maximilian was stunned. He looked at Renata crying in front of him
***Anastasia walked slowly to a fancy restaurant in downtown New York. When she arrived, she saw a familiar face, Selene, waiting for her at one of the tables near a large window with a breathtaking view. Selene smiled warmly when she saw Anastasia approaching."Anastasia! You're here at last," Selene greeted, rising from her chair and hugging Anastasia."I'm not too late, am I?" asked Anastasia as she returned the hug."Ah, not at all. Mama just came early. Sit down, dear."Anastasia sat across from Selene and looked at the menu on the table. The waiter came quickly and they ordered lunch."Mama looks wonderful today," Anastasia complimented with a smile.Selene chuckled softly. "Oh, you always know how to flatter Mama. So how are you, Anastasia? I hear your new album is almost finished? I can't wait for it to come out."Anastasia smiled a little. "Yes, just a little bit longer. I can't wait either. Everything is going well, although there are some hurdles I have to go through. You
***Maximilian sat in his study, surrounded by piles of files that needed to be completed. He had just returned from a long trip to New York, but his work was already waiting for him. Bryan, his assistant, stood in front of him with a tablet in his hand, ready to report on everything that had come up in his absence."Mr. Maximilian, here's a full report on projects in progress and some meetings that need to be rescheduled," Bryan said in a professional tone. He handed the tablet to Maximilian, who took it without taking his eyes off the laptop screen.Maximilian studied some of the data and presentations he had to review. His eyes carefully scanned the numbers, graphs and financial reports. "Good, reschedule these meetings in the near future, especially with the Tokyo investors. We can't delay too long," he says, handing the tablet back to Bryan."Of course, sir." Bryan quickly made notes. There was one report, however, that made Bryan hesitate for a moment before going into it. "Ther
***This night was very special for Anastasia. After spending a wonderful day with Maximilian in Finland, she had no idea that another surprise was waiting for her. Anastasia's eyes were covered with soft black silk as they arrived at the place Maximilian had promised. Her curiosity and pounding heart made her impatient to open her eyes and see what her husband had prepared."Are you ready?" Maximilian's voice rang softly in her ear. He clasped her hand warmly."Max, what exactly are you preparing? I'm getting curious," Anastasia smiled faintly behind her blindfold, unable to hide her growing curiosity.Maximilian chuckled and slowly removed Anastasia's blindfold. When her eyes opened, Anastasia was stunned, unable to believe what she saw. In front of her was a very romantic scene - a luxurious restaurant in a private setting, with candles beautifully arranged on a dining table decorated with red rose petals. Small sparkling lights added to the warm and intimate atmosphere. Soft music
***The Finnish sky was a brilliant blue, and a cool spring breeze caressed Anastasia's face as she walked hand in hand with Maximilian through a garden filled with wildflowers. The trees were turning green and the smell of spring was refreshing. They both smiled, feeling as if the world belonged to them."This place is beautiful," Anastasia said as she looked at Maximilian. "I never thought I'd see Finland so beautiful, and it's my first time in the country, and with you."Maximilian looked at her tenderly. "Well, then I'll keep bringing you here because I know how much you love the serene scenery of nature," he replied, rubbing the back of his hand that still held Anastasia's. "And also... I want us to enjoy our time together without anyone interfering."Anastasia smiled, her smile so genuine and charming. "I really feel free here. Thank you for coming, Max."They walked slowly, savoring every second together. In the distance, the sound of the flowing river added to the peaceful atm
***Renata was still in the doctor's office, today the last patient was finished and she was getting ready to go home. The familiar sound of footsteps came from outside the room. The door opened slowly and Robert, her father, appeared in the doorway. Renata's smile immediately widened, although there was a slight hesitation in her heart."Dad, why did you come here?" Renata greeted him with a surprised tone, although she couldn't help but be curious. Usually Robert rarely visited her at work.Robert smiled slightly before answering, "I just wanted to see you, Renata. There's something I wanted to talk to you about. I spoke with Maximilian earlier."Hearing that name, Renata fell silent. Her smile slowly faded, her eyes narrowed slightly. "What did you talk to him about?" asked Renata in a slightly tense tone. She knew that whenever Maximilian's name was mentioned, her feelings were always chaotic.Robert took a deep breath, seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally answering, "It
***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