***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
***"Ah, that feels so good, Leon. I'm almost coming.""Hold on, baby. Just a little longer."The moans echoed clearly in Leon Hale's private room - a rising star actor who was taking the world by storm.Still lost in the throes of pleasure, Leon Hale could never have imagined that behind his bedroom door someone stood frozen, holding back tears.That someone was Anastasia Noire, his girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancée of five years.Anastasia couldn't believe the strange message she'd received on her phone, accusing Leon of betrayal. She was supposed to be filming a commercial in Paris today, but her schedule had been abruptly cancelled. Depressed, she decided to visit her boyfriend's luxurious apartment."This can't be real, can it? Those sounds... they're just in my head," Anastasia muttered, trying to calm herself. With trembling hands, she reached for the bedroom door, hoping that the bizarre noises were nothing more than a figment of her imagination.As she gripped the doorknob, h
***Inside her car, Anastasia Noire gripped the wheel tightly, trying to concentrate on the road ahead, but her mind kept replaying the events of the night before. Tonight had been nothing but a series of misfortunes.The injured man she had found now lay unconscious in the back of her car. She had no idea who he was or why he had been attacked, but she knew that she had inadvertently become involved in something much bigger than she had anticipated. Her instincts warned her to stay alert - and those instincts proved to be right.As she glanced in her rear-view mirror, her heart skipped a beat. A large black SUV was speeding towards her, closing in fast. Her face went pale as she recognised it as the same vehicle she had seen earlier, driven by those burly men."Damn," Anastasia muttered, tapping the steering wheel nervously. "They're after me."The black SUV came closer, almost side-by-side with her car. Without hesitation, Anastasia slammed her foot down on the accelerator, hoping t
***"You're awake?" Anastasia asked.Maximilian froze, staring at the unfamiliar woman before him. Her smile was unlike anything he'd ever seen - soothing, almost serene."Can you hear me?" A small voice came from beside him.He turned his head to see the woman standing nearby, relief washing over her face as she realised he was awake. She stepped closer, and before Maximilian could say a word, he felt her gentle hand press against his forehead, taking his temperature. The touch startled him. His body tensed, but not with pain.Before he could process what was happening, she withdrew her hand and placed the back of it against his cheek. "You look a little pale. Is anything hurting?" she asked, her tone soft but full of concern.Maximilian was stunned. His instinct should have been to pull away or push her hand away, but there was no allergic reaction or discomfort like he usually felt when women touched him. His skin didn't feel hot or itchy. It was as if her touch was completely harm
***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
***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
***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
*** 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
***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
***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
***"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
***"Who are you missing?"Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke his daydream. He turned his head, his eyes shining as he saw Maximilian standing in the doorway."You're home!" Anastasia exclaimed with a smile on her face. "I've been waiting for you."Maximilian stood for a few seconds, his heart momentarily touched by the innocent smile Anastasia gave him. However, jealousy suddenly appeared as he remembered what he had heard earlier. She overhears something when she enters the apartment - Anastasia says she misses someone. Who does Anastasia miss? That's what kept nagging at him.Maximilian slowly walked over to Anastasia, who was sitting in front of the piano, her eyes narrowed in question. "Do you miss this man?"Anastasia frowned, confused by the suspicious tone coming from Maximilian's mouth. "Why are you saying I miss someone?""I heard you say you missed someone," Maximilian replied, holding back the jealousy that was beginning to creep into his heart.Anastasia w
***"Really? I was also invited to the Paris Fashion Week event?" asked Elora with sparkling eyes.Rafael nodded. "That's right, Elora. Later you will be part of a well-known brand and you will probably be offered to be their brand ambassador."Elora smiled proudly and immediately stared at herself in the mirror, contorting herself in the designer dress she was wearing. "Paris Fashion Week, Rafael. This is my big chance. Everyone will see how radiant I am.""Don't be too confident yet, Elora. There are more important things to focus on."Elora frowned and turned to the man. "What do you mean? Haven't I prepared everything?"Rafael sighed deeply, put his phone down on the table and leaned back. "Yes, you have prepared well. But you have to remember one thing, Anastasia will be there. I don't want Paris Fashion Week to become her stage, Elora. You have to make sure he doesn't steal the show."Elora bit her lower lip, her haughty gaze softening slightly. The name Anastasia still haunted