***"Crazy! This morning hundreds of missed calls and thousands of messages came into my phone. I was shocked and thought something was wrong. Turns out it was because of that one photo!" Lyra was annoyed, she had rambled on and on, even cursing Leon."That man did it on purpose last night, he just wanted to trap you!" Lyra added again.Meanwhile, Anastasia sat in front of her tablet screen, staring at various articles that had appeared on the Internet over the past few days. The big headlines on the news pages were full of accusations that slandered her. They accused Anastasia of trying to lure Leon Hale back into her arms, and even wrote that she was using her fame at Paris Fashion Week to steal Leon away from her half-sister Elora.Her lips tightly sealed, Anastasia took a deep breath. She knew this was all part of a dirty game she had faced many times before, but this time the accusations stung even more because they touched on something very personal to her."They always have a c
*** Anastasia sat quietly in a classic-style room filled with luxurious jewelry from various exclusive collections. In front of her, Laura Moen, the owner and head jewelry designer of Coeur de Luxe, smiled as she looked at Anastasia with adoring eyes."Laura, thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning," Anastasia began, her voice soft but firm. "I know my public image is not very good right now, and I don't want Coeur de Luxe to be damaged by the rumors that are circulating. If you are thinking of replacing me as brand ambassador, I completely understand. You probably already know that there is a lot of talk about me in New York, and it's negative news.Laura listened to each word with an even wider smile. She was silent for a moment before she let out a small laugh, as if Anastasia had just told a joke."Gosh, Anastasia, you really do beat yourself up too much," Laura said with a laugh. "Rumors? Gossip? Do you think I care about such things? And that's just in New Y
***Maximilian sat in his chair with tired eyes, his body feeling heavy as if he had just carried the weight of the world. He deliberately withdrew from the crowd, wanting to concentrate on his pile driving. After weeks of being involved in a big project, he was almost at the finish line. But the unbearable fatigue made him want to forget everything for a moment, until Bryan's report arrived on his desk.He quickly opened the files, not wanting to linger. But when his eyes fell on the article about Anastasia, his breath seemed to stop. The article was full of vicious accusations and photos of Anastasia with Leon Hale in a hotel. His blood boiled, his jaw clenched and his fingers tensed. His emotions were a mixture of anger and confusion.Maximilian immediately grabbed his cell phone and checked the incoming messages. There were several from Lyra, Anastasia's manager, and one of them even included a photo of Anastasia looking sad. Lyra wrote, "Anastasia is wondering why you haven't res
***Anastasia looked at her phone again and smiled because there was an incoming message from the man. "Max... "[Ana, I'm sorry. I'm late in answering your message because I haven't touched my phone for the last two days. I trust you and I don't believe those cheap gossips. You're coming home tomorrow, right? I'll wait for you, and if you're not tired, I'll take you to the beach again. It just so happens that my boss isn't here. I miss you.]A smile slowly spread over Anastasia's face. Her previously anxious heart began to calm. Max's short message made her feel even more relieved. She stared at her phone screen, reading the message over and over, as if trying to absorb every word."Max..." she murmured again with a smile. A warm feeling filled her heart. After all the drama and slander that had circulated, Max was still by her side. That was more than enough. Feeling much better now, Anastasia turned off the lights in the hotel room and finally fell asleep with an unbelievably comfo
***After finishing her shower and changing her clothes, Anastasia came out of the bathroom with her hair still a little wet. She went into the living room and found Maximilian standing by the window looking out. Without thinking, Anastasia approached him and innocently hugged him from behind.Maximilian was stunned for a moment, but then a small smile appeared on his face. His heart warmed. Anastasia rarely showed affection like that, and he hadn't expected the hug to be so comforting. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, feeling the warmth of Anastasia's body against hers."How do you feel now?" Maximilian asked softly, his voice deep but caring.Anastasia sighed lightly, closing her eyes for a moment in the embrace before answering, "I'm a little sad... But when I think of you and the people who truly support me, that feeling turns to happiness."Maximilian smiled at her reply. Gently, he released Anastasia's embrace and turned her around, looking lovingly into her face. He to
***"Tonight you are mine - completely. Your body will tremble under my power, your every breath is for me alone. Surrender yourself without hesitation, and I will place the whole world at your feet."-MAXIMILIAN KINGSLEY -***That morning, the soft sunlight began to creep in through the bedroom window. Anastasia awoke slowly, her eyelids heavy. When she came to, her body ached in every part. There was a pain in her core that clearly signaled what had happened the night before. She moved her body slowly and her face immediately turned red as memories of that night filled her mind. Last night had been her first night with Maximilian.She turned her head to the side and there was Maximilian, awake and looking at her with a gentle smile. The man's gaze was so deep, filled with warmth and unspoken feelings. Anastasia felt her heart beat faster, not because of embarrassment, but because of the realization that she really had given up everything to this man last night.Maximilian slowly to
***Maximilian sat in his office, his hands moving quickly over the keyboard as he finished the last of his work for the day. He was in a very good mood today, perhaps the best he had been in a long time. His mind kept returning to the night he had just spent - the night Anastasia had finally given him everything. Her soft touch, every breath that escaped her lips, drove Maximilian crazy. Something inside him changed, as if the world that had been gray had now become colorful.He took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on his work again. But the image of Anastasia continued to haunt his mind. With a faint smile on his lips, he reached for his phone and typed a message to Bryan. The message was short, but full of meaning:"Leak the Hale family's crimes. Don't forget the photo of Leon with a married woman at the club. Let it all come out. I want them to feel what they have done to Anastasia. Their retribution will be painful."After sending the message, Maximilian leaned back in his
***"Renata... ""Ah, it turns out you can still say my name," Renata said with a smile.Renata stepped closer, the dazzling look in her eyes as if she wanted to attract Maximilian's attention with every move. Gently, she stretched out her hand to embrace the man in front of her. But before she could touch him, Maximilian shook his head firmly and took a step back."I still cannot carelessly come into contact with a strange woman," Maximilian said flatly, a faint smile on his face, but his eyes remained sharp.Renata was stunned for a moment, the smile on her face slowly fading, replaced by shock. But just as quickly, she covered her surprise with a faint smile that was almost a grin."Ah, I thought you were cured, Max," Renata said softly, her eyes taking in every detail of the man before her. "Apparently you're still allergic."Maximilian just nodded slowly, keeping a calm and closed demeanor. "We'd better go downstairs now. Our families are waiting. And it seems unethical for a res
***Maximilian awoke slowly, his eyes still heavy and his body feeling weak. However, he immediately felt the presence of someone beside him. His vision blurred for a moment before finally focusing on the figure of Anastasia sitting beside the bed. The woman was asleep in a sitting position, her head resting on her crossed arms at the edge of the bed. Throughout the night, Anastasia had remained by his side, relentlessly guarding him.Maximilian sighed slowly, feeling a warmth in his chest. He knew very well how busy Anastasia had been lately, preparing for her new album that was about to be released. But in the midst of all that busyness, this woman still chose to be here, beside him, taking care of him.Maximilian's gaze softened as he looked at Anastasia. She looked tired, but even in sleep, Anastasia's face exuded a deep serenity. Maximilian reached out and gently touched Anastasia's hair, trying not to wake her. The touch was light, like an expression of deep gratitude.Maximilia
***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