***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
***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
***"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
***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!"
***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
***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
***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
***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
***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