I hope you all have enjoyed the rollercoaster so far. I will need two days to store more chapters. Thank you for the comments and the love 🤗🙏🏾
Camila Breakfast was silent; Ronan ate quietly while Arya packed and moved her things in tears. I could see she was terribly hurt. It would be expected to hope someone could plead with Ronan on her behalf, but this was a 'good riddance' situation. I hoped that, for Katya's sake, he would never forgive her and for the sake of his folks, too. The woman was too hateful for her own good. It was indeed a blessing that she was leaving. Ronan finished his breakfast quietly. There was a sense of finality in the way he placed his fork down and pushed back his chair. Without saying much, he decided to go to the living room. As he stood up, he looked at me with a softer expression and asked, "Could you bring Katya to join me?"I nodded, understanding the unspoken wish in his request. Ronan wanted to see his daughter play with the new toys he had bought for her. I could see the longing in his eyes, a desire to connect with his daughter in a moment of peace and joy. I felt a warm anticip
CamilaArya's tears continued to fall. I knew somehow she wished this was a nightmare, and she hoped she could wake up from it. The helplessness was visible in her eyes, but I didn't feel sorry for her. She had put me in a helpless situation yesterday. The helplessness I felt while the soldiers tried to drag me to the Guardhouse, which was far away from the main house, made my heart harden toward her pain. I couldn't feel an ounce of pity for her. She was wicked. Arya should take what she dished out so easily.Secretly, I thanked God for Ronan's personality and values. He cared for the people around him, but Arya was too blind to see that part. I was indeed blessed."A time will come when my mother will have to live with me when my father is no longer here; what about her? With you, I will always worry for the people at home when I am not here..." Ronan said, and it was a fact. She seemed like that type of person. "That is too much for me to handle. You are too much, Arya. As for
CamilaRonan seemed to have triggered a flood of memories for Arya because her eyes suddenly looked haunted, filled with shadows of the past. The current sorrow and fear she was experiencing were still visible, but now they were mixed with something deeper and more troubling. It was clear that Arya had endured a dark and painful past. However, instead of learning compassion from her experiences, she became bitter and cruel. Most people with such a past would try to prevent others from suffering in the same way, but Arya seemed to have taken a different path.She was like a half-empty-cup kind of person, always seeing the worst in life. It was as if she took pleasure in the misery around her, finding no joy in anything. Her eyes reflected that sadistic nature, a darkness that seemed to consume any light that tried to reach her."You once yelled at a soldier who tried to molest a Sardonian girl. I remember it, Arya. You told him, 'She's human too!" it was a brave move that drew me t
RonanThree days passed, and honestly, Arya's departure was much needed. With her gone, my house finally had peace. Camila took care of everything, ensuring that the household ran smoothly. However, I suspected that the other workers were bullying her, though she never mentioned it. Despite everything, she always had a smile for Katya and me. Camila was careful to avoid doing or saying anything that would put me in a difficult position or require my intervention so people wouldn't suspect anything. Yet, every time I had to pretend that our night together in Katya's room was a spur-of-the-moment thing, it hurt deeply.I longed to hold her, to make everything right between us. This desire burned within me, growing stronger each day. No matter how hard I tried to tame these feelings, they only grew more intense, like flames that couldn't be extinguished.Two weeks passed, and everything was at a standstill. I was waiting for a call I hoped would never come. Despite my efforts to dela
RonanMy temporary butler, Oliver, let my friends in. He was a permanent staff member, but I made him a contract worker because of Camila. I knew butlers tended to gossip, and I didn't want anyone talking about my situation with Camila. I needed to be careful to keep us safe. "Can't believe we finally visited your home," Joseph said, taking off his jacket and handing it to Oliver. Marc did the same, and Oliver walked away. Joseph's eyes went straight to Katya, who was playing with her toys on the carpet in the living room. The open space arrangement of the foyer and living room wasn't a good idea. It took away the privacy I needed. Joseph and Marc could see everything at once. Katya's presence was now obvious, and I felt a mix of pride and anxiety. I wanted to protect her from prying eyes and questions. "Is that the little angel?" Joseph said, walking toward her. He seemed to adore her completely. Reaching for Katya, he picked her up, and she instantly began to cry. I had to co
RonanThe memory of that night haunted me. Arya's jealousy and neglect were unforgivable. I couldn't believe she would leave Katya alone, crying and scared. It broke my heart to think of my little girl suffering like that. I had trusted Arya, and she betrayed that trust in the worst way. "She is wicked," Marc said, and that was the end of the conversation. "Did you say your drink was drugged?" Joseph said, getting us back to the conversation, which I had tried to skip. I wanted to avoid it, but a look on his face indicated he wouldn't let it be. "Yes," I said."Then Camila must have done it because we drank from the same decanters, and other than the tipsiness of alcohol, we were fine," Marc said, and I shook my head. "It wasn't Camila; I believe one of the decanters was drugged..." I said, remembering the Happy Married Life Decanter that was my doom. "No," Marc said adamantly. "You need to be careful with that girl. I know you are fond of her like a baby sister, but she drugged
Camila The evening was hectic, but once dinner ended, I went to attend to Katya. Serving Ronan's friends was awkward, bringing back memories of that night—a night that remained a blank slate, with the only evidence of its occurrence now peacefully sleeping in her bed. I stared at her gently, my heart filled with hopes and dreams. I tried to imagine a normal life: Ronan, her, and me as a real family. But who was I fooling? This was the best we would get, and I would always be a bystander, observing my daughter's life without having any say in it. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I fought them away. I heard the door open and knew it was Ronan. I turned to look as Ronan stepped in, his shirt slightly unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up, looking a bit tired. "Is she asleep?" he asked softly, and I nodded. He wanted to say something, but I stopped him, knowing any sound could wake Katya. "We need to talk," he said, and a wave of worry washed over me. I composed myself and
CamilaRonan’s face drew closer, and suddenly, his lips crashed onto mine. I didn't know how to respond. Was this a demonstration of his question, a need, or just the moment?His lips were as soft as before, and though part of me wanted to fall into the kiss, I remained on guard, unsure of his true intentions. He broke the kiss, searching my eyes. "You will let him kiss you because he is Jorvikian?" he asked again, and I shook my head, my heart pounding. He held me tighter. "Love and desire sometimes come together. Do you dare to dream, Malish?" His voice was a whisper, full of intensity. He backed me against the wall, and I felt trapped, my emotions a whirlwind of fear, confusion, and something deeper that I couldn't yet name. "You should, Malish, because I dare to dream," he said, crashing his lips on mine. This time, it was deeper, and it tugged at my heartstrings. I had butterflies and felt all sorts of things. He broke the kiss and looked at me. "Show me what you want, Ma
RonanThe rest of the day unfolded like a dream. The blending of cultures at the reception created an electric atmosphere, with traditional music, dancing, and customs from both Jorvik and Belvaria.People laughed, cheered, and toasted together, the joy in the air bringing everyone closer in a way I hadn’t seen before.The food was exquisite—lavish dishes from both sides, served alongside sweets that melted in your mouth. I glanced around, noticing a few of the usual snobbish Jorvikians clinging to old prejudices, but their aloofness felt like a remnant of a fading past. The world was changing, and today was proof that we were moving forward.As the day finally wound down, my heart quickened, knowing I’d soon take Camila home with me for the first time as my wife.My mother’s eyes were misty with tears as we prepared to leave. I knew the real reason she was so sentimental had little to do with the wedding itself.She’d gotten used to Camila and Glenda living at home, filling her table
RonanThese words were my truth, my heart’s deepest promises, and I meant to honour them, no matter what life might bring our way.The hall was filled with the soft sounds of sniffles and quiet sighs; I could feel the weight of emotion in the air. But in that moment, I was aware only of Camila. My vow, my promises, were for her and her alone.Camila took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, and I could see the shy nerves flickering in her expression. She hesitated just a moment, and then began, her voice steady but filled with emotion.“Ronan,” she said softly, her voice warming as she spoke, “words can’t fully capture what I feel, but I’ll do my best.” A gentle chuckle rippled through the crowd, lightening the moment, and she smiled at me with a look that made my heart race.“You made me feel at home when I didn’t have a home,” she continued, her voice thick with sincerity. “Because of you, I’ve known joy, dignity, and freedom—even though society didn’t think I was worthy of those
RonanThe music began softly, and I stood at full attention, my heart pounding as I focused on the door where Camila would soon appear.I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation I hadn’t expected, my eyes lingering on that entrance, hoping each passing second would bring her closer. But first came the bridesmaids, one by one, entering gracefully.Olivia led the way, her figure heavily pregnant but glowing, followed by Stephanie, Ashley, and two Belvarian women who looked like relatives of Camila. Though I hadn’t met them before, their familial resemblance to Camila was subtle—a trace here, a gesture there.Then, my little Katya appeared, a tiny vision holding a small basket of flowers. My heart melted as she toddled down the aisle, her big eyes wide with wonder. For a one-year-old, she was doing exceptionally well, capturing the hearts of everyone as she made her way forward.But then, as her gaze found mine, she lit up and shouted, “Dada!” I couldn’t help but laugh, joy filling me as s
RonanThe day I had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived—my wedding day. As tradition demanded, I couldn’t spend the night with my bride, so I stayed at my house with Marc, Joseph, Erin and Ashton. Lying awake that morning, memories flooded my mind, filling me with emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. I remembered a different night, a night that haunted me and almost changed everything.That time, I’d been betrayed, drugged, and left in a haze by people I’d thought I could trust—people like Abel and Mira, whose influence had threatened to destroy my happiness. But not this time. This time, it was just my brother my soon-to-be-in-law and my true friends and me, laughing and drinking, reliving those simpler days with nothing sinister lurking around the corner.For the first time, I felt completely in control, safe. I was grateful for that disastrous night from the past, because without it, I would never have crossed paths with Camila. Everything I’d been through, all the pain an
CamilaTwo days before the wedding, Erin arrived with a heavily pregnant Olivia. I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to fly so far along in her pregnancy.Apparently, they had used a private jet, which explained the quick journey. My father had flown them all into Jorvik, bringing along his family, two lively ladies named Trisha and Lily, whom he said were our distant relatives. Along with them were Olivia’s friends, Stephanie and Ashely, who couldn't stop gushing about their excitement to see Marc and Joseph again. Clearly, those two men had left quite the impression on them.Olivia was radiant, her happiness infectious. It was clear she was free-spirited, a stark contrast to the life of servitude I had known.I was grateful she had never had to experience that harsh existence. Madam Melania was particularly taken with Olivia, unable to stop admiring her striking red hair and vibrant green eyes.I could see the wheels turning in Madam Melania’s mind as she tried to charm Olivi
CamilaMy father returned to the villa that the head of state had prepared for him and his entourage. The wedding was just two weeks away, and he planned to leave briefly, returning with my family to attend the ceremony. I was excited at the thought of meeting them, especially with how well my mother’s relationship with Dimitri was progressing. Their bond seemed solid, unhindered by the past, and I was genuinely happy for them both.Ronan suggested we return to his house after the celebration, but Madam Melania was determined to keep us there. She pulled out all kinds of tricks to persuade us to stay, even pleading with my mother not to leave.However, Dimitri was firm in his decision to take her to Nerania, where he also planned to buy a house in Jorvik for them to stay. I understood his reasoning; Madam Melania often seemed to forget that we were no longer slaves, and a little distance might help her realise the changes in our lives.She wasn’t malicious, but her subtle reminders—li
CamilaAs Erin and Ashton walked in alongside my father, I found myself standing up almost absently, my heart racing. Seeing him in person was a revelation; he looked so much better than he did on the screen.His eyes were soft and warm when they fell on me, as if he had just encountered an angel, and in that moment, I couldn’t believe he was my father. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, filling me with a mix of joy and disbelief.I didn’t want to waste any time; I was determined to avoid any awkwardness between us. With a surge of emotion, I rushed toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist, letting him know that there was no need for words. I felt him pause for just a heartbeat before he slowly wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug, holding on tightly as if he were afraid I might slip away.“My daughter, my daughter,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. I could feel his pain radiating through his words, hear it tremble in the air between us. This moment was a
CamilaI was a bundle of nerves after the signing ceremony. My heart raced, each thump echoing in my ears like a drum. I knew Fredrick wouldn't waste any time seeking me out. Erin had mentioned how impatient he had been throughout the event, his excitement barely contained.As I thought about the man I was about to meet, I felt my stomach twist into knots. My mother appeared calm and composed, but I was anything but. Fredrick was my father, a man I had never seen before, someone I hadn’t even known existed until now. The realisation weighed heavily on me. This was all so overwhelming, yet I understood it was something I had to confront.Once the signing ceremony ended, I slipped out of the living room and headed up to Ronan's room. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts and calm my racing heart. I wasn't sure how I would react when I finally met Fredrick face-to-face or what I might say to him. I had only spoken to him once over the phone, which felt like a distant memory now. That w
RonanAs we celebrated, Ashton turned to Erin with a look of quiet amazement. “When my uncle told me the only way to achieve this was by working honestly with the Jorvikians, I didn’t believe him,” he admitted. “But I guess he was right all along.” Erin nodded, sharing the same sense of disbelief mixed with newfound hope. It truly felt like the dawn of a new era, and I was grateful beyond words to witness it, let alone be part of it.Just as we were toasting to freedom and the future, my father’s phone rang. He listened quietly, then looked over at me, his expression softening. “Gregory has agreed to waive the death penalty in exchange for Lucas’s cooperation. He’ll be dismissed from the military and serve three years in prison. After that, he’ll be a free man. This is the best deal we could secure for him.”I nodded, a feeling of respect and relief swelling up as I met my father’s gaze. “Thank you, Father,” I said, my voice low but sincere. He returned a small smile, nodding back. Al