Under the cover of darkness, Jean slipped out of the mansion and made his way towards the garden after he saw Alexa was standing alone near the fountain. The moon bathed the landscape in a soft glow, setting a somber tone for the confrontation that was about to take place. He found Alexa still alone, standing with empty eyes near the marble fountain."Alexa," Jean called out, his voice echoing in the quiet garden. She turned around, her eyes widening in surprise as she recognized him."Jean," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What are you doing here? No, don't meet me alone. Gilbert might saw us."He strode towards her. "We need to talk about your engagement to Gilbert."Alexa took a step back, she was about to run but Jean held her hand, her eyes darting to the mansion in fear. "Jean, please let me go. If anyone sees us..."But Jean was too hurt, too angry to listen. "So you're just going to marry him? Why don't you tell me? You lied to me. You said that you barely remember h
After the confrontation with Alexa, Jean was in desperate need of solitude. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and he needed time to process everything. He decided to take a bath, hoping the warm water would help to soothe his frayed nerves. As he made his way to his private bathroom, he was taken aback to find Renata, his fiancee he hated already there, preparing his bath."What are you doing here, Renata? Where is the maid?" He demanded, his voice echoing off the marble walls."I... I thought you might need some help," she stammered, her eyes welling up with tears.Jean felt a surge of anger."I don't need your help." he snapped, his patience wearing thin.But Renata was undeterred."Please, Jean," she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper."Let me be with you, tonight."Jean wanted to refuse, to send her away. But seeing her there, so vulnerable and sincere, he found himself relenting."Fine," he growled, "but don't expect me to touch you." Renata nodded, grateful for his concessi
After the engagement party, Alexa found herself stepping into the Gardier's grand mansion for the first time. Despite the late hour, Gilbert was already waiting for her, offering a polite smile."Welcome, my sweetheart," he greeted, extending his hand towards her."Lord Gilbert.""Don't call me that, I am going to be your husband. Just call me Gilbert.""Gilbert.""Shall we take a tour of your new house?"Alexa nodded, taking his offered hand as they began their tour. They strolled through the grand entrance hall, passing by elegant rooms filled with art and antiques, the grand paintings of each member of the family. Gilbert explained the history of the mansion and each room's significance, but Alexa's mind was elsewhere. Home theater, wine cellar, private gym, spa, art gallery, and even the garage of luxury cars, she ignored it all. She was still coming to terms with the sudden changes in her life. Eventually, they arrived at a set of large, ornate doors. Gilbert turned to her, his e
The chill of the night air did little to cool Jean Gardier's seething anger. He strode through the dimly lit streets, his footsteps echoing off the cobblestones. The memory of Gilbert's smile as he welcomed Alexa into the mansion was burned into his mind."Gilbert has taken everything from me," he muttered under his breath, "But he will not take her."Earlier, he had sought solace in Renata's arms, but the warmth of her body did nothing to quench the fire in his heart. Now, he found himself outside an unassuming shop, its windows darkened and sign barely visible. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside. The shopkeeper, an old man with a knowing gaze, looked up from his counter. The air was heavy with the scent of herbs and something darker."I need something... lethal," Jean said, his voice steady.The shopkeeper nodded, disappearing into the back of the shop. Alone, Jean was left with his thoughts, his mind filled with images of Alexa and Gilbert."I am not a monster," he told himse
As the breakfast continued, Gilbert couldn't shake off the unease that had settled over him. Something was amiss, he was sure of it. He needed to get Alexa away from the table, away from whatever was going on.With a quick, calculated move, he 'accidentally' knocked over Alexa's glass, the liquid spilling onto her dress. Alexa gasped, her eyes wide as she looked down at the growing stain on her dress."Oh, sweetheart, I am so sorry," Gilbert announced, his voice filled with staged regret. He rose from his seat, his gaze meeting Alexa's. The rest of the table watched the scene unfold, their breakfast momentarily forgotten."It's alright, Gilbert," Alexa said, her voice shaking slightly. "I'll...I'll go change.""I'll accompany you," Gilbert offered, standing up. "After all, it's my fault."The room erupted in a mixture of gasps and laughter. "Oh, Gilbert!" one of the family members exclaimed, a teasing smile playing on their lips. "Already so eager to undress the lady?"A chorus of lau
The confrontation ended and the trio made their way back to the dining room. They entered the dining room, their arrival met with a round of curious glances. The room was filled with the clatter of cutlery against porcelain, the hum of quiet chitchat. The remnants of breakfast lay scattered on the table - plates of half-eaten toast, bowls of oatmeal, cups of lukewarm tea.Gilbert guided Alexa to her chair. He then took his own seat, his gaze scanning the room, finding Clement. Jean, on the other hand, resumed his place at the table without a word, his expression stern. Clement, Gilbert's trusted servant, watched from the corner of the room, his task completed, nodded subtly to Gilbert. The bowls had been switched - Gilbert's with a random uneaten bowl, and Alexa's with Jean's. Gilbert returned to his oatmeal, his spoon stirring the creamy mixture with an air of nonchalance. His eyes lit up with mirth, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Sat next to Alexa, Jean watched him, hi
The funeral procession moved slowly, an event marked by a heavy atmosphere. Amidst the mourners, Jean and Gilbert stood out. Their faces, although composed, showed no trace of sorrow. As the casket bearing their father's body was carried past them, their eyes were cold and detached.Detective Williams, the man they had hired to investigate their father's sudden demise, approached them once the funeral rites were over."My lords," he began, his voice echoing in the near-empty hall, "I've concluded my investigation." "And?" Jean prompted, his gaze fixed on the detective. "Your father, Mr. Gardier's death... it was due to natural causes. An internal bleeding." the detective stated, his eyes flicking between the brothers. Jean's face flickered with surprise, quickly replaced by a stoic mask. "Natural causes? Are you certain?" he asked, his voice steady. "Absolutely," the detective confirmed. "There was no evidence of foul play." Jean's mind was racing. He had planned and executed
The night came after Alexa shares the silly tips to Lady Renata. Now, in the privacy of Gilbert's bedroom, Alexa and Gilbert found a refuge from the world. The dimmed lights, the plush sheets, and the scent of their mingled perfumes set the stage for an evening of intimacy.Alexa, clad in a sexy silk robe, looked expectantly at Gilbert. He sat on the edge of the bed, a playful glint in his eyes."Maybe it's time for us to be very very close, my lord." Alexa said, started to undress herself."Alexa," he began, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic seriousness, "there’s something you should know." Intrigued, naked Alexa moved a bit closer to him. "Yes, my lord?" He took her hand, his grip firm yet gentle. "I want you, Alexa. I won't lie about that. But," he paused, looking straight into her eyes, "I won’t cross that line until we're officially man and wife." Alexa blinked, a mix of surprise, disappointment, and a growing admiration sweeping over her. She looked at Gilbert, her soon
Madam Victoria arrived at the same time Alexa was peering out of a window. Alexa notices her and then bows down to her."Alexa, my darling, where did my son disappear to in this middle of the night?" Her voice was a combination of worry and command for her to answer immediately.Alexa traced the choker, reflecting light, and its brightness stood out against her look of bewilderment.“I... I do not know; he left without saying anything,” she answered.Madame Victoria’s eyes slightly narrowed, a trace of disappointment crossing her face. “It’s so unusual of him to act this recklessly. Gilbert is always difficult, but he isn't Jean, who loves women and nightlife,” she noted, her eyes then settling on the choker that hung around Alexa's neck."That choker... that choker is one of our best items and it was very expensive."Alexa’s hand subconsciously touched the diamonds around her neck. “My lord Gilbert gave it to me,” she said, quietly mulling over the night’s occurrences.Madam Victoria
Gilbert stood firm and tall. His eyes straightly meet Dio's eyes. The blue eyes of him and the green eyes of Dio were staring at each other, forming a silent war between the two smartest men in Gardier's family line. The crazy thing is, they have the same height and almost the same face. Dio were just a little bit paler. And now his face is more pale due to Gilbert's 'I know what you did' words."So many things have been happening in this mansion recently." Gilbert continued, "Thus, from the murder of my father up to the death of the servant, There is a murderous game, I know. And I know you are involved."Even Dio, who was rarely unsettled by anything, felt a twinge of disquiet. He studied Gilbert, observing the chilly gaze fixed in his blue eyes. Gilbert showed no fear; he was too calm to be true."You..." Gilbert went on, his voice still monotone, "you've been uncommonly near Alexa during this whole time. A tad too close for comfort."Dionysus was about to answer, but Gilbert inter
Jean's gaze lingered on the earring Dionysus held between his fingers, a sense of recognition slowly dawning on him. "I know this earring," he said abruptly "I gave it to Renata for her 26th birthday." Alexa's breath hitched, the cold realization setting into her bones. "How could it be possible if she were after me?" Gilbert turned to Jean with a questioning look. "Are you certain it's Renata's?"Jean nodded without hesitation. "Absolutely. I remember because it was a custom design." With that confirmation, Gilbert's expression shifted to something dark, something dangerous. While holding Alexa's hand, he walked out of the bedroom to the commotion in the hallway. Then he turned to Renata, who was trying to blend into the background, now getting pale and terrified as Gilbert's murderous gaze was piercing through her doe eyes. His smile at her was cold, devoid of any warmth—a predator's grin."My lady Renata," he called out, his tone deceptively soft.Jean, who followed them behind,
Jean and Gilbert came to the door of Alexa’s bedroom holding their breath as they approached it steps from walls in which evil stuck inches away from her ribcages. The door opened, and it was possible to see the bed with its blanket soaked in dark crimson stains."Blood..." Jean said.Jean’s instinct yelled at him to run across the room and pull a bloody blanket, trying to see what sort of horror was hiding underneath it. But Gilbert held his arm tightly out of fear.“Tell me if all is well with her in this,” sobbed Gilbert, his voice a whimper of breath through the constriction that blocked him. His face had become ashen and colorless; it looked like blood was draining out of him like he was sucked dry by vampire-like fear for Alexa’s safety. Her death will hurt him the most than he even couldn’t look."I... I had never seen someone so vulnerable like this. He is usually excited to see blood. Well, he loved to see blood, but not the blood of someone so dear to him." Jean thought befo
Lady Renata tiptoed towards the bed, holding firmly onto her dagger with every soundless step. It was heavy with the weight of her purpose in that room. She crawled towards the edge of the bed and stood over this figure which was under a blanket. She spoke out in a rage “I trusted you, and you betrayed me? How could a wench like you dare to hurt a lady like me.” Her voice was trembling.Wasting no time Renata lifted the dagger high. She snarled “You deserved to die, bitch. The appropriate punishment for a commoner who betrays his queen is death.” and came down on her with the blade. It went through the blanket where the girl’s body lay. The dagger stabbed her once, then twice, then several times. Each thrust was pierced accompanied by an outburst of her rage and vengeance. “You destroyed my relationship with Jean! You have to die. Die most painfully. Die. Die. Die.”Renata’s breakdown had a soundtrack of muted thuds as the fabric absorbed blows. “You knife me in the back, you tricked
"Yeah, it's time to escape. Jean wanted someone who makes all his dirtiest fantasies come true. Gilbert wanted someone who would make all his dreamy true love fantasy come true. I have made them both happy until I don't know who I am anymore. Maybe I am no one. I have to end this lame life."Trembling, Alexa grabbed the long dress in her open closet. The color is deep blue, Alexa's favorite color. The dress was given by Do Sangmin, probably the only man she could love purely and truly. She now remembered the love in his eyes as she also remembered the day those monsters beheaded him in front of her eyes."I miss him so badly. But I will meet him soon."Holding the material tightly, she began wrapping it around a strong wooden beam above her. Her hands were shaking from fear of the pain of getting choked to death. "They said death is painful, but remember, Alexa, you are afraid of the pain, not the death itself. Death was just an endless sleep without a dream. Peaceful and beautiful s
Jean's arms wrapped around Alexa from behind, giving her warmth against the cold doubts that had taken hold in her heart. He whispered softly, "Come back to me, my love." His voice had a small order with some desperation in it. It felt like the whole world was just that hug, and her back against his heartbeat.Alexa said, "I... can't, really. Our relationship is a disaster... and this baby is an apocalypse to your family," her voice shaking. "I don't know what to do," she said again, with each word getting more broken than before. "It's alright. I will do everything to protect you. I will... I will sacrifice anything for the sake of your happiness. I will die for you if I have to."He turned Alexa around and slowly made her look towards him. His eyes looked deeply into hers, searching for a sign that she felt the same way with him. But Alexa, caught up in the storm of her thoughts, could only shake her head. Her big eyes showed the confusion she was feeling inside herself. She tried
Alexa stood on the brink of her life-changing decision when a sudden grip on her arm startled her. She turned around, her heart racing, half-expecting to see Gilbert's in his angry eyes. Instead, Jean's concerned gaze met her, leaving her momentarily speechless. His grip held firm, yet gentle, displaying genuine disappointment in his expression. "Alexa," he said calmly."Je... Jean. What are you doing here?""You... You are pregnant, right? And I am the father."*****Last night,After Gilbert left his room, another visitor opened Jean's bedroom door once more, and Dionysus, also known as Dio, stepped in, commanding attention with his presence. "Still alive, I see." Dio began with his creepy-villain-like voice. Jean, who had been staring at the ceiling, turned toward Dio. "Barely," He replied. The word heavy with the remnants of his earlier anger and the alcohol that still coursed through him. Dio pulled up a chair and sat down. His eyes looked serious. "You know, you have every
In the dim lights of a local dive, Jean slouched at the bar, his messy clothes standing out against the polished Gardier lineage image. Each gulp washed away the pain of Renata's second betrayal, but with every shot, his sobriety faded, replaced by raw, unfiltered anguish. Hours later, a drunk Jean stumbled into the grand entrance of the Gardier estate, swaying and casting a stark shadow against the lavish backdrop. The ever-watchful servants rushed to Jean's side, supporting his unsteady steps with their arms.It is currently 3 AM.Gilbert and Alexa were just hanging out in the living room with the rest of the fam. They all waiting for Jean to return. He disappeared and that was making everyone worry. Now, they all turned their attention to the servants who were carrying the drunk Jean. Gilbert squinted his eyes as he watched his brother's sorry state. "Dear Alexa," he whispered to Alexa. "do you mind if I tag along with the servants?"In his bedroom, the servants placed Jean on his