Alysha blinked, utterly lost, trying to make sense of the fragments of information being thrown at her. She glanced at the intimidating woman in front of her, who was now studying her with a thin, victorious smile. Seraphina leaned in closer, her voice a low, calculating whisper. “Let me tell you who you are, okay?”Alysha, too confused and overwhelmed to question it, nodded slowly, desperate for any scrap of clarity.“You are a servant of the Holland family,” Seraphina continued smoothly, her voice dripping with a fake kindness that masked something darker. Alysha blinked, absorbing the words with a surprising lack of resistance, nodding along as if each new detail were a lifeline. From across the room, Neil’s eyes widened, his shock barely concealed. What in the world was Seraphina doing?Seraphina, sensing Neil’s disapproval, ignored him, doubling down on her story. She handed Alysha a laminated ID card, its details stark and precise. Alysha squinted at it, reading the name in cris
Charles’s mind raced as he steadied his gaze on Alysha, piecing together every detail Andrine had told him. Seraphina was dangerous, Andrine had warned. Ruthless and manipulative. Charles knew he had to play this carefully, that every word had to be calculated. One wrong move, and he could lose her to whatever twisted narrative the Hollands had crafted.He offered her a reassuring smile, keeping his tone light, though his pulse hammered. “You really don’t remember me?” he asked softly, his expression calm despite the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.Alysha stared at him, her brow furrowed, but then slowly, she shook her head. Her eyes, wide and trusting, held nothing but curiosity, no trace of recognition. It was the look of someone grasping for reality in a haze of lies, and it broke something in him.He forced a smile. “Well,” he said, his voice softening as he took a step closer, feeling Seraphina’s cold gaze drilling into his back, “I’m Charles Sternly. Your boyfriend.”Aly
“Charles,” Neil finally spoke up, his voice dangerously calm. “You’re overstepping. You have no authority here.”But Charles only looked at Alysha, his expression softening. “Alysha,” he said, his voice dropping to a gentle tone, ignoring Neil’s threat entirely. “If you don’t remember yet, that’s fine. But you don’t need to be afraid. I’m here to make sure you’re safe. That’s the only reason I’m here.”Alysha looked at him, uncertain yet drawn to his words, something flickering in her eyes—a glimmer of trust, or perhaps just a hope for escape from the tangled web she found herself in.Seraphina’s eyes narrowed, and Neil’s jaw clenched, the threat between them growing, but Charles stood his ground, unyielding, determined to protect her from whatever the Hollands had in mind.Seraphina’s anger flared, her eyes blazing as she hissed, “Charles! What proof do you have that this is Alysha?”Charles froze for a split second. Proof. He had none—no photo, no documentation, nothing concrete he
Neil’s face tightened, his jaw clenching as he watched Charles lead Alysha toward the exit with an air of quiet authority. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Neil turned and strode after them, his footsteps echoing down the sterile hallway. His face was calm, controlled, but beneath the surface, he was anything but.“Charles,” Neil called out, his voice smooth, almost fatherly. “Wait there, my boy.”Charles paused, his grip on Alysha’s arm reassuring, protective, as he turned to face Neil. Alysha clung to Charles’s side, instinctively drawing closer, sensing a tension she couldn’t quite name but felt in her bones.Neil approached, his expression a mix of calm authority and an edge of something darker. “I understand your concerns, Charles,” he began, his voice steady and cool, as though he were the voice of reason in this chaos. “But Alysha—Arisha, as she now knows herself—belongs here, under our care. She’s still recovering. Taking her out of this controlled environment might cause her
Charles guided Alysha through the gates of the military camp, his grip on her steady, protective. As they moved deeper into the compound, soldiers nodded in respect as they passed, recognizing Charles’s rank and authority. Alysha glanced around, taking in the sharp, organized atmosphere, the regimented movements, and the air of security that seemed to surround them like an invisible shield. They arrived at a secluded villa on the edge of the camp, surrounded by trees and high walls, away from prying eyes.“This is my place,” Charles said, his voice softening as he held the door open for her. “You’ll be safe here.”Inside, the villa was warm and welcoming, a surprising contrast to the stern, cold demeanor of the camp. The soft lighting and understated decor seemed to calm Alysha’s nerves, but she was still silent, watching him with a blend of confusion and cautious trust.Charles set her bag down and gestured to a seat. “Take a moment. You’ve been through a lot,” he said, his voice gen
Andrine sprinted through the shadows, her heart pounding as she dodged between trees, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. The night air was sharp and cool against her skin, but her focus was singular—getting back to Holland Villa undetected.In that military area, Charles’s villa was a bit far away from Holland Villa. There were Villa’s for every special rank officers in the military.She had taken a tremendous risk, one she knew she couldn’t afford to get caught in. But leaving Sisi with Charles and Alysha had been her only option. She’d seen how desperate Alysha’s situation was under the control of the Hollands. If Sisi, Alysha’s daughter, stayed within their reach, they’d only use her as leverage, tightening the cage around her mother.Just a little farther, she told herself, pushing her legs to move faster, her pulse racing with a mixture of fear and determination. She had to slip back into the villa as quietly as she’d left, unnoticed by any of the Hollands’ security or pr
Alysha sat quietly with Sisi curled up beside her, the little girl’s arms wrapped tightly around her, as if afraid Alysha might slip away. Sisi didn’t say much, her words limited to soft, affectionate whispers of “Mommy” followed by giggles, her tiny face lighting up with joy every time Alysha looked at her.Alysha felt an overwhelming warmth as she kissed Sisi’s head, feeling the softness of her daughter’s hair, the innocent trust in her touch. She wasn’t sure why, but holding Sisi felt right, as if this was a piece of her life she’d been missing all along, a missing part of herself she’d somehow found. The connection was instinctive, deeper than memory, and it tugged at her heartstrings, filling her with a fierce, protective love she couldn’t explain.Charles watched the two of them, his confusion barely concealed as he leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a faint frown creasing his brow. He’d seen many things in his career, but this—Alysha, who barely remembered her own name, b
Alysha took a deep breath and said, "I remember about my project."Charles’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed Alysha’s words. She sat across from him, her gaze distant yet sharp, as if she were piecing together fragments of a puzzle she didn’t fully understand.“You… remember your project?” he asked slowly, a flicker of hope and confusion in his voice.Alysha nodded, her expression focused. “Yes. I remember the details of the research, the formulas, the processes… but when it comes to people, to names and faces, there’s a wall. I can’t remember who was with me or why I was working on it, but the knowledge is there. It’s like someone erased only the connections—the human parts.”Charles felt a chill settle over him, realizing the implications. “You’re saying someone tampered with your mind,” he said, his voice low.Alysha’s gaze turned intense, her voice steady but edged with frustration. “Do you think a simple head injury would do this? I don’t buy it. Whatever happe
Ivan gently took Alysha’s hand in his, his movements deliberate and filled with purpose. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, a soft smile playing on his lips as he brought her hand to his mouth, placing a tender kiss on her knuckles.Alysha’s amber eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing faintly as she looked at him, unsure of what to say or how to react.“I told you, Alysha,” Ivan said, his deep voice smooth and steady, carrying the weight of his confidence. “Once you marry me, no one will dare to say a word against you. Because you have no idea the powerful place you’ve achieved.”Alysha’s heart raced at his words, her mind swirling with questions and emotions. What does he mean?Ivan’s smirk deepened as he glanced at Seraphina, whose face was contorted in a mixture of shock and fury. He turned back to Alysha, his voice growing quieter, but no less commanding. “This Seraphina,” he said, his tone laced with disdain, “is still struggling to claim her place as a Rodriguez. She
Maria, a long-serving household servant, entered with a warm smile, completely oblivious to the storm she had just walked into.“Lady Suegra!” Maria exclaimed, her voice cheerful and genuine. “Good to see you!”Seraphina froze, her sharp eyes widening in shock. Her body stiffened, her mind racing to process what she had just heard. Lady Suegra? Did she hear that correctly? Alysha Jarl—Lady Suegra?Alysha, equally taken aback, felt her heart skip a beat. She glanced at Ivan, her eyes wide with uncertainty. Ivan met her gaze with a calm smile, his head dipping in a small nod as if to confirm it.Maria beamed, stepping closer. “Oh my God,” she said, her hands clasping in delight. “You are so beautiful and young. Master Ivan is so lucky to have finally found such a lovely lady for the entire family!”Alysha’s cheeks flushed, her confusion mounting, but she forced a polite smile. “Thank you, Maria,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.Maria conti
In Suegra State.The soft murmur of guests faded into the background as the unspoken battle between the two men filled the room.Armin Rodriguez Suegra stood with a rigid posture, his sharp features twisted in barely concealed fury. Beside him, Seraphina Holland clung to his arm like a vice, her manicured nails digging into his sleeve. Her daring gaze was fixed on Alysha, her lips curved into a mocking smirk as if silently declaring her victory.Armin belongs to me, her look seemed to scream.On the opposite side, Ivan Anderson Suegra stood tall and unyielding. His piercing blue eyes locked on Armin with an almost casual dominance, his arm wrapped protectively around Alysha’s tiny shoulders. Ivan’s grip was firm but comforting, pulling Alysha closer to his chest. It was a silent declaration, a clear message to everyone in the room:Alysha is mine. My wife. My family.Alysha stood stiffly beside Ivan, her amber eyes darting nervously between the two men. She felt the weight of Seraphin
Alysha’s heart ached, but she forced herself to remain steady, to hold onto the resolve she’d found in the quiet of her own reflection. She took a step back, her voice gentle yet firm. “Ivan, some things can’t be undone. Sometimes… letting go is the only way forward.”He stilled, his face shadowed with a heartbreak he hadn’t prepared for, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the truth in her words. Yet, as painful as it was, he didn’t move, his gaze fixed on her, his silence a quiet acknowledgment of the distance that lay between them.Without a word, Ivan moved closer, his expression dark and determined as he scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Alysha’s breath hitched, her eyes widening in surprise as he carried her toward the bed, the resolve she’d clung to slipping under the intensity of his gaze.He laid her down gently, his weight settling beside her, his eyes locked onto hers with a heat that made her heart race. She couldn’t look away, captivated by the vu
Alysha turned away, her hand clutching the strap of the bag as she stood, moving toward the bedroom. And as she left him standing there in silence, Ivan understood that this was only the beginning of a long journey—one he was willing to walk, no matter how long it took.Alysha stepped into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her, feeling the weight of the evening pressing down on her. The quiet hum of the house seemed to grow louder as she leaned against the door, exhaling a shaky breath, her hand pressed over her heart. She could still feel the intensity of Ivan’s gaze, his words echoing in her mind, a steady, relentless pull that she struggled to resist.She moved toward the mirror, her reflection staring back at her, raw and tired, emotions flickering across her face—anger, sadness, and something else, something that lingered beneath the surface, too complicated to name. Turning on the faucet, she let the water run, the sound filling the silence, grounding her as she let h
Heinz’s voice broke the tense silence in the foyer, his tone softer but carrying the weight of a command wrapped in concern. “Alysha, you must be tired,” he said, gesturing toward the grand staircase. “Why don’t you and Ivan go to your room? Take some time to rest.”Alysha turned to look at Heinz, her eyes wary, catching the subtle insistence in his tone. She could sense the layers beneath his words—the way he spoke as though her resistance were nothing more than fatigue, a temporary lapse that rest could fix. He was giving her no choice, and the authority in his voice reminded her just how deep the control in this family ran.Ivan, too, glanced at her, his gaze unreadable, though there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes, an unspoken plea. He took a step forward, his hand reaching out just slightly, as if to guide her. “Come on, Alysha,” he murmured, his voice low. “Let’s go upstairs.”Alysha held her ground, her jaw tightening. Her instinct was to refuse, to keep her dista
The convoy of sleek black cars pulled up to the sprawling gates of **Anderson State**, a place that had been shrouded in silence and mystery for decades. The estate was massive, its grand architecture looming against the gray Boston sky, surrounded by acres of well-manicured land that bore the scars of neglect. As the gates creaked open, Alysha peered out of the car window, her heart pounding. The sight of the mansion took her breath away—its towering columns and elegant stone façade exuded a timeless grandeur, but the faded paint and overgrown gardens hinted at years of abandonment. Sisi sat on Alysha’s lap, her tiny hands gripping her mother’s jacket tightly. She looked up at Alysha and whispered, “Mommy… big house.” Alysha managed a small smile, brushing her fingers through Sisi’s curls. “Yes, my angel,” she murmured, though unease prickled at the edges of her mind. Ivan, seated beside her, stared out the window, his jaw tight. His piercing blue eyes scanned the estate, hi
Little Sisi’s small legs carried her across the room as fast as they could, her soft giggles replaced by panicked cries. She didn’t understand the tension in the air or the argument unfolding between the adults, but she knew one thing for certain—she needed her mother, no matter what. “Mommy!” Sisi called, her voice trembling as she reached Alysha and grabbed the hem of her dress with her tiny hands. Alysha looked down, her amber eyes softening as Sisi clung to her, her little face scrunched with worry. Without hesitation, Alysha bent down and scooped her daughter into her arms, holding her tightly against her chest. Sisi buried her face in Alysha’s shoulder, her small body trembling as she whispered, “Mommy, no leave Sisi. Please.” Alysha’s heart shattered at her daughter’s plea. Tears welled in her eyes as she kissed Sisi’s head, her lips brushing against her soft orange curls. “Shh, my angel,” she murmured, her voice breaking. “Mommy’s here.” Sisi pulled back slightly, he
“What the fuck do you mean by ‘the decision is yours?’” Ivan growled, his piercing blue eyes blazing with fury. “You’re my wife! The mother of my child! And you think you can just stay inside a military camp surrounded by a bunch of men?”Ivan’s furious roar shook the room, his voice echoing off the walls like a thunderclap. Everyone froze, including Alysha, who stared at him wide-eyed, her breath catching in her throat.Alysha was stunned into silence, her body stiffening as the weight of his words settled over her. Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.Ivan took a step closer, his towering frame looming over her as his voice dropped to a low, menacing growl. “You don’t even have your memory, Alysha. You don’t know your past, your enemies, or the people who would happily see you destroyed. And yet, you think it’s safe to live like that? Alone, unprotected?”Alysha’s throat tightened, but before she could respond, Ivan’s gaze darkened even further. “Even your little sister