The medicine storeroom was dimly lit, its sterile white shelves lined with rows of bottles and packets. Arisha moved quickly, scanning the labels as she reached for the medicine she needed for Bjorn’s post-op care. Her fingers brushed the cool glass of the vial, and she exhaled, the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights above the only sound.Just as she turned, a shadow moved behind her. Before she could react, a strong hand clamped over her mouth and nose, pressing a damp cloth against her face. The chemical scent flooded her senses, and her eyes went wide with shock. She struggled, her hands clawing at the grip that held her captive, but the force behind it was unyielding.No... Panic surged through her, her breaths becoming short, shallow gasps as she fought to break free. Her vision blurred, the room spinning as she tried to kick out, her feet scraping against the floor. But it was too late—another hand gripped her arm, and she felt the sharp sting of a needle piercing her skin. Th
Ivan stood just outside Bjorn’s ICU, his eyes scanning the guards stationed around the perimeter. Every detail had to be perfect; he wasn’t taking any chances with security, not after everything that had happened. The tension in his muscles refused to ease, a knot of anxiety twisting in his chest.His phone buzzed, slicing through the quiet hum of the hospital’s machines. The name on the screen made his heart drop—Alton Lewis. Midnight calls were never good news, especially with Sisi staying at Alton’s place. Ivan’s breath caught as he answered. “Alton?” he said, trying to mask the rising fear in his voice.There was a pause on the other end, a silence heavy with dread, and Ivan’s grip tightened around the phone. “Alton, what is it?”When Alton spoke, his voice was thick with regret and fear. “Ivan... I’m sorry, but... your daughter... she went missing from my house.”The world around Ivan blurred. His pulse pounded in his ears, and for a moment, he couldn’t breathe. “What?” he whispe
Ivan halted in his tracks, his breath coming out in ragged, sharp bursts. Andrine was beside him, her eyes darting between the empty hallway and the ICU, a storm of anxiety building in her gaze. Just as the tension in the air seemed ready to snap, a figure emerged from the shadows of the corridor, moving with purpose.A woman in a doctor’s coat stepped forward, her face and head obscured by a surgical mask. In her hand, she held a small bottle of medicine. The soft tap of her shoes echoed through the hallway, a rhythm that seemed to quicken Ivan’s heartbeat. Andrine stepped forward, her brows furrowing in confusion.“I’m here,” the woman said, her voice muffled behind the mask. Ivan’s eyes narrowed, and Andrine’s expression mirrored his wariness. “Who are you?” Andrine asked, her voice tinged with suspicion as she studied the masked figure.The woman paused for a moment before her fingers reached up, pulling down the mask slowly, revealing her face. And in that instant, it was as if
Andrine sat in the ICU beside Bjorn’s bed, her body motionless, like a statue carved from stone. The steady beeping of the machines filled the room, but to her, the sound felt distant, as if she were trapped in a nightmare she couldn’t escape. She stared at Bjorn’s bandaged face, her eyes empty, her mind reeling. It wasn’t just her sister, Alysha, who had been taken away by the Hollands again. This time, they had taken away the only doctor capable of saving Bjorn’s life as well.Her hands trembled, but she couldn’t bring herself to move. The Hollands knew. They knew Alysha—her sister, the one living under the name “Doctor Arisha Holland”—was Bjorn’s only hope. And they had ripped her away at the most critical moment, leaving Bjorn vulnerable, with no one else who could help him.Andrine’s heart ached as she looked at Bjorn’s still form. She could feel the danger circling him like a storm, the sense that his life hung by a thread. What would they do now? With Alysha gone and no one els
Alysha’s eyes fluttered open, the low hum of the jet engines filling the space around her. Her body felt heavy, every limb anchored down by exhaustion and the remnants of a deep, drugged sleep. As her vision cleared, she found herself pressed against the hard, warm chest of Charles Sternly. The leather seat beneath her felt cold, contrasting sharply with the heat radiating from his body. The cabin was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the walls as the jet cut through the night sky.A sharp, throbbing pain shot through her neck, and she winced, instinctively reaching up to touch the tender spot. Before she could react further, Charles’s hand covered hers, his fingers firm yet gentle. His eyes, dark and stormy, locked onto hers, a sly smile curling his lips.“You woke up,” he murmured, his voice a low, velvety growl that rumbled through his chest.Alysha's breath hitched, panic flooding her senses as the memories rushed back. “Charles... you?” Her voice was barely a whisper, edged with
The private jet touched down, its tires screeching against the tarmac as the moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the vast runway. Alysha felt the vibrations reverberate through her as the jet slowed to a halt. Charles’s hand lingered at the small of her back, a possessive gesture that made her feel both safe and trapped.As the door opened, cool night air rushed in, carrying with it the scent of jet fuel and distant rain. Alysha shivered, her fingers gripping Charles’s arm as they descended the stairs, the metal steps cold against her heels. The engines wound down, their growl fading into the night as they stepped onto the tarmac. A silence settled, thick and heavy, the kind that signals something brewing just out of sight.And then, as they took the final step and moved forward, a shadow separated from the darkness ahead, emerging into the light of the runway lamps. Alysha’s eyes squinted, confusion clouding her gaze as she tried to make out the figure. Charles’s bod
The wind whipped through the runway, carrying the scent of rain, which mixed with the tension between the three of them. Armin’s eyes, sharp and unrelenting, pinned Charles where he stood. There was no mercy in that gaze—just the cold, calculating focus of a predator.“Do you have any proof against Seraphina?” Armin’s voice was low, measured, like a lawyer ready to tear apart a witness on the stand.Charles felt the question hit like a punch, knocking the breath out of his chest. For a moment, his eyes flickered, his confidence wavering. His jaw clenched, and he straightened, trying to regain control of the moment. “I—”Armin cut him off, taking a step closer. His presence was like an oncoming storm, calm but with a dangerous energy building beneath the surface. “I’m a lawyer, Charles. I don’t just trust words. I need proof.”The accusation hung in the air, and Charles’s face twisted in frustration. His fists clenched at his sides, muscles tensing as he fought to keep his composure.
The officer shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the faces in the room. Gabriel’s eyes, once filled with shock, turned to anger, his mouth opening as if to speak, but no words came. Lilian’s hand dropped to the table, trembling as tears welled up in her eyes.Gabriel’s gaze flicked from his son to Alysha, his eyes narrowing. “Armin, how—”But Armin’s expression didn’t change, his eyes as hard as steel, his focus unbroken. “Three years, Father. Three years of believing she was dead.”Alysha’s shoulders hunched further as the weight of his words pressed down on her. She could feel Lilian’s eyes on her, a mother’s desperate plea, but she couldn’t meet her gaze. She had no answers to offer, no words to explain the tangled mess of truths and lies.Gabriel’s jaw clenched, his face a mask of fury and confusion. “What’s the meaning of this, Armin? We were accused—arrested—because of her!”Armin’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening on the back of the chair in front of him. “And those accusa
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