Alysha’s hand flew to her chest, her breath shallow as she struggled to keep her composure. “Armin… you’re still with Seraphina Holland,” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of accusation and desperation. “She even claims herself as your wife.”Armin’s eyes flashed, but he shrugged it off, a dismissive smile playing on his lips. “Ah… that’s nonsense.” He waved a hand, like swatting away a fly. “She’s just saying that. But I never married her.”Alysha’s eyes hardened, and she pulled back, trying to create distance between them. “That’s between you and her, Armin. But I don’t want to be a part of it anymore.” Her voice wavered, but there was a strength behind it, a plea that came from deep within. “Please… let me go.”Armin’s smile faded, replaced with a dark, calculating look. “Let you go where, Doctor Alysha Jarl?”The words hit her like a punch, and she felt her breath hitch. Her eyes widened, and she felt the blood drain from her face. “You… you know?” she whispered, her voice bar
Alysha’s voice was trembling, but she forced herself to speak. “Listen to me, Armin. I have no memory of my past. I forgot everything. But one thing I couldn’t forget is Ivan.”Armin’s eyes narrowed, skepticism written all over his face as he rolled his eyes, brushing off her words like an inconvenience. “Oh, please…” he muttered, his tone laced with disbelief. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”But Ivan’s reaction was different. His eyes lit up, a flash of hope breaking through the tension in his face. His heart surged, beating like a drum in his chest. Alysha’s choice was clear—she chose him.Alysha’s hands trembled as she spoke, her eyes shifting downward, her voice quiet but resolute. “I forgot everything, even myself… but the one thing that stayed with me, the one thing I could remember—was his face. His name. Ivan.”Armin scratched the back of his neck, his expression a mask of irritation as he glared at her. “And what does that even mean, Alysha?” he snapped, his frustration m
Ivan’s grip around Alysha tightened, his eyes flashing with determination as he stared down Armin. “You don’t have to sign the divorce papers, Armin,” he growled, his voice low and filled with defiance. “I’ll make the divorce happen without your signature.”The room went silent, every breath held in suspense. Armin’s eyes darkened, a dangerous glint sparking in his gaze. He tilted his head, assessing his uncle as if daring him to make the next move. “You think you can just take her from me, Ivan?” he asked, his voice dripping with cold amusement. “You really think that’ll work?”Ivan’s jaw clenched, but he remained unfazed. “Yes, I do,” he shot back. “There are ways to make it happen. And I’m not letting her stay trapped in this loveless arrangement.”Alysha’s heart raced, feeling the tension between the two men escalate. Ivan’s hold on her was firm, protective, but the stakes were high, and she could see the fire burning in Armin’s eyes. This was no longer just about family commitmen
Alysha’s heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in shallow gasps. The heat of Armin’s gaze pinned her in place, and despite the firm grip Ivan had around her, she felt the weight of Armin’s words coil around her like chains. Her eyes flicked from Armin to Ivan, then to Gabriel and Lilian, all of them watching her as if her next move would decide the fate of everything.Ivan’s grip on her tightened protectively, his body coiled like a spring. “You can threaten all you want, Armin,” he said, his voice steady, but the tension rippled beneath his words. “But I’ll do whatever it takes to free her from this family’s grasp. She deserves better.”Armin’s smile was cruel, his eyes filled with a calculating gleam. “And what does ‘better’ look like, Ivan?” He took a slow, deliberate step closer, challenging Ivan with every move. “You think you can just steal her away and everything will be fine? That you’ll just walk out of here and live some fairytale?”Gabriel, sensing the escalation, h
But Gabriel stepped forward, his face cold, his voice cutting like steel. “Armin isn’t bluffing, Ivan. You know the consequences of defying this family.” His gaze shifted to Alysha, hardening. “And so does she.”Lilian’s tearful eyes met Alysha’s, and though she said nothing, her silence spoke volumes—this was how it was, and there was no escaping the life they had built. Alysha’s breath caught, and she felt the crushing reality of it all—the weight of an empire, the rules she had never asked for, and the life that was never truly hers to live.“Please,” Alysha whispered, her voice barely holding as she looked at Armin. “Don’t drag Andrine into this. She’s innocent.”Armin’s eyes softened for a split second, but it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by the same cold resolve. “Then do as I say. Be the wife you were meant to be.” He reached out, his fingers grazing her arm, and the possessiveness in his touch was undeniable. “You know what you need to do.”Ivan’s body tensed besid
Armin stormed toward Alysha and shoved Ivan aside with unrestrained force. Alysha gasped, her breath hitching in shock."Stay away from my wife, you fucking bastard!" Armin snarled, his voice sharp with possessiveness.Ivan's fists clenched, his entire body trembling with rage. A fiery storm brewed in his eyes, and for a fleeting, dangerous moment, he wanted nothing more than to tear Armin apart.Ignoring Ivan's wrath, Armin grabbed Alysha's hand and yanked her closer, pulling her against his chest. Alysha's eyes widened, her gaze darting up to him, filled with fear and confusion."You don’t even remember him, Alysha," Armin said coldly, his tone low and biting. "You have no memory of your past. So why does his presence even matter?" His grip tightened slightly as he leaned closer, his words cutting through her like shards of ice."The fact is, you are my wife. My legally married wife. That makes you mine—only mine. Do you understand?"Alysha flinched at his words, her heart pounding.
Armin rushed to catch Alysha as she crumpled to the floor, his grip turning tender in an instant. “Alysha, look at me!” His voice cracked, the anger replaced by a flicker of panic.Ivan moved closer, his eyes narrowing. “Back off. She’s not safe with you.”“She’s my wife!” Armin growled, pulling her limp body closer. “Don’t you dare touch her.”Ivan ignored him, crouching down, his voice calm but firm. “Alysha, can you hear me? You’re stronger than this. You’ve always been stronger.”A faint groan escaped Alysha’s lips, her eyelids fluttering. The tension between the men hung like a storm cloud, neither willing to give ground.Alysha’s knees buckled as she collapsed to the floor, clutching her head. Armin crouched beside her, his hand immediately on her shoulder.“Alysha!” he said, his tone shifting to panic. “What’s wrong? Talk to me!”Ivan shoved Armin aside, kneeling in front of her. “Alysha, look at me. Are you okay? Can you hear me?”Her vision blurred as the fragments in her min
Armin stepped forward, his movements calm but deliberate, like a predator circling its prey. “You heard me. If that child belongs to Alysha—her flesh and blood—then she’s my responsibility now. I’ll adopt her and give her my name. Rodriguez.”“You son of a—” Ivan’s roar echoed through the room, his rage spilling over as he lunged toward Armin. “How dare you!”Armin didn’t flinch, his expression unbothered as Ivan’s fury washed over him. “Don’t act so shocked,” he said coolly. “If you were such a devoted father, you wouldn’t have kept her hidden all these years. Or does Sisi only matter when it’s convenient for you?”Ivan’s fists shook, his knuckles white with tension. “You think you can just take her? Replace me? You don’t even know her!”Armin’s eyes narrowed. He had expected Ivan to play this card. Of course, the mystery daughter no one had seen. A convenient weapon to twist Alysha’s emotions. He uncrossed his arms and stepped forward with a smirk.“I’ll adopt her.”The words were c
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