Alysha hesitated as she stood outside the imposing gates of Armin’s villa, her fingers curling into the strap of her bag. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She hadn’t wanted to come here, but she had no other choice. The divorce had left her with nothing, and with the judge giving them a year to reconsider their marriage, she was still technically tied to Armin. But money was what she needed right now, not the complicated tangle of emotions she felt.The villa loomed before her, larger than she had imagined. She had never been here before, despite everything they’d shared, or rather, everything they hadn’t. As she walked through the grand entryway, the space felt cold and distant, the air heavy with an uncomfortable stillness. She moved forward, her footsteps echoing off the marble floors, unsure where to go.Each hallway she passed seemed more elegant and refined than the last, but it was all unfamiliar, like she was walking through a st
In an instant, Armin’s hand shot out, gripping Seraphina’s jaw tightly. His eyes blazed with a mix of anger and something darker. “Don’t talk so much,” he snarled, his voice low and dangerous. “Not everything is finished between me and Alysha yet.”Seraphina’s eyes widened, and she stiffened, her breath hitching as she processed his words. “What?” she whispered, the shock and confusion clear on her face.Armin’s grip tightened, his face mere inches from hers as he spoke. “You know as well as I do that she’s the key to the Jarl project.”Seraphina’s face twisted with anger and disbelief, but she couldn’t move under his hold. “You mean... you still want her?” she hissed, struggling against his grip. “After everything?”Armin’s eyes narrowed, and he released her, pushing her back onto the bed. “I need her, Seraphina. It’s not just about what I want. It’s about what she represents—the leverage she holds, the access to the Jarl fortune.” He took a step back, his tone cold. “You know this.
Seraphina, hidden just beyond the doorway, watched the entire scene unfold with a gleeful glint in her eyes. She had seen Alysha’s desperation, the way she had tried to plead for money, only to be met with Armin’s anger and harsh words. And when Alysha had fled, her panic and fear palpable, Seraphina could hardly contain her delight.A smile tugged at her lips, and she reached into her designer purse, pulling out her phone. She stepped back further into the shadows, her fingers moving quickly as she dialed a familiar number. The phone rang twice before her brother’s deep voice answered.“Maximilian,” she whispered, her tone dripping with satisfaction, “you’ll never believe what I just witnessed.” She paused for dramatic effect, savoring the power she felt. “Our dear Alysha came crawling to Armin for money. Begging, practically. And you know what happened?”Maximilian’s voice was cold, but there was a hint of curiosity. “What did he do?”Seraphina’s smile widened, her eyes glinting wit
Alysha’s heart raced as she pushed open the door of the military villa, the familiar scent of wood and metal filling her senses. She had hoped to slip in quietly, unnoticed, but as soon as she crossed the threshold, she heard Charles’s voice.“Where were you?” he demanded, his tone sharp, his eyes narrowing as he watched her from the doorway of the living room.Alysha stiffened, her mind scrambling for an excuse. “I—I was at the hospital,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.Charles took a step forward, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp, searching hers for any sign of deception. “Your shift ended four hours ago.” His tone was calm, but there was an edge to it, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. “Where were you?”Alysha felt her pulse quicken, her palms growing clammy as she forced herself to meet his gaze. She swallowed hard, knowing that her absence could raise suspicions she didn’t want to answer. “I—I went for a walk,” she stammered, trying to sound conv
Alysha nodded, feeling both relieved and wary as she let him take her hand. She needed to be careful—she knew better than to think there were no strings attached when it came to Charles Sternly.The shrill ring of Alysha’s phone broke the tense silence between her and Charles. Her eyes widened as she glanced at the screen—Armin. Her heart sank, and she hesitated, knowing this would only complicate things further.Charles’s eyes narrowed as he noticed her reaction. “Why is he calling you?” he demanded, suspicion dripping from his voice.Alysha quickly shook her head. “I don’t know,” she replied, but she could feel the tension between them escalate.Charles, clearly not convinced, grabbed the phone before she could react. Without hesitation, he answered the call and switched it to speaker, his eyes locked onto hers, challenging her to react.Alysha’s face flushed with shock, her heart pounding as Armin’s voice echoed through the room. “Alysha… I’m sorry for tonight.”Charles’s gaze shif
The morning sun filtered through the hospital windows, casting long, pale beams across the floor as Alysha entered Andrine’s room. Her steps were light, and she held the cheque in her hand, her fingers gripping it tightly like a lifeline. She was smiling, relieved that she’d managed to pull together the money. But as her eyes met Andrine’s, the air between them felt thick, tense.Andrine was sitting by Bjorn’s bed, her arms crossed and her expression guarded. She watched Alysha approach, her gaze hard and suspicious. There was none of the warmth Alysha hoped to see—only a cold, untrusting stare.“Look, Andrine,” Alysha began, her voice soft and hopeful as she extended the cheque. “I managed to arrange the money for your fees.”Andrine’s eyes flicked down to the cheque, but her expression didn’t change. “Where did you beg for it?” she asked, her voice sharp, the accusation slicing through the air.Alysha’s smile faltered, her eyes widening with surprise. “Andrine!” she whispered, her
Seraphina’s eyes widened, a look of utter shock and disbelief frozen on her face. She stood rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend what had just happened. This little girl—Andrine—had humiliated her in front of everyone. The sting of Andrine’s words was worse than the slaps she had endured. Seraphina’s body shook with anger, but the fear in her eyes betrayed her.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Seraphina hissed, her voice filled with barely restrained rage. She could hardly believe that Andrine, this seemingly naive girl, was threatening her so openly and in front of a crowd.Andrine crossed her arms, her posture bold and unyielding. “Seraphina Holland,” she said, her voice loud enough for those still lingering to hear, “I’ll go to the media and sell the story if I have to.”Seraphina’s eyes widened, panic creeping into her expression. “What?” she whispered, her voice breaking. The thought of a scandal, of her name being dragged through the mud, sent a shiver down her sp
Armin stood frozen, shock coursing through him as he took in the scene. Andrine’s words and actions left him speechless, her fierce defiance and anger unraveling the controlled, polished demeanor he usually wore. What the hell just happened? he thought, his eyes darting from Alysha’s panicked expression to Andrine’s blazing fury.Andrine’s eyes locked onto him, and she crossed her arms tightly, her expression full of rage and disdain. “Look who decided to show up,” she sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She clapped her hands loudly, the sound echoing through the hallway like gunfire. “The so-called head of the Suegra family, finally gracing us with his presence.”Alysha, her face pale, reached for Andrine’s hand, trying to pull her back. “Stop it, Andrine,” she whispered, her voice urgent. “Please.”But Andrine yanked her hand away, her eyes never leaving Armin’s. “Why should I stop?” she snapped, her voice rising. “Can’t you see? This irresponsible loser of the Suegra family i
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