The rumble of engines outside sent a jolt through Alysha, her breath catching as she looked out the window. Sleek black SUVs, a fleet of them, were rolling up the long gravel drive, their dark silhouettes unmistakable. Her heart stopped, a cold dread settling over her as she recognized the crest emblazoned on the sides. Suegra.What the fuck… they’re here.Before she could react, Andrine bounded over to the window, her face lit with excitement. “Your husband came, Alysha!” she squealed, clapping her hands, her eyes wide with anticipation. “Look at all those cars! They’re here for you!”Panic surged through Alysha’s body. Her mind raced, trying to find an escape, to find any place to hide. Her eyes darted around the room frantically, searching for some cover, any cover, while Andrine jumped up and down beside her, oblivious to the danger.Andrine turned and called into the hallway, “Hazel! Look, Alysha’s husband is here! Look, look—”Without thinking, Alysha gripped Andrine’s shoulders
Gabriel, Lilian, and Bjorn stepped through the grand gates of the Jarl palace, Bjorn’s eyes wandered curiously around the sprawling estate. The grandeur of the palace was something even he hadn’t expected, but his attention was soon pulled elsewhere.Andrine’s heart pounded as she leaned over the railing, watching the Suegra family stride confidently through the grand gates of the Jarl palace. Gabriel and Lilian moved with an aura of authority, their faces unreadable and cold. But it was Bjorn—her eyes had locked onto him immediately. The wild, untamed Bjorn, who seemed to carry chaos in every step, his presence filling the room with a reckless energy she found irresistible.Bjorn. Her cheeks flushed as she took him in, remembering the way he carried himself on the streets, unafraid, loud, and fierce. She’d seen him from afar many times, watching him shout, fight, and toss the other boys around like they were nothing. Every ounce of him was thrilling, dangerous—and to her, somehow per
Alysha's parents, Karol and Ingrid Jarl, stood nervously before the Rodriguez family.Gabriel's piercing gaze didn't help matters. His arms crossed over his chest, his posture radiating authority as he glared at Karol. “Where is Alysha?” Gabriel demanded, his voice low but sharp.Karol's throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words. Before he could speak, Ingrid stepped forward, her hands wringing nervously. “Mr. Rodriguez,” she began, her voice trembling slightly, “we sent her to the USA. She should have been with your family by now.”Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, his arms tightening across his chest. “But she’s not,” he replied coldly.Ingrid paled, her eyes flicking to Karol for support, but all he could do was nod helplessly. “Then… we don’t know,” Ingrid stammered, her voice barely audible.Gabriel was taken aback, his brow furrowing in disbelief. “You don’t know?” he repeated, his voice rising with restrained anger. “Seriously?”The tension crackled through
“Bjorn,” Gabriel growled, his voice barely containing his rage. “Enough.” The single word cut through the air like a knife, and for once, Bjorn fell silent, looking at his uncle with a half-dazed expression.Lilian’s voice was low, steady, with an edge that could slice through steel. “We didn’t come here for your nonsense, Bjorn. We came for Alysha. And right now, she’s missing.” Her eyes narrowed, piercing him with a look that could have silenced anyone with a shred of common sense.Bjorn looked more puzzled than worried when he realized how serious the situation was.Gabriel’s face twisted with rage, his hands balled into fists at his sides, and for a moment, it looked as though he might strike Bjorn right there. The look in Gabriel’s eyes was murderous, but before he could react, Lilian stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly with fear. Ingrid and Karol exchanged horrified glances, the weight of the situation pressing down on them like a crushing force. They had heard whispe
Neil gazed at Gabriel, each word laced with challenge and accusations that had lingered unspoken for far too long. Gabriel felt the pressure mounting, the gradual unraveling of his usual control—a rare sensation that was both infuriating and unsettling. For once, he was at a loss, and Neil's ruthless persistence was leaving him alone."Neil," Gabriel began, his voice edged with forced calm, "you were responsible for bringing my daughter-in-law, Alysha Jarl, safely to the States. You knew the stakes. So tell me, why isn’t she there?”Neil crossed his arms, a cold smile barely concealing his contempt. “And how am I supposed to know what you did to her?” His voice was a low growl, the accusation slicing through the air, and Gabriel felt his pulse spike. Neil’s words hit with a precision that forced him to react, his face hardening.“She went missing, Neil!” Gabriel barked, his voice cutting through the thick silence, frustration evident. “She’s not at the hotel, and there’s no record of
Inside the car. Lilian clenched her jaw, her mind racing between the chaos unfolding around Alysha’s disappearance, Neil’s hidden vendetta, and now Bjorn’s relentless demands. She knew she couldn’t let her son continue down this path, but the storm brewing around them made every decision feel like a potential disaster.Gabriel returned to the car, his face dark and clouded with frustration. Lilian immediately noticed the heaviness in his expression, the weight of the confrontation with Neil still clinging to him. Her heart sank at the sight of her husband, knowing that things had escalated in a way that could spiral even further out of control.She leaned over to Bjorn, her voice soft but firm. "Bjorn, look at your father. He’s so upset. Please, don’t talk right now, okay, my son?"Bjorn glanced at Gabriel, the usual arrogance in his eyes dimming slightly as he observed his father’s mood. Though his own desires still simmered beneath the surface, he grudgingly nodded, sinking back in
In Jarl palace, Alysha slowly stepped out of her hidden room, her entire body trembling from the weight of the conversation she had just overheard. Her hands shook as she clutched the fabric of her dress, her innocent eyes wide with fear. She felt as though the world around her was crumbling.Ingrid, noticing her daughter’s distress, looked at her with helplessness, her heart aching for the fear and confusion etched on Alysha’s face. There was little comfort she could offer in this moment.Neil’s voice, steady and cold, cut through the tense air. "Have you seen them, Mr. Jarl?" he said, his gaze piercing Karol. "Have you seen the Rodriguez family? How could you give your daughter to such a dangerous lot?"Karol's face paled as he turned to Neil, his voice weak and filled with regret. "I was helpless, Mr. Holland. I needed the money. You know I have a large family to care for. I may come from royalty, but we are far from billionaires like the Rodriguez / Suegra family." His words were
Alysha was very upset after learning about Ivan and stayed still. She tried to understand what Neil was saying, but her mind raced as she tried to understand. Everything she'd ever known was about to vanish. She felt very sad because she was scared of leaving her family and becoming someone else.Karol looked at Neil helplessly, the weight of the decision too much to bear. “But… what about us? What about her future? What kind of life will she have?”Neil’s expression softened, but his resolve did not waver. “She’ll have a life, Mr. Jarl. A hidden one, yes, but a life free from the dangers of the Suegra and Rodriguez families. We have no choice if we want to protect her.” His gaze shifted to Alysha. “It’s the only way to keep her safe.”Alysha’s tears fell silently as the room filled with the heaviness of the decision ahead.Karol’s voice trembled as he brought up the looming threat, his mind swirling with fear. "What about Gabriel’s youngest son, Bjorn? How do we handle him?" His word
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