Alysha pulled out of the compound, her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of fear and determination coursing through her veins. The drive to the old pier felt like an eternity, the city lights fading into the darkness of the waterfront. She knew this area well—it was the kind of place that harbored both secrets and danger, a perfect spot for an ambush.She parked the car at a distance, careful to stay out of sight as she moved through the maze of abandoned warehouses and crumbling docks. The wind carried the salty tang of the sea, mixing with the scent of decay and rust. She moved quietly, her senses heightened, her eyes scanning every corner.When she reached the pier, she saw nothing but shadows. The wooden planks creaked under her boots as she walked further, every sound amplified in the silence of the early morning.Then, she heard it—a faint shuffle of movement. Her hand instinctively went to her weapon, her grip tight. “I’m here,” she called out, her voice steady despite the fear
Armin's grip on the steering wheel tightened as they sped through the darkened streets. He glanced at Alysha, his jaw set with both anger and concern. “Never go somewhere alone again,” he said, his voice low and serious. “You have no idea how dangerous this city really is.”Alysha’s eyes flashed with frustration as she turned to face him, her voice edged with bitterness. “And who exactly should I have asked to come with me, Armin? My little sister, Andrine?” she shot back, the emotion in her voice unmistakable. “Who do I have left?”Armin’s eyes flicked to hers, and he hitched at her words. “Hey, don’t even think about dragging her into this,” he snapped, his voice more forceful than he intended. “She’s Bjorn’s wife. She has nothing to do with this mess.”Alysha’s face softened, but her eyes were filled with a quiet, heartbreaking truth. “Exactly, Armin,” she whispered, her voice heavy with sadness. “Andrine has her own life, her own battles. And what about me? I’m all alone. I don’t
The international conference room.Ivan Anderson sat at the head of the table, his expression a mix of rage and determination. Alton Lewis, a long-time ally, and Henry, another trusted associate, sat beside him, their eyes fixed on Ivan as he spoke. Officers from the military and police were scattered around the table, listening intently."My two-year-old daughter, Cyndra Anderson Suegra, has been kidnapped by the Holland family," Ivan declared, his voice cold and unyielding. The announcement hung in the air, and a murmur of shock rippled through the room.Alton’s eyes widened, and Henry’s face darkened with fury, his hand clenching into a fist. One of the officers sitting across the table leaned forward, his brows knitted together. “What proof do you have of this crime?” he asked, his voice measured but firm.Ivan’s eyes flashed, but he kept his composure. “I don’t have any solid proof,” he admitted, his tone sharpening. “Not yet.”Another officer, his expression skeptical, folded hi
Alton’s gaze was steady as he watched Ivan’s reaction, the question hanging in the air like a challenge. “I heard you got married?” he said, his voice casual but carrying a hint of curiosity.Ivan smiled, his expression softening for a brief moment, and nodded. “Yeah, I did.”Alton raised an eyebrow, leaning in. “So now Alysha Jarl is Alysha Anderson?” he said, his tone edged with amusement, as if testing how deeply Ivan had thought this through.Ivan’s expression shifted, and a look of surprise crossed his face. Henry’s eyes also widened in shock, as if the gravity of what Alton had said hit them both at the same time. “Actually,” Ivan began, his voice faltering slightly, “I... I just left her alone in Boston. I came here to search for Sisi.”Alton leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious. “She just returned to your life after three years, Ivan. You just got married, and then you left her alone?”Ivan’s eyes narrowed, and he felt a sting of guilt creeping up his spine
Armin glanced at the dashboard clock, the numbers glowing softly in the dark. “It’s too late to go back to the military camp now,” he said, his tone measured. “The gates are probably locked.”Alysha frowned, her mind immediately calculating her options. “I can go to the hospital, then,” she suggested, though there was a hesitance in her voice. “I’ll stay there overnight.”Armin shook his head, his gaze flicking toward her, his eyes firm. “No,” he said. “Come to my villa with me. Stay there tonight.”Alysha’s eyes widened, surprise flickering across her face. “Your villa?” she repeated, the words hanging in the air. “Armin, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”He kept his eyes on the road, but there was a quiet determination in his voice. “It’s safer. You know the hospital isn’t secure—if they knew how to lure you out of the military camp, they’ll know where to find you at the hospital.”Alysha’s hand tightened in her lap, the weight of his words sinking in. “But staying at your place—
The car rolled forward, its headlights cutting through the darkness of the night, Alysha sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the passing city lights outside the window. The world outside felt distant, as if it belonged to another life. Inside the car, everything was still, save for the low hum of the engine and the occasional creak of leather seats as they shifted.Alysha’s thoughts wandered, slipping past the events of the night and settling on a face she hadn’t seen in what felt like forever—Ivan. She could almost picture his eyes, intense and unyielding, the way he would hold her close like he was afraid to lose her. She wondered if he missed her as much as she missed him. Did he think about her, wherever he was? Or had he already moved on to something more important?Does he even care? she wondered, her heart aching as the thought crossed her mind. So many promises had been made, and yet here she was, alone in a city that seemed to swallow her whole. Ivan had left, claiming he had to s
Alysha felt like her world was spinning out of control as Armin's words from earlier settled in her mind. Ivan is a playboy. The thought echoed, clawing at her heart, making her question everything. But before she could process it, Armin’s voice pierced through her haze.“I had a relationship with Seraphina. A long one,” he admitted, his eyes fixed ahead as he drove. “But I never had any other woman in my life besides her.”Alysha said nothing, her gaze distant as she tried to hold herself together. Her heart felt heavy, her mind a jumble of confusion and pain. Why is he telling me this? she wondered, feeling the weight of the night bearing down on her.Armin continued, his voice softer now. “But... ever since I saw you, Alysha, I couldn’t think about her the same way. I couldn’t feel for her the way I used to.”Alysha turned to him, her eyes searching his face, confusion etched in her expression. “What are you saying, Armin?” she asked, her voice quiet, almost hesitant.Armin’s grip
The car pulled into the long driveway of Armin’s villa, its headlights casting long shadows across the manicured lawn. The grandeur of the place was undeniable—a sleek, modern structure surrounded by towering trees and the glow of carefully placed lights. It was impressive, but to Alysha, it felt cold, distant. As the car came to a stop, she looked out the window, her eyes tracing the lines of the building as she took a deep breath.Armin turned off the engine and glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “We’re here,” he said quietly, the tension between them lingering in the air. “You’ll be safe here tonight.”Alysha hesitated before opening the door and stepping out. The night air was crisp, a chill that made her wrap her arms around herself. She watched as Armin got out and came around the car, his eyes meeting hers briefly. There was something unspoken in his gaze—something she wasn’t ready to face.They walked up the stone pathway leading to the front entrance, the quiet of the
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