Charles’s laughter echoed through the office, a cold, mocking sound that sliced through the air. Alysha’s eyes widened, confusion and fear mingling as she stared at him. “Do you seriously think the project is all Neil wants from you, Alysha?” he taunted, a wicked glint in his eyes.Alysha’s heart pounded in her chest, and for the first time, she felt a sliver of doubt. “What... what do you mean?” she whispered, her voice shaking.Charles’s smirk only widened as he saw the uncertainty ripple through her. “You are the one writing the medicine recipe under the name of Doctor Arisha Holland. You are the brains behind it all. So of course, Neil will always need you.” He shot Neil a pointed look, one that was filled with a mix of challenge and arrogance.Neil’s expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger as he glared at Charles. The momentary slip revealed cracks in their alliance, but Charles continued, unbothered by the tension. “Don’t forget, Neil,” he said, his voice cold and calc
Ivan’s grip tightened as he pulled Alysha close, his eyes filled with urgency and determination. “You don’t trust me, Alysha?” he asked, his voice low and intense, the words laced with both frustration and desperation. Alysha’s eyes met his, but she was torn—caught between the chaos of everything happening around her. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She was at a loss.Sensing her hesitation, Ivan’s expression softened for a moment, his voice turning almost pleading. “We’ll get married now, Alysha. Make it official.” His gaze flicked to Neil, a look of challenge burning in his eyes. “And then I’ll search for our daughter. Let’s see what Neil will do then.”Neil’s face twisted with fury, his composure shattering as he pointed a finger at Alysha. “If you sign that marriage with him, Alysha,” he hissed, his voice dripping with venom, “your daughter will be gone forever. For good.” His eyes were wild, the desperation of a man losing control. “This is your last warning—I’m warn
Everyone froze, their eyes wide with shock as the weight of her words crashed down. “What the hell?” Armin blurted, his voice a mix of disbelief and fury.Ivan’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he processed the revelation. “Neil’s wife? So all this time, the woman posing as a doctor, treating Bjorn, was the face of Neil’s operation?”Gabriel’s eyes darkened, the implications of the revelation hitting him hard. “And he was using Alysha’s skills under the guise of his wife’s name... to keep her hidden and under his control.”Alysha nodded, her voice filled with the frustration and anger of years of manipulation. “Exactly. Doctor Arisha Holland may be his wife, but she’s nothing more than a face for his schemes. He used her identity to protect himself and keep me under his thumb, ensuring I had no power or recognition of my own.”Armin’s mind raced, connecting the dots. “So that’s why she’s been so involved in Bjorn’s treatment,” he said, his tone sharper now. “It’s all a front to k
Alysha’s military boots crunched against the gravel path as she walked through the gates of her old villa, the air thick with the scent of earth and pine from the surrounding military camp. She paused, taking in the sight of her former home—a fortress of stone and iron, surrounded by layers of security and patrolling soldiers. It had been a while, but she felt the familiar hum of power and security vibrating through the air. She was back.As she pushed open the heavy door, the echo of her footsteps filled the hall, but it wasn’t long before a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Charles Sternly’s eyes narrowed when he saw her, his posture rigid, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice sharp, the surprise flickering across his face.Alysha tilted her head slightly, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “Isn’t this my home, Charles?” she asked, her tone smooth and calm. “Why shouldn’t I come back?”Charles’s jaw clenched as he to
The Military Villa loomed under the darkened sky, its sharp lines and sturdy construction exuding an aura of authority and precision. Inside, the air was thick with tension, the faint hum of the overhead lights the only sound as Charles marched down the corridor, his footsteps measured, his grip firm on the envelope in his hands. Inside it, the truth. Every piece of Alysha Jarl’s life that Neil Holland had worked so meticulously to bury.He stopped at the doorway to the dimly lit study where Alysha sat, her head bowed, lost in thought. A single lamp cast a pool of light over the desk, highlighting the faint slump of her shoulders and the weariness etched into her face. She looked up as Charles entered, her eyes narrowing slightly as she registered his serious demeanor.Without a word, Charles placed the envelope on the desk in front of her, the action deliberate, heavy with meaning. The sound of the papers sliding against the wood echoed in the quiet room.“What’s this?” Alysha asked,
The fluorescent lights of Holland hospital glowed coldly above as Alysha walked in beside Charles. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the faint echoes of footsteps and distant chatter. The tension was palpable the moment they entered the lobby, the polished floors reflecting their every step.Seraphina stood waiting, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Alysha. “What is she doing here?” she demanded, her voice laced with irritation.Charles, calm and unbothered, didn’t miss a beat. “She’s a doctor at this hospital. What do you think she’s doing?” he replied smoothly, his eyes never leaving Seraphina’s.Seraphina’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she took a step back, clearly taken aback by his blunt response. Her gaze flicked between Alysha and Charles, suspicion clouding her eyes. “I’m the CEO of this hospital,” she snapped, her voice a sharp, cold edge. “Don’t forget it. I can do whatever I want.”Charles smirked, t
Andrine’s eyes, filled with a glimmer of hope and desperation, met Alysha’s. She stepped closer, her voice softer but urgent. “You might not remember me,” she began, her tone almost pleading, “but you know I’m your sister, right?”Alysha offered a small, reassuring smile and nodded. “Of course, Andrine,” she replied gently. “I know you’re my sister.”For a brief moment, the tension in the room seemed to ease, but then Andrine’s expression shifted. The vulnerability in her eyes hardened, replaced by a quiet determination. “I need money,” she said, the words direct and unflinching.Alysha’s smile faltered, and she blinked, taken aback. “Money?” she echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.Andrine’s face tightened as she continued, her voice laced with frustration. “Maximilian’s been making my life hell. He’s stopped paying for my medical school fees.” She looked down, as if trying to hide the anger and hurt simmering beneath her composed exterior. “I need the money to continue.”Alysha’
Maximilian’s presence loomed at the door frame, his eyes sharp and calculating, the sly smile on his lips dripping with cruel amusement. Andrine felt a chill run down her spine the moment she saw him, and she instinctively turned back to Bjorn’s bedside, her hands trembling slightly as she resumed her task of adjusting his sheets. She tried to focus on her brother-in-law, but Maximilian’s voice echoed through the room, taunting her.“Honey...” he drawled, his tone mocking and possessive.Andrine’s breath hitched. She kept her eyes down, refusing to look at him. The word felt like a blade, cutting into her already frayed nerves.Maximilian stepped inside, his military boots heavy on the polished floor. The air around him seemed to thrum with authority, and his uniform—a stark, intimidating reminder of his power—made her feel even smaller. “Are you ready to go home with me?” he asked, his voice soft but carrying a note of menace.Andrine remained silent, her fingers tightening on the be
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