Alysha sat alone in her room, the morning light spilling in through the sheer curtains, casting a pale glow over everything. Her gaze was locked on the small packet in her hands—the morning-after pill. Her fingers tightened around it, the reality of last night twisting like a knife in her chest. Ivan. His name reverberated through her, the memory of his face, his touch, burned into her mind. He had taken everything—her innocence, her trust—and now, he occupied a place in her heart and soul that she could neither deny nor erase.Lost in thought, she barely heard the soft creak of the door opening until a voice snapped her back to reality.“Alysha, what was that?”Alysha’s head shot up, her heart leaping to her throat as she saw her younger sister, Andrine, standing just inside the doorway. In a flash of panic, she hid the packet in her hand, forcing a dry smile.“Nothing… just some, uh, medicine,” she said, her voice faltering under Andrine’s piercing gaze.Andrine narrowed her eyes,
In the opulent suite of the Suegra Hotel, Ivan Anderson Suegra stood seething, his rage filling the room like a dark storm. The expensive whiskey glass he’d been clutching shattered against the wall, the amber liquid splattering down in chaotic streams over the lavish wallpaper. His piercing blue eyes burned with fury as he glared at the men before him, their faces pale and uneasy.“You think I slept with a ghost?” he snarled, his voice low but dangerous, every word laced with fury and disbelief. His tall frame was tense, his fists clenched as he paced, the tension radiating off him like heat. The room, with its dim lighting and heavy silence, seemed to shrink around him as his anger grew.The men before him exchanged nervous glances, shifting uncomfortably under the weight of his glare. They knew the implications of what they were suggesting. They had searched high and low, but there was no trace of the woman who’d been with him last night. The hotel’s CCTV footage was gone, wiped c
Ivan sat in silence, his mind a storm of thoughts, when his phone buzzed. He glanced down, the screen flashing with Bjorn’s name. Instantly, a jolt of tension hit him—Bjorn rarely called him, and when he did, trouble was usually close behind. Ivan’s pulse quickened as he picked up.“Uncle!” Bjorn’s voice came through, sharp and angry. “Can you come get me? Take me with you—now!”Ivan’s heart skipped, dread settling in. “Where are you?”“In Suegra State, Europe,” Bjorn replied, his tone tense. Ivan could hear the frustration, but beneath it, there was fear—a rare emotion for his bold, hot-headed nephew.Ivan’s eyes narrowed. “You just got there, Bjorn. Why are you trying to come back?”A pause, and then Bjorn’s voice lowered, laced with panic. “Because Dad wants to beat me to death! I’m locked in my room right now.”Ivan’s fist clenched, a familiar anger bubbling up. “Why would Gabriel want to beat you? How many times have I told him to get a grip on his damned temper?”“Well, see, I o
In Jarl Palace. Europe.Alysha’s hands shook as she folded the last of her clothes into her bag, her heart a chaotic mess of anger, regret, and longing. Today she would leave with Neil Holland, escaping the nightmare that had become her life. From now on, she would live in the Holland family mansion, far from the twisted web of secrets and betrayals. But as she glanced around the room one last time, her gaze landed on something that stopped her in her tracks—a slip of fabric draped over the edge of the chair.It was her night robe.She froze, a shiver running down her spine as the memory washed over her. That night… she’d been dressed in her wedding gown, hadn’t she? The beautiful, delicate white lace that her mother had spent hours preparing for her. It had been a symbol of innocence, of a new beginning. But it was gone. What had Neil done with it? Had he burned it, destroyed it to erase any trace of the ordeal she’d endured? Or worse, had he discarded it like some cheap disguise, a
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
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