The lawyer’s office, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with volumes of law, seemed to swallow the small group within it. Sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, casting long shadows across the polished mahogany desk. Seated behind it, the lawyer, a composed figure in a dark suit, adjusted his glasses and leaned forward. Alysha, her expression tense but resolute, sat across from him, hands folded in her lap. Her eyes were sharp, carrying a mixture of anger and desperation. Next to her was Ivan Anderson, her lover, a tall and stoic man with an air of quiet strength. He had one arm draped protectively around her shoulders, his gaze fixed on the lawyer. Alysha’s voice broke the silence, steady but full of emotion. “I need a divorce. I want to be free from my husband, Armin Rodriguez. But he doesn’t want to let me go.”The lawyer raised an eyebrow, his eyes calculating as he carefully considered the situation. “When you say he doesn’t want to let you go, what do you mean
The lawyer’s pen moved swiftly across the paper, and the sound of it filled the room like a declaration, marking the beginning of a new chapter. He slid the document toward Alysha, and her eyes lingered on the lines, the legal language that would officially sever the bond that had held her prisoner for so long.“This is the petition,” he said, tapping the form. “It’s just the first step, but an important one. By signing this, you’re initiating the process. We’ll outline that the marriage is irretrievably broken and that reconciliation isn’t possible. If Armin refuses to accept that, he’ll have to take it up with the court.”Alysha hesitated for only a moment before reaching for the pen. Her hand trembled slightly, but Ivan’s hand rested over hers, steadying her. She felt the warmth of his touch, the quiet strength he carried, and it filled her with a sense of calm.With a deep breath, she signed. The ink flowed, and when she lifted the pen, it was as if a weight had lifted from her sh
Two weeks later, the papers were served.Armin’s phone vibrated on his desk, a notification lighting up the screen with a message he had hoped wouldn’t come so soon. The words seemed to blur as he read them, his breath catching in his chest. Alysha Jarl has officially applied for divorce. And not just any divorce—one where she didn’t need his signature or approval. She had moved faster than he’d expected, and she had done it in a way that left him with almost no recourse.His hands tightened into fists as he stared at the screen, a rage building within him. Alysha, with the help of Ivan and likely the most ruthless lawyer she could find, had found a legal loophole—something that would cut him out entirely. He knew that if Alysha had gone this route, it was because she had powerful backing, likely her own family’s influence combined with the expertise of someone who knew exactly how to dismantle the iron grip he thought he had over her.Armin stood abruptly, his chair skidding back as
Armin’s pulse thundered in his ears as he paced the length of his study, waiting for the call to connect. Each second felt like an eternity, every step a reminder of how swiftly the ground beneath him was crumbling. When the voice on the other end answered, his words were clipped, laced with urgency.“I need you to find Alysha Jarl,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. “She’s disappeared with Ivan Anderson. I want eyes on every border, every airport, and every city. I don’t care what it takes—find them.”The investigator, a man with a reputation for discretion and efficiency, responded immediately. “Understood, Mr. Rodriguez. We’ll get on it right away.”Armin hung up, his jaw tightening as he stared out the window, the city lights below blinking like a sea of possibilities slipping away. If anyone could track them down, it was this man. But he knew Alysha had moved strategically; she had thought everything through, leaving him with fewer options than he’d ever faced
Armin’s phone buzzed again, and this time, it was a message from his investigator. His heart leapt for a moment, thinking it could be the breakthrough he’d been waiting for. But as he read the text, his expression darkened. No leads yet. No trace of Alysha or Ivan Anderson’s whereabouts.He clenched his jaw, frustration coursing through him. He had mobilized his best people, yet Alysha and Ivan had managed to vanish without a single trace. It was infuriating. Alysha was slipping further from his grasp, and each passing moment felt like the walls of his empire were closing in tighter.Just as he was about to throw his phone down in frustration, another message pinged through, this one from his associate at the law firm. Alysha’s lawyer has sent a temporary contact number for communication purposes. It’s the only line available.Armin’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the message. A temporary contact number. It was a lifeline—one he needed to seize. It meant Alysha, or at least her legal
Ivan’s voice was firm, his eyes blazing with determination as he stood before Alysha in their small, temporary apartment. The light outside was dim, the shadows of the evening creeping into the room, but his presence was anything but shadowed—he was a force, a wall of protection between her and the chaos of her past life.“You do not have to meet with him, Alysha,” he insisted, his tone filled with urgency and warning. “Armin is too clever, too dangerous. He’s not just going to let you walk away.”Alysha’s hands twisted nervously as she paced the room, her mind reeling from the brief phone call with Armin. She felt the weight of Ivan’s words, the truth in them pressing down on her. She knew Ivan was right—Armin was cunning, and he had resources she couldn’t even begin to comprehend. But a part of her still felt torn, a small voice whispering that she needed to face him one last time.Ivan stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder, his grip both gentle and strong. “He’ll do whate
It was late, past midnight, when the phone rang. The screen lit up with Armin’s name, the letters like a ghost from the past. Alysha stared at it, her heart pounding. Ivan, who had been asleep next to her, stirred, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. “Is it him?”She nodded, her throat tight. “It’s him.”Ivan’s eyes sharpened, and he sat up, his face calm but alert. “Don’t answer. Let him leave a message.”But Alysha knew Armin. The silence would only make him angrier. She took a deep breath and swiped to answer, pressing the phone to her ear.“What do you want, Armin?”There was a pause, and then his voice, low and seething. “What do I want? I want you to explain this—this insult you’ve thrown in my face.” The venom in his words sent a chill down her spine, but she forced herself to stay calm.“It’s over, Armin. It’s been over for a long time. I’m just making it official.”His laugh was cold, a sound she had heard so many times. “Official? Official? You think a piece of paper m
The courthouse buzzed with an electric tension as the cars pulled into the reserved driveway, the weight of the moment heavy in the air. Tight security surrounded the perimeter, and guards lined the steps leading into the building, eyes sharp and movements precise. It was no ordinary trial—this was the collision of empires, where power, loyalty, and betrayal were on full display.Ivan Anderson, walking with measured steps, his face set and his eyes fierce, led the Suegra family entourage. He cut an imposing figure, his presence commanding respect. Behind him, Gabriel Rodriguez followed with a hardened expression, his eyes scanning the crowd. His son, Armin Rodriguez, walked beside him, his gaze fixed and intense, as if calculating every move, every possible outcome. The Suegra family was known for its power, and today, they intended to show just how unshakeable they could be.But then, there was Alysha. She emerged from her car, standing tall despite the emotional storm she knew await
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