Alysha's eyes snapped open as her phone buzzed against the nightstand. The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. She reached for her phone, still feeling the heaviness from the night before. But as she checked the screen, her heart dropped.Her feed was flooded—headlines, photos, and videos—all centered around one name: Ivan Anderson. Her fingers tightened around the phone as she scrolled through the posts, her breath catching in her throat. There it was, plastered across social media and gossip sites alike: Last night, Ivan Anderson spotted with a mystery woman at an exclusive VIP club.Alysha’s hands began to shake as she tapped one of the videos. The footage, though grainy, was clear enough. Ivan, leaning in close, his arm draped around a woman who looked impossibly glamorous in a shimmering dress. The two of them were laughing, their faces close—too close. The intimacy of the scene sent a chill through Alysha’s veins.No, this can’
Alysha’s chest felt like it was caving in. The pain was suffocating, pressing down on her until it became too much to bear. She had tried to hold herself together, but everything—the betrayal, the humiliation, the images of Ivan with another woman—kept replaying in her mind, breaking her down piece by piece.She sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor, the tears she had tried to contain finally slipping down her cheeks. Her hands trembled, and her breathing came in shallow gasps as she struggled to make sense of it all. Why did he do this to me? The question echoed in her mind, each repetition stabbing her heart like a knife.At that moment, the door to the room creaked open, and she barely registered the footsteps approaching her. She was too lost in her grief, her hands gripping the sheets tightly as she tried to hold herself together. But when she felt the warmth of an arm wrapping around her, she finally broke.Armin pulled her close, his arms enveloping her, an
Alysha stormed through the halls of the Holland hospital, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. Her eyes burned with determination, her body radiating a commanding presence that made staff instinctively step aside as she passed. The mask of passivity she’d worn for so long was gone—replaced by the fiery resolve of someone who’d finally realized her worth.She reached Seraphina’s CEO office and pushed the heavy doors open without hesitation. The room was as grand and imposing as she remembered, but Alysha didn’t care. She was done being intimidated by the Hollands’ wealth and power.A startled assistant who had been organizing files near the desk froze, her eyes wide with alarm. “Dr. Holland—”“Out,” Alysha snapped, her voice like ice.The assistant hesitated for a moment too long, and Alysha’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I said out. Don’t make me repeat myself.”The assistant scrambled to gather her things and rushed out of the office, leaving Alysha alone in the exp
Alysha didn’t back down, her eyes narrowing. “Good,” she said. “Because I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to destroy you.”Seraphina’s eyes widened, and Alysha stepped back, returning to the desk where she had been working moments before. She picked up the files she had uncovered, holding them in her hands as though they were weapons.“You think I don’t have resources?” Alysha continued, her voice gaining strength. “You think I’m powerless? Let me remind you who I am.” She took a slow breath, her next words deliberate. “I’m Alysha Jarl. The key to the $300 billion Jarl Project. The direct heir of one of the most powerful bloodlines in Europe. And the mother of Ivan Anderson Suegra’s child.”Seraphina’s face drained of color at the final revelation, her composure shattering completely. “What did you just say?” she whispered, her voice trembling.Alysha leaned in, her eyes blazing with fury. “You heard me. You’ve been trying to control me for years, Seraphina. To keep me under your th
Charles sat in his chair, staring blankly at the stack of papers in front of him. His mind wasn’t on the reports, the operations, or even the usual responsibilities that came with his military position. Instead, it replayed two voices—Andrine’s sharp, cutting words and Alysha’s fiery determination.Why even ally with Neil? What the fuck am I getting out of this?He ran a hand through his hair, frustration clawing at him. Andrine had been right. Alysha had been right. Neil Holland didn’t care about him. Charles was nothing more than a tool, a convenient piece to play in his game of control and manipulation.And Sisi…Charles clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as guilt churned in his gut. He had handed that innocent little girl to Neil, thinking he was doing the right thing, thinking it was for her safety. But what had Neil done? Hidden her away, used her as leverage, and played Charles like a fool.What have I done?Andrine’s words came back to him, cutting through his thoughts lik
The estate came into view, its sprawling grounds surrounded by a high, electrified fence. The main building was a fortress, with towering walls and security cameras scanning every angle. Charles slowed the SUV, parking it at a safe distance before stepping out.He crouched low, moving through the shadows as he assessed the perimeter. His military training kicked in, his instincts sharp as he scanned for weak points in the security system. He spotted a blind spot near the northeast corner, where the fence was partially obscured by thick trees.Charles slipped through the shadows, his movements silent and precise. He reached the fence, pulling a small toolkit from his jacket. Within moments, he’d disabled the section’s electrical charge and cut through the metal with a pair of industrial wire cutters.The night was eerily quiet as Charles slipped inside the estate grounds, his heart pounding steadily in his chest. He moved quickly but carefully, sticking to the shadows as he approached
The SUV tore through the night, Charles kept one hand on the wheel and the other resting on his holstered sidearm. His sharp eyes scanned the rearview mirror, searching for any sign of pursuit. The blaring alarms from the estate echoed faintly in the distance, but for now, the road ahead was clear.Sisi sat quietly in the back seat, her tiny hands clutching at the edge of her jacket. Her wide, piercing blue eyes stared out the window, her expression unreadable.Charles glanced at her through the mirror again, his heart tightening. He couldn’t shake the guilt that gnawed at him. I gave her to Neil, he thought bitterly. I handed her over, thinking it was the right thing to do. And now…He shook his head, refocusing on the road. There was no time for self-pity. He had made a mistake—a monumental one. But he’d rectified it. Now, the only thing that mattered was keeping Sisi safe and delivering her back to her mother.As the miles stretched behind them, Charles reached for his radio, tunin
Alysha sat frozen, her mind struggling to piece together the web of connections Charles had just revealed. The weight of his words pressed heavily on her, each revelation more shocking than the last."Ivan Anderson Suegra," she murmured, her voice barely audible as her thoughts raced. "He's... Anderson? And Suegra?"Charles nodded, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. “Yes. Ivan is the son of Heinz Anderson and Margot Suegra. That’s why he carries both names—it’s his lineage. He’s the blood of both families.”Alysha’s breath hitched, her chest tightening as the implications of this sank in. “And my Sisi…”“She’s Cyndra Anderson Suegra,” Charles said, his tone firm. “Because she carries Ivan’s blood. She’s a direct heir to both the Anderson and Suegra legacies.”Alysha pressed her trembling hands against her lap, her heart pounding. The Anderson and Suegra names weren’t just names—they were empires, legacies rooted in power, influence, and unimaginable wealth. And her daught
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