Andrine’s body shook, her mind spinning. The weight of Maximilian’s words crashed over her like a tidal wave. She felt trapped, caught between her loyalty to her family and the life they had promised her, and the instinct to protect the man lying in the bed. The man she knew as her husband.But with Maximilian’s grip on her arm and his words like chains, she felt her will crumbling. Tears filled her eyes as she lowered her head, fear and helplessness threatening to overwhelm her. What am I supposed to do? she thought, as her heart ached with the knowledge that the life she wanted—and the truth she clung to—were slipping further out of her grasp.Maximilian dragged Andrine down the corridor, his grip firm as he pulled her away from the ICU. The hallway was lined with hospital staff and visitors, all watching in stunned silence. Andrine’s eyes darted around, the humiliation clawing at her as she felt the weight of their stares. Her heart pounded, and she fought against the panic rising
Ivan’s eyes bore into him. “You heard me correctly. It was a business arrangement, plain and simple. Andrine was promised to Bjorn. He’s been searching for her for the last three years because our families made a deal.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “We promised the Jarl family that until she turned 18 and could legally marry Bjorn, we would take care of her.”Maximilian’s hands clenched into fists as he absorbed the information. He looked at Andrine, who stood silent, tears pooling in her eyes but her face set in quiet defiance. “This can’t be true,” he muttered, shaking his head. “No...”“Oh, it’s true,” Ivan shot back. “And while you’ve been playing the role of fiancé, the reality is, she’s already tied to this family. The only reason she’s with you is because of that agreement.”Maximilian’s face twisted, a mix of anger and disbelief. “So, all this time...”Ivan’s voice softened, but it remained firm. “All this time, she’s been Bjorn’s. And she will be, as soo
The soft hum of the monitors filled the dimly lit ICU room, their rhythmic beeping the only sound breaking the heavy silence. Andrine sat by Bjorn’s bedside, her eyes full of warmth as she gently leaned down, her lips brushing against his bandaged ear. “I love you,” she whispered, her voice tender, almost like a vow. The words hung in the air, delicate yet powerful, as if she were willing her love to pull him back from the brink.A small smile graced her lips, and she lifted her hand to stroke his covered cheek, careful and gentle. “You don’t have to work, okay?” she murmured, her voice filled with determination and hope. “I will earn money for us.”She shifted closer, her movements slow and deliberate as if she were afraid he might slip away if she made a single wrong move. With a sigh, she nestled her head on the pillow beside his, their faces only inches apart. Her eyes softened as she whispered, “I’ll become a heart doctor, and I’ll fix your heart, okay?”Her fingers brushed the
Charles Sternly’s voice rang out, cutting through the tense silence like a blade. “Arisha doesn’t need your Suegra daughter, Ivan.” His tone was icy, laced with contempt. Arisha jolted, her eyes snapping to the doorway where Charles stood, his expression cold and unyielding. The atmosphere in the hallway shifted, tension coiling tighter as Ivan’s hand clenched into a fist.Charles’s eyes locked onto Arisha’s, sharp and accusing. “Didn’t I tell you to stay away from this family?” he demanded, his voice rising with frustration.Arisha’s breath caught, and she hesitated, looking between Charles and Ivan, caught in the crossfire. “I had to come, Charles,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “Bjorn—”But Charles cut her off with a roar. “That is none of your concern, Doctor Arisha Holland!” His words echoed, and the title stung like a slap, reminding her of the role she had been forced into. Arisha flinched, feeling the force of his anger.Charles’s face hardened as he stepped forwa
Charles’s eyes bore into her, filled with challenge. “Why?” he demanded, his tone harsh. “Why should I stop? Give me a valid reason.”Arisha’s eyes flashed with determination, and she yanked her hand out of his grip. “Because he’s the father of my daughter!” she shouted, her voice echoing through the hallway. “Don’t disrespect him!”The room fell into silence, the tension thick and electric. Ivan’s eyes softened, and for a moment, the rage that had clouded them lifted. He looked at Arisha, and there was a flash of gratitude in his gaze. But behind it, there was also pain, knowing that even now, she was torn between two worlds.Charles’s expression darkened, his face hardening as he processed her words. “You’re defending him?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous. “After everything I’ve told you?”Arisha stood firm, her hands shaking but her voice steady. “Yes,” she said. “I may not remember everything, but I know he is Sisi’s father. And for that alone, I will not allow you to speak
Charles’s face tightened, his grip on Arisha’s wrist loosening as he felt the weight of Armin’s gaze. Damn it, he thought, the realization sinking in. He had underestimated Armin. In the heat of the moment, he had forgotten who he was dealing with. Armin Rodriguez wasn’t just anyone—he was the best criminal lawyer in the country, someone who knew how to peel back layers of lies with a single look.Armin’s eyes bore into Charles, his posture relaxed but his presence imposing. “Tell me, Charles,” he continued, his tone calm but threatening. “What exactly are you doing with her? Because from where I’m standing, this looks like kidnapping.”Charles’s mind raced, trying to find a way out. He forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Armin, you’ve got it all wrong—”“Do I?” Armin interrupted, his voice turning icy. “Because you seem to be dragging her out of here without her consent. And last I checked, that’s a crime.”Arisha felt the tension between the two men grow, and she dared to
Arisha, trying to diffuse the tension, said softly, “I will go check on Bjorn.”Seraphina’s eyes narrowed, her expression immediately turning sharp. “How can you call him Bjorn?” she snapped, her voice dripping with irritation.Arisha blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in tone. “I—I’m sorry, I didn’t think much of it. After all, he’s younger than me.”Seraphina’s eyes blazed. “So what?” she retorted, stepping closer, her posture rigid with anger. “Just because he’s younger doesn’t mean you can disrespect him. You stupid village farmer girl, you seriously don’t know any manners, do you?”Arisha’s heart pounded in her chest as she lowered her head, forcing herself to bow her head in submission. “I’m sorry, Seraphina.”Seraphina’s eyes widened in fury, the sound of her name coming from Arisha’s mouth like an insult. “What did you just call me?” she hissed, her face flushing with anger.Arisha felt her cheeks burn as she realized her mistake. She closed her eyes, bracing herself fo
Ivan turned on his heel, his arm still protectively wrapped around Arisha’s shoulder as he led her away. His grip was firm, his fingers entwined with hers as they walked through the hospital corridor. The air was thick with shock, and all eyes turned to them. Nurses paused mid-step, doctors glanced up from their rounds, and patients watched from their rooms, each of them frozen in disbelief. The Ivan Anderson Suegra, heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, was walking openly, holding hands with a woman who was supposedly just a doctor.Arisha felt the weight of every gaze, her pulse quickening as whispers echoed in the hallway. She kept her eyes down, trying to steady her breath, but she could feel the intensity of the moment—this wasn’t just about Ivan’s declaration. It was about the power of his family name, and what it meant for him to walk so openly with her. She felt exposed, like the entire world was judging her for daring to walk beside him.Ivan’s expression