Seraphina’s steps were slow, calculated, as she closed the distance between herself and Alora. Her eyes glinted with a mix of false warmth and something far darker. She reached out, her fingers brushing against Alora’s cheek, her touch deceptively gentle. “You are so beautiful, Alora,” she murmured, her tone sweet. “Those big golden curls and those baby blue eyes... like a doll.” Alora, trembling, tried to muster a smile, her eyes flicking up to meet Seraphina’s. But it was a weak, fragile attempt, and the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.In an instant, Seraphina’s grip shifted from gentle to vicious. Her fingers wrapped tightly around Alora’s throat, squeezing with a sudden, terrifying force. Alora’s eyes widened, a choked gasp escaping her lips as her hands instinctively went to Seraphina’s wrist, her body jerking in shock.Seraphina’s face twisted, her teeth bared as she leaned in, her voice a hiss. “You saw Alysha Jarl, didn’t you?” she snarled, her grip tightening. Alora’s eye
Maximilian carried Alora out of Seraphina’s office, his hold on her firm and protective. Her small hands gripped his uniform tightly, her face pressed against his chest as he moved swiftly through the hallways. She trembled in his arms, and he felt every shiver that coursed through her. He kept his gaze forward, his jaw set, ignoring the questions burning in his mind. Right now, his priority was getting her somewhere safe—somewhere far from Seraphina.When they reached the military base, the sight was almost surreal. Alora clung to him as he stepped through the gates, his presence commanding immediate attention. Soldiers and officers, trained to be composed, faltered at the sight of their captain holding a girl who looked like she had walked out of a fairy tale. Eyes widened, and whispers passed between them as they watched the tall, imposing figure of Maximilian cradling a fragile, princess-like girl. Her golden hair cascaded down, catching the sunlight, and her diamond hair clip sp
Henry and Bjorn paced through the hallways of Holland Hospital, their eyes scanning each corner, growing more frantic with every step. Henry's face was pale, his breath quickening. "Where could she be?" he muttered, his voice tight with panic. "We can’t lose her here—Seraphina and Alora both gone!"Bjorn, his expression a mixture of frustration and anxiety, shook his head. "Alora’s impossible to find when she’s scared. She’ll hide somewhere and not make a single sound." He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the situation. "Next time, we should put a dog’s tracking collar on her throat."Henry stopped in his tracks, taken aback by Bjorn’s casual suggestion. "What?" he blurted out, staring at Bjorn in disbelief.Bjorn shrugged, unbothered. "You know how it is with her. If she doesn’t want to be found, she won’t be."Henry’s jaw tightened, his nerves fraying as he glanced around the bustling hospital. "This isn’t a joke, Bjorn," he snapped. "We need to find them—now."Henry swallo
Maximilian gently patted Alora’s back as she clung to him, her small frame trembling. "I’ll take you home, okay?" he said softly, trying to calm her.But Alora’s voice was shaky as she cried out, "Mom...!"Maximilian felt his blood run cold the moment Alora cried out, "Mom..." His mind raced, the image of Lilian Rodriguez flashing before his eyes—a woman known for her ruthless control, one who wielded power in the family like a blade. If Alora told Lilian anything about what happened, or worse, if Lilian suspected any danger to her beloved adopted daughter, it could unravel everything.Liam, sitting nearby, was taken aback by the name. “Who is your mom?” he asked, curiosity laced with something more dangerous.Alora, her innocent eyes still wet with tears, whispered, “Lilian.”Liam blinked, his mind racing. “Lilian and Gabriel only have two sons,” he said, frowning in confusion. “And you don’t look like either of them. You look more... European.”Alora’s lips trembled for a moment, th
Maximilian’s car pulled up to the towering gates of the Rodriguez Manor, and the moment he rolled down his window, every guard and servant within sight stiffened, their eyes widening. The sheer size of the estate was daunting—a 200-year-old masterpiece that sprawled across 25 kilometers of manicured gardens, towering stone walls, and imposing architecture. It screamed of money, power, and legacy in a way that was undeniable.As soon as they recognized him—though he had never set foot here before—they immediately granted him access. The gates parted, and he drove into the heart of the Rodriguez empire, his eyes scanning the grandeur and opulence that unfolded before him. The fountains, the sprawling lawns, the intricate statues—all were carefully crafted symbols of a legacy built on generations of wealth and influence.Alora, sitting quietly beside him, still gripped his hand. She was calmer now, perhaps comforted by the familiar sight of her home. But Maximilian could sense the power
The sudden roar from the doorway cut through the room like a knife. “You brainless puppet!” Bjorn’s voice thundered, causing heads to turn and the air to tense. Alora’s body went rigid, her eyes widening in fear as she clung tightly to Ivan, who instinctively pulled her closer.Bjorn stormed in, his face twisted in anger as he strode toward her, his eyes ablaze. “You almost gave me a heart attack!” he shouted, his tone sharp and accusing.Ivan remained calm, but his eyes darkened as he released Alora and faced his nephew. “This is your fault, Bjorn,” he said sternly. “Why did you leave her alone? You know you must always keep an eye on her. If she hides, she doesn’t make a sound.” His voice was measured but heavy with disappointment.Bjorn’s lips curled into a scowl. “Do I look like her bodyguard?” he snapped, throwing his hands up. “She’s not my responsibility!”Ivan’s gaze didn’t waver. “You know she’s too beautiful to be trusted with just anyone. We can’t afford the risk—only famil
Maximilian met Bjorn’s gaze with a cool, steady look. “Bjorn, you cannot treat your little sister this way,” he said firmly, his voice carrying a note of disapproval. “Family isn’t about power; it’s about protection.”Bjorn’s eyes narrowed, and his lips curled into a mocking smile as he crossed his arms. “As if you know better how to treat a sister, Max,” he sneered, his tone full of sarcasm. “You’re such an expert on family dynamics, huh?”Maximilian felt a flash of anger and confusion. “What are you talking about?”Bjorn’s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Your sister, Seraphina Holland, okay!” he taunted, his words landing like a blow. “Why don’t you start there?”Maximilian’s body tensed as the mention of Seraphina hung in the air, a challenge he wasn’t prepared for. He felt his composure slip momentarily, but he forced himself to remain calm, knowing that reacting would only play into Bjorn’s hands. “This isn’t about Seraphina,” he said, his voice measured. “This is
Ivan’s voice was calm but edged with determination as he watched Maximilian disappear down the hall with Alora. “Tomorrow, I will take Alora to Holland Hospital for treatment,” he declared, his eyes narrowing as he folded his arms. “And while I’m there, I’ll check what’s really going on.” Bjorn, still confused and scratching his head, finally turned his attention to his uncle. “You really think something’s up?” he asked, though his tone carried more curiosity than genuine concern.Ivan’s gaze was steely as he glanced back at Bjorn. “I have a feeling we’re not being told everything,” he replied. “Maximilian’s reaction, Seraphina’s involvement, Alora’s condition—it’s all too suspicious. And I intend to get to the bottom of it.” Bjorn’s eyes brightened with a hint of excitement, the idea of more drama unfolding clearly appealing to him. “Oh, this is gonna be good,” he muttered, grinning. “I knew Seraphina was up to something, but if Max is getting twitchy about it... well, I want a fro
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