Arisha, feeling the tension settle back into the hallway, forced herself to take a steadying breath. “We’re doing everything we can,” she said softly, her eyes meeting Armin’s briefly before she looked away. “But the next 24 hours are crucial.”As she turned to leave, she caught Andrine’s gaze. There was a look of understanding there, of shared frustration and pain, and for a moment, it was enough. But only for a moment.Armin’s eyes darkened as he turned to Seraphina, his voice sharp and cutting through the tension in the hallway. “Will you stop calling me your husband?” he demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.Seraphina’s eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, she was speechless. “What?” she stammered, her confidence faltering as she tried to regain her composure. “But you said you would introduce me as your wife. We don’t need a marriage certificate for it.”Armin’s expression remained cold, his jaw clenched. “Well, now I’m thinking I might change my mind.” His voice w
Behind her, Armin quickened his pace, closing the distance between them. “Wait! Please, I need to talk to you!” His voice was laced with urgency, a frustration that matched his pounding heart.Alysha froze mid-step, the sound of the name striking her like a thunderclap. Her body trembled, the echoes of her false identity mingling with the truth she couldn’t grasp. She didn’t dare turn around, her breathing shallow as panic surged through her. Why is he calling me? What does he want?Alysha’s legs felt weak, her instincts urging her to flee, but she couldn’t move. Her thoughts spiraled into chaos. Why is this happening? Why now? She clutched the edge of her scarf, trying to ground herself.Unseen by either of them, Seraphina stood at a distance, her sharp eyes locked on the scene unfolding before her. Her expression was cold, calculating, her lips curling into a faint, menacing smirk. She had been watching Armin closely, sensing his growing curiosity about Alysha. And now, as he chased
Ivan pulled Arisha into a secluded corner of the hospital, the fluorescent lights dimming as they moved into the shadows. Arisha’s heart pounded, and her breath caught in her throat. What is he doing? she wondered, but before she could speak, Ivan leaned down, placing a gentle, lingering kiss on her lips.For a moment, time stood still. Arisha’s eyes widened, and she froze, caught off guard by the warmth and softness of his touch. When he pulled back, her heart raced, and she whispered, “Ivan...”Ivan’s eyes softened as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb caressing her cheek with an intimacy that felt both familiar and distant. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with a depth she hadn’t heard before.Arisha blinked, confusion swirling in her eyes. “Thank you? For what?”Ivan’s gaze locked onto hers, intense and unyielding. “For Sisi.” His words hung in the air, and Arisha felt her breath hitch. The name—their daughter’s name—felt like a shockwave, an
Alysha’s voice trembled as she choked out the words, “You’re a Suegra!” Her tears fell freely, her body shaking against the cold wall. Ivan froze, the weight of her realization crashing down on him like a tidal wave.His heart ached at the sight of her, at the pain etched into her face. He opened his mouth to speak, but Alysha’s broken voice cut through the silence.“Your family…” she whispered, her voice cracking, “is the reason I’m in this condition, isn’t it?”Ivan’s eyes widened in shock, and he quickly shook his head. “No, Alysha,” he said, his voice desperate. “That’s not true.”But she didn’t seem to hear him, her pain pouring out like a dam that had finally burst. “I know, Ivan. I know. Everyone keeps telling me the same thing: Stay away from the Suegras. Stay away from you!” She pressed her hands against her chest, her tears falling faster. “And now, I can’t believe it—I gave birth to a child of a Suegra. A Suegra!”Ivan flinched as if she had struck him, her words cutting de
Arisha paused mid-step, her body tensing as Seraphina’s raised voice echoed down the hallway. She ducked behind a corner, her heart pounding. She didn’t want to eavesdrop, but something in Seraphina’s tone—sharp and mocking—compelled her to stay.“Where the hell are you?” Seraphina snarled, her phone pressed tightly against her ear. Her face was twisted with anger, her eyes blazing.Maximilian’s voice came through the line, faint but audible. “I’m at the Holland mansion. Why?”Seraphina’s lips curled into a sneer. “Do you know where your girlfriend Andrine is right now?” she hissed, her voice dripping with contempt.There was a pause, and then Maximilian replied, sounding bored. “She’s sleeping. In Holland Villa. Why are you—?”Seraphina’s laughter filled the hallway, cold and mocking. “You fool!” she jeered, her voice rising. “You’re too busy playing babysitter to that brainless Alora, and here the Rodriguez family has already whisked away your girlfriend from right under your nose.”
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
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