Semua Bab Stealing My Sister's Fiancee: Bab 41 - Bab 50

The ticking of a clock echoed in the dark room. It was slow initially, then faster and louder as if counting down to something dreadful. I stood in the middle of a long, unfamiliar hallway—its walls dull gray, its floor made of old wooden planks that creaked beneath my steps. The dim light from a flickering chandelier illuminated the path ahead, casting long shadows that seemed to move at the edge of my vision. I didn’t know why I was here. I didn’t know where I was supposed to go. But my feet kept moving forward, even though something inside me screamed to turn back and run. Then I saw it. A drop of blood. Dripping from the ceiling. Landing on the back of my hand. I swallowed hard and slowly lifted my face. Someone was there. Hanging from the ceiling. I held my breath. Dylan. His eyes were empty, his lips parted like trying to say something, but no sound came out. Blood dripped from the gaping wound on his neck, falling slowly, forming a crimson pool on the wooden floor

The morning was still too quiet when I opened my eyes. The air in the room felt warm, mingled with the scent of wood, sea salt, and something deeper—more familiar. Aaric. I didn't need to turn around to know he was still there. His strong arm wrapped tightly around my waist, his warm body pressed against my back, and his steady breath brushed against my nape in an almost hypnotic rhythm. I bit my lip, suppressing the anxiety that began to well up in my chest. This shouldn't have happened. I took a deep breath, letting my eyes drift to the large glass window that faced the sea. The sun was still halfway up the horizon, casting a golden shimmer that danced slowly on the calm waves. The beach in the morning always gave me a sense of peace. Or at least, it usually did. But not this morning. This morning, I woke up naked, trapped in the embrace of a man who shouldn't be here. A man I once loved. A man who was now not just dangerous—but also... Mellan's fiancé. My chest grew

The restaurant is located on the beach, with dimly lit lamps reflecting softly off the sea's surface. The night air carried the salty scent of the ocean, mingling with the fragrant spices of the dishes served on the white linen-covered tables.I sat back in my chair, still trying to digest how we had gotten to this place. I knew Aaric never half-assed anything, but this restaurant—with its strict guest list, waiters who moved almost silently, and exclusive, suffocating atmosphere—was completely beyond my expectations.And even more astonishingly, when we walked in, no one stopped us. No one asked for a reservation. No one dared to speak before Aaric stepped through the door.Instead, the restaurant manager himself greeted us, opening the way with a slight bow of the head as if Aaric were someone more influential than the place's owner.I don't know if that made me more impressed... or more horrified.As we arrived at the table, I prepared to pull out my own chair, but Aaric had alread

Los Angeles in the afternoon always feels different. The golden sunlight strikes the glass windows of the skyscrapers, creating dazzling reflections on the busy streets. The air is still warm from the midday heat, but the breeze blowing in from the beach brings a pleasant coolness.I had just finished shooting and was now sitting at my dressing table in my old penthouse, wearing a silk kimono while checking my phone. Aaric hadn’t returned from New York yet, which meant I still had my freedom.Marcus Blackwood's name was listed in the last call.I leaned my head back, recalling our brief conversation earlier.“I’m attending a dinner party tonight, and I’d be delighted if you’d join me.”Marcus sounded as usual—calm, polite, and without pressure. Unlike Aaric’s invitations, which always felt like veiled commands, Marcus was merely inviting me, giving me the option to refuse if I wanted.But I didn’t refuse.Maybe it was part of me that wanted to prove I could still make my own choices.

Aaric didn’t give me a chance to refuse. His hand gripped my wrist, not too tight, but firm enough to make sure I couldn’t pull away. Before I could utter a single word, he was already leading me toward his car, a black vehicle that now felt like a trap.The car door opened, and in one swift motion, he pushed me inside with the confidence of a man who knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere. I could have protested, I could have resisted, but I didn’t. My fingers clenched the hem of my dress as Aaric shut the door beside me, then moved to the other side and slid into the driver’s seat.As soon as the engine roared to life and the car started moving, I bit my lip, trying to suppress the unease creeping up my chest. All I wanted was to go back to my old penthouse, not to the grand house I now shared with him, a house that was never supposed to be mine.But Aaric had other plans.The silence inside the car felt like a short fuse ready to ignite at any moment. I could sense Aaric’s gaze from the