Helena sat in the opulent sitting room, her fingers pounding on the armrest of the velvet sofa as she gazed at the fireplace. Her mother, Lady Willow, stood on the other side of the room, her long dress swishing as she paced back and forth. They were debating a proposal that may transform their lives forever. After hours of deliberation, Helena was forced to accept that her mother was correct. They had a legitimate opportunity here. It all revolves on her ex-husband, Xander. Lady Willow proposed that Helena return to him, pretending to have changed her mind and wish to be with him again. Xander would be dumb to trust her, but they would exploit this to their advantage. Helena planned to steal Xander's powerful ring, a family heirloom said to bestow the owner incredible power. Helena's thoughts raced as Lady Willow paced. The plan was dangerous. However, the potential gain was too enormous to overlook. She could already envision their prestige and influence in the city if they owned

Xander's thoughts raced as he sat across from Ariel in the small, pleasant café. He realized he needed to make things right with Lina, and quickly. He saw the sorrow and wrath on her face when she found him holding Ariel earlier. He could only hope she would not abandon him over this. "I'm sorry, Ariel, but I really have to go now." Xander replied, pushing his chair back and standing up. He could feel the strain mounting in his chest as he prepared to chase Lina. "Oh my God, s'm so sorry, Xander." Ariel apologized hastily, reaching out to clasp Xander's hand. But there was no need for her apologies, even though it was the second she had given him difficulty before. Xander vividly remembered the first time, when Ariel's mother looked at him with contempt, believing he was forcing himself on her daughter. And now, at this café, Ariel's advances had cost Xander dearly yet again. Xander had only consented to meet with Ariel out of concern for her, unaware that it would lead to this. He

Lina's heart plummeted as she gazed at the man who was supposed to be her future husband. She stepped back in astonishment, attempting to distance herself from this stranger whom her father had chosen fit for her. Her expression showed shock and panic, with her eyes wide and mouth open. And as Lina struggled for words, Xander, who had been silent the entire time, felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. His beloved Lina, the lady with whom he had recently begun a relationship, was now being pushed to marry someone else. How could this happen? How could everything deteriorate so quickly?Xander's hands curled into fists as he battled to keep his wrath and irritation at bay. He knew he couldn't stop this, that Lina's fate had already been decided. The mayor and Mr James wielded considerable power in the city. But he couldn't stand by and watch her be coerced into a loveless marriage. As he looked at Lina's tear-stained face, Xander knew that this could be the moment he had been d

"Stay back, Helena," Xander advised her before leaving. But Helena had different plans. She couldn't let down her mother, Lady Willow. As soon as Xander passed the corner, she dashed away on her own errand. Helena arrived at the cafe quickly, as it was just around the corner. She threw open the glass door, the ringing of its little bell signalling her approach. Her gaze swiftly roamed the dimly lit room, landing on her mother, who sat alone at a little table in the corner. Helena approached Lady Willow without hesitation and took the seat across from her. Her mom's face brightened up as she saw her. "There she is." Lady Willow said, her voice full of pride and adoration. "The Golden Woman." "Hello, mother." Helena said, attempting to mask her tiredness. She had spent the entire time doing errands for Lady Willow, and she was starting to feel the weight of her mother's expectations on her shoulders. "Helena, how are things going?" Lady Willow inquired, leaning forward conspiratoria

A sneer curled at the edges of Xander's mouth as he met the Mayor's stare with steely determination. "You do not have three days, Mayor Sebastian." he stated. "What?" The Mayor's confusion was obvious. Xander swung the bat with all his strength in one rapid motion, catching the Mayor off guard and landing a heavy blow on his skull. The sound of the impact echoed throughout the yard as the Mayor collapsed to the ground, the bat still clenched tightly in Xander's fingers. As the astonished officers hurried to their fallen Mayor, it was as if time had stopped. All eyes were on Xander, incredulity written on their faces. His movements had been fast and decisive, catching everyone off guard.And at that moment, it was evident that nothing would stop Xander from fighting for the woman he loved.Gasps of surprise and fear echoed across the room as Xander stood over the fallen Mayor, his grip on the bat still firm. Lina, Xander's longtime friend and confidante, Lina was shocked. She could