Adam had dealt with the Deadskull for years, he knew they were sneaky, that was why he told Blitz and Hammer to look around the premises earlier before he approached them. And he earlier got a report that they had taken down ten snipers, which made Adam believe all Viper's snipers were gone.Viper’s smile twisted into something malicious. “Even without snipers, thirty men are more than enough to handle you, these are no ordinary warriors, but elites from the Deadskull. Do you really think you’ll leave this place alive?”Adam’s lips curled into a faint, mocking grin. “You’ll have to do better than that, Viper.”Viper’s patience snapped. “Take him down!” he roared, charging forward with a dagger drawn.The Dead Skull members surged toward Adam, but he didn’t flinch. As Viper’s blade slashed toward him, Adam sidestepped effortlessly. In one swift motion, he countered with a crushing punch that connected with Viper’s ribs. The force of the blow sent Viper flying across the cave, his dagge
In the Armand Mansion, the family gathered around the large dining table for breakfast, their voices animated as they discussed the final arrangements for Tessa’s wedding. The air was thick with excitement, but for Tessa, every word felt like a weight dragging her deeper into despair.Her mother, Eleanor Armand, gestured toward a floral arrangement on the table. “The gardenias should arrive today. Make sure they’re placed near the aisle.”Her grandfather, Gerald Armand, nodded approvingly. “And Ethan’s family will arrive this evening. Everything must go perfectly tomorrow.”Tessa pushed her food around on her plate, her appetite nonexistent. They talked about her wedding like it was a business deal—and in many ways, it was.She had tried to explain that she wasn’t ready, that marriage to Ethan wasn’t what she wanted. But they refused to listen. For the Armand family, she was merely a pawn in their game of alliances. If this was the price to pay for peace in the family, Tessa had no ch
Adam stared at Tessa, his expression unreadable. "How do you know it’s mine?"Tessa’s face twisted with fury, her hands clenched into fists. “How dare you ask me that?” she hissed. “You think I sleep around?”Adam stayed silent, unsure how to respond to her sudden outburst.Tears welled up in Tessa’s eyes. “You were the only one. I was a virgin before that night… and you—” Her voice broke as she fought back a sob. “You’re the only man who’s ever touched me.”Adam’s expression softened as guilt washed over him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult you."She turned away, wiping her tears. Adam stepped closer, his tone gentle. "Listen, I can take care of you. I have money, more than enough to—”"Shut up!" Tessa snapped, her voice filled with frustration. "Stop boasting about your stupid money."Adam froze, stunned by her reaction. “You don’t get it, do you?” she said bitterly. “I’m Tessa Armand—the heiress of the Armand family. If they find out I’m pregnant with a stranger’s child…” She
Adam’s expression turned to one of disbelief. “Married? Just like that?”“Why not? It’s simple. You need a way out of your current life, and I need to secure my future. Plus, you’ll be the father of my child,” Tessa said, her tone matter-of-fact.Adam smirked, intrigued by her boldness. “So, I’m just a tool for you to avoid a scandal?”“Pretty much,” she replied, unfazed. “But think about it, Adam. You wouldn’t have to struggle anymore. You’d have everything—a wife, a family, a comfortable life. I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”He leaned forward, a mix of amusement and contemplation in his eyes. “And why would I accept such an offer? What’s in it for me?”Tessa rolled her eyes, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “You’re not as stupid as you look. I’m not some damsel in distress. I know what I want, and I know how to get it. Marrying me is your best option.”“Are you sure you want to marry a ‘poor man’?” Adam teased, leaning back again.Her eyes narrowed. “I see potent
They made their way to Tessa’s luxurious mansion, pulling up in front of the grand entrance.“Honey, is this your house?” Adam asked, looking around in awe.Tessa nodded. “I haven’t stayed here much since buying it, but I’ll be living here more often now.”“Where’s the bedroom?” he asked, glancing at the expansive layout.Tessa sat down on a plush couch, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Even with a marriage certificate in hand, she knew her family would not accept this arrangement easily. Trouble was surely on the horizon.Adam wandered through the house, checking the two bedrooms on the first floor. After confirming they were empty, he returned. “Tessa, where’s your room?”Tessa’s guard shot up. “Why do you want to know?”“Come on, now that we’re married, we’ll be sharing a space. You won’t have to be alone anymore,” Adam said with a charming grin.“You’re overthinking this,” Tessa said, her tone even. “I married you out of necessity, so we need to establish a clear
Tessa glared at him, her anger sharp. But there was also frustration—this wasn’t going how she planned.After a moment, her shoulders slumped slightly as she muttered, “Today was supposed to be my wedding day with someone else. I just wanted to avoid that marriage.”Adam’s eyes darkened with suspicion, his grip tightening slightly. “So that’s why you ran off to marry me,” he said slowly, a thought forming. “You must have gotten pregnant by another man, and now you’re using me to cover it up.”Tessa’s fury erupted. “Don’t be ridiculous! You’re the only one I’ve ever been with,” she snapped, shoving him off with all her strength.Adam’s gaze softened, though skepticism lingered. “Fine. Give me your hand,” he said.Tessa narrowed her eyes, but extended her arm without hesitation. She knew Adam’s abilities were no joke, and there was no hiding from his skill.He pressed his fingers to her wrist, closing his eyes as he focused. After a moment, Adam smirked. “You’re not pregnant.”Tessa bli
A stunned silence followed.Eleanor’s face turned scarlet with fury. “Married? You can’t be serious!” She whirled toward Ethan’s family. “Please forgive us—this is nothing but a childish act of rebellion!”Cassandra, Ethan’s mother, offered a tight smile, her voice cool. “We understand wedding nerves, Tessa. But this stunt? It’s disrespectful.”Tessa met their gazes without flinching. “This isn’t a stunt. The marriage is real.”Ethan’s face twisted in rage. “Why would you do this, Tessa? Why him?”Her grip on Adam’s arm tightened. “Because I chose him. And there’s nothing anyone can do about it.”Adam’s grin widened as he leaned in slightly, locking eyes with Ethan. “Don’t worry, Ethan. I’ll take good care of her.”“We're not acting. We just got married,” Tessa said, her voice unwavering despite the chaos unfolding.“Do you expect us to believe that nonsense?” Eleanor scoffed, her eyes narrowing with disbelief.Tessa, clearly done with the back-and-forth, pulled the marriage certifica
Tessa’s lips quivered, but she fought back her tears. Her gaze swept the room, filled with the faces of those who had shaped her life—now distorted by anger and betrayal.Taking a deep breath, she made her stand. “Grandpa, Dad, Mom… please, I’m begging you. I can’t divorce him. Not now. Not when I’m already carrying his child.”The room went completely still, as if her words had drained the air from the space.“What?” Eleanor whispered in disbelief, her hand flying to her chest as if her heart might give out.“No… No! This can’t be true!” Ethan’s voice cracked with rage, his body trembling with the intensity of his emotions.He stared at Tessa as if she had betrayed him on the deepest level. “You’ve been with him all along?” Ethan’s fury boiled over, his fists clenching by his sides. “How could you do this to me, Tessa?”Eleanor's voice trembled with disbelief. “How could you say such a thing? You’re not that kind of girl. How could you ruin yourself like this?”“You’re lying,” Tessa’