After all, Ben was the Gatsby heir! Not just anyone got to say that.Vivian blushed, looking down shyly. “Thank you, Jackson,” she murmured, sneaking a glance at Ben. “And thank you, Ben, for standing by me. I… I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”Victoria seized the moment, her tone gentle but insistent.“Vivian, darling, you know how rare it is to find a man of Ben’s caliber. Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Ben is a true gentleman, with class, stability, and a good heart.” She turned her attention back to Ben, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Am I not right?”Ben smiled, though his mind was already dissecting Victoria’s intentions.He understood too well that she was merely pushing this marriage for her own gain. She saw him as a ticket to elevate the Howard name.However, he kept his expression neutral, his smile polite. “Mrs. Howard, it’s clear to me that Vivian deserves the best. She’s a kind, capable woman—someone who brings value to everything she’s involved
Ben settled into his chair with practiced grace. "I've finalized all the wedding preparations for next week.""Neckor Island," Ben announced, a slight smirk playing at his lips.Victoria frowned slightly."What makes it so special?"She had never heard of it.However, Vivian gasped audibly. "Did you just say... Neckor Island?" Her voice trembled with excitement. "The actual Neckor Island? The Grandest Island ever?""The very same," Ben confirmed, watching her reaction with calculated pleasure."Mother!" Vivian exclaimed, practically jumping from her seat. "How can you not know about Neckor Island?”“It's only the most prestigious wedding venue in the entire world!""Not just anyone can host their wedding there. It requires... certain qualifications.""The minimum cost for a wedding there is one billion dollars."Vivian explained with unspeakable joy, tears streaming down her face. "Indeed, and the richest man in the world, Terminator X himself owns Neckor Island," Ben interject
"Vivian," Ben began, leaning back with a satisfied grin, "that's one more surprise about our wedding day on Neckor Island."Vivian's eyes sparkled with excitement, ears ready.“As far as I know, Neckor Island is reopened specifically by Terminator X himself to host a speical private dinner.” Ben continued, pausing for dramatic effect, “and it’s on the same night as our wedding!”Vivian gasped, bringing her hand to her chest. "Terminator X? Hosting a dinner? Who could it possibly be for?""That's the mystery," Ben replied, his eyes narrowing in intrigue. "It's for a VIP—a person of such high importance that even Terminator X himself will personally welcome them."Vivian was astonished.What kind of mystery VIP could hold such power?!Her mind raced, her excitement bubbling over."Oh, Ben, this is incredible! Just imagine… what if we get to see them?"Ben chuckled, clearly savoring her reaction. "Well, I can’t guarantee we’ll meet this VIP, but at the very least, we’ll see Terminato
Ben emerged first, handing his keys to the valet before helping Vivian out with an exaggerated flourish. The moment she stepped onto the pavement, her designer heels clicking against marble, her eyes narrowed at Louis's figure."Oh my god, Ben, look who's here!" Vivian's voice dripped with theatrical disgust."The stalker himself!"Ben's arm wrapped possessively around her waist. "What a coincidence. Again.""Coincidence?" Vivian threw her head back with an exaggerated laugh. “No, Ben, you’re wrong. He’s definitely stalking me!”"First my brother, now me?” “You just can't help yourself, can you, Louis?"“Do you know how the word SHAMELESS spells?!”Louis shifted his takeout bag, his expression unchanging. “Which eye did you see me stalking you with?”“Can you stop being narcissistic?”Vivian glared at Louis with anger.“Oh, I see. You have the guts to do it, but not to admit it, right?”Louis glanced back at her indifferently, his expression cold."Believe what you want. I'm he
The lobby fell silent for a moment before Vivian burst into hysterical laughter, clutching Ben's arm for support.Her laughter echoed off the marble walls, drawing curious glances from other guests."Did you hear that, baby?" she wheezed between laughs. "He says he booked Lavish Oasis! The private suite reserved for Terminator X only!"Ben's lips curled into a smirk. "Maybe the delivery job comes with hallucinations.""You really are pathetic," Vivian wiped tears of mirth from her eyes, careful not to smudge her makeup. "First stalking me, now lying about booking Terminator X's private suite? Have you completely lost it?"“Why don’t you wee and check your reflection carefully? Do you think you can even afford the Lavish Oasis??”Vivian was enraged by Louis’s shamelessness and pretentiousness.Did Louis think she was a fool that would easily fall for his tricks?!Louis checked his watch, his face emotionless. "Whether I can afford it or not, is none of your business.""Fuck you, de
"The delusion is strong with this one," Ben smirked."Why would Terminator X tell YOU anything?" Vivian's voice rose with vicious glee. "You're nothing but a wannabe rich guy delivering takeout! God, this is pathetic even for you, Louis!"Louis remained silent, his mind drifting briefly to memories of Neckor Island.The pristine beaches, the exclusive villas, the private meetings..."What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Vivian preened, mistaking his silence for defeat. "Well, let me tell you something special again - my wedding will be held at Neckor Island. Yes, at the most prestigious wedding venue in the world!""And guess what?"She continued, practically bouncing with satisfaction."Terminator X will personally give us their blessing. That's right - while you're here making up stories about private suites, I'll be receiving a wedding gift from the wealthiest person in the world!"Louis's face remained impassive, which only fueled Vivian's aggressive triumph.Her eyes glittered
Louis exhaled deeply as Vivian and Ben's voices finally faded.He reached for his phone as it buzzed. The screen lit up with "Terminator X" calling."Hello?"“I hope I’m not interrupting your evening, Sir.”Louis raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. “Not at all. In fact, I was about to call you myself. I heard you’ll be on Neckor Island next week. I’m guessing it was meant to be a surprise?”There was a pause on the other end, followed by an awkward chuckle. “Indeed, Sir, you’re always one step ahead.” “I was planning a grand welcome, but now ... I suspect you’d rather I kept things simple?”“Spot on,” Louis replied with a slight smile. “I appreciate the gesture, but a low-key meeting is more my style.”“Consider it done, Sir.” Terminator X said respectfully.“And one more thing, Sir. Your ex-wife’s fiance had booked a wedding on Neckor Island a week later. Should I cancel it as a little ‘lesson’? It’d be no trouble at all.”“No need.”Louis shook his head. He didn’t want to was
“Haha, maybe we have met when we were kids and forgot all about it!”“You're so funny! Seriously though, talking to you feels so... familiar. Safe, somehow.”He smiled sadly at her words, wishing he could tell her everything – how she'd saved his life, how he'd carried that gratitude all these years.“That's one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me.”“You bring out the honest side in me. I can't explain it, but I'm so glad we're friends.”“Me too, Juliet.”As he typed those words, Louis made a silent promise to himself. He'd find a way to repay her kindness, even if she never knew the full story. Sometimes, he reflected, the best way to honor the past was to protect the present.The morning sun glinted off Necker Island's pristine dock as luxury yachts bobbed gently in the crystal-clear waters. Louis adjusted his casual linen shirt, taking in the extravagant wedding decorations that transformed the already stunning venue into something magical."Well, well, well. Look what
“You could have everything, Louis. You could have the power, the Heart. Everything your family has ever wanted. All you have to do is let go of your morals, your petty notions of revenge. Embrace your destiny.”Louis’s breath came in shallow gasps as he struggled to contain the torrent of emotions swirling inside him.Embrace my destiny...He shook his head, the weight of his anger threatening to crush him.“Your destiny,” The Seer continued, stepping closer.“Is to rule, to bring the Eternals back to their rightful place. Your mother was weak. You, Louis, have the strength to finish what she started. You can be the one to lead them.”Louis’s vision blurred with fury, his muscles coiling as he prepared to unleash his powers.They killed her. They destroyed everything. I will destroy them all.“NO!” Juliet’s voice cut through the tension.She stepped in front of Louis, her expression fierce.“You’re not like them, Louis. You don’t have to give in.”But the anger inside him was suffocat
“Focus, Louis,” Terminator X said, snapping him out of his thoughts.“We’ve got work to do.”As they approached the entrance, a surge of energy ran through Louis’s veins.His eyes glowed briefly as he sensed something shifting within the Citadel.There was a presence here, something ancient and malevolent.The gates of the Citadel groaned open as they neared, seemingly of their own accord.The darkened hallway beyond was lined with shadows that seemed to reach for them, pulling at their minds.“This place... it feels wrong,” Juliet whispered, her voice barely audible.Louis felt it too. The air was thick, oppressive.The Citadel was designed to break them down, to exploit their fears.They had no choice but to face it.“Stay close,” Louis warned, his voice steady despite the unease settling in his chest.They walked into the heart of the Citadel, every step echoing in the silent hall.The stone walls seemed to close in on them as the passage narrowed, and a low hum began to vibrate th
Juliet sighed, her shoulders slumping in frustration.“You’re both missing the point. This isn’t about proving anything. It’s about survival. Louis, if you keep pushing yourself like this, there won’t be anything left of you to fight with.”Before Louis could respond, a sharp beep echoed through the room.Juliet pulled out a small device from her pocket—a communicator linked to their hidden network.“What is it?” Terminator X asked, moving toward her.Juliet frowned as she read the message.“It’s from The Seer.”Louis’s breath caught, his heart pounding as Juliet read the message aloud.“‘Come to the Shadow Citadel, Louis. Face your destiny. Or run, and let your mother’s death mean nothing.’” Juliet’s voice wavered as she finished.Silence fell over the room, the weight of the challenge pressing down on all of them.Louis closed his eyes, his jaw tightening.“It’s a trap.”“Of course, it’s a trap,” Juliet snapped.“And walking into it would be suicide.”“Maybe,” Louis said, his voice
Louis opened his eyes, and said," I won't do anything mom." He shook his head, and exhaled a deep breath."I won't let you go inside me, Seer." Louis snapped at her.Suddenly, he saw these visions provide critical clues about the true location of the Eternals’ central command—a hidden fortress known as the Shadow Citadel. The Heart of the Eternals pulsed faintly beneath his shirt, each throb sending waves of doubt through his already fragile mind.“It’s the Shadow Citadel,” Louis muttered, lifting his gaze. His voice was hoarse, his eyes distant.“The visions keep showing me... it’s there. Everything leads back to that fortress.”Juliet stood by the window, arms crossed, her jaw tight.“And you trust these visions?” she snapped.“How do you know they’re not just another way for The Seer to manipulate you?”Louis’s hands clenched into fists.“I don’t. But it’s all we have.”“No,” Juliet countered, turning to face him fully.“What we have is a choice. You’re letting this Heart consume
Juliet’s voice, distant but clear, cut through the storm of his thoughts."Louis, please. Don’t let her control you. This is what she wants."But Louis couldn’t hear her.All he could hear was the voice of the Heart, the whisper of revenge.End them, Louis. End your family.He took a step forward, his mind clouded by the overwhelming desire for vengeance.His teeth gritted together as the markings on his skin blazed with a bright, dangerous light.The Seer stepped back, watching with an eerie calmness as Louis’s power grew.“This is what you want, isn’t it?” she whispered, her words seductive, coaxing him closer.“Revenge. The Heart will give you everything you need. Power, control... your family’s destruction.”Louis’s eyes flickered with a dark, violent determination.They deserve this, he thought. They deserve to burn.Juliet, still chained and watching from the corner of the room, screamed, her voice filled with desperation.“Louis, please, don’t do this. Don’t become like them. Y
Louis’s heart pounded in his chest as the weight of her words sank in.His mother... the woman who had always been his guiding light, the one person he trusted unconditionally... was dead.Because of his own family.“You’re lying,” Louis growled, his voice strained as he stepped forward, glaring at The Seer.“My father—my family—they couldn’t have...”The Seer smirked, taking a step closer.“You think your father was a noble man? You think your family cared for anything but their own gain?They saw your mother as a threat, Louis.She was the one thing that stood between them and total control over the Eternals.They couldn’t allow her to remain alive.”Louis’s hands clenched into fists, his mind reeling.He remembered the last time he’d spoken to his father—how the man had claimed everything was for the family’s good.That his mother had chosen to leave them behind, to make sacrifices for their future.It was all a lie.A carefully crafted lie to hide their treachery.His own blood, h
Louis stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the locket still clutched in his hand.The weight of the truth was pressing down on him, each word The Seer spoke sinking into his chest like a stone."The Heart chooses its own."His mother's handwriting.The betrayal. The life he had built—shattered in an instant."Louis," Juliet said softly, her voice filled with both worry and determination.She stepped closer to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. "You can’t trust her. She’s manipulating you. We’ll find another way—"Louis shook his head, cutting her off.His eyes were steely, the desperation for answers still burning deep within him.“I don’t know what to believe anymore, Juliet. But I have to know the truth.”The Seer observed them both with a calm, unblinking gaze, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.“Wise decision,” she said, her tone smooth like honey.“The truth is exactly what I’m offering you, Louis. But you must first understand the scope of what’s at stake.”
Louis’s eyes never left The Seer as she stepped forward, her expression inscrutable.The air around him crackled with tension, and the Heart pulsed within his chest, the force throbbing like a living thing.He had unleashed a display of power mere moments ago, and now, as he stood trembling, the weight of the moment pressed down on him.Juliet’s voice was urgent, her hands gripping his arm tightly.“Louis, don’t listen to her,” she pleaded.“This is just another trick.”Louis’s eyes flicked toward her, the red glow in his irises dimming slightly.His chest rose and fell sharply as he locked eyes with The Seer again.The Seer’s lips curled into a smirk, her tone dripping with confidence.“You don’t believe me?” she said, taking a step closer. “Then let me show you.”She raised her hand, and a small, velvet-lined box appeared in her palm.With a flick of her wrist, she opened it, revealing an object that made Louis’s chest tighten.Inside lay a locket, tarnished with age but undeniably
Summoning the last of his strength, Louis reached out, feeling the pull of the Heart once more.The power surged through him—wild, uncontrollable, and blinding.He could feel his body breaking, but he didn’t care.He had to save her.Louis stood in the heart of the ritual chamber, his body trembling with the strain of the power coursing through him.The Heart pulsed violently within his chest, its force overwhelming.His body felt like it was on the edge of breaking, but he didn’t care.Not now.Not when Juliet was in chains before him.“Louis!” Juliet cried, her voice weak, but filled with undeniable fear.The cultists, who had been chanting around her, froze as Louis stepped forward.His eyes were wild, the red glow of the Heart reflecting off the stone walls.He had already broken through the first line of defense, sending two of the cultists sprawling across the floor, their bodies burned by the intense energy he was releasing.“Get away from her!” Louis growled, his voice low and