Anastasia had just left Alex’s apartment, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. She had been trying to reach him all day, but her calls went unanswered. What if something had happened to him? Each ring felt like an eternity, and with every passing moment, her anxiety grew. She was desperate to hear his voice, to know his whereabouts, and to assure herself that he was safe.Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. Hope surged as she glanced at the screen, but her heart sank when she saw the name. “Emmanuella?” she muttered, disappointment washing over her.Emmanuella had a knack for calling at the most inconvenient times, and Anastasia couldn't shake the feeling that this call would only add to her stress. The last time they spoke had been before that disastrous gathering when that arrogant jerk embarrassed her and her boyfriend in front of everyone. If this was about another get-together, she was ready to turn it down flat.“Hey!” she answered, forcing a cheerful
Jackson was the type of guy who thrived on violence. Each act of aggression ignited a primal urge within him, a craving that twisted into something darker. The thrill of anticipation made his blood race, and he could feel himself responding, his body betraying him with an undeniable rise. He was electrified by the prospect of dominating someone, and today, that someone was Anastasia.“I will find you, and today, I will have a taste of you.” Jackson sang these words in an awkward melody, the sound bubbling into wicked laughter that echoed through the apartment. His voice filled the silence, a sinister serenade that underscored his twisted intentions.The outline of his hardening member was visible through his trousers, even if no one else was paying attention to it. He strolled around the living room, his footsteps slow and deliberate, as if savoring every moment of the hunt.He knew Anastasia was hiding in the bedroom, having locked the door behind her, but the thrill of pretending to
Alex had not moved a muscle. Nevertheless, his eyes darted dangerously at Jackson, who stood before him with a sinister grin. He recognized him instantly—the same man who had tried to rape his girlfriend in the hotel just days ago. This was also the same man her family wanted her to marry by all means. He locked his gaze on Jackson, fully aware that the son of a bitch was a psychopath. He knew he had to think carefully before making a move; any miscalculation could put Anastasia in serious danger, and he didn’t want that.In that moment, Alex felt the energy from his ring surging through him. He knew his strength was heightened; it coursed through his veins, empowering him. But with that power came a warning: if he decided to confront this psycho, the psycho could end up severely injured. Even so, he didn’t care about the consequences of his heightened energy; all he wanted was to save Anastasia from this monster.“I say, fuck off, you!” Jackson yelled again, shoving Anastasia agains
Just as Alex lifted the plank high above his head, poised to strike, Jackson's heart lurched. Paralyzed with fear, he braced himself for the agonizing blow. But then—nothing. His body trembled as he realized the impact never came. Alex had deliberately missed, the plank grazing just inches from Jackson’s vulnerable spot.Alex’s lips curled into a dark smile, his cold eyes glinting as he stood tall, towering over Jackson. “The police are on their way,” Alex announced, his voice calm, almost mocking. He flicked his fingers against Jackson’s forehead, the gesture dismissive, like swatting a fly. Jackson crumpled further, helpless, powerless beneath the weight of Alex's presence.Alex strode toward the living room, his steps echoing ominously in the air. He was in control. He didn’t need to say more; Jackson’s defeat was already etched on the floor beneath him. When Anastasia saw Alex enter the living room, relief flooded her face. She rushed into his arms, clinging to him like a lifeline.
Commissioner Johnson was a man who had never accepted any unlawful money. He prided himself on his integrity and took his responsibilities seriously, never compromising the high standards of his position. Over the years, many had tried to sway him, but none had succeeded. To him, upholding justice was not just a job—it was a duty he carried on his shoulders with unwavering commitment.When the phone rang that afternoon, and Mrs. Nexera’s voice filled the receiver, Johnson wasn’t surprised by her attempt to offer him something under the table. It wasn’t the first time someone had tried to influence him with promises of favors or money, and it wouldn’t be the last. Hearing what she proposed made him smirk, just like the others who had tried before her. She was desperate, like many who had crossed his path.“Are you offering me a bribe, Mrs. Nexera?” His voice remained calm, though the hint of amusement in his tone was unmistakable. He knew the type—polite, elegant, trying to disguise co
Alex could feel their eyes on him, wide with shock and disbelief, as though they were seeing a ghost. Even Anastasia, who already knew the truth, seemed momentarily stunned, as though hearing it anew made the reality sink in on a different level. He saw her eyes flicker with both surprise and awe, her expression mirroring the astonishment that gripped the others.“What did you say?” Mr. Stewart’s voice finally broke the silence, and Alex could tell he hadn’t fully processed it. He decided to speak more clearly, perhaps louder, allowing the weight of his words to fill the room as he laid out the story behind his identity, each word drawing gasps from his stunned audience.With every revelation, Mr. Stewart and Juliet’s faces softened from initial shock to something much closer to remorse. It was dawning on them just how much they had underestimated Alex. A heaviness seemed to settle over both of them as they finally grasped who Alex truly was.“You’re really Sebastian Carter’s heir?” M
Everything that had just happened still felt like a dream. Even after Anastasia and Alex had left the celebration, they still couldn’t contain their joy.First, they imagined how they would start living their lives from now on. Nancy, who once controlled every move of the company, would now be scrambling to contact them. She would call repeatedly, begging them to save the company from its impending downfall.They shared a smirk. “Please, Juliet,” they both began, imitating Nancy’s frantic voice, “you know you’re my daughter. I raised you with my own hands; come through for your family now, or else you’re doomed!” They burst out laughing, the tension melting away in shared humor.Next, they imagined the oncoming flood of requests from other companies, desperate to partner with them now that they had sealed a deal with Sebastian Southlake. After years of struggling for recognition, they could finally envision a future filled with growth and success. Their minds raced with possibilities,
Anastasia stepped closer to him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. She tilted him slightly toward the window, wanting to get more light on his back so she could see the injury clearly. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the jagged wound."It looks deep, almost like something clawed at you. And it’s fresh. Did Jackson hurt you yesterday, Alex?"Her voice held a quiet worry that tugged at Alex’s heart. But he wasn’t ready to tell her about the dream—not yet. The nightmares had shaken him, blurring the line between dream and reality. The horror of it had somehow spilled over into the real world, leaving him with this wound. He couldn’t tell Anastasia until he understood it himself.Instead, he glanced down at the ring on his finger, studying it in silence. After a few moments, he looked back at her, offering a reassuring smile to ease her concern.“I’ll go see a doctor this morning. But let’s have breakfast first,” he said softly, trying to calm her with his tone.Anastasia held his
The day before, Daniel had meticulously planned every detail. He had ordered a specific set of glassware, ensuring they were delivered directly to his chemist contact. "If anything goes wrong, the hooker can take the fall for it," he had concluded smugly, sharing his plan with Nancy.Nancy, as calculating as ever, nodded in agreement. “Let’s make sure this is foolproof. The less we leave to chance, the better.”Now, as the commotion unfolded in the house, Nancy’s smirk betrayed her satisfaction. Everything was falling into place. She pulled out her phone and dialed 911, her tone dripping with urgency.“Hello? Yes, there’s been an attempted murder. I think I know who did it,” she said, casting a sharp glance toward Veronica, who was nervously pacing in a far corner of the house.Before hanging up, Nancy made sure to add, “Please hurry. The suspect might try to flee.” She snapped her phone shut and turned to her other grandchildren, her voice sharp and commanding.“Make sure she doesn’t
Daniel stood by the upstairs window, a glass of wine in hand, his gaze fixed on Alex, Anastasia, and Antony outside. His posture was casual, but his smirk betrayed the calculated mind of a man waiting for chaos to unfold.He swirled the wine before taking a deep gulp. “I should have known he couldn’t pull it off,” he muttered under his breath.A sudden shout from below caught his attention. “Fuck!” The voice carried up through the house.Daniel smirked again, his amusement turning to irritation as he overheard their heated exchange. “That idiot just keeps running his mouth,” he said aloud, his voice laced with disdain.Moments later, he saw Alex leave the group and head toward the house. Daniel stepped back from the window, his smirk deepening.The house was eerily silent. The partygoers were all outside, basking in the perfect night, oblivious to the brewing storm.“Daniel!” Alex’s voice echoed through the empty halls as he entered.Daniel didn’t respond. The house was vast, a maze o
Inside the boutique, she stepped out of the changing room, her reflection in the mirror catching her eye. The dress hugged her body in all the right places, the rich fabric gleaming under the soft lights. She took a deep breath, adjusting the neckline before stepping out.Daniel, lounging on a stool, barely glanced up at first. His fingers tapped rhythmically on his phone, scrolling through his feed. But as the click of her heels echoed across the tiled floor, his attention snapped to her. His eyes widened, and he slowly set his phone down on the counter.“Wow,” he murmured, rising to his feet. His gaze traveled from her head to toe, lingering appreciatively. “That dress—it’s perfect. You look incredible.”She twirled lightly, letting the hem of the dress flare out. “You think so?” she asked coyly, her lips curling into a small, teasing smile.“Think so?” Daniel took a step closer, his voice lowering. “You look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine.”His words made her cheek
Daniel cleared his throat, the weight of his words pressing down on him. “I have a confession.” His face shifted into a sombre expression, the gravity of what he was about to say consuming him. He wanted them to believe him, to take him seriously.“Now that our family has united once more,” he continued, pausing for a brief moment as he scanned the faces in the room, “I believe it’s time I come clean to us all.”He bowed slightly, as though remorse for a long-hidden truth overwhelmed him. A silence filled the room. No one spoke. The family members exchanged confused, questioning looks, and for a long beat, no one moved.Then, finally, Daniel spoke again, his voice filled with finality. “I am married.” The words hung in the air like a bomb, detonating a sharp, collective gasp that reverberated throughout the room.“What?” Everyone exclaimed at once, their voices full of disbelief.Daniel was old enough to be married, but everyone knew him as the man who never took relationships serious
Discussing the plan with Nancy, her eyes widened with excitement. “Let’s do it!” she said firmly to Daniel. They exchanged cunning smirks, their resolve evident. Without wasting any time, Nancy picked up her phone and dialled Juliet’s number. “My child,” Nancy began, her voice soft and deliberate, “I need to apologise to everyone—please come to the family villa this evening. Bring your daughter and her husband. I must apologise to them in person.” Her voice trembled, a masterful performance of guilt and sincerity. “Mother, are you serious?” Juliet asked, her tone cautious. “Yes, Juliet. I’ve wronged too many people, and it’s time I made amends,” Nancy replied, her voice almost cracking with emotion. “Alright, Mother. We’ll be there,” Juliet agreed, though scepticism lingered in her voice. Nancy ended the call and turned to Daniel. “Everything is set. Make sure the house is ready. By the end of tonight, the pieces will be where we need them.” Daniel nodded, a sly grin spreading
The first light of morning came like an unwelcome friend. Daniel had not slept throughout the night. He sat in his home bar, thinking about what to say to Antony to convince him to return to Anastasia’s life.He knew that, back in the day, Anastasia was the first to like Antony. Antony, on the other hand, genuinely loved Anastasia. But due to reasons far beyond their control, they could not have a relationship. So convincing him to do something ill-minded against Anastasia might be hard.“What if I told him Anastasia confessed to me again? Though she is married, she wanted out of her marriage?” he thought to himself, then shook his head.“That won’t work!” he muttered, knowing full well that Antony, though unmarried, respected the sanctity of marriage and wouldn’t want to be the devil that destroyed one.Daniel gulped down his glass of wine suddenly. He slowly paced to the glassy wall and stared at the view of the city.“This is harder than I thought,” he said to himself.Suddenly, hi
The atmosphere in the car was suffocating, thick with tension and unspoken grievances.Daniel stared out the window, his face stony, while Nancy kept her gaze fixed ahead, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line. Beside her, Juliet shifted uncomfortably, casting furtive glances between her mother and Daniel. Anastasia’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles pale against the dark leather.It was silence that screamed. The hum of the engine felt louder than it should, each second stretching unbearably.Finally, Nancy broke the stillness, her voice sharp and laced with disdain. “Are you sure that... poor thing is the president of Sebastian Southlake Corporation?”Anastasia’s grip tightened further, her nails pressing into her palms. The disrespect in Nancy’s tone was a match dangerously close to a powder keg. Anastasia inhaled sharply, her voice bristling with suppressed anger. “You won’t—”“Yes, Mother. He is.” Juliet’s voice sliced through the growing tension,
The urgency in the redhead’s voice stopped Alex in his tracks. Behind him, Anastasia, Johnson, and Juliet halted as well, exchanging cautious glances but staying silent.“Do you promise to get me out of the country?” the redhead pressed, her voice trembling. “Do you promise to keep me alive?”Alex turned slowly, his expression unreadable. Instead of answering, he approached her cell with deliberate steps, the faint echo of his shoes against the cement filling the tense silence. The cold, dimly lit corridor smelled of damp stone and metal, oppressive in its weight.He knelt before the iron bars, gripping one tightly. His knuckles whitened, but his voice was calm. “I’m Alexander Sebastian, president of the Sebastian Southlake Corporation. I have money, influence, and power that extend far beyond this country. If you cooperate and tell me what I need to know, I can ensure your safety.”The redhead hesitated. Her fingers hovered over the bars, then curled around them as if seeking stabilit
Anastasia, Alex, Johnson, and Juliet walked through the cold, sterile hallways of the police station, their faces a mix of determination and unease. They demanded to speak with Nancy and Daniel.The officer on duty hesitated before leading them to the holding cells. The clang of keys echoed, the doors groaning open to reveal Nancy and Daniel sitting on separate benches, eyes full of disdain. Neither rose to greet their visitors.Juliet was the first to speak, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and heartbreak. She gripped the bars of Nancy's cell tightly. "Mum?" she called softly, her voice cracking. "Why’d you do it?" Her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, locked with Nancy’s, pleading for an answer.Nancy turned her head away, her response nothing more than a groan of indifference.“Mum, please!" Juliet pressed, her voice cracking. "We’re here to help you. Just... tell us why."Nancy said nothing, her stubborn silence sharper than any words.Johnson, stepped forward, resting a cal