
The cold breeze swept through the entire harbor area, quiet and deserted except for the roaring wind and the sound of waves lapping at the edge of the pier.
The bustling port, usually crowded, was suddenly closed off completely due to the presence of someone very important in the country. Ships that were docked were shifted to the reserve dock, leaving many people wondering who the significant figure arriving at the harbor might be.Not long after, an aircraft carrier finally docked. Unlike other military aircraft carriers, this one wasn't filled with soldiers, and even when the ship reached the edge of the pier, there was no visible military activity.Meanwhile, inside the ship, "Sir, we've arrived," said a female major named Cleo to a man who had been sitting at the stern of the ship.There was no response, but the man in front of her promptly stood up from his seat.With firm strides, the man in a black robe adorned with golden patterns and a red emblem on the front of his shirt descended from the ship. A specially plated car was already waiting for them below, with no escort except for a man in all-black attire who had been the driver waiting there.With a cold and unfriendly expression, they continued walking. The Warlord known as The Red Eagle, whose real name was Brown, but everyone called him Father. Right below, Cleo quickly took the keys and opened the vehicle's door for Brown.After ensuring Brown was seated calmly and comfortably, Cleo quickly got into the driver's seat and sped off in the luxurious black vehicle, leaving the harbor behind. Meanwhile, about 1 km away, a number of intelligence officers and snipers were stationed to guard the warlord throughout his visit."Are we going to see your wife soon?" Cleo asked with a speculative expression as she glanced at Brown sitting in the back seat through the rearview mirror of the car she was driving.Brown looked sharply, then averted his gaze to the right where a row of palm trees adorned the streets of Hielux city.Cleo, who had been with Brown for the past 2 years, had become familiar with and understood Brown's character, despite the fact that he never spoke a word."Bougenvil Street 5, number 15." Cleo navigated the GPS system in the luxurious car to provide the fastest route to an address.Meanwhile, in the back seat, Brown appeared increasingly restless and anxious. How could he not be? On his important journey to Zanadia Island, Brown had to change his travel plans after receiving a message from the intelligence he sent to watch over his family in Hielux city.News of Clara, his wife's engagement, made Brown very anxious and distraught. He realized that leaving his wife on their second day of marriage had caused her anxiety, wondering if it would all come back to haunt him. And now, news of Clara's engagement had truly thrown him into a frenzy, shattering his concentration and diverting his focus since he received the news last night.Therefore, Brown decided to immediately visit his wife's extended family, even though he still had a number of tasks to attend to."We've arrived," Cleo said, pulling over her car at a corner of the park on the edge of the residential complex, somewhat shielded from the direction of the large yard of a house.Brown stepped out of the car, and Cleo immediately greeted him, helping him take off his ceremonial robe. "I've prepared a shirt and simple clothes for you to wear. Get changed now," Cleo said to Brown, who promptly obeyed.Everyone knew about Cleo's closeness to the warlord. In the past 2 years since they were brought together at the border of Gornia and Bardiez, Cleo and Brown had become inseparable. The beautiful woman, a two-star mayor, was the only person Brown trusted to accompany him wherever he went.The outbreak of conflict at the border, which transformed Brown into a warlord, was a reality unknown to Clara, his wife whom he abandoned 5 years ago.Despite secretly keeping an eye on his wife's family by ensuring intelligence watched over them and ensured their well-being, Clara never knew that the prosperity enjoyed by her family during the war was thanks to Brown's intervention."Isn't this the useless man named Brown?" Alex's greeting immediately caused several guests at the party to glance at Brown."What are you doing here? How dare you show your face in this place again?" The insult from his father-in-law, who approached him, rang out loudly. "I came to take Clara away," Brown said, continuing to walk through the guests towards the front where Clara was standing with a man he didn't recognize."You worthless man, how dare you come here! Leave or I will make you regret it, you will feel ashamed for the rest of your life! You poor excuse for a man!" Jack said contemptuously.Brown's steps came to an immediate halt, his emotions escalating especially after hearing Jack's last sentence calling him a poor man."I came to pick her up, I don't want to cause any trouble!" Brown said, continuing his steps."I'm sorry, but you should reflect on yourself first. Are you worthy of Clara or not?" Alex said sternly, blocking Brown's path.The tension between the two men grew, making the situation at the engagement event extremely chaotic and uncontrollable. Some guests began to speculate on what would happen next, especially after learning the identity of Brown, the man who had previously abandoned Clara."Why did you come back, Brown?" This time, a soft voice sounded in Brown's ear, immediately sending a strange sensation throughout his body.Brown turned to see Clara approaching from his right side, looking beautiful and graceful in a simple yet fitting dress on her proportionate body."Tell me, why did you come back after leaving so abruptly on our third day of marriage?" Clara's gentle voice was heard again, but the sharpness of her hatred-filled gaze towards Brown this time easily pierced the king of war's heart.The beloved face he longed for was now staring at him, demanding an explanation for what had happened to her once.Somehow, behind Clara's serene and gentle voice, it felt like hundreds of bullets piercing his body, leaving the Warlord standing there, powerless, under the hateful gaze of the woman he loved dearly.Related Chapters
The King of War Powerful Return Honesty
Brown stood there, paralyzed by Clara's piercing gaze and the weight of her words. Memories flooded back to him, the pain of leaving her on their third day of marriage, the guilt of abandoning her without explanation. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. How could he explain the turmoil within him, the decisions he made as the Warlord, and the fear that consumed him upon hearing of her engagement?Clara's eyes softened slightly, a glimmer of hurt and betrayal still lingering beneath the surface. "I waited for you, Brown. But you never returned. You left me alone, without a word. Do you know how much that hurt?" Her voice trembled with emotion, the pain of abandonment raw and palpable.Brown's chest tightened with anguish, regret washing over him like a tidal wave. He wanted to reach out to her, to hold her close and beg for forgiveness. But he knew deep down that he couldn't erase the past, couldn't undo the pain he had caused."I'm sorry, Clara. I was wrong to leave y
The King of War Powerful Return Expelled
The atmosphere at Clara's parents' home was tense as Brown and Clara arrived. Clara's father, Mr. Thompson, stood rigidly in the doorway, his expression a mix of anger and disappointment as he gazed upon his daughter and the man who had once abandoned her."Clara," he began, his voice cold and unwavering. "I thought I made it clear that you were not to associate with him again."Clara's heart sank as she met her father's steely gaze. "Dad, please. Brown and I have things to discuss. Please hear us out."Mr. Thompson's jaw clenched as he looked from Clara to Brown, his distrust palpable. "I don't want to hear anything from you, Brown. You've already caused enough pain to my family."Brown felt the weight of Mr. Thompson's words like a punch to the gut, but he stood his ground, determined to make amends. "Sir, I understand your anger, but please believe me when I say that I love Clara and I want to make things right."Mr. Thompson's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained fi
The King of War Powerful Return Haven't Answer
Clara and Brown stepped out of the hospital room, their footsteps heavy and slow. As they walked down the hallway, Clara felt her tears flowing faster, struggling to hold back the pain that seemed to grow deeper with each passing second. Brown squeezed her hand, offering silent support, his grip firm but gentle."Clara," Alex's voice suddenly cut through the air, sharp and filled with emotion. Clara froze for a moment, her body tense, then slowly turned around, her face stained with tears. "What are you doing here, Clara?" Alex stormed toward them, his expression full of anger.Clara looked at Alex, her eyes red and swollen, her heart aching. "I came because I wanted to be here for Dad, Alex. He needs us," she said softly, but with a trace of determination in her voice.Alex scoffed, his fists clenched at his sides. "Really? You’re playing the caring daughter now? After everything you’ve done?"Clara took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising emotions inside her. "I never meant to
The King of War Powerful Return But You?
The next morning, Clara woke to the soft light filtering through the blinds. The events of the previous night felt like a blur, but the heaviness in her chest was still there, reminding her of the conflict she couldn’t escape. As she lay in bed, the quietness of the apartment felt both comforting and suffocating. She knew she couldn’t avoid what lay ahead—her family was fractured, and it seemed like there was no easy way to put the pieces back together.Brown was already awake when she walked into the kitchen. He was making coffee, the aroma filling the air and grounding Clara in the moment. His quiet presence was a constant she had come to rely on, even when her own world felt chaotic."Morning," Brown said, offering her a warm smile as he set down the coffee pot. "How did you sleep?"Clara shrugged, sitting at the kitchen table. "I don’t know. It’s hard to sleep when everything feels... unsettled."Brown sat down across from her, his eyes searching hers. "I get it. But you know you
The King of War Powerful Return Calling Alex
Clara's mind raced as she drove to her parents' house, the road seeming longer than ever before. Her heart was heavy with the thought of facing her father again, unsure of what to expect after everything that had transpired. Her father's words from the previous night echoed in her mind, his rejection still stinging. The idea of walking back into that house, into the place where she had been pushed away, felt almost unbearable.When she arrived, she sat in the car for a few moments, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she took deep breaths to calm her nerves. The house loomed before her, a place that once felt like home but now felt foreign and cold.Stepping out of the car, Clara felt the weight of every step as she made her way to the front door. Her phone buzzed again, a message from Alex."You still coming? Or are you just going to let things fall apart?"Clara stared at the message, her heart sinking. Alex’s words stung, the resentment clear in his text. She wanted to reply,
The King of War Powerful Return Be Patient
Clara stood outside her parents' house, the cool evening air pressing against her skin. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at her phone. It was time. She had to call Alex.Taking a deep breath, she tapped his name on her contact list, her finger hovering over the call button. What would she say to him? After everything that had happened, how could she explain herself without sounding like a failure?The phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times.And then, he answered."Clara."His voice was cold, almost distant, and it made her heart ache. She had expected it, but hearing it felt like a knife to her chest."Alex..." she said, her voice faltering as she tried to gather her thoughts. "I know... I know things have been messed up between us. But I need you to know I never meant to hurt you. Not you, not anyone."There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Clara's grip on her phone tightened."You never meant to hurt me?" Alex's voice cracked, just a littl
The King of War Powerful Return Stood to Love
The days that followed felt like a blur to Clara. She continued her daily routine, but her thoughts kept drifting back to her conversation with Alex. She knew things wouldn’t magically heal overnight, but she was determined to do whatever it took to prove to him that she hadn’t abandoned him, even if her past mistakes were a shadow she couldn’t outrun.Brown had been supportive, his steady presence a comfort as Clara navigated this emotional roller coaster. He had always been there for her, but now, more than ever, she needed to find balance between mending her family ties and her relationship with him.It wasn’t long before Clara received a text from Alex—brief and to the point, but still, it gave her hope."We need to talk. Meet me at the old park."Clara stared at the message for a few moments, her heart thudding. She wasn’t sure what to expect from this meeting, but she was ready. Ready to listen. Ready to show Alex that she was committed to making things right.When she arrived a
The King of War Powerful Return Conversation
Over the next few days, Clara threw herself into the process of rebuilding not just her relationship with Alex, but her own sense of self. She kept thinking back to that moment at the park, where Alex had hesitated but still given her a chance. It wasn’t a clean slate, but it was a beginning, and for now, that was enough.However, the path ahead wasn’t going to be as simple as it seemed. Clara still had to navigate the lingering complexities of her family dynamics, particularly with her father. Their relationship had always been strained, and the weight of her past mistakes seemed to hang over her every conversation with him.Clara had always been a daddy’s girl growing up, but after everything that had happened, things felt... different. She knew he was still angry with her, but she also knew that he loved her in his own way. It was just difficult for him to express it now.One evening, after Clara returned from a meeting with Alex, her father called her into the living room. Her hea
Latest Chapter
The Game Begins
The auction hadn’t started yet, which meant they still had time. Clara tightened her grip on Brown’s arm, subtly guiding him toward the bar. If they were going to get close to the liaison, they needed to be in his orbit.As they approached, the man’s eyes flickered toward them. Recognition flared in his gaze—but not at Brown.At her.Clara’s pulse spiked.The liaison’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Well, well. Didn’t expect to see you here.”Brown went rigid beside her.Clara forced a smile, her mind racing.She knew this man.And by the way Brown’s grip tightened ever so slightly on her waist, he knew it too.Clara’s fingers curled slightly against Brown’s arm, her nails pressing into the fabric of his suit. A silent warning. A silent question.The liaison’s smirk deepened. He lifted his glass, swirling the amber liquid inside before taking a slow sip.“It’s been a while, Nightingale.”The nickname sent a cold spike down Clara’s spine. She hadn’t heard it in years—not since the
Twelve Hours
Clara arched a brow, folding her arms tighter. “And you should stop acting like you can protect me from everything.”Brown exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face before meeting her gaze. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to do.”She took another step closer, frustration bubbling up. “I get it. You have your way of handling things. But you don’t get to make decisions about me without my input.”Brown’s jaw tightened, but there was something else in his expression—something almost hesitant. “You have no idea what Langley is capable of.”Clara tilted her head. “Then tell me.”For a long moment, he just stared at her, the weight of unspoken words heavy between them. Then, finally, he broke the silence.“They don’t just want the Black Diamond,” he said, voice low. “They want leverage. And if they find out you’re involved, you become collateral.”Clara swallowed, her mind racing. “But I already am involved, aren’t I?”Brown didn’t answer right away. Instead, he studied her, like he was
A Line Crossed
The drive back to the safe house was quiet, but the tension between them had shifted. It wasn’t the heavy silence of uncertainty anymore—it was charged, unspoken, and laced with something Clara wasn’t sure she was ready to name.Brown’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his eyes locked on the road ahead. But she could feel it—the way his body remained just a little too tense, the way his jaw clenched like he was holding something back."You didn’t have to do that back there," Clara finally said, breaking the silence.Brown didn’t take his eyes off the road. "Do what?""Stand up to my mother and Daniel like that," she murmured. "They’re… difficult, but they’re my family. You don’t have to fight my battles for me."Brown let out a humorless chuckle. "Clara, you think I did that for you?" He glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "I did that because they don’t get to talk to you like that. Not when they don’t understand what you’re up against."She swallowed, feeling her c
Feelings
That night, after the meeting with Leonhardt, Brown and Clara returned to her apartment. The silence in the car felt heavier than before. Brown glanced at Clara from time to time, watching as she stared out the window, her expression filled with unspoken thoughts."What’s on your mind?" Brown finally asked, his voice low but attentive.Clara sighed. "You know, I always thought my life was complicated enough with my family. But now, I’m caught up in something far more dangerous than I ever imagined."Brown didn’t answer right away. He understood that feeling—the sense of being trapped between the life you knew and something bigger pulling you in.When they arrived at Clara’s apartment, Brown stepped out first, his eyes scanning the surroundings before opening the door for her. His hand instinctively rested on the small of her back as he guided her inside, protective as always.But as soon as they entered, a sharp voice greeted them."You had us worried sick, Clara!"In the living room,
Parking
The convoy moved through the dimly lit streets, the black SUV leading the way with Brown and Clara following closely behind. The city’s usual buzz had quieted, leaving only the low hum of their engines breaking the silence. Clara’s mind raced with questions, but she held them back, sensing that Brown wasn’t ready to answer more than he already had.After nearly twenty minutes, they arrived at a secluded military facility on the outskirts of the city. The guards at the gate barely glanced at General Leonhardt’s credentials before allowing them through. The massive steel doors slid open, revealing a sleek, high-security base that looked more like a covert intelligence hub than a standard military compound.Brown parked the car and stepped out, his posture tense yet controlled. Clara followed, feeling out of place in her elegant evening gown amidst a sea of uniformed personnel. The air smelled of gun oil, paper, and the faint metallic tang of technology humming in the background.Leonhar
Pounded
As the car moved through the quiet city streets, Clara remained deep in thought. The events of the evening played over in her mind—Victor Langley, the masked thief, the stolen Aurora Blue, and Brown’s fearless intervention.She turned to him, studying his calm expression. "Brown, I noticed something back there… No one seemed to recognize you. They treated you like just another guest."Brown chuckled softly. "That's because they don’t know who I am."Clara frowned. "But I thought you had a reputation. I mean, you’re not just an ordinary man."Brown glanced out the window. "In certain circles, yes, my name carries weight. But these people—art collectors, businessmen, and social elites—don’t deal in the same world I do. To them, I'm just another guest, someone who received an invitation."Clara thought about that for a moment. "So, if they knew who you really were…""They would react very differently," Brown said with a smirk. "But
The Auction Night
Clara sipped her coffee, occasionally glancing at Brown. A sense of warmth and comfort was beginning to take root—a feeling that she could finally embrace happiness without guilt. Brown continued to hold her hand, offering the reassurance she had longed for.Suddenly, Brown's phone vibrated on the table. He glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted slightly. Clara noticed the change."What's wrong?" she asked.Brown hesitated for a moment before sliding his phone toward her so she could see the message. It was an invitation to an exclusive auction happening that evening."An auction?" Clara frowned."Yes," Brown nodded, setting his phone back down. "An acquaintance invited me. They're auctioning off one of the world's finest diamonds."Clara raised an eyebrow. "A diamond?"Brown smiled slightly. "Yes, a rare one. It's called Aurora Blue—said to have the most flawless blue hue ever discovered."Clara chuc
Whats Wrong?
Brown held Clara close, his arms wrapped protectively around her as if he could shield her from all the fears and uncertainties that still lingered in her heart. He could feel her heartbeat against his chest, quick and uneven, but there was something else—something that told him she was finally letting go of the walls she had built for so long.Minutes passed in silence, their breaths the only sound in the dimly lit hotel room. Brown didn’t rush her. He knew Clara needed time, and for once, he was willing to wait—not out of desperation, but because he finally saw a flicker of hope in her eyes.Clara shifted slightly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on his chest. “Brown?” she murmured, her voice soft but filled with uncertainty.“Hm?” He ran his fingers through her hair, patiently waiting for her to speak.She hesitated, her grip tightening. “What if I mess this up again?”Brown sighed, knowing exactly where her mind was going.
Good Morning
Clara sat in the café for a long time, Brown’s words still echoing in her mind. "I cant wait forever, Clara." Her chest felt tight. She knew Brown had every right to feel that way, but something inside her refused to let him go just like that. She had spent so much time avoiding her own feelings, hiding behind excuses about family and the past. But watching Brown walk away made everything painfully clear—she didn’t want to lose him. With trembling hands, she grabbed her phone and typed a message. "Wait. I need to talk to you again. Meet me at the hotel nearby." There was no response for several minutes, and she started to think Brown had truly given up. But then, her phone vibrated. "What room number?" Her heart pounded. She wasn’t sure if this was the right decision, but she no longer cared. By the time Brown arrived at the hotel, Clara was already waiting inside the dimly lit room, the only illumination coming from the bedside lamp. She stood near the window, hugging herself