As they strolled down, Zen and Rosalia moved in easy rhythm, lingering a little with each step.“Thanks for tonight,” Rosalia said softly, looking over at him. “I didn’t expect to feel this comfortable… it’s been a while since I’ve had that.”Zen met her eyes, a gentle smirk on his lips. “I get it. It’s rare to find someone you can just talk to… without worrying about what you’re saying.”She nodded, glancing down. “Sometimes it feels like people only listen so they can say their part, you know? Like they’re just waiting for their turn to talk.”“I can’t really say, I haven’t been around people for that long,” Zen said, nodding. “But you—when you’re around someone who actually listens, it’s different. And I mean, Rosalia… you’ve got a lot worth saying.”She laughed a little, looking back up at him. “Maybe… maybe I just got used to keeping things in. Sometimes it’s easier not to say too much.”“Until tonight?” Zen asked, smiling as he caught her eye.“Until tonight,” she echoed, her vo
“Tom!” Nia called out, drawing his attention, her voice sounding urgent. She didn’t even glance at Rosalia, who was standing beside him, her eyes fixed solely on Zen.Zen looked up, surprised to see her approaching. “Nia?” he asked, standing as she reached their table. “What happened?”Nia huffed, folding her arms across her chest as she tilted her head, clearly savoring the moment to vent. “You won’t believe what just happened,” she began, her tone laced with annoyance as she jerked her thumb back toward a waiter who was lingering nervously by the kitchen entrance, clearly aware he was in trouble. “That waiter back there? He decided to make a judgment call on my financial status. Apparently, my card didn’t go through, and he assumed I couldn’t pay.” She paused, letting out a short, sarcastic laugh. “He even suggested I… ‘pay’ another way. Like I’d be desperate enough to trade favors for dinner.”Zen’s face shifted from mild surprise to something much darker, his jaw tightening as he
Zen’s gaze locked onto Silas, his expression calm but his eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity. “So, this is how you like to handle things? Thought you’d finally stand up to someone, Silas?”Silas sneered, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. “You think you’re something cause you managed to pull a fast on me with pure luck—”Zen’s smirk widened. “I think we both know luck had nothing to do with it.” He took a step closer, hands relaxed at his sides, his presence radiating an authority that made everyone in the room hold their breath.“Stay back,” Silas snapped, his voice wavering as he tried to maintain his composure.Zen chuckled softly. “Oh, now you’re worried?”Silas glared, but his posture had shifted, more defensive than before. He glanced around, seeking support, but the others kept their eyes on the floor, unwilling to meet Zen’s gaze.“I don’t have time to play with you, Silas,” Zen murmured, his tone almost bored. “But maybe a quick reminder wouldn’t hurt.”He mov
The night was cool and crisp as Zen stepped onto the deck of his yacht, taking in the gentle sway of the water beneath him. The lights from the city reflected off the waves, casting shimmering patterns on the boat. Just ahead, leaning against the railing with a glass in hand, Sinclair turned, a grin spreading across his face as he spotted Zen approaching.“Thought you’d never make it,” Sinclair teased, raising his glass in greeting.Zen smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t want to keep you waiting too long.” He looked around, taking in the luxurious setup. “But tell me, when are you finally going to get your own yacht, Sinclair? This ‘borrowing’ act is getting old.”Sinclair laughed, an easy, carefree sound. “Who says I don’t have my own?” he replied, eyes twinkling with mischief. “In fact, I have more yachts than a three-year-old can count. I just happen to like *this* one the best.”Zen raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “So, you’re telling me you’
Zen’s eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the soft morning light spilling through the window. He turned his head and spotted Keisha, sitting across the room with her arms folded, watching him with a casual smile. Her presence caught him off guard.“Morning, sleepyhead,” she said with a smirk.Zen blinked, then let out a sigh, rolling onto his back. “I overslept,” he muttered, a bit annoyed with himself. “Not like me at all.”Keisha raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Even the mighty Zen has his off days, it seems.”Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, then looked at her with suspicion. “How did you get in here? I lock my doors every night.”She held up a shiny key, dangling it between her fingers with a playful grin. “Spare key. Thought you’d remember I keep one.”Zen sighed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Of course you do.” He ran a hand through his hair, then fixed her with a curious stare. “Since you’re here, Keisha… explain your schedule to me.”Keisha blinked, clearly t
Tom wiped the sweat from his brow as he swept the kitchen floor. Sunlight pierced through the window, casting a warm glow on the worn wood. He had grown used to these quiet mornings. The door creaked open, and his mother-in-law walked in. She glanced at Tom with a look of disdain. "Still at it, I see," she said with her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I guess you missed a spot there. Typical."Tom didn't respond. He had learned that silence was often the best way to deal with her. He kept his head down, focusing on the task at hand.She moved closer, peering over his shoulder. "You call this cleaning? I don't know why Malia even bothers with you. She must be out of her mind, letting herself be tied to someone like you. Out of pity, no less."Tom's jaw tightened, but he kept his focus on the broom. "I'm doing my best, Mother-in-law.""Your best?" She laughed, "Your best was never good enough. After 2 years, you're still in the same pathetic state. You have refused to elevate, you have r
Tom’s Mother-in-law pointed a shaky finger at him. “You pushed me, Tom! I saw you!”Tom’s jaw dropped. “What? No, I didn’t! I wasn’t even near you!”His father-in-law stormed into the room, eyes blazing. “What’s this nonsense, Tom?” he roared. Without warning, he slapped Tom hard across the face.Malia, Tom’s wife, rushed in behind her father. “Dad, stop!” she cried, but then turned to Tom with tears in her eyes. “Tom, did you... did you really push her?”Tom looked at her, hurt and confused. “Malia, you know me! I’d never do that!”Paul, Malia’s brother, entered the room, glaring at Tom. “So now you’re calling our mother a liar?”A woman who seemed to be the head maid rushed out to help her up, “Are you okay Madame,” “I’m not calling anyone a liar. I’m just saying I didn’t push her,” Tom said as he waved his head trying to calm himself down.His eyes quickly caught the surveillance camera’s, “The camera’s, yes! Let’s check the cameras. They’ll show the truth.”Mrs. Evelyn cried out,
For two years, Zen had played the role of a dutiful husband, all while secretly working to change his brother’s biometrics to his own. The real Tom had died 2 years ago, and the current Tom is his twin brother, Zen Diel. Tom showed so much promise as the legitimate son but ended up amounting to nothing, his brother, Zen, was thrown to the battlefield at a young age and the only name he knew from then on was his status as God of War, the name that traumatized soldiers on the battlefield, “The Monarch of Death.”2 years ago, Zen was called back from the battlefield by his grandfather in order to save the name of their family by taking the place of his twin brother who was murdered on his way to visit the Diel manor.It was a long, risky game, but it had given him access to all the information he needed and the identity of Tom. He also saw 2 years of what his brother faced for so many years. Now, with the divorce finalized, Zen felt a sense of relief. He was free to start his real missi