Chapter: 133. Oath Spoken in SilenceIt was still dark outside when I looked out the window. With a heavy heart, I sat on the couch in Alexei’s arms. It was time for him to leave, and I wasn’t ready to let go of his embrace yet.A soft beep sounded from the front door. When I turned around, Dimitri and Yuri walked in. They hurried toward us. Alexei and I stood up together, and my body began to tremble. Couldn’t time just stop right now?“Sir, it’s time,” Yuri said.Alexei gave a brief nod, then turned to me. “I’m going now, okay?”His warm hands cupped my face as he leaned down until we were face to face. His lips brushed my forehead gently. Then he kissed both my cheeks before our lips finally met.I couldn’t suppress my emotions anymore, and tears fell instantly. I shouldn’t cry; I didn’t want Alexei to feel uneasy after leaving me. But my heart betrayed my mind.“I’m sorry,” I whispered softly. “I never meant to cry.”Alexei smiled, his thumb wiping away my tears. “It’s okay. But don’t cry after this, because I’m the
Last Updated: 2025-12-13
Chapter: 132. Our Last NightThe car stopped at the hotel entrance, and a security guard opened the door for me. Suddenly, Dimitri wrapped his arm around my shoulder without warning. I shot him a confused look, brows furrowing—was this part of the plan?I found it strange that Alexei would be staying in a luxurious hotel like this so openly. Nightshade would catch him immediately.“You’re not playing with me, right?” I asked Dimitri as he casually walked past the front desk.He didn’t answer. He pressed the elevator button and stood there, as if nothing were wrong, still keeping his arm around me, which made me uncomfortable. I wanted to shrug him off, but there were guests around us waiting to go up as well.We stepped into the elevator, and Dimitri swiped a card before pressing the button for the top floor. The suite.Oh dear, did I make the right decision?The moment we reached the top floor, Dimitri finally let go. He walked toward the farthest door, tapped the card again until it beeped, and the door unlocke
Last Updated: 2025-12-12
Chapter: 131. My Heart's TreasonI walked into the mansion with an unsteady feeling, still saying nothing to Isolde, who was walking beside me. Katerina’s offer felt like a double-edged sword—one that, if I refused, might end up stabbing me in the chest. Was there truly no other option that could give me a peaceful, quiet life?Should I go with Alexei? Leave everything behind, disappear, and let the Lancroft dynasty crumble, all for the sake of my own happiness?I never imagined that chasing happiness would cost so much.“Are you alright?” Isolde asked.I shook my head. “No.”“What did Katerina want from you?”“What she said at the gala.” I stopped in front of Nathaniel’s room. “She wants me to become a Nightshade division leader.”I opened the door to the room, where Gabriel was sitting at the edge of the bed. Nathaniel was still passed out, not waking up at all. The moment he saw me, Gabriel rushed over and pulled me into a hug.“I’m sorry.” Gabriel sounded full of regret. “If Nathaniel weren’t like this, I would’v
Last Updated: 2025-12-12
Chapter: 130. My Father’s Grave, Their Power GameThe rumble of a car engine approaching the mansion gate made my steps freeze. I turned toward the gate just as one of the guards came to check, while the others stayed on alert. My brows pulled together when I caught sight of the nose of a black car creeping in.“Who is that?” I asked, torn between curiosity and anxiety.“Nightshade,” the guard answered quickly. “Mrs. Katerina.”I stiffened, so did Isolde and Gabriel. With one swift tug, Gabriel dragged Nathaniel back inside the mansion. Nathaniel started thrashing and rambling, and before I could react, Isolde stepped forward and swung her fist.SMACK!!Her punch landed squarely on Nathaniel’s face, knocking him out cold. Gabriel and I stared, wide-eyed, at her impulsive move.“Hey, better than letting him blurt something dangerous, right?” Isolde said, glancing between Gabriel and me. “Now hurry, get him to his room and lock the door.”The guards quickly helped Gabriel carry Nathaniel away while I stood beside Isolde, ready to greet
Last Updated: 2025-12-11
Chapter: 129. The GriefIf time could be turned back, there are so many things I wish I could’ve said to Father. How deeply I regret the way I used to think of him—how I believed he didn’t love me, how I felt I was nothing but a disappointing daughter he never wanted.I took a slow breath, trying to hold back the tears that once again slipped down my cheeks. The pain of losing him didn’t fade with time; if anything, it grew heavier. The wound widened, leaving a hollow mark inside me.Outside, the weather was bright, and I could hear the cheerful chirping of birds—like nothing had ever happened around this mansion.Life had to go on after Father’s death, even though I didn’t know if I had the strength to continue. The person who held me up all this time was now gone.My bedroom door was gently knocked on. When I turned, Isolde was standing in the doorway. She walked in and hugged me tightly. We cried together in silence.After my sobs quieted, I loosened my embrace. Isolde wiped the tears from my cheeks.“I’m
Last Updated: 2025-12-10
Chapter: 128. One Shoot, One GoodbyeFather immediately stepped in front of me, one hand stretched out toward Evelina. She clenched her jaw, the barrel of the gun still pointed at us. Slowly, Father motioned for me to move back with his other hand.No. I didn’t want to run or hide. I wouldn’t stand by and do nothing if something happened to Father.“Put the gun down, Evelina,” Father said softly but firmly.“You bastard, Alistair! You’ve been lying to me this whole time! I thought you loved me, I thought you cared about my children and me!” Evelina let out a low, bitter laugh. “But it turns out… the only one you ever cared about was your own daughter.”“I care about Gabriel and Nathaniel,” Father replied calmly. “They’re my children too.”“You lied!!” Evelina spat.My eyes darted to Father’s hand, still motioning for me to step back. I hesitated, then slowly edged toward his desk. There was no exit from here, and hiding behind the desk wouldn’t save me.I needed to do something—anything—to distract Evelina long enough fo
Last Updated: 2025-12-09
Chapter: 193. Bridges to PeaceWhen Hannah returned to the Harrison family estate after so long, she felt like she was on a roller coaster. After getting out, she stood silently by the car. Ashton quickly walked over and held her hand. With a short nod from Ashton, Hannah followed him, and the two entered the large house.Edward greeted them at the door, but Hannah couldn’t contain her emotions.“Edward,” Hannah said, holding out her hand. “It’s good to see you.”Edward took her hand warmly. “Mrs. Hannah, it is good to see you too. And congratulations.”“Thank you.”Edward shifted his gaze to Ashton and nodded politely. Ashton, who had no memory of Edward, simply returned the gesture. As Alden’s right-hand man, Edward knew Ashton only from childhood.“Mr. Alden is waiting in the garden, ma’am,” Edward said.Edward led Hannah and Ashton into the garden. Memories of the past flooded H
Last Updated: 2025-09-11
Chapter: 192. Wedding NightWhen the reception ended at eight in the evening, Hannah and Ashton went to the hotel Victoria had booked for them. It was one of her many gifts, though Hannah found it undeniably tacky. But Victoria didn’t want anything to interfere with their first night together.As soon as the door to the room opened, Hannah was in awe of the luxurious interior. This one still amazes her despite spending the last few years in and out of fancy hotels.“Victoria really went all out on this one,” Hannah murmured.Ashton whispered in Hannah’s ear. “Shall we go inside?”“Absolutely.”Hannah entered the room with Ashton. Ashton immediately wrapped his arms around her from behind as the door clicked shut, knocking her purse to the floor. Ashton began to plant kisses along her neck and shoulders, making her shiver and giggle.“Ashton, can’t you be patient?” Hannah said with a laugh.“
Last Updated: 2025-09-11
Chapter: 191. Vows of Second ChanceHannah and Ashton held each other’s hands tightly as they arrived at the church, but hardly any guests left. Most had already departed, leaving only family members waiting with pale and anxious faces.Victoria visibly relaxed when she saw Hannah and Ashton enter the hall. The middle-aged woman hurried over to her son. Ashton gave her a toothy grin.“Mom,” Ashton greeted her.Victoria glared at him angrily. “Have you lost your mind? You left Hannah, and you think it’s okay? I didn’t raise you to be irresponsible, Ashton!”Ashton lowered his head. “I’m sorry, Mom. I just thought Hannah might not be happy with me, so I...”Ashton’s eyes flicked to Alden, who watched them from a distance and was too hesitant to approach. Instead, Alden began to chat with Francesca, avoiding any interruption of Victoria’s scolding session with her younger son.“There’s plenty of t
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
Chapter: 190. Chasing Happiness"What did you say?"Hannah was shocked at Aspen's words. Before Aspen could answer, Hannah's phone buzzed with several new messages. She quickly grabbed it and read the texts from Ashton."I'm sorry, but I feel like I'm standing in the way of your happiness.""Your groom is already here. And it's not me.""I can't compete with my own brother."Hannah's hands shook with rage as she read the messages.Without thinking, she stormed out of the room and rushed into the hall, where an uproar had already broken out. Everyone knew Ashton was missing. Hannah's legs felt weak, her heart heavy with disbelief.How could Ashton call off the wedding at the last minute and hand her over to Alden?"How stupid," Hannah thought bitterly.Alden approached her and locked eyes with her for a moment, frozen by her beauty in the wedding gown. He couldn't stop staring at his ex-wife, who looked more radiant than ever."Did Ashton send yo
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
Chapter: 189. A Wedding Day TwistConcentrate!That's what Hannah kept telling herself on her wedding day. After the fight between Ashton and Alden, there hadn't been any more incidents. Alden seemed to disappear, especially after Sarah's funeral.Alden had sent the deed to Hannah's house to the hospital, but the guardianship papers for Henry had not yet arrived. Ashton was already very upset, but Victoria kept reassuring her son that Alden might need some time.Days passed and the wedding day arrived.Hannah sat in front of the mirror and looked at her own reflection in the beautiful white gown. It was Hannah's dream to walk down the aisle and say her vows before God."Almost time," Aspen said, looking at her phone. "The ceremony starts in fifteen minutes.""Stay calm and smile brightly, Hannah," Francesca advised.Hannah nodded."Mom, come on... you need to sit down now. Jacy and Henry are going to walk Hannah down the aisle," Aspen instructed.Since e
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
Chapter: 188. Who's the Right OneThough the cafe fight was eventually broken up by people around them, and Hannah left with Ashton, it caused quite a stir.The café fight became a hot topic on social media, especially since it coincided with the day of Sarah Young's death, dragging Alden, Hannah, and Ashton into the news.Hannah went straight to her room after Victoria told her to. Although she was concerned about Ashton's injuries, Victoria insisted that Hannah stay in the room. She felt like she was being punished, and the guilt weighed heavily on her.About an hour later, Victoria entered Hannah's room, sighing as she sat on the edge of the bed. She looked at Hannah sadly."Are you okay, Hannah?" Victoria asked.Hannah, her eyes swollen from crying, just shook her head. "No...""I talked to Ashton. He's much calmer now." Victoria gently stroked Hannah's head. "He's jealous and angry. Ashton isn't angry with you, he's furious with Alden.""If Ashton were ups
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
Chapter: 44. The Child He Called a FailureA surge of desperate longing washed over Belle and Bastian, making them forget about time entirely. They ignored everything that stood in their way. Their kisses grew wilder, hotter, tangled with hunger and need.Bastian’s hands roamed over Belle’s body, squeezing her in the most sensitive places, pulling soft moans of pleasure from her. But it still wasn’t enough. They both wanted more—until the sound of a door opening downstairs sliced through the moment.Belle and Bastian jolted apart. Bastian rushed to his feet and tugged Belle up onto the bed. Belle’s hands flew to her messy hair, trying to tame it.“Bastian?” Anthony’s voice echoed from below.Then came the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs, growing louder until Belle’s older brother appeared at the doorway. Anthony froze, startled to see Belle there.“What are you doing here?” Anthony asked, not suspicious, but concerned. “You could get into trouble if Dad finds out you came here, Belle.”Belle stared blankly at him. “You’
Last Updated: 2025-12-11
Chapter: 43. Let Me Be Foolish for YouEve shook her head more firmly this time as soon as Belle stepped out of her car.“Don’t tell Anthony anything. You will ruin a decade-long friendship, Belle. Remember that,” Eve warned.Belle nodded. “Okay, I won’t say anything.”“If Bastian isn’t there, you should go home right away. You could get in trouble again if you go against your father.”“I understand, Eve.” Belle nodded again. “Thank you for the ride.”After saying goodbye, Eve drove off from the front of Anthony’s shop. She actually wanted to stay and keep Belle company, but she held herself back. Eve didn’t want Belle to be even more restricted by Mr. Watson.At the very least, Eve wanted the situation to cool down. It was not wise to stir up water that was already muddy.Standing at the side of the road, Belle kept watching Eve’s car as it moved farther and farther away. Once it turned and disappeared from sight, Belle finally stepped into Anthony’s shop. The sign on the window said “Closed,” but the door wasn’t locked.
Last Updated: 2025-12-09
Chapter: 42. Belle's Desperate PleaSeeing Eve run toward her, the emotions overflowing in Belle’s chest finally broke loose. Belle immediately threw her arms around Eve and burst into tears. Eve cried too, gently stroking Belle’s hair with affection.“Thank God you’re okay,” Eve whispered.Neither of them paid attention to the confused looks from the students passing by. No one knew what had happened to Belle. Everything had been tightly covered up by the Felix family. Renee’s family also played a role, so Bastian wouldn’t be exposed as a criminal. The case was shut down immediately.But the trauma inside Belle would linger forever. And now her heart shattered even more after hearing that Bastian was getting married.“I heard everything, Belle. This is so messed up.” Eve took a deep breath, tears already pooling in the corners of her eyes. “I’m sorry you had to go through all this.”“I don’t know what to do,” Belle sobbed helplessly.“It’s okay, Belle. Everything will be alright. What matters is you’re healthy and not
Last Updated: 2025-12-08
Chapter: 41. A Visit That Changed EverythingA long, shaky breath slipped from Renee’s lips as she stood in front of the bars. She looked at Bastian, who was sitting on the cot, lost in thought, not even seeming to notice her presence. Renee bit her bottom lip, then cleared her throat softly.Bastian turned, startled. “Renee?”He quickly stood and walked toward the bars. Strangely, he didn’t reach out to hug Renee or show the slightest spark of longing. Renee immediately felt the distance he was putting between them. Her eyes searched his for even a hint of love, but it wasn’t there.Disappointment and sadness washed over her. “Are you okay?” Renee asked, trying to push aside her own feelings.“At least they didn’t leave me out in the rain.”Renee exhaled. “Please, Bastian. What you’re facing is serious. You could go to prison for years because of what you did.”Bastian didn’t answer right away, but he looked… ready. Ready to face whatever happened. As if he wasn’t afraid of the storm coming at all—not if it was for Belle. The
Last Updated: 2025-12-07
Chapter: 40. Love in the Holding CellBelle insisted on going with her father to the police station, since Anthony and the others would be released that day. Everyone was being let go except Bastian. The charges had already been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.Belle’s father refused to help Bastian at all. Even though Belle had explained again and again that Bastian was only trying to protect her, Mr. Watson wouldn’t budge. In his eyes, Bastian’s actions were intolerable—barbaric, wild, completely uncivilized.Once everyone else was released from the holding cell, Belle found a chance to speak to one of the officers while her father was busy lecturing Anthony and the others.“Excuse me, sir,” Belle said politely, giving a slight nod. “May I see Bastian? Just for a moment, please.”Before the officer could reply, Mr. Watson suddenly yanked Belle’s arm hard from behind. His face flushed with restrained fury.“Where do you think you’re going?” he hissed.“I just want to see Bastian, Dad. He’s Anthony’s friend too! I ne
Last Updated: 2025-12-04
Chapter: 39. Renee’s Desperate Bargain“Bastian is being held in jail because of what happened with Felix. It was actually Felix’s fault for hitting Belle. Now I’m here with Bastian, Nick, Kyle, and Pooh—we’re all being detained. But we’ll be released tomorrow, except for Bastian. Felix’s family has already filed charges.”Renee exhaled sharply after reading Anthony’s long message on her phone. Her face went pale, but her jaw tightened. The news about Bastian being detained for defending Belle made her chest feel unbearably tight.“What were you thinking, Bastian? Why? Why would you go this far…” Renee whispered, holding back tears.She replied to Anthony:“None of you could stop him? And how did it even get to the point of violence? God, Anthony. What is wrong with all of you?”Not long after, another message from Anthony came in:“I’ll explain later. I can’t be on my phone long. If you can help Bastian, I’m begging you.”And just like that, Renee found herself dragged into the mess too.She didn’t understand how Bastian
Last Updated: 2025-12-02
The Substitute Twin Bride
"I will pay for your mother's surgery, but you must agree to my terms, Rose." A devilish grin played on Romilda's lips.
"Mom is your mother, too!"
"Business is business, Rose. Do you want my help or not? Don't get carried away with me, all right?"
"What exactly do you want, Romilda?"
"Give your virginity to my husband."
"What, my virginity?"
...
Desperate for money to cover her mother's surgery, Rose Baxter is forced to accept her twin sister Romilda's outrageous demand—to take Romilda’s place as the bride during the wedding.
If Rose can successfully deceive Matteo, Romilda will pay the hospital bills and give her additional cash.
Matteo Cavanaugh, a cold and distant billionaire, never cared for Romilda. Their arranged marriage was merely a requirement of Matteo's late father, under one strict condition: Romilda must be a virgin.
But when Rose takes Romilda's place, Matteo feels something different. This time, he finds himself falling for his "bride." Rose warmth, kindness, and charm captivate him like Romilda never could.
Now, Romilda wants to reclaim what's hers and push Rose out of the picture. But Rose has already fallen deeply in love with Matteo.
Should Rose tell Matteo the truth and risk everything, including his trust? Or should Rose walk away, knowing Matteo was never meant to be hers?
Read
Chapter: 106. Morning in BelgiumAt precisely six in the morning, the jet touched down smoothly. Outside, it was still dark, fog swallowing what should’ve been a sunlit morning. The slight jolt of the landing stirred Rose awake. Blinking, she turned toward the window— they had arrived in Belgium.Once the jet came to a complete stop, Rose stood up and folded the blanket on her seat. Oddly, there were two blankets on her; no wonder she felt hot. She waited until the flight attendant approached and signaled that they could disembark.When Rose glanced at Aaron, her boss was still fast asleep. She blinked, exchanging a look with the attendant.“We have to wake him, right?” Rose asked carefully.The attendant smiled sweetly. “We always wait until all passengers leave, ma’am.”“So he can just wake up whenever he wants?”“Yes.” She nodded politely. “That’s part of our service.”So Rose was supposed to sit here until Aaron woke up? She started to panic a little.“So I just… sit?” Rose muttered uncertainly.“We have a lounge
Last Updated: 2025-12-12
Chapter: 105. Fly to EuropeAaron’s palms suddenly landed on Rose’s desk. Rose, who had been typing, jumped in surprise and leaned back a little. She looked up to find Aaron standing right in front of her.“Do you have a passport?” Aaron asked out of nowhere.Rose blinked. “I do, sir.”“Postpone all my meetings for the next five days. We’re going to Europe tonight.”And just like that, Aaron walked into his office as if nothing was out of the ordinary, while Rose sat frozen, trying to process her boss’s words. She hurried out of her seat and followed him.“Europe? Are you sure, sir?” Rose asked in confusion.As far as she knew, Aaron had no scheduled trips or meetings in Europe for the next three weeks. This impulsive decision could throw off the carefully arranged month-long schedule.“Yes.” Aaron sat casually on the couch, completely relaxed. “My cousin is getting married and invited me. So I have to go.”Rose nodded. “Oh… then what does that have to do with me? Why do I need my passport?”“Because you’re comi
Last Updated: 2025-12-11
Chapter: 104. The Beginning of the TruthMatteo let out a long, weary breath as he sat inside the car. He had been there for more than ten minutes, doing nothing. Just staring blankly at the buses leaving the terminal one after another.He had followed Aaron all the way to the bus terminal.Matteo had no idea what Rose was doing there. All he saw from a distance was Aaron having a small argument with her, and then it ended with Aaron kissing Rose. Kissing her.Why did Matteo’s chest ache so badly when he saw Aaron kiss Rose in public?Rose was nobody to Matteo. They did not even know each other. And yet, the look in her eyes felt so familiar to him. Eyes that once made his heart tremble and feel alive.“My God,” Matteo whispered.His troubled thoughts were interrupted when his phone vibrated. He reached for it on the passenger seat and glanced at the screen. Letty’s name appeared. He did not feel like answering, but ignoring her was not an option.“Yes, Letty?” Matteo greeted.Whether it was instinct or the tiredness in his
Last Updated: 2025-12-09
Chapter: 103. A Kiss That Change Everything“Mr. Aaron…” Rose gasped.Before Rose could continue speaking, Aaron did something completely unexpected. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips passionately. The kiss was brief but deep and filled with affection.Rose froze in place, confused, and fear hit her. It had never once crossed her mind that Aaron could possibly love her. All this time, Aaron had never shown excessive gestures or anything awkward.How could Aaron love her?“Let us go home, all right?” Aaron asked, and this time his voice sounded gentle.Rose nodded awkwardly. She simply let Aaron take her hand as they walked toward the parking area. Rose remained silent, lowering her gaze to the pavement she stepped on.Her mind was in complete chaos as she tried to process everything.Aaron’s kiss, his confession, and her abandoned plan to run away. Everything swirled together inside her mind and heart.Aaron opened the car door, but Rose froze for a moment. She felt something strange, as if someone was watching them. Her
Last Updated: 2025-12-08
Chapter: 102. Chasing RoseWith confident steps, Aaron entered the office. The receptionist in the lobby informed him that Matteo Cavanaugh was already waiting in the meeting room. In his heart, Aaron muttered that Matteo was extremely persistent. It was certainly not a business matter. Matteo wanted to know about Rose. And Aaron absolutely would not allow access to that.As he entered the meeting room, Aaron finally got a clear look at Matteo. Aaron had to admit that Matteo was indeed charismatic, the kind of fine gentleman one would expect. However, to Aaron, Matteo was not better than him.“Mr. Aaron.” Matteo stood and offered a diplomatic smile.Ah, no wonder Rose fell in love with this man, Aaron thought.Aaron reached out his hand. “Mr. Matteo. Pleasure.”The two sat facing each other, wrapped in a brief silence. Matteo had come alone, though he should have brought an assistant. Aaron’s suspicion grew stronger. Matteo definitely wanted to investigate Rose.Should Aaron just speak plainly and tell him tha
Last Updated: 2025-12-07
Chapter: 101. Rose's Silent DecisionWith weakened steps, Rose walked out of the restaurant without even glancing back. Once she neared the lobby, she straightened her posture. She quickly put on the most casual expression she could manage, as if nothing had happened. When her eyes met Aaron’s, Rose forced herself to smile.“Sorry for making you wait so long, sir,” Rose said.“It’s fine. It wasn’t that long anyway.” Aaron glanced at his watch; barely fifteen minutes had passed.“Shall we head to the office now?”A slight frown formed on Aaron’s forehead. Something felt off. Rose’s responses were too short, and her demeanor was strangely unusual. Had she and Romilda already finished talking?Still, Aaron just nodded, and the two of them walked out of the hotel. Throughout the trip back to the office, Aaron held himself back from asking what actually happened between Rose and Romilda. Instead, he kept stealing glances at her, observing the calm façade she put on.But storms usually come when everything is too quiet. And Aa
Last Updated: 2025-12-04
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