Aikohiの小説

My entire body tenses automatically. Hannah notices. "It's okay," she says quietly. "He's not Ethan. You don't have to be afraid."But four years of conditioning don't just disappear because someone says nice things. Footsteps approaching the kitchen. Ocean appears in the doorway, still in his suit from whatever meeting he was at. His eyes immediately find me, and I see relief flash across his face."Lola. Good, you're up." His voice is gentle. "I was worried... I'm glad Hannah is taking care of you.""She barely ate," Hannah reports like she's tattling. "I had to force feed her.""I didn't force..." I start, but Ocean's slight smile stops me. "Thank you, Hannah. For looking after her.""Of course, boss."Ocean's eyes move over my face, probably cataloging the bruises that are even more colorful today than yesterday. Something dark flickers in his expression."How are you feeling?" he asks."I'm... okay." It's not true, but what else do I say?"Liar," Hannah mutters. I shoot her a lo

I don't sleep.Can't sleep.I lie in the massive bed in my beautiful new room and stare at the ceiling, my mind spinning in circles that go nowhere.I'm married to Ocean Moretti.I'm married to my ex-father-in-law.The thought is so absurd I almost laugh. Almost. But if I start laughing, I think I might not stop. Might tip over into hysteria and never come back.So I just lie there. Staring. Thinking about how twenty-four hours ago I thought my biggest problem was hiding bruises. And now...Now I don't even know what my life is anymore.Eventually, the sky outside my windows starts to lighten. Dawn. I've been awake all night.I should get up. Should do something. But what? What am I supposed to do in this house? What are the rules here? With Ethan, I knew the rules. Make breakfast by seven-thirty. Keep the house spotless. Stay quiet. Don't upset him. Simple. Horrible, but simple.But here? I have no idea what Ocean expects from me. A soft knock on my door makes me jump. "Lola? You aw

The wedding takes place exactly thirty-six hours after Ocean's proposal. Father O'Brien arrives at Ocean's mansion in Belgravia at ten in the morning, looking uncomfortable. He's been the family's priest for twenty years, has performed weddings and funerals and baptisms for the organization. But this... this is different. Everyone can feel it.The ceremony is set up in Ocean's study. No decorations. No flowers. No guests except those who absolutely must be there. Daniel stands to Ocean's right, his face carefully neutral. Michael is there too, along with Lilo and Bryan. Ocean's inner circle, present as witnesses. And Ethan. Ocean insisted Ethan be there. Not as a guest. As a witness to the fact that his ex-wife is now untouchable. Ethan stands in the corner, his face purple with rage. His fists are clenched so tightly his knuckles are white. Every few seconds, a muscle in his jaw twitches. But he doesn't speak. Doesn't move. Because four of Ocean's security men are stationed around

LOLA'S POVI know something is wrong the moment I wake up. Ethan isn't in bed, which isn't unusual. But there's something different in the air today. A tension I can feel even before I open my eyes fully. I get up slowly, my body still aching from the beating two days ago. The bruises on my ribs and stomach have bloomed into ugly purple and yellow marks. At least they're hidden under my clothes. Just like Ethan planned. I get dressed carefully, choosing a long-sleeved shirt and pants that cover everything. Go downstairs to start breakfast. Ethan is already in the kitchen, which is strange. He never gets up this early. He's sitting at the table with his coffee, scrolling through his phone, and there's a smile on his face. That smile makes my stomach drop. He's happy. Ethan is never happy unless something bad is happening. "Good morning," I say quietly, moving toward the stove. "Morning." His voice is almost cheerful. "Sleep well?" I don't know how to answer that. It feels like

Over the next six hours, Daniel makes calls. Ocean listens to his side of the conversations, watches his second-in-command work through every possible option.Bryan? Too young, too impulsive. Says no immediately.Lilo? Already married, and his wife would never allow it.Various soldiers and enforcers? All give the same answer: too risky, don't want problems with Ethan, sorry boss but no.Men from allied families? Vincent Romano's people say it would violate their neutrality. Dmitri Volkov's people laugh and hang up. Daniel even reaches out to some of the independent operators, men who work on the fringes of the organization. Same result. No one wants to be the man who married Ethan Moretti's ex-wife.By evening, Daniel comes back to Ocean's office looking defeated."Nothing, boss. I've contacted forty-three men. Not one is willing to do it."Ocean is standing at his window watching the sunset. His reflection in the glass looks older than it did this morning."They're all afraid of my

Ocean is in his office reviewing territory reports when Daniel walks in with an expression that means bad news."Boss, we have a situation."Ocean sets down the report and looks up. Daniel has been his right-hand man for twenty years. He knows the difference between a problem and a crisis. That look means crisis."What is it?"Daniel closes the door even though Ezra is standing guard outside. Whatever this is, it's sensitive."It's about Ethan." Daniel sets a folder on Ocean's desk. "He filed divorce papers this morning."Ocean goes very still. "He what?""Divorce. From Lola. The papers went through our family lawyer about three hours ago. It's official."For a moment, Ocean just stares at the folder. Then he opens it with careful, controlled movements.Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Ethan Moretti versus Lola Moretti. Filed today. Already processed through the family's connections in the court system.Already done."That fucking idiot." Ocean's voice is quiet, but there's steel