Chapter: Epilogue II – A New Beginning **(Back to Dwyne's Point of View)**"What...?"Bradley's brows drew together as he stared at the doctor."I'm sorry... could you please repeat that?"For a moment, I simply blinked then I looked at his expression.The most feared man in the Italian Mafia stood completely frozen, looking more confused than I had ever seen him.I could not stop myself and a quiet chuckle escaped my lips.Across the desk, Dr. Paula Wilson smiled warmly. "I had a feeling that would be your reaction."I covered my mouth, trying to stop laughing.
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-26
Chapter: Epilogue I – Justice and New Beginnings **(from Bradley's Point of View)**Eight months later...The courthouse stood surrounded by reporters long before the trial was scheduled to begin.News vans lined both sides of the street, cameras pointed toward the entrance as journalists eagerly waited for the arrival of everyone connected to what had become one of the country's most publicized criminal cases.The kidnapping of Dr. Dwyne Ellaine.The obsession of Benjamin Harrington.The fall of one of the most influential business families in the country.For months, every newspaper had followed the story. Today… It w
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-25
Chapter: Final ChapterThe gentle sound of the waves had become my favorite melody.The ocean stretched endlessly before me, its crystal-blue water sparkling beneath the afternoon sun like thousands of tiny diamonds scattered across the sea. The warm breeze carried the scent of salt and tropical flowers, while rows of swaying palm trees danced peacefully along the white sandy shore.It was beautiful, peaceful and perfect.If someone had told me years ago that I would one day wake up on a private island in the middle of the ocean beside the man I loved, I would have laughed and told them they were completely insane.Yet… Here I was. Standing ankle-deep in the warm seawater, wearing the most beautiful white bikini I had ever owned.The fabric hugged my figure comfortably without feeling revealing, while a sheer white cover-up lay forgotten on one of the beach chairs beneath the shade of a large umbrella.I tilted my face toward the sun and closed my eyes to feel the warmth against my skin. It felt wonderful w
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-24
Chapter: Chapter 83For several long seconds, no one spoke.The living room that had been peaceful only moments ago suddenly felt unbearably quiet. I slowly set the book down on the coffee table before rising from the sofa.Bradley immediately reached for my hand. His thumb brushed gently across my knuckles, silently asking if I was alright.I gave him a small nod. "I'll be okay."His eyes searched mine for another moment before he loosened his grip, though he remained close enough that our shoulders almost touched.Far enough to let me face my past and close enough to catch me if I fell.My father stood near the entrance, looking exactly as I remembered. Perfectly tailored suit, straight posture and
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-20
Chapter: Chapter 82For the first time in what felt like forever, I woke up to complete peace with no nightmares, no racing heartbeat and no fear that opening my eyes would reveal four cold walls trapping me once again.Instead, warm morning sunlight slipped through the enormous bedroom windows, bathing the room in a soft golden glow.I lay still for several moments, listening to the quiet rhythm of another heartbeat beside me. It was steady, calm and familiar.Bradley… His arm was still wrapped securely around my waist, as though even in his sleep he refused to let me drift too far away.A small smile found its way onto my lips and I carefully turned my head toward him to see he was still asleep.Without the cold expression he wore in fr
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-19
Chapter: Chapter 81Leaving the hospital felt strangely surreal.Just a few weeks ago, I had wondered if I would ever walk beneath the open sky again. Now, as Bradley carefully helped me out of the hospital room, I found myself pausing for a moment to look back at the place that had become my sanctuary during the darkest days of my life.It was where I had been brought back from the edge where I had cried, recovered and learned to smile again.And where I had slowly realized just how deeply Bradley loved me. His hand slipped gently around my waist."Ready, baby?" He asked softly in my left ear.I looked up at him and smiled softly. "I think so."Instead of letting me walk the long hallway, Bradley bent down without warning and effortlessly lifted me into his arms."Brad..." I laughed quietly, feeling several nurses smile as they watched us pass. "I can still walk.""I know." His answer was calm. "But you don't have to."There was no point arguing with him anymore, especially not about things like this.E
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-18
Chapter: Chapter 105The journey east continued for several more days.Unlike the harsh wilderness we had crossed before, the roads gradually became wider and busier. Merchant caravans passed us carrying spices, dyed fabrics, pottery, and livestock from distant kingdoms and travelers from every direction filled the dusty roads, their conversations blending into one constant murmur.By midday, the walls of a bustling frontier city finally came into view.Unlike the little hidden village Harun called home, this place was alive with commerce.Stone watchtowers overlooked the gates while colorful banners fluttered above the crowded marketplace. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and unfamiliar spices. Traders shouted from every direction, blacksmiths hammered glowing iron, glassmakers carefully shaped molten glass, and musicians filled the streets with cheerful melodies.My eyes widened. "This place is...""Larger than I expected," Ramose finished with a grin.Kharef
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-28
Chapter: Chapter 104Nearly three weeks had passed since Pharaoh Kharef disappeared and the palace of Memphis no longer felt the same.The grand audience hall remained open each morning as it always had, yet the throne beneath the golden wings of Horus sat empty.Every petition… Every dispute… Every decision of the state… has to wait.At first, no one dared to speak openly.The official announcement had been simple."His Majesty remains on an important western expedition."That explanation had satisfied everyone for a while. But as the days continued to pass, whispers slowly spread through the palace corridors."Why hasn't the Pharaoh returned?""Has anyone received a message from the expedition?""They've been gone longer than expected."Even the palace servants had begun exchanging worried glances whenever they passed the empty throne.Inside the council chamber, Egypt's highest officials had gathered once again.General Menes stood before a large map of Egypt. "There is still no word from the western e
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-28
Chapter: Chapter 103The hidden valley was peaceful once again.Morning sunlight spilled over the mountains, painting the cliffs in shades of gold while a cool breeze carried the scent of wild herbs through the village.Two more days had passed since the battle against the Black Jackals and Maritza's fever had finally broken.Although the bruises covering her face and body still ached whenever she moved, the color had slowly begun returning to her cheeks."You are not leaving this bed until you finish everything."Zahra crossed her arms while placing another bowl of warm broth onto the small wooden table.I looked down at the enormous meal before me and couldn't help laughing."I've already eaten enough for three people." I said and tried to give a reason.She shook her head. "And you'll eat enough for four today."I looked toward Kharef for help but he simply raised an eyebrow."I believe Zahra has given you an order," he said calmly.I stared at him in disbelief after I heard his answer."You're taking
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-26
Chapter: Chapter 102Night had already settled over the hidden valley.The children had long since gone to sleep, and only the soft crackling of the fire disturbed the peaceful silence.Inside Harun's cottage, Maritza still rested. The fever had finally begun to ease, and Zahra smiled with relief as she replaced another cool cloth upon her forehead."She's getting stronger."Kharef quietly released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding."Thank you." He said quietly.Zahra smiled gently after a nod of her head."She'll need another day or two. I'll watch over her."Kharef nodded before quietly stepping outside and the cool night air greeted him as countless stars stretched across the sky.Harun was already waiting beside the fire and he looked up as the Pharaoh approached.For several moments… Neither man spoke.Finally… Kharef broke the silence."Tell me."Harun frowned slightly. "About what, my Pharaoh?""The reward." His voice remained calm. "The one placed upon Lady Maritza."Harun's expressi
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-25
Chapter: Chapter 101The celebration did not last long.The moment the last of the Black Jackals disappeared beyond the mountain pass, the tension that had been holding Maritza upright finally broke.She swayed and tried to reach for the nearest tree, but my fingers found only empty air."...Maritza!"Kharef caught me before I could collapse onto the rocky ground.My body felt strangely light and the voices around me became distant."I'm... okay..." The words came out as little more than a whisper."You are most certainly not," Kharef answered firmly."I only..." Darkness swam before my eyes. "...need..."Before I could finish the sentence, everything disappeared."Lady Maritza!"Ramose's voice echoed somewhere far away but I couldn't answer.It seems like the fever had finally stolen what little strength I had left.*****Kharef carried her back inside the stone cottage without hesitation."Zahra!"Harun's wife hurried from the back room and the moment she saw Maritza's unconscious face, her expression
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-24
Chapter: Chapter 100The crimson cloud drifted across the narrow mountain pass and within seconds, the front line of the Black Jackals dissolved into chaos.Terrified horses reared violently, throwing their riders to the ground while others bolted in every direction, ignoring their masters' desperate attempts to regain control."What have you done?" one of the raiders shouted, rubbing his burning eyes. "My eyes! I can't see!"The leader of the Black Jackals pulled hard on his reins as his own horse reared beneath him."Hold the line!" he roared. "Don't panic!"But it was already too late.The narrow pass that had once favored the attackers had become their prison and Kharef saw the opportunity i
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-24
Chapter: Chapter 97By now, I should have known better than to believe my life could stay peaceful for more than a few days.Every time I thought things were finally settling down, something happened to remind me that peace had never really been an option for me.Apparently, today was no different.After leaving campus, Dominic didn't drive me home and I noticed it almost immediately.Instead of taking the familiar route toward my house or his penthouse, he turned onto a quieter road leading toward another part of the city.I looked out the window curiously."Where are we going?" I asked quietly."Somewhere." He replied calmly while still driving.I frowned and turned my head to stare at him."That's not an answer." I retorted."It is."This man…. He never changed, did he?I sighed. "You're impossible."The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, but he didn't say anything else.Several minutes later, we pulled into the parking area of what looked like a fairly ordinary café.Except… It wasn't ordinary at a
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-18
Chapter: Chapter 96Another week passed before I had to return to campus again.Graduation was getting closer and it still felt surreal.After everything that had happened over the past year—my uncle's betrayal, the legal battle over my family's company, Dominic's poisoning, his lost memories, and the recent attempts on my life—I had somehow managed to keep studying.There had been so many moments when I thought I would never make it this far, yet here I was.Only a few more classes remained before I could finally call myself a graduate and that thought alone made me smile.This morning, Dominic had an important meeting with Gregori and several executives from one of their logistics companies. Since they had left before sunrise, I didn't want to interrupt them."I'll just go with Serge and Paul," I had told Dominic over breakfast.He frowned immediately. "I'll send more men."I laughed softly."I'm only going to campus."He still looked unconvinced."It's campus. There are people there." I couldn't help
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-24
Chapter: Chapter 95I couldn't stop smiling or laughing.Every time I looked at Dominic, I remembered what had happened at the café. One moment he insisted we had to keep our relationship hidden.The next, he appeared out of nowhere, practically warning Bernard Ortega to stay away from me.‘Some secret relationship this is.’ I thought in disbelief.I bit my lower lip, trying to stop another laugh from escaping. Beside me, Dominic walked with his usual calm, unreadable expression.His face remained cold and his posture was perfectly straight. To anyone passing by, he looked like a man discussing nothing more than business.Except… Our hands.Hidden between us, where no one on the busy sidewalk could easily notice, Dominic's large hand was firmly intertwined with mine.His grip was warm, steady and possessive.Every time I tried to loosen my fingers just to tease him… He simply held my hand even tighter.I looked sideways at him. "Dominic.""Hm?" He pretends to look cold.I sighed. "You realize we're suppo
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-18
Chapter: Chapter 94The café Bernard chose was only a few minutes away from the company.It was a quiet little place tucked into the corner of a busy street, its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the morning traffic while soft jazz music played in the background.Thankfully, it wasn't crowded.I glanced at the time on my watch. "I only have about an hour before my first meeting."Bernard smiled as he pulled out a chair for me. "Then I won't steal too much of your time."We ordered breakfast and coffee, and for the first few minutes, our conversation remained exactly what I had hoped it would be; business, the charity gala, investment opportunities and the future expansion of Smith Corporation.Bernard was an intelligent businessman, and I genuinely enjoyed exchanging ideas with him.Still… I was careful, very careful. Every sentence I spoke remained polite and professional. Every smile had its limits and every compliment was redirected back toward business.I wasn't trying to be rude but I was simply
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter 93I was still smiling, even after the long drive to the office and after replaying Dominic's shameless goodbye kiss in my head for what had to be the hundredth time.This pretending thing isn't going to work, I thought, fighting another smile.How was I supposed to act like nothing had happened when that man kissed me in front of Serge as if the entire world didn't exist?I let out a quiet sigh and stepped out of the SUV."Have a good day, Miss Smith," Serge said with his usual respectful nod.I smile. "You too, Serge."I adjusted my blazer before walking toward the entrance of the Smith Corporation building.Employees were already arriving for work, filling the spacious marble lobby with the sounds of conversations, footsteps, and elevators opening and closing.It felt like an ordinary morning.Until I saw him, near the revolving doors stood Bernard Ortega.He was dressed impeccably in a charcoal-gray suit that fit him perfectly, his dark hair neatly styled as always.But that wasn't w
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter 92Dominic's penthouse was nothing like I expected.The elevator doors opened directly into the apartment, revealing an expansive living space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. The city glittered beneath us, thousands of lights stretching endlessly into the distance.Everything inside reflected Dominic perfectly, modern, elegant and minimalistic.Black marble floors contrasted beautifully with warm walnut wood panels, while the furniture was simple yet undeniably expensive. There were no unnecessary decorations, only carefully chosen pieces that gave the entire place a quiet sense of luxury.It felt... peaceful.I slowly walked farther inside, taking in every corner."So..." I said with a small smile. "You've been hiding this place from me?"Dominic closed the apartment door behind us."It wasn't exactly a secret." He said calmly.I glanced over my shoulder. "Oh?""And you never asked."What?!I laughed softly. "That's your defense?"He shrugs his shoulders. "It works.""It absolut
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-10
Masuk
