"M-marriage?!" exclaimed Aleah in shock when her grandfather told her that before they returned to Italy, he planned for her to marry Giovanni. She looked at the man her grandfather mentioned. She had no complaints about him and saw that her grandfather trusted him completely, but she couldn't understand why the old man wanted her to marry a man she barely knew. She had just met him, and now her grandfather had decided on their marriage. She had avoided one arranged marriage, and now here came another one she needed to escape.
"Why?" Rafael asked Hunter as the latter suddenly froze at the door and looked at the table where Aleah, Elara, her grandfather, and a young man, whom Rafael had never seen before, were seated. He also heard what Aleah said, which made him stop in his tracks. Hunter's eyes narrowed at what he overheard. Did he hear it correctly? Were they discussing marriage? His gaze shifted to the young man with them. Hunter couldn't understand, but he felt an energy
As her grandfather exited the restaurant, Aleah let go of the young man's hand and sighed deeply. Thankfully, her grandfather believed her and didn’t ask further questions. She wasn’t surprised though—after all, her grandfather wouldn’t object. Hunter was, undoubtedly, an excellent choice: not only did he come from a reputable family, but he was also an Alpha leader.“That was close. Thank you,” Aleah said, turning to the young man.“So now you’re using me to reject a marriage proposal?” Hunter said, his gaze shifting back to her.“I didn’t know you were that bold,” Claire’s friend remarked. “You’ve accepted his rejection, and now you—”“I know I was impulsive,” Aleah cut in, admitting, “I didn’t think things through. All I know is—I don’t want to be trapped in another messy arranged marriage.” She turned to Hunte
Did you not know?" Melissa exclaimed to Alfredo when Daniella revealed to their family what she had learned from Zane. The young man had told her that his grandfather was preparing to meet Aleah's grandfather. Hunter had also informed them that he and Aleah were planning to get married, and Aleah's grandfather wished to talk to their family."No wonder those two haven’t been coming here—they’ve been plotting against our family all along," Melissa remarked. "See? We shouldn’t have welcomed them here in the first place," she added."Maybe they really are in love," Amanda said. "Think about it—they called off the wedding because of Hunter’s job, but in the end, they’re still getting married," she continued."You actually believe that, Aunt?" Natasha asked sarcastically. "Just think about it—Hunter is a high-ranking Alpha, and their pack is close to the Alpha King, while Aleah is an illegitimate child. Who would believe they truly love each other? Hunter is known as
"Alpha, someone’s looking for you,” said a soldier who encountered Hunter while he was entering his office. The soldier saluted him before speaking. Hunter noticed the confusion on the young Alpha’s face. “She’s at the main gate now. We haven’t let her in yet just in case-----”“Who is she?” Hunter asked.“The young woman who came here the other day,” the soldier replied.“Send her in,” Hunter instructed before heading into his office.“Yes, Alpha!” the soldier responded, saluting before rushing to the main gate to fetch Aleah.When Aleah entered Hunter’s office, she glanced around. It looked the same as it did the last time she had visited. Hunter was at his desk, reading some files. It was also the first time she saw him wearing spectacles. When he noticed her entrance, he immediately set down what he was reading, removed his glasses, stood up from his
At a grand cathedral, the wedding of Hunter and Aleah was held. Hunter's entire family attended, as did Alfredo's family, making the event even more special. Standing outside the church, the elderly Antonio and Sebastian, along with Attorney Brambilla, eagerly awaited the ceremony. Also present outside were individuals dressed in service uniforms, marking the occasion as a military wedding. Apart from being the leader of the Astral Guardians, Hunter was also a member of the armed forces, adding a unique significance to the celebration.Everyone was in awe when Hunter arrived with Rafael and other members of his task force, all in their service uniforms. The young Alpha was the center of attention, exuding dignity and charm in his crisp attire. Sebastian and Antonio warmly greeted him, sharing in the joy of the day“Aleah and her mother are on their way with Alfredo,” Sebastian informed Hunter, who nodded in acknowledgment. Soon, a limousine, Aleah's bridal car, stopped
"Excuse me, Miss," a man said to Aleah as she sat in her seat inside the plane, waiting for it to take off. They were in the business-class suite, and it was her first time traveling by air. At that moment, she was alone because Hunter had stepped away after receiving a call from the Alpha King's assistant. As she was engrossed in her book, someone suddenly approached her. Hearing the voice, Aleah glanced up. Her eyes met a young man dressed in a casual summer outfit—he was tall, striking, and carried himself with ease."Sorry, did I startle you?" he asked, flashing a simple but charming smile. "I’ve been noticing you for a while now, and you seem to be alone. Are you traveling by yourself?" he inquired, his tone friendly yet curious.Aleah, however, didn’t respond. She simply stared at him, unsure how to react to this stranger's unexpected approach.The man seemed to realize his abruptness and quickly corrected himself. "Oh, how rude of me. I&
"Wow!" Aleah exclaimed in awe as she walked toward the open space near the large indoor pool, gazing at the beautiful view outside the suite. From there, she could see the lush green mountains and the azure ocean."Did you like it?" Hunter asked the young woman."Very much," Aleah replied cheerfully, turning to the man with a sweet smile. Hunter suddenly froze, captivated by what seemed to be her radiant smile. It was as though he was looking at a goddess when he saw her innocent, smiling face."What did you do?" Aleah asked, startled, blinking rapidly as she heard the faint sound of a camera. It was only then that she noticed Hunter standing with a camera in his hands, looking straight at her."What else would it be?" Hunter responded as he lowered the camera and walked over to where Aleah stood."You took my picture without even telling me?" Aleah asked in surprise, following him as he walked ahead. She stopped beside him, and together they looke
"Mama?!" exclaimed Aleah in surprise upon seeing her mother with Atty. Brambilla, waiting for them in the airport's arrival area. She looked at Hunter in confusion, and it was only then that she realized what country they had traveled to. She noticed Hunter nodding at her, as if to say it was okay to approach her mother.Aleah immediately ran toward her mom and hugged her tightly, as if it had been ages since their last meeting. Hunter silently followed them, pushing the trolley with their luggage."Hunter, thank you for bringing my daughter here," Elara said upon seeing Hunter approach them, then stepped back from her daughter."What do you mean by that?" Aleah asked, still confused, and looked at Hunter."Hunter called me the other day and told me you were coming to visit," Elara explained. "He said you’ve been crying every night and calling out for me. You’re very thoughtful—thank you so much," she added, turning her attention to the
Son, have you been waiting long?" Don Antonio asked as he approached Hunter, who was seated inside an elegant restaurant with dim lighting and soft instrumental music playing in the background. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread filled the air, setting a calm yet tense atmosphere. Upon seeing the elder, Hunter immediately rose from his chair to greet him, his posture formal and composed."Please, have a seat. My apologies for keeping you waiting," Don Antonio said as he lowered himself into the empty chair across from Hunter, his movements deliberate and marked with authority."You could have simply visited the mansion. Why did we need to meet in a public place like this?" the elder remarked, his voice carrying a subtle tone of curiosity and unease.Hunter leaned forward slightly, his expression grave. "I’ll get straight to the point. I didn’t ask to meet you as the husband of your granddaughter, but as an officer of the law," he decla
"Don’t let him fool you," Jonathan said, his voice sharp and commanding. "I’m the one who saved your life. You owe your second chance to me, Aleah, so you should be listening to me." His eyes burned with intensity, and for the first time, Aleah felt fear creep into her chest. The look in his eyes was unsettling, almost as if he was silently declaring that she wasn’t allowed to leave.Hunter stepped forward, his expression calm but his voice firm. "I don’t know why you’re so desperate to keep my wife away from me," he said, his gaze unwavering. "But I’ll say this—I don’t like what you’re doing."He took a deep breath, his features softening as he turned to Aleah. His voice was gentler now, filled with quiet conviction. "Aleah, I’m holding back my anger because I don’t want to hurt you. I won’t force you to remember me, but your heart already knows. It always has. We share something unbreakable—a b
Hunter and Charles wasted no time heading to the small town where Aleah had been spotted. It was late afternoon, and Aleah stood by the shoreline, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The golden light bathed her as the wind played with her hair. Watching the sunset had become her refuge—a quiet moment where she wished, over and over, for her memories to return.As soon as they arrived, Hunter’s eyes locked onto a familiar silhouette standing by the water. Her long hair flowed in the breeze, and his heart leaped at the sight. His lips curled into a soft smile as he recognized her. Slowly, almost reverently, he approached her. The anticipation was overwhelming—he’d spent countless sleepless nights worrying about her, praying she was safe. Now, here she was."My Love," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out, wrapping his strong arms around her. Those arms, so familiar, sent a jolt through Aleah. "I’ve missed you," he added,
"What are you doing out here?" Aleah’s soft voice broke the silence. She found Lucinda sitting outside, staring off into the distance."Just getting some air. Why are you here?" Lucinda asked, her tone distant and detached."I needed some fresh air too. I’ve been feeling a little suffocated," Aleah replied gently."You’re doing better now, aren’t you? So why haven’t you left yet?" Lucinda asked suddenly, her words sharp and unfiltered."Huh?" Aleah blinked, surprised by the shift in her tone. Lucinda’s bluntness caught her off guard."You don’t remember anything, sure, but you’re not helpless. Why don’t you go look for your family?" Lucinda said, frustration creeping into her voice."And where am I supposed to start? You know I have no clue!" Aleah shot back.Lucinda narrowed her eyes. "Maybe you’re just using your memory loss as an excuse to stick around here. Be honest—do you like
"You're so stupid!" the furious woman exclaimed as she struck Lucinda on the head. "I told you not to put vegetables in the sinigang because I can't stand their smell, but you still did it!" she said angrily. In her rage, she flung the contents of the bowl, its freshly cooked soup still steaming hot. Some of it spilled onto Lucinda's hand."Ouch!" Lucinda cried out as the scalding liquid touched her skin."What? Does it hurt? Are you complaining?" the woman sneered."N-no, ma'am," Lucinda replied weakly."I can't understand Jonathan," the woman went on. "How could he marry someone like you? My son is intelligent, but I can't fathom why he chose you—uneducated and dumb," she spat out venomously.Lucinda stood there quietly, listening, but inside, she was overwhelmed by pain. This was just another day of enduring her mother-in-law's cruelty. Ever since she and Jonathan had married, the woman had been nothing but harsh to her.Aleah happened to walk
The rain was pouring heavily, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Aleah didn't know where to go; she kept running aimlessly. The area was covered with grass and thick bushes, making it difficult for her to move. Her clothes got caught on the plants, and she stumbled several times. Her arms and legs were scratched and wounded by the sharp foliage.Because it was dark and she had no idea where she was heading, Aleah didn't notice the cliff in her path. She tripped over a protruding rock and fell, rolling down uncontrollably. Her clothes got snagged and ripped during the fall. When she finally stopped tumbling, she landed in a single spot—at the bottom of the cliff."Zen," Aleah called out her husband's name as she fell. That was the last thing she remembered before her vision went black.“Hah!” Aleah jolted awake, her chest heaving. “Ow, my head...” she groaned, instinctively reaching for her scalp. Her fingers brushed against a bandage.
Hunter got a call from Rafael, saying the senator fought back when they tried to arrest him at his house. He managed to escape, and now the cops were on his tail. Without a word, Hunter grabbed his things and left. Michael and Samuel didn’t ask questions; they just followed their Alpha like always.Hunter headed straight for the airport, like he had a sixth sense about where the senator might be. He wandered around, scanning the crowds, until his eyes zeroed in on a man in a big hat and a scruffy beard."Hey, where do you think you’re going?" Hunter said sharply, stepping in front of the man. Michael and Samuel exchanged puzzled looks, wondering why Hunter was stopping him.Out of nowhere, Andrew stepped forward and landed a solid punch on the guy. The impact sent him flying, knocking his hat clean off. Michael and Samuel stood frozen in shock—it was the senator, the very man they had been hunting down. Hunter’s fists clenched, his anger boilin
During a conference, Hunter announced that a warrant of arrest had already been issued against the senator, along with solid evidence to prove the senator's crimes. Hunter also revealed that they would not only file charges for rape with murder, but would also include kidnapping in the list of cases stacked against the senator. However, the senator vehemently denied the allegations against him.The senator claimed that the prosecutor was merely doing this for attention. He also accused Hunter of aiming to make a name for himself. Furthermore, the senator denied the accusation that he abducted the family of Hunter's older brother.“Why did you bring us here?” Aleah asked in confusion when the senator and his men took them to the wilderness.“Your husband is too stubborn. He doesn’t care even though we told him we have you; he still pursued the case against me,” the senator snapped angrily.“He’s not a weak soldier, Mr. Sen
"Miss Aleah, there’s a client outside,” the paralegal said as she peeked into Aleah’s office. “He’s asking to meet you here.”“Alright, let him in,” Aleah replied without glancing up. Because of this, she didn’t notice the armed men quietly standing behind the paralegal, guns pointed at her. Moments later, the "client" entered her office.“Mrs. Bryant. Finally, we meet. And they weren’t exaggerating—Hunter’s one lucky guy to have such a stunning wife.” Aleah looked up, her eyes widening in shock. She hadn’t expected to see the senator in her office, of all places. With Dennis out handling a case, she was completely on her own.“Don’t even think about doing anything stupid, Mrs. Bryant,” the senator warned as she started to move. “See these men? They’re armed. One wrong move, and today might just be your last.”“What do you want from
"Zen!" Aleah called out, practically running to Hunter as they arrived at the Bryant mansion. She threw her arms around him, holding on tight. "What’s going on? Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice full of worry. Hunter let out a sigh and began explaining the mess they were in—how Isaac, Aurora, and Francis had been kidnapped. He added that Bernard, his kids, and Clarisse managed to escape, with Clarisse leaving the island earlier. The kidnappers were demanding Hunter drop the case in exchange for their safety."You’re not seriously thinking about dropping the charges, right?" Aleah asked, her tone a mix of concern and disbelief."And what’s that supposed to mean?" Michelle chimed in, rolling her eyes. "You think it’s okay to just leave Francis, Aurora, and Isaac with those scumbags? Come on, Aleah, you of all people know what it's like to be in the hands of kidnappers!" Her words were sharp, cutting through the tense air."Guys, sto