Lena never expected her life to change overnight. One minute, she was just another invisible girl scraping by—dodging bills, counting coins, and pretending the weight of survival didn’t choke her daily. Then came Kai Ashford. A billionaire with a cold smile and eyes that saw through everything. He plucked her from the shadows and wrapped her in silk, marble, and secrets. Designer clothes replaced thrifted rags. Penthouse nights took over sleepless street corners. Everything she ever dreamed of was handed to her no questions asked. But nothing in Kai’s world is ever free. As Lena is pulled deeper into his luxurious web, she begins to realize she isn’t just living in his world she’s owned by it. Every choice, every glance, every step has been calculated. Her comfort is his control. And the deeper she falls, the harder it becomes to untangle what’s love… and what’s manipulation. Because Kai didn’t save her. He claimed her. And her entire existence may be the price she never agreed to pay.
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Lena I only needed ten more minutes. Ten minutes before the manager would notice I was hiding behind the marble column in the lobby, pretending I worked here. It was the third hotel this month. I wasn’t stealing just borrowing the cool warmth, the Wi-Fi, and the chance to exist somewhere that didn’t smell like wet cardboard and diesel. Then he walked in. Tall. Dark suit. Sharp jaw. Every step like the floor adjusted for him. I ducked my head, pretending to type on the cracked screen of my phone, but my eyes flicked up again. I knew him. Kai Ashford. Billionaire. Tech genius. Tabloid nightmare. Also the man whose face was plastered all over the building I was squatting in last night. And now he was heading straight toward me. I suddenly start moving to and fro searching for God knows best “Excuse me,” he said, voice smooth but clipped. I looked up, trying not to choke on air. “Yes?” He raised a brow. “You work here?” Lie. Lie fast. “Yes. Front… desk training.” He tilted his head, eyes scanning me like he already knew the truth. Then he handed me a leather folder. “Someone left this in the conference room. Make sure it gets back to the owner. Discreetly.” And just like that, he turned and walked off. I opened the folder. Inside A cheque. Made out to cash. For five million dollars. I stared at the cheque like it might evaporate if I blinked. My breath caught, stomach twisting between panic and disbelief. Five. Million. Dollars. I clutched the folder shut, heart thudding like a warning bell. This was a test. It had to be. I looked around, but Kai Ashford was already gone swallowed up by a sea of suits and heels. My mind raced. Was there a hidden camera? Was he watching me? Or had he really just handed over a fortune to a stranger pretending to work here? I shot to my feet and walked fast too fast toward the front desk. My fake confidence had cracked. The receptionist glanced up. “Can I help?” “I need to return this. Mr. Ashford gave it to me,” I blurted, shoving the folder forward like it might explode. She looked at it, then at me. “He gave it to you?” “Yes. I. he thought I was staff. I’m not. It’s… complicated.” Her eyes narrowed, clearly deciding whether to call security or HR. But before she could speak, a voice from behind me cut through the room like silk over steel. “Leave it with her.” I turned. Kai stood there, hands in his coat pockets, watching me with unreadable eyes. “Sir?” the receptionist asked. “She passed the test,” he said simply. What?What's Test? She could’ve walked out with it. She didn’t. That’s more than I can say for half the people on my payroll.” I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Kai stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough for only me to hear. “What’s your name?” “…Lena.” “Well, Lena.” His gaze dropped to my worn sneakers and fraying coat. “How do you feel about working for me for real this time?” My throat went dry. “Doing what?” He smirked, wicked and magnetic. “We’ll start with something simple. Like seeing if you can survive in my world without getting swallowed whole.” “Survive in your world?” I echoed, heart pounding. “What does that even mean?” Kai’s smirk deepened. “It means I’ll give you a job. Real pay, real hours. You’ll work directly under me closely. Think of it as a challenge… or a chance.” My brain couldn’t keep up. Moments ago, I was faking my way through a building I had no business being in just trying to escape the cold, maybe snag a free coffee if I was lucky. Now this billionaire wanted to hire me? I cleared my throat. “You don’t even know who I am.” “I know enough,” he said smoothly. “You’re desperate. But you’re also honest. I’ve built empires on less than that.” I blinked. “What kind of job are we talking about?” He leaned in slightly, his voice low and deliberate. “You’ll assist me. Meetings, scheduling, personal errands. You’ll be around me… often and always. That’s the offer. Take it or leave it.” “Why me?” “Because you didn’t run. Most people would have.” He turned, already walking away. “Be at my office on Monday. 8a.m. sharp. Dress like you belong.” I was confused,I was planning on going to the next hotel to linger but wait what's happening I stood frozen, folder still in my hands. Did that just happen? And did I just agree to step into a world that chews people up and spits them out in designer shoes? God help me… I think I did. I should’ve said no. I should’ve handed him the cheque, walked out of that sleek, glass tower, and gone back to my normal life the one where I worked two jobs and be able to afford my rent again But I didn’t. I said yes.Why won't I,I was kicked out of my rented place a month ago due to lack of rent, squeeze my belongings into my good Samaritan college tiny apartment she share with other people,where I couldn't even sleep,I had to sneak into hotels to sleep,left to dress at her place head to work and came to lounge coz I can't go and stay in her apartment she shared only my belongings are secured I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.” Kai’s smirk deepened. “Good.” That single word sealed my fate.Deep inside me I was happy at least working here could earn me a bit fortune to renew my rent.Actually today was a blessed day to me. By Monday morning, I was standing in the marble lobby of Ashford Hotel, wearing the only blazer I owned and shoes that pinched like hell. The receptionist same girl from last week gave me a tight smile as she handed me a guest badge. “Take the private elevator. He’s expecting you.” Private elevator? I swallowed my nerves and stepped in. My reflection stared back at me from the mirrored walls nervous, underdressed, and very aware I was about to enter a world where I didn’t belong. When the doors slid open on the top floor, Kai was waiting. In a black suit, no tie, sleeves rolled just enough to show a silver watch worth more than my entire neighborhood. He looked… dangerous. In a way storms look right before they break beautiful, wild, and completely out of your control.He look a bit different than last week,he was a bit chill and nice compared to today that's he seems serious “You’re late,” he said. “I’m what?” I glanced at the clock. “It’s exactly nine.” “I said you’re late. I said 8am His eyes flicked over me. “And that’s the last time you show up dressed like you’re about to beg for a job at a coffee shop.” Heat rushed to my cheeks. “This is the best I’ve got.” He turned, walking into his office. “Then we’ll fix that.” I followed, too stunned to argue. His office looked like a museum clean lines, leather, glass, and a view of the city that made me dizzy. He motioned for me to sit. I didn’t. “What exactly am I doing here?” I asked. Kai poured himself a drink. “You’re going to be my assistant and mine.” “I don’t know how to be an assistant.” “You’ll learn. Or you’ll quit. Either way, I’ll know who you are when you’re under pressure.” I crossed my arms. “Why me?” He finally looked at me really looked. “You lounged at my hotel for five days without been caught, free service ,he smile at the end So I was monitored all this time okay I adjust my handbag averting his gaze coz I can't deny the reality He adjust and lean on his chair Also you didn’t take the money when you had the chance. That means you’re either honest or stupid. Either way, I need someone like that.” I should’ve walked out. But I didn’t. Instead, I sat down and said, “Okay Where do I start?” He smiled then. A real one this time.The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting gentle golden hues across the room. Lena’s eyes fluttered open, the familiar warmth of the sun touching her skin like a quiet promise. For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt something stirring within a faint but real sense of peace. She sat up slowly, her body still tender but her mind clearer than it had been in weeks. The memories, hazy at first, began to gather like scattered pieces of a puzzle. Her breath caught as she remembered her children, her husband, the life she had almost forgotten. Drawing strength from that new spark inside her, Lena rose and walked carefully toward the staircase. Each step felt more purposeful than the last. She moved to the dining room, where the morning calm was alive with soft soundsthe clink of dishes, the rustle of papers, and the gentle laughter of a child. “Kai… Ezra,” she called, her voice trembling but steady. Kai looked up from the table, surprise flickering in hi
I had a dream last night.No...a nightmare.I was locked in a room. The walls was too tigh andthe air too thin. And someone… someone I couldn’t see clearly was ther talking but their words felt like knives to my chest. I couldn’t breathe.I felt betrayed I don’t remember the face, only the pain. The ache that grew so deep, And then there was a baby. My baby?thats I want to fiercely protect I saw shadows and figures taking her away. No. I screamed. My legs couldn’t carry me fast enough. My voice couldn’t reach them,but they didn’t stop.I was screaming out loud this time. Then… Arms. Strong arms wrapped around me from behind, firm but gentle. Warm and I heard his voice holding and grounding his voice soothing all the tension in my body and made me realize I wasn't in my room but in his arms I just knew the moment he touched me… the panic dulled.His anchoring me back to the present. His hands one against my back, one cradling my head like I’d break.I was still crying. My body trem
Lena PovThe first thing I remember was the beeping.Then voices. Faint and echoing.I woke up to the muffled sounds of voicessoft, urgent, and unfamiliar. “She’s awake,” someone whispered.My eyes fluttered open slowly, heavy like they hadn’t been used in days. The ceiling above me was stark white, too clean, too bright. My throat felt dry, and there was a dull, throbbing pain shooting down my shoulder.I blinked against the sharp white light, my vision blurry, everything unfocused. It was as if I were rising from underwater, every sound muffled, every breath thick and unfamiliar. My body felt heavy. My shoulder ached a deep, throbbing pain that pulsed with every heartbeat. I tried to move, but my arm was restrained by a sling, the tug of it foreign and jarring.Where was I?I turned my head slowly, wincing at the pain in my neck. The smell of antiseptic filled the room. Machines beeped steadily beside me. Wires trailed from my arm.I was in a hospital.Panic simmered beneath my skin.
The sleep lasted only thirty minutes before Lena stirred. A soft, breathy sigh escaped her lips as her eyelashes fluttered, brushing lightly against her cheeks. Sleep slipped away slowly, like mist burned off by dawn. Her arms, still curled protectively around the tiny bundle on her chest, tightened reflexively as the warmth of the infant grounded her in reality. The baby girl lay peacefully against her—cheek resting on the soft fabric of Lena’s gown, tiny fingers curled into a fist, her breath rising and falling in quiet rhythm, warming the skin above Lena’s heart. As Lena’s eyes finally opened, slow and unfocused, she blinked as if waking in a world that didn’t yet belong to her. She looked around with a quiet confusion and calm, but unmoored. Then she saw him. Kai. He was seated just a few feet away, his tall frame folded into the corner of the room, leaning back against the wall with one knee bent. He hadn’t moved since she fell asleep. His expression was unreadable at first,
After the panic attack triggered by the balloon pop, Lena had withdrawn again. She barely spoke, barely left her room . The fear in her eyes lingered like a shadow that refused to lift. But Ezra… Ezra never gave up. He began lying beside her on the bed during the afternoons, his tiny hand resting near hers, whispering stories about his toys, about daddy making breakfast, or how he saw a butterfly in the garden.He didn't expect answers. He just talked, as if her silence was part of their language. Lena never said much.Sometimes, she’d glance at him. Sometimes she didn’t even blink. She just stared out the window, at the ceiling, through the walls. But Ezra didn’t mind. He stayed close, his presence gentle and patient, just like his father had taught him. That morning, he crawled up onto the bed beside her again,resting his tiny head on her shoulder.His face leaned close to hers, eyes wide and curious as always. He reached up and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, then another on
It's was in the quiet evening Lena lay on the bed, curled slightly on her side, her breath even but troubled. Her face, though asleep, twitched with emotion. A soft whimper escaped her lips, then another… and then, a cry. “No… please—my baby… don’t hurt my baby…” Her voice cracked in sleep, small and broken, the words choked and trembling. Her fingers clenched around the bedsheet as her body started to shift under invisible hands of memory. “No. no, please… lets me go!” Her chest heaved, and suddenly her eyes flew open, wild and full of terror. A cold sweat coated her skin. Her pulse roared in her ears. “My baby!” she screamed, sitting up so fast the blanket tangled around her legs. She quickly touch her belly in confusion “They took my baby! They took her...” She stumbled out of the bed, her feet barely touching the floor .All she knew was her baby was gone. “MY BABY!” she screamed louder, racing toward the door with bare feet, tears already streaming uncontrollably. In the d
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