MasukTime had passed, and it was already another year since it happened.Hans’ parents, who were trying to extort money from me and release their son from our jail, failed miserably on their plan to taint my name.Thankfully, River had prepared everything, knowing that things would escalate to this once they were at rock bottom. He had proof of the Continental family dealing with illegal things and their alliance with the Miller family.Turns out that the Continental family was the ones who lured the Miller family to arson the Montgomery Mansion in France, and kidnap me so they could use me as leverage in the future.That is why, even before, they had already planned to marry me off to Hans: for the merger of the Miller and Continental Corporation.Hans could have rejected that agreement, but to make things worse, he became obsessed with me, and wanted to take me like I’m a trophy.“Ah… At least, all of it is done now,” I muttered as I took a sip of my tea, looking at the sunset.So many t
River and I enjoyed our time on our stay in America, dating in public while having a disguise. I never thought it was so enjoyable since I haven’t done this back then, and in France, I don’t even need to hide my identity.But here, someone could recognize me. It’s better to be prepared like this.“We’re done roaming around the capital,” River said, his lips curving with a smile. “Aren’t you tired, my princess? We still have a flight tomorrow.”“I’m not.” I smiled back. “Aside from that, we’re waiting for someone.”He frowned. “Someone? Who—”“Serenity! Babes!”Before River could even finish his sentence, a woman wearing a black sleeveless top and denim shorts ran toward us. Then, she jumped and hugged me, causing me to stumble.Thankfully, we didn’t fall on the ground.“Who are you—”“She’s a friend,” I interrupted, halting River’s words. Then, I looked at the guards watching us from afar. “For real, this time.”I can see them going out of the shadows earlier, but when they heard my
I bit my lower lip upon hearing those words.That was the same for me. I’ve been trying to find the killer for months, but I haven’t been able to do that. Hans won’t even tell who the man was, even if it will cost him his freedom.I promised him a reduction of his sentence, although he didn’t deserve it, in exchange that he will tell me his subordinate’s identity.But Hans told me something infuriating instead.“I’d rather die than tell his name. Do you know how happy I am that he killed River in front of me?” He chuckled devilishly. “If I can’t have you, nobody will. Always remember that.”Just remembering those words was more than enough to make my blood boil.“How about now? Did you already find him? Is that why you finally showed yourself now?”“No. And I don’t need to find him to return,” River answered, his voice laced with finality. “I’ll find him no matter what, but I can’t sacrifice you again just to achieve it.”I frowned.Back in America, he left me when Eleanor and Ricard
“You don’t get to decide that for me, River,” I whispered, the pain and anger evident in my voice. “It’s not your decision to leave me to grieve for you like that!”I sobbed, and my voice was breaking. I know that I look like shit right now, but I can’t control myself, either. So many things happened, and now, River is alive?I am more than grateful, but at the same time, I’m so fucking mad because of how he played with my feelings. I understand it was for me, but for him, do I look like a child who always needs his protection?I’m the Princess of France, and soon to be the queen.I may have been a helpless woman before when I was still under Eleanor and Ricardo’s care… But those were all in the past.“I know, Princess,” he answered in a low tone, his voice filled with guilt and regret. “I’m sorry for all the things I’ve done.”He took a step closer, and now, I could feel his breathing against the skin on my face.“I’m sorry for the deal I made back then. Even if it’s for you, I co
My vision blurred instantly with tears.This can’t be true. River… died in front of me.Is my mind playing with me again? Is this another part of my hallucination?I blinked as many times as I could, but he didn’t disappear from my sight. He also didn’t move closer or even do anything to reach out.He stood still, staring at me.“Seraphina,” he muttered softly, and I swear that I heard the subtle pain in his voice. “I’m back.”His calling my name was more than enough for me to lose my sanity. Or at least, I thought I was going crazy.Everything felt real. Even his voice… It feels like he’s really here in front of me.“This fucking fatigue is getting way out of hand…” I muttered as I stumbled back slightly, tears streaming down my face. “You’re dead. I watched you die. I even attended your burial…”My voice was mixed with shock and confusion. And to be honest, I don’t understand what I’m feeling right now.Should I be happy? Because every time that I feel hopeful that he’s in front of
A silver ring.“Hmm?” I frowned, looking at the ring, which was already in my palm. “But this isn’t mine.”“Oh… Really?” I saw how Melanie blinked her eyes in mixed shock and confusion, even slightly tilting her head. “But the janitor who asked for help said that it was in the Mausoleum earlier.”“It is?” It was my turn to be confused. “But I’m alone in that place—”My words halted when, suddenly, I remembered something.“That wasn’t my hallucination…” I muttered, biting my lower lip as I remembered the warmth I felt at that time. “This ring… It belongs to him.”I’ve seen this ring a lot back when we were in America. I believe he purchased it from that place, and not in France.“Pardon, Your Highness?”I didn’t answer. Instead, my body froze as I forgot to breathe for a second, a sudden realization coming into my mind.There’s no doubt. It’s him. River.But how could that even happen?*****After two days, the doctor had already approved my discharge from the hospital. I returned to t
As my gaze dropped to the medicine, my brows furrowed. It’s the medicine that my psychiatrist recommended to me before.Before, Mom told me that there was something wrong with how I think. I didn’t know what exactly she was talking about, but not given a chance to argue, she brought me to a psychia
The sound echoed across the rooftop. I froze. My heart thumped more rapidly than before as I realized what I had done. My fingers trembled, stinging from the impact.I didn’t know where those intense emotions came from. I managed to control my emotions for a long time, thanks to my parents, who ke
“And as you can see, I really don’t like that guy,” Mom added as she crossed her arms, now looking at the window. “He keeps on meddling. If only your father wasn’t backing him up, I might have kicked him out of the mansion.”She sighed in frustration. “Who cares if he owns Palmer Industries? He’s
I shook my head. If my parents knew that he was here, he might be exiled from the mansion, given that they already don’t like him from the start.It’s not like River couldn’t find any place to stay while he’s here in the States. I’m certain that he could afford a luxurious suite, or even another m







