LOGIN“W-What?” Evelyn asked, her eyes widening in shock. “Are you crazy? Do you know what you’re doing?”River didn’t answer immediately. He clenched his fists, trying to control his emotions even though he was already on the verge of losing his sanity.“If something happens to her because you made a decision without even asking me, I don’t think I can ever forgive you, Evelyn.”“Hey, River—”River had already ended the call, not even letting Evelyn finish her sentence. He went in front of the warehouse, where the other police officers were standing.The panic was evident on their faces.“What’s happening here?” River asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.“Wait.. What are you doing here? Who are you?” one of the policemen asked, holding a phone in his right hand.Then, he looked at his subordinates.“Didn’t they inform everyone not to let a civilian here?”“Are you the one talking to Hans?” River asked, ignoring his words. “Are you communicating with him through that phone?”“I don’t
I’m not Serenity! I’m Seraphina!I wanted to shout those words, but I restrained myself. Provoking him more won’t work to my advantage, but at least I managed to destroy his composure.All I need to do is wait and trust River again.He will come.And even as the fear inside my body told me that I should just surrender, I buried that thought at the back of my head.I refuse to submit, even if he kills me. I won’t exchange my life for my freedom.Not again.*****River’s hands were gripping tightly on the steering wheel, biting his lower lip as he drove fast toward the villa.He was now breaking the rules. The police were now driving toward him because he was driving more than the allowed speed limit, but River didn’t even stop.Instead, he drove faster, feeling annoyed that there were hindrances to what he was about to do.“Evelyn,” River spoke as soon as he called Evelyn, who answered quickly on the other line. “Take care of the police trying to catch me.”“Affirmative,” she responded
“Why?” I asked, demanding answers from him as the fear intensified inside me. “What do you want from me?”Hans chuckled. “Come on, Serenity. You still didn’t know? Or you’re just pretending not to?”He took a step forward, walking closer toward me.“I only want you,” he said.Those words sent a chill down my spine.“Even before the engagement… you were never just a part of business to me,” he murmured, his expression darkening. “I loved you from the time I saw your photo. You’re perfect for me. We’re suitable for each other.”“But you chose him,” he added, his voice lower than earlier. “You chose someone who couldn’t even tell you the truth. A cowardly man. Someone who would have sold you to the highest bidder if things had gone differently.”“That’s not true!” I snapped, and this time, I didn’t hesitate. “River saved me from the hell you’ve put me in, while you used it to your advantage. And now, you’re going to tell me that it’s love?”I chuckled bitterly.“I believe what you feel i
“P-Pardon, Sir?” the royal secretary asked, shocked at what she heard. “But he’s the princess’ friend—”“He’s not a friend, but an obsessive man who wants to take her, no matter what it takes,” River interrupted her sentence, his hands now clenching harder than before. “Confirm if she consented to the command. Quick.”But River knew it couldn’t be. One thing is for sure.‘Of all people, Seraphina won’t go with Hans,’ he thought with a frown. ‘No matter what the circumstance is, she won’t stay in the same vicinity as him.’After all, Hans is connected to the Millers. His family is a business partner.“Ma’am Melanie!”A young guard ran at the Montgomery mansion’s garden, panting as soon as he was in front of Melanie, the royal secretary.“What is it? Why are you running so fast?” Melanie asked, her hands now holding tightly in her phone.She also had a bad feeling about this.“Bad news. Someone kidnapped the princess!”River was frozen upon hearing those words.Melanie, on the other han
“That’s what River does to people like you,” Hans continued, but he didn’t move to approach me. He just remained standing in his location.“River breaks everything as long as it’s for his empire. He takes what he wants and leaves destruction behind… Just like what he did to you.”“No… That’s not true…” I muttered as I tried to defend him, but my voice sounded weaker than I intended.Honestly, I don’t even know. I don’t want anyone’s explanation right now.But Hans was trying to break through my walls.He didn’t argue. Instead, he took a step closer, but still maintained some distance between us. It’s as if he were approaching something fragile—me.“I’m not asking you to believe me,” he said, looking into my eyes. “I’m just asking you to think about this carefully. He made a deal including you, and even hid this from you.”Hans added, “And now, you’re here, alone. He could have gone here and picked you up, but he’s ignoring you, isn't he?”I bit my lower lip and clenched my fists furt
After a few days, I decided to stay away from the Montgomery mansion for a while.I don’t think I can handle everything anymore. Everything feels so heavy, to the point I just want to lie down on my bed and do nothing.But every time I do that, my mind suffers as well. I can’t help but overthink and remember the times I was with River.It was a beautiful yet painful memory. Was that even all true? When he said that he loves me… is that a part of his plan?“Hah.” I sighed as I looked at the breathtaking scenery in front of me.I asked my parents’ subordinates to take over for a while, then I went to a villa located at the outskirts of France.What I love about this place is the sea. Only now did I realize that I love nature—especially water. I also love the sound of the waves. It calms me down.At least, a little.I was sitting on the sand, my chin resting on my knees as I hugged my legs. The wind made contact with my skin. I love how far this place was from the city… and from him.Exa
Upon hearing those words, something inside me cracked. Not in a bad way, but it felt like I had lowered my guard. I’m not even aware I’m building it around him.“There’s no way I will leave you, Serenity. I didn’t come this far just to leave in the end,” he added in a reassuring tone. “I’ll always
“Y-Yes!” I tried to hide the happiness in my voice, but I think I failed.The door opened, revealing River. He looked exhausted, but when he saw my face, his expression lit up.But his happiness converted into worry upon seeing the IV drip on my arm.Quickly, he went toward me and sat at the edge o
Mia smiled, reassuring me. But I saw the fear in her eyes. I know why, and it’s because they’ll scold her for what she did.“I told you, don’t worry about me. I can handle myself,” Mia spoke again upon seeing that I’m spacing out. “River’s here. Go now before Hans’ guards catch you!”I looked on th
I shook my head, sobbing as River took the blow. I even noticed just now that there was blood at the corner of his mouth.He didn’t look at Dad, but at me.“Don’t be afraid. I’ll always be with you,” he said hoarsely, the sincerity evident in his voice. “I meant every word.”Dad didn’t like what he







