LOGINMy words ricocheted in the air, causing River’s eyes to widen as he took a step away from me.This is the first time I showed this kind of emotion. Ever since the Millers took me, they taught me not to show any emotions.I’ve undergone therapy, but even up until this day, I’m having a hard time telling myself that it’s okay to show people what I really feel.That it’s okay to be vulnerable. That it won’t kill me. Not literally.“I made mistakes,” River said quietly, to the point I had a hard time hearing his voice. “But believe me, Seraphina. Every risk, every step I took to save you… has been for you. Not money. Not for leverage. Just you, and nothing else mattered.”I closed my eyes as I let those words sink into my mind.I wanted to believe him, but Hans’ words planted seeds of doubt in my mind, gnawing at me.“He made a deal with the syndicate. Once River finds the lost princess, which is you… He’ll have more money and leverage in return.”As those words echoed in my mind again, m
I felt like the world had shattered as I heard his explanation.I held onto my chest, feeling how it tightened because of mixed shock and anger.“That… That’s not true,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I shook my head. “You’re just making things up. You don’t want to see me being happy with River, so you went here to tear us apart…”As I said those words, I couldn’t even hear my voice because of how low it was.I was convincing myself that it wasn’t true, but my intuition tells me that Hans was telling the truth.And that is what’s hurting me the most.“Come on, Serenity.” Hans chuckled. “Are you trying to tell that to me, or are you trying to convince yourself that River is the same person you thought he would be?”I didn’t answer. No… I couldn’t.It felt like my voice had left my throat already. I couldn’t even find the strength to stand properly as I felt like I could stumble down at any time.“I may be psychotic in your eyes now, flying to France just to personally tell you abo
River wasn’t the one who sent me the message, but the contents… It was all about him.“Underground… business?” I muttered, my brows furrowing as I scrolled through the articles. “River’s a part of this? Why would someone send this to me?”If only River were here, I could easily have asked him about these contents. But he’s not, and he wasn’t replying to my texts, either.Well, he has told me that he would be busy until night, and I understand. I’m also sure that whoever sent me this message was just trying to taint River’s reputation.I’m sure it’s Hans. He just wants me to doubt River.“No… This isn’t true…” I whispered, shaking my head as I tried not to imagine anything. “Because River doesn’t have any reason to be a part of this.”I wasn’t innocent of this kind of organization. Syndicates like this were created to do illegal things.And the idea that River, the man who had risked everything to save me, could be a part of this… It makes my chest ache.Before I could even notice it,
I froze upon reading the message.Even if the sender didn’t officially introduce himself, I already knew who it was.Hans Continental.But what does he mean by this?“Seraphina,” River suddenly called, halting my thoughts. “Are you okay? You look pale, as if you’ve seen a ghost.”“Ah, y-yeah.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry, I think I want to rest tonight. Can we call this a day?”“Sure,” he answered without hesitation, and yet, he was still staring at me, as if studying my expression. “But are you telling the truth? Isn’t there something bothering you? I think you’ve got a message.”He looked at my phone.River was stronger than me, which means that if he tries to steal my phone or something, he could easily do it. He could even take a peek.But he didn’t. River respected my boundaries even if I haven’t enforced them yet.“It’s nothing,” I answered in a low tone, subtly returning the phone to my pocket. “So… Let’s see each other again tomorrow?”River smiled, but it didn’t reach his ear
Those words hit me like a wave, leaving me speechless as I stared at him. I know that he loves me… But I didn’t know the duration.I didn’t have any idea that it was for a long time.Or maybe the reason I couldn’t notice him… Because I was so busy hiding my own. He’s not the only one feeling this way.I thought I only liked him when I saw him at the bar before, but it turns out that wasn’t the case.Because like him, I have loved River for a long time, too.“I… I feel the same way, too,” I whispered, looking at him with so much love and admiration. “It doesn’t matter if you kept a secret from me before. You did it all for me. I trust you. I always will.”Smiling, I added, “But you can’t do that again, okay? You can’t hide secrets from me, or else I will not forgive you.”River nodded, his smile widening, but I also saw another flicker of emotion in his eyes—something that I wasn’t able to decipher.He squeezed my hands gently, his fingers warm and steady, grounding me as the world swi
Nodding as if I said the right thing, River pulled me into an embrace.“If you want to cry, just do it. Your body is trying to release something. Don’t stop it.”And as if my body was following his commands, before I knew it, tears were already streaming down my face.For the first time, I allowed myself to feel all the emotions that I’ve been suppressing, especially the negative ones.I cried in his arms while he hugged me tighter, making sure I would feel that I’m not alone.And I don’t.His warmth grounded me in ways I didn’t expect.Even though I know that there was still danger and uncertainty, I wasn’t alone. River remained at my side, patient as he just waited for me to be fine.In my mind, I began the slow process of regulating my emotions. Not just for my empire, but myself.I may have lost everything I had before, but I also gained more than power.I had gained the truth, my real identity, and someone willing to stand with me no matter the cost.“How are you feeling?” River
While we were cherishing the moment with each other’s arms, we heard a knock on the door.“Serenity, open this door right now!” Mom shouted from the outside, the anger evident in her voice. “If you don’t, we’ll be forced to break it!”I jolted upright, my heart thumping rapidly.“River… They must h
Tears continued streaming down my face.It didn’t matter how painful it was at the moment. I was so happy that I couldn’t even contain all the emotions I had.For all the times I was forced to take, I finally have something to give.I gave myself to River, and no matter what happens afterward, I wo
His other hand moved again, and at that moment, I thought he’d caress my body like he had been doing before.But to my shock, he held my hand, as if he was telling me he won’t let go.
My eyes widened at the realization that this could be harder on him than it is for me now. “I-I’m sorry!”I was about to move my body away, but suddenly, I looked at his lips and felt the overall warmth I had in his presence.I suddenly thought about all of the things I needed to choose, not becau







