MasukKael didn’t leave immediately after seeing her.But when he didHe didn’t look back.The city moved as usual.Cars.Lights.People rushing through their lives.But inside the black carEverything was quiet.Kael sat at the back, his gaze fixed outside the window.Unfocused.Distant.“She’s different,” he said suddenly.His assistant, seated in front, glanced at him through the mirror but said nothing.Because Kael HawthorneDidn’t usually repeat himself.And he definitely didn’t talk about people.Yet here he was.Thinking.Not about business.Not about numbersAbout her.The way she looked at him.The way she didn’t bend.The way she stayed calm even when he pushed.A small smirk appeared on his lips.“Interesting…”The car slowed to a stop in front of a massive glass building.His company.One of the strongest in the country.Built on power.Expanded with precisionAnd inheritedNot easily.He stepped out without a word.His presence alone was enough.People moved.Staff straightene
Paris didn’t build reputations slowly.It either accepted youOr ignored you.And her company?It had been accepted.Fast.Within a year, it became one of the most talked-about firms in the city.Not just growingDominating.Top-tier partnerships.International investors.Projects that didn’t just succeedThey stood out.People talked about it in quiet conversations.In boardrooms.In closed meetings.A company that appeared out of nowhereAnd refused to slow down.And at the center of it allWas her.That morning, the building was alive.Employees moved quickly.Assistants rushing.Calls being made.Everything in motion.Because when she was aroundNo one relaxed.Inside her officeShe sat behind her desk, reviewing files.Focused.Sharp.Unbothered.“Send the revised plan to the partners,” she said without looking up.“Yes, ma’am.”“And schedule the next meeting for tomorrow morning.”“Done.”Everything was smooth.Controlled.Exactly how she liked it.ThenThe door opened again.Bu
The room went still. Her father didn’t speak. Not immediately. His eyes stayed on the phone. Focused. Sharp. Livia shifted slightly where she stood. Her fingers twisting together. Waiting. Her stepmother crossed her arms. Confident. Certain. “She’s been going around like this,” she said. “Showing herself off.” No response. Her father’s gaze didn’t move. Still on the screen. Scroll. Another picture. Elara walking through the city. Calm. Untouched. Scroll. Another. Smiling. Free. His expression didn’t change. Livia frowned slightly. This wasn’t what she expected. “She left this house with nothing,” her stepmother continued. “And now look at her.” Still nothing. Her father finally leaned back slowly. Silence stretched. Livia glanced at her mother. Then back at him. “Well?” her stepmother pressed. His eyes lifted. Not angry. Not shocked. Just… thinking. “Where did you get this?” he asked. Livia stepped forward quickly. “Her friend posted it,” she s
Livia didn’t move. Her eyes stayed glued to the phone. Zoom in. Zoom out. Zoom in again. Her fingers trembled slightly. “…Mom.” No response. “She’s not” “She is.” Her stepmother’s voice cut through, sharp and cold. They both stared. Still. Frozen. The girl in the picture laughed freely. Head slightly tilted back. Eyes bright. Alive. Livia’s grip tightened. “That’s her…” she whispered. Her stepmother snatched the phone from her hand. Scrolled. Fast. Picture after picture. Elara walking. Elara smiling. Elara… glowing. Her jaw clenched. Hard. Flash. A memory. Elara is standing in that same house. Quiet. Still. While people whispered. While eyes judged. While laughter filled the room. “You’re not important.” Her stepmother’s voice from that day echoed. Back to now. “This girl…” she muttered. Livia stepped closer. Her eyes are scanning again. “She left with nothing…” Another swipe. Another picture. Expensive surroundings. Elegant streets. Co
The next day felt easy.Too easy.The city was calm, and for once, she didn’t rush out early.Her Bestie was still fast asleep, wrapped up like she had no care in the world.She stood by the window for a moment, arms folded, watching the quiet morning.A small smile touched her lips.It felt good.Normal.Behind her, a groan.“Why are you up so early…” her friend mumbled, barely opening her eyes.She turned slightly.“Because some of us have responsibilities.”Her friend pulled the pillow over her head.“I’m on vacation, leave me alone.”She shook her head, amused.“Lazy.”“I heard that,” her friend replied.They didn’t rush the morning.Breakfast was slow.Conversations were random.Laughter came easily.Later in the afternoon, after she had stepped out briefly for work and returned, her friend was sprawled on the couch, phone in hand.Scrolling.Typing.Smiling to herself.“What are you doing?” she asked, dropping her bag.“Nothing,” her friend said quickly.Too quickly.She narrowe
She didn’t go.Not once.For the past monthKael kept trying.Not in a loud way.Not in a way that forced her.But in his own way.Gifts.Small notes.Unexpected deliveries.Always simple.Always expensive.Always intentional.And every single timeShe turned him down.Lunch?No.Dinner?No.Another invitation?Still no.Her replies never changed.Short.Clear.No room for misunderstanding.But somehowHe didn’t stop.“He’s actually serious about this,” she muttered one evening, dropping another small box on the table.She didn’t even open it this time.She already knew.StillShe never crossed the line.Never accepted.Never gave him what he wantedBecause she knewThe moment she said yes,Things would change.And she wasn’t ready for that.So she stayed where she was.Focused.Busy.Untouched.Until“Guess who just landed??”Her phone lit up with a message.A smile appeared instantly.“Finally,” she whispered.Her BestieIt had been almost a year.A full year of calls, messages, upd
The music changed again.Slower.Softer.People moved toward the dance floor, laughter blending with the low sound of conversations and clinking glasses.But for herIt was already too much.Too controlled.Too predictable.She glanced around the room one more time, then back at him.“This is borin
The moment their hands touchedIt didn’t go unnoticed.Nothing ever did in a room like this.Especially not when it involved him.They walked together into the main hall, side by side.Calm.Unhurried.Like they belonged there.Like they had always been part of that world.But the truth wasOnly on
The gala was already alive.Lights filled the grand hall, reflecting off crystal chandeliers that hung high above like stars. Soft music played in the background, blending with quiet conversations and occasional laughter.It was the kind of place where power moved silently.Where every smile meant
The car moved quietly through the city.She didn’t say anything.Neither did the driver.Everything felt… arranged.Like every step had already been planned before she even agreed to it.She leaned back slightly, her fingers resting lightly on her lap as she looked out the window.This was differen







