Se connecterMichelle's pov. I walked up the stairs, holding the railing like a life support. Dinner was awkward. Kieran and I sat silently, forcing a smile each time our eyes met. Lana was there too. She seemed to have noticed the rising tension between us, because she wouldn't stop staring at me like that was the first time she was seeing me.I had to leave the table before I reveal anything to her — which I was sure she already knew everything. I walked quietly to the room, my body moving out of habit while my thoughts drowned somewhere back in the pool.I almost regretted not kissing him. It was so tempting, yet so forbidden. Months back I always found myself to leave this mansion. And now that God have finally answered that prayer — which was the first prayer he has granted — I found myself wishing to stay. Praying to the woman besides Kieran Castellan. It’s terrifying how someone you hated can become your entire world… and you only realize it when it’s already too late.I got to the roo
Michelle's pov. I quickly walked out the room, my breathing still unsteady from the little massage Kieran gave me. I took the picture to break the whatever was going on, but it only ended up traumatizing me. How could he talk about his father with a straight face like that?I can't even talk about my father without crying. Kieran was besides me in seconds. “Well, that was a waste of time,” he said, tucking his hands in his pockets. I turned to him, holding my heels tightly. “You have a talent of effortlessly leaving people speechless, don't you?” “What can I say?” He shrugged, his lips curled downwards. “It's not my fault I was created differently.” I couldn't help but laugh. And he was right. He was created differently.We explored the corners for the next thirty minutes. Or more. He kept showing me different rooms and stories about them. Showed me some artifacts and their history. I kept nodding my head like a student who understood what she was being taught. But my mind was
Kieran's pov. I haven't been in this room since my mother died. It contained so many memories I didn't want to remember — my father's warmth and my grandfather's psychological grooming. I haven't been on this side of the mansion for a long time. So seeing the room that practically knew all my secret made me stop. A part of me wanted to go in and relive the good memories I had — the human part of me. But I was sure the monster in me would burn that room to nothing if I go in alone. Making it look like it was Michelle's idea was the only way I could get her to come with, without looking like a fool. Curse my selfish human desires. But honestly, without that tiny little fragment, I would have been worse than my grandfather. And he was considered the worst Castellan that ever lived. “Wow,” Michelle said, looking around like a child visiting Disneyland for the first time. “Your room is...” “Big for a child?” I completed, using two fingers to touch the dusty table.“I was going to sa
Michelle's pov.Kieran was few steps ahead of me, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked gracefully like a man who had all the time in the world. I couldn't help but studied his back physique. Kieran’s back looked powerful even beneath his shirt. The fabric stretched slightly across his broad shoulders, hinting at the strength underneath without revealing too much. His build wasn’t overly bulky—just controlled, solid, and dangerous in a quiet way. The line of his spine showed faintly through the material when he moved, drawing the eye without effort. His shirt clung just enough at his lower back, tapering into a narrow waist that made his frame look sharp and commanding. There was something restrained about it—like he was holding back more than just strength, and that made him even more intimidating.He wasn't just perfect. He invented it. He glanced over at his shoulder as though making sure I was still behind him. I couldn't help but smile. I quickened my steps — he redu
Michelle's pov. My mother wouldn't let me stay with her in the hotel, so I had to return to the mansion. For the first time since I moved in, I didn't feel like anyone was watching me. I felt somewhat relieved. As soon as I stopped into the mansion, the chef walked up to me with a bright smile on his lips like he had just won the lottery. “Miss,” he ducked his head slightly, his hands clasped in his front. “What would you like to have for dinner?”“Dinner?” I repeated like it was a strange word. He nodded. “I don't know,” I shrugged. “What do we usually have on a Saturday?” “Whatever the master say.”Master? Since when did I become a master? And why the hell was he asking me what I wanted for dinner? He never asked. I always ate what I was given. He saw the confusion in my face. “Well, that whore,” he paused, with a faint laugh. “Forgive my language. I meant Sarah.”“Oh, no,” I waved it off. “I don't mind. In fact, I think that name suits her better.”He nodded. “You can never
AUTHOR'S POV. Paul was furious.He had been pacing the length of the room for the last ten minutes, his footsteps sharp and heavy against the floor. His hands kept moving, gesturing, cutting through the air like he was trying to fight an invisible enemy.Damien sat in his chair and sipped his tea.“You're an idiot,” Paul snapped, stopping in front of him. “You know that? A complete, total idiot.”Damien took another sip.“She won.” Paul's voice cracked at the edges. "That woman won. And not only did she take back the position, she took the money. She took the mansion. Everything. Everything we had and you just sat there and let it happen.”Damien said nothing. He looked at the steam rising from his cup.“Are you even listening to me?” Paul barked.Damien turned the cup slowly in his hands.Paul moved closer, his voice dropping into something raw and shaking. “Kieran has already gotten to the board members. They're scared of him now. You've seen it. You know it. There is no going bac
Michelle's POV“Adrian! Adrian, he’s waking up!” My voice came out louder than I intended. Adrian rushed to us, standing beside the bed. Kieran’s eyes were opening slowly, confused. “What happened?” He asked, his voice rough. “You passed out,” Adrian said. Kieran blinked, trying to steady his
Michelle's POVThe papers were spread all over the table in front of me, but my mind was not really on them.I kept thinking about Lana. I still couldn't believe that Lana was behind everything. And the thought of not getting the truth out of her sent a cold shiver down my spine. I blinked and loo
MICHELLE'S POV. I did not know where to look first.The room was enormous. The walls were lined with things I could not name. Things that looked out of this world and probably belonged behind a glass in a museum with a guard standing next to them.And then there was my work. I stood very still fo
AUTHOR'S POV.It felt like time had suddenly frozen.One second, Michelle was trying to help Kieran up. The next, the sharp sound of fabric tearing echoed through the empty hall.Her dress had ripped from top to bottom.For a long second, neither of them spoke. But their pale faces said everything.







