LOGINLiora's POV"How could you even think that?" Derek demanded, already rising to his feet."How could I not?" I murmured, more to myself than to him, avoiding his gaze."It's barely been a few hours since he threatened us with this." His voice faltered slightly. "And you've already made your decision? We don't even know whether he has proof or not.""Of course he has proof." I finally looked up at him. "Someone like Elian wouldn't make threats he couldn't back up."The moment our eyes met, my chest tightened.His jaw was clenched so hard I thought it might crack, and for the first time since I'd met him, his eyes were red as if he were fighting a battle against tears."I'm sorry," I whispered. "I truly am, but this is for the best."Before I could continue, Derek raised a hand, silencing me as a bitter laugh escaped him."I know you never wanted this marriage." His words struck harder.He shook his head. "But somewhere along the way, I started believing things were changing." His gaze m
Liora’s POVHe released me slowly, his eyes searching mine before his thumb brushed beneath them, wiping away the tears I couldn’t seem to stop.How would I face Mum if this truth came out? How would I face Starlight? And Derek… this would destroy him.He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss against my forehead. “We’ll get through this together.”Together? How, exactly?“Just stay here,” he murmured, rising to his feet. “I need to pick Aurora up from school. I’ll be back soon.”The door closed behind him as a shaky breath left my lips.“Oh, Liora… you’re doomed,” I whispered, fresh tears gathering in my eyes.But almost immediately, the door opened again as Derek stepped in.His gaze fell on me. “I knew this would happen,” he muttered under his breath as he approached.His fingers wrapped gently around mine. “You’ve cried enough. I can’t stand seeing you like this.”He pulled me to my feet, our faces inches apart. His hand lifted, brushing away the dampness on my cheeks once more… and
Derek’s POVI met his gaze, my jaw tightening.“And how dare you fabricate such claims and spread false narratives?” I demanded, stepping forward with restrained fury.Before I could close the distance, Liora caught my hand. Her grip was firm, then she stepped ahead of me.“Elian, I don’t know where you got this misinformation from…” she began, her voice steady as her fingers brushed gently against mine. “We’re deeply in love, he’s the best thing that has…”“Spare me.” Elian cut her off with a low chuckle, the sound grating. “We both know this marriage was nothing more than a strategic move; expansion into regions where Starlight is weak.”He paused, as his brows knitted slightly.“Although… now that I think about it, Starlight is already more established than…” His eyes shifted to me. “…your so-called Enthalice.”My breath hitched.Who exactly is this man?“And how do you know all this?” Liora asked, confusion threading through her voice.Elian only smiled… the kind of smile that mad
Liora’s POV *The next day* I was already dressed for work when I reached for my bag, swinging it over my shoulder as I quickly fixed my hair. Today, I would finally find out who this Elian Rhodes was… and what exactly he wanted from me. Just then, Derek stepped out, already suited up. His gaze softened the moment it landed on me, and without a word, we headed out together. He guided me to the car, opening the door like always. I slid in, and he shut the door gently before moving to the other side. Moments later, the engine roared to life. The car came to a smooth stop in front of the hospital building. Derek stepped out first, then opened my door. I stepped out, and together, we walked inside. At the reception, Derek’s voice was firm. “We’re here to see Dr. Elian Rhodes.” The receptionist nodded politely, glancing at her screen before pointing down the hallway. “Third door on the left.” We thanked her and continued. When we finally reached the office, Derek pushed the door o
Author’s POV“And what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?” Dylan asked, his voice low and dangerous. “Do you even know who I am?”A dry chuckle slipped from James as his fist clenched at his side.Dylan lifted a hand, pointing at him. “For the last…”He didn't finish as James’s fist collided with his jaw in a brutal arc. The impact snapped Dylan’s head sideways, his hair shifting with the force as his body staggered a step back.Dylan slowly brought a hand to his jaw, rubbing it as his father’s voice echoed:Control your temper.“Don’t just stand there, separate them!” Elara shouted, her voice sharp despite her weakness.But no one moved, they simply watched.Elara struggled, pushing herself up from the bed, ignoring the sharp pain that tore through her body. Before she could rise fully, Stephanie gently laid Bianca on the bed and rushed forward.“James, it’s enough. Let him go,” Stephanie urged, stepping between them.“No,” James replied coldly. “This bastard needs to pay. And hones
Author’s POVDylan stood in the ward, his gaze fixed on Elara, who was still unconscious. Behind him, Anderson, James, and Stephanie observed him in tense silence. Stephanie gently held Bianca in her arms, fast asleep.“So he’s the one who did that to Elara and Lucien?” James muttered under his breath, leaning slightly toward Anderson.Anderson gave a slow, reluctant nod.At that moment, Elara stirred, her eyelids fluttered open as she slowly regained consciousness. But the instant her gaze landed on Dylan standing before her, her eyes widened in fear.“Please… I didn’t mean to tell,” she pleaded weakly from the bed, her voice trembling.Stephanie and the others immediately moved closer.“Elara, I’m here,” Stephanie said softly, sitting beside her.But Elara’s eyes never left Dylan.Dylan exhaled, stepping forward slightly.“I’ve been here… waiting on my feet for you to wake up,” he began quietly. “Everything I did to you and Lucien… it was wrong and unfair.”“No… it’s fine,” Elara cu
Liora’s POVThe drive was cloaked in silence and from the rearview mirror, the woman occasionally glanced at me, her eyes subtly studying my expression.“Stop here,” she instructed calmly.Cole obeyed without question, bringing the car to a smooth halt. She stepped out gracefully, then turned sligh
Liora’s POV“You should go,” Derek muttered under his breath.“…You didn’t inform me about any of this,” I replied quietly, keeping my expression composed.“Mrs. Liora Hale,” the man called again, gesturing toward the center. “You may proceed.”I exhaled slowly, forcing calm into my lungs as I stepp
Liora’s POV“Mummy!”Aurora’s tiny voice rang through the room as she came running toward me, her arms wide open.I forced a smile, lifting her into my arms and settling her gently on my lap.“Rora, darling… how are you? How was school?” I asked softly, though my heart pounded wildly beneath my cal
Liora’s POV“Back to business,” I murmured, my gaze drifting to the HR folder resting at the edge of my desk.For a moment, I simply stared at it… before reaching out.The door creaked open as Trisha stepped in.“Trisha,” I called, lifting my eyes to meet hers.“Yes, ma’am?” she replied, forcing a







