LOGINDerek’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 POVI rose to my feet and made my way toward Mum’s office.When I stepped inside, her attention was fixed on the documents spread across her desk.“Lio, darling,” she called softly, sensing my presence before her eyes lifted to meet mine.I walked forward and took the seat opposite her, returning her smile.“I heard about your presentation,” she began warmly. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to…”“Why didn’t you tell me?” I cut in, my voice gentle but firm. “It was more than just being present.”I held her gaze.“If not for Derek… I don’t know how I would have handled it.”Her smile deepened.“That,” she said, “is exactly what I wanted to see.”A small frown creased my brows. “What do you mean?”She leaned forward slightly, folding her hands on the desk as her expression softened.“I wanted to tell you,” she admitted. “But before I could, you had already thrown yourself into it. And yesterday… you didn’t come to see me.”I stood and walked around the desk, reaching for her hand.“
Liora’s POV*The next day*“Good morning.”The voice reached me faintly, as though from a distance. Slowly, I opened my eyes… and turned.Derek was beside me on the bed, still in his pajamas.My gaze lowered; he was holding a tray.“I made breakfast,” he said, a quiet smile curving his lips.I blinked at him, caught off guard.Derek… cooking?My gaze lingered on him a second longer than it should have.Since when? Or… is this because of yesterday?Before I could say anything, my phone began to ring. I pushed myself up quickly and grabbed it; it was an unknown caller.“Who the hell…” I muttered under my breath before answering.“Hello ma’am, you haven’t arrived yet. Mrs. Evelyn is here and waiting.” Jade’s voice came through, urgent.My eyes widened.“Oh my goodness! I’ll be there shortly.”I ended the call without waiting for a reply and checked the time.“They’re right… I’m late.”I rushed toward the bathroom, Derek's voice barely registering behind me.After a quick shower, I steppe
Author’s POVLucien was dragged out of the room and into the living area.He wore a white singlet, now stained a dirty brown with sweat and blood, paired with black trousers that clung to his bruised frame. His face was unrecognizable; swollen, cut, and battered beyond recognition. His wrists were
Liora’s POVA dull ache pulsed through my head. My lashes fluttered slightly before I forced my eyes open, only to squeeze them shut again as the bright light pierced through.Where… am I?My breathing steadied as fragments of memory rushed back; the restaurant… the food… that bitter taste… the tig
Derek’s POV“Move!”My voice sliced through as I stormed out, Liora limp in my arms. Her head rested against my chest, her body still.Behind us, Aurora ran sobbing uncontrollably as Cole hurried to pull the car door open.“Get her inside!” I snapped.Cole immediately guided Aurora into the back se
Liora’s POVJust then, Marcus returned, placing a plate of chicken satay with peanut sauce in front of me and another before Derek. He set a plate of grilled chicken and fries down for Aurora.My stomach twisted.How could I eat this? If I refused, Derek would know. Ava







