تسجيل الدخولLiora's POV"That's not true... is it?" I asked, staring at him in disbelief.If he really did it... why would he admit it so proudly?"You should see the look on your face." He burst into a low chuckle. "I was only joking."A shaky breath escaped my lips. "You shouldn't joke about something like that."The amusement vanished from his face."The truth is... that bastard lied to you. My father died of cancer." He paused, drawing in a slow breath. "I still hate remembering those days."My stomach tightened."I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't mean to reopen old wounds.""No, it's alright." He gave me a faint smile. "You didn't know. Besides..." His gaze softened. "I'm just happy you trusted me enough to ask."He continued, "And about Aurora's mother... I've told you before. She never wanted the marriage."He's telling the truth."I shouldn't have gone to see him," I murmured. "I never meant to...""Shh."Derek gently placed a finger against my lips."Liora, I know this isn't easy... but
Liora's POV"Whose phone is this?" Derek asked as he rose to his feet.My stomach lurched.What do I say now?"It's... it's..." I stammered, but the lie refused to come.His eyes searched mine. "Liora... is this your phone?"You can do this."The day I gave a stranger a ride... she accidentally left it in my car," I finally managed to say."A stranger?""Yes," I replied quietly, taking a tentative step closer.Without another word, he slipped the phone back into the bag and held it out to me.Really? He believed that?I hesitated before accepting it."Why did you go back to him?" he asked, his eyes fixed on mine.My fingers trembled around the bag.I sat down on the bed and placed it beside me."I wanted to find out if he truly had evidence... and whether I could pay him enough to let this whole thing die.""And you thought he would?" Derek asked, rising to his feet."There was no harm in trying," I murmured.But Elian's words continued echoing in my head. Derek turned to leave as pan
Liora'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 POVDylan led Anderson down, then stopped before a door and pushed it open.Inside, Elara sat on the edge of the bed, her wrists and ankles restrained by cold metal cuffs bolted to the frame. Her hair fell in tangled waves over her face.“Elara!” Anderson’s voice broke as he rushed toward
Author’s POVLucien stood in the living room, his hands curled into rigid fists. His jaw flexed as he ground his teeth.“I didn’t know Dylan was this much of a psychopath,” Stephanie muttered from the sofa, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound composed.“No… I can’t sit here and do noth
Liora’s POVAurora shifted lightly in my arms, her small fingers curling into my clothes as I adjusted her against me.A knock sounded but before I could respond, the door eased open.“Ma’am…” Trisha stepped in quietly. “There’s someone here to see you.”“I’m not taking visitors,” I replied, my ton
Liora’s POVI gently rubbed Aurora’s back, her small body already relaxed in sleep.“Goodnight, darling,” I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before switching off the lights and quietly stepping out of her room.By the time I reached mine, I collapsed onto the bed, my eyes closing alm







