Alessia took a step back. Her heart pounded, not from longing but from disbelief. Lorenzo was standing right in front of her, looking as alive as ever. The man she had once loved. The man she believed had died… or tried to kill her. "Lorenzo..." she breathed, stunned. His lips spread into a relieved smile, as though just the sight of her revived something inside him. "Alessia. My God. I knew I wasn't hallucinating. It's really you..." He stepped forward, reaching for her, but Alessia tensed, frozen in place. "I have missed you and we have to leave now, your beast and his men shot me that day, I have been on coma and I'm just recovery. Alessia let's elope now" he whispered urgently, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "You don’t belong here with that beast. I’ll take you far away. Tonight. Let’s go now—before he finds you." Alessia blinked, her voice hardening. "No, Lorenzo. I’m married now. And my husband doesn’t tolerate such disrespect." Lorenzo paused
Donato Morano stepped into the hall with deliberate calm. His tailored suit blended into the elegance of the room, but his mind raced beneath the still exterior. Princess Elowen followed a few steps behind, her long gown whispering against the polished floor, Seated upon the crescent-shaped throne was The king -princess Elowen’s father, his silver eyes scanning Donato with the precision of a predator. Around them, high-ranking nobles sat quietly, cloaked in robes and silence. The king’s voice broke the hush. “You’ve been in Virenkai for nearly three weeks, Donato Morano. Tell us. What progress have you made?” Donato bowed slightly. “I’m close, Your Majesty. The corrupted security algorithms are being rebuilt. Your financial systems have been restructured, and artificial intelligence integration is stabilizing. Within a week, your economy will return to full strength.” Murmurs rippled across the chamber.The King leaned back, the ghost of a smile gracing his lips. “You have d
Daisy shifted in her seat, her usually bold demeanor softened by worry. “I didn’t mean to scare you,” Daisy said gently, her hands fidgeting in her lap. “I just thought… you had the right to know.” Alessia looked up, her eyes steady. Her heart still pounded, but her voice was calm. “I’m glad you told me. But let’s not panic yet. We stay calm… and see what happens next.” Daisy gave a small nod. “Good. Because whatever happens, you’re not alone.” Alessia offered a faint smile. “Thanks, Daisy. I needed that.” ****** The atmosphere in Luca’s office was cool and sharply modern, with sweeping views of the skyline and the heavy scent of imported cologne lingering in the air. Luca Morano stood behind his desk, dressed in a sleek black suit, sleeves rolled to his forearms, his tie loosened. Power radiated from him with every movement—measured, in control, untouchable. The door opened. A woman stepped in. Tall. Striking. Dressed in a dangerously tight wine-red dress with a slit that da
The room was dimly lit, filled with the aroma of aged wine and blooming orchids. Seraphina sat poised on a velvet settee in her penthouse suite, her long black gown glowing like a liquid ink. Her fingers traced the rim of a crystal glass when her phone rang. She was reluctant in picking the call. But finally pick up the call. Bianca spoke quickly Seraphina raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “And who,” she said dryly, “is this porcelain doll pretending to call me with purpose?” Bianca stopped, unblinking. “It's Bianca.” Seraphina tilted her head, a slow smile curling her lips. “Ooh…” she purred, swirling her wine. “Hi, Luca's old mistress.” Bianca’s jaw twitched. Seraphina’s smile sharpened. “Go straight to the point, darling. I only entertain ambition, not sentimentality.” Bianca took a breath. “I want to make a deal.” Seraphina’s interest deepened. “Go on.” “You want Morano property access,” Bianca began. “You’ve been trying through officials, failed bribes, and
The fireflies danced lazily around the clearing, their glow dim compared to the storm in Enzo’s chest. He had barely turned when Princess Elowen’s silhouette appeared like a silver blade cutting through the dark. Her moonstone eyes locked onto him, unreadable. For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke. “I thought I was alone,” Enzo asked again, forcing a casual smile as he stepped slightly aside to block the communicator in his coat. His voice betrayed nothing—years of working with the Atlan's family had taught him how to lie with elegance. Princess Elowen tilted her head, studying him beneath the crown of stars. “So did I.” There was a pause. Her tone wasn’t accusatory. Just… distant. “I just came to give you this,” she said softly. From behind her back, she held out a leather satchel—Donato’s. Enzo blinked, surprised. “His bag?” “He left it in the stargazing observatory,” she said. “He’s been too focused to notice.” Her fingers brushed against the strap as she handed it to Enzo,
The palace of Virenkai shimmered under the twin moons like something carved out of silver dreams and secrets. Donato stood before the tall window of his temporary chambers, his dark eyes watching the horizon burn in hues of violet and gold. The land was strange, mystical, and beautiful, but he wasn’t here to marvel—he was here for the book. A knock sounded on the door before a graceful voice called out, “My father want to see you now.” Donato turned. She stood there with quiet poise, her lavender gown fluttering like petals in the breeze. The Princess of Virenkai—Princess Elowen—was unlike any woman he had ever encountered. Regal, but not arrogant. Delicate, but not weak. Her eyes, an ethereal shade of moonstone gray, seemed to carry ancient secrets and unshed longing. “I’m ready,” Donato replied, straightening his black shirt and stepping into the corridor. ****** The throne room was carved from enchanted obsidian, flickering with lights that danced without flame. At its heart s