I marched to the west wing suite and halted for a second before a big door, looking from left to right. "This seems to be the only door in this region," I murmured, "What a show-off," I cursed and knocked, but there was no response. Seriously? As much as I would love to push the door open, I need to be careful since I'll be asking something from him. "Husband, a word, please...," I began calling out, but before I could finish, I touched the handle, and the door opened. "It wasn't locked? Well, I'm coming in," I yelled in the corridor. When I entered the room, I was astonished by how big it was for a room. Without stalling too much, I looked around for the relaxing hulk of a man. "Lucian, Lucian, where are you here?" I called, and waited for a while, but no answer came forth. I started walking up the "Wait! There is a staircase inside the room?" I questioned, shocked as I stared at the curvy stairway. Well, it was more like a step to another room, but it was still long. "Twenty steps,

I fled home to free myself of the Dolman’s misfortune and find a solution to my predicament. But returning to a place I once called home after four years, only to discover that I’m being sold, worse, my parents tricked me into believing this to be a temporary contract, one that they could - Would bring me out from, but it was all a lie; they betrayed me yet again.As if that was not enough, now I have to live with a maid who reminds me so much of the woman I want to strangle to death. Isn’t that crazy? It’s making me crazy. I just hope nothing happens before I escape this shithole; it would be bad if innocent people get to suffer for something they know nothing about. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m starting to feel strange. It’s like something unpleasant is trying to take over, just like four years ago; God! I pray I get out of here before I turn into the very thing I hate the most.***Lucian groaned as he signed the last file on his desk. The meeting with the Cell’s Enterprise

After that eventful day, Lucian found himself consumed by work. There was hardly any time to sit down and relax, as impending meetings demanded his attention. He was constantly on the move, traveling between countries and companies due to an on-going project. However, after an incredibly stressful month, he was finally able to catch his breath. Returning home, he was grateful for the use of his private jet, sparing Ken from the laborious task that it would have otherwise entailed. Speaking of Ken, Lucian glanced back and noticed his secretary soundly asleep behind him. The moment they had stepped onto the jet, Ken had drifted into a deep slumber. He wasn't a bastard; he knew how to appreciate a person's hard work, and Ken had been working non-stop for the past month to make sure the campaigns and meetings were successful. He planned on giving him a proper leave in order to relax with his family. He could maybe throw in a vacation leave too, maybe. He thought and sighed out loud, "N

“What the hell happened?” Doc Thomas asked as he gazed at the disfigured body on the bed. "Is she even alive?" He probed. “Yes, I checked her breathing,” Lucian replied. “Then what…” “Just stop with the questioning and check her. That’s why you’re here,” he snapped. Jake studied his friend for a moment. "You know this is a life and death situation. You should be thankful that I’m here, instead of being bossy, " he said, his tone measured. “Huh! You’re doing your job,” Creed pointed out, unfazed by the tension in the room. “Ah… You’re right,” Jack replied, not wanting to escalate the situation, and hurried to Mira’s side. He assessed the bloody nails, cuts, and bruises, all over her body. Then, he examined her face and eyes. He sighed. A quick glance revealed her malnourished state. "What was the last thing she ate before passing out?" he inquired, without turning. “They said she hasn’t eaten anything for the past two weeks,” Lucian replied. “Figures,” Jack muttered, noticing

Ken found himself frozen in place, struggling to muster a smile. The rationality he had lost moments ago had returned, a powerful resurgence. He turned slowly, facing his boss seated nonchalantly on a red sofa in the expansive living room. Dressed in a brown T-shirt and black pants, Lucian exuded casual confidence, his neatly combed hair slicked back. As dashing as ever, a lavish dinner spread before him, the two locked eyes briefly. Ken then exhaled deeply and retraced his steps. "Ah, Sir, I thought you were upstairs," Ken said, his smile strained but present. "Why would I be upstairs at this time of day?" Lucian inquired, observing his disheveled secretary. "And why do you look like you're about to commit murder?" A fleeting pallor washed over Ken's face before he quickly adopted a feigned, innocent expression. "Like what, sir?" "Like you're on the verge of strangling someone." Ken blinked, pretending confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Despite his anxiety, h