Aurelia had not left her chamber since Caelan walked away. The heavy doors remained locked from the inside, and the curtains had been drawn tightly across the windows, leaving the room dark except for the faint silver light from the spiritual lamp beside her bed. She sat against the headboard with her knees drawn toward her chest, staring blankly into the distance. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and a faint ache still lingered in her chest from the terrestrial bond.Every time she remembered what had happened, the anger returned. She hated Caelan for being the person tied to her, and she hated her mother for creating the agreement without explaining what it truly meant. But most of all, she hated herself. For years, she had believed she was making her own decisions, but now she wasn't so sure.Aurelia slowly lowered her head, tears gathering in her eyes again. She couldn't understand why everything had become so complicated. She wiped her tears away angrily and remembered the day

Catherine POVCatherine had been staring at the same document for several minutes without turning the page. The afternoon at the bank had been unusually busy. Several reports were waiting on her desk, her phone had barely stopped ringing, and two department managers had already come into her office seeking her approval on different matters. Normally, Catherine could handle all of it without difficulty, but today, something felt wrong.She slowly leaned back in her chair and pressed her fingers against her temple."I don't feel well."The words came out quietly. She tried to ignore the strange weakness spreading through her body and reached for the glass of water beside her laptop. She took a small sip, hoping the discomfort would disappear, but instead, her stomach suddenly turned.Catherine's eyes widened. She quickly covered her mouth and stood from the chair, but the sudden movement made her feel even more dizzy. She hurried toward the private bathroom attached to her office and ba

Catherine remained close to Adrian, her head resting comfortably against his shoulder. The room had become peaceful again, and for the first time since she arrived at the Medical City, she felt the nervousness inside her slowly disappear.Adrian gently stroked her hair. For several moments, he said nothing before his expression became thoughtful."Catherine.""Hmm?""There's something I've been thinking about."She lifted her head slightly and looked at him. "What is it?"Adrian looked directly into her eyes. "We should get married."Catherine froze, her eyes widening slightly."...What?"Adrian smiled faintly. "I said we should get married."She stared at him for several seconds, as though she wasn't sure whether she had heard him correctly."You mean... soon?""Very soon."Her cheeks gradually became warm. "Adrian...""I'm serious."He gently took her hand. "I've spent enough time calling you my girlfriend when I already know you're the woman I want beside me for the rest of my life

Two days had passed since Catherine told her family about the wedding. The news had already begun spreading quietly among the people closest to Adrian, but the peaceful atmosphere around Medical City changed the moment Jeffery entered Adrian's office with a serious expression.Adrian stood beside the large window, looking over the busy city below. Several documents were scattered across his desk, but his attention was focused on something entirely different. When Jeffery stopped several steps away from him, Adrian turned around."Chairman Cole.""What happened?"Jeffery's expression remained tense. "I received information about Lucas."Adrian's eyes immediately became colder. "Where?""He's been seen in the city. He apparently appeared in front of Elena and projected himself directly to her."Adrian's brows furrowed slightly. "Why?""To make sure she knew he was back." Jeffery hesitated before delivering the rest. "He also captured Sophia."Adrian's expression changed. "Sophia?""Yes.

Adrian's car finally came to a stop in front of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The building looked as though it had been forgotten for decades. Rust covered the large metal doors, weeds had grown through cracks in the concrete, and several broken windows allowed the afternoon sunlight to fall across the empty compound.Adrian switched off the engine and remained inside the car for a few seconds. His expression was calm. He had already sensed the presence of several people inside the warehouse. They were waiting for him.He opened the door and stepped out.The moment his shoes touched the ground, the atmosphere around the compound became unusually quiet. Adrian looked toward the warehouse entrance and slowly walked forward without showing the slightest hesitation.He pushed the heavy metal door open. The sound echoed throughout the enormous building.Lucas was standing several meters away. He wore a dark suit with a faint smile on his face. Several armed men stood