Craig tried to move. Nothing. His legs lay heavy, numb, dead weight beneath him. Panic crawled up his spine. He tried again, teeth clenched, veins rising beneath his pale skin — still nothing. Alarms exploded. Three medical staff rushed in, strapping him down instinctively as if expecting a violent outburst. Hands tightened restraints. Someone adjusted IV lines. Someone else silenced a beeping monitor. “He’s awake!” “I—I’m trying to move my legs…” Craig’s voice cracked. A nurse leaned close, stethoscope to her ears, steady but afraid. “Mr. Guidotti, stay calm. We’re stabilizing you.” His breath hitched. “Why can’t I move? I can’t… feel anything. Why?” They pushed thicker restraints over his waist and chest, padded blocks locking his head in place. He looked less like a patient and more like a captured soldier. And then — A silhouette. In the corner of the room, untouched by the chaos, sat a woman. Young, elegant, legs crossed. A cigarette rested between two slender finge

Adele approached him cautiously, as though she were stepping into a room wired with explosives. “About Dad’s speech yesterday,” she said, arms crossed, voice softening only for appearance’s sake. “Please forgive his harsh words.” Krazy didn’t look at her. His eyes were fixed on Sophia across the hall, the little girl laughing beside her pink birthday cake. His voice came low, flat, trained. “His words had no effect on me.” Adele exhaled sharply. “And Sophia… what are your plans? Dad wasn’t wrong. How can you care for her if you returned with nothing? No savings. No job. Six years wasted.” Krazy’s jaw flexed. “I didn’t waste a single day in the military. In fact, I am the god of—” “Seriously?” Adele cut him off, irritation flaring. “You don’t call that waste? We never heard from you. I thought you died.” Her anger cracked through, sharp and raw. “You’re hopeless.” The words landed, but if they pierced him, nothing showed. His posture didn’t shift. His breathing didn’t cha

Adele’s cheeks burned. She could feel everyone’s eyes flicking toward them, the humiliation sinking like knives. Krazy’s voice dropped coldly. “Why don’t you mind your business? What does our invitation have to do with you?” Damon stepped closer, mocking. “Our business? You’re standing at our event, loser. We were invited. You weren’t. Get lost before I call security.” Krazy tilted his head slightly. “Make me leave.” Lizzy tugged at Damon’s arm. “Honey, let’s go. We shouldn’t waste time arguing with people who dream about getting in.” Damon gave Krazy a frigid glare. “I’ll deal with you later.” Krazy’s smirk was faint. “And I’ll be waiting to see how far you get.” Damon’s jaw tightened before he stormed off. Lizzy paused beside Adele, her perfume thick in the air. “Save yourself and our family the embarrassment, Adele,” she said smoothly. “My husband was invited. Yours wasn’t. Just go home.” Her words hit harder than she expected. Adele clenched her fists, her throat tight.

“And who the hell are you..” Krazy moved in one fluid motion — a twist of the wrist, a sharp turn, and the man was on his knees, gasping for air, his arm locked behind him. The entire bar went quiet. Krazy’s tone never changed. “Walk away!” "AHH!" The man cried out. Without a second thought, he scrambled to his feet, clutching his wrist and muttering curses, disappearing into the dark corner of the bar. “You should go home.” He tells the lady. “I will. My car is parked outside after all…” The lady staggered as she rose to her feet and Krazy could smell her drunken state from where he stood, “Thank you.” She said with a grateful smile. He just nodded slightly, his eyes scanning her — not in the way men in bars usually did, but as if he was assessing her safety in her state. The lady took two steps forward, but the room tilted in slow motion and before she could take another step, she lost balance but a strong arm caught her around the waist. Craig steadied her effor

Suddenly, her lips curved into a perfect smile, so suddenly it almost hurt to look at. “You’re up,” she said softly. Her tone was warm. Her eyes were not. “I was worried your breakfast would get cold.” Krazy blinked. “You’re cooking for me? This early?” She turned back to the board, slicing faster. “It’s your first day at Lancaster Corp. I thought you’d want to start the day right.” There was warmth in her voice, but it didn’t reach her eyes. When he stepped closer, she smiled again — but her hand was still clenching the knife very hard. “I appreciate it but you should be resting.” “Resting? Nonsense. You're my husband, so it's only right I cook for you,” Adele smiled, stirring the sliced peppers in the pot. At 7:30, the city buzzed with the weekday rush. Adele parked by the gates of Silver Academy, stepping out with Sophia’s hand in hers. “Mummy, why am I going to a new school?” The little girl asked her mum after the registration. “Because mummy wants the bes