They left in the evening.The drive back to the villa was quiet and awkward.Xavier was unusually serious and cold. His usual playfulness had vanished completely, his eyes fixed on the road.Krasavitsa kept watching him.The way he sat. The way he checked his phone while driving—one hand on the wheel, the other tapping messages. He would pause, rest his hand on his chin, then resume typing when the phone beeped again.At times, he ran his fingers through his hair when a strand fell onto his forehead.His entire presence felt different—controlled, sharp, dangerously attractive in its seriousness.No one spoke until they reached the city.He didn’t take the usual turn toward the mansion.Instead, he drove straight.She opened her mouth to ask, but he spoke first.“We’re going to the villa. The mansion is under renovation.”His voice was deep, low, and steady.She closed her mouth and looked out the windo

Only one week had passed so far. Xavier had been busy and occupied, but at night he checked his tablet, reviewing footage from the day. He had asked Thomas to place cameras everywhere so he could see what was happening in the villa. Thomas was one of the men standing watch, keeping an eye on her—just being there to assist her with anything she needed. Lia came on day four; she didn’t want to leave even when asked nicely. She kept complaining that their parents didn’t give her enough freedom. They had gone shopping and out for drinks with Krasavitsa’s friends after she returned from work. Lia spent her days with her friends; she invited them over but couldn’t go out due to the rules set by Krasavitsa. It was another night. More than twelve days had passed, and Xavier would be returning soon. Krasavitsa was downstairs making herself and Lia a snack because they were too lazy to cook. The chef had already left, and they couldn’t call him back. Sh

The next morning, Xavier stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. He pulled his coat over his shoulders. He had dressed the wound because he didn’t want to stain his white shirt.He walked with an aura that was no longer merciful. It was as if all his resolve had vanished when one of his enemies grew bold enough to enter his house. Pulling his leather gloves over his hands, he walked downstairs.Lia was sitting down for breakfast with Krasavitsa next to her. Two helpers were stationed by their side. Xavier walked up to Lia, kissing her forehead before his eyes lingered on Krasavitsa for a moment.“I must go now. Mother is coming to pick you up in an hour, be ready.”“But brother, you said you would not leave today for work,” she complained, placing her phone down.“There are some things I must deal with today, but I will come early and rest like you instructed,” he tried convincing her.“I don’t want to leave you here whe

​Xavier watched the footage as his tailor fixed his suit. In the video, Liam was in his car, looking everywhere on high alert. He watched with no emotion whatsoever.​“All done, my lord.” The tailor bowed and left the room.​Thomas came into the room and whispered something in Xavier’s ear. After placing the gun and loading bullets, he left the room.​The drive to the venue was silent. Zayne was sitting in front of Xavier in the limo, a little anxious.​“We can just run,” Xavier joked, making Zayne smile and laugh a little.​“Really, dude? You say this now?” he joked back.​“I just thought of it now. It didn’t cross my head earlier.” Xavier smiled a genuine one.​“Well, it’s too late now.” Zayne acted sad.​“No, it’s not. Just tell me, even at the altar, and we are out,” he joked.​“Really? Let me think about it.” They both laughed.​The car stopped, and they got out, heading inside where they met Fanny and Creek, who

“Sir, we are going to need you to step back,” the doctor said as soon as they pushed Zayne in. He seemed lifeless and pale, but maybe that was just his eyes. Rose was standing next to him, crying. It was a shame her makeup had been ruined by the tears. “I think you should sit down,” I said, looking at her. She could collapse at any time, and I wouldn’t want Zayne to find his bride admitted to the hospital by the time he woke up. Well, that’s what I told myself to keep me sane. Someone had just tried to kill me when I was angry and lashing out at her. I thought we could coexist for the time remaining. It wasn’t that much, even. But she had to go behind my back with Creek. I didn’t have any forgiveness left in me. And Zayne was in there because of me. What kind of a friend am I, arguing on their wedding day? Truth is, I have had enough of her moods and behaviour. I couldn’t control my anger. As much as Xavier had a calm exterior, havoc was raging loose in his mind. Svetlana was