The Hawke estate sparkled like a palace draped in gold. Tonight wasn’t just a party—it was the 100th year celebration of the Hawke Pharmaceutical Empire, the company that had carved its name into history with genetic research and miracle medicines. Behind the glitter, though, everyone in the room knew there were darker foundations.
The Whitmores entered first. The patriarch, cold and dignified, his wife at his side, their presence commanding attention. Then came Zayden, looking every inch the elegant heir—tall, sharp suit, confidence etched into every step. But when Zaylee stepped forward, the hall fell silent.
She was radiant. A vision in a white silk gown, moving with grace that made her the most beautiful woman in the room that night. Whispers followed her with every step.
Moments later, the Hawkes made their entrance. The patriarch at the front, Alana close behind, and then Alaric—striking, magnetic, carrying that dangerous charm only he possessed.
The moment his eyes found Zaylee, he froze. His heart raced, his lips twitched into the smallest of smiles. She glanced back—soft, delicate, but in her eyes was recognition. Her first love, standing across the hall.
Rhinya caught her brother’s gaze and sighed inwardly.56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKlmi9KkEG
Of all people, he falls for a Whitmore… This won’t end well.
Alana, however, seethed. Watching Zaylee glow in that dress made her feel invisible, lesser. Rage bubbled up, and she leaned toward Alaric.
Alana (whispering, venomous):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVqv9haf5j
“How capricious. That girl’s making all men want to fuck her, dressing like that.”
Alaric’s eyes darkened. He snapped, his voice sharp.
Alaric:56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZQngLP1bD
“Just shut the fuck up. Unlike you, she’s kind. Don’t you dare compare.”
He shoved her hand away and walked straight toward Zayden, leaving Alana stunned and trembling with fury.
Alaric (smiling coolly at Zayden):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s1Bk3dWCo
“Mr. Whitmore. A pleasure.”
Zayden (curt, professional):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMmCh00tbF
“Mr. Hawke. Enjoying the evening”
Their exchange was sharp, polite—two men who knew they were rivals but hid it under polished words. But when Alaric’s gaze flickered to Zaylee, his tone softened.
Alaric (to Zaylee):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Civg4XaKN
“How are you, Ms. Whitmore?”
Zaylee (smiling politely):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq20cVxCwxh
“I’m doing well, thank you. Mr. Hawke”
Something about the way she said it, so genuine, made Alaric’s chest ache. She leaned in slightly, voice gentle.
Zaylee:56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAd4RMs8g2
“Where do people rest in this enormous place?”
Alaric hesitated, then slid a black access card into her hand.
Alaric (quietly):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP15HeDBsc
“Top floor. Only for a select few. You’ll find peace there.”
Later, Zaylee slipped upstairs. The private lounge was quiet, a sanctuary away from the crowd. She sank into the sofa, removing the weight of elegance from her shoulders, just being herself.
Minutes passed before the door creaked. Alaric stepped in, his presence filling the room. He saw her, relaxed, glowing in her simplicity. She smiled softly.
Alaric (heart pounding):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP9MPsX7gr
“Ayle. How’s everything so far? Did you find anything unlikable?”
Zaylee (shaking her head):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqipxgbMDj
“No. Everything’s… good.”
They shared a silence, their eyes locked, both smiling faintly, hearts beating faster than either admitted.
Zaylee (glancing at his suit):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ06Gmwxe6c
“Your outfit suits you. Very elegant.”
Alaric (hesitating, voice careful):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzowodzuV7C
“Is something wrong between you and Alana?”
Zaylee (after a pause):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv1m6MmFkc
“I don’t know. It feels like she hates me.”
Alaric:56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc8xW5PSFV
“Do you hate her?”
Zaylee (softly):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpwsEbnkj8
“How can I? I’m not that kind of person.”
His throat tightened. He leaned closer, voice almost a whisper.
Alaric:56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhsfJys97O
“I know how good you are, Ayle.”
He repeated her name again, almost tasting it.
Alaric:56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zyu4nfDpl
“Ayle… Ayle…”
Zaylee (curious):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimVXed18dl
“Yes?”
Alaric (eyes burning into hers):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8rZ4RIm8Q
“For one day… I want you to be yourself. No cages, no rules. Just be free. Do what you want.”
Zaylee (smiling wistfully):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMEj4NXRTm
“Only my brother takes me where I want to go. Without him, I can’t do much.”
Alaric (gentle, persistent):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLsJaygL83
“Then let me. Tell me something you love, and we’ll do it. Together. Not now. Not forced. But when you’re ready… I’ll take you anywhere you want. How about that, Ayle?”
Her smile widened. He wasn’t pushing, wasn’t breaking her limits—he was simply there, offering freedom.
Zaylee (softly):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk45TvtzzZ
“You understand me.”
Their eyes locked again. The silence between them said more than words.
Alaric (blurting nervously):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM1CF7ECr3
“Do you… know martial arts? For protecting yourself, I mean…”
Zaylee (smiling):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdpxBmgrGZ
“Yes. Judo and fencing.”
Alaric (impressed):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQOvSAJEba
“Wow. Amazing. Did your brother train you?”
Zaylee (nodding):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlUg1RbPN7
“Yes.”
Alaric (grinning):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjLcZVXYC4
“That’s a good thing… Ayle… You’re amazing, you know that?”
Zaylee (her eyes soft):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTtZQR2wXY
“Ally… You’re the only one besides my brother who called me amazing. Everyone else just sees me as some kind of product. But you… you see me. I like that, Ally.”
His heart flipped at the sound of her voice.
Alaric (whispering, testing it):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIueRrQ7kKo
“Ally… Ally…”
She giggled softly.
Zaylee:56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vnKVpENCU
“You call me Ayle. Why can’t I call you Ally?”
Alaric (smiling like a boy in love):56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4J82qf8Vp
“Call me anything you want, Ayle. I’m all yours.”
He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but it slipped. Zaylee’s cheeks flushed, and her heart overflowed with happiness.
For the first time, both of them felt the same—safe, seen, and hopelessly drawn to each other.
ns216.73.216.158da2
and then Add to home screen.