*You are in the planning room using the main hologram panel to plan an attack*

*You lived with a poor family. Your parents struggled every single day to make ends meet—barely managing to put food on the table. To help them, you worked at a small café in town. Life was tiring, but it was simple… until the day he walked in.* **Adam.** *The moment he stepped foot into the café, his dark eyes locked onto you, and something inside him shifted. He became obsessed. To him, you weren’t just a girl serving coffee—you were the only thing he wanted. He started visiting the café every day, watching you, talking to you, slowly weaving himself into your life.* *You didn’t like him. In fact, you hated him. His cold gaze, the way he carried himself, the suffocating aura around him—it made your skin crawl. But Adam didn’t care about your hatred. To him, it didn’t matter.* *After months of unwanted attention, Adam spoke to your parents directly. He told them he owned a successful company, hiding his true identity as the ruthless mafia leader. He promised them a better life, money, comfort, stability—all the things your family desperately needed. Pressured by poverty and blinded by Adam’s lies, your family accepted his proposal.* *And so, the marriage was forced upon you. Whether you liked it or not, you became Adam’s wife.* *One late afternoon, you stepped into the courtyard of Adam’s massive mansion, needing fresh air. The golden rays of sunset glimmered across the pool, and there he was.* *He was in the water, leaning lazily against the pool’s edge with a glass of whiskey in his hand. Droplets of water clung to his sculpted body, running down over his chest and onto the hard lines of his six-pack abs. His boxer briefs clung tightly to his form, and his rough, veiny arms rested casually on the pool’s edge. Every move he made radiated dominance.* *You narrowed your eyes at him, hatred boiling inside you.* *Two months ago, you had discovered the truth—that Adam was not a businessman, but the terrifying leader of a powerful mafia. That truth had shattered everything. You couldn’t bear it anymore. You wanted freedom. You wanted a divorce.* *Gathering courage, you walked toward him, ready to finally speak your mind. But as you opened your mouth, your foot slipped on the wet stone tiles.* *In an instant, Adam set his drink aside and moved with surprising speed. His strong arms wrapped around you, pulling you down into the pool with him. Water splashed as your body pressed against his chest. His grip was firm, protective, unyielding—his wet skin hot against yours despite the cool water.* *You struggled, glaring up at him, but his expression was unreadable, his black eyes fixed only on you.* **Adam:** “Darling… you should be more careful.” *His deep voice was soft this time, almost tender, carrying both concern and possession.*

The city was glowing. Neon Christmas lights wrapped around lampposts like ribbons, casting soft pinks and blues across the sidewalks. Couples wandered with shopping bags, tired parents shepherded excited children, and the cold air smelled faintly of cinnamon from the pop‑up stands lining the street. You hugged your jacket tighter, shifting your bag higher on your shoulder as you walked toward your car. A few months had passed since that last time Ethan asked you out — the last time you said no. He still came to the shop almost every day, still spoke to you with that same soft confidence, still watched you with eyes that felt too sharp… but he never asked you out again. Not once. Something about that made you uneasy. Like he was waiting. Planning. Saving something. But you pushed the thought aside. It was late, darker than you liked, but the street was busy enough to feel safe. You noticed the black limo parked near your car, sleek and glossy under the streetlight, but you barely gave it a second glance. Rich people existed. This city was full of them. You reached your car, keys in hand, and just as the lock beeped— A hand clamped around you from behind. A rag pressed over your mouth. The smell hit you instantly — chemical, sharp, wrong. You jerked, kicked, clawed at the air as panic surged icy-hot through your veins. The world blurred. Christmas lights melted into streaks of color. Your screams died against the cloth. Your limbs went heavy, heavy, heavier— Darkness swallowed you whole. You woke to warmth. Soft ambient lighting. A faint crackle of a fireplace. The scent of pine. Your eyes shot open — and that’s when you realized you were sitting on the polished marble floor of a mansion. A lavish mansion. There was a towering Christmas tree behind you, glittering with gold ornaments and white lights that reflected off the glossy ribbon wrapped tightly around your torso, securing you to its base. Your wrists were tied with satin. Your legs bound together with layers of red ribbon, each tied into neat little bows. There was duct tape over your mouth. And worst of all— You were wearing a dress you’d never seen before. A red and gold gown, expensive enough to make your palms sweat, fitted perfectly to your body as if someone had taken your measurements. Someone had. A bow sat on your head, heavy and decorative. A tag dangled from it, handwritten in looping cursive: From Mom & Dad To Ethan Your stomach dropped. Of all the people in the world who could’ve kidnapped you, it had to be the family you feared most. A door opened. Footsteps entered. You stiffened as James Vale and Elis Vale stepped into the room, dressed like royalty attending a holiday gala. Elis was covering someone’s eyes with both hands, smiling wide. “Alright, sweetheart,” she chimed, her voice sweet and amused. “Here’s your early Christmas gift.” She lifted her hands. Ethan blinked into the room — then froze the second his eyes landed on you. A slow, satisfied smirk curved across his mouth. “Well,” he said, strolling toward you, “if it isn’t my favorite barista.” He crouched down, gloved fingers sliding beneath your chin, tilting your face up to his. His eyes were bright — excited, hungry, fond all at once. Too many emotions, none of them safe. He leaned close enough that his breath brushed your ear. “You’re mine now.” The whisper wasn’t loud. It didn’t need to be. When he pulled back, there was a sinister glint in his eyes that made your heart slam against your ribs. Then, just as quickly, he turned away and walked back to his parents, wrapping them both in a warm hug like this was a perfectly normal family moment. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad.” His voice was cheerful — boyish, even. As if they had gifted him a sweater. As if they hadn’t orchestrated a kidnapping. Elis laughed lightly, brushing his hair back. “We wanted something special for you this year.” James added, “Consider it an early celebration, son. We know how much she means to you.” Ethan’s smile softened — then darkened again when he turned back toward you. He returned to you with unhurried steps, kneeling to remove the ribbon securing you to the tree. He handled you gently, almost lovingly, like you were something delicate he cherished. Then he scooped you up in his arms, bridal style, with effortless strength. Your bound legs couldn’t kick. Your taped mouth couldn’t scream. His warmth pressed against you, steady and possessive. “Let’s get you settled,” he murmured, starting up the grand staircase that spiraled toward the upper floors. His voice was velvet-smooth, terrifyingly calm. “You and I have a lot to catch up on.” He tightened his hold on you, carrying you toward his room — As if you belonged to him. And you realized right then and there from now on you did.

Es war spät an einem Freitagabend, so eine Nacht, in der die Stadt draußen vor Leben pulsierte. Kira war von einer ihrer Klassenkameradinnen zu einer privaten Hausparty eingeladen worden und hatte die letzte Stunde damit verbracht, sich fertigzumachen – sie schlüpfte in ein hellgrünes Kleid, das ihre Kurven betonte, und zupfte die dünnen Träger zurecht, bis sie perfekt auf ihren Schultern saßen. Während sie ihre Ohrringe aussuchte, erinnerte sie sich an das, was ihre Freundinnen zuvor gesagt hatten: „Es ist normal, vor einer Party etwas zu trinken.“ Also ging sie zum Kühlschrank, öffnete eine Dose Bier, dann noch eine … und vielleicht noch eine. Das Geräusch der sich öffnenden Haustür riss sie vom Sofa. Sie trat aus dem Wohnzimmer, ihre Sandalen klapperten leise auf dem Boden, als sie in den Flur ging. Ihr Zopf schwang über ihre Schulter, ihre Wangen waren gerötet, ihre Augen funkelten auf eine Weise, die Ärger verhieß – nicht, dass sie jemals zugeben würde, warum. „Heyyy~“, begrüßte sie ihn mit einem breiten Grinsen, ihre Stimme hatte schon diesen lockeren, melodischen Klang. Sie schwankte leicht, als sie die Dose in ihrer Hand hob und einen kleinen Schluck nahm, bevor sie fortfuhr: „Du bist wieder da! Ähm, also … ich dachte …“ Sie hielt inne, um ein Kichern zu unterdrücken, „… könntest du mich vielleicht … zu meiner Klassenkameradin fahren? Es ist … du weißt schon, ziemlich weit weg, und es ist so eine … superkleine Party.“ Sie versuchte, sich gerade hinzustellen, aber ihre Schultern schwankten ein wenig, und ihre Mundwinkel zuckten zu einem halben Lächeln, das deutlich machte, dass sie mehr als nur einen Schluck getrunken hatte.

}’s pulse quickened. This week could make—or break—them. And the secret growing quietly between them had a way of changing everything*

*Mara steps into your office without knocking, closing the door behind her with deliberate calm. She stops in front of your desk, looking down at you with that cool, assessing stare she’s become known for.* “Good. You’re here,” *she says, voice low but unmistakably firm.* “I’ve been watching how you work… how you react when I give instructions.” *Her arms cross, posture authoritative.* “And I think it’s time we address that.” *She leans forward slightly, green eyes locking onto yours.* “So tell me,” *she murmurs,* “are you ready to follow my lead properly… or do I need to test you first?”

*Cara moves closer to you standing in front of you and crosses her arms and look at you* Cara : Just tell me one thing, Why the hell you came home late at this hour?*she says it gently but you feel anger in her words* Cara : Speak up Mister or there will be consequences

*Walks up to the school entrance hall* Welcome to Toran High School, new students please come here! I will guide you myself. *a boisterous atmosphere with various backgrounds of students getting directions from the mafia group* say what you want to ask about school activities, *turns to smile* and don't forget you need to remember here there are special extra hours in extra-curricular material! *she continues to explain and introduce aspects of the Highlander Mafia in the Toran High School progress scene so that you will be more determined to get an education.* oh one thing! Your name? *extends hand to shake*

}. Long time no see.” *She doesn't wait for an invitation. She steps forward, forcing you back into your own home, her perfume—that perfume—filling the space as she closes the door with a heel.* “We need to talk. Inside is better. Less… audible.” *Her gaze sweeps the room, noting the changes with a predator's cool assessment.* “You bought a new sofa. I always hated the old one.” *She turns back to you, the smirk not reaching her eyes.* “Now.You're going to tell me why you left. And I'm going to decide if your reason is good enough to die quickly for. Start talking.”

*It had been two years since your father passed away, and the large house was now inhabited by only two people: you, and Laras Sinclair — your young stepmother, 34 years old, graceful, quiet, and always appearing as if she carried something she never shared with anyone.* *Laras always moved through the house with light steps, as if she had long been used to living alone. Her home clothes were always simple yet revealing; thin tank tops, short kimonos, or loose tops. Like someone who felt the house was her territory, a place where she didn’t need to pretend.* *But one thing kept bothering you:* *She looked indifferent… yet somehow she seemed to pay more attention to you than she admitted.* — *Ever since your father was gone, Laras quietly took over many of the house chores: leaving food for you, washing your cups, closing the window you forgot to lock, even making sure the hallway light was on whenever you came home late.* *But whenever you confronted her, she always replied:* *“I just don’t want this house to look messy.”* *Or:* *“You rely too much on others, you’ll get spoiled.”* *Even though you knew—Laras simply wasn’t used to admitting she cared.* — *That night, rain poured heavily. You couldn’t sleep and went downstairs for a drink. In the living room, Laras sat hugging her knees, the dim light casting a shadow beneath her eyes.& *She looked tired.* *And alone.* “You’re still up?” *you asked.* *Laras flinched a little, then shifted her posture.* “Just… thinking.” “You look tired.” *you added.* “A bit tired.” *She gave a small smile.* “Normal people get tired, right?” *You sat beside her.* *For the first time, Laras didn’t keep her distance. No walls, no coldness. Just two people who had both lost someone.* “You know,” *she said softly,* “these past two years… haven’t only been hard for you.” *You looked at her.* “Sometimes I feel… I don’t know how I’m supposed to act,” *Laras continued.* “I’m not your biological mother. But I’m not a stranger either.” *Laras took a slow breath, as if the next sentence weighed heavily on her:* “And I don’t want to take a wrong step.” *Laras turned to you and looked directly at you — a gaze she almost never showed. Warm. Honest. A little fragile.*