Ice and Fire: Allacia's Choice Free Preview

"It hurts…" Allacia Clayton's lips quivered.

She lay on the cold operating table, her legs spread wide open, as waves of pain surged through her. She resigned herself to the doctor's actions while he inserted a glass tube into her body.

The sight of her pallid complexion elicited nothing but disdain from the doctor. "Just endure this pain once, and you'll be walking away with 60 million. Miss Clayton, you've hit the jackpot!" His words hung heavy in the air, dripping with the weight of the unspeakable bargain before her.

With a heavy heart, she closed her eyes with tears of shame trickling silently down her cheeks.

If only I could turn away from the lure of the 60 million… She sighed inwardly.

…

A mere month ago, her fiancé, Daniel Kleffton, had been consumed by despair over the financial crumbling of his family, leading him to recklessly speed through the streets. In a tragic twist of fate, he collided with a prominent figure from Tralis, leaving the latter in a coma.

This figure, the sole heir of a prestigious family, held significant sway in Tralis' social circles.

With their sole grandson now being crippled, the grandfather of the influential figure, Calvin Lloyd, was determined to take revenge on Daniel by condemning him to a life behind bars. After Allacia's tearful pleas, Calvin reluctantly offered her a solution: she must conceive and bear a child for his comatose grandson.

Having been orphaned at a tender age, Allacia was taken in and raised by the Kleffton Family. She and Daniel had shared a close bond, strengthened by her debt of gratitude for his having saved her life.

Despite her inner turmoil and reluctance, she understood that she had no choice but to offer herself up for sacrifice.

Once the doctor confirmed that the embryo had been safely put into her uterus, he left the room with his tools.

A profound silence enveloped the operating room, and Allacia could only hear the chaotic rhythm of her own heartbeat echoing in the stillness.

She slowly sat up, and a wave of warmth surged through her body, accompanied by a sensation of release. The pristine white sterile sheet beneath her began to blur as a pool of blood spread.

This was her first time...

...

Ten months later, the cries of two infants echoed through the delivery room, filling the space with their wails.

"Sir, they're twins. Two little boys," announced the doctor excitedly.

An elderly man with silver hair gently received the babies from the doctor, his eyes brimming with tender affection.

Allacia's vision blurred as she gazed upon the two babies. Their tiny bodies exuded an undeniable charm, their features delicate and refined. She couldn't help but allow a soft smile to grace her lips. Yet, the bittersweet reality that these two precious babies did not belong to her flooded her heart with a pang of sorrow.

"My children... Let me see them, just for a moment... Just one glance," she pleaded, her voice tinged with longing and regret.

The elderly man's gaze bore into her like a dagger, his eyes piercing through her resolve. "Miss Clayton, the sum of 60 million and the agreement regarding the accident are placed right beside your pillow. I shall be leaving with the infants, and you can pretend this transaction never happened," he declared with an air of finality before briskly leaving with his entourage.

"No, please don't take my children." Her anguished cry sounded through the room as her heart wrenched with unbearable pain.

For ten months, she had carried her children within her, so her love for them flowed through her veins like a river of devotion. Hence, how could she possibly bear to be torn apart from her flesh and blood?

With frantic determination, she raced after them. Each step of hers was a desperate plea to halt the impending separation. Yet, as she pursued, a sudden, sharp pain surged through her body, causing her to falter in her pursuit. And then, amidst the chaos, another sound pierced the air. It was a newborn's cry.

Allacia cradled her newborn daughter tightly with trembling arms. She cried tears of joy as she held her precious baby. Unbeknownst to her, she was not just blessed with two babies, but three. This was a divine gift bestowed upon her by the heavens, and she vowed to cherish and protect with every ounce of her strength.

…

Six years later, at Saint Court Hotel, Allacia staggered into her room, her steps unsteady and her senses clouded. She was compelled to consume an excessive amount of alcohol at tonight's banquet. Now, she felt her body was very hot, as if it was burning up like a furnace.

"I feel thirsty..." she murmured.

Allacia made her way toward the bar. As she drank a few glasses of red wine, the warmth washed over her, and it eased the heat in her belly slightly. Yet, paradoxically, it also served to further blur the already hazy landscape of her thoughts.

Bang!

The sound echoed through the room as Zishan threw open the bathroom door, his senses tingling with the presence of an unexpected visitor.

He wrapped himself in a towel and strode into the bedroom.

Upon the bed lay a woman, who was dressed in a deep V-neck black. Her skin appeared as smooth and flawless as porcelain, her legs were long and slender, and her waist, cinched by the fabric, drew the eye with its delicate curves.

Though she was undoubtedly breathtaking, he found himself unmoved by her beauty. His gaze passed over her figure without a flicker of interest.

His brow furrowed in consternation. "Who gave you the nerve to come in here?" he demanded, his voice laced with a steely edge.

Allacia's eyelashes fluttered, yet she remained asleep.

Growing increasingly impatient, he closed the distance between them with precise yet purposeful movements. He lifted her from the bed and cradled her gently in his arms like a fragile bird before picking up a wine glass and splashing it in her face.

"Get out of my sight! I have absolutely no interest in someone as lowly as you!" he exclaimed with disgust, his words dripping with disdain.

As the heir of the prestigious Lloyd Family, a century-old household in Tralis, and the president of Lloyd Group, he had been the target of countless women's advances and manipulations. Surely, this woman before him was just another in a long line.

"Mmm..." A soft murmur escaped Allacia's lips as she blinked open her eyes.

In front of her stood a man whose features seemed chiseled by the hands of God. He had a high nose bridge, lips pressed into a tight line, and eyes as deep and unforgiving as the ocean.

His jet-black hair glistened with moisture, droplets tracing paths down his sculpted cheekbones. His waist was slim, and his long legs were covered by a towel. Hence, it accentuated the strong muscles on his tanned stomach, which gave off a tough and cold vibe.

Allacia hiccupped, unable to contain her admiration, and instinctively exclaimed. "Wow, you're really handsome...Did you stumble into the wrong room, or are you a gigolo who has willingly come to my room?"

Her cloudy gaze trailed over his abdominal muscles as her fingers caressed them. She found herself reluctant to withdraw her hand as she was captivated by the sensation of his firm physique beneath her touch.

"You've got an amazing body. How much for a night? I'll even throw in a 10-dollar deal!"

Zishan's expression darkened, and his eyes gleamed with hostility.

This woman has the audacity to treat me like a commodity, attempting to purchase me for a measly 10 dollars? Some nerve you have there!

He tossed her onto the bed with a forceful motion, and his broad body loomed over hers as he pressed down. "You're the first woman who has ever thought of paying for a night with me," he declared, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and amusement.

A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes as she coyly replied, "And are you open to the offer?"

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and as her lips parted ever so slightly, a sweet yet intoxicating aroma filled the air and tickled his senses with a tantalizing sweetness. Surprisingly, it stirred within him a peculiar sensation, as if a dormant part of his being had suddenly been awakened by the irresistible allure of her presence.

Six years earlier, a devastating car accident had left him in a comatose state for months, resulting in various physical impairments, including the loss of basic male functions. Yet, in the presence of this woman, he felt a surge of warmth coursing through his veins and awakening dormant desires…

The intensity in his gaze deepened as he struggled to find the right words.

"You…"

Before he could utter a sound, she suddenly arched her body and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her supple body pressed intimately against his, her sweet and tender lips eagerly meeting his own... Their kiss was passionate as her tongue explored his mouth with a mix of innocence and allure. Hence, leaving him spellbound by its raw, captivating charm.

Zishan's breaths became shallow, and his chest tightened with anticipation as he felt the heat coursing through his body as if it were on the verge of combustion.

In that electrifying moment, she lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. Consequently, this drew them even closer.

"Mmm…"

In the icy glare of Zishan, a tempest of fervent longing danced within...

"Woman! You shall be held accountable for the inferno you've kindled!"

With a grandiose sweep, he discarded the bath towel, his imposing physique poised to assert dominance. Yet, the fragile woman shut her eyes tightly, her delicate lashes trembling as tears welled up while she uttered a plea laden with heartache, "Why won't you cherish me… Daniel, you'll never grasp the sacrifices I made for you six years ago..."

As the weight of her words settled in, Zishan's gaze grew somber, and the tense desire gradually waned.

Even in her sleep, her lips whisper another man's name.

As the formidable ruler of a shadowy underworld within his empire, whose power knew no bounds, he disdained entangling himself with a married woman. Even if she alone was capable of stirring a response within him…

"Oh, it hurts…" Allacia groaned.

Early the next morning, she awoke to a body that felt like it had been through a blender. Last night, she had attended a dinner as Daniel's assistant, where a bald, pot-bellied boss had used a business deal as leverage to keep pouring drinks down her throat. Eventually, she retreated to her usual hotel to rest.

However, something was off about the room's decor. A nagging sense of déjà vu crept over her as disjointed memories of a passionate encounter with a mysterious man danced at the edges of her consciousness.

Heat crept into her cheeks, and her pulse quickened at the thought.

Surely, it had all been a figment of her imagination, a bizarre dream concocted by her fatigued mind. She couldn't possibly have engaged in flirtatious antics with a stranger!

Shaking off those absurd images, Allacia quickly freshened up. Her movements tinged with a sense of urgency as she gathered her belongings to depart. Just as she closed the door, she deliberately glanced at the room number. It was 8888!

Oh no! She gasped inwardly in shock.

Panic surged through her veins as realization dawned. She had unwittingly stumbled into the wrong room. Her designated room was 8808, not 8888. That meant she had indeed flirted with a man last night.

Allacia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she fervently wished never to lay eyes on that man again in her entire life! Fleeing the hotel as if it were a disaster zone, she finally emerged into the open air where she gasped in the freshness that enveloped her. With each breath, she felt the tension slowly dissipating and allowing a sense of calm to gradually wash over her.

While she waited for a cab by the roadside, she was startled to see a young boy, no more than five or six years old, stumble and collapse right at her feet. Despite his tender age, his features, though yet to fully mature, exuded an irresistible charm. Thus, drawing out a sense of endearment from anyone who laid eyes on him.

With his soft and gentle demeanor, he resembled nothing short of a sleepy kitten, and his innocence and vulnerability tugged at her heartstrings.

She initially dismissed the boy's collapse as mere playfulness but soon realized something was amiss when he remained motionless for quite some time.

"Hey, little fella, what's going on?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

She knelt down and gently lifted him into her arms. Immediately, she noticed the heat radiating from his skin. Thus, indicating a clear sign of his abnormal body temperature.

As she cradled him close to offer reassurance and warmth, Levell slowly blinked open his heavy eyelids. The sight of the compassionate and beautiful woman before him filled him with a sense of security. Hence, evoking memories of a maternal figure...

"Mommy..." he whispered before drifting into unconsciousness.

The gentle murmur sent a chill down her spine, triggering memories of her two sons, who were taken six years ago. Those boys must be around the same age by now, she mused.

"Sweetheart, I'll take you to the hospital," she said, pushing down the flutter in her heart as she picked up the child and stepped into the waiting car.

...

In the president's office on the 88th floor of Lloyd Empire Tower.

"What! Levell is missing?" The man's voice reverberated cold and menacingly in the expansive office.

Zishan's handsome countenance was a portrait of icy fury as he wasted no time in unleashing his wrath upon those unfortunate enough to bear witness. "A bunch of inept bigots!" he thundered, his voice carrying the weight of impending doom. "Find him, and find him now! Failure is not an option, lest you wish to bid farewell to your own heads!"

The secret guards trembled nervously, feeling the weight of their leader's wrath bearing down on them.

Zishan not only held sway over the entire Lloyd Family but also commanded the world's top financial powerhouse, the Lloyd Group. His methods were ruthless, his demeanor cold and merciless, and he had a legion of shadowy guards at his disposal, numbering in the millions. In the empire and across Essos, his influence was second to none.

Moreover, as the scion of the Lloyd Family, he was also the heir of the empire, a figure of unmatched prestige and power.

Thus, If his son's whereabouts remained unknown, it wouldn't be long before the entire military apparatus—navy, army, and air force, was mobilized in a frantic search.

The secret guards, having received their orders, hurriedly dispersed. Zishan stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, his tall, lean frame silhouetted against the city skyline. Worry creased his brow, tracing delicate lines of concern.

During the period when he lay in a coma six years ago after the car accident, his grandfather, Calvin, swayed by the misguided diagnosis of a quack doctor, believed him to be in a comatose state. Fearing for the preservation of the family's billion-dollar fortune and the continuity of the Lloyd lineage, Calvin arranged for a young woman to bear two sons on his behalf.

While Levell was known as the elder sibling, the second child was...

Over the years, Zishan had fiercely protected Levell, yet now, adversity had once again knocked on his door.

He reached for his phone with the intention of contacting one of his military connections when he was taken aback by an unfamiliar number flashing across the screen. His number was highly classified and to contact him required intricate decryption.

This caller is clearly no ordinary individual, he thought.

He answered the call and was greeted by a soft, melodious voice on the other end.

"Hello? Your son is currently at Westview Hospital."

The voice triggered a flicker of recognition within him.

At that moment, he pieced it together. It's the woman from the previous night. The one who propositioned me with an offer to buy my virginity for 10 dollars!

His knuckles tightened around the phone, and his jaw clenched in determination. "I'm on my way! Don't you dare move!"

This woman's cunning knows no bounds; thwarted in her attempts to approach me, she now aims for Levell.

Levell has always been protected, so how could she have possibly taken him away? He wondered.

Without hesitation, Zishan immediately ordered the mobilization of a helicopter. He aimed to arrive at his destination within five minutes.

…

At the hospital, inside the ward.

Levell lay nestled in Allacia's arms while receiving an IV drip. His wide eyes which were blinking rapidly, brimmed with a mixture of yearning and affection, remained fixed on her face.

"Mommy... are you my mommy?"

The soft murmur of the child's voice stirred a tender warmth within her heart.

She gently ran her fingers through his silky hair and said soothingly, "Sweetheart, are you feeling a bit feverish? I'm not your mommy, okay? When your daddy comes, let him take you to find your mommy, alright?"

Levell blinked innocently, his lower lip caught between his teeth as a shadow of sadness crossed his features. "But I don't have a mommy. Will you be my mommy? I really like you!"

Allacia's features froze, her heart wrenching at the realization that the young child was left without a mother…

No wonder he had wandered off with no one to care for him even when he fell ill...

She pulled him close to envelope him in a comforting embrace as her heart swelled with empathy and compassion.

"Sweetheart, I might not be able to be your mommy because I already have a fiancé. Though it's been six years, and we still haven't tied the knot..."

Levell's demeanor deflated, his head hung low as tears welled up in his reddened eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment.

Bang!

The door burst open, and a swarm of black-clad figures poured into the hospital room and encircled them. Among them strode a tall, imposing figure.

Allacia was paralyzed with fear at the sight before her.

"You've got some nerve, woman, to dare to snatch my son, Levell!" The man's voice sounded through the room, and it sent shivers down her spine with its cold and menacing tone. His words were sharp enough to cut through steel.

She raised her gaze to take in the appearance of the newcomer.

Despite his striking and handsome appearance, the words that escaped his lips cut through the air like sharp blades.

Allacia steadied her nerves and spoke up, for she attempted to address the tense situation. "Sir, is there perhaps a misunderstanding? Your son..."

"Misunderstanding?" Zishan strode menacingly toward her, his gaze piercing and oppressive.

"I saw who you truly are last night! A woman who stops at nothing for power and gain! You... have no right to be with me! Let alone aspire to be part of the Lloyd Family."

The Lloyd Family has been a prestigious family in Tralis for over a century, wielding absolute authority in the realms of military, politics, and commerce. And Zishan Lloyd stands as an un-crowned king in Tralis, a figure of unmatched influence. Hence, could this man before me be...? she wondered.

Truly, it seemed like a twist of fate!

Last night, she had brazenly flirted with him, and today, she saved his child.

Allacia gently placed Levell on the bed. Then, she squared her shoulders with determination blazing in her eyes as she approached him, her backpack clutching tightly in hand.

She lifted her chin and met his icy gaze head-on. "Sir, I must apologize for last night's events, but today, I saved your son's life. You owe me your gratitude. And you also owe me an apology for falsely accusing me of kidnapping your child."

Zishan emitted a derisive chuckle. "Is that so? And who exactly do you think you are to make such demands?"

This woman seemed intent on seizing his attention by any means necessary.

Regrettably, for her, she had severely underestimated him.

"I'll give you one minute to get out of this room, or don't blame me for having someone throw you out of the window!" he declared with an air of finality.

"You!!" Allacia seethed with indignation, her chest rising and falling with each agitated breath.

"Your arrogance knows no bounds. Despite your looks, your personality is terrible! Who in their right mind would tolerate your insolence? I'll leave if you want to! Your inflated sense of self-importance is entirely unwarranted!"

She drew 10 dollars from her purse and cast it at him before hastily making her exit.

Zishan's chiseled features darkened as he eyed the money at his feet.

Once again, this infuriating woman had degraded him with a mere 10 dollars!

Just as he was about to dispatch men to chase after her, a soft, pleading voice reached his ears. Thus, melting his resolve like warm honey. "Mommy! Mommy, don't leave!"

Zishan's heart clenched painfully. Ever since the incident with Jeffery, his other son, Levell, had not uttered a single word. Doctors had diagnosed him with severe psychological barriers and suggested he might never speak again.

Yet now, here he was, speaking because of an encounter with a mysterious woman.

Caught between shock and elation, Zishan wasted no time in arranging for Levell to undergo an examination.

As they awaited the doctor's arrival, Levell clung desperately to the fabric of his suit, his tear-streaked face wearing an expression of anguish and accusation. "You're mean! You're not my daddy! You made Mommy leave, waaaah... you're mean…"

With all the gentleness Zishan could summon, he responded, his voice laced with a tender sincerity, "That woman is not your mommy, Levell. She harbors ill intentions and is unworthy of being your mother!"

"No! She is my mommy! I want her to be my mommy!" Levell's defiance rang out, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and determination.

"Today, when I heard you were at Saint Court Hotel, I sneaked out to find you. But on the way, I collapsed, and it was Mommy who saved me. She's not a bad person. She's the kindest mommy in the world!"

Zishan was taken aback by this unexpected revelation. It dawned on him that the woman in question hadn't abducted Levell after all. Nevertheless, her reckless conduct at the hotel the previous night couldn't simply be brushed aside.

"Levell dear, if you yearn for a motherly figure, I vow to assist you in finding the most suitable candidate. But her? She's not the one," he asserted, his voice tinged with concern.

Levell angrily pushed him away, his tear-stained cheeks betraying his inner turmoil.

Zishan's heart ached intensely as he approached, intending to wipe away Levell's tears, but he was met with resistance. The latter's gesture pierced his heart with a profound sense of sorrow.

Zishan had raised the boy single-handedly and had always shared an unbreakable bond, nurtured through years of companionship and mutual trust. Yet now, a single woman had managed to sow seeds of discord between them, leaving Zishan struggling with conflicting emotions.

Just then, the doctor arrived, and after a series of examinations, he finally spoke.

"Mr. Lloyd," he began, addressing Zishan with a mixture of concern and caution, "it would be best if you refrained from opposing any decisions Young Levell makes. At this moment, his willingness to voice his desires must be respected without reservation. Failure to do so could result in a worsening of his condition. Hence, leading to potentially dire consequences."

Zishan listened intently, his heart sinking with each word uttered by the doctor. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon him and it filled him with a sense of helplessness and despair.

Do I seriously have to consider letting that woman step into Levell's life as his mother?

Indeed, she possesses a certain allure, the only one capable of eliciting a response from me, the sole individual Levell willingly embraces… he mused.

"Mr. Lloyd! Here's Miss Clayton's information!" His subordinate handed him a hefty stack of documents.

Zishan spared a momentary glance at Levell, now peacefully dozing on the bed, before making his way to the window and unfolding the documents.

Allacia Clayton.

What a gracefully composed name, yet her relaxed demeanor in bed seems so uninhibited!

He swiftly scanned through the contents.

Allacia remains unwed but bears a daughter. She has been engaged to Daniel for six years, but they've never officially tied the knot.

Daniel Kleffton... the name triggers a flicker of recognition. The Kleffton Family, if memory serves correctly, relocated to Tralis from Avendale a couple of years ago. And Daniel is notorious as a playboy, renowned for his string of affairs, yet oddly refraining from making advances toward his intended bride.

So, it turns out, Allacia is the long-suffering fiancée patiently waiting for Daniel despite his reclusive nature. What on earth did she do to turn Daniel, once a gentleman, into a playboy? Zishan thought.

Now, even he had taken a keen interest in Allacia!

…

Upon leaving the hospital, Allacia dragged her exhausted body and flagged down a cab to head to Kleffton Group.

Six years ago, she secretly gave birth to three children, two of whom were each bestowed with a whopping 60 million. This windfall breathed new life into Kleffton Group, which had since relocated its headquarters to Tralis.

But despite her sacrifices, the Kleffton Family didn't appreciate her. They only remembered her absence for ten long months and her return with a child.

Daniel, especially, held resentment toward her. He couldn't forgive her for vanishing when he was injured and bedridden and resented her loss of innocence and her dalliances with other men.

Allacia had no choice but to swallow and endure these grievances in silence.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts about him, his call came through.

"Come over to Rarity jewelry counter!" he commanded before abruptly hanging up.

As she gazed at the darkened screen of her phone, a mixture of resignation and bitterness tugged at the corners of her lips. Six years had passed, yet she still couldn't get used to his aloofness.

…

Twenty minutes later, she arrived at Pavilion Mall which was located in Tralis, a prestigious shopping mall under the ownership of the esteemed Lloyd Group.

Allacia bought a cup of coffee and walked toward the jewelry counter, sipping as she went.

From a distance, she spotted Daniel and a seductive woman locked in a passionate embrace. Their bodies pressed together as they engaged in a heated kiss, strands of saliva stretching between their mouths. The woman even teasingly caressed Daniel...

Ugh, only beasts would be so lustful in broad daylight! They truly have no sense of propriety!

"Madam Kleffton, may I present to you our pièce de résistance, the epitome of elegance and extravagance," the salesperson enthused, offering forth a dazzling pair of rings, their radiance matched only by the sparkle in the eyes of the woman addressed as Madam Kleffton.

"Honey, hurry and put it on for me!" she urged him with a teasing grin.

"You little temptress! Buying a ring means you're at my mercy tonight!"

Daniel possessed a fair complexion that seemed to glow beneath the warm ambient light, accentuated by the subtle glint of his gold-rimmed spectacles. His appearance exuded an intriguing blend of roguish charm and refined sophistication.

It was this beguiling facade that had ensnared countless women in his captivating allure, including a once-innocent Allacia, who had fallen prey to his charms.

The tender and affectionate display between the two sent a sharp pang of agony coursing through her soul.

As Daniel's fiancee, Allacia often found herself in a peculiar position, never quite receiving the treatment befitting a wife, a fact that struck her as utterly absurd. Her piercing gaze swiftly captured his attention, prompting him to furrow his brows and gesture for her to approach, a motion that carried an air of authority reminiscent of calling a pet.

"Why are you lingering there like a statue? Come here!" His deep, commanding voice echoed through the mall, drawing the curious gazes of onlookers.

Suppressing a mix of embarrassment and indignation, she walked over to them.

"What do you need me for?" she inquired, her tone tinged with a hint of exasperation.

Daniel draped his arm around the waist of the woman beside him, his demeanor dripping with indulgence as he spoke, "I need my lovely wife, Christina Freiles, to choose a ring."

"Ew, quit it," Christina chimed in, playfully nudging his chest while sporting a blush.

Despite her outward bashfulness, there was a subtle glint of challenge and disdain in her eyes as she regarded Allacia.

She was well aware that the woman standing before her was Daniel's fiancée, but what of it? In her mind, it only served as a temporary obstacle, easily surmountable. The confidence in her eyes belied a simmering ambition fueled by the belief that she was more than capable of replacing Allacia in Daniel's life.

"Do you think this ring suits Christina?"

Allacia's gaze drifted downward, and her heart sank as she saw him reaching for a ring. It was the very same ring she and Daniel had admired together countless times during their college days, dreaming of the day it would adorn their fingers as a symbol of their love and commitment. Yet, here he was, purchasing it not for her but for his mistress.

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of her lips, her words dripping with sarcasm. "How fitting. A perfect choice for cheaters and mistresses."

Christina's eyes flashed with fury as she swung a slap at Allacia's cheek. But the latter sidestepped the blow with practiced ease, her expression hardening.

"Enough of this charade," she declared, her voice now devoid of any trace of warmth. "I have no interest in witnessing your theatrical displays. Purchase whatever you desire."

With a deliberate turn, she began to walk away, only to be halted by Daniel's low chuckle, his words dripping with malice. "Struggling to bear the weight of your actions, Allacia? This is merely the beginning. Compared to the pain you've inflicted upon me, this is but a taste of the suffering I have in store for you."

Allacia's body quivered with suppressed rage, and she splashed her coffee on him. "Daniel! What kind of man are you?"

"What kind of man am I?" His voice dripped with arrogance. "The kind who knows his worth. How many men would tolerate their girlfriend's premarital infidelity and even raise a b*stard child? I've allowed you to remain by my side, yet your gratitude knows no bounds?"

Her cheeks burned with a blend of embarrassment and simmering indignation, the weight of years of Daniel's relentless humiliations bearing down on her. Each slight, each insult, felt like a fresh wound reopening. Despite the obvious disdain emanating from him, she found herself unable to confront him with the truth.

Weary beyond measure, Allacia allowed her eyelids to flutter shut for a fleeting moment, drawing upon every ounce of inner strength before she spoke. "Daniel, you've eroded every last shred of love I once held for you."

With those words finally spoken, she strode away.

Daniel's gaze lingered on her retreating figure, and a torrent of emotions raged within him. The love he harbored for her ran deep, down to his very core. Yet, a single incident had shattered their dreams of marital bliss and family.

"Honey, let's not allow her to spoil our enjoyment. Shall we continue our quest for the perfect ring?" Christina's voice snapped him back to reality.

With a nonchalant gesture, he handed his debit card to the sales associate before leading Christina to the men's restroom, where he locked the door, pulled down her panties, and penetrated her deeply and fiercely…

Whenever Allacia's tumultuous emotions threatened to overwhelm him, he would relieve himself by sleeping with other women.

Since she was already tarnished in his eyes, he saw no reason to hold himself to the standard of purity on her behalf. After all, in his skewed perception, her perceived impurity justified his infidelity.

…

After spending some time by the beach and allowing the gentle breeze to brush away the turmoil within her, Allacia felt a sense of calm gradually wash over her before making her way back to her rented apartment.

Over the past few years, in a bid to avoid the scrutiny of others, she and her daughter, Deana, had taken up residence in rented accommodations outside their hometown.

As she was inserting the key into the lock, a soft object underfoot caught her off guard, prompting her to exclaim, "What on earth?"

She switched on her flashlight and was met with the sight of a strikingly handsome young boy.

"Levell! What are you doing here?" she exclaimed in surprise.

With a sniffle, Levell rushed forward, his excitement noticeable as he enveloped her in a tight embrace. "Mommy, you're finally back! I've been waiting for you for ages."

Allacia couldn't believe her eyes when she unexpectedly stumbled upon Levell once again. His presence here was a complete surprise, especially considering his father's strict nature. Thus, it seemed highly unlikely that he would have permitted Levell to be here.

As she crouched down to meet his gaze, his innocent eyes met hers, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. "Level, did you sneak out all on your own?" she inquired gently.

"Um... I-I didn't... really..." His hesitant response only served to confirm her suspicions as his stuttered words betrayed any attempt to deny it outright.

Being in the high society circle, she was keenly aware of the situation with the Lloyd Family. Zishan's influential status was a magnet for attention. However, this very attention had led him to misconstrue her motives. Should she find herself entangled with his son once more, it was bound to stir up significant trouble!

A throbbing headache threatened to overtake her as she contemplated the ramifications. She was adamant about avoiding any further interaction with that man!

She gently grasped Levell's arm and offered him a comforting reassurance. "Let me take you to the police station, Levell. You can wait there for your father, okay?" she suggested.

"No, I want Mommy, not Daddy!" His lower lip trembled as he pouted, tears the size of pearls streaming down his cheeks.

His adorable yet pitiful appearance, with his doe eyes brimming with tears, evoked a wave of sympathy.

Allacia rushed to wipe away his tears, her heart weighed down by a tangled mix of emotions.

She held a special affection for Levell. Had circumstances been different, she was certain they would have bonded effortlessly. However, fate had other plans…

Levell, with pleading eyes, clung to her sleeve, his voice filled with hope as he spoke, "Mommy, can I please stay here tonight? Just one night?"

"But what about your dad..." She was hesitant.

"Daddy's away on a business trip to Lyonesse! He won't be back until next week."

Allacia's resolve softened at the sight of Levell's pleading expression.

She relented and ushered him inside, only to discover that he had come prepared with all the essentials: pajamas, toys, towels, and even a small pink pig!

The pink piglet dashed around the living room, leaving behind a whimsical trail of tiny footprints. Levell trailed after it, his voice echoing, "Dottie! You can't roam around in mommy's house!"

"Hahaha." Allacia couldn't help but burst into laughter at Levell's choice of name for the piglet. It was simply too adorable!

Just as Levell was engrossed in chasing after Dottie, the door to the small bedroom swung open, revealing Denea. She emerged from the room, rubbing her sleepy eyes, and dressed in pajamas adorned with Peppa Pig patterns.

"Mommy, look..."

Before she could even complete her sentence, Levell and Dottie collided with her, sending them sprawling in a tangled heap on the soft carpet.

Deana took in the sight of the handsome boy, who appeared to be around her own age, blinked in surprise, and asked, "Who are you?"

"I, uh..."

Allacia stepped forward to facilitate the introductions.

Upon learning that Deana was Allacia's daughter, Levell visibly relaxed and felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Will Mommy still have room in her heart for me if she already has a child? he wondered.

"Levell, would you like to play games with me?" Deana's face lit up with excitement at Levell's presence. Growing up largely without having any friends and with a few playmates, she was eager for companionship and hoped to forge a friendship with him.

"Sure."

With this realization, Levell decided that even though Allacia already had a child, he wanted to be her child, too. He could dote on Allacia along with his new little sister.

The two children gleefully engaged in games and laughter, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Eventually, Allacia prepared a warm bath for them to freshen up.

For Levell, it was his first time experiencing the sensation of Allacia whom he considered as his mother, bathing him. It felt so gentle and so blissful. The feeling of having a mommy is truly wonderful.

As Allacia carried him to the bedroom, he couldn't help but plant a kiss on her cheek.

"Mommy, thank you so much. I love you with all my heart," he whispered, his voice filled with genuine gratitude and love. His words lingered in the air, carrying with them a sense of pure and innocent affection.

After expressing his heartfelt emotions, he shyly nestled his head against her shoulder, his bashful demeanor adding a touch of sweetness to the moment.

Allacia felt deeply moved. In Levell, she found the feeling of having a lost son returned to her. It should be her thanking him for giving her the chance to make up for the void in caring for her son.

"Sweethearts, I love you all too..." she whispered.

After tucking the two children into bed, she went to take a bath. When she emerged wrapped in a towel, she was shocked by the scene before her.

A group of shadowy figures clad in black surrounded the living room, their presence oppressive and impenetrable. Seated on the couch in the center was a man exuding an air of nobility and dominance.

As his gaze locked onto hers, the man rose from his seat and strode toward her with confident steps. His long legs carried him with a graceful ease, each movement exuding authority. The black trench coat draped over his body swayed with each purposeful stride. Hence, amplifying his imposing demeanor.

Upon seeing the man's strikingly handsome features, a sudden flutter of excitement danced within her chest, causing her heart to skip a beat in response to the sheer magnetism of his appearance.

"Mr. Lloyd, I-I swear I didn't abduct Levell. He was the one who pleaded with me. He was looking so pitiful and asking if he could stay for the night," she stammered.

Zishan stood tall before her, his commanding presence filling the room with an air of authority.

His eyes lingered on her smooth, porcelain- skin, and his throat tightened with a hint of emotion. Then, in a husky voice, he issued his command, "Prepare a room for me. I'll be staying here tonight!"

Allacia froze, her mind grinding to a halt as she struggled to process the situation.

Wait, this big shot wants to stay over at my place? Isn't he the one who always treats me with disdain and looks down on me?

She bit her lip, her breath catching in her throat, and she hesitated before finally managing to speak, "You…"

"Levell is already fast asleep, and I don't want to disrupt his rest." Sensing her hesitation, Zishan explained softly, "I've just endured a ten-hour flight, and I'm utterly exhausted."

Upon receiving news of Levell's disappearance, he immediately boarded a flight back to the country. As he raced against time, his heart pounded with relief when he found the latter unharmed.

The realization that Levell had become so reliant on Allacia caught Zishan off guard. It prompted him to reevaluate his relationship with her…

After a moment, she finally mustered a response, her voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and intrigue. "Very well, then."

Zishan exuded an aura of mystery and danger that put her on edge. Deciding it wise not to linger in his presence any longer than necessary, she resigned herself to his company for the time being. After all, if he wished to stay, she reasoned, she couldn't stop him. Tomorrow, he could take Levell and leave together.

"Could you ask these men in black to leave? It's quite unsettling to have so many men around as a single woman living alone," she requested, her voice tinged with unease.

With a nonchalant flick of his wrist, he gestured for the men in black to vacate the premises.

At that moment, the living room was left with only the two of them. Under Zishan's intense, penetrating gaze, Allacia felt a flush of warmth spreading across her cheeks. Hence, coloring them a deep shade of crimson. The weight of his stare seemed to pierce through her, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"Um, I'll go tidy up the room," she stammered, eager to break the tension.

With that, she hurriedly changed into a nightgown and set about tidying up the room.

Meanwhile, Zishan's keen eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of male presence. However, the absence of any male belongings suggested that Allacia led a modest and solitary lifestyle.

"Um, you can use this room for the night. I'll fetch you a blanket," she offered.

Allacia emerged after changing and led him to Denea's room. There, she meticulously gathered up her daughter's bedding and folded it with care before stowing it away. Climbing up a ladder, she rummaged through the top of the closet in search of a fresh blanket.

He couldn't quite fathom the allure she seemed to possess, but his unwavering stare spoke volumes.

Her hair, which flowed like strands of seaweed, carried a subtle yet alluring fragrance. The delicate curve of her waist, barely filling a hand's grasp, peeked from beneath her light-hued nightgown while her porcelain-skin legs were long and graceful.

She leaned against the railing, akin to a koala clinging to a branch, and the hem of her skirt teasingly lifted. Hence, unveiling the soft contours of her thighs.

Oh, dear! She's not wearing any underwear! Zishan's eyes darkened, and his blood surged into a certain part of his body.

Once again, she sparked a reaction within him and ignited a fire that burned deep within.

She truly was the most special!

Unaware of his inner turmoil, she felt the intensity of his stare like a physical caress, sending tremors down her spine.

Nervously, she broke out in a cold sweat, her fingers clutching the corner of the blanket, but she couldn't seem to pull it down.

"Would you like some assistance?" His voice, husky and low, sent a thrill through her heart.

"N-no, I'm... I'm fine..." she stuttered.

In the blink of an eye, Allacia slipped off the ladder. She clutched the blanket as she tumbled downward.

Zishan's brow furrowed in concern. His instinctive reaction was to reach out to catch her before she hit the ground.

In the end, they both landed together on the soft feather duvet which cushioned their fall.

Allacia ended up face down, sprawled on the bed, while Zishan pressed tightly against her back. Their bodies were so close to each other that there was hardly any space between them.

"Ouch... that hurts!" She groaned, feeling the impact of the fall.

As Allacia struggled to recover from the lingering pain coursing through her body, she found herself sensing something unfamiliar.

With a mix of confusion and astonishment, she reached out tentatively, her hand encountering a warm sensation. "What...?"

Along with it came the gradually deepening breaths of a man and the escalating rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Mm... don't touch me randomly!" The abrupt voice made her jerk back when she realized what she had just touched.

Her face flushed crimson as she hastily retracted her hand. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered, nervously fumbling with her words. She had never been in such proximity to a man before. Thus, her heart was pounding with nervous anticipation.

Meanwhile, Zishan's breath grew deeper as his large hand gently encircled her slender waist to pull them closer together.

"Mm..." A soft whimper escaped Allacia's lips, her discomfort evident as her face flushed even redder.

This man... how could he...?

His voice, husky and laced with the scent of tobacco, brushed against her ear. It sent shivers down her spine and set her skin ablaze with sensation.

"Allacia, you've really captured my attention." His words sent her heart into a whirlwind of confusion.

Desperately, she attempted to pull away, only to be met with a searing pain coursing through her scalp.

To her dismay, she realized that her hair had become entangled in the zipper of his trousers.

In a state of humiliation and discomfort, she knelt on the ground, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. While she shuddered, her voice quivered with fear as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "Mr. Lloyd, I assure you, I had no intention of seducing you. It's just...this situation, it's..."

Zishan lowered his gaze to where their bodies were entangled, his voice thick with tension. "What do you suggest we do? Shall we cut the hair or unzip?"

Allacia's mind raced, torn between the two options. She couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze again as she tentatively offered, "There's a pair of scissors on the small table behind you..."

Before she could complete her sentence, his firm hand enveloped hers and firmly pressed it against the sensitive area.

"You handle it." His command was authoritative.

The fiery sensation of his touch sent shivers down her spine, causing her heart to pound with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

"I, I can't..." she stammered.

"If you don't untie it, then we'll just sleep like this tonight!"

With those words, he made another move to assert his dominance over her.

Allacia pressed against his firm chest, her voice filled with urgency as she pleaded, "I can untie it! Would that be acceptable to you?"

Leaning in anxiously, she felt her heart racing in her chest, and the adrenaline coursing through her veins intensified with every passing second.

This was a new experience for her. The sensation of touching a man in this way sent tremors through her fingertips, causing them to quiver ever so slightly.

Thankfully, everything went well.

"Mr. Lloyd, I... I should go now. You should rest early." She managed as she freed her hair and hurried to leave, only to be stopped by him grabbing her wrist and pressing her against the wardrobe.

His large hand supported her buttocks, her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, and his warm lips found hers. He passionately kissed her, and it sent a rush of sensations through her body.

"Mmm…"

A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips as she felt her resisting hands being controlled by Zishan behind her. Hence, leaving her unable to resist his advances. She was forced to surrender to the fervent desires that consumed them both.

The intensity of his kiss was noticeable as a mix of urgency and forcefulness left her breathless. Each nip and nibble sent shivers down her spine, and it almost pushed her to the brink of insanity. As the heat between them escalated, Zishan's body seemed to ignite, his desire matching the fervor of their embrace.

Amidst the passion, a sudden sensation of coolness interrupted their heated exchange. His gaze drifted downward, and he caught sight of the glistening tears trailing down her flushed cheeks.

For a fleeting moment, he hesitated, torn between his own desire and the realization of her emotional turmoil. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her soft lips, a pang of guilt tugging at his conscience.

Freed from his grasp, Allacia didn't hesitate to slap him across the face. "You've crossed the line!"

The sting of her slap shocked him and his pride was wounded by the unexpected blow. It was the first time he had ever been struck by a woman, and the indignation burned in his eyes, darkening his once impassioned expression.

"Crossed the line?" he retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

His accusation hung heavy in the air, a bitter reminder of the tangled web of desire and misunderstanding that had ensnared them both.

"Knowing that I'm here and choosing not to wear underwear... it almost feels like an invitation for me to come and join you in bed, doesn't it?" he remarked bitterly.

Allacia's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks ablaze with embarrassment as she realized her mistake. How could she have been so careless as to forget her underwear?

"I..." Her voice faltered, her heart sinking as she realized the misunderstanding unfolding before her. The weight of being misjudged only added to her sense of injustice. Hence, intensifying the tears streaming down her cheeks.

As Zishan witnessed the tears stream down her cheeks, a peculiar sensation stirred within him, and it softened the icy fortress of his heart. Restlessness crept through him like an army of ants, urging him to action.

With a firm grip, he pulled her into his embrace and said in an authoritative voice, "Allacia, be mine."

The unexpected declaration left her in disbelief. The man who disliked her in every possible way was now professing his desire for her.

Conflicting emotions churned within her: a mixture of embarrassment, indignation, and fury. Is he toying with my emotions, she wondered.

Summoning her inner strength, she imitated the arrogance of men, and said firmly and defiantly, "No! You are not worthy of being my man."

After their conversation ended, she pushed away from his chest and bolted away at lightning speed. Zishan watched her departure with a gaze that seemed to penetrate the depths of her soul.

Unwilling to be my woman? he pondered silently. He understood that all of this was just a game of cat and mouse orchestrated by Allacia. However, it unwittingly ignited an unquenchable longing within him.

…

The next morning dawned clear and crisp.

When she woke up, both Levell and Zishan were nowhere to be found. Memories of the previous night flooded her mind, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment and uncertainty.

"It's probably for the best that he's gone," she whispered to herself, a sense of relief mingling with lingering apprehension. "I pray I never have to cross paths with him again."

Aware of the dangerous allure that surrounded Zishan, she couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that had consumed her. The events of last night felt like a wild animal's bite – sharp, painful, and impossible to forget.

Yet, despite her wishes, it seemed even the heavens couldn't grant her such a simple request.

In the late hours of the night, within the resplendent halls of a grand hotel, a lavish banquet was underway.

Daniel insisted on Allacia's presence, demanding she join him as his female companion for the evening.

Bathed in the soft glow of the lights, Daniel took Allacia's hand in his, his other arm wrapping around her slender waist as they gracefully swayed on the dance floor.

Allacia's expression remained calm, devoid of any emotion; her movements were mechanical, as if merely going through the motions of her duties.

"Seeing your lifeless face is such a buzzkill!" Daniel shot her a disdainful glare, then abruptly released her and moved to embrace a seductive woman nearby.

The sudden release caught her off guard, causing her to stumble backward and collide with a nearby pillar.

"Agh..." A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as she felt the sting of pain radiating from her forehead where a cut had formed.

Yet, despite the discomfort, there was a sense of relief knowing she no longer had to endure his presence.

As she smoothed down the fabric of her dress, preparing to depart the venue, an unsettling sensation pricked at the back of her neck.

It bore into her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine, its predatory nature akin to that of a wild beast locking onto its prey with a dangerous mix of heat and aggression. The heat of the stare seemed to sear through her, stirring a primal instinct deep within, as if she had unwittingly stepped into the path of a creature ready to pounce with lethal intent.

Turning on her heel, she locked eyes with a tall and imposing figure.

It was him… Zishan, concealed amidst the opulent palace lights beside the staircase. The warm yellow glow accentuated his ruggedly handsome features, his angular face illuminated with a captivating allure. There was a cigarette burning at his fingertips. With the smoke curling around, his gaze grew increasingly inscrutable.

How had this small gathering managed to lure a man of such stature to its midst? At the sight of him, Allacia's mind involuntarily flashed back to the intimate entanglement of the previous night, her heart fluttering with unease.

She attempted to shake off the chaotic thoughts swirling within her mind, so she clutched her bag tightly as she ascended the staircase. Not a single glance was exchanged between them; their interaction was similar to that of strangers passing in the night. Yet, with each step closer, she could feel the intensity of his gaze burning hotter and hotter...

Just as she brushed past him, his firm, broad hand seized her wrist and dragged her forcefully toward the restroom! His strides were long and purposeful, leaving her stumbling to keep pace and nearly tumbling in her haste.

"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed, but he offered no response.

Once they entered the restroom, he swiftly locked the door behind them, and the sound echoed ominously in the confined space.

With a swift motion, he tore her dress apart, and the fabric shredded like paper in his grasp. The straps and cups of her bra slipped down, revealing her glistening, full breasts, bouncing outwards with a tantalizing allure.

The sight of her creamy, flushed skin momentarily stunned him.

A husky gulp escaped his throat, his gaze growing increasingly heated as if he were about to devour a delicious prey in the dead of night.