I Got Married to the Mafia Boss

Aeisha stood frozen in the doorway, her hand trembling on the doorknob. The sight before her shattered every dream she had woven for her future. Zeus—her Zeus—was locked in a passionate embrace with Daisy, her younger sister. Daisy’s voice, a faint whisper, cut through the silence like a thunderclap.

“What am I supposed to do now that I’m pregnant with your baby?”

Pregnant. With his child.

Zeus’s face lit up, a look of pure joy spreading across his features. “Daisy, this is amazing news,” he said, pulling her closer.

Aeisha’s world tilted on its axis. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out. Instead, she stood rooted in place, watching as the man she loved and the sister who had stolen so much from her shared a moment of happiness. Their joy was built on the ruins of her trust, and her heart ached with each painful beat.

“She can’t find out,” Daisy whispered, her voice low but sharp. “Aeisha… she might bully me or, worse, hurt our baby.”

Hurt their baby? The accusation clawed at Aeisha’s chest, her hands curling into fists. Daisy had always painted her as the villain. For years, Daisy’s manipulations had turned their parents into strangers, their loyalty shifting entirely to her. Now, Daisy had Zeus too.

Zeus sighed and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. I’ll cancel the wedding. We’ll deal with Aeisha later.”

Cancel the wedding.

Her wedding.

The words were the final blow, breaking whatever was left of Aeisha’s resolve. Without another glance at the scene before her, she turned and walked away. The sounds of their laughter faded as she moved, the white fabric of her wedding dress trailing behind her like a ghost, mocking the happiness she’d thought awaited her.

Her mind was numb, too overwhelmed for tears. Instead, a hollow ache consumed her as she exited the venue. Outside, guests were beginning to arrive, their chatter filling the air with joy and excitement—emotions she could no longer feel. She slipped through the crowd unnoticed, her feet carrying her to the streets without any sense of direction.

The city blurred around her, a haze of lights and sounds that she barely registered. Eventually, she found herself in a quiet, dark alley, leaning against a cold brick wall. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she tried to steady the chaos in her mind.

That was when she saw him.

A figure slumped on the ground, barely moving. The dim light from a nearby streetlamp illuminated his face, and she froze in recognition.

“Elliot Cane?” she whispered, taking a cautious step forward. It was unmistakable. The secondrichest man in the city, known for his sharp business acumen and aloof demeanor, was lying bleeding in the shadows.

Panic surged through her as she knelt beside him. Blood seeped through his tailored shirt, staining the pristine fabric. “You’re hurt,” she said, her voice trembling. “I need to call an ambulance—”

“No.” His hand shot out, gripping her wrist with surprising strength. His piercing gray eyes locked onto hers, filled with pain and urgency. “Take me home. No hospitals.”

“But you’re bleeding!” she protested.

“Please,” he rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. “Just… help me.”

Something in his eyes silenced her arguments. Nodding, she slipped her arm around his shoulders, helping him to his feet. His weight pressed heavily against her, but adrenaline and determination drove her forward.

She hailed a taxi, and Elliot gave her an address. By the time they reached his penthouse, her arms ached from supporting him. He directed her to a security code, and the elevator whisked them upward in tense silence.

Once inside, she guided him to a plush leather couch, his groans of pain breaking the stillness of the room. “Stay here,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. She rushed to the kitchen, searching for anything to stop the bleeding.

The pristine space gleamed under the soft lights, and she found a first aid kit tucked neatly in a drawer. Returning to his side, she knelt down and began to clean the wound, her hands shaking slightly.

“You’re surprisingly calm,” Elliot murmured, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

“Not really,” she replied, focusing on her task. “I just… I couldn’t leave you there.”

His gaze studied her intently, a flicker of curiosity breaking through the pain. “Why were you out there? In a wedding dress, no less?”

She froze for a moment, his question hanging heavily in the air. The images of Zeus and Daisy flashed through her mind, but she pushed them aside. “It doesn’t matter,” she said quietly, resuming her work. “Let’s just say it wasn’t a good day for weddings.”

Elliot chuckled softly, though the motion made him wince. “Fair enough.”

She finished bandaging him, her movements gentle but firm. As the silence settled between them, she felt a strange sense of calm. The chaos of the day—the betrayal, the heartbreak—all seemed distant now. Helping Elliot had anchored her to the present, giving her something tangible to focus on.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice sincere.

Aeisha offered a faint smile. “You’re welcome.”

The shrill sound of Aeisha’s phone ringing broke the silence, dragging her out of the light daze she had fallen into. She glanced at the screen: Zeus. Her chest tightened as his name glared back at her. Not long after, another call came through—this time from her parents.

Why now? Why were they looking for her when they had made it clear time and time again that their precious Daisy was their priority?

Aeisha sighed, letting the phone fall silent as her mind replayed their voices. Daisy’s soft manipulations, Zeus’s betrayal, and her parents’ cold distance swirled together in her thoughts, a relentless storm she couldn’t escape.

“You look gloomy for such an early morning.”

The voice startled her, pulling her out of her spiraling thoughts. She turned to see Elliot standing in the doorway of his penthouse living room. He looked better than he had the night before—pale but steady, with a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Are you okay now?” Aeisha asked, ignoring his comment.

He chuckled softly as he moved toward the couch. “I’m fine, thanks to you.” He sat down, leaning back with an air of ease that contradicted the events of the night before. “I can’t thank you enough for helping me.”

She shook her head, brushing off his gratitude. “There’s no need to thank me. Anyone would’ve done the same.”

His smirk widened, amusement flickering in his gray eyes. “You’re wrong. Not everyone would have stopped for a bleeding man in a dark alley. I was lucky you were there.”

Aeisha didn’t know how to respond, so she stayed silent, her fingers fiddling with the wrinkled hem of her dress—a reminder of the chaos from the day before.

“I should go,” she said finally, rising from her chair.

Before she could take another step, his voice stopped her. “Wait.”

She turned back to him, finding his intense gaze fixed on her.

“I still haven’t paid you back,” he said.

Aeisha frowned, shaking her head again. “I told you, I don’t need anything. I just did what anyone would have.”

Elliot’s expression didn’t change, and for a moment, he seemed to be weighing his next words carefully. Then, his face shifted, showing a mixture of seriousness and hesitation.

“Can I ask you something?” he said.

She hesitated, but finally nodded.

“Were you supposed to get married yesterday?”

The question caught her off guard, the weight of everything she had tried to forget rushing back. Her chest tightened, but she answered quietly, “Yes.”

Elliot’s brow furrowed slightly as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I need a favor,” he said, his voice steady but low.

Aeisha blinked, unsure of what he was leading to. “A favor?”

He nodded, his cold features softening just enough to reveal a hint of vulnerability. “Marry me.”

Her heart stopped. “What?”

“You heard me,” he said, his tone calm yet firm. “I need to get married—and stay married—for a year. I’m willing to pay you five hundred thousand a month. After the year is up, I’ll give you five hundred million in alimony.”

Aeisha stared at him, the words barely registering. “Marriage isn’t a game, Mr. Cane. It’s not something you just... do for convenience.”

“I know that, but a lot of people do marry for convenience,” Elliot countered, his gaze unwavering. “I need your help, and you’re in a situation where you could use mine too.”

She wanted to argue, to call the proposition ridiculous. But the way he looked at her—desperate despite his composed demeanor—made her pause.

“Why?” she asked finally. “Why me?”

“Because I trust you,” he said simply. “You saved my life last night when you didn’t have to. That tells me all I need to know about your character.”

His words left her speechless. She wanted to believe this was a cruel joke, but the intensity in his eyes told her otherwise.

“I don’t have anywhere to go,” she murmured, the weight of her reality sinking in. Zeus, Daisy, her parents—they had all turned their backs on her. She was utterly alone.

“Then let me help you,” Elliot said, his voice softer now. “You’ll have a home, financial stability, and safety. In return, you’ll help me by being my wife—for a year. After that, you’ll be free.”

The offer sounded too good to be true, and yet, the sincerity in his tone made it hard to dismiss. Aeisha searched his face for any sign of deceit but saw only a man who seemed as lost as she felt.

“Why do you need to get married?” she asked, her voice still hesitant.

He exhaled sharply, as though the question was one he had been dreading. “It’s… complicated. But I promise I’ll explain everything in time. For now, all I can say is that I need you.”

His words hung heavy in the air, full of unspoken meaning.

Marriage. It was not something Aeisha had ever considered lightly. But her world had already fallen apart. Here was someone offering her a chance—not at love, but at stability and a fresh start.

Against every instinct urging her to walk away, she nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

Elliot’s lips curved into a faint smile, relief softening his features. “Thank you,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

In that moment, Aeisha couldn’t tell who needed saving more—Elliot or herself.

Elliot Cane moved with a sense of urgency, his sharp gaze flickering between his phone and the open space of his penthouse. The tension in the air was palpable as he spoke into the device with the precision of a man used to giving orders.

“We’re going to the court,” he announced matteroffactly. “A court wedding is simple and efficient. No point in delaying.”

Aeisha, sitting quietly on the couch, could only stare at him in disbelief. Before she could voice her thoughts, Elliot was already instructing someone on the other end of the line. “Bring a stylist and a few white dresses. Something elegant but not over the top.”

His cold, calculated demeanor left no room for protest. This man, who only hours ago had been bleeding in an alley, was now orchestrating a wedding like it was a business transaction. The efficiency with which he moved hinted at a life accustomed to control, leaving Aeisha no choice but to follow along.

An hour later, the penthouse door opened, and a small entourage entered. Two striking men led the way, followed by two women and a team of assistants wheeling in racks of white dresses. The surreal scene felt ripped from the pages of a glossy magazine.

The taller of the two men immediately approached Elliot, his expression one of thinly veiled concern. “We’ve been worried sick,” he said, his tone sharp.

“You disappeared without contacting us,” the other added, his eyes scanning Elliot’s frame.

“I’m fine,” Elliot replied curtly, but Aeisha couldn’t hold her tongue. “He’s hurt,” she blurted out, her voice tinged with worry.

Both men froze, their gazes snapping to Elliot in alarm. “Hurt?” they said in unison, their concern palpable as they began fussing over him like overprotective siblings.

Elliot sighed, his patience clearly waning. “If you two don’t stop, I’ll dangle you outside the penthouse for 24 hours,” he threatened, his tone icy.

The threat worked instantly. Both men fell silent, though their wary glances lingered.

Turning to the women, Elliot issued his next command. “Help her find a suitable dress for the wedding.”

One of the women looked startled. “Wedding?” she exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise. “Who’s getting married?”

Elliot’s icy glare silenced any further questions. He then looked at Aeisha, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Take your time choosing,” he said. “I’ll deal with these two.”

With a hesitant nod, Aeisha allowed the women to guide her into another room, leaving Elliot to handle his business.

Elliot led the two men, Lance and Ace, into his office, the air around him colder than usual.

“Who’s the woman?” Lance asked the moment the door shut. “The one staying with you?”

Elliot leaned casually against his desk, though his tone was anything but relaxed. “She’s the one who saved me last night. I’ve asked her to marry me.”

“Marry?” Ace raised an eyebrow, his tone edged with suspicion. “I know you need someone to marry, but… what if she’s a spy?”

Elliot’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “If she is, she’ll be dead by the end of the day,” he replied, his voice chillingly calm. “That’s why I want you two to find everything there is to know about her. No mistakes.”

Ace nodded reluctantly, though a flicker of doubt remained in his eyes. “And your wound? Is it okay? Do we need to take you to the hospital?”

“The woman took care of it,” Elliot said dismissively, his gaze drifting briefly to his side where the faint ache lingered.

Lance tilted his head, his expression a mix of curiosity and exasperation. “Do you even know her name?”

The question hung in the air, the silence stretching as Elliot hesitated. Instead of answering, he waved them toward the door. “Get moving. I need results by the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, the women worked quickly, dressing Aeisha in a simple offshoulder gown that fell just above her knees. They adorned her with a delicate wreath, a soft veil cascading lightly over her hair.

“Perfect,” one of them said, stepping back to admire their work.

But Aeisha didn’t feel perfect. She felt like a stranger in a story she didn’t belong to. Yet she couldn’t deny the beauty of the dress or the skill of the women who had crafted her transformation.

When she emerged from the room, Elliot was waiting. His gaze landed on her and lingered, his usually guarded expression softening for a moment too long.

“You look… stunning,” he said, his voice sincere despite the coolness of his demeanor.

A faint blush crept up Aeisha’s cheeks, and she glanced away. “Is it okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“It’s more than okay,” he replied, a faint smile touching his lips.

Elliot stepped closer, taking her hand in his. His touch was warm, a surprising contrast to the coldness of his exterior. “Let’s go,” he said, leading her toward the elevator.

Lance and Ace followed, their sharp eyes watching everything, while the silent men in black trailed behind. As the elevator descended, Elliot turned to Aeisha, his expression unreadable.

“What’s your name?”

The question surprised her. “Aeisha,” she said quietly.

He nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Just Aeisha?”

“Just Aeisha,” she replied, her voice steady despite the strangeness of the moment.

For a man so commanding, his silence after her response felt unexpectedly intimate. As the elevator continued its descent, Aeisha couldn’t shake the question that loomed in her mind—what, exactly, had she agreed to?

The judge’s voice resonated in the quiet courtroom. "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Aeisha stood still, clutching the signed contract, the ink of her signature barely dry. The weight of her decision hit her with full force—she was now married to Elliot Cane, the secondrichest man in the city.

Behind them, Elliot’s entourage broke into polite applause, their congratulations echoing through the room. The enthusiasm of the moment felt strangely out of place to Aeisha, who could barely process the surreal and detached nature of what had just transpired. She sighed, forcing herself to accept the reality she had willingly stepped into.

Elliot’s calm voice pulled her from her thoughts. "We’ll celebrate at Château, the fivestar Michelin restaurant."

Aeisha blinked, startled by his nonchalant declaration. "Château?" she repeated, incredulity lacing her tone. "We don’t need to celebrate in such an expensive place."

Elliot raised an eyebrow, his expression betraying mild amusement at her protest. "And why not?"

She hesitated, feeling the weight of her discomfort. "The cost of a meal there could buy a car," she said finally, her voice soft.

A faint smirk played on Elliot’s lips, his gaze unwavering. "It won’t make me bankrupt, Aeisha. Let it go."

Realizing the futility of arguing with him, Aeisha sighed and relented. "Fine," she muttered, her resignation clear.

The car ride to the restaurant was a quiet one, Elliot seated beside her, exuding his usual composed authority. When they arrived, Aeisha’s breath caught as she took in the grandeur of the restaurant. Its elegant exterior was impressive, but the interior—lavish furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and polished marble floors—was nothing short of opulent.

The staff greeted them with practiced warmth and efficiency. The manager approached swiftly, a polite smile gracing his face. "Welcome, Mr. Cane, Mrs. Cane. Congratulations on your marriage."

Aeisha froze for a moment at the sound of “Mrs. Cane.” The title felt foreign, and she struggled to respond, managing only a polite nod.

The manager gestured toward a private area. "Please, allow me to escort you to your private room."

Elliot nodded in acknowledgment, ready to follow, but their path was interrupted. A sudden tug on Aeisha’s hand made her turn sharply, and she found herself facetoface with Zeus.

Her chest tightened at the sight of him. His oncefamiliar face, now unwelcome, was a stark reminder of betrayal.

"Aeisha," Zeus said, his voice a mixture of confusion and urgency. "Where have you been? Why are you just appearing now?"

Anger flared in her chest, and she yanked her hand from his grasp. "Why do you care, Zeus? You were ready to cancel the wedding for Daisy and her baby."

Shock swept across Zeus’s face, draining the color from his cheeks. "You know about that?"

Before she could respond, Elliot stepped closer, his frown deepening as he placed a firm hand on Aeisha’s waist. His voice was calm but edged with authority. "Is there a problem here, babe?"

The unexpected endearment caught Aeisha off guard, but she quickly caught on. Two could play this game. Smiling sweetly, she wrapped an arm around Elliot’s, her voice light. "No, honey, everything’s fine."

Zeus glanced between them, his confusion now tinged with disbelief.

Elliot’s piercing gaze didn’t waver. "We’re heading to our private room. Excuse us."

Without waiting for a response, Elliot guided Aeisha away, his hand firm and steady against her back. Aeisha kept her gaze forward, refusing to glance back at Zeus. She didn’t need to see his expression to know it was filled with questions she had no intention of answering.

Once inside the private room, with the door securely closed behind them, Aeisha exhaled a long sigh of relief.

Elliot observed her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Who was that?"

She hesitated, debating whether to explain, but it seemed pointless to hide the truth. "That was Zeus," she said finally. "The man I was supposed to marry yesterday."

Elliot raised an eyebrow, but his silence prompted her to continue.

Her voice wavered slightly as she admitted, "I found out he’s been in a relationship with my sister. She’s pregnant with his child."

Elliot’s lips pressed into a thin line, but his tone remained even. "And what do you want to do about him?"

The question surprised her. She stared at him, unsure of his meaning. "I don’t want to do anything. He’s not worth my time."

Elliot nodded once, as if her answer was enough. "Good."

The simplicity of his response threw her off. There was no judgment, no probing questions—just quiet acceptance. For the first time in days, Aeisha felt a faint sense of relief. Elliot’s presence, though detached and often cold, seemed to offer a strange kind of steadiness, like an unyielding wall against the chaos of her life.

"Let’s eat," Elliot said, motioning toward the table.

As they sat down to dine, Aeisha couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind her life had become. Yet, amid the chaos, a thought lingered in the back of her mind—perhaps, in Elliot Cane, she had found an unlikely ally.

The next morning, Elliot made an announcement with his characteristic confidence. "We’re going shopping."

Aeisha blinked at him, taken aback. "Shopping? For what?"

"You need clothes," he replied, his tone matteroffact. "You don’t have anything suitable to wear."

She opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off. "If you refuse, I’ll just buy the entire mall for you."

The casual delivery of his outrageous threat left her stunned. "You can’t be serious," she stammered.

His smirk was smug. "Try me."

Reluctantly, she conceded, knowing there was no winning against his unyielding demeanor. "Fine. Let’s just go."

"That’s more like it," Elliot said, clearly satisfied.

An hour later, they were on their way to the mall. Aeisha couldn’t shake a feeling of unease as she noticed a car trailing them. "Elliot," she said softly, "someone’s following us."

Elliot glanced back briefly before meeting her gaze with an amused expression. "That’s just one of my bodyguards. Don’t worry."

His reassurance calmed her slightly, though the idea of bodyguards following her was still foreign and unsettling.

When they arrived at the upscale mall, Aeisha was awestruck by its sheer size and extravagance. Elliot led her through a series of luxury stores she had only ever seen in magazines. Her past life—filled with modest outings and watching others, like her sister Daisy, bask in luxury—felt worlds apart from this experience.

Inside one boutique, Aeisha’s eyes were drawn to a particular dress. It was simple yet elegant, a soft pastel spaghetti strap design perfect for any occasion. She hesitated before touching the fabric, unsure if it was even worth considering.

"You like it?" Elliot’s voice broke through her thoughts.

She nodded shyly, and he gave a single, decisive command. "Try it on."

While Aeisha disappeared into the fitting room, Lance and Ace arrived, their expressions sharp as always.

"We looked into her background," Lance began without preamble. "She’s clean—no ties to any of the other bosses or families."

Elliot gave a slight nod, his face unreadable. "Good. That’s one less concern."

Ace folded his arms, his tone more serious. "But we still need to figure out who leaked the details of the transaction a few days ago. That attack wasn’t random."

"Any suspects?" Elliot’s voice turned icy, his gaze narrowing.

"There are whispers about spies from the Cullen family," Ace answered. "It’s just speculation for now, but we’ll confirm soon."

Elliot’s expression hardened. "Find them and make sure they regret ever crossing me."

Both men nodded firmly. They were about to leave when the door to the fitting room opened.

Aeisha stepped out, and the room went silent.

Elliot, Lance, and Ace all turned to look at her. For a moment, none of them spoke, stunned by her transformation.

Feeling selfconscious under their stares, Aeisha smoothed the fabric of the dress nervously. "What? Is it that bad?"

Lance and Ace exchanged a brief glance, saying nothing, but Elliot’s expression softened slightly, his sharp features relaxing. "It’s perfect," he said simply, nodding in approval.

A small smile appeared on Aeisha’s lips at his compliment. "Thank you."

Elliot turned to the boutique staff. "We’ll take the dress."

The shopping continued, a whirlwind of highend clothing and accessories. Elliot kept picking out outfits, each more extravagant than the last, while Aeisha struggled to keep up with the sheer volume of items.

"We’re buying too much," she said at one point, trying to stop him from selecting yet another dress.

"You need options," he replied, raising an eyebrow at her protest.

Sighing, she realized it was a losing battle.

Not content with just clothing, Elliot moved on to shoes, selecting multiple pairs without hesitation. By the time they were done, Aeisha felt as though they had purchased enough to fill an entire wardrobe.

"We’ve bought a lot already," she ventured as they walked toward another store. Hoping to distract him, she added, "Why don’t we get something for you instead?"

Elliot paused, considering her suggestion. "Fair enough," he said.

They entered a highend menswear store specializing in suits. Elliot began browsing the racks, his movements measured and deliberate.

But as he inspected a particularly tailored jacket, his demeanor shifted. He stopped midstep, his eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the entrance.

"What’s wrong?" Aeisha asked, following his gaze. All she saw were shoppers passing by, seemingly unaware of their presence.

Elliot didn’t answer immediately, his face unreadable. Instead, he turned to Ace, who was juggling several shopping bags.

Ace seemed to pick up on Elliot’s silent command. Without hesitation, he said, "I’ll check on something," and disappeared into the crowd.

Elliot’s expression softened when he looked back at Aeisha. "It’s nothing," he said smoothly. "Let’s find something for me."

Aeisha wanted to press him further, sensing his tension, but decided against it. Whatever was bothering him, it was clear he didn’t want to discuss it.

Elliot led Aeisha to a steakhouse in the mall, a place so luxurious it felt worlds away from anything she would have dared to enter alone. The soft lighting bathed the pristine tables in a golden glow, and Aeisha couldn’t help but gape at the opulence surrounding her.

Elliot noticed her reaction and smirked. “You’ll need to get used to this. Your lifestyle is going to change.”

Aeisha frowned, unsure how to respond. “There’s no point in getting used to it,” she said softly. “After a year, we’ll go our separate ways, and all of this will disappear.”

For a moment, his expression flickered, revealing something unspoken, but the moment passed as quickly as it came. He sighed but said nothing, signaling the waiter to take their order.

Elliot took charge, ordering for both of them, sparing Aeisha the challenge of navigating the complex menu. As they waited, he began asking her questions—simple ones at first.

“What’s your favorite food?” he asked, his tone casual.

“Pasta,” Aeisha replied immediately.

“And dessert?”

“Choux à la crème,” she said with a small smile.

“Interesting. Favorite color?”

“Pastel purple,” she answered.

He raised an eyebrow. “Pastel purple? Is that even a color?”

Aeisha laughed softly. “Of course it is! There are so many colors beyond the rainbow.”

Elliot nodded, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I see. And your favorite flower?”

“Tulips.”

He seemed to commit her answers to memory, his composed expression softening slightly.

When the food arrived, they ate in comfortable silence, but Aeisha couldn’t suppress her curiosity. “What about you? What’s your favorite food?”

Elliot’s answers were vague—“Whatever’s convenient” or “I don’t really have a preference.” His nonchalance left her more puzzled than before.

As they continued their meal, Elliot’s gaze shifted toward the entrance of the steakhouse. His brow furrowed slightly, and his jaw tightened, though his expression quickly returned to neutral.

“Is something wrong?” Aeisha asked, following his line of sight.

“It’s nothing,” he replied, his tone calm but distant. “Just eat.”

Though unconvinced, Aeisha chose not to press further. Unknown to her, Lance had already slipped away, silently investigating whatever—or whoever—had caught Elliot’s attention.

After dinner, Elliot drove them home. The quiet hum of the car and the stillness of the night seemed to ease Aeisha’s nerves, and she leaned back in her seat, allowing herself to relax.

The tranquility shattered in an instant.

Out of nowhere, another car rammed into theirs, jerking them violently to the side. Aeisha screamed in shock, clutching her seatbelt as her heart pounded in her chest.

The car skidded, but Elliot’s hands stayed firm on the wheel, quickly regaining control. “Duck down!” he commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative.

Terrified, Aeisha obeyed, crouching low as the deafening sound of gunfire erupted around them. Glass shattered, and metal groaned under the assault. Each jolt of the car sent fresh waves of panic coursing through her.

Through the chaos, she saw Elliot reach under his seat, pulling out a gun with practiced precision. Her eyes widened in disbelief as he rolled the window down just enough to return fire.

The sharp cracks of his weapon mingled with the cacophony outside, and Aeisha pressed her hands over her ears, trying to block out the terrifying noise. Despite the danger, Elliot remained calm and focused, his movements calculated and efficient.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the car screeched to a halt in an isolated area.

“Stay here. Don’t look. Don’t move,” Elliot ordered, his voice cold and firm.

Too shaken to argue, Aeisha nodded, huddling in her seat as he stepped out of the car. His tall, imposing figure disappeared into the darkness, the sound of gunfire resuming moments later.

Aeisha sat frozen, her breathing shallow and uneven. She prayed for the nightmare to end, her mind racing with questions. Who were these attackers? Why were they targeting Elliot?

After a tense few minutes, the chaos ceased, and silence blanketed the area.

“It’s safe now,” Elliot’s voice called out, breaking the oppressive stillness.

Aeisha hesitated before unbuckling her seatbelt and stepping out of the car. Her legs wobbled beneath her as her eyes searched for him.

Elliot stood a few steps away, his figure illuminated by the dim light of a streetlamp. Without thinking, Aeisha ran to him, tears streaming down her face as fear and relief collided within her.

She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. “I was so scared,” she sobbed, her voice trembling.

Elliot hesitated briefly before wrapping an arm around her, his hold steady and reassuring. “You’re safe now,” he said quietly, his tone unusually gentle. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Elliot lay in the hospital bed, a fresh gauze wrapped around his torso and a hospital gown replacing his torn shirt. The sterile scent of the hospital clung to the air, the soft hum of the heart monitor the only sound in the room. Sitting beside him, Aeisha gently wiped his face with a damp towel, her hands trembling slightly as her mind replayed the events of the past few hours.

Earlier, after escaping the ambush, Aeisha had thrown her arms around Elliot, overwhelmed with relief. But when she saw the blood staining his shirt, panic had set in. "You’re hurt!" she had cried, tears streaming down her face. Her heart had ached at the thought of losing him.

“It’s just a graze,” Elliot had assured her, his voice as calm as ever, though she could see the strain in his eyes.

“Could be more than a graze!” she had protested, frantic to get him to the hospital. When Lance and Ace had arrived with backup, Aeisha had begged them to take him in. Elliot had resisted at first, but the fear in her eyes had finally made him relent with a reluctant sigh.

Now, he sat propped up in bed, the calm indifference still visible on his face, but Aeisha knew better.

“I’m fine now,” Elliot murmured, breaking the silence.

Aeisha let out a long, shaky sigh. “Good,” she replied, though her mind was still far from at ease. She looked down at her lap, her thoughts swirling. “Why is this happening to us?”

Elliot’s gaze lingered on the wall, a rare sigh escaping his lips. “It’s my fault,” he admitted.

Aeisha’s head shot up, her eyes wide with confusion. “Your fault? How is it your fault?”

Elliot hesitated before speaking, his gaze still fixed on the wall. “I have enemies around me. Those people who ambushed us—they were after me.” His voice was steady, but there was tension in his jaw, something she had never seen before.

The weight of his words hit Aeisha like a wave, leaving her momentarily speechless. Before she could respond, he turned to her, his eyes serious, as his usual composure returned. “If you want to leave, I’ll understand. This isn’t what you signed up for. I’ve put your life in danger.”

For the first time since she’d met him, Elliot appeared vulnerable. It startled her, but it also steadied something deep within her. She reached out and took his hand, her heart racing in her chest.

“I’m not leaving you,” she said firmly. “I don’t care how dangerous it is. I’ll stay.”

Elliot stared at her, his expression unreadable, before a soft snort escaped him. “Even if it’s dangerous?”

“Yes,” she replied without hesitation, smiling at him despite the gravity of their situation. “And I’ll protect you too.”

A rare smile tugged at Elliot’s lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“I’m not!” Aeisha pouted, crossing her arms.

Elliot chuckled softly, the sound so rare it made her heart flutter. He reached out and patted her head gently. “Thank you, Aeisha,” he said, his voice quieter. “I promise, I’ll protect you no matter what.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I believe in you.”

As Aeisha stood to fetch his paperwork, Elliot stopped her with a quiet command. “Let Lance and the others handle it. You should stay here with me.”

“I can’t just sit around—”

“Stay,” he insisted, patting the empty space beside him on the bed.

Aeisha hesitated for a moment, glancing at the chair she had been sitting in. “I’m fine here.”

“If you don’t join me, I’ll leave the bed,” Elliot warned, raising an eyebrow with a hint of mischief.

Aeisha sighed in defeat and climbed into the bed, careful not to disturb his bandages. Within minutes, the exhaustion from the day’s events caught up to her, and her eyes grew heavy. Before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep.

Elliot watched Aeisha as she slept, her breathing even and peaceful. Her face softened in sleep, and for a moment, his cold exterior melted. Something warm flickered in his eyes as he glanced at her, but the moment was shortlived when his phone buzzed.

He quietly called Lance and Ace into the room. The two men entered swiftly, their expressions serious.

“What’s the status?” Elliot asked, his tone all business.

Lance nodded. “We’ve captured a few of the attackers alive. They’re being interrogated now.”

Elliot’s voice was cold as he replied, “Good. I want to know who sent them.”

Ace stepped forward. “We’ve traced the attack back to the same person who tried to kill you a few days ago. Your uncle.”

Elliot’s lips curled into a smirk, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “My uncle still dares to make a move against me. How bold.”

“What’s the plan?” Lance asked.

Elliot’s gaze flickered to Aeisha, still asleep beside him. His expression hardened as he looked away. “Capture him. I’ll deal with him personally once I’m out of here.”

Both men nodded in agreement, their loyalty unwavering. “Understood,” they said in unison before leaving the room.

Elliot leaned back against the pillows, his mind already calculating his next moves. But as he looked at Aeisha, the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. For now, she was safe. And for her, he would make sure it stayed that way

Elliot was still in the hospital, much to Aeisha’s relief. After a lot of insistence from her, he had reluctantly agreed to stay. Despite his tough demeanor, Aeisha wasn’t about to take any chances with his health. While he recovered, Lance and Ace were now assigned to follow her everywhere, a precaution Elliot deemed necessary.

Lance and Ace, Elliot’s most trusted men, never missed an opportunity to tease him. Earlier, they had joked about him being “under his wife’s control.” Elliot, clearly unimpressed, had delivered a punch to each of their shoulders. Aeisha had stifled a laugh, knowing full well how much Elliot hated losing face, even in jest.

“I’m heading to the canteen,” she had said to Elliot. “I’ll grab something to eat.”

Ace had immediately stood up, his loyalty to Elliot never wavering. “I’ll come with you,” he had said.

As they walked down the corridor, Ace had broken the silence. “Thank you,” he had said, his voice sincere.

“For what?” Aeisha had asked, confused.

“For staying with Elliot,” he had clarified. “It means a lot to him… and to us.”

Aeisha had smiled faintly. “Elliot’s the one who accepted me first, Ace. I’m just doing what feels right.”

Ace had nodded, but his expression remained thoughtful. “I hope you’ll keep sticking with him, no matter what.”

His words had lingered in Aeisha’s mind as she had replied, “I’m not someone who leaves the people I care about. I’ll stay with Elliot until the end.”

Ace’s expression softened slightly. “I hope so.”

Just as they reached the corner of the hallway, a voice had called out, freezing Aeisha in her tracks.

“Aeisha!”

She had turned slowly, her heart sinking when she saw Zeus and Daisy standing there. They were near the obstetrics clinic, which had made her stomach churn. Of course, they’d be there together.

Daisy’s eyes had landed on Aeisha first, then shifted to Ace, who stood protectively at her side. Her lips had curled into a cruel smirk, clearly looking for trouble. “Why did you leave the wedding?” she had asked, her voice trembling as tears had formed in her eyes.

Aeisha had raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Daisy’s theatrics. Ace, meanwhile, had regarded Daisy with the same look one gives a pest—mild annoyance mixed with disdain.

“Are you serious right now?” Aeisha had asked, shaking her head.

“I don’t understand why you left,” Daisy had said, her crocodile tears threatening to spill over. She had glanced at Zeus, clutching his arm pitifully. “Mr. Ackerman, I apologize for my sister. I’m so sorry for her being unfaithful to you.”

Her words had caught Aeisha off guard, but not in the way Daisy had intended. Aeisha couldn’t help but laugh—a real, fullbodied laugh that echoed through the hallway. Ace had joined in, his booming laughter making Daisy’s face twist in irritation.

“Why are you laughing?” Daisy had snapped, her tone sharp.

Wiping a tear of amusement, Aeisha had replied, “How dare you stand there and talk about being ‘unfaithful’? You cheated with Zeus while he was supposed to marry me. And now you’re standing here, pregnant with his child, saying you're apologizing for me because I’m unfaithful? You make me laugh so bad!”

Daisy’s eyes had widened, her hand instinctively covering her stomach. Zeus, on the other hand, had looked livid.

“You’re lying!” Daisy had shrieked. “How do you even know about that?”

“I saw you,” Aeisha had replied coldly. “And I heard you. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out? You wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone at my own wedding. That’s why I left. Not because of guilt, but because I have selfrespect.”

“That’s not true!” Daisy had cried.

Zeus had stepped forward, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. “Where’s your proof?” he had demanded. “If Daisy is pregnant with my child, where’s the evidence?”

Aeisha had rolled her eyes and smirked. “I don’t need evidence. Just wait a few months, and you’ll see for yourself. Don't act like you're stupid, Zeus. You and Daisy made the child together—don’t act like you're the victim here.”

She had turned to leave, satisfied with her words. But as she started to walk away, Zeus had grabbed her arm.

“Don’t act so high and mighty,” he had hissed. “You cheated on me first!”

Aeisha had frozen, the audacity of his accusation making her blood boil. She had spun around, ready to give him a piece of her mind, when she had felt a strong arm snake around her waist.

Startled, Aeisha had turned her head to find herself facetoface with Elliot. His expression was cold and calculating as he stared Zeus down.

“Who’s this?” Elliot had asked, his tone sharp. “And why are you taking so long? I was waiting for you.”

Zeus had glared at Elliot, his jaw tightening. “I could ask you the same question. Who are you?”

Elliot’s lips had twitched into a smirk, but his grip on Aeisha’s waist had tightened. “I’m her husband,” he had said casually, his words like a dagger aimed at Zeus.

The color had drained from Zeus’s face as the reality of the situation hit him. Daisy had looked equally stunned, her earlier bravado completely gone. Elliot had taken Zeus’s hand off Aeisha’s arm, his presence commanding.

Elliot had glanced down at Aeisha, his expression softening slightly. “Are you ready to go?”

Aeisha had nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. “Yes. Let’s go.”

Without another word, Elliot had turned them around, guiding her away from the scene. Aeisha could feel Zeus and Daisy’s stunned gazes boring into her back, but she hadn’t cared.

As they walked away, Elliot had leaned down and whispered, “Next time, don’t wander too far. I don’t like waiting.”

Despite the tension, Aeisha couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

For the first time in a long while, she felt like she had the upper hand. And with Elliot by her side, she was ready for whatever came next.

The kitchen was filled with the warm, savory aroma of food as Aeisha stood at the counter chopping vegetables. Lance and Ace hovered nearby, occasionally helping her. Elliot had left early for work, promising to catch up on what he’d missed during his recovery.

“I’ll make something for him later,” Aeisha muttered, more to herself than to anyone else.

“Make sure to include his favorites,” Ace suggested with a faint smile.

“Speaking of which,” Aeisha asked, “does Elliot have any allergies?”

Their answers were vague—Ace shrugged while Lance muttered something about Elliot not being picky. It reminded Aeisha of how Elliot himself often danced around personal questions.

She paused and looked at them seriously. “You’re still wary of me, aren’t you?”

Ace glanced at Lance, letting him take the lead. Lance didn’t hesitate. “I am.”

His honesty stung, but Aeisha nodded. “I understand. I’m still new to all of this, and I get why you’d be cautious. But you should know I trust you both with my safety. If we’re going to protect each other, you need to trust me too.”

They exchanged a look, something unspoken passing between them. Ace finally nodded, though his posture remained tense. Lance seemed thoughtful but unconvinced.

Before the conversation could go any further, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Lance said, heading toward the entrance.

Moments later, the sound of Lance’s voice reached them. It wasn’t his usual calm tone—it was sharp, startled. The room fell silent as they turned to see Lance backing into the room, his hands raised.

Men dressed in black poured in, their movements swift and calculated. Guns glinted in their hands, all aimed at them.

“Hands up,” one of them barked.

Ace stepped in front of Aeisha without hesitation, his frame shielding hers. Her heart raced as she raised her hands, trying to process what was happening.

“We’re here for the girl,” the leader said, his voice cold and commanding.

Ace’s jaw tightened. “Not happening.”

Chaos erupted.

Lance lunged at one of the men, and gunfire filled the penthouse. Ace pushed Aeisha to the ground, covering her as bullets ricocheted off walls and furniture. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.

The fight was brutal. Lance and Ace fought with everything they had, but they were outnumbered. Blood spattered across the marble floor, and it was clear they were growing weaker with each passing moment.

It all came to a halt when one of the men grabbed Aeisha, pressing the cold barrel of a gun to her head.

“Stop, or she dies,” the leader growled.

Lance and Ace froze, their eyes darting to her. They were battered and bleeding, but their determination to protect her hadn’t wavered.

Before they could react, another man struck them both from behind. Lance crumpled to the floor, unconscious, and Ace followed moments later.

“No!” Aeisha screamed, struggling against her captor.

A needle pricked her arm, and the world spun. Her limbs grew heavy, and darkness consumed her as she collapsed.

Elliot stepped out of the elevator, a bouquet of tulips in hand. He had chosen them after remembering Aeisha’s favorite flower, hoping to surprise her.

But as he reached the entrance of the penthouse, his steps faltered. Blood smeared the doorframe.

A chill ran down his spine. His heart pounded, a mix of fear and dread spreading through him. He threw the door open, his eyes scanning the scene inside.

The oncepristine penthouse was in shambles. Furniture was overturned, bullet holes marred the walls, and bloodstains trailed across the floor.

“Aeisha!” Elliot called, his voice laced with urgency.

No response.

He moved quickly, searching every corner of the penthouse, his desperation growing. Finally, he found Lance and Ace lying on the floor near the kitchen.

“Get up!” Elliot barked, shaking Ace by the shoulder.

Ace groaned, his movements sluggish. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead as his eyes fluttered open.

“Where’s Aeisha?” Elliot demanded, his voice a mixture of fury, fear, and anguish.

Ace’s face twisted in guilt. “They… they took her away.”

Elliot froze, his mind flashing back to a memory he had buried deep—a younger version of himself finding his parents dead, their lifeless bodies sprawled in pools of blood. The same helplessness and rage he felt then surged through him now.

“They who?” Elliot growled, his hands gripping Ace’s shoulders tightly.

Ace shook his head weakly. “Didn’t… see. Too many of them. They wanted her.”

Elliot clenched his jaw, his breathing ragged. The tulip bouquet fell from his hands, forgotten on the bloodstreaked floor.

He stood, fists trembling at his sides. His mind was already racing with plans, but the gnawing fear for Aeisha’s safety clouded his judgment.

Lance stirred, groaning as he regained consciousness. Elliot turned to him, his voice low and dangerous. “Find out who did this! I want them dead before sunrise! Find Aeisha! Find her!”

Lance nodded weakly, his resolve matching Elliot’s fury despite his injuries.

Elliot’s gaze hardened as he looked toward the penthouse door. Whoever dared to take Aeisha would pay dearly. He swore to himself that he would bring her back—no matter the cost.