MATURE

Life hasn’t been kind to me. One moment, I was a carefree eighteen-year-old with dreams of a bright future. The next, I was a 28 year old lady and my world went up in flames. literally. My mom died in the fire that destroyed our home, my little sister is in a coma, and my brother’s in jail for trying to keep us afloat. My dad? He left us drowning in debt and despair.

I thought I’d hit rock bottom, but then I found myself working in a place where dreams go to die, doing things I never imagined just to survive. That’s when he walked into my life, Alex Romanov. Dangerous. Mysterious. And entirely out of my league.

He’s everything I should fear, but there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m more than just another broken soul. Or the way he makes me feel alive when I thought I’d forgotten how.

But Alex has secrets, dark ones that could destroy us both. And as my past collides with his world, I’m left wondering: Can I trust the man who’s slowly stealing my heart, or will his darkness swallow me whole?

This isn’t the life I wanted, but it’s the one I’ve been given.

Alex led me through the grand entrance, his hand firm yet gentle on the small of my back. The venue was more luxurious than I had imagined, crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, and gold-rimmed glasses shimmering under soft, ambient lights. I felt eyes on me the moment we walked in, but it wasn't just the usual curious glances. It was awe. Admiration. Maybe even envy. And it wasn't just from strangers, it was from Alex.


He looked at me like I was made of something sacred. Like I was the only thing in the room worth noticing. His gaze made me nervous, made my heart flutter. I had dressed for elegance, not to steal the spotlight. But being beside him, I couldn't help but feel like I belonged, even though deep down, I wasn't sure I did.


Chapter 268 - 270