Chapter Four: Shadows Beneath the Moonlight
The young man's eyes widened in sheer terror as Harry Fairchild's cold, murderous gaze locked onto him. All the bravado he had worn earlier drained from his face. He shivered, collapsed to his knees, and bowed his head low.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Fairchild. I—I didn't know she was yours. Please… spare me."
Despite the cool evening breeze, sweat poured down his face, soaking through his designer shirt. Gone was the arrogance, the cocky attitude. Fear had stripped him bare.
Who in this city didn't know the Fairchild family?
A century-old noble line, the Fairchilds were as powerful as the sky itself. Their empire—spanning continents and industries—was one of the world's top business conglomerates. And the man standing before him, the one whose glare felt like a death sentence, was the crown prince of it all.
Harry Fairchild could end his life, and that of his family, with just a word.
The man's father had always warned him: Never cross paths with a Fairchild.
"Get lost," Harry said, his voice colder than steel.
The man didn't wait for a second command. Nodding like a chicken pecking corn, he scrambled to his feet and bolted, tail tucked between his legs.
When silence returned to the dim street, Harry looked down at the girl still clinging tightly to his body. A flicker of emotions—unfamiliar and intense—crossed his usually indifferent eyes.
He couldn't believe how close she was.
Slowly, hesitantly, he raised his arms to return the embrace—but before his hands could touch her back, Ana stepped away, her warmth leaving him.
A brief shadow of loss crossed his face before he buried it beneath a neutral mask.
Ana took a few steadying breaths before finally looking up. Her gaze landed on the strikingly handsome face of her savior—and she froze. Her breath hitched. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and piercing eyes were like something out of a dream.
A smile flickered across Harry's lips as he watched her dazed expression, his gaze softening.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his deep, magnetic voice breaking the silence.
Ana blinked back to reality, cheeks blooming with color. Embarrassed, she bit her lower lip and nodded shyly.
"Th-thank you for saving me. If you hadn't come, I... I don't know what would've happened. I'll be forever grateful to you."
She stammered through her words, thanking him repeatedly.
"It's fine," Harry said simply. "As long as you're alright."
Moments later, Ana left, boarding the last bus home. Harry watched her disappear into the night, his gaze unreadable.
In a dimly lit alleyway near their modest home, a small figure stood defiantly against the cold.
"Annie, let's go inside," Adonis urged, placing a coat around her shoulders. "It's late, and freezing. What if you catch a cold?"
"No!" Annie shook her head stubbornly. "I'm waiting for Sister. I can't sleep until she reads me a bedtime story."
She huddled into the coat, pouting.
Adonis sighed. "You'll get sick at this rate…"
Just then, the siblings spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Ana walked slowly, her steps heavy, her shoulders slumped beneath the weight of exhaustion. The sight of her siblings waiting under the cold night sky shattered something inside her.
With a choked sob, she fell to her knees and broke down, tears spilling freely.
She was only twenty, but the burdens she carried felt like those of someone thrice her age. She didn't resent her life, but tonight… it all felt too much.
She cried silently for a long time,unaware that from a distance, someone was watching.
Eventually, Ana wiped her tears, composed herself, and forced on a bright smile. Her family didn't need to see her sadness.
"Sister, you're home!" Annie squealed, running into her arms.
Ana scooped her up, kissing her cheeks. "Silly girl. You'll catch a cold out here."
"I don't care. I'll always wait for Sister," Annie giggled.
Ana chuckled, her heart warming. "Our Annie is so sweet."
"Come on, let's go inside."
As they turned, Adonis suddenly grabbed Ana's wrist, pulling her toward him with a serious expression. His intense eyes scanned her silently, inspecting her for injuries.
Ana fidgeted. "What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?"
He said nothing.
"Don't tell me you missed me?" she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"You cried," Adonis said quietly.
Ana froze.
"Who hurt you?" he demanded, his voice dark and threatening.
"No one did. You're mistaken. Sand got in my eyes," Ana lied, offering a tight smile.
But Adonis clenched his fists. He knew she was lying. He always knew. Despite his quiet and aloof nature, his protectiveness ran deep.
The three of them walked inside together, the warmth of home wrapping around them.
From the shadows, Harry watched until their door closed. He turned and made his way to the waiting black sedan where Leo lounged in the passenger seat.
"You enjoy torturing yourself?" Leo asked casually. "Don't say I didn't warn you. From what I've gathered, that boy's not related to her by blood."
Harry's jaw tightened.
"He treats her like she's his whole world," Leo continued. "Living in the same house… anything can happen."
"Don't speak nonsense. They're siblings," Harry snapped.
"If you say so." Leo shrugged. "But his eyes tell a different story. That boy looks at her the way you do."
Harry remained silent.
Finally, he spoke, voice low and serious. "How can I keep her by my side without putting her in danger? I want her."
Zelkowicz Mansion
Sasha Fairchild sat before her vanity mirror as a maid helped her undo her jewelry and hair.
"Where is my husband?" Sasha asked, her voice calm but heavy.
"The master is at the lake house, madame," the maid replied softly.
Sasha stared at her reflection—flawless skin, delicate features, striking beauty.
Yet still unwanted.
"It was just a mistake," she whispered to herself. "Just a moment of weakness. Why won't he forgive me?"
She blinked back tears. "I've only ever loved him. All my life. But he won't even look at me…"
The maid lowered her head, pity flickering in her eyes.
Sasha had been married into the Fairchild family for three years. In that time, her husband had barely glanced her way. Business trips, late nights, and now living separately in the lake house.
No one was allowed near the lake house. Not even her.
Lake House.
Water cascaded down Harry's sculpted body as he stood in the shower. But his mind was far away, back to the alleyway, to Ana's body pressed against his, her eyes, her scent…
What the mind is thinking is what the body responded to.
Filled with lust, his hard rod was already standing straight. With a groan, he leaned against the tiles, his hand wrapping around his aching shaft and started pleasuring himself. He closed his eyes, muttering her name again and again "Ana… Ana… Ana…" After a long time, he shouted her name and released.
When he finally found release, he stood still for a long moment, chest heaving.
Later, lying on the bed, a satisfied smile curled on his lips.
Soon, he thought. Soon, she'll be mine. All mine.