Her Vengeful Heart: Dangerously In Love With The Dark Prince

"Oh... slow down a little..."

Ragged breaths tangled with the slick, rhythmic smack of skin, and the solid oak bed protested beneath two people, its strained groans speeding into a frantic cadence that would send most people blushing.

"Why are you so... intense tonight?" the woman gasped. "Did Alexandra fail to satisfy you?"

"Why bring her up?" the man scoffed, voice low and edged with disdain. "Just looking at her kills the mood. You're the only one who is this tempting, this impossible to resist... Besides, that old man finally died today, so I'm in an excellent mood."

The woman let out an unrestrained laugh, loud and delighted. "My, aren't you cruel?" she teased, tilting her head. "We practically sent my grandpa to his grave, and now, we're tangled up here like this. Once you marry Alexandra and claim all that inheritance for yourself..."

Her voice dipped with malicious glee. "If that man knew, he'd be clawing his way out of the coffin!"

Just outside the door, I stood frozen, eight months pregnant, my breath locked in my chest as I stared at their tangled bodies.

Each syllable struck me like a blade, cutting deeper than the last.

At that moment, a glacial grip closed around my heart, freezing the blood in my veins until the cold spread from my skin straight into my bones, leaving me hollow and numb.

Rage shook through me in violent waves as recognition finally slammed home-the man in that room was my fiancé, Karson Jones, and the woman wrapped around him was my stepsister, Lilah Harris. And I was the person they had just mentioned, Alexandra Harris.

Following my mother's death, my stepmother married my father and brought Lilah into my life with her.

We shared no blood ties, and Lilah had spent years competing with me over every scrap of affection, status, and attention.

But never in my darkest suspicions had I imagined she and Karson would be involved-let alone sink so low as to plot the death of my grandfather, who had loved me more than anyone else!

The shock slammed into me, sending a stabbing pain ripping through my abdomen. Strength drained from my legs as they buckled beneath me, and I fought to remain standing, my breaths coming out in ragged gasps.

"Who's out there?"

Karson's sharp, wary voice sliced through the silence.

Wrapping an arm around my stomach, I tried to turn and run, but my legs betrayed me, locked stiff as stone where I stood.

Karson hastily put on some clothes and charged out of the room, his grip snapping shut around my wrist with a bruising force. "Alexandra?"

Moments later, Lilah emerged behind him, brazenly wearing my nightgown. With a smug smile, she slid her arm through Karson's and leaned into his chest. "It's you? I'm sorry-you weren't supposed to find out yet. We planned to keep all that a secret until after you gave birth to the baby."

She then tipped her head and said, "You heard us, didn't you? Then you should know that Karson loves me."

Raw fury and humiliation crashed into my chest as I stared at Karson, my voice shaking uncontrollably. "You!" My teeth clenched hard. "I'm carrying your baby! How could you betray me like this? Just wait. I'll rip off your masks and show everyone your true colors!"

Lilah burst into sharp, mocking laughter. "Alexandra, don't bother wasting your strength." Her gaze dropped deliberately to my stomach. "That baby you're carrying? It isn't Karson's at all."

My breath hitched as the words slammed into me. "What... what kind of nonsense are you spewing right now?"

A slow, satisfied look crossed her face as she said, "When Karson got engaged to you, I was furious. So, he found a way to make me happy." She paused deliberately. "He got you drunk and sent you straight into some old man's bed. If you expose us, we'll flip the story and accuse you of cheating first. Tell me, Alexandra, when that happens, who do you think the public will believe?"

The world tilted violently, and I felt as though lightning had ripped straight through my chest, the pain closing in until it nearly crushed the air from my lungs.

I turned toward Karson, wringing out the last scraps of strength just to say, "Tell me the truth. Is that true?"

Impatience hardened Karson's features as he looked at me. "Yeah. Push this any further, and you'll regret it."

Rage exploded out of me, raw and feral. "You're both monsters!" I bellowed, swinging wildly and slapping the two of them with all the strength I had left.

Clutching her cheek, Lilah shrieked, fury twisting her expression, "Are you out of your mind, Alexandra? How dare you hit me?"

Her eyes flashed viciously as she lunged forward and seized a fistful of my hair.

I didn't even have time to resist. My forehead was driven into the freezing metal railing again and again, the sound sickening.

Pain tore through my skull like fire, draining the strength from my limbs. Darkness flooded my vision as the world tilted, spinning violently.

The sharp sting erupted from my forehead, radiating like wildfire through every nerve, threatening to drag me under.

Through the fog, my fingers closed around a vase nearby, and summoning everything I had left, I hurled it toward Lilah.

"Ah!" A piercing scream burst from Lilah's lips before she cried out, "Karson! She struck me! She's trying to murder me!"

Heat streamed down my face as blood poured from my forehead, staining my sight a murky red.

Relying on unsteady legs, I tried to flee, only for Karson to turn to look at me, his expression hard with icy rage.

"You bitch!" he said with fury. "Who gave you the nerve to hit Lilah?"

Before the last word could leave his mouth, a savage kick struck my side, hurling me headlong down the staircase from the second floor.

Each collision was merciless, my body battering step after step until everything finally stilled.

Agony detonated through my body as I lay there, unable to move.

Beneath me, I felt a spreading warmth, while a tearing, unbearable pain tore through my abdomen.

Blood pooled under my body, blooming across the floor in a matter of seconds.

Unhurried footsteps followed as Karson and Lilah came down the stairs, their gazes indifferent as they looked at me.

Summoning the last scraps of strength left in my fingers, I clutched Karson's pant leg and begged hoarsely, "Please... save my baby... Take me to the hospital..."

However, without hesitation, Karson shook me off with a ruthless kick.

Dropping into a crouch, Lilah produced a contract and extended it toward me, a cruel smile curling her lips. "Alexandra, you want your baby saved? That's simple, but nothing comes free. Grandpa left everything to you. Sign this agreement to transfer everything to us, and I might consider saving your baby."

Refusing to be tricked again, I yelled until my throat burned, "Help! Someone-please help me!"

Impatience flashed across Lilah's face as her eyes turned glacial. "You'll sign this today, whether you want to or not!"

Without waiting, she seized my trembling hand, dragged it across the paper, and forced my name onto the agreement. Then, she pressed my bleeding fingertip down to leave a crimson thumbprint.

Finally satisfied, she rose and pressed a kiss to Karson's lips. "Come on," she said sweetly, curling her fingers around his sleeve. "Let's go upstairs and pick up where we left off."

Locked in each other's arms, Lilah and Karson turned away and disappeared up the stairs, never once glancing back.

My arm stretched after them, fingernails clawing uselessly at the floor, leaving faint scratches in the wood.

"I hate you... I swear you'll both pay for this..."

Pain surged through me in a crushing wave, dragging my awareness into darkness.

Before I passed out, I was still thinking about my unborn child.

Five years had slipped by in a quiet blur.

My phone suddenly rang, sharp and insistent.

Halfway through my skincare routine, I wiped my fingers and picked up the call.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to finally speak with you," the voice on the other end of the line said smoothly. "I heard you've recently returned to the country. Would the Jones Group have the honor of inviting you to work with us? All we're asking for is an opportunity, and we promise you won't be disappointed."

Even after all this time, I still recognized Karson's voice. It hadn't changed at all.

My heart raced.

For a brief second, I wondered whether he could recognize my voice.

With deliberate calm, I curved my lips into a slow, knowing smile. "I'll think about it."

Delight rushed through Karson's tone at once. "Alright. Would you be free to meet right now?"

I agreed and ended the call without another word.

Peeling the damp face mask away, I stepped closer to the mirror and studied my reflection-barefaced yet strikingly flawless.

Five years had gone by, and the mirror showed me a woman I almost couldn't claim as myself.

With steady, practiced movements, I spread a custom-blended cosmetic across my skin, a formula that could only be erased with a special solvent.

Intentionally, I dulled every sharp edge of my beauty, burying it beneath bland, unremarkable makeup, then finished the disguise with a pair of oversized black-rimmed glasses that swallowed half my face.

Five years ago, Karson and Lilah had been worried that I might still be alive, spending endless effort trying to track me down.

So, I had learned to live behind this mask, wearing it like armor as I moved through the world.

Sometimes, even I struggled to remember which version of myself was real.

It was this very disguise that finally convinced Karson and Lilah that Alexandra Harris was truly dead.

Now, bearing the reputation of an internationally acclaimed perfumer, I returned to Atokton with clear intent burning in my chest.

"Karson, Lilah-you'll both pay for what you've done. I'll take back everything you've stolen from me," I muttered under my breath, my gaze hardening as my fingers tightened on my bag.

Determination driving each step, I went downstairs and started my car, ready to leave.

Without warning, a tiny figure emerged from the corner of the street, darting straight into my path.

My foot slammed down on the brake, the tires shrieking in protest.

Just in front of my car, the small figure crumpled to the pavement, frozen in terror before breaking into frightened sobs.

Concern dropped into my chest as I rushed out of the car to check on the kid.

Curled on the ground was a little girl, no more than five, dressed in a pink princess gown, her wide eyes swimming with tears that could soften even the coldest heart.

And her features...

Something about her face stirred a strange, aching familiarity I couldn't immediately name.

My chest tightened painfully as the image of the baby I lost five years ago surfaced in my mind.

She had been a girl, too...

Back then, by the time I was wheeled into the hospital, my injuries were already fatal-my pulse fading, my body barely holding on-and there had been no hope of saving the child inside me.

I still remembered cradling that tiny, ice-cold body in my arms, crying until the world dissolved into nothingness.

The memory surged back, sharp and suffocating, sending waves of pain through my heart.

When I met the little girl's tearful gaze again, my expression softened.

A quick scan of the surroundings showed no adults nearby, and my brows drew together.

What kind of parents would be reckless enough to let a child this young wander alone?

What if something happened to her?

Stepping closer, I lowered myself to the girl's level and softened my tone. "Hey, sweetheart... where's your family?"

At my question, the girl's sobs broke loose, tears spilling down fast as she muttered, "I... I don't know..."

With hiccupping breaths, she continued, "Daddy's girlfriend said she'd take me shopping, but then... then, she just left me here. I was alone, and I don't know where she went..."

The words pierced straight through me, tightening my chest with aching sympathy.

Keeping my voice calm, I asked gently, "Do you remember where you live? I can take you home."

The instant I finished speaking, the color drained from the girl's face, and her tiny frame began to shake as if caught in a sudden chill. Her head shook as she whimpered, "I don't want to go home... Dad's girlfriend told me never to go home. She said if I did, she'd hit me. I'm really scared..."

Shock hit me hard, and heat surged into my chest as fury followed close behind.

What kind of cruel woman would scare a child like this?

This must be reported to the police!

Before I could reach for my phone, the girl abruptly clutched her chest, her breaths turning shallow and frantic as her face flushed a frightening red.

Shock snapped through me as recognition set in-every sign pointed to an asthma attack.

Without immediate treatment, this could spiral into something deadly.

I didn't waste another second. Scooping the girl into my arms, I rushed her to my car, settling her gently into the seat before speeding toward the nearest hospital.

Luckily, we arrived in time. Thanks to the doctor's swift intervention, the girl's breathing slowly evened out, and the danger finally passed.

She soon drifted into an exhausted sleep on the narrow hospital bed, long lashes still clumped together with tears that tugged painfully at my heart.

Using a tissue, I brushed away the damp tracks on her cheeks, my movements slow and gentle.

Just as I was about to call the police, the door to the room suddenly swung open.

Several broad-shouldered men in tailored suits charged inside, their expressions cold and their presence imposing.

A sharp frown creased my brow as I demanded coolly, "Who do you think you are, barging in here like this? Get out right now, or I'll call the police-"

My words were cut short by a deep, commanding male voice that rose from behind the bodyguards, carrying absolute authority.

"Oh? You kidnapped my daughter, and now, you're standing there, threatening to call the police?"

A sudden thud rattled my chest, and my eyes flew up instinctively.

At once, the bodyguards before me parted, their heads dipping in quiet deference.

Through the opening strode a tall, commanding man, his steps unhurried yet tinged with dominance.

A perfectly cut black shirt traced the hard lines of his frame, broad shoulders narrowing to a lean waist.

His features were sharply defined, and within that almost perfect visage, a pair of eyes glinted with lethal intensity-when they narrowed, they became abyssal voids capable of stealing breath with a single glance.

Recognition struck me instantly.

The man was Daniel Edwards, the CEO of the Edwards Group, a billionaire whose decisions could upend markets overnight.

Rumor had it he was unmarried but had a daughter.

What I had never anticipated was that this fragile little girl would be his child. And he'd allowed his girlfriend to treat his own flesh and blood with such cruelty.

That realization ignited something fierce in my chest, my hands curling into fists before I could stop myself.

The moment Daniel noticed the figure on the bed, concern flashed across his face. "Emily!"

He then spun toward me in a fury, his voice sharp enough to cut. "What the hell did you do to my daughter? Are you looking for trouble? Who gave you the nerve to kidnap her?"

Unfazed, I lifted my chin and returned his glare with a frost-edged smile. "You've got the audacity to accuse me? Don't you dare call yourself her father-you're not worth the word! You let your girlfriend mistreat your own child!"

I quickly called the police and explained the situation briefly. Then, I turned to Daniel. "When the police get here, I'll tell them everything. But right now, there's no chance I'm leaving the child with someone like you!"

The instant Daniel shifted toward the bed, my arm shot out to shove him. "Stay away from her!"

A hiss of shocked breaths rippled through the room. The bodyguards stiffened, then surged forward, forming a solid wall in front of Daniel in one instinctive motion.

Daniel's assistant said, "No one speaks to Mr. Edwards like that. You despicable woman, suspected of kidnapping the kid, and you still have the nerve to be so disrespectful?"

A dry laugh slipped out of me. "So? What are you going to do about it?"

Ice settled over Daniel's features. He lifted a hand without looking at me. "Get her out of here!"

The bodyguards lunged forward together, rough hands clamping down on my shoulders with force.

Outmatched, I stood no chance against them.

Right as they started to haul me toward the door, a thin, fragile voice drifted from the hospital bed.

"Daddy... please don't hurt her!"

Emily Edwards stirred awake, blinking as she struggled to sit up.

Daniel's expression changed, and he quickly signaled the bodyguards to release me.

I rushed to Emily's side, bending close with a worried frown. "Emily, are you feeling any better?"

Emily nodded gently, small fingers curling around mine as if afraid I might disappear. "Yeah. Thank you."

A soft smile touched my lips. "You don't have to thank me. How are you feeling now?"

Emily replied, "I don't know why... but when you're here, I feel a lot better."

As the words left her mouth, she tipped her small head against my side, clinging to me with unquestioning trust.

Warmth swelled in my chest before I could stop it, a quiet, unfamiliar joy spreading through my body.

Only then did I register the sharp intake of breath around us-the bodyguards staring as if they'd just witnessed something impossible.

Their stunned expressions struck me as odd, but I had no time to dwell on it.

At that moment, the police arrived.

Without hesitation, I laid out everything that had happened from start to finish. Then, right in front of everyone, I accused Daniel of failing as a guardian, insisting that leaving Emily in his care would only put her in further danger.

After reviewing the surveillance footage and confirming I hadn't abducted the child, one of the officers turned to Daniel and asked evenly, "Is it true that your girlfriend has been mistreating your daughter?"

Daniel's expression hardened at once, shadows pooling in his eyes as his presence turned oppressive. Lowering his voice, he replied in a cold tone, "I'll take care of this myself. I won't allow anyone to harm my daughter!"

A moment later, the edge in his demeanor eased. He bent down, carefully lifting Emily from the hospital bed. "Emily, let's go home."

Instead of responding to him, Emily tightened her grip on my hand, small fingers trembling with reluctance. Her eyes searched my face as she asked, "Will you go home with me?"

Something inside me softened instantly. Meeting her gaze, I lowered my voice and reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll visit you whenever I can."

Only then did Emily release my hand and nod, docile but serious. "You have to keep your word."

She was cradled in Daniel's arms, yet her gaze clung to me as they left.

Just as they were about to vanish down the corridor, a sudden thought struck me-Emily's asthma was severe, and she couldn't afford intense emotional swings.

Acting on instinct, I hurried after them.

Turning past a pillar, I saw a man in a tailored black suit lean closer toward Daniel, his posture deferential as he whispered, "Mr. Edwards, after Miss Harris died following the birth of Miss Edwards, the child grew up without a mother's care. She became withdrawn, rarely engaging with anyone. Even when you're with her... she almost never speaks. Yet today, she's clinging to that unfamiliar woman with unusual affection. It feels odd. From what I can tell, that woman may have ulterior motives."

At those words, Daniel went still for a moment, the air around him turning cold.

"Dig up everything about her!" he ordered.

Distance blurred the bodyguard's words, so I didn't know what he had said. But I didn't need to hear more to know the target of Daniel's order was me.

That clipped command slid straight down my spine and left a lingering shiver.

Just as the rumors claimed, Daniel was paranoid, cautious, and obsessed with control.

What unsettled me the most wasn't his suspicion, but his power. In Atokton, a man like him could uncover anything if he wanted.

Secrets simply didn't survive under his scrutiny.

If he were to find out my true identity from some tiny clue, that would be disastrous.

For a brief moment, unease coiled in my chest. Then, I forced it down.

Keeping my distance from him was the only sensible choice. Otherwise, it would invite nothing but disaster.

***

An hour later, inside Rose Manor, Joshua Adams, Daniel's assistant, placed a thick, meticulously prepared file into Daniel's hands.

Daniel's eyes skimmed the file before stopping abruptly at the name-Alexandra Harris.

In an instant, his expression hardened, pupils contracting as his eyes turned icy.

How could it be her?