What Makes A Power Couple

"Be good. Hold me. Don't move..."

A deep, gritty voice, edged with an irresistible allure, whispered harshly against Nicole Wilson's ear, his breath scorching her skin in the pitch-black darkness.

Heat radiated relentlessly from his body, enveloping Nicole entirely, causing every muscle in her body to stiffen in fear. She felt her breaths becoming shorter, more frantic. Her mind screamed at her to escape, yet her body remained frozen.

The sensation consumed her, pulling her deeper, as though she were slipping beneath the surface of dark, icy waters.

His kisses landed on her skin like drops of fire, one after another, each one burning. Sweat slipped from his forehead and traced a slow, burning path along Nicole's neck. With a mix of care and possessiveness, his fingers chased away the dampness on her collarbone, leaving behind a trail of warmth.

It felt like the weight of him could crush her spirit entirely.

Softly, yet undeniably seductive, he murmured close to her ear, "There's no need to be afraid-I'll make you my wife."

Tenderly, he brushed the tears from Nicole's cheeks, treating her like something incredibly precious, only to claim her lips fiercely the very next moment.

Suddenly, Nicole jolted awake, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Looking around-she was still in the car.

The same nightmare-the one that relentlessly haunted her-had returned once again. That suffocating room. The edge of danger in the air. His distinctive, raspy whisper... It always felt too vivid, too real to be just a dream.

Taking slow, deliberate breaths, Nicole fought to steady her trembling nerves, though the memories from five years ago stubbornly lingered.

Beyond the car windows, sunlight spilled generously over the city. Ariosa had grown busier, more alive than she'd ever recalled it being.

She hadn't even noticed how much time had slipped by-five years locked away in that mental hospital.

It all began when her younger sister, Marissa Wilson, plotted against her five years ago and sent her to spend the night with a stranger, costing Nicole her virginity.

Within a month, Nicole discovered she was pregnant, though the father's identity remained an agonizing mystery. That same year, her child was born lifeless.

During that same time, the business of her father, Brody Wilson, soared. Every family member had a stake in it-even her, the daughter he had discarded and sent off to rot in the countryside.

Together, Cathy Wilson, her own mother, and Marissa schemed to cast her out, locking her away in the mental hospital. Taking advantage of her weakened state after childbirth, they'd stolen her rightful ten percent of the shares of the Wilson Group.

Now, Marissa was set to marry into the prominent Moore family through an arranged marriage-to become Aidan Moore's wife. Rumors painted Aidan, the Moore family's second son, as disable and repulsive, condemned by a fortune-teller to die young, before reaching twenty-eight. Very few people had ever laid eyes on Aidan in person.

Someone like Aidan had never been what Cathy had in mind for Marissa. That was when they suddenly remembered her.

Under the cover of night, they sent a driver to drag her out of the mental hospital. If Marissa's future hadn't been dangling on the edge, they would've let her rot behind those locked doors forever.

Reclining in the back seat, Nicole shut her eyes, her face carved from ice.

Everything they had stolen from her, she was ready to take it all back. This time, the ones who once crushed her weren't getting away without damage.

Soon enough, she reached the Wilson family's residence. Five years had stripped this place of any affection. For her, it was nothing more than a shell.

Her steps were steady as she walked up the driveway. Just as she reached the doorway, she caught sight of Cathy and Marissa, laughing over walnut ice cream like the world was perfect.

"If you hadn't come up with the plan to make that useless girl stand in for you, I swear I would've cried myself to sleep."

Marissa replied softly, "Please, Mom. Don't talk about Nicole like that. I'd be completely lost without her. I'm just scared she won't say yes to any of this."

Cathy let out a short laugh. "She got pregnant by some guy no one even knows and ended up giving birth to a corpse. She should be grateful anyone's offering to marry her at all. And it's the Moores. She doesn't even have the right to utter a rejection."

"Think about it-your mother's not wrong. You're going way too easy on her. Have you really forgotten what she put you through five years ago?" Brody said, his jaw tight.

Marissa finally gave a small nod. "You can count on me, Dad. I'll never be a burden like Nicole. Marc and I will always be the ones you and Mom can brag about."

Just hearing the name of Marc Wilson-his son-made Brody's expression ease up.

Back when the Wilson Group was drowning in debt, Marc had pulled them out of it. He kept the company going when everyone thought it was over.

"And what makes you so sure I'll go along with any of this?" Nicole's cold voice suddenly broke through the living room.

The three froze and turned as one toward the sound.

Cathy's mood soured at once. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on your way to the Moore family?"

"Grandmother set up a will before her passing, leaving me and Marissa each with ten percent shares in Wilson Group. Don't you think it's about time I got my shares back?" Nicole retorted.

Brody slammed his hand down on the table and stormed toward her. "You humiliated this family. The stock price tanked because of your mess. I took those shares for a reason. After all that, you still have the nerve to ask for them back!?"

Unshaken, Nicole met his furious glare with a smirk. "It's fine you don't give them back."

She made her way to the couch, dropped into the cushions, crossed one leg over the other, and continued without a hint of rush, "Then I'm not getting married today."

"You little-" Brody raised his hand, ready to strike.

There wasn't the slightest twitch from Nicole. She raised her chin, met his eyes, and spoke in a voice cold enough to freeze the air. "Go ahead. Hit me. The second you do, I'll walk away from the shares, and this marriage deal dies right there."

A sudden chill rooted Brody to the spot. Had five years truly transformed Nicole into someone daring enough to defy him openly? Rage surged through his veins, causing his raised hand to shudder violently.

Eyes glittering sharply, Nicole's voice was deceptively calm. "Think again. Are you sure you can handle the consequences?"

"Oh, so you think threatening me is a good idea? Let's see how you like it when I knock some sense into that head of yours!" Brody roared, hand swinging menacingly.

"Dad, stop!" Marissa shrieked desperately, rushing forward in a panic.

Stunned by her plea, Brody's hand wavered uncertainly in mid-air.

Grabbing his sleeve, Marissa pleaded in a voice rushing out in panic, "Dad, please, don't hit Nicole!"

Though unsure why, Marissa sensed something different in Nicole-this time, the threat was genuine.

If Nicole refused the arranged marriage, Marissa realized she'd be forced into it instead. She couldn't bear the thought of marrying that sickly, monstrous man from the Moore family. Death seemed preferable to such a fate.

Fingers curling into a tight fist, veins throbbing visibly, Brody finally lowered his hand, spitting words angrily. "You insolent girl! What exactly do you want?!"

Ignoring his outburst, Nicole reclined casually, swaying her leg with ease. Though her posture stayed relaxed, it carried a quiet authority. Her gaze turned cold. "Give me back my shares."

Seeing Nicole's confident demeanor, Cathy felt a sudden stab of fear. What on earth had happened to transform this once pitiful girl into someone so intimidating?

Noticing Marissa near tears, Cathy's heart tightened, prompting her to step forward protectively. "Four years ago, after the company went public, I signed your shares over to your sister. You've had plenty of time to reflect on your mistakes. Yet the moment you're out of that hospital, you start causing trouble? Do you have no shame at all?"

A mocking smile curved Nicole's lips, her voice heavy with sarcasm. "And what reason do I have to give up what's mine?"

Cathy's voice shot up as she snapped, "She's your sister, that's why!"

"If you adore her so much, why don't you marry her off to that noble Moore family instead?"

"You-"

Nicole interrupted swiftly, her voice sharp as ice. "I'll ask only once more. Will you return my shares, yes or no?"

Nicole's fierce tone caught Cathy off guard, leaving her speechless for a moment.

Despite decades of experience in the business world, Brody was also caught off guard and left at a loss for a moment.

Biting her lip anxiously, Marissa jumped to defend her parents. "Nicole, they're your mom and dad. I'm your sister. Why must you act like we're enemies?"

Nicole's gaze slowly shifted toward Marissa as she rose purposefully, stepping forward and towering above her sister with an intimidating presence. "So now you're the one telling me how I should act?"

Marissa faltered, speechless. Five years ago, Nicole wouldn't have dared oppose her.

"I-I was just trying to-"

Without warning, Nicole's hand shot out, delivering a stinging slap that silenced Marissa immediately.

Eyes wide with shock, Marissa clutched her face in disbelief. "Did you just hit me?!"

With a subtle narrowing of her gaze, Nicole's mouth curled into a mocking smile. "So what?"

Instantly, Marissa burst into tears.

Rushing forward, Cathy wrapped her arms protectively around Marissa, whispering comfort. Today, it was painfully clear that Nicole was determined to get her way.

Brody glared, his expression thunderous, fingers twitching violently as if considering another attack. Yet Nicole stood undaunted. She said coldly, "Return my shares immediately, and I'll disappear quietly. Keep stalling, and perhaps the Moore family will find out your little game sooner rather than later."

Brody nearly exploded but, for Marissa's sake, swallowed his pride, forcing his anger down like bitter medicine..

Eventually, Brody gave in and said, "Fine! I'll return your shares. But you're heading straight to the Moores, no more delays!"

With visible reluctance, he pulled out his phone, accessed the company accounts, and began the transfer of Nicole's ten percent stake.

Not long after, Nicole's phone buzzed softly, signaling Brody's confirmation that her shares would fully revert to her within three to five working days.

A satisfied smile appeared at Nicole's lips. "Now, was that so hard?"

Rather than immediately taking her leave, Nicole shifted her gaze toward Marissa, dark eyes glittering mysteriously as she asked, "Marissa, think carefully. What else do you still owe me?"

"What are you talking about?" Marissa asked.

Nicole's voice turned colder, sharper. "Five years ago-remember clearly. How exactly did I end up in bed with that man?"

Marissa's blood turned cold as panic set in. Nicole was clearly accusing her, yet had no evidence. Clenching her jaw fiercely, Marissa swore silently she'd make Nicole pay for this slap!

Avoiding Nicole's piercing eyes, Marissa said defensively, "Wasn't it your own reckless lifestyle that landed you in trouble? Don't pin your mess on me!"

Nicole's face remained expressionless. With a faintly raised eyebrow, she replied evenly, "No hurry. I'll give you exactly two days to refresh your memory."

Marissa trembled involuntarily, unable to hold Nicole's unwavering gaze. Those five years must have dragged Nicole through something horrible to leave her this fierce and unshakable.

Casting a final meaningful glance at Brody and Cathy, Nicole turned gracefully and walked out.

Seated in her car moments later, Nicole glanced again at the confirmation message. Rather than satisfaction, a profound chill deepened inside her heart.

For Marissa's happiness, they were willing to sacrifice anything. Back then, if anyone had cared for her the way they did for Marissa now, her child might still be alive.

Her bitter reverie was abruptly interrupted by her phone's shrill ringing. Checking the caller ID quickly, Nicole answered curtly, bringing the phone close to her ear. "What is it?"

"You've finally resurfaced. A little ahead of schedule."

Nicole's response was cold and direct. "Cut the chatter. Get to the point."

"Just as you planned, everything at the mental hospital is perfectly under control. Those five years were fruitful. The latest batch of orders is already secured."

This didn't surprise Nicole. Calmly, she instructed, "Go straight to the bank and retrieve my belongings from the safety deposit box."

Inside that box rested an emerald thumb ring, given to her by the mysterious man five years ago. It was her solitary lead to finding him, and she would hold onto it at all costs.

Nicole abruptly ended the call and shut her eyes in contemplation.

Suddenly, the car lurched violently to a stop, jolting her forward despite the traffic light glowing green ahead.

Eyes flicking nervously toward the road, the driver explained apologetically, "Ms. Wilson, there's an elderly woman collapsed on the road. But honestly, it looks fake-probably one of those scammers hoping for a quick payout. I'll take another route."

He immediately started steering the car in the opposite direction.

Through the window, Nicole noticed the elderly woman trembling on the road, her hand stretched weakly toward something beyond her reach, face pale as a ghost.

The woman wore elegant clothes, clearly expensive; she hardly fit the description of someone desperate enough to fake an accident. She appeared genuinely unwell, perhaps dangerously so.

Frowning slightly, Nicole ordered sharply, "Pull over now."

Without argument, the driver quickly stopped the car.

A small crowd had already formed around the woman. Phones were out, recording every second, yet not a single person moved to help.

Without hesitation, Nicole strode purposefully through the crowd and knelt gently beside the woman.

Soft murmurs began to ripple through the crowd. "She's asking for trouble. These scammers prey on sympathy, and she'll be stuck paying compensation."

"You'd think people would learn after all those stories on the news."

Ignoring the whispers entirely, Nicole reached for a small medicine bottle that had rolled away, checking it quickly yet thoroughly. Once satisfied, she shook out a pill. Carefully lifting the elderly woman's head onto her arm, Nicole whispered reassuringly, "Ma'am, here's your medicine."

As if hearing Nicole's gentle encouragement, the elderly woman weakly opened her lips, accepting the pill. Moments passed, and gradually the violent trembling lessened.

The ambulance arrived swiftly afterward, and Nicole carefully transferred the woman into their capable care.

As paramedics placed the woman onto the stretcher, her eyes opened slightly, focusing briefly on Nicole's departing back. Weakly, her hand twitched, longing to reach out, but lacking the strength, her eyes soon fluttered shut once again.

After that, Nicole stepped back into the waiting car, which carried her safely to Riverside Haven-Moore family's estate.

No family in Ariosa held more power than the Moore family, and this estate was solid proof of that. Just one rare plant here could cost a small fortune.

Sunlight spilled gracefully across polished gray marble flooring in the luxurious living room, giving the entire space a refined yet solemn atmosphere.

Leading Nicole down a lengthy corridor, the butler politely guided her into an elegant guest room. "Ms. Wilson, please wait here for a moment. If you need anything, just call."

"Thank you," Nicole replied evenly.

When the door closed behind the butler, Nicole sank into the plush leather sofa. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest, her mind consumed by thoughts and memories.

Suddenly, the faint, hurried sound of footsteps broke her concentration, raising an immediate warning in her senses.

Whirling sharply, Nicole saw a massive arctic wolf barreling straight toward her, its movements swift and deadly. With its eyes fixed on her like a predator closing in, the wolf lunged, claws stretched toward her throat, ready to rip her apart in an instant.

Nicole's eyes hardened immediately. With lightning reflexes, she rolled sideways to evade the wolf's lethal strike. Springing gracefully to her feet, she faced the beast, her expression colder and sharper than steel.

Angered by its failure, the wolf bared its teeth viciously, releasing a menacing growl filled with rage and hunger. Instantly, it lunged again, its anger making it twice as fast.

Nicole held her ground this time, meeting the attack without hesitation. Right as the wolf launched itself, she caught its head in a firm grip. In one fluid move, she turned and slammed it to the floor, her knee locking down on its neck while her hands held its thrashing head still. Her eyes blazed fiercer than the wolf's own wild rage.

In one fluid motion, she drew a silver needle, expertly driving it into a nerve point just behind the beast's ear.

The wolf howled sharply in agony before collapsing helplessly, strength rapidly fleeing from its body.

Without pausing, Nicole drew another needle, ready to neutralize the threat permanently.

"Enough."

A smooth, commanding male voice sliced through the tension, carrying authority that demanded obedience. His words lingered, smooth and deep.

At the sound of his voice, Nicole froze, slowly lifting her eyes to meet his penetrating gaze. She wasn't certain if his appearance was deliberate or merely a coincidence.

There was something unreadable in his eyes. They were deep, unmoving mirrors that gave nothing away, yet hinted at shadows lurking beneath the surface.

He studied her silently, his presence overwhelming, looking just like a judge about to decide her fate.