WARNING: This story contains mature content intended for adult readers only. Discretion is advised.

SERAPHINA

“L-Lucian! O-Oh!”

A moan tore through me as his hand closed over my breast, sudden and firm. I tried to push him away, to still his fingers, but every touch only stoked the fire spreading through my skin.

“Your body responds to me so beautifully,” he said, his voice low as his hand glided down my left thigh.

My breathing grew heavy, ragged. I wanted to stop him. I wanted to see the look in his eyes. But my limbs had gone weak, and darkness was all I’d known since the accident that stole my sight. This man—my husband only by contract—was the one who’d taken me in.

“Ahh!” I gasped as his hand moved higher, tracing the inside of my thigh until I was trembling with sensation I’d never felt before.

I pressed my palm to my mouth to muffle the sounds building in my throat.

Since losing my sight, my other senses had grown razor-sharp—sharp enough to lead us straight to this moment.

I heard his soft laugh, warm and rich, the kind that settled deep in my bones.

“So this is how it is… your eyes are gone, but every other part of you is alive. Especially how you feel me.” I jolted upright as he lifted my shirt, his fingers brushing my skin.

“Lucian!” I tried to pull away.

It was a cruel truth—I’d never seen his face. All I knew of him was his voice, the way he touched me. Those were the only things that told me he was real, that he was here.

“Easy, Sera. Isn’t this what married couples do?” he asked, his breath warm against my neck as he drew closer.

I braced my hands on the bed beside me, fighting to stay steady.

“W-We’re not really married,” I whispered. “It’s just a contract. You don’t want this—you only agreed because your grandmother made you. This is just… payment. For saving her, for what happened to my eyes—”

My words cut off as something soft brushed my jaw. His lips. He was kissing me there, and heat flooded through me all over again.

“Papers don’t change the fact that you’re mine,” he murmured against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “Contract or no contract, you’re my wife, Sera.”

He held my shoulders gently, then eased me back onto the mattress. I let him guide me—what choice did I have?

I felt his body press closer, and my heart hammered against my ribs.

Lucian… what are you thinking right now? What do you see when you look at me?

“You’re vulnerable, fragile. My grandmother made sure the contract keeps you safe.” He breathed me in, then kissed my neck, slow and deliberate. “So until your sight returns—I’ll be your eyes. Whether you think I want to or not, I’ll take care of you. I’ll be the one who touches you—” He laughed softly, kissing my neck again, moving up to my jaw, then to my lips.

I clung to his firm biceps as his mouth claimed mine, deep and hungry, like I was the one thing he’d been searching for. Without thinking, I kissed him back—if I didn’t, I’d have drowned in need.

When we pulled apart, I was gasping, my chest heaving with the force of it all.

“And I’ll be the one who gives you pleasure,” he said, his voice rough with desire.

My heart raced at his words. His hands slid down my legs again, then slowly pulled off my shorts and underwear.

I bit my lip to hold back a cry—my skin was on fire.

I want to see what you’re doing. I want to see your face.

Lucian… when did you start being so gentle with me?

I covered my mouth as his hands parted my legs. I was open to him now, and I knew he could see how my body had awakened under his touch.

“O-Ohh!” I cried out as his finger slid through me, slow and deliberate.

“You’re so wet for me,” he said. I was done for.

No matter how hard I tried to deny what he did to me—my body never lied.

Our relationship changed after that day. We grew closer, hotter, more passionate than I’d ever imagined possible.

Slowly, I learned to know him through touch alone. I found myself craving even the lightest brush of his fingers. And what I never saw coming… was that I’d fallen in love with him.

But where did it all go wrong? Was it because I knew so little about him? All I had was his name, the fact that he was a billionaire businessman. Did I fail to ask about the life he led before me?

I was shattered the day I overheard him talking. Words I never thought I’d hear.

Lucian planned to kill me once my sight came back.

The doctors said there was every chance I’d see again. That’s why the contract was only temporary.

Lucian… who are you really? You’re not just a businessman, are you?

So on the very day my vision returned, I ran. I hid from him, terrified he’d keep his word. I left without knowing I was carrying his child—the result of every passionate night we’d shared.

I ran away with his heir. I tried to forget him, and it wasn’t hard. After all, I’d never seen his face. I only knew his scent, his voice, the way he touched me.

But why?

Why is there a man here now—who smells like him, sounds like him, touches me the same way?

A man with no memory of who he was.

LUCIAN

“Fuck me! It’s been years! How long since we were last here?! Shit, I forgot how much I missed the smell of this place!”

We all winced as Kidd—one of my closest associates—shouted loud enough to turn heads. We’d barely stepped off my private jet, and he was already making a scene.

Kieran, my other friend, smacked him upside the head. “Chill the hell out! You’re yelling like a lunatic,” he snapped, and we all laughed under our breath.

“Someone’s on their period,” Kidd shot back. “Go find a woman and fix that mood of yours! Dammit.”

“Believe me, I will! Better than you—you’re a coward! How did you let that blonde in Russia slip away without a kiss? You’re useless!” Kieran fired back.

Kidd’s jaw tightened. “Coward? I’m not the idiot here—just like our old man!”

That pushed Kieran over the edge. “Bullshit! He’s our dad!”

They were still going at it when we reached the terminal. No one would guess they were brothers—but they fought like this over everything.

“You okay?”

I glanced at Ace, my friend and right-hand man, walking beside me.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I asked as we moved through the crowd.

He chuckled. “Right… why wouldn’t you be?”

How long has it been since I left this country?

How long since I lost the only woman who ever mattered?

I remember her clearly—her smile, her scent, the way she spoke, the sound of her laugh. It all feels like yesterday.

Why did you run the moment you could see me, Sera?

Was I not enough for you?

I laughed bitterly, my mind drifting as I walked. I barely noticed who I was passing until I bumped into something small.

“Ouch!” a tiny voice squeaked.

I snapped back to attention and looked down. A little boy—maybe four years old—was on the ground, dressed in a fluffy bear costume, struggling to get up.

“You okay, kiddo?” I asked, kneeling to help him.

He didn’t speak, but his eyes were glossy with tears. He just nodded.

I scanned the area—no parents in sight. I lifted him into my arms with one hand.

“Are you lost?”

He nodded again, his voice trembling. “Mama and Leo… gone.”

Shit—he was alone.

“Hey!” I turned at the shout. Kidd was waving a giant chocolate lollipop, with Kieran scowling beside him.

“Holy fuck! Since when did you become a kidnapper?!” Kidd yelled, drawing stares from everyone around us.

Kieran smacked him again. “Idiot! Keep your voice down!”

Ace shook his head at the pair before walking over. “So? Whose kid is this?”

I chuckled. “No idea—we ran into each other. Looks like he’s lost.” The boy suddenly wrapped his arms around my neck.

What a sweet little guy…

We were about to head inside when another kid came running toward us, shouting.

“Bad boy! Give me Rio back!”

Ace and I exchanged looks.

“Leo!” the boy in my arms called out.

“Your brother?” I asked. He nodded.

Twins. And they understood English—impressive for their age.

“Rio! Wahh!” the second boy yelled as he reached us, hitting my arm lightly. Ace stepped forward and lifted him up—he was a mirror image of the first.

“Where the hell are their parents?” Kieran muttered.

“Let’s take them to—”

“Leo! Rio!”

We all looked toward the voice. A woman was running toward us, panic written all over her face. The boys lit up and called out “Mom!”

My whole body went still. I couldn’t move as I stared at her.

“Sera…” I whispered her name.

“Oh my God! Rio! Leo!” she cried as she reached us, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you so much! Thank you for looking after my boys.”

Boys? Sera… fuck—she has children?

“Hehe! Mom! They’re nice! They carried me!” the boy in my arms said, and our eyes met.

I’d know her anywhere. Every line of her face, her voice—everything about her was exactly as I remembered.

“Thank you so much! Really, thank you!” she said again, taking the boy from me.

Why do you have kids? Whose are they?

“Thank you! I just ran to the restroom for a minute, and they disappeared—I’ve been looking everywhere. Thank you!” she said once more. But nothing registered in my mind.

All I could see was her.

She didn’t recognize me—of course not. She’d been blind back then. She’d never seen my face.

My mind drifted again, and before I knew it, she was walking away with the boys.

“L! What the fuck?! Are you okay? You’ve been staring into space this whole time.”

I shook my head and didn’t answer. Instead, I started walking, a smirk spreading across my face.

Finally… we’re together again. Fate must have planned this.

No matter what life you have now. No matter who fathered your children. No matter why you left me four years ago.

I’ll win you back. You won’t escape me this time, love.

Because you’re mine.

Contracted or not—you’re my wife, Sera.

SERAPHINA

“Oh my god, Yuki! Get out of here! Shoo! Shoo! Go home!”

I shouted as I ran toward a familiar fluffy dog tangled up with a stray in the middle of the road. My face twisted in disgust as I held up my umbrella, using it to pry the pair apart before things went too far.

I pointed at Yuki—our long-haired mutt Dad had begged his boss for years ago. “You horny little thing! We don’t have money to feed a litter of puppies if you get knocked up!” I snapped.

Yuki whined, clearly disappointed her fun was cut short. I made a show of swinging my hand at the male dog, and he took off like a shot.

I glared at her. “And you! You planning to stay out here all night?!” She flinched and bolted toward our rickety wooden house.

I followed her inside, where I found Dad hunched over his phone—definitely gambling online again. I cleared my throat loudly, and he whipped around, pale as a ghost.

“S-Sera!” He stuffed the phone behind his back. “Been home long?”

I shook my head. “Just got here, Papa.”

If only I could tell Mama about this. He looked hooked on the damn thing, and it scared me. But he just raised an eyebrow like nothing was wrong.

“Hmm. Well, get inside then. What are you staring at? The dishes are piled up in the kitchen—wash them before you cook dinner.”

I forced a smile. “Yes, Papa. I’ll take care of it.”

He went right back to his screen. Not a word about how my day went, if I was tired, or what I might want to eat. No surprise there.

I didn’t waste time heading to the kitchen. Even from the doorway, I could see the mountain of crusty plates and pots—they’d clearly waited for me to get home before doing a thing. I was drained from classes, and this was my welcome. I’d grown used to being treated like an outsider in my own family, but it still stung.

As I scrubbed away at the grime, Mama walked past. Her face soured the second she saw me.

“Really, Sera? What kind of young woman comes home this late? Good grief—you’re always nothing but trouble!”

It’s barely five o’clock. I bit back the words. Arguing never helped; she’d just yell louder.

“I’m sorry, Mama. Classes ran long.”

“Tsk! Hurry up! Hera will be home soon, and you haven’t even started cooking yet.” She stomped off, heavy footsteps echoing down the hall.

I sighed and kept washing. Hera was two years younger than me, but we were graduating college together—I’d had to take two years off when Mama made me quit to work. I had no choice but to agree.

My stomach rumbled as I finished up—I’d skipped lunch to save my allowance. I got to work right away, boiling rice and frying up canned corned beef from the town’s relief supplies.

“Mama, dinner’s ready. You should eat first,” I called out before heading to my room—the walls were cracked, and the roof had a hole big enough to stick my head through.

I changed clothes but stayed put, waiting for them to finish eating. I knew they’d never want me at the table with them—it was always this way.

I still didn’t understand why they hated me so much. Even as a kid, they’d treated me like this. I’d asked if I was adopted, but they swore we were blood—said a DNA test would prove it.

I let out a long breath and looked up at the sky through the hole in my roof. “Really, Lord? You love giving me challenges, don’t you?”

When I heard their dishes being cleared, I finally stepped out. I was starving.

“Mama, did you save me any food?” I asked quietly.

“There was some left, but we kept it for Hera. We forgot about you.” She laughed, but there was no warmth in it.

I dropped my gaze. Of course it’s for Hera.

“Okay, Mama. I’ll just go to sleep then.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Fine, sleep. Why the long face? Are you mad you didn’t get any food?!”

I jumped at her shout and shook my head. “No, Mama!”

“Don’t give me that look, Sera. Get a job if you want to eat! Dammit, you’re always bothering me.”

I turned away, my jaw tight, just as Hera walked in from school. “Hey, everyone!”

Mama and Dad rushed to greet her. “Our beautiful girl! Even tired from class, you’re still stunning!” They kissed her cheeks, cooing over her.

“Go eat, Hera—we saved your favorite for you,” Mama said softly.

I bit my lip and headed back to my room, staring at the wall as my mind raced.

That’s all I’ve ever wanted—for them to treat me like their princess too. We were both their daughters, so why was I so different? Why did they hold every bit of care back from me?

The pain was sharp, but I didn’t cry—I was used to it by now. Even so, a part of me still ached for the love they showered on Hera.

I slapped my cheeks hard, then pinched them to snap myself out of it. “Come on, Sera. You’re tough—this won’t break you. The Lord must have big plans for you!” I forced a laugh, whispering the words to myself.

Sleep was better than dwelling on things. I had an event at school early tomorrow, and I needed to be up before dawn.

“Mama, I’m heading to school!” I called out, raising my voice to be heard over the quiet house. She could be anywhere—her room, some corner of the yard—so shouting was safer.

I waited a few seconds, but no answer came. I scratched my head, panicking—I was already running late. I needed to ask her for a hundred pesos to pay for something my savings didn’t cover.

“Mama?” I called again.

I was about to give up and leave when I heard footsteps approaching. Mama rounded the corner, phone in hand, a strange smile on her face.

She looked me up and down, her eyes narrowing when she saw my backpack.

“Mama, I have to go—”

“You’re not going anywhere,” she said firmly. My brow furrowed in confusion.

“What do you mean I’m not—”

“Quit school, Sera.” She stared at me with a cold glint in her eye, then smirked. “There’s a better life waiting for you.”

My chest tightened with unease. I forced a laugh. “Mama, come on—it’s too early for jokes—”

She cut me off, grabbing my arm so hard I winced. I’d never seen her like this.

“I said you’re not going. Do you understand me?!”

I gasped, then found the strength to pull my arm away.

“I’m going to school,” I repeated, and ran for the door.

“Sera! Get back here, you little brat! I’m talking to you! Sera!” I blocked out her shouts, sprinting down the dirt path away from our house.

What is wrong with her? She’d seemed happy just a minute ago—why was she taking it out on me again?

I shook my head as I walked, knowing I’d never make the event on time now. I’d had to walk since I couldn’t afford fare, and the school was just ahead.

Great, Seraphina. Real smart. I messed up my hair in frustration. “Why do you always land yourself in this mess?!”

I muttered to myself as I trudged onward, just a few steps from the school’s back gate. I could already picture my teacher scolding me and my friends teasing me—but none of that mattered when I saw the black van pull up beside an old woman.

Then I saw the glint of a knife.

My eyes went wide as they shoved her into the van. Kidnapping? Oh my god!

I acted without thinking, charging toward them as I screamed. “Stop! You can’t do this! Let her go!”

They turned to look at me—masked men, all of them. I hurled my heavy backpack full of books at one of them, then rushed to the old woman, who was slumped against the van, bleeding.

“Oh my god! Are you okay? Breathe slowly!” I pulled out my handkerchief and pressed it to her wound, holding tight to stem the bleeding.

“Who the hell are you?!” one of the men snarled.

“Help! Someone help us! They’re trying to kill her!” I yelled at passing cars, my voice cracking with fear.

The men panicked, clearly not wanting attention. They started climbing into the van, but my eyes were locked on the man sitting in the passenger seat—he was staring right at me. We held each other’s gaze for a second too long, and then something sprayed into my face.

“AHHH! My eyes!” I screamed as searing pain shot through them. I couldn’t open them, couldn’t see a thing—whatever they’d used burned like fire.

“Argh…” I groaned, but forced myself to keep holding the old woman close. Tears streamed down my face from the pain, my eyes squeezed shut.

“Hold on, ma’am,” I whispered.

But the pain was too much. The world went black before I could feel if she was still breathing.

SERAPHINA

What was that noise? Why were people running, shouting?

I furrowed my brow as I pried my eyes open—but only darkness greeted me. I waved my hand in front of my face, straining to see anything at all. Nothing. Just endless black.

“W-What happened?” I whispered to the empty air.

My head throbbed, every muscle in my body aching. I tried to sit up, but my limbs felt heavy as lead.

Oh god—am I dead? Did I get hit by a car or something? I racked my brain, trying to piece together the last thing I remembered. Car? What was I even doing before this?

I touched my forehead, then my eyes—they were open, I could feel it. So why was everything so dark?

Slowly, fragments of memory clicked into place. The old woman. The knife. The van.

Right. I fought with Mama this morning—she told me to drop out of school, but I left anyway. I was walking to campus when I saw them drag her into the van, saw the blade slice through her shirt. I didn’t think twice—I just ran to help her.

What came after? I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to reach for more.

Then it hit me.

“He sprayed something in my eyes!” I cried out, jolting upright in the bed.

My heart hammered against my ribs as panic set in. I spun my head from side to side, hands scrambling at the sheets. Still nothing but black.

The realization crashed down on me like a tidal wave.

“Am I… am I blind? Did I lose my sight?” My voice cracked, barely audible even to myself. A weight settled deep in my chest, stealing the strength from my limbs.

I sobbed, hot tears tracking down my cheeks. Blind? I’m blind?

What would I do now? How would I finish school? How would I ever work to make something of myself?

Fear coiled tight in my gut. They’ll hate me even more now.

If they resented me when I could see, what would they do now that I was blind?

I drew a shaky breath, forcing myself to calm down. That’s when I heard a door open and close somewhere nearby—but no one spoke.

“H-Hello? Is anyone there?” I called out.

After a moment, a soft clearing of the throat. “I take it you’ve realized your condition, Miss Mortez?” The voice was calm, professional—likely a doctor or nurse.

“Am I really blind?” I asked, my hands trembling in my lap.

“For the time being, yes. But there’s good news—it isn’t permanent. We expect your sight to return fully within a year, possibly sooner.”

Within a year. I let out a small breath of relief, but the worry lingered. A whole year without seeing… who would care for me?

“W-What about the woman I saved? Is she okay?”

There was a pause before she answered. “You’re worried about her even now?” A hint of warmth in her laugh. “She’s stable. Recovering well.”

I felt a little lighter knowing she was safe. The doctor explained more about my condition—why my vision was gone, what treatment would look like—but none of it stuck. My mind was fixed on one thing: how my family would react.

“Would you like us to contact your family, Ms. Mortez? We can have someone call them for you.”

I froze. “I… I don’t know their numbers by heart.” I hated how small my voice sounded.

“I see. We’ll find a way to—” The door slammed open so hard the frame rattled.

“Seraphina!”

My breath caught. Mama.

“Ma’am, please—you can’t just burst in like—”

“M-Mama?” I cut the doctor off, relief and dread warring in my chest. “How did you find me? I was so scared—”

A sharp slap across my cheek cut me off. I cried out, clutching my face as numbness spread through my skin. I didn’t know where to look—there was nothing to see.

“Damn you! You were useless enough before—now you’re blind and completely worthless!” She shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.

“Mama, I didn’t mean for this to happen—”

Another slap, harder this time. My head spun.

“You’ve never brought anything but bad luck to this family! Why did I even bother having you?!”

Her words sliced deeper than any physical pain. I could hear her arguing with the doctor, her voice sharp and angry. Nothing new there—Mama was never easy to reason with when she was upset. I asked the doctor to let her stay, my voice quiet and defeated.

The air in the room felt thick enough to swallow. Without sight, my hearing and sense of touch were sharper than ever—I could feel every shift in the mattress, every breath Mama took. I sat hunched against the headboard, waiting for her to speak.

“Your Aunt Aning had to come to the house before I even knew you were here, you fool!” She snapped. “What are we supposed to do with you now?”

“I don’t know, Mama. I don’t know.” My shoulders slumped.

I was so close to graduating. Now everything’s gone. Even if my sight came back, would it really? Nothing was ever certain.

Silence stretched between us. Then she spoke, and her words shattered what little hope I had left.

“I’ve made my decision. I’m selling you to Don Tiago. You’re no use to us like this.”

“Mama! I’m not something you can just sell!” I cried out, my hands fisting in the sheets.

She smacked my leg hard. “And what else are we supposed to do? You can’t go to school, you can’t work—you’ll just drain us dry. We should be focusing on Hera, not cleaning up your messes!”

My chest tightened until I could barely breathe. How could she give me away so easily? What had I ever done to make her hate me this much?

“At least when we sell you to the governor, we’ll get paid. You’ll finally be good for something—and you’ll live comfortably in his home!”

Fear pricked at my skin. Governor Tiago… the stories I’d heard made my stomach turn. Before I could think, the world faded to black once more.

“Sera! Are you ready yet? Hurry up—Hera’s going to fix your face so you don’t look so miserable.”

I dropped my head, my fingers wrapped around the wooden cane I’d been given. Two days had passed since I’d lost my sight. Papa had been furious when he found out—exactly what I’d expected.

“I’m done,” I said, my voice flat as I sat on the edge of my bed. I heard footsteps approaching, then Hera’s voice, high and sharp.

“Ugh! Why did you have to go and get yourself blinded? Now you’re going to be some pervert governor’s plaything.” She grabbed my face, her fingers cold as she dabbed at my cheeks with something.

I said nothing. My heart was already in pieces—what more could she do to hurt me?

“Ah well. Thanks in advance for the money, though! Looks like we’ll finally get out of this dump. Guess you are the breadwinner after all.”

Still, I stayed quiet. I dressed slowly, letting them guide me out of the house when they said the governor was here.

“What’s wrong with you?! Why are you crying?!” Mama hissed, pinching my side hard.

Who wouldn’t cry when their own family is selling them? But I bit back the words, letting her pull me forward.

“Stop it! You’re making yourself look worse!” Hera complained from beside me.

I was almost grateful I couldn’t see—grateful I wouldn’t have to look at the governor’s face, or see the greed in my family’s eyes.

“Gov!” Mama called out brightly.

“Oh, Mrs. Mortez! Is this your daughter?” The voice was slick, oily—even through the darkness, I could picture his leering smile.

How do I get away from this man?

“Yes, sir! Isn’t she beautiful?” Mama trilled.

“Beautiful indeed! Perfect, just perfect!”

“Are you happy now, Mama?” I heard myself say, my voice barely a whisper.

She pinched me again, and I let out a hollow laugh.

What else could I expect from people who’ve treated me like a stranger my whole life?

I listened as they haggled, then felt a hand wrap around my arm—warm, but firm enough to make my skin crawl.

“You’re a lovely girl, sweetheart,” he murmured in my ear.

I didn’t respond, letting him lead me toward what I assumed was his car. But before I could take another step, a voice cut through the air—deep, cold, and commanding.

“Negotiating human trafficking… is that allowed in your circles, Gov Tiago?”

Even I froze at the sound. The hand on my arm tightened with panic.

“V-Vitale! What are you doing here?!” The governor’s voice shook.

Vitale? Who is that?

“I’m here for Seraphina Mortez. And it seems you’re holding her.”

The governor shoved me away so fast I stumbled, nearly falling. Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground, pulling me close against a solid chest. His scent—something clean and woodsy—filled my lungs.

“W-What do you want with me?” I asked, my hands gripping his shoulders.

“Not now. We’ll talk later. Just stay still and come with me.” His voice was low, hypnotic—impossible to resist.

“W-Wait! She’s my daughter—” Papa stammered.

“How much did the governor offer you?” The man cut him off, his tone sharp.

“H-Huh?”

“I won’t ask again.”

“Five thousand dollar.”

Five thousand dollar. I wasn’t surprised they’d been swayed so easily.

“I’ll pay triple that amount. In exchange, you will forget Seraphina Mortez was ever your daughter. You’ll have no right to claim her as family. And if you ever try to contact her again…” He paused, and the silence that followed was more terrifying than any threat.

“You’ll all be dead.”

I heard my family scrambling, their voices rising in panic. Then strong arms lifted me off my feet, and I wrapped my legs around his waist instinctively, clinging to his neck. As promised, I said nothing as he carried me to a car, setting me gently on soft leather seats.

“Stay here. I’ll handle the rest.” He closed the door, leaving me alone in the quiet darkness—wondering who this mysterious man was, and why he’d saved me from a fate I couldn’t bear to imagine.