Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
It was a cruel message letting me know what I would never have.
Don’t be selfish. Think of Lei. Think of the East.
I had fought for a lot—power, control, and the survival of my bloodline.
The world didn’t care for those who faltered, who allowed sentiment to weaken their grip. But as I held Monique, I wondered if there was a balance I’d overlooked.
A path that allowed strength and the spark of something more.
Something human.
Monique.
As we walked on. . .the path resumed, steeper now, forcing my focus back to the terrain.
I moved forward.
There were moments, even now, when I imagined a different life—a life where I didn’t have to be the villain. But that was not my role, not the legacy I was leaving.
And it was boring.
Monique would ensure Lei’s power. She would guide him, anchor him, and if necessary, challenge him in ways I never could.
It was my final act as his father and architect of our legacy.
Yet as we continued down the mountain, I couldn’t help but question if power at any cost was truly worth it.
Could I have allowed my heart the selfish indulgence of keeping her to myself, if only for a short time, or had I already surrendered too much of myself to the monster I’d become?
The wind picked up, cold and biting, cutting through the silence.
Song adjusted the collar of his coat and glanced my way.
His expression was unreadable.
However, he knew me better than anyone, knew the struggle that simmered beneath the surface.
It would be so easy to. . .just. . .keep her. . .
I glanced down at her peaceful face, at the way her lips parted slightly as she breathed.
No. . .I must do the right thing.
I lifted my view from her.
Stay on the path because. . .to stop now, to question, to yearn—those would be luxuries I couldn’t afford.
The future I’d meticulously planned for was finally within reach.
The woman who could destroy or redeem us all lay in my arms, asleep and unaware of the war she’d waged within me.
And there is my lovely wife to think of. She waits for me. She is my destiny.
Soon, the flicker of light from my private camp came into view. It was a sprawling collection of three luxury tents set against the backdrop of darkness, illuminated by the soft, wavering glow of blue lanterns.
Up ahead, more of my men stood at attention, holding silver trays with flutes of champagne that glistened under the soft light.
This was supposed to be Monique’s victory party—the culmination of a brutal trial that would crown her as something more than just an outsider.
But there would be no celebration this evening.
I nodded. “You all may leave.”
One by one, they went away.
And instead of going left in the direction of her tent, I carried her limp body into mine.
Song’s eyes narrowed. “Leo. . .”
“I don’t want to wake her.”
“Okay, but her tent is not that far—”
“Yet, mine is right here.” I moved past my men.
Song followed. “This is not where she will be sleeping. Take Monique to her bed.”
“This cannot be helped.” I kept my expression steady as I continued past the rows of servants and guards and then carried her deep into my large tent.
The interior glowed with golden light. The thick blue carpet muffled the sound of my boots.
And in the far back, my king-sized bed loomed, draped in silk sheets and covered with embroidered cushions.
“She’s better here. Now I can look after her.” When I got to the bed, I carefully laid Monique down gently. “I can. . .protect her.”
Her face looked serene.
Had Song not come to my side. . .I might have touched her face. . .just to. . .make sure she was okay.
I’m in control. Nothing is wrong with this. It is perfectly normal.
Song stepped in front of me and blocked my view of her. “Leo.”
“Yes?”
“She’s not for you.” The words stabbed deeper than they should have.
I clenched my jaw, holding onto my composure by the thinnest thread. “I know that.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think so.”
“That is your problem, not mine.”
Song scowled. “I followed you through this madness to make sure Lei’s reign was secure. Thus making sure my sons maintain power by his side, so our family continues to rule the East for generation after generation.”
“I know.”
“Everything has been planned down to each detail, to even my sons being matched with Monique’s ladies-in-waiting. We’ve researched and watched them all. We’ve fucking matched them perfectly. All has been going to our plans. Duck is eager to pursue something with Thandi. Chen is in love with Fen whether he understands this or not. Hu is even ready to date Lan. And Lei. . .there is no doubt in my mind that he will accept Monique not only as his Mountain Mistress but his wife.”
“And it’s working. We’ve done well.” I put my gaze back on Monique.