Warning! Mature Content

Hernia is his to care for and he doesn’t care what the world thinks of that.
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“We could date instead,” Hermia suggested, her voice laced with uncertainty.

“I don’t date,” Niklaus replied coldly, his piercing gaze unwavering.

Hermia blinked, caught off guard. “So it has to be marriage?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

“Yes,” he deadpanned, not a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Her frustration bubbled over. “But we don’t even know each other!” she whined, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

Niklaus leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming. “I don’t need to know you, Mia,” he said, his voice dipping into a deep, dangerous tone. “When I can feel you… that’s enough for me.”

She inhaled sharply, her heart hammering in her chest. “That’s not enough for me,” she countered, her voice firm but trembling slightly.

His expression softened, and his next words wrapped around her like a promise. “I would forever cherish you, adore you, and treat you like the rarest gem. I would never let you shed a single tear of pain.”

Her resolve wavered, but she shook her head and pushed back. “We’re not getting married, Shark. Just go.”

But instead of leaving, he smirked, leaning back with a confidence that rattled her. “I’ll be waiting.”

Hermia groaned, exasperated. “Nik, you’re hardly doing any waiting. You’re all over me! We live together, work together, eat together—you’re always here!”

Niklaus’s voice dropped to a whisper, raw and pleading. “Then just keep me forever, Mia.”

She froze, his honest, vulnerable eyes piercing through every defense she had built. Her heart quivered as she felt the weight of his words sink in.

She didn’t know what to do.
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To the world, Niklaus Hathaway is ruthless—a man who takes what he wants, no matter the cost. But for Hermia, the girl who’s lost everything, he’s something else entirely: her unlikely savior whom she couldn’t blindly trust.

He’s ruthless to everyone—except her.

Niklaus Hathaway doesn’t date. He doesn’t waste time. He only wants what’s his. When Hermia steps into his life, he makes one thing clear: if she won’t marry him, she’ll work for him. Keeping her close is his only goal, and no amount of gossip, jealousy, or family betrayal will change that.

But Hermia’s life isn’t as simple as working for the powerful CEO who’s claimed her as his. With an evil stepsister and manipulative parents determined to ruin her happiness, Hermia must fight for her place in a world that seems determined to push her out.

Niklaus declared her his from the beginning—and he’ll stop at nothing to protect her, no matter the cost

Love has never been this dangerous.

I exhaled sharply, willing the nerves out of my system. Overthinking wouldn't change a damn thing. With a determined nod, I pulled up the Uber app and ordered a ride. That was it—no turning back now.


I turned toward the mirror hanging on my bedroom wall, pausing for one last look.


The dress was breathtaking—elegant, effortlessly perfect, clinging to my frame like it had been made just for me. A dress like this belonged in ballrooms, under chandeliers, in the arms of someone powerful enough to command attention. Someone like Niklaus Hathaway.


A shiver ran down my spine. Not now. Not him.


I tore my gaze away and let out a groan as my stomach grumbled in protest. God, I need to eat.


Descending the grand staircase, I followed the comforting scent of herbs and spices wafting from the kitchen. The aroma alone was enough to soothe some of my nerves.


Chapter 24 - Kind Words.