Young master's love trap

from securing the orphanage's future quickly gave way to an unsettling emptiness. Each morning, she awoke

tark contrast to the cramped apartment she had shared with a few other orphans. The penthouse was expansive, with floor-to-ceil

erely a façade for the life she was now forced to lead. Shania had expected to feel empowere

the housekeeper, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile. "Mr. Ma

forcing herself to smile

varo for years and seemed to know him well. "He can be a bit... intense," she warned gently, as

a man like Alvaro Mahendra. His reputation preceded him-he was known for his business acumen,

ked, the knot in her stomach tightening at

n to straighten the living area, her movements precise and efficie

y decorated, with a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom that felt like a spa. Bu

children from the orphanage, their smiling faces a stark reminder of why she had made her choice. Each imag

ing in the lock. Shania's heart raced as she stood, smoothing down her dress-a

she had come to know, dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders

a," he said, his voi

replied, trying to k

could feel her heart racing as he reached out, brushing a stray hair beh

n?" he asked, his g

ised by the sincerity in hi

m. "I imagine it is. You're welcome to m

ickening. "Thank you. I jus

on softening slightly. "You don't have to pre

çade-the one who was more than just the ruthless businessman ever

where an extravagant spread awaited them. The table was set with c

ke about his day, his voice a low rumble that felt oddly comforting. Shania found herself drawn to hi

ak?" she asked, unable

"Not often. There's too much at stake. You learn q

"But everyone needs a b

g at the corners of his mouth. "Perhaps you're right.

he wanted to know him, to peel back the layers and discover the man behind the mask. But th

the struggles that had shaped them. Shania discovered Alvaro had a complicated relationship with his fami

he abruptly changed the subject. "What do you think o

s. "It's... a lot to adjust to. But I'm gratef

rave woman, Shania. Many wouldn't make the sacrifices

enges?" she asked,

navigate my world. It's not just luxury and comfort. There are

of the reality she had chosen. "I understand," she replied, determina

ity that made her heart race.

to see that life as Alvaro Mahendra's mistress would be anything but easy. The opulence s

e felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this was her chance to create a bet

or certain: the journey ahead would be filled wit