Lahat ng Kabanata ng She, His Enigma: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

“Oh my God! Ellaya, are you alright? How did this happen?” Eva shot up from her chair like lightning, her heels screeching against the polished marble. Her voice cracked with panic as she sprinted across the room. The moment Ellaya crossed the threshold, Eva threw her arms around her, gripping her tightly—as if afraid she might disappear. Ellaya stiffened under her touch, the scent of dried blood mingling with expensive perfume. “Eva, I’m fine,” she said softly, her voice almost drowned in the pounding of Eva’s heart. “Why are you so worried?” She gave a faint wave of her hand, dismissive, but her fingers trembled slightly. “You don’t look fine, Ella!” Eva stepped back, scanning her from head to toe. “You need to see a doctor—now.” She reached for her phone, the screen already lighting up as she began dialing. “I’m fine, Eva,” Ellaya insisted, squeezing her friend’s wrist gently. “Please… don’t.” Eva froze, then slowly lowered the phone. Her eyes, however, remained locked on Ellaya

" "It's beautiful!" Mia shouted, sprinting across the shoreline as the waves chased her feet. Her white bikini shimmered in the sunlight, hair flying like a banner behind her. Ellaya stood a few steps back, arms folded tightly across her chest, her cover-up clinging to damp skin. Her expression was stone. “This is a waste of time,” she muttered. “Next time, double-check the contracts. They clearly don’t care who they inconvenience.” Wrinkles creased her brow as she squinted at the horizon. The corners of her mouth dragged downward, the weight of frustration dragging with them. Eva wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a casual side hug. “Relax. It’s been months since you unplugged. You earned this. Look around—New Zealand’s practically a postcard.” Ellaya pulled away slightly. “A vacation was never necessary. I just want this charity thing done so I can go back.” Eva, already stretched out on a recliner, tossed a tube of sunscreen at her. “They’ll start when Mr. R

Ellaya paced the room like a caged bird, fingers twisted together, lips pressed in panic. Her bare feet padded against the cold marble floor as she muttered to herself. “I need to call Eva. I have to tell her—” She stopped cold. Her eyes darted to the empty nightstand. Her phone wasn’t there. “Oh God,” she whispered, dread tightening her chest. “I left it… I left it at the hotel.” She sank onto the bed, tugging her knees to her chest. “The news must’ve reached New York by now. Eva’s probably hyperventilating… and Mom—Mom will skin me alive.” She buried her face in her palms. “She warned me. Don’t leave the hotel with strangers, Ellaya. You’re too young, too trusting. They’re after your money, your fame.” She sighed, throwing herself backward onto the mattress. “She’s not wrong,” she mumbled, staring at the ceiling. “She just… doesn’t trust anyone around me.” A beat passed before she sat upright again, wide-eyed. “And now I’m stuck in a house with a terrifying man who might ac

Lost in thought, Ellaya stepped out of the kitchen—only to slam into a solid wall of muscle. She gasped, losing her balance, but strong arms caught her mid-fall. The sudden contact sent a jolt down her spine. Warmth. That was the first thing she felt. His body heat soaked through her thin clothes. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, clinging instinctively. Her breath hitched as she looked up. Iden. Just as devastating as the night before. His damp hair clung to his forehead in dark, tousled waves. Droplets of water slid down the side of his neck, disappearing beneath a black t-shirt that clung to every sculpted plane of his chest. He smelled faintly of soap and something smoky—woodsy cologne, subtle and maddening. She caught her reflection in the window behind him. Her eyes were puffy, darkened with smudged eyeliner. Strands of tangled hair framed her face. Her lips, kissed dry, were still swollen from the night before. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink. “Why are you bl

“Finally, I can see your real smile,” Iden said, eyes fixed on her glowing face. Her laugh was contagious, pulling a soft smile from his own lips. The vehicle rolled to a stop at the villa gate. Iden stepped out first, circling around to open her door. One hand clasped hers, the other raised slightly to shield her from the doorframe as she stepped down. “Who knew a jerk like you could also be a gentleman?” she teased, flashing him a playful glance. Before she could process what was happening, Iden suddenly leaned in and swept her into his arms. “Wh–What are you doing?!” Ellaya yelped, squirming in protest. “This jerk,” he murmured, walking toward the villa without breaking stride, “is more than just a dapper guy.” “What… what does that mean?” she stammered, heart racing, face burning. “Let me take you to bed first. You’ll understand soon enough,” he sneered under his breath. “I don’t… I don’t want to understand!” Her cheeks flushed crimson as her heartbeat pounded again