A Vows Written in Blood

Golden rays of sunlight slipped through the white curtains, filling the spacious bedroom with a warm glow. The room was decorated in soft cream and pastel colors, with shelves full of books, fresh flowers on the balcony, and framed family photographs. Curled beneath a fluffy white blanket, a small figure slept peacefully, hugging her pillow as if the world outside didn't exist. Downstairs, the delicious aroma of pancakes, toast, and freshly brewed coffee filled the house. Sophia: "Sera! Wake up, sweetheart! You're going to be late again!" There was no answer. A few seconds later... Sophia: "Seraphina Moretti!" A sleepy voice drifted from upstairs. Sera: "Five more minutes, Mom..." Sophia laughed and shook her head. Sophia: "Your brother has been waiting for twenty minutes already." Upstairs, Seraphina slowly opened her sparkling hazel eyes. She stretched lazily before sitting up. Her long chestnut-brown hair fell over her shoulders as she rubbed her eyes. Sera: "Morning already?" After taking a refreshing shower, she dressed in her final-year BBA college uniform, tied her hair into a neat ponytail, and applied a touch of lip balm before smiling at herself in the mirror. Sera: "Let's survive another day." She hurried downstairs Sera: "Good morning! Alessandro folded his newspaper with a smile. Alessandro: "Good morning, Princess." Sophia walked over and kissed Sera's forehead. Sophia: "You skipped dinner last night because you were studying. Sit down and eat." Before Sera could reply, Ethan walked into the dining room, twirling his car keys around his finger. Ethan: "There she is... the famous college topper finally decided to wake up." Sera rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. Sera: "Very funny." Daniel chuckled at the siblings. Daniel: "Enough teasing your sister. Let her eat peacefully." Ethan: "Dad, if I don't tease her, who will?" Everyone laughed. The dining table was filled with delicious breakfast, cheerful conversations, and endless laughter. It was moments like these that made the Moretti family so close to one another. After breakfast, Ethan grabbed his car keys. Ethan: "Come on, Miss Topper. I'll drop you at college." Sera: "Thanks, big brother." Sera hugged Sophia first. Sera: "Bye, Mom." Sophia smiled warmly. Sophia: "Take care, sweetheart." Sera then hugged Daniel. Sera: "Bye, Dad." Daniel gently kissed her forehead. Daniel: "Study well... and don't skip lunch." Sera: "I won't." Sera smiled brightly as she got into Ethan's car. Ethan: "Ready for another day, Miss Topper?" Sera: "Always!" Ethan started the car, and together they drove toward the university, laughing and teasing each other along the way. Thousands of miles away... In the heart of New York City, a 120-story skyscraper pierced the clouds. The massive glass building proudly displayed the silver logo of Knight Global Holdings, the world's largest multinational corporation. Employees hurried through the lobby, their footsteps echoing across the polished marble floor. Everyone carried an expression of seriousness. No one dared to be late. At the top floor, inside a luxurious office surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, a man stood with his back facing the room. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. One hand rested inside his pocket while the other held a crystal glass filled with whiskey. The city stretched beneath him like a kingdom. Without turning around, he spoke in a calm yet terrifying voice. Adrian: "Did they finish the meeting?" A middle-aged man standing behind him lowered his head respectfully. Assistant Ryan: "Yes, Mr. Knight. Every company accepted your conditions." Adrian took a slow sip of his drink. Adrian: "Expected." His deep voice carried no emotion. Ryan carefully placed another file on the desk. Ryan: "Sir... the board of directors is waiting for your signature." Adrian finally turned around. Sharp jawline. Cold gray eyes. Jet-black hair perfectly styled. A face that magazines called the most handsome man in the world. Yet there wasn't the slightest warmth in his expression. His gaze alone was enough to make powerful businessmen lower their heads. Without saying another word, Adrian signed the documents. Ryan hesitated before speaking again. Ryan: "Congratulations, Mr. Knight. Knight Global Holdings has officially become the number one company in the world." Adrian didn't even look up. Adrian: "Money means nothing." Ryan remained silent. Everyone knew Adrian Knight wasn't chasing wealth anymore. He already owned everything. Outside the office, dozens of bodyguards stood guarding every entrance. Inside, silence ruled like a king. The world's richest billionaire. The world's most feared businessman. A man respected by governments and feared by criminals. Adrian Knight. At just twenty-five years old, he had built an empire no one dared challenge. But behind the fame, power, and unimaginable wealth hid a heart that had turned to stone years ago. Ryan carefully placed a black file on Adrian's desk. Ryan: "Sir... we've found her." Adrian slowly looked up from the documents. Adrian: "Who?" Ryan swallowed nervously before answering. Ryan: "Seraphina Moretti... Alessandro Moretti's daughter." For a few seconds, the room fell silent. Adrian's cold gray eyes darkened. He picked up the file and stared at the photograph inside. A beautiful young woman smiled brightly in the picture. His lips slowly curved into a cold smile. Adrian: "So... this is his daughter." He closed the file with a sharp snap. Adrian: "Prepare everything." Ryan: "Yes, Mr. Knight." Adrian walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city. The morning sun reflected off the towering skyscrapers, but Adrian's cold gray eyes remained fixed on the city below. Silence filled the luxurious office. Ryan stood quietly behind him, waiting for further instructions. After a long moment... Adrian: "Cancel my meetings for this afternoon." Ryan: "Yes, Mr. Knight." Adrian slowly buttoned his black suit jacket and picked up the file from his desk. Without another word, he walked toward the office door. Ryan followed behind him. As the elevator doors closed, every employee in the hallway lowered their heads in respect. No one dared to meet Adrian Knight's eyes. The elevator descended in complete silence. A faint smile appeared on Adrian's lips. It wasn't a smile of happiness. It was a smile no one could understand. The elevator doors opened. Adrian stepped out, surrounded by his bodyguards, and disappeared from sight. His expression was unreadable.