Primrose is enjoying her peaceful time at the local coffee shop, fingers nimbly spreading across the keyboard as she types down the manuscript for her upcoming meeting with the editing team. The publishing company is asking her to consider making a sequel for her previous work since it was a huge success and while she rarely writes a continuation for her stories, her fan seems to think otherwise.

So here she is, trying to come up with a brief concept of how the follow-up story should be.

As she is focusing on the laptop screen, the thought of Nathaniel comes up in her mind. It has been a week since he broke down in front of her apartment door and the blond doesn't do any better. He has been staying with her, leaning on his sister for moral support and trying to navigate a new life without Ember by his side.

It hurts her to see how the bright and lively Nathaniel is nothing more than a lifeless person, walking in and out of Primrose's apartment with a dreaded look on his face, as if he is being haunted by an unknown being. The raven head knows that feeling very well, that is the main reason why she told him to stay instead of going back to his apartment, the place that is filled with the happiest memories he shared with Ember.

It is difficult, but Primrose knows that her brother is strong and he can pull through this. On top of that, she needs to look into what is going on with Ember. She knows how strong their bond is, something must have happened that the young Feng had to resolve to break up with her brother. She tries to ask around the Foxbury University campus to get intel, but all she receives is shaken heads and shoulder shrugs, none of the students associated with them knows what happened.

"Wait, so you're telling me that they give you $50,000 to do that?"

Her ears perk up at the high-pitched voice talking about something with a big emphasis on money.

"Yeah, all I had to do was ask my boyfriend to leave handprints on my wrists. They were able to attain a copy of his ID and just like that, I put in my acting skill and tada, $50,000, easy peasy!"

Now that draws her attention as Primrose raises a brow. She knows that it is not her place to be nosy but what they are saying unnerves her.

"Goodness, you're lucky. I have to say, it's very odd that the Fengs come to you with this offer, just to break up their daughter and Nathaniel Emberlynn…" another girl chimes in, laughing at the story.

The moment Primrose picks up the name Nathaniel Emberlynn, her heart stops, fingers stop grazing on the keyboard.

Nathaniel…?

"I mean, I understand why they need to get rid of him if they want to push their daughter into a marriage. But to fake this whole thing, the attack and his ID, that was a bit extreme…"

Faking ID and attack?

"I mean, they only want to push her into this arranged marriage. There's no way they can let the public know about this, they are the Fengs after all. We signed an NDA, so you better keep your mouth shut!"

Primrose slumps down on the table, unable to process what those girls are talking about. Faking ID and an attack on Nathaniel to push Ember into marrying someone? What in the world is going on? Nathaniel didn't say anything about this, she wonders why. Is it possible that her brother is involved in a more elaborate scheme where he and Ember are the victims? Or maybe no one knew anything about this besides Ember?

Gathering her belongings, Primrose makes a hasty retreat, she needs to the bottom of this. Before getting out of the coffee shop, she looks at the two girls one more time, blonde and brunette, both with rose tattoos on their arms. She may not be able to get their name, but that is not important right now, she needs to speak to Ember.

Driving to Foxbury University proved to be long and dreadful. Her mind keeps focusing on the amount of money that the girl received and what she did to sabotage her brother's relationship. That is a low and disgusting move, she can not forgive anyone who dares to harm Nathaniel like that.

Arriving at Foxbury, she goes straight to the Science department, looking for Ember. Her major is biology, so she has to have a least one class in this building. Walking around and searching up and down for Ember, but that girl is nowhere to be found. Primrose walks out of the building and enters another one, paying close attention to those who bear a resemblance to Nathaniel's girlfriend.

"I'm sorry, do you happen to know who Ember Feng is?"

"Sorry, I don't know who that is…"

Primrose sighs, looking for another student to ask. The majority of them either don't know who she is or know her but don't know where she is. Primrose's frustration grew with each unhelpful response. Rumors have circulated on the campus that Ember has not come to class for over a week now, coincidently, the same time she ended her relationship with Nathaniel.

Oh Ember…

"Excuse me, miss…?"

She startles at a voice behind her but manages to put on a calm face and turns around. In front of her is a young man around her brother's age, tall with dark raven hair and emerald eyes, he looks exactly like Ember…

"My friend told me that you are looking for Ember Feng?"

"Y-yes, do you know where she is?" her face beams up at the question "I'm Primrose, a friend of hers."

"Primrose…? Nathaniel's sister, yes?" the young man seems to be very pleased to see her too "My name is Emerald Feng, I'm Ember's twin brother."

Primrose sighs in relief, finally, she meets someone who can take her to Ember. But Emerald stops her from having a victory cheer and asks to talk in private, his face is full of concern, and the young mage agrees and follows him somewhere away from the prying eyes.

"I'm glad to meet you, Ms. Emberlynn. Honestly, I'm worried about my sister and Nathaniel too." Emerald bites his bottom lips stressfully "Things have been getting way out of hand recently…"

He begins with Ember's conversation about her marriage arrangement and how she stood her ground on not accepting any of that nonsense. She was so determined that Emerald thought she would stay firm with her belief no matter what. But a week ago, she went home and cried in his arms, telling him that she and Nathaniel had broken up. The news shocked him, but what was even worse was that she accepted the arrangement. When he asked for a reason, she refused to say anything, telling him that this was the best for her and Nathaniel.

"Nathaniel came to me and said that they broke up, but he never got a reason why…" Primrose shakes her head, her heart aches for both Nathaniel and Ember "So she is forced into an engagement."

Looking at Emerald, Primrose wonders if she should tell him what she heard from those girls an hour ago, maybe he can help her pinpoint who they are and what they did to her brother. Emerald's expression when hearing her story goes from confused to angry to utterly disgusted, he can never believe that someone would do such an illegal and unethical thing for money like that.

"You're telling me that they faked his ID and an attack to put pressure on my sister?"

"That was what I heard, but I would advise you to dig more into this. This is your parents we're talking about." Primrose sighs "I don't want you to have any ill feelings towards them."

"Oh no, that sounds like them, alright? They can do everything for money and power. Now I understand why Ember refuses to tell me what's going on between her and Nathaniel." Tousling his hair in frustration, Emerald turns to her "How is he? Is he…?"

"Nope, he is dead, more or less…"

The younger Fend exhales, angry at his parents, and sympathizes with what his sister and her boyfriend are going through. He knows his parents will stop at nothing to attain more power and fortune in their hands but to go this far and act this low? Disgusting…

"Let's help them, Ms. Emberlynn. I can not stand seeing them get separated like that. It hurts me to see my sister's dreaded face every day and I know she still loves Nathaniel a lot." he speaks to her with full conviction "We have to help them."

"I agree, but we must find a way to unfold your parent's plan. If this topic is brought to public attention, then maybe…" she hums, visioning a plan for them "But first, I need your help tracking down those girls. They might have a full answer for us. And I must ask, who is the man Ember is engaged to?"

"You don't know? It's Don Lothario."

And for the second time today, Primrose's heart comes to a complete stop.

The raven head walks home with a heavy heart, unsure if she should disclose what she knows to Nathaniel. Her brother is leaning against the window, looking at the city view of San Myshuno. But no matter how breathtaking the scene is, his blue eyes are gazing somewhere further, somewhere that is out of his grasp.

Setting her belongings down on the couch, she walks up to him, gently patting him on his shoulder. The blond turns to her, smiling as he acknowledges her presence, but remains silent. The lack of words unnerves her, she is never used to him being this quiet, too quiet that she can hear his thumping heartbeat loud and clear. His heart is beating softly and yet, he looks nothing more than a lifeless human.

"Nathaniel…"

His lips quiver at how soft and gentle she calls his name, like a broken man, he turns to her and immediately is embraced by Primrose. She knows how difficult it is for him, to move on from someone he believes to spend the rest of his life with together. Their bond and love are stronger than anyone he has ever been with before and yet, it doesn't work out for him.

Nathaniel doesn't understand why it has to end like this. He knows she is hiding something because, just like him, he can see how heartbreaking she is at saying goodbye. It hurts her as much as it hurts him, the pain they cause, and the guilt of torturing each other like that. So Nathaniel can't grasp why she chooses to do this, to end things with him when they know that they still love each other dearly.

"Why…"

Primrose doesn't know how to respond. She knows the answer yet she is hesitant to tell him. The blond deserves to know everything and yet, she bites her tongue, afraid that with his current state, it would prove to be too much for him to bear.

Ember has made the greatest sacrifice, trading her happiness for Nathaniel's future. She is willing to inflict pain on him, making the blond hate her, just in the name of protecting the person she holds dear to her heart. The man she is engaged to is Don Lothario, the moment she hears his name, Primrose knows that Ember has thrown away her future.

Don Lothario…

Even his name sounds like toxins in her mouth.

On that fateful day, when Caleb appeared in front of her, was the day that Don Lothario tried to get his hands on her. Had it not been for the vampire lord to come to her rescue, Primrose doesn't know if her dignity would still be intact.

Now, he is to be wedded to Ember. That bastard of a human doesn't deserve a kind and loving girl like her. He is nothing but a sick man who uses women for his own gain, jumping from one to another, and breaking every single heart he lays his hands on. Some are willing to be by his side with his promise to give them the best night of their lives, others are genuinely drawn to him until they realize that he is nothing more than a walking STD.

That is Don Lothario…

A philanderer, a man for all women, and a man who leaves a trail of broken hearts in his wake…

And Ember is engaged to him…

The thought of it makes her feel sick to the stomach, Primrose can never understand how and why the Feng family wants that kind of man for their daughter. While Edward, her father, is here to protect her from any harm that comes her way, Ember's parents would rather see their daughter in pain just to further their business and political gains.

Such disgusting human beings…

Thinking of them reminds her of those stuck-up aristocrats of Forgotten Hollow. They are one and the same, ready to sell their souls for the promise of power and fortune.

Nathaniel deserves to know the truth and she must tell him. If she doesn't, Primrose feels like she will regret this decision for the rest of her life.

"Nathaniel, I have to tell you something."

He nods against her shoulder, ready to hear what is on her mind. She tells him everything, from Ember's engagement to the fake ID and attacks her parents trying to frame him to the identity of the man she is going to be wedded.

Blue eyes open widely at the revelation, his blood boils at name and his heart bleeds again at the realization of how selfless his girlfriend is. The news cut deep…

"Ember…" he manages to choke out her name "She does this for me…"

The blond takes a few steps back, stumbling on his balance as he falls onto the wooden floor, unable to process her words any longer. A broken man, pale skin with tears still staining his handsome face. Ember has sacrificed her happiness and future for his sake…

"I have to find her, I can't let her do this…"

"No, Nathaniel!" holding onto his arm, Primrose calls out in frantic. This is not how she wishes her brother to handle the situation

But the blond is stronger, much stronger than her. He writhes his way out of her hold, violently twists and turns to escape her grasp. He is upset, enraged at the way Ember's parents are willing to sell her for more power. He is blinded by his anger and with one swing of his arm, Primrose falls onto the wooden floor, gasping in pain at the impact. Nathaniel doesn't care, he has business he needs to address…

"Dad, you have to get Nathaniel!" she speaks with a trembling voice, calling her Edward through her phone.

"What happened? Primrose, are you okay?"

"I'm okay, but Nathaniel…" she hopes to keep her voice calm, but each moment passes by becomes more difficult "I can not stop him. He is going to Don Lothario's nightclub now, and I'm afraid that he might do something he will regret."

"Don't worry Primrose, I'm on my way."

"Hurry, Dad! I need you."

Primrose chases after her brother, driving with all her might and speed to catch up with him. The blond is blinded with anger and hatred, he doesn't even realize how fast he is driving right now. Her hands shake lightly as she holds onto the wheel, wishing that Caleb was here with her right now. He will know how to handle this…

"Nathaniel, don't do anything stupid…"

When they arrive at the nightclub, Nathaniel storms in, followed by his older sister who still tries to talk him out of this. She can't allow his anger to guide his actions, knowing how dangerous her brother is when he is out of control.

And they see it, Ember sitting by Don Lothario's side while he is holding another woman in his arms. She sits there, disgusted and terrified, the people around them are leering at her, making unwanted suggestions. A man tries to grab her arm, pulling her to a more private place but she protests, escaping the advance. Don laughs eerily, telling her that he doesn't care if his wife is no longer a virgin and that he loves women who are experienced in bed. His sickening remark makes her stomach turns as she sucks on her breath, knowing that she can not escape from this.

"Ember!"

Her emerald eyes open widely as she sees the familiar face. Golden blond that is soft to the touch, striking blue eyes match the color of the sky, his voice is warm and filled to the brim of worries and despair…

"Nathaniel…?"

She manages to utter his name, tears slowly build up in her eyes. Within a week, he has slimmed down so much that she notices it immediately.

"Oi, what are you trying to do with my girl?" she yelps out in pain as Don wraps his arm around her, taunting the blond "Ah, you are her little boy toy, yeah? Too bad that she dumps you for someone better."

"Let go of me!" she tries to wiggle out of his hold "Don't touch me!"

"What are you talking about, dear Ember? We're going to get married soon, it's normal for me to touch you like this."

Ember's face turns bright red when she realizes where his hands are and pushes against his chest, trying to get away. She can not allow him to humiliate her like this, not in front of everyone, and especially not in front of Nathaniel.

"Let her go, bastard!"

"What are you going to do? Taking her from me?" Don laughs maniacally, throwing his head back "She is mine, I can do everything I want with her."

But Primrose steps in, staring down at the man who once dared to lay his hand on her. Don, upon seeing her, smirks as his eyes study her up and down, admiring the view. It has been a while since he last saw her and yet, she continues to become more and more beautiful in his eyes. Too bad he can not add her to his collection…

"Let her go, Don Lothario. She is not someone who you can lay your hands on."

"Aw, Primrose dear. Long time no see." he purses his lips, wiggling his brow pervertedly "Are you here for me as well? You should have talked to my assistant, she will be happy to assist you."

She knits her brows, hands on her hips as Primrose ignores his disgusting remark. She needs to help Ember.

"I will also be very happy to assist you, in jail!" raising her voice, onyx eyes staring at him "Let her go! She is not an object for you to toy with."

"What's with the hostile voice, dear Primrose? Your little boyfriend is not here and now you are pushing your anger onto me? How cute…" mocking her, Don brings Ember closer, rubbing up and down her arms as she hisses in disgust "After her, I will please you, yeah? Last time we weren't able to enjoy ourselves, you must be very disappointed."

"You bastard!"

"Such awful words coming out of that pretty mouth of yours, dear Primrose. But go ahead and curse at me, as if any of you can do anything. You're no match for the power and influence I hold."

Ember keeps pushing him away from her, gritting her teeth angrily at the audacity of him doing these kinds of things to her in front of Nathaniel. The blond cracks his fingers, his patience wears thin with each second goes by.

"What now? Try to threaten me? How tactless…" Don stares at him, eyes widen as he howls with laughter. Without giving Ember any warning, he pushes her down onto the couch, two hands on the collar of her shirt "I will take her right here, in front of everyone. You would love to see this, wouldn't you?"

Nathaniel's mind goes blank, time stands still and his anger reaches a boiling point. He can no longer contain his emotions. A blue hue forms on his hand as the blond raises his hand, and the temperature in this room drops drastically. Primrose reaches out, her worst fear is finally here, but she is too late.

Screams erupt in the air as everyone moves back, fearing for their lives. From where Nathaniel is to Don Lothario forms a wave of ice, thick and cold, freezing everyone in its path, along with that bastard of a human, pinning him onto the wall. Ember stumbles to regain her balance, but she manages to get out and runs to their side.

The blond steps closer to Don Lothario, flicking his fingers as the man whimpers in pain, feeling the freezing ice spread to his face, numbing his whole body. Primrose calls out to her brother, begging him to stop. But he ignores her, his eyes are icy blue, filled with rage and the intention to kill. What he is doing is no longer an act of defense, Nathaniel is hurting a civilian.

"Nathaniel…" her eyes well up again, Ember cries "Nathaniel no…"

"Monster! They are monsters!"

"Get away from them!"

Primrose turns to them, pale face as cold sweats run down her skin. Nathaniel just committed a crime…

"Run awa…"

The entrance to the nightclub swings open and immediately, time stops. No one is moving, their frightening expressions are locked in place, flying objects stay still, water droplets freeze with time as Edward walks in, and on his hand lays a pocket watch.

"Dad!"

The older blond taps lightly on Ember, releasing her from the hold of time. She gasps for air, unable to comprehend what just happened.

"M-Mr. Emberlynn…"

Primrose runs to her, checking to see if she is injured or not, despite no physical evidence of injuries, the bruises on her skin become visible. The raven head holds her hand on top of the dark purple spots, blue healing light soothes the pain and makes them go away. Ember smiles in gratitude before turning to Nathaniel, heartbroken at his state.

"Nathaniel!" Edward speaks up, his voice booming with authority "Yield!"

His spread hands reluctantly hold back as they ball into a fist, Nathaniel punches the nearby table, so hard that it breaks in halves. He then turns to the lamp on the side, smashing it against the wall. A loud scream erupts, raw and filled to the brim with anger as he continues to destroy the place, kicking and punching everything he lays his hands on.

Ember tries to walk up to him but she is stopped by Primrose. The raven head holds her back, knowing that her brother's outburst can hurt everyone who dares to come close. She grips onto her arms, crying at the sight of her boyfriend, lost in pain and agony.

"Primrose, take Ember to somewhere safe. I will handle Nathaniel."

"N-no, I can't leave. Nathaniel is…"

"We have to go. He will not listen to anyone, Ember. Dad is the only one who can stop him."

Ember reaches out her hand, begging him to look at her, but all she receives is a cold and heartless stare, painful and lifeless. Primrose takes her out of the place, wishing for the best of luck on Edward.