Chapter 1
THE BEGINNING
(Ria's POV)
My name is Ria. I was born in America, but my heart was stolen by a man from Thailand—Hades. He was my first love, my anchor, my everything. And then, one cruel day, he was gone.
Now, all I have left of him are the two most precious gifts he ever gave me: our twins, Rain and Raina.
Being their mother is the hardest thing I've ever done. Since Hades passed away, the weight of the world has been on my shoulders. The bills pile up, their school fees remain unpaid, and some days, even food on the table feels like a miracle. I work as a nanny, and though my hands are tired and my body aches, I am grateful. No matter what, I will give them the education their father always dreamed for them.
And now... my babies are about to turn eight. Rain and Raina deserve the world, but all I can give them is a small cake and a trip to the park. Even if it isn't much, I'll make them smile. That's what matters.
"Rise and shine, wakey wakey!" I call out, forcing cheer into my voice.
Two sleepy faces peek out from under their blankets.
"Mom... we don't wanna go to school," they groan, clinging to me with fake tears.
I cross my arms, fighting a laugh. "Nice try, little warriors, but that trick won't work today. Do you know why?"
"Why?" they mumble in unison.
"Because Rain and Raina are going to be the smartest kids in the whole school," I say, kissing their foreheads.
"Okay, Mommy... your wish is our command," they reply, giggling.
I scoop them into my arms, carrying them to the bathroom. "Come on, time to wash up!"
"Mommy," Rain pipes up, "are we taking rice to school?"
"Of course, honey," I smile, ruffling his hair. I quickly pack their lunch, braid Raina's hair neatly, and make sure their uniforms are perfect. No matter how poor we are, I won't let the world see my children anything less than loved.
At School📚
"Rain, Raina—behave well today," I say, crouching down to their level.
"We'll try, Mommy," Raina says with a mischievous grin.
I hug them tight before they run into the schoolyard, their laughter echoing behind me. For a moment, I let myself breathe. For a moment, I feel like maybe... everything will be okay.
(Raina's POV)
School is always hard for me. I don't like the loud hallways or the way other kids stare when they think we can't see them. But I stay—for Mommy. And for Rain.
I'm sitting at my desk when someone taps my shoulder.
"Your brother's outside... he's fighting."
My heart stops.
I bolt out of the classroom and find Rain pinned to the ground, fists clenched, eyes blazing.
"Rain!" I shout, running to him. I push the boy off and help my brother up. "What are you doing?!"
"He started it," Rain growls, glaring at the younger boy.
Before I can calm him down, a sharp voice slices through the air.
"Enough! All of you—my office. Now!"
Miss Pat, the principal, is the last person anyone wants to cross. Cold. Strict. Heartless. And now, her anger is aimed right at us.
(Ria's POV)
The phone call from the school hits me like a storm. I rush there as fast as I can, my heart pounding in my chest. When I enter the principal's office, my babies sit there, heads down, and beside Miss Pat is a man I've never seen before.
He's tall. Sharp jawline. Expensive suit. His presence fills the room.
"I'm Steel," he says, offering a hand. My son is Draven, the boy Rain fought with."
I shake his hand nervously. "I... I'm Ria. Their mother."
Before I can say more, Miss Pat scoffs. "Figures. A loose woman with no husband, no discipline—no wonder your children are nothing but trouble."
The words cut deep, but I don't care. I won't let anyone shame my babies.
"With all due respect," I say, standing tall, "my children are my pride. They're good kids. They just... need someone to believe in them."
Miss Pat narrows her eyes. "Watch your tone. You should be thanking me for not expelling them."
Then Steel speaks. Calm. Firm. Powerful.
"I'll pay for any damages. Keep the kids in school. I'll handle it."
I stare at him in shock. "Sir, I... I can't accept—"
"Consider it done," he interrupts smoothly.
Miss Pat rolls her eyes. "You're lucky, Ria. Your debts have been cleared. Get out of my office before I change my mind."
I hug Rain and Raina tightly, feeling Rain trembling in my arms.
"I'm sorry, Mommy," he whispers.
"It's okay, baby," I say softly.
"It's not Rain's fault!" Raina defends him. "That boy hit him first!"
I smile faintly. "See? Always protect each other. Promise me, no matter what happens... you'll stand by each other."
"We promise, Mommy," they say together, their voices small but sure.
Steel steps closer, handing the principal a briefcase. Then he turns to me.
"You're still here," he says, smiling faintly.
"Yes. I wanted to thank you. I'll pay you back, I swear," I say quickly.
He shakes his head. "No need. Instead... have dinner with me. Bring the children. Let's call it a fresh start."
I hesitate, my heart racing for reasons I don't understand.
"Think about it," he adds, handing me his card. "Just call me Steel."
And then he smiles—calm, confident, dangerous.
For the first time in years... I feel something I can't explain.
A few minutes later, we are back home. The air feels lighter, and for a moment, it's almost peaceful.
I run a warm bath for my twins, laughing softly as Raina splashes water at Rain, who pretends to be angry but can't hide his smile. These little moments keeps me going.
After bathing them, I dress them in their pajamas and serve them a simple dinner. Their eyes light up, even though it's nothing fancy. Gratitude... I see it in every bite they take.
When we're done eating, I sit them down. "Babies," I say gently, "what do you think about Mr. Steel's invitation?"
Rain tilts his head, frowning in thought. "It's just dinner, right?
Raina nods quickly. "Yeah, Mommy. Maybe it's a good thing. I... I want to know Draven better. He might not be so bad."
I smile at them, pulling both of them into a warm hug. "You two... you're so mature for your age."
"Because we have the best mom," Rain says, leaning against me.
My heart aches in the best way. I read them a bedtime story, one of Hades' favorites, and kiss their foreheads as they drift off to sleep, holding each other the way only twins can.
When the house is finally quiet, I pick up my phone. My hands tremble slightly as I dial his number.
"Steel?"
"Ria," his voice is smooth, confident. "Have you decided?"
"Yes... we'll have dinner tomorrow," I say, my voice soft but firm.
"Perfect," he replies, a smile hidden in his tone.
I hang up, not knowing that on the other side of the line, Steel's expression twists—not with kindness, but satisfaction.
He leans back in his chair, swirling a glass of wine in his hand.
"Tomorrow," he mutters to himself, his smile sharp as a blade. "Tomorrow, the game begins."
Not just for Ria.
But for her children too.
---
### **Author's Note**
💌 *Hey, dear readers!*
This is just the beginning... Ria only sees a kind stranger, but Steel has a plan of his own. Rain and Raina's world is about to change forever, and every choice Ria makes will push them closer to the storm.
✨ What do you think of Steel so far—friend or danger in disguise? Comment below!
