Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Ads for foobar on 2024-07-27

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Adarchiveid	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Pageid	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Collationcount	Collationid	Enddate	Entitytype	Gatedtype	Hidedatastatus	Isaaaeligible	Isactive	Cta Text	Pagename	Ad Creative	Caption	Dynamic Versions	Effective Authorization Category	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Instagram Actor Name	Instagram Profile Pic Url	Version	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
1,940,661	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940347}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	3221548121315603	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 It's her wedding anniversary. Lexi had come to the hospital to remove her baby. Several married couples sat around her. In contrast, Lexi seemed pitiful because she was about to remove her child, and she was there alone. Lexi had accompanied Zachary on a business trip two months ago. They attended a party, which caused her to get drunk. She was alone in the hotel room when she awoke the next day. The smell of a wild night had filled the room while crumpled clothes were scattered on the floors by then. Among the items were Lexi's garments and Zachary's white shirt. Lexi's heart beat wildly and exuberantly with delight at that moment. Zachary had finally accepted her romantic feelings for him after all those years. … Alas, Zachary practically chopped Lexi's happiness into pieces with a cleaver last night. Lexi had tested the waters by asking him what would happen if she were expecting their child. Zachary touched her stomach without much care while lightly scoffing. "Remove it, then. Also, I would never let you have my baby." Those steely, candid words caused goosebumps to prickle all over Lexi's body. She had been his secretary for five years, loved him for numerous years, and had become his wife for two years. Even a dog would have developed feelings for someone after all that time! Lexi never imagined Zachary could utter such relentless words after all the time they had been together. … Lexi smiled disparagingly as she recalled the conversation with Zachary last night. Before her smile faded away, she saw Zachary strolling toward her with one arm around the other woman. She tensed and lowered her head out of instinct almost immediately. "Isn't that Ms. Loyle?" said the woman, Yvonne Xenos. She removed her face mask, raised her eyebrows in surprise, and tugged at Zachary's shirt. She motioned at him to go toward Lexi. "I'd like to speak with Ms. Loyle real quick." "You should go and see a doctor first." Zachary's tone wasn't as unyielding and as cold as usual. Instead, there was a trace of gentleness in his voice. "I haven't seen Ms. Loyle in ages. I just want to say a few things to her. That's all." Yvonne blinked her round, doe eyes at Zachary. "You don't have to worry so much. I only fainted because of menstrual pains and low blood pressure." Lexi soon noticed that someone was standing in front of her. She looked up and saw her employer and husband on paper. He stood unashamed as he hugged the woman around the waist. Lexi froze, and the cogs in her brain were unable to turn like they usually did. "Long time no see, Ms. Loyle. My, how pretty you've become!" Yvonne spoke with a delighted lilt. Meanwhile, Lexi bitterly wondered when Yvonne, Zachary's first love, had returned to the country. Unable to smile, Lexi pursed her lips. She spoke politely. "Indeed, it's been a while." Yvonne pressed her lips together, too. She let out a dainty laugh before commenting, "Thank you for going through the trouble of looking after Zach these past few years. Only you could tolerate his nasty temper." "Zach. Why's she talking as if she's close with him when they broke up four years ago!" Lexi thought. Despite that thought, Lexi put on a slight smile. "It's no trouble. After all, Jenkins Corporation pays well." That was when the nurse brought a wheelchair over. Then, Zachary gingerly helped Yvonne, whom he was hugging this entire time, into the wheelchair. It was a surprising sight to Lexi, who realized Zachary only treated certain women with such gentleness. Lexi's smile was thin. At the same time, she felt suffocated. Yvonne gazed up at Zachary to thank him before she looked back at Lexi again. "Are you here to see a doctor, Ms. Loyle?" "No, I've already seen a doctor and am about to leave." Yvonne pouted, tugged Zachary's sleeve, and leaned against his arm. She spoke with a honeyed voice. "I'm craving chocolate all of a sudden. I really want some." "Go and see a doctor first." Zachary sounded helpless. In the next second, his bland gaze shifted in Lexi's way. "Ms. Loyle, please get a box of chocolates and deliver it to the fifth floor later." The hairs on Lexi's neck stood straight as she wanted to let out a self-deprecating scoff. She couldn't believe Zachary was making his wife get chocolates for his ex-girlfriend. Lexi's lips curled up out of the blue. She figured it was fine to get an surgery in another hospital. Yvonne gave a gentle tap on Zachary's arm. She rolled her eyes as if she couldn't believe him. "Ms. Loyle must be unwell since she came to the hospital today. How could you request her to buy some chocolates? Gosh!" "It's her job to do what I tell her to." Those words rolled off Zachary's tongue like he couldn't care less. Even so, Lexi agreed it was her job to do as told. Upon hearing Zachary's response, she lowered her head to disguise the sorrow in her eyes. The pride in her veins prevented her from looking too much like a loser in front of her competitor. So, she flashed a faint smile. "That's indeed my job as a secretary, Ms. Xenos." After giving the two a respectful nod, she clutched her bag tight and hurried away. … Lexi went to a supermarket near the hospital to buy a box of chocolates. Then, she returned to the hospital and took the elevator to the fifth floor. Once the bell rang and the doors opened, she saw Yvonne hugging Zachary's waist as the duo kissed. Lexi's stomach turned at once. She covered her pale lips and couldn't help dry-heaving while placing a hand against the mirrored walls in the elevator for support. The duo's eyes met hers in that instant. Yet, the elevator doors soon shut. Tears gathered in Lexi's eyes, and she was still dry-heaving in the elevator. Fortunately, she was the only person in the elevator. Yvonne's eyes widened at the closing elevator doors. She had heard some hurling sounds, so she asked, "What's wrong with Ms. Loyle?" Zachary's eyes were dark and solemn by then. He was deep in thought and reflecting on how Lexi had abruptly asked about expecting a child last night. … Lexi handed the box of chocolates to the nurse. She asked the nurse to take it to Zachary, who was on the fifth floor. She drove home, and the first thing she did was pack her suitcase to move out the next day. As Lexi expected, her and Zachary's two years of marriage were so flimsy that they crumbled after one blow. She accepted her fate. She knew it was time to end this dream she had been living in. Zachary's grandma, Martha Inman, wanted to see Zachary get married while she was still alive. At the time, Zachary casually asked Lexi if she wanted to get married with a prenuptial agreement. He even offered to pay Lexi a great sum to get married. Lexi had a crush on Zachary for forever. Not to mention, she urgently needed the money back then. So, she agreed to the marriage contract. Despite it being a contractual marriage, Lexi still gave her utmost sincerity to it. She figured her genuine love could one day win over Zachary. Yet, Yvonne had returned to the country now, which made Lexi realize how ridiculous her former optimism was. She snorted at herself for being so naïve. … Lexi forced herself to remain calm while waiting for Zachary to come home that night. She wanted to resolve the situation once he returned. So, she waited from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and even called Zachary several times. Alas, he never answered. Zachary didn't go home that night. Lexi received a message from Zachary's younger sister, Mary Jenkins. Mary had forwarded a post from Yvonne's social media account. In the photo, Zachary donned a bathrobe as he helped blowdry Yvonne's hair. It was late at night. Yet, he was elsewhere in a bathrobe. He was even helping to dry his ex-girlfriend's hair. Lexi's gaze hardened at the photo. Her eyes burned as she blinked a few times. Then, she scoffed. Emotionless, Lexi opened the drawer and searched for the marriage contract she signed two years ago. Once she located it, she read the last clause in the contract. "The party who initiates a divorce before the five years of contractual marriage ends must pay the other party 200 million as compensation for liquidated damages." When they got married, Lexi asked for 30 million as her dowry. To her surprise, Zachary transferred 100 million to her bank account right away. Lexi calculated her bank savings. She had 90 million left after deducting her younger brother's chemotherapy costs. She didn't have enough for the 200 million compensation if she initiated a divorce now. That caused Lexi to squish her cheeks with both hands in frustration. Eventually, she put away the marriage contract, got changed, grabbed her keys, and headed out. … There were many bars in Sootfort City. Lexi had never been to such places before. Today, she came to a bar and get drink, but she didn't drink it. After thinking about the child in her stomach, she put down her glass. She pursed her lips bitterly. She was frustrated that she couldn't even vent her anger by drinking. Lexi exited the bar and sniffled. She felt like an idiot for crying. Despite loving him for all those years, she ended up all alone. A taxi was parked in front of her, its roof sign still illuminated. Thinking that it was vacant, Lexi opened the door and got in before speaking in a nasal voice. "Please take me to Flowerhill Estate." The taxi driver looked at the man and woman in the backseat through the rearview mirror. He assumed the two were an arguing couple and offered some advice out of kind intent. "Sir, from one man to another, you should be more patient with women." Then, the driver started the engine and drove ahead. That was when Lexi snapped to her senses. She whipped her head to the side. Her red, swollen eyes blearily snapped toward the man beside her. The man wore a face mask, which prevented her from seeing his full face. "Sir, please stop the car. I'm so sorry. I got into the wrong taxi," she said. Speechless, the driver stopped along the road. Lexi apologized several times before getting out. Then, her wandering eyes caught sight of the man in the backseat, who was also looking at her. … Zachary only came home the next morning to change into a fresh set of clothes. He had noticed the few suitcases in the living room when he returned. So, he casually asked about it in his hoarse voice while taking off his shirt. "Who's the guest that's staying over at our place?" "Those suitcases are mine." Lexi's gaze snapped toward the lipstick stain on Zachary's white dress shirt. She pointed at it while stating, "That's a woman's lipstick." Zachary pulled his collar lower and examined it. To his surprise, there was indeed a lipstick stain. For a split second, his features tensed. Yet, he quickly resumed his usual frosty demeanor and didn't bother explaining himself. "I knew he'd react like this," Lexi thought while scoffing. A frown marred Zachary's forehead. "What's with the laugh?" "Oh, it's nothing. I merely read a joke earlier this morning. I'm going to work now." Lexi picked up her handbag and subconsciously changed into a pair of flats while heading out the door. Meanwhile, Zachary headed upstairs to the bedroom. He stripped and went into the bathroom but soon realized Lexi hadn't left a change of clothes for him in there. It was odd because Lexi would always prepare a fresh set of clothes for him beforehand if he wanted to shower. His eyes narrowed as he left the bathroom. He phoned Lexi while walking to the closet. "I forgot to ask you something." He opened a drawer and continued, "You're carrying a child, are you?" His voice lacked warmth as it rang into Lexi's ear, and it made her heart race fervently. Chapter 2 Lexi parked her car by the roadside. She calmly denied Zachary's assumption by saying, "I'm not. It's just that my stomach hasn't been feeling well these past few days." Zachary leaned against the closet. His eyes were steely as he sneered. "You'd better not be lying to me, Lexi. It's no longer popular for women to secure their position as a wealthy man's wife just by bearing the man's child." Lexi's heart sank to her stomach. She couldn't believe that was what Zachary thought of her. While caressing her still flat stomach, she spoke calmly. "How could I be a mother, Mr. Jenkins? We used protection that night." Zachary rise a brow. He was speechless at her response. … After half a day of meetings at the office, Lexi delivered a cup of freshly made coffee to Zachary's office around noon. She also placed the documents he had asked her for a few days prior on his desk. Her gaze swept past the information on the document just then. Jenkins Corporation owned businesses. However, they had never been involved with the entertainment industry. Yet, the company stated on the document—Tundratide Entertainment—was a major company in said industry. Lexi had also just seen the news and learned Yvonne had officially signed with Tundratide Entertainment today. Yvonne was now one of their contracted artists. With that in mind, Lexi wondered if Zachary planned to acquire Tundratide Entertainment and become the company's main shareholder for Yvonne's sake. Lexi didn't leave the office. Instead, she was determined to discuss what happened last night with Zachary. "I see that Ms. Xenos is back in the country." Zachary stopped working and leaned against his chair at once. A frosty stare radiated from him. "You shouldn't poke your nose into places it doesn't belong, Mrs. Jenkins." He had called her "Mrs. Jenkins" as a warning. Lexi paused for a few seconds. It would be a lie to say she wasn't upset. Still, she was determined to ask what was necessary. "Are you planning to divorce me now that she's back?" Zachary glanced at her impassively. "You may continue being Mrs. Jenkins since Grandma likes you." He knew there was one other thing Lexi was good at—making Martha happy. Lexi's hands balled into fists once she heard his response. Sorrow and disappointment weighed down her. From what Zachary said, he still wanted to continue their marriage only because Martha liked her. He was willing to stay married to her longer to keep Martha happy in the latter's last years of life. But what about her? Was she to continue existing as a joke between Zachary and Yvonne? Zachary's phone was on the table, and it rang at that moment. Lexi saw the name "Yvonne" on the caller ID. Zachary had always saved Lexi's contact as "Ms. Loyle." Meanwhile, he had saved the name of his first love and ex-girlfriend on his phone. Lexi remained emotionless as she waited for Zachary to finish his phone call. Then, she informed him that the Zox family's banquet was tonight. Zachary flipped through Tundratide Entertainment's documents. At the same time, he responded to Lexi without bothering to raise his head. "I have something else to do tonight. I want you to deliver my gift to Mr. Zox Senior on my behalf." "Understood." Lexi turned to leave the office. Zachary peered at her. He watched her leave before going back to browsing the document. … Tonight was Harold Zox's 66th birthday celebration. His family, the Zoxes, had organized the banquet to be at Mullaby Hotel. Lexi donned a blue custom-made gown when she brought Zachary's present to the hotel that night. "Welcome, Ms. Loyle. And thank you for coming." A smiling Harold Zox shook hands with Lexi. Jenkins Corporation only made big business and was Zox Corporation's biggest client. Not only that, but Lexi was also one of Zachary's most capable secretaries. With all that in mind, Harold was respectful toward Lexi. "Mr. Jenkins couldn't make it since something came up at the last minute. On his behalf, I wish you a blessed and happy birthday, Mr. Zox Senior." Lexi's lips curved into a polite smile as she dedicated a toast to him. Harold nodded understandingly. He admired Lexi's capability to execute her job well. "I'm happy enough that you made it here—" He froze after saying that, and the atmosphere around them became tense. Lexi noticed the brief awkward look from Harold. She instinctively turned around, only to see Yvonne in a white dress. The latter held hands with Zachary as they entered the banquet hall. Lexi's faint smile turned stiff. So, this was what Zachary meant by he had something else to do tonight." "Happiest of birthdays, Mr. Zox Senior!" Yvonne's eyes twinkled with delight as she beamed at Harold. "Thank you." "Happy birthday, Mr. Zox Senior." Zachary picked up a wine glass from a waiter's tray. He then raised it to clink glasses with Harold. Yvonne glanced at Lexi and greeted her. "Ms. Loyle." A soft smile appeared on Lexi's face as she nodded. "Ms. Xenos." The band hired to be in the banquet began playing a tune for a classical ballroom dance. Some male guests had invited other female guests to dance by then. "Did you come here alone, Ms. Loyle?" Yvonne asked. "My companion got into a car accident on the way here," Lexi answered. With widened eyes, Yvonne exclaimed, "Is he alright?" Harold joined in to ask about Lexi's companion with concern. After all, it was his birthday banquet. It would seem like bad luck if his guests got into a car accident. Lexi explained with a smile, "Don't worry, Mr. Zox Senior. His and someone's car scratched each other from being too close on the road. He's merely held back because the other party is insisting on getting compensation." A noticeable sigh of relief came from Harold. "Oh, that's good to hear." Once Harold went to mingle with the other guests, Lexi's friendly countenance dropped. She marched away with her back straight. Her expression was frosty, and her heels clicked on the floor as she paced away. She wanted to go home and type her resignation letter at once. A confused Yvonne whispered, "Doesn't Ms. Loyle seem unhappy?" Zachary's attention was on Lexi as she left. That was when he noticed Harold's oldest son, Xavier Zox, inviting Lexi to dance. With his eyes narrowing slightly, he remarked, "She's not unhappy." "How could she feel unhappy? She was in the mood to dance with another man." Zachary thought. Zachary couldn't believe Lexi would dare dance with Xavier, a womanizer. He wondered if she had a death wish. On the flip side, Lexi never imagined Xavier would grab her arm and force her onto the dance floor. She didn't want to cause a scene by resisting him since they were at a banquet. So, it left her in an extremely foul mood. The stench of liquor wafted into her nostrils, causing her brows to knit. "Please unhand me, Mr. Zox." Xavier had one arm around her waist. He held her tighter after she said that, and his lips curved with determination. "Why don't you consider working at Zox Corporation instead, Ms. Loyle? The pay is double what you earn at Jenkins Corporation. What do you think?" With disgust, Lexi pointed out the facts indifferently. "You won't be in control of Zox Corporation anytime soon." Despite getting smacked in the face by Lexi's harsh rejection, Xavier wasn't upset. He was always patient when dealing with beautiful women. So, his hand continued to linger on Lexi's waist as he caressed it. Lexi's expression darkened as she raised her leg and stomped hard on Xavier's leather shoe. Her tall heel pierced through the leather and landed on the top of Xavier's foot. Pain shot throughout Xavier's foot. His features twisted into a hideous scowl as he released Lexi's arm. Lexi spun on her heel to flee at once. She left the banquet and exited the hotel. "Hold it right there, Lexi Loyle!" Xavier barked. Lexi frowned and regretted not stomping harder on his foot. Xavier grabbed her hand. "Watch yourself, Mr. Zox," said an impatient and frosty Lexi. Xavier focused on her unfriendly yet alluring face. Excitement bubbled up within him. A woman with such unapproachable energy but also tempting curves was attractive. As such, he had long desired Lexi. A chuckle left his lips as he commented, "Must you do this, Ms. Loyle? Why bother with this act of sternness? I'm sure Mr. Jenkins has gotten tired of toying with you by now." Lexi inhaled sharply but still flashed a smirk. "You can ask Mr. Jenkins if he's grown tired of me." She lifted her chin and motioned for him to look behind them where Zachary and Yvonne stood. Lexi saw how Zachary watched her get harassed by another man. He didn't do anything about it. Chapter 3 Zachary stood there with his ex-girlfriend, who he linked arms with. Meanwhile, he watched Xavier attacking Lexi. It was ironic because someone once said that a man would show some possessiveness over a woman if he truly loved her. As she stood beneath the warm lights, Lexi felt like her heart had been ripped to shreds. Xavier thought Lexi was trying to lie to him, so he chuckled viciously. "Mr. Jenkins is keeping a beautiful lady company. Don't even think about fooling me. Shall we take this conversation elsewhere, Ms. Loyle? What do you think?" Lexi held Zachary's gaze and spoke with a bland tone. "Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Zox is asking whether you've grown tired of toying with me." She then watched him in silence while waiting for his response. Zachary held Yvonne's hand as they walked past Lexi. In that instance, Lexi realized that Zachary's answer no longer mattered. Yvonne turned around just then. She shot a megawatt smile at Xavier while clarifying things. "Zachary and Ms. Loyle are merely employer and employee. Watch your words, Mr. Zox. Otherwise, I'll be mad at you." Xavier chuckled and nodded. "Alright, alright. I won't utter any nonsense." Once Zachary and Yvonne walked away hand-in-hand, he forced Lexi into his car and kissed her cheek. "I'll call the cops on you, Xavier!" Lexi screamed as she shoved Xavier off her in disgust. Alas, her strength was no match for a man whose stature was bigger than her. Xavier held her slim waist while guffawing. "Cry out all you want, Ms. Loyle. I'm not afraid. Also, there's no use in you calling the cops. I'm merely touching and kissing you, not screwing you." Rage brimmed in Lexi as she felt offended by the former's shamelessness. Xavier was about to kiss her again. Lexi's striking eyes morphed into a vicious glare as she kneed him. "Argh!" Xavier hunched his back. … Later in the dead of night, Lexi followed Quinton Shaw out of the police station. Like Lexi, Quinton was also one of Zachary's secretaries. "Please take me to Watton Hotel, Mr. Shaw. Thank you for helping me tonight," said Lexi. Quinton peered at her from the corner of his eye before looking ahead to say, "Mr. Jenkins was the one who asked me to pick you up." Lexi's lips tugged into a thin line as she coldly responded, "I see." Zachary was nowhere to be seen when she was being harassed by Xavier. Because of that, she didn't feel any hint of gratitude toward Zachary. Quinton hesitated to speak but ultimately explained, "Ms. Loyle… Mr. Jenkins wanted to pick you up himself." "Oh? So where is he? Why isn't he here." Quinton closed his mouth. He felt it was too awkward to continue. Lexi looked down at her phone and saw another text from Mary. The latter had forwarded Yvonne's latest post. That was when Lexi discovered why Zachary hadn't picked her up from the police station in person. Zachary had accompanied his ex-girlfriend to the hospital yet again. A low chuckle rumbled from Lexi as she replied to Mary's text. She asked Mary to invite Yvonne out for a meeting tomorrow on her behalf. … Quinton's car soon arrived outside Watton Hotel. Lexi told Quinton not to send her inside since it was unnecessary. Exhausted, she exited the car and get into the hotel. The lobby was mostly quiet at that hour. When she made it to the elevator, there happened to be a tall and fit man talking on the phone there. He get into the elevator once its doors opened. Lexi went in, too. She had just gone inside when her heel slipped, and she subconsciously reached ahead to grab the man. The man held her arm and supported her from stumbling. Lexi's palms grew clammy. She was still rattled. After regaining her footing, she apologized to the man. "S-Sorry. I didn't mean to…" The man wore a mask, so she could only see his dark gaze. He looked like the man she had encountered in the taxi that one time. He had dropped his phone because he had reached out to support Lexi. Not only that, but the man was also holding a coffee cup in his left hand, which had also fallen. That caused the coffee to spill onto his white shirt. "Did you burn yourself, sir?" She worried the cup he held earlier contained hot coffee. The man glanced at her with his brows slightly furrowed. He bent forward to pick up his phone from the ground. Then, his voice rang out lazily as he told the person on the other end that he was ending the call. Lexi spoke with sincerity. "I'm so, so sorry. I'll reimburse you for the damages." The man's name was Claude Quall. His eyes glanced over Lexi again. He took in her formal dress, slender waist, and curvy figure. He didn't say much except, "That won't be necessary." His voice was low and gravelly. He turned sideways. Then, he casually stepped back to put some distance between him and Lexi. Lexi feigned a calm demeanor as she pressed the button to her floor. She stayed on the tenth floor while the man's room was on the 12th. Claude's gaze shifted downward while he fell into deep thought. He had found Lexi oddly familiar when he saw her in the taxi last night. It felt like she was the woman who got into his bed and beded him for two months. "Let's discuss the details of your compensation," he said. Lexi paused midway while exiting the elevator when she heard that. … The two soon stood in the hallway on the 12th floor. Claude had already taken off his coffee-stained dress shirt, and his sculpted abs were exposed. A frown creased his forehead, making it obvious he was uncomfortable. He would take off his shirt if Lexi weren't here. Lexi dared not stare past Claude's shirt and to his bare body. She could only force her attention to remain on Claude's eyes. "How much should I compensate you for the damages, sir? I'll transfer it." "I've changed my mind," Claude abruptly stated. He had only stopped Lexi from leaving because he wanted to see whether she was the woman from before. Lexi's brows arched with slight confusion. She watched the man swipe his card on the door's scanner before disappearing into his hotel room. Then, she left the 12th floor. … Light jazz music played in Nullem Cafe. Yvonne sat opposite Lexi. Since she was a big-time celebrity, she wore a hat and mask to conceal her face. With a slight smile, she asked, "Did you ask to meet me because you needed something from me, Ms. Loyle?" Lexi nodded. A half-smile flickered on her face. "There is something I need." She held herself with reticence while sternly staring at Yvonne. It felt like a scene in a movie where the wife confronted her husband's mistress. It was clear to Lexi that the only way to get Zachary to initiate a divorce was by provoking Yvonne. So, she said, "Ms. Xenos, I don't want you to interfere with me and Zachary's life. Since you chose to leave him back then, you shouldn't seek him out after returning to the country now—" Everyone in the industry knew Zachary once had an ex-girlfriend he loved dearly. However, Martha disliked Yvonne, so the latter could never marry into the Jenkins family. Yvonne didn't want to give up on her singing career at the time either. Because of that, she chose to break up with Zachary and go abroad to study music. Lexi continued in a gentle voice, "Since you've given up on your relationship with Zachary, please cut off all ties with him for good. Can you do that?" Yvonne's eyes snapped wide open in disbelief. "You and Zachary…? Are you…" Lexi nodded. "Zachary and I have been married for two years." After Lexi said that, Yvonne stiffened in utter shock. Her eyes reddened almost instantly. "You and Zachary are married?" Lexi felt like the wicked villain who got in between two lovers in every story. "Yeah, we're married." Just then, Zachary sat in the booth behind the women's. He heard Lexi revealing their marriage to Yvonne. Right away, a thunderous expression shrouded his face, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes narrowed to pinpricks. The cafe was designed well. All the tables came with partitions, which created private booth seating for everyone. Zachary and Lexi had agreed not to tell anyone about their marriage. It seemed that Lexi had grown arrogant and possessive, even though they were only in a contractual marriage. Yvonne frowned. She was still in disbelief. "You're lying to me, aren't you, Ms. Loyle?" A brief pause passed before Lexi answered, "I'm not. I can show you our marriage certificate." She had come prepared, so she fetched the marriage certificate from her bag and showed it to Yvonne. Yvonne removed her mask and revealed her pretty face. She had a sweet, innocent beauty. It was the kind of beauty that most movie characters' first loves had. Meanwhile, Lexi possessed a more striking, gorgeous appearance. "Zachary didn't tell me you two are married when he was with me last night, Ms. Loyle. I could've sworn I felt he was still in love with me." Yvonne's expression dulled as she mentioned that. She hinted to Lexi that she and Zachary were together last night. Lexi maintained her smile as if unbothered. "Men are the same in bed. He says he loves me too, when he's bedding me." A hostile energy oozed from Zachary, who suppressed his anger when he heard this from his booth. He already had the desire to choke Lexi to death. On the other hand, Yvonne covered her lips upon hearing that. Tears even streamed down her eyes. However, Lexi wasn't satisfied and wanted to take things further. She was doing everything in her power to make Zachary initiate a divorce. "Ms. Xenos, I can't stop you if you're that determined to be a mistress—" "That's enough!" A man's infuriated voice rang out. Lexi whipped her head around, only to be startled by a seething Zachary. He was trying hard to suppress his fury. Lexi was stunned. Chapter 4 Zachary first had Quinton send Lexi back to Flowerhill Estate. Once Lexi got into the car, she looked through the window and saw Zachary hugging Yvonne. He seemed to be comforting her. The corners of Lexi's lips curved upward with a hint of bitterness yet relief. When she asked Mary to invite Yvonne out last night, she knew Mary would rat her out to Zachary. None of this was surprising to her. Everything had gone according to her plan. Quinton soon drove ahead. Upon stopping for a red light, he turned around to look at Lexi. "You're intelligent, Ms. Loyle. Why did you have to upset Boss?" He and Lexi had worked together for five years, so he witnessed how Lexi looked after Zachary with the utmost care. Lexi even took cooking classes every night after work to better care for Zachary's stomach. She trained her cooking skills until they were comparable to an award-winning chef's. She looked after Zachary with great attentiveness. Lexi tucked her loose strands of hair behind her ears and rested her arm against the car window frame. Her eyes glistened with clarity like never before. After all, why insist on winning over a man's affections when he never loved her? She tilted her head with a playful wink at Quinton. "It's because I'm incredibly intelligent, Mr. Shaw." That rendered Quinton speechless, but he soon scoffed. "How can you be in the mood to joke around at a moment like this?" What he meant by that was, "How can you still joke around when Zachary's already angry?" A soft chuckle came from Lexi, who was in a good mood. Then, the two no longer spoke. … There were bodyguards stationed outside Flowerhill Estate. Because of that, Lexi couldn't flee even if she wanted to. Quinton dropped Lexi off at Flowerhill Estate before driving off. Lexi couldn't leave the villa in the estate if Zachary didn't allow it. She fell asleep on the couch for the rest of the night. Meanwhile, the living room television was tuned to a boring channel. Zachary stared down at the slumbering Lexi when he came home. There was a relaxed, welcoming energy to her when she was asleep. It was unlike her aloof demeanor when she was his secretary in the daytime. Zachary's forehead creased as he frowned. He bent forward. Lexi awoke from her sleep when she felt someone pinching her chin. Zachary had used brute force when doing it, so Lexi was in immense pain. It struck her hard and snapped her out of her bleary state. She was more alert now. Her eyes opened wide to see a cold Zachary staring at her. She could even smell Yvonne's perfume lingering on him. Lexi's forehead creased, and her stomach turned in disgust. The lights inside the villa weren't on, save for one desk lamp and the light from the television. Those light sources faintly illuminated the darkness. Half of Zachary's attractive face was hidden in the darkness. Only an icy tone rang out when he spoke. "Who gave you the nerve to blabber nonsense to Yvonne, Lexi?" Lexi was lying on the couch, and she lowered her gaze. She did not say anything because anything she said would be wrong. "Did a cat get your tongue? Speak!" He gripped her chin without mercy. He exerted so much strength that he forced Lexi's slender neck to curve as he made her look at him. Lexi was forced to raise her head. Her striking eyes soon settled on his cold expression. Her jaw hurt so badly that tears naturally flowed from her eyes. Still, she responded calmly, "I only told her the truth. You and I are indeed legally married. Did I say anything wrong?" Zachary held her chin in a tight grip while spouting venomous words. "It's only a marriage certificate, Lexi. Have you forgotten about our marriage contract? You were despicable enough to sign the contract just because you needed money." Lexi knew she likely looked pale then. She blinked while processing his words. So, he thought she was despicable, huh? She soon gritted her teeth, snorted, and spoke up. "I'm not despicable. It's that we were both only using each other." Sheer loathing echoed in Zachary's voice. "What silver tongue you have, Ms. Loyle. Only you could do something as vile as bartering your body off." "What do you mean by 'barter'?" A frown marred Lexi's face. Zachary let out a low chuckle. He drew a strong finger from her chin to her slim, frail neck and continued downward. Lexi froze at once. "You've got a decent body. It's no wonder that brat, Xavier, wanted to lure you to his company with a high salary," he said with a low growl. Then, he lifted the hem of her top and reached beneath it. That took Lexi by surprise. She held his hand in place and prevented it from advancing. Zachary suddenly pinched her plump skin, causing her to glare at him with red eyes. An uncaring look came from Zachary. Lexi noticed that his other hand was also moving downwards. She looked at him with a dark expression but spoke sardonically. "For you to be interested in my body means you don't love Yvonne as deeply as I thought." It was hard to discern the meaning behind Zachary's smile just then. With a scoff, he commented, "You think too highly of yourself. I wouldn't have slept with you if I hadn't had a fever and been drunk that night." Zachary's hand still lingered on Lexi's skin. His eyes narrowed with hatred but also confusion. They supposedly bedded for the first time two months ago, but he couldn't remember it at all. He figured it could have been because his fever left him delirious, and Lexi seized the chance to do it with him. Regardless, the way he spoke about it now sounded like he was utterly repulsed by that night. Lexi took a deep breath. She stood, linked an arm around his neck, and leaned into his ear while chuckling lightly. "But you seemed very into me that night. We had a second round." She brazenly traced one of her fingers around his leather belt. Zachary's expression soured while his gaze deepened with even more detestation. He pried Lexi's arm off his neck and stood. "Don't waste your time doing unnecessary things, Lexi. If Grandma didn't like you so much, I wouldn't mind giving you to Xavier after the stunt you pulled today." Upon hearing that, Lexi felt like a true and complete failure. Since Zachary could say something as cruel as giving her away to someone, it meant he never once had feelings for her these past few years. "Remember to visit Grandma at the hospital tomorrow. Don't tell her anything you shouldn't." Zachary coldly straightened his shirt before glaring daggers at Lexi and hurrying off. … Martha beamed brilliantly when her precious grandson and granddaughter-in-law held hands and entered the hospital. "Come and sit here with me, my darling Lex." Only a gentle look filled her eyes as she gazed at Zachary. "I dreamt you two gave me an adorable great-grandbaby last night, Zachary. It was the cutest little baby." Zachary gave her a faint smile. It was a rare moment when he tried to cheer Martha up. "I promise we're trying hard, Grandma." Martha's cancer cells had begun spreading in her body, so she only had one to two years left to live. Zachary usually let his grandma down when it came to topics like marriage and children. So, he'd always tell white lies to appease her. "You two have been married for two years! Why hasn't there been any good news yet?" Martha was inexplicably obsessed with getting a great-grandchild before her death. Lexi didn't say a word and only lowered her head while pretending to be shy. Martha only nagged at Zachary briefly before turning to comfort Lexi. "There's no need to worry, Lex. I'm only bringing it up casually. It's not time for us to meet your future baby yet. You two are still young, after all." "I know, Grandma." Lexi suddenly felt uncomfortable. Her expression shifted as she sprinted to the bathroom to puke. Excitement coursed through Martha's veins when she heard the sounds of Lexi hurling. She held Zachary's hands at once, asking, "Could Lexi expecting… a baby?" A light snort came from Zachary while his gaze darkened. "She's just having an upset stomach, Grandma." Chapter 5 "Are you sure? Did you take her to the hospital to get checked up?" Martha refused to drop the topic. That was when Lexi exited the bathroom. Only she knew how unnerved and panicked she was in that instant. "Lex, are you carrying a baby?" Martha asked with delight while gazing at the former's stomach. Lexi flashed a faint smile while shaking her head. "Grandma, I've already gone for a check-up at the hospital. I just have an upset stomach, is all." Martha was a little disappointed. "You must take care of your health. Pay more attention to your recent eating habits." Lexi nodded. Zachary left the room to answer a phone call while Lexi fed Martha some sliced apples. Lexi also chatted with Martha and tried to lift her spirits. After chatting for a while, Lexi left the ward with the empty fruit bowl. As she passed the private lounge area, she heard Mary's voice. It sounded like Mary was mocking her. "Zach, I was outside the ward earlier. I overheard Grandma nagging at you to give her a great-grandchild." Mary sounded annoyed as she continued, "Grandma's probably lost her mind now that she's old. How's Lexi worthy of birthing our family's great-grandchild?" Zachary's dead-eyed stare flickered toward her. He was warning her not to continue. He didn't mind it if Mary insulted Lexi, but he refused to let Mary show any disrespect to Martha. Mary cowered before sticking her tongue out playfully. "Sorry, Zach. I was only venting about how unfair it is for you." "She won't have my baby," said Zachary, his voice bland. "I knew you'd be sensible." Mary merrily left once she got the response she wanted. She opened the door and saw Lexi standing outside. One of her brows arched almost immediately. "A woman Zachary bought for 100 million doesn't deserve to give birth to our family's children. You'd best know your place, Lexi. Got it?" Mary loved mocking Lexi for being the bride that cost 100 millions. That was when Lexi lowered her voice and spoke with a gentle, soothing tone. "Oh, sweet Mare, your brother can't do it. So he and I won't have any children. Do you understand?" "Why, you!" Mary scowled at Lexi. "Quit spewing lies, you vile brat!" Lexi smirked. "I'm not lying, dear sister-in-law. I'm speaking based on my experience." Mary's face grew harder when she heard that. "You shameless woman! You're unworthy of being my sister-in-law and can never match up to Yvonne!" "Indeed, you're right. I'll never compare to your precious Yvonne, but the undeniable truth is I'm Zachary's wife." A smug grin spread across Lexi's face. "How dare you?" Mary raised her hand and wanted to slap Lexi's face, which she felt was unnecessarily charming. She believed Lexi's beauty was what allowed Lexi to seduce men everywhere. Lexi lifted the empty bowl in her hand and promptly blocked the incoming slap. Mary's delicate hand slammed against the bowl, causing her to shriek in pain. That was when the private lounge door opened, and Zachary appeared at the doorway. "Zach, she hit me with her bowl! Look! My hand's all red now!" Mary pouted pitifully while lying. She claimed that Lexi had attacked her first. "She's the one who hit the bowl," Lexi calmly explained. Zachary's indifferent gaze swept toward Lexi. "Be aware of your place." "What is my place?" Lexi asked. "Mary is a Jenkins family member—" Zachary had just started speaking, but Lexi reached up and slapped her right cheek hard. It was a resounding slap. Lexi's face reddened in seconds, proving how merciless she was to herself. Zachary was baffled for a split second. He never imagined that Lexi would slap herself. A triumphant smirk smeared all over Mary's face as she peered at Lexi. She then snickered and said, "I'm heading off now, Zach." Her heels clicked as she strolled off pridefully. Not a trace of emotion showed on Lexi's face as she was about to leave to wash the empty bowl. "Wait," Zachary called out. His eyes narrowed to pinpricks as he studied her. Lexi took one step back. She watched as Zachary took out his phone and made a call. Her heart sank with dread once she heard what he said on the phone. Zachary later hung up and told Lexi, "Let's go to the gynecology department now to perform a check-up on your body. Are you okay with that, Ms. Loyle?" Lexi's mind went blank just then. She felt Zachary would undoubtedly blame her for having a baby and say she was trying to secure her position as his wife forever. The irony was she had planned to get a surgery. At that point, Lexi had no clue what to do. All her senses had shut down, save for the uneasy, tingly sensation she felt on her scalp. Zachary first entered the elevator but noticed Lexi wasn't moving. So, he snapped, "Ms. Loyle?" Lexi lied. She said she needed to use the washroom because her stomach was hurting. She did so, hoping to stall for time. Lexi placed a hand on her stomach, ran to the toilet, and thought about how to resolve this situation. The dire circumstances left Lexi with no choice. She texted Yvonne. "Ms. Xenos, Zachary is accompanying me to the gynecologist for a body check-up now. We're planning to conceive a baby through IVF treatments." Lexi sent that text before emotionlessly putting away her phone. She refused to believe Yvonne could remain unbothered by that text. She waited in the stall for about 15 minutes. During that time, she received a call from Zachary, who rushed her. Lexi clutched her stomach. Her breathing sounded weaker as she spoke. "I've been having stomach issues lately. Everything I eat won't stay in my stomach for long." She pretended to awkwardly describe her "diarrhea" in a less jarring way. "You'd better not be up to something, Lexi." Zachary frowned. His gaze sharpened. Lexi figured it was time to head outside, so she washed her hands and left the washroom. Following that, she took the elevator to the gynecology department. Zachary was already waiting outside for her. "Let's head in." Yvonne didn't show up. That left Lexi nervous but helpless. She gradually calmed her emotions and convinced herself everything would work out. If the truth about her baby had to be revealed now, then so be it. They were about to open the door to the gynecology department when Zachary's phone rang. "Slow down, Yvonne. What's happening? Okay, I'll be right over." Zachary snuck a grim glance at Lexi as he answered the phone. He froze when he noticed her still swollen cheek, but it didn't last long. He soon walked off without hesitation. Lexi interpreted Zachary's grim look as him warning her not to pull any tricks. Only after she exited the hospital and saw the entertainment news online did she learn Yvonne had encountered a psychotically obsessive fan. The male fan had pushed Yvonne over and broken Yvonne's hand. It was no wonder Zachary went to her in such a hurry. … Once Lexi returned to the hotel, she encountered the man she had bumped into at the elevator last night. He was also holding a coffee cup today. Lexi could sense the man was staring at her swollen right cheek. It didn't seem like he would take his eyes off her anytime. Although she felt flustered, she didn't avoid his stare. Instead, she maintained a stoic expression and spoke sarcastically. "I know I'm so pretty that people can't help but gawk at me." Claude's lips curved up. As he sipped his coffee, his Adam's apple bobbed attractively. Eventually, he said, "You look very familiar." Lexi's eyes remained on the climbing numbers on the elevator's digital display. "That's a tacky way to hit on someone." "I've never needed to hit on anyone." Claude flashed a reticent smile. "I'm only stating the truth. There was a laziness and silkiness to his voice. Lexi looked ahead at the elevator's mirrored walls and took in Claude, who stood to her left. She didn't recall ever interacting with him, much less meeting him. To her surprise, Claude suddenly approached her. His intimidating presence overwhelmed her so much that she took a few steps back. "Can I help you?" she questioned with a stiff voice. At the same time, she met Claude's intense gaze. Claude stared into her eyes as he removed the mask and revealed his dashing face. Lexi held her breath. They were so close to each other that she could smell the faint pine scent from his body. "Do you really not recognize me?" Claude asked. "I don't." Claude straightened his back and peered down at her. When the elevator door opened on the tenth floor, he stepped aside. Lexi left right away. Doubt gnawed at her heart. She could have sworn she didn't know the man, but why did he seem to know her? … Lexi had just finished showering when someone rang the doorbell to her room. It was the hotel's employee. He said, "A gentleman on the 12th floor instructed us to pass this facial cream to you, Ms. Loyle." "Thank you." Lexi accepted the tube of cream but was even more perplexed by the situation. She didn't end up using the facial cream, of course. Claude was a stranger, after all. That night, Lexi had a dream. She dreamt of the night from two months ago. The wild night left her all sweaty. Zachary held her waist and tried out several positions with her. It left Lexi limp with barely any energy left. Not to mention, she was so drunk that she was in a daze. When Lexi woke, she massaged her forehead. The dream she had turned out to be a tad frightening. The man she slept with two months ago was Zachary. Yet, for some reason, he got replaced by the man from the elevator in her dream. Chapter 6 Lexi never expected that she would be implicated in the incident of Yvonne being assaulted by a fan. She was eating lunch when one of Zachary's bodyguards came to the restaurant and brought her to Royaltree Estate. This property belonged to Zachary as well. However, their marital home was Flowerhill Estate, which was a gift from Martha. That was why she rarely came over to this particular property. As she get into Royaltree Estate, she saw that Yvonne was there too. Instantly, an ominous feeling washed over her. Half an hour later, Lexi was standing in the same spot while Zachary fed Yvonne meticulously and tenderly at the dining table. Yvonne had broken her right arm, and she was not used to using her left hand to hold the cutlery. So, Zachary fed her. "I'm full, Zach. I can't eat anymore." Yvonne leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek. "Ms. Loyle arrived a while ago." Zachary handed Yvonne a napkin to wipe her mouth. Then, he looked at Lexi, "Bring him in." Following his command, a bodyguard brought in a bald middle-aged man. Lexi looked on, feeling puzzled. Zachary asked coldly, "Ms. Loyle, do you know this man?" Lexi glanced at the man and shook her head. "I don't." "What about you?" He turned to the middle-aged man. "Do you know her?" The middle-aged man shook his head vigorously, "No, I don't." Zachary sneered. The bodyguard holding the man kicked the back of his knee. Lexi pursed her lips and watched as the scene unfolded. "Ms. Loyle, I've decided not to interfere between you and Zachary anymore. Yet, you got this man to harm me. You're so wicked!" Yvonne accused angrily, glaring at Lexi. Lexi looked up and stared back at her. "Harm you? I don't even know this man." Yvonne looked disappointed. "Are you still going to deny it?" "Deny what? I don't even know what's going on," Lexi replied calmly. Zachary stared at her frostily and requested for a woman to be brought in. As soon as she entered, Lexi recognized her. It was her classmate from college—Layla Zimmer. Upon seeing the bodyguard bringing his daughter in, the middle-aged man suddenly cried out, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have done such a thing! This has nothing to do with my daughter. I'm sorry! I just wanted to help Ms. Loyle." Lexi frowned and asked, "Help me with what?" Yvonne sighed helplessly. Her voice was tinged with anger. She said, "Ms. Loyle, you instructed this man to pretend to be my fan and molest me in public. You made me the subject of ridicule in the entertainment industry. I can't believe how cruel you are!" "I never did such a thing." Lexi finally understood what was going on. She looked at Zachary and stated, "I didn't do it. I would never do something like this." Zachary retorted emotionlessly, "I only believe in evidence." His words made Lexi feel stifled. It was clear he didn't believe her. She straightened her back and challenged, "What evidence?" As soon as she finished speaking, the bodyguard grabbed Layla's hair roughly and started to drag her out to beat her up. "No! Dad, help me! Lexi, please save me!" Layla cried out while holding her scalp in pain. "It was Ms. Loyle who put me up to it! It has nothing to do with my daughter," Owen Zimmer whimpered as he tried to stop them from hurting Layla. In a steady tone, Lexi said, "Just because you claim I put you up to it doesn't mean it's true." "Ms. Loyle, you transferred 200 thousand to my daughter previously. I was very grateful about that and agreed to do your bidding." Owen then apologized profusely, "I'm sorry, Ms. Loyle. I owe you one for this." Lexi looked at the silent Layla, and then at Owen, who kept apologizing. She said with a sneer, "You two owe me one indeed. Never did I imagine the fable of the Snake and the Farmer would resonate so strongly with me one day." Lexi had never met Layla's father before, but his face would be etched in her mind after this. Some people could turn around and betray those who helped them before without conscience. Half a year ago, Layla had been hospitalized and needed to undergo surgery. However, her family had no money, so they sought help on a crowdfunding platform and borrowed money from everyone they could reach out to. Lexi came to know about it. Since they were roommates in college and were good friends, she lent Layla 200 thousand. She never expected that she would be famed by lending Layla that money. Layla suddenly looked up and said, "Lexi, I'm very grateful for the money that you have lent me, but you shouldn't have asked my father to do something like this. I will repay your money." "You can't just say whatever you please to slander me." Lexi turned around to look at Yvonne. "Ms. Xenos, I lent Layla 200 thousand for her treatment, but that doesn't mean I instructed them to do anything." "Well..." Yvonne looked at Zachary and said hesitantly, "Zach, Ms. Loyle has a point. I just broke an arm. So, let's leave it at that." Hearing this, Lexi felt a lump in her throat that nearly suffocated her. Zachary poured Yvonne a cup of water. He had a stern look in his eyes as he said, "Take good care of your hand. I won't let anyone who harms you get away. I'll handle this." Yvonne blushed and smiled at those words. Lexi, on the other hand, felt a chill run down her spine. The bodyguards took Layla and Owen away as Zachary went to the balcony to make a call. Yvonne approached Lexi and said in a lowered voice, "Ms. Loyle, you may have a marriage certificate, but does it hold any value? Besides, Zachary told me your marriage is purely contractual." Lexi couldn't believe that Zachary had told Yvonne about their contractual marriage! Her expression turned glacial. "Even if we're in a contractual marriage, the marriage certificate is real. As long as we're not divorced, you'll always be the homewrecker." Yvonne shook her head helplessly. "Ms. Loyle, Zachary doesn't love you. Why hold on to him? You should let go." "Make him divorce me, then," Lexi replied with a smile. She didn't have enough money to pay the compensation for breaching the contract. Yvonne responded to her smile with an amused smirk in return. "Ms. Loyle, come over and visit me here. This is where I'm living now." Zachary had even let his ex-girlfriend move into Royaltree Estate. The next moment, he came back in and asked Lexi to go to the study with him after finishing his call. Yvonne watched Lexi go upstairs with a gleeful grin. She was thinking of something else. She wondered if Lexi would go mad if she found out that she had slept with a stranger. At that thought, her grin turned into a wide smile. … The silence was stifling inside the study. Lexi clenched her hands into fists while feeling slightly nervous. "I didn't instruct Mr. Zimmer to harm Ms. Xenos. I will investigate this and give her a satisfactory explanation," Lexi said. Investigating the matter would be difficult. The other party had set her up by accusing her of something hard to disprove. No matter what, she was in trouble. Lexi suspected that Yvonne had framed her. She was not likely to be a kind person. Four years ago, Lexi had seen Yvonne crush a kitten to death with her high heels. Martha had witnessed it too. Perhaps that was why she was so strongly opposed to Zachary marrying Yvonne. In the silent study, Zachary walked up to Lexi. As he neared her, she could feel the pressure mounting on her. Finally, he said, "I will have someone investigate this matter." This showed that he didn't believe her at all. He then asked, "Where have you moved to?" He only realized she had moved out of Flowerhill Estate after she had been gone for a few days. "A hotel." "Why did you move out?" After a moment of silence, Lexi took a deep breath. "You have gotten back together with Yvonne. I don't feel like staying there." Flowerhill Estate was their marital home and a gift from Martha. Staying there was torture for her, and she didn't want to put up with it. Zachary stared at her with his deep-set eyes. "Do you think you have the right to talk about this?" When they signed the contract two years ago, she lost the right to do as she pleased. Lexi laughed in exasperation. "I just want to live somewhere else for a change. Are you telling me I can't do that?" "If Grandma finds out about you moving out, you won't be able to handle the consequences," he said with a cold smile. "Don't try to be clever with me, Lexi." He tapped her head lightly with his cool fingers. "Don't play with fire." Chapter 7 Lexi felt her stomach churn and couldn't help but vomit right onto Zachary, who was in front of her. Zachary's expression stiffened with disgust. He looked at the vomit all over himself and glared at her with widened eyes filled with rage. Lexi covered her mouth in apology, though she felt a trace of satisfaction inside. "Sorry. I've been feeling unwell for the past few days." Utterly disgusted, Zachary took off his soiled clothes and threw them into the laundry basket. His lean but muscular physique was exposed. Before he left the study, he warned Lexi coldly, "Move back to Flowerhill Estate. If Grandma finds out you've moved out, I won't let you off." Lexi couldn't move back to Flowerhill Estate now. She had something very important to do. She had to find a safe place to get an surgery. Otherwise, the fear of Zachary finding out about the truth would loom over her constantly. Once Lexi made up her mind, she acted swiftly. She booked a flight to a small city. She caught a plane that took her there that very night. Next, she took a taxi to a small town and booked a room at a motel near Adstrum Hospital. At dawn, she arrived at the hospital to see a doctor at the gynecology clinic as soon as the doctors started their shifts. Feeling a bit self-conscious, she requested to see a female doctor. The nurse responded impatiently, "If everyone made such requests, how would we manage? Only Dr. Quall has a slot available. Do you want it or not?" Lexi flinched at the nurse's irritable tone. She hesitated for a second and replied meekly, "Yes." She then made her way to the clinic on the first floor. When there were two numbers left before it was her turn, there came a phone call from Quinton. "Ms. Loyle, why didn't you come to work again?" he asked. "I've submitted my resignation letter. I'm on annual leave now," Lexi replied. She then added, "I'm traveling now, Mr. Shaw. I'll be back in a week to hand over my work. Please handle things in my absence." She hung up decisively. Quinton was left speechless. He relayed Lexi's message to the busy Zachary. "Boss, Ms. Loyle is traveling. She said she will return in a week to hand over her duties." Zachary frowned and sipped his coffee. He found the taste unsatisfactory. "Who made today's coffee? Go make me another." Quinton took the coffee away and instructed the assistant secretary to go and brew Zachary a fresh cup. It took four attempts before their boss reluctantly accepted the coffee presented. Seeing this, Quinton surmised that Zachary must have gotten accustomed to the coffee Lexi made. "Book a table at the Cadorian restaurant for tonight. I have a date with Yvonne. Order a bouquet of roses as well." Zachary's request surprised Quinton, who started to doubt his initial guess. Could it be that Zachary's true love was still his ex-girlfriend, after all? Quinton collected his thoughts and replied, "Sure. I'll see to it." Before he left, he turned to Zachary and said, "Zach, Lexi has always done her job well. You... Don't regret this in the future." He and Zachary were college mates. Right now, he was speaking to Zachary as a friend. Zachary looked up, and his eyes were cold. "Why would I regret it? I've always loved Yvonne." Why would anyone think he would regret it? Zachary sneered and didn't think much of it. ... Lexi was unaware of the conversation that had taken place between Quinton and Zachary. The nurse opened the door and called out, "Ms. Loyle." Lexi nodded and entered. As she walked in, she overheard another nurse saying coquettishly, "You're so mean, Dr. Quall." The nurse's voice was overly sweet and coy. It made Lexi cringe. She glanced at the doctor, who was enjoying this attention, and realized that it was the man she'd encountered in the elevator. It didn't occur to her that he could be a doctor when she saw him. The tall man with broad shoulders was standing at the sink and washing his hands meticulously. He was wearing a white coat. With his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his strong arms were exposed, revealing the tattoo of a black mamba coiled around a rose. Lexi didn't know what to make of this. This was her first time seeing a doctor with such scary tattoos on his arms. Claude, who was wearing a surgical mask, noticed Lexi and raised an eyebrow. He wondered why she had come to such a remote town to seek treatment. He sat down and dried his hands leisurely. Then, he asked in a laid-back tone, "What's wrong?" After waiting for some time, he didn't hear any answer from Lexi. Claude asked again, "Is your throat so sore that you can't speak?" Doing her best to maintain her composure, Lexi whispered, "I'm here… to get a surgery." Claude fell silent. Lexi blinked at him and stayed quiet too. He had not expected this. "Have you given birth before?" "No. This is my first time." "When was your last period?" "I think it was around the end of April." After inquiring about her medical history, Claude said, "Let's do an ultrasound." Lexi nodded. She had come this far, so she didn't want to waste her time and effort. She followed the nurse and walked to the back of the curtain. After taking off her shoes and lying on the hospital bed, she pulled her shirt up to reveal her body. With gloved hands, Claude applied some gel to her. As she took in rasped, nervous breaths, her belly moved up and down rapidly too. "Relax," Claude reassured her. When he noticed her shaky fingers, Claude raised an eyebrow. "The procedure can be done tomorrow afternoon." Lexi wiped the gel off her stomach with some tissues. "Okay." Claude noticed that her hands were trembling even more now. For once, he decided to be kind and advised, "You should keep it." "The father is abusive. It would be cruel for me to keep the child," Lexi replied indifferently while tidying her clothes. "That's unfortunate." Lexi agreed, "Yes, it's very unfortunate." Claude stepped out from behind the curtains. As she looked at his broad shoulders, Lexi recalled the dream she had a few nights ago. She pondered that maybe she had it in her to become a promiscuous woman. While keying Lexi's information into the computer, Claude explained the precautions for surgery in detail. Lexi listened to him attentively. When Claude saw her name, he paused for a moment. Finally, he knew her name.	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11845&ut	293322843875249	Random Reading	https://facebook.com/61560831098071	20	1	841,603,621,198,372	2024-07-06 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	Random Reading	120210267529900281	beokn.com		NONE	dco		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11845&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-02 05:33	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448931647_391631013434352_81445601090980535_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ITyRdxR1TGEQ7kNvgFR9sGd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDezraZVnveAlmcIoS7WDvTWW-SjTYvrZ4swak4qX75uA&oe=66AB5E0B	person_profile	Random Reading	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449488630_1206714387169702_2862313148573881748_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XFaawUavKp0Q7kNvgHEFDM5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCn-Bvk8U0jwJdCqf74ZeZUKLGwkk0eUnpOCkigXb17Sg&oe=66AB6A2A	3	Random Reading	2024-07-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,437	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	806262204982272	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> Lottie’s POV<br /> "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. <br /> <br /> "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. <br /> <br /> "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. <br /> <br /> "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. <br /> <br /> "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me.<br /> <br /> "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful!<br /> <br /> "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. <br /> <br /> “You think? ” her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. <br /> <br /> “Yes!” I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. <br /> <br /> "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! <br /> <br /> "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. <br /> <br /> "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. <br /> <br /> "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. <br /> <br /> "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold.<br /> <br /> "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. <br /> <br /> "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned.<br /> <br /> Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. <br /> <br /> "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. <br /> <br /> With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. <br /> <br /> "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. <br /> <br /> Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. <br /> <br /> Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! <br /> <br /> "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... <br /> <br /> "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood.<br /> <br /> "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. <br /> <br /> "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. <br /> <br /> "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on.<br /> <br /> "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me!<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong.<br /> <br /> "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. <br /> <br /> "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him.<br /> <br /> "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish!<br /> <br /> "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. <br /> <br /> Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane!<br /> <br /> "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed!<br /> <br /> "It's not what it looks like, I promise."<br /> <br /> "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds.<br /> <br /> "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. <br /> <br /> Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." <br /> <br /> Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. <br /> <br /> Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow.<br /> <br /> “Babygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. <br /> <br /> "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear.<br /> <br /> *******<br /> "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. <br /> <br /> "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. <br /> <br /> I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." <br /> <br /> "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house.<br /> <br /> "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room.<br /> <br /> "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. <br /> <br /> "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! <br /> <br /> "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. <br /> <br /> Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? <br /> <br /> Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. <br /> <br /> My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment.<br /> <br /> "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! <br /> <br /> The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! <br /> <br /> He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! <br /> <br /> Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! <br /> <br /> I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. <br /> <br /> Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. <br /> <br /> "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. <br /> <br /> "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. <br /> <br /> "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps.<br /> <br /> "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine.<br /> <br /> "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. <br /> <br /> "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white.<br /> <br /> I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male.<br /> <br /> "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. <br /> <br /> "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. <br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed.<br /> <br /> "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. <br /> "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp.<br /> <br /> "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core.<br /> <br /> "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!"<br /> <br /> "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure.<br /> <br /> "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!"<br /> <br /> "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly.<br /> <br /> "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! <br /> <br /> "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light.<br /> <br /> "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged!<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! <br /> <br /> "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins!<br /> <br /> His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. <br /> <br /> "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain.<br /> <br /> "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. <br /> <br /> "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged.<br /> <br /> I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. <br /> <br /> "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" <br /> <br /> Shiit! <br /> <br /> “ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it!<br /> <br /> Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation!<br /> <br /> "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs!<br /> <br /> "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. <br /> <br /> "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been!<br /> <br /> "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. <br /> <br /> "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it?<br /> <br /> "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time.<br /> <br /> "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. <br /> <br /> "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind.<br /> <br /> "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! <br /> <br /> "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. <br /> <br /> "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie!<br /> <br /> "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. <br /> <br /> "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile.<br /> <br /> "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." <br /> <br /> "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps.<br /> <br /> Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. <br /> <br /> "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache.<br /> <br /> "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. <br /> <br /> "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. <br /> <br /> "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. <br /> <br /> "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" <br /> <br /> "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality.<br /> <br /> "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop.<br /> <br /> "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage.<br /> <br /> It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. <br /> <br /> Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. <br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs.<br /> <br /> "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests.<br /> <br /> "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow.<br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. <br /> <br /> "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. <br /> <br /> "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle.<br /> <br /> "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! <br /> <br /> Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. <br /> <br /> "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. <br /> <br /> "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. <br /> <br /> "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could.<br /> <br /> "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. <br /> <br /> "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. <br /> <br /> "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. <br /> <br /> "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. <br /> <br /> "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. <br /> <br /> "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. <br /> <br /> "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins.<br /> <br /> Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. <br /> <br /> "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. <br /> <br /> "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair.<br /> <br /> "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. <br /> <br /> "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! <br /> <br /> "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. <br /> <br /> "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough.<br /> <br /> "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. <br /> <br /> "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. <br /> <br /> "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up!<br /> <br /> "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me.<br /> <br /> "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip.<br /> <br /> "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt.<br /> <br /> "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place.<br /> <br /> Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric.<br /> <br /> "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. <br /> <br /> "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack.<br /> <br /> "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop.<br /> <br /> "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry!<br /> <br /> "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. <br /> <br /> "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands.<br /> <br /> "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. <br /> <br /> "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! <br /> <br /> I wanted it!	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u	219004054622622	Galaxy in the Story	https://facebook.com/61555427913037	718	1	1,689,816,148,459,753	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Galaxy in the Story	120211669470800694	befant.com		NONE	video		https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-24 01:51	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452632262_3319995588145381_3974992104306250304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hcWkpdfICGoQ7kNvgGdr87w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBUWuqUr6JWplrV8xYpFP8OMrJ_TSGyu9AvoZRCrATXVA&oe=66AB5666	person_profile	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452515220_481406534584547_7038500707194739473_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XORrW2JgSnQQ7kNvgHwJ9Gf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCDrJztnKQMxqfuEfUinlM-asyW78Agqc1QEm_xMaLhuw&oe=66AB509C	3	Galaxy in the Story	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,229	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940227}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	2166045000442498	¡QUEDA 1 HORA! $9.99 Solo Hoy	📱 Mejora tu Protector de Pantalla en solo 15 segundos<br /> El nuevo protector de pantalla HD de 4ta generación mejorado de 2024 es más poderoso, 💪 más resistente y protege mejor tu privacidad👍<br /> <br /> ✅ Serie iPhone y Samsung<br /> ✅ Protección de privacidad de 28°<br /> ✅ Apertura de molde 1:1 en máquina real<br /> ✅ Instalación con un solo clic, adhesión automática<br /> ✅ Dureza 9H y transparencia HD completa<br /> <br /> 🛒 Consigue el tuyo ahora:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshopoakandhearth.com%2Fproducts%2Fla-proteccion-de-pantalla-nunca-ha-sido-tan-facil&h=AT1Rb_QuYzg0hlmUp7R2LKCUmvmDUGEhB4AapP7ojkRBWzRNnJgW7j8lFpSPZNqJoIczrpcTMZ634lBBMYbkk0KvZxPbnPbKaS3FFCTZmvLiHQYi4WLoF8ctPQMLOfAlSYxxj2AClbfYrw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://shopoakandhearth.com/products/la-proteccion-de-pantalla-nunca-ha-sido-tan-facil</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://shopoakandhearth.com/products/la-proteccio	111580875082126	Shop Oak & Hearth	https://facebook.com/100087438456832	13,100	1	1,475,468,583,077,685	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Shop now	Shop Oak & Hearth	120210441805350508	shopoakandhearth.com		NONE	video	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Calificado 4.9/5)	https://shopoakandhearth.com/products/la-proteccion-de-pantalla-nunca-ha-sido-tan-facil	2024-07-27 07:26	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453186838_7999116706862409_1916787496187681801_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4mx_6rq9WrIQ7kNvgHwWQjM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBiGbPFNR_OZVYc3v-hkYJk-LB5bQSyoCCO_GqVqb9_6A&oe=66AB5AF1	person_profile	Shop Oak & Hearth	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453190932_1524019528196918_388795757124562067_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JZoqAu78kOYQ7kNvgGKdflt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBblyS1fFbNfc6UV1Wa2fY_EoDOeS_DEQ2eigvZXroRCg&oe=66AB6324	3	Shop Oak & Hearth	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,547	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1242842117089427	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> Lottie’s POV<br /> "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. <br /> <br /> "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. <br /> <br /> "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. <br /> <br /> "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. <br /> <br /> "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me.<br /> <br /> "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful!<br /> <br /> "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. <br /> <br /> “You think? ” her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. <br /> <br /> “Yes!” I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. <br /> <br /> "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! <br /> <br /> "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. <br /> <br /> "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. <br /> <br /> "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. <br /> <br /> "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold.<br /> <br /> "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. <br /> <br /> "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned.<br /> <br /> Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. <br /> <br /> "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. <br /> <br /> With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. <br /> <br /> "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. <br /> <br /> Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. <br /> <br /> Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! <br /> <br /> "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... <br /> <br /> "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood.<br /> <br /> "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. <br /> <br /> "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. <br /> <br /> "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on.<br /> <br /> "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me!<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong.<br /> <br /> "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. <br /> <br /> "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him.<br /> <br /> "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish!<br /> <br /> "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. <br /> <br /> Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane!<br /> <br /> "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed!<br /> <br /> "It's not what it looks like, I promise."<br /> <br /> "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds.<br /> <br /> "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. <br /> <br /> Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." <br /> <br /> Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. <br /> <br /> Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow.<br /> <br /> “Babygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. <br /> <br /> "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear.<br /> <br /> *******<br /> "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. <br /> <br /> "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. <br /> <br /> I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." <br /> <br /> "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house.<br /> <br /> "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room.<br /> <br /> "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. <br /> <br /> "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! <br /> <br /> "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. <br /> <br /> Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? <br /> <br /> Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. <br /> <br /> My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment.<br /> <br /> "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! <br /> <br /> The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! <br /> <br /> He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! <br /> <br /> Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! <br /> <br /> I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. <br /> <br /> Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. <br /> <br /> "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. <br /> <br /> "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. <br /> <br /> "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps.<br /> <br /> "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine.<br /> <br /> "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. <br /> <br /> "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white.<br /> <br /> I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male.<br /> <br /> "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. <br /> <br /> "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. <br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed.<br /> <br /> "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. <br /> "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp.<br /> <br /> "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core.<br /> <br /> "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!"<br /> <br /> "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure.<br /> <br /> "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!"<br /> <br /> "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly.<br /> <br /> "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! <br /> <br /> "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light.<br /> <br /> "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged!<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! <br /> <br /> "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins!<br /> <br /> His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. <br /> <br /> "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain.<br /> <br /> "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. <br /> <br /> "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged.<br /> <br /> I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. <br /> <br /> "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" <br /> <br /> Shiit! <br /> <br /> “ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it!<br /> <br /> Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation!<br /> <br /> "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs!<br /> <br /> "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. <br /> <br /> "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been!<br /> <br /> "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. <br /> <br /> "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it?<br /> <br /> "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time.<br /> <br /> "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. <br /> <br /> "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind.<br /> <br /> "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! <br /> <br /> "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. <br /> <br /> "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie!<br /> <br /> "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. <br /> <br /> "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile.<br /> <br /> "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." <br /> <br /> "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps.<br /> <br /> Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. <br /> <br /> "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache.<br /> <br /> "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. <br /> <br /> "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. <br /> <br /> "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. <br /> <br /> "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" <br /> <br /> "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality.<br /> <br /> "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop.<br /> <br /> "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage.<br /> <br /> It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. <br /> <br /> Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. <br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs.<br /> <br /> "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests.<br /> <br /> "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow.<br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. <br /> <br /> "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. <br /> <br /> "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle.<br /> <br /> "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! <br /> <br /> Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. <br /> <br /> "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. <br /> <br /> "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. <br /> <br /> "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could.<br /> <br /> "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. <br /> <br /> "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. <br /> <br /> "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. <br /> <br /> "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. <br /> <br /> "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. <br /> <br /> "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. <br /> <br /> "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins.<br /> <br /> Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. <br /> <br /> "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. <br /> <br /> "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair.<br /> <br /> "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. <br /> <br /> "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! <br /> <br /> "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. <br /> <br /> "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough.<br /> <br /> "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. <br /> <br /> "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. <br /> <br /> "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up!<br /> <br /> "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me.<br /> <br /> "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip.<br /> <br /> "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt.<br /> <br /> "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place.<br /> <br /> Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric.<br /> <br /> "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. <br /> <br /> "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack.<br /> <br /> "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop.<br /> <br /> "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry!<br /> <br /> "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. <br /> <br /> "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands.<br /> <br /> "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. <br /> <br /> "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! <br /> <br /> I wanted it!	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u	219004054622622	Galaxy in the Story	https://facebook.com/61555427913037	718	1	887,336,123,224,582	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Galaxy in the Story	120211666971350694	befant.com		NONE	image		https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-24 01:09	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452648499_1034520851523800_4652576686129306737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PdkM5FuiJc8Q7kNvgEwXK-A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDHq-6XEpFXCUgNfZrM8NhSRGBngg3rQmHM-tARvDJVEg&oe=66AB72F4	person_profile	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452638250_3985705875048930_2782644673526925344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uwkh0EMwPysQ7kNvgEsJ8QM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDiqXJBOQbVUOGMxPi8UIea419pt_jTX0IHw6rTVhJJ3A&oe=66AB73E8	3	Galaxy in the Story	2024-07-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,953	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	882947383857270	Fiquei atraída por uma cena e descobri que a história completa era mais impressionante.	10 segundos assistindo e estou adorando! Que história incrível! Você tem que ver .	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://fbweb.moboreels.com/12570409-fb-y5-0606-pt	402485189604647	Moboreels-Lucky	https://facebook.com/61562013540507	146	1	1,235,948,460,899,353	2024-07-22 02:00	person_profile	taken-down	NONE	1	0	Install now	Moboreels-Lucky	120209216979470695	fbweb.moboreels.com		NONE	video		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/12570409-fb-y5-0606-pt-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=151709&accid=1540269840244821&jump=1	2024-07-21 00:17	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452169924_7220401358059619_7033353315128418259_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aenliGwMDokQ7kNvgG_0DX2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAC4_toyQjHBqGz543K3x3XPNBXmC75aXaDmfuOAeZ-Dw&oe=66AB6508	person_profile	changdureju2023	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451872787_1473550640705061_8042904825267882216_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3bbECsEv_w8Q7kNvgFTe2J9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD9lVBZJnkdVPWV0Ywx3mssl7NJV7OtpOc2UT9kOQHL6g&oe=66AB7B57	3	Moboreels-Lucky	2024-07-20 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,599	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940404}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1799017173925016	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	Haley hadn't seen her husband William for a week and when she finally called him in the evening he seemed annoyed. "I have a meeting now. Excuse me." He brushed hang up the phone before she could say a word. Haley felt a little disappointed since tonight marked their third anniversary. Anyway, she decided to stay awake until he got home. Bored, she picked up her phone, checking into her tiktok to kil-l time. Just then, a piece of news popped up, featuring NK Enterprise, her husband's company. Excited, Haley tapped into the news; "William Nash, Famous CEO of NK Enterprise, Checks Into Hotel With his Mystery Girlfriend, Relationship Revealed" Her William? Haley's eyes glued to her phone's screen, shock and disbelief taking over when she saw the image of her husband entering the Hotel, his arm snaked around a woman's waist. Haley couldn’t believe her husband was with a woman. She must be mistaken. Sinking in confusion was pointless. Haley dialed his number. On her third trial, he finally picked up. “What's up?” he asked coldly. Haley inhaled deeply, controlling her emotions. “Liam, where are you? Today's our 3rd anniversary, remember?” “So?” he said through his careless tone, “Not coming home. Sleep by yourself.” His voice holding no remorse, a gut-wrenching punch to her pride. Just then, a female voice, soft and seductive, came on the phone. “Willy, I'm thirsty.” Willy? Even Haley wasn't allowed to call him that. He truly was with a woman! The phone beeped. He hung up the call. Haley sank onto the bed, her thoughts spinning and that voice echoing. It was Leah! Liam’s secretary who looked a lot like his Ex. Dazed, Haley's gaze fell on the decorations; her hard work. Tears blurred Haley's vision. Suddenly, a message notification appeared. [I'm pre-gnant. It's time for me to become the new Mrs. Nash.] Haley gripped the phone, her body trembling. It was from Leah. She'd been having second thoughts whenever she wanted to leave the man, but now she gave up her last hope. Haley stood up and retrieved the document she'd hidden in a corner of the closet and signed her name on it. Tears that reminded her of how weak and helpless she'd reduced herself to all in this marriage. Never again.	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12277&u	144939265372419	Indulge in story	https://facebook.com/61552702618591	652	1	1,515,301,295,862,748	2024-07-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	Indulge in story	120211666251080646	redtgb.com		NONE	dco		https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12277&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-06-29 23:55	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449603727_1177584373373026_1689636167601256603_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_Hb68asoWmgQ7kNvgFF7ozn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0eCle7GKIWSX0uIuAdC0NYukuQL9nFlwwGaWWQZ-2Iw&oe=66AB652B	person_profile	Indulge in story	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449487023_1402022840495895_3582031761339036766_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QCi1bjM89nMQ7kNvgHjf2ev&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYArMIck14cncsHOQOmdl2j5rYVVQZzfGBkpX8uQKZN09w&oe=66AB53CD	3	Indulge in story	2024-07-01 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,598	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1730358037701451	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> Lottie’s POV<br /> "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. <br /> <br /> "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. <br /> <br /> "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. <br /> <br /> "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. <br /> <br /> "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me.<br /> <br /> "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful!<br /> <br /> "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. <br /> <br /> “You think? ” her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. <br /> <br /> “Yes!” I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. <br /> <br /> "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! <br /> <br /> "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. <br /> <br /> "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. <br /> <br /> "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. <br /> <br /> "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold.<br /> <br /> "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. <br /> <br /> "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned.<br /> <br /> Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. <br /> <br /> "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. <br /> <br /> With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. <br /> <br /> "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. <br /> <br /> Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. <br /> <br /> Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! <br /> <br /> "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... <br /> <br /> "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood.<br /> <br /> "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. <br /> <br /> "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. <br /> <br /> "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on.<br /> <br /> "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me!<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong.<br /> <br /> "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. <br /> <br /> "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him.<br /> <br /> "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish!<br /> <br /> "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. <br /> <br /> Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane!<br /> <br /> "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed!<br /> <br /> "It's not what it looks like, I promise."<br /> <br /> "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds.<br /> <br /> "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. <br /> <br /> Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." <br /> <br /> Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. <br /> <br /> Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow.<br /> <br /> “Babygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. <br /> <br /> "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear.<br /> <br /> *******<br /> "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. <br /> <br /> "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. <br /> <br /> I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." <br /> <br /> "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house.<br /> <br /> "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room.<br /> <br /> "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. <br /> <br /> "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! <br /> <br /> "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. <br /> <br /> Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? <br /> <br /> Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. <br /> <br /> My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment.<br /> <br /> "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! <br /> <br /> The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! <br /> <br /> He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! <br /> <br /> Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! <br /> <br /> I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. <br /> <br /> Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. <br /> <br /> "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. <br /> <br /> "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. <br /> <br /> "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps.<br /> <br /> "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine.<br /> <br /> "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. <br /> <br /> "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white.<br /> <br /> I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male.<br /> <br /> "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. <br /> <br /> "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. <br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed.<br /> <br /> "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. <br /> "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp.<br /> <br /> "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core.<br /> <br /> "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!"<br /> <br /> "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure.<br /> <br /> "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!"<br /> <br /> "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly.<br /> <br /> "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! <br /> <br /> "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light.<br /> <br /> "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged!<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! <br /> <br /> "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins!<br /> <br /> His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. <br /> <br /> "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain.<br /> <br /> "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. <br /> <br /> "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged.<br /> <br /> I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. <br /> <br /> "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" <br /> <br /> Shiit! <br /> <br /> “ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it!<br /> <br /> Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation!<br /> <br /> "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs!<br /> <br /> "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. <br /> <br /> "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been!<br /> <br /> "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. <br /> <br /> "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it?<br /> <br /> "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time.<br /> <br /> "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. <br /> <br /> "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind.<br /> <br /> "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! <br /> <br /> "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. <br /> <br /> "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie!<br /> <br /> "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. <br /> <br /> "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile.<br /> <br /> "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." <br /> <br /> "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps.<br /> <br /> Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. <br /> <br /> "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache.<br /> <br /> "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. <br /> <br /> "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. <br /> <br /> "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. <br /> <br /> "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" <br /> <br /> "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality.<br /> <br /> "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop.<br /> <br /> "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage.<br /> <br /> It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. <br /> <br /> Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. <br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs.<br /> <br /> "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests.<br /> <br /> "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow.<br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. <br /> <br /> "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. <br /> <br /> "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle.<br /> <br /> "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! <br /> <br /> Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. <br /> <br /> "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. <br /> <br /> "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. <br /> <br /> "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could.<br /> <br /> "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. <br /> <br /> "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. <br /> <br /> "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. <br /> <br /> "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. <br /> <br /> "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. <br /> <br /> "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. <br /> <br /> "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins.<br /> <br /> Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. <br /> <br /> "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. <br /> <br /> "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair.<br /> <br /> "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. <br /> <br /> "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! <br /> <br /> "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. <br /> <br /> "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough.<br /> <br /> "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. <br /> <br /> "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. <br /> <br /> "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up!<br /> <br /> "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me.<br /> <br /> "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip.<br /> <br /> "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt.<br /> <br /> "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place.<br /> <br /> Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric.<br /> <br /> "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. <br /> <br /> "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack.<br /> <br /> "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop.<br /> <br /> "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry!<br /> <br /> "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. <br /> <br /> "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands.<br /> <br /> "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. <br /> <br /> "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! <br /> <br /> I wanted it!	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u	219004054622622	Galaxy in the Story	https://facebook.com/61555427913037	718	1	378,888,514,876,521	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Galaxy in the Story	120211666969640694	befant.com		NONE	image		https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-24 01:09	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452901317_1973593333096659_4913694067068084491_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p0QVCkR2QJMQ7kNvgGHydLy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAKWyoQAJQ6EfPYWcgbDAsoE6aa4Ljx67GWAvQIknRdXQ&oe=66AB5E88	person_profile	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452512496_1381530086582771_2236873384731807557_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zSGzNsbjRsoQ7kNvgFO4IJj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAmcW8rJBao5FYUapGhk5E9evRDTlp-opl4WpTeqPyBTg&oe=66AB4729	3	Galaxy in the Story	2024-07-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,963	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940962}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	468446349273365	Read next chapter👉	Because of cheating, he divorced her. She left a sentence, "You will regret it." 4 years later, he saw her on TV and introduced her as a top 100 female CEO and a single mother of triplets. The faces of her three children are exactly like his ...<br /> =============<br /> Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns<br /> <br /> Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. <br /> <br /> All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom."<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. <br /> <br /> Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. <br /> <br /> At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. <br /> <br /> They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. <br /> <br /> It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. <br /> <br /> Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. <br /> <br /> After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. <br /> <br /> Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. <br /> <br /> Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. <br /> <br /> Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. <br /> <br /> In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. <br /> <br /> She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. <br /> <br /> Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. <br /> <br /> Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. <br /> <br /> She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? <br /> <br /> Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. <br /> <br /> He was something to see now. <br /> <br /> "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. <br /> <br /> What? He was on his way out? At this hour? <br /> <br /> Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late."<br /> <br /> Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up."<br /> <br /> With that, he headed for the door. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel."<br /> <br /> Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. <br /> <br /> Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. <br /> <br /> "What's the matter?"<br /> <br /> There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. <br /> <br /> A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?"<br /> <br /> Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. <br /> <br /> "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. <br /> <br /> Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. <br /> <br /> After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. <br /> <br /> A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. <br /> <br /> However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. <br /> <br /> The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today."<br /> <br /> Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. <br /> <br /> Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was the man in the picture! <br /> <br /> So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? <br /> <br /> This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. <br /> <br /> Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. <br /> <br /> The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. <br /> <br /> "Hello!"<br /> <br /> It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. <br /> <br /> She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. <br /> <br /> The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. <br /> <br /> The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. <br /> <br /> Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. <br /> <br /> Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. <br /> <br /> It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. <br /> <br /> After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks.<br /> <br /> At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. <br /> <br /> All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel?<br /> <br /> Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. <br /> <br /> It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. <br /> <br /> Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? <br /> <br /> She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. <br /> <br /> She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. <br /> <br /> "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?"<br /> <br /> The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. <br /> <br /> "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?"<br /> <br /> "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. <br /> <br /> "You know what, forget it!"<br /> <br /> The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. <br /> <br /> They were talking about her as if she were an object. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. <br /> <br /> Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. <br /> <br /> "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her."<br /> <br /> Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..."<br /> <br /> Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. <br /> <br /> Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. <br /> <br /> The woman was indeed Lauren! <br /> <br /> Absence made the heart grow fonder! <br /> <br /> Every word drove a knife into her heart. <br /> <br /> Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. <br /> <br /> She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. <br /> <br /> "Raegan?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 One-sided Love<br /> <br /> Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. <br /> <br /> Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!"<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. <br /> <br /> Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? <br /> <br /> With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it."<br /> <br /> Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. <br /> <br /> Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. <br /> <br /> It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. <br /> <br /> To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. <br /> <br /> Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. <br /> <br /> In the elevator. <br /> <br /> Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. <br /> <br /> She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. <br /> <br /> Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. <br /> <br /> She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. <br /> <br /> Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. <br /> <br /> She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. <br /> <br /> Several employees were chatting inside. <br /> <br /> "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back."<br /> <br /> "And who is that?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!"<br /> <br /> "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?"<br /> <br /> "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!"<br /> <br /> Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. <br /> <br /> The love was one-sided. <br /> <br /> "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?"<br /> <br /> A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. <br /> <br /> Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. <br /> <br /> The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. <br /> <br /> With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?"<br /> <br /> Raegan said nothing to that. <br /> <br /> Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool."<br /> <br /> Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself."<br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. <br /> <br /> The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. <br /> <br /> Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?"<br /> <br /> It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. <br /> <br /> She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..."<br /> <br /> Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. <br /> <br /> Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. <br /> <br /> Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!"<br /> <br /> Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness."<br /> <br /> Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. <br /> <br /> Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. <br /> <br /> Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. <br /> <br /> This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. <br /> <br /> Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. <br /> <br /> Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?"<br /> <br /> These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. <br /> <br /> "That's enough!"<br /> <br /> Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. <br /> <br /> The entire room fell silent. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. <br /> <br /> But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me."<br /> <br /> The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. <br /> <br /> Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?"<br /> <br /> His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. <br /> <br /> No one dared to make a sound at this moment. <br /> <br /> Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. <br /> <br /> When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. <br /> <br /> Raegan could understand why he took this stand. <br /> <br /> However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. <br /> <br /> Was she truly insignificant to him?<br /> <br /> Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. <br /> <br /> Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. <br /> <br /> Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you."<br /> <br /> Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..."<br /> <br /> "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. <br /> <br /> She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. <br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. <br /> <br /> Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! <br /> <br /> The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. <br /> <br /> Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!"<br /> <br /> Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. <br /> <br /> As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. <br /> <br /> Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. <br /> <br /> Tessa trembled at once. <br /> <br /> With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone."<br /> <br /> The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. <br /> <br /> She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..."<br /> <br /> Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards."<br /> <br /> Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here."<br /> <br /> Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please."<br /> <br /> It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. <br /> <br /> They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. <br /> <br /> Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. <br /> <br /> Closing hour soon rolled by. <br /> <br /> Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. <br /> <br /> He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home."<br /> <br /> Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. <br /> <br /> She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. <br /> <br /> In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. <br /> <br /> How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? <br /> <br /> Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. <br /> <br /> All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. <br /> <br /> Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. <br /> <br /> Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. <br /> <br /> In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. <br /> <br /> Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> Did he come to pick her up? <br /> <br /> At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. <br /> <br /> Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? <br /> <br /> The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. <br /> <br /> Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. <br /> <br /> Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. <br /> <br /> This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Let's Divorce<br /> <br /> Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. <br /> <br /> It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. <br /> <br /> Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. <br /> <br /> She was Lauren. <br /> <br /> Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. <br /> <br /> She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?"<br /> <br /> Raegan was stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. <br /> <br /> After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay."<br /> <br /> She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. <br /> <br /> Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. <br /> <br /> When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. <br /> <br /> The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. <br /> <br /> Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. <br /> <br /> Love could move mountains, they said. <br /> <br /> Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. <br /> <br /> It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. <br /> <br /> As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. <br /> <br /> His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a moment. <br /> <br /> Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? <br /> <br /> Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. <br /> <br /> Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. <br /> <br /> There were five missed calls from Mitchel. <br /> <br /> This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. <br /> <br /> Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! <br /> <br /> Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. <br /> <br /> But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring."<br /> <br /> Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours."<br /> <br /> After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. <br /> <br /> He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. <br /> <br /> "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. <br /> <br /> He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. <br /> <br /> Would they have a future? <br /> <br /> Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?"<br /> <br /> The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce."<br /> <br /> "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. <br /> <br /> "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon."<br /> <br /> Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. <br /> <br /> "We will be strangers?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?"<br /> <br /> His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. <br /> <br /> His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... <br /> <br /> After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again."<br /> <br /> After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. <br /> <br /> How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. <br /> <br /> Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. <br /> <br /> It was high time she stopped being a fool. <br /> <br /> Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. <br /> <br /> The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. <br /> <br /> Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. <br /> <br /> His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..."<br /> <br /> "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now."<br /> <br /> A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. <br /> <br /> Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. <br /> <br /> He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. <br /> <br /> "Stop this, will you?"<br /> <br /> A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. <br /> <br /> He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. <br /> <br /> "You have a fever?"<br /> <br /> Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. <br /> <br /> This made the whole situation complicated. <br /> <br /> Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. <br /> <br /> Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?"<br /> <br /> The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. <br /> <br /> He then headed for the elevator. <br /> <br /> In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course."<br /> <br /> "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. <br /> <br /> Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital.<br /> <br /> Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. <br /> <br /> "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. <br /> <br /> He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. <br /> <br /> "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!"	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e	159129143942156	Hello reading	https://facebook.com/61552535188096	44,830	1	1,468,872,563,739,879	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Hello reading	120214268835440091	fbweb.moboreader.net		NONE	image		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947	2024-07-24 07:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452589508_367440966383875_1442471095975386882_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3SkaBD2WbbsQ7kNvgHu26iq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCurwJQ_AU5MJvUaJ5EH89_vI8HBGVIXpdLFxmTCbcMmw&oe=66AB6300	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452576276_458925563607547_5213061046702550981_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HHow-roVoJ0Q7kNvgHGywF2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBi5cQ_UmLCs8ON_yPH3AD1KwpgukvRci2MWKtNzSgqGw&oe=66AB4FE2	3	Hello reading	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,242	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	858304022324486	EcoQuest Box By OxyGi	SALE ENDS JULY 31st! LOWEST PRICES ON MOST EFFECTIVE INDOOR AIR PURIFIERS! BUY NOW!	SHOP_NOW	https://www.freshairindoors.com/product-page/ecoqu	1395613190659429	Fresh Air Indoors	https://facebook.com/covid19gone	27	0	0	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Fresh Air Indoors	120214349289440260	freshairindoors.com	15	NONE	dpa	EcoQuest Box purifies room air in just 10 minutes! This convenient portable device provides you with clean and fresh air even in poorly ventilated areas. The air purifier neutralizes up to 99% of viruses and bacteria in the room within 24 hours after being turned on, and can be used in the presence of people 24 hours a day. EcoQuest Box air purifier uses PCO technology. High intensity UVX light combined with a specially designed matrix with a hydrophilic rare earth metal coating creates a unique process – Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO). EcoQuest Box is so efficient that it can purify the air that has already left the photocatalytic chamber. Thanks to SynAirG (wave ionization) technology, the air purifier reduces or eliminates numerous viruses, bacteria and other indoor air contaminants. Timer for the sanitation mode. The air purifier will automatically switch to normal mode after 2 hours – perfect for when you plan on leaving the house or the apartment to "sanitize" the space. It will also help in cases of severe fungal contamination or getting rid of the "household pests". EcoQuest Box successfully deals with all indoor air pollution related problems: Purifies the air of dust, smoke, allergens (such as pollen, pet dander, etc.). Air ions (negatively charged oxygen ions) are attracted to the dust particles, making them positively or negatively charged, dust particles of different polarity are attracted to each other, become heavier, and, due to the Earth's gravity, get deposited to the surface. No dust in the air – no allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. Eliminates chemical compounds, oxidizing them, the reaction changing them into safe elements (carbon dioxide, water, oxygen), as well as phenol, ammonia, acetone, solvents, carbon monoxide, etc. Eradicates viruses, bacteria, molds, by the means of hydroperoxide. The principle of action is similar to hydrogen peroxide – it is safe for humans, destructive for microorganisms. Eliminates unpleasant odors: tobacco, burning smell, toilet odors, pet odors, smell of dampness, sweat, garbage, etc. Makes the air pure and "fresh" – saturated with negatively charged oxygen. Ionic balance – saturates the air with negative ions and positively charged particles.	https://www.freshairindoors.com/product-page/ecoquest-box-by-oxygi	2024-07-27 12:48	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453068136_1933307140518284_9137455103170236798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RskXgmm8nOoQ7kNvgEl9dVs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD352XxfCTNfWvaGY9A1Mf_yN_Luv62vpJ8slhOqsgoWA&oe=66AB5C12	person_profile	Mitch Mikus	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453039076_428566123560479_51108154111234392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vbqy5Obi1LsQ7kNvgGqAzqu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZH5Mf5M2TsxsMku4VWlbT-9cKQoMsjgHWV9k2Bg1nFg&oe=66AB546A	3	Fresh Air Indoors	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,543	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1165191221354208	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> Lottie’s POV<br /> "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. <br /> <br /> "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. <br /> <br /> "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. <br /> <br /> "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. <br /> <br /> "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me.<br /> <br /> "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful!<br /> <br /> "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. <br /> <br /> “You think? ” her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. <br /> <br /> “Yes!” I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. <br /> <br /> "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! <br /> <br /> "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. <br /> <br /> "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. <br /> <br /> "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. <br /> <br /> "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold.<br /> <br /> "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. <br /> <br /> "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned.<br /> <br /> Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. <br /> <br /> "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. <br /> <br /> With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. <br /> <br /> "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. <br /> <br /> Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. <br /> <br /> Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! <br /> <br /> "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... <br /> <br /> "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood.<br /> <br /> "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. <br /> <br /> "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. <br /> <br /> "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on.<br /> <br /> "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me!<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong.<br /> <br /> "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. <br /> <br /> "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him.<br /> <br /> "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish!<br /> <br /> "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. <br /> <br /> Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane!<br /> <br /> "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed!<br /> <br /> "It's not what it looks like, I promise."<br /> <br /> "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds.<br /> <br /> "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. <br /> <br /> Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." <br /> <br /> Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. <br /> <br /> Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow.<br /> <br /> “Babygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. <br /> <br /> "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear.<br /> <br /> *******<br /> "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. <br /> <br /> "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. <br /> <br /> I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." <br /> <br /> "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house.<br /> <br /> "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room.<br /> <br /> "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. <br /> <br /> "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! <br /> <br /> "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. <br /> <br /> Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? <br /> <br /> Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. <br /> <br /> My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment.<br /> <br /> "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! <br /> <br /> The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! <br /> <br /> He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! <br /> <br /> Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! <br /> <br /> I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. <br /> <br /> Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. <br /> <br /> "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. <br /> <br /> "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. <br /> <br /> "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps.<br /> <br /> "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine.<br /> <br /> "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. <br /> <br /> "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white.<br /> <br /> I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male.<br /> <br /> "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. <br /> <br /> "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. <br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed.<br /> <br /> "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. <br /> "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp.<br /> <br /> "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core.<br /> <br /> "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!"<br /> <br /> "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure.<br /> <br /> "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!"<br /> <br /> "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly.<br /> <br /> "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! <br /> <br /> "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light.<br /> <br /> "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged!<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! <br /> <br /> "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins!<br /> <br /> His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. <br /> <br /> "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain.<br /> <br /> "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. <br /> <br /> "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged.<br /> <br /> I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. <br /> <br /> "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" <br /> <br /> Shiit! <br /> <br /> “ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it!<br /> <br /> Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation!<br /> <br /> "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs!<br /> <br /> "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. <br /> <br /> "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been!<br /> <br /> "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. <br /> <br /> "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it?<br /> <br /> "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time.<br /> <br /> "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. <br /> <br /> "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind.<br /> <br /> "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! <br /> <br /> "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. <br /> <br /> "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie!<br /> <br /> "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. <br /> <br /> "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile.<br /> <br /> "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." <br /> <br /> "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps.<br /> <br /> Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. <br /> <br /> "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache.<br /> <br /> "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. <br /> <br /> "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. <br /> <br /> "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. <br /> <br /> "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" <br /> <br /> "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality.<br /> <br /> "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop.<br /> <br /> "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage.<br /> <br /> It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. <br /> <br /> Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. <br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs.<br /> <br /> "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests.<br /> <br /> "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow.<br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. <br /> <br /> "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. <br /> <br /> "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle.<br /> <br /> "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! <br /> <br /> Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. <br /> <br /> "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. <br /> <br /> "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. <br /> <br /> "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could.<br /> <br /> "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. <br /> <br /> "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. <br /> <br /> "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. <br /> <br /> "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. <br /> <br /> "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. <br /> <br /> "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. <br /> <br /> "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins.<br /> <br /> Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. <br /> <br /> "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. <br /> <br /> "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair.<br /> <br /> "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. <br /> <br /> "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! <br /> <br /> "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. <br /> <br /> "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough.<br /> <br /> "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. <br /> <br /> "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. <br /> <br /> "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up!<br /> <br /> "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me.<br /> <br /> "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip.<br /> <br /> "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt.<br /> <br /> "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place.<br /> <br /> Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric.<br /> <br /> "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. <br /> <br /> "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack.<br /> <br /> "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop.<br /> <br /> "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry!<br /> <br /> "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. <br /> <br /> "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands.<br /> <br /> "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. <br /> <br /> "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! <br /> <br /> I wanted it!	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u	219004054622622	Galaxy in the Story	https://facebook.com/61555427913037	718	1	1,565,877,797,692,622	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Galaxy in the Story	120211667059380694	befant.com		NONE	image		https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-24 01:15	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452518506_825751509661337_967866178994924632_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1jbmHeUjEBoQ7kNvgEHHYLw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYByEHxuarUpNArQn9v0_6He6I8llRKEAk2lRrmIgwSfig&oe=66AB69A8	person_profile	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452627717_1921317634974149_2872471045357259280_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Db-a7eeo7YYQ7kNvgGUMksM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDWnwuo8Vgl3X0KWb-zY05zrzIfM9UXXJoWlkUMPo0a4A&oe=66AB48D7	3	Galaxy in the Story	2024-07-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,523	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1151948979385107	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 A Messy Life and the Mafia Six months ago, I was a promising med student on the verge of all my dreams coming true, but now I’m just a waitress trying to start over in a new city. I know this restaurant I work at has ties to the infamous Onyx Mafia, but I didn’t have much choice—it's the best-paying job I could find. Besides, the scariest thing about working here isn’t the Mafia, it is the man at table eight flagging me down, obviously fuming. “What looks wrong here?” He snaps and I scan table eight's orders. Foie gras for the blonde in red, Peking duck for the pouty daughter—check. But the impatient bald man tapping his fingers? He got the risotto, not the ribeye currently in front of him. A cold sweat sweeps down my spine as I look between the squinting gaze of the man and the squiggles that are my handwriting. I still write like a surgeon, yet another reminder of my failed dreams. "Wait, I'm sorry... you ordered--" My hands tremble, and my heart sinks as I realize the kitchen couldn’t decipher my handwriting and just took a guess. Lucky me, their guess was wrong. "I-I think the kitchen--" Before I can finish my sentence, Jessica descends upon us like a vulture, risotto in hand. "Apologies for the inconvenience," she chimes in, her voice dripping with faux sympathy. "Elise here is still learning the ropes." "I can tell," the man responds curtly, his attention entirely on Jessica, silently dismissing me. There goes my tip. "Sir, I noticed you’re drinking the 1984 Chateau. Let me send another round on the house for your troubles," Jessica offers breathlessly, her bosom on display as she leans in, her eyes batting just like they did back in high school. The man grunts in agreement as her fingers dig into my arm like talons. She whispers through clenched teeth, "Kitchen. Now." I bow my head obediently as I follow her into the chaos of the kitchen. When I moved here, I promised things were going to be different. I would be no one’s stepping stool, and yet here I am again, at the mercy of another girl who appears oblivious to the fact that we graduated high school. “Elise struck again, boys!” Tony, the sous chef, calls out, his laughter echoing through the kitchen. “What was it this time? Dropped another soup? Tripped and broke all the glasses?” In my defense, the soup incident happened because a man molested me, and Jessica tripped me while I was carrying glasses for an 18-person table. “Oh, tonight she gave one of our regulars the wrong meal.” “It’s the kitchen’s fault. I ordered a risotto, not a ribeye."I retort, pushing my glasses up as I glare at Jessica. “And who could tell with that chicken scratch handwriting?” Tony snorts. “Remember she wanted to be a surgeon,” Jessica sneers. “Doctors notoriously have terrible handwriting, but not waitresses.” The other kitchen staff snicker at her remark. They all think I went to med school and couldn’t cut it. But they don't know the truth, and it would be worse if they did. I take a deep breath, trying to push down my anger. "You were supposed to be a surgeon, marry Sirius, live your perfect little life," she snaps back, the mention of his name, Sirius, still a punch to the gut after all these years. I bite my lip to stifle the retort that threatens to spill from my lips and look down at my tennis shoes, a lump forming in my throat. I can still remember the feeling of the day he disappeared. I told everyone he loved me, that he would be back, and that he would never just leave me, but they were all right. He was gone. He didn’t want me anymore and wasn’t brave enough to say it to my face before disappearing. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever saw him again. It’d be a combination of running into his arms, waiting to see every bit of his life I missed, and kicking him where the sun doesn't shine. "But then you ended up at the bottom, where you’re meant to be." I hold my breath. I can’t show Jessica she’s getting to me. "Good thing Sirius came to his senses like we all knew he would," Jessica retorts. "Once he was done slumming it, he ran away from you as fast as possible. I mean, you practically ran him out of town." The lump in my throat swells as memories of his abandonment flood back, the pain still fresh. "You know what--" "Those better are words of gratitude, Elise, because I am two seconds away from firing you," Jessica interrupts, her smirk widening as she relishes in my discomfort. I swallow back my retort, facing Mr. Thompson, the restaurant manager. Mr. Thompson's stern gaze pierces through me as he approaches. "Elise, why do I have Mr. Kelsey asking for a free bottle of wine for his troubles?" "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson," I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do better, I promise." "You have been promising to do better for weeks, Elise. That is not enough anymore," he snaps. "I'll work harder, I swear," I plead, desperation creeping into my voice. "Please." Mr. Thompson holds up a hand to silence me. "You've got one more chance, Elise, but you’re out of here if I hear one more complaint. Do you understand?" I nod frantically."Yes, Mr. Thompson. I won't let you down. I promise." He scoffs, clearly unconvinced. "For the rest of your shift, you are exclusive to the VIPs upstairs," he continues, his tone stern. "They’re too drunk to notice your insolence." "Yes, sir," I whisper. "And you better be on your best behavior because the Mafia king is here," Mr. Thompson warns. "And if I don’t have your head, he will." I swallow hard, the weight of his words settling like a lead weight in the pit of my stomach, as I nod, feeling a shiver run down my spine. Mr. Thompson storms off into his office, leaving Jessica behind me with a wicked gleam in her eye. "Looks like you're on thin ice, Elise," Jessica says, her tone dripping with faux sympathy. "Better watch your step." "Why? You’re going to trip me?" "I would never, but since you are exclusive to VIPs," Jessica hands me a tray of appetizers too heavy for me to hold without almost falling over. "Take this to table 19... the King’s subjects are there." I take a deep breath as I walk out of the kitchen and into the dining room. But as I look up at the men sitting upstairs, a wave of dread washes over me, making me want to run in the opposite direction. They're overly comfortable, as if they own the place as if they own the world. And in a way, they do. The rumors swirling around the restaurant's ownership, whispers of connections to the mafia, suddenly feel all too real. Each step closer to the VIP room feels heavier, as if I am dragging myself closer. As I approach, the men’s eyes leering over me like predators sizing up their prey. The minute I set down the appetizers, a hand grips the back of my leg, sending a shiver down my spine. "Hey there, sweetheart," the man slurs, his breath reeking of booze as he pulls me into his lap. "Why don’t you clock out and hang with the big dogs?" I squirm, feeling his hand wander where it shouldn't."No. Stop it. I have to get back to work," I protest, trying to push him away. But he only laughs, his grip tightening as his friends jeer and egg him on. I squirm, feeling something hard poking me, I begin to panic. He hisses in excitement in my ear. “Yeah, baby, keep doing that.” I try to pull away, causing my glasses to go flying. Great, now I’m blind too. I struggle with my body, tears stinging as I attempt to slide out of his lap, “I need my glasses.” “You do not need glasses for what we are going to do.” He pinches my chin, leaning in as if he is going to kiss me, but the sound of a growling, cleared throat causes him to pause. Panic rises in my throat as I realize that none of these guys will help me and that going against the Mafia for some random waitress is a losing battle. "In my restaurant, we do not tolerate harassment of women," the voice declares, cutting through the VIP, firm and unwavering. The handsy man practically throws me onto the floor as he looks up at the gentleman standing in front of him. I turn to see, in my blurry haze, the silhouette of a man looming protectively over me, his presence exuding authority and strength. The handsy man stutters as the man approaches us, “King. She approached me.” “Really? Are you calling me a liar?” The Mafia King’s voice is calm and sharp, like a shard of ice. “ No, my King, but she is a call girl!” I snap, looking back at the handsy man before turning to the King to plead my case. But I pause. The King’s head is tilted as he looks at me. The King’s voice is laced with disappointment and concern, “A call girl?” Chapter 2 Mafia King Knows Me？ “What, no!” I stand up, “I am not a call girl!” My hand instinctively reaches for my glasses, but they're not there. With a frown, I protest, glaring at the accusing handsyMafia man. “No call girl is too nice for what she does on her knees.” Jessica stands next to the stairs, arms crossed, leaning on the railing. “She solicited me. Asked me to come get her after work because she needs to make some extra money,” the handsy man pleads, but the King stares at me. Jessica saunters over, her hand casually trailing between her bosoms and up to her collarbone as she walks. She stops in front of the King, a coy smile playing on her lips as she leans close to whisper in his ear. “Think about it, darling. A woman who can get close enough to you without suspicion and weasels her way into the VIP area. Doesn’t that sound like a call girl?” The movements Jessica makes intrigue me as if she can turn on and off her alluring appeal. The King's gaze never leaves my direction as Jessica whispers in his ear. Slowly, he straightens up and pushes Jessica slightly back. “You seem to know a lot about the position of a call girl,” King says, but Jessica playfully laughs that off. “I admire how they always seem to get their way.” Gears start to turn in my mind as I squint at Jessica’s blurry form. She looks innocent and inviting, as if she is just flirting, but she is fully prepared to go much further than that. But I can see past her facade now, despite my broken glasses and the blurry world they left me in. Squinting, I can just make out the calculated way she moves and the sharpness in her eyes. I interject before Jessica can respond, “King, look at her body language. Even through the blur, she’s loose, inviting, and sensual as she speaks to you.” The King's gaze shifts from me back to Jessica, a new sense of awareness in his eyes. “When you came in here my body language was stiff, closed off. If I were a call girl like her, I wouldn’t be a good one, would I?” Jessica's facade wavers for a split second before she regains her composure, letting a seductive smile spread across her face. The King lightly chuckles as he pushes Jessica away, “It takes more than a brain full of silicone and fake bosoms to be a good call girl, but I see your point.” “It’s an act some guys like, King, a little bit of fight,” Jessica goes to reach for the King again, but he grabs her wrist tightly, his body tense. “Do not touch me again,” the King drops her hand with disgust, wiping his hand on his jeans as he continues. “ I have let you humor me with your lies, but do not treat me like a fool.” “No, King I would never,” the King gives her a humorless laugh as he invades her space menacingly. “You think you could play me for a fool because I am a man I must be ruled by my hormonal drive? Is that it?” The King looks her over in disgust and turns away, “Get out of my sight.” “King, you have to be protected from her.” Jessica approaches him again, feigning innocence, but the King’s subjects block her as he moves closer to me. “You underestimate me because I have shown you kindness. I will not make that mistake again. ” He slowly looks over at Jessica, and I can tell from how her knees buckle that she sees the darkness in his eyes. “ You're fired.” “King, I’m sorry I-” “You have three minutes to exit. I would use that time wisely.” Fear strikes across Jessica’s face as she scrambles back down the stairs. I bow my head, looking at my tennis shoes, unsure of the punishment I may receive. I don’t know how long I have been looking down, but a hand holding my broken glasses evades my eyeline. “Oh, thank you.” “They are shattered, can you see otherwise?” I shake my head, not allowing my hair to fall into my face. The King pinches my chin forcing me to look at him, and I can make out the sharpness of his jawline. His touch shoots a spark of electricity down my spine, and my breath hitches. “I will-” “I have contacts downstairs. You know, in case of emergencies.” The King looks at me as if a thousand questions are running through his mind. “Why are you working here?” I struggle back, slighting, and the King releases me. Jessica was right in a way I was supposed to be so much more. I was supposed to be a surgeon. I had the brains for it. The steady hands. The determination, but it is not often a stranger can see you are meant to be so much more than what you are. In the blur, I try to find his eyes before I respond, “Most people can’t do what they truly want to.” The King nods sharply before taking a step back and clearing his throat. “I don’t want you in the VIP rooms anymore. They’re filled with dangerous people, and normal people shouldn’t be around them.” “You sound worried.” I laugh at the King’s warning. “I am serious, Elise. I don’t want you up here again.” The King’s voice is sharp, and I straighten at the command. “As you wish, King.” His lips in a tight line, he nods taking a small step to the right, allowing me to shimmy past him. I stop and turn around, “Thank you for everything.” He doesn’t respond, opting for a sharp nod. I walk forward, clutching my broken glasses, looking down when another figure blocks my exit. The blonde guy with an easygoing smile clears his throat as he nervously scratches the back of his head, “Hey," he says, his voice wavering slightly. "I'm sorry about what happened back there. Are you okay?" "I'll survive," I reply with a shrug, avoiding eye contact. His gaze lingers on me for a moment before he nods slowly. “Well, I was wondering if you would give me a chance to show you not everyone in the Mafia is not a pig?” I give him a small smile, feeling the heat of someone’s eyes behind me. “I don’t think my boyfriend would like that very much.” The snort causes me to turn around, and the King blends into the black leather couch, looking at me, “Boyfriend?” “A great boyfriend. If that matters?” The King coughs, “Not at all.” He looks over at a disappointed Jacob. “I just told her to steer clear of us, and you ask her out on a date in front of me.” “What shot would I have after this if you ban her?” “None. You get no chance.” The King growls, and I back up towards the stairs. “Leave now, Elise Caroline. I don’t want to see you up here again.” His warning is sharp and declarative. With a small squeak, I scurry down the stairs, but I pause before I enter the kitchen. I never introduced myself. I never told the King my name, yet he said it not once but twice, and the second time, he used my middle name. Does the Mafia King know me? Do I know him? Chapter 3 Rumors and Crisis I don’t breathe until the kitchen doors slam behind me. How does the Mafia King know my name, surely he knows all his employees' names. He may just be a great boss. Right, that’s it. The Mafia King is a great boss who would’ve thought? My breathing slows and I realize I’m so caught up in my thoughts I don’t feel the entire kitchen looking at me until Toni clears his throat. “Elise?” I look up at him, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but I don’t respond. Instead, Dawn, the pastry chef, approaches me with flour-covered hands. “Hey girly, are you okay? Did the King…hurt you?” I shake my hand no, a strangled breath releases from my lips, and Dawn sighs, squeezing my cheeks. “Good because the King has no right hurting a girl as innocent as you.” “Like that would’ve been his first time!” Kelsey, the saucier, laughs in the corner of the kitchen. “Kels, you’re not helping,” Dawn snaps, but Toni approaches us wickedly. “I heard his favorite way to murder is the bloody eagle.” “Toni!” I look at Dawn’s horrified face as she runs to cover my ears. “What's the bloody eagle?” I whisper. The dread I had swimming in my gut since the King first laid eyes on me bubbles to the surface. I feel like I could vomit. “All I’m going to say is ribs pulled through the back. If you want more details, do your research online.” I would not, but Kelsey laughs, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t put it past him. The King treats his subjects like their commodities, completely replaceable. He’s the youngest King ever, and you don’t get to be King in your twenties without a trail of blood behind you.” Kelsey points her ladle at us in warning, “So watch ya’ step, or the King will gut ya’ like a fish!” “Or hang your head above his fireplace, I heard the king loves a trophy, and a pretty head like yours would be perfect.” Toni swats at my hair and Dawn pushes him back to his station. “What is all this racket?! Kelsey you’re messing around and broke the sauce!” The Head Chef, Yolanda enters the kitchen with a stern look in her eyes, “And you! Why aren’t you running my plates?” “I-I…” I rub my hands back and forth, feeling the tension of being in trouble for the third time tonight. “She just had an interaction with the King. Leave her alone.” Dawn snaps. Dawn and Yolanda are childhood best friends, and Dawn is the only one who can talk to Yolanda that way and still have her job. Yolanda’s face pales as she walks closer to me, “You interacted with the King and made it out alive? Count your lucky stars.” Yolanda approaches me cautiously and I don’t realize all the stress is forcing tears to burn in my eyes. “That man is cold-blooded like a snake.” Despite the bile I balance in the back of my throat, I look Yolanda in the eye and shake my head, “No, he protected me. He knew my name.” “He knew your name because you have a name tag on your shirt.” Yolanda flicks my name tag and I look down at it, a pang of disappointment shivering through me. “Protect you?” Dawn questions, “You didn’t say anything about the King protecting you.” “That may be worse. A dangerous man like him may like you, want you.” Yolanda whispers. My eyes widened. My skin flushes as Yolanda and Dawn share a look with each other. The King knew my name. The King wants me. I remember the way he said boyfriend as if it was the most disgusting word on his tongue. But just as I spiral, Dawn and Yolanda break into laughter. “Girl, bless your heart! A man that fine wants you. You better be over the moon happy.” Dawn lightly hits her rag on my right arm, and I flinch, holding my breath. “I mean, those gray eyes are just delicious!” Kelsey chimes in. “Nope, it has to be black curly hair.” Those eyes, that hair remind me of Sirius. His eyes could be a storm with everyone else and clear with me. How a single curl always danced in the middle of his forehead, and I’d spend all day pushing it back. The days when he was my Sirius. The laughter snaps me out of my daze. “I bet he wakes up with his hair like that, just messy and perfect!” “Yolanda, I don’t know if you want to be him or sleep with him?” “Does it matter?” The entire kitchen erupts into laughter. “I would take him any way I could get him. He is so fine!” “So how did he look up close, Elise? A walking daydream, huh?” Kelsey leans over her pot, wiggling her eyebrows. I hide my head slightly, blush to creep up the apple of my cheeks. “I don’t know,” I show the kitchen my glasses. “I broke my glasses. All I could see was tall, charming, and hot.” The entire kitchen boos. “You get close to the Mafia King, and your glasses break!” Dawn pouts, pushing me away, and I giggle for the first time in this entire situation. “Sorry, I can’t tell you how hot he is. You’re going to have to figure that out yourselves!” “Hey! Why is no one helping me out on the floor?” An upset waiter enters the kitchen looking around at us. “I’ll be right there, just let me get my contacts.” I head towards the break room and rummage inside my purse, revealing my contact lenses. I begin to replace my contacts, looking into the crappy workplace mirror, but once my vision is clear, all I can see is my missing earring. One of my silver earrings from Sirius, he got me for our last anniversary together. He’s already missing. I can lose the last thing he’s ever given me. I look over at the floor near my locker, but I know where it is. It’s in the VIP area. I turn on my heel towards the VIP area. The Mafia King's warning echoed in my mind, I don’t want you in the VIP rooms anymore. It’s filled with the type of dangerous people, normal people shouldn’t be around.” I push his warning into the back of my mind. With a deep breath, I start walking up the stairs. I’ll be quick! In and out before anyone notices. As I enter the VIP area, I immediately fall to my knees, crawling around for the earring and hiding from the boisterous men laughing around the bar. I freeze when the King’s voice booms through the area, “You’re lucky I don’t collect your freaking head!” The music in the VIP clicks off. “Boss, it was just a girl!” The man snaps back and the entire area seems to hold their breath as the twinkle of something catches my eye. “A girl under my protection. The same way you are under my protection.” The King's voice is even and controlled again, “And don’t I always protect mine?” I contort my body, grabbing the dangled earring from underneath the couch. “Let me provide you with this small mercy. I promise you the alternative is lethal, and it would be a shame to murder you when you’re still useful to me.” The club music clicks back on as if nothing happened. I sit up on the floor, fixing the earring in my ear. When the footsteps descend towards me. I am not quick enough when I hear the humorless laughter of the handsy man, “You are the freaking pain of my existence. I’m on grunt duty because of you.” I look up, my eyes darting between him and the stairs. If I jump up and run. I should make it. I will make it. I propel myself off the floor, running towards the stairs, but the handsy man is quicker. He pulls me back by my hair, caging me in. My breath hitches as cold metal digs into my side. His breath gushes over my face in puffs thick with the scent of tobacco and gin. “ Go on and scream. No one will hear you, and it’ll only make this more fun for me.” Chapter 4 The Mafia King is My Ex? “ Go on and scream. No one will hear you, and it’ll only make this more fun for me.” His fingernails dig into my wrist, but I bite back any response watching his nostrils flare. “You got me suspended from duties because you rather spread your legs for the King than me.” He pulls me against him, snarling at my confident facade. I look down at the mark forming on my wrist, keeping my voice as even as possible, I say, “I do not want the King. I do not know the King.” He pushes me against the brick wall, and with my better judgment, I whimper, gripping the back of my head, “You dare lie to me? After all you have done, you freaking lie to me?” Spit sprays over my face, his eyes bulge out of his head as he holds me against the wall. The concrete dug into my skin. “Please,” I whisper. “Please?! Please! You purposefully lead me to the freaking slaughter, shaking your tight body for the king, begging him to punish me for your fault.” His wet breath drips down my face, and I look away towards the hallway leading to the King. I didn’t know the King. He did not need to come to my rescue, yet he did. Maybe the King liked me the way Dawn said, but what did it matter? I did not want him. “I am not sorry you were punished. I said no.” “Oh, so this is the little game we’re going to play? You say no, and mean yes.” A greedy, devious smile spread across the man's lips as if the idea of conquering me in such a manner excited him. “You little freaking tease.” His palm digs into my waist, and my eyes water over, straining to look down the hallway to the King. “No.” “You like causing trouble, huh? You like luring men in to watch them. ” I hear the click of his belt, a dooming sound. “You need to be taught a lesson, and I love punishing little girls with fresh mouths.” A voice and the click of a door opening cut the tension. “Boss, who even was she?” He pulls me into a corner. He pulls me in front of him and presses himself on me. His gun is tucked under my chin, and his arm is wrapped around my waist as he whispers in my ear, “Don’t make a freaking sound.” I watch the King walk down the hallway, most of his subjects a step or two behind him. The young member with dirty brown hair and colorful tattoos walks almost in step with him. The King’s voice almost sounds bored as he responds. “That is none of your concern, Taylor.” “You punished one of your own men for her. I think you owe us an explanation.” Taylor snaps, stopping the King in his steps. “Owe?” He slowly turns, and I can see the King’s face clearly through a sliver of light. The girls downstairs didn’t do him any justice. He was breathtaking. Dressed in a tailored black suit, the fabric stretched taut over his muscular frame, his white button-up exposed the tattoo in swirling patterns on his chest and up part of his neck. His curly black hair was gelled back into a style of sorts, but two unruly curls escaped and framed his face. His eyes swirled like a storm, erupting and flashing between the calming gray and black. He looked almost like a tortured angel. He almost looks like Sirius. “You think I owe you?” The King snarls at Taylor, who instantly turns pale. “N-no, I just mean-” “You just mean I should allow subordinates to run rampant to assault and pillage like average thugs.” “Sir it just seemed like you cared about the girl too much.” “What I choose to care and not care about is none of your freaking business, but Dan was punished for lying to me,” The King leans in closer, “ I was feeling gracious, so he was given a slap on the wrist, next time I will cut out his tongue. But my kindness has expired.” “King.” Desperation drips in the boy’s tone, but the King dismisses him with the flick of his wrist, and a man drags Taylor away. “Step foot in my territory again, and you will be destroyed on sight.” The King continues walking forward as if he did not send someone to their death, but the gasp that escapes my lips makes him pause. “Dan?” The handsy man behind me shifts, a grunt escaping his throat. Then a shot rang out, something sliced through the air, and Dan shrieked, falling to his knees. “I show you kindness, and this is how you repay me?” The King’s voice is deathly low as he approaches, and I dare not move. I dare not breathe. “The call girl freaking deserves it.” A low rumble of laughter escapes the King, lowering himself over a bleeding Dan. He pushes the barrel of the gun into the wound in his shoulder. “You are freaking mad, murdering innocents just because they won’t sleep with you?” The King pistol whips Dan into the floor, and a strangled sound fills the room. Dan spits onto the floor. “This is the thanks I get for letting you keep your life?” “My King, she seduced me-” The King grips him by the collar dragging him close. “You think it is wise to lie again?” Dan audibly swallows, a whimper escaping his lips. The King snaps his finger, and a buff, bald man with the word mercy over his knuckles comes up behind him. “Yes, boss?” “I want his tongue and right hand.” With a curt nod, the man grips Dan by his injured shoulder and drags him deeper into the VIP area. “I thought I told you not to come back in here.” The King looks in the direction of a weeping, sounding annoyed. I slowly at the King from the corner of my eye, my mouth completely dry and my hands feverishly shaking. The scars on the King’s face glitter in the low lighting making my stomach twist, so I focus on the silver, twisted ring on his ring finger. It looks almost like tree branches gripping his skin. “I-I left something here.” “What?” His empty grey eyes lock on me. “An earring.” A short grunt leaves his lips, “You risked your life for an earring?” “It’s sentimental.” I whisper, narrowing my eyes closer to the ring, recognizing the red ruby in the center of a rose, and I almost choke, drilling my eyes into his, “Sirius?!” Chapter 5 An Unexpected Reunion “Sirius?!” My heart is practically beating out of my chest. I can’t breathe, staring into his eyes, I know. I know it’s him. He turns to me a blank look on his face. The silence in the room creeps over me, and I slowly look around the room. Every mafia member is staring at me, with tension in their necks, awaiting the command of their king. I almost believe I’ve misspoken as I watch the King’s jaw click. “Elise.” “Oh my god!” I take a step back, looking him over. He looks just like he did in high school, but buffed up and toned, no longer lean and boyish. He’s a full man now. “When I told you to stay away from here, I meant it. Earring or not.” “These were…you cannot tell me what to do, Sirius.” He tilts his head to the side, looking me over. “You gave these to me…before you…” “I know, earring or not. Do not come back up here. Stay away from the mafia.” His voice is ice-cold and distant. He starts to walk away from me, and I almost leap out of my skin following him. “Do not speak to me like that, not after what you did. You abandoned me, and now you dismiss me.” “We both know what really happened back then, don’t act like you don’t know. Do not make me into some villain.” “No, but you are heartless. You leave without a word. You disappear, then you come back and ignore me as if we were nothing. As if you didn’t even—” My words get caught in my chest as if I am about to cry, but Sirius turns sharply towards me, heat rising in his eyes. “Once. I had a heart once, but now when I tell you to do something, you listen, Elise, and that’s final.” Sirius speaks lowly in my face, his voice feathers over me. “Now leave.” My eyes cannot help but flicker at his lips, but I immediately take a step back when he licks them. “No. Just because you say jump, d-does not mean I have to follow, Sirius.” I can hear the click of a gun, and Sirius doesn’t even move as he watches my actions. I raise my hands up and grit my teeth, “I guess you won’t even let me say thank you before murdering me, huh? ” “Lower your weapons, no one is allowed to point a gun at her ever.” I put my hands down slowly, my anger and grief swirling into panic as he turns to leave again. “If I mean so little to you, why are you still wearing your ring?” The branching ring with a single ruby was part of a promise ring set Sirius and I had brought when we were silly and in love. My ring is in my jewelry bag, hidden so Alston won’t find it and ask questions. “For sentimental reasons. I engraved it with something to remind me of the past.” He looks down at the ring longingly before snapping his eyes to my hands. “Where is your ring?” “I lost it years ago.” I don’t know why I lie or what I try to hide, but I know I can’t let him think anything can happen between us. He just nods sharply, not letting any emotions pass over his face. A throat clears in the background, and the tension in the room deflates slightly at the fakely bubbly voice of Mr. Thompson. He stands between Sirius and me a sharp look in his eyes. “Is everything okay here?” “Just a conversation,” Sirius responds evenly, his eyes not leaving mine. Mr.Thompson gives an empty chuckle, “Ah yes, I had to have a conversation with this employee multiple times. She is lazy. She constantly elicits complaints for her promiscuity and irresponsible nature.” He turns to me, hard eyes in his eyes, raising his voice, “Elise, I told you one more time.” “Mr.Thompson, this isn’t what it looks.” I begin, but he puts a hand in my face silencing me. “No, no, the time has come Elise you have embarrassed yourself in front of the King. You have constantly caused problems. You are the most terrible waitress I have ever had the displeasure of managing--” Sirius clocks his gun, placing the barrel against the back of Mr.Thompson’s head and he freezes. “No, no, continue your rant with a gun to your head.” “Sir, I was just firing insubordinate who was causing you trouble.” Mr.Thompson raises his hands up shakily. “Do you think of me as a damsel in need of saving, Thompson?” “Absolutely not sir.” “So why would I need you to come to my rescue?” “Sir, she has been a terrible employee, and I think--” “I do not care what you think. One more insult at her, and I am blowing your freaking brain across this room, understand?” Mr.Thompson nods slowly. “Good.” Sirius puts his gun away, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Is this what you do all day? Threaten people’s lives?” “No normally I am not protecting my ex-girlfriend.” Sirius tucks the gun in his waistband, shrugging at Elise. “Where even is he?” “What are you talking about, Sirius?” He walks closer to me a teasing smile on his lips. “Where is your boyfriend? Why is he not here to step in during every crisis, like I am?” Sirius stands a breath away from me, and from his tone, I can tell he is taunting me, that he wants a rise out of me. For a second, I want to smile at his boyish ways. His jealousy-fueled mockery reminds me of my Sirius. “My relationship with Alston has nothing to do with you!” I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. His eyes dip to my chest, but his eyes narrow, looking at me just as quickly. “I thought you were dating my brother Lester?” “No, he is like a brother to me.” He chuckles. “It would destroy him to hear you say that.” “Why would you think I was with Lester?” “I never would have guessed Alston because he is such a good guy. Taking down major corporations, defending the little guy. I thought you liked your guys with a little edge to them.” Sirius shrugs, a carefree look in his eyes. “You used to be a good guy.” Sirius flashes his million-dollar smile that makes my knees weaken. “I was never a good guy, you just always saw the good in me.” Sirius’s voice is barely above a whisper, causing shivers down my spine. Alston was good. After Sirius went missing, Alston pursued me and when Lester was severely injured, Alston was the one who gathered most of the money for the medical expenses. His good deeds made me fall for him. He was always saving the day, and knowing that he was my personal superhero made me feel secure, supported, and loved. Most importantly, I never felt like he would abandon me. “I agreed to be his girlfriend because he makes me feel safe, Sirius, physically and emotionally.” Sirius’s eyes widen and the careless smile on his face fizzles out. I want to reach up and cup his face. I want to tell him that despite moving on he was my first, I have never been crazy, or foolish in love with anyone else. It’s only been him. “Thompson, leave.” Sirius doesn’t break eye contact with me as Mr.Thompson scurries to leave, but before he can make his grand escape, “I want your office cleared out by the morning.” “What?” Mr.Thompson slows, looking over his shoulder, shock across his face. “Elise will be the new owner, effective in the morning.” Simultaneously Mr.Thompson and I both look at Sirius as if he has lost his mind, screaming, “What? Why?” “Because Alston is not the only person who can make you feel safe, Elise.”	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12158&u	293322843875249	Random Reading	https://facebook.com/61560831098071	20	1	452,220,007,450,695	2024-06-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	Random Reading	120210060084670281	redtgb.com		NONE	dco		https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12158&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-06-24 06:29	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449044422_1575931366327027_957907443075673983_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=incPUYzcsi0Q7kNvgFwdbdG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC0bmUpvKQBxhhIkAcoiaycxHWiPouIypRrmKSmuqwxLw&oe=66AB77AD	person_profile	Random Reading	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448995857_1012343843930004_7772195375653960760_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G6Wxjr7RzQIQ7kNvgFD3nlx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBZHn3w19_tTJjat4WZgU8tNhWQWsEmGfMLX0oZUJJD9w&oe=66AB54F3	3	Random Reading	2024-06-25 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,988	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940960}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	7767761543271974	Leer el siguiente capítulo👉	Ella firmó el acuerdo de divorcio y se fue sin su teléfono. Él revisó su móvil, leyendo un mensaje: ¡Vuelve mañana para tu chequeo prenatal!<br /> ------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Capítulo 1 El regreso de la exnovia<br /> <br /> Raegan Hayes estaba un poco distraída. <br /> <br /> No podía pensar en nada más que en las palabras del médico. "¡Felicitaciones! Está embarazada". <br /> <br /> De repente, Mitchel Dixon le pellizcó el brazo. "Oye, ¿en qué estás pensando?". <br /> <br /> Antes de que ella pudiera responder, Mitchel se levantó. <br /> <br /> Luego, él entró al baño. <br /> <br /> Raegan permaneció inmóvil en la enorme cama. Sus mechones húmedos se pegaban a sus sienes y mejillas. Estaba mirando al techo con los ojos llenos de lágrimas. <br /> <br /> Después de un rato, sacó el informe de embarazo del cajón del velador. <br /> <br /> Había ido al hospital por un incesante dolor de estómago. Tras un análisis de orina, el médico le dio la noticia. ¡Tenía alrededor de cinco semanas de embarazo! <br /> <br /> Era toda una sorpresa. Mitchel y ella nunca planeaban el embarazo. <br /> <br /> Tras devanarse los sesos, recordó el día de la concepción. Había sido el mes pasado, después de una fiesta. Mitchel la llevó a casa...<br /> <br /> Adentro del baño, se escuchaba correr el agua. Mitchel era su esposo y llevaban dos años casados en secreto. Era su jefe en el trabajo, el presidente del Grupo Dixon. <br /> <br /> Todo había sucedido con suma rapidez. Recién la habían contratado en la empresa cuando accidentalmente se conocieron en una fiesta. <br /> <br /> Días más tarde, el abuelo de Mitchel enfermó de gravedad. Fue entonces cuando él propuso un matrimonio falso para cumplir el último deseo del anciano. <br /> <br /> Ambos firmaron un acuerdo prenupcial y acordaron esconder su matrimonio al público. Era probable que su unión terminara en cualquier momento. <br /> <br /> Era una ocasión poco convencional. Sin embargo, Raegan se consideraba afortunada. <br /> <br /> Ni en un millón de años pensó que se casaría con el hombre del que estuvo enamorada durante ocho años, así que aceptó con entusiasmo. <br /> <br /> Mitchel estuvo muy ocupado después de la boda, ya que trabajaba la mayor parte del tiempo. <br /> <br /> Raegan deseaba estar más con él en casa. Pero se sentía tranquila porque no tenía rumores ni escándalos con otras mujeres. <br /> <br /> A pesar de su leve indiferencia, Mitchel era el esposo perfecto. <br /> <br /> Raegan tuvo sentimientos encontrados mientras observaba el resultado de la prueba de embarazo. <br /> <br /> Finalmente decidió contarle la verdad a Mitchel. <br /> <br /> También quería decirle que no lo había conocido recientemente, sino que lo había amado desde hacía muchos años. <br /> <br /> De repente, la ducha del baño dejó de sonar. <br /> <br /> En cuanto Mitchel salió, sonó su teléfono, así que salió al balcón con una toalla de baño para contestar la llamada. <br /> <br /> Raegan comprobó la hora y vio que ya era medianoche. <br /> <br /> No pudo evitar sentirse incómoda. ¿Quién lo llamaba a una hora tan intempestiva? <br /> <br /> Mitchel estuvo unos minutos en el balcón. Luego, regresó a la habitación. <br /> <br /> Su cuerpo era un espectáculo digno de contemplar. Tenía voluminosos abdominales en su vientre y sus brazos eran fuertes y musculosos. ¡Era un excelente hombre! <br /> <br /> Aunque Raegan lo había visto así antes, se sonrojó y su corazón comenzó a acelerarse. <br /> <br /> Ajeno a sus miradas, Mitchel agarró su camisa y sus pantalones de traje de la cama, se los puso y se anudó la corbata con sus delgados dedos. Su hermoso rostro tenía un contorno claro que lo hacía verse más digno esa noche. <br /> <br /> Era toda una obra de arte. <br /> <br /> "No me esperes despierta". <br /> <br /> ¿Qué? ¿Iba a salir? ¿A estas horas? <br /> <br /> Raegan agarró con más fuerza la prueba de embarazo mientras le daba una mirada decepcionada. Inconscientemente retiró la mano. "Ya es muy tarde", soltó después de pensar un rato. <br /> <br /> Los dedos de Mitchel se quedaron congelados sobre su corbata. Con una leve sonrisa, le pellizcó el lóbulo de la oreja. "¿Te da miedo la oscuridad?". <br /> <br /> Raegan se sonrojó hasta la raíz del cabello. Estaba a punto de responder cuando Mitchel la soltó. "Pórtate bien, ¿sí? Necesito hacer algo. No me esperes despierta". <br /> <br /> Tras esas palabras, se dirigió hacia la puerta. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel". <br /> <br /> Raegan corrió para alcanzarlo. <br /> <br /> Mitchel se dio vuelta y la miró con seriedad. <br /> <br /> "¿Qué pasa?". <br /> <br /> Había un ápice de frialdad en su voz. Una nube negra descendió sobre ellos mientras se miraban fijamente. <br /> <br /> Un poco angustiada, Raegan dijo en voz baja: "Me gustaría visitar mañana a mi abuela. ¿Puedes acompañarme?". <br /> <br /> Su frágil y enferma abuela siempre quería verla. Por eso quería llevar a Mitchel y asegurarle que eran muy felices. <br /> <br /> "Hablemos mañana al respecto". Sin aceptar ni negarse, Mitchel se marchó apresuradamente. <br /> <br /> Varios pensamientos rondaban la mente de Raegan mientras se duchaba y regresaba a la cama. No podía conciliar el sueño. <br /> <br /> Tras dar vueltas y vueltas, se levantó de la cama y se preparó un vaso de leche caliente. <br /> <br /> Algunas noticias en línea llegaron a su teléfono. <br /> <br /> Pero, como no le interesaban, estaba a punto de eliminarlas cuando una llamó su atención. El conocido nombre la hizo abrir el artículo. <br /> <br /> La noticia decía: "La famosa diseñadora Lauren Murray fue vista hoy en el aeropuerto con su misterioso novio". <br /> <br /> Lauren llevaba un sombrero amplio. La figura del hombre se veía vaga, pero el contorno de su cuerpo bastaba para mostrar que era apuesto. <br /> <br /> Raegan agrandó la imagen y su corazón dio un vuelco. <br /> <br /> ¡Era Mitchel! <br /> <br /> ¿Había cancelado la reunión de la tarde para recoger a su exnovia del aeropuerto? <br /> <br /> Raegan se sintió molesta, como si tuviera una roca en el estómago. <br /> <br /> Sus manos estaban temblando y marcó inconscientemente el número de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> El tono de llamada la devolvió a sus sentidos. Estaba a punto de colgar cuando, de repente, se conectó la línea y se escuchó una voz desde el otro lado. <br /> <br /> "¡Hola!". <br /> <br /> Era una suave voz de mujer. <br /> <br /> Raegan se quedó paralizada y tiró el teléfono. <br /> <br /> Fue entonces cuando sintió náuseas y la bilis subió a su garganta. <br /> <br /> Cubriéndose la boca, fue corriendo al baño y vomitó en la taza del váter. <br /> <br /> A la mañana siguiente, Raegan llegó temprano al trabajo. <br /> <br /> Mitchel le había insistido en que dejara de trabajar después de casarse, pero ella quería ganar su propio dinero. <br /> <br /> A pesar de que no se opuso, Mitchel le pidió que trabajara como su asistente y lo ayudara con las tareas diarias. <br /> <br /> Matteo Jenkins, el asistente principal, estaba a cargo de sus asuntos más importantes. <br /> <br /> Era el único empleado de la empresa que sabía sobre su matrimonio. <br /> <br /> Desde el principio, la oficina del presidente solo tenía asistentes hombres. Reagan era la primera y única mujer. Su contratación había roto el protocolo, así que otros trabajadores se preguntaban si estaba aquí por la puerta trasera o era alguien especial para Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Pero luego se dieron cuenta de que él no le daba un trato especial. Curiosamente, eso hizo que la despreciaran más. <br /> <br /> Después de todo, la empresa es un campo de batalla. Era extraño que Raegan mantuviera tanto tiempo su trabajo siendo tan incompetente. <br /> <br /> En ese momento, uno de sus colegas le entregó un documento y le pidió que lo llevara a la oficina de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> El hombre no había regresado a casa anoche. Raegan estaba tan preocupada que no pudo pegar un ojo toda la noche. <br /> <br /> No podía pensar en nada más que en la mujer que contestó su teléfono cuando ella había llamado. ¿Mitchel estaba con esta en aquel momento? <br /> <br /> Raegan no podía aceptar ese hecho. <br /> <br /> Pero intentó mantener la calma momentáneamente. Pasara lo que pasara, merecía un resultado gratificante por todos sus años amando a Mitchel. No podía ser en vano, ¿verdad? <br /> <br /> Con mucha calma, presionó el botón del ascensor y subió a la oficina del presidente. Antes de salir, se alisó el cabello para asegurarse de tener buen aspecto. <br /> <br /> Cuando llegó a la oficina, vio que la puerta estaba entreabierta. Adentro se escuchaba la voz de un hombre, así que se detuvo al instante. <br /> <br /> "¡Vamos! ¿Sientes algo por Raegan o no?". <br /> <br /> Era Luis Stevens, un amigo de la infancia de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> "¿Qué quieres decir?", preguntó Mitchel fríamente. <br /> <br /> "¡Sabes exactamente lo que quiero decir!". Luis chasqueó la lengua con impaciencia. "Raegan me parece una buena chica. ¿No es tu tipo?". <br /> <br /> "¿Acaso a ti te gusta ella?", preguntó Mitchel descuidadamente. <br /> <br /> "¿Sabes qué? ¡Olvídalo!". <br /> <br /> La risa de Luis sonó bastante dura en los oídos de Raegan. <br /> <br /> Hablaban de ella como si fuera una cosa. <br /> <br /> Respirando hondo, agarró con más fuerza el documento. <br /> <br /> Pronto volvió a escucharse la voz de Luis. <br /> <br /> "Por cierto, esta mañana vi los rumores sobre el misterioso novio de Lauren. Eras tú, ¿verdad?". <br /> <br /> "Sí". <br /> <br /> "¡Vaya, vaya! Esa mujer todavía te tiene comiendo de la palma de su mano. Siempre la complaces". <br /> <br /> Luis suspiró y siguió burlándose de Mitchel. "La ausencia aumenta el cariño. Dime, ¿ustedes dos...?". <br /> <br /> Su conversación explotó como un trueno sobre la cabeza de Raegan. <br /> <br /> Su rostro palideció y su cuerpo se volvió tan frío como el hielo. <br /> <br /> ¡Así que el que al lado de Lauren sí fue Mitchel! <br /> <br /> Cada palabra se clavó en su corazón como un cuchillo. <br /> <br /> De repente, varias voces susurrantes llenaron su mente. Estaba mareada. Su visión se puso borrosa. <br /> <br /> Raegan se sostuvo de la pared y retrocedió un paso. Fue entonces cuando la puerta se abrió desde dentro. <br /> <br /> "¿Raegan?". <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Capítulo 2 Amor unilateral<br /> <br /> Fue Luis quien abrió la puerta, como si fuera a salir. <br /> <br /> Raegan juntó las manos y se volvió hacia él con un asentimiento. "¡Hola, señor Stevens!". <br /> <br /> Sin esperar una respuesta a su saludo, pasó junto a él y entró a la oficina con el documento. <br /> <br /> Mitchel estaba sentado tras un amplio y lujoso escritorio. Se veía bastante guapo con ese traje y corbata a juego. <br /> <br /> Raegan notó que no era el mismo atuendo que llevaba cuando salió de casa anoche. ¿Cómo se había cambiado? <br /> <br /> Con la mirada gacha, se tragó la pregunta y dijo: "Señor Dixon, esto es del Departamento de Marketing. Por favor, fírmelo". <br /> <br /> Mitchel miró inexpresivo el documento mientras lo firmaba. <br /> <br /> Raegan salió inmediatamente después. Luis aún seguía parado en el umbral. <br /> <br /> No fue hasta que ella se perdió de vista que se volvió hacia Mitchel. "¡Oye!", susurró. "¿Crees que nos escuchó?". <br /> <br /> Los atractivos ojos de Mitchel no mostraron ninguna emoción. Era obvio que no estaba escuchando a su amigo. <br /> <br /> En su opinión, Raegan siempre había sido dócil y nunca había tenido celos de nadie. <br /> <br /> Su obediencia era todo lo que él le exigía a cambio de tratarla bien. <br /> <br /> En el ascensor, Raegan aguantó la respiración para retener sus lágrimas. <br /> <br /> Pero no le funcionó. <br /> <br /> Había pensado que dos años serían suficientes para que Mitchel se diera cuenta de lo mucho que ella lo amaba y le correspondiera. <br /> <br /> Ahora resultaba que no era más que una ilusión. <br /> <br /> Siempre tendría un papel secundario frente a Lauren, su verdadero amor. <br /> <br /> Reagan se secó las lágrimas una vez que el ascensor se detuvo. De no ser por su rostro pálido, se veía normal cuando se abrieron las puertas. <br /> <br /> Luego, fue hacia la sala de descanso para prepararse una taza de té. <br /> <br /> Varios empleados estaban charlando adentro. <br /> <br /> "Chicos, ¿se han enterado? Lauren Murray ha regresado del extranjero". <br /> <br /> "¿Y quién es ella?". <br /> <br /> "¡Oh, Dios mío! ¿No la conoces? Es la heredera del Grupo Murray y una diseñadora bastante reconocida. Y sobre todo es la única novia que el señor Dixon ha mostrado públicamente. ¡Es su primer amor!". <br /> <br /> "¿Por qué es tan importante que haya vuelto? ¿No se rumorea que el señor Dixon tiene algo con Raegan?". <br /> <br /> "¿Raegan? ¡Imposible! El señor Dixon nunca admitió estar saliendo con ella, y es exigente a la hora de elegir pereja. Solo mírala. Ni siquiera es tan hermosa. Sin embargo, se comporta como si ya fuera la señora Dixon. ¡Qué ridícula!". <br /> <br /> En la puerta, Raegan esbozó una sonrisa burlona mientras los escuchaba. Todos los demás veían la verdad excepto ella. <br /> <br /> Su amor era unilateral. <br /> <br /> "¡Ja, ja! ¿La señora Dixon se despertó de su sueño salvaje?". <br /> <br /> De repente, escuchó una voz detrás de sí. Raegan se volvió para encontrarse con Tessa Lloyd, la prima de Mitchel, quien siempre la había despreciado. <br /> <br /> Tessa también debía haber oído los chismes de los empleados. <br /> <br /> Lo último que Raegan quería era discutir con ella en la empresa, así que se dio la vuelta para irse, pero la mujer le bloqueó el camino. <br /> <br /> Con una taza de café en la mano, Tessa comentó sarcásticamente: "Lauren ha regresado. ¿Crees que Mitchel te seguirá dando atención?". <br /> <br /> Raegan se quedó callada. <br /> <br /> Tras unos segundos, Tessa continuó con sus burlas. "Me enteré de que eres buena en fingir. ¿Qué pasará si te desenmascaro delante de todos? Sé que te gusta la compañía de hombres...". <br /> <br /> Raegan apretó los puños. "Señorita Lloyd, estamos en la empresa", espetó. "Si te interesan esos negocios, ya sabes adónde ir". <br /> <br /> "Tú...". <br /> <br /> El rostro de Tessa se transformó. <br /> <br /> Rápidamente levantó la mano y vació la taza de café sobre Raegan. <br /> <br /> Esta última no pensó ni por un segundo que Tessa haría una locura como esa, así que alzó los brazos para bloquear el líquido de su cara. El café le quemó el brazo. <br /> <br /> "¡Ay!", gritó Raegan, frunciendo el ceño debido al dolor. "¿Por qué hiciste eso? ¿Estás loca?". <br /> <br /> Como era la hora del almuerzo, muchos empleados pudieron ver el escándalo. Tessa se mostró aún más complaciente cuando vio que el número de espectadores aumentaba. <br /> <br /> "¿Por qué eres tan engreída?", escupió. "¿De verdad crees que todos no saben que eres una pobre sin padres? Y tienes el descaro de...". <br /> <br /> De repente, se escuchó un grito. <br /> <br /> Tessa había sido silenciada por una bofetada. <br /> <br /> Ahora estaba boquiabierta. No había esperado que la callada y tímida Raegan la abofeteara. <br /> <br /> Tessa se sostuvo la mejilla y se la quedó mirando un rato. "Tú...", tartamudeó. "¿Me pegaste? ¡¿Cómo te atreves?!". <br /> <br /> "¡Sí, te pegué!", espetó Raegan. "Parece que necesitas aprender a tener cortesía". <br /> <br /> Sí, había perdido a sus padres cuando era niña, pero no permitiría que alguien la pisoteara por eso. <br /> <br /> Tessa crispó el rostro mientras fruncía el ceño rabiosamente. Como prima de Mitchel, estaba acostumbrada a que la elogiaran y respetaran. Esto nunca había sucedido antes. <br /> <br /> "¡Raegan!". <br /> <br /> Tessa arremetió contra Raegan como un toro furioso y alzó la mano para devolverle la bofetada. <br /> <br /> Pero Raegan estaba preparada para lo que se avecinaba, así que agarró la muñeca de Tessa con tanta fuerza que esta no pudo moverse. <br /> <br /> Como era más baja, luchó como un pulpo, cuyos tentáculos se habían atascado en una trampa, "¿Cómo te atreves a ponerme tus sucias manos encima?", maldijo. "¿Quién te crees que eres? ¡Solo eres la sirvienta de Mitchel!". <br /> <br /> Sus duras palabras atrajeron a más personas a la sala de descanso. <br /> <br /> "¡Suficiente!". <br /> <br /> De la nada, se escuchó una fuerte voz desde atrás. Mitchel había salido de su oficina, solo para encontrarse con ese alboroto. <br /> <br /> Toda la sala se sumió en un profundo silencio. <br /> <br /> "¿Mitchell?". Tessa se quedó helada cuando vio a su primo, ya que siempre le había tenido miedo. Su madre también le advertía que no lo provocara. <br /> <br /> No obstante, cuando recordó a Raegan abofeteándola, puso una expresión lastimera y comenzó a sollozar. "Mitchel, mira mi rostro. ¡Me abofeteó!". <br /> <br /> La luz del sol caía sobre el hermoso rostro de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan se sintió muy afligida y bajó la cabeza para mirar la parte posterior de su brazo, quemada por el café. <br /> <br /> Las miradas de ambos se encontraron. Con el ceño fruncido, Mitchel dijo: "Raegan, ¿olvidaste las reglas de la empresa?". <br /> <br /> Raegan contuvo la respiración ante su crueldad. No podía creer lo que estaba escuchando. <br /> <br /> Nadie se atrevió a hacer ningún sonido. <br /> <br /> Raegan se quedó parada con su esbelta figura. <br /> <br /> Cuando la contrataron, Mitchel le advirtió que el Grupo Dixon no era un lugar para que perdiera el tiempo y que no toleraría ningún error suyo. <br /> <br /> Raegan entendía por qué adoptaba esa postura. <br /> <br /> No obstante, estaba desesperada por saber si había oído esas duras palabras de Tessa o si solo estaba fingiendo porque estaba de acuerdo. <br /> <br /> ¿En serio solo la veía como una sirvienta? <br /> <br /> Aterrada de recibir la ira de Mitchel, la multitud no tardó en dispersarse. Algunos empleados se atrevieron a mirar desde la distancia, pues no quería perderse de un buen espectáculo. <br /> <br /> Raegan se estremeció de pies a cabeza cuando vio los ojos fríos de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Mirando a Tessa, se pellizcó la palma de la mano para reprimir sus emociones. <br /> <br /> "Lo siento, señorita Lloyd. Como empleada del Grupo Dixon, fue mi error golpearla". <br /> <br /> Tessa alzó la barbilla con complacencia. "¡Ja! No crees que quedarás libre de culpa con una simple disculpa. No lo creo...". <br /> <br /> "La bofetada no tiene nada que ver con la empresa, así que me niego a disculparme contigo. Ahora me retiro", agregó Raegan. <br /> <br /> Luego, pasó junto a Mitchel sin mirarlo de nuevo. <br /> <br /> "Tú... ¡Alto!". <br /> <br /> Tessa estaba echando humo. <br /> <br /> Jamás en toda su vida había sido tan humillada. Siempre era la acosadora, no la víctima. <br /> <br /> La humillación era tanta que ni siquiera se tranquilizaría haciendo pedazos a Raegan. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel, ¿escuchaste lo que acaba de decir esa mujer?", gritó señalándola. "A pesar de que me abofeteó, sigue siendo muy arrogante. Dile que regrese. ¡La abofetearé hasta que llore pidiendo piedad!". <br /> <br /> Mitchel observó la delgada espalda de Raegan con una expresión ambigua. <br /> <br /> "¡Basta!", espetó alzando la mano. <br /> <br /> Tessa no creía que su primo tuviera debilidad por Raegan. Supuso que ella no le importaba en absoluto. <br /> <br /> "La próxima vez, conseguiré a alguien que le dé una lección a esa tipa", siseó con los dientes apretados. <br /> <br /> "¡Tessa!". Mitchel la reprendió con un tono helado mientras entrecerraba los ojos. <br /> <br /> Tessa empezó a temblar. <br /> <br /> "Solo te lo diré una vez", agregó él sombríamente. "Olvídate de lo que pasó hoy. Deja tranquila a Raegan". <br /> <br /> Tessa sintió su boca secarse. Todas las malvadas ideas que tenía contra Raegan desaparecieron en un instante. <br /> <br /> "Está bien...", tartamudeó. "Entiendo...". <br /> <br /> Mitchel le lanzó una mirada fría y se volvió hacia Matteo. "A partir de hoy, las personas irrelevantes no tendrán permitida la entrada". <br /> <br /> Tessa empezó a halagar su decisión. "¡Muy bien! Esta es una empresa muy importante. No todo el mundo puede entrar aquí". <br /> <br /> Matteo dio un asentimiento a su jefe, se acercó a Tessa y le mostró la salida. "Señorita Lloyd, por aquí, por favor". <br /> <br /> Solo entonces Tessa se dio cuenta de que ella era la persona irrelevante. Si bien intentó hablar con su primo, Matteo le bloqueó el paso y los guardias de seguridad la echaron. <br /> <br /> No tuvieron ni un poco de piedad. Era inútil luchar. <br /> <br /> Mientras tanto, Raegan se cambió de ropa cuando regresó a su oficina. <br /> <br /> Tenía el corazón lleno de tristeza mientras recordaba la mirada de Mitchel hacía unos minutos. <br /> <br /> Pronto llegó la hora de salida. <br /> <br /> Raegan tomó su bolso y se dirigió hacia la puerta, pero Matteo la detuvo. <br /> <br /> "El señor Dixon tiene que resolver algo urgente, así que me pidió que la llevara a casa". <br /> <br /> Raegan lo rechazó sin pensarlo dos veces. <br /> <br /> Antes estaba ciega, pero ahora veía toda la situación. <br /> <br /> No era nadie a los ojos de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> ¿Cómo podía acompañarla a visitar a su abuela si ni siquiera se preocupaba por ella? <br /> <br /> Al llegar al hospital, Raegan encontró a la enfermera a punto de darle la cena a su abuela. Raegan asumió su puesto e hizo el trabajo. <br /> <br /> Su abuela siempre había vivido en el campo, disfrutando de una vida tranquila. Pero todo cambió el mes pasado, cuando su chequeo médico mostró que sus páncreas estaban mal. Raegan insistió en traerla a la ciudad para que recibiera un mejor tratamiento. <br /> <br /> Su abuela no sabía sobre su matrimonio con Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan había planeado sorprenderla, pero ya no era necesario. <br /> <br /> Una vez que su abuela se quedó dormida, salió del hospital y esperó un taxi. <br /> <br /> A lo lejos, un lujoso auto negro se detuvo en la entrada. <br /> <br /> Los ojos de Raegan se iluminaron. Era el vehículo de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> ¿Había venido para recogerla? <br /> <br /> En ese momento, olvidó todo el dolor que había sufrido. <br /> <br /> ¿Lo había malinterpretado? ¿De verdad se preocupaba por ella, contrariamente a los rumores? <br /> <br /> La puerta del conductor se abrió y Mitchel salió del auto. <br /> <br /> Raegan caminó hacia él con el corazón rebosante de alegría. <br /> <br /> Pero se detuvo en seco. <br /> <br /> Mitchel acababa de caminar hacia el otro lado para sacar a una mujer del vehículo. <br /> <br /> Su hermoso rostro era una máscara de angustia y compasión. <br /> <br /> La sonrisa de Raegan desapareció y su corazón se hundió. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Capítulo 3 Hay que divorciarnos<br /> <br /> La figura alta de Mitchel se acercaba cada vez más a Raegan; sin pronunciar una palabra, pasó junto a ella. <br /> <br /> Era difícil saber si realmente la vio o si decidió ignorarla a propósito. <br /> <br /> Raegan, por su parte, notó que la mujer que lo iba tomando del brazo era la misma que ayer fue fotografiada con él; su nombre era Lauren. <br /> <br /> Raegan sintió como si sus zapatos estuvieran hechos de plomo mientras se alejaba, perdiendo por completo la noción de las cosas que sucedían a su alrededor; distraída, paró un taxi y lo abordó. <br /> <br /> De repente, el chófer dijo: "Señorita, ¿a dónde la llevo?". <br /> <br /> Raegan quedó atónita por un momento. <br /> <br /> Volver a su casa en Villas Serenity era el último que quería hacer en ese momento, después de todo, era solo cuestión de tiempo antes de que ese lugar dejara de ser su hogar. <br /> <br /> Después de un rato, finalmente respondió: "Por favor, lléveme a Crystal Bay". <br /> <br /> Ella compró un apartamento en dicha zona después de casarse con Mitchel. <br /> <br /> En su momento, tenía esperanzas de traer a su abuela a la ciudad, por lo que compró ese apartamento con ayuda de una hipoteca; no era tan grande, pero tenía espacio más que suficiente para dos personas. <br /> <br /> Su esposo nunca entendió por qué quería comprar un apartamento; incluso se ofreció a regalarle uno más grande, pero ella se negó. <br /> <br /> Al recapitular todo lo que hizo en el pasado, se dio cuenta de que comprar ese apartamento fue la única decisión acertada que tomó a lo largo de los últimos dos años. <br /> <br /> Cuando llegó al complejo de apartamentos, Raegan se sentó sola en el patio, esto en un intento por despejar su mente. <br /> <br /> Los recuerdos de los últimos dos años eran agridulces; el tiempo pareció transcurrir en un abrir y cerrar de ojos a pesar de que fueron más de setecientos días y noches. <br /> <br /> Bien decían que el amor podía mover montañas, pero en el caso de Raegan, su amor no fue capaz de mover en lo más mínimo aquella piedra llamada Mitchel. Finalmente se dio cuenta de lo tonta que fue, convirtiéndose en el hazmerreír de todos. <br /> <br /> Ya era tarde en la noche cuando la chica finalmente decidió entrar a su apartamento. <br /> <br /> En cuanto salió del ascensor, vio a su esposo parado frente a la puerta. <br /> <br /> Sus mangas estaban arremangadas casualmente y los botones superiores de su camisa desabrochados, lo que dejaba al descubierto su largo cuello y parte de su clavícula; apoyado en la pared junto a la puerta, su hermoso rostro lucía serio. <br /> <br /> Raegan se quedó paralizado por un momento. <br /> <br /> ¿Por qué él estaba ahí? ¿No se suponía que estaba en el hospital con Lauren? ¿Qué lo trajo aquí? <br /> <br /> Sus ojos se encontraron casi de inmediato. Con el abrigo doblado sobre su brazo y una de las manos en el bolsillo, el hombre entrecerró los ojos en cuanto se percató de su presencia. <br /> <br /> "¿Por qué no contestaste el teléfono?", preguntó él con un poco de molestia en su tono.<br /> <br /> Raegan sacó su celular y vio que accidentalmente lo había puesto en modo silencioso; descubrió que tenía cinco llamadas perdidas de su esposo. <br /> <br /> ¿Mitchel le hizo tantas llamadas porque no pudo encontrarla? ¡Era un suceso sorprendente! <br /> <br /> Antes de hoy, esto la habría hecho sentir fascinada. <br /> <br /> Pero ahora, la chica simplemente puso de vuelta su celular en su bolso, se cruzó de brazos y dijo con voz ronca: "No lo escuché sonar". <br /> <br /> Mitchel levantó la mano para revisar la hora en su reloj antes de pronunciar con impaciencia: "Te estuve buscando durante dos horas seguidas". <br /> <br /> Después de arreglar todo para Lauren, regresó a casa solo para encontrarla vacía. Buscó a su esposa por todas partes, pero al no hallarla por ningún lado, le pidió a Matteo que revisara las imágenes de las cámaras de vigilancia de todos los caminos que salían de la empresa. <br /> <br /> Más tarde descubrió que la chica había ido a Crystal Bay sin notificarle con antelación. <br /> <br /> "La próxima vez avísame cuando tengas planeado venir aquí, ¿de acuerdo? Anda, volvamos a casa", dicho esto, el hombre caminó hacia el ascensor sin dedicarle otra mirada, mostrando abiertamente su intención de volver a las Villas Serenity. <br /> <br /> Pese a sus palabras, Raegan no se movió ni un centímetro; ella se limitó a mirar su ancha espalda mientras reflexionaba con cierto disgusto. <br /> <br /> Quería que le avisara cuando tuviera planeado volver aquí... Pero, ¿acaso habría un futuro para ambos? <br /> <br /> Mitchell se dio vuelta solo para ver que su esposa no había avanzado ni un solo paso. Frunciendo el ceño, él le preguntó: "¿No puedes caminar? ¿Quieres que te cargue?". <br /> <br /> La luz del pasillo iluminaba su rostro, haciendo que su perfil lateral luciera casi perfecto. <br /> <br /> La chica respiró hondo antes de declarar: "Hay que divorciarnos". <br /> <br /> "¿De qué hablas?", la voz de Mitchel sonó fría y su hermoso rostro cambió de inmediato. <br /> <br /> "Quiero vivir en mi propia casa, después de todo, pronto nos convertiremos en completos extraños". <br /> <br /> La chica forzó una sonrisa, pero su corazón se estrujó dolorosamente, como si alguien lo estuviera destrozando poco a poco. <br /> <br /> "¿Seremos completos extraños?", Mitchel sonrió con frialdad antes de lanzar una pregunta directa: "¿Qué clase de relación crees que sostenemos actualmente?". <br /> <br /> Su interrogatorio dejó a Raegan atónita por un momento. <br /> <br /> Este hombre se lo había dejado muy en claro desde el principio; su matrimonio era una mera fachada que se produjo de mutuo acuerdo y donde no existía el amor. En opinión de los demás, no eran más que jefe y subordinada. <br /> <br /> Mitchel era uno de los hombres más atractivos y codiciados en Ardlens; muchas jóvenes ansiaban su amor e incluso estaban dispuestas a emprender toda clase de acciones con tal de obtener su atención. <br /> <br /> La pregunta que le hizo momentos atrás le recordó a la chica todos estos hechos. ¿Acaso Mitchel tenía miedo de que ella no lo dejara ir tan fácilmente? Si ese fuera el caso, no podría estar más equivocado... <br /> <br /> Después de morderse el labio inferior para ocultar su amargura, Raegan dijo: "Lo siento, señor Dixon. Creo que pensé demasiado las cosas, pero sí necesito que de ahora en adelante me dejes en paz. No tienes que volver a venir aquí". <br /> <br /> Después de decir eso, ella no pudo evitar romper en llanto. <br /> <br /> ¿Cómo no iba a estar triste después de cortar todo vínculo con el hombre que había amado durante una década? Se trataba de un periodo bastante considerable, pero independientemente de lo difícil que fuera, sabía que era hora de superarlo; tenía que dejar de soñar. <br /> <br /> Curiosamente, en ese momento la luz del pasillo empezó a parpadear. <br /> <br /> La mirada hostil que Mitchel le estaba dedicando a la chica hizo que la chica se estremeciera. <br /> <br /> Aunque él entendía que las mujeres a veces se comportaban de manera extraña, sentía que Raegan acababa de cruzar la línea. <br /> <br /> Los ojos del hombre brillaban como antorchas ardientes en ese momento, pero cuando vio las lágrimas que derramaba su esposa, la rabia dentro de él se extinguió al instante. Entonces, dijo en voz baja: "Si esto es por lo que pasó entre Tessa y tú, yo...". <br /> <br /> "No, no se trata de ella. Señor Dixon, por favor, vete lo antes posible". <br /> <br /> En realidad habían sucedido muchas cosas entre ambos, y el incidente con Tessa era el más insignificante de todos. <br /> <br /> Sintiéndose exhausta, Raegan pasó junto a su esposo y se preparó para abrir la puerta. <br /> <br /> Mitchel no estaba nada satisfecho con esta exhibición de terquedad; tras desatarse la corbata con irritación, él dio un paso adelante y la agarró por la muñeca. <br /> <br /> "Detente, ¿quieres?". <br /> <br /> Un segundo después, le pasó el brazo por el hombro y la abrazó; en ese instante se dio cuenta de que la chica estaba ardiendo, como si alguien acabara de prenderle fuego. <br /> <br /> "¿Tienes fiebre?". <br /> <br /> Raegan se sintió mareada, por lo que apoyó débilmente la cabeza sobre el hombro de su esposo. <br /> <br /> Esto complicó aún más la situación; Mitchel bajó la cabeza para mirarla.<br /> <br /> Reagan tardó en percatarse de lo que estaba sucediendo; cuando finalmente se dio cuenta de que su cuerpo estaba demasiado cerca del de él, trató de alejarse. <br /> <br /> Para su mala suerte, antes de que pudiera escapar, el hombre tiró de ella hacia atrás y la sujetó por la cintura. Con una expresión gélida, dijo en voz baja: "¿A dónde crees que vas?". <br /> <br /> La luz volvió a parpadear. De la nada, Mitchel la levantó y luego se dirigió al ascensor. <br /> <br /> Aturdida, Raegan preguntó suavemente: "¿Qué estás haciendo?". <br /> <br /> "¿Qué te parece que estoy haciendo?", comentó él. "Obviamente te voy a llevar al hospital". <br /> <br /> "¡Por supuesto que no!", la chica gritó a causa de la sorpresa y pareció recuperar más fuerzas. <br /> <br /> Existía la posibilidad de que se complicara su embarazo en caso de recibir un tratamiento inadecuado; aunque el bebé no llegó en un momento adecuado, seguía siendo su pequeño y era su deber protegerlo. <br /> <br /> Raegan siguió luchando por liberarse de los brazos que la mantenían cautiva. Sin embargo, su fuerte agarre hizo que sus esfuerzos fueran en vano. <br /> <br /> "No seas tan terca. Estás enferma, así que debes ver al médico", le aclaró Mitchel con firmeza mientras caminaba hasta el ascensor con ella en brazos. De repente, ella le dio una patada en señal de protesta. <br /> <br /> "¡Bájame! ¡No quiero ir al hospital!". <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> &9&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.manobook.com/11878375-fb_contact-spj	103551482442967	Romantic Novel House	https://facebook.com/100083766102286	52,089	1	1,175,733,180,231,149	2024-07-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Romantic Novel House	120209977177990766	fbweb.manobook.com		NONE	image		https://fbweb.manobook.com/11878375-fb_contact-spj57-0227-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=216543&accid=1593369501516705	2024-07-19 06:13	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452191130_504027675418677_1506864426616920306_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2R6LmMtjm0UQ7kNvgEmHbj9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBsWIH_ujAqGzTmKr82pR1AkR9zmHW1Wi2sM88EovkjIQ&oe=66AB5A15	person_profile	Manobook - Yo soy tuya y tú eres mío	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451965309_871445018167761_5153404449291143486_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aPU-0ZdSjTkQ7kNvgFcSJiH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAwlnd_WhusEcoxmyd8I9uvkWrEfXuAriOm_dFObsXLog&oe=66AB6085	3	Romantic Novel House	2024-07-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,427	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940347}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	805955765000796	😍Read the next chapters👉	Lexi could sense the man was staring at her swollen right cheek. It didn't seem like he would take his eyes off her anytime. "I know I'm so pretty that people can't help but gawk at me." Claude's lips curved up. "You look very familiar." Lexi's eyes remained on the climbing numbers on the elevator's digital display. "That's a tacky way to hit on someone." "I've never needed to hit on anyone." Claude flashed a reticent smile. "I'm only stating the truth. There was a laziness and silkiness to his voice. Lexi looked ahead at the elevator's mirrored walls and took in Claude, who stood to her left. She didn't recall ever interacting with him, much less meeting him. To her surprise, Claude suddenly approached her. His intimidating presence overwhelmed her so much that she took a few steps back. "Can I help you?" she questioned with a stiff voice. Lexi held her breath. They were so close to each other that she could smell the faint pine scent from his body. "Do you really not recognize me?" Claude asked. "I don't." Claude straightened his back and peered down at her. When the elevator door opened on the tenth floor, he stepped aside. Doubt gnawed at her heart. She could have sworn she didn't know the man, but why did he seem to know her? … That night, Lexi had a dream. She dreamt of the night from two months ago. The wild night left her all sweaty. Zachary held her waist and tried out several positions with her. It left Lexi limp with barely any energy left. Not to mention, she was so drunk that she was in a daze. When Lexi woke, she massaged her forehead. The dream she had turned out to be a tad frightening. The man she slept with two months ago was Zachary. Yet, for some reason, he got replaced by the man from the elevator in her dream.	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11845&ut	293322843875249	Random Reading	https://facebook.com/61560831098071	20	1	1,041,150,387,349,054	2024-07-03 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	Random Reading	120210259645510281	beokn.com		NONE	dco		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11845&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-02 03:06	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449727403_366939126055861_4561971539420395674_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uem3lWUZlzEQ7kNvgGnnonX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDvOsdCfbtsYkOt60pHV1i-4qgyONLH-s6Rp1xzZZ6amA&oe=66AB755A	person_profile	Random Reading	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449612863_3781678598818635_1045199782287096664_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BRyXldKK7mEQ7kNvgFL7IYo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBX_ZsqOD2PBbjpc2A_dMaYwiS9dRld9o6lJGoLqbIsWQ&oe=66AB624B	3	Random Reading	2024-07-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,511	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1026123922073149	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> Lottie’s POV<br /> "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. <br /> <br /> "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. <br /> <br /> "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. <br /> <br /> "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. <br /> <br /> "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me.<br /> <br /> "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful!<br /> <br /> "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. <br /> <br /> “You think? ” her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. <br /> <br /> “Yes!” I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. <br /> <br /> "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! <br /> <br /> "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. <br /> <br /> "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. <br /> <br /> "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. <br /> <br /> "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold.<br /> <br /> "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. <br /> <br /> "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned.<br /> <br /> Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. <br /> <br /> "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. <br /> <br /> With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. <br /> <br /> "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. <br /> <br /> Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. <br /> <br /> Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! <br /> <br /> "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... <br /> <br /> "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood.<br /> <br /> "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. <br /> <br /> "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. <br /> <br /> "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on.<br /> <br /> "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me!<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong.<br /> <br /> "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. <br /> <br /> "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him.<br /> <br /> "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish!<br /> <br /> "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. <br /> <br /> Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane!<br /> <br /> "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed!<br /> <br /> "It's not what it looks like, I promise."<br /> <br /> "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds.<br /> <br /> "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. <br /> <br /> Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." <br /> <br /> Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. <br /> <br /> Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow.<br /> <br /> “Babygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. <br /> <br /> "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear.<br /> <br /> *******<br /> "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. <br /> <br /> "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. <br /> <br /> I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." <br /> <br /> "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house.<br /> <br /> "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room.<br /> <br /> "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. <br /> <br /> "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! <br /> <br /> "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. <br /> <br /> Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? <br /> <br /> Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. <br /> <br /> My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment.<br /> <br /> "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! <br /> <br /> The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! <br /> <br /> He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! <br /> <br /> Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! <br /> <br /> I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. <br /> <br /> Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. <br /> <br /> "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. <br /> <br /> "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. <br /> <br /> "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps.<br /> <br /> "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine.<br /> <br /> "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. <br /> <br /> "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white.<br /> <br /> I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male.<br /> <br /> "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. <br /> <br /> "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. <br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed.<br /> <br /> "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. <br /> "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp.<br /> <br /> "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core.<br /> <br /> "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!"<br /> <br /> "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure.<br /> <br /> "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!"<br /> <br /> "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly.<br /> <br /> "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! <br /> <br /> "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light.<br /> <br /> "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged!<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! <br /> <br /> "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins!<br /> <br /> His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. <br /> <br /> "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain.<br /> <br /> "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. <br /> <br /> "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged.<br /> <br /> I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. <br /> <br /> "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" <br /> <br /> Shiit! <br /> <br /> “ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it!<br /> <br /> Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation!<br /> <br /> "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs!<br /> <br /> "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. <br /> <br /> "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been!<br /> <br /> "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. <br /> <br /> "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it?<br /> <br /> "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time.<br /> <br /> "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. <br /> <br /> "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind.<br /> <br /> "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! <br /> <br /> "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. <br /> <br /> "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie!<br /> <br /> "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. <br /> <br /> "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile.<br /> <br /> "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." <br /> <br /> "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps.<br /> <br /> Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. <br /> <br /> "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache.<br /> <br /> "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. <br /> <br /> "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. <br /> <br /> "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. <br /> <br /> "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" <br /> <br /> "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality.<br /> <br /> "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop.<br /> <br /> "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage.<br /> <br /> It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. <br /> <br /> Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. <br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs.<br /> <br /> "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests.<br /> <br /> "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow.<br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. <br /> <br /> "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. <br /> <br /> "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle.<br /> <br /> "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! <br /> <br /> Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. <br /> <br /> "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. <br /> <br /> "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. <br /> <br /> "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could.<br /> <br /> "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. <br /> <br /> "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. <br /> <br /> "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. <br /> <br /> "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. <br /> <br /> "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. <br /> <br /> "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. <br /> <br /> "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins.<br /> <br /> Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. <br /> <br /> "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. <br /> <br /> "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair.<br /> <br /> "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. <br /> <br /> "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! <br /> <br /> "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. <br /> <br /> "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough.<br /> <br /> "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. <br /> <br /> "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. <br /> <br /> "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up!<br /> <br /> "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me.<br /> <br /> "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip.<br /> <br /> "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt.<br /> <br /> "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place.<br /> <br /> Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric.<br /> <br /> "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. <br /> <br /> "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack.<br /> <br /> "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop.<br /> <br /> "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry!<br /> <br /> "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. <br /> <br /> "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands.<br /> <br /> "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. <br /> <br /> "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! <br /> <br /> I wanted it!	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u	219004054622622	Galaxy in the Story	https://facebook.com/61555427913037	718	1	3,756,732,067,900,836	2024-07-25 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Galaxy in the Story	120211667056510694	befant.com		NONE	image		https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-24 01:14	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452413129_507923255241841_1700404722274987754_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=slJ85AE9rPwQ7kNvgF4A1xa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDB22d4pId0zx_ak_zbXpQpsXs2yx11oWrLtOWn__4HEQ&oe=66AB6849	person_profile	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452615359_1488954388675795_2729009330656246311_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=370Zu8AE64wQ7kNvgGpRr_s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDMzkSDYQW5OOJHkBp9ttwGHxLgEJrjpH-Fi3XZ86eFsA&oe=66AB4EBA	3	Galaxy in the Story	2024-07-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,231	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	515988387441104	9 bed, 3 bath in Woonsocket.	Ready for a new home? Check out this 9 bed, 3 bath in Woonsocket. 🏡🏡 Welcome to this remarkable 3- Family home an incredible opportunity for those seeking a multi-family residence in a desirable neighborhood of Woonsocket. With three well-maintained apartments, each featuring three bedrooms, this…	LEARN_MORE	https://homes.cbhomes.com/cbhomes/482/1364268_1105	113143547541447	Coldwell Banker Realty - New England Region	https://facebook.com/100066917825088	525	1	466,818,126,243,464	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Coldwell Banker Realty - New England Region	120209873092330638	homes.cbhomes.com		NONE	image	VIEW DETAILS	https://homes.cbhomes.com/cbhomes/482/1364268_1105_1?flavor=llp&ad_code=&cid=1692492&utm_source=boost-by-homespotter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=boost-listing-1364268_1105_1&timestamp=1722085594	2024-07-27 08:12	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453225465_478421988112346_1713245872008839678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9fy7PrfV9joQ7kNvgEiYDeW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXnBpujyP1jOPfPgJUDgCbFZ-GRUffhHxwhBo3SdJFsg&oe=66AB77F2	person_profile	Coldwell Banker Realty - New E	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453086054_1244660433555795_5891812047900624942_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t9pkFOasH-wQ7kNvgHe5V_q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAVTqpIbzBLyJoJdmWJjgUxUeLyjYRQqsINfc0ZmNrJdw&oe=66AB748B	3	Coldwell Banker Realty - New England Region	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,001	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	311234928507195	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	It was 2:00 am. Wendy Maxon hadn't been sleeping for long when she was once again awoken by the sound of her children crying. She sat up groggily and took her daughter, Jasmine Walker, from the nanny, Jane Seele's arms. She was half asleep, but her actions were quick as she unbuttoned her pajama top. Silence descended upon the room again. She'd just shut her eyes to rest them for a while when a sound came from the door. Wendy thought Jane was bringing her son, Daniel Walker, into the room. But when she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar figure. Her heart clenched as her gaze landed on the man's handsome face. It was 2:00 am, and her husband, Jason Walker, had finally returned. Two hours ago, their second wedding anniversary had passed. Jason obviously didn't remember a thing about it. Their gazes met for a split second. Then, they looked away from each other without saying anything. Jason strode into the bedroom, bringing with him the strong stench of liquor. Wendy frowned imperceptibly. She hated it when men got drunk. When Jason approached her and saw that the cot was empty, he asked, "Where's Danny?" Wendy didn't even look up. She said coldly, "Jane's taken him away." Silence descended upon the room again, but her grogginess had thoroughly disappeared. Jason stood there without saying a word. He merely tugged his tie loose with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt. He didn't intend to stare at Wendy, but her open shirt and glowing skin caught his attention. Jasmine drank her milk—the sound of her sucking was loud and clear. She looked like she was enjoying herself so much that it somehow made Jason feel hungry. He found himself wanting to try Wendy's milk to see whether it was really that good. When he realized what he was thinking, a wave of irritation washed over him. He cursed himself for his freakish thoughts before turning to head to the bathroom. The sound of him slamming the door shut didn't just make Wendy jump. It even made Jasmine shudder a little. Wendy glared in the direction of the bathroom, thinking that Jason was a lunatic; no one had done anything to offend him. Just then, her phone pinged, catching her attention. No one else would message her at this hour—it had to be spam. But when she grabbed her phone and checked it, she felt like she'd been slapped. "Jason had a bit too much to drink, so you need to make him some hangover soup. Otherwise, he'll have a headache tomorrow." The message was from Catherine Locke. Wendy stared at the screen for a long while, unable to stop herself from clenching her fist around her phone. Her knuckles turned white from the force. This was a blatant challenge and insult from her rival in love—Catherine was obviously telling her that Jason had been with her. And what was with that imperious tone? She made it seem like she was the lady of the household while Wendy was nothing but a maid. It took Wendy a while to calm down. She suppressed her annoyance and replied, "How about I give up my position as Mrs. Walker so you can take it?" Catherine didn't reply; Wendy's message had probably pissed her off royally. After all, Catherine was also a married woman. Wendy set her phone aside, looking stoic. Though she'd won the fight, she didn't feel good about it. Her husband had gone drinking with the woman he loved deeply on their second wedding anniversary, and they'd even stayed out so late. What had they talked about? Had Catherine's husband, Connor Gale, been with them? Had they been alone? A barrage of questions flooded her mind. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Jason stood under the shower, allowing the hot water to pour over his toned body. It washed his fatigue and tipsiness away, but it also lit a small fire of desire within him. He shut his eyes and raised his head to allow the water to wash his face. He couldn't help thinking about the scene he'd just witnessed—Wendy was nothing but a scheming woman, but oddly enough, he'd detected a hint of motherly love in her when she'd been feeding Jasmine. A strangled curse escaped his lips. What had just possessed him? Jason's expression turned frosty. He turned the water temperature down. Soon, ice-cold water poured over him, making the irritation, frustration, and even desire in his eyes disappear. All that was left was indifference and aloofness. He deliberately took his time in the bathroom so that Wendy would already be in bed by the time he was done. But he'd underestimated the difficulty of breastfeeding two children in one go. When the bathroom door swung open, Wendy had just finished feeding Daniel. Jane had already taken Jasmine away so she could sleep. Wendy didn't even look at Jason. She held Daniel in her arms and turned to place him on the bed beside her. As Jason approached the bed, she could feel the iciness he exuded and the dominance in his demeanor. As the bed sank under his weight, her heart trembled. Though they'd already been married for two years, the number of times they'd interacted in private could be counted on one hand. She'd always been this cautious and tentative when they were alone. It was all because there weren't any feelings between them to set the foundation for their marriage. Besides, their families weren't of equal standing. The only reason Wendy had been able to marry Jason was because of their respective grandfathers' friendship. Decades ago, Jason's grandfather, Albert Walker, and Wendy's grandfather, George Maxon, had fought in the same war. George had risked his life to save Albert, losing a leg in the process. After leaving the army, the two men lost contact with each other. They'd only been reunited a few years ago when George had been admitted to the hospital due to a serious condition. Albert had tracked him down from there. It was too bad the reunion had been short. George had died a few days later. Albert had been overcome with guilt. He felt that if he'd managed to track George down earlier, he would've had more time to repay George for saving his life. This guilt had transformed into affection and fondness for Wendy. From that day on, Albert had treated Wendy like she was his own. Unfortunately, Albert had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago. Knowing that he hadn't had long to live, he wished to find Wendy a good husband before his death. He hadn't wanted Wendy to end up marrying someone he didn't know, so he'd done his best to set Jason and Wendy up. He'd hoped they would end up together. And that was how Jason and Wendy had ended up marrying. It was too bad Jason was in love with another woman. Besides, Wendy knew she wasn't worthy of him. Their original plan had been to get a divorce after Albert passed away, but they'd accidentally slept together—Wendy had even ended up giving birth to twins. It wouldn't be as easy to get a divorce anymore. No one knew where the marriage would go from there. Wendy had prepared herself for the chance that Jason would ask for a divorce whenever he came home. It left her uneasy. But in truth, he couldn't even be bothered to talk to her. That was how things went on that night. Though they were sleeping in the same bed, the iciness in the atmosphere was enough to make the temperature in the room drop. Amidst the smothering silence, Wendy slowly stopped patting Daniel when she was sure he was asleep. She'd wet her underwear earlier when breastfeeding, so she reached out to get some tissues. At the same time, she turned off the lamp. Jason, who was still feeling the effects of the liquor he'd had, had already fallen asleep. He lay on his back with his eyes shut; his breathing was deep and slow. Wendy glanced at him as she sat on the bed. When she saw that he was already asleep, she quietly dealt with her damp pajama top. When she was almost done, Jason's displeased voice suddenly rang out, "What are you still doing? Go to bed!" It made her jump. She turned and said, "I'm almost done." Daniel was sleeping on her other side. Afraid of squishing him, she instinctively scooted closer to Jason as she lay down. But as she reached out behind her before lying down, her hand landed on his arm. He hissed, making her jolt. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. You—" Jason was pissed. "Do you have to glue yourself to me when the bed's so huge?" Wendy was scared by his sudden anger, but she quickly composed herself and explained, "I was just afraid of squishing Danny. Since you're so repulsed by me, you can always go to another room." She wasn't wrong. They didn't have feelings for each other, so why did they have to sleep in the same bed? There were plenty of rooms in the house—he could sleep wherever he wanted. Jason's intense displeasure was apparent even in the dark. "What right do you have to kick me out, Wendy? Do you think there's no threatening your position as the lady of the Walker household now that you've given birth to twins?" "That's not what I meant." "What did you mean, then?" It was almost 3:00 am, and Wendy was exhausted from waking up a few times to feed the kids. She didn't want to argue with Jason, so she fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let's divorce, Jason." Chapter 2 A smothering silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Wendy's mouth. Jason turned to look at her. His tone was colder than before as he said, "It's the middle of the night. Have you lost your mind?" "I'm being serious," Wendy said calmly. She couldn't stop thinking about how he and Catherine had been together until the wee hours of the night. She also thought about how Catherine had tried to provoke her. What was the point of staying in a marriage like this? "Don't worry about telling Granddad about this. I'll speak to him and tell him I'm the one who wants the divorce. You're not at fault in this." Wendy's tone remained calm. She lifted the sheets to get out of bed. "I'll sleep somewhere else tonight. I don't want to disrupt your sleep." She'd just gotten out of bed when Jason dragged her back and pinned her down. She yelped, feeling dazed from the impact. When she focused on Jason, she saw him hovering above her, looking furious. She lost her cool; her heart raced. "What are you doing, Jason? Danny's right there!" She was afraid he would use his drunkenness as an excuse to do something crazy, hurting Daniel in the process. Jason said coldly, "A divorce? You've already had the twins—don't you want to use them to solidify your position in the Walker family? It'd be such a waste to get a divorce now." "I want no such thing! The conception was an accident, and you were the one who made it happen. What right do you have to push this on me?" Wendy snarled. "An accident? You could've done so many things to prevent the conception." "I already told you that I took the morning-after pill!" "Ha!" Jason snorted. He obviously still didn't believe her. He'd underestimated her in the past. That was why he'd fallen for her trap and given her the opportunity to tie him down with the kids. Wendy knew he didn't believe her. In fact, he was sure she'd lied to him and deliberately skipped out on taking the morning-after pill, leading to her getting conceived. To him, she'd done it all so she could get a steady foothold in the Walker family. She couldn't be bothered to defend herself anymore. Jason continued pinning her down amidst the silence. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he was finding it easier to see things. Beneath him, Wendy's eyes were burning with anger. They were so close that he could smell the fragrance she exuded. The scene of her breastfeeding popped into his mind again. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward yet slightly amorous. If his memory served him correctly, it was their second wedding anniversary today. As a husband, it was only right for him to exercise his right and fulfill his duty. Wendy noticed something was wrong with Jason. She turned to look at him, wanting to say something when he leaned down, enveloping her with his pheromones. She widened her eyes in fear, finding it hard to believe that he was suddenly leaning down for a kiss when he'd been furious just seconds ago. Jason kissed her, but she didn't respond. She merely lay there like a puppet without moving. Those lips of hers had been quick to part when arguing with him earlier, but now, they were sealed. He lost his patience. When she didn't respond after he'd kissed her for a few seconds, he moved his lips downward to kiss her neck and collarbone. The closer he got to her, the stronger the fragrance became. The drunkenness that his earlier shower had washed away seemed to numb his mind again—in this moment, Jason's rationality disappeared as he gave in to his body's hunger and desire. Wendy returned to her senses. The sensation of the cool air grazing against her bare skin made her heart tremble. She stammered, "L-Look closely at me, Jason. I'm W-Wendy Maxon, not Catherine L-Locke…" A sharp pain pierced her before she could get any further. She cried out and instinctively tried to fight back, but Jason pinned her arms down and kissed her again. "It's not your first time. Drop the act." In the darkness, tears trickled down the sides of Wendy's face. She wasn't putting on an act—it genuinely hurt. Yes, this wasn't their first time, but it was her first since giving birth. Now she knew what it felt like to have her body ripped in half. Jason tasted Wendy's tears when he kissed her again. He frowned. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tensed as he waited for her to adjust to him. Then, when he started moving again, his actions were much gentler than before. … The next morning, Wendy was awoken by the pain in her breasts. It had been more than three months since she'd become a mother, so she was already used to this sudden pain. The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to check on Daniel—she knew she'd feel better after breastfeeding him and Jasmine. Today, however, she didn't see him anywhere. Her mind went blank for a second. Then, she realized she'd messed up. She scrambled to sit up. Daniel had learned to turn on his side a few days ago—had he rolled off the bed and onto the floor? She shot over to the side of the bed, looking down at the floor. Fortunately, there weren't any babies on the floor. Then, her body's soreness caught up with her, turning her expression of panic into one of pain. Wendy supported her waist with one hand while propping herself up on the bed with the other. The memories of last night flooded her mind. She'd asked Jason for a divorce after being provoked by Catherine. It had pissed him off. He'd slept with her until the wee hours of the morning. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been against their intimacy. After all, Jason was handsome and had incredible stamina. But he had been rough with her, and she didn't have much experience. Last night had been her first time having it after giving birth, and the intimate act became one of torture to her. Wendy had almost passed out by the time they were done. She hadn't even noticed Jason getting out of bed and Jane coming into the room to take Daniel away. She sat there dazedly as she recalled what had happened the night before. After her initial bout of anger, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed. If her memory served her correctly, Jason had been gentle with her after she'd cried from the pain. He'd even given her time to get used to him. But he was such a cold, aloof person. He hadn't said a single nice thing to her since their marriage. Why would he suddenly be so nice to her? No, it was impossible. She had to have been hallucinating. She'd seen Jason's loving and gentle side before, but it hadn't been for her, his wife. He'd only acted like that with Catherine, the childhood sweetheart who'd gotten away. In fact, Wendy and Jason had only slept together because Catherine had married someone else. Jason had drunk himself silly because of how devastated he'd been. Then, he'd mistaken Wendy for Catherine. That was how they'd ended up sleeping together. And it was also because of this that she'd been kind enough to remind him who she was last night. It was too bad it hadn't done anything but piss him off even more. Maybe it was because he didn't think she had the right to even utter Catherine's name. Wendy was still in a reverie when someone knocked on the door, making her jolt. She instinctively curled up in bed again, pretending to be asleep. She thought it was Jason; she didn't know how to face him after what had happened last night. But Jane's voice was the one that rang out. "Mrs. Walker? Are you awake?" Wendy immediately opened her eyes and sat up, feeling a little awkward. "Jane… are Minnie and Danny awake?" "Yeah. I fed them around 5:00 am, but they're hungry again now," Jane said softly. Wendy nodded. "I'll go wash up right now." Jane left to tend to the children while Wendy hurried to the bathroom. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her body made her frown. She blushed again. Jason looked cold, but he was oddly enthusiastic and lustful when it came to sleeping. Wendy headed to the bathroom with her hands on her burning face, feeling like she'd been sullied. She needed some time to collect her thoughts. Half an hour later, she was done feeding the kids. Her stomach started growling. She headed downstairs to get some food. Upon exiting the elevator, she saw Jason in the dining room. Wendy's heart skipped a beat as her mind went blank. It was already 9:00 am. Why was Jason still at home? Chapter 3 It had taken Wendy some time to compose herself earlier. Now, the sight of Jason made her panic again. She didn't know how to face him after the events of the night before. When a maid saw her, she hurried forward with a smile. "I've already reheated breakfast, Mrs. Walker. Hurry up and have your meal." "Oh, uh… thanks." Wendy gulped and headed to the dining room. Jason bathed in the sunlight in his sharp suit—he was flawless. He seemed like a completely different person from the man who'd had his way with her last night. Wendy had to admit that Jason's face was one of the reasons she'd agreed to the marriage. She thought they would learn to love one another as time passed, that they would spend the rest of their lives together in harmony. Who would've known… It had been two years since then, yet he couldn't even be bothered to give her the respect she deserved. She sat down without saying a word and picked up her spoon to have her oatmeal. Though she didn't make a peep, she was still thinking about the divorce. Wendy had been serious. It'd be bad for the children, but she and Jason would only suffer if they were to remain in a marriage where they weren't on equal standing and had no feelings for each other. Even if they were to stay together for the children, it would affect the children's growth and personalities. When she was halfway through her oatmeal, she mustered the courage to look at Jason. "About what I said last night… You should seriously consider it. Don't worry—I won't take any of your money, and I'll leave the kids behind." She figured this was probably enough to show that she wasn't trying to pull any tricks. Jason had been drinking his hangover soup while reading a finance magazine. At Wendy's words, he set his bowl down, his eyes darkening as he looked at her icily. It made Wendy's scalp tingle. Her heart trembled, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Grandpa fainted and was admitted to the hospital this morning. Things aren't looking good. Do you want to put him on an express ride to the underworld by insisting on getting a divorce at this juncture?" "What?" Wendy's expression shifted, and she dropped her spoon. She looked worried as she asked, "Grandpa's been admitted? Is it… Is it because his condition's taken a turn for the worse?" Jason's expression turned uglier. "I don't know. We'll have to see what the doctor says once we get to the hospital." Wendy lost her appetite. She would've immediately left the table if not for the fact that she had to eat because she was breastfeeding. She picked up her bowl and gulped down the oatmeal in a few mouthfuls. Then, she grabbed two bagels. "Let's head to the hospital." Jason stared at her, his gaze appraising. His lips parted. He looked like he wanted to say something. He didn't believe for a second that she actually cared about Albert that much when she wasn't related to him at all. He bet it was because she was worried no one would stand up for her once Albert was gone. After all, Albert was the one who'd made them marry in the first place. Who knew what she was actually thinking despite her demands for a divorce? Maybe it was another trick of hers to lure him in. Maybe she was scheming something again. With that thought in mind, Jason's gaze turned contemptuous. He was starting to regret sleeping with Wendy—yet again. His expression turned complicated when he thought about last night. He quickly averted his gaze from her. If he were to spend another second looking at her, the amorous scenes of them in bed last night would fill his mind and mess with his rationality. A silent curse escaped his lips. Had Wendy placed him under a spell or something? … Jason and Wendy left the house together. Since the driver was taking them to the hospital, she had no choice but to get in the back seat with Jason. On the way to the hospital, he received two calls from work. He wasn't in a good mood, so he gave instructions curtly before hanging up. Wendy knew Jason was worried about Albert. She sneaked a few looks at him before mustering the courage to say, "Grandpa's earlier surgery was very successful, and the doctors said he'd make it through another four or five years if he took care of himself. It's only been two years, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Jason's brows were tightly furrowed. He slowly inhaled and was about to say something when his phone rang again. This time, his expression softened when he saw the caller ID. Then, he answered the phone, saying gently, "Hi, Cathy." A woman's sweet voice rang out on the other end of the line. She sounded worried and anxious as she said, "I heard about Grandpa Albert's condition suddenly taking a turn for the worse, Jace. Has he been taken to the hospital?" "Yeah." "How are things there?" "I'm still on the way to the hospital, so I don't know yet." "I'll head over there right now, too. Connor left for a business trip early this morning. He'll only be back tonight at the earliest." Connor was Catherine's husband and also one of Jason's childhood friends. The three of them had grown up together, so Catherine and Connor also thought of Albert as their grandfather. Jason said in a low voice, "There's no need to go to such trouble. Tell him to focus on his work." "Well, I've already informed him about this. It's up to him whether to return. Don't be too worried, okay? I'm sure Grandpa Albert will make it through this," Catherine said considerately. Jason lowered his gaze, looking much better than before. "Got it. It's raining. Tell your driver to drop you off. There's no need to rush." Wendy, who'd been sitting beside him silently the whole time, couldn't help feeling like something was eating away at her heart as she listened to him. Jason knew how to be gentle and considerate; but only to someone else's wife. When the call ended, silence descended upon them. Jason held his phone for a few seconds before realizing something. He turned to look at Wendy. He saw her looking out the window, her expression calm and collected. She obviously didn't care about his earlier phone call with Catherine. He swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. Wendy had only married him because she had her eye on her status as his wife; she only wanted his money and power. Why would she care who he had in his heart? That was why there was no need for him to explain anything. … Jason and Wendy hurried to Albert's hospital room when they arrived. When Linda Jensen, Jason's mother, saw them, her gaze landed on him. She looked displeased as she asked, "Why are you only showing up now when I told you about this early this morning?" The Walker family was a big one—Jason had several uncles, aunts, and cousins. When the whole family gathered during holidays, they needed several tables to fit everyone. Times like this were critical moments for one to show their respect and concern for their elders. One would be reprimanded for showing up late. Jason glanced inside the hospital room through the window. He saw his father, Harris Walker, uncle, Horace Walker, and cousin, John Walker, speaking to the doctor. Before heading inside, he hastily said to Linda, "I got caught up in something." Wendy followed him, feeling confused. He hadn't gone to the office that morning—what was there to hold him back? Just as she pondered this, the answer came to her. Had it been because she'd woken up late? Had he been waiting for her? But Jason had never been so considerate toward her. Jason entered the hospital room; Linda turned to look at Wendy. The latter sensed this and stopped, greeting Linda politely, "Mom." Linda didn't look too happy to see her. "It's a woman's duty to care for the children. Since you have a nanny and all those maids to help you out, you shouldn't hold Jason up with those trivial matters." Obviously, Linda was blaming Jason's tardiness on Wendy. Wendy wanted to refute her but changed her mind since they were surrounded by members of the Walker family. She said in a low voice, "I'm heading inside to see how Grandpa's doing." Linda stopped her and snapped, "What's there to look at? Albert's just fallen asleep. Can't you see we're all out here?" Chapter 4 Wendy peered into the hospital room and noted there weren't any women inside. She knew it would be inappropriate for her to head inside, so she pursed her lips and waited in a corner. Behind her, hasty footsteps rang out; the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the corridor. Wendy didn't even need to look to know who it was. Catherine's act of provoking her last night still made her stomach roil, so she ignored Catherine—not that Catherine wanted to say anything to her. "Linda, how's Grandpa Albert doing? I came right from my studio as soon as I heard." Catherine stopped before Linda, looking worried. Linda smiled affectionately at her. "His condition's been stabilized for now, but things aren't looking good. The doctor is talking to Harris and the others on the treatment plan now." Catherine wore a tailor-made dress, and her hair and makeup had been done to perfection. She looked like the epitome of a wealthy man's trophy wife. The other members of the Walker family nodded at her in greeting when they saw her. She returned their nods with smiles. Her expression became more worried at Linda's words. "I'll go see how Grandpa Albert's doing." "Wait—" Linda wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Catherine had already gone into the hospital room. Albert lay on the hospital bed, looking fragile and haggard. Years of being sick had turned him into a ghost of his past self. When he saw a woman enter the room, he thought it was Wendy. He immediately turned to look at her. To his surprise, it was Catherine. "How are you, Grandpa Albert? Do you feel better now?" Catherine held his hand as tears streamed down her face. She became choked up as she spoke. Jason looked at her. They exchanged meaningful looks as their gazes met. Albert nodded and said slowly, "I'm fine. You guys don't need to worry." Jason grabbed a few tissues from the bedside table when he saw Catherine's tears. She accepted them and said, "Thanks, Jace." Albert looked at Jason, his favorite grandson. He held out a hand. "Jason…" "I'm right here, Grandpa." Jason bent down to hold Albert's hand. "Where… Where's Dede? Is she here?" Catherine's expression shifted as she pursed her lips. Albert only had Wendy in mind. Jason answered, "She is, Grandpa. She's outside." "Have her come in. I have something to say to her…" "Okay." Jason tucked Albert's hand under the sheets before heading to the door. Linda was surprised to see him come out. "What's wrong, Jace?" She saw him looking at Wendy. Then, he said, "Come in. Grandpa wants to see you." Wendy pointed at herself. "Me?" Jason's expression darkened. He looked like he couldn't stand her idiocy. Wendy was only sure she hadn't gotten the wrong idea when she saw the look on his face. She hurried forward. Jason held her hand, catching her off guard and making her heart clench. Before she could make heads or tails about it, they'd already stopped by Albert's bed. "I'm here, Grandpa," she said. Albert's expression softened when he saw Wendy. He smiled faintly and said, "It's been hard on you, sweetheart, caring for two kids at the same time. Look at you—you've lost weight. You must've missed out on a lot of sleep." As Wendy looked at him, she couldn't help being reminded of George when he was on his deathbed. Tears streamed down her face before she could say anything. Catherine stood on the other side of the bed. She frowned at the sight of Wendy's silent tears and said, "Why are you crying when Grandpa Albert's talking to you? He's perfectly fine, isn't he?" Wendy didn't respond. She didn't even bother looking at her. She quickly dried her tears and perked up as she smiled at Albert. "It hasn't been hard at all, Grandpa. We have a nanny and maids, and the kids are little angels. "They sleep immediately after eating, and they're ready to play once they wake up. It's not hard on me at all…" Albert smiled. "Oh, you silly thing. All mothers have it hard." He turned to look at Jason. His tone became sterner as he said, "You're a husband and a father now, Jason. You have to bear those responsibilities properly or you'll be a disgrace to us all." Jason's expression was aloof, but his attitude was respectful. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't forget." Then, he nudged Wendy almost imperceptibly with his fingers. The latter understood what he wanted and chimed in, "You need to stop worrying so that you can get better, Grandpa. Jace treats me well, and the kids are doing great. There's nothing to worry about." "That's good." Albert looked pleased. He turned to look at Catherine. "Catherine…" She didn't expect him to still remember she was around. She put on a bright smile and held his hand again. "I'm listening, Grandpa Albert." Albert stopped to catch his breath before saying in a low voice, "It's time for you and Connor… to have a child. Men will only truly settle down and be more responsible once they become fathers. It's the only way to keep your family together…" Both Jason and Catherine looked a little embarrassed at his words. Albert was obviously insinuating that they had to keep their distance from each other now that they were married and to focus on their respective families. They would only embroil themselves in trouble if they were to stick together. Catherine's face burned with humiliation, but she had to play silly. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa Albert—Connor and I are already planning for that. Take care of yourself, okay? We need you to name our children for us." "That's good…" Albert nodded in satisfaction. Then, he waved a hand. "Go do what you need to do. There's no need to hang around here for long. I'm sleepy, so I'm gonna get some sleep." He shut his eyes as the people in the room backed out. Harris looked at the people waiting in the corridor and waved a hand, saying, "It's time to go. Dad's condition has stabilized for now, so everything's fine for the time being." Just then, Jason's phone rang. It was a call about work again. After hanging up, he looked at Wendy. "Come on, it's time to go." He turned to Catherine and said, "You should get back to work, too. Tell Connor there's no need for him to hurry back." She nodded. "Alright. I'll call him right now." Jason didn't bother turning back to look at Wendy. He strode off. Wendy hurried after him. She was going to ignore Catherine as she swept past her, but Catherine stopped her. "Don't get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It was a business function—there were plenty of people around." Wendy couldn't help sneering to herself. She wondered how Jason could've been blind enough to fall for such a scheming woman. She said coolly, "I didn't get the wrong idea. It's not a secret that he likes you. To him, you're the only woman worthy of being his wife." Catherine's proud, smug expression turned sorrowful. "Fate does funny things sometimes. I only think of Jason as a brother—Connor's the one I've always loved." "You should be telling him these things. Then again, it's exciting to see him so tormented, don't you think?" Wendy's heartlessness upset Catherine. Her expression changed again as she suppressed her anger. "You and him are married now, so you should treat him well. How can you hope to see him in pain?" Wendy met Catherine's gaze. "Are you done preaching, Mrs. Gale?" "Why, you!" Catherine clenched her fists in anger at Wendy's attitude. She tried to keep her anger at bay but couldn't. She spat, "As Jason's wife, you should pay some attention to your image. How do you expect him to fall for you when you look like trash? Even a single glance at you would be enough to make his stomach turn!" Chapter 5 Anyone would be furious to hear such humiliating words, but Wendy merely laughed them off. She retorted, "Jason's blind for not falling for me; what does that have to do with me? Look at how shrew-like and pissed you are now. You're the one who's a disgrace." "How dare you!" Catherine had been raised to be a perfect lady, so she couldn't think of anything to counter Wendy. As she watched Wendy walk off, she turned to hurry to Linda. She whined, "Honestly, what was Grandpa Albert thinking? Why did he have to force Jace to marry someone like her? It's practically an insult to the Walker family!" Linda didn't like Wendy any more than Catherine did, but she wasn't totally on Catherine's side. She said rather resentfully, "Jace only had eyes for you, but you were set on being with Connor. How is Jace any worse than him? "If you and Jace had gotten married, none of this would've happened. Albert wouldn't have forced Jace to marry Wendy." Catherine was rendered speechless. … Wendy had fallen behind. As soon as she entered the elevator, Jason called her. When she answered the call, he said icily, "What's taking you so long? I'm in a hurry to get to the office." She wasn't in a good mood but couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on him. She answered, "You can head straight to the company, then. There's no need to drop me off." "How are you gonna get home, then?" "I can take a cab, the subway, or a bus. It's not that hard for me to get home," she countered, feeling exasperated. She wasn't a baby or an idiot. How could she not find her way home? Jason didn't say anything else. He hung up. Wendy walked out of the elevator as she lowered her hand. When she got to the hospital's entrance, she saw Jason's car leaving the parking lot. To her surprise, she found that it didn't make her feel anything. She stopped and checked the time. It was 11:00 am. Since she gave birth to the twins, her life had revolved around them. She didn't have a job, a social life, or even any friends in this city. Wendy thought about walking around for a while, but she pushed the thought out of her mind as she walked down the steps. She decided to abandon her plan and simply head home. Wendy was turning to head to the subway station when her phone rang. Her expression turned into one of joy when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call. "Hills! Why the sudden call?" The call was from her high school friend and best girlfriend, Hillary York." Hillary said, "I'm in Cornchester for a business trip, so I thought about dropping by to visit you now that you're rich. Remember how we promised not to forget about each other once we made it big? I bet you've forgotten all about me now that you've become a rich man's wife!" Wendy laughed. "Stop that! You're the last person I'd forget. Where are you? I'll treat you to a meal." "That'd be great! I want the most lavish meal you can think of." "Sure!" After hanging up, Wendy gave the matter some thought. A pretty good restaurant came to mind, so she searched for the location and sent it to Hillary. An hour later, the two young ladies, who'd been apart for about half a year, hugged each other excitedly. After taking their seats, Hillary observed Wendy and teased, "Look at what a low profile you're keeping. You're the wife of a man who's worth billions, yet you're dressing just like us plebeians." Wendy felt a little embarrassed. She explained, "I've gained some weight after giving birth. I don't look good in anything." "Rubbish! You were too skinny in the past—you were like a piece of cardboard! You look great the way you are now." Hillary leaned closer and said conspiratorially, "Women need to be on the plump side to make men go crazy over them." For some reason, Wendy blushed. She pushed the menu over to Hillary to cut the conversation short. "Here, take a look and see what you'll have." They ordered and chit-chatted as they ate. As they caught up, Wendy found out that Hillary's husband had been promoted and was about to take up a position in Cornchester—that meant their family of three would be moving to the city. Hillary was in town for a business meeting, but she was also taking the opportunity to check out some houses. She'd already found the right place to rent, so all that was left was for them to move over. "That's great! I'll have a friend here in the future!" Wendy was delighted. Hillary said, "I know, right? I thought it was such a coincidence too when I remembered you were here." They lost track of time as they continued chatting. Later, Wendy had no choice but to head home when Jane called to say the children were starting to fuss. She called for a waiter to settle the bill. She handed him a Centurion card. Hillary teased, "Would you look at that? Now that's what I would expect the wife of a wealthy man to do." Wendy sighed. "I'd prefer to get a job. I want to earn my keep so I can be independent." Jason had given her this card and told her there wasn't a limit to it, but she felt like she couldn't use it with her head held high. She wanted to have a career and feel like she was doing something with her life. She wanted to lead a life that was more than this. Hillary could understand what she meant—it wasn't easy being a part of an affluent family. She said comfortingly, "I'm sure you can do it once the kids are a little older." The waiter returned with Wendy's card. After that, she bid Hillary farewell before hurrying home. … Jason had just finished a meeting when he saw a message on his phone. It was from his bank. He frowned slightly. The message informed him that someone had swiped his card at a restaurant. He'd given the card to Wendy when they'd first gotten married, but he could count on one hand the number of times she'd used it over the past two years. What had happened today to make her use it again? Who had she had a meal with? The out-of-the-ordinary act confused Jason. He couldn't help linking it to Wendy asking for a divorce. Had she sought out a lawyer for their professional opinion? Or had she met up with a friend to ask for ideas? His mind turned into a mess as he thought of Wendy. He didn't know what she was trying to achieve by asking for a divorce. Two years ago, when they'd first gotten married, they'd come to an agreement. Once Albert passed away, they would divorce, and he would give her the appropriate monetary compensation as thanks for cooperating with him. At the time, it hadn't even crossed their mind to try being an actual couple, let alone having kids together. But a year ago, when Catherine and Connor had gotten married, Jason had been Connor's best man. After all, the three of them had grown up together. It was apparent how he would've felt, watching the woman he'd loved for years marry someone else. That night, he'd drank himself silly. Wendy had cared for him that night, and he'd mistaken her for Catherine. They'd accidentally slept. He'd apologized to her afterward and had reminded her multiple times to take the morning-after pill. But two months later, she'd told him she was expecting. Several things had happened after that. The memory of them was enough to piss Jason off. Who would've expected him to fall for a seemingly innocent woman's trap when he'd always been the smartest person in the room? Just then, his phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. Jason composed himself when he saw the caller ID. Some of the iciness in his eyes melted. "Hi, Cathy." Catherine said bluntly, "I heard Wendy's asking for a divorce." Jason's expression darkened. "Who did you hear it from?" "Linda told me," she explained. "She went to Imperial Bay to see the children after leaving the hospital this morning and overheard the maids talking about it. They said you ignored Wendy when she asked for a divorce earlier in the morning." Jason frowned, looking grim. He massaged his eyes with one hand, propping the other up on the armrest of his seat. It looked like he had to teach the maids a lesson—it was taboo for them to gossip about their employers' private affairs. Chapter 6 When Jason remained silent, Catherine realized she had hit the mark. "Is she out of her mind? The twins are barely three months old and still need constant care. How can she even think of divorce? Even if she doesn't care about Grandpa, does she not care for her own children?" she asked in bewilderment. It was a fact known that Wendy had been orphaned and raised by George, who unfortunately passed away a few years prior. Catherine sincerely doubted Wendy could manage her two children alone if they divorced. "Linda mentioned she wasn't home this afternoon. The children are crying from hunger, and she still hasn't returned. I've told you, that woman isn't as innocent as she appears. Grandpa Albert was so eager to repay the kindness that he misplaced his trust," Catherine added with frustration. Jason snapped back irritably at her complaints, "There's milk powder in the kitchen and frozen breast milk in the fridge. The kids won't starve. Besides, she's already a grown woman. She's entitled to take breaks sometimes." Catherine was stunned by his response. "Why did you—" She was about to question Jason's defense of Wendy but stopped herself. Wendy was Jason's legitimate wife and the mother of his children; it was only natural for him to stand up for her. Recalling Wendy's words from the hospital earlier, Catherine felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. "I-I'm so sorry, Jace. It's all my fault," Catherine murmured regretfully. Though surprised by her sudden apology, Jason replied calmly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't dwell on it. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work." Once Catherine agreed, Jason swiftly ended the call. He then dialed the landline to Imperial Bay and instructed the butler, Tobias Howard, to deal with the gossiping maids. Meanwhile, Catherine stared at her phone in a daze as a sudden sorrow crept into her heart. She used to be the one to end calls with Jason first, but now the tables had turned. Not to mention he had spoken up for Wendy, though he seemed oblivious to it. Would a man's attitude toward his wife change after having a child? If so, perhaps she should heed Albert's advice and give Connor a child. When Wendy returned home to feed her children, she heard a loud commotion downstairs. Curious, she beckoned Jane over and was surprised to learn that Tobias was dismissing two maids. "Why let them go? I thought they were doing fine?" Wendy asked, unaware of the afternoon's incident. As Jane worried that she would suffer a similar fate, she cautiously replied, "Those two said some things they shouldn't have and offended Madam Linda." Upon learning that Linda had come over to visit, Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. She realized that their meeting would've been tense if she had been home. Though surprised by the uproar caused by Linda's visit, Wendy refrained from commenting further, knowing she had no authority to interfere in household matters. She was just an honorary lady of the house. After an afternoon nap, Wendy grabbed a laptop and started browsing job listings. Despite her desire for a divorce, she had to keep it a secret due to Albert's declining health. That said, she still needed to make plans for her life after the divorce. At that moment, the children stirred from their slumber and started crying. In her haste to tend to them, Wendy left the laptop running. That evening, Jason returned home from work and headed upstairs for a quick shower before attending to his children. As he set his watch on the table, he accidentally nudged the mouse beside Wendy's laptop. The screen instantly lit up, catching Jason's attention. As Jason read through the search history, his lips curled up into a cold smirk. It seemed Wendy truly desired a divorce, but Jason couldn't fathom her reasons. She lived a privileged life, and they had twins together. What could she possibly be dissatisfied with to the extent of seeking a divorce? At that point, Jason couldn't help but agree with Catherine's earlier assertions about Wendy. On the other hand, Wendy couldn't shake off her unease since the moment Jason had entered the house. She wondered if Catherine and Linda had confided their grievances with him. While such issues might be resolved in a typical marriage, theirs was anything but typical. Throughout dinner, an awkward silence hung between Jason and Wendy, broken only by the quiet clinking of utensils. Despite the discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but marvel at her own appetite. She only set her fork aside when she had eaten her fill. Seeing Jason's swift departure from the table, Wendy sensed he was aware of the morning's incident. However, he chose not to broach the topic in public. Wendy concurred, understanding the potential repercussions of discussing such matters at the dining table. Night descended, and after settling the children to sleep, Wendy retreated to her own bed. Just then, Hillary messaged her about the residential rental properties they had visited earlier that day. Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. Despite living in Cornchester for over two years, her outings had been rare, particularly considering that ten of those months were devoted to conception and she had only recently given birth three months ago. As the two reminisced about old times, Wendy couldn't help but laugh genuinely. She implored Hilary to hasten her move to Cornchester for companionship. Jason stumbled upon the scene and was stunned by her beaming smile. In their two years of marriage, he had never witnessed such genuine happiness on her face before. His mind raced with questions. Who was Wendy chatting with so animatedly late at night? Was it someone she loved? Was that why she insisted on a divorce—to pursue her true love? At that moment, Wendy caught Jason's gaze, and her smile faltered. She quickly sent a message to Hillary about retiring for the night. "I'm turning in now. I'll need to breastfeed the kids later. You should get some rest too," she texted. Hillary responded playfully with a teasing emoticon. "Is your husband giving you a nudge? Alright then, we'll catch up tomorrow." Wendy couldn't help but blush at the message. Still, she calmly lay on the bed and turned to her side. Seeing her reaction, Jason became increasingly convinced that Wendy was being unfaithful. It suddenly dawned on him why she was adamant about seeking a divorce despite living in luxury. Even though they didn't have feelings for each other, they remained legally bound as a couple. The mere thought of Wendy potentially abandoning their children for another man ignited a fiery anger within Jason. Unaware of his tumultuous thoughts, Wendy set her phone aside and attempted to sleep. Sensing the mattress shifting under Jason's weight, she hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, "Shouldn't you be sleeping in the other room?" Chapter 7 Jason was about to slip under the blankets when Wendy's words stopped him in his tracks. He shot her a cold glance. "Why would I sleep in another room?" "Oh, don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can go to the guest room instead," Wendy suggested kindly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jason. After all, he had been compelled to marry a stranger while his sweetheart married his best friend. With that, Wendy rose from the bed and prepared to leave. However, Jason's question stopped her in her tracks. "Who is that man? How do you know him?" Surprised by his inquiry, Wendy replied, "Excuse me? Who might you be referring to?" Jason smirked. "Why the look of surprise? Didn't you insist on a divorce and suggest sleeping separately because you have someone else in mind?" Wendy widened her eyes in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she countered, "I sought a divorce because of your relationship with Catherine." "Catherine is married. She has no connection to me," Jason retorted sharply, but Wendy snickered at his denial. "Oh, really? Your expression around her suggests otherwise. Do you dare claim innocence?" she retorted, her tone filled with disdain. Jason was taken aback by Wendy's sudden boldness as she turned to meet his gaze head-on. "I hoped to free you from this unhappy marriage. But instead of showing gratitude, you slander me!" Wendy added. She was typically cautious and meek in their arguments, but her tongue would turn sharp when provoked. Jason recognized this trait in her. Despite her gentle appearance, Wendy possessed a bold and rational side; she was unafraid to speak her mind. In contrast to her delicate exterior, he found himself intrigued by her true personality – lively, intelligent, brave, and even a touch fiery. For the first time, Jason truly took notice of Wendy. She had a pretty face and delicate features. Unlike the typical pretty faces he encountered, her beauty was akin to fine wine—growing more alluring with time. Jason recalled the first time he met Wendy; she looked rather miserable due to her poor living conditions. After living comfortably for a few years, her sun-kissed skin had turned fair, and there was a new air about her. Even without makeup, her beauty was stunning. In truth, Jason was willing to spend the rest of his life with Wendy for the sake of their children if she weren't the cunning and scheming woman he believed. But before he could convince himself to accept her, Wendy had proposed a divorce. It was as if she was eager to get out of the unbearable life. She was such an ungrateful woman! Upon sensing Jason's unusual gaze, Wendy couldn't help but feel unsettled. "W-What are you staring at?" Snapping back to reality, Jason frowned as he pulled the covers over himself and settled into bed. "Nothing. I doubt you'd be so considerate for my sake. I fear this is just another one of your traps." Enraged by his accusation, Wendy decided to set things straight. "Watch your mouth! I've never set a trap for you. Don't accuse me without evidence." Jason secretly relished Wendy's fury, though he concealed his satisfaction well. As he slowly lay down, Jason replied, "You've been carrying the evidence every day in your arms. Is there any need for excuses?" Wendy seethed with anger, knowing he was referring to their children. Sitting upright, she raised her right hand and declared sternly, "I swear on my life that I took the morning-after pill that day, Mr. Walker. If I'm lying, may the Grim Reaper come and claim me!" Jason retorted dismissively, "If oaths meant anything, the poor guy would never have a moment's rest." His words only left Wendy speechless with anger. Undeterred, Jason continued, "Why not just admit your mistake? I'm ready to accept whatever comes. I'm at the age to be a father anyway. It's just frustrating that you won't admit—" "Why should I confess to something I didn't do? No birth control method is foolproof, as the doctor has confirmed. I'm just an exception!" Wendy interjected. Jason turned to face her, feeling intrigued by her fiery response. Sitting up, he leaned against the headrest and voiced his doubts. "The doctor advised against carrying the baby after you took the pill, as it could lead to birth defects. Yet, you chose to proceed with the conception. "This implies you never took the pill at all. Otherwise, why would you risk delivering children who might be born with defects?" Taking a deep breath, Wendy shot Jason a glare. "I did consider losing the baby upon discovering I was expecting. I know it's harsh, but it seemed the safest option. But when the doctor revealed I was carrying twins, it changed everything. Two new lives! How could a mother bring herself to lose them? "I decided to take the risk, relying on advanced medical technology. If the fetuses showed any abnormalities during check-ups, I would have undergone labor induction. Of course, I hoped for healthy children. And thankfully, my decision was vindicated." Before Jason could retort, Wendy added, "And let's not forget, you're the one who's at fault here. Why should I bear the consequences of your actions? Do you realize the risks of the surgery? What if something goes wrong and I can never conceive again? "I'm glad that I stood my ground back then, seeing that I've accomplished the most important piece of my life. Even if you slander me or hurl accusations, I stand by my decisions!" With that declaration, Wendy stormed off the bed in a fit of anger. "I suggest we keep our distance for now. Your infuriating words might just sour my milk!" As Wendy made her way past the bed, she recalled something and turned back to face Jason. "Oh, by the way, I didn't take the morning-after pill this time. It's harmful to the body, especially while breastfeeding. I can't risk endangering the children." Her words triggered a sudden realization in Jason, and he asked sheepishly, "Um, you... probably won't get conceived again this time, right?"	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&ut	161163937074221	Massive story	https://facebook.com/61552493980605	665	3	1,374,620,699,905,983	2024-04-29 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	Massive story	120207862106690240	beokn.com		NONE	dco		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11037&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-04-25 01:15	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440369597_1660149107854951_6898094638441622481_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EJGFnTDOHekQ7kNvgGifT6h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAXveozprK-f_Ej8_8y84tjNmof9QRAqiCnqWLSWLPTlg&oe=66AB4C4D	person_profile	Massive story	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440326671_965948881281436_7544266384873525854_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fXR0_onfa4gQ7kNvgFdjk6_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBjg8F7IVL1TCWiKF-nVuVzMjeNnvfYM5fj4A7c2JhFOA&oe=66AB709E	3	Massive story	2024-04-28 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,248	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1001673004988516	Social Media Setup & Manage	You’ll find great deals & more in our store. Check it out today!	SHOP_NOW	https://www.livewebmedia.com/product-page/social-m	378228955252	LiveWebMedia	https://facebook.com/livewebmedia	2,229	0	0	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	LiveWebMedia	120211196595130102	livewebmedia.com	5	NONE	dpa	Social Media Marketing 101: What Is Social Media Marketing? Social media marketing, or SMM, is a form of internet marketing that involves creating and sharing content on social media networks in order to achieve your marketing and branding goals. Social media marketing includes activities like posting text and image updates, videos, and other content that drives audience engagement, as well as paid social media advertising. We’ve created this guide to provide you with an introduction to social media marketing and some starter social media marketing tips and training to improve your business's social presence. With these tips, you can begin developing your own social media marketing expert plan. Social Media and Marketing: Start With a Plan Before you begin creating social media marketing campaigns, consider your business’s goals. Starting a social media marketing campaign without a social strategy in mind is like wandering around a forest without a map—you might have fun, but you'll probably get lost. Here are some questions to ask when defining your social media marketing goals: What are you hoping to achieve through social media marketing? Who is your target audience? Where would your target audience hang out and how would they use social media? What message do you want to send to your audience with social media marketing? Your business type should inform and drive your social media marketing strategy. More about Social Media Strategy We will create and manage with custom social media posts for you on the following platforms, if you want just Facebook and Twitter the price will remain the same. Facebook Business Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Instagram To ensure the success of your posts, they will be custom-curated 2x a month. This means that each post will be carefully crafted and tailored to appeal to your target audience. Our team will work closely with you to understand your brand and goals, in order to create engaging content that resonates with your audience. Additionally, our posts will be driven by ad clicks. This means that we will use targeted advertising strategies to drive traffic to your posts, increasing their visibility and reach. By doing so, we can maximize the potential for attracting potential customers and growing your business. Overall, our goal is to help you attract maximum traffic and engagement from your target audience. With our custom-curated posts and ad click strategies, we are confident in our ability to deliver high-quality results for your brand. Let's work together to take your social media presence to the next level!	https://www.livewebmedia.com/product-page/social-media-setup-manage	2024-07-03 13:01	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449506498_938032284656021_723624306010927002_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p2y2EMeN8Y8Q7kNvgG7Ha5G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC83UfVTdn8zJ8sd8yWkvDAuhKIx8OeOLXgAuYAtI70iA&oe=66AB5A0A	person_profile	LiveWebMedia	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449612896_3598627220448717_2819604390966300559_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mFJCdKCOvXoQ7kNvgGz9Zl8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBuzecEF5VRWvz27o9EYsr3LSEagWpC_o2ARJEQEyj2lQ&oe=66AB792F	3	LiveWebMedia	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,965	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940962}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	496217796123342	Read next chapter👉	Because of cheating, he divorced her. She left a sentence, "You will regret it." 4 years later, he saw her on TV and introduced her as a top 100 female CEO and a single mother of triplets. The faces of her three children are exactly like his ...<br /> =============<br /> Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns<br /> <br /> Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. <br /> <br /> All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom."<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. <br /> <br /> Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. <br /> <br /> At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. <br /> <br /> They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. <br /> <br /> It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. <br /> <br /> Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. <br /> <br /> After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. <br /> <br /> Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. <br /> <br /> Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. <br /> <br /> Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. <br /> <br /> In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. <br /> <br /> She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. <br /> <br /> Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. <br /> <br /> Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. <br /> <br /> She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? <br /> <br /> Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. <br /> <br /> He was something to see now. <br /> <br /> "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. <br /> <br /> What? He was on his way out? At this hour? <br /> <br /> Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late."<br /> <br /> Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up."<br /> <br /> With that, he headed for the door. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel."<br /> <br /> Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. <br /> <br /> Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. <br /> <br /> "What's the matter?"<br /> <br /> There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. <br /> <br /> A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?"<br /> <br /> Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. <br /> <br /> "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. <br /> <br /> Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. <br /> <br /> After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. <br /> <br /> A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. <br /> <br /> However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. <br /> <br /> The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today."<br /> <br /> Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. <br /> <br /> Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was the man in the picture! <br /> <br /> So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? <br /> <br /> This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. <br /> <br /> Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. <br /> <br /> The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. <br /> <br /> "Hello!"<br /> <br /> It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. <br /> <br /> She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. <br /> <br /> The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. <br /> <br /> The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. <br /> <br /> Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. <br /> <br /> Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. <br /> <br /> It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. <br /> <br /> After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks.<br /> <br /> At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. <br /> <br /> All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel?<br /> <br /> Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. <br /> <br /> It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. <br /> <br /> Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? <br /> <br /> She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. <br /> <br /> She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. <br /> <br /> "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?"<br /> <br /> The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. <br /> <br /> "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?"<br /> <br /> "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. <br /> <br /> "You know what, forget it!"<br /> <br /> The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. <br /> <br /> They were talking about her as if she were an object. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. <br /> <br /> Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. <br /> <br /> "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her."<br /> <br /> Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..."<br /> <br /> Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. <br /> <br /> Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. <br /> <br /> The woman was indeed Lauren! <br /> <br /> Absence made the heart grow fonder! <br /> <br /> Every word drove a knife into her heart. <br /> <br /> Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. <br /> <br /> She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. <br /> <br /> "Raegan?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 One-sided Love<br /> <br /> Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. <br /> <br /> Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!"<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. <br /> <br /> Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? <br /> <br /> With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it."<br /> <br /> Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. <br /> <br /> Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. <br /> <br /> It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. <br /> <br /> To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. <br /> <br /> Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. <br /> <br /> In the elevator. <br /> <br /> Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. <br /> <br /> She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. <br /> <br /> Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. <br /> <br /> She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. <br /> <br /> Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. <br /> <br /> She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. <br /> <br /> Several employees were chatting inside. <br /> <br /> "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back."<br /> <br /> "And who is that?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!"<br /> <br /> "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?"<br /> <br /> "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!"<br /> <br /> Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. <br /> <br /> The love was one-sided. <br /> <br /> "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?"<br /> <br /> A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. <br /> <br /> Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. <br /> <br /> The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. <br /> <br /> With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?"<br /> <br /> Raegan said nothing to that. <br /> <br /> Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool."<br /> <br /> Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself."<br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. <br /> <br /> The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. <br /> <br /> Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?"<br /> <br /> It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. <br /> <br /> She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..."<br /> <br /> Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. <br /> <br /> Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. <br /> <br /> Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!"<br /> <br /> Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness."<br /> <br /> Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. <br /> <br /> Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. <br /> <br /> Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. <br /> <br /> This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. <br /> <br /> Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. <br /> <br /> Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?"<br /> <br /> These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. <br /> <br /> "That's enough!"<br /> <br /> Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. <br /> <br /> The entire room fell silent. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. <br /> <br /> But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me."<br /> <br /> The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. <br /> <br /> Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?"<br /> <br /> His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. <br /> <br /> No one dared to make a sound at this moment. <br /> <br /> Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. <br /> <br /> When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. <br /> <br /> Raegan could understand why he took this stand. <br /> <br /> However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. <br /> <br /> Was she truly insignificant to him?<br /> <br /> Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. <br /> <br /> Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. <br /> <br /> Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you."<br /> <br /> Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..."<br /> <br /> "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. <br /> <br /> She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. <br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. <br /> <br /> Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! <br /> <br /> The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. <br /> <br /> Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!"<br /> <br /> Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. <br /> <br /> As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. <br /> <br /> Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. <br /> <br /> Tessa trembled at once. <br /> <br /> With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone."<br /> <br /> The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. <br /> <br /> She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..."<br /> <br /> Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards."<br /> <br /> Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here."<br /> <br /> Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please."<br /> <br /> It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. <br /> <br /> They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. <br /> <br /> Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. <br /> <br /> Closing hour soon rolled by. <br /> <br /> Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. <br /> <br /> He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home."<br /> <br /> Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. <br /> <br /> She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. <br /> <br /> In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. <br /> <br /> How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? <br /> <br /> Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. <br /> <br /> All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. <br /> <br /> Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. <br /> <br /> Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. <br /> <br /> In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. <br /> <br /> Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> Did he come to pick her up? <br /> <br /> At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. <br /> <br /> Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? <br /> <br /> The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. <br /> <br /> Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. <br /> <br /> Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. <br /> <br /> This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Let's Divorce<br /> <br /> Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. <br /> <br /> It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. <br /> <br /> Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. <br /> <br /> She was Lauren. <br /> <br /> Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. <br /> <br /> She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?"<br /> <br /> Raegan was stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. <br /> <br /> After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay."<br /> <br /> She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. <br /> <br /> Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. <br /> <br /> When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. <br /> <br /> The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. <br /> <br /> Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. <br /> <br /> Love could move mountains, they said. <br /> <br /> Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. <br /> <br /> It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. <br /> <br /> As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. <br /> <br /> His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a moment. <br /> <br /> Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? <br /> <br /> Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. <br /> <br /> Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. <br /> <br /> There were five missed calls from Mitchel. <br /> <br /> This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. <br /> <br /> Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! <br /> <br /> Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. <br /> <br /> But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring."<br /> <br /> Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours."<br /> <br /> After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. <br /> <br /> He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. <br /> <br /> "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. <br /> <br /> He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. <br /> <br /> Would they have a future? <br /> <br /> Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?"<br /> <br /> The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce."<br /> <br /> "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. <br /> <br /> "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon."<br /> <br /> Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. <br /> <br /> "We will be strangers?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?"<br /> <br /> His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. <br /> <br /> His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... <br /> <br /> After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again."<br /> <br /> After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. <br /> <br /> How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. <br /> <br /> Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. <br /> <br /> It was high time she stopped being a fool. <br /> <br /> Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. <br /> <br /> The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. <br /> <br /> Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. <br /> <br /> His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..."<br /> <br /> "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now."<br /> <br /> A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. <br /> <br /> Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. <br /> <br /> He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. <br /> <br /> "Stop this, will you?"<br /> <br /> A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. <br /> <br /> He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. <br /> <br /> "You have a fever?"<br /> <br /> Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. <br /> <br /> This made the whole situation complicated. <br /> <br /> Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. <br /> <br /> Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?"<br /> <br /> The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. <br /> <br /> He then headed for the elevator. <br /> <br /> In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course."<br /> <br /> "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. <br /> <br /> Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital.<br /> <br /> Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. <br /> <br /> "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. <br /> <br /> He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. <br /> <br /> "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!"	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e	159129143942156	Hello reading	https://facebook.com/61552535188096	44,830	1	1,490,340,631,856,739	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Hello reading	120214268799340091	fbweb.moboreader.net		NONE	image		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947	2024-07-24 06:59	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452723025_1233923614639346_6529967203693954642_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y9ahbiXTHisQ7kNvgG5nc0b&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBRhIchrfQlRPYjCofkjSv8AvDW1lP0ZBNsgD4957WcVg&oe=66AB4A13	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452554360_1144688456602977_4729254427019843480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tv85pn0xZvIQ7kNvgH5tL2N&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA4GnlDzQ4pPf1PFiMezYEboBOCIqtG6UWbBMeHNhpSzQ&oe=66AB4C0C	3	Hello reading	2024-07-25 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,959	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	337789939382312	Continuer la lecture	Mon mari était profondément amoureux de son premier amour. Quand je lui ai dit en plaisantant que j'étais enceinte, il m'a dit sérieusement : « Tu ne peux pas avoir cet enfant, je l'aimais mais je ne voulais pas l'aimer aveuglément, alors. Je me suis enfuie. Neuf mois plus tard, alors que j'accouchais dans un hôpital d'une petite ville, j'ai reçu un appel d'un ami : « Tu sais quoi ? Ton mari est devenu fou à ta recherche.<br /> -------------------------------<br /> Raegan Hayes avait l'esprit un peu ailleurs à ce moment-là. <br /> <br /> Depuis cet après-midi, elle ne pensait qu'aux paroles du médecin. « Félicitations ! Vous êtes enceinte. »<br /> <br /> Soudain, Mitchel Dixon l'a pincée fermement dans le bras. La seconde d'après, sa voix grave a retenti. « Reviens sur terre. À quoi penses-tu ? »<br /> <br /> Avant qu'elle ne puisse répondre, Mitchel a posé un bisou sur le front de Raegan après lui avoir tenu affectueusement l'arrière de la tête. <br /> <br /> Puis il s'est dirigé vers la salle de bain. <br /> <br /> Raegan était immobile dans le lit massif. Elle fixait le plafond, elle se sentait à la fois molle et fatiguée. <br /> <br /> Au bout d'un moment, elle a sorti le rapport de test de grossesse du tiroir de la table de nuit. <br /> <br /> Raegan s'était rendue à l'hôpital pour des douleurs abdominales constantes. Après un test, le médecin lui avait annoncé qu'elle était enceinte de presque cinq semaines ! <br /> <br /> C'était un choc pour elle. Après s'être creusé la tête, elle a retracé le moment de la conception. Il s'est avéré que c'était le mois dernier après une fête. Mitchel l'avait raccompagnée à la maison et lui avait soudain demandé à la porte si elle était dans sa période de sécurité. <br /> <br /> Maintenant, elle s'est rendu compte que cette période était loin d'être sûre ! <br /> <br /> Le clapotis de l'eau venait de la salle de bain où se trouvait Mitchel, son mari. Ils étaient mariés en secret depuis deux ans. Il était son supérieur au travail, le président du Groupe Dixon. <br /> <br /> Tout s'était passé si vite. Elle était une nouvelle venue de l'entreprise quand ils avaient passé une nuit pour la première fois par inadvertance après une fête. <br /> <br /> Quelques jours plus tard, le grand-père de Mitchell était tombé gravement malade. C'était à ce moment-là qu'il avait proposé un mariage blanc pour réaliser le dernier souhait de son grand-père. <br /> <br /> Ils avaient signé un contrat de mariage dans lequel ils convenaient de cacher leur mariage au public. Leur union pouvait être dissoute à tout moment. <br /> <br /> C'était une chose peu conventionnelle. Mais Raegan s'estimait chanceuse à ce moment-là. <br /> <br /> Jamais elle n'aurait pensé qu'elle épouserait un jour l'homme pour lequel elle avait le béguin depuis huit ans. Elle avait donc accepté avec joie. <br /> <br /> Après leur mariage, Mitchel était tellement occupé qu'il passait la plupart de son temps à travailler. <br /> <br /> Raegan souhaitait pouvoir passer plus de temps avec lui à la maison. Mais elle était rassurée, car au cours des deux dernières années, il n'y avait pas eu de rumeurs ou de scandales le concernant avec des femmes. <br /> <br /> À part sa légère indifférence, Mitchel était un mari parfait. <br /> <br /> Raegan avait des sentiments mitigés en regardant le résultat du test de grossesse. <br /> <br /> Finalement, elle a décidé de dire la vérité à Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Elle voulait aussi lui dire que ce n'était pas la première fois qu'elle entendait parler de lui il y a deux ans et qu'elle avait déjà eu le béguin pour lui depuis bien des années. <br /> <br /> La douche dans la salle de bain s'est finalement arrêtée. <br /> <br /> À peine Mitchel en était-il sorti que son téléphone a sonné. Vêtu seulement d'une serviette de bain, il est allé sur le balcon et a décroché le téléphone. <br /> <br /> Raegan a regardé l'heure et a constaté qu'il était déjà minuit. <br /> <br /> Elle s'est sentie un peu mal à l'aise. Qui appellerait Mitchel à cette heure indue ? <br /> <br /> Mitchel a passé quelques minutes sur le balcon. Ensuite, il est retourné dans la chambre et s'est débarrassé de la serviette de bain. <br /> <br /> Sa silhouette était un beau spectacle. Ce n'était pas la première fois que Raegan le voyait comme ça. Néanmoins, elle rougissait encore et son cœur commençait à s'emballer à ce moment-là. <br /> <br /> Mitchel, inconscient des yeux errants posés sur lui, a ramassé sa chemise et son pantalon de costume sur le lit. Il les a enfilés puis a noué sa cravate avec ses doigts fins. Son joli visage aux contours bien définis le rendait encore plus digne ce soir. <br /> <br /> « Ne m'attends pas. Bonne nuit », a-t-il finalement dit. <br /> <br /> Quoi ? Il était sur le point de sortir ? À cette heure-là ? <br /> <br /> La poigne de Raegan sur le résultat du test de grossesse s'est renforcée alors qu'elle le fixait, déçue. Inconsciemment, elle s'est un peu retirée et, après avoir réfléchi un moment, a éclaté : « Il se fait déjà si tard. »<br /> <br /> Les doigts de Mitchell se sont figés sur sa cravate. Avec un léger sourire, il lui a pincé le lobe de l'oreille et l'a taquinée : « Tu n'es pas encore fatiguée ? On continue ? »<br /> <br /> Quand Raegan a entendu ça, elle est devenue rouge jusqu'à la racine des cheveux, son cœur battant à tout rompre. Elle allait dire quelque chose quand Mitchel l'a lâchée et a dit : « Repose-toi, d'accord ? J'ai quelque chose à faire. Ne m'attends pas. »<br /> <br /> Sur ce, il s'est dirigé vers la porte. <br /> <br /> « Mitchel. »<br /> <br /> Raegan a rapidement couru et l'a rattrapé. <br /> <br /> Mitchel s'est retourné et l'a regardée sérieusement. <br /> <br /> « Qu'est-ce qu'il y a ? »<br /> <br /> Il y avait un soupçon de froid dans sa voix. Un nuage glacé planait au-dessus d'eux alors qu'ils se fixaient l'un l'autre. <br /> <br /> Un peu désespérée, Raegan a demandé d'une voix douce : « Je veux aller voir ma grand-mère demain. Peux-tu m'y accompagner ? »<br /> <br /> Frêle et malade, sa grand-mère voulait toujours la voir. Par conséquent, Raegan voulait y emmener Mitchel pour assurer à sa grand-mère qu'ils étaient heureux. <br /> <br /> « Parlons-en demain, d'accord ? » Sans accepter ni refuser, Mitchel s'en est allé précipitamment. <br /> <br /> Beaucoup de pensées traversaient l'esprit de Raegan pendant qu'elle a pris sa douche et s'est remise au lit. Elle ne pouvait pas fermer l'œil. <br /> <br /> Après s'être retournée longtemps, elle est sortie du lit et s'est fait un verre de lait chaud. <br /> <br /> Quelques notifications de blogs en ligne sont arrivées sur son téléphone. <br /> <br /> Mais elle ne s'y intéressait pas. Elle s'apprêtait à les balayer du revers de la main quand l'une d'entre elles a attiré son attention. Le nom familier l'a incitée à cliquer dessus. <br /> <br /> Le message disait : « La célèbre designer Lauren Murray a été aperçue plus tôt aujourd'hui à l'aéroport avec son mystérieux petit ami. »<br /> <br /> Sur la photo, Lauren portait un chapeau à godets. La silhouette de l'homme était vague, mais le contour de son corps suffisait à montrer qu'il était fringant. <br /> <br /> Raegan a zoomé sur l'image. La seconde d'après, son cœur a chuté. <br /> <br /> Mitchel était l'homme sur la photo ! <br /> <br /> Il avait donc annulé la réunion de l'après-midi juste pour aller chercher son ex-petite amie à l'aéroport ? <br /> <br /> Cette prise de conscience s'est installée comme un rocher dans les tripes de Raegan, la mettant dans tous ses états. <br /> <br /> Ses mains tremblaient. Inconsciemment, elle a composé le numéro de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> La tonalité l'a ramenée à la raison. Au moment où elle allait raccrocher, la connexion a été établie et une voix s'est fait entendre à l'autre bout. <br /> <br /> « Salut ! »<br /> <br /> C'était une voix de femme particulièrement douce. <br /> <br /> Raegan s'est figée pendant une seconde, puis a jeté le téléphone. <br /> <br /> Soudain, elle s'est sentie mal à l'aise dans son estomac. La bile lui est montée à la gorge. <br /> <br /> Elle s'est couvert la bouche, a couru dans la salle de bain et a vomi dans la cuvette des toilettes. <br /> <br /> Le lendemain matin, Raegan est partie travailler à l'heure. <br /> <br /> Mitchel avait essayé de la convaincre d'arrêter de travailler après leur mariage. Têtue, elle avait insisté pour gagner son propre argent. <br /> <br /> Mitchel ne s'était pas opposé à sa décision, mais il lui avait demandé de travailler comme son assistante et de l'aider dans ses tâches quotidiennes. <br /> <br /> L'assistant principal, Matteo Jenkins, devait s'occuper des grandes affaires de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Matteo était le seul employé du Groupe Dixon à être au courant de leur mariage. <br /> <br /> Depuis les débuts, seuls des assistants masculins étaient embauchés pour le bureau du président. Reagan était la première et la seule femme dont l'embauche n'était pas conforme au protocole. Par conséquent, les autres employés ne pouvaient s'empêcher de se demander si elle avait une relation avec Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Il leur avait fallu un certain temps pour se rendre compte que Mitchel n'avait jamais accordé de traitement de faveur à Raegan. Étrangement, cela les avait poussés à la mépriser encore plus. <br /> <br /> Après tout, personne ne tiendrait longtemps s'il profitait de son apparence. Donc, on pensait que Raegan ne pourrait garder longtemps son emploi. <br /> <br /> À ce moment-là, l'un des collègues de Raegan lui a remis un document et lui a ordonné de l'apporter au bureau de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Celui-ci n'était pas rentré à la maison la nuit dernière. Raegan était si inquiète qu'elle n'était pas arrivée à s'endormir. <br /> <br /> Tout ce à quoi elle pensait, c'était la femme qui avait répondu à son téléphone quand elle avait appelé Mitchel. Est-ce que Mitchel avait passé la nuit avec cette femme ? <br /> <br /> Raegan connaissait déjà la réponse à cette question, mais elle continuait à la nier. <br /> <br /> Elle avait du mal à se faire à cette réalité. <br /> <br /> Raegan a essayé maintenant de rester calme. Elle pensait que quoi qu'il arrive, elle méritait un résultat qui la récompenserait pour toutes les années qu'elle avait passées à aimer Mitchel. Tout cela ne pouvait pas être en vain, n'est-ce pas ? <br /> <br /> Tranquillement, elle a appuyé sur le bouton de l'ascenseur et est montée jusqu'au bureau du président. Avant de sortir de l'ascenseur, elle a lissé ses cheveux pour s'assurer qu'elle avait l'air bien. <br /> <br /> Devant le bureau, elle a constaté que la porte était entrouverte. Une voix d'homme a retenti. Elle s'est immédiatement arrêtée. <br /> <br /> « Allez, mec ! As-tu des sentiments pour Raegan ou non ? »<br /> <br /> La voix appartenait à Luis Stevens, un ami d'enfance de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> « Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire exactement ? », a demandé Mitchel d'une voix froide. <br /> <br /> « Tu sais exactement ce que je veux dire ! » Luis a claqué sa langue avec impatience et a ajouté : « Je trouve que Raegan est une bonne fille. Elle n'est pas ton genre ? »<br /> <br /> « Tu veux que je te la donne ? », a demandé négligemment Mitchel. <br /> <br /> « Tu sais quoi, laisse tomber ! »<br /> <br /> Le rire méprisant de Luis sonnait particulièrement dur aux oreilles de Raegan. <br /> <br /> Ils parlaient d'elle comme si elle était un objet. <br /> <br /> Raegan a pris une grande inspiration et a tenu le document plus fermement dans sa main. <br /> <br /> Peu après, la voix de Luis s'est à nouveau fait entendre. <br /> <br /> « Au fait, j'ai vu ce matin les nouvelles du potin sur le mystérieux petit-ami de Lauren. C'était toi, n'est-ce pas ? »<br /> <br /> « Oui. »<br /> <br /> « Tiens, tiens, tiens ! Cette femme a toujours joué avec toi. Tu veux toujours lui plaire. »<br /> <br /> Luis a soupiré et a continué à taquiner Mitchel. « Vous avez passé la nuit ensemble. Comme le dit le vieil adage, l'absence rend le cœur plus tendre. Dis-moi, est-ce que vous avez... »<br /> <br /> Leur conversation a été comme un coup de tonnerre qui s'est abattu sur la tête de Raegan. <br /> <br /> Son visage est devenu pâle et son corps était froid comme de la glace. <br /> <br /> Lauren et Mitchel avaient passé la nuit ensemble ! <br /> <br /> L'absence rend le cœur plus tendre ! <br /> <br /> Chaque mot lui plantait un couteau dans le cœur. <br /> <br /> Plusieurs voix chuchotantes remplissaient sa tête à ce moment-là. Soudain, elle s'est sentie étourdie. Sa vision s'est brouillée. <br /> <br /> Elle s'est accrochée au mur et a fait un pas en arrière. Soudain, la porte s'est ouverte de l'intérieur. <br /> <br /> « Raegan ? »<br /> <br /> Chapitre 2 L'amour à sens unique<br /> <br /> C'était Luis qui a ouvert la porte. Il semblait qu'il était sur le point de sortir. <br /> <br /> Les mains serrées, Raegan s'est tournée vers lui et a hoché la tête. « Bonjour, M. Stevens. »<br /> <br /> Sans attendre qu'il lui rende son salut, elle est passée devant lui et est entrée dans le bureau avec le document. <br /> <br /> Mitchel, assis derrière un grand bureau luxueux, était particulièrement beau dans son costume de luxe et sa cravate assortie. <br /> <br /> Raegan a remarqué que ce n'était pas le même costume qu'il avait porté lorsqu'il avait quitté la maison la nuit dernière. Comment s'était-il changé ? <br /> <br /> Les yeux baissés, elle a ravalé cette question et a dit à la place : « M. Dixon, ça vient du Service marketing. Veuillez le signer. »<br /> <br /> Mitchel était inexpressif lorsqu'il a signé le document d'un seul regard. <br /> <br /> Raegan est sortie par la porte dès qu'il lui a rendu le document. Luis se tenait toujours sur le seuil. <br /> <br /> Ce n'était que lorsqu'elle a disparu de la vue que Luis s'est tourné vers Mitchel et a dit d'un ton étouffé : « Tu crois qu'elle nous a entendus ? »<br /> <br /> Les yeux de Mitchel étaient inexpressifs à ce moment-là. De toute évidence, il ne prêtait pas attention à ce que disait Luis. <br /> <br /> Pour Mitchel, Raegan avait toujours été docile et n'avait jamais été jalouse de personne. <br /> <br /> Son obéissance stricte était tout ce que Mitchel exigeait d'elle s'il voulait bien la traiter. <br /> <br /> Dans l'ascenseur, Raegan a retenu son souffle pour retenir ses larmes. Malheureusement, cela n'a pas fonctionné. <br /> <br /> Elle avait pensé que deux ans suffiraient à Mitchel pour comprendre à quel point elle l'aimait et lui rendre la pareille. <br /> <br /> Or, il s'est avéré que ce n'était qu'une chimère. <br /> <br /> Elle s'est rendu compte qu'elle jouerait toujours les seconds violons face à Lauren, le véritable amour de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Reagan a séché ses larmes quand l'ascenseur s'est arrêté. À l'exception de son visage pâle, elle avait l'air normal lorsque les portes se sont ouvertes. <br /> <br /> Elle s'est traînée jusqu'à la salle de repos, où elle a voulu se faire une tasse de thé. <br /> <br /> À l'intérieur, plusieurs employés discutaient. <br /> <br /> « Les gars, vous avez entendu ? Lauren Murray est de retour. »<br /> <br /> « Et qui est-ce ? »<br /> <br /> « Oh, mon Dieu ! Vous ne la connaissez pas ? Lauren est l'héritière du Groupe Murray et une styliste de classe mondiale. Mais surtout, elle est la seule petite amie que M. Dixon ait jamais montrée en public. Elle est son premier amour ! »<br /> <br /> « Pourquoi son retour est-il si important ? On dit qu'il y a une liaison entre M. Dixon et Raegan, n'est-ce pas ? »<br /> <br /> « Raegan ? Elle est probablement l'un de ses nombreux jouets. M. Dixon n'a jamais avoué qu'il était en couple avec elle. Et ce n'est pas une surprise pour moi. Après tout, regardez-la. Elle n'est même pas particulièrement belle. Pourtant, elle se comporte comme si elle était déjà Mme Dixon. »<br /> <br /> Debout devant la porte, Raegan souriait avec autodérision en les écoutant. Il s'est avéré que tout le monde, sauf elle, voyait la vérité. <br /> <br /> L'amour était à sens unique. <br /> <br /> « Ha-ha, Mme Dixon s'est-elle enfin réveillée de son rêve sauvage ? »<br /> <br /> Une voix moqueuse est soudain venue de derrière. Raegan s'est retournée et a vu Tessa Lloyd, la cousine de Mitchel, qui la méprisait toujours. <br /> <br /> Tessa devait aussi avoir entendu les commérages des employés. <br /> <br /> La dernière chose que Raegan voulait faire maintenant était de se disputer avec Tessa dans l'entreprise. Elle s'est tournée pour partir, mais Tessa lui a bloqué le chemin. <br /> <br /> Une tasse de café à la main, Tessa a dit sarcastiquement : « Lauren est de retour maintenant. Tu crois que Mitchel va encore t'accorder de l'attention ? »<br /> <br /> Raegan n'a rien dit. <br /> <br /> Quelques secondes plus tard, Tessa a continué sa moquerie. « J'ai entendu dire que tu étais plutôt habile quand il s'agit de communiquer avec les hommes. Et si je te présentais à quelques hommes ? Ils auraient vraiment besoin de tes services. »<br /> <br /> Raegan a serré les poings et a dit froidement : « Mme Lloyd, nous sommes dans l'entreprise. Prends garde à ce que tu dis. Ne sois pas si impolie. »<br /> <br /> « Tu... »<br /> <br /> Sur ce, le visage de Tessa a changé. <br /> <br /> La seconde d'après, elle a levé la main et a vidé la tasse de café chaud sur Raegan. <br /> <br /> Cette dernière n'a pas pensé une seconde que Tessa fasse quelque chose d'aussi fou. Elle a levé les bras juste pour bloquer le liquide chaud contre son visage. En un rien de temps, le café lui a brûlé le bras et sa peau est devenue rouge. <br /> <br /> « Aïe ! » Raegan a froncé les sourcils de douleur. « Pourquoi as-tu fait ça ? As-tu perdu la tête ? »<br /> <br /> C'était la pause déjeuner et de nombreux employés assistaient au drame. Tessa était encore plus complaisante en voyant les badauds de plus en plus nombreux. <br /> <br /> Elle a pris un air de méchante fille en lui disant : « Qu'est-ce qui te rend si suffisante tous les jours, hein ? Tu penses sérieusement que les autres ne savent pas que tu n'es qu'une orpheline sans parents ? Espèce de... »<br /> <br /> Soudain, un bruit aigu a retenti. <br /> <br /> Tessa a été réduite au silence par une gifle retentissante. <br /> <br /> Sa mâchoire est tombée sur le sol. Elle ne s'était pas attendue à ce que Raegan, qui était si calme et timide, la gifle. <br /> <br /> Tessa s'est tenu la joue et a regardé dans le vide pendant un moment avant de balbutier : « Tu... Tu m'as frappée ? Comment oses-tu ! »<br /> <br /> Raegan l'a regardée et a répondu : « Oui, je l'ai fait ! Il semble qu'il faille t'enseigner la simple politesse. »<br /> <br /> En fait, Raegan avait perdu ses parents alors qu'elle n'était encore qu'une enfant. Mais cela ne voulait pas dire qu'elle laisserait quelqu'un l'ignorer pour cela. <br /> <br /> Des rides sont apparues sur le visage de Tessa alors qu'elle a froncé les sourcils avec colère. En tant que cousine de Mitchell, elle était habituée à être flattée et respectée. C'était la première fois qu'on la traitait ainsi. <br /> <br /> Tessa s'est jetée sur Raegan comme un taureau en colère et a levé la main pour répondre à la gifle. <br /> <br /> Cette fois, Raegan était parfaitement préparée à ce qui l'attendait. Elle a saisi le poignet de Tessa si fort que cette dernière ne pouvait plus bouger d'un pouce. <br /> <br /> Tessa était plus petite que Raegan. Par conséquent, Tessa s'est débattue comme une pieuvre coincée par l'un de ses tentacules dans un piège à poissons. <br /> <br /> Tessa a juré avec colère : « Comment oses-tu me blesser ? Pour qui te prends-tu ? Tu n'es rien d'autre que le jouet de Mitchell ! »<br /> <br /> Ces mots durs ont attiré davantage de monde dans la salle de repos. <br /> <br /> « Ça suffit maintenant ! »<br /> <br /> Sans crier gare, un baryton est arrivé par derrière. Mitchel avait quitté son bureau et était tombé sur ce charivari. <br /> <br /> Toute la salle est devenue silencieuse. <br /> <br /> « Mitchel ? » Le sang de Tessa s'est glacé lorsqu'elle a vu Mitchel. Elle avait toujours peur de son cousin. Même sa mère l'avait mise en garde contre le fait de le provoquer. <br /> <br /> Mais quand elle s'est souvenue que Raegan l'avait giflée, elle a pris un air compatissant et a sangloté. « Mitchel, regarde mon visage. Elle m'a giflée. »<br /> <br /> La lumière du soleil de l'extérieur tombait sur le joli visage de Mitchell. <br /> <br /> Raegan s'est sentie si triste tout à coup et a baissé la tête pour regarder le dos de son bras ébouillanté par le café. <br /> <br /> Leurs regards se sont rencontrés en l'air. Avec un profond froncement de sourcils, Mitchel a regardé Raegan et a dit : « Raegan, as-tu oublié les règles de l'entreprise ? »<br /> <br /> Son impitoyabilité a coupé la respiration de Raegan. Elle ne pouvait pas en croire ses oreilles. <br /> <br /> Personne n'osait émettre le moindre son à cet instant. <br /> <br /> Raegan s'est contentée de rester droite, avec sa silhouette élancée. <br /> <br /> Lorsqu'elle avait été embauchée là, Mitchel lui avait dit que le Groupe Dixon n'était pas un endroit où elle pouvait faire des bêtises et qu'il ne tolérerait pas qu'elle fasse des erreurs. <br /> <br /> Raegan pouvait comprendre pourquoi il défendait cette position. <br /> <br /> Mais à ce moment-là, elle voulait absolument savoir si Mitchel avait entendu les mots durs avec lesquels Tessa l'avait réprimandée, ou s'il faisait juste semblant de ne pas les avoir entendus parce qu'il était d'accord avec ces mots. <br /> <br /> La considérait-il vraiment comme un outil pour son plaisir ? <br /> <br /> Effrayée par la rage de Mitchel, la foule s'est rapidement dispersée. Quelques employés ont osé épier de loin, ne voulant pas manquer le bon spectacle. <br /> <br /> Les yeux froids de Mitchel faisaient frissonner Raegan de la tête aux pieds. <br /> <br /> Raegan s'est pincé la paume de la main pour réprimer ses sentiments tout en regardant Tessa. <br /> <br /> « Je suis désolée, Mme Lloyd. En tant qu'employée du Groupe Dixon, j'ai eu tort de te frapper. »<br /> <br /> Tessa a regardé Raegan et a levé le menton avec suffisance. « Humph ! Ne crois pas que tu vas t'en sortir avec une simple excuse. Je ne crois pas... »<br /> <br /> « La gifle n'a rien à voir avec l'entreprise. Personnellement, je refuse de m'excuser auprès de toi », a ajouté Raegan. <br /> <br /> Puis elle est passée à côté de Mitchel sans lui accorder un regard de plus. <br /> <br /> « Toi ! »<br /> <br /> Le visage de Tessa est devenu bleu quand elle a entendu ce que Raegan a dit. <br /> <br /> Durant toutes les années de sa vie, elle n'avait jamais été humiliée de la sorte. Elle avait toujours été la tyranne, pas la victime ! <br /> <br /> L'humiliation était si grande que mettre Raegan en pièces maintenant n'apaiserait pas sa colère. <br /> <br /> Pointant du doigt Raegan, Tessa s'est écriée : « Mitchel, tu as entendu ce que cette femme vient de dire ? Elle m'a giflée et pourtant elle est toujours aussi arrogante. Rappelle-la. Je dois la gifler jusqu'à ce qu'elle crie grâce ! »<br /> <br /> Mitchel, qui fixait le dos fin de Raegan, avait à ce moment-là une expression ambiguë. <br /> <br /> « Ça suffit ! », a-t-il dit froidement en levant la main. <br /> <br /> Vivant le drame et respirant la cruauté, Tessa ne pensait pas que Mitchel ait un faible pour Raegan à ce moment-là. Elle supposait que Mitchel ne s'intéressait pas du tout à Raegan. <br /> <br /> Tessa a grincé des dents et a dit méchamment : « La prochaine fois, je trouverai quelqu'un pour lui donner une leçon. »<br /> <br /> « Tessa ! » Le ton froid, Mitchel a plissé les yeux. <br /> <br /> Tessa a tremblé instantanément. <br /> <br /> Avec un air sombre, Mitchel a dit : « Je ne le dirai qu'une seule fois. Oublie ce qui s'est passé ici aujourd'hui. Laisse Raegan tranquille. »<br /> <br /> L'aura qu'il dégageait a laissé la langue de Tessa sèche. Toutes les idées malveillantes qu'elle avait en réserve contre Raegan ont disparu en un clin d'œil. <br /> <br /> Elle a balbutié : « Ok... Ok, j'ai compris... »<br /> <br /> Mitchel lui a lancé un regard froid et s'est adressé à Matteo. « Les gens sans importance n'ont plus accès ici à partir d'aujourd'hui. »<br /> <br /> Les agents de sécurité ont alors mise Tessa dehors. <br /> <br /> Ils n'ont eu aucune pitié pour elle. Son combat était inutile. <br /> <br /> Pendant ce temps, Raegan s'est changée après être retournée à son bureau. <br /> <br /> Elle avait le cœur plein de tristesse en pensant à la façon dont Mitchel l'avait regardée quelques minutes auparavant. <br /> <br /> L'heure de la fermeture a bientôt sonné. <br /> <br /> Raegan a pris son sac et s'est dirigée vers la sortie. Mais Matteo l'a arrêtée. <br /> <br /> Il lui a dit : « M. Dixon a quelque chose d'urgent à régler, alors il m'a demandé de vous raccompagner chez vous. »<br /> <br /> Raegan a refusé le trajet sans réfléchir longtemps. <br /> <br /> Avant, elle était aveugle, mais maintenant, elle voyait clair dans la situation. <br /> <br /> Aux yeux de Mitchell, elle n'était qu'une moins que rien. <br /> <br /> Comment Mitchel pouvait-il accepter de l'accompagner chez sa grand-mère alors qu'il ne s'intéressait même pas à elle ? <br /> <br /> Lorsqu'elle est arrivée à l'hôpital, Raegan a vu que l'infirmière était en train de donner le dîner à sa grand-mère. Raegan s'est chargée de la tâche et l'a fait elle-même. <br /> <br /> Toute sa vie, sa grand-mère avait vécu à la campagne, jouissant d'une vie tranquille. Tout avait changé le mois dernier lorsqu'un examen de routine avait révélé que quelque chose n'allait pas avec son pancréas. Raegan avait insisté pour qu'elle soit emmenée en ville pour un meilleur traitement. <br /> <br /> La vieille femme ne savait pas qu'elle s'était mariée avec Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan avait prévu de la surprendre aujourd'hui. Mais il s'est avéré que ce n'était plus nécessaire. <br /> <br /> Raegan a attendu que sa grand-mère s'endorme avant de partir. Elle est sortie de l'hôpital et a attendu un taxi. <br /> <br /> Au loin, une voiture de luxe noire est arrivée dans l'allée de l'hôpital. <br /> <br /> Les yeux de Ragan se sont illuminés quand elle l'a vue, reconnaissant que la voiture appartenait à Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Était-il venu la chercher ? <br /> <br /> À cet instant, elle a oublié toute la douleur qu'elle avait ressentie. <br /> <br /> Ses pensées au sujet de ce jeune homme étaient-elles complètement fausses ? Est-ce qu'il l'aimait vraiment, contrairement à la rumeur ? <br /> <br /> La portière côté conducteur s'est ouverte et Mitchel est descendu. <br /> <br /> Raegan a commencé à marcher vers lui, le cœur débordant de joie. <br /> <br /> Soudain, elle s'est arrêtée net. <br /> <br /> Mitchel venait de passer de l'autre côté et avait porté une femme hors de la voiture. <br /> <br /> L'inquiétude et la compassion se lisaient sur le joli visage de l'homme. <br /> <br /> Cela a effacé le sourire sur le visage de Raegan. Son cœur s'est affaissé. <br /> <br /> Chapitre 3 Divorçons<br /> <br /> La silhouette grande et droite de Mitchel s'est rapprochée de plus en plus de Raegan. Puis, sans dire un mot, il est passé devant elle. <br /> <br /> Il était difficile de dire si Mitchel a vu Raegan ou l'a simplement ignorée. <br /> <br /> En tout cas, Raegan a remarqué que la femme dans ses bras était la même que celle qui avait été photographiée avec lui hier. <br /> <br /> C'était Lauren. <br /> <br /> Les chaussures de Raegan semblaient faites de plomb alors qu'elle s'éloignait. <br /> <br /> Sans se rendre même compte de ce qui l'entourait, elle est montée dans un taxi, l'esprit ailleurs. <br /> <br /> Soudain, le chauffeur a dit : « Madame, où allez-vous ? »<br /> <br /> Raegan est restée stupéfaite pendant un moment. <br /> <br /> Elle ne voulait pas retourner à la Villa Sérénité. Ce n'était qu'une question de temps avant que cet endroit ne soit plus sa maison. <br /> <br /> Au bout d'un moment, elle a répondu : « S'il vous plaît, emmenez-moi à la Baie Crystal. »<br /> <br /> Après avoir épousé Mitchel, elle avait acheté un appartement à la Baie Crystal. <br /> <br /> À l'époque, elle espérait pouvoir faire venir sa grand-mère en ville, alors elle avait acheté l'appartement en hypothèque. Il n'était pas très grand, mais il y avait plus qu'assez de place pour deux personnes. <br /> <br /> Mitchel, confus de la raison pour laquelle elle voulait acheter un appartement modeste, lui avait proposé de lui donner un appartement plus grand, mais elle avait refusé. <br /> <br /> Avec le recul, elle s'est rendu compte que l'achat de cet appartement était la seule décision intelligente qu'elle avait prise au cours des deux dernières années. <br /> <br /> Lorsqu'elle est arrivée au complexe d'appartements, Raegan s'est assise seule dans le parc, essayant de se rafraîchir. <br /> <br /> Les souvenirs des deux dernières années étaient doux-amers. <br /> <br /> Deux ans s'étaient écoulés comme un clin d'œil, même si cela faisait plus de sept cents jours et nuits. <br /> <br /> L'amour peut déplacer des montagnes, disait-on. <br /> <br /> Pourtant, son amour n'avait pas fait bouger cette pierre qu'était l'homme. Elle s'est finalement rendu compte à quel point elle s'était ridiculisée devant tout le monde. <br /> <br /> Il se faisait déjà tard dans la nuit quand Raegan a finalement décidé d'aller à son appartement. <br /> <br /> En sortant de l'ascenseur, elle a vu Mitchel debout devant la porte. <br /> <br /> Ses manches étaient nonchalamment retroussées et les boutons du haut de sa chemise étaient ouverts, révélant son long cou et une partie de sa clavicule. Il était appuyé contre le mur près de la porte, son joli visage était marqué sous les lumières. <br /> <br /> Raegan s'est figée un instant. <br /> <br /> Pourquoi était-il là ? Ne l'avait-elle pas vu à l'hôpital avec Lauren ? Qu'est-ce qui l'avait amené là ? <br /> <br /> Leurs regards se sont croisés. Le manteau sur le bras et une main dans la poche, Mitchel lui a plissé les yeux. <br /> <br /> « Pourquoi tu n'as pas répondu au téléphone ? », a t-il demandé, l'air un peu morose, comme quelqu'un qui n'avait pas dormi depuis longtemps. <br /> <br /> Raegan a sorti son téléphone et a remarqué qu'elle l'avait accidentellement mis en mode silencieux. <br /> <br /> Il y avait cinq appels manqués de Mitchel. <br /> <br /> C'était la première fois pendant deux ans de mariage. <br /> <br /> Mitchel l'avait assaillie d'appels parce qu'il ne pouvait pas la trouver ? Surprenant ! <br /> <br /> Avant aujourd'hui, elle aurait été ravie de cela. Les gens auraient pensé qu'elle avait gagné au loto. <br /> <br /> Mais maintenant, elle a juste jeté son téléphone dans son sac, croisant les bras et disant d'une voix rauque : « Je ne l'ai pas entendu sonner. »<br /> <br /> Mitchel a levé la main pour regarder l'heure et a dit avec impatience : « Je te cherche depuis deux heures. »<br /> <br /> Après avoir tout arrangé pour Lauren, il était rentré chez lui et avait trouvé une maison vide. Il avait cherché Raegan partout. Ne parvenant pas à la trouver, il avait demandé à Matteo de vérifier les vidéos de surveillance de toutes les rues qui partaient de l'entreprise. <br /> <br /> Plus tard, il avait découvert que Raegan était allée à la Baie Crystal sans le lui dire. <br /> <br /> « La prochaine fois, tu me diras quand tu viens ici, d'accord ? Rentrons à la maison maintenant. » Après cela, Mitchel s'est dirigé vers l'ascenseur sans lui accorder un autre regard. <br /> <br /> Il avait l'intention de retourner à la Villa Sérénité. <br /> <br /> Raegan, sans bouger d'un pouce, s'est contentée de fixer son large dos et de réfléchir à contrecœur. <br /> <br /> La prochaine fois... Auraient-ils un avenir ? <br /> <br /> Mitchell s'est retourné et a vu que Raegan n'avait pas fait un seul pas. Il a froncé les sourcils et a demandé : « Tu ne peux pas marcher ? Tu veux que je te porte à la place ? »<br /> <br /> La lumière du couloir éclairait le visage du jeune homme et faisait apparaître son profil latéral presque impeccable. <br /> <br /> Raegan a pris une grande inspiration et a dit : « Divorçons. »	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.kifflire.com/16192410-fb_contact-frj	122433270854052	Moonbook	https://facebook.com/100092735448502	46,984	2	367,064,276,422,773	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Moonbook	120209592312550480	fbweb.kifflire.com		NONE	image		https://fbweb.kifflire.com/16192410-fb_contact-frj57-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=066827&accid=1179389016560285	2024-07-19 06:04	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452231463_3805720399700245_3228299482554726074_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fjQbbwMXCVAQ7kNvgFuqSl9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD2Ut1qCKjQo3BMGDupTNP4OSrDNDlKKtY0BN0eHhLETg&oe=66AB747F	person_profile	Moonbook	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451955930_688257936800260_7178569299932397639_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dqwe_V9QHosQ7kNvgHrCdVH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB3sfNhdtk6RIc62Fe0d6Y4g0Qt7jd4XeTKWluTxNEoSg&oe=66AB5E0C	3	Moonbook	2024-07-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,940,416	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	787640816580876	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> Lottie’s POV<br /> "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. <br /> <br /> "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. <br /> <br /> "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. <br /> <br /> "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. <br /> <br /> "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me.<br /> <br /> "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful!<br /> <br /> "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. <br /> <br /> “You think? ” her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. <br /> <br /> “Yes!” I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. <br /> <br /> "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! <br /> <br /> "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. <br /> <br /> "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. <br /> <br /> "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. <br /> <br /> "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold.<br /> <br /> "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. <br /> <br /> Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. <br /> <br /> "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned.<br /> <br /> Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. <br /> <br /> "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. <br /> <br /> With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. <br /> <br /> "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. <br /> <br /> Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. <br /> <br /> Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! <br /> <br /> "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... <br /> <br /> "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood.<br /> <br /> "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. <br /> <br /> "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. <br /> <br /> "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on.<br /> <br /> "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me!<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong.<br /> <br /> "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. <br /> <br /> "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him.<br /> <br /> "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish!<br /> <br /> "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. <br /> <br /> Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane!<br /> <br /> "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed!<br /> <br /> "It's not what it looks like, I promise."<br /> <br /> "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds.<br /> <br /> "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. <br /> <br /> Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." <br /> <br /> Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. <br /> <br /> Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow.<br /> <br /> “Babygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. <br /> <br /> "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear.<br /> <br /> *******<br /> "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. <br /> <br /> "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. <br /> <br /> I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." <br /> <br /> "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. <br /> <br /> "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed.<br /> <br /> Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house.<br /> <br /> "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room.<br /> <br /> "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. <br /> <br /> "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! <br /> <br /> "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. <br /> <br /> Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? <br /> <br /> Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. <br /> <br /> My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment.<br /> <br /> "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! <br /> <br /> The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! <br /> <br /> He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! <br /> <br /> Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! <br /> <br /> I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. <br /> <br /> Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. <br /> <br /> "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. <br /> <br /> "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. <br /> <br /> "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps.<br /> <br /> "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine.<br /> <br /> "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. <br /> <br /> "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white.<br /> <br /> I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male.<br /> <br /> "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. <br /> <br /> "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. <br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed.<br /> <br /> "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. <br /> "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp.<br /> <br /> "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core.<br /> <br /> "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!"<br /> <br /> "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure.<br /> <br /> "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!"<br /> <br /> "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly.<br /> <br /> "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! <br /> <br /> "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light.<br /> <br /> "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged!<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! <br /> <br /> "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins!<br /> <br /> His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. <br /> <br /> "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain.<br /> <br /> "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. <br /> <br /> "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged.<br /> <br /> I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. <br /> <br /> "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" <br /> <br /> Shiit! <br /> <br /> “ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it!<br /> <br /> Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation!<br /> <br /> "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs!<br /> <br /> "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. <br /> <br /> "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been!<br /> <br /> "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. <br /> <br /> "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it?<br /> <br /> "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time.<br /> <br /> "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. <br /> <br /> "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind.<br /> <br /> "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! <br /> <br /> "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. <br /> <br /> "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie!<br /> <br /> "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. <br /> <br /> "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile.<br /> <br /> "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." <br /> <br /> "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps.<br /> <br /> Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. <br /> <br /> "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache.<br /> <br /> "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. <br /> <br /> "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. <br /> <br /> "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. <br /> <br /> "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing.<br /> <br /> "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" <br /> <br /> "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality.<br /> <br /> "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop.<br /> <br /> "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage.<br /> <br /> It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. <br /> <br /> Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. <br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs.<br /> <br /> "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests.<br /> <br /> "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow.<br /> <br /> "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. <br /> <br /> "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. <br /> <br /> "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle.<br /> <br /> "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! <br /> <br /> Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. <br /> <br /> "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. <br /> <br /> "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. <br /> <br /> "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could.<br /> <br /> "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. <br /> <br /> "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. <br /> <br /> "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. <br /> <br /> "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. <br /> <br /> "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. <br /> <br /> "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. <br /> <br /> "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins.<br /> <br /> Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. <br /> <br /> "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. <br /> <br /> "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair.<br /> <br /> "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. <br /> <br /> "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! <br /> <br /> "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. <br /> <br /> "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough.<br /> <br /> "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. <br /> <br /> "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. <br /> <br /> "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up!<br /> <br /> "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me.<br /> <br /> "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip.<br /> <br /> "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt.<br /> <br /> "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place.<br /> <br /> Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric.<br /> <br /> "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. <br /> <br /> "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack.<br /> <br /> "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop.<br /> <br /> "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry!<br /> <br /> "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. <br /> <br /> "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands.<br /> <br /> "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. <br /> <br /> "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! <br /> <br /> I wanted it!	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u	219004054622622	Galaxy in the Story	https://facebook.com/61555427913037	718	1	395,903,850,163,654	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Galaxy in the Story	120211666971500694	befant.com		NONE	image		https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-24 01:10	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452762286_800876418527536_7857534162795590289_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9HWhjTbymLEQ7kNvgG9vfPT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBxq_Iy-XitVoeq7nqz_CPLBL6E5XNhfS4C-WpbKr4oYA&oe=66AB685A	person_profile	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452472428_1135581880839428_5980652485094774197_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZZ5Do2HZM30Q7kNvgE_4q83&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQmm9KfsneGWqGUHROaM-FQpkvUtgnnx51u3c-K5Ha9Q&oe=66AB5C46	3	Galaxy in the Story	2024-07-24 02:00	View Edit Delete

Page 11 of 20, showing 20 record(s) out of 389 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads for foobar on 2024-07-27