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1,940,968	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940962}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	526787899783479	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!"	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1,940,863	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1001396921516008	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 GEORGIA, ATLANTA 2017 ~SIERRA~ I took a sip of my drink before my eyes roamed. Everything about the day was perfect, sunny, classy restaurant and expensive wine—perfect for a date, right? Only it wasn’t a date—well, maybe for my husband, but not for me. I placed my glass down on the table as my gaze fell on a couple who I presumed to be on their first date or maybe just trying to have lunch. He pulled a chair out for her, and she muttered something in his ear, which he chuckled at, and he took his seat across from her. He took her hands into his, sweetly looking at her, and he started talking. My eyes wandered back to my husband, who was deep in conversation with his friends. When I looked at the two women, my husband’s friends' wives, I started to regret coming here. They were engaged in a conversation, talking about business and fashion; I didn’t know anything about it. I looked back at my husband; I was sure he had forgotten I was even here with him. My fingers danced on the edge of the glass then suddenly everyone at the table stood up and started screaming a name: “Cassie?” They were excited. My eyes followed the direction of their eyes and I saw a very beautiful, model-shaped woman with copper hair and green eyes. Her curves were in the right places. I instantly felt intimidated. I was the only plus-sized woman here, and now another model joins us. I took a sip of my wine as I watched them hug and kiss her cheeks, even my husband, who was now clinging to her arms. I cleared my throat as I started to get uncomfortable, and they pulled away. “I know everyone except for her; who’s she?” The woman asked and my husband pulled out a seat for her, next to him. “Sierra, Damian’s wife,” Lily answered. The woman nodded and looked at me with a little smile before she turned her attention to my husband, who was lovingly staring at her. “So Cassie, you got divorced, tell us, was the process easy?” Lily asked and Ava pinched her. "No Ava, it’s fine, the divorce doesn’t hurt me anymore. I cried, but not anymore. I’m glad I’m over it,” she said, looking at them just for a second before turning her attention back to my husband. She looked back at Ava and everyone at the table, then took my husband’s glass. “It was very easy, we both agreed,” she said. “Why did you two get a divorce?” Lily asked and Ava once again tried to stop her. “We both want different things, one shouldn’t settle for less when they can have the best,” she said and sipped on my husband’s glass, the same glass he sipped on. Then the conversation went on, they started talking and catching up, and I felt lost. Once again, they disregarded me as they reminded themselves of the old days. Then I decided to do something. I slightly held on to my husband's arm. “We need to take our leave, husband, I’m not feeling well,” I said. I didn’t lie, as I felt sharp cramps in my ab-domen, I assumed my period was near. He flinched at my touch. “You can go, I’ll catch you at home,” he said, continuing to admire the woman as she stunned everyone with her accomplishments. “Damian here is offering me the CEO position in The Winters Company, right, Dami?” She said, still holding his arm, and he nodded while everyone’s eyes looked at me. They realized what my husband was doing was wrong, but they didn't care, they didn't like me even one bit—maybe Lily, but not the four of them, which included my husband. As everyone turned their attention back to the woman, my husband flattered her. “I just don’t understand men, how can they afford to lose such a gem, smart, intelligent, and beautiful at that?” He said and once again, everyone’s eyes stared at me, I awkwardly took another sip of my drink. Did my husband bring me here to embarrass me? I asked myself but as I placed the glass on the table and felt a sharp pain in my stomach. “Ah!” I screamed, and Lily ran to my side. “Sierra, are you okay?” She asked as everyone else came to my side, not that they cared as I could make that up from their faces. “I…I…” I was at a loss for words. A warm tear rolled down my cheek as I stared at my husband, who was still seated chatting with the woman. “Damian, your wife, I think we need to get her to the hospital,” Lily’s husband suggested. “Trust me, she’s fine, she’s just being dramatic,” he said, looking back at the woman, and that’s when I felt another sharp pain in between my th-ighs. “Ah!” Another scream escaped my li-ps, and Lily supported me by holding my shoulders. “Damian, we’re taking her to the hospital. I don’t know about you, but I will not have peace of mind knowing I watched someone in pain and did nothing,” Lily said and gestured to her husband, who quickly took the hint as he helped her and tried to stand me up. After succeeding, they walked me out, with Ava and her husband following. As we reached the exit door, I felt another sharp pain in between my thi-ghs. It didn't register much as my eyes promptly closed and I lost consciousness. **** I woke up to the beeping sound and smell of disinfectant. I quickly looked at my body at the realization, and it confirmed the green hospital uniform. I felt a stinging pain in my head and I let out a soft discomfort sound. “Ouch!” My eyes fell on the IVs connected to my wrists. I almost pulled them off when the door suddenly opened and my husband walked in. Just looking at him reminded me of the reason I married him. At 6 feet, he is muscular, with hair of medium length with waves that flow elegantly down his back. As my eyes looked at his face, I felt butterflies in my stomach, I always lost myself in his chocolate brown eyes. I felt my muscles relax, as I realized he didn’t abandon me. “What happened?” I pretended to ask just to have a conversation, but he didn't respond and instead looked at me with disgust. He always looked at me that way, I was used to it. “Sierra, she’s back, everything between us ends today,” he said calmly. Chapter 2 Who?” "Oh, come on, you know who, don’t act stu-pid,” he said, sounding irritated. “The woman at the restaurant is Cassie?” I pretended to be clueless. I didn't want a divorce. "Yes, and she’s back, you know what that means, right?” He looked at me, seeking confirmation, but I played dumbfounded. “What happens to us, what we’ve built?” “There’s no us Sierra, when are you going to get that through your head? I’ve never lied to you about my feelings for Cassie,” he said with no emotion in his eyes. “But you married me, I’m your wife now,” I muttered in a low tone. As much as I wanted to shout, I still felt a lot of pain. “That’s why I’m suggesting a divorce. You will be compensated for the years you’ve been with me,” he said, and just as I was about to plead, the door opened and a middle-aged man walked in. By his dress code, I easily figured him to be a doctor. “Mrs. Winters, how are you doing?” He asked, and I nodded. “We have the results here, as per procedure, we always check for pragnancy in all our female patients.” He paused, then looked at my husband, who looked clueless. “Congratulations! You’re five weeks pragnant,” he said with a smile on his face—the smile I wanted to see on my husband’s face, but who was I kidding? My husband instead had an angry face, the way his fingers ruffled his waves was proof of it. “Fck!” He cursed out loud. The doctor, sensing the tension, said, “I know it’s overwhelming for first-time parents, but trust me, the process emerges from overwhelm to delight.” He then turned to me and said, “I’ll ask the nurse to prepare your leave, please excuse me,” and then he walked out. When the doctor closed the door, my eyes wandered towards my husband, who was pacing, his hands scratching the back of his head. “You need to calm down, it's just a baby,” I tried to joke. He turned and looked at me with cold eyes. “You are not happy about the baby, are you?” I asked even when I knew the answer to it. “Happy? You are not planning to keep it, are you?” “What?” “Exactly what you heard, I’ll not be tied down to you. Cassie is back, you can’t have this baby. “How many times are you going to repeat that? I know she’s back. Now what? I should abor-t my child because she’s back.” “Yes,” he said with no emotion in his eyes. “Damian?” “I’ll arrange an appointment for you, you’ll get an abor-tion, and we’ll pretend none of this happened,” he tried to convince me. “And what happens to me?” “Nothing. You'll keep being my wife for as long as you want, but in an open marriage, as you know well what I feel for Cassie.” “What happens if I keep it?” I asked, wanting to know the consequences of challenging him. “Then you should get ready to die single. I mean, look at you. Who would marry a woman who is plus size, unattractive, even the expensive clothes you wear don't hide it.” “You’re wicked,” I said as fresh tears found their way to my cheeks. “The choice is yours, after all, let me know what it’s going to be,” he said, waiting for my response. The three years I’ve been married to him were hel-l on earth. I knew what I was getting myself into from the beginning of this marriage but relied on the small hope that glimmered in my heart that one day he would change and love me as much as I love him. “You can cry afterward as of now, my friends are waiting for me,” he coldly said, his eyes looking everywhere else but at me. He hasn't even looked at me the way he looked at Cassie today. “Why do you have sax with me then, when I disgust you?” I asked a question I’ve lived with for the past three years. “Because I respect myself enough not to cheat, even when I have the opportunity to, but my hor-ny dicck wouldn’t just stay in my trousers, right? That’s where you come in.” “Damian,” I said his name in a low tone, and the door suddenly opened. “Mrs. Winters, your papers to leave are ready. Sir, I’ll just need you to put your signature here, and then you can take your wife,” the nurse said as she handed him a paper and pen. “Yes, while you’re here, can you schedule an abor-tion appointment? We don’t need to tell you the reason we don’t want to keep the child, do we?” He said while signing the papers. “Yes, but that’s solely the mother’s decision, if she agrees, then we can schedule an appointment right away,” she said, turning to me. “Of course, my wife and I discussed it already, right, honey?” He turned to me, with a smile. It could easily convince me, but it wasn’t just about me, it was about the baby. I shook my head in disagreement and I heard him curse. “Fvck! Find your way home,” he said, slamming the door. I closed my eyes to let the tears in my eyes roll to my cheeks and the nurse came to my side. “It’s okay, Mrs. Winters, he’s just too nervous right now, he’ll come around. First-time fathers always do this,” she tried to comfort me. I nodded and placed my hands on my flat belly as I realized life was growing there. Next, we heard a soft knock on the door and Lily came. “Sierra, oh my gosh, don’t tell me!” She screamed as she noticed my hands on my belly and I nodded. “Wow! Congratulations!” She said and engulfed me in her arms. “Wait, If you’re pragnant, then why is Damian so upset?” She asked and pulled away. “He’s just too emotional, he’ll come around.” I lied, and she nodded while the nurse gave a small smile. “Do you need help, maybe a wheelchair?” The nurse asked. “Can I please stay the night? I promise to double the fee if necessary.” “Of course. You’re still in a little pain, and you don’t need to double the fee, you’re under our care. Please excuse me,” she informed me, then walked out. “Oh gosh, do you have a name?” Lily asked as soon as the nurse closed the door. Chapter 3 “We still don’t have a name, but hopefully we will make one soon,” I told her, and she nodded. “Why are you sleeping here? You can come with us and have the guest room, or why don’t you go to your grandmother? Does she know you’re here?” She asked. "No, I’m fine here, thank you so much, Lily. My grandmother doesn’t know I’m here.” “You didn’t get a chance to call her?” “No, I would rather not,” I said and she nodded. “Should I come pick you up tomorrow?” "No, it is fine, I’ll find my way. Thank you so much, Lily,” I declined, as I didn't want to invade her busy schedule. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then. Call me if you need anything. I have to go now,” she kissed my cheeks before leaving. When she closed the door, I felt lonely. I have always been alone. Damian never reciprocated my love, but just the thought of him being my husband filled that loneliness, now that he mentioned divorcing me, the loneliness was here. “He’s just nervous, he will come around,” I convinced myself as my hands reached to my cheeks and wiped away tears. I closed my eyes and focused on sleeping. *** “Mrs. Winters, are you ready?” The nurse asked for the fifth time. “Yes,” I said, taking in a deep breath as she disconnected the IVs from my wrists. “Please follow the doctor's instructions, no wine or any form of alco-hol until after the delivery of your baby,” she reminded me, and I nodded. As she was done disconnecting the IVs, I made my way to the bathroom. I cleaned up and changed into my clothes. Done, I walked out of the bathroom, seeing that the nurse was not around. I took my bag and walked out. I didn't need to go to the receptionist, as everything was already with me, so I went straight out and started searching for a cab. I looked around, and my eyes fell on a couple. The woman was pragnant, just a few weeks from giving birth. I could easily tell from her swollen belly. The man supported her as he walked her inside the hospital. I adored them for a minute before a cab pulled over and asked me if I needed a ride. I got inside and showed the driver my location from my phone without saying a word. My thoughts wandered to my husband, did he perhaps change his mind? But even deep in my thoughts, I didn't miss the time the car came to a halt as I pulled out a ten-dollar note and handed it to the driver. “Thank you,” I said and went out. I took a deep breath before I approached my matrimonial home. Our home was outside town, not my choice. As he said, this was supposed to be their home with Cassie. I tried to make him trade it, but it only led to arguments. When I was inside, I removed my coat, and once again as I looked around I was reminded of her. Everything, the way the house was decorated, was all in Cassie’s style. I couldn't even change it, as I had no right. I threw myself on the couch, and that’s when I realized someone was in the kitchen. Curious as Damian was supposed to be at work, I walked to the kitchen, only for my eyes to land on the beautiful woman from the restaurant, Cassie. “You’re here early, Sierra, right?” She asked, pouring water from the water boiler into a mug. I remained dumbfounded as my eyes caught her nightgown, it was mine. “Is that my nightgown?” I asked. “Yes, Damian said you don’t use it anymore, I mean, with your body, I agree,” she responded without care as her fingers played with the spoon. It was true I couldn't fit in the gown as I gained so much weight, but it still didn’t give her the right to wear my gown. “And you wore it because?” “Because I didn’t have a gown, or did you prefer I wear Damian’s shirt?” “What? There are a lot of bathrobes here, you could have used that, and besides, what are you doing here?” "Oh, spare me, it’s just a gown, and it’s not like it’s you who bought it. I’m not up for an argument right now. If you can’t guess I had a wild night,” she said and attempted to walk out but stopped by the door. “Oh yes, Damian left you the papers by the table, put your signature on it, and let me know once you're done,” she said and walked out. I didn't stop her as I rushed to the table and saw the documents on the table. With trembling hands, I clasped the documents and read the bolded words out loud. “DIVORCE AGREEMENT.” I gasped and immediately rushed to the bedroom, following the woman. “Cassie!” I called her name as soon as I opened the door. She was lying on her back in my bed with a mug of coffee in her right hand and her phone in her left. “Why are you yelling?” She asked annoyedly as she sat up. “What’s going on here? Where did you get these documents?” “Are you serious?” “I’m very serious. Where did you get these documents?” I repeated myself. I felt my palms burning as I dug my fingernails into them. “Damian left them, he asked me to give them to you,” she explained, noticing my anger. “No, he can never do such a thing, you’re... You’re lying to me.” I stammered, and she rolled her eyes. “Now I see the reason he wants to divorce you,” she said. “You have low self-esteem and zero respect for yourself.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Of course I do. I mean, look around, Sierra, everything in here is designed and decorated just the way I envisioned my dream home to be, from the colors to the furniture, or he didn’t mention that to you?” “This is exactly the way I like it,” I lied. “You can lie to someone else but not me, and let me tell you something, Damian is and will forever be mine, I’m here to claim what’s mine. You should sign those divorce documents and leave, or how long do you think he’ll stand seeing your fat, ug-ly body when my sexy one is around?” “You have no right to say such a thing to me, my husband and I are just having a misunderstanding. We will fix it,” I told her as I walked out. Even when my heart was breaking, I couldn't give her the pleasure of watching me break. I cleaned the tears from my cheeks as I worked my way down the stairs. Chapter 4 ~DAMIAN~ When Sierra insisted on following me on a lunch date with my friends, I was hesitant. My friends never liked her—only Lily, but the rest didn’t. Wanting to teach her a lesson for being clingy, I agreed. We arrived, and as usual, my friends and I started talking about law. While Ava and Lily talked about women's things—brands, clothes, or whatever women talk about—Sierra looked completely lost, just like I expected. Everything went well, and then Cassie appeared. Of course, Ava mentioned that Cassie would return, I just didn’t know she was already in town. She called me days ago to tell me about her divorce. I just wanted to be there for her, I even offered her the CEO position of my company, as it would take a weight off my shoulders. Managing a business, being a lawyer, and being Sierra’s husband was draining. My heart felt at ease seeing her again until Sierra ruined it with her fake discomfort. Angry, I asked her for divorce just for the doctor to come in with unpleasant news. How could she be pragnant? I demanded an abor-tion, but it seemed she was trying to tie me down with the baby. I left frustrated, and when I reached my home, I found Cassie. She had nowhere to sleep. I let her sleep in the guest room because I was still married to Sierra and cheating is not my thing. Cassie asked for a gown since her belongings were still at the airport. I pulled out Sierra’s gown, the one she doesn’t use, as Cassie said a bathrobe was too heavy for her after I suggested it. I called Adrian to send divorce agreement documents first thing in the morning, before going to sleep. I left this morning, leaving the divorce documents on the table for Sierra so she would get them when she got home. I was now seated in my office contemplating when my assistant came panting behind Sierra. “My apologies, Mr. Winters, I tried to stop her,” she apologized. I couldn’t make out the brown in her eyes, as they were red from crying. My eyes caught sight of her hair, it was no longer dyed, it was back to its original color, copper. “What the fvck happened to your hair?” I asked as my assistant closed the door, leaving the two of us. “You want a divorce?” She ignored my question as she wiped away her tears. “Oh, you thought I was joking?” I asked her, and she shook her head. “I gave you an option last night, but your stubborn head would not listen.” “You still love her?” “Is there a time I told you I stopped loving her?” “Just answer the danm question, do you still love her?” “I do, and I will always love her. I just pray for the day you’ll finally come to your senses,” I coldly said. She was getting on my nerves. “So you’re going to throw three years just like that, even knowing a baby is growing in my womb, YOUR BABY?” She made a piteous face, trying to manipulate me. “The baby is a mistake, you know I never intended this.” “But it happened. I know you’re a bit nervous right now, but like the doctor said, it always gets better.” She said with a little smile on her face, “I will do anything for us not to get a divorce, just name it, please. I want us to raise this baby together,” she added, and I let out a sound of annoyance. “You are never going to get it, are you? I don’t care what you do, whether you keep it or not, what's important is that you sign the divorce agreement. “Please,” she begged and fresh tears rolled down her already pink cheeks. “You’re wasting your time, Adrian already sent you one million. I know you don’t deserve it, but still, I can’t just let you walk out as you came, sign the documents, and leave. If I were you, I would go straight to the hospital and get an abor-tion,” I advised. She was sobbing while I spoke. She constantly wiped her tears, but to no help as more fresh ones were produced. “Now leave my office before I call security on you!” I yelled as I pointed at the door, and within just a second, she ran out. I kicked the table stand out of frustration. I sat back in my seat and ran my hand through my hair. “She is annoying,” I muttered. I took out my phone and sent a message to my assistant not to disturb me. After that, I buried myself in work and got most things done. After hours of no break, I realized it was already late. I stood up and started gathering my things, as most people were gone. I walked out to the empty hall, and in the night sky when I reached my car, I got in and started driving to my house. I reached my home, locked my car, and got inside my house after unlocking the door. My shoe stepped on something as my eyes wandered around. I saw flowers everywhere. I removed my coat, my eyes still wandering, and then my eyes spotted Cassie. She was in black lingerie, her curves hugged perfectly, her li-ps full and red, and her hair tied in a messy bun with some strands falling on her face. “Welcome home,” she said as she walked towards me. I looked around, and my eyes searched for Sierra but they caught a document on the table. I grabbed it and realized she signed it. I felt my che-st tighten when I saw the tear mark on the document. “What’s this?” I asked, and Cassie smiled as she took two glasses of champagne and handed me one, which I refused. Chapter 5 ~DAMIAN~ I woke up earlier than usual. I looked at the beautiful woman who was in a deep sleep. The sheet barely covered her body, her perfect ass was exposed, and I beat myself for even doubting or caring for Sierra’s leave last night. I carefully crawled on the bed to her side and started kissing her legs and she giggled. “Damian… I’m still not awake,” she said, half asleep. “I know, I’m just trying to cover up your body, I don’t want the people on TV to start gawking at my woman,” I said. She let out a small, attractive laugh. After securely covering her body with the sheet, I removed strands of her hair from her face. I tugged it behind her ear and kissed her cheek. When I was done, I got up and walked to the bathroom. I let the tap run as my hands ran through my hair. I took a bath net and started washing my body. When I was done, I closed my eyes to wash off the soap and that’s when I saw her face. Out in the dark, I immediately shot my eyes open, wrapped a towel around my waistline and walked out of the bathroom, straight to my closet. I was now applying lotion, I looked at the bed, and realised Cassie was not there. Did she perhaps find a hotel? I felt a sense of relief as I looked in the mirror to reassure my look, but I saw her again, SIERRA. I ran to the bedside table, grabbed my phone, and searched for her number. When I found it, I attempted to dial it, but I remembered what I told her yesterday, so I stopped myself. “What do you think you’re doing, Damian? It’s good she’s gone. It’s what you wanted, right?” I scolded myself, and just when I was about to put my phone back on the table, it started to ring, I quickly picked it up. “Sierra?” I said without thinking. “No, it’s Adrian, Mr. Winters. The divorce has been finalized,” he informed me. “How? When? I haven’t sent you the final documents yet.” “Mrs. Robertson sent them to me,” he said, and I nodded. “Thank you, Adrian,” I said and hung up without waiting for his response. I dialled Sierra’s number. “I just need to know if she’s fine, not that I care,” I convinced myself, but my heart ached when the number didn't go through. I tried it again and again, but still got the same response. I dialled Lily’s number, I knew she knew Sierra's whereabouts. “Damian, king of heartbreaks. You just never change, do you?” “Is Sierra with you? Not that I care, of course, but can you put her through or put the phone on loudspeaker? I want...” “If it’s about the divorce, then don’t worry, give her copies to Lucas, I’ll send it to her,” she sidestepped me. “What? Where did she go?” “That is not your business, listen, I have to go now. Have a lovely day,” she said and ended the call. I knew she couldn't tell me anything. “So Sierra left, but where?” I quickly rushed to my closet and wore clean clothes. I didn't even get to style my hair and I rushed down the stairs. “You’re in a hurry?” A teasing voice caught my attention, it was Cassie. She was in one of Sierra’s pyjamas, and looking at her, I could tell she was cooking. “Yes, I have to rush to... to a meeting.” "Well, that meeting has to wait as I’ve prepared your favourite, at least I still remember it’s your favourite, right?” She said as she took steps towards me. When she reached my side, her fingers started working on my tie. “Thank you, but I’ll have to come back early then. I really can’t miss this meeting.” "Yes, you can, you’re the head,” she said, and ran her nails through my che-st. I felt my dicck stand but got down again. “I promise to be back early, just after the meeting, okay?” I said, as I kissed her cheeks and ran out. I didn't even hear the last words she said. As I got in my car, I drove at a fast speed, which made me arrive at my office in just ten minutes. “Where the he-ll did she go?” I asked myself, as I pulled over. I hastily got out of my car and ran inside. “Good morning, Mr. Winters,” my assistant, Jane, greeted. She was probably surprised that I was here so early. “Good morning, is Lucas here?” I asked her, and she shook her head. “It’s still six, they all come in at eight,” she said. “Yes, I know. Listen, call him, and tell him I need him here before seven.” She looked at me weirdly, as I’ve never done this. “Do I need to repeat myself?” I angrily said, and she rushed and took the telephone. “Mr. Lucas,” she said. “I hope Lucas’s office is open.” "Yes, Mr. Winters, it was just cleaned,” she responded and continued talking on the phone. I walked out, heading straight to Lucas’s office. As I reached inside, I pulled out my phone and dialed Adrian’s number. “Mr. Winters, I’ll send the...” “Sierra is gone.” "Yes, I heard you divorced her. Is that not what you wanted?” “No, I mean a part of me, but now that she’s gone, her image can’t leave my mind, it’s like she’s tormenting me,” I said and roughly ran my hands through my hair. “Wait, the same Sierra, the plus-sized woman, the mistake of a wife, the...” "Okay, stop!” “Alright, calm down. What do you want me to do?” “Lily mentioned she left, I want to know where she went.” “Lily didn’t tell me anything, you know how Lily is.” “I know, but she’s the one who booked her tickets that I’m sure of, so your job is to go home and find out which country Lily bought the tickets for.” "Okay, sir. I’ll do it, but first I have to attend a meeting with an important client.” “Ask Bruce to replace you.” “The client specifically asked for me.” “Alright, it’s fine, but please don’t forget to do what I’m asking you to do,” I reminded him, and as he nodded, I took out my phone and dialed a number. “Detective,” I said as the man on the other end picked up. I heard Lucas giggle, and I turned to point at him before I walked out of his office. Chapter 6 ~DAMIAN~ "Yes, Mr. Winters, how are you?” “I’m doing well, how are you, detective?” “I’m also well, how may I assist you today?” “My wife is missing.” “Sir, Mrs. Winters is missing?” “No, she’s not missing... I mean, we had a misunderstanding, and she’s nowhere to be found,” I explained. Why did he even care? “Oh, alright, sir, maybe she’s with her grandmother, or...” “No, she left the country, I just want you to find out which country she went to.” "Okay, that’s simple. I’ll get back to you before the end of the day.” “That’s what I thought,” I said and hung up. Just as I sat in my chair, I heard a soft knock on my door. “Come in,” I said, and the person walked in. It was Jane. I ignored her as I searched for a document in my drawer. “Mr. Winters, you have a meeting with Mr. Fosters at three, I’ll come ten minutes before to remind you. Do you need anything?” “Clear my schedule for today.” “Sir your…” “I said clear it!” I yelled, and she nodded. "Alright, sir,” she said, sitting back in her chair. As I exited the firm and got into my car, I drove at a fast speed, not minding the traffic. It only took me ten minutes to get to my destination. “Mr. Winters, good morning.” Most employees greeted me as I walked in. I just nodded, my focus was to find Lily. I didn't even bother to pass by the receptionist as I walked straight to her office. “Oh, you don’t even know how to knock?” She complained as soon as I walked in. “Why should I when I own the building?” I said, and she rolled her eyes. "Okay, what do you want? If it’s about your girlfriend, I’ll have the one under me contact her about the day she starts and everything.” “It’s not about Cassie.” “I’m confused,” she said, unpleasantly batting her eyelashes. “I see what you’re doing, I’m still your boss.” “Well, here we’re not talking about the company, right? Don’t forget, I’m your friend too.” “It seems you're forgetting that you’re just on Sierra’s side, you don’t even want to consider my feelings in this matter.” I tried to manipulate her. "No, Damian, you know it doesn’t work like that. I always stand by the truth.” “I know, listen, I fcked up, okay. I just need to know where she is.” “No, Damian, You didn’t fvck up. With the way you mistreated her all these years, she never once said a word against you, she has been by your side despite your ill-treatment. Who will stand and cook for a man who loves someone else? She doesn’t get the right to decorate her own home, she stands in a space decorated in another woman’s style. That’s Sierra, because I, or any other woman out there wouldn’t. Even with that, she still stood by you, and now your ex is back after what she did to you, and you throw divorce papers at her face, the mother of your unborn child? Not even the dumbest person will do that. I know Cassie is my friend, but with this, I stand by Sierra.” “I know, I’m sorry, I just...” “I’m never telling you where she went, you can fire me or torture me, but you need to learn a lesson,” she sidestepped. “Consider our friendship.” “I could, but what’s making me furious is you asking her to abor-t the baby that I’ll never forgive. You don’t deserve her, Damian, you don’t.” “Lily….” “I’m currently busy, if you have nothing relating to the company to say the door is that way,” she said, pointing at the door. “You’re asking me to leave?” “Yes,” she said and looked away. I could unquestionably terminate her contract considering that the company belonged to me, but I didn't want to lose a friend and the only person connected to Sierra, so I obeyed her and walked out. “Mr. Winters,” the employees all started greeting me again as I walked through the company corridors. When I got in my car, I realized the sun was already setting. I took out my phone, and I saw that I had missed over twenty calls from Cassie. I played her voicemail. “Damian, I don’t know what’s going on with you. I went to your office and didn’t find you there. Jane told me you went to a meeting, but I doubt it. That’s fine, but I’m giving you an hour to get home, otherwise, you will not come find me here.” As the voice message ended, I started my car without hesitation and drove in the direction of my home. It didn't take a long time before I found myself inside my apartment. Roses, soft music in the background, and a fresh scent. I stopped in my tracks as I looked around, and my eyes fell on Cassie. She was just in red lingerie, seated on the floor. She was looking at me with disappointment written all over her face. Then my eyes fell on the bottle in her hands. “Cassie!” I screamed and ran to her side. I forcefully took the bottle from her hands. “Let me drink,” she said in a sluggish tone. “No.” “You were not here before, you were busy searching for her. ” “I'm sorry,” I muttered. “Sorry does not solve it. What happens tomorrow? You will still leave me here feeling stu-pid and chase after her.” "No. Listen,” I cupped her face, and she stared into my eyes expectantly. “I’m going to be the boyfriend you want. I think I just lost my senses for a second, but I’m done.” “I was scared, I thought…" She started to confess, but I placed my finger on her li-ps to stop her from saying any more words. Chapter 7 TEXAS, HOUSTON 2017 ~SIERRA~ "Shiit, where’s that belt?” I cursed as I started looking for my belt. It’s a challenge for us plus-size women to wear an office skirt without a belt, it makes you look unprofessional. When I found it, I placed it around my waist. It would also help in case no one wanted to hire a pragnant woman, as my bump was already showing. “I should register for a yoga class,” I reminded myself as I looked in the mirror. My hands unintentionally reached my bump. “We need to get this job,” I said out loud, and my eyes caught sight of my hair, it was copper, my natural hair color. Three years ago, I had to dye it to my husband's —well, now my ex-husband’s demand. Lily sent me a copy of the divorce last week. I’ve been in Houston for two weeks now. I have been looking for a job but with no luck. They all either wanted to be bribed or get into my pants. I was not going to lose my dignity, especially now that I was pragnant. After I admired my hair in the mirror, I grabbed my qualifications and purse before I ran out. I still didn't know how to get a cab, so I took out my phone and used the GPS to locate the restaurant. I saw the job opening on social media, and I was confident with this one. When I spotted the restaurant, which was just a five-minute walk from my small apartment, I breathed in and approached it. There was a lady by the door, so I walked up to her. “Good morning,” I politely greeted. “Good morning, ma’am. Welcome to Wine and Dine Restaurant.” “Thank you, I’m here for the job opening, yes, I saw it on social media.” I smiled. "Oh, the chef's position?” I could tell she was in shock as she looked at me from head to toe. “Yes.” I ignored her rude behavior. “The position is closed. See, that’s the supervisor and right now she’s talking to the new chef,” she said, pointing at the women, and my eyes followed the direction of her finger. “Please, I desperately need this job,” I begged, but she didn't respond, instead, she looked at me with judgy eyes, like I didn't fit in here. I ignored her, and I approached the supervisor. “Miss, I understand the position is taken, but I’m willing to do anything, I can even clean. I desperately need this job, please.” I pleaded, and my tears threatened, but I held them back. “I’m sorry, but we currently don’t have any openings.” She tried to sound sweet, but her tone betrayed her. “I can do anything —serve, wash plates, please,” I begged, and she started to look uncomfortable. “Like I said, we don't currently have any job openings, just leave your papers and we’ll call you once we have an opportunity,” she said, faked a smile, and continued to talk to the new chef. I realized nothing I could do would change her made-up mind, so I started to walk away, but she stopped me. “The CEO’s parking spot is 2B, try to talk to him,” she said and then continued her conversation. I didn't even thank her as I started running. I didn't know where the spot was, but I still ran, as I didn't want to miss the chance. When I reached outside, I spotted the parking area. I made my way to it even when I didn't know where to start, luckily, I spotted a guard, and I approached him. “Sir, where's the 2B parking spot?” I asked, but he didn't respond. "Sir, please help me, it’s urgent.” “I could help, but your body is not my type, I prefer my ladies to be sexy and slim. Have you heard of the gym?” He teased me. I felt a cold tear roll down my cheek, and just when I was about to wipe it off, I saw a car reversing my way, and the guard screamed, “Watch out!” I jumped as I tried to save myself, but I fell to the floor and hit my head, and then everything stopped. ******** I forced my eyes open, and they wandered to the white ceiling and then the little window. I felt the stinging pain in my head. “Ouch!” A painful scream escaped my li-ps, and I touched the spot where the pain was coming from. “Careful.” I heard a manly voice, and unintentionally, I called Damian’s name. “Damian?” “No, I’m Gilbert, the man you collided with at the restaurant, remember?” He asked with worried evidence in his tone. He came to my side and helped me sit up. I nodded, as everything was still fresh in my memory. “I just hope you’re okay,” he said worriedly, and then the door opened. A middle-aged man walked in. “Good morning, Ms. Reid,” he greeted me, and I nodded. “We checked for everything, and you’re perfectly fine.” “And my baby?” I asked as that was my main concern. “Oh, they are fine.” “They? I'm having twins?” “No, they are triplets. Congratulations, Ms. Reid, you’re expecting triplets,” he said, and once again, fresh tears found their way to my cheeks. “I’ll be right back,” the doctor said, and he walked out. “Wow! Triplets, congratulations! I must see the men behind this, I need to learn his trick. Where is he?” Gilbert asked, and I wiped away my tears. “Dead,” I responded. Yes, Damian died the moment I got on that plane. “Oh, I’m so sorry.” His face changed from that of happiness to that of pity. “It is okay,” I said, as thoughts of raising three kids stole my mind. How was I going to manage three kids with just a million in my account? I was not going to bother my grandmother with this, but three kids required an assistant. ” “You’re not too happy about it?” He asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I nodded, as I was not able to bring out words. “Listen, life is tough, especially in such a big city. Everyone is fighting a battle. We’re all here struggling with one or two things, but we just have to face it, the aim is to survive.” Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks as he spoke. “Take me, for example. People assume that I’m living my best life. As the owner of a successful restaurant, I should be good, right? But if you ask me, I would rather live someone else’s life.” “Why?” I was now intrigued. “I’ve been burdened with managing a family restaurant that is now going down. My wife just divorced me, I just want to find an honest buyer, but no one wants to bu-y it because it's going down,” he said, and then I remembered the reason I collided with him. “I’m sorry for the divorce. Are you the CEO of Wine and Dine?” “Yes, and trust me, it is a burden, especially with this divorce and buyers offering nothing for the restaurant.” “I was going to talk to you. I wanted a job, but since you are thinking of sell-ing, I might have an offer for you.” “Really?” “Yes,” I said as a smile found its way to my li-ps. “Are you proposing you purchase the restaurant from me at a reasonable price?” He asked with a voice full of hope. “Yes, it’s a good business, right?” “A very good one if you know how to manage it,” he said. I used to help Damian manage The Winters Company, even when it was from home. He had a lot on his shoulders —the law and the company. I did almost everything the CEO was required to do for him, he forced me to learn. “I’m confident,” I said, as my hands were now caressing my bump. Three babies? It was overwhelming.	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1,940,512	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940357}'	No	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	1114819589581972	😍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!	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1,940,970	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940960}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:22	active	1181	791655549621894	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	1,792,013,954,537,753	2024-07-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	0	Learn more	Romantic Novel House	120209977101920766	fbweb.manobook.com	NONE	video		https://fbweb.manobook.com/11878375-fb_contact-spj57-0227-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=216543&accid=1593369501516705		2024-07-19 06:11	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452050957_1468038227250301_3883732012085185909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6IFihybKvlwQ7kNvgFrI7Wv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDeggDeTKbOSU43DkW7HxjeVNeWCunpk3tgSTx2OGsPZA&oe=66AB6CC3	person_profile	0	Manobook - Yo soy tuya y tú eres mío	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452004685_3710608685856903_9046848418984073251_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JruxPqdGe9EQ7kNvgHVVuJP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBg0f9_RSx4Cyd8IAaJzAc8BkTll4ND3kElQ4UTMymV0Q&oe=66AB4A11	3	Romantic Novel House	2024-07-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,229	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-28 00:21	active	1182	799407265283187		Ravin offers 1 Crossbow per Household after a lawsuit over misleading advertising prices 😎 Check eligibility 👉 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2snc9t3t&h=AT2TcPph8_kKeh7IenVXuzFBIae9D5H5UkiFS_n_D-vt07-8IdqD5g2Ljafs39lBng542Fp0Mp4GwDsKEP_M0EihczXnt6T9RyWduXHmWSde7Ojmk9NlQoW7E43pGwlVSuX1tEEGrqo43Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">tinyurl.com/2snc9t3t</a>	APPLY_NOW	https://pocketpromo.site/?key=3p1mi735a6ttuizvsu0w	329512016919837	Hot offer	https://facebook.com/61561809932240	25	1	3,616,363,581,948,144	2024-07-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	0	Apply now	Hot offer	120208504725940284		NONE	image		https://pocketpromo.site/?key=3p1mi735a6ttuizvsu0w&asn=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&pla=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&adn=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&son=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&adi=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&cai=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&asi=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&fbpixel=4018724614932970&t1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&td=td		2024-07-02 13:04	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449364807_2192329041120564_8205929241466631813_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bcOKtrQmA-IQ7kNvgGapZNa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&gid=A6P0Lx9v_NpS9g1GJY6aMog&oh=00_AYBZ832fqOG0FOyO-29YLXeSqV_76WYRxQBaPlo4KtgyAg&oe=66AB8AE4	person_profile	0	Hot offer	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449792147_2872080516266694_129868324167304426_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qr4pXV1ncnUQ7kNvgFw4wNT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&gid=A6P0Lx9v_NpS9g1GJY6aMog&oh=00_AYCUw9RhJ9K-Q6mYAv98LzzlYj2Bo580nNdSZdSFYVqDCw&oe=66ABAAF1	3	Hot offer	2024-07-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,243	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-07-28 00:21	active	1182	2872552659551696		Ravin offers 1 Crossbow per Household after a lawsuit over misleading advertising prices 😎 Check eligibility 👉 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fbden3cmu&h=AT0WhAYx-dxvAH8CFbVsYzqo2Uj9Zhg6PuyLzXkfP4hsPWE65VPp6MzUsRfSSX_MW1vpDHS46uVtu-x1b2E601__7fgJPC9Xl4QPVJsMP8raipsHhnHwh8FbPjPhPoigaNuRchdy7xQ7rg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">tinyurl.com/bden3cmu</a>	APPLY_NOW	https://pocketpromo.site/?key=4iyljtkw1n1p3kfiwu54	341935182340860	Hot Offer	https://facebook.com/61561191825075	31	1	1,498,355,557,470,299	2024-06-28 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	0	Apply now	Hot Offer	120210307389990089		NONE	image		https://pocketpromo.site/?key=4iyljtkw1n1p3kfiwu54&asn=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&pla=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&adn=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&son=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&adi=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&cai=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&asi=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&fbpixel=4018724614932970&t1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&td=td		2024-06-27 03:33	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442417020_906972978113020_7355796759330896319_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=13y8S6rBkTIQ7kNvgG--T8V&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAfJir5tubWYE1Rnm8j0xrgx6dawRK9CARObTxVfPAWJg&oe=66AB9964	person_profile	0	Hot Offer	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443842142_748208550636827_5867880192403122251_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oGRYvnZSMxIQ7kNvgHTihmi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDEwIYPjL7CI30j_g2CocYKixu65Pjdhy-i-QBI3dnpmA&oe=66ABAACC	3	Hot Offer	2024-06-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,108	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1941105}'	Yes	2024-07-28 00:21	active	1182	854551946083833	Press the "Learn more" button to claim your offer immediately. 👇	If you're viewing this, 😱<br /> <br /> Hooray for your success! You're among the fortunate 3,000 who have snagged a Ravin R29 Crossbow for only $10 in our giveaway. 🥳	LEARN_MORE	https://misconstructed.info/landers/mfc/usa/RavinT	107968978328731	Nông My	https://facebook.com/100095653327716	0	1	987,191,069,772,704	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Nông My	120211206450330764	misconstructed.info	NONE	video		https://misconstructed.info/landers/mfc/usa/RavinTedNugent?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&source={{site_source_name}}&placement={{placement}}&cpid=6698ec4eaabe780012e1bead		2024-07-26 01:58	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453069548_474044605413210_7224469481888262063_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qOt_QnXSQawQ7kNvgH4OG3n&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAxaS65Ts7IDq4_UPRm8-kMKyfjge0Px85sH-6tP6ZwNg&oe=66AB8E2B	person_profile	0	Nông My	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452916942_1681742622576440_7145574170469918630_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pqlLz_tXL2cQ7kNvgGARLD_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAopvZNDpDN1_oAMUjf3Jw0FZB35xiyA8VS-zikARYHIQ&oe=66AB8F35	3	Nông My	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,147	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-28 00:21	active	1182	1048053133469400	Smart Wireless Headphone Sunglasses	🕶2024 new bluetooth glasses make a grand debut! 😎Wireless Bluetooth connection,,allowing you to enjoy a free and unfettered world of music! Fashionable design, comfortable to wear.✨	SHOP_NOW	https://www.entitley.com/products/sunglasses	116028241420043	Entitley-USA	https://facebook.com/100090833495881	219	3	1,552,136,685,336,913	2024-07-19 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	0	Shop now	Entitley-USA	120212017281130341	www.entitley.com	NONE	video		https://www.entitley.com/products/sunglasses		2024-07-19 04:16	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451981198_1180809709703921_9197764497866380329_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-RRniY4hCWUQ7kNvgHtjRS2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAOpbHrDy9RGJdQN1qodlbiNHIxADh_rfof_QO1YCuvQA&oe=66ABA5D9	person_profile	0	Entitley-USA	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452009074_781817397366998_8141845790045086794_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tEe2xQ8e0zYQ7kNvgFouCnf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBELJNfASZ4lG-__FmcWE2t3hCromc_OrmUpNatnWHj2A&oe=66ABB9AE	3	Entitley-USA	2024-07-19 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,939,867	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.23270440251572327,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:12	active	1179	1673056483461726	2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring Sport Utility 4D	2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring Sport Utility 4D - $37,900.00<br /> <br /> 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD<br /> <br /> Only 40,073 miles!<br /> <br /> 1-Owner, Clean Carfax!<br /> <br /> Factory Warranty‼️<br /> <br /> ✅19-inch glass black wheels<br /> ✅Hands-free Liftgate<br /> ✅Ambient cabin lighting<br /> ✅Integrated navigation system<br /> ✅Heated steering wheel<br /> ✅12-speaker Bose premium audio system<br /> ✅Blindspot warning with rear cross-traffic warning<br /> <br /> ✨110-Point inspection by factory-trained technicians!<br /> <br /> ☎️573-392-3333 or online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FLloydBelt.com%2F&h=AT0T7an5tluA5Ns4lcoJqI-hPDoJN55wBmr9TWPURta4n8Srm9S-9ZRWrdVc2IEgiQz-P4KO9SA6hDNZ8ntzuEuSCIUFgP_OkfINj8AfF6CQg91Gan0Fek73Fq5QgJVURAkcb5i0UUrXZA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">LloydBelt.com</a><br /> <br /> Click on the link below for more information:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lloydbelt.com%2Fdefault.asp%3Fpage%3DxInventoryDetail%26id%3D15719931%26p%3D1%26s%3D%2528Sort%2BBy%2529%26d%3DD%26fr%3DxAllInventory&h=AT2IbPBpNMFKur3cqHXoBDEY2Makby4GJ1ZJ2FAr6WD7vymFf4R8Ottj6ctmNTf6bxtgFlhGm0MyfJ0_C91t1UZAaDhJ_uuglIzJlu_RcnSy1BXcdcvpgrWtN7tT0sl_Co4aKEZ_HRcHuA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.lloydbelt.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=15719931&p=1&s=%28Sort+By%29&d=D&fr=xAllInventory</a><br /> Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/103861595094	102886898269455	Kelly Gettinger	/marketplace/?seller_profile=1828394141	0	1	839,062,294,850,698	2024-07-27 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Contact us	Kelly Gettinger	120211291695800320		NONE	image		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1038615950940645/		2024-07-27 12:10		regular_page	1	Kelly Gettinger	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453002806_851243039849661_5871762434623748163_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KUFo7q8WmkgQ7kNvgEqQQqE&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCAfAv5CusyM5zEv6oTvF76IKNiFND_Rp2Q29pRGRkMPA&oe=66AB6295	3	Kelly Gettinger	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,939,797	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-07-27 19:12	active	1179	807078604900617	Chat with us	Message "Mawage" today for details 💒<br /> <br /> Looking for a photographer who understands your nerdy vision? Someone fun and engaging who will make you laugh while capturing your best smiles, all while posing you in ways that look amazing and feel natural? Look no further! Message "Mawage" today to check availability and learn more about my wedding packages. 📸✨	CONTACT_US	https://fb.com/messenger_doc/	112848238736797	Kelly Urban Photography	https://facebook.com/photogbykelly	635	1	8,011,444,498,948,701	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Contact us	Kelly Urban Photography	6635442576245	fb.com	NONE	video		https://fb.com/messenger_doc/	{"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I learn more about your business?"},{"title":"Can you tell me more about your ad?"},{"title":"Is anyone available to chat?"}],"quick_replies":[],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Thanks for reaching out! When are you getting married?","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"image_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"template","payload":{"template_type":"generic","elements":[{"title":"","buttons":[]}]}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Thanks for reaching out! When are you getting married?","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"video_format":{"customer_action_type":"quick_replies","message":{"attachment":{"type":"video","payload":{"attachment_id":""}},"quick_replies":[{"title":"I'd like to learn more","content_type":"text"}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Thanks for reaching out! When are you getting married?","is_eligible_for_customized_greeting":false}},"user_edit":true,"surface":"visual_editor_new","ai_generated_welcome_message_impression":false,"has_ai_generated_welcome_message":false,"ai_generated_icebreaker_toggle_enabled":null,"welcome_message_edited":true,"template_id":"7930444973687629"}	2024-07-27 16:30	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453218900_1161189388331736_7142554629052398475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O01BoisMVCUQ7kNvgGKv75U&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&gid=ANp-YfUmjJBaM9IuixBuSYL&oh=00_AYCd41aNvwBRA-xx64BCEQlPZ1H8Z0pTKV9hPXk45ox-EQ&oe=66AB7955	person_profile	0	Kelly Urban Photography	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453394262_1327872028599994_152349344063541033_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zSd90k98SQ8Q7kNvgFYMj28&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&gid=ANp-YfUmjJBaM9IuixBuSYL&oh=00_AYDuX9cvaT3s4TcBSzsGeA_BkbmMgtiROptCdOw8DdY4iw&oe=66AB504D	3	Kelly Urban Photography	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,939,880	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-27 19:12	active	1179	1295973661567266		BLUE, PURPLE, MAGENTA UNDERNEATH WITH BEAUTIFUL SMOKEY BEIGE BALAYAGE AND BABY LIGHTS COMBINATION 💙💜🩷🩶 <br /> <br /> For appointments Call/WhatsApp - 03212620533 <br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> #hairtransformation #smokeybeige #blonde #underneathhaircolor #hairfashion #balayage #haircut #babylightsandbalayage #hairbyarzoozafari #worldisforhairdressers #babylights #combination #k18 #loveisinthehair #haircare #hairlove #hairgoals #hairmelt #hairtrends ✨✨	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/hairbyarzoozafari	589075881604158	Hairbyarzoozafari	https://facebook.com/100064003991026	4,764	1	471,664,795,584,252	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Visit Instagram profile	Hairbyarzoozafari	120209108760720461	instagram.com	NONE	video		http://instagram.com/hairbyarzoozafari		2024-07-27 12:54	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453176671_511948488038630_1906327556171600476_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Y2qxJugo1UQ7kNvgEycUuw&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBGUgsEfMzlmmp85xe4mJls01Shdet8d_Mx90s7x2Z8HQ&oe=66AB4FA4	person_profile	0	Arzoo Zafari	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453174651_491212900220357_6236280256743549719_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wn-DqufwJrEQ7kNvgFYuDNT&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDHA9Zce9tSHsB6SLZWRHII0Gmniuzwe7RcBtjfl3IS1A&oe=66AB744A	3	Hairbyarzoozafari	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,939,887	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1939888}'	No	2024-07-27 19:12	active	1179	433097212523127	{{product.name}}	¿Alguna vez has imaginado sacar provecho de tu opinión? Ahora es posible, gracias a esta nueva aplicación... Si quieres aprender, haz clic en "Más información"	LEARN_MORE	https://tuvitalidadfemenina.com.br/shein/	380604088465898	Kelly Chrystine	https://facebook.com/61563087982726	0	2	1,416,435,255,736,137	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn More	Kelly Chrystine	120210458744130176	tuvitalidadfemenina.com.br	NONE	dco	¡Nueva oportunidad para 2024! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.9/5	https://tuvitalidadfemenina.com.br/shein/		2024-07-27 11:31	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452957387_1162118734841773_7907773509508669301_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q1n_GwW8t0IQ7kNvgFudN2c&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDd6Gr2EncZt0UdM9AKILpQJ4PnBhl1hKfAKXz3vqUwPw&oe=66AB647D	person_profile	0	Kelly Chrystine	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453016964_2382598998611416_952610832844729795_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_xL3UGNUrWsQ7kNvgHeX6lp&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDaH-OWK4Gwd7rhN8BlyDaaD58aEOOnvh43VBAelalyTA&oe=66AB6C02	3	Kelly Chrystine	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,939,433	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1939436}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:12	active	1179	799759628810778	Free worldwide shipping	Let's all take a moment to appreciate the vibrant and uplifting rainbow vibes that @franchelaulises is radiating today. It's truly contagious! 🌈😊 Find this look at Kelly Obi New York Up to 30% off shop made in Nigeria💥 FREE Worldwide Shipping 🚚 14 day returns 🛍 Buy now, pay later🙂	SHOP_NOW	https://kellyobi.com/products/rainbow-pleated-set-	116791414665998	Kelly Obi New York	https://facebook.com/KellyObiNewYork	12,847	7	1,209,716,090,063,274	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Shop Now	Kelly Obi New York	120210869237610606	kellyobi.com	NONE	dco	Kelly Obi New York	https://kellyobi.com/products/rainbow-pleated-set-1		2024-07-25 03:45	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452946060_455612817316927_3494358244437925902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=br7cdJ3rMbwQ7kNvgFxKmRw&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCYpxFyptq2W4FU4QeTkcqygOjoeBvMOJCCuaCgBulFXg&oe=66AB6E56	person_profile	0	Kelly Obi New York	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452930638_1030413778790901_4319975891845240059_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hRS9ocMUpEsQ7kNvgHOec1O&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBJHMqNqlgY5bGQpyF0Ht2b2RfJJIz3joUBDtRci3kdMg&oe=66AB5F8C	3	Kelly Obi New York	2024-07-25 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,103	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-07-28 00:21	active	1182	1182779619427824	Tap the "Learn more" button now to claim your prize! 👇	If you're reading this, 😱<br /> <br /> Congratulations on your success! You're one of the lucky 3,000 people who have won a Ravin R29 Crossbow for only $10 in our giveaway. 🥳	LEARN_MORE	https://misconstructed.info/landers/mfc/usa/RavinT	101285629412208	Ashley Isis	https://facebook.com/100085797045096	0	1	852,942,750,056,002	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Ashley Isis	120212002308900462	misconstructed.info	NONE	video		https://misconstructed.info/landers/mfc/usa/RavinTedNugent?ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&campaign_id=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&ad_name=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&adset_name=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&campaign_name=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&source=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&placement=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&cpid=6698ec4eaabe780012e1bead		2024-07-26 02:15	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453003720_1242456216916767_8585093548282666096_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=paRRR8VCZH4Q7kNvgEuAsVR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDb76Nl3UNFD1tgRogN82E2k9wUHU7NFZFuhR0FYXcPYg&oe=66AB92AD	person_profile	0	Ashley Isis	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452873964_1148175819579879_3013452849323948250_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TGZPmloRkNAQ7kNvgH0f__R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCddbVS0hu2kPZxfNQP53kWjzkRyYYhYgPrtxEgJyDu_Q&oe=66AB912F	3	Ashley Isis	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,941,187	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-07-28 00:21	active	1182	347392165073591		🕶2024 new bluetooth glasses make a grand debut! 😎Wireless Bluetooth connection, allowing you to enjoy a free and unfettered world of music! Fashionable design, comfortable to wear.✨	SHOP_NOW	https://www.vofatiponal.com/products/sunglasses	111401101574062	Vofatiponal	https://facebook.com/100083055172725	10,366	6	1,859,248,594,502,527	2024-07-13 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	0	Shop now	Vofatiponal	120209019375280358	www.vofatiponal.com	NONE	video		https://www.vofatiponal.com/products/sunglasses		2024-07-12 03:23	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/450866637_1010334927369360_7050341611149475364_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3dWRONRT4IwQ7kNvgHbyhDd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDURFTtDnV0q48t0L0WxW8-YgtmhwRr1dLpuCZUuSQ5mw&oe=66ABBE29	person_profile	0	Vofatiponal	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449836794_1106974297771024_3656538482526551420_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iTJOoPgd32gQ7kNvgENvnNZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAnjvMeaDD3qyEAHn_80QHcvVFMeG_ChTUT4QbBE4EshA&oe=66ABA416	3	Vofatiponal	2024-07-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,939,884	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":0.998642270640719,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-07-27 19:12	active	1179	370330496083892	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	😱🔥The Unwanted billionaire Heires🥰	WATCH_MORE	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.	126997507157767	SHORT TV	https://facebook.com/61551042265812	412,088	6	867,571,468,547,590	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	0	Watch more	SHORT TV	120209615920910599	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps		2024-07-20 08:56	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451980103_828972015617014_2842000470115952417_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mEGpkKf8zVMQ7kNvgHJwc7I&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYA2EQkRCM4T4CjBxMUB0__kZyDf6fHUN7QMKlnDaftY5g&oe=66AB50DA	person_profile	0	SHORT TV	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451749535_8638592476195959_8063081141672991854_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lgwBNcMeBR0Q7kNvgF3fh2A&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA4H7QZBZt-UVvpiuwmLJJffDNlllGLb6x93cRL_IlOKw&oe=66AB557E	3	SHORT TV	2024-07-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,940,170	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1940171}'	Yes	2024-07-27 19:19	active	1180	454693697469501	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office. Today was the first time I went to his company.<br /> After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that they’re finally learning to accept me?<br /> Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from losing my baby lingered, even though it had been a long time since that accident. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came.<br /> I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own.<br /> Now, I was about to step into Elijah’s world — his beloved company.<br /> My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. <br /> But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other.<br /> What is going on? I thought in alarm. <br /> Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijah’s ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. <br /> My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized I’d dropped the folder I was holding. <br /> They both looked up, startled. <br /> And that’s when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. <br /> Serena Foster! <br /> She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijah’s ex-girlfriend. <br /> The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. <br /> My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. “You remember Serena, right? She works here now.”<br /> I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. <br /> They’re just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldn’t cheat on me, would he? <br /> All this time, I’d remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. <br /> “So why are you here?” Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow.<br /> “Your mom asked me to deliver this,” I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. <br /> But much to my dismay, he didn’t. <br /> It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that he’d never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. <br /> “Sophia, you look shaken up. Didn’t you know Elijah hired me to work here?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Apparently, we make a great team. Funny, I don’t recall seeing you here before.” <br /> She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. <br /> She then added, “Oh, right, you don’t know anything about business. You might just mess things up.”<br /> “I take care of our home,” I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldn’t even defend me.<br /> Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, “Next time, Sophia, just contact me and I’ll have my assistant come over.”<br /> "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here.<br /> Suddenly, Elijah’s secretary came in.<br /> “Alice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,” he instructed. “Just black for Serena. No sugar.”<br /> Serena’s eyes lit up. “Hey, you remembered!” she exclaimed, obviously delighted. <br /> Elijah nodded at her. “Of course.”<br /> I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. <br /> I couldn’t help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. <br /> “Join us, Sophia,” Serena invited with a devilish grin. “Just like how we used to hang out together in college.”<br /> I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. “I have to go,” I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. “I’ll see you at home.”<br /> Elijah’s expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. <br /> The way he treated me had only gotten worse after losing my baby.<br /> What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. You’re the one who keeps hoping he’ll eventually fall for you.<br /> As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband’s mother Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid.<br /> I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldn’t seem to catch up. <br /> When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. I’m back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. <br /> I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. <br /> Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. <br /> A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. <br /> I knew exactly what it contained — the papers I’d prepared before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. <br /> It read: Divorce Agreement. <br /> CHAPTER 2<br /> The divorce agreement was written after I accidentally lost my baby. During that time, I couldn’t even look at Elijah’s face without thinking about our baby. The pain was unbearable, so I believed divorce was my salvation. Looking back, preparing the divorce agreement was not a mistake, now that leaving was my only option.<br /> My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morgana’s voice outside. “Sophia!” she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. <br /> Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. That’s when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. <br /> She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full of disdain. <br /> As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. “Elijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,” she said with a scoff. “You can’t even be relied on for such a simple task.”<br /> Her words cut deep. “When you first came to our house carrying a baby in your belly, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,” she continued. “Then you had lost your baby and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?"<br /> Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, “My son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.”<br /> Sure enough, she already knew that Serena worked at Elijah's company. She asked me to deliver the papers today just to make a fool of me.<br /> The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side.<br /> I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again.<br /> I don’t deserve this, I thought sourly. It’s time for me to escape, to save myself. <br /> With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers I’d hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. <br /> I’ve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, I’d always seemed invisible to them. <br /> I’ve been obedient, helpful, and hardworking… But no one cares. Not even my own husband. <br /> I’m nothing to him. He doesn’t love me and he never learned to. That’s the most painful of all. <br /> My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. <br /> This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or I’ll lose my sanity!<br /> That evening, I hadn’t realized I’d already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. <br /> I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasn’t, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. <br /> “Hey, playing hard to get, aren’t you?” he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips.<br /> I didn’t have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. <br /> “When did Serena start working at your company?” I asked him coldly. <br /> He shrugged, but didn’t stop what he was doing. “Not sure. Probably recruited by HR.” His lips traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally, the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered.<br /> “Serena is such a talented addition to our team,” he remarked with admiration.<br /> As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him.<br /> Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn’t believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. <br /> “You know,” he said, oblivious to my disappointment, “she's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.”<br /> Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gaze—a kind of infatuation—that he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me.<br /> He’s probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn’t want him anywhere near me.<br /> But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. <br /> I didn’t answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’ve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought you’d snap out of it, but you’ve only gotten worse. It’s depressing to even see you.”<br /> I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldn’t even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. <br /> “Maybe it’s because of the baby we lost…” he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, “Why don’t we just make another baby?”<br /> I couldn’t believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didn’t understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. <br /> My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury I’ve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesn’t get it. Or maybe he just doesn’t care. <br /> I was totally pissed off. And that’s when I blurted it out. <br /> “I want to divorce you.”<br /> CHAPTER 3<br /> I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. <br /> I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. <br /> My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another — strangers who’d been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. <br /> But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. <br /> “I want a divorce,” I repeated, keeping my voice steady. “I’m serious.”<br /> Slowly he nodded. “Yes, sure,” he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. <br /> My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. <br /> This is it. I’m going to be free. <br /> And yet somehow, I didn’t feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth — he never loved me at all. He’s not even upset about the divorce!<br /> I sighed. It’s time for me to move on. <br /> The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. “We should sign this,” I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. <br /> He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same.<br /> “Elijah, please,” I whispered, making sure my voice wouldn’t break. “Let's end this.”<br /> His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didn’t sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. <br /> Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serena’s name, making my heart tighten. I can’t believe this woman’s timing!<br /> But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didn’t want to answer it because I was in the room with him. <br /> A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. “Why don’t you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.”<br /> He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. <br /> Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings — relief, frustration, anger, sadness. <br /> “I’m finally free,” I murmured to myself incredulously. <br /> While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, “The morning’s almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.”<br /> With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. “Sorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.”<br /> Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly.<br /> I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesn’t matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely!<br /> But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. “You know what? It's actually quite nice,” she said, her tone almost mocking. “Elijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!”<br /> Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. I’m done here. I’m done with all this. <br /> Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after I lost my baby, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. <br /> That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. “Luckily I hadn’t sold it,” I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. <br /> Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. <br /> It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla:<br /> That Elijah! You have no idea what I saw! Elijah was out partying and flirting with that Serena, which he never did with you!<br /> My heart sank, anger and sadness clouded my mind as I realized he was indeed getting back together with Serena and flaunting her around.<br /> Forcing back my tears, I told Kayla: <br /> It’s over between me and Elijah. We were divorced.<br /> CHAPTER 4<br /> “Aaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!” Kayla hissed. “If I had known he’d treat you like that, I wouldn’t have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldn’t have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!”<br /> Being the daughter of Raven Media’s renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. <br /> “You should have seen them at the party last night!” she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. <br /> “They didn’t even care that I was there! They were just… Aaahhh! I really couldn’t take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!”<br /> “Oh, wow,” I uttered in disbelief. “But it’s over now, Kayla. I’m doing my best to move on.”<br /> Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. “I’m always here for you, Sophia. You know that.”<br /> “Thanks so much. I’m really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,” I responded with a fluttering heart.<br /> “Well, you’ve always had my back even in high school. So now it’s my turn to return the favor.”<br /> Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. We’d hit it off at once, and the rest was history.<br /> “Anyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesn’t deserve you, Sophia,” she went on. “So what are you planning now?”<br /> “Well, I’ve been giving it some thought…” I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. “A few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in France—”<br /> “You did not!” she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. “This will surely be your big break!”<br /> I laughed. “I haven’t been accepted yet, you know.”<br /> “Oh, but you will be!”<br /> Kayla’s enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself.<br /> But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijah’s name popping up on the screen. I froze up.<br /> Kayla’s eyes narrowed when she saw it too. “Go ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.”<br /> As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijah’s sharp tone of voice on the other end. “You filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!”<br /> “Wait, what do you mean?”<br /> “You know I’m busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!” Elijah railed angrily. <br /> I felt mortified and helpless. “I’ll talk to Troy.”<br /> “Good. Make sure he doesn’t come back again ever.” Then he hung up. <br /> I was so shocked that I couldn’t speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. <br /> “Sorry I have to go now, Kayla,” I said, bravely deciding to act immediately.<br /> She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. <br /> I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved to after my adoptive father Tom Bennett passed away. He’d left me the original house where he’d taken care of me like his real own child. <br /> But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. They’d bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. <br /> Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. “What did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!”<br /> Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. <br /> “It was never going to work out,” I said, trying to maintain my composure. “Just please stop bothering him. We’ve cut our ties. You can’t ask for anything from him anymore.”<br /> “Oh, man!” Troy exclaimed with frustration. <br /> Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family.<br /> At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. <br /> One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. <br /> “Did you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!” Brenda said, looking desperate. <br /> Troy scoffed. “When I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. I’m guessing there’s a third party involved! People who don’t know better would think that woman is his wife!”<br /> CHAPTER 5<br /> My heart felt like it would explode any time now. “It doesn’t matter,” I eventually said to Troy. “It’s none of my business now. I don’t care what he does with that woman or with whomever.”<br /> Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, “We’re definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!”<br /> “But…” Brenda began to protest. <br /> I raised my hand to stop her. “Elijah and I are over. Besides, I’ll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijah’s wealth, then now you won’t have any more need for me, right?”<br /> They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. <br /> “All thing that you swindled out of my ex-husband’s pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,” I went on in a steady voice. “We don’t have to see or talk to each other ever again.”<br /> On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. <br /> All of this drama’s taking a toll on me, I guess. <br /> But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadn’t fully recovered since the loss. <br /> “Could you please take me to the hospital?” I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility.<br /> The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach.<br /> I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me.<br /> Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man.<br /> “Are you okay? You look like you're about to faint,” he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. <br /> “Oh, wait! It’s you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?”<br /> I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. “Uh, Daniel?” I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. <br /> “Yes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.”<br /> I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. <br /> As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside.<br /> The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. <br /> “How are you feeling now?” Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. <br /> “A little better, but still kinda dizzy,” I answered honestly. “Thanks for the assistance, but it’s okay if you have somewhere to be. You’ve already done too much for me.”<br /> “Oh, it’s okay,” he said with a smile. “Unless you don’t want me here.”<br /> “It’s nothing like that, of course!” I quickly replied. “Thanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while I’m here.”<br /> “Well, I’m all ears. People say I’m a good listener.”<br /> I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment.<br /> Chuckling, I said, “I don’t really know you, Daniel…”<br /> “You know my name. That’s a start.” His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. <br /> I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up.<br /> “I remember… Daniel Pierce…” I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. “High school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.”<br /> He laughed. “You’ve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too — the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.”<br /> I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. “You’re joking!”<br /> “No, it’s true… Really! I’m sure you’ve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?” <br /> He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. “Good-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.”<br /> “Oh.” His expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry to hear that.”<br /> “You know, it's been a rough few months,” I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. “I'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.”<br /> Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue.<br /> “And then I lost my baby...It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?”<br /> He nodded in understanding. “I’m so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. I’m sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?”<br /> “Yeah, starting anew in a foreign land,” I answered, thinking about my application in France. <br /> “Hmm… sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. “It takes courage to make such a big change.”<br /> I smiled weakly. “Actually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.”<br /> Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Paris…”<br /> My jaw dropped. “What? I’m planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!”<br /> He looked at me with astonishment. “What are the odds, huh? Looks like we’ll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.”<br /> I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. “That’s really… something else.”<br /> “Surely you’ll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?”<br /> “The Latin Quarter, of course. I’m looking at an apartment there, since it’s where most students live.”<br /> Daniel chuckled. “And it looks like we’ll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “Who knows? Maybe we’re destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Let’s fly together. I mean, if that’s alright with you?”<br /> His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. “Thank you, Daniel…”<br /> Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. <br /> “Miss Sophia Bennett?” she informed me. “Your test results are here.”<br /> CHAPTER 6<br /> Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away.<br /> “Well, Sophia,” he began, his tone measured, “the results are in. Congratulations to you both.”<br /> I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. <br /> “You’re going to be parents. Congratulations!” the doctor added. <br /> I’m… pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child?<br /> The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. <br /> “Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy, Sophia,” the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking.<br /> My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. <br /> Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didn’t know what to say either. <br /> “Let me drive you home, Sophia,” he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. <br /> I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. <br /> What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and I’m supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. <br /> Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. <br /> If I have this baby, it won’t have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I don’t have anyone to help me?<br /> My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. <br /> This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby?<br /> Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful.<br /> As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s just all too sudden. But I know that I’m going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. <br /> Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. <br /> Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrived—I had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away.<br /> In just a week’s time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. “Call me when you get there!” she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. <br /> As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. <br /> The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me.<br /> Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured me. “I'm here. We'll do this together.” <br /> His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. <br /> I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, You’re my lucky charm, my baby. <br /> By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me.<br /> As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed past—the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. <br /> Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. <br /> Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. <br /> This was it—the start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile.<br /> “Looks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,” he remarked, glancing back at me.<br /> "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied.<br /> Daniel chuckled. “Just remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.”<br /> I rolled my eyes. “I'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.”<br /> He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. “I'm just saying, you’ll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!” <br /> I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. “Oh, shut up.” <br /> We both laughed. He added, “You need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.”<br /> “Oh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?”<br /> Daniel grinned. “Hey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.”<br /> I playfully nudged him. “I think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.”<br /> He appeared pleased with that statement. “Fair enough,” he answered with a teasing smile. “But you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.”<br /> I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years.<br /> Sighing, I went over to my bags. “Come on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.”<br /> As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. <br /> “Hello?” I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. <br /> “Who the hell is this? Where's Sophia?” a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient.<br /> My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. <br /> I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywh...."<br /> I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath.<br /> It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me.<br /> Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care?<br /> No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved?<br /> Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety.<br /> "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question.<br /> I sighed, <br /> "My husband. No, ex-husband."	LEARN_MORE	https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=	144939265372419	Indulge in story	https://facebook.com/61552702618591	652	2	1,480,823,292,553,519	2024-07-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Indulge in story	120211508893630635	thebvhwysgng.com	NONE	image		https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=12887&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}		2024-07-25 02:57	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452919692_855048252625706_7652121167856492923_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dHLqAVRWGyYQ7kNvgGWi00d&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBeOFOlQUlkCgS4zPWSimAelNGKgsVgxyJLhsdlDZZWmA&oe=66AB7876	person_profile	0	Indulge in story	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452570549_1029192115372889_5637890644118207969_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Dmn_wo943-kQ7kNvgE3qENh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBiZk7cYryYm50vJFiF33ohfqPIRnvS4KZSUgb1TEn3jg&oe=66AB73E2	3	Indulge in story	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete

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