Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Ads for Diet on 2024-10-18

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Page Is Profile Page	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,239,292	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Wichita's Premier Home Remodelers \| Pinnacle Homes, INC	Our clients wanted to remodel their kitchen to utilize the space better while maintaining the original character of their 1900's farmhouse. We redesigned the layout by adding customized cabinetry, updated the finishes, and preserved the original woodwork to maintain the space's authentic style.	LEARN_MORE	http://www.RemodelersWichita.com/	Pinnacle Homes, Inc	https://www.facebook.com/PinnacleHomesWichita/	619	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.RemodelersWichita.com	VIDEO		http://www.RemodelersWichita.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463749968_384475898059331_1116839892984490395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z970Fpvftc0Q7kNvgHLUnH1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-Q12K6fP92ThUVAGlq8QfC&oh=00_AYATMvRziHm49QGbAXpSelBajzk0q3ys1OvUXFL_E6wVCQ&oe=67197DF3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Pinnacle Homes, Inc	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,237,152	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2237151}'	Yes	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661			ORDER_NOW	https://api.whatsapp.com/send	bimbalogs	https://www.instagram.com/_u/bimbalogs	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Order Now	api.whatsapp.com	CAROUSEL		https://api.whatsapp.com/send	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/324061993_700823801446526_3052655143148703291_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=7fff4e&_nc_ohc=VlFUajfduVIQ7kNvgEidpmV&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDMAIwGhLWkgH3R-8GFJq523LJKAdCPAA8CteRyBs8Wjw&oe=67197A95	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	bimbalogs	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,236,998	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2236997}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	ここをクリックして無料でお読みください！	朝倉鈴音は、結婚一周年記念日に信じがたい事実を目の当たりにした――夫が浮気していたのだ！いや、正確には、彼はずっと前から浮気していたのかもしれない。鈴音がようやく気づいただけだった。本来なら、今頃はミュンヘン行きのフライトの中にいるはずだった。だが、出発間際に悩んだ末、この出張をキャンセルして、代わりに花束とケーキ、そしてワインを用意し、夫にサプライズを計画していた。今となっては、これ以上ないほどの「サプライズ」を目の当たりにしているというわけだ...... 鈴音は部屋から漏れてくる女性の声を再び耳にした。「裕之、私はもう離婚したの。あなたも早く奥さんと別れてちょうだい。痛みは早く終わらせた方がいいでしょ？」「離婚なんて、どうせするから焦ることはないさ」朝倉裕之はそう答えた。彼はかつて、結婚生活は愛さえあれば続けられるものだと信じていた。だが、これまでのところ二人は抱き合うだけで、特に進展がないままだった。そのうち彼は徐々に退屈さを感じ始めたのだ。ただ、「離婚」という言葉を口にするのはあまりにも急すぎて、どうやって鈴音に切り出せばいいのか、そして「無一文で追い出す」方法を考える余裕もなかった。鈴音はスマホを握りしめ、胃の中がひっくり返りそうになるのを必死に抑えた。なるほど、最近裕之が家に帰る回数が激減していたのも、道端の花を踏みにじっていたからというわけか！あの女は鈴音も薄々覚えていた。裕之と同じ会社で働く上司だ。裕之は彼女に媚びなければ昇進できないと話していたこともあった。これが彼の言う「媚びる」という方法なのか？！鈴音は怒りで歯ぎしりしながらも、部屋のドアを叩き開ける衝動を必死にこらえた。感情を抑え、手に持っているケーキと花束を投げ捨てることなく、もう片方の手でスマホを取り出し、カメラを起動して寝室内の光景を写真に収めた。 ...... 鈴音は足早にマンションの玄関を出て、持っていたものをゴミ箱に放り込み、そのままタクシーを止めた。しかし、その瞬間、ポケットのスマホが鳴り出した。彼女は電話に出ず、後部座席に腰を下ろしたものの、スマホの画面はしつこく点滅を繰り返し、まるで諦める気などないかのようにしつこく鳴り続けた。鈴音は苛立ちを抑えきれず、ついに電話に出た― 受話器から聞こえてきたのは義母の大声だった。「鈴音！あんた一体どういうつもり！？私がせっかく市内トップの生殖科の専門医を予約してやったのに、すっぽかすなんてまだしも、私の電話まで無視するなんて！あんたが朝倉家の子供を産む気がないなら、さっさと言いなさい！今すぐ裕之と離婚しなさい。朝倉家に嫁ぎたい女なんて山ほどいるんだから！」耳元で義母の罵声が続き、「朝倉家」という言葉が繰り返されるたびに鈴音の拳は固く握りしめられた。結婚して朝倉家に入ったその日から、義父母は鈴音を朝倉家の一員だとは一度も思っていなかった。彼らの目には、鈴音は貧しい家の娘で、背景もなく、朝倉家のために子供を産むことを誇りに思うべき存在だと思っているのだ。はぁ、あの時どうして裕之の言葉を信じてしまったのだろう」彼の言葉を信じ、一生大切にしてくれる、両親もいつか自分を受け入れてくれる、そして過去の傷を気にせず、自分のペースで心を開くことができると。そう、鈴音は心を開く準備をしていたのに、彼はどうだった？義母の罵声を聞きながら、さっきのマンションでの光景が頭をよぎり、鈴音は怒りで手が真っ白になるほど力が入った。彼女はスマホを握りしめ、息を整えて言葉を絞り出した。「安心してください。絶対に離婚しますから。あなたに言われなくても結構です。それから、孫が欲しいんですよね？わかりました、産みます」ただし、裕之の子じゃないけどね！あの男が浮気しているなら、こっちだって離婚前にちょっとした仕返しをしても問題ないのだ。「こ、この下品女！何を言ってるのよ！」電話を切る直前にも義母の怒号が耳に残った。鈴音はそのままスマホの電源を切り、タクシーの運転手に告げた。「運転手さん、『天楽宮』クラブへお願いします」「天楽宮」クラブは街中で最も有名な金の使い所であり、男女の欲望が渦巻く風月の場だ。そこでは様々なタイプの男と女が溢れている。鈴音はバーカウンターに腰を下ろし、幾杯かのウィスキーをあおった。すると、心の中にあった邪悪な考えがどんどん膨れ上がっていった。「子供を産むなら、誰の子でもいいじゃない？むしろイケメンなら、子供も可愛くなるかも！」そう思いながら、鈴音の視線はダンスフロアの中をさまよい、やがて一人の高身長の男にピタリと止まった。顔ははっきりと見えなかったが、その身長と外見は群衆の中でもひときわ目立っていた。彼はまるで周囲に囲まれているようで、後ろにはスーツ姿の男女が数人付き従い、その存在感は際立っていた。「この人にしよう！」そう決めると、鈴音は深呼吸し、髪をかき上げてからハイヒールを鳴らしながら「ふらふら」とその一行に向かって歩み寄った。「うわ、目が回る！」すれ違う瞬間、鈴音はわざとバランスを崩して足をくじき、まっすぐ朝倉司の胸に倒れ込んだ。力強い大きな手が、鈴音の腰に回り、しっかりと彼女を支えた。初めて感じる冷たいが頼りがいのある抱擁と、濃厚な男性のフェロモンが鈴音を包み込み、彼女は喉がカラカラに渇くのを感じ、もともとの理性が次第に遠のいていった。「あんた、すごくいい匂い......」司は冷ややかな眉をしかめ、後ろに控えていた秘書とボディーガードたちは驚いて目を丸くしていた。この明るい時間帯に、まさかこんな大胆な女が現れるとは！「お嬢さん、もう少しご自重ください」男の声は氷のように冷たく、まるで深い氷穴に引きずり込まれるような冷酷さだった。鈴音はその声に一瞬固まり、その聞き覚えのある声に思わず顔を上げた。目が合った瞬間、鈴音は司の冷たい視線に飲まれそうになった。その眼差しは冷たい星のようで、まるで心を見透かすかのようだった。この瞬間、鈴音の心臓は止まりそうになった！彼女は目を見開き、間近にあるこの冷たい顔を凝視した後、ようやく唇を震わせながら声を絞り出した。「つ......司おじさん？」神様よ、私は一体何をしてしまったのだろう！まさか相手が司、裕之の名ばかりの叔父だとは！世間一般では、彼が朝倉家に養子として迎えられたことは知られていたが、朝倉家の跡継ぎとして司は幼い頃から国外で管理学を学び、朝倉家の財閥の跡継ぎとして朝倉家の当主が六十歳の誕生日に彼に全てを託したのだ。彼は京城の上流社会で最も輝かしい「ダイヤモンドの独身貴族」であり、皆が憧れる大人物である。鈴音の姑も司との縁を深めたがっており、裕之の昇進はすべて司にかかっていると言っていたが、彼女の願いは空振りで、司はまったく関心を示さなかった。鈴音もまた司に会う機会などほとんどなかった。初めて彼とこんなに近くで対面するのはこれが初めてだった。彼の顔立ちは冷たく、彫りの深い端正な顔立ちは、まるで鈴音の全てを見透かすようで、鋭く、冷たさが漂っていた。「司おじさん......す、すみません」鈴音が二度目に「おじさん」と呼んだ瞬間、司はようやく反応を示した。眉をひそめ、鈴音から手を放すと、無表情のままその場を去ろうとした。彼はこのように自ら飛び込んでくる女性には、まったく興味がなかったのだ。「司おじさん、待ってください！」鈴音は決意を固め、せっかくの機会だからと一か八かでやり通すことにした。もし司のような金持ちに取り入ることができれば、それも悪くはない。「わ、私は今日、気分が悪くて、ついお酒を飲みすぎてしまったんです。そんな私をこのバーに一人置いていくんですか？ここ、危ないんですよ」鈴音は唇を噛み、可愛らしい無害そうな表情を作り出した。彼女は密かに司の反応を伺い、彼が依然として無表情であるのを見て、わざと足首を触りながら痛がる素振りを見せ、「それに、さっき足をくじいちゃって......本当に痛いんです」と弱々しく訴えた。司は先ほどまで表情に一切の変化を見せなかったが、今や唇の端には皮肉な笑みが浮かび、目には一瞬の興味が垣間見えた。この女、演技が下手すぎて、一目で見破れる。だが、少し面白い。「つ、司おじさん......」男の鋭い視線に見透かされたようで、鈴音は思わず身震いし、怯んでしまった。しかし次の瞬間、突然足が宙に浮き、鈴音は目を見開いた。まさか司にお姫様抱っこされるとは！ふわりと体が浮かぶ感覚に慌てた鈴音は、反射的に司の首に腕を回した。彼の広くて温かな胸に抱かれ、彼の香りが鼻をくすぐる。顔が熱くなり、心臓がドキドキと早鐘のように鳴り始めた。こんなに直接的に？さっきまでは正人君子のふりしてたくせに？「まだ足が痛いのか？」頭上から司の冷たい声が降ってきた。「え......」鈴音は無意識に唾を飲み込んだ。「もう......痛くない......」鈴音はぼんやりと司の彫刻のように整った横顔を見つめた。「ふん......」司は薄く唇を引き締めたまま、顔色一つ変えず、周囲に取り巻かれながらバーの外に停めてある車に向かって歩き出した。この男、一体どういうつもりなの？鈴音は混乱したままだった。車に乗せられてようやく我に返ったが、口を開こうとした瞬間、司は既に運転手に指示していた。「『インターコンチネンタル』へ」「......」イ、インターコンチネンタル？それって五つ星の高級ホテルじゃない！ホテルの最上階の豪華スイートに入ると、司は鈴音をベッドに投げ出し、そのままバスルームに向かった。ベッドに残された鈴音は、しばらくしてようやく状況を理解し始めた。彼女......本当に司を引っかけて、ホテルまで連れ込まれたの？思ったよりもずっと簡単にことが運んでるけど、これって罠じゃないよね？でも、鈴音はそれどころではなかった。思い浮かぶのは、さっき目撃した裕之の浮気の現場の光景ばかり。それに酒も入っているせいで、これから起こることへの恐怖感はほとんどなく、むしろ少し楽しみですらあった。司はこんなにイケメンなんだし、寝るだけならむしろ得だ！それに彼は裕之の叔父でもある。この形であの浮気男に仕返しするのも悪くない！鈴音はバッグを手元に引き寄せ、中をかき回して探し物を始めた。司がバスルームから出てくる前に、薬を飲んでおきたかったのだ。大学時代に付き合っていた元カレが信じられないほどのクズで、鈴音を無理やり襲おうとしたことがあった。鈴音は必死に抵抗し、未遂に終わったものの、それ以来、異性との親密な接触には拒否反応が出るようになってしまった。裕之と結婚してからも、何度か受け入れようとしたが、肝心な時には吐き気がしてしまい、裕之は「無理しなくていいよ」といつも慰めてくれた後、隣の部屋で一人寝ていた。裕之が優しくすればするほど、鈴音は心の中で申し訳なく思い、海外でこの症状に効く薬があると聞きつけて、結婚一周年の時に試してみようと決めていた。でも裕之は、その代わりにとんでもない「サプライズ」を用意してくれたってわけね！鈴音はバッグをひっくり返して探したが、薬は見つからなかった。出かける時にバッグを変えたのを思い出し、その薬は元のバッグに置き忘れてきたようだった。その時、バスルームのドアが急に開き、司が姿を現した。鈴音は目を丸くして彼を見つめ、思わず唾を飲んだ。司おじさん、まじで最高じゃん！司はこんなタイプの女性を見慣れており、照明の下でその表情には冷たい光が浮かんでいた。タオルで無造作に髪を拭きながら、鈴音の方に視線を落とし、彼女の赤らんだ頬に近づいて問いかけた。「満足か？」「ま、満足です......」司の男らしいフェロモンに包まれ、鈴音は頭がぼんやりしていた。しかし、ふと思い出したように身を起こし、「あの、ちょっと物を買いに行きたいんですけど」と口を開いた。このままでは、次に吐き気がしたら司に吐きかけてしまうかもしれないから、それだけは避けたい。「そんな手間はかけなくていい。そこにある」司は鈴音が「それ」を指しているだと勘違いし、顎をベッドサイドのテーブルに向けてしゃくった。そこには精美なストレージバスケットがあり、さまざまな種類のアイテムが整然と並べられていた。「......」今どきのホテルって、こんなに至れり尽くせりなの？「じゃあ......私、ちょっとシャワー浴びて来ます」鈴音はドキドキしながら司の体を二度ほど押してみた。どうやら司が次に何をしようとしているのか、鈴音はなんとなく感じ取っていた。くそっ、主導権を握っていたはずの自分が、どうして気が付けば獲物みたいにされているの？もしかして司はずっとタヌキ寝入りだったのか？疑心混じりの目で司を見上げると、鈴音の表情には一抹の驚きと怯えが漂っていた。小さな女の子の動き一つ一つを司は冷静に観察し、彼女の考えをほぼ察していた。司の周囲には彼の隣を狙う女は数多くいたが、いざとなると逃げ出そうとするのは、この女くらいだろう。ますます面白くなってきた...... 夜はあっという間に過ぎ、朝日が差し込んでいた。鈴音が目を覚ますと、何気なく隣を振り向いて司の姿を目にした。彼の顔立ちは冷たく鋭いが、眠っている時はその威圧感が薄らいでいた。まるで眠りについたライオンのように、凶暴さも傲慢さも全てが収まっていた。鈴音は司の方に身を寄せ、じっくりとその寝顔を観察した。端正な顔立ち、白い肌、少し生えた顎のヒゲ、そして長い睫毛。「......」鈴音は心の中で小さな嫉妬を覚えた。この男、マジでどんだけかっこいいんだよ。彼女の視線があまりにもあからさまだったのか、司の眉が微かにひそめられた。鈴音は慌てて寝転がり、幸いにも司はすぐに動かなくなった。鈴音はそっと司の腰に回されていた手を引き離し、彼に気づかれないように息を潜めて動いた。鈴音は司が目を覚ましたときに目が合うのは避けたかった。彼が起きる前に服を着て、さっさとここを抜け出したかったのだ。そう考え、彼女はバッグから持っていた現金を全部取り出してテーブルに置き、そそくさとその場を離れた。鈴音が部屋を出てからわずか10分も経たないうちに、ベッドの上の男は目を覚ました。彼は隣に鈴音がいないことを予想していたようで、淡々とベッドから起きて服を身に着け、ベッドサイドのテーブルに何かが置いてあるのに気づき、近づいて確認した。そこには現金の束と一枚の紙切れが置かれていた。「叔父さん、昨夜は楽しかったですね。二万円のキャッシュ、ほんの気持ちですが、これで運気アップ！後はもう会わないかも！」「後はもう会わないかも？」司はその言葉に目を走らせ、皮肉な笑みを浮かべた。紙切れをゴミ箱に投げ捨てると、現金をそのまま懐にしまい込んだ。ちょうどその時、特別アシスタントの佐藤から電話が入り、フライトの予約が完了したと伝えられた。そして、更に言葉を足した。「副社長様、もしご都合が悪いようでしたら、フライトを明日に変更することも可能ですが？」「必要ない。今すぐ行く」一瞬の間をおいて、司は佐藤に指示を与えた。「それから、ホテルに頼んで昨夜の女の情報を調べさせろ」「かしこまりました、副社長様」ホテルのロビーを出ると、鈴音の心臓はまだドキドキと高鳴っていた。冷たい風が頬を撫で、ようやく少しだけ頭が冷えた。彼女は本当にあの大物・朝倉司と一夜を過ごしたのだ！これは夢ではなく、現実なんだ！その朝倉司だよ？命知らずもいいところじゃないか？鈴音は自分の頭をポンと叩き、ポケットから最後の一枚の諭吉を取り出し、タクシーを拾った。何も考えずに、ひとまず朝倉家に戻ろう。家に入る前に、鈴音は自分の体に何か怪しい痕跡が残っていないか、何度も確認してから足を踏み入れた。家に入ると、義母がダイニングテーブルで朝食を取っているのが見えた。「おはよう、お義母さん」鈴音はいつも通りおとなしく声をかけた。「よくも帰って来れたものね！」昨晩、電話で鈴音に突き返されたことを思い出し、朝倉蘭は怒りで腹の虫が収まらなかった。「離婚！さっさと私の息子と離婚しなさい！！」義母が自分をこれほどまでに嫌悪し、一刻も早く朝倉家から追い出したいかのような様子に、鈴音は拳を握り締め、その瞳は徐々に冷たくなっていった。自分の家柄が劣っていることはわかっていたし、裕之と結婚することは分不相応だとも感じていた。しかし、鈴音も努力して朝倉グループの翻訳部で上級翻訳者のポジションを得て、自身のスキルも決して低くはない。だが、義母は彼女のことを見下していた。朝倉家に来た当初から鈴音に文句ばかり言い、一年経っても彼女の腹に動きがないことを理由に、親戚の前で鈴音を悪者扱いし、まるで「鶏小屋に座って卵も産まない」と陰口を叩くのだった。義母は何度も鈴音の目の前で友人の娘を裕之に紹介しようとさえしていた。裕之との愛のため、この家のため、鈴音は何度も耐え、義母と争わないようにし、稼いだお金もできるだけ家に入れてきた。しかし、裕之は浮気していたのだ！鈴音は自分に冷静になるよう言い聞かせ、深呼吸した後、義母に向かってこう言った。「お義母さん、昨日はわざとあの医者さんをすっぽかしたわけじゃないんです。会社で急に仕事が入り、同僚のミスも重なって気持ちが荒れていて......だから、あんな風に言ってしまいました」蘭は全く取り合わず、むしろ裕之との離婚をせき立てるかのように話した。「私を『お義母さん』なんて呼ばないでくれる？重すぎるわ！子供が産めないなら、さっさと離婚しなさい！」「お義母さん、結婚してから一年経ってもまだ子供ができていなくて、本当に心苦しく思っています」鈴音は蘭の腕に手を回し、申し訳なさそうに言った。「今回もダメだったら、私、裕之と離婚します。彼のことをこれ以上待たせるわけにはいきませんから」その一言で、蘭の顔色は一変した。蘭は鈴音の腹にちらりと目をやり、「鈴音、もしまた今回もダメなら、何を言っても私はもう許さないわ。必ず裕之と離婚させるからね！」と念を押した。鈴音は笑顔を見せながらも、心の中では深く沈んでいた。裕之の目には自分が映らず、義母の目にも、彼女はただの子供を産むための道具でしかないのだ。鈴音は義母とのやり取りを打ち切り、着替えを済ませた後、車を走らせ会社へ向かった。鈴音と裕之は同じ朝倉グループで働いているが、所属している部署が異なり、裕之は企画部で、鈴音は翻訳部に所属していた。朝倉ビルは非常に広く、二人の職場は30フロア以上も離れている。朝倉に入社したばかりの頃、裕之は「会社では身内との関係を持ち込むのは禁止だ」と鈴音に言い、二人の関係を公にしないよう求めてきた。そのため、朝倉グループの誰も彼らが夫婦であることを知らない。今になって考えると、鈴音は自分の愚かさを痛感していた。朝倉グループは全国でトップ100に入る大企業であり、優秀な人材と美女が揃っている。裕之は、既婚という肩書きが自分の女性との交際に制限をかけることを恐れ、出勤時には結婚指輪さえも外していた。車のキーをバッグにしまったとき、中に四角いカフスボタンが一つ入っているのを見つけた。ブランドは鈴音も知っており、非常に高級な品で、一対のカフスボタンが四百万円以上もする。鈴音はそのカフスボタンを手に取りじっくりと見つめた。裕之がこんな高級品を使えるわけがない。頭の中に塩顔の男の姿が浮かび、心臓が一瞬跳ねた。まさか、司のカフスボタンが自分のバッグに入っているなんてあり得ないでしょ？司ほどの金持ちなら、カフスボタンを一つなくしたくらいで気にしないだろう。鈴音はそう考えながら、そのカフスボタンを再びバッグにしまい、ハイヒールを鳴らしながら会社に入った。不運なことに、顔を上げた瞬間、裕之とスタイル抜群の女性が一緒に歩いているところに出くわした。二人は楽しそうに話をしていた。鈴音はその女性を二度見してしまった。それは昨夜、裕之とベッドで絡み合っていたあの女だった。裕之も鈴音に気づくと、顔色が一変した。彼の中では、鈴音は今頃ミュンヘンに出張しているはずだったからだ。いつ帰国したのか、あるいはそもそも出張に行かなかったのか？その時、裕之の横にいた女性が彼の耳元で何か囁いた。裕之の注意がその女に戻ると、二人は視線を交わしてから、女はエレベーターに乗り込んだ。彼女の首には薄くキスマークが残っていて、エレベーターのドアが閉まる前に鈴音に向かって眉をひそめて挑発的に笑みを浮かべて見せた。鈴音は顔をしかめた。どうやら二人は以前から「ただならぬ関係」だったらしい。鈴音に歩み寄る裕之と目が合ったが、どちらも言葉を発しないまま、二人で別のエレベーターに乗り込んだ。エレベーターの扉が閉まると、裕之は鈴音に言い訳を始めた。「あの人は俺の上司だ。さっきも先週の仕事について聞かれてただけだ。それにしても、お前ミュンヘンに出張に行くって言ってたよな？」鈴音はハンドバッグをきつく握りしめ、胸の中で不快感と他の複雑な感情が渦巻いていた。大学時代の出来事が原因で、鈴音は男性との性的な接触に強い拒否反応が出ており、裕之との結婚後も何度か試みたがうまくいかなかった。その結果、二人は一度も夫婦としての関係を持ったことがなかった。裕之は普通の男性であり、長い間欲求を抑えるのは難しかったのだろう。そんなことを考えながら、昨日裕之に対して報復した時の快感も、次第に薄れていった。鈴音は唇を軽く噛みしめ、静かな声で言った。「昨日は私たちの結婚一周年記念日だったの。だから予定をキャンセルして、裕之と一緒に過ごしたかったんだけど......裕之が残業してるって聞いて、会社には行かなかった」裕之は一瞬表情を変えたが、ポケットに手を入れて小さな箱を触れると、再び落ち着きを取り戻した。「ごめん、そんな大事な日をすっかり忘れてた。でも......」裕之はポケットから小さな箱を取り出し、中を開けるとそこにはダイヤの指輪が入っていた。「これ、君へのプレゼントなんだ」鈴音はその指輪を見つめたが、裕之の上司がつけていたイヤリングとよく似たデザインに見えた。おそらく、この指輪もあの女に贈るつもりだったのだろう。鈴音は一瞬身構え、手を引っ込めた。裕之は不思議そうに尋ねた。「どうした？指輪が気に入らないのか？」「いえ、気に入ったけど、今は会社だし、誰かに見られるとまずいから」鈴音は言い訳しながら、裕之の手から指輪を取り上げた。裕之は鈴音の言葉に疑いを抱くことなく、彼女の肩に手を回した。「今夜、夕飯を一緒に食べよう。ちゃんと埋め合わせするから」彼の体からはあの女の香水の匂いが漂っていて、鈴音はその鼻につく匂いに顔をしかめ、彼を押しのけようとした。ちょうどその時、エレベーターのドアが開き、同僚が乗ってこようとした。同僚はエレベーター内の裕之と鈴音の親密そうな様子を見て、しばらくその場で立ち止まり、興味深げに二人を見つめた。「おっと、お嬢さん、気をつけて、しっかり立ってくださいね」裕之はすぐに反応し、鈴音の肩から手を離して同僚に向けて言い訳した。「ハイヒールでバランスを崩してたから、少し支えてただけだ」鈴音は心の中で何とも言えない感情が渦巻いていた。ロビーではあの女と親密に話していたくせに、俺たちが夫婦だという事実を見られるのはそんなに怖いのか？笑わせる！「ええ、ありがとうございます、マネージャー」鈴音は淡々と礼を述べ、エレベーターを降りた。彼の香水の匂いに吐き気がしてたまらなかった。鈴音はその日の午後、さっさと弁護士を訪ねて離婚協議書の準備を進めた。裕之の裏切りに対して復讐を果たしたものの、もう一度彼との関係を修復することはできないとわかっていた。自分から離婚を切り出せば、少なくとも惨めな思いはしなくて済む。だが、鈴音がその離婚届を持ち帰る前に、ニューヨークで人手が必要だという連絡が入り、当日中に荷物をまとめる暇もなく、そのまま空港へと向かった。鈴音がニューヨークから帰国したのは、すでに半月が経った頃だった。彼女のスマホはローミング状態だったが、この半月の間、裕之からのメッセージはたったの二通しかなく、それも彼女がニューヨークに向かう当日に送った「気をつけて」という短いものだった。鈴音は完全に失望した。裕之が浮気をした時、彼女は自分に原因があると感じていた。彼女には性障害があったからだ。しかし今では、裕之の心も体も、もはや自分には向いていないことがはっきりしていた。今夜、裕之が帰ってきたら、全てを話して終わりにしよう。車が会社の近くに差しかかった時、鈴音は部長からの電話を受けた。「スイスから来た取引先が来社しているが、相手はロマンシュ語しか話せない。総務部の唯一のロマンシュ語通訳が出張中なので、翻訳部から朝倉に行ってもらいたい」とのことだった。現時点で会社でロマンシュ語ができるのは鈴音だけで、彼女も断るわけにはいかず、承諾せざるを得なかった。 30分後、車は「オーヤ」クラブの前に停まった。鈴音は腕時計を確認した。まだ8時半で、会談は9時からの予定だった。彼女はすぐに会場の準備を始め、上司からの指示に従って、相手の好みに合わせた食事とワインを手配した。全てが整ったのは8時50分。鈴音が服を整え、ドアの外に出た瞬間、2台のメルセデスが並んで到着し、クラブの前に一台は先に、一台は後に停車した。前のメル○デスのドアが開き、中から出てきたのはスーツを身にまとった立体的な顔立ちの男性たちだった。鈴音は資料に目を通していたので、彼らがスイスから来た代表者たちであることが分かった。彼女は最も礼儀正しい笑顔を浮かべ、流暢なロマンシュ語で挨拶をしながら、後ろのメルセデスに目をやった。副社長は数人いるが、気難しい上に女性嫌いで、いつも男性の通訳を連れて行く副社長もいて、鈴音はその人に当たらないか心配だった。その時、後ろの車のドアが開き、まず出てきたのは厳格で無表情な大柄の男だった。彼は車の右側に回り込み、ドアを開けた。鈴音はそのアシスタントに見覚えがあったが、それが誰かを考える余裕はなかった。先に副社長に挨拶しようと歩み寄ると、光る革靴とともに長身のシルエットが車内から現れた。その男は背が高く、体にフィットしたアイアン・グレーのスーツが長身を包んでいた。広い肩と端正な顔立ち、額に沿った整えられた黒髪、冷たく鋭い眼差し。その姿は洗練されていながらも、近寄りがたい威圧感を放っていた。司おじさん！？男を見て、鈴音の目は驚きで見開かれた。ちょうどその時、男も視線を彼女に向け、目が合った。瞳孔がわずかに縮み、そして興味深そうな笑みを浮かべた。ホテルの翌朝、司はアシスタントの佐藤から鈴音の資料を受け取った。それを見た司は、なぜ鈴音がバーで自分を「おじさん」と呼んだのかを理解した。鈴音は、形式上ではあるが、彼の甥でほとんど接点のない裕之の妻だった。そして鈴音は朝倉グループの上級翻訳者でもあったのだ。司の視線は遠慮なく鈴音に注がれ、彼女はその視線に恐怖を感じていた。足が震え、ヒールがカーペットに引っかかり、バランスを崩して前に倒れ込んでしまった。「副社長、危ないです！」佐藤が司に警告を発したものの、阻止する余裕はなく、鈴音は勢いよく司の胸に突っ込んだ。佐藤はその光景に唖然とし、思わず顔をしかめた。司と長く付き合ってきたが、鈴音ほどの勢いで司にぶつかった女性は、しかもそれが二度目だというのは初めてだった。鈴音の顔が司の胸にぶつかり、鼻先が痛んだが、その瞬間に鼻腔を満たしたのは彼の馴染みのあるクールな香りだった。頭がぼんやりとし、心臓が激しく鼓動を打ち始める。これは司の匂いだ！「鈴音さん、気をつけてください」司は穏やかな声で彼女を支えながら、優雅に振る舞ったが、その手は冷たく、鈴音の肌に触れると身震いするほどの冷たさだった。司が「鈴音さん」と呼んだことで、彼が自分のこと知っていることが分かり、鈴音はさらに動揺した。	LEARN_MORE	https://sonwer.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14786&u	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/	94	1969-12-31 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2,239,474	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659		Do you resonate??? 👻OCTOBER! What a perfect month to learn how to speak to the dead. Text me at 1 (847) 912-0053 for more information on learning how to Open up your gifts and learn how to connect with spirits on the other side. We will even touch on using your psychic abilities! I will teach you evidential Mediumship and I will provide unconventional teachings and secrets. Spooky October.🔮👻 let’s have so much fun. Don’t worry about imposter syndrome we will go through all of that.💜🌈 talk to you soon! ##mediumshipdevelopment #mediumship #spookyseason #psychicmedium #starseeds	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/kellythemagicalmedium	Kelly Ferro The Magical Medium	https://www.facebook.com/kellyferropsychicmedium/	6,332	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/kellythemagicalmedium	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463738194_1757174621810906_2654738133031375827_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kOcQTjeBKtgQ7kNvgG8mGUb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AgzSt1KZIZQeNAApEIQqBp1&oh=00_AYAFDbXRCUJiCwoDPjHI4qjDnuVIeqVwUejHBsGqLqNo8Q&oe=67197210	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly Ferro The Magical Medium	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,234,765	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2234493}'	Yes	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	😍Read the next chapters👉	t. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high...	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	223	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shgjfh.com	DCO		https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460723249_8667426709955594_6343552522607692952_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v80kz6FsTN4Q7kNvgEZIFvn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ASHRLiv4OGd_iCvwcSCaIwy&oh=00_AYAEVyxD_-E1n_HyWSEvC_Hzs_jqk5yMdS1xHCblVx8Tew&oe=67196BC7	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,698	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239696}'	Yes	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Surprise Yourself With Our Best Summer Sellers Now!	We Just Restocked Our Summer Line! 🌴🔪 Check out some of our best selling summer products!!! Which ones would you pick?	SHOP_NOW	https://twistedallure.com/collections/summer-line-	TwistedAllure	https://www.facebook.com/TwistedAllure/	89,323	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	twistedallure.com	DCO		https://twistedallure.com/collections/summer-line-2023	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452806043_1000900321512300_7623734902887631155_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eZSySmvXlZcQ7kNvgFm5l-c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A54i3ubrllirf5-sNFDGHHf&oh=00_AYAb5KOcj5UCjKXQELj6KJWVaEIsYMzwCx54KKZrSsrTMA&oe=67197776	PERSON_PROFILE	0	TwistedAllure	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,353	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239349}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Selling Fast \| Get Yours Now	Introducing high-tech, natural skincare to unlock superhuman skin. 🌞 Proprietary ingredients including Neossance™ Vegan Shark Squalane 🏄 For athletes by athletes, for the first time 🏆 Developed by 11x World Champion Surfer Kelly Slater	SHOP_NOW	http://freaksofnature.com/	Kelly Slater	https://www.facebook.com/KellySlater/	1,770,301	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	freaksofnature.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	http://freaksofnature.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463795842_1825871951271172_1249886148944449057_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1oFmHALENb0Q7kNvgHkHlwQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJ5HKdbGkl8GoclQvvM0lNf&oh=00_AYDoLC4Qr_FdRxlXWhTGTAVR1i6mk0jqmw7_3AXQW5iHnA&oe=671972BF	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly Slater	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,459	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239448}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	FALL SLIMDOWN TRANSFORMATION 😍	🛑Loudoun County Men 50+: We're looking for 8 local men (50+) who want to take back control of their health, and fit the criteria below... ✅Want a flexible program specifically designed to meet you at your fitness level ✅Understand the importance of a coach to support you and keep you accountable ✅Want to reduce stress & stay happy and healthy through a sustainable lifestyle ✅Looking for the fun of training in-person in a safe studio ⏩CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO GET ALL THE INFO ON THE FALL SLIMDOWN TRANSFORMATION FOR MEN 50+⏪ (Limited Time Offer) 📖PS - A LITTLE ABOUT ME... My name is Kelly. I am the coach and owner of Kellys Bootcamp & Inergy here in Loudoun County. At Kellys Bootcamp & Inergy, we are much more than 4 walls with some equipment inside them. We are local fitness leaders who really care about you & your health. Your safety is our priority. ⏩CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO GET ALL THE INFO ON THE FALL SLIMDOWN TRANSFORMATION FOR MEN 50+⏪ (Limited Time Offer)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yocchallenge19.com/optin-kellys-bootca	Kelly's Bootcamp & Inergy	https://www.facebook.com/Kellysbootcamp/	1,958	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	yocchallenge19.com	DCO	🔥This program is specifically tailored to help men achieve their fitness goals. Get the support and tools you need to take control of your health today!🔥	https://www.yocchallenge19.com/optin-kellys-bootcamp	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463740895_439458165422990_6265429625111507575_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=So7YReN6GMwQ7kNvgHzHrbl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Azo-Dih-EYGgdA_KTTcw0Ye&oh=00_AYBn23_ZfbV7yNxom2Zu0Q7J1bkU6-vDLqBAk7cy8G4oRw&oe=67196FDC	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly's Bootcamp & Inergy	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,584	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239551}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Dreamstate Vinyl and Cassette Signed Bundle		ORDER_NOW	https://store.dirtyhit.co.uk/release/464027-kelly-	Kelly Lee Owens	https://www.facebook.com/kellyleeowens/	30,235	1969-12-31 18:00	Order Now	store.dirtyhit.co.uk	CAROUSEL		https://store.dirtyhit.co.uk/release/464027-kelly-lee-owens-dreamstate-vinyl-and-cassette-signed-bundle	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463482111_1273216937005276_6890696298338879401_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wd_qV8gxxjsQ7kNvgFC499_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnZMydSqrEDTg8_vRbc8RQu&oh=00_AYBxVH4e6oHLSjYlPzf2eEhZCoBV_i1CzIbF_0i3-_VLmA&oe=671965D3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly Lee Owens	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,237,103	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2237094}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	New 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Overland \| For only $71,020 1C4RJYD60RC109765		LEARN_MORE	https://www.chryslerdodgejeepofparamus.com/auto/ne	Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paramus	https://www.facebook.com/ChryslerDodgeJeepofParamus/	2,605	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	chryslerdodgejeepofparamus.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.chryslerdodgejeepofparamus.com/auto/new-2024-jeep-paramus-nj/84565615/?alstad_source=car&alstad_vin=1C4RJYD60RC109765&alstad_year=2024&alstad_make=Jeep&alstad_model=Grand+Cherokee+4xe&alstad_condition=new&alst_action=car&alst_action_value=1C4RJYD60RC109765	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463564302_508392198687414_8665516903313581492_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zM8PTtyO554Q7kNvgHOYUuW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7jkf-Ep3iCniX6tgeu6e9v&oh=00_AYDU0XNve309TT5r0jPX1DPDZHsjMTtXzQ2qhkIxuU5VDA&oe=6719606E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paramus	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,759	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239757}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Philadelphia Eagles Custom Game Jersey - Midnight Green	30% OFF FREE SHIPPING	SHOP_NOW	https://fanzonejersey.com/collections/eagles-custo	Sole Society	https://www.facebook.com/dohar2Nawabganj/	4,554	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	fanzonejersey.com	CAROUSEL	30% OFF FREE SHIPPING	https://fanzonejersey.com/collections/eagles-custom	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463903966_538028478973959_7084900870537910611_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0cCkv6tGs7cQ7kNvgFB6iBH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ARwss_fdOeqyYEjdsdg86i3&oh=00_AYDbIy8pUS_4LIIyOzC-L5kgdXYikWavSCYHvUm7I072xA&oe=67196763	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Sole Society	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,238,854	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240012}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Echoes of a Tender Heart	After Sandra Glock graduated from high school, her grandfather reached out to her mother, Kelly Youth, who had remarried. Kelly then brought Sandra to live with the Ruths in Kagos. Over time, Sandra grew increasingly heartbroken by her mother's repeated disappointments. However, James Lande, a senior who fell in love with Sandra at first sight, always stood by her side. He protected, cherished, and unconditionally trusted her. In the end, his unwavering care helped Sandra find true love.	LEARN_MORE	https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/k14cwlbjmo3ebo	Kalos TV 19	https://www.facebook.com/61558987317897/	844	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbpx.16447.com	VIDEO		https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/k14cwlbjmo3ebocto5v5mpiw?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120214286414370462&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464037016_1292004205128311_7332103004952003522_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wrWJ7pUQ2fQQ7kNvgFUL-tM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Axp-t_tmQU98rygZJAwEY7V&oh=00_AYBwzw_KGZwKYIQoxHqXMB_dEzVf2pHH3zQQ4JjbQ9f2zw&oe=6719759D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kalos TV 19	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,240,299	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240295}'	Yes	2024-10-19 14:57	active	1662	Kelly finally clarifies the scam and tells the truth.	"Kelly's Counterattack: In response to Facebook's rampant pirated Keto ads, Kelly has instructed her lawyer to file a lawsuit. She also urges everyone to support original content and reject piracy."	LEARN_MORE	https://comelandxhtylving.com/caa10b89-aeb6-4da9-a	Carlie Osinski	https://www.facebook.com/100089731422036/	7	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	drozspeciallecture.com	IMAGE		https://comelandxhtylving.com/caa10b89-aeb6-4da9-a82e-8cdae6fd3517?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}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442412050_853066590199901_4517380171960324787_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fE75yk_AkDIQ7kNvgFdLDVL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AuiJpZhXlfDkxiDnxuMnwOS&oh=00_AYAQz95JWwLYPWZPTledO3dDGrKvCpYGCfCo8Os5moyz3A&oe=6719E581	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Carlie Osinski	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,237,601	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2237593}'	No	2024-10-19 07:03	active	1658	$8,000 in prizes!	🎉 OUR BIGGEST GIVEAWAY OF THE YEAR IS HERE! 🎉 7 Lucky Winners will share $8,000 in incredible prizes! 🏆 Grand Prize: A dream trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas! ✈️ Prize includes two tickets to the NFR, and a travel voucher for airfare and a two-night stay in Las Vegas! 🦌 Deer Blind: Level up your hunting game with the ultimate setup from Redneck Blinds. 🍽 Beef Package: Premium selection of cuts from 44 Farms. 👢 Tecovas Boots: Stride with confidence in iconic Western style! 💍 Custom Leather Wedding Wrap: Crafted to complement your rustic or Western wedding. 🧊 YETI Package: Keep cool with rugged outdoor essentials! 💎 Antler Rings Package: A selection of premium Western-inspired jewelry from Antler Rings. 🎯 How to Enter: Submit your email now for your chance to WIN + 2 Additional Entries per $100 spent!* ➡️ https://antlerrings.com/pages/lucky-7-giveaway *Limitations apply, see Official Rules for more details.	SIGN_UP	https://antlerrings.com/pages/lucky-7-giveaway	AntlerRings.com	https://www.facebook.com/AntlerRings/	389,727	1969-12-31 18:00	Sign up	antlerrings.com	IMAGE	Enter the Giveaway	https://antlerrings.com/pages/lucky-7-giveaway	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463679832_1059782122486168_5815535552507552584_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-oy1g0zmWOEQ7kNvgFeDHN2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AWpLZ7OJ1KsxjQq9p13gbk2&oh=00_AYBiZWE4vkgY7HXtk6ADk7RCaqrwLbCER-rsy2W2Q3qI2w&oe=67197BFF	PERSON_PROFILE	0	AntlerRings.com	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,234,946	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2235687}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	Chapter 1 "Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!" "Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away." The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled. The operating room reeked of blood. She had never seen so much blood before. At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. 'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?' The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan..." "What?" "Juan Nichols..." The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier. Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City. The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken away. Please, come and see her for the last time." But Juan's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from Debra's eyes. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? Even at this point, you wouldn't come to see me.' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating the patient's vital signs had disappeared. Debra felt her soul leaving her body. Her withered, frail body collapsed weakly on the bed. Debra felt exhausted. At just twenty-seven, she passed away because of postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital. In her lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she met a tragic fate. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophie’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. It only lowered her status and self-esteem. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." Marion made no comments. Randy clicked his tongue. "Juan's taste is just terrible, preferring a skinny woman to his beautiful woman. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. He cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." Chapter2 Juan also looked over. A red figure stood out in the crowd. Debra, clad in a burgundy dress, seemed to captivate hearts with every gesture. Cameras flashed at her like she was a reigning superstar walking the red carpet. 'Debra?' Juan took a moment to recognize her. In the past, Debra preferred light makeup and plain dresses. This was the first time Juan had seen her like this. Seeing Debra for the first time, Shelia was filled with jealousy. Compared to the alluring Debra, she seemed too plain. "Debra looks stunning." Shelia's tone carried a subtle envy. Debra spotted them and walked over. Shelia thought Debra, unaware of her relationship with Juan, would be surprised or awkward, but Debra was poised and smiling. "Mrs. Nichols is here. Who's the lady beside Mr. Nichols?" whispered a reporter. Debra approached, linking her arm with Juan's, and extended a hand towards Shelia. "You must be Shelia mentioned by Juan. Nice to meet you! I'm Debra. You can call me Mrs. Nichols." Shelia withdrew her hand from Juan's and shook hands with Debra. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Nichols," Shelia said awkwardly. "Juan told me that he sponsored you. You're going to study abroad, right?" Debra said. Shelia glanced at Juan. "Shelia excels in her studies. She's planning to go abroad this year, but she's a bit timid, so I brought her here today to broaden her horizons," Juan said. He had brought Shelia here to see the world of the upper class. Juan hadn't completely fallen for Shelia yet. It was only after Shelia returned from abroad that Juan fell in love with her. Even so, Juan attended all kinds of events with Shelia, to the point where everyone in Seamar City knew that Juan liked a college girl. But none of this mattered to Debra anymore. She came to the auction not to compete with Shelia but for a more important purpose. "Well then, take good care of Miss Miles. I'm going in," Debra said, letting go of Juan's arm. Juan was stunned. He hadn't expected these words to come from Debra's mouth. By the time he realized it, Debra had already get into the venue. Juan frowned. 'When did the unruly Debra become so agreeable?' Debra sat in an inconspicuous corner. The auction venue was filled with influential figures. If she remembered correctly, an abandoned piece of land that nobody wanted was bought by an obscure merchant at this auction. Later, because of the upscale developments around it, the land became valuable. The successful investment elevated the merchant's status, making him a commercial magnate. Since she had decided to leave Juan, Debra wanted to build up her own assets. After sitting down, Juan searched for Debra's figure. Beside him, Shelia asked, "Mr. Nichols, do you really want me to bid on your behalf?" Juan's attention returned, and he said, "Yes, I trust your judgment." Shelia blushed. She had studied finance for so long at school, just for this day. On the second floor, Debra watched them chat happily. Shelia indeed had some talent, which was one of the reasons why Juan would be attracted to her. In her last life, Shelia had once identified a prime piece of land, which impressed Juan. But that piece of land was valuable, to begin with. The Nichols Group's properties were around it, and Shelia inflated the price with Juan's money. In the end, the value of the land and the surrounding properties all increased, so Juan couldn't lose. Even without Shelia, Juan would have secured that piece of land. As the auction started, Shelia began to bid. She successfully won the first three prime pieces of land. Juan sat beside Shelia like a guardian. "The price of Crescent Manor starts at one billion." "Two billion." Debra's bidding caused a collective gasp. Juan frowned. What's gotten into this woman? Shelia whispered, "This piece of land isn't worth much. Debra's going to lose money." Juan texted Debra. [What are you doing?] Debra read the message and ignored it. "Two billion once!" "Two billion twice!" ... "Is Debra crazy? Two billion for this piece of junk?" On the second floor, Randy was flabbergasted. "Three billion," Marion bid. Randy nearly flipped the table. "Marion! Are you insane too?" Across from them, Debra frowned. She wanted to know who was crazy enough to compete with her for this wasteland, only to see Marion. She vaguely remembered Marion was doing gray business. 'When did he start real estate development?' "Four billion!" Debra raised the stakes. Downstairs, Juan furrowed his brow and texted her again. [Debra, shut up!] Debra simply turned off her phone. "Five billion," Marion said. His provocation annoyed Debra. 'Alright, you want to play? Let's play.' "Ten billion!" she bid. "What! She's gone mad!" Randy exclaimed. Juan stood up, losing his composure. He couldn't quite grasp Debra's intentions. To him, this piece of land wasn't even worth one billion. Yet Debra was offering ten billion. Marion smiled at Debra and made a gesture of concession. "Ten billion!" The auctioneer exclaimed, "Any further bids? Ten billion, going once, going twice. Sold!" As the gavel fell, a weight lifted off Debra's heart. The land was finally hers, but she had unnecessarily spent an extra eight billion. It was all because of Marion. She glared at him. Randy nudged Marion, "Hey, Debra's glaring at you. If I were her, I'd probably be plotting your demise." Marion shrugged indifferently. Downstairs, Shelia tugged at Juan. "Mr. Nichols, Debra is going to make you bankrupt." "She set her own price. No one will help her pay the bills," Juan said. Chapter 3 Due to this episode, Juan's attention was solely on Debra. Shelia's performance was completely ignored. When the auction ended, Debra was about to leave when she bumped into Juan and Shelia. "Debra, if you don't understand real estate, don't mess around," Juan said bluntly. Shelia chimed in, "Yeah, Debra. Your actions have cost Mr. Nichols ten billion." Debra chuckled, "Miss Miles, you misunderstand. This piece of land is mine to get. What does it have to do with Juan?" Shelia blurted out, "But that's ten billion." "It's just pocket change for me, not to mention for her." From not far away, Randy's voice came. "Isn't that right, Ms. Frazier?" Debra caught sight of Marion and said, "It's just a plaything for purchase." Shelia blushed with embarrassment. Ten billion meant nothing to Juan and Debra. In front of these people, Shelia felt inferior. "Heard Mr. Nichols got married. Is the lady beside him Mrs. Nichols?" Marion chimed in. Shelia blushed, stammering, "N-no." "This is my wife, Debra," Juan said, pulling Debra close. Debra tried to shake off Juan's hand, but he held on tight. Since earlier, he had felt Marion's gaze on Debra. Men understood men best. He could see through Marion's thoughts. "So, Ms. Frazier is Mrs. Nichols. It's my bad. I saw Mr. Nichols chatting with this lady in the venue earlier, thinking she was Mrs. Nichols." Randy slapped his head. "Then this lady must be Mr. Nichols's secretary. No wonder she was holding up signs for Mr. Nichols earlier." Debra almost burst out laughing. Though she didn't care about Shelia and Juan anymore, hearing Randy's words still made her pleased. Shelia was totally embarrassed. "Joe, take Shelia home," Juan requested. "Yes, sir," Joe agreed. Randy grinned, "We'll get out of your hair. Bye!" After Randy and Marion left, Debra shook off Juan's hand. "Had enough?" Juan didn't expect Debra to pull away. Before, Debra couldn't wait to touch him. She seemed different tonight. "If you're trying to get my attention, you don't need to do this," Juan said. Debra was speechless. She wanted to argue, but she couldn't find the right words. Considering how much she cared about Juan in the past, she might have done so. But she wasn't that person anymore. "Whatever!" Debra shrugged. "Wait." Juan stopped her. "What now?" "What's your relationship with Marion?" "I don't even know him." Juan spoke coldly. "No matter what your relationship is with him, you are Mrs. Nichols in public. You better watch your identity and keep your distance from other men." Debra scoffed, "Before you demand anything from others, how about demanding it from yourself? Did you consider your status and my reputation when you brought Shelia here today?" "I had Joe inform you today." "Oh? Is it to tell me not to come?" Juan remained silent. He knew he was in the wrong. "Even Marion, an outsider, mistook Shelia for Mrs. Nichols. If you like her, let's get a divorce," Debra said. "Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed?" Juan frowned. Although he didn't love Debra, it didn't mean he wanted a divorce. Their marriage was based on interests. It was not something one person could dissolve. From Juan's serious expression, Debra could tell that he wasn't thinking of divorce now, but it was only because of her family. In a few years, when she became worthless, he would discard her like trash. Thinking of the miserable end of her last life, she'd rather end it now than wait for that moment. "I said, let's divorce." The next day, news of Debra's extravagant purchase of wasteland swept through major platforms. Debra was the sole heiress to the Frazier family, and ten billion was just a figure for her. However, with her family's businesses operating, she had limited liquid assets. It was not easy for her to raise the money. Debra lay on the bed, rubbing her brows. 'Should I find Juan? No.' He left without a word yesterday when she proposed a divorce. She couldn't understand. She was even willing to relinquish the Frazier family's wealth to him, yet he still didn't want a divorce. But besides Juan, who else could she turn to? Suddenly, Debra sat up. She had an idea. "Marion!" People in high society were in one circle. Debra managed to contact Marion through her connections. Debra remembered that Marion's influence was overseas, but in recent years, he had stationed himself in Seamar City. Others might not know why, but she did. In the coming years, Marion would rapidly take over local enterprises, competing head-to-head with Juan. In the conference room, Marion played with his lighter. Debra got straight to the point. "I want to borrow eight billion from you." Randy spat out his tea. He'd seen straightforward, but never this blunt. "Ms. Frazier, that's a large amount of money." Debra blinked. "Last time you said ten billion was nothing." "I just rolled the logs for you, and you're giving me a hard time." Randy shook his head. Beautiful women were always a bit sick in their heads. Marion flicked his lighter. "Why should I lend you any money?" "I could've secured Crescent Manor with two billion, but because of your meddling, I have to pay an extra." "Not a convincing reason." Debra fell silent for a moment before saying, "Your industries are all overseas, but for the past two years, you've been frequenting Seamar City. I guess you want to launder your overseas money here. Am I right?" Randy paused his tea-drinking motion, subconsciously glancing at Marion. He didn't expect Debra to understand these things. Chapter 4 The room fell silent for a moment. Marion smirked and said, "Mrs. Nichols, you can't wrongly accuse good people." "Yeah, we're all legitimate businessmen," Randy chimed in. "In the realm of legitimate business, it's not up to me to judge. But I think Juan might be interested," Debra said. "I'm just a clueless rich girl, while Juan isn't. If I tell him what happened, I wonder if he'll take notice." "You're sneaky!" Randy couldn't contain his frustration. Debra looked at Marion seriously. "Lend me eight billion, and I'll pay you back with interest in three years." Randy's eyes widened. "Are you kidding? Do you know how much interest that'll be? If you can't pay it back, we'll lose eight billion. You're Juan's wife. Who can hold you accountable?" "I know the interest. I'll sign a contract with you. If I can't repay, I'll give you my family's properties and stocks, and I'll work for you for the rest of my life." Randy paused and continued, "And besides, my marriage with Juan might not last three years. Even if I'm still his wife then, he won't protect me." Marion looked up and stared at Debra for a while. Randy's ears perked up as he smelled gossip. But he quickly composed himself. "No, I disagree!" But Marion agreed, "Okay, I'll lend it to you." "What?" Randy jumped up from his chair. "Have you gone mad?" "I'll have the finance department transfer the money to you. We'll draft the contract later," Marion said. "Marion!" Randy stomped his foot. "Thank you, Mr. Houston." Debra stood up, saying, "I'll await your message. Happy cooperation." She smiled and left the office. Randy ground his teeth. "That's eight billion! Are you out of your mind? She's Juan's wife! Why would you lend her money?" Marion grinned. "She's pretty." "Why should you get the girl while I pay?" Randy exclaimed. Marion stood up, tossed a bank card to Randy, and said, "I pursue the woman I fancy. It's only right that I foot the bill." "What? Foot the bill? She's Juan's wife! What bill are you talking about?" Randy ranted. Ignoring his protest, Marion walked out of the office. "Both of you are insane!" Randy muttered. Debra had just stepped into the Nichols family's mansion when she saw Juan sitting in the living room. She frowned. In her last life, Juan rarely came home. 'When did he become so attached to home?' Assuming he was just lounging around, she turned to go upstairs. "Debra!" Juan called out. Debra halted. "What is it?" Juan felt uneasy about Debra's recent coldness. "The auction house is pressing for payment." "I know," Debra replied coolly. "If you don't have enough money, you can tell me," Juan said. "No need. I've sorted it out," Debra said dismissively. "Where did you get the money from?" Ten billion wasn't a small amount, and Juan knew every movable asset under the Frazier family's name. She couldn't produce such a sum on short notice. "It's my business. You don't need to concern yourself," Debra replied. "Don't forget that I'm your husband," Juan said. Debra chuckled bitterly. 'Husband?' Juan always considered it a disgrace. When did he remember he was her husband? "You're so anxious because you're afraid I'll lose money and drag down the Nichols family," Debra said. Juan fell silent. Seeing his reaction, Debra knew that she had guessed right. "I won't drag you down. I understand our marriage is a business alliance. We rise and fall together. You don't have to come home often," Debra concluded. Juan was speechless. He used to think that way, so after getting married, he was cold towards Debra and didn't even touch her. But after hearing those words from Debra, he suddenly realized his excessiveness. Juan was about to say something when suddenly a remittance message came on Debra's phone. She didn't expect Marion's actions to be so fast. In just an hour, the money arrived. With the matter resolved, Debra gave a smile. Juan pursed his lips, suddenly remembering how Debra used to follow him. She showed him the same smile, but he never cared. "There's a party tonight. You're coming with me." "Me?" Debra frowned. Juan asked, "Don't want to?" "Why don't you bring Shelia with you?" Debra was puzzled. In her last life, whenever there was a banquet, Juan would take Shelia. If her memory served her right, it was an international banquet that night. She insisted on going, but Juan brought Shelia in the end, indirectly paving the way for Shelia. For such an important occasion, why would Juan suddenly think of bringing her? "You're my wife, so naturally, you should come to such occasions with me." Debra didn't get it, thinking it was only because Shelia had something else to do. Then again, she should go to such occasions more often. To start her own business, she needed connections. "Alright then, I'll go get ready." Juan breathed a sigh of relief. At least, Debra was still willing to be the nominal Mrs. Nichols. Perhaps she wasn't completely disappointed with him yet. Shelia was in the dormitory, arranging the dress sent by Juan's secretary. Her roommates looked at Shelia with envy. "Shelia, your boyfriend is so sweet, giving you such a beautiful dress." Shelia's cheeks turned rosy. "Shelia, when will you introduce us to your boyfriend?" "Yeah, your boyfriend is so rich, and he takes you to various banquets all the time. We're curious." Shelia shook her head and said, "He's very busy. I'll introduce you to him when he's available." Shelia's phone rang. Seeing that it was a call from Juan's secretary, she answered the phone happily. "Joe, did Mr. Nichols send you to pick me up? I'll come down right away," she said. "Mr. Nichols said you don't need to come today," said Joe. Chapter 5 Shelia's smile froze. "Why?" "Mr. Nichols is taking his wife tonight, so it wouldn't be convenient for you to attend." Shelia forced a smile. "Oh, so he's taking his wife. That's great. I didn't want to go anyway." "That's good." Shelia held her phone and bit her lip. Her roommates exchanged glances. "Shelia, did your boyfriend stand you up?" "I heard this event is international. Didn't your boyfriend organize it to introduce you to some foreign entrepreneurs?" Facing their skeptical looks, Shelia managed a weak smile. "He has an important client to accompany. I shouldn't disturb him." Shelia glanced at the dress in her hands, her expression dimming. 'Juan never likes Debra. Why did he suddenly...' She tightened her grip on the dress. She had looked forward to tonight's event for so long. She couldn't just give up. As the night fell, Juan had a splendid black dress sent to Debra. He had been waiting downstairs for a while when he saw Debra descending the stairs. Though he had seen Debra in a burgundy dress the other day, seeing her in this outfit still took Juan by surprise. He hadn't realized how beautiful Debra could be. "I'm ready," Debra said, lifting her head. Juan pursed his lips. "I'll have my secretary bring the car around." Debra opened the door to see Joe waiting outside. Seeing Debra in the black dress, Joe was amazed. "Mrs. Nichols, you look stunning in this dress, better than Miss Miles." Juan glanced at him. Joe realized his mistake and quickly shut his mouth. "It's okay." Debra didn't care, and she got into the car. Juan glared at Joe and muttered, "You won't get your bonus this month." Joe felt wronged but dared not say more. That was what he got for being too talkative. Outside the club, Juan helped Debra get out of the car. People around them cast admiring glances at them. "Who's the lady with Mr. Nichols?" "Seems to be Mrs. Nichols." "I don't recall seeing Mr. and Mrs. Nichols together before. They make quite the power couple." ... Juan took Debra's hand. Debra wanted to retract her hand, but with so many people around, she had to go along with Juan. Debra glanced around and saw many faces she had encountered in her last life. Juan had a certain prestige in the business world. To be able to attend such a high-level international event, the people here were all top entrepreneurs, philanthropists, or real estate tycoons. Debra had studied finance to impress Juan, but it never paid off. Suddenly, the sound of shattered glass grabbed everyone's attention. A gardener accidentally broke a vase of roses, and the manager scolded him. "Where did this old man come from? Get him out of here!" the manager barked. "Hold on." Debra stepped forward, picking up the roses from the ground. She noticed they were carefully pruned and rare. "This man ruined Mr. Houston's flowers and startled the guests. Let me have him removed," said the manager. "If it's broken, just ask him to prepare a new one," Debra said. "These roses were brought by Mr. Houston for everyone's enjoyment. How about each lady take one to appreciate his gesture?" Debra suggested. Everyone nodded, and the manager waved off the gardener. Juan stepped forward, lowering his voice. "I didn't expect you to liven up the atmosphere here." Debra shrugged. "Just trying to please Mr. Houston." Outside the club, Shelia stepped out of a taxi in a black dress, feeling strange gazes around her. She ignored them and tried to get into the club. The security guard glanced at the taxi and stopped her. "Miss, do you have an invitation?" Shelia was taken aback. She didn't know about invitations. With Juan, she could go anywhere. It was the first time she had been stopped by a security guard. "Sorry! No invitation, no entry." "I'm here to see Mr. Nichols. I'm his companion," Shelia lied. Squinting at her, the guard asked, "Mr. Nichols is already inside with Mrs. Nichols. Who are you?" Feeling the stares all around, Shelia blushed with embarrassment. Joe saw her and hurried over. "Excuse me, she's our company staff." The guard nodded, allowing Shelia through. Shelia breathed a sigh of relief, but Joe asked sternly, "Miss Miles, why are you here?" "I just wanted to broaden my horizons. Mr. Nichols always said I was too timid. I'll be going abroad in a few months, so I wanted to experience this kind of event. Joe, could you take me in?" Joe hesitated. "I'll return from studying and help Mr. Nichols. The piece of land Debra bought cost billions and was a loss. She probably doesn't understand finance. So many financial elites are here. I'm worried Mrs. Nichols won't be able to handle it," Shelia pleaded sincerely. Joe nodded in agreement. In the past, it was always Shelia by Juan's side because Debra knew nothing about finance, and Joe respected Shelia, who was talented in this area. Shelia joyfully entered the club and spotted Juan conversing with some guests not far away. She lifted the hem of her dress to run over, but she accidentally collided with an old man. The gardener's vase slipped, and the water splashed on Shelia's dress. She instinctively exclaimed and freaked out when she saw the stain. "What's wrong with you? Can't you watch where you're going?" Chapter 6 Her cry pierced through the room. All eyes, including Juan's and Debra's, turned to her. In their eyes, Shelia was a rude and uncultured woman. The old gardener bent down to pick up the scattered roses and apologized profusely. Feeling the stares around her, Shelia quickly changed her attitude. "I'm sorry. I was in haste. Are you okay, sir?" Debra watched from nearby. Even though Shelia tried to fix it, it only came off as insincere. Shelia also noticed Debra beside Juan. "How did she get here?" Juan frowned. Given his expression, he seemed clueless about Shelia's arrival. Debra wondered if Shelia came on her own. Debra stayed silent. This plot was different from that of her last life. Juan brought Shelia to the party, where Shelia impressed Caleb Houston. It led to a smooth path overseas and success after graduation with support from Juan and Caleb. Debra thought that Shelia would not show up this time. Yet here she was. "Mr. Nichols!" Hearing the commotion, Joe rushed in. Juan's tone was curt. "Who let her in?" "It was me." Joe bowed his head. "I thought Miss Miles could help you." Juan rubbed his temples. He used to be very tolerant of Shelia. But in this situation, Shelia shouldn't have appeared. "Miss Miles isn't familiar with the place. Go check on her," Debra said, taking a sip of champagne. Juan saw Shelia's scared looks, and he couldn't bear to leave her alone to handle the situation. "I'll be back in a moment." Debra said nothing. That was expected. He could never let go of Shelia. Juan went over and asked, "How did you come here?" Shelia lowered her head, looking pitiful. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to see the event." Seeing her tear up, Juan couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh. In a sense, Shelia was trained by him, and he had seen all her efforts. "I'll have Joe take you back." Seeing Juan about to leave, Shelia hurriedly grabbed his sleeve. "Mr. Nichols, can I stay?" Juan frowned. In the past, Shelia was always obedient and aware of her identity, never crossing that boundary. Shelia felt his displeasure and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Nichols. I..." Juan relented in the end. "You can stay. This event could be helpful for your overseas studies." Shelia finally broke into a sweet smile. "Can I stay with you?" Juan glanced at the surrounding crowd, concerned about leaving Shelia alone here. "Yeah." Shelia was delighted. Joe couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what about Mrs. Nichols?" "Go accompany her. Don't let her cause trouble like last time." Juan knew that Debra often attended such events, but as someone unfamiliar with finance, she was here merely to pass the time. As long as she didn't cause trouble like last time, it was fine. Debra watched as Joe approached her. Before he could say anything, she asked, "He's gone to accompany Shelia?" "Miss Miles is a key candidate for the company, so..." "I understand." Debra looked as if she was not bothered at all. Joe breathed a sigh of relief. But somehow, he felt that Debra had changed. Shelia followed Juan and confidently conversed with some bigwigs, which was noticed by Debra. Although Shelia had good grades at school, she was still just a student. In front of these seasoned businessmen, what she said wasn't very insightful. They were only praising Shelia out of respect for Juan. However, soon Shelia faced difficulty with a foreign elderly gentleman. Debra recognized that man as a financial tycoon from Dawnreach. He only spoke his native language and didn't know any foreign languages. And his translator was absent. "Mr. Nichols..." Shelia bit her lip, glancing at Juan. Juan was pondering how to defuse the awkwardness when Debra approached and fluently conversed with the man. The man seemed quite pleased with what Debra said and shook hands with her. Shelia finally noticed Debra, dressed in an identical black dress. Compared to her, Debra seemed like a refined lady, while she looked like a street vendor. Shelia clenched her fists and forced a smile. "Debra, that's impressive. You can speak the Dawnreach language." Debra smiled without saying anything. Juan remembered that Debra could speak foreign languages, but Dawnreach language wasn't widely used. Not many people knew it, so he was surprised that Debra was fluent in it. "What did you say to Mr. Stephen? He seemed quite pleased," Shelia asked. "I told him that the piece of land he bought near the southeastern sea is going to get a good prince, so he's happy," Debra replied. "That piece of land will get a a good price?" Shelia looked puzzled. The land didn't seem extraordinary. "Maybe," Debra replied casually. In her last life, that piece of land did get a considerable sum. The area suddenly developed into a tourist destination, making a hefty profit from tourism. Mr. Stephen probably foresaw its development, hence his purchase. Shelia lacked that foresight. Juan stared at Debra, which made her uncomfortable. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Debra asked. "How did you know that the land would get a good price?" Juan said. Chapter 7 Given his expression, Juan knew that this plot of land would fetch a hefty sum. Yet he chose to let Stephen have it as a favor. That was just Juan's style. "I was just paying a compliment. You're reading too much into it," Debra replied. Juan furrowed his brow, assessing the sincerity of Debra's words. It made sense. Given Debra's intelligence, how could she see the future value of that land? Juan realized he was overthinking it. "Hope so." Juan turned away, leading Shelia to meet other people. Shelia glanced at Debra. Debra managed to capture the hint of triumph in Shelia's eyes. She downed a glass of champagne. In the eyes of others, she was just a failed woman abandoned by her husband. Her husband left her and took another woman to meet business partners. Could anything be more of a joke than this? Debra felt disheartened. She had planned to mingle with the business elites, but with Juan gone, it became difficult. How could she approach those entrepreneurs without seeming intentional? Debra scanned the surroundings and spotted a piano not far away. A smile played on Debra's lips as she got an idea. With graceful steps, Debra approached the piano and exchanged brief greetings with the pianist before sitting down. As the heiress to the Frazier family, she had to learn many things, though she never thought she'd use them. But now they had come in handy. It had been a while since Debra played the piano, so she was a bit rusty. But soon enough, the piano keys followed her fingers, producing a melodious tune that perfectly matched the atmosphere of the party. The guests were captivated by the unexpected piano music. Many turned to look in her direction, and after she finished playing, applause filled the room. Seeing Juan and the businessmen stop their conversation, Shelia kept her eyes on Debra and said, "Debra is amazing. She can play the piano." "She is a pro," Juan remarked casually. Among these people, many could play the piano, and passing relevant exams was quite common. The fact that Debra received so much applause showed her musical talent. It was then that Shelia realized the gap between her and Debra. She used to think Debra was just lucky and pretty, but utterly useless. Now she was proven wrong. She was dead wrong. After Debra finished playing, many wealthy ladies approached her for conversation. While she couldn't directly approach those business magnates, getting close to their wives made it easier to reach them. "I didn't expect Mrs. Nichols to be so talented at the piano," Randy remarked from a corner. "Not bad," Marion agreed. "You don't know music, do you?" Randy teased. "I don't, but I like it," Marion replied. He didn't understand music, but because it was Debra playing, it felt different. When she went to the restroom, Debra was pulled into a secluded corner. She tried to cry out, but the man behind her covered her mouth. "Don't make a sound," the man whispered. Feeling the warmth of his body, Debra adjusted her breathing and bit down on the man's hand. "Ouch!" he grunted in pain. "You bit me?" The man released her. Debra quickly put some distance between them and was surprised when she saw his face. "Marion?" "Who else did you think it would be?" "Why the cloak and dagger?" "I sneaked in. Don't want to be seen." "What kind of joke is this? Caleb is your..." Before Debra could finish her sentence, she immediately shut her mouth. Marion raised an eyebrow. "Hm? What were you going to say?" Debra averted her gaze. In her last life, Caleb left all his assets to Marion. It was only after that she found out the truth. But so far, no one knew Marion was Caleb's grandson. "I mean, Caleb is kind-hearted, and you're a dominant owner of overseas enterprises. Even if you snuck in, no one would dare say anything." "Maybe, but I prefer to play it safe," Marion said. "Don't tell me you snuck in here just to say these things to me." She didn't think Marion would be so boring. "This is for you." Marion handed Debra a contract. Debra looked down and saw the contract for her borrowing. "Just for this?" she asked. Marion nodded. "Boring!" Debra signed the contract and threw it back to Marion. It was crazy that he found her to sign the contract at the door of the ladies' room. "As your creditor, can I ask you a question?" "Go ahead." "Why spend ten billion on that land?" Marion's voice was low, tempting her to answer his question. "I can't tell you now," Debra said. "What if I insist?" Marion could tell Debra had other plans. But he couldn't figure out what could be worth ten billion there. It was a loss-making business, but Debra's actions made him believe the land would be worth far more than ten billion. "If I told you this land would be worth a lot in six months, would you believe me?" Debra asked. "No." Marion couldn't see any signs of it yet. "What if I said high-end properties around that wasteland are about to come into the market?" Debra asked. "What high-end properties?" Marion frowned. He had never heard of that. "You'll find out soon enough," Debra smiled, walking past Marion into the restroom. Frowning, Marion walked to the lobby, where Randy asked, "Done signing?" "Yeah," Marion said. "Why the long face?" Randy asked. "Is there any high-end property near the wasteland Debra bought?" "There aren't any." "Check who owns the land around that wasteland." "That wasteland is in the sewage area. There's nothing to check. Forget high-end properties. No one would even build a basketball court there," Randy said. "Sewage area?" Marion was surprised. Chapter 8 Moments later, Shelia emerged from the restroom, her face looking grim. She was now dressed in a white gown. "What's wrong?" Juan asked. "I just changed in the restroom and thought I saw Debra." "Debra?" Shelia nodded. "I saw Debra with that man. They seemed intimate." Shelia observed Juan's expression and quickly added, "But I might have been mistaken. How could Debra know someone like Marion? I heard he's a desperado." "Debra..." Juan's tone turned cold. He had noticed Marion's interest in Debra last time. 'Doesn't she know how to avoid danger? Even getting close to someone like Marion.' Juan felt upset. Debra emerged from the restroom and was puzzled about Juan's dissatisfaction. "Where did you go?" Juan whispered. "Me? I went to the restroom." Debra was confused. Shelia stepped forward, pretending to be affectionate, as she grabbed Debra's hand. "Debra, I saw it just now. Marion is not a good person. Don't let him deceive you." Debra instinctively withdrew her hand. Shelia's hand hung in mid-air, and she looked aggrieved. "I didn't tell Mr. Nichols about it on purpose, but Marion is really not a good person." "I know what kind of person Marion is. I don't need others to judge," Debra huffed. "I..." Shelia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Shelia is looking out for you. Don't be oblivious and offend the wrong people," Juan warned. Shelia tugged at Juan's sleeve, as if to imply he was being too harsh. If other people saw it, they might think that Shelia was Juan's wife. "In any case, it's best not to get close to Marion. You're a woman of high standing, while he's a man without upbringing. How could you have any ties with him?" Shelia said. Suddenly, the sound of a cane hitting the ground came. Everyone turned to see an elderly man with gray hair standing in the center of the hall. Debra turned around, feeling a sense of familiarity. Soon, she recognized the old man as the gardener who had been arranging vases in the hall earlier. Now, the old man was dressed in a suit, flanked by two bodyguards. His stern gaze carried a hint of ruthlessness, making people wary. "This is Mr. Caleb Houston," one of the bodyguards introduced. Everyone in the vicinity raised their glasses respectfully to the old man. Only Shelia was pale. The old man she had scolded just now turned out to be Caleb. Shortly after, Marion emerged from behind Caleb and stood by his side, supporting him. Debra suddenly had a bad feeling. Marion looked at Debra and slowly smirked. "Ladies and gentlemen, I invited you all here today to declare that Marion is my grandson, the sole heir of the Houston family." Caleb coldly glanced at Shelia. Shelia felt a chill. "He is not some wild man without upbringing," Caleb said. Everyone in the room was astonished, and Debra's heart was pounding. 'Something is not right. The timeline has changed. How could this happen?'	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2,235,935	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2234576}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high...	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2,240,760	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-19 14:59	active	1662		Kelly Clarkson recently revealed her secrets to healthy weight loss on TikTok, don’t you know? 👉👉https://9ffx.com/appcle👈👈	LEARN_MORE	https://9ffx.com/appcle	Health Assistant	https://www.facebook.com/100064843361590/	300	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	9ffx.com	VIDEO		https://9ffx.com/appcle	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/423779450_884238233709945_3760518301487173893_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lytBGrmz8JQQ7kNvgHCrovG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AN8Rdu7wfeutxF385ASiL8b&oh=00_AYAhyVZuLeIcPZUwsQwvLLW-SNRbQe8DUdVHOAGctbH0zA&oe=6719CEE1	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Health Assistant	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,234,637	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2235645}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 "You'll have the test results in about an hour." The nurse's smile was gentle and reassuring as she took the vial of blood from Madeline Sanders. Madeline held a cotton swab to her arm and settled into a chair in the waiting area. She was a bit pale, but her eyes sparkled with hope. She had a hunch she was conceived, and that hospital visit was just to make sure. Three years ago, Trevon Gibson was involved in a terrible car crash that left him comatose, with doctors saying he would never wake up. Lydia Sanders, Trevon's high school sweetheart and Madeline's half-sister, did not waste any time and jetted off abroad for her studies. Somehow, Trevon's grandmother—Edith Gibson—figured that Madeline was Trevon's lucky charm and insisted she marry him. The Gibson family promised to care for Madeline's mother, who was lost in her own world of madness. Madeline felt trapped but agreed to the marriage. Little did everyone know that Madeline was secretly in love with Trevon for years. To everyone's surprise, Trevon woke up after the wedding. However, Madeline's joy was short-lived. Trevon's first words to her were icy and calculated. "Out of respect for my grandmother, I'll take you as Mrs. Gibson for three years. When Lydia returns in three years, I will marry her." Madeline had braced herself to play along with that deal, ready to step aside when the time came. However, life threw a curveball a month and a half ago. Trevon stumbled home after drowning his sorrows in wine that day, and Madeline single-handedly managed to drag him inside. Supporting a drunken Trevon was like moving a boulder—each step a battle of strength. Madeline and Trevon could no longer keep themselves upright and crumpled to the floor just inside the front door. Their lips brushed together in the fall, an accidental kiss that sent Madeline's heart racing. Trevon was a notorious germaphobe, avoiding physical contact like the plague. However, that unexpected kiss seemed to unlock something in him, and he leaned in for another. Madeline was caught off guard, but she did not resist. Later, in the quiet aftermath, Madeline could not bear to stay in the bed they shared. She tiptoed around the sleeping Trevon, erasing any trace of what had happened between them. The hospital was a hive of activity, but Madeline felt alone in the crowd. With trembling hands, she opened the lab results. 'Early stage of conceive. Recommend a follow-up ultrasound.' Joy flickered across her face, quickly hidden behind her hand to muffle her giggles. Regardless of the state of her marriage, that baby was a precious gift. She was eager to tell Trevon, her fingers hovering over her phone. However, she hesitated. Trevon's germaphobia was not just about objects—it extended to people. She had seen him scrub his hands raw after a mere handshake. However, wine had loosened his inhibitions that one night. Would he believe the baby was his? Doubt clouded Madeline's mind, bringing a headache and a wave of nausea. She was jostled as a group of doctors in white coats rushed by, nearly sending her phone flying. "Emergency! Please step aside," a nurse said, flashing Madeline a quick, apologetic smile before dashing off. Madeline took a deep breath, watching the commotion unfold. Her gaze drifted to the emergency room doors without much thought. However, in a heartbeat, her eyes widened in shock. Trevon was there, shielding Lydia as they stepped down from the ambulance. He guided her gently onto a stretcher and, with a team around them, made a beeline for the VIP suite. A chilling shiver sliced through Madeline, her knees buckling as she clung to the nearby railing for support. Lydia was back. In the hospital room, the doctor briefed Trevon. "It seems like a mild concussion, but we'll need the test results to be sure." Trevon's expression was serious. "Speed it up. Use the VIP route." Lydia, stretched out on the gurney, smiled weakly at Trevon. "You're always so kind to me." Lydia pouted as she continued, "I wasn't paying attention. Who would've thought a bike bump could lead to a concussion? In Ameristan, people usually slow down on their own." Trevon gave her a fleeting, detached look. A flicker of worry crossed Lydia's face. "Trevon, with Skylandia's tight deadlines, isn't my accident going to set us back a lot?" Skylandia was the latest venture from Trevon's gaming empire, Xystos Tech, and Lydia had returned to lead the art on it. "I won't stay here. I have to get back to work," she declared, attempting to get out of bed. Trevon was quick to intervene, his hand on her shoulder easing her back down. "Don't be childish." As the tender scene unfolded, Madeline watched them outside the VIP room with gritted teeth. Trevon was notorious for his meticulous ways, but he did have a soft spot. He was not always distant. He just saved all his warmth for Lydia. Madeline felt a wave of emotion as she teared up. She touched her nose and fought the tears. Without really knowing why, she found herself pulling out her phone and calling Trevon. In the sterile silence of the hospital room, Trevon's face froze for a moment as he checked his phone, then casually handed it off to his assistant, Simon Taylors. "Tell her I'm tied up in a meeting." Madeline's heart clenched as Trevon's annoyed expression flickered across his face. Simon, moving to the side, answered Madeline's call softly. "Hello, Mrs. Gibson. Mr. Gibson is busy in a meeting. Is there something you need?" Madeline's lips twitched with a defeated smile. "No, it's nothing. I just hit the wrong button." Simon frowned. "Mr. Gibson's schedule is packed. Please be more careful in the future, Mrs. Gibson." The future? Was there even a future to speak of? Lydia, overhearing Simon, gave Trevon a subtle glance. She casually showed off the pink Hello Kitty bandage on her hand. Trevon's eyes snapped to it, his voice laced with a hint of longing. "You still haven't kicked that old habit, I see." Lydia forced a smile. "Well, you know I've always been fond of Hello Kitty." Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to soften. Madeline could not stand it any longer. Clutching her phone, she turned around and left. She thought one night could change things, but it was just wishful thinking. Despite the autumn season, Redenbaugh City was sweltering, and the hospital's air conditioning was cranked up, sending chills down her spine. She felt light-headed, as if she were floating on air. Suddenly, a little boy darted into her path, bumping into her. Madeline's face went pale as she caught the little boy, but in doing so, she lost her footing and tumbled to the ground. The fall sent a chill up her spine, and she held her belly, too afraid to move. The boy, however, started wailing, drawing curious glances from passersby. His mother rushed over and gave him a quick once-over. When she found him unscathed, she pulled him into a tight embrace before turning to Madeline with fury. "Can't you watch where you're going? You ran into my baby! How will you make this right?" Madeline, her mind on the baby she was carrying, bit back her pain and chose not to retaliate. Instead, she made her way to the maternity ward upstairs. The mother was not having it, yanking on Madeline's arm. "You think you can just hit someone and leave?" Madeline, nearly tripping over, turned slightly and offered calmly, "Should we review the security footage?" The woman, clutching her son, stormed off. Madeline felt her vision darken as she clutched her chest. She leaned against the railing, immobilized. In the VIP ward, Lydia gazed at Trevon longingly and leaned in for a kiss. Trevon, who was aloof, felt a wave of nausea as she got close. His vision blurred, and his chest tightened. He flinched and shoved Lydia away. Chapter 2 "Here's the divorce agreement. Take a look." Trevon, fresh from the hospital, confronted Madeline with a request for divorce. The image of Lydia's hurt look lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of resignation. His rejection was not just about his aversion to germs. It was also the sudden sickness and weakness that overtook him. He dismissed it as a one-off, which was not worth worrying about. However, faced with Madeline, the discomfort was undeniable. Madeline, still reeling from her hospital visit, was blindsided by the divorce papers laid out before her. It took a moment for her to find her voice, and when she did, it quivered. "Do we really have to end this?" "Yes." Madeline's grip tightened, and the question she could not suppress spilled out. "Is it because Lydia's back?" Trevon loosened his tie, his face turning to stone. "Didn't I make myself clear three years ago?" He had, and she had accepted it. However… "If... Just if..." Madeline hesitated, biting her lip. Trevon was impatient. "Madeline, you can't always want more." She looked up sharply, disbelief etched on her face. Did he think she was haggling over the divorce terms? With several deliberate taps on the table, Trevon continued, "Indeed, you've done everything required of being a wife these past three years. There's a modest place near Johnsrud. It's yours now. That's the best I can do. Don't make me lose respect for you." Madeline's response was trapped in her throat as she smiled bitterly. Three years of marriage, and her reward was a house. Should she be thankful? He was determined to get the divorce over with, by any means necessary. There was no need to mention the baby. It would only complicate how he saw her. She did not need a man whose heart belonged to another. Madeline felt nauseous, feeling like she needed to purge immediately. She crouched down to clutch the bin and gagged, but nothing came up. Trevon watched, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Why did her sickness stir something in him? Was it a mere coincidence? Seeing her ashen face, it was clear she was unwell. Trevor gave Madeline a questioning look. "Are you sick? When did it start? What's wrong?" Madeline felt the urge to throw up but could not, which only intensified her discomfort. Clinging to the trash can seemed like the only thing she could do. At the sound of his question, her fingers tensed uncontrollably. She forced a casual response. "Maybe it's just a cold. No big deal." "Answer me!" His voice turned sharp, sending a jolt through Madeline, and she murmured almost without thinking. "This afternoon, when you were… I'm just feeling a bit of chest tightness, weak limbs, and a touch of nausea. Typical cold symptoms." She did not bring up the hospital visit, quickly labeling it a cold to avoid any wild guesses. The timing and the symptoms lined up perfectly. 'So, it's because we caught a cold at the same time?' Trevon wondered. Madeline finally let go of her resistance. She deliberately avoided the divorce papers on the table and fetched the sour orange she had bought earlier from the fridge. Her mouth was unbearably uncomfortable, and she craved the relief of something sour. After all, she would need some strength in her hand to sign those papers. The moment she took out the sour orange, its tangy scent filled the room. Catching a glimpse of Trevon standing to the side, watching her with a frown, she hesitated before offering, "Want one?" Trevon looked away, clearly uninterested. Madeline chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You're not into sour stuff." However, as she sliced into the vibrant sour orange and its juicy interior burst with a potent tangy aroma, Trevon seemed unable to look away. Madeline was about to take a bite when she noticed Trevon approaching. His towering presence felt like a wall closing in, making the kitchen feel smaller by the second. Instinctively, Madeline stepped back. "If you don't like it, then I'll just..." Before she could finish, Trevon was at the sink, lathering up with soap, washing his hands with deliberate care three times before reaching for a piece of the sour orange. He scrunched his forehead, eyeing the orange for a long moment before popping it into his mouth. Madeline's jaw dropped in astonishment. However, Trevon did not spit it out. He chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before looking at her seriously. "Next time, make sure the knife's washed three times, okay?" The urge to bite into that tangy orange slice was irresistible. Sure enough, the sour kick seemed to soothe his queasy stomach. It was not just some bug. His nausea had kicked in right after Madeline's, as if he was only sick because she was. What was up with that? Trevon made a mental note to get to the bottom of it. Madeline gave a simple "Oh" in response. They finished the orange together, a moment of closeness they had not felt in three years. After washing her hands, Madeline looked up at Trevon. Sharing that sour fruit seemed to have bridged the gap between them, if only a little. However, their journey together was nearing its end. She murmured, "I'll sign the divorce papers." It was like cashing out after three years. A million and five hundred thousand, and a house to her name. She was coming out ahead. When she was about to sign, Trevon snatched the papers away. "We'll add another house to the deal. Wait for the lawyer's final draft." Madeline nodded, still in a daze. Suddenly, Trevon's phone buzzed and Lydia's whiny voice came through as he picked up the call. "Trevon, when are you coming? I'm bored." Madeline gripped her pen so hard her thumb whitened, nearly snapping it. Trevon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. Madeline stepped forward, her voice tinged with concern. "How am I supposed to explain this to Grandma?" "We'll talk when I'm back," Trevon replied before the door slammed shut behind him. The house, once filled with life, echoed with emptiness. Madeline chuckled at herself, shook off the silence, and went to the kitchen to whip up some noodles. After all, she had to think about the little one growing inside her. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Expecting Trevon, who might have forgotten something, she swung the door open only to be greeted by unwelcome faces. Madeline's warmth vanished. "What are you two doing here?" Cilix Sanders, her father, smiled and said, "You weren't picking up, so your mom and I thought we'd drop by." Her phone did show a string of missed calls. Ignoring their calls was nothing new, but their sudden visit was unexpected. "My mom's lost her mind, locked up in Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital. Did you forget to visit her, or did you forget she's there?" Skylar Lowe, Madeline's stepmother, stood beside Cilix in her flawless outfit. She looked nothing like someone who had toiled in the fields. However, her sharp and calculative eyes matched her biting tone. "Such disrespect! Where are your manners?" Madeline was furious. If she truly lacked manners, Skylar would have been long gone. It was Skylar's appearance, after all, that had tipped her mother over the edge. However, Madeline had been biding her time, collecting proof. They would all pay, eventually. Pushing down the bile, she asked coolly, "So, what brings you here?" "Let's talk inside," was all they said. Once they were in, Madeline poured water into two glasses, her hands steady as stone. Madeline's calm and compliant facade only fueled Skylar's ego. With an arrogant head tilt, she announced, "Your sister's back in town. It's time you end things with Trevon and give up your title as Mrs. Gibson to her!" Madeline fought the impulse to douse Skylar with water as she gripped the kettle firmly. "Give it up? I'm not following you." Madeline's gaze shifted to Cilix. "You told me when Trevon was in that coma, the company was strapped for cash. Marrying Trevon was the only way to afford my mom's medical bills. I married into the Gibson family for the sake of the Sanders family. How did Lydia end up taking my place as the daughter-in-law of the Gibson family?" Chapter 3 "I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water. "The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother." Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more. Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?" "That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied. Madeline saw right through their plot. She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards. After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's shares—the ones she's entitled to." Cilix instantly became furious. Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of unity. Cilix, who came from nothing, married Bella Ziegler—Madeline's mother—and quickly turned his fortune around with a garment factory. However, Bella paid a steep price, severing ties with her own family. It was not until Skylar—previously 'Jolene', with her kids in tow—showed up that Bella realized the magnitude of her mistake. She battled depression for years, and the strain of the revelation only deepened her illness. That was when Cilix dropped the divorce bomb. He played the bankruptcy card during the split, claiming all assets were tied up. Bella was left with scraps. However, once the divorce papers were signed, Cilix's business miraculously bounced back. Ever the opportunist, Cilix kept footing Bella's medical bills, basking in the glow of his newfound reputation. Madeline only pieced it all together as she grew up—her mother had been played. She had been nursing a plan to set things right ever since. The meeting ended with frosty treatment all around. Madeline shut the door behind them, collapsed onto the couch, and lost herself in the darkness outside the window. … Dawn's light crept into the room. Madeline shielded her eyes and took a moment to adjust before getting up reluctantly. Nausea washed over her in an unforgiving wave. Trevon had not come home all night. Madeline's emotions were a mess—resignation laced with a hint of disappointment. However, above all, there was relief. It was as if her decision to let go the day before had freed her from hope. Madeline sank back into the pillows. The click of the electronic lock signaled an arrival at the door. Madeline glanced up, and there was Lydia, swathed in designer elegance, striding in with a smile that could light up the room. "Madeline, it's been ages." Rising slowly, Madeline perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes a storm of loathing. "Who said you could come in? Leave!" Lydia's smile only grew. "Trevon sent me, of course. He spent last night at the hospital with me, then dashed off to work at dawn. He asked me to pick up a suit for him." A shadow crossed Madeline's face. So, Trevon was with Lydia last night. She had waited like a fool on that couch all night long, clinging to his promise. 'We'll talk when I get back.' "You're just like your mother, always the homewrecker," Madeline spat. Lydia's laughter rang out. "Who's the real homewrecker? It's the unloved one. Even the lock's code is my birthday. Trevon's heart is still with me. Madeline, you've been using my birthday to open this door for the past three years. That must sting, doesn't it?" Madeline's eyes flickered, her grip tightening on the blanket. She inhaled sharply before smiling mockingly. "Is technology that archaic where you come from? We've moved on to facial recognition, or fingerprints at the very least. Key codes are a thing of the past." Lydia's smile faltered, her composure slipping for a split second. "Outdated or not, Trevon's word is law." Madeline could not be bothered with petty squabble. Her nausea was getting worse. She gestured toward Trevon's bedroom. "His stuff's in there. Help yourself." With a smug grin, Lydia disappeared into the room and emerged moments later, a bundle of clothes in her arms. Before she took off, she sauntered over to Madeline, flashed her hand, and there it was—a dazzling diamond ring. There was also that cutesy pink bandage on her finger. "My mom says you're dragging your feet on the divorce—kinda funny, don't you think? Trevon's put a ring on it, so why embarrass yourself? Time to get a clue." She leaned in, whispering to Madeline, "Face it, you've never been able to outdo me in anything since we were kids." Old memories came rushing back. Her favorite things, her mentors, her dad, her very home—Lydia had snatched them all away with just a few words. Madeline squinted and swiftly yanked the bandage off Lydia's hand. "You've always been into taking my stuff, huh?" She eyed Lydia's pristine hand and tossed the bandage into the bin with a look of disgust. "Bandages are disposable. Get a new one, and it's as good as ever. However, you know what's really scary about a guy who's been down the aisle twice?" Madeline rose to her feet, locking eyes with Lydia as she smiled slyly. "It's the lingering lessons from his ex. His style, habits, tastes, thoughts—they're all tinged with the ghost of the woman before you. Chew on that. Good luck." "Madeline!" Ignoring her, Madeline grabbed a bag of clothes and thrust it into Lydia's arms. "So long, no need for goodbyes!" Behind the wheel on her way to work, Lydia smacked the steering wheel, Madeline's parting shot replaying in her head. The phone buzzed. Lydia answered with a huff. "What's up with the wake-up call?" Wren Naylor, Lydia's assistant, hesitated before speaking up with caution. "Ms. Sanders, the planning team wants to add an illustrator to the project. They've already picked someone out." "They've what now? Since when does planning get to call the shots on art hires? They really need to stay in their lane." Wren stayed quiet. Lydia bit back her frustration. "Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll sort it out with them." Instead of going to her department when she arrived at the office, Lydia went to the top floor to drop off some clothes for Trevon. Trevon accepted the clothes, but his brow creased in confusion. Lydia felt a twinge of worry. "Something wrong with the clothes?" They were definitely not his usual brand. Madeline would not slip up like that. "Madeline wasn't there when you picked these up?" Realizing the brand mismatch, Lydia understood her mistake. Madeline's earlier words echoed in her head. Lydia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Madeline just handed me these and shooed me out when I arrived. You know she's never been fond of me." She sighed resignedly and continued, "Typical Madeline, knowing you're in a rush and still acting petty with me. Should I run to the store and grab you a new set?" Trevon cut her off. "Don't bother. You've got work to do." Lydia clammed up, stepping back into silence. Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault. Clothes are the least of our worries. We've got the Skylandia project to focus on." In just a week, Skylandia would unveil its magical realms to eager eyes, with artistry at its heart. Lydia, fresh from her hiatus, was steering that ship—the crown jewel of the year for Xystos Tech. She knew the drill, but duty called, and she stepped out with a promise to return for lunch. Madeline, alone then, rinsed a handful of cherry tomatoes, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside her. She scrolled through her phone, the barrage of prenatal check-ups looming large and daunting. Midway through her meticulous note-taking, the doorbell chimed. She opened the door to find Simon pulling a long face. Chapter 4 "Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes." Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?" Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?" Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagle—a woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness. Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought. "Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness. Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?" Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said? Simon rushed her along. Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily. "Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assistant needs. Why don't you take a page from Mr. Harris's book?" Trevon did have a star assistant—Daniel Harris—who was so capable that he was sent overseas to handle big deals. That was when Simon got the call to step in. Simon's face went through a mixture of pale and flushed as he absorbed her criticism. Madeline, who was usually quiet, had just thrown shade in his face. He bit back his retort, finally huffing in annoyance and storming off. Madeline let out a soft laugh, brushing off the encounter. With visiting hours ticking closer, Madeline headed to Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital to see Bella. It was more of a wellness retreat than a hospital, nestled right next to Redenbaugh City's fanciest private clinic. Getting in was not easy, but thanks to the Gibson family pulling strings, Bella got a spot. Madeline wheeled her mom out into the courtyard, catching her up on the week's gossip and happenings. Bella was her usual self—unresponsive and staring off into space. Madeline sighed and took her mom's hand, resting it gently on her belly. "Mom, right here, there's a little one on the way. Even with Trevon talking about divorce, I'm keeping this baby. You've got to come back to us. Who will help me with this little one if you don't?" She nestled against Bella's legs, craving the comfort of her mother's presence. Unseen by Madeline, Bella's eyes flickered—a brief, almost missed flutter. "Madeline?" A voice, laced with surprise, called out for her. Madeline looked up to see a man in a lab coat looking her way. The sun was blinding, and Madeline squinted without recognizing the figure before her. There was something oddly familiar about the silhouette. It was not until he was close that she could see it was Caleb Jabs, her old college friend. With a warm smile, Caleb teased, "Madeline, can't you recognize an old friend after just three years?" He opened his arms for a hug, like nothing had changed. Madeline hesitated, then offered a hand for a handshake instead. Caleb's smile faltered, then returned. "Right, we're not on campus anymore." He shook her hand before releasing it, stealing a glance at the wedding ring on her finger. Through their chat, Madeline learned that he had just returned from overseas and that his uncle was running the local private hospital. Caleb nodded toward Bella with a slight smile. "And who is this?" Madeline's smile vanished. "My mom. She's been like this since she had a breakdown three years ago." A breakdown? It looked serious, as if she had lost all touch with the world. What could have caused it? Caleb pushed down his questions, his heart aching for Madeline. "These past three years must've been tough on you." Madeline seemed more grounded than in her college days, but her eyes were shadowed with concern. Madeline shook her head. "It's time for us to head back." She was not one to bare her soul to just anyone. As she rose to leave, she wobbled slightly. Caleb reached out to steady her. "You're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should get checked out." Madeline steadied herself and took a step back. "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine." Caleb watched Madeline sidestep with a calm smile, not the least bit ruffled. "Back in college, you were always dealing with low blood sugar. Still battling that, huh? Skipped breakfast today?" He was already taking the wheelchair's handles as he spoke, and Madeline allowed it. They got Bella settled and swapped numbers. Then, Caleb pressed a chocolate bar into her hand. "For your sugar levels, have a bite." Madeline's laughter bubbled up. "Caleb, you still keep chocolate on you after all this time?" "Just a habit," he said with a chuckle. That little piece of chocolate seemed to bridge the gap that had grown between them. "How about lunch? It's already noon." Madeline bit her lip, uncertain. However, Caleb was already tugging her along. "There's this great little place I know nearby. You'll love it." Trevon managed to swing by the hospital after his meeting wrapped up. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They suggested bringing Madeline in, thinking she might be the key to why he felt off. He left the hospital with that thought, only to see Madeline and Caleb, all smiles, heading into a cozy diner. Madeline's smile was something new, something he had never seen, and it stopped him in his tracks. He took a moment before climbing into his car. From the driver's seat, Simon caught Trevon in the mirror. "Mr. Gibson, wasn't that Mrs. Gibson? Should we pick her up?" Trevon watched them disappear into the diner, a place he would never dream of entering. "No, let's not," he murmured. Simon arched an eyebrow, shot a look of faint scorn at the diner, and sped off. Trevon was reclining in the back seat, eyes closed, soaking in a moment of peace. A few minutes in, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed. It took him a moment to realize that he was embodying Madeline's happiness. What could possibly be so special about that little shop to make her that cheerful? However, that sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles they served was exceptional—tangy and invigorating. It had been days since Madeline had enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. She even decided to get an extra serving to go. Caleb chuckled. "Noodles never taste as good reheated. Wait, didn't you love spicy food? What's with the switch?" Madeline smiled. "I haven't really switched. This is just that good." She was known for her love of spicy dishes, and even Trevon, the health nut, had found his tastes swayed by her. It was hard to argue with Madeline's culinary magic. Her cooking was irresistible to most. Back home, Madeline had barely set down her takeout when her phone rang. It was Yeneth Collins, her best friend. "Madeline, I've got some good and bad news." Feeling a bit worn out, Madeline sank into the couch. "Go on." "The good news is that you've been chosen to draw the new character for Skylandia. They've sent the contract over to you already." A spark of excitement flickered across Madeline's face as she reached for her laptop to check her email. "And the bad news?" Yeneth sighed heavily. "Lydia is the new art director for Skylandia. She just got the job today. I wouldn't have pushed you to take this gig if I'd known." Since marrying Trevon right after college, Madeline had not returned to the workforce, finding solace and passion in her art. Her style was distinctive, not exactly mainstream, with a focus on creating captivating illustrations. When Yeneth got involved with Skylandia, she thought Madeline's artwork was a perfect fit and put her name forward. Madeline smiled. "No way. The contract's terms are decent. Can't miss an opportunity of making money just because of her." She was always hustling for cash, especially with Bella's medical bills piling up. It meant biting her tongue whenever the Sanders family got tight-fisted. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" "Totally. I freelance under the name 'Lily Mora'. Who will connect the dots?" Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open as Trevon walked in. Chapter 5 Madeline's instinct was to snap her laptop shut. "Give me a second." She quickly ended the call and turned to face Trevon. "What's got you home at this hour?" Trevon eyed her hurried movements and washed his hands before replying, "Just needed to pick something up." Madeline responded with a noncommittal hum. His gaze landed on a nearby takeaway box. It was the sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles. It looked just like the one she had had for lunch. Was it really that tasty? A jolt of panic hit Madeline, and she blurted out, "It's for Yeneth, not me." Back when they were newlyweds, Madeline had grabbed some street sausages, and Trevon had gone into a tailspin, bombarding her with articles about the filth of street vendors and the dangers of eating out. Since then, she had avoided eating street food around him. However, she had slipped up and forgotten to stash the evidence. Trevon's chuckle was detached as his eyes drifted to a notebook on the table. Madeline's heart was pounding, and she pushed aside the wave of nausea to dash toward the notebook—her secret journal of conceive appointments. The last thing she wanted was for Trevon to find out she was expecting. However, Trevon was quicker. He stretched out his arm and lifted the notebook from Madeline's reach. Without regard for her protests, he calmly flipped it open. The 'Prenatal Appointment Schedule' header stared back at him. He raised an eyebrow, his cool gaze landing on Madeline. Madeline felt her heart jump into her throat. "Is this for Yeneth, too?" Trevon asked. "Huh?" Caught off guard, Madeline quickly nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Yeneth's getting married, thinking about having kids, so I was helping her research." Trevon's suspicion did not wane. "So, why the panic?" Madeline's forehead creased. She let go of the notebook and looked away. "I didn't want you to think I was up to something." Madeline's beauty was marred by her recent illness. Her pale face was then tinged with the flush of sickness, making her look even more vulnerable. Trevon felt a twinge in his chest, and his annoyance grew. Her cold was messing with his work. He tossed the notebook back to Madeline. "I don't have time for this. You should be resting, not running around. If you show up to a divorce proceeding looking like this, people will think I'm the bad guy." Madeline silently clutched the notebook with her head bowed. … At the steakhouse, Lydia stared at her barely touched steak, her mood souring by the minute. When she heard Trevon returned to the Angelic Garden Residence, her annoyance turned to outright anger. "Madeline, that witch!" She whipped out her phone and dialed Skylar's number. Madeline had just reviewed the casting call from Skylandia, wrapped up her draft, and was stretching after a long day when Skylar's call came through. "Get over here tonight. If you don't show up, I'm tossing your mom's stuff." The line went dead. Madeline thought she had taken care of all Bella's things, so what could possibly be left at the Sanders' place? She could not risk it, so she hailed a cab and headed over. The Sanders' mansion was ablaze with lights, screaming new money from every gilded corner. Madeline stood at the entrance, taking in the garish display, and figured Skylar was behind it. Skylar greeted her with a grin, tugging her inside. "I just knew you'd come." Madeline jerked her hand away. "Cut the act, Skylar. There's no one else here. I did what you asked, so where's my mom's stuff?" Chapter 6 Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side. "Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!" It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster. He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off. Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!" Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed. Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table. "It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos." Skylar quickly dished some out for her. The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away. "I caught a cold and lost my appetite. I'm just here to grab a few things, and I'll be out." Cilix squinted, and Skylar, unable to contain herself, plopped down next to Madeline. "When are you planning on divorcing Trevon, huh? Your dad and I have already scoped out a new guy for you. He's ready to tie the knot and won't wait forever." A resigned feeling washed over Madeline. With a mocking smile, she murmured, "Really? Who's this wonderful match?" Skylar perked up and replied, "He's from a solid family. One of your dad's business partners. The guy owns a string of factories. Marry him, and you'll be the boss. They wouldn't even look twice at a divorcee if it wasn't for your dad's connections." She made it sound like a fairy tale. Madeline cut to the chase. "The owner of these factories? How old?" Skylar hesitated, then chuckled. "Not too old. He's just a bit over forty and in the prime of his life. It'll be your second marriage, so you can't afford to be choosy. Plus, they've promised to cut your dad a deal if you marry in. Consider it a tribute to your mom." Three years had passed, and Madeline's disdain for her family's ways was as strong as ever. She glared at Cilix. "Over forty? You're okay with this, being not much older yourself?" Cilix looked pained as he spoke, "Skylar's just trying to do what's best for you. Remarrying and bringing your mom into the mix, finding someone okay with that wasn't easy. Skylar really went out of her way for you." Skylar nodded earnestly. It had indeed been a challenge. Madeline needed to be married off and kept far away to avoid causing Lydia any more headaches. "Don't worry, the guy doesn't have kids. Everything in the future will be yours and your children's. It's a real stroke of luck." Madeline suddenly chimed in, "It's true. These kinds of terms are hard to come by. You've really outdone yourself, but…" Breaking from her usual composure, Madeline locked eyes with Cilix. "I was clear yesterday. I just want what my mom is entitled to—her shares. Those shares are peanuts compared to being Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family." Cilix remained expressionless, but his eyes were calculative. "Your mom's shares?" Thinking she had swayed Cilix, Skylar piped up in a shrill tone. "What shares does her mother have? The Sanders family fortune is all thanks to me and Cilix. It's got nothing to do with your loony mom." Madeline's glare whipped towards Skylar, sharp enough to shut her up. "Apologize." "Why should I? Your mom's the crazy one." Without warning, a cup of scalding water splashed across Skylar's face, and she let out a scream. However, before Madeline could react, she was yanked back forcefully. A second later, she was punched in the face. "You owe her an apology!" Chapter 7 Each word Yale spat was accompanied by a punch landing on Madeline. Madeline shielded herself with her purse, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. Blinded by anger, she had not thought things through, never imagining Yale would actually hit her. Conceived had left her weak, and she could only dodge Yale's vicious blows in a clumsy dance of desperation. The Sanders family seemed petrified by the spectacle, each too scared to even twitch. Cilix wanted to speak, but Skylar cut him off. "What's Yale got, a little muscle? Let her take a hit. It might teach her to listen." Cilix's face darkened as he sat back down. She had written her dad off long ago, but the sting of disappointment was as sharp as ever. As Yale moved in again, Madeline knew she was on her own. With a swift kick, she toppled a chair and snatched a fruit knife from the table, aiming it straight at him. "One more step, and I swear I'll stab you!" Yale, thrown off by the chair, nearly slipped. He wiped his mouth and sneered. "You think you've got the guts?" Knife in hand, Madeline's face was ghostly, but her eyes blazed with defiance, "Try me. I'm still Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family. If I take you down, they'll make sure it never sees the light of day." Her gaze flicked to Cilix. "You think our dad's got the spine to cross the Gibsons for you?" Yale did not budge. Skylar stepped forward with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, we're family. Knives? Really? Madeline, put it down." Madeline looked at Skylar icily and aimed the knife at her. "Stay back." Skylar froze, then looked pleadingly at Cilix. Cilix broke the silence. "Madeline, what's going on?" Madeline stood there with a cold expression, ignoring the blood that had started to drip from the corner of her mouth. She bit her lip, refusing to say a word. The recent scuffle had taken a toll on her, leaving her with a heavy feeling in her chest. She was afraid she would throw up if she opened her mouth. However, she was determined not to let them see her weakness. Amid the tense moment, the nanny burst in with unexpected joy. "Mr. Gibson and Ms. Sanders have arrived!" The pair entered the room. Trevon's face was a mask of seriousness, his lips pressed into a thin line. Lydia, catching sight of the knife in Madeline's grip, let out a sharp cry. "Madeline! Why are you holding a knife? What are you planning to do?" Cilix rose swiftly to welcome Trevon. "Mr. Gibson, please come in. Let's sit and talk. Madeline, put that knife down now." With a glance at Trevon, Madeline reluctantly set the knife aside. Skylar exhaled in relief and grumbled, "This is all Madeline's doing, causing a scene for no reason. Since when do we bring knives into family disputes?" Madeline inhaled deeply, pushing down the wave of nausea, and retorted with a frosty laugh. "So, now it's all my fault, just like that? I'm trying to do the right thing here, and I'm still the one to blame?" "Is this enough for you?" Trevon's voice, frosty and laced with anger, cut through the room. He had been feeling sick to his stomach the whole way there. That sensation had become all too familiar in the last couple of days, and he did not need to guess—it was Madeline's doing again. He had warned her just at lunchtime to take it easy, but what did she do? She ran off to her family's home to pick a fight, knife in hand. She might not be bothered by it, but he was fed up. The room fell silent. Madeline looked at him in disbelief. Was he really going to blame her without even asking why? Trevon had no interest in dragging out the conversation. He grabbed Madeline's hand and led her away with urgency. Madeline stumbled as he pulled her along, a sharp pain throbbing in her heart. Lydia tried to keep up, her voice tinged with concern. "Trevon, you haven't eaten yet." He barely paused, his voice dismissive. "Some other time." With that, he ushered Madeline into the car and shut the door behind her.	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&ut	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61560831098071/	20	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449437764_2559123607604310_3298283948021123177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aIvwWe5XhPEQ7kNvgGGOEG_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Agg6Q1nhEhN9DuDCVXfDhTa&oh=00_AYBWAZ4gPXGaQ-iP1yuB4mk9DgXZxX0C8Ei8aW5a-fccvA&oe=67196B1F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,238,626	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-19 07:03	active	1658		🎃👻🕸13 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAYS🕸👻🎃 It's SPOOKY SEASON and we're celebrating the 13 Days of Halloween with FRIGHTENINGLY AWESOME GIVEAWAYS! Our first giveaway is brought to you by BUCKED UP and includes a Bucked Up Pre Workout, LFG Burn, Gym Bag, Hat, Towel, Shaker, and Funnel! ENTER TO WIN by: - COMMENTING with your favorite scary movie and TAGGING a friend 5 winners will be randomly chosen from all national entries and announced Halloween Day. Winner must pick up prize in person. Prizes will not be shipped. GOOD LUCK & HAPPY HALLOWEEN	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	https://www.instagram.com/_u/discountnutritionsupe	Discount Nutrition Superstore	https://www.facebook.com/discountnutritionsuperstore/	10,608	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	IMAGE		https://www.instagram.com/_u/discountnutritionsuperstore	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463925910_1218955662670818_6851577479330650256_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LDpzK9kQ8scQ7kNvgGdo_OT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0n11EnMDSfRA_9hN9XLPW5&oh=00_AYB2cgnDbZrL6cikq4gBrjHFquIulNcpPtG-vhvd78ZH0A&oe=6719718F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Discount Nutrition Superstore	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,234,624	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2234576}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high...	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	223	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shgjfh.com	DCO		https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461342866_403665495877678_8039372569247806790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H9KA4RVBV5MQ7kNvgGTsaAL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Agg6Q1nhEhN9DuDCVXfDhTa&oh=00_AYCp8IieSQv0cUtxZIgCoAB2TRrviLhFXrD7yRbdDtYmvg&oe=671975F5	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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