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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
2,240,026	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.21188630490956073,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	E&C Razor Mx650 (72v)	E&C Razor Mx650 (72v) - $2,600.00 3000.00 all upgrades on Electro and Co. website. V2 hydraulic forks Supercross hydraulic rear shock (also have a fully adjustable comp/reb shock i’ll throw in. note it is slightly longer than the SX shock) Razor Ultimate Heat Sink Kenda Supermoto tires (on upgraded E&C wheels) E&C voltmeter E&C hydraulic disk brake (rear only) E&C Swingarm extension Kelly KVD preTuned controller (also have a far driver i will throw in) E&C headlight E&C Blower fan (mounted to ultimate heat sink) 12V converter for accessories 12V USB charger port (not currently installed) 3 Mode voltage switch (1-2-3) 72v “Supercharged” Battery Key start/stop (2 keys) E&C Pitbike front wheel w/ knobby tire (not installed) E&C moto tires (will throw in) top speed 40Mph on supermotos 35-30Mph on knobby’s OPEN TO TRADES Learn more about this listing on Facebook Marketplace: https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/4049215755334814/	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/404921575533	Nathan Collazo	https://www.facebook.com/Nathan-Collazo-157216434132700/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/4049215755334814/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Nathan Collazo	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,237,027	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2237023}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/belen.ortego.art	belen.ortego.art	https://www.facebook.com/100089151842414/	8	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/belen.ortego.art	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463865103_841275464862346_8664924843434999122_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tubG44EkMY4Q7kNvgFmwO4s&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AHb-DOcLif2EFZUI6xdIKuN&oh=00_AYAUKJdPMqTDAtRTEZKB8vTtvoxbKIx7uyO0ECsiv5B54w&oe=6719719F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	belen.ortego.art	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,235,493	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2235687}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"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?'	LEARN_MORE	https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	223	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	thebvhwysgng.com	DCO		https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&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/t39.35426-6/460464976_875804557426209_32219675156793350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v9ODVbO9G9EQ7kNvgEzSzDn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AHS49jIXTcKUUEtzNKkbf0d&oh=00_AYC302DJhhLr97_aG5Gpw6_rr8jesFHR8qZNFGCEXRf9TA&oe=67197578	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,237,865	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-10-19 07:03	active	1658		GIVEAWAY ALERT 🔥 We’re giving 3 lucky winners a chance to EXPERIENCE CREED LIKE NEVER BEFORE 👑✨ WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OCT 27 👑✨ 🎉 1ST PLACE WIN – A full bottle of CARMINA by Creed (our Mixperfume Top No.1) + two free samples of Silver Mountain Water and Queen of Silk. ✨ 2ND PLACE WIN – 8MM of Silver Mountain Water for that fresh, alpine-inspired experience. ✨ 3RD PLACE WIN – 8MM of Queen of Silk for an elegant, refined scent journey. How to Enter: 1️⃣ Follow @mixperfumestore 2️⃣ Comment on this video with the fragrance you want to try the most! 3️⃣ Tag 3 friends who need to check out Creed with you. 🔄 BONUS: Share this video on your story for an extra entry! Mark your calendars, and don’t miss your chance to win luxury in a bottle! 💫 #Creed #Top10Fragrances #Giveaway #PerfumeLovers #Mixperfume #CreedGiveaway #PerfumeAddict #FragranceCommunity #Mixperfume #FragranceSample #PerfumeSample #ScentLover #LuxuryFragrance #FragranceReview #FreeSample #FragranceLovers #PerfumeAddict #PerfumeDeals #FragranceCommunity #PerfumeShopping #TryBeforeYouBuy #FreeSamples	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	https://www.instagram.com/_u/mixperfumestore	Mixperfume.com	https://www.facebook.com/100093497262724/	816	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	www.instagram.com	VIDEO		https://www.instagram.com/_u/mixperfumestore	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463745470_1977817862725980_6327725855563177426_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fxTsoMNHjigQ7kNvgEfxd2F&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AN_2yGLiOGcgATbZqVMFuAk&oh=00_AYBOELVgEJLItwgl3o8qFrJEE7mdxKhxTa3bOhkQ9YtMGA&oe=671959A3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Mixperfume.com	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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06:42	active	1661	ここをクリックして無料でお読みください！	真夏の炎天下。頭から真夏の太陽がジリジリと照りつける中、吉沢凛子はショッピングモールの入り口に立ち、チラシ配りのアルバイトをしていた。そんな時偶然、入り口から入る一組の男女の姿が目をひいた。その二人の後ろ姿は凛子の彼氏、林佑樹と自分の親友である榎本月香ではないか？でも林佑樹は今日、仕事の面接に行くと言っていたはずじゃなかった？はっとして凛子は急いで二人を追った。しかし、彼女がショッピングモールに入った時には、二人の姿はもう見当たらなかった。中を何度も回ってみた後、彼女の携帯電話に突然、ショートメッセージでカード使用履歴が届いた。それはジュエリーショップの購入記録で、消費額は100万円近くだった。吉沢凛子はこの数字を見て、気が動転してしまった。これは彼女が半年でようやく稼げる金額なのだ。吉沢凛子はすぐにそのジュエリー店に飛び込んだ。ちょうど店員がキラキラ光るダイヤの指輪を榎本月香の薬指にはめるところだった。それは大粒のダイヤモンドで、カットも美しい。まさに吉沢凛子が前々から素敵だと思っていた指輪だ。榎本月香の満面の笑みに、吉沢凛子は頭の中が真っ白になっていた。林佑樹が仕事を失ってからこの半年間は、彼女が住む所も食事も提供していたのだ。それなのに、彼女のカードを使って浮気相手にダイヤの指輪を買っている？彼女の存在は？すると彼女は彼らのもとに駆け寄り、榎本月香の指にはまっていた指輪を取り上げ、店員に突き返した。「この指輪は返品します」「吉沢凛子、あなたどういうつもり？これは私がさっき買った指輪よ。なんであんたが勝手に返品しようとしているのよ？」と榎本月香は大きな声で怒鳴った。「パンッ！」すると、吉沢凛子は榎本月香の頬を平手打ちした。「お前、なにやってるんだ？」この時、林佑樹がちょうど支払いを終えて戻ってきた。彼は榎本月香の様子を見て痛ましく思い自分の胸に抱き寄せて、吉沢凛子に怒鳴りつけた。「ちょっとおまえの金を使っただけだろ、狂犬みたいに人を襲って、恥ずかしくないのか？」と林佑樹は嫌悪感を顕にした。この瞬間、吉沢凛子は心を砕かれた。裏切られ、怒りと屈辱で彼女は目を真っ赤にさせた。「私が汗水流して一生懸命働いたお金で、あんたは女に貢いでるんでしょ。恥ずかしいのはそっちのほうじゃないの？」「俺が貢いで何が悪いんだよ。おまえこそ自分自身をしっかり見つめてみろよ、おまえなんかを好きになる男はこの世にいないぞ！」この半年、林佑樹を養うために彼女は食事もなるべく節約して、長い間化粧品だって使わず、着ている服も昔からあるものばかりだ。しかし、自分への見返りが、こんな堂々とした裏切りだったとは！騒ぎを聞きつけて人だかりがどんどん増えていった。林佑樹は激怒してクレジットカードとレシートを吉沢凛子の顔に叩きつけた。「ほらよ、返してやるよ。金、金、金、おまえにはもう、うんざりなんだよ」カードで叩かれた顔は痛かったが、それよりも傷ついたのは吉沢凛子の心のほうだった。「吉沢凛子、おまえみたいな女の末路はな、孤独死なんだよ。おまえを受け入れられるような男はいないからな」と林佑樹は言い終わると、榎本月香を連れて、ショッピングモールから出て行った。吉沢凛子は一言もしゃべらず、床に落ちたカードとレシートを拾い、返品の手続きを終わらせて、そのまま彼女と林佑樹が住む家に帰った。その家には部屋が二つあり、林佑樹と彼女はそれぞれ別々の部屋を使っていた。以前、彼女は林佑樹のことを紳士的な男だと思っていたのだから、笑ってしまう。部屋に入ると、彼女はすぐに林佑樹の荷物を整理し、彼を追い出す準備をした。彼女がベッドのシーツを翻した時、使用済みのコンドームを見つけた。それを見た瞬間、吉沢凛子の林佑樹に対する最後の期待は完全に消滅してしまった。梱包された彼の荷物は、一つ一つ家の玄関前に置かれていた。この時、林佑樹は榎本月香を連れて帰ってきた。そして、荷物を片付けられ空っぽになった部屋を見て、林佑樹の怒りは頂点に達した。「吉沢凛子、てめえ、頭でもおかしくなったんじゃないのか。おまえに俺の私物に手を付ける資格なんかねえだろ？」吉沢凛子はリビングのソファに腰掛けていた。以前、彼女は林佑樹がこの世で一番格好良い男に見えていたが、今よく見てみると、ただ気持ち悪いとしか思えなかった。「ちょうど良いところに帰ってきたわ。あなたの部屋の鍵をちょうだい。もうここへは来ないでくれるかしら、私の場所が汚れちゃうから」「凛子、何か勘違いしてるんじゃないのか？以前は家賃を俺も出してたんだぞ、なんで俺が出て行かなきゃならないんだ？」と林佑樹は大きな声で怒鳴った。「あなたも今言ったでしょ、以前のことだって。この半年間の家賃、それから2年半の生活費も私にくれたことあったっけ？」吉沢凛子は冷静になり、全面的に争う姿勢だ。林佑樹は、ご近所たちが非難し始めたのを見て、面子を保てなくなり、とりあえずここは穏便に済ませようと言い逃れをしておくことにした。「吉沢凛子、おまえ金が欲しいんだろ？半年間の家賃って言っても、たったの50万くらいで、俺の一ヶ月半の給料にすぎないさ。仕事が見つかったら、その家賃を返してやるよ」「半年も待つ必要なんかないわ、今この女にお金をあげましょ」榎本月香は携帯を取り出し、吉沢凛子の前に来ると「こうしましょ、私が半年の家賃を払うわ。あなたは今すぐ出て行きなさい」と言った。榎本月香はしっかりと計算していた。半年の家賃の半分といっても20万ちょっとで、ここ数年、吉沢凛子のバカ女が出した金額はこれだけではないはずだ。でも、彼女はこうすることで林佑樹に良い印象を与えることができる。林佑樹は国立の良い大学を卒業していて、能力はある。以前働いていた時には一ヶ月に60万は稼いでいたのだから！榎本月香は吉沢凛子が快く頷くのを見ると、携帯の送金画面を開き、すぐにお金を送った。そして彼女は得意げに玄関を指差して言った。「さっさと荷物を整理して出て行きなさい！」「焦らないで」吉沢凛子はゆっくりと彼らに背を向けると、部屋から不動産権利書を出してきた。「あなた達しっかり見てみなさい」彼女が不動産権利書を開くと、権利書の名義は吉沢凛子となっていた。「私はこの家の持ち主よ。今日、この家は返してもらうわ」「凛子、おまえ俺をハメたのか？」不動産権利書を見て、林佑樹はすぐ烈火のごとく怒った。「おまえが家主だっていうのに、長年俺に家賃を支払わせていたのか？」「人の家に住むのに家賃を払うのは当然のことでしょう？」吉沢凛子は自分に何の罪があるのかと、肩をそびやかした。「てめえ、汚ねえ奴！」林佑樹は指先をわなわなと震わせ吉沢凛子を指差した。「以前はおまえのことを甘く見すぎてたよ」「吉沢凛子、あんた卑怯よ」榎本月香も相当に後悔していた。お金もなくなり、住むところも失ったのだから。「あなた達と比べたら、私なんてまだカワイイものでしょう」吉沢凛子はドアを開けて言った。「さっさと荷物を持って、出て行きなさい！」榎本月香はまだ納得していない様子だったが、林佑樹はご近所が見物に来ているのを見て、すぐに榎本月香の手を引き、去っていった。その前に後ろを振り向き吉沢凛子を一瞥して、心の中でこの家をどうにか自分のものにできないかと陰謀を企てていた。クズ男を始末し、吉沢凛子は力なく壁の隅に寄りかかった。これでいい、今後はもうあのクズ男のために、忙しく働く必要はなくなるのだからと心の中で思っていた。しかし、一息ついたすぐそばから、携帯が鳴った。吉沢凛子が見てみると、それは弟からの電話だった。「姉ちゃん、ばあちゃんが癌になって、手術するのに1000万必要なんだって。俺そんなにお金ないよ、俺．．．．．．」弟は電話の中で声を詰まらせて泣いていた。それを聞いた吉沢凛子にとってこの知らせは、まさに青天の霹靂だった。でも、かすれた声で「落ち着いて、先に200万送金するから、おばあちゃんの入院手続きをしてちょうだい。残りの治療費は私がどうにかするから」とただ弟に気休めの言葉をかけることしかできなかった。電話を切ると、吉沢凛子はすぐにクレジットカードからキャッシングするため、オンライン手続きをした後、すぐさま弟に送金した。おばあさんはこの姉弟を一人で苦労して育てあげてくれた人なのだが、彼女が今癌という重い病気になったからには、どうあってもおばあさんを助けなければならない。しかし、こんな大金、彼女に集められるのか？今すぐ家を売ったとしても、すぐには買い手が見つかることはないだろう。誰かにお金を借りる？吉沢凛子は手当たり次第に、高校から大学までの同級生に連絡し、お金を借りて回った。ただ、それぞれから少しずつ集めてようやく何万円かになるくらいだったし、人によっては電話にすら出てくれなかった。彼女が途方に暮れていた時、ネットに出てきた結婚相手募集の広告に目を引き付けられた。その内容は非常にシンプルだった。男性側はサラリーマンで、結納金として1000万円用意している。若くて心の優しい女性を伴侶として求めているらしい。ただ一つ彼の祖父の面倒を半年間見るという条件だけが書かれてあった。吉沢凛子はその『結納金1000万円』に瞬時に心を引かれてしまった。その時は、それが詐欺かどうかなど考えるような余裕すらなかった。そして、彼女はすぐに広告に掲載されていた番号に電話をかけた。しかし、なかなか相手に繋がらず、吉沢凛子は他の誰かに先を越されたのではないかと、かなり焦っていた。そしてようやく電話が繋がった。それなのに相手は暫く黙ったまま何も言わなかった。吉沢凛子はやはり詐欺だったのかと思い電話を切ってしまった。孫がずっと黙ったままだから電話をかけてきた女性が切ってしまったので、篠崎家のおじいさんは焦ってステッキで容赦なく彼を叩いた。そして、彼にすぐ電話をかけ直すよう命令した。吉沢凛子は再びかかってきた電話に出るのを少しためらっていたが、結局は出ることにした。今度は相手が口を開いた。その相手は低く魅力的な声をしていた。「すみません、さっきは電波がちょっと悪くて」「大丈夫ですよ」「では、先にこちら側の状況について説明しておきます。私の名前は篠崎暁斗、28歳。テクノロジー会社でIT関係の仕事をしています。年末のボーナスを除いて月に60万の収入、購入済の家と自家用車があります。それから特に悪い習慣などは全くありません。そして、特に注意していただきたいのは、うちには病気の祖父がいまして、結婚してから半年は祖父と一緒に暮らしてもらいたいということです。それに、専業主婦になっていただきたいんです。私の給料は全てあなたが管理してもらって結構です。もちろん、あなたが働いてはいけないと言っているわけではなく、祖父の世話を優先してもらいたいということです。全て受け入れてもらえますか？」吉沢凛子は少しの間黙っていた。仕事を諦めておじいさんのお世話をするのがちょっと困るなと思う以外は、その他の条件はとても良いものだった。相手も完全に専業主婦になれと言っているわけではないが、ただ働きながらおじいさんのお世話を完璧にこなすのは少し難しそうだ。こうしてみると、この男性は、まあ理にかなったことを言っている。吉沢凛子は少し考えて、男性の条件をのむことにした。「じゃあ、1000万の結納金以外に、必要なお金はありますか？」「ありません」吉沢凛子はきっぱりと返事した。たぶん彼女があまりにあっさりしすぎていたせいだろう。その態度が逆に篠崎暁斗に疑いを抱かせてしまった。「本当にありませんか？例えば不動産権利書に名義を追加するとか、他にも．．．．．．」「結構です。結婚前の財産はやっぱりそれぞれの所有物ですから」相手はまたしばらく口を閉ざしてしまった。吉沢凛子はまた相手の電波が悪くなったのかと思っていたが、突然また篠崎暁斗の低い声が響いてきた。「明日の9時、戸籍謄本と身分証を持って役所の入口で待ち合わせしましょう」そう言うと、相手は電話を切ってしまった。なんでそんなに急いで結婚手続きに？吉沢凛子は、まだその1000万をいつもらえるのか聞いていないのに。翌朝、吉沢凛子は目の下に大きなクマを作り出かけて行った。昨晩、弟がまた電話をかけてきて、おばあさんの手術費は少なくとも2000万かかると言われ、彼女は一睡もできなかったのだ。彼女は悩みすぎて一夜にして老けてしまった気がした。そしてわざわざ病院まで赴き、弟が騙されているのじゃないか確認までした。しかし、手術の書類を見てようやく本当のことなのだと確信した。 9時ちょうど、吉沢凛子は役所の入口にやってきた。休み明けで、役所の入口には結婚手続きの人や離婚手続きの人など、とにかくたくさんの人がいた。吉沢凛子はその人だかりの中からすぐに男性を見つけた。彼はピシッとアイロン掛けされた紺色のスーツに身を包み、首元は少し浮き出ていて、喉仏が見えていた。彼は腕時計をつけている以外、他には何もつけておらず、全体的にシンプルでスッキリとしていた。彼の額にかかる薄めにカットされた前髪は少しウェーブがかっていて、朝日に照らされて琥珀色に輝いていた。長く繊細なまつ毛は下を向いていて、彼の感情は読み取ることができなかった。吉沢凛子は写真を取り出すと、ためらいながらも写真よりも格好良く、気品のある男性が彼女のスピード結婚相手であるかどうか確認していた。その時、男性はすでに彼女の方に向かって歩いてきていた。二人はお互い丁寧に挨拶をした後、一緒に役所の中に入っていった。篠崎暁斗は整理券を取り、二人一緒に椅子に座って待っていた。この時、ずっと言い出そうか迷っていた吉沢凛子がやっと口を開いた。「篠崎さん、すみません、結婚手続きをする前に、ちょっとご相談したいことがあるのですが」篠崎暁斗は頷いて「何ですか？」と聞いた。「あの、1000万円の結納金とは別に、1000万円をお借りできないでしょうか？」篠崎暁斗はあからさまに少し不愉快そうな顔つきで彼女のほうを向いた。頭の中に昨日おじいさんが資料を選んでいた様子が浮かんできた。「この娘さんは理学療法士としての知識を学んであるし、家庭状況も複雑じゃなさそうだ。綺麗な人だし、見た感じ純粋な人のようだ．．．．．．」純粋な人、ははは吉沢凛子は急いで説明した。「このお金は借りるだけです。もちろん借用書も準備します。家を売ってお金が入ったら篠崎さんにお返しします。もし、それでもダメなら利子を付けてもらっても構いません」「昨日電話でどうしてこのことを話さなかったんですか？」篠崎暁斗は騙されたと思い、立ち上がって外へと歩いて行った。入口で、篠崎暁斗はおじいさんからの電話を受けた。「結婚手続きはもう終わったのか？」この時、吉沢凛子が追いかけてきて、書き終えた借用書を篠崎暁斗に見せ、自分は本当に困っていて絶対に騙しているわけではないと伝えた。おじいさんの期待がこもった声を聞き、篠崎暁斗は結局はあきらめて彼女のことを受け入れることにした。おじいさんの病はもう治すことができず、あと半年の命だから、死ぬ前に孫が結婚して子供ができるのだけが願いだったのだ。彼は電話を下げると、厳しい顔つきで吉沢凛子に向かって言った。「まず、この金額は少なくないから、できるだけ用意すると約束しておきます。それから、お金が入ったらすぐに私に返してください。最後に、今後二度とこのようなことはしないでください」「分かりました。家を売ったらすぐにお金を返します。今後あなたからお金を借りるようなことは一切しません」篠崎暁斗はそれ以上は何も言わず、体の向きを変えて、役所に戻っていった。そして、すぐに吉沢凛子と篠崎暁斗の手続きの番になった。その手続きの間、篠崎暁斗はずっと何か忙しそうにメッセージを送り続けていた。手続きが終わると、彼は会社に戻ると言って、吉沢凛子に帰って荷物を整理し次の日の夜、彼の家に引っ越してくるように伝えた。吉沢凛子は自分が図々しすぎるのではないかと思っていた。1000万の結納金をもらううえに、さらに1000万を借りるのだから。でも、こうなってしまった以上、彼女には他の方法はなかったのだ。篠崎暁斗はタクシーに乗り、交差点を曲がったところで車を降りると、路肩に止めていた一台の黒いベントレーまで歩いて行った。彼は運転しながら電話をかけ、執事にすぐおじいさんの家にある貴重な家具や装飾品を撤去し、そこらへんでよく見かけるような中古の家具に取り替えるよう指示を出した。それから、彼に中古の200万以内の自家用車を買わせた。車に乗り込むと、彼は腕につけていた2億もするダイヤの腕時計を取り外した。それから、スーツと携帯電話以外にそんなに高価なものはないことを確認した。彼はこれでようやくホッと一息ついた。吉沢凛子はもちろん、自分がさっき億万長者の大富豪と結婚したなんて知る由もなかった。彼女は先に不動産会社へ行き、自分の家の売却情報をネットに出してもらい、そしてすぐに会社へと向かった。会社に着くと、榎本月香がちょうど会社の受付で彼女の悪口を言っているところだった。榎本月香は吉沢凛子に背を向けて話していたので、彼女の存在に気づいておらず、話はもっとエスカレートしていった。「吉沢凛子はね、学生の時、ある男性教師にどっちつかずの態度で誘惑して、卒業論文をその先生に書いてもらったんですって」「綺麗な子ってお得よねぇ」と受付嬢は嫉妬して言った。「綺麗だからって何よ、猫かぶりのくせに、男を誘うことしか能がないんじゃない」と榎本月香は不満そうに言い返した。「それも彼女の能力の一つでしょ、彼女のカレシって超イケメンだって聞いたけど、その人もあなたたちの同級生なの？」「ハッ！」と榎本月香は少し得意そうな顔をして言った。「林佑樹は今、私の彼氏よ」「いつから？」受付嬢は興味津々で尋ねた。「ということは、吉沢凛子はフラレたってこと？」「私が振られてそんなに嬉しいわけ？」吉沢凛子が突然話しかけたので、二人はとても驚いた。「あんた、幽霊か何かなの、全く気配を感じなかったわよ、びっくりしたぁ」榎本月香は白目で吉沢凛子を一瞥した。「榎本月香、あなたこんなところで油売ってないで、林佑樹の履歴書を送るのを手伝ってあげれば？あなただけの給料じゃ、あいつを養うのは難しいわよ」榎本月香は吉沢凛子と同級生なのだが、凛子は早くに財務部長まで昇進し、彼女はまだ下っ端の経理職員でしかなかった。だから、二人の給与にはかなりの差があるのだ。吉沢凛子がそれでも週末にはチラシ配り、広告会社のモデルのアルバイトを掛け持ちしていたのは、林佑樹の出費が大きかったからだ。彼はゲームをしたり、ブランドの高級品を購入したり、さらにはバーで夜通し酒を飲むなど、彼女が稼いだお金をまるで湯水の如く散財していたのだ。もちろん吉沢凛子には、このことを榎本月香に教えるような義理などない。榎本月香はこの時、良い物を手に入れたと思っていたから、彼女は吉沢凛子が言う皮肉を自分のことを嫉妬し恨んでいるからだと思って聞いていた。そして、彼女は見下したように笑った。「ご心配いただかなくても結構です。アステルテクノロジーが彼に面接の連絡をくれたの。アステルテクノロジーって聞いたことあるでしょ？あそこは大企業で、月収は100万あるんだから」榎本月香は人差し指を立てて吉沢凛子の目の前で左右に揺らした。「羨ましいでしょ、嫉妬した？」「お子様ね！」吉沢凛子は榎本月香の横を通り過ぎ、自分のオフィスへと向かっていった。オフィスに入ると、彼女はデスクの上に溜まっているまだ処理されていない領収書の山を見つめた。「これは経理の仕事じゃないの、どうして私のところに？」と吉沢凛子はアシスタントに尋ねた。「福留社長が榎本月香さんがここ数日体調不良だから、吉沢さんに代わってやってもらうようにと言ってきたんです」とアシスタントは答えた。「また私に」吉沢凛子は怒ってファイルフォルダーをデスクに叩きつけ、その衝撃で中にあった領収書が床に散乱した。これが初めてのことではない。以前、榎本月香がこんなに腹黒女だとは全く思っていなかった。今、吉沢凛子は自分は本当にバカだと思った。昔の自分は榎本月香を親友だと思っていたのに、まさか自分に災いを招いてしまう結果になるとは。丸一日、吉沢凛子は水すら一口も飲む暇がないほど忙しく働いた。食事なんて言うまでもない。夜、家に帰ってカップラーメンを適当に食べた。それから、おばあさんにテレビ電話をかけた。おばあさんはまだ自分が癌になったことを知らなかったので、吉沢凛子はただ簡単に彼女の病状について話し、医者の言うことをよく聞いて、お金のことは気にせず、しっかり病気を治すように伝えた。おばあさんは吉沢凛子の仕事が忙しいのを知っていて、逆に彼女に自分の病気の心配はしないようにと慰めてくれた。吉沢凛子は何度も自分の結婚について話そうと思ったが、喉元まできて、また呑み込んでしまった。次の日の朝、吉沢凛子は少し熱っぽく、全身がだるくて会社を休んだ。昼になると、体調が少し良くなったので、荷物を整理して、夜、篠崎家に引っ越そうと思っていた。知らない男性と一緒に寝ることを考え、吉沢凛子はそわそわと緊張してきた。夕方、吉沢凛子はスーツケースと身の回りの荷物を持ち、篠崎暁斗が送ってきた住所にたどり着いた。錦が丘小路88号。錦が丘小路は少し古い居住区で、通りは非常に狭く、道の両側には自転車やバイクなどが駐めてあり、他にも雑多な物が置かれていた。吉沢凛子は歩きづらそうにスーツケーツを引いて歩きながら、人に尋ねて行ったが、どうしても住所の88号が見つからなかった。彼女はだんだん自分が道に迷ってしまったのだと感じてきた。なぜなら奥に進むほど、周りの環境はきれいに整っていき、道の幅も広くなるし、誰かの家の専用駐車場まで見えてきて、さっきまでと様子がガラッと変わってきたからだ。 88号って一体どこなんだろう？何人かに尋ねてみたが、みんな彼女にもっと奥へ進むように言った。でも、もう突き当たりになるというのに、88号はまだ見つからなかった。吉沢凛子は仕方ないので、篠崎暁斗に電話をかけるしかなかったが、彼はいつまでたっても電話に出なかった．．．．．．そして、最後には電源を切られてしまった。吉沢凛子に焦りと怒りが同時に押し寄せてきた。一体この人はどういうつもりなの？彼女に今夜引っ越して来るように言っておいて、家まで迎えに来ないのはまだいいとして、今彼女が迷子になっているというのに電話にも出ないなんてどういうことなのか。頭が少しぼうっとしてきて、吉沢凛子は緑化帯の横の石段の上に屈んだ。どのくらい経ったのか分からないが、眩しい車のライトに照らされた。吉沢凛子が顔を上げると、ライトを背に車から降りてきた篠崎暁斗の姿が見えた。彼女は立ち上がろうとしたが、長いあいだ屈んでいたせいで足がしびれて体勢を崩し、立ち上がった瞬間に前かがみに倒れてしまった。しかし、痛みは全く感じなかった。篠崎暁斗の逞しい腕が吉沢凛子を支えてくれたおかげで転ばずに済んだのだ。「ありがとうございます」吉沢凛子は申し訳なさそうに言った。「なんで中に入らなかったんです？」「あの、88号がどこなのか分からなくて」「さっき、私に電話をかけてきたのはあなたでしたか？」篠崎暁斗はさっき重役会議に出ていて、携帯がずっと鳴り続けて邪魔だったので、そのまま携帯の電源を切ってしまったのだった。「あ、どうして電話に出てくれなかったんですか？」吉沢凛子は少し腹を立ていた。この人ってごまかすのが上手ね。「中に入りましょう」篠崎暁斗は弁解することもなく、鍵を取り出して吉沢凛子の向かい側にある建物の方へ歩き出した。ここが88号だったの？吉沢凛子は木の枝で遮られていた住所が書かれたプレートを見つけた。まったくもう。篠崎暁斗が門を開けると、50歳くらいの女性が迎えた。「相田さん、おじいさんは寝てしまった？」「まだですよ。あなた達が帰ってくるのをお待ちになるんですって」篠崎暁斗が大股で門に入る時、後ろで一生懸命スーツケースを引っ張っている吉沢凛子に気づいていなかった。段差はとても高く、吉沢凛子は全身の力を振り絞っていたが、その段差を越えられなかった。この時、大きな手が伸びてきて、吉沢凛子からスーツケースを受け取った。ちょっと、ドキッとした。吉沢凛子が記憶するところでは、林佑樹は一度も彼女の荷物を持ってくれたことなんてなかったのだ。前回の引越しの時も、林佑樹は指一本動かすこともなく、彼女一人で休まず7、8個もあった大きな荷物を担いで何度も上の階まで運んでいったのだ。このようにしても、林佑樹は彼女が怠けていると文句まで言ったのだ。彼女が荷物を運んで来ても適当に置いておくだけで、整理整頓もできないとまで言ってきた。しかも林佑樹はゲームばかりしていて彼女にデリバリーを頼むように言った。「入らないんですか？」篠崎暁斗の不機嫌そうな声が吉沢凛子の考えを遮った。そして彼女は前へと進み大きな門の中に入っていった。庭はそんなに大きくはなかったが、とても手入れが行き届いていて整っていた。壁に沿って色々な盆栽も置かれている。「あ！」吉沢凛子は突然声を上げた。彼女は周りの様子に気を取られていて、丸石に躓いて、もう少しで転んでしまうところだった。篠崎暁斗は後ろを振り向いた。吉沢凛子は気まずくなり手を振って「大丈夫です」と言った。篠崎暁斗は地面の丸石をチラリと見て、凛子のほうに向かって来ると、その石を横に蹴飛ばし、彼女に手を伸ばした。その手は骨ばっていて、うっすらとたこができていた。たぶん長年体を鍛えてできたものなのだろう。吉沢凛子はどういうことかよく分かっていないようだった。篠崎暁斗は口をへの字に歪めた。次の瞬間、彼は自ら吉沢凛子の手を取った。手から伝わる温かさに、吉沢凛子はドキッとした。温かいものが心の中に流れてきたようだった。篠崎暁斗はスーツケースを相田おばさんに任せると、吉沢凛子の手を繋ぎ、おじいさんの部屋の前までやってきた。外の様子に気付いたらしく、部屋の中にいたおじいさんが話しかけてきた。「暁斗、帰ってきたのか？」「はい、おじいさん、もう休みますか？」篠崎暁斗の態度はとても礼儀正しかった。「まだだ、君達入って来なさい」篠崎暁斗は部屋のドアを開け、二人で中に入っていった。篠崎誠はソファに姿勢良く座っていて、篠崎暁斗と吉沢凛子が手を繋いで入って来たのを見ると、安心して満面の笑みになった。篠崎暁斗に結婚相手を探させたのは、実際仕方のないことだったのだ。篠崎誠が腎臓癌の末期で、余命半年と宣告されたからだ。彼はたった一人の孫息子が結婚して、彼に子供ができるのを生きているうちに見ておきたかった。これが彼のずっと思い続けてきた願いなのだ。時間があまりにも切羽詰っていて、自分の孫に辛い思いをさせたのではないかと心配していたが、この時吉沢凛子本人に会って、写真で見るよりもずっと綺麗で、優しく、善良そうな人だと思い安心した。家庭円満、夫婦仲も良いものになるだろう。孫と一緒に立っているとまさに美男美女カップルだ。しかし、篠崎誠は篠崎暁斗の元カノである藤井杏奈を思い出し、また心配になってきた。彼が知る限り、篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子のような大人しく内向的で、優しく控えめな女性は好みではないだろう。篠崎暁斗は落ち着いた性格で、規則正しい人間だ。だから、彼は元カノの藤井杏奈のような活発な女の子が好みだった。彼女はポジティブで彼の生活に活力と喜びをもたらしてくれる。篠崎暁斗が藤井杏奈とは正反対の吉沢凛子と結婚するのを承諾したのは、彼が自分の気持ちに全く興味を失い、自暴自棄になったからではないかと篠崎誠は思っていた。これこそ篠崎誠が一番気がかりなことだった。「あなたが吉沢お嬢さんですね？」篠崎誠はこちらに来るよう手招きをしていた。吉沢凛子はおじいさんのところに行くと、礼儀正しく挨拶をした。「おじいさん、初めまして」篠崎誠は1000万の小切手を取り出して吉沢凛子に渡した。「お嬢さん、これはおじいさんの気持ちです。あなた達がこれから先、お互いに尊重し愛し合って、末永く仲良く過ごすことを願っています」吉沢凛子はおばあさんの命を繋ぐ小切手を受け取り、突然罪悪感を感じてしまった。「ありがとうございます。おじいさん」篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子に代わって感謝を述べた。吉沢凛子はそれでさらに気まずくなり、急いで付け加えて言った。「どうもありがとうございます。おじいさん、私は暁斗さんと仲良くやっていきますから、安心してください」篠崎誠は満足げに頷き、篠崎暁斗のほうを見た。篠崎暁斗はおじいさんが彼女と同じように誓いを述べるのを期待していることが分かった。でも、篠崎暁斗はもたもたして、なかなか口を開かなかった。吉沢凛子が彼を見ると、ちょうど彼は葛藤し、必死にあがいているようだった。しばらくして、篠崎暁斗はようやく口を開いた。「おじいさん、安心してください。私は吉沢さんに対してきちんと責任を持ちますから」篠崎暁斗は『責任を持つ』という言葉を使い、それ以外の聞こえの良い言葉は吐き出さなかった。聞いていると、とても無理をして搾り出したような、何かに迫られて出したような言葉だった。しかし、どうであれ、篠崎暁斗から誓いの言葉をもらった篠崎誠は少し安心できたようだ。それから、二人は彼らの部屋に戻った。部屋の内装はシンプルなものだったが、上品だった。木材のキングサイズベッドに、バルコニーは明るく清潔で、主寝室にはウォークインクローゼットまである。ベッドの布団は新しく、二人用の布団を新しく買い直してきたようで、包装はまだ開けられていない。吉沢凛子は家具屋巡りをするのが好きだから、このブランドが安いものではないことを知っていた。セットで何万円もするものだ。篠崎暁斗が普段使っているものは、こんなに贅沢なものばかりなのかな？そう考えている時、篠崎暁斗が一枚の紙を手渡してきた。その上には『婚前契約書』と書かれてあった。吉沢凛子はちょっと驚き、その契約書を受け取った。篠崎暁斗の意図がよく理解できない。篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子をベッドの上に座らせると、彼女に契約書に書かれた注意事項を指差して言った。「今日、おじいさんが君に1000万の小切手を渡したでしょう。それとは別に君に貸す1000万を今週末前にカードに振込みます。それと、もう一つ君に言っておきたいことがあるんですが、私の祖父は癌で余命半年なんです。この半年間おじいさんには楽しく過ごしてもらいたい。だからあなたには私に合わせてもらいたいんです」吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗が指差した項目を見た。そこにはこう書かれてあった。『二人は結婚期間中、関係を持たないこと。他人の前で、二人が夫婦として愛し合うふりをしている場合、体の接触は許される』「それから、ここも」篠崎暁斗は最後の項目を指差した。『半年後、二人は離婚協議し、1000万の結納金は女性方への経済的補償として当てられる』これは1000万で彼女を半年間買ったということ？吉沢凛子は驚いた。つまり、半年後、彼女はまた自由になれるということじゃないか。吉沢凛子の隠しきれない喜びの顔を見て、篠崎暁斗は突然怒りが湧いてきた。そして、彼は契約書にまた一文書き加えた。『離婚手続きの前に、女性方は必ず男性方に1000万の借金を返済すること。さもなければ、結婚は借金返済まで継続されることとする』この人は彼女が借金を踏み倒すとでも思っているのか？やることが本当に厳格だよね、なるほど、さすがはIT系男子ですこと。「よく契約書を読んで、問題がなければサインしてください」篠崎暁斗は彼女にペンを渡した。吉沢凛子は契約書に目を通した。重要な箇所はさっき篠崎暁斗から説明済だ。ざっと言ってみれば、結婚前と後の財産はそれぞれお互いに自分で所有する。もともと出費は割り勘にするつもりだったが、契約書の中には結婚後の出費は全て男性が出し、女性の経済的な負担は必要はないと書いてあった。吉沢凛子は快くサインした。篠崎暁斗は明らかにホッと一息つき、契約書をしまった。この時、相田おばさんが吉沢凛子のスーツケースを持って部屋に入ってきた。そして、おじいさんがさっき起き上がる時に、腰をひねってしまったので篠崎暁斗に見に行ってほしいと伝えた。篠崎暁斗と吉沢凛子は急いでおじいさんの部屋へと向かった。すると、篠崎誠は体の半分をソファに寄りかけて、動くにも動けない様子だった。「おじいさん、どうしました？救急車を呼びましょうか」と篠崎暁斗は緊迫した様子で言った。「ちょっと待ってください」吉沢凛子は、軽くおじいさんの腰のツボを数箇所押し、彼が少しだけ腰をひねって痛めているだけだと分かった。「もう遅いですから、呼ぶ必要はないです。おじいさんのツボを押して、薬を塗ってあげれば明日の朝にはよくなっているはずですから」篠崎暁斗は半信半疑だった。しかし、おじいさんがどうしてもと言うので、吉沢凛子は薬剤オイルを取り出しておじいさんにマッサージをしてあげた。一つ一つ、ツボを確実に押していき、おじいさんの腰の痛みはだいぶ緩和された。篠崎暁斗はそれを見て少し安心した。吉沢凛子がマッサージを終えると、おじいさんはすぐに動けるようになり、彼女の腕を褒めた。篠崎誠はかなり喜んだ様子で、もはや黙っていられなかった。宝物を拾ったような気持ちだったのだ。「吉沢お嬢さん、できるだけ早く暁斗と子供を作ってください。子供ができたら、おじいさんがこの家をまるごとあなたにプレゼントしますよ。どうですか？」「ごほ、ごほ、ごほ．．．．．．」この言葉で、部屋に戻ろうとしていた篠崎暁斗は危うく自分の唾にむせて死ぬところだった。「おじいさん、子供のことは焦らないでください。今日は早めにお休みくださいね」この家は今の不動産価格で200億以上するのだから、この誘惑は誰にとってもかなり大きい。篠崎暁斗は頭が痛かった。篠崎凛子はそれでも非常に淡々とした様子だった。結局半年後には離婚するのだから、彼女はこの家のために知らない人と子供を作るはずなどないのだ。二人は再び部屋に戻り、篠崎暁斗はポケットから一枚のカード取り出して吉沢凛子に手渡した。「これは給与が振込まれるカードです。持っていてください。今後、家庭内の出費は家政婦の相田さんの毎月18万の給料も含めて、このカードを使ってください．．．．．．」「あなたの家の家政婦さんのお給料はとても高くないですか」吉沢凛子はカードを受け取った。「彼女はおばさんの紹介なんです。とても仕事ができるし、信頼できる人です」「あの、今後の家のことは全て私が決めていいんですよね？」「もちろん、でも重要なことは私と相談して決めてください」「重要なことって例えば？」篠崎暁斗は一瞬固まった。彼自身も何が重要なことなのか考えていなかったのだ。「もう少し給料が安い家政婦さんに変えるのはそれに含まれます？」吉沢凛子は純粋にこの家政婦を雇うのは高いと思ったのだ。「これは重要なこととは言えませんけど、18万の給料が高いですか？」「あなたの給料の3分の1ですよね。高くないです？」吉沢凛子は不思議そうに篠崎暁斗を見つめた。二人の間の認識には大きな差があるようだ。篠崎暁斗は眉をひそめた。彼のシャツは一枚18万どころではないのだと言いたかった。「もし高いと思うなら、好きにしてくれて大丈夫です」篠崎暁斗はそう言うと、着替えの服を持って浴室へと入っていった。吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗が怒っているように感じた。さっきはかなり率直すぎたんじゃないかと後悔した。給料用のカードをもらったばかりだから、少しでも節約しようと思っていたのだが、その結果、感謝はされず逆に怒らせてしまったらしい。「シャー」という水が流れる音を聞きながら、吉沢凛子は突然眠気に襲われた。彼女はカードをしまい、風邪薬を2錠飲んで、パジャマに着替えるとベッドに上がった。そして布団をベッドの真ん中に縦にまとめて、寝る場所を二つに分けた。彼女は壁側のほうに横になり、反対側を篠崎暁斗が寝やすいように残しておいた。本当は篠崎暁斗が出てくるのを待って、一言二言話してから寝ようと思っていたのだが、吉沢凛子は風邪薬を飲んだせいか、それからすぐに眠りに就いてしまった。篠崎暁斗はわざと時間稼ぎをするために、長くシャワーを浴びてようやく風呂から上がってきた。うとうとしている中で、吉沢凛子は突然ベッドが少しへこんだのを感じた。でも、彼女は眠すぎて目を開けることができず、すぐにまたぐっすりと寝てしまった。そしておばあさんの夢を見た。夢の中で、彼女はおばあさんの腕の中に飛び込み、子供の頃と同じようにおばあさんの首に手を回して甘えた。おばあさんの懐はとても暖かく、ボディソープの良い香りがしてとても気持ちが良かった。しかし、おばあさんは少し嫌そうに彼女を押し返していた。しかし、彼女を押せば押すほど、力強く抱きついてきた．．．．．．明け方、篠崎暁斗の目は開いたままだった。彼の懐に吸い付いて離れない『タコ』が彼にしっかりとしがみついていて、一晩、全く寝ることができなかったのだ。彼は何度も吉沢凛子を外に放り出そうと思ったが、彼女が夢の中で「おばあちゃん」と呼ぶのを聞いて、結局は堪えてしまった。この一晩、篠崎暁斗は徹夜の仕事よりも疲れた気がした。そして翌朝のこと。篠崎暁斗は起きて仕事に行く準備をしていた。一方、吉沢凛子はまだ起きてこない。おそらく風邪薬の影響だろう、ぐっすりと眠っていた。篠崎暁斗は本気で彼女をたたき起こしてやりたいと思った。この時、相田おばさんが篠崎暁斗にアイロンがかかったスーツを持って入ってきた。「篠崎さん、吉沢お嬢さんは起きましたか？」相田おばさんは寝室に目を向けて言った。本来、相田おばさんは自分の姪っ子の相田紬を篠崎家に紹介して嫁がせようと計画していた。相田紬は海外から戻ってきた医学博士で、きれいな女性だ。しかし、篠崎家のおじいさんは全く彼女の姪っ子を嫁として迎える気はなく、なんとネット上に広告を出して、その中から相手を選んでしまったのだ。それで相田おばさんはとても機嫌を悪くしていた。特に昨晩、おじいさんは吉沢凛子が篠崎暁斗の子供を身ごもったら、この邸宅も彼女にあげるとまで約束したのだ。相田おばさんはこの事でかなり腹を立てていて、一晩中、一睡もできなかった。こんなに美味しいぼた餅は、彼女の姪っ子である相田紬の頭に棚から落ちて来るべきじゃないのかと何度も何度も考えていた。それで彼女は朝早く起きて、スーツを届けるのを理由に、二人が昨夜関係を持ったかどうかを確認しようと思って部屋までやってきた。篠崎暁斗の目にはクマができていて、元気がなく、彼は服をそのまま受け取ると、全く相田おばさんの相手をしなかった。相田おばさんはドアの隙間から、雪のように白い腕がベッドの外に伸びているのだけを確認できた。さらに篠崎暁斗が連続であくびするのを見て、昨夜二人が関係を持ったことを確信した。それが非常におもしろくなかった。「篠崎さん、昨日管理人が半年分の共益費を払ってくださいと言っていましたよ」と相田おばさんは言った。「これからはこういうことは吉沢凛子さんに言ってくれればいいです」「でも．．．．．．」相田おばさんはまだ何か言いたげだったが、篠崎暁斗の鬱陶しそうな様子を見て、相手を怒らせるのを恐れて口を閉じた。篠崎暁斗が出かけてからすぐ、吉沢凛子は相田おばさんに布団をめくられて起こされた。「吉沢さん、そろそろ起きてください。朝ごはんの準備をしないと」吉沢凛子が目をこすると、相田おばさんが凶悪な顔つきでベッドの前に立っていたものだから、凛子はびっくりしてしまった。「相田さん、びっくりさせないでくださいよ」吉沢凛心はベッドから起き上がり座った。「今度から部屋に入るときはノックしてもらってもいいですか？」「あなたったら、あんな死んだように眠ってしまって、ノックしても聞こえないでしょう？」相田おばさんは堂々と言った。「でも、こういうのはとても失礼なことだと思いませんか？」吉沢凛子はこんなに横柄な家政婦さんを見たことがなかった。家政婦というより、母親やおばあちゃんみたいだ。「わかりました。次は気をつけます」相田おばさんは白目をむいて言った。「じゃあ、今朝は誰が朝食を作りますか？」「今までは誰が作っていたんですか？」「もちろん私ですよ。でも、今朝篠崎さんに伺ったら、彼は今後は一日三食、吉沢さんに担当してもらうとおっしゃっていましたけど」吉沢凛子は意味がよく分からなかった。篠崎暁斗はそんなことを彼女に言ってなかったけど？しかも、ひと月18万も払って雇っている家政婦が朝ごはんさえも作らないのか？吉沢凛子は相田おばさんを見て尋ねた。「私が食事を作るなら、あなたは何をするんです？」「私が何をするかは、あなたに関係ないのではないですか？あなたは自分のことをちゃんとしていればいいんですよ」「じゃあ、分かりました。あなたの18万のお給料の半分は私がいただきます。私がこれから一日三食を担当しますので」吉沢凛子はどうして相田おばさんが、自分にこうも突っかかってくるのか分からなかった。もしかしたら、篠崎暁斗の意向なのかもしれないが、このようなバカげたことを見て見ぬふりはできないのだ。相田おばさんはそれを聞くとすぐに烈火のごとく怒り出した。「どうしてあなたに私の給料を持って行かれなくてはいけないんですか？あなたにご飯を作ってもらうのは篠崎さんにそう言われたからです。私があなたにさせているわけじゃないんですから」「じゃあ、後で篠崎暁斗さんに電話で確認してみます」吉沢凛子は不機嫌になって言った。「出て行ってもらえますか？私、服を着替えたいんで」相田おばさんは、吉沢凛子は見た目はおとなしくて優しそうなのに、まさかこんなに一筋縄ではいかないとは思ってもみなかった。相田おばさんが部屋から出ていった後、吉沢凛子は起きて服を着替え、適当に片付けをした後、キッチンへと向かった。篠崎家のキッチンはとても広く、ミシュランに掲載されるような高級レストランの厨房のようだった。吉沢凛子は10代から自分でご飯を作っていたから、朝ごはんなど彼女にとっては正に朝飯前なのだ。彼女はすぐYoutubeで栄養満点の朝ごはんの作り方を見て習び、篠崎おじいさんのところへと運んで行った。おじいさんは大喜びして、吉沢凛子の料理の腕前をほめたたえた。本当は吉沢凛子に恥をかかせるつもりだったのに、逆に褒められるという結果になって、相田おばさんの怒りがさらに増してしまった。吉沢凛子がおじいさんの部屋から出てきた時、相田おばさんも一緒に出てきた。「吉沢さん．．．．．．」「私のことは奥様と呼んでもらえますか？」吉沢凛子は無表情で相田おばさんを見ながら、この18万円もする家政婦を雇うのは本当に無駄だと感じた。相田おばさんは内心そうしたくはなかったが、やはり呼び方を変えた。「奥様、お作りになった朝ごはんは二人分ですけど、私の分は一体？もし、朝ごはんを私に自分で用意しろとおっしゃるなら、篠崎さんにお願いしてお給料を上げてもらいます」「18万の給料なら、一日三食分くらいは足りるでしょう」吉沢凛子は仕事に遅れそうだったので、彼女と無駄話をこれ以上はしたくなかった。そして、身を翻して去って行った。この時、相田おばさんは突然彼女の腕をつかんで、涙声で訴えた。「篠崎奥様、私にそのような態度を取らないでください．．．．．．」「放しなさい」吉沢凛子は相田おばさんの突然の行動に頭が混乱して、力強く腕を振り払った。それで思いがけず相田おばさんは勢いよく後ろに転倒してしまった。傍から見ると、まるで吉沢凛子が相田おばさんを押し倒したように見えた。「吉沢凛子！」後ろから篠崎暁斗の冷たく厳しい声が響いた。吉沢凛子が後ろを振り向くと、一度出かけてまた戻ってきた篠崎暁斗が大股で向かって来て、床に倒れ込んだ相田おばさんを助け起こした。「相田さんは年配者だぞ、何かあるならちゃんと言葉で言えばいいだろ。どうして手を出すんだ？」吉沢凛子は瞬時に理解した。相田おばさんは戻ってきた篠崎暁斗を見て、さっき突然あのような演技をしだしたのだ。「どうして何も言わない？」篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子が言い訳もしてこないので、顔つきが厳しくなった。「私は彼女を押していません。自分で倒れたんですよ」吉沢凛子は濡れ衣を着せられてどうも申し開きするのがとても難しかった。この年配の家政婦がまさかこんなに腹黒い人だとは。「篠崎さん、違うんです」相田おばさんは、この時目を少し赤くして、まるで自分の父親が亡くなったかのように辛そうな演技していた。ここまでやる人間がいるとは。「一体どういうことなんだ？」篠崎暁斗は少し怒っているようだ。「篠崎さん、今朝、吉沢さんはおじいさんに気に入られたくて一日三食の食事を担当したいと言ってきたんです。それから、今後は私はご飯を作る必要がないと。でも、お給料を半分に減らすって言うんです。あなたも私の家庭状況をご存知でしょう、息子は今年大学受験だし．．．．．．」篠崎暁斗はそれを聞いてだいたい理解した。彼は昨晩、吉沢凛子がずっと家政婦の給与が高すぎるから家政婦を他の人に変えたいと言っていたのを思い出した。それで、こんなに朝早くから予想外の問題を起こしているわけだ。「私と一緒に来てください！」篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子を入口に止めてあった車の中に連れて行った。彼はおじいさんに彼女と喧嘩するのを聞かれたくなかったのだ。「君が新しい家政婦に変えたいのは知っているけど、こんなやり方じゃダメじゃないですか」「どんなやり方ですか？」吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗は物事を頭ごなしに決めつける人間だと思った。「どんなって、さっきのようなやり方ですよ。すぐに乱暴に走るような真似です」篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子のやり方には本当に呆れてしまった。吉沢凛子も言い訳をしたくなかったので、携帯を開いてある録音を流し始めた。録音の中で、相田おばさんは何度も強調して、篠崎暁斗が吉沢凛子に毎日三食を作るように要求したのだと言っていた。しかも吉沢凛子に自分のことだけやって、他のことには口を出すなと偉そうな態度だった。ベテランの財務として、吉沢凛子は自己防衛の警戒心がとても高い。普段から上司や同僚に用心して、いつでも録音するのが彼女の仕事上での習慣になっていた。それがまさか今日役に立つとは思っていなかった。篠崎暁斗はその録音を聞いていくうちに眉間のシワがだんだん深くなっていき、驚きと怒りが混じっていた。しばらく経ってようやく彼は再び口を開いた。その時の彼の口調はだいぶ穏やかになっていた。「相田さんはおばの紹介なんです。あなたがここに来てすぐに他の家政婦に変えたら、おばにどう説明すればいいのやら。もし彼女を使いたくなければ、今はとりあえず様子を見てもらえませんか」吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗が困っているのは見て取れたが、このような家政婦がおじいさんのお世話をちゃんとできるとはとても思えなかった。「じゃあ、家の中に監視カメラを設置したいんですけど」篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子の意図を読み取った。彼女は相田おばさんがおじいさんに何か良からぬことをしないか心配しているのだ。「家のことはあなたが決めて大丈夫です」篠崎暁斗はそう言うと、車を出し吉沢凛子を会社まで送った。篠崎暁斗と吉沢凛子の会社はそんなに離れていないが、彼女に自分の正体を明かしたくないので、ある十字路のところに車を止め、ここまでしか送れないと言った。吉沢凛子もあまり深く考えずそのまま車を降りた。そして、会社に入ってすぐ、榎本月香に捕まった。「良いお知らせよ、佑樹は昨日アステルテクノロジーに面接に行って、人事部長から好印象だったらしいの。今回私の佑樹がアステルテクノロジーに就職すれば、一気に出世したも同然よ」「あなたと林佑樹のことは私には関係ないでしょ。今後二度と私に話さないで」吉沢凛子は榎本月香を押し退けて行こうとした。「まったく、ちょっと待ってよ。まだ用事があるんだから。あなたあの家をネットで売りに出したんですって？誰に売っても同じなんだから、私と佑樹に売ってくれない？」「あなた達、一括払いができる？」「それは無理よ、分割なら問題ないわ。佑樹がアステルテクノロジーに入れれば年収は1000万くらいあるんだから、払えないってことがあると思う？」「分割は受け付けないわ、一括のみよ」吉沢凛子はきっぱりと断った。「もう、あなたってどうしてそんなにケチなのよ。あなたと佑樹は一応恋人同士だったでしょ、ちょっとは考慮してくれてもいいんじゃない？」「榎本さん、あの家は相場よりも安くしているの。それに、あなた達二人には絶対に売らないから覚えておいて」吉沢凛子はそれ以上榎本月香の相手をせず、急ぎ足でオフィスへと向かった。榎本月香は腹を立ててしきりに足を踏み鳴らした。あの家は立地がよく、内装もかなり良いし売値も安いのだ。つまり、見えるところにあるのに手が届かないので、榎本月香が腹を立てない理由はないだろう。アステルテクノロジーの社長会議室。朝のミーティングにて。篠崎暁斗は目をうとうとさせて、絶えずあくびをしていた。幹部役員たちはお互いに目を合わせて、篠崎暁斗が昨晩一体何をしていたのか推測していた。一晩一睡もしていないような様子だ。残業か？篠崎社長が昨日退勤した時間はそこまで遅くなかったはずだ。バーに入り浸っていた？いやいや、篠崎社長にはそのような趣味はない。ゲーム？社長はゲームなんてしたことないから、それもないだろう。．．．．．．様々な憶測を繰り返し、篠崎暁斗が女性と一緒にいたのだと全員一致した。なぜなら、彼の肩の上には長い髪の毛がついていて、エアコンの風に吹かれて左右に揺れていたからだ。どうやら篠崎社長は昨晩ヤリすぎたらしい、その場全員は気を利かせて簡単な報告をして会議を終わらせた。しかし、篠崎暁斗が女性と遊んだニュースはあっという間に会社全体に知れ渡った。オフィスに戻ると、篠崎暁斗はデスクの上に置かれた吉沢凛子に関する調査報告書に目をやった。彼は額を押さえ、しぶしぶ二ページを見た。彼氏の林佑樹と三年間同居していたことを知り、篠崎暁斗の手がわなわなと震えた。彼氏がいるのに彼と結婚したのか？同居していた。しかも三年間も？篠崎暁斗は血圧が上がるのを感じた。顔は瞬時に20度に設定されたエアコンよりも冷たくなった。彼と吉沢凛子はただ名義上の仮面夫婦なだけだが『同居』という二文字が彼はどうしても受け入れられなかったのだ。彼と元カノは5年も付き合っていたが、一度も一線を越えたことなどなかった。結婚前に同居するなど、彼はなにがあっても受け入れられないのだ。見栄を張り、純粋なように見せかけ、陰ひなたがある人間、嘘八百．．．．．．このようなネガティブな言葉が瞬間的に篠崎暁斗の頭の中に流れ込んできた。そして、彼は吉沢凛子が半年後に離婚すると知った時のあの嬉しそうな顔を思い出した。半年で1000万を手に入れ、そして彼氏と仲良く同棲するつもりか？いや、違う。1000万だけではない。それに加えて1000万も借りているだろ。本当に腹黒い女だな。調査報告書をつかんでいる手にゆっくりと力が入っていき、きれいだった資料がみるみるうちにひと塊の紙くずになっていった。人事部長がこの時ドアをノックして入ってきた。篠崎暁斗はその手を止めると、ゆっくりと頭を上げた。「なんだ？」人事部長は篠崎暁斗の表情に驚き、口ごもりながら言った。「し、篠崎社長、昨日会社面接で二人見ましたが、どちらもレベルの高いネットワークエンジニアです。このプロジェクトの責任者である滝本副社長は今日休みを取っていますので、私に決めるようにと。しかし、私にはエンジニアの技術をはかれるような技量はありません。そ、それで．．．．．．彼らの履歴書を持って来るしかなくて、社長に見てもらい、どちらか一人決めていただけないでしょうか？」人事部長は言い終わると、履歴書を篠崎暁斗の前に起き、そそくさとその場を去っていった。篠崎暁斗はかなりイライラしていた。こんな小さな事で彼を煩わせるつもりか？ざっと目を通すと、上にあった履歴書に書かれた『応募者——林佑樹』が目に入ってきた。篠崎暁斗は履歴書を開いた。林佑樹、男、24歳、国立大学工学部卒業。太陽ネット通信株式会社技術部長担当。この人間が吉沢凛子の彼氏か？彼の技術レベルは普通だ。証明書も全て見掛け倒しの実用的でない表面的なものばかりだ。篠崎暁斗が住所欄を見ると、吉沢凛子が結婚相手に応募してきた時に書いていた住所と一致していた。二人はやはり同居しているのか。篠崎暁斗は自分の本当の正体を明かさず、結婚相手募集をしていて良かったと思った。このような見栄っ張りの女に万が一でも自分の身分が知られたら、絶対に簡単にはこの女を振りほどけなくなるはずだ。しばらく何度も考えて、篠崎暁斗は電話を取ると人事部へかけた。そして林佑樹のほうを採用し、月収は100万だと通知した。林佑樹は採用通知を受け取るとすぐに榎本月香に連絡した。もちろん榎本月香は吉沢凛子にマウントが取れるこの好機会を逃すわけなかった。昼休みの間、榎本月香は吉沢凛子の隣の部屋に居座って、自分の彼氏は能力が高い、一ヶ月に100万も稼げる男なのだと褒めたたえていた。その声はかなり大きく、会社全体に聞こえるくらいだった。吉沢凛子は午後ずっと心ここにあらずで、何度も精算を間違えたりしながら、退勤するまで辛抱し続けた。弟が電話をかけてきて、おばあさんが入院してすぐ具合が悪くなったと伝えてきた。それで、吉沢凛子はすぐに病院へ駆けつけた。おばあさんは非常に危険な状態で、今すぐ手術をする必要があった。吉沢凛子はあれこれ説得を繰り返し、1000万の手術費用の前金を支払い、病院側はようやくおばあさんの手術の準備を始めた。弟は今年大学を卒業する予定で、今まさに卒業論文を書いている最中だ。吉沢凛子は弟を大学に戻らせ、彼女がおばあさんに付き添った。夜9時半、吉沢凛子の携帯が鳴った。それは篠崎暁斗からかかってきた電話だった。そして、篠崎暁斗は口を開くとすぐ吉沢凛子を詰問し始めた。仕事が終わったのにどうして家に帰っていないんだ？おじいさんが彼女が帰ってくるまで晩ご飯を食べずに今もずっと待っているんだぞ等だ。吉沢凛子はそれを聞いてギクリとした。彼女はあまりの忙しさに、完全に自分が結婚していたことをきれいさっぱり忘れてしまっていたのだ。「すみません、ちょっと用事があって遅くなりました。もうちょっとしたら帰ります」「迎えに行きます」そう言うと、篠崎暁斗は電話を切った。迎えに来る？彼は私の居場所が分かるの？吉沢凛子は彼に電話をかけなおしたが、篠崎暁斗はそれに出なかった。おばあさんを落ち着かせ、家族の面会時間が過ぎ、吉沢凛子は医者から病室を追い出される形で出てきた。病院を出た時にはすでに10時過ぎだった。この時、篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子のマンションの一階にいた。三階の部屋の明かりはついているので、彼は吉沢凛子が家にいると確信していた。しばらくして、カーテン越しに二人の人影が現れ親しそうに抱き合っていた。女の影は吉沢凛子とほぼ同じだ。結婚二日目にして他の男と密会しているとは。本気で彼をお飾りだとでも思っているのか？篠崎暁斗は怒りが心頭に発した。彼は力強く何回か車のクラクションを鳴らしたが、階上の二人はそれに気づかず逆に周りの住人から罵られてしまった。「こんな夜遅くにデタラメにクラクションを鳴らす奴があるか、頭おかしいんじゃないのか？」篠崎暁斗は怒りのあまりハンドルを力を込めて叩いた。現在の彼はまるで誤って蠅でも口に入ってしまったくらい気持ちが悪かった。吉沢凛子が篠崎家に帰って来た時、篠崎暁斗は家にはいなかった。相田おばさんは回りくどい言い方で「結婚したばかりだというのに、こんなに遅くに帰ってきて、篠崎さんは本当に嫁運が悪いですこと」と凛子に言った。「彼はどこに行ったんですか？」吉沢凛子は尋ねた。「私が知るわけないでしょう。おじいさんはあなたが帰ってくるまでずっと晩ご飯を待っていらしたんですよ。遅くなるならなるで電話の一本でもよこすのが筋ってものでしょうに」「次は必ず気をつけます」吉沢凛子も本当に気がとがめていた。でも、おじいさんがもう休んだと聞いて、彼女は自分の部屋に戻るしかなかった。腰掛けてすぐ、篠崎暁斗がドアを開ける音が聞こえた。かなり力強く開けたらしく、ドアが外れてしまいそうな勢いだった。吉沢凛子は立ち上がった。「おかえりなさい」篠崎暁斗は彼女を見た瞬間、明らかに驚いた様子だった。「君はどこへ行っていたんだ？」「おばあさんが病気なので、さっき病院から帰ってきたんです」「おばあさんが病気だって？」篠崎暁斗は皮肉っぽい笑いをした。「それで、次はおばあさんが手術をするから、たくさん治療費が必要だとでも言うんじゃないか？」「どういう意味ですか？」吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗が自分を嘲笑しているのが分かり、怒りがこみ上げてきた。「信じられないなら、病院に行って見てきたらどうですか」篠崎暁斗は必死に怒りをこらえ尋ねた。「吉沢凛子、君には一体、あとどんな隠し事があるんだ？」「何が知りたいんですか？」篠崎暁斗は一旦気持ちを落ち着かせ、できるだけ自分を冷静に保とうとした。「君には彼氏がいるんじゃないのか？そいつと三年間同居して、今は独り身のふりをして俺と結婚したんだろ。吉沢凛子、俺のことをバカな奴だからって弄んでるのか？」部屋の電気は消えていて、暗闇の中に立っている篠崎暁斗はこの時、まるで魔王にでもなったかのように、全身から危険なオーラを放っていた。「あなた、私の調査をしたってこと？」吉沢凛子はこの男が彼女の調査までしたことが全く信じられなかった。「したら悪いのか？君が俺にもっと素直で誠意のある人間なら、俺がわざわざ君の調査をする必要なんてないだろ？」「そうよ、以前彼氏がいたけど」吉沢凛子は腹を立てて言った。「でも、あなたと結婚する前に、もう別れたわ。あなたの結婚相手に対する条件には婚前に恋愛経験があっちゃダメだなんて書いてなかったわ。今こんなこと持ち出してきて、一体どういう意味よ？」吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗が彼女に1000万をあげたことを後悔して、今このようにあれこれと粗捜しを始めたと思っていた。「俺は確かに恋愛経験があってはいけないとは言わなかったが、君は今奴と全く連絡を取っていないと言い切れるのか？」「別れてから、一度も連絡してないわよ」「本当か？」「私のことが信じられないなら、また探偵でも雇って調べたらいいじゃない」吉沢凛子の怒りがふつふつと湧き出してきた。「正直に言うけど、あなたと結婚した目的はあの1000万の結納金のためよ。もし、そのお金が惜しいなら、明日離婚手続きに行きましょう。でも、お金は今すぐあなたに返すことはできないわ。だっておばあちゃんの手術費用の前金としてもう払っちゃったから。だからって心配しないで、遅かれ早かれ必ずあなたに返すから。絶対に一円も損させるようなことはしないわよ」吉沢凛子は言いたいことを全て吐き出して、スーツケースを持ち外に向かって歩いて行った。しかし、彼女が玄関に着く前に、スーツケースを篠崎暁斗に奪われてしまった。「結婚してたった一日で離婚するなんて、面汚しもいいとこだろ」篠崎暁斗は今は冷静になっていた。時間を計算してみると、もし今晩あの階上にいた女が吉沢凛子であれば、彼女が彼よりも先に家に帰ってきているはずはない。それを考えると、彼はまた突然吉沢凛子のことを誤解していたと思った。すると彼はベッドの収納スペースを開き、吉沢凛子のスーツケースをその奥の方にしまい込み、またそこをしっかりと閉じた。つまりこれって彼女が逃げるのを心配しているのか？昨日、吉沢凛子はそのベッドの収納スペースを開けようと思ったのだが、どうやっても開けられなかったのだ。篠崎暁斗のやつ、一体何を考えているのよ。「何か作ってくれないか？お腹が空いたんだ」篠崎暁斗はソファに座り、ノートパソコンを開いて仕事をしながら夜食を待つつもりらしい。こんなに夜遅くにご飯を作れって？反論しようと思ったが、吉沢凛子もお腹が空いていてお腹が鳴った。それで彼女はキッチンへ行き、二人分の冷麺を作った。彼女が冷麺を持ってきた頃には篠崎暁斗はソファに寄りかかってもう眠ってしまっていた。眠ってはいるが、篠崎暁斗の眉間には未だにシワが寄っていて、とても疲れているようだった。彼は唇をきつく閉めていた。その線はとてもはっきりとしていて、唇の形もとてもきれいだった。大の大人の男がこんなにきれいな顔をしていて、なんなの？まつ毛もこんなに長いって？ただ長いだけじゃなくて、上にきれいにカールしている。彼女がビューラーを使ったとしても、こんなにきれいに弧を描いた形には仕上がらない。生まれついての美しさと後から手を加えてきれいに仕上げたものとでは、やはり比べようがないようだ。興味津々で、吉沢凛子はもっと近くで彼のその長いまつ毛を眺めたいと思って、篠崎暁斗に顔を近づけた。すると突然、篠崎暁斗が目を開いた。「もう十分観察しただろ？」「あ！」吉沢凛子は驚いて足元がふらつき、つまずいて篠崎暁斗の懐に飛び込んでしまった。よく知らない男性の息に、瞬時に吉沢凛子の感覚が刺激された。彼女は慌てて、すぐに身を起こし、しどろもどろになりながら言った。「あの、わ、わたし、冷麺作りました」篠崎暁斗は驚いて小鹿のようにプルプルしている吉沢凛子を見て、おもわず口角を上げ笑った。その唇はきれいな弧を描いた。吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗は笑わない人だと思っていたのだが。意外にもなかなか見られない彼の笑顔を見ることができて、吉沢凛子は危うくその魅力に落ちてしまうところだった。篠崎暁斗は吉沢凛子の向かい側に座り、その冷麺をじっくりと眺めた。「食べないんですか？お腹が空いてたんじゃ？」吉沢凛子は尋ねた。「俺はあまりトマトが好きじゃないんです」そう言ってはいるものの、無理をして箸でつかみ、一口味見してみた。そして、箸で一つ一つトマトを取り出していった。吉沢凛子は好き嫌いのある人に我慢ができないので、ぶすっとして言った。「トマトは野菜の女王と呼ばれているんですよ。ビタミン豊富で薬いらずなんですからね」「薬なら喜んで飲むよ」篠崎暁斗は頑なにそう言った。篠崎暁斗が麺を食べる所作は非常に上品だった。一つ一つの動作にはすべて真似し難い優雅さが漂っている。吉沢凛子は自分の食べ方は結構いけていると思っていたが、篠崎暁斗と比べると、ようやく生まれつき備わっている高貴さと優雅さとは何かを思い知った。しかも、篠崎暁斗が毎回麺を取る量はいつも同じだった。吉沢凛子は一体彼はどうやっているのか不思議だった。まさかプログラマーの麺の食べ方は、まさにプログラミングと同じように少しもいいかげんにはできない几帳面なものなのか？「アステルテクノロジーという会社をご存知ですか？」吉沢凛子は篠崎暁斗もプログラマーだから、その業界で有名なアステルテクノロジー株式会社のことを知っていると思っていた。篠崎暁斗は箸を持つ手に力が入った。「どうしましたか？」	LEARN_MORE	https://sonwer.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14833&u	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/	94	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	sonwer.com	IMAGE		https://sonwer.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14833&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/t39.35426-6/463487396_1200729294521300_2080555098428981080_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=muxmZ3YkWkcQ7kNvgFAXqu6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AHb-DOcLif2EFZUI6xdIKuN&oh=00_AYBZktEeSf18rQgj9gQL5wdaWqGhdTlyJx1VsF8OpSlXmg&oe=67196307	PERSON_PROFILE	0	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,237,142	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2237011}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661		☎️(310)437-3063 PAN DE MUERTO • MOLE • VELAS • PAPEL PICADO • ¡Productos Oaxaqueños🇲🇽 cerca de ti 😱 MAYOREO y menudeo ! PRODUCTOS OAXAQUEÑOS POR MAYOREO 🔴Trato directo con la empresa no hay intermediario somos exportadores www.oaxproductosoaxaquenos.com ECHANOS LA ✋ Y COMPARTE #oax #oaxproductosoaxaqueños #productosoaxaqueños #oaxpaq #cemita #tlayuda #chapulines #cemitapoblana #guelaguetza #quesillo #mole #chocolate #oaxaca #moleoax #comidaoaxaqueña #oaxaca #diademuertos #papelpicado #pandemuerto #pandemuertooaxaca #pandemuertomexicano (Algunas restricciones aplican)	MESSAGE_PAGE		OAX Productos Oaxaqueños y Envios	https://www.facebook.com/oaxmx/	30,304	1969-12-31 18:00	Send message		MULTI_IMAGES			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463845869_3742991582618956_2587324958975520613_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rehwon1sln0Q7kNvgG6HCSh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ao2sEPRqHd48ttAp0IehwQt&oh=00_AYBNQuZI8Pj8KET2h63FVlGEbauN5bg5uhg6Jv4td0mZFA&oe=67195CB6	PERSON_PROFILE	0	OAX Productos Oaxaqueños y Envios	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,240,828	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240847}'	Yes	2024-10-19 14:59	active	1662	{{product.name}}	Transformation, and I am no longer the person I used to be. This is not just about burning fat; it's a journey of rediscovering and redefining myself. In these three months, I've undergone a complete transformation from the inside out. The fat-burning elixir has not only helped me bid farewell to excess fat but, more importantly, awakened the vitality within me. I've felt the power of confidence, not only in my appearance but also from the depths of my soul. This is more than a physical change; it's an elevation of the spirit. Each drop of the fat-burning elixir is an infusion of new life, a proclamation of a new me. I dared to pursue a better version of myself, and I believe you can too. Join us, start your journey of transformation, and let every day be a milestone in achieving your true self. It's not just a bottle of elixir; it's your opportunity to redefine yourself.	LEARN_MORE	https://yln512.com/oba03	ICCUD Technology Research Base		0	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	yln512.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://yln512.com/oba03	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/418569500_1323054041698788_6216598560711702711_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w-8fZRmczOMQ7kNvgEVM7Es&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcBcAIRYzSycHiBD5pe26cR&oh=00_AYCWT5nXoL9Ji2KUEwLDR5aVNkEnCSNUrFcHiNAVtJPF7w&oe=6719DC8E	REGULAR_PAGE	0		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,238,518	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-10-19 07:03	active	1658		Halloween Candy Wrapper Recycling Giveaway! Did you know candy wrappers are rejected from single-stream recycling and end up in landfills? This Halloween, we’re offering a FREE candy wrapper recycling pickup to help keep those pesky wrappers out of the trash. We’ll pick up a garbage-bag size worth of candy wrappers (and feel free to collect from your neighbors too)! Simply sign up at the link in our bio for a chance to win. 🍫🍭 The winner will be announced on Friday, 10/25. Help us make Halloween a little greener this year! #CandyWrapperRecycling #SustainabilityInAction #BoxiflyRecycling #HalloweenWaste #WasteReduction #halloween #austin #austinsustainability #atxmomma #atxmomblog #atx	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/boxiflyrecycling	boxiflyrecycling	https://www.instagram.com/_u/boxiflyrecycling	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	IMAGE		http://instagram.com/boxiflyrecycling	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/447531477_466411032651810_4051586316095810909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=7fff4e&_nc_ohc=01oDEUpK9O8Q7kNvgGqxlWC&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCHlkMo2WqL9qoRBCJUeEH578LxfkKv-3sF8UY8zfu5qQ&oe=67195561	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	boxiflyrecycling	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,240,488	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240090}'	Yes	2024-10-19 14:58	active	1662	How to book a PAID gig without knowing more than just a G, C, and D chord 👀💯🎶🤯	You can book a PAID gig without knowing more than just a G, C, and D chord 👀💯🎶🤯 I’ve created my Musician-Proof Setlist to show how far these simple 3 chords can take you whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional. I’ve been getting paid to play G, C, D songs over the years and I’m NO Jimi Hendrix style player or Kelly Clarkson type of singer. If you’re interested in grabbing my setlist along with my free training on how I went from making $0/year as a shower singer to making over $20k/year playing only one show per week, just type the word “setlist” in the comments below and I’ll send you both today for free!	MESSAGE_PAGE		The Artist Ashley	https://www.facebook.com/ashleyhenselmusic/	3,603	1969-12-31 18:00	Send message		VIDEO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434389951_392600643716564_1308806678472014709_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mgO7G4wzMTwQ7kNvgFlSxi2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AEPoz9Kvt33A3eVXblFM-OJ&oh=00_AYCVtZrwbKQZVPB_eirHUVNubRBq_18a6P96-JAzVfgRUA&oe=6719EE80	PERSON_PROFILE	0	The Artist Ashley	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,505	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239503}'	Yes	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	Learn Advanced Solutions	Attention Diabetics with Type 2! Say goodbye to relying on drugs for Diabetes management! 👉 During this FREE webinar, Dr. Dale Kelly, DC CFMP will teach you all about how your condition developed and why your current treatments aren’t stopping the disease process. Discover: ✅ The root cause of symptoms ✅ Understanding that diet and exercise aren't the sole culprits of Diabetes ✅ Natural ways to lower blood sugar ✅ Steps to massively improve your diabetic condition ✅ Reduce and even eliminate medications ✅ Lose weight without radical dieting ✅ Explode energy levels Don't miss out on our LIVE webinar this week. Click "Book Now" to secure your spot! See you there 👋	LEARN_MORE	https://event.webinarjam.com/register/52/g4821t62	Balanced Health Solutions	https://www.facebook.com/BalancedHealthSolutions/	4,499	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	event.webinarjam.com	DCO	FREE Live Webinar	https://event.webinarjam.com/register/52/g4821t62	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463495370_501698702855185_213073794210561661_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eCeWjQPyRsIQ7kNvgFinqzg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AbaGo418I3reG0pjg3stAMi&oh=00_AYAKw4RYBBpGdHGgSqDwT3E_1kE8VSMAKgh2hpxOpWs3UA&oe=671961C3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Balanced Health Solutions	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,236,907	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2236898}'	No	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	😍Read the next chapters👉	My neighbour childhood sweetheart, Felix, turned me down and humiliated me in front of our parents. 19 years we've spent together, all just my one-sided infatuation. From then on, despite his apology, I steered clear of him. He insisted on treating me as a sister and introduced his new girlfriend Lilac to me soon. I tried my best to keep away from them. But sadly, the opposite always happened. I made plans with my friends to go hiking. But Felix and Lilac joined us against my will. With much difficulty, we finally reached the summit. Everyone clamored to buy ice cream there. I glanced at Felix and Lilac. They were already holding a box of raspberries, feeding each other. A bitter taste filled my mouth. I walked away. My friend Zara walked with me. We stopped at a peach tree heavy with rosy fruit, growing on a cliff. Ignoring Zara' shouts, I playfully climbed up on the railing and grabbed a branch. The next second, a loud creak—the railling broke. A wave of dizziness hit me as I fell down headfirst. "Ahh!" people screamed. I had fallen off the cliff! In the life-or-death moment, I grabbed a vine from the rock just in time. It stopped my fall, and I hung there in midair. I screamed shrilly in a cold sweat. I was stuck. No hope of climbing back up; falling down meant certain death. Blood dripped from my forehead, my arms and legs aching severely. Above me, my friends shouted anxiously. I held on so long that it felt like their shouting was fading out. My last ounce of strength drained. In desperation, the only one in my mind was him—Felix. Then, a hand reached out to me...	LEARN_MORE	https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&u	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	817	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	ocankn.com	DCO		https://ocankn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10463&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/t39.35426-6/449433678_346055808537306_3643433919978629073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GAFaCDKxKUQQ7kNvgHum7tQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Adrow2ROUadapjHDeBAGXV5&oh=00_AYDRP5_8Ti8vKvf9XgTT5pjfb6hnAZuIxQhZQz1IdA7H6w&oe=6719831A	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,241,012	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240857}'	No	2024-10-19 15:00	active	1662	Best Rock Tribute Festival Returns 🤘🏼	🤘🏼 Rock the Mote returns 🤘🏼 2024 is our 5th Birthday Weekend Spectacular and the BIGGEST & BEST LINEUP EVER... 3 x stages of the UK's best tribute acts The Heaviest Stage you'll find 🤘🏼⚡️ SOAD, Alice in Chains, Iron Maiden, Rob Zombie, Manson, Machine Head 🤯 A HUGE Rock stage with something for all 🎸🥁 Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Guns n Roses, Green Day, AC/DC, Blink 182, Muse, The Killers, The Prodigy. Unbelievable! And if you want something a little more chilled... A bigger and improved Pop Stage - Eminem, Madness, ABBA, Kelly Clarkson, Dua Lipa, Avril Lavigne, Dolly and many more to announce 💥 Weekend camping from Friday night to Monday morning with VIP Camping and motorhomes avaiklable. With full weekend tickets only £49.50 (exc bf), kids tickets only £14.50 (exc bf) and under 5's FREE - we've packed in so much value it's almost unreal. Grab your tickets now and look forward to a family summer in the park you won't forget.	LEARN_MORE	https://parklivekent.com/rock-the-mote-home/	Rock & Pop The Mote Festival	https://www.facebook.com/rockthemote/	14,748	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	parklivekent.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://parklivekent.com/rock-the-mote-home/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404814185_358726879969392_6823006023018314083_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WkEteNcgAeoQ7kNvgGnUKYZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyzA_MQmYtxqwRFCO-gUpBb&oh=00_AYDnJyuIqIs4ySbWd1p4JytLnzMw6i1j3O-mCy3-hmEJOA&oe=6719F5FE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Rock & Pop The Mote Festival	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,240,735	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240736}'	No	2024-10-19 14:59	active	1662	The key to swift weight reduction turns out to lie in this ingredient	If you desire to achieve a desirable physique and enhance your attractiveness, this option would be highly recommended.	LEARN_MORE	https://leichi0.top/zbq/productzbq/ZBQ111/?utm_sou	Natravor,USA		0	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	leichi0.top	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://leichi0.top/zbq/productzbq/ZBQ111/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{adset.id}}&utm_term={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426292752_758748429521106_3065361152419246439_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GNsGi-8heeMQ7kNvgGzosLB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ap5cO99vAJyGtejh-a_BkzP&oh=00_AYCqxQlQTLbph3iS_eXj6KQOi2jnfMq_58G3u90uNGuC5g&oe=6719C433	REGULAR_PAGE	0		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,240,286	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2240293}'	No	2024-10-19 14:57	active	1662		Discover the Health Secret Approved by Travis Stork! GLP-1 Metabolism Drops - Your Path to a Happier, Healthier You! KELLY's Choice for Health! Experience the Life-Changing Benefits of GLP-1 Metabolism Drops Today	LEARN_MORE	https://hayeswheel.com/a/s/ZBQ/product002	Napharm Weight Management Health Research Institute		0	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fb.com	VIDEO		https://hayeswheel.com/a/s/ZBQ/product002	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444479874_1618276265598145_4500067229742705770_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2mH7nQc8ZtEQ7kNvgFRLrCf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5ilTwmCOTKLrZTg0kdx8Mu&oh=00_AYABll6Rr6QR4mIr9W2-v1X08iknTAXCsNznB5Eq3IzUnA&oe=6719FAE0	REGULAR_PAGE	0		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,235,647	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2235646}'	Yes	2024-10-19 06:42	active	1661	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 It's her wedding anniversary. Lexi had come to the hospital to remove her baby. Several married couples sat around her. In contrast, Lexi seemed pitiful because she was about to remove her child, and she was there alone. Lexi had accompanied Zachary on a business trip two months ago. They attended a party, which caused her to get drunk. She was alone in the hotel room when she awoke the next day. The smell of a wild night had filled the room while crumpled clothes were scattered on the floors by then. Among the items were Lexi's garments and Zachary's white shirt. Lexi's heart beat wildly and exuberantly with delight at that moment. Zachary had finally accepted her romantic feelings for him after all those years. … Alas, Zachary practically chopped Lexi's happiness into pieces with a cleaver last night. Lexi had tested the waters by asking him what would happen if she were expecting their child. Zachary touched her stomach without much care while lightly scoffing. "Remove it, then. Also, I would never let you have my baby." Those steely, candid words caused goosebumps to prickle all over Lexi's body. She had been his secretary for five years, loved him for numerous years, and had become his wife for two years. Even a dog would have developed feelings for someone after all that time! Lexi never imagined Zachary could utter such relentless words after all the time they had been together. … Lexi smiled disparagingly as she recalled the conversation with Zachary last night. Before her smile faded away, she saw Zachary strolling toward her with one arm around the other woman. She tensed and lowered her head out of instinct almost immediately. "Isn't that Ms. Loyle?" said the woman, Yvonne Xenos. She removed her face mask, raised her eyebrows in surprise, and tugged at Zachary's shirt. She motioned at him to go toward Lexi. "I'd like to speak with Ms. Loyle real quick." "You should go and see a doctor first." Zachary's tone wasn't as unyielding and as cold as usual. Instead, there was a trace of gentleness in his voice. "I haven't seen Ms. Loyle in ages. I just want to say a few things to her. That's all." Yvonne blinked her round, doe eyes at Zachary. "You don't have to worry so much. I only fainted because of menstrual pains and low blood pressure." Lexi soon noticed that someone was standing in front of her. She looked up and saw her employer and husband on paper. He stood unashamed as he hugged the woman around the waist. Lexi froze, and the cogs in her brain were unable to turn like they usually did. "Long time no see, Ms. Loyle. My, how pretty you've become!" Yvonne spoke with a delighted lilt. Meanwhile, Lexi bitterly wondered when Yvonne, Zachary's first love, had returned to the country. Unable to smile, Lexi pursed her lips. She spoke politely. "Indeed, it's been a while." Yvonne pressed her lips together, too. She let out a dainty laugh before commenting, "Thank you for going through the trouble of looking after Zach these past few years. Only you could tolerate his nasty temper." "Zach. Why's she talking as if she's close with him when they broke up four years ago!" Lexi thought. Despite that thought, Lexi put on a slight smile. "It's no trouble. After all, Jenkins Corporation pays well." That was when the nurse brought a wheelchair over. Then, Zachary gingerly helped Yvonne, whom he was hugging this entire time, into the wheelchair. It was a surprising sight to Lexi, who realized Zachary only treated certain women with such gentleness. Lexi's smile was thin. At the same time, she felt suffocated. Yvonne gazed up at Zachary to thank him before she looked back at Lexi again. "Are you here to see a doctor, Ms. Loyle?" "No, I've already seen a doctor and am about to leave." Yvonne pouted, tugged Zachary's sleeve, and leaned against his arm. She spoke with a honeyed voice. "I'm craving chocolate all of a sudden. I really want some." "Go and see a doctor first." Zachary sounded helpless. In the next second, his bland gaze shifted in Lexi's way. "Ms. Loyle, please get a box of chocolates and deliver it to the fifth floor later." The hairs on Lexi's neck stood straight as she wanted to let out a self-deprecating scoff. She couldn't believe Zachary was making his wife get chocolates for his ex-girlfriend. Lexi's lips curled up out of the blue. She figured it was fine to get an surgery in another hospital. Yvonne gave a gentle tap on Zachary's arm. She rolled her eyes as if she couldn't believe him. "Ms. Loyle must be unwell since she came to the hospital today. How could you request her to buy some chocolates? Gosh!" "It's her job to do what I tell her to." Those words rolled off Zachary's tongue like he couldn't care less. Even so, Lexi agreed it was her job to do as told. Upon hearing Zachary's response, she lowered her head to disguise the sorrow in her eyes. The pride in her veins prevented her from looking too much like a loser in front of her competitor. So, she flashed a faint smile. "That's indeed my job as a secretary, Ms. Xenos." After giving the two a respectful nod, she clutched her bag tight and hurried away. … Lexi went to a supermarket near the hospital to buy a box of chocolates. Then, she returned to the hospital and took the elevator to the fifth floor. Once the bell rang and the doors opened, she saw Yvonne hugging Zachary's waist as the duo kissed. Lexi's stomach turned at once. She covered her pale lips and couldn't help dry-heaving while placing a hand against the mirrored walls in the elevator for support. The duo's eyes met hers in that instant. Yet, the elevator doors soon shut. Tears gathered in Lexi's eyes, and she was still dry-heaving in the elevator. Fortunately, she was the only person in the elevator. Yvonne's eyes widened at the closing elevator doors. She had heard some hurling sounds, so she asked, "What's wrong with Ms. Loyle?" Zachary's eyes were dark and solemn by then. He was deep in thought and reflecting on how Lexi had abruptly asked about expecting a child last night. … Lexi handed the box of chocolates to the nurse. She asked the nurse to take it to Zachary, who was on the fifth floor. She drove home, and the first thing she did was pack her suitcase to move out the next day. As Lexi expected, her and Zachary's two years of marriage were so flimsy that they crumbled after one blow. She accepted her fate. She knew it was time to end this dream she had been living in. Zachary's grandma, Martha Inman, wanted to see Zachary get married while she was still alive. At the time, Zachary casually asked Lexi if she wanted to get married with a prenuptial agreement. He even offered to pay Lexi a great sum to get married. Lexi had a crush on Zachary for forever. Not to mention, she urgently needed the money back then. So, she agreed to the marriage contract. Despite it being a contractual marriage, Lexi still gave her utmost sincerity to it. She figured her genuine love could one day win over Zachary. Yet, Yvonne had returned to the country now, which made Lexi realize how ridiculous her former optimism was. She snorted at herself for being so naïve. … Lexi forced herself to remain calm while waiting for Zachary to come home that night. She wanted to resolve the situation once he returned. So, she waited from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and even called Zachary several times. Alas, he never answered. Zachary didn't go home that night. Lexi received a message from Zachary's younger sister, Mary Jenkins. Mary had forwarded a post from Yvonne's social media account. In the photo, Zachary donned a bathrobe as he helped blowdry Yvonne's hair. It was late at night. Yet, he was elsewhere in a bathrobe. He was even helping to dry his ex-girlfriend's hair. Lexi's gaze hardened at the photo. Her eyes burned as she blinked a few times. Then, she scoffed. Emotionless, Lexi opened the drawer and searched for the marriage contract she signed two years ago. Once she located it, she read the last clause in the contract. "The party who initiates a divorce before the five years of contractual marriage ends must pay the other party 200 million as compensation for liquidated damages." When they got married, Lexi asked for 30 million as her dowry. To her surprise, Zachary transferred 100 million to her bank account right away. Lexi calculated her bank savings. She had 90 million left after deducting her younger brother's chemotherapy costs. She didn't have enough for the 200 million compensation if she initiated a divorce now. That caused Lexi to squish her cheeks with both hands in frustration. Eventually, she put away the marriage contract, got changed, grabbed her keys, and headed out. … There were many bars in Sootfort City. Lexi had never been to such places before. Today, she came to a bar and get drink, but she didn't drink it. After thinking about the child in her stomach, she put down her glass. She pursed her lips bitterly. She was frustrated that she couldn't even vent her anger by drinking. Lexi exited the bar and sniffled. She felt like an idiot for crying. Despite loving him for all those years, she ended up all alone. A taxi was parked in front of her, its roof sign still illuminated. Thinking that it was vacant, Lexi opened the door and got in before speaking in a nasal voice. "Please take me to Flowerhill Estate." The taxi driver looked at the man and woman in the backseat through the rearview mirror. He assumed the two were an arguing couple and offered some advice out of kind intent. "Sir, from one man to another, you should be more patient with women." Then, the driver started the engine and drove ahead. That was when Lexi snapped to her senses. She whipped her head to the side. Her red, swollen eyes blearily snapped toward the man beside her. The man wore a face mask, which prevented her from seeing his full face. "Sir, please stop the car. I'm so sorry. I got into the wrong taxi," she said. Speechless, the driver stopped along the road. Lexi apologized several times before getting out. Then, her wandering eyes caught sight of the man in the backseat, who was also looking at her. … Zachary only came home the next morning to change into a fresh set of clothes. He had noticed the few suitcases in the living room when he returned. So, he casually asked about it in his hoarse voice while taking off his shirt. "Who's the guest that's staying over at our place?" "Those suitcases are mine." Lexi's gaze snapped toward the lipstick stain on Zachary's white dress shirt. She pointed at it while stating, "That's a woman's lipstick." Zachary pulled his collar lower and examined it. To his surprise, there was indeed a lipstick stain. For a split second, his features tensed. Yet, he quickly resumed his usual frosty demeanor and didn't bother explaining himself. "I knew he'd react like this," Lexi thought while scoffing. A frown marred Zachary's forehead. "What's with the laugh?" "Oh, it's nothing. I merely read a joke earlier this morning. I'm going to work now." Lexi picked up her handbag and subconsciously changed into a pair of flats while heading out the door. Meanwhile, Zachary headed upstairs to the bedroom. He stripped and went into the bathroom but soon realized Lexi hadn't left a change of clothes for him in there. It was odd because Lexi would always prepare a fresh set of clothes for him beforehand if he wanted to shower. His eyes narrowed as he left the bathroom. He phoned Lexi while walking to the closet. "I forgot to ask you something." He opened a drawer and continued, "You're carrying a child, are you?" His voice lacked warmth as it rang into Lexi's ear, and it made her heart race fervently. Chapter 2 Lexi parked her car by the roadside. She calmly denied Zachary's assumption by saying, "I'm not. It's just that my stomach hasn't been feeling well these past few days." Zachary leaned against the closet. His eyes were steely as he sneered. "You'd better not be lying to me, Lexi. It's no longer popular for women to secure their position as a wealthy man's wife just by bearing the man's child." Lexi's heart sank to her stomach. She couldn't believe that was what Zachary thought of her. While caressing her still flat stomach, she spoke calmly. "How could I be a mother, Mr. Jenkins? We used protection that night." Zachary rise a brow. He was speechless at her response. … After half a day of meetings at the office, Lexi delivered a cup of freshly made coffee to Zachary's office around noon. She also placed the documents he had asked her for a few days prior on his desk. Her gaze swept past the information on the document just then. Jenkins Corporation owned businesses. However, they had never been involved with the entertainment industry. Yet, the company stated on the document—Tundratide Entertainment—was a major company in said industry. Lexi had also just seen the news and learned Yvonne had officially signed with Tundratide Entertainment today. Yvonne was now one of their contracted artists. With that in mind, Lexi wondered if Zachary planned to acquire Tundratide Entertainment and become the company's main shareholder for Yvonne's sake. Lexi didn't leave the office. Instead, she was determined to discuss what happened last night with Zachary. "I see that Ms. Xenos is back in the country." Zachary stopped working and leaned against his chair at once. A frosty stare radiated from him. "You shouldn't poke your nose into places it doesn't belong, Mrs. Jenkins." He had called her "Mrs. Jenkins" as a warning. Lexi paused for a few seconds. It would be a lie to say she wasn't upset. Still, she was determined to ask what was necessary. "Are you planning to divorce me now that she's back?" Zachary glanced at her impassively. "You may continue being Mrs. Jenkins since Grandma likes you." He knew there was one other thing Lexi was good at—making Martha happy. Lexi's hands balled into fists once she heard his response. Sorrow and disappointment weighed down her. From what Zachary said, he still wanted to continue their marriage only because Martha liked her. He was willing to stay married to her longer to keep Martha happy in the latter's last years of life. But what about her? Was she to continue existing as a joke between Zachary and Yvonne? Zachary's phone was on the table, and it rang at that moment. Lexi saw the name "Yvonne" on the caller ID. Zachary had always saved Lexi's contact as "Ms. Loyle." Meanwhile, he had saved the name of his first love and ex-girlfriend on his phone. Lexi remained emotionless as she waited for Zachary to finish his phone call. Then, she informed him that the Zox family's banquet was tonight. Zachary flipped through Tundratide Entertainment's documents. At the same time, he responded to Lexi without bothering to raise his head. "I have something else to do tonight. I want you to deliver my gift to Mr. Zox Senior on my behalf." "Understood." Lexi turned to leave the office. Zachary peered at her. He watched her leave before going back to browsing the document. … Tonight was Harold Zox's 66th birthday celebration. His family, the Zoxes, had organized the banquet to be at Mullaby Hotel. Lexi donned a blue custom-made gown when she brought Zachary's present to the hotel that night. "Welcome, Ms. Loyle. And thank you for coming." A smiling Harold Zox shook hands with Lexi. Jenkins Corporation only made big business and was Zox Corporation's biggest client. Not only that, but Lexi was also one of Zachary's most capable secretaries. With all that in mind, Harold was respectful toward Lexi. "Mr. Jenkins couldn't make it since something came up at the last minute. On his behalf, I wish you a blessed and happy birthday, Mr. Zox Senior." Lexi's lips curved into a polite smile as she dedicated a toast to him. Harold nodded understandingly. He admired Lexi's capability to execute her job well. "I'm happy enough that you made it here—" He froze after saying that, and the atmosphere around them became tense. Lexi noticed the brief awkward look from Harold. She instinctively turned around, only to see Yvonne in a white dress. The latter held hands with Zachary as they entered the banquet hall. Lexi's faint smile turned stiff. So, this was what Zachary meant by he had something else to do tonight." "Happiest of birthdays, Mr. Zox Senior!" Yvonne's eyes twinkled with delight as she beamed at Harold. "Thank you." "Happy birthday, Mr. Zox Senior." Zachary picked up a wine glass from a waiter's tray. He then raised it to clink glasses with Harold. Yvonne glanced at Lexi and greeted her. "Ms. Loyle." A soft smile appeared on Lexi's face as she nodded. "Ms. Xenos." The band hired to be in the banquet began playing a tune for a classical ballroom dance. Some male guests had invited other female guests to dance by then. "Did you come here alone, Ms. Loyle?" Yvonne asked. "My companion got into a car accident on the way here," Lexi answered. With widened eyes, Yvonne exclaimed, "Is he alright?" Harold joined in to ask about Lexi's companion with concern. After all, it was his birthday banquet. It would seem like bad luck if his guests got into a car accident. Lexi explained with a smile, "Don't worry, Mr. Zox Senior. His and someone's car scratched each other from being too close on the road. He's merely held back because the other party is insisting on getting compensation." A noticeable sigh of relief came from Harold. "Oh, that's good to hear." Once Harold went to mingle with the other guests, Lexi's friendly countenance dropped. She marched away with her back straight. Her expression was frosty, and her heels clicked on the floor as she paced away. She wanted to go home and type her resignation letter at once. A confused Yvonne whispered, "Doesn't Ms. Loyle seem unhappy?" Zachary's attention was on Lexi as she left. That was when he noticed Harold's oldest son, Xavier Zox, inviting Lexi to dance. With his eyes narrowing slightly, he remarked, "She's not unhappy." "How could she feel unhappy? She was in the mood to dance with another man." Zachary thought. Zachary couldn't believe Lexi would dare dance with Xavier, a womanizer. He wondered if she had a death wish. On the flip side, Lexi never imagined Xavier would grab her arm and force her onto the dance floor. She didn't want to cause a scene by resisting him since they were at a banquet. So, it left her in an extremely foul mood. The stench of liquor wafted into her nostrils, causing her brows to knit. "Please unhand me, Mr. Zox." Xavier had one arm around her waist. He held her tighter after she said that, and his lips curved with determination. "Why don't you consider working at Zox Corporation instead, Ms. Loyle? The pay is double what you earn at Jenkins Corporation. What do you think?" With disgust, Lexi pointed out the facts indifferently. "You won't be in control of Zox Corporation anytime soon." Despite getting smacked in the face by Lexi's harsh rejection, Xavier wasn't upset. He was always patient when dealing with beautiful women. So, his hand continued to linger on Lexi's waist as he caressed it. Lexi's expression darkened as she raised her leg and stomped hard on Xavier's leather shoe. Her tall heel pierced through the leather and landed on the top of Xavier's foot. Pain shot throughout Xavier's foot. His features twisted into a hideous scowl as he released Lexi's arm. Lexi spun on her heel to flee at once. She left the banquet and exited the hotel. "Hold it right there, Lexi Loyle!" Xavier barked. Lexi frowned and regretted not stomping harder on his foot. Xavier grabbed her hand. "Watch yourself, Mr. Zox," said an impatient and frosty Lexi. Xavier focused on her unfriendly yet alluring face. Excitement bubbled up within him. A woman with such unapproachable energy but also tempting curves was attractive. As such, he had long desired Lexi. A chuckle left his lips as he commented, "Must you do this, Ms. Loyle? Why bother with this act of sternness? I'm sure Mr. Jenkins has gotten tired of toying with you by now." Lexi inhaled sharply but still flashed a smirk. "You can ask Mr. Jenkins if he's grown tired of me." She lifted her chin and motioned for him to look behind them where Zachary and Yvonne stood. Lexi saw how Zachary watched her get harassed by another man. He didn't do anything about it. Chapter 3 Zachary stood there with his ex-girlfriend, who he linked arms with. Meanwhile, he watched Xavier attacking Lexi. It was ironic because someone once said that a man would show some possessiveness over a woman if he truly loved her. As she stood beneath the warm lights, Lexi felt like her heart had been ripped to shreds. Xavier thought Lexi was trying to lie to him, so he chuckled viciously. "Mr. Jenkins is keeping a beautiful lady company. Don't even think about fooling me. Shall we take this conversation elsewhere, Ms. Loyle? What do you think?" Lexi held Zachary's gaze and spoke with a bland tone. "Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Zox is asking whether you've grown tired of toying with me." She then watched him in silence while waiting for his response. Zachary held Yvonne's hand as they walked past Lexi. In that instance, Lexi realized that Zachary's answer no longer mattered. Yvonne turned around just then. She shot a megawatt smile at Xavier while clarifying things. "Zachary and Ms. Loyle are merely employer and employee. Watch your words, Mr. Zox. Otherwise, I'll be mad at you." Xavier chuckled and nodded. "Alright, alright. I won't utter any nonsense." Once Zachary and Yvonne walked away hand-in-hand, he forced Lexi into his car and kissed her cheek. "I'll call the cops on you, Xavier!" Lexi screamed as she shoved Xavier off her in disgust. Alas, her strength was no match for a man whose stature was bigger than her. Xavier held her slim waist while guffawing. "Cry out all you want, Ms. Loyle. I'm not afraid. Also, there's no use in you calling the cops. I'm merely touching and kissing you, not screwing you." Rage brimmed in Lexi as she felt offended by the former's shamelessness. Xavier was about to kiss her again. Lexi's striking eyes morphed into a vicious glare as she kneed him. "Argh!" Xavier hunched his back. … Later in the dead of night, Lexi followed Quinton Shaw out of the police station. Like Lexi, Quinton was also one of Zachary's secretaries. "Please take me to Watton Hotel, Mr. Shaw. Thank you for helping me tonight," said Lexi. Quinton peered at her from the corner of his eye before looking ahead to say, "Mr. Jenkins was the one who asked me to pick you up." Lexi's lips tugged into a thin line as she coldly responded, "I see." Zachary was nowhere to be seen when she was being harassed by Xavier. Because of that, she didn't feel any hint of gratitude toward Zachary. Quinton hesitated to speak but ultimately explained, "Ms. Loyle… Mr. Jenkins wanted to pick you up himself." "Oh? So where is he? Why isn't he here." Quinton closed his mouth. He felt it was too awkward to continue. Lexi looked down at her phone and saw another text from Mary. The latter had forwarded Yvonne's latest post. That was when Lexi discovered why Zachary hadn't picked her up from the police station in person. Zachary had accompanied his ex-girlfriend to the hospital yet again. A low chuckle rumbled from Lexi as she replied to Mary's text. She asked Mary to invite Yvonne out for a meeting tomorrow on her behalf. … Quinton's car soon arrived outside Watton Hotel. Lexi told Quinton not to send her inside since it was unnecessary. Exhausted, she exited the car and get into the hotel. The lobby was mostly quiet at that hour. When she made it to the elevator, there happened to be a tall and fit man talking on the phone there. He get into the elevator once its doors opened. Lexi went in, too. She had just gone inside when her heel slipped, and she subconsciously reached ahead to grab the man. The man held her arm and supported her from stumbling. Lexi's palms grew clammy. She was still rattled. After regaining her footing, she apologized to the man. "S-Sorry. I didn't mean to…" The man wore a mask, so she could only see his dark gaze. He looked like the man she had encountered in the taxi that one time. He had dropped his phone because he had reached out to support Lexi. Not only that, but the man was also holding a coffee cup in his left hand, which had also fallen. That caused the coffee to spill onto his white shirt. "Did you burn yourself, sir?" She worried the cup he held earlier contained hot coffee. The man glanced at her with his brows slightly furrowed. He bent forward to pick up his phone from the ground. Then, his voice rang out lazily as he told the person on the other end that he was ending the call. Lexi spoke with sincerity. "I'm so, so sorry. I'll reimburse you for the damages." The man's name was Claude Quall. His eyes glanced over Lexi again. He took in her formal dress, slender waist, and curvy figure. He didn't say much except, "That won't be necessary." His voice was low and gravelly. He turned sideways. Then, he casually stepped back to put some distance between him and Lexi. Lexi feigned a calm demeanor as she pressed the button to her floor. She stayed on the tenth floor while the man's room was on the 12th. Claude's gaze shifted downward while he fell into deep thought. He had found Lexi oddly familiar when he saw her in the taxi last night. It felt like she was the woman who got into his bed and beded him for two months. "Let's discuss the details of your compensation," he said. Lexi paused midway while exiting the elevator when she heard that. … The two soon stood in the hallway on the 12th floor. Claude had already taken off his coffee-stained dress shirt, and his sculpted abs were exposed. A frown creased his forehead, making it obvious he was uncomfortable. He would take off his shirt if Lexi weren't here. Lexi dared not stare past Claude's shirt and to his bare body. She could only force her attention to remain on Claude's eyes. "How much should I compensate you for the damages, sir? I'll transfer it." "I've changed my mind," Claude abruptly stated. He had only stopped Lexi from leaving because he wanted to see whether she was the woman from before. Lexi's brows arched with slight confusion. She watched the man swipe his card on the door's scanner before disappearing into his hotel room. Then, she left the 12th floor. … Light jazz music played in Nullem Cafe. Yvonne sat opposite Lexi. Since she was a big-time celebrity, she wore a hat and mask to conceal her face. With a slight smile, she asked, "Did you ask to meet me because you needed something from me, Ms. Loyle?" Lexi nodded. A half-smile flickered on her face. "There is something I need." She held herself with reticence while sternly staring at Yvonne. It felt like a scene in a movie where the wife confronted her husband's mistress. It was clear to Lexi that the only way to get Zachary to initiate a divorce was by provoking Yvonne. So, she said, "Ms. Xenos, I don't want you to interfere with me and Zachary's life. Since you chose to leave him back then, you shouldn't seek him out after returning to the country now—" Everyone in the industry knew Zachary once had an ex-girlfriend he loved dearly. However, Martha disliked Yvonne, so the latter could never marry into the Jenkins family. Yvonne didn't want to give up on her singing career at the time either. Because of that, she chose to break up with Zachary and go abroad to study music. Lexi continued in a gentle voice, "Since you've given up on your relationship with Zachary, please cut off all ties with him for good. Can you do that?" Yvonne's eyes snapped wide open in disbelief. "You and Zachary…? Are you…" Lexi nodded. "Zachary and I have been married for two years." After Lexi said that, Yvonne stiffened in utter shock. Her eyes reddened almost instantly. "You and Zachary are married?" Lexi felt like the wicked villain who got in between two lovers in every story. "Yeah, we're married." Just then, Zachary sat in the booth behind the women's. He heard Lexi revealing their marriage to Yvonne. Right away, a thunderous expression shrouded his face, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes narrowed to pinpricks. The cafe was designed well. All the tables came with partitions, which created private booth seating for everyone. Zachary and Lexi had agreed not to tell anyone about their marriage. It seemed that Lexi had grown arrogant and possessive, even though they were only in a contractual marriage. Yvonne frowned. She was still in disbelief. "You're lying to me, aren't you, Ms. Loyle?" A brief pause passed before Lexi answered, "I'm not. I can show you our marriage certificate." She had come prepared, so she fetched the marriage certificate from her bag and showed it to Yvonne. Yvonne removed her mask and revealed her pretty face. She had a sweet, innocent beauty. It was the kind of beauty that most movie characters' first loves had. Meanwhile, Lexi possessed a more striking, gorgeous appearance. "Zachary didn't tell me you two are married when he was with me last night, Ms. Loyle. I could've sworn I felt he was still in love with me." Yvonne's expression dulled as she mentioned that. She hinted to Lexi that she and Zachary were together last night. Lexi maintained her smile as if unbothered. "Men are the same in bed. He says he loves me too, when he's bedding me." A hostile energy oozed from Zachary, who suppressed his anger when he heard this from his booth. He already had the desire to choke Lexi to death. On the other hand, Yvonne covered her lips upon hearing that. Tears even streamed down her eyes. However, Lexi wasn't satisfied and wanted to take things further. She was doing everything in her power to make Zachary initiate a divorce. "Ms. Xenos, I can't stop you if you're that determined to be a mistress—" "That's enough!" A man's infuriated voice rang out. Lexi whipped her head around, only to be startled by a seething Zachary. He was trying hard to suppress his fury. Lexi was stunned. Chapter 4 Zachary first had Quinton send Lexi back to Flowerhill Estate. Once Lexi got into the car, she looked through the window and saw Zachary hugging Yvonne. He seemed to be comforting her. The corners of Lexi's lips curved upward with a hint of bitterness yet relief. When she asked Mary to invite Yvonne out last night, she knew Mary would rat her out to Zachary. None of this was surprising to her. Everything had gone according to her plan. Quinton soon drove ahead. Upon stopping for a red light, he turned around to look at Lexi. "You're intelligent, Ms. Loyle. Why did you have to upset Boss?" He and Lexi had worked together for five years, so he witnessed how Lexi looked after Zachary with the utmost care. Lexi even took cooking classes every night after work to better care for Zachary's stomach. She trained her cooking skills until they were comparable to an award-winning chef's. She looked after Zachary with great attentiveness. Lexi tucked her loose strands of hair behind her ears and rested her arm against the car window frame. Her eyes glistened with clarity like never before. After all, why insist on winning over a man's affections when he never loved her? She tilted her head with a playful wink at Quinton. "It's because I'm incredibly intelligent, Mr. Shaw." That rendered Quinton speechless, but he soon scoffed. "How can you be in the mood to joke around at a moment like this?" What he meant by that was, "How can you still joke around when Zachary's already angry?" A soft chuckle came from Lexi, who was in a good mood. Then, the two no longer spoke. … There were bodyguards stationed outside Flowerhill Estate. Because of that, Lexi couldn't flee even if she wanted to. Quinton dropped Lexi off at Flowerhill Estate before driving off. Lexi couldn't leave the villa in the estate if Zachary didn't allow it. She fell asleep on the couch for the rest of the night. Meanwhile, the living room television was tuned to a boring channel. Zachary stared down at the slumbering Lexi when he came home. There was a relaxed, welcoming energy to her when she was asleep. It was unlike her aloof demeanor when she was his secretary in the daytime. Zachary's forehead creased as he frowned. He bent forward. Lexi awoke from her sleep when she felt someone pinching her chin. Zachary had used brute force when doing it, so Lexi was in immense pain. It struck her hard and snapped her out of her bleary state. She was more alert now. Her eyes opened wide to see a cold Zachary staring at her. She could even smell Yvonne's perfume lingering on him. Lexi's forehead creased, and her stomach turned in disgust. The lights inside the villa weren't on, save for one desk lamp and the light from the television. Those light sources faintly illuminated the darkness. Half of Zachary's attractive face was hidden in the darkness. Only an icy tone rang out when he spoke. "Who gave you the nerve to blabber nonsense to Yvonne, Lexi?" Lexi was lying on the couch, and she lowered her gaze. She did not say anything because anything she said would be wrong. "Did a cat get your tongue? Speak!" He gripped her chin without mercy. He exerted so much strength that he forced Lexi's slender neck to curve as he made her look at him. Lexi was forced to raise her head. Her striking eyes soon settled on his cold expression. Her jaw hurt so badly that tears naturally flowed from her eyes. Still, she responded calmly, "I only told her the truth. You and I are indeed legally married. Did I say anything wrong?" Zachary held her chin in a tight grip while spouting venomous words. "It's only a marriage certificate, Lexi. Have you forgotten about our marriage contract? You were despicable enough to sign the contract just because you needed money." Lexi knew she likely looked pale then. She blinked while processing his words. So, he thought she was despicable, huh? She soon gritted her teeth, snorted, and spoke up. "I'm not despicable. It's that we were both only using each other." Sheer loathing echoed in Zachary's voice. "What silver tongue you have, Ms. Loyle. Only you could do something as vile as bartering your body off." "What do you mean by 'barter'?" A frown marred Lexi's face. Zachary let out a low chuckle. He drew a strong finger from her chin to her slim, frail neck and continued downward. Lexi froze at once. "You've got a decent body. It's no wonder that brat, Xavier, wanted to lure you to his company with a high salary," he said with a low growl. Then, he lifted the hem of her top and reached beneath it. That took Lexi by surprise. She held his hand in place and prevented it from advancing. Zachary suddenly pinched her plump skin, causing her to glare at him with red eyes. An uncaring look came from Zachary. Lexi noticed that his other hand was also moving downwards. She looked at him with a dark expression but spoke sardonically. "For you to be interested in my body means you don't love Yvonne as deeply as I thought." It was hard to discern the meaning behind Zachary's smile just then. With a scoff, he commented, "You think too highly of yourself. I wouldn't have slept with you if I hadn't had a fever and been drunk that night." Zachary's hand still lingered on Lexi's skin. His eyes narrowed with hatred but also confusion. They supposedly bedded for the first time two months ago, but he couldn't remember it at all. He figured it could have been because his fever left him delirious, and Lexi seized the chance to do it with him. Regardless, the way he spoke about it now sounded like he was utterly repulsed by that night. Lexi took a deep breath. She stood, linked an arm around his neck, and leaned into his ear while chuckling lightly. "But you seemed very into me that night. We had a second round." She brazenly traced one of her fingers around his leather belt. Zachary's expression soured while his gaze deepened with even more detestation. He pried Lexi's arm off his neck and stood. "Don't waste your time doing unnecessary things, Lexi. If Grandma didn't like you so much, I wouldn't mind giving you to Xavier after the stunt you pulled today." Upon hearing that, Lexi felt like a true and complete failure. Since Zachary could say something as cruel as giving her away to someone, it meant he never once had feelings for her these past few years. "Remember to visit Grandma at the hospital tomorrow. Don't tell her anything you shouldn't." Zachary coldly straightened his shirt before glaring daggers at Lexi and hurrying off. … Martha beamed brilliantly when her precious grandson and granddaughter-in-law held hands and entered the hospital. "Come and sit here with me, my darling Lex." Only a gentle look filled her eyes as she gazed at Zachary. "I dreamt you two gave me an adorable great-grandbaby last night, Zachary. It was the cutest little baby." Zachary gave her a faint smile. It was a rare moment when he tried to cheer Martha up. "I promise we're trying hard, Grandma." Martha's cancer cells had begun spreading in her body, so she only had one to two years left to live. Zachary usually let his grandma down when it came to topics like marriage and children. So, he'd always tell white lies to appease her. "You two have been married for two years! Why hasn't there been any good news yet?" Martha was inexplicably obsessed with getting a great-grandchild before her death. Lexi didn't say a word and only lowered her head while pretending to be shy. Martha only nagged at Zachary briefly before turning to comfort Lexi. "There's no need to worry, Lex. I'm only bringing it up casually. It's not time for us to meet your future baby yet. You two are still young, after all." "I know, Grandma." Lexi suddenly felt uncomfortable. Her expression shifted as she sprinted to the bathroom to puke. Excitement coursed through Martha's veins when she heard the sounds of Lexi hurling. She held Zachary's hands at once, asking, "Could Lexi expecting… a baby?" A light snort came from Zachary while his gaze darkened. "She's just having an upset stomach, Grandma." Chapter 5 "Are you sure? Did you take her to the hospital to get checked up?" Martha refused to drop the topic. That was when Lexi exited the bathroom. Only she knew how unnerved and panicked she was in that instant. "Lex, are you carrying a baby?" Martha asked with delight while gazing at the former's stomach. Lexi flashed a faint smile while shaking her head. "Grandma, I've already gone for a check-up at the hospital. I just have an upset stomach, is all." Martha was a little disappointed. "You must take care of your health. Pay more attention to your recent eating habits." Lexi nodded. Zachary left the room to answer a phone call while Lexi fed Martha some sliced apples. Lexi also chatted with Martha and tried to lift her spirits. After chatting for a while, Lexi left the ward with the empty fruit bowl. As she passed the private lounge area, she heard Mary's voice. It sounded like Mary was mocking her. "Zach, I was outside the ward earlier. I overheard Grandma nagging at you to give her a great-grandchild." Mary sounded annoyed as she continued, "Grandma's probably lost her mind now that she's old. How's Lexi worthy of birthing our family's great-grandchild?" Zachary's dead-eyed stare flickered toward her. He was warning her not to continue. He didn't mind it if Mary insulted Lexi, but he refused to let Mary show any disrespect to Martha. Mary cowered before sticking her tongue out playfully. "Sorry, Zach. I was only venting about how unfair it is for you." "She won't have my baby," said Zachary, his voice bland. "I knew you'd be sensible." Mary merrily left once she got the response she wanted. She opened the door and saw Lexi standing outside. One of her brows arched almost immediately. "A woman Zachary bought for 100 million doesn't deserve to give birth to our family's children. You'd best know your place, Lexi. Got it?" Mary loved mocking Lexi for being the bride that cost 100 millions. That was when Lexi lowered her voice and spoke with a gentle, soothing tone. "Oh, sweet Mare, your brother can't do it. So he and I won't have any children. Do you understand?" "Why, you!" Mary scowled at Lexi. "Quit spewing lies, you vile brat!" Lexi smirked. "I'm not lying, dear sister-in-law. I'm speaking based on my experience." Mary's face grew harder when she heard that. "You shameless woman! You're unworthy of being my sister-in-law and can never match up to Yvonne!" "Indeed, you're right. I'll never compare to your precious Yvonne, but the undeniable truth is I'm Zachary's wife." A smug grin spread across Lexi's face. "How dare you?" Mary raised her hand and wanted to slap Lexi's face, which she felt was unnecessarily charming. She believed Lexi's beauty was what allowed Lexi to seduce men everywhere. Lexi lifted the empty bowl in her hand and promptly blocked the incoming slap. Mary's delicate hand slammed against the bowl, causing her to shriek in pain. That was when the private lounge door opened, and Zachary appeared at the doorway. "Zach, she hit me with her bowl! Look! My hand's all red now!" Mary pouted pitifully while lying. She claimed that Lexi had attacked her first. "She's the one who hit the bowl," Lexi calmly explained. Zachary's indifferent gaze swept toward Lexi. "Be aware of your place." "What is my place?" Lexi asked. "Mary is a Jenkins family member—" Zachary had just started speaking, but Lexi reached up and slapped her right cheek hard. It was a resounding slap. Lexi's face reddened in seconds, proving how merciless she was to herself. Zachary was baffled for a split second. He never imagined that Lexi would slap herself. A triumphant smirk smeared all over Mary's face as she peered at Lexi. She then snickered and said, "I'm heading off now, Zach." Her heels clicked as she strolled off pridefully. Not a trace of emotion showed on Lexi's face as she was about to leave to wash the empty bowl. "Wait," Zachary called out. His eyes narrowed to pinpricks as he studied her. Lexi took one step back. She watched as Zachary took out his phone and made a call. Her heart sank with dread once she heard what he said on the phone. Zachary later hung up and told Lexi, "Let's go to the gynecology department now to perform a check-up on your body. Are you okay with that, Ms. Loyle?" Lexi's mind went blank just then. She felt Zachary would undoubtedly blame her for having a baby and say she was trying to secure her position as his wife forever. The irony was she had planned to get a surgery. At that point, Lexi had no clue what to do. All her senses had shut down, save for the uneasy, tingly sensation she felt on her scalp. Zachary first entered the elevator but noticed Lexi wasn't moving. So, he snapped, "Ms. Loyle?" Lexi lied. She said she needed to use the washroom because her stomach was hurting. She did so, hoping to stall for time. Lexi placed a hand on her stomach, ran to the toilet, and thought about how to resolve this situation. The dire circumstances left Lexi with no choice. She texted Yvonne. "Ms. Xenos, Zachary is accompanying me to the gynecologist for a body check-up now. We're planning to conceive a baby through IVF treatments." Lexi sent that text before emotionlessly putting away her phone. She refused to believe Yvonne could remain unbothered by that text. She waited in the stall for about 15 minutes. During that time, she received a call from Zachary, who rushed her. Lexi clutched her stomach. Her breathing sounded weaker as she spoke. "I've been having stomach issues lately. Everything I eat won't stay in my stomach for long." She pretended to awkwardly describe her "diarrhea" in a less jarring way. "You'd better not be up to something, Lexi." Zachary frowned. His gaze sharpened. Lexi figured it was time to head outside, so she washed her hands and left the washroom. Following that, she took the elevator to the gynecology department. Zachary was already waiting outside for her. "Let's head in." Yvonne didn't show up. That left Lexi nervous but helpless. She gradually calmed her emotions and convinced herself everything would work out. If the truth about her baby had to be revealed now, then so be it. They were about to open the door to the gynecology department when Zachary's phone rang. "Slow down, Yvonne. What's happening? Okay, I'll be right over." Zachary snuck a grim glance at Lexi as he answered the phone. He froze when he noticed her still swollen cheek, but it didn't last long. He soon walked off without hesitation. Lexi interpreted Zachary's grim look as him warning her not to pull any tricks. Only after she exited the hospital and saw the entertainment news online did she learn Yvonne had encountered a psychotically obsessive fan. The male fan had pushed Yvonne over and broken Yvonne's hand. It was no wonder Zachary went to her in such a hurry. … Once Lexi returned to the hotel, she encountered the man she had bumped into at the elevator last night. He was also holding a coffee cup today. Lexi could sense the man was staring at her swollen right cheek. It didn't seem like he would take his eyes off her anytime. Although she felt flustered, she didn't avoid his stare. Instead, she maintained a stoic expression and spoke sarcastically. "I know I'm so pretty that people can't help but gawk at me." Claude's lips curved up. As he sipped his coffee, his Adam's apple bobbed attractively. Eventually, he said, "You look very familiar." Lexi's eyes remained on the climbing numbers on the elevator's digital display. "That's a tacky way to hit on someone." "I've never needed to hit on anyone." Claude flashed a reticent smile. "I'm only stating the truth. There was a laziness and silkiness to his voice. Lexi looked ahead at the elevator's mirrored walls and took in Claude, who stood to her left. She didn't recall ever interacting with him, much less meeting him. To her surprise, Claude suddenly approached her. His intimidating presence overwhelmed her so much that she took a few steps back. "Can I help you?" she questioned with a stiff voice. At the same time, she met Claude's intense gaze. Claude stared into her eyes as he removed the mask and revealed his dashing face. Lexi held her breath. They were so close to each other that she could smell the faint pine scent from his body. "Do you really not recognize me?" Claude asked. "I don't." Claude straightened his back and peered down at her. When the elevator door opened on the tenth floor, he stepped aside. Lexi left right away. Doubt gnawed at her heart. She could have sworn she didn't know the man, but why did he seem to know her? … Lexi had just finished showering when someone rang the doorbell to her room. It was the hotel's employee. He said, "A gentleman on the 12th floor instructed us to pass this facial cream to you, Ms. Loyle." "Thank you." Lexi accepted the tube of cream but was even more perplexed by the situation. She didn't end up using the facial cream, of course. Claude was a stranger, after all. That night, Lexi had a dream. She dreamt of the night from two months ago. The wild night left her all sweaty. Zachary held her waist and tried out several positions with her. It left Lexi limp with barely any energy left. Not to mention, she was so drunk that she was in a daze. When Lexi woke, she massaged her forehead. The dream she had turned out to be a tad frightening. The man she slept with two months ago was Zachary. Yet, for some reason, he got replaced by the man from the elevator in her dream. Chapter 6 Lexi never expected that she would be implicated in the incident of Yvonne being assaulted by a fan. She was eating lunch when one of Zachary's bodyguards came to the restaurant and brought her to Royaltree Estate. This property belonged to Zachary as well. However, their marital home was Flowerhill Estate, which was a gift from Martha. That was why she rarely came over to this particular property. As she get into Royaltree Estate, she saw that Yvonne was there too. Instantly, an ominous feeling washed over her. Half an hour later, Lexi was standing in the same spot while Zachary fed Yvonne meticulously and tenderly at the dining table. Yvonne had broken her right arm, and she was not used to using her left hand to hold the cutlery. So, Zachary fed her. "I'm full, Zach. I can't eat anymore." Yvonne leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek. "Ms. Loyle arrived a while ago." Zachary handed Yvonne a napkin to wipe her mouth. Then, he looked at Lexi, "Bring him in." Following his command, a bodyguard brought in a bald middle-aged man. Lexi looked on, feeling puzzled. Zachary asked coldly, "Ms. Loyle, do you know this man?" Lexi glanced at the man and shook her head. "I don't." "What about you?" He turned to the middle-aged man. "Do you know her?" The middle-aged man shook his head vigorously, "No, I don't." Zachary sneered. The bodyguard holding the man kicked the back of his knee. Lexi pursed her lips and watched as the scene unfolded. "Ms. Loyle, I've decided not to interfere between you and Zachary anymore. Yet, you got this man to harm me. You're so wicked!" Yvonne accused angrily, glaring at Lexi. Lexi looked up and stared back at her. "Harm you? I don't even know this man." Yvonne looked disappointed. "Are you still going to deny it?" "Deny what? I don't even know what's going on," Lexi replied calmly. Zachary stared at her frostily and requested for a woman to be brought in. As soon as she entered, Lexi recognized her. It was her classmate from college—Layla Zimmer. Upon seeing the bodyguard bringing his daughter in, the middle-aged man suddenly cried out, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have done such a thing! This has nothing to do with my daughter. I'm sorry! I just wanted to help Ms. Loyle." Lexi frowned and asked, "Help me with what?" Yvonne sighed helplessly. Her voice was tinged with anger. She said, "Ms. Loyle, you instructed this man to pretend to be my fan and molest me in public. You made me the subject of ridicule in the entertainment industry. I can't believe how cruel you are!" "I never did such a thing." Lexi finally understood what was going on. She looked at Zachary and stated, "I didn't do it. I would never do something like this." Zachary retorted emotionlessly, "I only believe in evidence." His words made Lexi feel stifled. It was clear he didn't believe her. She straightened her back and challenged, "What evidence?" As soon as she finished speaking, the bodyguard grabbed Layla's hair roughly and started to drag her out to beat her up. "No! Dad, help me! Lexi, please save me!" Layla cried out while holding her scalp in pain. "It was Ms. Loyle who put me up to it! It has nothing to do with my daughter," Owen Zimmer whimpered as he tried to stop them from hurting Layla. In a steady tone, Lexi said, "Just because you claim I put you up to it doesn't mean it's true." "Ms. Loyle, you transferred 200 thousand to my daughter previously. I was very grateful about that and agreed to do your bidding." Owen then apologized profusely, "I'm sorry, Ms. Loyle. I owe you one for this." Lexi looked at the silent Layla, and then at Owen, who kept apologizing. She said with a sneer, "You two owe me one indeed. Never did I imagine the fable of the Snake and the Farmer would resonate so strongly with me one day." Lexi had never met Layla's father before, but his face would be etched in her mind after this. Some people could turn around and betray those who helped them before without conscience. Half a year ago, Layla had been hospitalized and needed to undergo surgery. However, her family had no money, so they sought help on a crowdfunding platform and borrowed money from everyone they could reach out to. Lexi came to know about it. Since they were roommates in college and were good friends, she lent Layla 200 thousand. She never expected that she would be famed by lending Layla that money. Layla suddenly looked up and said, "Lexi, I'm very grateful for the money that you have lent me, but you shouldn't have asked my father to do something like this. I will repay your money." "You can't just say whatever you please to slander me." Lexi turned around to look at Yvonne. "Ms. Xenos, I lent Layla 200 thousand for her treatment, but that doesn't mean I instructed them to do anything." "Well..." Yvonne looked at Zachary and said hesitantly, "Zach, Ms. Loyle has a point. I just broke an arm. So, let's leave it at that." Hearing this, Lexi felt a lump in her throat that nearly suffocated her. Zachary poured Yvonne a cup of water. He had a stern look in his eyes as he said, "Take good care of your hand. I won't let anyone who harms you get away. I'll handle this." Yvonne blushed and smiled at those words. Lexi, on the other hand, felt a chill run down her spine. The bodyguards took Layla and Owen away as Zachary went to the balcony to make a call. Yvonne approached Lexi and said in a lowered voice, "Ms. Loyle, you may have a marriage certificate, but does it hold any value? Besides, Zachary told me your marriage is purely contractual." Lexi couldn't believe that Zachary had told Yvonne about their contractual marriage! Her expression turned glacial. "Even if we're in a contractual marriage, the marriage certificate is real. As long as we're not divorced, you'll always be the homewrecker." Yvonne shook her head helplessly. "Ms. Loyle, Zachary doesn't love you. Why hold on to him? You should let go." "Make him divorce me, then," Lexi replied with a smile. She didn't have enough money to pay the compensation for breaching the contract. Yvonne responded to her smile with an amused smirk in return. "Ms. Loyle, come over and visit me here. This is where I'm living now." Zachary had even let his ex-girlfriend move into Royaltree Estate. The next moment, he came back in and asked Lexi to go to the study with him after finishing his call. Yvonne watched Lexi go upstairs with a gleeful grin. She was thinking of something else. She wondered if Lexi would go mad if she found out that she had slept with a stranger. At that thought, her grin turned into a wide smile. … The silence was stifling inside the study. Lexi clenched her hands into fists while feeling slightly nervous. "I didn't instruct Mr. Zimmer to harm Ms. Xenos. I will investigate this and give her a satisfactory explanation," Lexi said. Investigating the matter would be difficult. The other party had set her up by accusing her of something hard to disprove. No matter what, she was in trouble. Lexi suspected that Yvonne had framed her. She was not likely to be a kind person. Four years ago, Lexi had seen Yvonne crush a kitten to death with her high heels. Martha had witnessed it too. Perhaps that was why she was so strongly opposed to Zachary marrying Yvonne. In the silent study, Zachary walked up to Lexi. As he neared her, she could feel the pressure mounting on her. Finally, he said, "I will have someone investigate this matter." This showed that he didn't believe her at all. He then asked, "Where have you moved to?" He only realized she had moved out of Flowerhill Estate after she had been gone for a few days. "A hotel." "Why did you move out?" After a moment of silence, Lexi took a deep breath. "You have gotten back together with Yvonne. I don't feel like staying there." Flowerhill Estate was their marital home and a gift from Martha. Staying there was torture for her, and she didn't want to put up with it. Zachary stared at her with his deep-set eyes. "Do you think you have the right to talk about this?" When they signed the contract two years ago, she lost the right to do as she pleased. Lexi laughed in exasperation. "I just want to live somewhere else for a change. Are you telling me I can't do that?" "If Grandma finds out about you moving out, you won't be able to handle the consequences," he said with a cold smile. "Don't try to be clever with me, Lexi." He tapped her head lightly with his cool fingers. "Don't play with fire." Chapter 7 Lexi felt her stomach churn and couldn't help but vomit right onto Zachary, who was in front of her. Zachary's expression stiffened with disgust. He looked at the vomit all over himself and glared at her with widened eyes filled with rage. Lexi covered her mouth in apology, though she felt a trace of satisfaction inside. "Sorry. I've been feeling unwell for the past few days." Utterly disgusted, Zachary took off his soiled clothes and threw them into the laundry basket. His lean but muscular physique was exposed. Before he left the study, he warned Lexi coldly, "Move back to Flowerhill Estate. If Grandma finds out you've moved out, I won't let you off." Lexi couldn't move back to Flowerhill Estate now. She had something very important to do. She had to find a safe place to get an surgery. Otherwise, the fear of Zachary finding out about the truth would loom over her constantly. Once Lexi made up her mind, she acted swiftly. She booked a flight to a small city. She caught a plane that took her there that very night. Next, she took a taxi to a small town and booked a room at a motel near Adstrum Hospital. At dawn, she arrived at the hospital to see a doctor at the gynecology clinic as soon as the doctors started their shifts. Feeling a bit self-conscious, she requested to see a female doctor. The nurse responded impatiently, "If everyone made such requests, how would we manage? Only Dr. Quall has a slot available. Do you want it or not?" Lexi flinched at the nurse's irritable tone. She hesitated for a second and replied meekly, "Yes." She then made her way to the clinic on the first floor. When there were two numbers left before it was her turn, there came a phone call from Quinton. "Ms. Loyle, why didn't you come to work again?" he asked. "I've submitted my resignation letter. I'm on annual leave now," Lexi replied. She then added, "I'm traveling now, Mr. Shaw. I'll be back in a week to hand over my work. Please handle things in my absence." She hung up decisively. Quinton was left speechless. He relayed Lexi's message to the busy Zachary. "Boss, Ms. Loyle is traveling. She said she will return in a week to hand over her duties." Zachary frowned and sipped his coffee. He found the taste unsatisfactory. "Who made today's coffee? Go make me another." Quinton took the coffee away and instructed the assistant secretary to go and brew Zachary a fresh cup. It took four attempts before their boss reluctantly accepted the coffee presented. Seeing this, Quinton surmised that Zachary must have gotten accustomed to the coffee Lexi made. "Book a table at the Cadorian restaurant for tonight. I have a date with Yvonne. Order a bouquet of roses as well." Zachary's request surprised Quinton, who started to doubt his initial guess. Could it be that Zachary's true love was still his ex-girlfriend, after all? Quinton collected his thoughts and replied, "Sure. I'll see to it." Before he left, he turned to Zachary and said, "Zach, Lexi has always done her job well. You... Don't regret this in the future." He and Zachary were college mates. Right now, he was speaking to Zachary as a friend. Zachary looked up, and his eyes were cold. "Why would I regret it? I've always loved Yvonne." Why would anyone think he would regret it? Zachary sneered and didn't think much of it. ... Lexi was unaware of the conversation that had taken place between Quinton and Zachary. The nurse opened the door and called out, "Ms. Loyle." Lexi nodded and entered. As she walked in, she overheard another nurse saying coquettishly, "You're so mean, Dr. Quall." The nurse's voice was overly sweet and coy. It made Lexi cringe. She glanced at the doctor, who was enjoying this attention, and realized that it was the man she'd encountered in the elevator. It didn't occur to her that he could be a doctor when she saw him. The tall man with broad shoulders was standing at the sink and washing his hands meticulously. He was wearing a white coat. With his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his strong arms were exposed, revealing the tattoo of a black mamba coiled around a rose. Lexi didn't know what to make of this. This was her first time seeing a doctor with such scary tattoos on his arms. Claude, who was wearing a surgical mask, noticed Lexi and raised an eyebrow. He wondered why she had come to such a remote town to seek treatment. He sat down and dried his hands leisurely. Then, he asked in a laid-back tone, "What's wrong?" After waiting for some time, he didn't hear any answer from Lexi. Claude asked again, "Is your throat so sore that you can't speak?" Doing her best to maintain her composure, Lexi whispered, "I'm here… to get a surgery." Claude fell silent. Lexi blinked at him and stayed quiet too. He had not expected this. "Have you given birth before?" "No. This is my first time." "When was your last period?" "I think it was around the end of April." After inquiring about her medical history, Claude said, "Let's do an ultrasound." Lexi nodded. She had come this far, so she didn't want to waste her time and effort. She followed the nurse and walked to the back of the curtain. After taking off her shoes and lying on the hospital bed, she pulled her shirt up to reveal her body. With gloved hands, Claude applied some gel to her. As she took in rasped, nervous breaths, her belly moved up and down rapidly too. "Relax," Claude reassured her. When he noticed her shaky fingers, Claude raised an eyebrow. "The procedure can be done tomorrow afternoon." Lexi wiped the gel off her stomach with some tissues. "Okay." Claude noticed that her hands were trembling even more now. For once, he decided to be kind and advised, "You should keep it." "The father is abusive. It would be cruel for me to keep the child," Lexi replied indifferently while tidying her clothes. "That's unfortunate." Lexi agreed, "Yes, it's very unfortunate." Claude stepped out from behind the curtains. As she looked at his broad shoulders, Lexi recalled the dream she had a few nights ago. She pondered that maybe she had it in her to become a promiscuous woman. While keying Lexi's information into the computer, Claude explained the precautions for surgery in detail. Lexi listened to him attentively. When Claude saw her name, he paused for a moment. Finally, he knew her name.	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=11845&ut	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=11845&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449437474_1287608425549136_1418176457853322328_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fX98VchzXiwQ7kNvgFmuOWw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7rIvVzHbgqLSlhqRDXuDX2&oh=00_AYCIBKVpdN8_GWIGqHUWz4gb86a22JAojtgdSFTKMlMatg&oe=671980F4	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,241,103	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2241086}'	Yes	2024-10-19 15:00	active	1662	Kelly Clarkson Ordered To Pay Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Nearly $200K A Month In Spousal And Child Support	Kelly Clarkson Ordered To Pay Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Nearly $200K A Month In Spousal And Child Support	NO_BUTTON	https://en.stairwayto11.com/view/?id=kelly-clarkso	Cactus Cat		0	1969-12-31 18:00	No button	en.stairwayto11.com	IMAGE		https://en.stairwayto11.com/view/?id=kelly-clarkson-life-sta&src=facebook	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/399591793_827649495807070_9040579640679140268_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G9qpd8jasXoQ7kNvgFS23vW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APzsuNB52_dKv154f7EqW9A&oh=00_AYAgIOSWMa5-YnFCo-Jr08ARjm8rKOtMG6-NNdspS-s-XQ&oe=6719DBF0	REGULAR_PAGE	0		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,239,990	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2239590}'	No	2024-10-19 07:27	active	1659	SARAH CHARNESS AND ALFIYA GLOW PROMO VIDEO	Exciting News! I am thrilled to officially announce that I am now the manager of not one, but two world-renowned international electric violinists, Alfiya Glow and Sarah Charness. Both artists have captivated global audiences with their electrifying performances, pushing the boundaries of classical and electronic music. To all my event planners and industry friends: I look forward to working with you to bring their extraordinary talents to your next event, creating unforgettable experiences for your clients and audiences alike. Alfiya Glow www.alfiyaglow.com is an award-winning, world-renowned violinist with some of the most stunning production and DJ sets around. She synergizes all of her gifts to create sonic compositions that stir the heart and soul in a way only live instrument-backed production can. Transitioning from classical stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Walt Disney Concert Hall to major festivals and brand events like Netflix, Insomniac, Electric Forest, Google, Ferrari, and Louis Vuitton, Alfiya has established herself as a DJ, producer, and electric violinist with unforgettable performances. She has released melodic house tracks under Enormous Tunes, home to Nora En Pure, Sons of Maria, and Passenger 10. Alfiya’s weekly DJ/violin mix session, Haus Glow, airs every Wednesday on YouTube. Alfiya’s tracks and remixes have been featured in leading online music magazines such as EDM.com, Daily Beat, This Song Slaps, and Raver Rafting, which named her track “Music Box” a “Powerful Pick of the Week.” She has opened for international artists such as W&W, Lisa Lashes, Michael Brun, Marcus Schossow, and Bassjackers, and recently performed with Kygo in May 2023. Her collaborations with top producers and sound engineers have contributed to major records for artists including R. Kelly, Lana Del Rey, and Boyz II Men, expanding her reach into pop, hip-hop, and EDM. Sarah Charness www.sarahcharness.com is an American electric violinist, composer, and producer based in New York, NY. She creates a unique blend of classical, pop, and electronic dance music (EDM). Her vibrant, physically thrilling performances are continuously captivating audiences as she performs on her signature hot-pink six-string violin. Sarah has graced stages such as Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, The John F. Kennedy Center, and the Prague Opera House, among many others. As a studio musician from NYC, Sarah has recorded for major motion picture soundtracks, TV, and video games. She has performed at high-profile events, including The New York Knicks Halftime Show, The Chicago Bulls Halftime Show, and the Maxim Hot 100 Party. Sarah has opened for artists like Steve Aoki, Diana Ross, Ne-Yo, and Jennifer Hudson, and performed with The Chainsmokers and Jonas Brothers. Currently, she is the lead violinist for the new-age rock band "Age of Madness" featuring Broadway's Jeremy Jordan. Stay tuned for exciting projects and performances from these exceptional artists! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTiEg0YszqM	CALL_NOW		Dave Kim	https://www.facebook.com/517462019/	3,078	1969-12-31 18:00	Call now		IMAGE	Sarah Charness and Alfiya Glow are a DJ Violin Duo based in New York City. Having both been trained classically from a young age, the two women have combined...		1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463597020_1504046373638240_4253471307709452538_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QJWZAogsjOIQ7kNvgGoAnPb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AarswruNaV-rCm_gHvbf23V&oh=00_AYCdpdsAhcPUNI9f37p3H1Y_UDP_jZxPEvCualMK_K0reA&oe=671963F4	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Dave Kim	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,240,438	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-19 14:58	active	1662	✅	Kelly Clarkson: "I regret not being the first to uncover the truth about the gummy bear scam. The facts speak for themselves."🥺🥺	LEARN_MORE	https://01band.com/xiong/?utm_source=facebook&utm_	GLP-1	https://www.facebook.com/100033575540356/	168	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	01band.com	IMAGE	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	https://01band.com/xiong/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435157674_1462600364384800_8913606910697226681_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ph1mxooBr6AQ7kNvgFxJTrS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AbtYj0mDjTxT3I82P784mvQ&oh=00_AYDAlVIsT0FURZzP_2UckkOHdjgNwAZhq2OLFhjYahTs8A&oe=6719C93D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	GLP-1	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,238,686	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-19 07:03	active	1658		🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉 I’ve teamed up with the incredible @edentreatcollection to bring you the ultimate Vegan Chocolate Hamper Giveaway! 🍫💛 Packed with delicious treats including @blendsmiths hot chocolate, @boojabooja raspberry wonder, @fellowcreaturesuk chocolate spread and 2 chocolate bars, @pengsnacks chocolate covered chickpeas and @rhythm108 chocolate biscuits 🍪🍫🌱 ✨ PLUS, for every entry, @edentreatcollection will donate to help Save 1 Square-Metre of Forest for Orangutans through @buy1give1 🌍. Together, we’ll make a positive impact while indulging in these amazing treats! To enter: 1️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments below (tag as many friends as you like) 2️⃣ Follow me @embothevego and @edentreatcollection 3️⃣ For a bonus entry share to your story Competition ends 22nd October. The winner will be announced on 23rd October. Good luck, everyone! 🎉🍫 🇬🇧 UK participants only	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/embothevego	Embothevego	https://www.facebook.com/61553187225695/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/embothevego	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463733141_553975524239726_2836429794544783583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oF6zmHDHmAAQ7kNvgG19hM5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AytY-Z1PYTGMKJ1DmPIhjUY&oh=00_AYClRra4xRwSbrJcJi88uBnoe4BtxCuYZ-G-lLK7vg4Sng&oe=67195CED	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Embothevego	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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