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No 2024-10-21 20:03 active 1675 0 šŸ”žAttention! Do not read in publicļ¼šŸ‘‰ Neah "Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!" LEARN_MORE https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783& New world publications https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/ 3,726 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 wwwedb.com DCO https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&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/t39.35426-6/463745664_1705482006939110_4845627328662362045_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VMwVOv_bcmwQ7kNvgG3_Ksv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aiykq-9PmRcquk5a9nLetLc&oh=00_AYCPQmtwyAyZ1vuT36nI8t9suXwUz8c7FDu9treK3T_YXw&oe=671CC2D1 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 New world publications 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 20:54 active 1672 0 Saturday Night Paparazzi Live ā¤ļø Come on in and join us šŸŽ‰ #paparazziaccessoriesjewerly #paparazziconsulant #paparazzijewerly #PaparazziAccessoriesLive #paparazzi MESSAGE_PAGE Southern Bling with Candace https://www.facebook.com/100063948874199/ 2,535 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Send message 0 VIDEO 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463880066_1272773327228062_1201646245740925781_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zGXY9k_qKfQQ7kNvgEJgKZg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AzvnibWQFHzxX_7trfXzDRZ&oh=00_AYAqyPbhNmELLUTkRPvfoJ9j5LzifHBeFNPtF8wJa8rOMg&oe=671CEF2D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Southern Bling with Candace 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 šŸ”„Your Next Book Boyfriend! I’m a nanny for a high-powered billionaire attorney. But one passionate night changes everything… He hired me to care for his children but I fell for him instead. Michael, my billionaire boss, is 6’3ā€ of irresistible masculinity. His vivid green eyes and sexy smile make me forget he’s off-limits. One wild, hot night, we lose control. Now I’m pregnant with his baby. He marries me out of duty, but I want more than a marriage of convenience. I’m devoted to him and his family, yet he keeps me at arm’s length. Our chemistry is undeniable, but when I get close, he pulls away. I’m not interested in just heating up the sheets. I want to set his heart on fire. No matter how hard I try, he keeps shutting me out. I should be happy… I have everything I ever wanted—almost. Getting Michael to admit he loves me? That’s the biggest challenge of all. Continue Reading - FREE with Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJRQDSJT LEARN_MORE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJRQDSJT Kelly Thomas https://www.facebook.com/100092267142796/ 72 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 amazon.com IMAGE šŸ‘¶šŸ’• A Surprise Pregnancy. A Rollercoaster of Emotions. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJRQDSJT 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463440105_1580760432820454_2602653355178023341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0TZg3HqzoIAQ7kNvgF1Pt4M&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFE-KjfoPShioCsHmRnfDbY&oh=00_AYDnCaQRoSs-5kj77Cglw4LxBh0GG45MB2MRdH3Xd2mVVQ&oe=671CC9CD PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Kelly Thomas 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 Kelly Ripa Was Blamed For Regis Philbin's Exit From 'Live!' Before dying, Regis Philbin exposed his "complicated" relationship with Kelly Ripa. People blamed Kelly after Regis left 'Live!' Here's Regis Philbin's life. NO_BUTTON https://en.foodsided.com/view/?id=regis-philbin-fa Legends & legacies https://www.facebook.com/100095409619784/ 2,570 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 No button 0 en.foodsided.com IMAGE https://en.foodsided.com/view/?id=regis-philbin-facts-fds&src=facebook 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464242558_883736240632174_178435076786995581_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8AwvLWyQjaEQ7kNvgHpvQBP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Am1p_eeFPEglrbQhZPzG-3p&oh=00_AYBi93KQmrBZInaAHroI-3TnWY8xoMePftC_-tBrLzfmfA&oe=671CBB83 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Legends & legacies 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 🌶 Klicke, um diese Show zu sehen šŸ‘‰ Sie ist die kurvige Stipendiatin, die stƤndig vom reichen und beliebten Quarterback schikaniert wird. Aber eines Nachts, nachdem sie beide etwas zu viel getrunken hatten, landete sie auf seinem Schoß – und da nahm alles eine unerwartete Wendung. INSTALL_MOBILE_APP Galatea TV https://www.facebook.com/61552321595349/ 54,697 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Install Now 0 DCO Exclusively on GalateaTV 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463717483_1230424931441330_8739287781084032512_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sZIVfVHU5PYQ7kNvgFQxu3u&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ATejOf7Mveeg5K3SDOMaJe9&oh=00_AYAEbMRttlK4EJ05bf1c88Z_iqAiPx15WrHutIVDNI8GEQ&oe=671CD5A5 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Galatea TV 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/annakellyphotography Anna Kelly Photography https://www.facebook.com/61560700021632/ 39 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram Profile 0 instagram.com CAROUSEL http://instagram.com/annakellyphotography 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464136422_2961955840635492_7543918427614884966_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kynIOFeMAY0Q7kNvgEOS5TC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A2OOHVBc8hjNB9BEcO6XbKl&oh=00_AYB6UTXTAX1PvC4yEsTo0PzrW_ROPE9C4gZGfn7P1HRPtA&oe=671CB249 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Anna Kelly Photography 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 20:05 active 1675 0 Continuer la lecture Elle fut stupĆ©faite de dĆ©couvrir qu'elle n'Ć©tait pas la fille biologique de ses parents. ƀ cause des manigances de sa vraie fille, elle fut chassĆ©e et devint la risĆ©e de la ville. PensĆ©e comme Ć©tant nĆ©e de parents paysans, elle fut surprise de dĆ©couvrir que son vrai pĆØre Ć©tait l'homme le plus riche de la ville. ===== Ā« Madisyn, pendant toutes ces annĆ©es que nous t'avons Ć©levĆ©e, nous ne t'avons jamais imaginĆ©e capable d'une telle cruautĆ©. Cette maison n'est plus en mesure de supporter ta prĆ©sence. Tu dois partir immĆ©diatement Ā». A dĆ©clarĆ© l'imposante femme, dont le regard Ć©tait chargĆ© de dĆ©dain et d'un froid glacial et l'Ć©lĆ©gance vestimentaire contrastait fortement avec la duretĆ© de ses propos, devant Madisyn Chapman. Ā« Maman, je t'en prie, c'Ć©tait un accident. J'ai perdu pied et j'ai dĆ©valĆ© les escaliers toute seule. Madisyn n'a rien Ć  voir lĆ -dedans Ā», a dĆ©clarĆ© une jeune fille assise dans le canapĆ©. Ressemblant physiquement Ć  la femme en face d'elle, elle les yeux pleins de larmes. Une demi-heure plus tĆ“t, Jenna Chapman, la fille biologique des Chapman, avait fait une chute dans l'escalier. Madisyn Ć©tait alors seule Ć  l'Ć©tage supĆ©rieur. Tout le monde pensait que Madisyn avait poussĆ© Jenna... Maintenant, les regards que les Chapman lanƧaient Ć  Madisyn Ć©taient remplis de dĆ©goĆ»t et de venin, un contraste frappant avec leur attitude une semaine auparavant, lorsqu'ils avaient professĆ© devant les journalistes leur rĆ©ticence Ć  se sĆ©parer d'elle. Madisyn a baissĆ© les yeux vers le sol, une ombre fugace d'ironie traversant son regard. Autrefois, Madisyn Ć©tait la seule fille des Chapman. MĆŖme si elle n'avait jamais bĆ©nĆ©ficiĆ© du favoritisme de ses parents, elle ne manquait de rien, ses besoins essentiels Ć©tant toujours satisfaits. Mais la faƧade avait volĆ© en Ć©clats lorsque Jeffry Chapman, qu'elle connaissait comme son pĆØre, avait Ć©tĆ© victime d'un grave accident qui avait nĆ©cessitĆ© une transfusion s*nguine urgente. Les analyses suivantes avaient rĆ©vĆ©lĆ© que Madisyn n'Ć©tait pas son enfant biologique. Jeffry avait ensuite fait appel Ć  son vaste rĆ©seau pour retrouver sa vĆ©ritable fille, Jenna. La famille Chapman Ć©tait une famille prestigieuse dans la ville de Gemond, et les nouvelles de ce genre s'Ć©taient naturellement rĆ©pandues rapidement. Pour gĆ©rer l'opinion publique et prĆ©server leur rĆ©putation, ils avaient dĆ©clarĆ© un engagement inĆ©branlable envers Madisyn, la fille qu'ils avaient Ć©levĆ©e, affirmant leur intention de la traiter comme leur propre fille pendant un certain temps avant qu'elle ne retourne dans sa famille biologique. Cependant, derriĆØre les portes closes, leurs plans Ć©taient radicalement diffĆ©rents. Une fois le regard du public dĆ©tournĆ©, ils avaient l'intention de renvoyer discrĆØtement Madisyn. ƀ l'arrivĆ©e de Jenna, la famille Chapman avait reprochĆ© Ć  Madisyn les annĆ©es de galĆØre de Jenna, relĆ©guant Madisyn de sa chambre Ć  un simple espace de rangement, diminuant ainsi considĆ©rablement son statut. Elle Ć©tait chargĆ©e de tĆ¢ches subalternes, son statut Ć©tant bien infĆ©rieur Ć  celui des domestiques. Jenna, elle, voulait toujours que Madisyn s'en aille. Elle avait montĆ© plusieurs plans contre Madisyn, mais ses parents fermaient les yeux, leur mĆ©pris pour Madisyn Ć©tant Ć  peine voilĆ©. Ces tribulations ont Ć“tĆ© Ć  Madisyn toute illusion sur cette famille hypocrite et l'ont poussĆ©e Ć  affronter les injustices qui lui Ć©taient imposĆ©es. Alors que les tensions atteignaient leur paroxysme, elle a fait face Ć  Jenna, d'une voix rĆ©solue : Ā« Je vais partir, mais pas avant d'avoir remis les pendules Ć  l'heure. Je refuse d'endosser tes malversations plus longtemps, Jenna! Ā» Le calme de Jenna a vacillĆ© sous l'intensitĆ© du regard glacial de Madisyn, son corps tremblant lĆ©gĆØrement. S'agissait-il de la mĆŖme Madisyn que celle qui s'Ć©tait pliĆ©e Ć  toutes les avanies ? Une lueur sombre s'est reflĆ©tĆ©e dans les yeux de Jenna. Elle Ć©tait l'hĆ©ritiĆØre lĆ©gitime des biens de la famille Chapman, pas cette usurpatrice, Madisyn, qui vivait dans un luxe immĆ©ritĆ©. Elle devait cĆ“ute que coĆ»te chasser cet imposteur! Ā« Madisyn, j'ai aucune idĆ©e de ce que tu racontes! Ā» La voix de Jenna Ć©tait empreinte d'une confusion feinte. Ā« Depuis que j'ai repris ma place, que j'ai reƧu l'affection qui m'Ć©tait due par nos parents, j'ai senti ton mĆ©contentement. MalgrĆ© tes actions, je suis restĆ©e tolĆ©rante. Mais pour mes jambes... Comment pourrais-tu?La danse est ma passion et l'expression de mon Ć¢me. Si j'avais su que tu convoitais si dĆ©sespĆ©rĆ©ment la place au concours national, je ne l'aurais pas disputĆ©e. Ā» Son insinuation Ć©tait trĆØs claire que Madisyn l'avait sabotĆ©e par jalousie. Le regard de la mĆØre de Jenna, Phyllis Chapman, s'est durci aux paroles de sa fille biologique, sa voix Ć©tant empreinte de dĆ©dain. Ā« Jenna, tu possĆØdes un talent remarquable que Madisyn ne pourra jamais Ć©galer. Cette place en compĆ©tition te revenait de droit. Et toi, Madisyn! Ā» Elle s'est retournĆ©e brusquement vers Madisyn et a ajoutĆ© : Ā« Fais tes valises et pars immĆ©diatement! Ā» L'expression habituellement sombre de Madisyn n'a fait qu'attiser son mĆ©pris. Pendant ce temps, Jenna, toujours docile et talentueuse, brillait de mille feux dans ses yeux ; c'Ć©tait une vĆ©ritable Chapman. Au milieu de ce drame, Jeffry a finalement rompu le silence, la voix lourde de dĆ©ception. Ā« Madisyn, notre accord Ć©tait de te garder jusqu'Ć  ce que les regards du public s'apaisent, mais nous voilĆ  confrontĆ©s Ć  ton profond ressentiment envers Jenna. Nous n'avons pas d'autre choix que de te rendre Ć  ta vraie famille aujourd'hui. Ā» Les yeux de Jenna ont brillĆ© d'une lueur triomphante lorsque son pĆØre a annoncĆ© le dĆ©part imminent de Madisyn. En revanche, le visage de cette derniĆØre est restĆ© un masque indĆ©chiffrable tandis qu'elle montait les escaliers pour rassembler ses affaires. La longue durĆ©e de Madisyn Ć  l'Ć©tage supĆ©rieur inquiĆ©tait Jenna. Ā« Et si elle essayait de tout emporter avec elle?Ā» AprĆØs tout, tout ce qui avait de la valeur dans la maison lui revenait de droit ; comment pouvait-elle permettre Ć  une imposture de partir avec une partie de ses richesses? Madisyn a fini par rĆ©apparaĆ®tre, descendant lentement l'escalier, ses mouvements Ć©tant dĆ©libĆ©rĆ©s. Elle transportait un petit sac noir sans prĆ©tention. Lorsque son regard a balayĆ© froidement le salon, il a suffisamment troublĆ© Jeffry pour qu'il dĆ©tourne les yeux. Les sourcils de Phyllis se sont froncĆ©s Ć  la vue du bagage minimal de Madisyn. Ā« C'est tout ce que tu veux emporter?Qu'y a-t-il lĆ -dedans?Montre-moi Ā», a-t-elle demandĆ©, le ton suspicieux. Jeffry a levĆ© la main pour mettre fin Ć  l'interrogatoire de sa femme. Ā« Laisse-la tranquille. Ā» Il s'agissait sans doute de la carte bancaire qu'il lui avait donnĆ©e et sur laquelle il ne restait qu'une centaine de milliers de dollars. Sans se laisser dĆ©concerter, Madisyn a posĆ© son sac sur la table, l'air stoĆÆque. Ā« Inspecte-le si tu veux. Ā» Phyllis, incapable de masquer sa mĆ©fiance, s'est moquĆ©e. Ā« Elle a peut-ĆŖtre emportĆ© quelque chose de prĆ©cieux Ā», a-t-elle marmonnĆ© en ouvrant le sac. En jetant un coup d'œil Ć  l'intĆ©rieur, elle n'a trouvĆ© qu'un carnet, quelques graines et une petite somme d'argent, loin des objets de valeur qu'elle craignait. Phyllis, le visage rougi par l'embarras de son accusation sans fondement, s'est redressĆ©e. Ā« Je vais laisser le chauffeur t'emmener lĆ -bas Ā», a-t-elle dit d'un ton sec. Jeffry, sous le poids de la situation, a fouillĆ© dans sa poche et en a sorti une carte. Ā« Madisyn, Ć  ton retour, Ć©coute tes parents. Ce sont des fermiers, certes... mais ils sont bons, ce sont des gens simples. Tu devrais les aider. Ā» Madisyn a regardĆ© la carte offerte avec ses beaux yeux, son expression calme. Ā« Chacun a son propre destin Ć  accomplir Ā», a-t-elle rĆ©pondu tranquillement, en repoussant la carte vers Jeffry. Ā« Mais avant que je ne parte, il faut que les choses soient claires. Jenna, comment es-tu vraiment tombĆ©e dans ces escaliers?C'est ta derniĆØre chance de dire la vĆ©ritĆ©. Ā» Jenna fulminait intĆ©rieurement, exaspĆ©rĆ©e par le calme serein de Madisyn, qui semblait l'Ć©lever au-dessus de tout le monde malgrĆ© ses origines modestes. Madisyn ne venait pas d'une famille riche! Elle Ć©tait juste la fille de deux fermiers! Ā« Madisyn, qu'est-ce que tu insinues?Que je me suis jetĆ©e dans les escaliers?Ā», a rĆ©torquĆ© Jenna. Ā« Mes jambes, c'est ma vie, elles sont indispensables Ć  ma danse. Pourquoi me blesserais-je?Ā» Au fur et Ć  mesure qu'elle parlait, les Ć©motions de Jenna sont allĆ©es crescendo, et elle a fondu en larmes de faƧon théâtrale, s'effondrant dans les bras de Phyllis. Soudain, Jenna se leva instinctivement Ć  cause d'un vase brisĆ©. Le silence s'est installĆ© dans la piĆØce et tout le monde, y compris Phyllis et Jeffry, a tournĆ© son regard choquĆ© vers elle. L'agilitĆ© soudaine de Jenna a Ć©tĆ© surprenante ; n'avait-elle pas dit qu'elle ne pouvait pas se tenir debout Ć  cause de ses blessures ? Chapitre 2 Le plus riche de Gemond Se rendant compte de son erreur, Jenna s'est effondrĆ©e dans le canapĆ©, s'agrippant Ć  ses jambes avec une dĆ©tresse exagĆ©rĆ©e. Ā« AĆÆe, mes jambes! Elles me font si mal! Ā» La rĆ©ponse de Jeffry n'Ć©tait pas de la colĆØre mais une culpabilitĆ© dirigĆ©e vers Madisyn. Ā« Madisyn, comprends que Jenna est encore trĆØs jeune. Ne lui en veux pas... Ā» Madisyn Ć©tait habituĆ©e Ć  entendre ce genre d'excuse trop souvent. Ā« Bien sĆ»r, je ne me vengerais pas si un chien me mordait. AprĆØs tout, il apprend ce genre de comportement de ses maĆ®tres, n'est-ce pas?Ā» Avec un dernier ricanement qui a tranchĆ© l'air tendu, Madisyn a pris son modeste sac et s'est dirigĆ©e vers la porte, d'un pas dĆ©cidĆ© et inĆ©branlable. Elle ne s'est pas retournĆ©e vers la famille qu'elle laissait derriĆØre elle. Le trio qu'elle laissait dans son sillage fulminait de fureur. Dehors, le chauffeur attendait, inconscient de l'agitation qui rĆ©gnait entre les murs de la maison des Chapman. Depuis le retour de Jenna, le respect du personnel de la maison pour Madisyn s'Ć©tait considĆ©rablement dĆ©gradĆ© ; mĆŖme le chauffeur ne l'avait pas saluĆ©e comme il se devait lorsqu'elle s'Ć©tait approchĆ©e. Ignorant sa prĆ©sence, Madisyn est passĆ©e devant lui, la posture droite et rĆ©solue. Le chauffeur, la rattrapant avec un soupƧon d'urgence dans ses pas, a appelĆ© : Ā« Madisyn, on m'a dit de te conduire Ć  ta destination. Ā» Madisyn s'est arrĆŖtĆ©e, se tournant lĆ©gĆØrement pour donner sa rĆ©ponse, son ton glacial : Ā« Pas la peine. ƀ partir de maintenant, je ne veux plus rien avoir Ć  faire avec la famille Chapman. Ā» Sur ces derniers mots, elle a hĆ©lĆ© un taxi et a indiquĆ© au chauffeur l'adresse que Jeffry lui avait envoyĆ©e sur son tĆ©lĆ©phone. La destination Ć©tait un village humble et dĆ©labrĆ©, loin de l'opulence qu'elle avait connue. En arrivant, elle a remarquĆ© l'Ć©tat de dĆ©labrement de la maison de ses parents biologiques, l'air rempli de cris Ć©touffĆ©s qui lui ont serrĆ© le cœur. En entrant, elle a vu beaucoup de monde. Le contraste Ć©tait saisissant. Un homme vĆŖtu d'un costume propre et Ć©lĆ©gant, entourĆ© de gardes du corps, se tenait devant un couple en pleurs, vĆŖtu d'un simple costume de paysan. Alors que Madisyn contemplait ce tableau surrĆ©aliste, l'homme s'est retournĆ©, les yeux remplis de rouge et d'incrĆ©dulitĆ©. Il s'est prĆ©cipitĆ© vers elle, les bras grands ouverts. Ā« Ma fille, c'est bien toi! Je ne peux pas croire que tu sois vraiment vivante! Ā» La voix de l'homme grand et imposant s'est brisĆ©e sous le coup de l'Ć©motion. Madisyn est restĆ©e bouche bĆ©e. Qui Ć©tait cet homme et pourquoi agissait-il de la sorte ? Madisyn a absorbĆ© les regards larmoyants du couple de paysans devant elle. Sa voix, tremblante de confusion, a finalement rompu le silence. Ā« Maman, papa, qu'est-ce qui se passe?Ā» Le fermier a soupirĆ© lourdement, sa voix Ć©tant fatiguĆ©e par le poids de vĆ©ritĆ©s inavouĆ©es. Ā« Madisyn, nous ne sommes pas tes vĆ©ritables parents. Jenna est la fille lĆ©gitime des Chapman, mais toi, tu n'es pas la nĆ“tre. Notre bĆ©bĆ© est mort-nĆ©. Ā» Il a marquĆ© une pause, faisant un geste vers l'homme bien habillĆ©. Ā« Cet homme est ton vrai pĆØre. Ā» Madisyn a regardĆ© l'Ć©tranger, notant les similitudes indĆ©niables entre leurs traits. L'homme a sorti un document de sa mallette, sa main tremblant lĆ©gĆØrement. Ā« Madisyn, quand je t'ai vue pour la premiĆØre fois Ć  l'hĆ“pital, quelque chose en toi m'a interpellĆ©, mĆŖme si je l'ai Ć©cartĆ© Ć  ce moment-lĆ  Ā», a-t-il expliquĆ©, la voix Ć©tranglĆ©e par l'Ć©motion. Ā« AprĆØs avoir entendu parler des retrouvailles des Chapman avec leur vraie fille, j'ai voulu savoir s'il n'y avait pas eu une erreur. Ce test de paternitĆ© a confirmĆ© mes soupƧons. Tu es bien ma fille. Ā» En prenant le rapport, Madisyn a vu noir sur blanc la preuve indĆ©niable. D'ailleurs, mĆŖme sans cela, leur ressemblance en disait long. La rĆ©ponse de la jeune femme Ć©tait un silence rempli de pensĆ©es tumultueuses. Cette rĆ©vĆ©lation, ce nouveau rebondissement dans son rĆ©cit dĆ©jĆ  complexe, l'a submergĆ©e. L'homme a continuĆ© : Ā« C'est beaucoup de choses Ć  assimiler, je sais. Mais voici la vĆ©ritĆ©. La nuit de ta naissance, une erreur tragique s'est produite au sein de l'hĆ“pital. ƀ cause de la nĆ©gligence d'une infirmiĆØre, trois familles ont vu leurs vies s'entremĆŖler sans le savoir. L'enfant de ce couple a Ć©tĆ© dĆ©clarĆ© mort-nĆ© et nous a Ć©tĆ© remis par erreur, tu as fini chez les Chapman, et Jenna a Ć©tĆ© amenĆ©e ici. Ā» Ā« Ta mĆØre et moi Ć©tions dĆ©vastĆ©s, pensant que nous t'avions perdue Ā», a-t-il ajoutĆ©, les yeux humides. Ā« Tu ne peux pas savoir Ć  quel point cela a affectĆ© ta mĆØre. Elle attend anxieusement Ć  l'hĆ“tel, espĆ©rant enfin te rencontrer. Ā» TouchĆ©e par sa sincĆ©ritĆ©, Madisyn a hochĆ© lentement la tĆŖte, son regard se portant Ć  nouveau sur les fermiers. La voix de l'homme en costume s'est adoucie lorsqu'il a promis : Ā« Tout cela n'Ć©tait qu'un accident. Ils sont eux aussi des victimes. J'ai l'intention de leur offrir une compensation pour leur perte. Ā» Le fermier a fait un signe de la main dĆ©daigneux, mais sa voix est restĆ©e ferme. Ā« Nous n'avons pas besoin de compensation, la vĆ©ritĆ© nous suffit. Ā» Il y avait dans la voix du fermier une pointe de lassitude mĆŖlĆ©e Ć  une subtile dĆ©sillusion. Sa relation avec Jenna, la fille que sa femme et lui avaient Ć©levĆ©e comme leur propre fille, s'Ć©tait dĆ©tĆ©riorĆ©e aprĆØs qu'elle avait retrouvĆ© sa famille biologique ; elle avait cessĆ© toute communication avec eux. Ā« Vous devriez rentrer chez vous maintenant. Votre famille sera enfin rĆ©unie, ne perdez pas votre temps ici Ā», a-t-il dit, son expression mĆŖlant tristesse et dĆ©tachement, tandis qu'il guidait Madisyn et l'homme en costume vers la porte. Madisyn a suivi l'homme en costume jusqu'Ć  une rutilante Rolls-Royce garĆ©e sur le trottoir. L'opulence du vĆ©hicule contrastait fortement avec la modeste maison dont elle venait de sortir. Ā« Madisyn, moi c'est Glenn Johns, ton pĆØre. ƀ partir de maintenant, je suis lĆ  pour toi ; n'hĆ©site pas Ć  me demander ce dont tu as besoin Ā», a dit l'homme en costume, d'une voix douce mais ferme. La prise de conscience s'est faite lentement : Glenn Johns n'Ć©tait pas seulement un homme riche, il Ć©tait le PDG du Groupe Johns, l'homme le plus riche de Gemond. Les implications de sa nouvelle lignĆ©e ont commencĆ© Ć  s'installer, lourdes et profondes. Madisyn a acquiescĆ© lentement. L'HĆ“tel d'Alpenglow Ć©tait le plus luxueux de Gemond. Jenna, vĆŖtue d'une robe Chanel fluide, incarnait l'Ć©lĆ©gance lorsqu'elle est entrĆ©e dans le grand hall d'entrĆ©e avec ses parents. L'occasion Ć©tait capitale ; Phyllis venait d'apprendre que Lynda Johns, vice-prĆ©sidente de l'Association Nationale de Danse et juge de la compĆ©tition nationale, Ć©tait en ville. Phyllis avait vite compris que le fait d'ĆŖtre sous la tutelle de Lynda pouvait permettre Ć  Jenna de remporter le championnat. Dans cette optique, elle avait fait habiller Jenna de ses plus beaux atours et l'avait emmenĆ©e en vitesse Ć  l'hĆ“tel. Mais Ć  leur arrivĆ©e, une surprise les attendait. De l'autre cĆ“tĆ© du hall, Madisyn se tenait debout, habillĆ©e simplement d'un T-shirt et d'un jean, mais elle se comportait avec une grĆ¢ce posĆ©e qui semblait attirer les regards. ƀ cĆ“tĆ© d'elle se trouvait un homme en costume, dont la prĆ©sence Ć©tait impressionnante, mĆŖme si Phyllis ne voyait pas les traits de celui-ci. Ā« Madisyn?Qu'est-ce qu'elle fait ici?Ā», a murmurĆ© Phyllis sous sa respiration, son ton mĆŖlant confusion et agacement. Chapitre 3 Sa vraie famille Ā« La nouvelle de l'arrivĆ©e de Mme Johns a sans doute Ć©tĆ© divulguĆ©e Ā», a dĆ©clarĆ© Jenna avec une faƧade d'innocence, sa voix Ć©tant basse et teintĆ©e de curiositĆ©. Ā« On dirait que Madisyn veut aussi apprendre de Mme Johns qui ne sait peut-ĆŖtre pas encore que Madisyn a Ć©tĆ© chassĆ©e de chez nous. On dirait que nous pourrions toutes les deux finir par devenir ses Ć©lĆØves! Ā» Le visage de Phyllis s'est assombri d'inquiĆ©tude aux paroles de Jenna. Elle s'est prĆ©cipitĆ©e, son intention Ć©tant claire : intercepter Madisyn avant qu'elle n'ait pu Ć©tablir des relations influentes. Mais Madisyn se dirigeait dĆ©jĆ  rapidement vers la Salle d'Ɖmeraude, la salle la plus exclusive et la plus privĆ©e de l'hĆ“tel. Phyllis est restĆ©e perplexe. Pourquoi Madisyn se rendrait-elle dans la Salle d'Ɖmeraude ? Jenna, rattrapĆ©e par son retard, a partagĆ© la surprise de sa mĆØre. Ā« Maman, cette salle n'est pas ouverte Ć  tout le monde. On dirait que Madisyn a plus de contacts qu'on ne le pensait. Elle doit avoir des amis trĆØs impressionnants. Ā» Ā« Quel genre d'amis pourrait-elle bien avoir?Ā», a marmonnĆ© Phyllis avec amertume, son esprit s'emballant avec des hypothĆØses dĆ©favorables. Le dĆ©goĆ»t l'a momentanĆ©ment envahie alors que Phyllis Ć©tait aux prises avec ces pensĆ©es, mais elle n'a pas eu le temps de s'y attarder. Avec un sentiment d'urgence, elle a sorti son tĆ©lĆ©phone et a appelĆ© Lynda. Ā« Toutes mes excuses, je suis en train de traiter une affaire urgente. Ā» La voix de Lynda Ć©tait dĆ©tachĆ©e et vive au tĆ©lĆ©phone avant qu'elle ne mette fin Ć  l'appel. Jenna Ć©tant accablĆ©e par le dĆ©couragement, son moral a chutĆ© et elle s'est masquĆ© le visage avec ses mains, des larmes coulant entre ses doigts. Jeffry l'a enlacĆ©e, sa voix empreinte d'une douce assurance. Ā« Jenna, ne t'inquiĆØte pas. Nous aurons d'autres occasions. Nous trouverons un autre moyen. Ā» Pendant ce temps, Lynda a reposĆ© son tĆ©lĆ©phone sur le coussin Ć  cĆ“tĆ© d'elle. Son frĆØre Glenn avait organisĆ© une rĆ©union de famille immĆ©diate aprĆØs la dĆ©couverte de sa fille perdue de vue depuis longtemps. Ā« Madisyn a dĆ» traverser beaucoup d'Ć©preuves au fil des ans Ā», a dĆ©clarĆ© Kristine Johns, assise Ć©lĆ©gamment Ć  cĆ“tĆ© de Lynda. Elle avait des traits remarquables, un maquillage exquis et Ć©tait habillĆ©e d'une robe luxueuse. Bien qu'elle renvoie l'image d'une dame raffinĆ©e, son expression trahissait une profonde inquiĆ©tude. Lynda a rĆ©pondu pensivement : Ā« J'ai entendu dire que son ancienne famille l'avait bien traitĆ©e. Elle n'a peut-ĆŖtre pas Ć©tĆ© confrontĆ©e aux difficultĆ©s que nous imaginons. Ā» La rĆ©ponse de Kristine Ć©tait empreinte de conviction. Ā« Il est essentiel que nous lui apportions notre chaleur et notre soutien. Ā» Lynda a caressĆ© affectueusement la tĆŖte de Kristine, fiĆØre du bon caractĆØre de son Ć©lĆØve. Cette derniĆØre avait Ć©tĆ© adoptĆ©e par la famille Johns. L'accueil qu'elle a rĆ©servĆ© Ć  Madisyn a mis en Ć©vidence son esprit gĆ©nĆ©reux et sa gentillesse. Elle n'avait pas peur que le retour de Madisyn menace son statut. Dans un coin, Elaine Johns Ć©tait assise tranquillement, le regard fixĆ© sur la porte, impatiente et dans l'expectative. Kristine a perƧu l'intensitĆ© du regard d'Elaine et s'est sentie mal Ć  l'aise. Enfin, la porte s'est ouverte, la jeune femme qui entrait Ć©tait magnifique, ses traits exquis et distants reflĆ©tant ceux d'Elaine de maniĆØre suffisamment frappante pour affirmer leur parentĆ©. Kristine a ressenti un vide inexplicable Ć  cette vue. Elaine, incapable de contenir ses Ć©motions plus longtemps, s'est Ć©lancĆ©e en avant. Ā« Ma fille! Ā», s'est-elle exclamĆ©e en serrant Madisyn dans ses bras, ses larmes coulant Ć  flots. Madisyn est restĆ©e momentanĆ©ment abasourdie par l'intensitĆ© de l'accueil, ses mains tapotant avec hĆ©sitation le dos d'Elaine. Elle sentait naĆ®tre en elle une nouvelle chaleur, une chaleur familiale. C'Ć©tait donc Ƨa, avoir une famille aimante. Ā« Laisse Madisyn s'asseoir d'abord Ā», a dit Glenn d'une voix douce. Alors qu'ils s'installaient dans le canapĆ©, Elaine s'est accrochĆ©e Ć  Madisyn, essayant de stabiliser sa voix Ć  travers ses larmes. Ā« Madisyn, je suis dĆ©solĆ©e qu'il nous ait fallu autant de temps pour te retrouver. Tu as dĆ» endurer tellement de choses. Ā» Ā« Je... Ƈa va, Ƨa va. Je vais bien. Ā» Les larmes d'Elaine, chaudes et sincĆØres, ont coulĆ© sur la main de Madisyn, laissant celle-ci quelque peu dĆ©semparĆ©e. TouchĆ©e par une telle dĆ©monstration de sincĆ©ritĆ©, elle a gentiment rassurĆ© Elaine : Ā« Ne pleure pas, maman. Nous sommes ensemble maintenant. Ā» Le terme Ā« maman Ā» a semblĆ© susciter une joie profonde chez Elaine, dont la voix s'est mise Ć  trembler lorsqu'elle a rĆ©pondu : Ā« Oui, tu es de retour. Et je promets de tout arranger. Ā» Glenn a observĆ© l'Ć©change avec un sourire radieux, son impatience Ć©tant palpable lorsqu'il a regardĆ© Madisyn. Sentant le poids de son regard, la jeune femme s'est tournĆ©e vers lui. Ā« Hum... Papa. Ā» Ā« Nous sommes si heureux d'ĆŖtre rĆ©unis avec toi, ma Madisyn. Ā» Glenn rayonnait, son visage s'illuminant de bonheur, une expression rare de pure joie. Ā« Laisse-moi te prĆ©senter Ć  notre famille. Voici ta tante Lynda. Ā» Lynda a observĆ© Madisyn, lui adressant un lĆ©ger signe de tĆŖte en guise de reconnaissance. Madisyn lui a rendu le geste avec une chaleur polie. Puis c'Ć©tait au tour de Kristine. Le sourire de celle-ci Ć©tait radieux lorsqu'elle s'est adressĆ©e Ć  Madisyn. Ā« J'attendais depuis si longtemps de pouvoir enfin le dire ; j'ai maintenant une sœur dont je peux me vanter. Ā» Elaine est intervenue, la voix teintĆ©e d'une pointe d'hĆ©sitation : Ā« Voici Kristine. Son pĆØre Ć©tait un ami proche de ton pĆØre. Kristine a perdu ses parents quand elle Ć©tait enfant, et nous l'avons recueillie. Si cela te met mal Ć  l'aise... Ā» Ā« Ce n'est pas grave. Ā» Madisyn l'a interrompue doucement, comprenant ce qu'elle voulait dire. Ā« Tu as aussi trois frĆØres, mais ils ne sont pas lĆ  pour l'instant. Nous ferons en sorte que tu les rencontres plus tard! Ā» Elaine a continuĆ©, un sourire illuminant son visage alors qu'elle observait le hochement de tĆŖte de Madisyn qui acceptait. Glenn a pris son tĆ©lĆ©phone. Ā« Ƈa a sans doute Ć©tĆ© dur pour toi pendant toutes ces annĆ©es, Madisyn. CommenƧons par Ć©changer nos numĆ©ros Ā», a-t-il suggĆ©rĆ©. Elaine s'est empressĆ©e de lui emboĆ®ter le pas en sortant aussi son tĆ©lĆ©phone. Ā« Ɖchange ton numĆ©ro avec moi aussi Ā», a-t-elle ajoutĆ© avec empressement. AprĆØs que Madisyn a Ć©changĆ© ses numĆ©ros avec eux, son tĆ©lĆ©phone a bourdonnĆ© de deux notifications. Son pĆØre lui avait envoyĆ© dix millions de dollars par le biais de Venmo, et sa mĆØre avait fait de mĆŖme. Glenn a souri, sa voix empreinte d'une gĆ©nĆ©rositĆ© dĆ©sinvolte. Ā« Voici un peu d'argent de poche de la part de maman et papa. Si ce n'est pas assez pour toi, fais-le-moi savoir. Ā» La chaleur d'Elaine n'a pas faibli. Ā« Et j'ai choisi des vĆŖtements pour toi. Tu pourras les essayer quand nous rentrerons Ć  la maison! Ā» Ce tourbillon de gĆ©nĆ©rositĆ© n'Ć©tait pas familier Ć  Madisyn, mais il lui apportait une chaleur qu'elle n'avait jamais connue. Mais Kristine se sentait Ć  la fois mal Ć  l'aise et choquĆ©e. Glenn et Elaine venaient de transfĆ©rer en toute dĆ©contraction vingt millions de dollars Ć  Madisyn, une somme qui Ć©clipsait sa propre allocation mensuelle, relativement modeste. Ɖtait-ce parce que Madisyn Ć©tait leur enfant biologique et qu'elle avait Ć©tĆ© adoptĆ©e ? Chapitre 4 Son frĆØre Pendant tout le repas, Elaine et Glenn se sont relayĆ©s pour dĆ©poser de la nourriture dans l'assiette de Madisyn, la nourriture empilĆ©e ressemblant Ć  une petite montagne. Lorsque Madisyn a tout fini, son estomac Ć©tait plein. C'Ć©tait un vĆ©ritable flot d'affection, inĆ©dit et rĆ©confortant, qui s'exprimait Ć  travers chaque plat offert par ses parents. La sonnerie soudaine du tĆ©lĆ©phone de Glenn a coupĆ© court Ć  ce moment. Il a jetĆ© un coup d'œil Ć  l'identifiant de l'appelant et un large sourire s'est dessinĆ© sur son visage. Ā« Madisyn, c'est l'un de tes frĆØres aĆ®nĆ©s qui est en ligne, le plus jeune d'entre eux. Il est impatient de te rencontrer. Ā» Il a rĆ©pondu Ć  l'appel vidĆ©o, et une voix dĆ©bordante d'enthousiasme s'est fait entendre. Ā« Tu l'as retrouvĆ©e?J'ai hĆ¢te de la voir! Ā» Glenn a jetĆ© un coup d'œil Ć  Madisyn, qui a fait un timide signe de tĆŖte, ce qui a incitĆ© Glenn Ć  orienter le tĆ©lĆ©phone vers elle. Ā« La voilĆ , ta petite sœur, Madisyn. Ā» Ā« Ouais, on est vraiment de la mĆŖme famille! Ā» Le visage Ć  l'Ć©cran s'est illuminĆ© d'un sourire malicieux. Le cœur de Madisyn a sautĆ© un battement lorsqu'elle a reconnu Waylon, une cĆ©lĆØbre star de cinĆ©ma laurĆ©ate d'un prix. En un instant, son univers s'est Ć©largi, ses liens familiaux s'Ć©tant Ć©tendus Ć  des domaines qu'elle n'avait jamais imaginĆ©s. Ā« Salut Ā», a dit Madisyn, sa voix n'Ć©tant qu'un doux chuchotement. L'excitation de Waylon Johns a traversĆ© le tĆ©lĆ©phone. Ā« Madisyn, je suis coincĆ© sur le plateau en ce moment, donc je ne peux pas revenir, mais je t'enverrai bientĆ“t quelque chose de spĆ©cial! Ā» Son affection Ć©tait Ć©vidente. MalgrĆ© leur lien biologique rĆ©cemment dĆ©couvert, la chaleur de Waylon Ć©tait authentique et immĆ©diate. Waylon et ses frĆØres espĆ©raient depuis longtemps avoir une petite sœur. Ils avaient bien Kristine, mais elle avait Ć©tĆ© adoptĆ©e par leurs parents alors qu'elle n'Ć©tait plus un bĆ©bĆ©, et elle n'Ć©tait pas liĆ©e Ć  eux par le sang, ce qui faisait qu'ils n'Ć©taient pas si proches. Waylon s'est alors tournĆ© vers l'homme noble et distant qui se trouvait Ć  ses cĆ“tĆ©s. Ā« Andrew, voici ma sœur. N'est-elle pas adorable?Ā» Andrew Klein, connu pour sa rĆ©serve et sa prestance, a jetĆ© un coup d'œil Ć  l'Ć©cran. DĆØs qu'il a vu la jeune fille sur l'Ć©cran, son regard jusqu'alors dĆ©contractĆ© s'est instantanĆ©ment figĆ©. Les longs cheveux souples de Madisyn descendaient sur ses Ć©paules et ses traits dĆ©licats, qui reflĆ©taient remarquablement les traits de la famille Johns, Ć©taient trĆØs sĆ©duisants. Ses yeux ambrĆ©s, empreints d'un soupƧon de paresse et d'indiffĆ©rence, semblaient apaiser quiconque entrait en contact avec sa vue. Les yeux d'Andrew Ć©taient profonds. Madisyn est restĆ©e calme pendant l'appel vidĆ©o, mais la rĆ©action de Kristine a Ć©tĆ© moins contrĆ“lĆ©e. ƀ la mention de Ā« Andrew Ā», le corps de cette derniĆØre s'est raidi, ses yeux s'Ć©tant fixĆ©s sur l'Ć©cran où Andrew apparaissait plus frappant que jamais. Son attitude distante lui a fait soupƧonner qu'il n'accorderait pas beaucoup d'attention Ć  Madisyn. Ā« Salut. Ā» La salutation d'Andrew Ć©tait brĆØve, sa voix basse. Kristine a ressenti un malaise, ses ongles s'enfonƧant dans sa paume. Elle s'est rassurĆ©e silencieusement en se disant que le salut d'Andrew n'Ć©tait qu'une formalitĆ©. Madisyn a rĆ©pondu par un hochement de tĆŖte poli, son attitude Ć©tant calme et dĆ©tachĆ©e. Waylon a continuĆ© Ć  bavarder au tĆ©lĆ©phone avec Madisyn jusqu'Ć  ce que Glenn intervienne, lui rappelant de ne pas priver Madisyn de son repas. MĆŖme si son pĆØre lui a raccrochĆ© au nez, Waylon Ć©tait visiblement ravi, se retournant vers Andrew avec un sourire. Ā« C'est ma petite sœur perdue de vue depuis longtemps. N'est-elle pas adorable?Il faut que je finisse vite et que j'aille la retrouver. Ā» Il lui a ensuite lancĆ© une invitation dĆ©contractĆ©e. Ā« Andrew, tu veux venir avec moi?Ā» Il savait qu'Andrew Ć©vitait gĆ©nĆ©ralement de se rendre Ć  la rĆ©sidence de la famille Johns en raison de l'affection manifeste de Kristine. Il y avait eu un ancien arrangement concernant un mariage potentiel entre la famille Johns et la famille Klein, mais il s'agissait simplement d'un accord verbal conclu par les aĆ®nĆ©s. Les Klein, une famille importante de la ville d'Ansport, Ć©taient bien supĆ©rieure en statut et en influence aux Johns de Gemond, et Kristine semblait encore plus dĆ©lirante lorsqu'elle s'accrochait Ć  l'idĆ©e d'Ć©pouser Andrew. Andrew, le regard intense et distant, lui a rĆ©pondu nonchalamment : Ā« Bien sĆ»r, Ƨa fait un moment que je n'ai pas vu tes parents. Ā» Waylon a clignĆ© des yeux, dĆ©contenancĆ© par l'acceptation inattendue d'Andrew. Ɖtait-il vraiment sĆ©rieux ? Chapitre 5 La sotte arrogante ƀ la fin du repas, tous les membres de la famille Johns se sont dirigĆ©s vers leur vaste manoir, qui Ć©clipsait la villa plus simple de la famille Chapman, tant par son ampleur que par sa splendeur. La propriĆ©tĆ© dĆ©gageait une Ć©lĆ©gance royale, Ć  l'image d'un chĆ¢teau par sa grandeur. Elaine a impatiemment escortĆ© Madisyn Ć  travers les vastes couloirs jusqu'Ć  une chambre spĆ©cialement prĆ©parĆ©e. La chambre Ć©tait une vĆ©ritable vision de la grĆ¢ce fĆ©minine, dĆ©corĆ©e de teintes dĆ©licates et d'ornements bien pensĆ©s, qui rendaient Madisyn muette Ć  cause de son ambiance trop fĆ©minine. Au milieu de cette retraite enchanteresse, Elaine a regardĆ© Madisyn avec des yeux pleins d'attente et lui a demandĆ© doucement : Ā« Madisyn, est-ce que c'est Ć  ton goĆ»t?Ā» Ā« Oui, j'adore Ā», a rĆ©pondu Madisyn, la voix teintĆ©e d'un soupƧon d'impuissance. Elaine Ć©tait ravie et lui a serrĆ© la main avec douceur. Ā« C'est trĆØs agrĆ©able! Si tu as besoin de quoi que ce soit, tu n'as qu'Ć  me le dire Ā», a-t-elle dit, pĆ©tillante de joie. Ā« Maintenant, laisse-moi te montrer la garde-robe que ton pĆØre et moi avons choisie pour toi! Ā» Elaine a ouvert les portes de l'armoire d'un geste majestueux. Les yeux de Madisyn se sont Ć©carquillĆ©s devant la multitude de robes exquises et opulentes qui scintillaient sous l'Ć©clairage tamisĆ©. Ā« Ce n'est que le dĆ©but. Il y en a d'autres qui arriveront demain Ā», a annoncĆ© Elaine. Ā« Merci, maman, mais n'est-ce pas un peu trop?Ā», a demandĆ© Madisyn. Elaine a Ć©clatĆ© de rire, Ć©cartant l'inquiĆ©tude. Ā« Oh, jamais! Une fille n'a jamais trop de robes. Cet aprĆØs-midi, nous allons faire du shopping pour que tu puisses ajouter tout ce qui te plaira! Ā», a-t-elle dĆ©clarĆ© avec un sourire gĆ©nĆ©reux. Madisyn, bien que dĆ©passĆ©e, a ressenti une profonde chaleur dans les gestes qui l'entouraient. Elaine avait l'intention d'attendre quelques jours avant de changer le nom de Madisyn. Mais celle-ci, sentant l'amour sincĆØre d'Elaine et de Glenn, ne voyait aucune raison d'attendre. L'aprĆØs-midi mĆŖme, ils se sont rendus Ć  la mairie locale, où Madisyn a officiellement adoptĆ© le nom de famille Johns, devenant Madisyn Johns. Une fois les formalitĆ©s lĆ©gales accomplies, Elaine a serrĆ© la main de Madisyn, la voix pleine d'excitation. Ā« ChĆ©rie, allons faire du shopping et voyons ce qui attire ton attention. Ā» Glenn les a observĆ©es d'un regard tendre, avec du regret dans le ton. Ā« Amusez-vous bien toutes les deux. J'ai du travail cet aprĆØs-midi et je ne peux pas vous accompagner. VoilĆ  dix millions, faites-vous plaisir, peu importe ce que vous trouverez. Ā» S'adaptant au style de vie fastueux de ses parents, Madisyn a remerciĆ© Glenn et a pris la gĆ©nĆ©reuse somme. Il lui a tapotĆ© la tĆŖte avec amour, ses yeux dĆ©bordant d'affection paternelle. Le Mall de Moonshine Ć©tait le centre commercial de luxe le mieux classĆ© de Gemond. Elaine a conduit Madisyn Ć  la boutique chic de Chanel, les yeux brillants d'excitation alors qu'elle imaginait sa fille dans chaque piĆØce. Rapidement, elle a choisi une collection de vĆŖtements. Ā« ChĆ©rie, essaie-les. S'ils te conviennent, nous les prendrons tous. Ā» Madisyn, qui se sentait un peu dĆ©passĆ©e, a acquiescĆ© et a rassemblĆ© les vĆŖtements. Alors qu'elle se dirigeait vers la cabine d'essayage, elle a remarquĆ© que Phyllis et Jenna s'approchaient. Jenna, manifestement de mauvaise humeur, a Ć©tĆ© amenĆ©e par Phyllis pour se livrer Ć  une thĆ©rapie de shopping. Sa surprise de voir Madisyn Ć©tait Ć©vidente. Ā« Madisyn! Ā», s'est-elle exclamĆ©e, sa voix rĆ©sonnant d'incrĆ©dulitĆ©. Elaine, qui s'est retournĆ©e Ć  la voix, a reconnu le couple instantanĆ©ment. Elle s'est radoucie, connaissant le rĆ“le important de la famille Chapman dans l'Ć©ducation de Madisyn. Pour rendre la pareille, Glenn avait dĆ©jĆ  acceptĆ© de travailler avec l'entreprise de la famille Chapman, et il Ć©tait retournĆ© Ć  l'entreprise un peu plus tĆ“t pour rencontrer Jeffry et discuter de la coopĆ©ration. Alors qu'Elaine prĆ©parait un accueil chaleureux, prĆ©voyant mĆŖme de payer les courses de Phyllis et de Jenna en signe de bonne volontĆ©, le ton de cette derniĆØre a changĆ© brusquement. Ā« Madisyn, que fais-tu ici?Nous sommes dans une boutique Chanel. Est-ce que tu peux te permettre quoi que ce soit?Ā» Phyllis a regardĆ© attentivement Madisyn, son visage s'assombrissant au fur et Ć  mesure qu'elle se souvenait de la scĆØne Ć  laquelle elle avait assistĆ© Ć  l'HĆ“tel d'Alpenglow plus tĆ“t dans la journĆ©e. Ā« Madisyn, pourquoi tu n'es pas avec tes parents pauvres?Tu achĆØtes des produits de luxe ici, où as-tu trouvĆ© cet argent?Ā» Madisyn, le visage figĆ© dans un masque de dĆ©tachement glacial, a rĆ©pondu sans la moindre chaleur : Ā« Mes affaires ne vous regardent plus. Ā» L'opinion de Madisyn sur la famille Chapman a pris forme Ć  ce moment-lĆ , reflĆ©tant des annĆ©es de loyautĆ© non rĆ©ciproque. Elle avait Ć©levĆ© leur modeste entreprise au rang de centrale cotĆ©e en bourse, pensant qu'elle avait remboursĆ© la dette de gratitude pour l'avoir Ć©levĆ©e. Pourtant, les Chapman n'Ć©taient pas conscients de son aide. L'expression d'Elaine est devenue sĆ©vĆØre alors qu'elle absorbait la duretĆ© des mots de Phyllis. La famille qu'elle avait imaginĆ©e comme faisant partie du passĆ© de Madisyn Ć©tait loin de la rĆ©alitĆ© qui se prĆ©sentait Ć  elle. Ils traitaient Madisyn non pas avec une attention familiale, mais avec une franche hostilitĆ©. Ā« Excusez-moi, j'ai cru comprendre que cette jeune femme Ć©tait autrefois une fille pour vous, mais pourquoi la traitez-vous ainsi maintenant?Ā», est intervenue Elaine, incapable de retenir sa consternation. Avec un public maintenant prĆ©sent, Phyllis a expirĆ© profondĆ©ment, son visage Ć©tant un masque de rĆ©signation douloureuse. Ā« En effet, elle Ć©tait une fille pour moi autrefois. Mais je dois vous avertir, madame, de ne pas vous laisser abuser par sa faƧade. Elle a profĆ©rĆ© de nombreux mensonges et a mĆŖme volĆ© de l'argent Ć  notre famille. C'est une honte! Ā» Elle a poursuivi, la voix chargĆ©e d'une feinte dĆ©tresse : Ā« Ma dĆ©ception a Ć©tĆ© profonde et je n'ai eu d'autre choix que de l'Ć©loigner de notre famille, malgrĆ© les annĆ©es que nous avons passĆ©es Ć  l'Ć©lever. Ā» Phyllis Ć©tait dĆ©terminĆ©e Ć  dĆ©peindre Madisyn sous le pire jour possible, en s'assurant qu'aucune dame fortunĆ©e ne penserait du bien de Madisyn, de peur que le bruit ne se rĆ©pande qu'elle a Ć©tĆ© trop sĆ©vĆØre avec cette fausse fille. Pour rendre ses paroles plus convaincantes, elle s'est mĆŖme tamponnĆ© les yeux, simulant des larmes pour souligner son prĆ©tendu dĆ©sespoir. Phyllis Ć©tait en train de la discrĆ©diter devant sa propre mĆØre. L'expression de Madisyn s'est durcie, une Ć©tincelle dangereuse s'allumant dans son regard lorsqu... ...... ==== Madisyn a dĆ©couvert avec stupeur qu'elle n'Ć©tait pas l'enfant biologique de ses parents. ƀ cause des manigances de la vraie fille, elle a Ć©tĆ© mise Ć  la porte et est devenue la risĆ©e de tous. Alors qu'on la croyait issue d'une famille de paysans, Madisyn a dĆ©couvert que son vrai pĆØre Ć©tait l'homme le plus riche de la ville et que ses frĆØres Ć©taient des personnalitĆ©s renommĆ©es dans leur domaine respectif. Ils la couvraient d'amour, avant d'apprendre que Madisyn avait sa propre entreprise florissante... Que se passe-t-il ensuite? Le nombre de chapitres affichĆ©s est limitĆ©. Appuyez sur le bouton ci-dessous pour installer notre application et lire les chapitres suivants. 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No 2024-10-21 20:05 active 1675 0 Enamorarme de ella despuĆ©s del divorcio Seis aƱos despuĆ©s, en su primer dĆ­a de trabajo tras regresar al paĆ­s, se cruza con su exmarido, que inesperadamente se convierte en su nuevo jefe. Mientras ella quiere huir, Ć©l persiste en perseguirla, ella no querĆ­a que Ć©l supiera que habĆ­a dado a luz a su hijo... ===== Stella Richard salió del aeropuerto y paró un taxi. Le dio la dirección al conductor y entró en el coche. Mientras el taxi avanzaba, ella contempló a travĆ©s de la ventana aquella ciudad que le resultaba tan familiar... DespuĆ©s de seis aƱos, habĆ­a regresado, pero la experiencia y los recuerdos que habĆ­a intentado olvidar todos estos aƱos, empezaron a invadir su mente... Ella sacudió la cabeza y ahuyentó esos pensamientos. En esta ocasión, no habĆ­a vuelto para pensar o develar esos viejos e inĆŗtiles recuerdos. HabĆ­a vuelto porque su jefe se lo habĆ­a pedido. Ɖl le habĆ­a dicho que su compaƱƭa estaba en un callejón sin salida, y querĆ­a que ella volviera y resolviera la crisis. Al principio, ella no habĆ­a querido regresar, pero despuĆ©s de pensarlo un poco, decidió hacerlo... Dado que hace seis aƱos habĆ­a sido su jefe quien la habĆ­a ayudado en el momento mĆ”s difĆ­cil de su vida, y querĆ­a devolverle el favor... En cuanto a otras cosas, ya no le importaban... En la compaƱƭa... Cuando llegó, vio que la mayorĆ­a de los empleados estaban hablando del mismo tema... Mientras pasaba a su lado, escuchó unas palabras... "OĆ­ que muchas empresas quieren comprar la nuestra..." "Ā”En serio! Significa que tendremos un nuevo jefe". "Solo espero que ese nuevo jefe sea guapo, como el director ejecutivo de un drama coreano..." "Ā”Oye! ĀæSabes quiĆ©n quiere comprarla?" Stella escuchaba todas sus conversaciones y no le importaban los chismes. SabĆ­a que a esa gente no le importaba quiĆ©n iba a comprar la empresa o cuĆ”l serĆ­a el precio... Lo Ćŗnico que querĆ­an era chismorrear. Pero a ella... A ella le importaba... y estaba allĆ­ para conseguir un buen trato. "Por supuesto, serĆ” la de Kingston, Grupos RK. En la ciudad, ĀæquiĆ©n es mĆ”s poderoso que RK y se atreverĆ­a a ir en contra de ellos...?" Stella quien estaba a punto de dar un paso se detuvo... Porque escuchó un nombre muy familiar y otro desconocido... "Los Kingston..." "Grupos RK..." De repente, los recuerdos que habĆ­a sellado en algĆŗn rincón de su mente empezaron a resurgir como una tormenta. Su cabeza se llenó de ellos como una inundación. Se sintió mareada. Sintió como si aĆŗn estuviera encerrada en la Mansión RK, rodeada de frĆ­as paredes... Pensó que hacĆ­a tiempo que lo habĆ­a olvidado, pero al parecer solo era ilusión suya... **** Flashback... Hace seis aƱos... En la Mansión RK... Stella cruzó la puerta y se dirigió a la sala de estar, su rostro no tenĆ­a buen aspecto. Ella se veĆ­a seria y aturdida... Su pequeƱa cara lucĆ­a un poco pĆ”lida. "SeƱora, ĀæquĆ© le ha pasado? ĀæPor quĆ© se ve tan pĆ”lida y dĆ©bil?" La que habló fue Mia. Ella llevaba aƱos trabajando para Kingston y siempre habĆ­a tratado a Stella como a una hija. Al verla en ese estado se preocupó. Su mirada se posó en los documentos que Stella sostenĆ­a y le preguntó... "ĀæEstĆ” todo bien?" Stella la miró, forzó una sonrisa y respondió... "No es nada, estoy bien". "Pero tu cara no tiene buen aspecto. ĀæQuĆ© tal si te preparo algo? Tu plato favorito, Aaloo Poori...", dijo Mia. "Mia... No te preocupes, estoy bien, es solo que..." Stella miró los papeles y dijo: "No he menstruado en dos meses, y cuando fui al hospital..." No terminó la frase y la miró. Sus ojos estaban llenos de ilusión y preocupación... Ambas se miraron. Mia comprendió lo que querĆ­a decir. Estaba embarazada. Pero ella tambiĆ©n conocĆ­a la relación que existĆ­a entre el Sr. RK y Stella. No sabĆ­a quĆ© decir... Al final, se limitó a felicitarla... Stella no dijo nada y volvió a mirar los papeles. No sabĆ­a quĆ© decir... Llevaba tres aƱos casada con Rene Kingston. Sin embargo, no se habĆ­an casado por amor... Su matrimonio era un simple contrato, cuyo tiempo lĆ­mite era de tres aƱos. Porque la mujer que Ć©l amaba era su hermana... Ɖl habĆ­a estado a punto de casarse con su hermana Sophia, pero por alguna razón, ella la reemplazó. AsĆ­ que desde el dĆ­a en que se casaron, Ć©l le dijo que su matrimonio era solo un contrato y nada mĆ”s... Para Ć©l era un mero convenio, pero para ella era un hermoso regalo de Dios. Porque solo ella sabĆ­a lo feliz que se habĆ­a sentido cuando supo que se iba a casar con el... La persona a la que habĆ­a amado durante toda su juventud. Todos esos aƱos ella se esforzó al mĆ”ximo en su matrimonio con la esperanza, de que tal vez asĆ­, este funcionarĆ­a. Tal vez Ć©l no se divorciarĆ­a de ella. Tal vez, Ć©l tambiĆ©n querrĆ­a quedarse con ella... Tal vez, Ć©l darĆ­a una oportunidad a su relación porque bien del bebĆ©... Ella seguĆ­a pensando en eso cuando, de repente, una voz se oyó desde la puerta y rompió todas sus esperanzas e ilusiones... "No quiero a ese niƱo..." Aquella voz era frĆ­a y dura. Stella y Mia miraron en la dirección de la voz. RK estaba en la puerta y la miraba. Su rostro era frĆ­o e inexpresivo. No podĆ­an saber lo que estaba pensando. TenĆ­a una cara muy atractiva y ojos azules. Eran como las profundidades del ocĆ©ano. Silos mirabas... ...Te podrĆ­as ahogar en ellos. CapĆ­tulo 2 No soy la mujer correcta RK entró y se colocó delante de Stella. Ɖl parecĆ­a un rey que ocupaba la posición mĆ”s alta del mundo y miraba a la gente como si no fueran insignificantes. Era alto y tenĆ­a un aura poderosa. Ella estaba sentada en el sofĆ”, y estaba rodeada por esta. Ella se quedó allĆ­ mirĆ”ndolo, porque sus palabras la habĆ­an dejado estupefacta. Nunca pensó que tuviera la sangre tan frĆ­a como para no pensĆ”rselo dos veces antes de decir algo asĆ­. No habĆ­a vacilado cuando dijo que no querĆ­a a ese niƱo. Ella lo observó, intentó calmarse y contener las lĆ”grimas. No querĆ­a parecer dĆ©bil ante aquel frĆ­o hombre. Los dos se miraron sin decir nada... Al cabo de un rato, Ć©l se acercó y se sentó frente a ella. Cuando lo hizo, su ayudante Alex Triston puso unos papeles sobre la mesa. Encima de ellos habĆ­a dos palabras escritas: "Contrato expirado". Alex la miró y dijo: "Srta. Richard, su contrato de tres aƱos con el Sr. RK ha concluido. Ahora solo falta que ambos firmen y lo envĆ­en". Escuchó como Ć©l habĆ­a cambiado su forma de dirigirse a ella, incluso antes de que firmara, por lo que una sonrisa burlona se dibujó en su rostro. Ella estaba segura de que, Ć©l no se atreverĆ­a a tomarla tan a la ligera, si no fuera porque alguien se lo habĆ­a ordenado. Por supuesto, ese alguien no era otro que su marido. RK tomó la pluma y firmó sin detenerse ni pensarlo. Cuando terminó, la miró y le dijo: "Puedes quedarte aquĆ­ por una semana y buscar una casa..." Ella lo miró a los ojos, los cuales estaban tranquilos como un lago... No habĆ­a arrepentimiento, tristeza, vacilación... Nada. Era como si Ć©l no sintiera nada con respecto a su relación, la cual repentinamente habĆ­a sufrido un gran cambio... Sin embargo, cuando ese pensamiento se le vino a la mente, se reprendió a sĆ­ misma... "Stella, Āæeres una tonta?" "ĀæCómo puedes esperar arrepentimiento y tristeza de un hombre con un corazón de piedra?" No obstante, no podĆ­a controlar sus emociones... Porque ella lo habĆ­a amado durante muchos aƱos. No dijo nada y se limitó a observar a esa persona con la que habĆ­a vivido durante tres aƱos. HabĆ­a visto su cara todos los dĆ­as, y aĆŗn ahora, cuando lo contemplaba, le seguĆ­a pareciendo muy guapo... Pero... Era el hombre que le habĆ­a roto el corazón en mil pedazos. No querĆ­a mostrarse dĆ©bil delante de Ć©l, asĆ­ que hizo todo lo posible por no llorar. La mano que sostenĆ­a la pluma le temblaba... Miró los papeles, vio su hermosa y fuerte caligrafĆ­a y firmó. Pero al igual que su corazón, su letra tambiĆ©n parecĆ­a maltrecha. Ella estaba rota por dentro, pero su rostro no lo demostraba. DespuĆ©s de firmar, respiró hondo y dijo: "Estoy muy agradecida con el Sr. Kingston por dejar que me quede una semana, pero despuĆ©s de que expire nuestro contrato no creo que deba permanecer aquĆ­. Me irĆ© inmediatamente..." Cuando terminó de hablar, miró a Mia y le preguntó: "Mia Āæpuedes ayudarme a empacar mis cosas?" Ella la miró, se dio cuenta de lo mucho que intentaba no llorar y le dolió el corazón. No querĆ­a hacerlo, pero tenĆ­a que ser asĆ­. Stella subió para recoger sus cosas y RK la observó, pero nadie podĆ­a leer sus emociones. Ella miró la habitación donde habĆ­a estado viviendo durante tres aƱos y sus ojos se empaƱaron... No pudo contener las lĆ”grimas. SabĆ­a que su matrimonio terminarĆ­a algĆŗn dĆ­a, pero no sabĆ­a por quĆ© sentĆ­a tanto dolor en su corazón... No tenĆ­a muchas cosas que guardar. Se limitó a empacar y no tocó nada de lo que Ć©l le habĆ­a comprado. Ni siquiera una prenda... Mia la miró y no supo quĆ© decir... Stella se secó las lĆ”grimas y le dijo: "Mia no te preocupes. Estoy bien. Es solo que no soy la mujer correcta para Ć©l". DespuĆ©s de decir eso, tomó su bolso y bajó las escaleras. **** En la planta inferior... RK seguĆ­a sentado en el sofĆ” y la miraba, pero ella no deseaba verlo y estaba dispuesta a marcharse... "ĀæA dónde vas?" De repente sonó la frĆ­a voz de aquel hombre. Ella se detuvo y lo miró... Desde el principio, ella no estaba en buenos tĆ©rminos con su familia y despuĆ©s de su matrimonio, era mucho mĆ”s difĆ­cil tratar con ellos... En cuanto a Ć©l, ya se habĆ­an divorciado, asĆ­ que no se sentĆ­a obligada a decirle a dónde iba... "No creo que mi paradero tenga algo que ver con el Sr. Kingston. Creo que ahora que ya estamos divorciados y no tenemos nada que ver el uno con el otro, usted debe concentrarse en su futura esposa, y no en su exmujer..." Ella no entendĆ­a el comportamiento hipócrita de ese hombre. Cuando estaban juntos y ella estaba en casa ardiendo en fiebre ni siquiera habĆ­a mostrado preocupación por ella... En ese momento, Ć©l estaba ocupado con sus negocios y ganando dinero... No le habĆ­a importado que su esposa se estuviera muriendo. De repente, ella no supo por quĆ©, o si era una ilusión, pero sintió que despuĆ©s de decir eso sobre una futura esposa, la temperatura a su alrededor bajó mucho... Sintió frĆ­o en todo su cuerpo y decidió irse... "Detente... " CapĆ­tulo 3 No quiero a ese niƱo Stella lo escuchó y se detuvo. Albergaba un poco de esperanza en su corazón. Los ojos del hombre eran oscuros y frĆ­os. Estos se llenaron de algunos pensamientos misteriosos y una capa de niebla los envolvió. De repente, dijo: "No quiero a ese niƱo. No olvides abortar". RK miró a la mujer que tenĆ­a delante y se quedó pensando... SentĆ­a que ella era pura y hermosa, por eso no querĆ­a que lidiara con su carga. La mano de Stella, la cual cargaba su equipaje, tembló y la pequeƱa esperanza que tenĆ­a se desvaneció... Ɖl le habĆ­a roto el corazón tantas veces, no sabĆ­a por quĆ©, pero todavĆ­a le dolĆ­a con la misma intensidad cada vez que sucedĆ­a... "Booooom". Sus palabras explotaron en su cabeza como una bomba. Apretó la bolsa que sostenĆ­a. Y sintió como si alguien la hubiera apuƱalado... De repente se rio de sĆ­ misma... Se sintió como una tonta. ĀæCómo podĆ­a esperar algo de un hombre tan frĆ­o con su hijo...? QuerĆ­a gritarle, pero al final no dijo nada... Ɖl le habĆ­a dicho una vez que le gustaban los niƱos y por, pero... Era como si le gustaran, pero no para tenerlos con ELLA... Le dolĆ­a mucho el corazón, pero no querĆ­a que Ć©l viera sus lĆ”grimas. Se dio la vuelta y quedó de espaldas a Ć©l. Respiró hondo y dijo: "Sr. Kingston no lo piense demasiado. Yo tampoco lo quiero. Ya habĆ­a decidido abortarlo". Estaba a punto de irse, pero se paró y dijo: "Una cosa mĆ”s, espero que no nos volvamos a ver en esta vida..." DespuĆ©s de decir eso, se fue. Al principio, ella no querĆ­a dejar ese lugar, pero ahora... SentĆ­a que se estaba sofocando... Sujetó su bolso con fuerza y se marchó sin mirar atrĆ”s. RK miró la espalda de la mujer, la cual luchaba por mantenerse derecha y no tambalearse... Sus ojos se oscurecieron y se llenaron de algunas emociones ilegibles... Hasta que la figura de la mujer desapareció de su vista, su espalda tensa se relajó y dijo... "Conduce..." Cuando el hombre dio la orden, el conductor no esperó ni un segundo y pisó el acelerador. Entonces, el coche negro se alejó y desapareció... *Fin del flashback* "Lo siento, no te vi..." De repente un hombre chocó con ella, quien estaba de pie en el pasillo. Los documentos se le cayeron al suelo. Sin embargo, debido a esto ella tambiĆ©n volvió a la realidad... "No, lo siento", le dijo, lo ayudó a recogerlos y entró en el ascensor. Cuando la puerta se abrió, Jack Paul, quien estaba afuera, la saludó... La miro con una sonrisa y le dijo: "Stella llegaste. ĀæCómo estĆ”s? Eres nueva aquĆ­, si necesitas algo no dudes en decĆ­rmelo..." Ella lo miró y asintió. "Estoy bien, gracias". Mientras hablaban, caminaron hasta su despacho y se sentaron. Ɖl la miró y le dijo: "Estoy muy contento de que hayas aceptado mi oferta y hayas vuelto". Le dio una carpeta roja y le dijo: "Estoy seguro de que has oĆ­do que alguien quiere comprar nuestra empresa. En esta carpeta estĆ”n los informes que hice, Ć©chales un vistazo". Ella la tomó y asintió. Ɖl continuó: "Hay muchas empresas que quieren comprar la nuestra, pero entre todas ellas estĆ”n los Grupos RK. No obstante, el precio que nos ofrecieron fue demasiado bajo..." Hizo una pausa y dijo: "Esta vez te pedĆ­ que volvieras para que pudieras darle la vuelta a la situación..." "Grupos RK... RenĆ© Kingston..." Sus manos temblaron mientras sostenĆ­a los documentos. Los recuerdos que estaban en lo mĆ”s profundo de su hermĆ©tico corazón invadieron su mente... su mente... Ella se tranquilizó y dijo: "HarĆ© lo que pueda". "EstĆ” bien". Jack se rio y dijo: "Ahora que has aceptado esta tarea ya no estoy preocupado". CapĆ­tulo 4 ĀæPor quĆ© vale setenta millones? Al dĆ­a siguiente, en una cafeterĆ­a... Stella ya habĆ­a organizado todo y le pidió al director de negociación de los Grupos RK que se reunieran en una cafeterĆ­a. Mientras lo esperaba, un hombre vestido con un traje negro y gafas de montura dorada se acercó. Pero cuando… llegó y la vio, se sorprendió. Ella tambiĆ©n se quedó estupefacta al mirar a la persona que tenĆ­a delante. Porque, quien estaba frente a ella era el asistente de RK, Alex Triston. Por un momento, ambos se quedaron callados. Fue ella quien tomó la iniciativa y dijo: "CuĆ”nto tiempo sin vernos". Ɖl escuchó sus palabras y recobró la compostura. Asintió y se sentó. Ella no perdió el tiempo y fue directo al grano. "Sr. Triston aquĆ­ estĆ”n los documentos, si le parece bien, por favor, fĆ­rmelos". Mientras lo decĆ­a, los colocó delante de Ć©l. Ɖl vio el impactante precio de setenta millones y se escandalizó. "Srta. Richard, los Grupos RK solo pueden ofrecer cuarenta millones. El precio propuesto por su empresa es extremadamente alto". Desde el principio, ella no querĆ­a firmar ese contrato. Nunca permitirĆ” que ese hombre se convierta en su jefe. Ella sentĆ­a que estaba perdiendo su tiempo, deberĆ­a buscar alguna otra compaƱƭa. "EstĆ” bien, pero no podemos firmar". Dijo recogiendo sus cosas y decidida a irse. Alex vio que estaba a punto de marcharse y que no estaba interesada en el trato por lo que se asustó. Se le acercó y la detuvo. "Srta. por favor espere, dĆ©jeme llamar y preguntar sobre el precio una vez mĆ”s". Ella se detuvo y asintió. "Por supuesto". Ɖl caminó hacia un lado y llamó. **** En los Grupos RK, oficina del director general... RK estaba sentado en la cabecera y escuchaba el informe del departamento de marketing cuando su telĆ©fono sonó. Lo miró y colgó. No le gustaba que lo molestaran en el trabajo. Sin embargo, al cabo de unos segundos, volvió a sonar. Los que estaban en la oficina vieron su frĆ­a expresión y temblaron. Tomó el telĆ©fono y preguntó: "ĀæQuĆ© sucede?" Su voz era frĆ­a. Alex le informó de toda la situación. "Diles, que eso no va a suceder setenta millones es demasiado. No lo valen". Cuando terminó de hablar, se dispuso a colgar... Pero su asistente le dijo algo que hizo que se detuviera a pensar por un momento. Sus dedos golpearon la mesa y despuĆ©s de un minuto respondió: "De acuerdo, aceptemos setenta millones". DespuĆ©s hizo una pausa y aƱadió: "Dile que irĆ© a la empresa y que quiero que me explique personalmente por quĆ© vale setenta millones". DespuĆ©s colgó. En sus profundos ojos azules habĆ­a emociones desconocidas. La gente del departamento de marketing escuchó sus palabras y se sorprendieron. "El director general va a firmar personalmente el contrato". "ĀæEra esa negociación digna de su visita?". AdemĆ”s, sabĆ­an que Raksham no necesitaba involucrarse personalmente en ese trato. Todos ellos cuestionaban la situación. **** Alex no estaba hablando demasiado lejos asĆ­ que ella pudo oĆ­r una parte de su conversación. Ella lo escuchó decir su nombre directamente, a la persona al otro lado del telĆ©fono. Tres minutos despuĆ©s... "Ā”Srta. Richard, espere! El Sr. Kingston dijo que no tiene ningĆŗn problema con el precio. El acuerdo se fijarĆ” segĆŗn los tĆ©rminos de su empresa, firmemos rĆ”pidamente para que nadie se eche para atrĆ”s". Cuando terminó de hablar, sacó los documentos, firmó y le dio el bolĆ­grafo. Ella se sorprendió un poco al ver su actitud arrogante, era como si ya hubiera comprado la empresa. Miró el bolĆ­grafo aturdida. No se imaginaba que el acuerdo entre los dos fuera a salir tan bien y sin esfuerzo. Ella sintió que habĆ­a dejado clara su postura al no querer bajar el precio y que se habĆ­a mantenido bastante firme en su decisión. Pero quien iba a decirlo. RK se habĆ­a mostrado mucho mĆ”s firme que ella respecto a la adquisición de la compaƱƭa. Incluso aceptó firmar el contrato pagando el precio que ella habĆ­a establecido. "A Ć©l no le gustaba cambiar de decisión pasara lo que pasara. Entonces, Āæpor quĆ© lo habĆ­a hecho?" "ĀæEra porque, despuĆ©s de vivir con el amor de su vida, Ć©l habĆ­a cambiado?" Pensó... Pero sin importar quĆ©... Ahora, ĀæquĆ© podĆ­a hacer? Tomó el bolĆ­grafo y firmó. A ella no le importaba nada que tuviera que ver con Ć©l...de todos modos, ella no iba a quedarse allĆ­. de todos modos, ella no iba a quedarse allĆ­. Normalmente, ella no querrĆ­a que Ć©l se convirtiera en su jefe, pero... ĀæQuĆ© podĆ­a hacer? DebĆ­a terminar ese trabajo y marcharse rĆ”pidamente. Alex guardó los documentos, le dio la mano y dijo: "Srta. Richard a partir de ahora somos compaƱeros de trabajo en la misma empresa. En el futuro, Ā”por favor, cuide de nosotros!" Ella solo le dedicó una sonrisa forzada. Solo su corazón y Dios sabĆ­an cuĆ”nto deseaba que aquel hombre fuera su jefe. Ɖl la miró y aƱadió: "Por favor, vuelva rĆ”pido a su empresa, el Sr. Kingston estarĆ” allĆ­ dentro de un rato. Ha dicho que quiere que usted... le explique personalmente por quĆ© vale setenta millones". Tampoco sabĆ­a por quĆ© su jefe querĆ­a que ella se lo dijera personalmente, teniendo en cuenta lo que habĆ­a pasado entre ellos. Pero como asistente, solo podĆ­a hacer lo que Ć©l dijera. ***** De regreso en la empresa... Ella estaba sentada dentro de su coche, pero su mente estaba llena de pensamientos de cómo en el futuro RK se convertirĆ” en su jefe. "Ā”Ahhh! Stella, eres la mejor. Acabas de cerrar el contrato en cuanto apareciste". El que hablaba era la asistente del director de la empresa. "No sabes, antes de que vinieras, el Sr. Paul habĆ­a enviado a mucha gente a negociar con el Sr. Kingston, pero Ć©l solo bajaba el precio". La abrazó y le dijo alegremente: "Stella eres nuestra estrella de la suerte". Ella bajó la cabeza y no dijo nada, porque eso no era lo que ella querĆ­a. Lily continuó: "Acabas de llegar, asĆ­ que no debes conocer muy bien la ciudad". Mientras decĆ­a eso se acercó a su oĆ­do y dijo: "DĆ©jame decirte que el Sr. Kingston es el hombre mĆ”s guapo de ciudad X. No solo es apuesto, sino tambiĆ©n rico y competente. Es el hombre de los sueƱos de muchas mujeres del mundo..." Al oĆ­r sus palabras, Stella se quedó sin palabras. "He oĆ­do que antes tenĆ­a una prometida... Pero la dejó hace seis aƱos", comentó Lily. "ĀæNo se casó con la hermana de esa chica?" Ella no podĆ­a creer que aĆŗn no se hubieran casado. ĀæNo se habĆ­a divorciado de ella porque querĆ­a casarse con su hermana? Pensó que ya deberĆ­an haberlo hecho, tenido hijos y vivido felices el uno con el otro. "Stella, aquĆ­ estĆ”s..." Cuando Jack se enteró de que ella habĆ­a llegado a un acuerdo con los Grupos RK, acudió personalmente a recibirla con una gran sonrisa en la cara. "Stella, no me has decepcionado... RĆ”pido ve a la sala de reuniones y siĆ©ntate un rato. El Sr. Kingston llegarĆ” pronto y vendrĆ”s conmigo para darle la bienvenida..." "No quiero ir..." Inconscientemente, esas palabras salieron de la boca de Stella. Cuando se dio cuenta de lo que habĆ­a dicho, hizo una pausa y dijo: "Sr. Paul, lamento mi comportamiento, pero no quiero ir..." Su voz era firme. "Como usted sabe yo acabo de regresar a causa de este contrato. Ahora que todo estĆ” en marcha, quiero volver a Francia y trabajar en la oficina central de la empresa como antes". DespuĆ©s de su divorcio y de lo ocurrido hace seis aƱos... no querĆ­a volver a ver a ese hombre. Sus palabras... "No quiero a ese niƱo..." TodavĆ­a resonaban en su mente. DespuĆ©s de regresar... no querĆ­a verlo. Ese hombre de sangre frĆ­a y corazón de piedra ya le habĆ­a roto el corazón mil veces, y no querĆ­a volver a experimentar ese dolor. Tal vez en el fondo no era capaz de olvidarlo por completo o tal vez habĆ­a algo mĆ”s... Sin embargo, estaba segura de una cosa: no querĆ­a encontrarse con Ć©l. Si aĆŗn quedaba un poco de amor en su interior, querĆ­a eliminarlo lo antes posible y mantenerse alejada de Ć©l. Jack la miró y le dijo: "No es que no quiera que vuelvas, pero ahora sabes que la compaƱƭa fue comprada por el Sr. RK, y si te vas del paĆ­s o no... SerĆ” decisión de Ć©l..." ĀæQuĆ©? Hace seis aƱos, su matrimonio habĆ­a estado en sus manos, y ahora su trabajo... Ella se resistĆ­a a dejar que Ć©l decidiera su futuro... Se sentĆ­a como si hubiera caĆ­do en una trampa. Ella querĆ­a permanecer lo mĆ”s lejos posible de Ć©l. Jack la miró a la cara y supo que no se encontraba de buen humor por lo que le dijo: "De acuerdo, entonces vete y descansa un poco. DespuĆ©s de que el Sr. RK se haga cargo de la empresa, puedes solicitar tu permiso de nuevo..." "SolicĆ­taselo..." Ahora, Ć©l decidirĆ­a si se iba o no. Cuando pensó en aquello, sintió como si su cabeza estuviera a punto de explotar... Ahora mismo, ella no querĆ­a nada... Solo deseaba irse de ese lugar. SabĆ­a que Ć©l llegarĆ­a en cualquier momento y que existĆ­a la posibilidad de encontrarse con Ć©l. AsĆ­ que, al menos por ahora, lo mejor para ella era marcharse lo mĆ”s rĆ”pido posible, para poder evitarlo... No dijo nada y se dispuso a retirarse. Pero justo cuando dio el primer paso, oyó a alguien... "Sr. Rk..." ...... ==== Stella Richard se casó con Rene Kingston en lugar de su hermana Sophia por algunas razones. Pero desde el principio, ella sabe que su matrimonio era solo un contrato por tiempo lĆ­mite y una vez que se cumplió el tiempo, ella tenĆ­a que irse. Para RK, este matrimonio fue solo una carga, pero para ella fue un regalo de Dios. Porque RK era el hombre al que habĆ­a amado toda su juventud... Entonces, mientras tanto de su matrimonio, Stella hizo todo lo posible para que este matrimonio funcionara. Pero el dĆ­a que descubrió que estaba embarazada, su esposo le dio el papel de divorcio y le dijo... "No quiero a este niƱo. No olvides abortar". Estas palabras salen de su boca, como una bomba para Stella, y cambiaron su vida... Ella firmó su nombre en el papel de divorcio y salió de la casa, porque ella no quiere estar con un hombre tan frĆ­o. Seis aƱos despuĆ©s, RK compró la empresa en la que trabajaba Stella. Pero Stella hizo todo lo posible por no tener nada que ver con Ć©l, porque ella tenĆ­a un hijo y no querĆ­a que Ć©l se enterara de Ć©l... Pero un dĆ­a, cuando Stella recogió a su hijo de la escuela, Ć©l la vio... RK su mirada se posó en el niƱo a su lado, su rostro se veĆ­a igual que cuando era joven... ĀæQuĆ© sucederĆ” en adelante? Los capĆ­tulos disponibles son limitados aquĆ­, haga click el botón abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĆ”s contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederĆ” a este libro) &5& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.manobook.com/14128375-fb_contact-spc Beloved Books https://www.facebook.com/61565799023858/ 618 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.manobook.com IMAGE https://fbweb.manobook.com/14128375-fb_contact-spcp23_2-240914-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=911653190288373&rawadid=120212758945880521 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461451067_1574178776510419_4486366368214742490_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oSsjcjxVs30Q7kNvgG4jtZo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZ0wQs0t16lGpAxuBNSvlXF&oh=00_AYDbWMhwm9ZIAlSfDXC-poH4MvUudaZxP1Tu16OPe1hemg&oe=671CB365 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Beloved Books 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 20:05 active 1675 0 Scare the CASH Out of You: Win $1,000 CASH! You’ve been selected for a Secret Contest: Scare the Cash Out of You! Don't Miss your Chance to Win $1,000 CASH! We want you to listen to MORE 93.3 The Bull, where you’ll always hear country’s BIGGEST stars on the radio here in Salt Lake City. The more you listen, the more chances you have to WIN! There are 9 CHANCES to play every weekday! Make sure you listen Monday through Friday at the top of the hour from 9am to 5pm for your chance to Win $1,000! No Purchase Necessary! Learn more on our website and to check out the full contest rules. LEARN_MORE https://www.933thebull.com/secretcontest/?utm_sour 93.3 The Bull-Utah Country https://www.facebook.com/933TheBull/ 95,450 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 www.933thebull.com VIDEO https://www.933thebull.com/secretcontest/?utm_source=social_mcivormarketing&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=halloween2024 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462232517_527573090221651_3444153377381674817_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PnQ5zNrkC4kQ7kNvgEk7cWP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ak5gLvXx354Vew3LsGXPCst&oh=00_AYD1ahfKT5yp-7nDOWQOyknbeQEC7xmEl58qs3dBo7uWOg&oe=671CC270 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 93.3 The Bull-Utah Country 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 20:04 active 1675 0 šŸ”žAttention! Do not read in publicļ¼šŸ‘‰ 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 her 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." a maid’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. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please 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 dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid 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." The maid 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." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 226 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 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-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461622042_1191011025513749_7528859563344400533_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h2H9mORMs0cQ7kNvgGhG4zk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AuuI7zrv6k9a6oOVXjj7gjY&oh=00_AYBsGQD7BkhO9jqbkGk8e_nfq6hr7WH-2SoI6lwJzJaQoA&oe=671CC7A5 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 LISTEN_NOW https://nfan.link/kitchen-sink?utm_medium={{placem Kelly Romo https://www.facebook.com/KellyRomo8/ 3,424 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Listen now 0 nfan.link VIDEO https://nfan.link/kitchen-sink?utm_medium={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461591489_1261994204988721_1350545401155939011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=84-cfdDLFwgQ7kNvgGkW9Nz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A2OOHVBc8hjNB9BEcO6XbKl&oh=00_AYC5nhfZ6QYSxHGjWkvWeY1gFAV0BYUOKuAWSs2aobRltw&oe=671CD59F PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Kelly Romo 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 Up to 44% Off Good Vibes "These gummies turned me Cali-sober" BATCH 🄦 gummies give you the stress relief you're looking for without the downsides of alcohol. SHOP_NOW https://go.hellobatch.co/exp101 Hello BATCH https://www.facebook.com/batch.by.whs/ 4,980 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shop Now 0 go.hellobatch.co DCO ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø 700+ Reviews https://go.hellobatch.co/exp101 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459533556_906186961355102_4138848555833283276_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KZoQEwexeoUQ7kNvgF-ClH8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AHV35oj0oGmA_OFlWEkfv4U&oh=00_AYDWEjaOlzEoD3TscZ5GuokXlTupuSSXwLOgPVPBp60ESQ&oe=671CA829 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Hello BATCH 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 Download NowšŸ‘‰šŸ‘‰šŸ‘‰ "šŸ‘€ Binge-watching got you hooked? Don't miss the next episode of your favorite series! #NextEpisodeIsComing #GetReadyForMore" WATCH_MORE https://fblp.drama-time.com/DT-yrccXV-0914-EN-4609 Miiowtv short13 https://www.facebook.com/61557164897155/ 167 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Watch More 0 fblp.drama-time.com DCO https://fblp.drama-time.com/DT-yrccXV-0914-EN-460913.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=1832980583803015170 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459981452_1765710160838117_6128648309256408352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RodF6YaDnEkQ7kNvgEHquc2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ASwQdzd8vsicYIRMM58Pm4W&oh=00_AYBXBicnBTXhfc4mRFbaGMxWFcKBOlKbENeRlxvno7Qx9g&oe=671CD707 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Miiowtv short13 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 20:03 active 1675 0 šŸ˜Read the next chaptersšŸ‘‰ Chapter 1 Lottie’s POV "So, who is coming tomorrow?" I asked my best friend Lilly, who was twirling in the mirror, the expensive satin of her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Tomorrow was her big day, and ever the perfectionist, she just had to check everything still fit perfectly. "Umm, the usual: our pack, Daddy's business partner, bordering packs, and their alphas. It's only a small gathering." She mumbled, brushing her hands over her tiny waist. "Small." I nodded sarcastically; we clearly had a very different understanding of what small meant, but as the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of the Crimson Moon packs, I guess this was small. "You know your mating ceremony will be just like this!" Sage chuckled, watching Lilly through my eyes. "Not a chance!" I barked, looking over at Lilly and her lavish dress, fake lashes and tan. I loved her and her confidence, but I was definitely more subtle than Lilly, never one to bask in the limelight but hide in the back! So this sort of opulence wasn't for me. "Your dad and Alpha Leigh won't accept any less than an extravagant ceremony! You are screwed, as they won't allow you a low-key event! You are the Beta's daughter. You must represent the pack; you know Mike will want all this too! Frills and all!" Sage teased, making me groa-n, shutting her out. I looked at Lilly warmly, smiling at her; she was truly beautiful! "You look beautiful, Lilly, very skinny," I added, knowing it was what she wanted to hear, but the truth was she did! She was the kind of girl that would look beautiful in a garbage bag. ā€œYou think? ā€ her li-p twisted into a smile, I knew she was satisfied with my answer. ā€œYes!ā€ I stated firmly. Clapping giddily, she gasped, running to the dressing table; she returned with a box, placing it in my lap. "I got you a gift to thank you; I know I have been a bridzillar the last few months preparing for the wedding." Taken back, I glanced between her and the beautifully box in my lap. I look at her, remembering why I love her so much! She may be spoiled, a danmed princess and an insane drama queen, but she never ceased to make me feel special and appreciated! "You shouldn't have." A polite smile painted my li-ps. "Go try it on; Mike will die when he sees you in it!" She laughed, pulling me to my feet, nodding for me to open the box. Rolling her eyes, she ushered me into one of the fitting rooms to try it on. "Wait, what?" I asked nervously as she pushed me into the fitting room, winking at me as she closed the door. "Lilly, what have you done?" I asked, but curiosity was getting the better of me. "You will thank me later when he can't keep his hands off you!" She laughed. Biting my li-p, I pulled the ribbon, svcking in a breath, seeing the racy lingerie staring back at me challengingly, silently daring me to be bold. "Oh, My God!" I moaned, shaking my head! "I can't wear this!" I laughed, feeling the blush spread across my cheeks. Fifteen minutes later, I stood up on the podium, Lilly staring at me proudly. "Fck! I'd totally do you if I weren't getting married tomorrow!" Lilly winked, circling me. "I don't understand why you don't see how hot you are!" She groa-ned. Looking in the mirror finally, I svcked in a breath; my slim figure was encased in an icy blue crot-chless cami suspender set that left nothing to the imagination. A lace embroidered halter neck with mesh panels barely covering my booobs ran down my body in a slim V. "Seriously, it's like wearing a piece of dental floss!" I shouted, ignoring Lilly's giggles. "No pain, no gain, Lottie! Go, show Mike!"she grinned knowingly. "You can tell me all about it later!" She giggled mischievously. With a final look in the mirror, I admitted she was right. It did look good! Sexy even! Rolling my li-p between my teeth, I blushed, deciding to take her advice; Mike and I had not had much alone time lately; he was always working, Alpha Leigh had been keeping him busy with safety preparations for tomorrow. "Well, this was an excellent way to get his attention." My wolf Sage cackled as I slipped my dress over Lilly’s gift. Getting to the apartment I shared with Mike didn't take long; my father had insisted we stay close to the pack house; being the Crimson Moons beta, he, like Lilly, was used to getting his way. Seizing my keys from my bag, I froze, hearing the muffled sound of talking from behind our apartment door. Mike was home! "Is he watching por-n?" My wolf Sage laughed, hearing the barely audible moans from within the apartment walls. Concentrating on the sounds coming from the other side of the door, I laughed, hearing the distinct sound of mattress springs, breathy moans and... "Mike ! Don't stop! Oh my god, Mike harder!" A female panted as the familiar sound of a headboard pounding a wall fluttered up to my ears. MY headboard! Swallowing the bile that assaulted my throat, I quietly walked into the apartment, numbly stumbling to our bedroom; the closer I got, the more I understood. "As you wish, baby girl!" MY boyfriend moaned as the squeaking got quicker, more desperate. "The fvck you are!" I roared, opening the door with a bang. "Shiiit!" Mike’s panicked voice spluttered as I flicked the light on. "Hey honey, I'm home!" I mocked, locking eyes with the guy I loved, who was balls deep in a female... a female who wasn't me! Chapter 2 "I didn't think you would be back till later?" Mike dares to say, looking at me like I had grown two heads and was somehow in the wrong. "Clearly!" I mutter, walking over to the closet, grabbing my overnight bag and aggressively shoving things into it. "Baby girl...Come on..." He has the audacity to sound hurt; glancing into the mirror, I lock my eyes on him. "I am sorry, who are you talking to ... Me? Or Her?" Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I continued. "Just two seconds ago, I heard you call her 'baby girl'." I spat, knowing I was being petty over the pet name, but given that I had just walked in on him banging some chick in our bed, I felt I had earned the right to be a little childish! "No, you are mistaken." He shakes off. Spinning around, I glare at him. Is he seriously trying to make ME feel like I am going insane! "As you wish, BABY GIRL!" I yelled, repeating what I had heard him say not two minutes ago, to the who-re in his bed... Our bed! "It's not what it looks like, I promise." "Oh?" I roll my blue eyes and look at the she-wolf pulling the sheet around herself sheepishly. "Did he slip and accidentally land in your vargina?" Seeing her try to slip from the bed, I shook my head. "Stay! He is ALL yours!" I dismissed, returning to throwing the first things I could grab into my travel bag. "Charlotte, come on." Mike pushed, getting from the bed. "Work has been tough lately, and well..." Before he finished the sentence, I knew he would make this my fault somehow, just like I knew I would punch him in the face in the next thirty seconds. "You have put a little weight on, and you never dress up for me anymore." His body was flush against my back. My body tightened at the irony, given the blue lace I had on under my dress, grabbing my make-up and ramming it brutally with my other things. Zipping my bag with shaky hands, I tried to remain calm as he continued. "You could try a little harder to entice me. I wouldn't have to look elsewhere then." Spinning around in his hold, I pulled my fist back and, with no warning, plunged it into his eye; satisfaction washed over me hearing the fragile bone in his nose break, blood splattered my dress; looking down at it in astonishment, I laughed in disbelief. Mike's curses were barely audible over the sound of my blood rushing through my body. "Yeah, we are done." I declare my mind made up as Mike tried to pull my elbow. ā€œBabygirl..." He uttered, regretting it the second my eyes glared with the cold blue of Sage, who seized control and, before I could gasp, had delivered her own source of justice. Knocking Mike out cold, his body hurtled back and dropped to the floor, his limp body resembling a pretzel all limbs and bruised ego. "When he wakes up, you tell him to stay away from Lottie!" Sage growled at the quivering she-wolf, who was nodding, frozen by fear. ******* "Another?" I requested, tapping the rim of my empty glass; the handsome bartender looked between Lilly and I, concern washing over his face. Apparently, our father's made him nervous. "I just caught my boyfriend shagging someone else; I think another drink is needed, don't you!" I asked, arching a brow, ignoring Lilly's sigh. Seeing him reluctantly fill my glass, a smirk pulled at the corners of my li-ps. I had spent the last few hours getting a little tipsy, dancing and trying to forget my heartbreak. But seeing Lilly look down at her phone with a frown, I knew the night was over. "Charlotte, I have to sleep." She only used my full name when she was trying to be serious, "I have to look my best tomorrow." She grinned, pulling me up from my chair. "Come on, let's go home." "I can't... I .. Can't go.. back there... HE.. is there!" I slurred, spinning around on wobbly legs; I eyed her helplessly, dramatically throwing my hands in the air. "Can I stay at yours, please!" Laughing, she nodded, pushing me towards the door. "Yeah, but I swear if you snore, I will kil-l you!" She laughed. Twenty minutes later, we pulled up at the pack house. "I will grab water; you go on up!" She laughed, waving me up the stairs as she disappeared into the kitchen. I felt like it took forever to get to her bedroom; pushing the door open, I paused, looking around the room. "I don't think I have ever seen this room THIS tidy." I laughed, pulling my dress over my head. I threw my dress aside, picking up a photo frame with a picture of Lilly's older brother standing proudly with his arm around his dad, smiling into the camera, without a care. It was his graduation day. I remember it well. He made me call him master all day. "Jackass!" I cursed, turning the frame around, not wanting his eyes on me while I slept, or at all! "Looks like this lingerie will be getting some action tonight!" I laughed bitterly while looking in the full-length mirror, thinking about how different this night could have been. Mike's cruel words about my weight were eating at what little confidence I had. Lilly's brothers had made my life hel-l growing up until they left for training a few years back, so I was used to being the but of jokes, taunted and teased, but coming from Mike, it hurt. Svcking in a breath, I froze, the sound of running water finally hitting my ears. I had left Lilly downstairs, had she slipped in while I walked around her room? Pushing the door to the ensuite open, I froze, my feet rooted to the spot; through the glass panel of the shower, Lilly's brother stood, hand pressed up against the marbled tiled wall, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his body ripped with even more muscles then he left with. Tattoos wound the whole of his body, trailing my eyes across them giddily; I tensed seeing his tattooed hand gripping his thick steeled rod, easily 9 inches of heaven. My eyes locked on his diick as he pumped his hand around it, pleasuring himself in what I knew was meant to be a private moment. "Either join me or get out!" He rasped, looking over his shoulders at me; the second our eyes met, I felt like I had been punched, knocking me to my knees, the floor disappearing from under me; somewhere in the distance, I heard Knox's panicked scream, it was genuine concern, not laughter, I was hearing from him. Why? Confusion bled through me wildly, just before everything went black. Chapter 3 Distant memories of the annual pack ball danced across my vision; Lilly and I were expected to go as we had come of age; we had both expected the twins to try to sabotage the whole evening! But they hadn't! Lilly and I had assumed it was because our fathers had insisted we attend, and they outranked the twins! Something we knew grated on the boys! The guy I had been crushing on at school had asked me to be his date; I was beyond excited! I had gone all out and had my hair, nails and make-up done. I had worked overtime to save up for a dress, I had spent a small fortune, and for once, I felt beautiful! He treated me like royalty, something I was not used to, given how the twins liked to control everything Lilly I did behind the walls of the pack house, but the twins had not said anything about me going with the young male wolf; I thought they had finally allowed me some freedom. We danced and laughed, and I thought he would kiss me! I never wanted the night to end; it had been perfect until I found the twins laughing about how desperate and pathetic I was and how they couldn't believe I had actually thought HE would like ME! Unable to watch anymore, I turned to leave only to see other classmates recording me, laughing at me and my tears. It didn't take long for it to be uploaded to social media and sent around school, making me a laughingstock! I had never understood why they were so obsessed with what I did! I got that they protected Lilly, but I was not kin! And this behavior was unwarranted! I tried to speak to my father about it, but since my mother had died, he had checked out, leaving Luna Louise to raise me; his only care was the pack and keeping it safe! And I could hardly go to her and moan that her precious sons were making my life hel-l! So I had no choice but to put up and shut up! Only when they left at 16 did things get easier; I finally knew peace, friendship, and fun! And somewhere in between, I met Mike. Opening my eyes slowly, the memories faded only to be replaced by the concerned face of Knox, staring down at me with such warmth my stomach flipped. His fingers traced my cheek as relief spread over his features. "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me!" I seethed, slapping it away aggressively, my eyes narrowing on the ice blue hues of Knox, forcing myself to ignore the flicker of hurt that slipped across his face. "Hush, baby, let me check you over. You hit your head hard." He cooed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at the sincerity in his tone. "Get your STI-riddled hand off of me before I break it the fck off!" Snapping my mouth closed, feeling the light touch of his fingers on my li-ps. "You have a filthy mouth, do you know that!" His brows knitted together as he looked my face over, his gaze locking on my li-ps, making me uncomfortable. "I should teach you a lesson!" He mused a smirk split his face, seeing the shock wash over mine. "You're disgusting!" I spat, pushing myself up, looking around confused, seeing I was not on the floor but instead laid out carefully on the bed, Knox beside me. He had apparently swept me up and taken care of me, but I could not think why for the life of me. Shoving him aside, I attempted to climb over him. But his hands gripped my waist, locking me mid-stride over his torso. "I have to admit, you have changed a lot!" A grin slowly slipped across his face, his fingers trailing up the soft fabric of my new lingerie. Lingerie meant for Mike. "Not the whiny brat I left behind, huh" Shoving his che-st hard, framing my face in a wall of glowing white. I didn't want to admit that he had changed, too; he had grown into a gorgeous male. "And buffed up!" Sage added to my inner thoughts, bringing me back to reality. Ignoring her lude comment with a groa-n, my hands covered his that were rubbing up my sides. "Seriously, stop touching me!" Pushing his hands off me with a snort, "Dicck!" I grunted. "Hmmm, yeah, I have one... wanna see?" He taunted, his hands returning to my waist with supernatural speed. "YES, I wanna see!" Sage purred excitedly. "Seriously! Do you remember all the shiit he put us through" I snapped, trying to pull away from his grasp. "God's", A gasp escaped my li-ps, feeling his solid length rub against my core. "Crotc-hless!" He smirked up at me. "Not so innocent, it seems!" "UGH!" I growled, trying to lift off of him, but he forced me along him again, making me cry out as my pusssy clenched needily, loving the sensation of pain mixing with pleasure. "Let me make this crystal clear for you, Knox! I do not want you!" "Really? Sage seems game!" He grinned slyly. "She's a sluut!" I announced, angry at Sage's betrayal! "Mmm, My sluut?" He beamed, his hands sliding up my back;his solid length was millimeters from my core, but he was waiting for me to give him the green light. "Beg me, Knox!" I challenged! Chapter 4 "Beg?" He scoffed, eyes narrowing on me; I could see the inner fight between Knox and his wolf. He was a son of an Alpha. He had probably never begged for anything, let alone a female! But if he wanted me like he claimed to, he would beg! "Yes, Beg! Or let go of me." I declared with a newfound boldness. I was so over being weak and vulnerable, done being pushed around by those around me, and that included Mike and the danm twins! His hands released my hi-ps. Evidently, he refused to dance to my tune. "You are so danm perfect, but I won't beg!" He maintained. For once, he looked weak! The desire in his gaze filled me with a new sense of power; it had been such a long time since I felt this heat, and it was scrambling my brain. "There, that wasn't so hard, was it!" I laughed, rising onto my knees, an idea quickly springing to my mind. Years I had put up with his taunts, teasing and humiliation. It was time to return that favor. "Do it, I dare ya!" Sage encouraged. I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the delicate lace slide down, my booobs bouncing fre-e. "Please, Charlotte. Let me taste your pretty body; let me make you feel every inch the Queen you are!" Shiit! ā€œ I will beg too! Let him do it! Please!" Sage wailed in my head, but she needn't! I hated myself for it, but I wanted it. I wanted him, and given the look on his face, he bloody well knew it! Nodding, I watched as he did just that, his li-ps pressed to my body in turn. Gripping his hand in mine, I tutted at him; even when drowning in lust, I refused to let him take control of the situation! "Char??" I heard Lilly call from the hallway. "Where the fck did she go?" She moaned as she walked past Knox's room; the fact she didn't even think to check in here told me everything and brought me back to the startling realisation that I had fcked up! I was lying on my best friend's brother's bed, between his legs! "Get off!" I growled, pushing Knox off; my lust turned to hate quickly. "This shouldn't have happened!" I spat accusingly at him, but I knew I had been a willing participant, and if Lilly hadn't interrupted, I hate to think just how willing of a participant I would have been! "Come on, it's fine!" He laughed as I scrambled out from under him, pulling my straps back in place while searching for my dress and pulling it on. "Where is that blood from?" Knox growled, making me jump; looking down at my blood-stained dress, I frowned- I liked this dress! How had I not noticed Mike's blood all over it? "None of your danm business!" I huffed, grabbing my shoes and glaring at him one last time. "THIS never happened!" I snapped, slipping from the room as quietly as I can, tiptoeing down the hall to Lilly's room. Seeing she was still roaming the corridors looking for me, I took the opportunity to slip into the shower. Desperate to wash the embarrassment off me. "You smell of him... Of Knox!"Sage announced as she rubbed up against the walls of my mind. "What?" I gasped, inhaling sharply, hoping the smell of the shower gel would erase not just his smell but the memories too!However, all I could smell was the heavenly scent of Knox and his danm arousal! "Fck!" I cursed, scrubbing myself raw, until I heard Lilly return. "Where the fck have you been?" She snapped as she pulled herself up on the counter in the bathroom, watching me skeptically. Making a split-second decision, I decided to lie! "I got lost and ended up in your brother Knox's room! I didn't realize he was back!" I started sxcking down a breath, groa-ning, smelling Knox STILL. "A little heads up would have been good!" I moaned, giving her an irritated half-smile. "You thought they would miss my big day?" She laughed, rolling her eyes! "They got back this evening." "No shiiit!" I sighed, giving her a 'you think' look as I bull shited her with another lie; Sage and I were both disappointed at how easily the lie left my li-ps. Giggling with my best friend on the night of her mating ceremony should have been the highlight of my night, but instead, I was left with an uneasy feeling eating at my stomach, something telling me my life was about to get a he-ll of a lot more complicated! And there was nothing I could do about it! Chapter 5 "Get your lazy as-s up!" Lilly demanded, her shrill voice making me sigh; flopping onto my stomach, I pulled her pillow over my head, hoping to silence her. "No!" I grumbled, images of Knox and I last night still floating around my head, making my thi-ghs ache. "Char! Come on!" Lilly said, pulling the sheet off me; the cold air assaulting my body. "It's my big day! I need my best friend at my side!" She complained, but the edge to her tone told me she was not about to give up any time soon. "Fine! I am up!" I grumbled, throwing the pillow in the direction Lilly's voice came from while pulling myself up. Smelling strong coffee, I smiled sleepily over at Lilly, the last remnants of my dream and her sexy brother slowly fading from my mind as I took the coffee she handed me. "I can't get sick today, Char!" Lilly moaned, watching me as she handed me a mirror to show me how red-faced I was, dropping it on the bed, not needing to look to know I was blushing. "Charlotte! Are you ok? You're shaking?" Lilly inhaled, taking the coffee cup from my hands before I dropped it. Her hand pressed to my forehead sympathetically. "Charlotte?" "Do you think he will be as skilled with his tongue as you imagine him to be?" Sage added, making me blush further. "Enough!" I screamed at my wolf, cutting our link off so I could focus and calm my trembling hands and racing heart. The concern on Lilly's face startled me back to reality. "I am ok! Honestly!"I muttered, shaking my head at the images Sage had interjected into my mind on a loop. "I should tell her! In the 18 years we have been friends, I have never lied to her! I don't feel right doing so now!" I stated guiltily to Sage. It seemed since we left Knox's room, it was all she could think of! And a certain male's dicck in particular. Sxcking down my breath, seeing Lilly's frantic eyes searching my face needily. Today was her big day! She had been dreaming of this day for as long as I had known her, finding her mate, making it official and making her family and pack proud. I, on the other hand, needed more! I needed the rawest form of love, trust and security, all of which was something Knox could not offer me! The thought cemented what I already knew; It was a one-off! Sighing, I softened my features, ignoring the aching between my thi-ghs. "I think the last 24 hours have caught up with me, seeing Mike and that trollop in my bed! That's all!" I expressed lying to her face for the second time in a few hours. "I'm sorry, Char; he really is a piece of shiit! Want me to ask Knox and Kane to give him a good hiding." Shaking my head dramatically with a nervous laugh, I gripped her hands and pulled her onto the bed, ignoring her protests. "NO!" It's embarrassing enough that I caught them having sax in my bed; I don't want the whole pack talking about it." I sighed, grabbing the pillow and throwing it at her with an arched brow. "Hmmm, yeah, I understand that!" She chuckled, throwing the pillow back at me as she got back off the bed, holding her hand out to pull me up. "But if he becomes a bother! I will tell them! I know you think they don't care about you, Charlotte, but they see you as a little sister! They won't stand for his bullshiit!" She expressed, looking at me in the mirror as she fixed her hair. "Lord, I hope they don't see you as a sister! Not sure how I feel about ince-st!" Sage grunted, working her way through the barrier I had put up. "Although... I am up for calling Knox Daddy if you are?" She added with a wiggle. "Way to lower the tone, sage!" I huffed, ignoring her like before as I helped Lilly prepare for her big day! Two hours later, we were making our way through an empty pack house; Alpha Leigh had seen to it that no one would see his daughter until the ceremony, so not a single person remained in the pack house but Lilly and I. "Are you not nervous?" I asked; standing at the back doors, I squeezed her hand. "No, just excited!" She whispered, pushing the doors open to peek out at the beautifully decorated garden with its subtle nod to the pack's colours. "Wow, it's stunning." I gushed as the door heaved open, and Alpha Leigh stepped in, his eyes falling on his daughter and blurring with tears instantly in a way only a proud father could. "Told you, you looked beautiful!" I grinned, nudging Lilly's waist with mine seeing him try not to cry at the sight of his daughter in her ceremonial dress. "You like Daddy?" She screeched, turning slowly to show him what his money had brought. It was an exquisite dress, floor length, made with the softest of silk. "You look like a princess!" He gushed, straightening no doubt in an attempt to control his emotions; his eyes scanned me with a warm smile, looking at my dress with a chuckle. "I half expected you to turn up in yoga pants and a hoodie Charlotte!" He teased with an affectionate wink. He was right, of course; I lived in training and gym clothes. When your Father was the Beta, you tended to spend the majority of your time training. "Daddy!" Lilly scolded, "Don't encourage her! It took me weeks to bribe her into the dress!" She scoffed, giving me a firm stare. "Charlotte, can you excuse us a moment, I would like a minute with my baby before...." He whispered, his voice cutting off as his eyes locked on his daughter with such love. "She will always be your baby girl!" I whispered, leaning up on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to my alphas cheek; he was like a second father to me and seeing him so overwhelmed at the sight of Lilly was very out of character for him, even behind closed doors he always seemed to favour the twins. Winking at my best friend before slipping out the doors and into a solid form and familiar scent, I groa-ned audibly; even Sage was finally waking up, sensing the danger. Chapter 6 "What are you doing here!" I questioned, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my upset. Allowing my eyes to roam over a dark blue pin-stripped tailored suit that barely fit the muscular form of Mike. His dark eyes trained on me, his li-ps pulled into a scowl as he looked down my body. "Nice to see you too, baby girl!" He sighed, having just referred to Lilly as 'baby girl' to her father; hearing it slip from Mike's li-ps felt wrong, but I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about his pet name for me now, not when Alpha and Lilly are on the other side of the door. "Lottie?" He huffed, waiting for me to say something, but I had nothing to say, trying to hide his frustration by running a hand through his dark hair. "I missed you last night." He tried again, clearly trying to engage me in conversation. "I wish I could say the same!" I grunted, annoyed at myself for acknowledging him, I crossed my hands across my che-st. A part of me wished he would turn and leave me alone, go back to the she-wolf he had allowed to keep him company last night, but the stu-pid, naive part of me wanted to cling to him and ask him to fight for me! "Your father sent me to find you!" He grinned a pearly smile that had my stomach fluttering; I hadn't told my father about the breakup, so he meant well, I assured myself. "I can make my own way to the ceremony." I snapped, lowering my eyes from Mike's face; the displeasure washing across his face made me feel self-conscious enough. "Lottie!" He tried as I pulled my elbows closer, hugging them around myself, his cruel remark about my weight last night still raw, even if I hadn't let him know it had hurt me. "You took forever!" He stated. "Probably putting all that slap on your face!" Pulling on my elbow, he half dragged me down the beautifully styled pathway towards the old church grounds at the back of the property. "You're hurting me!" I winced, a burn rising to my cheeks at the mention of my make-up! "Yes!" He sneered, not even looking at me. "No! You look beautiful!" Sage interjected, lending me some of her strength to try and pull my arm back from his iron-tight grip. "You don't even have time to change! The guests have all arrived!" He grumbled, ignoring me and shoving me forward so hard I slipped on one of the petals lining the old cobbled path. "Fck sake, Lottie, you always have to show me up!" He hissed, looking down at me with contempt. "Get up then!" He snarled, his eyes lingering on the deep V neckline that barely held my booobs in place. Left speechless, I sat on the floor, looking up at my so-called mate, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric. "I can't believe you, today is an important day for the pack, and you turn up dressed like... that! Representing me! Are you trying to destroy my reputation?" He snarled, shoving his hand out and grabbing my elbow again, yanking me up by it painfully and shoving me forward. "You look like a who=re!" He growled from behind me, shaking his head angrily; I could feel Sage's anger rising, and as much as I was grateful she had my back, now wasn't the time to cause a scene. It was Lilly's big day and an important day for the pack. "Well, you'd know all about whor-es!" I seethed quietly, spinning to face my so-called mate, "How many of them have you had in our bed?" I scoffed, looking at him with pity but unable to stop. "Tell me did they fake it like I did? They must have because there is no way your .. little.. friend could have satisfied them! Lord knows it never did me!" I blurted out angrily, narrowing my eyes at him challengingly. The darkening in his iris had my heart skipping a beat, and not for the right reason. He was angry! "That's your problem, Charlotte; you have never known your danm place." He grinned manically, taking a step toward me before I had a chance to react; he pulled me non to gently into an alcove of the garden, hidden by the white Jasmine vines. "But that's ok; I will teach you now!" He breathed into my ear as he slammed my che-st against the stone wall, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving me unable to cry out even if I wanted to. Gripping my hands again, he yanked them above my head, holding them together with one of his large hands. "I can smell your arousal!" He moaned into my ear huskily. Despite my compromising position, my body was throbbing, desperate for attention! I wanted to scream at Mike, to tell him the wetness between my thi-ghs wasn't for him but leftover remnants of my time with Knox last night. "I know that you, Lottie, will always be MY who-re!" Hearing the familiar sound of his zipper, I knew what was coming and as much as I hated to admit it! I wanted it! LEARN_MORE https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&u Galaxy in the Story https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/ 1,425 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 befant.com IMAGE https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12849&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452379621_1661645344626663_3099883609232702660_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZELZPJhRd7UQ7kNvgFv16Bm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AKJCL12zMi1CfmwG2cWLkDR&oh=00_AYDvMDeCme95PwDu0BmQvr3_sVMbixzRNoldMnIVjOm-og&oe=671CDB0B PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Galaxy in the Story 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 20:52 active 1672 0 VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/scandiselectofficial Scandi Select https://www.facebook.com/61565931771367/ 5 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram Profile 0 instagram.com CAROUSEL http://instagram.com/scandiselectofficial 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462699664_536275239098137_6865601836547948504_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-jWDCRSuCsUQ7kNvgEi7RVp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5dxPj1sRpoAp0DDtQQr_vm&oh=00_AYA-Scal9E5P31orsgDLIjmyrlAWRkzhAeBhi8Fbr997kA&oe=671CC77F PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Scandi Select 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 20:52 active 1672 0 3 more days to enter our giveaway!!! VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/huggiesbabywear huggiesbabywear https://www.instagram.com/_u/huggiesbabywear 0 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram profile 0 instagram.com VIDEO http://instagram.com/huggiesbabywear 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/428162891_407301468488459_1183092696937586652_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=7fff4e&_nc_ohc=RkL-yAEEV5oQ7kNvgGyAvOT&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCm2Jj0Qb4aURCqnAFd1vtaVqAICNa771vYWLpWs2xdmA&oe=671CB626 IG_ADS_IDENTITY 1 0 0 huggiesbabywear 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 20:05 active 1675 0 Read next chapteršŸ‘‰ ā€œPresident, look at your ex-wife’s social media platform!ā€ "Leaving the capital has nothing to do with me!" "In the photo, she is holding a child who looks very similar to you. Doesn't it matter?" He immediately dropped the document and rushed out! ============= Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom." Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?" Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. He was something to see now. "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. What? He was on his way out? At this hour? Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late." Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up." With that, he headed for the door. "Mitchel." Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. "What's the matter?" There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?" Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today." Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. Mitchel was the man in the picture! So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. "Hello!" It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks. At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel? Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?" The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?" "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. "You know what, forget it!" The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. They were talking about her as if she were an object. Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?" "Yes." "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her." Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..." Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. The woman was indeed Lauren! Absence made the heart grow fonder! Every word drove a knife into her heart. Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. "Raegan?" Chapter 2 One-sided Love Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!" Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it." Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?" Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. In the elevator. Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Several employees were chatting inside. "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back." "And who is that?" "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!" "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?" "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!" Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. The love was one-sided. "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?" A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?" Raegan said nothing to that. Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool." Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself." "You..." Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?" It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..." Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &35& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e Loving reading https://www.facebook.com/100093132009618/ 22,810 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.moboreader.net IMAGE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=791750052879575&rawadid=120213204520470758 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461675883_1540509473244201_1298772473933605481_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sn_rI7TOVAwQ7kNvgGyT2fn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AWl8ojK0rlKCgs_m0kZbSwJ&oh=00_AYCcLo-GTkTOl7fSaYRy6kW8FcVCEuViS6AsgyfMXo2VyA&oe=671CCA95 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Loving reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 🌶 Clique para assistir a este show šŸ‘‰ Ela Ć© a aluna curvilĆ­nea bolsista, constantemente atormentada pelo quarterback rico e popular. Mas, numa noite, depois que ambos beberam um pouco demais, ela acabou sentada no colo dele—e foi aĆ­ que tudo deu uma virada inesperada. INSTALL_MOBILE_APP Galatea TV https://www.facebook.com/61552321595349/ 54,697 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Install Now 0 DCO Exclusively on GalateaTV 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463968902_556578680189258_789842984317881937_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nZW0J26LHEsQ7kNvgFg-QoD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ATejOf7Mveeg5K3SDOMaJe9&oh=00_AYB6Gp3W3Vqcu2YRnKp4lBdqmQHZ_tiv2vFxPf5hAnPzAA&oe=671CBDCF PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Galatea TV 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-10-21 19:21 active 1673 0 Up to 44% Off Good Vibes "These gummies turned me Cali-sober" BATCH 🄦 gummies give you the stress relief you're looking for without the downsides of alcohol. SHOP_NOW https://go.hellobatch.co/exp101 Hello BATCH https://www.facebook.com/batch.by.whs/ 4,980 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shop Now 0 go.hellobatch.co DCO ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø 700+ Reviews https://go.hellobatch.co/exp101 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459141775_1238274980504166_8062177680513653161_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YCwrNA-X0IwQ7kNvgFSQb_z&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AHV35oj0oGmA_OFlWEkfv4U&oh=00_AYDjU2bxqfu6BMQLVW4g6tDOY2bSdvahR9I7lvd5j6wJ3Q&oe=671CAC48 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Hello BATCH 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-10-21 20:04 active 1675 0 šŸ”žAttention! Do not read in publicļ¼šŸ‘‰ 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 her 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." a maid’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. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please 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 dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid 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." The maid 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." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 226 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 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/t39.35426-6/459411208_1258250018863804_8286901278172568485_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M6db5kF-XqIQ7kNvgFw_WKm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANWZ6fjHuMgeZ4PZGtvYunH&oh=00_AYBuTApiK5glO3J4a6rGZtWor0ugb0jH_VIZIn3X1S5VPg&oe=671CAFDF PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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