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2,347,467	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 15:27	active	1721		🍃We’re Live! Welcome to Mischievous Flavors 🍃 Hello Mischief Makers! After months of crafting, curating, and perfecting, we’re thrilled to officially launch Mischievous Flavors, your new go-to for infused and non-infused treats, skincare, and specialty sweeteners. Designed for those who value quality, discretion, and a touch of indulgence, our products elevate your day, one flavor at a time! From our signature infused whipped honey to luscious body butter, Mischievous creations are rooted in quality and intent. We’re here to redefine wellness, making it both playful and healing. To celebrate, we’re hosting an exclusive launch giveaway on Instagram! One lucky winner will receive a Mischievous prize pack that includes our Whipped Honey, Honey Candy, and Mischievous Body Butter – the perfect combo for some serious self-care vibes. How to Enter: 1⃣ Follow @MischievousFlavors on IG 2⃣ Like this post & tag 3 friends who need some Mischievous in their lives 3️⃣ For an extra entry, share this post in your story and tag us! Giveaway ends:11/11/24 Open to U.S. residents only Dive into Mischievous Flavors by exploring our full line-up by following us here on IG. Whether you’re here for a gentle wellness boost, a little sweetness in your day, or something special to unwind with – Mischievous Flavors has you covered. Let’s make some mischief! 🐝 🍯 #infusedhoney #infused	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/mischievousflavors_	mischievousflavors_	https://www.instagram.com/_u/mischievousflavors_	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	IMAGE		http://instagram.com/mischievousflavors_	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/393184058_3153089908333147_2378296588361790889_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=o_AtxZYHOmsQ7kNvgHkF8fW&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAMF-bQt60_w604EUXLvIl1iZV9SkENNBe1Go8jCDP-QA&oe=673062BF	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	mischievousflavors_	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,352,982	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2352978}'	No	2024-11-05 16:27	active	1724	😍Read the next chapters👉	Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office. Today was the first time I went to his company. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that they’re finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from losing my baby lingered, even though it had been a long time since that accident. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijah’s world — his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijah’s ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized I’d dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And that’s when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijah’s ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. “You remember Serena, right? She works here now.” I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. They’re just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldn’t cheat on me, would he? All this time, I’d remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. “So why are you here?” Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. “Your mom asked me to deliver this,” I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didn’t. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that he’d never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. “Sophia, you look shaken up. Didn’t you know Elijah hired me to work here?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Apparently, we make a great team. Funny, I don’t recall seeing you here before.” She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, “Oh, right, you don’t know anything about business. You might just mess things up.” “I take care of our home,” I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldn’t even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, “Next time, Sophia, just contact me and I’ll have my assistant come over.” "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijah’s secretary came in. “Alice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,” he instructed. “Just black for Serena. No sugar.” Serena’s eyes lit up. “Hey, you remembered!” she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. “Of course.” I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldn’t help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. “Join us, Sophia,” Serena invited with a devilish grin. “Just like how we used to hang out together in college.” I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. “I have to go,” I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. “I’ll see you at home.” Elijah’s expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after losing my baby. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. You’re the one who keeps hoping he’ll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband’s mother Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldn’t seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. I’m back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained — the papers I’d prepared before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 The divorce agreement was written after I accidentally lost my baby. During that time, I couldn’t even look at Elijah’s face without thinking about our baby. The pain was unbearable, so I believed divorce was my salvation. Looking back, preparing the divorce agreement was not a mistake, now that leaving was my only option. My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morgana’s voice outside. “Sophia!” she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. That’s when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full of disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. “Elijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,” she said with a scoff. “You can’t even be relied on for such a simple task.” Her words cut deep. “When you first came to our house carrying a baby in your belly, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,” she continued. “Then you had lost your baby and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, “My son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.” Sure enough, she already knew that Serena worked at Elijah's company. She asked me to deliver the papers today just to make a fool of me. The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I don’t deserve this, I thought sourly. It’s time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers I’d hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. I’ve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, I’d always seemed invisible to them. I’ve been obedient, helpful, and hardworking… But no one cares. Not even my own husband. I’m nothing to him. He doesn’t love me and he never learned to. That’s the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or I’ll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadn’t realized I’d already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasn’t, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. “Hey, playing hard to get, aren’t you?” he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didn’t have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. “When did Serena start working at your company?” I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didn’t stop what he was doing. “Not sure. Probably recruited by HR.” His lips traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally, the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. “Serena is such a talented addition to our team,” he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn’t believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. “You know,” he said, oblivious to my disappointment, “she's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.” Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gaze—a kind of infatuation—that he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He’s probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn’t want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didn’t answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’ve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought you’d snap out of it, but you’ve only gotten worse. It’s depressing to even see you.” I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldn’t even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. “Maybe it’s because of the baby we lost…” he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, “Why don’t we just make another baby?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didn’t understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury I’ve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesn’t get it. Or maybe he just doesn’t care. I was totally pissed off. And that’s when I blurted it out. “I want to divorce you.” CHAPTER 3 I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another — strangers who’d been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. “I want a divorce,” I repeated, keeping my voice steady. “I’m serious.” Slowly he nodded. “Yes, sure,” he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. I’m going to be free. And yet somehow, I didn’t feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth — he never loved me at all. He’s not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. It’s time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. “We should sign this,” I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. “Elijah, please,” I whispered, making sure my voice wouldn’t break. “Let's end this.” His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didn’t sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serena’s name, making my heart tighten. I can’t believe this woman’s timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didn’t want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. “Why don’t you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.” He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings — relief, frustration, anger, sadness. “I’m finally free,” I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, “The morning’s almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.” With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. “Sorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.” Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesn’t matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. “You know what? It's actually quite nice,” she said, her tone almost mocking. “Elijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!” Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. I’m done here. I’m done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after I lost my baby, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. “Luckily I hadn’t sold it,” I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: That Elijah! You have no idea what I saw! Elijah was out partying and flirting with that Serena, which he never did with you! My heart sank, anger and sadness clouded my mind as I realized he was indeed getting back together with Serena and flaunting her around. Forcing back my tears, I told Kayla: It’s over between me and Elijah. We were divorced. CHAPTER 4 “Aaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!” Kayla hissed. “If I had known he’d treat you like that, I wouldn’t have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldn’t have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!” Being the daughter of Raven Media’s renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. “You should have seen them at the party last night!” she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. “They didn’t even care that I was there! They were just… Aaahhh! I really couldn’t take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!” “Oh, wow,” I uttered in disbelief. “But it’s over now, Kayla. I’m doing my best to move on.” Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. “I’m always here for you, Sophia. You know that.” “Thanks so much. I’m really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,” I responded with a fluttering heart. “Well, you’ve always had my back even in high school. So now it’s my turn to return the favor.” Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. We’d hit it off at once, and the rest was history. “Anyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesn’t deserve you, Sophia,” she went on. “So what are you planning now?” “Well, I’ve been giving it some thought…” I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. “A few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in France—” “You did not!” she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. “This will surely be your big break!” I laughed. “I haven’t been accepted yet, you know.” “Oh, but you will be!” Kayla’s enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijah’s name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kayla’s eyes narrowed when she saw it too. “Go ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.” As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijah’s sharp tone of voice on the other end. “You filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!” “Wait, what do you mean?” “You know I’m busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!” Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. “I’ll talk to Troy.” “Good. Make sure he doesn’t come back again ever.” Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldn’t speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. “Sorry I have to go now, Kayla,” I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved to after my adoptive father Tom Bennett passed away. He’d left me the original house where he’d taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. They’d bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. “What did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!” Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. “It was never going to work out,” I said, trying to maintain my composure. “Just please stop bothering him. We’ve cut our ties. You can’t ask for anything from him anymore.” “Oh, man!” Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. “Did you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!” Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. “When I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. I’m guessing there’s a third party involved! People who don’t know better would think that woman is his wife!” CHAPTER 5 My heart felt like it would explode any time now. “It doesn’t matter,” I eventually said to Troy. “It’s none of my business now. I don’t care what he does with that woman or with whomever.” Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, “We’re definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!” “But…” Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. “Elijah and I are over. Besides, I’ll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijah’s wealth, then now you won’t have any more need for me, right?” They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. “All thing that you swindled out of my ex-husband’s pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,” I went on in a steady voice. “We don’t have to see or talk to each other ever again.” On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this drama’s taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadn’t fully recovered since the loss. “Could you please take me to the hospital?” I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. “Are you okay? You look like you're about to faint,” he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. “Oh, wait! It’s you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?” I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. “Uh, Daniel?” I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. “Yes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.” I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. “How are you feeling now?” Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. “A little better, but still kinda dizzy,” I answered honestly. “Thanks for the assistance, but it’s okay if you have somewhere to be. You’ve already done too much for me.” “Oh, it’s okay,” he said with a smile. “Unless you don’t want me here.” “It’s nothing like that, of course!” I quickly replied. “Thanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while I’m here.” “Well, I’m all ears. People say I’m a good listener.” I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, “I don’t really know you, Daniel…” “You know my name. That’s a start.” His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. “I remember… Daniel Pierce…” I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. “High school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.” He laughed. “You’ve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too — the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.” I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. “You’re joking!” “No, it’s true… Really! I’m sure you’ve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?” He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. “Good-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.” “Oh.” His expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry to hear that.” “You know, it's been a rough few months,” I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. “I'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.” Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. “And then I lost my baby...It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?” He nodded in understanding. “I’m so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. I’m sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?” “Yeah, starting anew in a foreign land,” I answered, thinking about my application in France. “Hmm… sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. “It takes courage to make such a big change.” I smiled weakly. “Actually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.” Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Paris…” My jaw dropped. “What? I’m planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!” He looked at me with astonishment. “What are the odds, huh? Looks like we’ll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.” I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. “That’s really… something else.” “Surely you’ll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?” “The Latin Quarter, of course. I’m looking at an apartment there, since it’s where most students live.” Daniel chuckled. “And it looks like we’ll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “Who knows? Maybe we’re destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Let’s fly together. I mean, if that’s alright with you?” His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. “Thank you, Daniel…” Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. “Miss Sophia Bennett?” she informed me. “Your test results are here.” CHAPTER 6 Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. “Well, Sophia,” he began, his tone measured, “the results are in. Congratulations to you both.” I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. “You’re going to be parents. Congratulations!” the doctor added. I’m… pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. “Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy, Sophia,” the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didn’t know what to say either. “Let me drive you home, Sophia,” he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and I’m supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it won’t have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I don’t have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s just all too sudden. But I know that I’m going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrived—I had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a week’s time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. “Call me when you get there!” she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured me. “I'm here. We'll do this together.” His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, You’re my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed past—the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was it—the start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. “Looks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,” he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. “Just remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.” I rolled my eyes. “I'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.” He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. “I'm just saying, you’ll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!” I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. “Oh, shut up.” We both laughed. He added, “You need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.” “Oh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?” Daniel grinned. “Hey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.” I playfully nudged him. “I think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.” He appeared pleased with that statement. “Fair enough,” he answered with a teasing smile. “But you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.” I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. “Come on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.” As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. “Hello?” I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. “Who the hell is this? Where's Sophia?” a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband."	LEARN_MORE	https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	293	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	thebvhwysgng.com	DCO		https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=12887&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/457252105_8286090871453554_3969448954990082224_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VzwmY4xqA88Q7kNvgFBuMSB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-uYmY7SdSRQBIxLtHjWr61&oh=00_AYAL1fpyS0nNhFukxvfwCEC-WfkSS3CH9jOjzUfNIu0WiA&oe=673083DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,348,557	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 15:38	active	1721		🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉 No matter where you are in your songwriting journey (from "just getting started" to hit-maker status), I'm giving away THREE copies of "The Hit Songwriter Accelerator"—a masterclass on what I feel powers hit songs. (Note: This isn't the course to "write a pretty good song that gets one million Spotify streams." We're going for more.) Making a course was something I never thought I'd do—but I wanted to assemble all this information to help accelerate careers (including our new signings). With more than 50 on-demand lessons, this course is for serious songwriters ready to fast-track their careers (in my opinion, maybe by three to five years). Normally priced at $397, it's packed with expert strategies and tools I've learned from signing and working with hundreds of hit-makers and amazing artists. There's also an entire section on elevating your own beliefs, identity, and mindset—which is truly an overlooked area and what I've found to be so vital. How to Enter: 1️⃣ Follow @_benjamingroff 2️⃣ Like this post Competition closes on December 1st, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (Los Angeles time). The winner will be contacted by @_benjamingroff ONLY. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older to enter. Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram. Terms and Conditions: https://www.benjamingroff.com/competitions #Competition #Contest #Giveaway #Giveaways #Prize #Songwriters #SongwritersOfInstagram #Songwriting #SongwritingTips #Win	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/_benjamingroff	Benjamin Groff	https://www.facebook.com/61563217934286/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	IMAGE		http://instagram.com/_benjamingroff	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465599741_914150590636582_1539674381565516545_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5cvSFLQ8tNQQ7kNvgEVLXXP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AEyeTPcR6chiA16-nvsdEN9&oh=00_AYADIrpPjqbycDEsDx3hcjYBszeUyeh4nHHbxP4fN3crDg&oe=673070DA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Benjamin Groff	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,347,744	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2348283}'	Yes	2024-11-05 15:29	active	1721		⭐ GIVEAWAY ⭐ As Veterans Day approaches, we’re honoring our heroes with a special giveaway! We’re partnering with Brick’s Smoked Meats Brandon to give away ELEVEN $25 gift cards. If you are a Veteran or you would like to nominate a Veteran, please leave a comment below with a heartfelt story about their service and commitment! Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. on November 6. Eleven winners will be selected via random draw and notified via DM by Brandon Exchange on November 6. Giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners must be a U.S. resident of legal age, and must live in the Tampa/Brandon area.			Brandon Exchange	https://www.facebook.com/BrandonExchange/	37,724	1969-12-31 18:00			IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465620186_2238653319825848_6033537476614830232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4YjXFIuEBC8Q7kNvgHmr_AJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AYBqXeUMUFz6OENaB0o5pD-&oh=00_AYBQJ7PgthrLrbEV1upXO8Y6OUlKfOPxvlieh3GxxbNA-w&oe=67304CBE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Brandon Exchange	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,347,955	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2347956}'	Yes	2024-11-05 15:31	active	1721			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/texastoolequipment	Texas Tool & Equipment	https://www.facebook.com/texastoolequipment/	2,342	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/texastoolequipment	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465671158_2231189580584484_4912643718388131366_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fn7XBLbv9lgQ7kNvgF_yLx4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-jhMNnK_PZ2l_8mNIFd3ZX&oh=00_AYBrBb7Y7u5MkrUiRBHV2_SD1K6sCFETn_bhaYzb8MzYoQ&oe=67304B7A	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Texas Tool & Equipment	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,347,666	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 15:29	active	1721		🖤Inland Empire🖤 #inlandempire #whatsupinlandempire #inlandempirewire #inlandempirebusiness #ie # cityofchino #cityofperris #cityofriverside #cityofmorenovalley #larosanoir #giveaway #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #flowerwall #flowerwalls #flowerwallbackdrops #flowerwallbackdrop #floralwall #floralwalls #floralwalldecor #latinaownedbusiness #latinaowned #flowerwallrental #weddings #weddingwire #socalevents #socaleventplanners #eventcommunity	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/la__rosa__noir__	la__rosa__noir__	https://www.instagram.com/_u/la__rosa__noir__	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/la__rosa__noir__	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/373265178_270733785826296_6084553722673377280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=W2zsrAEZj78Q7kNvgHhsvW3&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYBYmyz48Z22XT9WWLSr6ufAk2U5135Dtw9SEIkLCp_WrA&oe=6730754B	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	la__rosa__noir__	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,347,712	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2347711}'	Yes	2024-11-05 15:29	active	1721	Guitar Center		SHOP_NOW	https://www.guitarcenter.com/Black-Friday.gc	Guitar Center	https://www.facebook.com/GuitarCenter/	1,702,033	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	guitarcenter.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.guitarcenter.com/Black-Friday.gc	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465772470_7990035204430229_3465721546804514396_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y6eUHrTWY3QQ7kNvgH8a3il&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AtgczPhCPyoHfGi94Zc4x3f&oh=00_AYDZpJeVAKyy5_Qq03dYGhTv64l2sWvEbi67RYJcCu1wfA&oe=67304ABE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Guitar Center	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,350,265	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 16:06	active	1723	Read next chapter	On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the dug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a dug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. Pgnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bld test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j*k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a sap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	733	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120212784602530604	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463729815_566960342379094_7276504291152178151_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rWAzTu7rVUsQ7kNvgFmBbMT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMMiDmVJzs1D-Dfer3cc63P&oh=00_AYDBc_wciKIQ9iDK7wuwHCNjrvUzD8kjUjzwJEM9Leo2eQ&oe=67305696	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,349,206	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2349205}'	Yes	2024-11-05 15:45	active	1722	Best Independent Film Winner Verdigris – Join Us for the Screening!	Join us for an evening of impactful storytelling with the award-winning film Verdigris! Follow the unexpected bond between Marian and Jewel in this moving tale of friendship and resilience.	LEARN_MORE	https://celticjunction.org/event/verdigris-film-sc	Celtic Junction Arts Center	https://www.facebook.com/CelticJunction/	6,053	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	celticjunction.org	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://celticjunction.org/event/verdigris-film-screening/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465544828_1503556800296897_1626609195833248323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lMAdC3RFFhgQ7kNvgGiS_kw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A13ot824ZFImzp96jFz_r46&oh=00_AYD_FTZuMyWODJ-pVBBrbLFdRPEw71OjXT8z0EHdfmqH9Q&oe=67304475	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Celtic Junction Arts Center	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,349,491	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2349485}'	No	2024-11-05 15:48	active	1722	💖😍one click to continue FREE reading👉	"Is this real? Alaia?" I saw the minister entering the meeting room. A deal with him guarantees our company will be recognized worldwide—something I have worked on for years. But next to him was… her, my ex-wife. I watched her walk in, dressed in a fitted black suit, with her hair perfectly styled, and wearing jewelry that could cost as much as one of my apartments. I walked towards the minister without taking my eyes off the woman beside him—who disturbed me as she showed no emotion upon seeing me. I tried to follow the conversation, but it was impossible. The only woman present has all my attention. The minister begins to introduce the people in the room, his companions until we reach her. "Garnett, this is Alaia Russell, the heiress of T-World, an important American telecommunications company headquartered in the UK.” Alaia. It was the same name but her surname was different. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr…” She calmly reached out her hand. "Garnett,” I clarified, taking her hand and looking into her eyes. Those eyes were and weren’t those of the poor girl that I once left behind for a woman of wealthy status. Alaia released her hand from my grip and walked to sit in one of the chairs at the table, next to a young man accompanying her, completely ignoring my presence. My eyes drifted toward her. She was far from the girl I once knew. She seemed like someone entirely different who had decided she didn’t want anything to do with me. --------- The Child is Your Mini-Copy Nick "Hey, Nick!" Will tapped my shoulder, grabbing my attention. He probably spotted another blonde with big breasts. I shook my head to release the tension in my neck, ignoring him, but he continued. "I just saw two kids who look exactly like you in one of the lounges," he said excitedly. I pretended not to hear him. There is a big possibility that someone resembles me, but then what's the big deal, right? "The girl looks like a princess, and the boy was quite the charmer. They're like miniature versions of you. There was something special about the girl; she reminded me of someone, though I can't quite place who at the moment," he said, shaking his head. "And the boy is like a mini version of you. He is always frowning like you!" I looked at him confusingly, slightly puzzled about what he was saying. "Yeah, just like that!" He pointed at my forehead, and I felt compelled to change my expression. "Where are they?" I asked, not exactly sure why I was asking. Before I realized it, the question was out. Will started walking towards one of the airport's waiting lounges, and it was as if my feet had their own choice because I followed him. "They were right there.” He pointed to a now-empty row of seats. The gate attendant was already closing the boarding door for one of the flights. “It seems they've already left.” He ran a hand through his hair. I glanced back at the empty lounge, feeling an inexplicable desire to see those kids. "Let’s go; we need to be in Los Angeles in half an hour,” I said, feeling a strange sensation. I turned to address our return flight issue. "I need the plane to take off in less than half an hour,” I ordered, checking the time on my wristwatch. The delay in my trip irritates me. "I apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Garnett," the woman behind the counter said kindly, looking embarrassed. I waited for her to speak—anticipating bad news— and massaged my temple. "Your plane cannot take off; apparently, there has been a mechanical issue that needs to be inspected before the flight can be authorized. The inspection will take a few days. You can speak with your pilot; he's on his way.” I exhaled in frustration. A few minutes later, my pilot arrived and confirmed what the woman just told me. He also informed me that we'd been placed on a flight leaving for Los Angeles in half an hour—in first class, of course. After spending the next thirty minutes organizing some details for the proposal we'll present to our new and exclusive client, we were called to board the plane. We entered and had to walk through the economy class section. My ears were assaulted by the cries of a couple of children, and I grimaced, eager to get out of there as quickly as possible. "Adorable,” Will mocked. "You know perfectly well that I don't like kids,” I grumbled and continued to our seats in first class. "I know, I just feed off your reaction every time there's one nearby. But, you know, it was a bit odd how interested you were in seeing the kids I mentioned earlier,” he said with a grin. "I don't even know why I followed you; it's ridiculous.” I settled into the comfortable seat, exhaling and feeling relaxed as the silence enveloped me. An hour later, despite the setbacks, we landed in L.A. I just wanted to get home and take a relaxing bath before heading to the office. Tomorrow, we have an important meeting that will mark the before and after for the company. A deal with this client guarantees our company will be recognized worldwide—something my grandfather and I have worked on for years. I arrived home. Will has gone to his apartment before heading to the office. He's my cousin, almost like a brother. We grew up together, went to the same university, and his father—my uncle—is a partner in the company, but it's Will who represents him. "Good afternoon, Marshall,” I greeted the man in charge of our house. He's an older and trustworthy man who refuses to retire despite being old enough to do so. His wife also works for us; she's an excellent chef. "Good afternoon, Nick. Welcome.” He stepped aside to let me pass. Another worker took care of my luggage as I headed straight to my room. I took a bath and got ready to go to the office. I needed to meet with my grandfather; he insisted on a meeting, so today he'll have ten minutes of my time. Once I was ready, I left my room. I was planning to grab a quick lunch, but before I could go downstairs, I heard my dogs barking, which was unusual since they usually stayed at the country house. I went down to see them barking at Barbie, my wife. "Stop!" Barbie yelled, frozen in place while Marshall held the dogs back to prevent them from lunging at her. "Damn dogs!” she screamed furiously. “What are they doing in my house, Nick?” She placed her hands on her hips. "I don't know. Marshall?” I asked Marshall as my two Siberian Huskies—Beast and Cupcake—started wagging their tails, shifting their attention from Barbie to me. "The renovations at the country house have started, sir. The staff went on vacation because of that so they brought the dogs before leaving.” "And why wasn't I informed of this?” I spat angrily as they shouldn't leave without my permission. "I did inform you, sir. Unfortunately, the staff's vacation schedule isn't something you usually pay attention to.” I looked up to see Marshall, who gazed at me calmly. I'm sure he must have told me at some point, but I didn't give it any importance. "Fine, hire someone to take care of them while they're here and keep them away from Barbara, for obvious reasons,” I ordered as I approached the dogs and greeted them. "Are they staying here?” Barbie huffed. “You know perfectly well that those dogs hate me.” She pointed at them in annoyance. "You don't like them either," I pointed out, standing up. "Just keep those furballs away from me,” she snapped, walking towards the stairs, but before going up, she stopped halfway up the stairs. "I'm leaving for Europe tonight; I'll be back in a week.” Then she continued to go to our room. I left the house after and drove to my office. When I arrived, I listened to my assistant as she gave me a full report of what happened while I was away. "Thank you, you can go,” I said to Kathe as soon as she finished. She stood up and walked out of my office. "Nick." My grandfather entered. My relationship with him isn't what one would expect between a grandfather and grandson; we've never gotten along well. My mother and the company are what keep us in contact. "Grandfather." I straightened up in my seat and clasped my hands on my lap. "I just found out about the meeting with what could be the most important client in the history of Garnett Morgan & Co. I'm surprised it wasn't you who told me.” He seemed annoyed. "There's always someone to inform you of what's happening here; I don't need to lift a finger for you to find out." I looked at him with no emotion. "You're an insolent boy; you know I like that, a worthy representative of our family.” He maliciously smiled. “This weekend is your mother's birthday; make sure you're there. For some reason, she loves having her arrogant son at home; it'll make her... happy, he said the last word in disdain. I made an annoying gesture with my mouth. "You know perfectly well what would make my mother happy, but you decided to deny her that. Don't try to make me believe you care about her happiness,” I said acidly, hearing him laugh. "That ball is in your court now, son." I moved my neck to release the tension. “It's up to you to take care of that, but it's clear you haven't called your shots," he said, mocking me. “Make sure everything is ready for tomorrow's meeting. Get your cousin there on time; you know punctuality isn't his strong suit, especially when he's tangled up with some skirt—which isn't bad. But he needs to be on time. This is an important meeting.” Those were his last words before leaving me. THE NEXT DAY. I waited for Will at the entrance of the building where we'll have the meeting. I asked him to arrive 30 minutes early, but as usual, he was 10 minutes late. Fortunately, I made sure we had 20 minutes to get in, which was enough. I saw him adjusting his tie as he walked toward me. "Shall we?” he asked, looking relaxed, and entered the room before me. I swallowed my complaints and just followed him. After passing through three security checkpoints, we continued our way. We arrived at a large meeting room where we could already see several people, whom we greeted. We still have time before the meeting starts but then my phone rang. It was my mother. "Mother,” I greeted, looking out the window at the trees and some birds. "I imagine your grandfather has already told you that I'm having a celebration for my birthday next weekend. You don't need me to tell you that you can't miss it. I called Caitlyn and had her cancel her trip to the Middle East to be here," she seriously said. I could imagine my sister being very upset about having to cancel her trip. I exhaled, not looking forward to my mother's gatherings with her unbearable friends. "Fine, Mother, I'll be there, though Barbara won't. She's leaving for Europe tonight.” "Of course, she'll be there, dear. I've already spoken to her; your wife will be here for my birthday." Just then, I heard several people entering the meeting room. I turned and saw the minister. Next to him was… her. I let my hand drop, ignoring whatever my mother was saying on the other end of the line. I watched her walk in, dressed in a fitted black suit, with her hair perfectly styled, and wearing jewelry that could cost as much as one of my apartments. I closed my eyes and shook my head, thinking it was a figment of my imagination. I opened them again to find her smiling kindly at the minister's companions. "Is this real?" I wondered "That girl reminds me of... " Will stared at her intently. So, it was real; she was here. "Garnett.” The minister approached. I walked towards him without taking my eyes off the woman beside him—who disturbed me as she showed no emotion upon seeing me, making me think that she might be someone else and that I was mistaken. However, the resemblance was uncanny. The minister greeted me. I tried to follow the conversation, but it was impossible. The only woman present has all my attention. He begins to introduce the people in the room, his companions until we reach her. "Garnett, this is Alaia Russell, a representative of T-World, an important American telecommunications company headquartered in the UK. Alaia. It was the same name but her surname was different. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr…” "Garnett,” I clarified, taking her hand and looking into her eyes. Those eyes were and weren’t those of the girl that I once left behind. "We can start.” The minister asked us to sit. Alaia released her hand from my grip and walked to sit in one of the chairs at the table, next to a young man accompanying her, completely ignoring my presence. The minister began to speak. My eyes drifted toward her. Every gesture and gaze that she makes confirms my hunch. But then she was far from the girl I once knew, she seemed like someone entirely different who had decided to pretend she didn't know me. Your Love Was A Lie Alaia TWO YEARS AGO. I was waiting for Nick for us to have dinner together. We were about to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. Our relationship was perfect. We live in this apartment near the university we both attended. He was about to finish his engineering degree, while I still have four semesters to go. I met him at the faculty three years ago when he transferred from another university. He never wanted to tell me why he transferred. It was love at first sight, I must confess, although he completely ignored me at first. Over time, he became the popular guy, the quarterback of the university’s football team, and everyone was crazy about him, including me. He was a rebel, and I was just some little girl from afar. I was 17, and he was 20. I spent the following months watching him from a distance and dreaming about him, until one day… * "Move!" Someone shouted. A huge, strong mass of flesh lunged at me, knocking me to the ground—to the wet grass of the football field, to be exact. I had just dressed up to go to a faculty party and was on my way to find my friend, Cedric. The big guy helped me to my feet, but I didn’t see him; my eyes were on my dress, smeared with mud and grass. "You shouldn’t have gotten in my way, little one," I heard the deep voice of the idiot who threw me to the ground. "Little one, yourself," I muttered angrily, shaking off the pretty dress that I had bought for that night. Suddenly, I heard a huge laugh. "You can check for yourself if you want," he replied, more brazenly than my previous statement. I looked up, and there he was, Nicholas Garnett, the gorgeous man I had been watching from afar for months. He was smiling sideways, looking more handsome than ever. "You can’t handle me," I said, raising my chin. I had no experience at all. I hadn’t even kissed anyone; I was very, very, very much a virgin, but I knew the hidden meaning of his remark so I had to carry on with it. Another laugh rumbled in his chest. "Are you sure?" He observed my face, and although he managed to intimidate me a bit, I didn’t show it. "Sure," I replied in a sing-song voice, which made him smile. "You owe me a dress. I’ll send you the bill; someone will tell me where to find you," I said, making him believe that I had no idea who he was before turning my back on him. "We can talk about it tonight at the faculty party. You can go with me," I heard him say, which made me stop in my tracks. I couldn’t help but smile to myself. It had finally happened; I had his attention. But I decided it wouldn’t be easy for him. I wasn’t like all the girls who were dying for him. I mean, I was dying for him, but I wasn’t going to show it and throw myself into his arms. "I have plans," I said and kept walking. I swear I felt his gaze on me as I walked all the way to my room. That night, he managed to find me at the party, and from then on, we were inseparable. Of course, he had to work hard to win me over. Months later, we got married in Las Vegas during a crazy weekend, just a month after I turned 18. Nick bought an apartment near the university to start our married life. * Today, I finished my classes early and ordered dinner for both of us. I know there will be some changes soon. When he finishes his studies, Nick will have to take over his parents’ company. His family is a topic we don’t discuss. Only the two of us know about our marriage, too. We decided it would be better that way so we could live it peacefully, but that will change from now on. And that is something that makes me feel uneasy. I heard the door open. I ran towards it to throw myself into my husband’s arms. He caught me, and I brought my lips to him to kiss him, but I was taken aback when he didn’t kiss me the way he usually does. "What’s wrong?" I asked with a lump in my throat when my feet touched the floor. "We need to talk.” That sentence sent shivers down my spine. He walked to the living room, and I followed him, wanting to know what was happening. Nick sat on one of the couches while I remained standing. "I want a divorce," he said in a cold tone. Suddenly, I felt my world crumble, and a pain settled in my chest, making it hard to breathe. "Wha…what?" I barely managed to ask. I took a step back. "This, what we have, needs to end today," he stated without showing any hesitation. "I don’t understand," I shook my head slowly. "My life is going to change from now on, and there’s no room for you in it. Our relationship lasted as long as it needed to. Our worlds don’t belong together," I couldn't believe he was now talking about our class differences. He never cared that my family was middle class while he is rich as fuck. He stood up and approached me. He then handed me a document. "It was good, I won’t deny it. You’re… good.” He caressed my cheek and looked at me. I took another step back and slapped him. I don’t recognize this person standing in front of me. "Who are you?" I asked, choking back the urge to cry while he touched his reddened cheek. "I am what you see. It was interesting to win you over at first, and I won’t deny that I had a good time with you. I got used to you over these two years, but I’m bored now. We’re young; we have a lot to live and people to meet. Look at it this way, I’m… doing you a favor.” The coldness of his voice froze me to the bones. "Your love was a lie. Nothing was real." I looked into his eyes and refused to cry. "It wasn’t love, exactly.” He shrugged and picked up the divorce papers. Rage burned inside me. He lied to me! He deceived and fooled me all this time! I gave him my all, but it turned out that he was a total jerk! "This apartment will be in your name. You can do whatever you want with it. Keep it or sell it, whatever you think is best, I don’t care.” With my breath quickening, I searched for a pen in the bag that I carry to university. I snatched the divorce papers from his hands and placed them on the table. I saw that his signature was already on them. With pain, I signed each page of it. "I don’t want anything that comes from you,” I said as I passed by him and hit his chest with the papers. I entered the only room in the apartment, looking for my clothes and university stuff, the only things that belonged to me, and the small gift box I was saving to surprise him on our anniversary. I snorted, feeling the knot of emotions stuck in my throat. I carried it in my free hand as I dragged the suitcase to leave the apartment. I stopped when I saw him in the living room. I thought he left already. His eyes were fixed on the box with curiosity. I pressed it against my chest and left him without looking back. Your Wedding Alaia I drove my car as I felt my heart being torn into pieces. Now and then, I would glance at the box on the passenger seat. I arrived home and grabbed my things. As I opened the door, my mother emerged from the kitchen. "Ali, I thought you were coming this weekend." My mother approached to hug me and help with my things. "What's wrong?" she asked, scrutinizing my face with concern. "Nick and I are over, Mom." She thinks we were just dating, not married. She met him accidentally a year ago when she visited me at college. I had no choice but to introduce them. "Oh, honey, how? You two seemed so happy," she said, sitting down on one of the couches in our living room "Can we talk after this?" I asked, still standing and frozen. "Of course, my dear. I understand." She came over to help me carry my things. We went up to my room. I threw myself on the bed and then I heard my mother close the door as she quietly left my room. It was at that moment that the dam broke and tears immediately came rushing out of my eyes. I allowed myself to feel everything I'd been holding in my chest. *** It's been a week since the incident with Nick. I only had to go to the university to take one last exam and stayed only as long as necessary. The semester was almost over, and I was just waiting to receive my grades. I found myself in my room, staring at the ceiling. Memories tried to corner me, but I pushed them to the back of my mind. I had to. I grimaced as I felt a small pain in my lower abdomen. I opened my eyes, startled. Then remembered that I should have gone to the doctor a few days ago. I got up, looked for my purse, and went downstairs. My mother was not home. She has worked as an accountant at a company for as long as I can remember. Her bosses have always treated her very well. They appreciate her, and for that reason, they pay for my college tuition. I just have to get good grades, and thanks to my mother's work and my father's support, we live comfortably. They are not together and have never been a couple. I don't know the details of their relationship, but he has never neglected me. He's a good father, even though I only see him one weekend a month. He's always present for special occasions. He gave me a car when I turned sixteen and keeps track of my studies, making sure I have everything I need. I have good parents, which makes me feel guilty for hiding my marriage to Nick. But I guess that's not relevant anymore. I was not married to him anymore, although the reason I was going to see the doctor right now was important, and I didn’t know how I was going to talk to them about it. I was afraid that I would disappoint them. I inhaled and exhaled forcefully as I stopped the car in front of the hospital. I walked down the halls looking for Cedric, my friend, whom Nick hated. Their rivalry began in college. While Nick was Stanford's quarterback, Cedric was Berkeley's, so we couldn't see each other often. However, I didn't distance myself from Cedric. He has always been a good friend. I met him when I first started college. He was dating a girl I met in my first semester who was my friend until she had to move out of state. Their relationship ended, but Cedric and I remained friends. "Ali," Cedric pulled me out of my thoughts. "Hi," I say, kissing his cheek. He came to see me a week ago, and I told him what happened. His hatred for Nick only intensified, and as always, he offered his support when I told him about the positive pregnancy test. "Sorry, I'm late. The practice has been taking up all my time." I know he's been very busy the last few years. "It's okay, don't worry," I said, linking my arm with his. "I already talked to my dad. He's waiting for you in his office," he explained. I nodded, swallowing a lump in my throat. "Thank you," I said sincerely. "Go on in." He pointed to the door, so I went in. I greeted Mr. Van Holt, Cedric's father, who has known me for a long time. He asked me the usual questions, and I explained that I had taken a pregnancy test two weeks ago and that it came back positive. "Get on the table," he said. He began to examine me and proceeded to perform an ultrasound. "Indeed, Alaia, you are six weeks pregnant." We looked at the screen. My heart beat fast as I saw the small spot on the screen. An unexplainable feeling invaded my chest at the same time that I felt fear. "They are twins. Here we can see both fetuses." He pointed to them, and my mouth dropped open. I was speechless. "There are two?" I asked the moment I found my voice, still unable to believe what was happening. "That's right." He smiled. I could tell that he was happy to deliver the news. "Both of them are fine. I'll give you the details of what you need to do from now on and the medications you need to take." He got up and went to the chair behind his desk while I cleaned the gel off my stomach and adjusted my clothes. I was still in shock. This day was so different from a week ago. But no matter what, I have to be a mother and a father to my babies. I will do it for them. It's not their fault who their father is. I closed my eyes, remembering Nick and his words. He won't know. They're mine, only mine. I left the office with that in mind. I thanked him and said goodbye to Mr. Van Holt. He walked me out where Cedric was waiting for us. He immediately went up to us the moment he saw us. "Everything okay? Thanks, Dad. I'll see you at home." Cedric bid goodbye to his father and walked beside me as we left the hospital. "Yeah, I think so," I replied. I was holding the ultrasound next to the pregnancy test and the vitamin prescription. He waited in silence for me to continue. "It's twins," I told him. "Wow," he said, amused. I smiled. "I know." He looked at me as he crossed his arms. I noticed something in his face. Something that tells me that something was going on. "What's wrong?" I ask, puzzled. "I guess it's best if you see for yourself," he said, taking my hand and leading me with him. We got into my car, and he was the one who was driving. We drove in silence. I didn’t even recognize the streets where we were going anymore. All I knew was that the houses were getting bigger and more luxurious as we continued on our way. Suddenly, we stopped in front of a huge mansion. I assumed we were at the back door of the house because of the structure that I was seeing. There was some movement, people were coming and going with objects. They were waiters dressed elegantly. "Come on," he whispered and took some trays from the back of a catering van. He handed me one, and I followed him, still not understanding anything that was happening. We walked around the house until we reached a large garden, which had been prepared for a wedding. Cedric hid us to the side so we wouldn't be seen, but we could see everything that was going on from there. "What are we doing here?" I whispered and he pointed to the spot where the groom was waiting for the bride. My hands started to shake as I saw who was waiting in front of the altar Cedric grabbed the tray before it fell and we attracted someone's attention. The groom turned as the woman, clad in a beautiful wedding dress, walked towards him. She was wearing a veil, so I couldn't see who it was. I turned to look at Cedric. "It's Barbara—Barbie," he explained with a complicated gesture. The images of her—the head cheerleader of the university football team—and Nick being "friends" came back to mind. According to Nick, they had known each other since they were kids. I never liked her, and she never liked me. Nick smiled as he saw her while the remains of my broken heart broke into even smaller pieces, causing a sharp pain in my chest. The beaming groom welcomed her, and the ceremony began. Feeling like I've seen enough, I turned around and moved quickly to get out of that house as soon as possible. I got into my car, and Cedric got in when he managed to catch up with me. I didn't say anything. My mind just replayed the times they would run into each other at the university, where they would only greet each other politely and show anything more. They turned out to be excellent actors. My feelings were churning, making it impossible for me to know which one was stronger. Cedric stopped in front of my house. "Are you okay? I know it wasn't easy, but you needed to see it. Nick is trash, Ali." "I know. I'll be fine. Thank you," I said and kissed him on the cheek. "You can take the car and send it later. I won't need it." Cedric nodded. I left him and walked to the house. I went straight to my room the moment I got in. "Ali, honey," I heard my mother's voice but I was too weak and tired to even answer her so I just laid on my bed and closed my eyes. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. But then I was woken up when I felt my mother shaking me up. I creased my forehead as I yawned and forced myself to open my eyes. "Yes, Mom?" I answered sleepily, looking at my phone. I was shocked to see that it was already past four in the afternoon. "Mr. Killian Garnett is downstairs waiting for you." I felt like my whole body had just woken up. I quickly sat up on the bed. Garnett is Nick's last name… -------------------------------- Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉 (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app) 💕Due to FB has a limit on the amount of text, Pls Download Dreame to read Full version 💕<LOVE ME ONE MORE TIME> on Dreame	LEARN_MORE	https://m.dreame.com/novel/717839616?auto_jump=tru	Dreame Story Here	https://www.facebook.com/100091450006035/	3,771	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	m.dreame.com	DCO		https://m.dreame.com/novel/717839616?auto_jump=true&utm_source=facebook_ads&utm_campaign=starmobicn121_Dreame_IOS_EN_oldtest_facebook_zx__6099418_HTzhitiao_1104周_A002_LM_MP102401t3_1104_6099418	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465596385_1096873045151050_9148363328216038648_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o-cB0UaAIP0Q7kNvgE_4orJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1wLusEQyJxgmMOZ6SPS2DQ&oh=00_AYBs8ynEhT1sD6EYsu_pVE-xzck_DbeYqiGgYI5ePLNgVw&oe=673078E2	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Dreame Story Here	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,347,881	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.6142857142857143,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-11-05 15:31	active	1721		ATTENTION! Win $100! Follow these steps: 1. Follow me 2. Repost this Reel 3. Like You'll be entered into Sunday's giveaway! Don't miss out! Good luck!	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/jankgymlife	jankgymlife	https://www.instagram.com/_u/jankgymlife	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/jankgymlife	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/465884529_1098600964980436_823010027656613033_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=TGG3ozapAgQQ7kNvgEa-B8a&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYA8VESSJk8s-Q-upV7_e1CW2NG4c6qfxgbQnAXXeL9nDg&oe=67305110	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	jankgymlife	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,348,879	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2348877}'	No	2024-11-05 15:41	active	1722	Dermatologist Reveals Top 5 Face Serums	As a dermatologist, I've tested dozens of serums. Here are 5 top serums that actually work. #sponsored	LEARN_MORE	https://try.inblair.com/rejuvenate/lp1	Dr. Kelly Wis	https://www.facebook.com/100078721874784/	46	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	try.inblair.com	IMAGE	Hello! Please note that this post is sponsored by Inblair. However, this was my honest comparison having used these products. Thanks for visiting!	https://try.inblair.com/rejuvenate/lp1	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428674974_765271565146752_2125526721224547230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xsmGDU3uk1oQ7kNvgEnT18f&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AHT1skXmEXRtwLQgdqh5TRm&oh=00_AYB5ZipFtwpsTUaRqsieUIgBM8woDptGmbbAevgs2N_YpQ&oe=673060AD	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Dr. Kelly Wis	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,348,914	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 15:42	active	1722	BLACK FRIDAY SALE - 50% OFF + GIFT 💕	Get fit and snatched in 15 minutes a day 🤭	SHOP_NOW	https://mykalipilates.com/products/kali-premium-pi	Kali Pilates	https://www.facebook.com/61562308409515/	2,682	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	mykalipilates.com	VIDEO	Workout Videos Included	https://mykalipilates.com/products/kali-premium-pilates-bar	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465814501_8521513244612821_1484906175556709424_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F515l3P7CtwQ7kNvgFk4lM4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOoavLVelTrjsR4kj9O67k4&oh=00_AYCH5NCkQrY_hOGDycQ0FrwG27YD7g9_Fg9ii6Rj2pMoiQ&oe=67304E74	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kali Pilates	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,349,057	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 15:43	active	1722		Kelly + Rasta + Mick at cooking Kirra… + board talk from the best in the biz. Catch it all in 2 of the Electric Acid Surfboard Test, now playing on Stab Premium.	SUBSCRIBE	https://watch.stabmag.com/electric-acid-surfboard-	Stab Magazine	https://www.facebook.com/StabSurfMagazine/	1,200,365	1969-12-31 18:00	Subscribe	watch.stabmag.com	VIDEO		https://watch.stabmag.com/electric-acid-surfboard-test	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465575883_1196877391378000_1816965621743658386_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DAvaclCR-cMQ7kNvgGE1IX_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Awg5QZy0brfDU4fQCD1sJX0&oh=00_AYAeJwv5BWl8q2f8nc2UOlbzUGfS4bZ6pPQS7oRJitF4hw&oe=6730592D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Stab Magazine	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,348,934	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-05 15:42	active	1722			INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q	Monroe Kelly Connor	https://www.facebook.com/61553215082984/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quantum.sphere.online.proxy	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465656911_933898171420991_2542921048629997487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-mnqxMd_syEQ7kNvgG4Ux7o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_T4J8Yfba_CYe-RGfOfyl_&oh=00_AYBuiGnWmxh2td9Ke6miFfocPHBWlPpAvGhp2-3DjwhrsQ&oe=67304D5E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Monroe Kelly Connor	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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