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đRead the next chaptersđ | Chapter 1 Millie Jordan was about to experience what a woman would go through if she were abducted by a group of perverted kidnappers. A dark cloth was tied over her eyes and her mouth was taped shut. She shivered in a corner like a frightened animal. Her body was littered with cuts and bruises all over. The rope around her neck was only less than three feet long. If she moved any further forward, the rope would tighten around her neck, making her unable to breathe. She'd tried struggling many times before, but she always ended up breathless and blue in the face. Her voice was hoarse, and her throat hurt. She simply couldn't get away. She could hear the abductors angrily cursing at her outside the door. They had tried forcing themselves on her just now, but she fought back and bit one of them harshly in the throat. She'd bitten him so hard that his laryngeal bone nearly broke and she nearly knocked him down. That was the reason why she was beaten half to death and locked up in a corner like this. They had even spiked her. She didn't know what was going on outside the door. The boat she was on suddenly crashed hard against something, and she was thrown to the ground in a heap from the impact. There were loud gunshots and people screaming. Finally, everything fell eerily quiet. The door was suddenly kicked open with a loud bang. Millie could hear the sound of heavy boots slowly approaching her. She curled into a fetal position. She knew what was coming next. She was going to lose her mind as she begged the person to take her, over and over again, no matter what kind of person he was. But she couldn't do that. She couldn't do such a thing behind Stefan's back. Just then, the tape on her mouth was cut off. She could finally talk. "D-Don't touch me! S-Stefan won't forgive any of you! I'm his girlfriend⌠He's already on the way, he'll come and save me, he's coming very soon!" "Stefan won't be coming." The newcomer's voice was deep and hoarse. It was different from the other abductors who had brought her here. Maybe this was their leader. "No, he will be coming! He won't leave me behind!" Stefan had been abducted first. Millie was the one who came alone with the ransom for his release. However, the abductors had only agreed to release him if she took his place instead. And because she wanted to protect the person she loved, she agreed to take the risk. When Stefan left, he told her to wait for him to return with help and bring her home safely. He'd even warned the abductors that if they dared to harm a hair on her head, he and his entire family would never forgive them. That was why Millie firmly believed that he would return to save her. The leader of the abductors didn't say anything. Instead, he played a recording for Millie. "I gotta hand it to you, Ste, I never thought that Millie would exchange herself for you. I've transferred the bet of ten million bills to you." "We all know that Millie is Ste's lapdog. Sure, Ste got abducted for real, but he doesn't need her to save him. They'd never actually dare to harm him." "Alright, alright. It's Wanda's birthday. Let's not bring that woman up." The last line was from Stefan Leach. His voice was soft, gentle, and melodious as ever. Millie always thought that Stefan had been gentle to her, but now she learned that he could be ten thousand times gentler than that. "That's right. It's Wanda's birthday today, and Ste booked out the entire club, especially for her. What a romantic gesture indeed!" "Ste, aren't you going to save Ms. Jordan?" "It's your birthday today. There's no rush. Come on, birthday girl, make a wish. I'll make sure to fulfill it no matter what you want." "Really? Then, I want to be with you forever!" Stefan seemed to go quiet for a short while. Then, he said in a doting voice, "Of course. I'd love that more than anything in the world." He'd love that more than anything in the world? Millie felt her body getting hotter and hotter. However, her heart felt as if it'd just been plunged into an ice bath. However, she still harbored some hope. Maybe it was just a faked recording made from various clips combined together. This was none other than the abductors' plan to get her to listen to them. "It's fake⌠The recording must be fakeâŚ" "You're simple-minded than anyone I've ever met." The leader's voice was as cold as ice. He then grabbed her chin and squeezed it. As soon as he got closer to her, Millie felt her breathing start to get ragged. She swallowed a lump in her throat subconsciously. Her heart felt empty. She was feeling the primal lust starting to overtake her senses. "Do you know what they spiked you with? If you don't have slept with a man now, you won't survived." "I don't care if I'm gone⌠Even if I did, I'd never betray Stefan!" "If he really loved you, he wouldn't want you to go belly-up even if you were already tainted. But if he doesn't love you, your effort are in vain. "You just have to handle me alone. Then, I'll let you go. I'll be the only one to touch you, and no one else, but you'll get to stay alive. The choice is up to you." The man then let go of Millie's chin. Millie was already on the verge of tipping over, and his touch was enough to send her completely over the edge. She didn't have any energy left in her upper body to reject his touches. Of course, her mind also flew out of the window as soon as he touched her. She didn't know if she was desperately grasping onto straws to live or if she was simply succumbing to the side effects of the potent love portion. The ropes were unwrapped from her body. The man picked up Millie's weak body and hooked her legs around his waist. Then, he pierced into her, wrapping her legs even tighter around him for better purchase. "AhâŚ" He forced his way into her, tearing her last defenses into shreds. "Wait, was it still your first time? Didn't you say you were Stefan's girlfriend?" The man seemed surprised. The pain seemed to have brought Millie back to her senses. She was deeply ashamed when she heard him say that. How could she have given her body to an abductor because she wanted to survive? And to think that this was her precious first time she'd been saving? Even if Stefan forgave her for this, she didn't think she was good enough to stay by his side anymore. Tears rolled down her face as the thought invaded her mind. However, the man suddenly bent down and kissed the corners of her eyes. "Relax. Otherwise, it's going to hurt even more for you," he whispered in her ear. So what if the man seemed to be gentle with her? She hated him with her entire being. She hated him for abducting her, for taking her first time, and for trying to get between herself and Stefan. As soon as she was rescued, she was going to report him to the police and have him imprisoned! With all the hatred stirring up within her, Millie bit the man harshly on the shoulder until the metallic taste of blood invaded her mouth. The man grunted in pain. Millie scrunched up her eyes, anticipating him to hit her, but the pain didn't come. Instead, he thrust even more deeply into her. Even though Millie couldn't see, she could still touch him. He was tall, built, and had a muscular body. He was most probably someone who worked out or did sports a lot. As she felt the tense muscles beneath her fingertips, Millie started to get frightened. The man ravished her over and over again for what felt like hours. She finally blacked out completely. When she woke up again, she realized that she was still in the same boat. However, she was the only one there. She was completely stripped, but her cuts and bruises had all been tended to. Clean clothes in her exact size were placed on the bedside table. Millie walked out of the cabin and didn't see a single soul anywhere about. It was as if she was on a haunted ghost ship. She desperately wanted to tell herself that everything that happened had been nothing but a nightmare. However, the teeth marks and the pain in her lower body told her that everything was real. Millie got off the boat and hailed a cab. She knew that she should be heading home to give Stefan a surprise. He must be scratching his head in despair as he thought of a way to save her. But for some reason, another address appeared in Millie's mind instead. "Sir, please take me to Verdier Club." Chapter 2 Verdier Club was a place Stefan often frequented to drink and hang out with his friends. Millie's conscience told her that the abductor had been lying to her, so she shouldn't be believing what he said. However, she just couldn't stop herself from coming over to have a look for herself. She had been with Stefan for three years and knew the private room he was often in. She rushed there at once. "You lost, Ste! So, truth, or dare?" "Truth." "Alright then. Who is the woman you love the most?" "How's that even a question? Of course, it's Wanda." "Ooh!" Everyone in the private room started to laugh and riot. Millie stood outside the door, her face turning more pale with every second. Her legs felt like lead, and her hand hung mechanically in the air. She couldn't bring herself to knock on the door. A while later, the people in the room seemed to have played another round of "Truth or Dare", and the "Wanda" from before seemed to have lost. "You lost, Wanda! So, truth, or dare?" "Dare," Wanda Lytle said, her voice as gentle as a feather. "Then find a guy in this room and kiss him deeply for three minutes!" "Don't say that," Wanda replied, feeling shy. "If you don't kiss someone, you're going to have to drink three shots of this beer!" "SteâŚ" she cried, looking beseechingly at Stefan. "Let's complete the mission." Right after that, everyone in the room started to cheer loudly. Judging from that, Millie figured that they must have kissed. Millie felt like storming into the room and tearing that homewrecker's hair out of her head. She also wanted to dig her nails into her face and scratch her eyes out while slapping the living daylights out of her. She also wanted to drag that brat out of the room, tear off her clothes, and get everyone to see what a shameless person she was. However, Millie only felt like running away. She was worried that everything she did for Stefan in the past three years would end up like a joke as soon as she rushed in. However, when Millie turned around, she bumped into someone. "I-I'm sorryâŚ" "Aren't you here for the birthday party? Why aren't you going in?" The person whom Millie bumped into spoke in a deep voice. Millie immediately lifted her head and looked up. She would never forget that voice. That voice belonged to the leader of the group of people who had abducted her! It wasn't a familiar face that she saw. He had thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, a tall nose, and thin lips. His facial features were quite prominent and outstanding. The man also wore a dark coat over his shoulders. His eyes were cool as he looked at her with a distant expression. It was obvious that this was his first time meeting her. Millie forced herself to calm down. It was impossible. Maybe they just had very similar voices. Just then, the man reached behind her and pushed on the handle, opening the door to the private room. "No!" Millie panicked. Her mind blanked out. She wanted to run, but it was too late. Everyone's eyes were on her. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the two people kissing each other deeply. Wanda realized that someone had arrived and felt shy at once, wanting to end the kiss. However, Stefan held her closer, snaking his arm around her waist, and continued deepening the kiss. The kiss lasted for three whole minutes; not a second more, not a second less. When they finally separated for air, Wanda's face was as red as a beet. She also looked shy and embarrassed. Meanwhile, Millie felt as if she couldn't breathe anymore. She didn't know if it was because she was triggered by their kiss or she just realized that Wanda looked a lot like herself. On second thought, she was the one who looked a lot like Wanda. Realization suddenly dawned upon Millie. Stefan saved her three years ago, but it hadn't been a coincidence. Stefan had long been paying attention to her before that. "What are you doing here?" Stefan's face fell when he caught sight of Millie. It looked like Millie was unwelcome at this party. Wanda's face also turned pale. "M-Ms. Jordan⌠It's not like that. I⌠I'll leave immediately." Wanda got to her feet, but Stefan pulled her back down by her hand. "Ste, you should take your time telling Ms. Jordan about us. Let me go." "I'll talk to her now." Stefan stood up and hid Wanda behind his body. "Wanda is the person I've always been in love with. It's just that her parents never agreed to our relationship and sent her abroad. I was only with you because you looked like her. "But now, Wanda is back by my side, and I don't need you anymore. Now if you're done here, get out of here and go back. Wanda is easily intimidated. Don't you dare scare her." Wanda escaped from Stefan's hold and went up to Millie. She grabbed Millie's hands and said anxiously, "Ms. Jordan, I'm sorry. But I can't live without Stefan. It's all my fault. You can hit me and scold me all you want. I'll even beg and grovel at your feet if that means you'll let us be together. I'll do anything you say!" Millie felt nauseated when she heard what Wanda said. She flung Wanda's hands away. Wanda let out a cry and fell to the ground. Millie was stupefied. She barely had any strength left, so it should never have sent anyone, let alone an adult woman, flying to the ground like this. Wanda was simply putting up an act. However, Stefan immediately pulled Wanda into his arms and glared angrily at Millie. "You've taken her spot for long enough. I've never treated you badly in the past, and I gave you everything you needed for the past three years. You've received more than what you're worth in the market, so don't push it anymore!" "My worth in the market? Stefan Leach, what do you take me for?" "Aren't you one? Don't forget that you were the one who took off your clothes and begged me first!" As soon as Stefan said that, everyone in the room burst into laughter. Some of the perverted guys in the room even started casting their lustful eyes at Millie. Millie's face turned as white as a sheet. How could Stefan talk about such private matters in public for everyone to hear? Did he do that to protect his so-called first love? "Now leave. Pack up all your things and leave the manor!" Millie wanted to talk, but nothing came out of her mouth. She was starting to feel smothered by all the sneers and mocking laughter in the room. She couldn't breathe. She turned around with a stagger and left in a sorry state. Someone spoke up after her. "Pierce, did you bring her here?" "I don't know her. I just saw her at the door and thought she was one of your guests." "You were late. Your punishment is to finish up this whole pack of beer." "I drove here. I'm not going to drink." Millie walked out of the club. It was raining cats and dogs outside. Since it was summertime, the rain was thunderously heavy and came in a flash. Millie was soaked all over. She was shivering from the cold, but she didn't know if it was from the weather or the feeling in her heart. After walking for a long time in the rain, she suddenly heard a loud whistle behind her. She turned around and saw a blond-haired man following her. Millie hurried forward, but the man kept chasing after her. "Hey, girlie! I'm calling you! Are you deaf or something?" The man sounded obviously drunk as he yelling. Millie was even more scared now. She took out her phone and quickly called Stefan. He was still the first person she thought of when her life was in grave danger. It was a long time before Stefan finally picked up. "Stefan⌠There's a drunk guy following me. What should I do? I'm scaredâŚ" "What are you calling me for? Call the police." There was a commotion on his side of the line. It sounded like they were getting ready to sing the birthday song. "Ste, come here. I want you to share my cake with me." "Alright, I'm coming." Stefan's voice immediately turned gentle again. It felt like a spring breeze that could warm anyone's heart. Then, the call disconnected. Millie froze on the spot. She forgot that there was someone still following her. The man hurriedly closed the distance between them. By the time Millie snapped back to her senses, it was too late. She was just about to bend down and grab a brick from the road to defend herself when a car suddenly flew up toward her and stopped right next to her shivering figure. The car sent a wave of dirty pavement water splashing all over the drunk man. Then, the car door opened, and a man got out of the driver's seat with an umbrella before approaching Millie. "I didn't get to introduce myself. My name is Pierce Atkinson." Chapter 3 Pierce extended his hand toward Millie. His fingers were long and slender, and he had a large palm. Millie was frozen in place when she heard his voice again. She was shocked. However, the drunk man rushed up to them just then, yelling, "Are you \blind? Did you not see me standing there? I'm going to skin youâŚ" Pierce said nothing. He handed the umbrella over to Millie and grabbed the drunk man, forcing his arms behind his back. Then, he pulled out his phone and called someone. A while later, the police officers from the nearby station showed up. "This man harassed a young woman on the street. He should be a repeat offender. Take him back to the station as a fair warning to him." "Alright, we'll take care of him," the police officers said politely before taking the drunk man away. Millie should have grabbed the opportunity to run while Pierce was busy talking to the police. However, her legs refused to budge. She was still rooted to the ground. "Shall I send you home?" "Who are you?" Millie asked in a shaky voice. "Stefan's high school friend. I'm now a jobless retiree spending my days wandering around." "Were you from the force?" Pierce nodded. Millie was surprised. If that was the case, then he couldn't possibly be one of her abductors. After all, there had to be many people with similar-sounding voices in the world. She was just being overly paranoid at this point. "The rain is getting heavier. Let me give you a ride home. It's not safe for you to walk alone." Millie wanted to reject him, but she quickly remembered what just happened and gave in, climbing into his car. Pierce gave her an impression of a cool, distant person. He didn't say a word to her after she got into his car. However, he handed her a warm rug and a bottle of water. He left after dropping Millie off at Leach Manor. Millie stared at the place she'd been living in for the past three years and felt a large hand squeezing her heart until she could barely breathe. Three years ago, the Jordans had gone bankrupt, and Millie's parents were about to be sent to prison. Millie then tried to gather enough money for their bail and even resorted to selling herself at the club, where Stefan had been her first client. Millie had been terrified then, but Stefan treated her with nothing but kindness. After learning about her struggles, he saved her parents by bailing them out and even gave them enough money so that Millie's father, Frederick Jordan, could restart his business. That was how Millie fell deeply and helplessly in love with Stefan. Stefan treated her very well. They behaved like a young couple who were head-over-heels in love with each other and often went out for movies and dates. However, Stefan had never taken it a step further with her. He said that he was the conservative kind. He once told her, "Millie, I want our first time to be special. I want to take off your wedding dress and make you mine." At that time, Millie felt as if she was on top of the world. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have found such a perfect man who treated her like a precious jewel. Nonetheless, Stefan never acknowledged their relationship in public. He said, "Too many people have their eyes on me because of my wealth and status. If they found out about our relationship, they're only going to make it hard for you. And I'd never want anyone to hurt you if I could help it." She believed him. But now, she understood that everything he said had been a joke. She was merely a replacement for someone else. Stefan had never loved her in the first place! Millie stared at her sorry self in the mirror. Cuts, bruises, and markss were littered all over her body. She closed her eyes bitterly. She'd given in to the abductor only to learn about Stefan's true colors. Had it been worth it after all? She put on a dressing gown and came out of the shower. She planned to leave after applying some medication to her injuries. However, the door suddenly opened. A drunk Stefan then staggered into the room. He looked dissatisfied to see Millie still inside. "Why haven't you gone?" His voice came to an abrupt halt. Suddenly, Stefan was wide awake. His eyes turned red with anger as he stormed toward Millie. Millie quickly put on her clothes so she wouldn't accidentally expose herself to him. However, in the next second, Stefan yanked the collar of her shirt and hollered, "What is this?" He glared at the bite marks on her body and looked like his eyes were about to pop out from their sockets. Millie only laughed bitterly with tears in her eyes. "Stefan Leach, what do you think is going to happen to a helpless woman when she's left alone with a bunch of kidnappers?" "That's impossible. I warned them not to lay a finger on you! They'd never touch you!" "And you believed them? You believed the kidnappers? You sincerely believed that they wouldn't do anything to me?" Millie found it hilariously pathetic. She was a nobody since no one knew about her relationship with Stefan. And since he never showed up for a long time, of course, her abductors would never let her escape untouched. "Who touched you? You could have jumped off the boat, hit your head against the wall, slit your wrists⌠Of all things, how could you come back here and humiliate me like this?" Millie was stupefied. She'd thought that Stefan started out being worried about her and still felt a sense of warmth. However, she now finally realized that he only thought of her as his possession. And now, because she'd survived the abduction, he told her that she was nothing but a humiliation. To think that her life wasn't even worth his ego! Right at that moment, Millie's heart hurt so much that she felt suffocated. "What if it was your beloved Wanda who'd been abducted instead? Would you also want her to slit her wrists or drowng herself orâ" Slap! Stefan had slapped her harshly across the cheek before she could even finish her sentence. Millie was slapped so hard that she saw stars in her eyes. She felt nothing but pain on her cheek. Her head had also been forcefully turned to the side. "How dare you curse at her like that?" Millie swore that her heart broken at that instant. So, his beloved Wanda should never go through such experiences, but he couldn't care less if she did? Millie pushed Stefan away and said, "Stefan Leach, we are over." Then, she turned to leave. "Stop right there! You can leave, but you must return everything you own that was bought with my money!" Millie stopped in her tracks. There was nothing valuable in her suitcase. She'd only brought with her the daily necessities and a few changes of clothes. However, all of them had been bought with Stefan's money. "Now! Take off those clothes!" Stefan screamed at her, his eyes a dark, scary abyss. Stefan used to be warm and gentle to her. Yet now, he was screaming at her like a demon. "StefanâŚ" "Or, you can beg me to let you keep them," he said, looking down at her in disdain like he was her ruler. Millie had always been docile and obedient, listening to everything he said. She should know what to do next. Millie bit on her lower lip until it started bleeding. The metallic tang immediately flooded her senses and caused her stomach to lurch with nausea. Her face was as pale as a sheet. However, she didn't stop taking the clothes off her body. Gradually, her beat-up body was completely exposed before Stefan. Stefan had initially managed to get his temper under control. However, as soon as he saw the marks on her body, he burst into anger again. Stefan had never had slept with Millie for the past three years. However, even if he refused to touch her and abandoned her afterward, nobody was allowed to pick up after him and touch her nonetheless! Stefan grabbed Millie's chin and tried to kiss her, but Millie hurriedly turned her head away in disgust. His anger then erupted like a volcano. "So, they can kiss you, but I can't now, you filthy brat? Did they touch you here? Here? Or here?" Stefan started feeling Millie up, letting his hands wander down to her sensitive part. Millie suddenly felt utterly disgusted. It hadn't even felt this disgusting when she was forced to do it with the abductor. It was only when Stefan touched her that truly felt revolting! She continued to struggle, but her strength was no match for Stefan's. She was thrown onto the bed like a ragdoll. "Why would you pretend to be some innocent maid when you're with me? I'm going to â" Before he could finish his sentence, Stefan's eyes suddenly turned glassy as his pupils constricted. Something warm, wet, and sticky started dripping down his neck. Millie had grabbed the flower vase on the bedside table and slammed it against the back of his head. Stefan's lips trembled. Then, he blacked out before he could get the last words out of his mouth. Millie had no idea what he was about to say. She then pushed him aside and hurriedly put her clothes back on. It wasn't until she finally reached the exit that she asked the household staff to go up and check on Stefan. Then, she grabbed her suitcase and walked out into the dark of the night, trembling in fear. Suddenly, she caught sight of a car waiting at the gates. It was Pierce's car. Chapter 4 Pierce was on the phone with someone and didn't notice Millie coming out. "Alright, I'll go shopping with you this weekend. I'm driving now, so I'm hanging up. Okay, I'll do whatever you say." Pierce gave off the impression that he was a tough guy who spoke his mind in an assertive way. However, he was now speaking gently into the phone with a ghost of a smile. Suddenly, he didn't look too intimidating anymore. He was most probably talking to someone he liked on the phone. Since he used to work with the law, he upheld it and didn't drive while talking on the phone. Millie looked like she'd just seen her savior. She hurriedly knocked on the driver's door. Pierce frowned and rolled the windows down. "What?" "I'm hanging up now. Something just came up. You can do whatever you want to me next time." Pierce seemed like he was trying to pacify the other person on the line before he hung up. Then, he stayed inside the car while looking at Millie. He didn't unlock the car doors either. "What's the matter?" "Can you please take me to a hotel? It's not easy to hail a cab here, and it's not safe for me to go alone." Millie felt even more unsafe now in her current situation. Her hair and clothes were a mess. She'd even done two of her buttons wrongly. However, Millie didn't seem as if she was aware of her clothing situation. She just kept looking back behind her. "Please," she begged, on the verge of tears. It was only then that Pierce wavered and let her into his car. After taking her to a hotel, Millie then realized that all the money she had in her pocket belonged to Stefan. She wasn't thick-skinned enough to use it, so she looked back at Pierce once more. "Um⌠Can you please pay the room charges for me? I'll return the money as soon as I can!" Pierce walked up to the counter. "Three days. Just three days' worth of charges is enough. Thank you," Millie said gratefully. After making the payment, Millie made sure to exchange contacts with Pierce so that she could return his money afterward. "Can you come up into the room with me?" Pierce was just about to leave when Millie called out to him, stopping him in his tracks. He immediately turned back and looked at her with a frown. Displeasure showed in his eyes. Millie immediately knew that he'd misunderstood her. He thought that she meant something else with what she just said. She quickly shook her hands at him and said, "It's not what you think. I just⌠I just want to know about the relationship between Stefan and Wanda. I want to know when they met, why they broke upâŚ" "I don't talk about other people behind their backs." With that, Pierce turned and left. His cold demeanor made it hard for anyone to like him. Millie blushed and then turned pale. She felt guilty when he spoke to her like that. She made her way to her hotel room in a disgruntled manner. However, she just couldn't fall asleep. Maybe the Leach family would report her to the police. Maybe she'd get arrested in the middle of the night. She just didn't know. Since she couldn't fall asleep, Millie grabbed her phone and started scrolling. She suddenly caught sight of a tiny, inconspicuous news article header. It said, "13 Wanted Suspects Nabbed at an Abandoned Port." Millie tapped on the header with shaky fingers. She saw the photos of the suspects and the boat she had been taken away in at once. These suspects were repeat criminals who were wanted for smuggling, kidnapping, and human trafficking. They always remained in the open sea and had been insanely hard to nab. However, thanks to the cooperation of the police and navy from many nations, these suspects had finally been caught. Millie stared unblinkingly at one of the suspects in the photo. Although she didn't know what the leader of her abductors looked like, she knew what his body felt like. And there was only one person in the photo who had a tall build, nearly six feet tall, and a muscular body. It had to be him! Millie thought back about her frightening first experience and shivered all over. She continued scrolling down the news article and saw the photo of a few policemen who were applauded for their work. There were a few plain-clothes officers who didn't show their faces. So, the photograph only showed a handful of the regular officers from Arbelton. She'd even caught sight of Pierce's face in the photo. Had this been his final mission before he retired? The news article did not elaborate on Pierce's position nor the cases he handled in the past, so Millie had no idea at all. She just clicked around on the few highlighted keywords in the article and realized that Pierce had come from quite a sophisticated background after all. He turned out to be the heir to the Atkinson Group! He was on par with Stefan's family, if not richer and more powerful than them. Pierce only had a younger sister in his family. Today was the day that Pierce officially took over the management of Atkinson Group, his family business. Many people commented that Pierce wasn't fit to take over the group because he had been serving the country for far too long and didn't know anything about managing a business. Millie felt her head spinning as she took in all of the information. There had been too many things happening to her in the short span of a day. In the past, her eyes had only been on Stefan. She never paid any attention to the things around her. Yet, today had been the day a storm blew over Arbelton. The same could also be said about her life. Millie managed to make it through the night half asleep. She thought that the police would come knocking on her hotel door the next morning, but nothing had happened so far. It was only then that she finally managed to fall into a fitful sleep. She felt a man's perverted hands roaming all around her body in her dreams. The man then slid his arm around her waist and pistoned deeply into her. He didn't leave any expanse of her skin unkissed. "Ahh!" Millie woke up with a scream. She was covered all over in cold sweat. It had only been a dream. Or a nightmare. Millie sighed in relief. She then looked at the time on her phone and realized that it was past noon. There were a few missed calls, all from the sanatorium where she volunteered. She quickly called them back. "What's wrong, Ms. Hudson?" Bianca Hudson was the nurse whom Millie worked with. "Bill refused to eat again today. He kept asking for you. We're all about to lose our minds." "How's his condition now?" "He's not taken a bite since noon. He's fast asleep now though because he got tired after making a huge fuss." "Okay. I'll be there in a while." "Alright. I'll prepare lunch for him again then. He'll probably get his appetite back when he wakes up and sees you later." Millie washed up and changed into fresh clothing before hurrying over to the sanatorium. The sanatorium where she worked was a costly, luxurious one. The old folks who lived here all came from rich families. Stefan's grandmother, Agnes Brown, used to stay here for a while. Back then, Millie often visited her at the sanatorium on Stefan's behalf. Agnes liked her very much and often told Millie that she would regard Millie as her granddaughter if she couldn't be her granddaughter-in-law. After staying at the sanatorium for a year, Stefan's uncle finally brought Agnes abroad to live with him. Now, Millie could only talk to Agnes through video calls. However, Millie had already made it a habit to visit the old folks at the sanatorium every weekend. She liked being with the old folks and spending time with them. When Millie finally arrived, Bianca was busy entertaining Bill. "You lied to me! She never came in the morning, so she's not coming in the evening either. I'm not eating anything! I'll starve to death!" "I didn't lie to you. Look who's here? Didn't I tell you she'd be here?" Bianca looked at Millie as if she was her savior. "I'll take it from here." Bianca handed the plate of food to Millie before hurrying out. "Why haven't you been eating your meals regularly?" "Why have you lost so much weight?" Bill asked in response, looking at her with concerned eyes. Ever since that incident, nobody had ever shown any concern for her or asked her how she was doing. Millie couldn't believe that the first person to console her was Bill, an old man whom she wasn't even the least bit related to. Millie felt her nose tingling. Her eyes turned red as tears started rolling down her cheeks. "Who was the one who treated you badly? Tell me. I'll teach them a lesson!" Millie tried her best to keep her tears under control. "It's nothing. I just finally broke up with a brat. I'll be fine after a while." "You've broken up?" Bill's eyes lit up at once. "That's wonderful news! My grandson will finally have a chance!" Bill immediately grabbed his phone and made a call. Millie couldn't manage to stop him in time. After he was done with the call, Bill held her hands and said, "My grandson is good at everything. However, his only problem is that he keeps everything bottled up and doesn't express himself well. You just need to be more forgiving about his terrible temper." While speaking, Bill suddenly felt short of breath. His heart condition was acting up again! Chapter 5 Millie was shocked. She hurriedly called for the nurses at once. Bill had just been eating a second ago, but now, he was being wheeled into the emergency ward. Meanwhile, the sanatorium also hurriedly called Bill's relatives to inform them of the matter. Millie waited anxiously outside the ward. About an hour later, someone arrived in a hurry. "Officer Atkinson?" "What are you doing here?" Pierce frowned when he saw Millie. Bianca hurriedly explained, "She's a regular volunteer here, and Bill loves her the most. He's been complaining of shallow breathing lately and often wakes up in the middle of the night. We never thought his condition would suddenly relapseâŚ" Pierce didn't bother chatting with Millie and continued asking about his grandfather's condition instead. It was only then that Millie finally learned of Bill's full nameâBill Atkinson. Bill was later wheeled into the operating theater for an emergency operation. He was only wheeled out four hours later. By the time Bill finally stirred, it was already nighttime. The doctor said that Bill's condition didn't look optimistic. Also, since he was so old, his heart was getting weaker and weaker, and his time was almost up. Even with the best medicines and most advanced technology, they would only be able to prolong Bill's life by a year at most. The next morning, Bill finally regained consciousness. He spoke in a weak voice, "Am I⌠dying?" "Bill, the doctor said that your health is improvingâŚ" Millie wanted to tell Bill a white lie, but Bill stopped her. "You're a good girl, Millie. But I know my body, so you don't have to lie to me. I don't have many time. But that's alright. I'm old and wrinkly now anyway, and I've lived long enough." He then coughed a few times and said, "Pierce, come here." Bill called Pierce over and took Millie's hand, placing it in Pierce's palm. Millie's first instinct was to withdraw her hand, but to her surprise, Pierce grabbed hold of her and didn't let her leave. His dark eyes landed on her body. Millie felt as if her soul was being sucked into his deep, dark eyes. "Millie is a good girl. A nice young lady. Don't let her down." "Okay." Millie was stunned. She looked at Pierce suspiciously. She was just about to retort when Pierce discreetly grabbed hold of her wrist. "Marry her." "Okay." Pierce's voice was calm and unbothered. Millie couldn't tell what he was feeling from his tone. "Then hurry up and register your marriage. Let me pass away in peace." "We'll register our marriage immediately." Pierce and Millie went out of the ward. Pierce then said, "Ms. Jordan, I'd like to ask you to play along and register for a fake marriage license with me. We'll visit him together sometimes to make him happy. I can pay for your trouble. Just tell me how much you want." Millie felt her heart beating quickly when she heard these words from him. She'd suddenly thought of a way to exact revenge on Stefan. And that would be to get together with his best friend, Pierce. As soon as the idea popped into her head, it wouldn't go away. Her eyes turned red as she looked up at Pierce and said, "I want you to marry me for real." Pierce frowned deeply when he heard this. He looked at her for a long time, the abyss in his eyes swirling the whole time as he took her in. "That's impossible. Since we can't come to an agreement, we'llâ" Before Pierce could fully turn Millie down, however, Bianca ran out exclaiming, "Mr. Atkinson Senior is throwing up blood!" Bill was wearing the oxygen mask once more. He kept mumbling, "Marry⌠Marry Millie⌠Let me rest in peaceâŚ" Pierce watched over Bill until his condition finally stabilized. It was only then that he heaved a sigh of relief. By then, Millie had also calmed herself down. She watched as Bill fell into deep sleep and felt sorry for him. She must have been out of her mind! How could she use the marriage as an excuse to get revenge? Whatever, she was fine with putting on a show anyway. She'd do anything to make Bill happy. "Pierce, about thatâ" "Okay. Let's get married." Millie was stupefied. "You want to get your revenge on Stefan, don't you? I'll help you." Millie felt her mind draw a blank. "But⌠But IâŚ" "What, you're not interested in getting back at Stefan anymore?" Millie stood up straight and replied, "Of course, I still am! Let's get married then. I've got nothing to lose!" Pierce had been the one who saved her the last time, so he would know everything she had been through. And she had nothing to lose but everything to gain if she married a powerful person like him. Most importantly, her marrying Pierce would make Stefan uncomfortable and drive him into a frenzy. Just thinking about the expression on his face was already worth it. Millie then signed a contract with Pierce. They were both to stay married to each other for as long as Bill was alive. And in return, Millie would also get one million every month as her pocket money. They went to the city hall to register their marriage. Millie still couldn't believe it even when she was holding the marriage license in her hands. Did she just get married in a flash? What was Stefan going to do if he found out that she'd married his best friend? Stefan was a specifically possessive brat, after all. Nobody was allowed to pick up after him, even if he didn't want it anymore. So, what about now? Millie showed the marriage license to Bill. Bill was simply delighted. "You both have to live together now! Bring Millie to go look for a suitable house and make sure you renovate it according to her liking, understand?" "I understand." "Alright, you both should get going now because Mr. Atkinson Senior needs to rest. You can visit him once a week. If his condition worsens, we will alert you immediately. "It's crucial that Mr. Atkinson senior stays in a positive mood more often. Who knows, his heart condition may improve and he might end up living for up to three more years! It's all up to the both of you now!" Pierce and Millie left. As soon as they were gone, Bill sat up in bed, dropping the vegetative act, and pulled out the glucose drip from the back of his hand. "It looked real, didn't it? When I acted like I got a heart attack earlier? My acting was so good that my grandson didn't even notice anything amiss although he has a keen eye for such things. I'm good at this." "Yes, Mr. Atkinson Senior. You also scared us all half to death! We really thought your health was in trouble!" "That brat wouldn't have settled down if I hadn't done this. He's old enough now, and yet, he still refuses to find a nice young lady to start a family with. He drove me crazy for years. "Still, he managed to make it. I can't believe Millie also coincidentally broke up with her ex. Haha, I did the right thing! Millie is a real gem!" ⌠Pierce first brought Millie to his home. As soon as she stepped foot into the house, she felt that Pierce was a cold person. Everything in the house was in muted cool colors. Although the sun was shining brightly outside the window, Millie felt cold and chilly inside the house. She couldn't help tugging her clothes a little more tightly to herself. "I'll transfer the money into your card in a while. This is my supplementary credit card with no credit limit to it. Use it to get whatever you want." Pierce had always been generous with his money. He wasn't financially lacking anyway. Millie didn't reject his offer. It was better for her to have money on her at all times. After washing up and changing into some new things, Pierce brought her out for dinner at a pasta house. They got a table on the second-floor balcony that had a close-up view of the lake. Then, Pierce excused himself to the bathroom. When he came back, he told Millie, "Stefan is in one of the private rooms in there and we bumped into each other just now. He insists that I grab a drink with him. Do you want to come with me?" Millie wanted nothing more than to show up with her arms around Pierce's and take in Stefan's reaction. However, she chickened out. "I'm not going." "Then, I'll go there for one drink and come back. You can start eating first if the food arrives. You don't have to wait for me." Millie nodded. However, things didn't go quite smoothly after that since the waiter accidentally spilled her drink on her clothes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do it. Can you please not complain to my manager? I'll lose my job if that happens." "It's fine. I'll just use the bathroom for a while." Millie didn't purposely make things hard on the waiter. She just went to the bathroom to try and get the stain out. When she came back out, she caught sight of Wanda walking toward her with a few of her friends. They were actually heading for the private room in the back. "I heard that Mr. Leach is going to propose to you. How big do you think the diamond is going to be?" "It's Mr. Leach we're talking about! It's got to be at least a 14-carat diamond ring! Don't forget to invite us as your bridesmaids at your wedding!" Wanda just smiled shyly, her face full of happiness. Meanwhile, Millie kept her head down and thought of leaving in another direction. However, things just didn't go as she pleased. They called out to her and stopped her. "Oh, how could she come crawling after Mr. Leach like a lapdog?" Chapter 6 Upon hearing that, Wanda glared at her friend before taking Millie's hand with enthusiasm. "Ms. Jordan, you must be here to give me your blessing, right? I knew you weren't a petty woman. I would rather receive your blessing than the blessings of hundreds of others. Only your blessing will make me happy." Wanda's eyes sparkled innocently. What a fake woman! Millie snapped, "Don't put words into my mouth. I'm here for lunch. I had no idea Stefan would be here." She was about to leave, but Wanda grabbed her arm and wouldn't let go. Wanda even shed a few tears in sadness. She lamented, "You still refuse to forgive me, right? I know I wronged you, and I'm willing to do anything to make it up to you. How about I go down on my knees?" Before Millie could speak, Wanda shakily went on her knees while sobbing, which attracted the attention of customers at the restroom. Infuriated, Wanda's friends went up to help her up from the ground. One of them yelped, "Why did you get down on your knees? You did nothing wrong. She was the mistress! She took your place and enjoyed what should have been yours for three years. How could you be manipulated by her?" "Yeah. I'll call Mr. Leach here to speak up for you." One of the ladies ran away in a hurry. Soon, Stefan showed up at the scene. Without so much as taking a look at Millie, he quickly pulled Wanda into his arms and wiped her tears away with a crushed expression. He asked, "I heard from your friends that Millie was giving you trouble and forced you to bow down before her. Why are you so nice? She doesn't have the right to make you do that." Then, he shot a furious look at Millie. Wanda could not speak clearly between her sobs, which only fueled his anger toward Millie. Millie watched the debacle impassively. It wasn't her fault. She tried to leave, but Wanda deliberately held her back. All Wanda wanted was to stir up drama. Millie scanned the crowds but could not see Pierce anywhere. She wondered where he went. "Mr. Leach, she followed you around. When she heard you were proposing tonight, she came here to ruin it." "Millie Jordan, are you done or not?" Millie checked out the back of Stefan's head. There seemed to be a patch that could not be seen from the front. He probably just suffered from a surface injury. Although he bled a lot, he did not suffer a deep tissue injury. She assumed that Stefan was too busy with Wanda to give her any trouble. She explained, "I had no idea you're dining here, not to mention the proposal. Wanda went on her knees willingly. I never told her to do that. "If there's nothing else, I'll go back to my lunch." When she walked past Stefan, he grabbed her hand. "How dare you lie? I want you to apologize to Wanda and never show up in front of her again." Speechless, she argued, "Why should I apologize to her?" "Apologize to her. You took her place and enjoyed what should have been hers for three years!" Millie's breathing grew uneven. She felt like someone had stabbed her in her heart when she heard his words. She did not date him intentionally. He was the one who lied to her. She wasted three years on him like a fool. Did he not have a conscience? Of course not. He and Wanda were heartless and complicit. "I did nothing wrong! Let go of me! I'm here to have lunch!" "You need to apologize!" She struggled with all her might, but Stefan grabbed her wrist so tightly that red marks started forming on her skin. He grasped her wrist as though he was trying to crush it. In support of Stefan's attack, Wanda's friends helped pin down Millie and forced her to apologize. "Ste, don't do this. She made things difficult for me because she loves you too much." "Wanda, you're too kind. Why would you speak up for your bully?" Stefan and Wanda shared a tender gaze. In the meantime, Millie started biting the people around her, scaring Wanda's friends into releasing her. She slapped Stefan and Wanda, who happened to be standing next to each other. The sound echoed through the space. Wanda cried loudly after she was slapped. Anger brewed in Stefan's eyes. Like a beast, he lifted his arm to return the slap. Judging from his strength, he might hurt Millie badly with that one slap. Millie had nowhere to run to. She was trapped in his grip. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the pain, only to hear Stefan barking angrily, "Pierce, what are you doing?" She opened her eyes in fear. Pierce had grabbed Stefan's hand before pinning it against Stefan's back. Stefan finally let go of Millie's wrist due to the pain. Pierce's subtle moves were not lost on Millie during the altercation. She noticed that he had held her and shielded her behind him. "You're really something, aren't you? I'm surprised you'd beat up a woman." The passersby immediately cast judgmental looks at Stefan after hearing Pierce's remark. After all, it was very unbecoming of a man to hurt a woman. "Pierce, whose side are you on? Didn't you see how she bullied Wanda? Let go of me, or I'll be really mad at you." Pierce finally released Stefan. He clarified, "I checked the security footage. Wanda and her friends started it all." "I thought Millie was here to give us her blessing, but little did I know she followed Ste to the restaurant because she wasn't over him yet," Wanda retorted with a made-up story that sounded plausible. "Do you have evidence?" Millie said icily. "A restaurant is a public space open to all. I'm here with my new boyfriend." As she did not explicitly name Pierce or act intimately around him, he looked like nothing more but a random good Samaritan for the time being. Honestly speaking, she wasn't sure if Pierce would risk a fallout with Stefan for her sake. "What a joke! You should learn how to lie better. Did you really get yourself a new boyfriend right after Mr. Leach dumped you?" One of Wanda's friends jeered, and the others cackled disdainfully in unison. Only Stefan put on a serious face. He asked, "Who's your new boyfriend?" He believed in Millie's words because he'd witnessed her craziness; there was nothing that woman wouldn't do after she gave herself to her abductor. Millie instinctively stopped Pierce when she realized he was about to take a step forward. Frowning, he turned around and gave her a puzzled look. Wouldn't she want him to stand up for her? Was she worried about upsetting Stefan? The thought made him upset, and the light in his eyes dimmed. He stood there without a word. On the other hand, Millie did not think much of Pierce's reaction. She'd long given up on Stefan. All she wanted was to play a game with him and hide the fact she married Stefan's good friend for now. She wanted to keep Stefan guessing, and she bet he'd look into her boyfriend's identity with obsession. He'd be so tortured when he couldn't get any information on her boyfriend, at the same time beset by doubts. "Anyway, my new man is hotter and taller than you. He has the Golden Ratio, and he sports an eight-pack. Most importantly, he's better in bed than you." "Millie!" Stefan seemed angered and concerned because people started giving him funny looks. Only he alone knew that he had never slept with Millie. Wanda bit her lower lip. "D-Did you sleep with her?" "I didn't. Wanda, trust meâŚ" While sobbing, Wanda ran away looking heartbroken, and so the fight ended as a farce. The crowds gradually dispersed. The smile returned to Millie's face after she won this round against Stefan and Wanda. At that moment, she heard Pierce asking, "How do you know I'm great in bed?" | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=13364&ut | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 831 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=13364&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/455134537_3910489159275942_3624702527298037073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BhCQ96oq3qMQ7kNvgHSl3UP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-uYmY7SdSRQBIxLtHjWr61&oh=00_AYAKYAWk7B5MgX-pY-JgNmSc0S_145sl5zcp9siqty0P6w&oe=6730552D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-05 15:43 | active | 1722 | 0 | Dr. Amanda Kelly, CEO of @firefly_autism is on the pod as our season 2 opener! This non-profit organization is incredible and has helped so many families here in Colorado find a home and community for their autistic relatives and children when they felt completely lost and helpless. The gut-renching and heart felt stories that I have heard from these families is enough to make anyone want to help in any way they can. We are so proud and honored to have Dr. Amanda Kelly on the pod to tell us a bit of her story and journey to becoming Firefly's CEO. Don't miss this Wednesday! #autism #womeninbusiness #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #help #community #communityfirst #growthmindset #helpmindset #letsgo #giveback #givebacktothecommunity #podcasting | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/unbuttonedceo | Unbuttoned CEO | https://www.facebook.com/61559625822444/ | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | VIDEO | http://instagram.com/unbuttonedceo | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465774645_1081621103343085_6866928817504139652_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MuZQleCs2J0Q7kNvgHSHN9I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AKDF_UCXSGOTCJLrtdRsdW_&oh=00_AYBsAthQdM-1RXMSlC7RcVsxiQ6qIWVX4riJgUNEO4VXkg&oe=67305AEA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Unbuttoned CEO | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/taklalaw | Takla Law | https://www.facebook.com/taklalaw/ | 290 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram Profile | 0 | instagram.com | CAROUSEL | http://instagram.com/taklalaw | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465222447_1766510494178090_24455021608565116_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DH33QK-0nR0Q7kNvgELhqPs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=APyWjWEAGJlJjwbGD192x9w&oh=00_AYAvETEHSvD9vGvbQlUg9sf-f6SjcqCeRQ3gpTtUNzMA_w&oe=67305FAD | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Takla Law | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đRead the next chaptersđ | At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls. Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before herâher husband whom she had spent a year waiting for. Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife and equal to you." "Calling her that doesn't change anything. Ultimately, sheâs really just a concubine in disguise," Carissa replied, remaining indifferent. Barrett frowned. "What does it matter? Aurora and I developed feelings for each other on the battlefield. We earned this marriage through our achievements. I donât need your approval." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Developed feelings, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett had left to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before leaving, he had lifted his wifeâs veil and promised her, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Feeling awkward, Barrett turned away. "Forget what I said. When I married you, I didnât understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory." Talking about the woman he loved, his eyes softened and filled with deep affection. He turned back to Carissa and added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply. I hope you'll agree to this." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite feeling a mix of disgust and unwillingness, she still asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict. Besides, Aurora is straightforward, cheerful, and lovable. She visited my mother a while ago." They agreed? Hah... How ironic! Everything Carissa had done over the past year had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting her brow. Barrett spoke of Aurora Yates with a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother. Sheâs made her very happy. Even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was seriously ill. I brought in the best physician to treat her. I managed the estateâs affairs by day and stayed up nights by her bedside. It was only because of this that her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was stating the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa pressed her lips into a thin line as she blinked away the tears in her eyes and sharpened her gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need for that. Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. Sheâs a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. She wouldnât want to meet you," Barrett refused instantly. Carissa retorted, "What kind of women do I know? What kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of a noble family. My father and my six brothers died on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "But you're a delicate woman suited for the comforts of home. Aurora has no respect for such women. Sheâs straightforward and unrestrained. If she meets you, she might say things you wonât like. Why put yourself through that?" As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under the corner of her eye became more evident in the light. She calmly said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?" Chapter 2 Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, youâll be in separate wings. She wonât compete with you for control of the household. She doesnât care about those things.â âDo you really think Iâm attached to managing this household?â Carissa countered. Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrettâs mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligationsâall these things required money. This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running. And this was her reward. âEnough, I wonât argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,â said Barrett, his patience wearing thin. As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter. âMy lady, my lord was too much!â said Lulu, Carissaâs maid, wiping her tears away. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, why would we stay in this house any longer?â Lulu held her forehead and gasped. âBut your mother arranged this marriage, and your father wanted you to marry and have children.â Tears finally welled up in Carissaâs eyes at the mention of her parents. Her father had stayed loyal to her mother, never taking a concubine. They had six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to the battlefield. Three years ago, none returned from the Southern Frontier. Though she was a girl, Carissa came from a family of warriors and started training as a child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where she also learned military strategy. When she returned home at fifteen, she learned her father and brothers had died a year earlier. Her mother, who had gone blind from crying too much, held Carissa close and said, "You must live like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. Youâre the only child I have left.â Carissa felt like someone had gouged her heart out. The pain she felt was so intense she couldn't even bring herself to cry. Determined to please her mother, she spent a year mastering the traditional values and duties expected of a noblewoman. She also learned accounting and how to manage a household. Not only was Carissa the Marquis of Northwatch's daughter, but she was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep. Her mother had chosen Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another wife if he married Carissa. But six months ago, tragedy struck. All the residents of Northwatch Estate were murdered. No one was spared, not even the children or servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered. Carissaâs youngest nephew had been only two and a half years old, born after the death of her third brother. The local authorities and garrison unit captured a few of the assailants. After further investigation, they were discovered to be spies from an enemy kingdom, Westhaven. The war at the front line was raging, yet these spies didn't hesitate to reveal themselves just to annihilate her family. The manner of the murder suggested it was more of a personal vengeance than anything else. When Carissa received the news, she rushed home, only to find her grandmotherâs and motherâs gruesomely dismembered bodies. Blood stained every corner of the residence, and the dead were left in agonizing states. Now, Carissa was the lone survivor of the marquis' family. The idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. They saw her merely as a delicate, fragile woman. However, Aurora was different. She had earned military merits for her contribution to the war and became the first female general in history. Even the queen dowager had high praise for her. With Aurora supporting Barrett, his future would be more secure. That was the reason the Warren family readily agreed to the marriage. Chapter 3 Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright." Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home. "My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed. Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissaâs mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart. "Anywhere is better than staying here." "If you leave, youâll be giving them exactly what they want." "So be it. If I stay, Iâll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affectionate. Lulu, I must live well to give my parents and brothers peace in the afterlife," Carissa replied calmly. "My lady!" Lulu wept bitterly. She had been born and raised in Northwatch Estate. The murder had claimed the lives of everyone, including her own family. The images still haunted her, and returning there seemed unthinkable. "Is there no other way?" Lulu asked desperately. Carissaâs eyes grew cold. "There is. I could confront the king and use my familyâs achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, Iâll take my own life in protest." Lulu was terrified and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!" Carissaâs expression softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Do you think Iâm that silly? If I manage to reach the king, Iâll only request an edict for an amicable divorce." Barrett was able to marry Aurora because of a royal edict. So, Carissa should also be issued an official edict to leave. She shouldn't have to sneak away like she was being cast out. The wealth from Northwatch Estate was more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She wouldn't degrade herself unnecessarily. Just then, someone called from outside, "Madam Carissa, the matriarch has requested your presence!" "Itâs Jade, Madam Rebecca's maid. It seems like Madam Rebecca wants to try and persuade you," Lulu whispered. Carissa straightened up, her expression serious. "Then, letâs go." The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The late king had bestowed the Warren family's current residence, Valor Estate, upon Barrett's grandfather. Though once prestigious, it had fallen into decline. Most of the Warren family's men were warriors who fought on battlefields. Only a few were civil servants who worked in the palace. Barrettâs father, Jonathan, didnât fare well in his official career. His second uncle, Gregory, only held a minor post in the Royal Citadel. Barrett and his eldest brother, Benjamin, were somewhat successful in the military. But before their recent victory, they were only fourth-ranked majors. Both families still lived together in Valor Estate. Splitting the family would only hasten their decline. Accompanied by Lulu, Carissa arrived at Rebeccaâs room. Rebecca's complexion looked a bit better, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw Carissa. "Youâre here." Benjamin and his wife, Amelia Morgan, were also in the room. Barrett's sister, Serena, and the other children of the concubines were present as well. Barrett's second aunt, Charlotte Lewis, was also seated nearby. However, her expression was cold and somewhat disdainful. "Hello, Mother. Aunt Charlotte, Benjamin, Amelia," Carissa greeted them politely. "Carissa, come here." Rebecca gestured for her daughter-in-law to sit by her bedside. The older woman held Carissa's hand affectionately and happily said, "Now that Barrett is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. Youâre the only one left of the marquis' family. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now." Rebecca was shrewd. She made it clear that Carissa would need to depend on the Warren family in the future, since her family was gone. Carissa pulled her hand away and calmly said, "Mother, I heard you met General Yates today." Rebecca hadnât expected Carissa to be so straightforward. Her smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Yes, I did. Sheâs rather rough around the edges and doesnât compare to you in terms of looks." Carissa gazed at her mother-in-law steadily. "So, are you saying you don't like her?" Chapter 4 Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, itâs a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isnât that nice?" "Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But itâs quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine." Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The kingâs edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, sheâs a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials canât be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you." "No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked. Rebeccaâs expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, youâve always been sensible. Now that youâve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Auroraâs contributions in this battle were greater than Barrettâs. With you managing the household, they'll be able to work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they'll surely become famous generals like his grandfather." Carissaâs tone remained chilly as she said, "If theyâre husband and wife, then I have no role here." "How can you say that? Arenât you still in charge of the household?" countered Rebecca, displeased. "I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. Iâll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her," Carissa replied. Amelia quickly interjected, "Iâm still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how youâve been managing things. You should continue doing it." Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money to support them. Most of it went towards Rebeccaâs medical expenses. Sebastian Dalton was a renowned physician, and his medicine was costly. Only a few could afford his services. Rebeccaâs medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, amounting to more than a thousand coins a year. As for the other household expenses, Carissa occasionally subsidized them. For example, she would sometimes use fabrics and silks from her familyâs business to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year. She didnât mind it before, as she had really wished to spend her life with Barrett. However, circumstances had changed. She no longer wanted to be a fool. Carissa stood up and said, "Thatâs settled, then. Iâll hand over the accounts tomorrow and wonât be involved in household matters anymore." "Stop right there!" Rebecca's face darkened with anger. "Carissa, youâre being unreasonable. Men having multiple wives and concubines is normal. If you can't accept that, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous." Carissaâs compliance over the past year had made the Warren family think she was easy to manipulate. They believed a few harsh words would always keep her in line. Carissaâs expression was calm, a stark contrast to her usual docility. "People can say whatever they want. I'm not concerned about their opinions." Rebecca was so angry that she struggled to breathe and coughed harshly for a long while. In the past, Carissa would have rushed to help her. She would pat the older woman's back and try to soothe her. But now, Carissa remained where she was. The soft evening light from the doorway highlighted her delicate, almost ethereal beauty. "Carissa, look how badly you've upset Mom," Serena said as she stepped forward. Her round, youthful face puffed with anger as she glared at Carissa. "This isnât even about you. Do you think your family is still as prestigious as it once was? Your parents and brothers are gone; you're the only one left. Aren't you afraid that Barrett will divorce you if you keep putting on airs like you're a young lady from a prestigious family?" Carissa looked at her sister-in-law, who was dressed in a pale yellow outfit that Carissa had procured for her in early autumn. Now, wearing the clothes Carissa had provided, Serena dared to question her authority. How utterly⌠unsensible of her. "Take off that dress youâre wearing before you try to lecture me," Carissa said coolly. Serenaâs cheeks flushed with anger. "I didnât beg you to get this dress for me. You can have it back if you donât want me to have it." "Fine. And donât forget the jewelry youâre wearing. I expect it all to be returned to me." After Carissa said that, her gaze swept across the room. The only one who seemed pleased with the situation was Charlotte. Everyone else looked grim. "If thereâs nothing else, Iâll be leaving." With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively. Chapter 5 The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time. She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family! âSheâll come around. She doesnât have any other choice,â Rebecca said coldly. That was true. With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasnât like she had been mistreated. - Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate. The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissaâs heart ached fiercely. Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been murdered. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and motherâtheir corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stained with blood. Memorial plaques for her ancestors and mother had been placed at the estateâs family chapel. Carissa and Lulu prepared flowers to place on the plaques, their tears unceasing. Carissa knelt before her parentsâ memorials. Though her eyes were swollen from crying, they held a determined gaze. âDad, Mom, if you can hear me from heaven, please forgive your daughter for what she is about to do. Itâs not that I donât want a peaceful life with a husband and children, but Barrett is not someone I can trust with my life. Rest assured, I promise Lulu and I will live well.â Lulu knelt beside her, sobbing uncontrollably. After they were done, they boarded a carriage and headed straight for the palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. Lulu was distressed and said, âMy lady, the king might not see you. Maybe he thinks youâre here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didnât eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up okay? Should I go get you something to eat?â âIâm not hungry.â The only thing Carissa felt was the unwavering resolve to dissolve her marriage and return home. âPlease donât be so hard on yourself. Itâs not worth getting sick over. Why donât we just let it go? After all, youâre still the rightful wife and the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife, sheâll just be a glorified concubine at best. Maybe we should just endure it?â Lulu pleaded. Carissaâs gaze was cold. âLulu, if youâre going to talk like that, donât speak at all.â Lulu sighed, feeling lost and unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some peace. But the situation had only worsened. - In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât see her. The edict has been issued, and I canât take it back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have made significant contributions.â âIf we speak of military achievements, the Marquis of Northwatch and General Sullivanâs contributions surpass all others,â Derek countered. Salvador remembered the Marquis of Northwatch, Hector Sinclair. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Carissa was a familiar face from those days, though she had been a delicate child. He still remembered her fair skin and endearing looks. Salvador had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers. When Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. Apart from his brother who was known as the Devil Monarch on the battlefield, the kingdom had no other capable generals. In the recent war with Westhaven, Dominic Sullivanâs third son had lost an arm. Dominic's seventh son had been murdered, though this had been kept secret. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants. I'll even give her a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â Chapter 6 Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?" Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce. Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements. "Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based on my late family's military merits. Please, Your Majesty, I'm begging you." "Carissa, do you know what you'll face after the divorce?" Salvador asked, a complicated expression on his face. Carissa hadn't heard Salvador call her by name in a long time. When he was still the crown prince, he used to occasionally visit Northwatch Estate. He would always find some interesting little gifts to give her when he did. After Carissa later went to Meadow Ridge to study under her master, they never saw each other again. "I do," she affirmed. There was a hint of a smile on Carissa's stunning face. But no matter how one looked at it, the smile seemed tinged with irony. "I'm sure you know the saying that a true gentleman appreciates and helps others to fulfill their aspirations, right? Even though I'm not a gentleman, I don't want to hinder General Warren and General Yates from being together," Carissa added. "Carissa, there's no one left at Northwatch Estate. Are you really going to go back there? Have you thought about your future?" Salvador asked. "I returned to the estate today to visit my family's memorial plaques. Seeing how the estate has fallen into disrepair made me want to live there again. I'll adopt a son for my father's sake, so there will still be someone to honor his memory," Carissa explained. Salvador had thought she was being impulsive; he hadn't expected her to be so considerate. "You're Barrett's legal wife. Aurora can't undermine your position. You really don't need a divorce." Carissa looked up with tear-filled eyes that were firm with resolve. "Your Majesty, that's meaningless. I don't want to waste my life like this. I'm the only one left from the Marquis of Northwatch's' family. My father and brothers lived honorably and bravely throughout their lives. I don't want to settle for a life of mediocrity." "I know you have feelings for Barrett. Are you willing to let go?" Salvador asked. Feelings? Not really. Carissa simply admired military men, and her mother had wanted her to marry and lead a stable life. That was why she had agreed to the marriage. Carissa smiled. At this moment, she looked like a strong woman who would be able to flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. "If he can let go of me, then I can let go of him," she declared. Beneath her delicate appearance, she possessed an unyielding backbone. This stunned Salvador. He had never seen such a woman before. He felt a pang of confusion, remembering the carefree little girl who used to smile all day long. Now, she was married and soon to be abandoned. To the world, divorce still meant abandonment. This was especially true in Carissaâs situation, as Barrett had publicly sought the marriage edict. Being a woman was already difficult, and she would have it even harder. How would she negotiate future marriages? There was no one left in her family to do it for her. Thinking of this, Salvador recalled Hector's merits, especially how they had saved each other on the battlefield, and his heart softened towards Carissa. "Alright, I agree. You may leave now. In a few days, the edict of divorce will be sent to the general's residence," Salvador said. Carissa breathed a sigh of relief and bowed her head. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" As Salvador watched her, he was suddenly reminded of when she was a little girl, and his heart softened further. "Carissa, if anyone mistreats you in the future, come to the palace and see me." "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Carissa bowed once again. | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459720405_1704145027090269_2250645073849330414_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GEKDmfKqEzUQ7kNvgEi5Dhe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APhYsOLVw1GEFiekE8mUCB6&oh=00_AYDN4m_5WGO_ZaPrCuOfOZNKYiHkatx0-3s1FOU-rBHr5A&oe=67304F6E | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read more FREE chaptersđ | Itâs not the first time I received photos of my husband, Owen, cheating on me. After losing my parents, I was adopted by Owenâs family. I grew up with him. We were inexplicably attracted to each other but we dared not to admit it. Until that one crazy night... anyway we got married when we were both 22. Now, itâs been three years. But Owen had been acting very strange recently. These photos seemed to explain why... I had to confront him. âOwen?â I called out. âOwen, where are you?â He didn't answer. Owen was on the phone with his friend. As I was about to knock on the door, I overheard: âNo, I donât think I love her anymore.â Owenâs words gave me icy chills. âHow could he say that?!â My heart was broken. Owen left without any explanation that night. When Owen came back he was very drunk. He started kissing me and called me Josie. I couldnât believe what I heard⌠âJosieâŚ? Were you with Josie?â I asked with panic in my voice. I couldnât believe my husband cheated on me with my best friend. Life passed, I became more and more painful. I finally got divorced with Owen. I thought there would be no relationship between us. But the appearance of Raymond gave me fresh hope for love. Raymond was Owenâs uncle. He was only several years older, but very mature. He was tall, handsome and rich. He was one of the most attractive men I knew. After living in Australia for most of his life, he had come back 10 years ago to take over his familyâs business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single. I couldnât believe such a wonderful man would confess to me. I didnât know why he would fall in love with such an ordinary woman like me? Heâs always there when I was in danger and even got injured when protecting me. But I can not accept him as his relationship with my ex-husband. Then the unexpected thing happened. My best friend set me up. When I woke up, I found myself under Raymond's sheet. âDonât be scared, Noah.â âIâll protect you.â âIâm willing to take responsibility.â âNoah, I love you.â His magnetic voice always lingered in my ears. Could I trust him? What will happen if I get involved in this forbidden relationship? | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&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/t39.35426-6/463600279_1053409966435668_5063960042783931742_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W6sqy1o5I7IQ7kNvgEn-lKx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_9kaS_ze9dk6BPd_VmcZ8p&oh=00_AYAV9UT6N2p96P84X1pDM5Sz5mG_NU27jccAD_qy5MDK1w&oe=673067DE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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William Negron's Real Estate Thanksgiving Giveaway! | This November, I am giving away 2 $50 Amazon gifts cards. It's free to enter. Just fill out the form below. Winners will be drawn on November 27th. Good Luck!! https://forms.gle/5xuBk9t4HW5YT7QA6 | SIGN_UP | https://forms.gle/5xuBk9t4HW5YT7QA6 | William Negron Realtor | https://www.facebook.com/61554452894107/ | 47 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign up | 0 | docs.google.com | IMAGE | Enter to win one of 2 Amazon $50 Gift Cards. Winner will be drawn on Nov. 27th. | https://forms.gle/5xuBk9t4HW5YT7QA6 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465642714_2851880654978022_8539986348543860062_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wo3XQCpHTv8Q7kNvgGSRnsK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6_Vf64eFYtHvIUbXZA3eYS&oh=00_AYA5_veSCHEfM5rY2NeuvQPrNBW02OCWHkFVX4MEb3ZklQ&oe=673072FC | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | William Negron Realtor | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fall Festival for ONLY $1! | Join the fun at the Fall Festival for just $1! Enjoy tennis, pickleball, and amazing deals at the UTA Tent Sale | SIGN_UP | https://letsgotennis.com/fall-festival-registratio | GoTennis Atlanta | https://www.facebook.com/gotennisatlanta/ | 6,754 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign Up | 0 | letsgotennis.com | CAROUSEL | Join the fun at the Fall Festival for just $1! Enjoy tennis, pickleball, and amazing deals at the UTA Tent Sale | https://letsgotennis.com/fall-festival-registration?utm_source=Paid&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464973857_1293996035313196_2054572430578178862_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jT9ebS7QeKEQ7kNvgH508xZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AYxzT5-GZMejcuYTq61kAKi&oh=00_AYC_L1mz1NNU4jMajcOIS9swH9PJxa8DwaYupruqUkmmZg&oe=673074B2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | GoTennis Atlanta | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." I stared coldly at my general husband, Barrett Warren, whom I'd waited for a whole year, and questioned, "Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war? huh?" On our wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted my veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Yet the first thing he did after returning from war was marry his new love!... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464949906_1070244474482905_4103505327237725079_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CzAiK1YeJD4Q7kNvgF7m3K6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_9kaS_ze9dk6BPd_VmcZ8p&oh=00_AYAP6ZZjumAuAmjOpRav9MGS_sFtoKup2Olt9Y1xlZPy9A&oe=673062E8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 16:19 | active | 1723 | 0 |
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đRead the next chaptersđ | 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 theyâre 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 Elijahâs world â 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 Elijahâs 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 Iâd dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And thatâs 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 Elijahâs 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. âYou remember Serena, right? She works here now.â I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. Theyâre just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldnât cheat on me, would he? All this time, Iâd 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. âSo why are you here?â Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. âYour mom asked me to deliver this,â 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 didnât. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that heâd never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. âSophia, you look shaken up. Didnât you know Elijah hired me to work here?â Her voice dripped with sarcasm. âApparently, we make a great team. Funny, I donât recall seeing you here before.â She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, âOh, right, you donât know anything about business. You might just mess things up.â âI take care of our home,â I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldnât even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, âNext time, Sophia, just contact me and Iâll have my assistant come over.â "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, Elijahâs secretary came in. âAlice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,â he instructed. âJust black for Serena. No sugar.â Serenaâs eyes lit up. âHey, you remembered!â she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. âOf course.â 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 couldnât 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. âJoin us, Sophia,â Serena invited with a devilish grin. âJust like how we used to hang out together in college.â I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. âI have to go,â I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. âIâll see you at home.â Elijahâs 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. Youâre the one who keeps hoping heâll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husbandâs 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 couldnât seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. Iâm 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 â the papers Iâd 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 couldnât even look at Elijahâs 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 Morganaâs voice outside. âSophia!â 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. Thatâs 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. âElijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,â she said with a scoff. âYou canât even be relied on for such a simple task.â Her words cut deep. âWhen you first came to our house carrying a baby in your belly, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,â she continued. âThen 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, âMy 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.â 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 donât deserve this, I thought sourly. Itâs time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers Iâd hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. Iâve 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, Iâd always seemed invisible to them. Iâve been obedient, helpful, and hardworking⌠But no one cares. Not even my own husband. Iâm nothing to him. He doesnât love me and he never learned to. Thatâs 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 Iâll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadnât realized Iâd 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 wasnât, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. âHey, playing hard to get, arenât you?â 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 didnât have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. âWhen did Serena start working at your company?â I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didnât stop what he was doing. âNot sure. Probably recruited by HR.â His lips traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally, the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. âSerena is such a talented addition to our team,â 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 couldnât believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. âYou know,â he said, oblivious to my disappointment, âshe's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.â Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gazeâa kind of infatuationâthat he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. Heâs probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didnât want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. âWhatâs wrong with you?â he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didnât answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. âYouâve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought youâd snap out of it, but youâve only gotten worse. Itâs depressing to even see you.â I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldnât even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. âMaybe itâs because of the baby we lostâŚâ he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, âWhy donât we just make another baby?â I couldnât 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 didnât understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury Iâve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesnât get it. Or maybe he just doesnât care. I was totally pissed off. And thatâs when I blurted it out. âI want to divorce you.â 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 â strangers whoâd 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. âI want a divorce,â I repeated, keeping my voice steady. âIâm serious.â Slowly he nodded. âYes, sure,â 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. Iâm going to be free. And yet somehow, I didnât feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth â he never loved me at all. Heâs not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. Itâs 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. âWe should sign this,â 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. âElijah, please,â I whispered, making sure my voice wouldnât break. âLet's end this.â His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didnât 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 Serenaâs name, making my heart tighten. I canât believe this womanâs timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didnât 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. âWhy donât you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.â 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 â relief, frustration, anger, sadness. âIâm finally free,â 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, âThe morningâs almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.â With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. âSorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.â 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 doesnât matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. âYou know what? It's actually quite nice,â she said, her tone almost mocking. âElijah 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!â Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. Iâm done here. Iâm 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. âLuckily I hadnât sold it,â 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: Itâs over between me and Elijah. We were divorced. CHAPTER 4 âAaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!â Kayla hissed. âIf I had known heâd treat you like that, I wouldnât have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldnât have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!â Being the daughter of Raven Mediaâs 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. âYou should have seen them at the party last night!â she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. âThey didnât even care that I was there! They were just⌠Aaahhh! I really couldnât 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!â âOh, wow,â I uttered in disbelief. âBut itâs over now, Kayla. Iâm doing my best to move on.â Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. âIâm always here for you, Sophia. You know that.â âThanks so much. Iâm really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,â I responded with a fluttering heart. âWell, youâve always had my back even in high school. So now itâs my turn to return the favor.â 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. Weâd hit it off at once, and the rest was history. âAnyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesnât deserve you, Sophia,â she went on. âSo what are you planning now?â âWell, Iâve been giving it some thoughtâŚâ I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. âA few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in Franceââ âYou did not!â she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. âThis will surely be your big break!â I laughed. âI havenât been accepted yet, you know.â âOh, but you will be!â Kaylaâs 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 Elijahâs name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kaylaâs eyes narrowed when she saw it too. âGo ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.â As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijahâs sharp tone of voice on the other end. âYou filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!â âWait, what do you mean?â âYou know Iâm 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!â Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. âIâll talk to Troy.â âGood. Make sure he doesnât come back again ever.â Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldnât 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. âSorry I have to go now, Kayla,â 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. Heâd left me the original house where heâd taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. Theyâd 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. âWhat did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!â Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. âIt was never going to work out,â I said, trying to maintain my composure. âJust please stop bothering him. Weâve cut our ties. You canât ask for anything from him anymore.â âOh, man!â 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. âDid you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!â Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. âWhen I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. Iâm guessing thereâs a third party involved! People who donât know better would think that woman is his wife!â CHAPTER 5 My heart felt like it would explode any time now. âIt doesnât matter,â I eventually said to Troy. âItâs none of my business now. I donât care what he does with that woman or with whomever.â Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, âWeâre definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!â âButâŚâ Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. âElijah and I are over. Besides, Iâll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijahâs wealth, then now you wonât have any more need for me, right?â 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. âAll thing that you swindled out of my ex-husbandâs pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,â I went on in a steady voice. âWe donât have to see or talk to each other ever again.â 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 dramaâs taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadnât fully recovered since the loss. âCould you please take me to the hospital?â 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. âAre you okay? You look like you're about to faint,â 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. âOh, wait! Itâs you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?â I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. âUh, Daniel?â I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. âYes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.â 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. âHow are you feeling now?â Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. âA little better, but still kinda dizzy,â I answered honestly. âThanks for the assistance, but itâs okay if you have somewhere to be. Youâve already done too much for me.â âOh, itâs okay,â he said with a smile. âUnless you donât want me here.â âItâs nothing like that, of course!â I quickly replied. âThanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while Iâm here.â âWell, Iâm all ears. People say Iâm a good listener.â I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, âI donât really know you, DanielâŚâ âYou know my name. Thatâs a start.â 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. âI remember⌠Daniel PierceâŚâ I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. âHigh school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.â He laughed. âYouâve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too â the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.â I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. âYouâre joking!â âNo, itâs true⌠Really! Iâm sure youâve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?â He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. âGood-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.â âOh.â His expression changed immediately. âIâm sorry to hear that.â âYou know, it's been a rough few months,â I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. âI'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.â Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. âAnd 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?â He nodded in understanding. âIâm so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. Iâm 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?â âYeah, starting anew in a foreign land,â I answered, thinking about my application in France. âHmm⌠sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. âIt takes courage to make such a big change.â I smiled weakly. âActually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.â Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. âReally? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in ParisâŚâ My jaw dropped. âWhat? Iâm planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!â He looked at me with astonishment. âWhat are the odds, huh? Looks like weâll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.â I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. âThatâs really⌠something else.â âSurely youâll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?â âThe Latin Quarter, of course. Iâm looking at an apartment there, since itâs where most students live.â Daniel chuckled. âAnd it looks like weâll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.â He gave me a lopsided grin. âWho knows? Maybe weâre destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Letâs fly together. I mean, if thatâs alright with you?â His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. âThank you, DanielâŚâ Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. âMiss Sophia Bennett?â she informed me. âYour test results are here.â CHAPTER 6 Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. âWell, Sophia,â he began, his tone measured, âthe results are in. Congratulations to you both.â I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. âYouâre going to be parents. Congratulations!â the doctor added. Iâm⌠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. âOther than that, youâre perfectly healthy, Sophia,â 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 didnât know what to say either. âLet me drive you home, Sophia,â 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 Iâm 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 wonât 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 donât 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. Iâm so sorry, baby. Itâs just all too sudden. But I know that Iâm 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 arrivedâI 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 weekâs time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. âCall me when you get there!â 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. âEverything will be okay,â he reassured me. âI'm here. We'll do this together.â 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, Youâre 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 pastâthe 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 itâthe start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. âLooks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,â he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. âJust remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.â I rolled my eyes. âI'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.â He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. âI'm just saying, youâll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!â I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. âOh, shut up.â We both laughed. He added, âYou need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.â âOh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?â Daniel grinned. âHey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.â I playfully nudged him. âI think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.â He appeared pleased with that statement. âFair enough,â he answered with a teasing smile. âBut you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.â 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. âCome on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.â 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. âHello?â I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. âWho the hell is this? Where's Sophia?â 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/ | 292 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | 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/t39.35426-6/457564230_551374980564117_5159278282504693424_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LNNxbF5sKJIQ7kNvgGj3hfV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJUluaCZTmavkK0CEeBDs60&oh=00_AYCayXrM2yFVDZJfi7vJ35kO7cMqOsLcn0AQafeBAyLH9w&oe=6730634F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | Liesel Sharp had just unlocked her phone while waiting for her IV drip to be done when she received a message from her best friend, Chelsea Walden. "Jacob's back." She faltered. She and Jacob Ford had barely spoken throughout their month-long cold war, so she had no idea he was back. Soon, she received another message. "He's brought a young woman back with him." A photo had been sent with the message. The young woman in the photo resembled Liesel a littleâshe was Natalie Sharp, Liesel's younger half-sister. She'd been raised in the countryside. Chelsea continued, "The Sharp family is throwing them a welcome-back party. Do you want to crash it, Lili?" She knew what Liesel was like. Liesel would give Jacob a taste of his own medicine if he dared to do anything to her. There was even a chance she would set the Sharp residence on fire. Liesel checked her IV bag. She'd had a high fever for three days now, and the back of her hand was swollen from the constant IV drips she'd been on. She wasn't in the mood for that nonsense. "No," she replied. Then, she shut her eyes to get some rest. It was close to 10:00 pm when she took a cab back to Viewpoint Residences. The fever had taken its toll on her, so she soon drifted into a restless sleep. Jacob returned at some point, which woke her up. "Did I wake you?" he asked while rolling up the sleeves of his ironed shirt. The dim light made his skin glow, adding a hint of iciness to his already cold demeanor. He looked down at her with an indifferent gaze. His voice was as alluring as always, though. "No." Liesel's voice was a little nasal because she'd just woken up. She explained lazily, "I wasn't sleeping too soundly after taking my meds." He frowned slightly. "Are you sick?" She chuckled softly. She'd been sick for a while now and had mentioned it in her texts to him when admitting defeat. Yet he looked like he'd only just noticed. She poured two glasses of water and handed one to him. "How are things at Norton City? I heard from Brook that there seemed to be some trouble with it. Youâ" Her throat felt dry and uncomfortable; she wasn't in the mood to chat. Still, someone had to back downâit had been nearly two months since they'd seen each other. However, Jacob cut her off. "Let's divorce." She stared at him and almost lost her grip on her glass. Her throat seemed to hurt more now. He didn't explain himself. All he said was, "You can ask for whatever you want. I won't shortchange you." Liesel's heart clenched, but she soon regained her composure. "We can discuss this if this is because you left to pick Natalie up two months ago." "It's not." He looked at her, his gaze aloof. "This is a loveless marriage, Liesel. There's no point in keeping it going." It was true that the marriage alliance between the Ford and Sharp families had never been the one Jacob had hoped for. Liesel was the eldest daughter of the Sharp family, but he'd never wanted to marry her. Their accidental encounter that night was the only thing that had made him choose to take responsibility for her. Liesel lowered her eyes and said slowly, "Alright. All I want is the house at Northview Garden, and I won't quit my job after the divorce." Her mother, Heather Mallone, had left the house for her. For whatever reason, it had ended up in the Ford family's hands and become one of her wedding gifts. As for her career, she'd worked hard and built a network within Ford Corporation. She couldn't allow the divorce to wipe her efforts away. Jacob didn't object. He looked at her and said, "Okay. Anything else?" "No." Liesel shook her head. "If it bothers you, I can move out tomorrow." He seemed surprised by how accommodating she was. He cautioned her calmly, "Make sure you've thought this through, Liesel. I don't want there to be anything between us after the divorce." "Don't worry about that." She smiled. He seemed to want to say something else, but his phone rang. He answered it and hung up shortly after. Then, he said, "I have something else to do. I'll get a lawyer to talk to you about the divorce." Soon after he left, Liesel saw a trending topic on him and Natalie showing up together somewhere. In hindsight, fate was such a twisted thing. Back then, Heather could not tolerate even the slightest flaw in her marriage. After learning about Natalie's existence, she forced her husband, Jeffrey Sharp, to send Natalie to the countryside so she could grow up there. Less than two years after Heather's death, Jeffrey had remarried, turning Liesel into a joke. Natalie had also been brought back from the countryside. Fate loved playing jokes on everyoneâno one would've expected Natalie to be the one who held Jacob's heart. ⌠Liesel only woke up the following noon. Her cold was much better now. A lawyer brought her the divorce agreement, making sure to go through the allocation of assets. Jacob truly hadn't shortchanged her. Aside from the house at Northview Garden, he'd also given her some other real estate. The lawyer said, "Sign here if you don't have any objection to the clauses, Ms. Sharp." Liesel nodded and signed the agreement without hesitation. The divorce would take some more time to finalize, though. Jacob was busy, so Liesel didn't get to see him at all. She reminded the lawyer, "Please tell Mr. Ford to expedite the finalization of the divorce if he's not too busy. Dragging this out won't do any of us favors." After settling the divorce, Liesel moved out of her and Jacob's marital home. Chelsea heard about this and invited her out for coffee. "You know about Natalie, right? She studied hard in the countryside after being banished by your mother and later got into a good university. Jacob ran into her at Alden University when he went there to give a talk." Chelsea snorted. She continued, "I heard Natalie was really in awe of him; it helped that she was so hardworking and optimistic. Your father was desperate to matchmake them, you know. But here's the questionâwhy would someone as wonderful as her not realize what a contemptible move it is to ruin someone's marriage?" Chelsea had always been defensive of people she counted as her own, and she scorned those who knowingly got involved with people who had significant others. The fact that Natalie was an illegitimate child only made Chelsea despise her more. Liesel looked unfazed, though. "It's all in the past now. Jacob and I are already divorced, so she's not really ruining the marriage." She chuckled. She had mixed feelings about the whole thing. "Besides, it's not like Jacob and I ever had feelings for each other." She lowered her gaze and suddenly remembered the first time she and Jacob had met. The year Heather had died, she'd caused one of Jeffrey's business deals to fall through. She'd been overjoyed and had dragged Chelsea out for a celebration. After the celebration, she'd refused to let go of a handsome man she'd latched onto. They'd both had too much to drink and had ended up in bed. It was only later that she'd learned he was Jacob Ford, her fiancĂŠ. Rumor had it that he'd never wanted to marry her, but he'd looked at her the following morning and said, "I'm willing to take responsibility for this, Liesel. What about you?" He'd proposed marriage. Liesel had looked at him, and a rare moment of rashness had taken over her. She'd said, "Let's do it." To tell the truth, there wasn't anything bad about Jacob. He didn't love her but had never played the field or slept around with other women. He was also calm and level-headed, considerate and gentle. She didn't even have any complaints about their adventures in bed. But things had changed after he'd run into Natalie at Alden University two months ago. Chelsea looked at Liesel while feeling bitter. The latter hadn't said anything, but Chelsea knew how she felt. Judging from Liesel's personality, there was no way she would've settled for Jacob for so long if she didn't have feelings for him. "Maybe you should go back to Shifter Corporation, Lili. Why continue suffering at Ford Corporation? I feel nauseous at the thought of those two pieces of trash being there." Liesel had always been prideful and stubborn. After Heather's death, she'd used whatever she'd inherited to set up Shifter Corporation, wanting to compete with the Sharp family's company. However, she'd left it in the hands of Heather's friend, Jonathan Shifter. The outside world only knew it as Jonathan's company. "Marriage is marriage, and work is work," Liesel said. "I'm not going to give up on my career over a failed marriage." That was what she thoughtâit was also what Jacob had promised her. But when she headed to work the next day, she discovered she'd been transferred from her position as his secretary to the project department manager. Chapter 2 Liesel had taken a week of sick leave. She'd only learned about the transfer when returning to work. A colleague gossiped with her, sounding pointed as they said, "I bet you still don't know this, Ms. Sharp. We have a new secretary whose last name is also Sharp. It looks like there's something special about her." Liesel didn't expect to hear that. Had Jacob actually given Natalie a job by his side? Soon, Jacob summoned Liesel to the CEO's office. When she entered and stood before him, he looked at her indifferently. "Since you want to stay at the company, continuing to hold the position of my personal secretary isn't appropriate. "The project department manager was transferred to a branch company, leaving a vacancy there. The timing is just right." Liesel knew very well that Jacob had always been clear-headed. He would never allow her to cause Natalie any discomfort or disappointment. Rather than saying the transfer was his recognition of Liesel's abilities, it would be more accurate to say he merely didn't want Natalie to misunderstand. "Okay," Liesel said. He frowned slightly and said, "Natalie hasn't seen much of the world since she's just graduated. You should give her more guidance." Liesel didn't say no. Setting everything else aside, she did need to hand over the work she had in handâit was her responsibility as an employee. She headed downstairs, running into Natalie on her way. The latter was a rookie and a greenhorn, so some of the veterans had tricked her into buying them over a dozen cups of coffee. She hurried around with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, looking obedient yet silly. She faltered when she saw Liesel. "Lieâ" She seemed to think of something and stuck out her tongue. "Ms. Liesel." Liesel frowned at her and said, "You're here as Mr. Ford's secretary, not to run errands. Set the coffee aside and come with me." Natalie paled. Still, she did as told and followed Liesel. Everyone else in the department settled down. Liesel had no intention of picking on Natalie. After all, banishing the latter to the countryside again wouldn't bring Heather back to life. Besides, before her death, Heather had already lost interest in being mad at the Sharp family. "These are the most recently saved files. This is a list of things to pay attention to when working with Mr. Ford, and this is his latest schedule," Liesel said. "Avoid wearing too many accessories during work unless necessary for a gathering or business meeting. "As a secretary, what's more important is your ability to think on your feet and react to whatever that's happened." Natalie blinked as a light blush spread across her cheeks. "Is this one not allowed, too? Mr. Ford gave this to me, and I quite like it. Can't I wear it?" Liesel's gaze flitted past the necklace she wore. It took her aback for a split second. She'd like that particular necklace for some time. Once, Jacob had nonchalantly asked her, "Do all little ladies like accessories like that?" It turned out he was getting it for Natalie. "That's up to you." Liesel lowered her gaze to conceal the emotions in her eyes. Her tone remained calm as she continued, "It's fine as long as it doesn't affect your work." Natalie smiled sweetly without saying anything else. Liesel showed her the ropes and gave her a run-through of the overall workflow. When she was done, Natalie said, "I get the feeling that you don't really like me, Liesel. Is it because of Mr. Ford?" Liesel looked at her. She didn't avert her gaze. Instead, she just smiled and continued, "It's hard to tell who's wrong and right when it comes to matters of the heartâit was the same with my mother and our father. Whatever it is, I still want to be friends with youâŚ" "Natalie." Liesel stopped her there. "Morals and ethics still bind all matters of the heart. You wouldn't have been banished to the countryside if not for that. Do only what you must, and stop thinking everyone around you is a fool." Jeffrey had had an affair, which led to Natalie's birth. Even if Heather was already dead, Liesel didn't think she could shamelessly forgive Natalie's mother on Heather's behalf, let alone allow Natalie to do the forgiving. What right did Natalie have to talk about right or wrong? Liesel turned and left. She returned to her office and texted Jacob. "Do you have time to get the divorce settled today, Mr. Ford? Let's get that divorce certificate." He didn't stand her up. They met at the courthouse at 2:00 pm. Liesel signed whatever papers she needed to and looked at him. "It's all ready. Your turn to sign." She hadn't had time to change her outfit before leaving the office, so she still wore a professional-looking women's suit. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, which framed her aloof yet delicate face. She looked beautiful. Jacob watched her for a while before looking away. "You seem to be in quite a rush." "Hmm? No, I'm not," Liesel answered after a beat. "We've already signed the papers. There's no point in dragging this out." He didn't say anything else and quickly signed. After they got their divorce certificates and left the courthouse, Jacob looked at her. "All better now?" "Yep." She nodded. She was about to leave when he got in his car and rolled down the window. "I'll drop you back." Liesel hesitated. She was about to turn him down when a wave of nausea washed over her, making her retch. When she returned to her senses, she saw Jacob watching her with narrowed eyes. "Are you conceived?" Her heart sank. It had been a month since they'd last slept. He'd been rather rough that night and hadn't used any protection. But things couldn't be that coincidental, right? Could she have gotten conceived from that one time? She clenched her fists. "I can't be." He was about to say something else when his phone rang. He answered it. When he hung up, his brows were furrowed. "I have work to do." He looked at her pointedly. "We can't have children, Liesel. I hope this is just a coincidence." Liesel's heart clenched, but she didn't say anything. Throughout her and Jacob's three-year marriage, they'd always been careful with preventive measures. That time a month ago was the only time neither of them had done anything. But how could she have conceived so easily? She pushed the thought out of her mind and took a cab back to the company. When she arrived, she noticed the tension in the air. A colleague leaned close to her and whispered in trepidation, "There's been a problem with the products from Hardin Group. That new secretary signed the papers during the handover without checking the stock properly." Liesel frowned. She'd deliberately reminded Natalie to check everything before signing for them. It didn't help that Hardin Group was more cunning than others. This wasn't their first time trying to pull something like this. Shortly after, her assistant came and said, "Mr. Ford wants to see you, Ms. Sharp." Liesel pushed open the door to Jacob's office. Natalie stood inside. Her nose was red, and she was biting her lip. She looked pitiful yet adorable. Her words made Liesel frown, though. "I'm sorry, Jake. I had no idea I needed to check everything when accepting the stock. Ms. Liesel did tell me to check the items but didn't caution me that Hardin Group would be so cunning. It's all my faultâŚ" Jacob looked at Liesel coldly. "Nat's just graduated, so she knows nothing about these things. You know very well what Hardin Group is capable of. Why didn't you give her a heads-up?" Chapter 3 Liesel's heart twinged slightly, but she said calmly, "I reminded Ms. Natalie about the stock handover. The office has surveillance cameras. You can check the footage if you don't believe me, Mr. Ford." Natalie paled. Tears welled in her eyes, and she said pitifully, "I-I probably didn't hear you because my mind wandered. That's why I made such a mistake." Liesel ignored her. "We can't let Hardin Group manipulate us for stocks worth millions. I'll handle this, but the company also has rules to uphold. Natalie will need to be reprimanded accordingly." She turned and left the office to check on the stocks. Now that they'd already been accepted, from a legal perspective, Ford Corporation had no choice but to swallow its woes and live with the situation. Still, there was hope for this. Uriah Hardin, the third son of the Hardin family, managed Hardin Group. However, his brother, Elijah Hardin, was the second son and favored by his family. He also wanted to usurp Uriah's position. If she could turn this matter into a power play, she could turn the tables on Hardin Group. At 8:00 pm, Liesel and Elijah met at a restaurant. His roguish, flippant look landed on her. "Have you invited the wrong man, Ms. Sharp? I'm not the one who calls the shots at Hardin Group, nor am I interested in you." Liesel was beautiful but too boring in his eyes. He liked his women obedient and gentle. They were cuter that way. Liesel ignored his words and placed a document before him. "These are some of the tracks Mr. Uriah has left in the industry over the years, Mr. Elijah. I won't beat around the bushâI don't believe you're uninterested in Hardin Group. Take him down, and this deal with Ford Corporation will be yours." The flippant look in Elijah's eyes faded away. He narrowed his eyes and appraised her with interest. His mother wasn't his father, Richard Hardin's first wife, and Richard favored Uriah over him. But was there anyone in the Hardin family who didn't want to have something to do with the company? After a long silence, he drawled, "What's in it for you if I take him down?" "I need you to switch out the subpar products Hardin Group has just supplied to Ford Corporation. Cooperating with you is also good for us because you don't pull dirty tricks." Liesel didn't mind pulling a few tricks when doing business, but Uriah's methods were too lowbrow. She was scornful of him. Elijah looked at her. Then, he raised his glass and said meaningfully, "I hope things will work out the way you wish, Ms. Sharp." A few tables away, Jacob's assistant, Jesse Lane, noticed Liesel. In a low voice, he told Jacob, "Ms. Sharp is here, too, Mr. Ford." Jacob followed his line of sight and frowned slightly. Elijah had a reputation for being a dandyâwhat was Liesel doing with him? Liesel didn't notice Jacob. She and Elijah soon ended their discussion; Jesse approached her then. He said, "Mr. Ford is waiting for you, Ms. Sharp." Elijah glanced at him before turning back to Liesel. "You should consider joining Hardin Group if you ever get sick of being at Ford Corporation, Ms. Sharp. We always know a good thing when we see it." A woman with nothing but good looks would quickly become boring, but she would be a valuable resource if she were beautiful and brainy. Liesel didn't respond to Elijah's words. Instead, she politely bid him farewell before following Jesse to Jacob's car. It was 11:00 pm, and the night breeze was rather chilly. Liesel's lips were a little pale as she got into the car. She lowered her eyes, and her wrists were briefly exposed underneath her suit jacket. It made her seem rather weak and pitiful. Jacob frowned. He'd never noticed her being this skinny. "Have you settled the problem with Hardin Group?" She nodded, looking tired. "Yeah. Elijah is harder to deal with than Uriah, but he's already agreed to switch out the subpar products. We'll just need to send someone to handle the handover." Jacob's gaze flitted past her. "Natalie is young and naive. You can't completely blame her for this." Liesel paused before saying softly, "You're Ford Corporation's CEO. It's up to you how you want to handle her." Natalie was young, huh? She'd been even younger than Natalie when joining Ford Corporation, but Jacob had never cut her any slack. "I've yet to tell Grandpa about the divorce," he said, switching the subject. Vincent Ford had been recuperating at home these past years and couldn't be aggravated. Even if Liesel and Jacob had never been the most loving couple, Vincent probably still couldn't handle the news of their divorce. Liesel looked down. "Got it. I'll tell him about this when the time is right." Jacob didn't say anything else. Liesel had had a bit to drink without eating anything. After a while, she curled up in her seat and drifted off. Her face was pale. When Jacob noticed something was wrong with her, he frowned. He was about to instruct Jesse to take them to the hospital when she woke up. "Where are we?" she asked, her voice hoarse. He said, "I'm taking you to the hospital." Liesel's heart skipped a beat as she thought of something. However, she kept her tone nonchalant and said, "There's no need for that. My stomach just feels a little upset. I'll be fine after resting at home." Jacob looked at her. His gaze was deep and sharp. It was as if he could read her thoughts. After a while, he said, "Fine." She relaxed. Back home, she called Chelsea and said a little grimly, "Buy me a test." ⌠The following day, Liesel was supposed to attend a welcome-back party for Alex Stone, one of her and Jacob's mutual friends. Alex had called her before his return to invite her to the party. Perhaps it was because he'd heard about the divorce and wanted to help them reconcile. The party was already in full swing when Liesel arrived. She heard Alex's voice through the door. "Have you and Liesel really divorced? Was it because of Natalie?" Liesel faltered, her hand on the doorknob. After a pause, Jacob said, "It has nothing to do with Natalie. Liesel and I aren't a good match." "Tsk. How are you two not a good match?" Alex asked. "I think Liesel is fantastic. She's pretty, intelligent, and has won many people's recognition at Ford Corporation. Why are you so obsessed with Natalie? Don't forget that Liesel saved you in the past. Sometimes, some things are just too little, too late." He'd met Natalie before and could tell she was nothing but a young woman with a few tricks up her sleeve. She couldn't compare to Liesel. Liesel had managed to save Jacob from the hands of his abductors. How could someone like Natalie compare to her bravery and determination? Jacob would have much to regret if he and Liesel really were to divorce. This time, Jacob remained silent for a longer time. Then he said, "You can't force matters of the heart." Liesel lowered her eyes and slowly clenched her fists. Alex stopped trying to change Jacob's mind. Instead, he said, "You'd better think this through. You may not like her, but plenty of others do." Liesel didn't linger. She texted Alex on WhatsApp and told him she wasn't attending the party because she had to attend to something else. Then, she asked Chelsea out. Chelsea gave her the test and asked hesitantly, "You're not really conceived, are you, Lili?" Chapter 4 Liesel held the test tightly. "I'm not sure yet." Her period had yet to come this month, and the retching from before⌠She suspected something was up. "What are you going to do if you are?" Chelsea looked at her hesitantly. "Will Jacob accept it?" Liesel dropped her gaze. Jacob would never want a child she'd brought into the world. Besides, they were already divorcedâit was bad for them both if she were to keep the child⌠even if it was one she'd longed for in the past. After a long silence, she said, "No, he won't. There's no point in keeping lingering attachments or forcing someone to do something against their will. If I'm conceived, I'll lose the baby." She'd waited for a baby that hadn't come over the past three years. Now, it was long past the time for that. Liesel was in a bad mood, so she didn't do the test on the spot. Instead, she and Chelsea had some drinks. Well, she only had a sip or two of a drink with the lowest possible wine content. She only remembered the test when she arrived at the company the following day. She headed to the bathroom and did the test. Then, she was dumbstruck when she saw the two lines on it. She was conceived⌠with Jacob's child. Her face turned pale. Just then, someone entered the bathroom. In her panic, she threw the test into the trashcan and clenched her fists. Was she really going to lose her and Jacob's child? A pang of pain swept past her heart. Liesel was in a meeting but she was distracted. When it was over, a colleague leaned close to her, looking excited to share gossip. "Did you hear, Ms. Sharp? Someone from our department is conceived." The competition within Ford Corporation had always been intense, and carrying a baby was something that would easily affect one's career and ascension up the ladder. The colleague couldn't help saying gleefully, "I wonder who it is. They're being hush-hush about this, aren't they?" Liesel's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and happened to meet Jacob's cool, calm gaze. He said, "Come to my office, Ms. Sharp." She clenched her fists. When she entered Jacob's office, he said, "I'll have Jesse take you for an examination in a couple of days." Her heart stuttered, and she blurted out, "It's not me." "This is just to be safe. I'm sure you don't want any trouble to arise from this." Liesel couldn't stop him. She could only suppress her panic and say, "Okay." Natalie came her way when she left the office. The former bit her lip and said uneasily, "What happened last time was a misunderstanding, Ms. Liesel. You won't get mad at me for that, will you? I had no idea Hardin Group would pull such a dirty trick and try to stuff subpar products on us!" "That's none of my business," Liesel said indifferently. "The company has its system for rewards and punishments. You'll have to bear the consequences of your mistakes. It's as simple as that." She had nothing much to say to Natalie. Setting aside their relationship, she'd always drawn a clear line between her professional and private lives. There was no need to drag personal grudges into work. Natalie sighed in relief. "It's Dad's birthday next week, Liesel. He hasn't seen you for so long. How about you come home so we can celebrate as a family?" Jeffrey's birthday was a week after Heather's death anniversary. Liesel looked at Natalie and said, "I'm not in the mood to scheme and play mind games with you, Natalie. "If you're not a complete idiot, you'll understand what I mean when I say your father's birthday isn't a good day for me and my mother." Natalie faltered. Then, her face turned red, and she said, "I know it's only a week after Heather's death anniversary, but you can't revive the dead. We still have to celebrate Dad's birthday since he's alive, right? "I've never blamed Heather for banishing me to the countryside, so why do you have to keep holding a grudge against Dad?" "You know very well why my mother sent you to the countryside," Liesel said icily. "If I were to forgive the person who'd caused her death and even celebrate his birthday, it wouldn't prove that I'm generous enough to bury the hatchet. It would just show that I'm heartless." Natalie blanched. Her eyes turned red as tears welled in them. "I didn't mean anything else by this, Liesel. I justâ" "I don't care what you meant," Liesel interrupted. "When at work, we're nothing more than colleagues. You should focus on your work, Ms. Natalie." She turned and left, not wanting to play mind games with Natalie. She took the afternoon off to head to the hospital. It didn't even occur to her what Natalie thought of her words. Unfortunately, it seemed Natalie was more cowardly than she'd expected. The former had been so absent-minded while walking that she'd twisted her ankle. Jacob brought her to the hospital. "Congratulations. You're six weeks conceived." Liesel happened to run into Jacob, who was holding Natalie up, when she was leaving the hospital with her report. The doctor's words reverberated in her mind. "Your body cannot handle the surgery, Ms. Sharp. If you proceed with it, you might not be able to conceive in the future. I'd advise you to think this through." Liesel felt bitter. She was conceived with Jacob's child, which was something to be happy and expectant about. But would he allow her to keep it? Jacob noticed the look on her face while Natalie hesitantly called out to her. "LieâMs. Liesel." Jacob's gaze flitted past her. "What are you doing here?" She hid her report behind her and said softly, "I came for a follow-up check because my cold isn't completely gone yet." He narrowed his eyes at her. Natalie seemed to notice something and tugged his sleeve. She looked a little glum. "You should have something to discuss with Ms. Sharp, Mr. Ford. I'll head back first." Jacob frowned but didn't make her stay. "I'll have someone take you back." She nodded obediently. Liesel sighed in relief and stuffed the report into her bag. When she and Jacob were in his car, he glanced at her. "Are you that nervous to be around me? The more you act like this, the more I'll think you're conceived." She subconsciously wanted to deny it but forced herself to smile. She asked, "What will you do if I really am conceived, then?" "Make you lose it," he said without hesitation as he looked her in the eye. She knew it. A pang of pain swept past her heart, and she shook her head as she said bitterly, "It's just a cold." Jacob scrutinized her for a while before saying, "I heard you and Nat got into a small fight today, leading to her twisting her ankle while heading downstairs. "She's young and naive but is kind. She also doesn't get into arguments with others that easily. You should be nicer to her and be more accommodating if anything happens in the future." Liesel's bitterness bubbled up in her. No one in this world could avoid being more favorable to certain people. She said, "She's not a child, Mr. Ford. There's nothing for me to accommodate." Chapter 5 Liesel looked at Jacob. Her tone was calm as she said, "I don't owe Natalie anything, nor do I owe you. Work-wise, I'm only her senior. Regarding my personal life, my mother didn't owe her anything. "Natalie came knocking on our door when her mother chose to marry another. No woman can accept her husband's illegitimate daughter. She might have had Natalie sent to the countryside, but Natalie was also given more than enough money to survive there. "I don't owe her, whether professionally or personally. Why should I be more accommodating and tolerant of her? Why should I back down when facing off against her?" When she finished her speech, silence descended upon the car. Jacob looked at her. She wore a simple dress that clung to her curves, and her delicate features were arranged into her usual mask of aloofness. There was something cold and tenacious about her. She was so brilliant that one could almost neglect her beauty. His gaze flitted over her eyes. After a moment of silence, he said gently, "I'm sorry. I didn't handle this matter appropriately." Liesel didn't say anything. He looked her in the eye and said, "I shouldn't have made you suppress yourself and back down for Natalie's sake. You're a wonderful woman, Liesel. Even though we're divorced now, I still hope you'll live your own life." She clenched her fists and tried to keep her tears at bay. She couldn't deny that she really, really liked Jacob. However, certain things just couldn't be forced. ⌠Liesel headed home. She had someone ask around about the doctor Jacob was going to arrange to examine her. Meanwhile, Chelsea was worried. "Can't you just tell him the truth? He might not be that cruel. You two were together for three years, after all." "I'd rather not." Liesel caressed her belly. She was silent for a while before saying, "Since I can't lose the child, there's no need to let Jacob know about this. We're already divorced, and this child is part of my life now. I'll need your help dealing with the doctor." Whatever it was, she couldn't let Jacob find out about the baby. Chelsea didn't object. She seemed to think of something and said, "Natalie used to intern at Shifter Corporation. Do you think it's just a coincidence, or does she know something?" This came as a surprise to Liesel. Natalie had interned at Shifter Corporation? Did she know it belonged to Liesel, or⌠It piqued Liesel's suspicions, but she didn't dwell on the matter. "It's probably just a coincidence. She graduated from Alden University, and Shifter Corporation does campus recruitments there, too." Chelsea had only brought it up since it had occurred to her. She smiled and said, "Mr. Shifter and Neal should be back soon, right? I'm sure you'll feel more secure with them around." Neal Shifter was Jonathan's son, and the Shifter family had been managing Shifter Corporation on Liesel's behalf all these years. Since Heather's passing, the Shifters had become like family to Liesel. She smiled, and a rare hint of relief flashed in her eyes. ⌠The following day, news of Uriah's downfall broke out. Elijah looked like a dandy but had surprisingly ruthless methods. He'd gotten someone to leak information on the dirty tricks Uriah had pulled to the paparazzi. Coincidentally, Uriah had recently murdered someone while driving under the influence and had gotten a scapegoat to take the fall. Thanks to everything being lumped together, he was soon arrested. Elijah had proper quality stocks delivered to Ford Corporation in exchange for the subpar stocks. When Liesel went to handle the handover, he watched her with interest. "Don't you trust me, Ms. Sharp?" He raised an eyebrow and eyed the light sheen of sweat at her temples. His gaze turned pointed. She smiled and blinked at him. "I wouldn't put it that way. Better safe than sorry, right?" Her smile and rare moment of slyness made her glow. Her eyes were so bright. Elijah smirked at the sight. It looked like the rumors about her couldn't be trusted at all. She was much more interesting than those naive young women. Jacob and Natalie happened to see this. Natalie approached with a smile and said, "You and Ms. Liesel seem to get along very well, Mr. Hardin. It looks like this matter was a blessing in disguise." Her tone was light-hearted and lively, which carried a hint of a young woman's naivety and cheer. Her words made one's imagination wander, though. It was as if Liesel and Elijah were more involved than they seemed. Jacob's expression darkened when he took in the smile on Liesel's face. Then, he said coolly, "Sorry to have troubled you over this, Mr. Hardin." "Oh, it was no trouble at all." Elijah smiled meaningfully. "Nothing is considered troublesome when I have someone as gorgeous as Ms. Liesel attending to me." "Ms. Liesel has always drawn a clear line between work and pleasure. You might have gotten the wrong idea, Mr. Hardin." Jacob's gaze flitted over Liesel. Elijah's smile widened. "Drawing a clear line between work and pleasure isn't the same as being heartless. One has to be thick-skinned when pursuing a woman, right? Or are you interfering in your employee's personal life, Mr. Ford?" Jacob faltered. Then, he said, "I'll leave you to it, Mr. Hardin." He turned and left with Natalie in tow. Liesel watched them. Her gaze was aloof. However, Elijah saw the glumness deep inside. He said, "Your precious Mr. Ford isn't all that great. Why don't you consider other fish in the sea?" There was a hint of amorosity to his words. Liesel returned to her senses and chuckled. "I remember you saying that I'm not your type, Mr. Hardin. Have you changed your mind?" Elijah looked at her. If he had to be honest, she was too stubborn and inflexible for his tastes. She was indeed not his type. Yet she was pretty and intelligent enough to mask her inflexibility. "Not really." He leaned closer. "But I'll make an exception for you. You should really consider my proposal." Liesel didn't take his words to heart. She was just glad she'd managed to resolve the stock problem and prevent Ford Corporation from suffering any losses. Jacob punished Natalie by docking three months of her pay and bonuses. Then, he paid Liesel double her salary. The colleagues in Liesel's department were pleased when she returned. "I'll admit itâI can't stand those who got in here because of their connections. Anyone else would've been fired ages ago." "I know, right? She's supposed to have graduated from Alden University, yet she made such a huge mistake immediately after taking over as Mr. Ford's secretary. Even if we were to talk about looks alone, it's not like she can compare with Ms. Sharp! I wonder what Mr. Ford sees in herâŚ" Ford Corporation was one of the biggest in the industry, so it was harder for rookies to find their footing there compared to other companies. Their situation would only be worse if they didn't have the skills to back themselves up. It wasn't appropriate for Liesel to comment on the subject, but she knew it wasn't right to pick on Natalie like that. "Stop." She could feel a headache coming on as she stopped the gossip. "She's just a young woman who's new to this. You guys should focus on your work. I'll treat everyone to a nice meal in a couple of days, okay?" Only then did the crowd zip their lips and get back to work. Liesel needed to hand a contract to Jacob now that she was done with the matter with Hardin Corporation. She headed to his office and was about to knock when she heard Natalie's voice. Inside the room, Natalie bit her lip. Her eyes were red as she said, "I'm too useless, aren't I, Jake? Everyone says I can't compare to Ms. Liesel." Jacob frowned, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes. He wiped her tears and said, "What's the point of comparing yourself to her? You two aren't the same." Liesel faltered outside the door. She only pushed it open after a beat. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14615&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 292 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14615&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465273676_1622670338644980_7149820105324418627_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5pziVvBTEx8Q7kNvgHrrKJV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AViX-rhMENoRb78RPgUa-Mq&oh=00_AYAdhFCEFzERj8d0ENrf-gKSvv3QrlWrmVJHOU4hVPrNnA&oe=67306E1D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 16:28 | active | 1724 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | In her past life, she tragically died on the operating table. Now, all she wants is a divorce, but the man who once ignored her is desperately pleading for her to stay... âHeart pacemaker! Quick! Increase the voltage!â The intern nurse is trembling, covered in blood. The operating room reeks of blood. The woman on the bed is pale and whispering, â JuanâŚâ âWhat?â The nurse leans closer. â JuanâŚâ Heâs the powerful president of a major company! The doctor, panicking, misdials before finally reaching him: âPresident Juan, your wife is about to die. You might want to come say goodbye.â Coldly, he replies, âIs she still alive? Call me when sheâs gone.â The line goes dead. At that moment, the light fades from her eyes. Juan⌠Do you really hate me this much? Debra feels her soul leave her body, looking at her lifeless selfâshe died during childbirth. She loved Juan deeply and sacrificed everything for him, only to end up like this. If only she could start over, she would avoid her past mistakes. âMadam, your husband wants to take you to the auction tonight. What do you want to wear?â A familiar voice pulls her back. Everything looks familiar, itâs her and Juanâs new home! This was five years ago when he needed her for an auction. Could it be⌠sheâs been reborn?... | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460516715_3731909377059048_7579242386769920403_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sSOzRgFOfXwQ7kNvgG6qL3g&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A8rqPZ6bCYZViCnLpTnftSo&oh=00_AYBwlAsGqOvtTTGUjhOm1uycUsjzmC2f0OoSPR1AZUTnPA&oe=67306F31 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-05 16:29 | active | 1724 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | In Debra's last life, she loved Juan so much, but everyone knew that the one he cherished was Shelia. After Debra was drained of her last bit of value by Juan, she tragically died on the operating table. Reborn in this life, Debra swears never to repeat the same mistakes, and she will make Juan regret what he has done! "Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!" "Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away." The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled. The operating room reeked of blood. She had never seen so much blood before. At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. 'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?' The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan..." "What?" "Juan Nichols..." The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier. Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City. The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken away. Please, come and see her for the last time." But Juan's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from Debra's eyes. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? Even at this point, you wouldn't come to see me.' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating the patient's vital signs had disappeared. Debra felt her soul leaving her body. Her withered, frail body collapsed weakly on the bed. Debra felt exhausted. At just twenty-seven, she died from postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital. In her lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she met a tragic fate. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophieâs voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. It only lowered her status and self-esteem. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." Marion made no comments. Randy clicked his tongue. "Juan's taste is just terrible, preferring a skinny woman to his beautiful woman. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" he cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460968220_1258820818470104_1677908459082008371_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h_ug4qo3LaMQ7kNvgFtUWUj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APhYsOLVw1GEFiekE8mUCB6&oh=00_AYB8lHte1CyJCUWVAJOk_B3CtvbBmUC9UMhIOFSVqbRRyA&oe=673056A8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 15:43 | active | 1722 | 0 | â¤ď¸đĽBest Friend Divorced Me When I Carried His Baby | Kelly's POV Was it a blessing to marry your best friend? I was not very sure what Pierce thought but marrying him was a dream come true for me. And now what was more exciting, we were going to welcome our first child. âItâs a good thing youâre cautious. You couldâve lost your baby, Miss Monroe.â The GYN told me seriously as she could see the shock in my eyes. I subconsciously touched my belly, and still couldn't believe a baby was lying there. Had I heard it right? I was pregnant? I was pregnant with a baby for Pierce! My best friend and my first crush! On the way out of the hospital, I couldnât wait to tell Pierce about our baby. I wondered what his reaction would be. Would he scream in happiness? Would he kiss me and all? God! I couldnât contain my happiness. I cupped my red face as I fantasized. But the moment I felt the cold from the simple ring on my finger, my wildly beating heart calmed down. I almost forgot that Pierce wasn't the type to be keen on having children, especially when our marriage was arranged by his family. Pierce was a complete gentleman, both as a friend and a husband. Every time we had sex, he was considerate but cautious, saying there was no need to add extra shackles when we were not ready. This baby, in a way, was out of plan. My mind was becoming restless as I sat in my car. Would this be good news for him? What if Pierce was still not ready for the baby? "Ma'am, is everything okay? Do you need to call the Boss?" My private driver Luke asked worriedly as he noticed my frown face. Luke was reliable like a family but if I chose to share, I still wanted Pierce to be the first to know this news. He's my baby's father. "No," I shook my head, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "He's on the flight. I'll talk to him later myself." So that I could sense his answer directly from his raw expressions. I was always good at that. I closed my eyes recalling the first day we met. His bright smile in the sunlight was so dazzling, he was a Prince. Long before we became best friends, I fell in love with him at first sight. But it was only an unrequited love, I knew it well. I slid down the car window to get some fresh air but accidentally caught a glimpse of our old high school. That bitter feeling filled my chest once again. Pierce is my first love but I'm not his. In high school, I was only a boring nerd in other's eyes while Pierce Anderson was the shining Quarterback. Everyone was surprised that we could be friends. Though enmity rose, I enjoyed being around him. I slowly realized that I didn't want just to be his friend. However, right when I was about to confess my feelings to him, another girl came into his life. I shook my head trying to get rid of those sad old memories. I gripped the cold wedding ring on my finger, telling myself the past was past. Pierce said they were over and I was his wife now. I was his wife who was carrying his baby now. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and opened the door to our house. My heart calmed down as I breathed in the scent of home. Our home. It wasn't as luxurious as his family's villa but cozy. Pierce and I decorated it together with our own hands. We enjoyed it. Yes, I must have been overthinking. That woman had been out of our lives for a long time and my marriage with Pierce was as beautiful as a fairy tale for the past three years. I glanced at the clock on the wall. At this point, Pierce should have gotten off the plane. He was over a month of traveling for the sake of our familyâs business. Pierce was the President of ADE, the leading fashion magazine company all over Asia, and I was actually the Vice President of the company. We were not only life partners but also good partners at work. I really missed him. I dialed his number immediately. I really wanted to hear his voice now, to know when he would arrive home. I would prepare a good meal for him and he would prize me with a sweet kiss. And then we might have passionate sex like what he gave me the night before his business trip. Oops, I almost forgot I was pregnant now. I needed to tell him this first and then we could do something else instead. I was happily envisioning our lovely reunion and my heart dropped when a woman's voice came over the line. [Hello?] I snapped the phone as just one word came out. My phone fell to the floor and my body started shaking uncontrollably. NO! It couldn't be her! It couldn't be Lexi! She was already out of our life! I must have misheard. I rushed to the fridge in an attempt to calm myself with the aid of some alcohol. But the moment I touched the wine bottle, I was reminded of the doctor's words and my baby. I needed to be cautious for my baby's sake. I turned to get a box of milk and walked toward the sofa. I didn't know what made me recognize that as Lexi's voice at that moment. I meant Lexi and I were never close. Lexi Gilbert was a typical blonde beauty that men would go crazy for. She was the popular cheerleader in high school while Pierce was the star quarterback. Better match than he and a nerd like me, right? It wasn't surprising that he had fallen for her. My pride couldn't stand watching the man I loved go crazy for another woman. So I had once tried to stay away from them silently but Pierce refused to quit from my life. Every time I drowned myself in a sea of books and studies to forget them, Pierce would appear at my doorway asking me out. I couldn't say no to his charming smile; I couldn't say no when he claimed it was his duty as my best friend to take me to enjoy the real world. To not ruin our friendship, I could only hide my broken heart, silently playing the role of his best friend by his side and watching his happy face for another girl. I finally got up the courage to study abroad as I learned that Pierce was planning to propose to Lexi. However, I never expected Grams would call to beg me back. I returned in a hurry only to see a lifeless Pierce. His heart was harmed badly, by Lexi. My beloved sunshine boy was nowhere to be seen, and my heart was bleeding. I started to hate Lexi from that moment. I gave up my cherished man to her, and how dared she harm him so badly! That witch! Pierce didn't tell anyone what happened except he was over with Lexi. Grams arranged our marriage. I didn't understand why he agreed until the day I heard him say that marrying anyone but Lexi would be the same for him. It was so fcking hurt but I still walked into this marriage without a second thought. My cherished boy was broken and I wanted to fix him, not caring if I would ruin myself in the process. I fell asleep at home feeling so insecure and worried. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone caressing my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes and I realized I had fallen asleep in the living area. Someone lifted me from the couch. I immediately recognized his scent and touch as I looked at him with heavy-lidded eyes. âPeirceâŚâ âHmm,â he hummed as he walked towards the stairs. âWhy did you sleep on the couch?â I stared at his face when he gently put me down on the bed. He caressed my hair and kissed my forehead. He was always so gentle and that was why I loved him so much. Even when making love, he was very considerate of my feelings. We'd been apart for over a month, my body missed him and my heart wanted him. âWhere have you been? Iâve been waiting for you,â I said as I caressed his cheek. âJust met a friend. You said you were waiting for me, is it something urgent?" Looking at his gentle face, suddenly I didn't want to ruin the moment. so I closed my parted lips and swallowed the truth back in my stomach once again. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, I will have the courage to face all the puzzles. I shook my head and pouted, telling him that I was sleepy. He chuckled and carefully carried me to the bed. The moment he was about to leave me after giving me a goodnight kiss, I panicked for some reason. I then quickly grabbed him and kissed him with all my passion, trying to undress him, trying to make him touch me more and deeper. I missed him. I wanted him. I felt that the only way I could feel at ease was to let him put himself inside me again. To make sure he was still mine. "Wait Kels," Yet he stopped me by pinning my crazy hands on the bed. "I thought you said you're sleepy and you need to rest." "But I think I miss you more now." I looked at him with innocence and I could catch desire flashing in his eyes but I didn't know why it faded soon. He used to be happy when I became the initiative one. As if noticing my confusion, he chuckled and playfully pinched my nose, âIâll just take a shower. I smell alcohol.â I just nodded and watched him as he walked toward the bathroom. But drowsiness struck again so I closed my eyes to take a nap. However, it was already morning when I opened my eyes again and Pierce was beside me, putting a tray of food on the bedside table. âHey!â I greeted and smiled when I realized what heâd done. He prepared breakfast for me. In bed. The sweetest. He smiled and sat on the bed. âGood morning.â I grinned as I sat on the bed. He carried the tray and put it beside me. I shot an eyebrow up and tilted my head as I stared at his handsome face. His eyes are deep brown. His eyebrows were thick and black, complimenting his beautiful eyes. His nose was proud and pointed and his lips were red and thin. He literally looks like a sexy bad boy. Even Damon Salvatore would be embarrassed to stand beside him. No one stands a chance against this man. âWhat is this? Is this a bribe? You stood me up last night, bad boy.â He didnât laugh. He heaved a sigh and gently tucked my hair on my ears before he held my hand and stared into my eyes. âI have something to tell you.â I felt my heart race. I thought about our baby in my womb. Heâs got something to tell. I have something to tell him too. âW-What is it?â I asked as I felt my voice tremble. He took a deep sigh. âYou know youâre important to me, right?â I slowly nodded with parted lips. I couldnât answer. Iâm scared of what heâs about to say. I have a bad feeling about this. âYou were my best friend before we got married. You are one of the few people I treasureâŚâ I hid my balled fists under the sheet. I donât know why heâs telling me all this but I felt tears pooling in the corner of my eyes already. âKellyâŚâ he paused and squeezed his eyes closed before he looked at me again in the eyes. âI-I think itâs time for us to divorce.â âP-PierceâŚâ I felt my heart clench. He smiled. âI know you donât have feelings for me either. You just married me because of my grandparents. You just did this because you love them. Now itâs time for our real happiness, Kelly.â I shook my head, âW-What are you talking about, Pierce?â âLexi is back, Kelly. My first love is back.â Chapter 2 It Never Rains but It Pours Kellyâs POV I got off the bed and tried to leave but Pierce grabbed my hand. I immediately wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks before he could see them. He stood in front of me and looked at my face as I tried so hard to look down and avoid his eyes. I felt my heart breaking into pieces. I thought⌠I thought I could make him fall in love with me within those three years together. I thought his feelings would level up and would see me as a woman rather than just a best friend. I was stupid for hoping and dreaming so high. I failed. No matter how hard I tried, his heart belonged only to his first love Lexi. âKellyâŚâ I sucked my breath and swallowed the pain as I looked at him. I faked a smile, âI need to wash up before eating.â He stared into my eyes as if trying to figure out what I was thinking. I know he knew me too well so I tried so hard to hide my pain and smiled at him. He sighed and let go of my hand. âOkay. Iâll wait for you here. Letâs eat and go to work together.â Together? How cruel could he be? He still wanted us to get along like he didnât ask for a divorce? He wanted us to stay the way we were right after he told me that his first love was back and he wanted to divorce me? Oh Pierce, what was going on in your head? If I used to be able to force myself to stay in the seat of his best friend wishing him happiness, I no longer had that courage after the three years we'd shared. There's no way I could endure that kind of torture again, especially when I'm carrying his baby. The baby...I had thought it was good news for us but now...it would be more like a burden to him, I guess. A burden that would prevent him from getting his true love and freedom. I knew how an unwanted child to grow up. My parents were divorced even before my mother died and the new family of my father hated me and it hurts like hell. I donât want my baby to experience the same thing I felt. I need to keep my baby away from it. I faked a smile again. âWe canât. I need to visit the studio for the photoshoot of our new modelsâŚâ âIâll go with youââ âNo.â I pushed his hand. His eyes followed my hand before he lifted his face to look at me again. âYou have some documents to sign. Our schedules are already organized, remember?â âButâŚâ âI have a personal driver, Pierce. Iâll be fine to go alone.â He sighed and slowly nodded. I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom. I immediately opened the shower and stood under the cold water. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I covered my mouth to suppress my sobs. My shoulders were trembling really badly and when I thought about my baby, I swallowed hard and tried to calm myself down. I wiped my face and caressed my belly. I need to be strong. I need to stay calm. I shouldnât put my babyâs life on the line just because I got my heart broken. I have to deal with this smartly. I sucked my breath and finished my bath. When I got out of the bathroom, I was shocked to see Pierce was still there. He was struggling to fix his tie in front of the full-length mirror. I also noticed my pair of heels and dress on the bed. âHey! I picked your dress for today.â Since our marriage wasn't public, Pierce said he would try to do little things for me as a husband. He did it well and I used to enjoy these sweet moments but now, it was going to kill me. I grabbed the dress and went inside the walk-in closet. I felt him following me. I put the white dress back and picked a red one. When I faced him, his forehead was creased. I smiled. âI prefer red today. Iâd feel beautiful in this dress.â His eyes went to the dress I was holding and his face immediately calmed down. He nodded and walked towards me. âI see. Help me fix this first.â I put my dress on his arm and started fixing his tie. I could feel his eyes staring intently and it was making my heart beat so fast. I took a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip as I struggled to fix the tie. My vision is becoming blurry again. Damn! âKellyâŚâ I jumped in shock. âHmm?â âAre you okay?â I looked at him and smiled, âYeah.â âI have another thing to say.â I finished fixing his tie so I immediately grabbed the dress from him. I glanced at him before I walked past him and spoke⌠âLetâs just talk some other time. I'm going to be late.â I heard him sigh as he followed me again. I grabbed my underwear and got dressed while he was standing behind me. Heâs silent the whole time as if heâs thinking about something. âYou should eat before you leave.â I faced him and nodded. âI will. You should go now.â âKelly, weâre on the same page, right?â I stared at him. No, Pierce. Weâre never on the same page. All of these are just my stupid fantasies. I thought you had feelings for me and I was so wrong. âIf itâs about the divorce, I understand everything, Pierce. I know what I have to do. Just give me some time because Iâm really busy with the company. I will not run away.â âKelly, Iâm not just doing this for myself. Iâm also doing this for you. Youâve been caged with me ever since we got married. I know youâre not happy because deep inside, you also want to find the man you deserve. Someone who will really love you. Not me. Not someone whoâs half-hearted.â âI understand what youâre trying to say, Pierce,â I said and tried to turn my back but he held me by the waist, keeping me in place. He did everything to capture my eyes and he succeeded. He looked at me worriedly. âYou are my best friend. I donât wanna lose you, Kels. Youâre one of my few peopleâŚâ âI know,â I said out of frustration. He looked shocked, so I calmed myself down. âI-I know. You donât have to worry. Iâm just stressed about work. Itâs not about our divorce.â His lips parted and he slowly nodded as if he was able to breathe properly. He walked towards me and I froze when he gently kissed my forehead⌠âThank you, Kelly," he whispered. My heart clenched. It had been three years but I was still such a coward. Why couldn't you just tell him that you love him, Kelly? He's your husband and you're carrying his baby! Tell him and he might change his mind! I swallowed hard and was about to tell him but his phone rang. I didn't miss the caller ID. Again, it was Lexi. " I gotta go." He scratched his head in apology and I didn't miss the upturned corners of his mouth. "I called Luke and heâs waiting outside. Eat before you go, okay?â With that, he left our room. The tears I had managed to suppress burst out again. Why would I think I could have a chance? He made his choice already the moment he asked for the divorce, didn't he? Whenever it came to Lexi, I was always the one he would abandon. Chapter 3 Stiff Upper Lip Kellyâs POV I entered the studio wearing just two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone was looking my way as I walked along the hallway. Theyâre all greeting me with a smile but my face remains stoic, not showing any emotions at all. The conversation with Pierce this morning was still lingering in my head, but I couldn't let it affect my work. I couldn't fail my work after I failed my marriage. I took a deep breath to adjust my condition. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos. âWe canât! Sheâs not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. Sheâd get mad.â âWe can just tell her the truth. Sheâs nice.â âNot in this situation, Lily! Sheâd scold usââ âWhatâs happening here?â I asked as I graced the room. The staff were now looking at me with worried expressions and I knew then that there was a problem. âG-Good morning, Miss Monroe.â Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurts. I stared at her blankly, âWhat?â âW-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that weâre changing our model soâŚshe doesnât want to come here. Sheâs evenâŚthreatening to file a case against us.â She bowed his head. I gritted my teeth and roamed my eyes around. âWhereâs the marketing manager?â âS-Sheâs still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe.â I massaged my forehead and squeezed my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger. I felt everyone around me jump in shock. I groaned and sucked my breath before looking around. âMiss MonroeâŚâ âWhat is this, Miss Hayley? You are the marketing manager, what is happening?â âMiss Monroe, I donât know how it happened but Miss Chen heard that you are changing our model. Sheâs about to file a case against usââ Changing the model? How come I didn't know about this? Miss Chen had always been our trustful partner and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only cause a lot of trouble for the company. I would never allow such a cheap mistake. âI never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her words to save time, " Fix this mess or I have to fire you!â "Miss Monroe...It's Mr. President who asked us to change it." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He ordered that as soon as he came back from his business trip yesterday." I was hit by the truth. Pierce's order? Why didn't he tell me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first. "It shouldn't be..." I was confused. Pierce was not a clueless businessman. He kept a clear distinction between work and relationships, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret. "Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back. âM-Mr. PresidentâŚâ Hayley bowed with respect as she saw the man who suddenly appeared behind me. "I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I gritted as I turned around to question him. He knew clearly how much effort I put into winning this project. I hardly had a good sleep those days and Miss Chen was the ideal one for us to work with. I remembered he agreed on it too. But now...he just changed the model as he liked without telling me in advance. I felt like a hard slap on my face. "Go ahead for the work. I'll make it clear to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger that was about to spew out of my eyes. "Answer me, Pierce! Why do you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't hold my anger and he just touched my shoulder whispering to me, "This is not the place to talk. Let me explain it to you in the car." I looked around to notice others sneaking glances at us. Then I shook away his hands and walked toward the parking lot. But along the way, my heart was heavier and heavier. I had a feeling that I was not going to enjoy his explanation. "Now, say it." I blurted it out as we sat in his car. He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again. I couldnât stand his stares. I couldnât withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to look at me. He has no feelings for me and it hurts so much. âI-IâŚâ he paused and sighed. âI replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. Sheâs also fit to be our model so I agreedââ âWhat?â I asked in disbelief. He pressed his lips together and looked away. He messed his hair up before he shook his head and held my hand. âIâm sorry I didnât tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor and I canât say no.â I took my hand back and looked at him in both pain and anger. âYou can't say no to her so you'd rather harm the company, our company. You betrayed me, Pierce.â âKels, come on. You know how much I love her. Sheâs my first love.â Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she's your first love. She's always the one you want no matter what it takes. As long as she frowned a bit, you could turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You are so heartless, Pierce. âWell, youâve decided. I donât have a say in this since youâre the President. Just go. Iâll be in the office.â I said coldly as I opened the car door to walk out. âKellyâŚâ I looked him in the eyes. âGo home early. Letâs talk about our divorce at home tonight.â Chapter 4 Left High and Dry Kellyâs POV I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early but he didnât come home completely. He wasnât even answering my calls. Well, now Lexi was back, this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore. My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby was out of his plan. Sure, Pierce was not the kind who would force me to have an abortion. But he couldn't cut out his obsession with Lexi either. He might stay in this loveless marriage if his parents asked. But all I had would only be an empty shell. That's not a Father what I wanted for my baby. I wiped off the tears collecting at the corner of my eyes and collected the report. It was 5 am already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy making love with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he? I still remember the day when he came back after his first private vacation with Lexi. His joy was unmistakable. Nearly at once, I could tell they made love. The same day I returned to my room, I cried out loud as I took off my makeup. Nothing I did worked. I could never replace Lexi in his heart. I felt like hundreds of pounds pressing my chest. I decided to get a shower to wash away all the miserable emotions but the moment I opened the wardrobe, our intimate clothes were snuggled together bringing me back to the memory of how Pierce and I had sex here last time. It was that time he didn't use contraception. He was so passionate that I thought he finally accepted our marriage. I once believed his return from this business trip would be a fresh start for us but actually, it was a start for us to fall apart now. Unable to suppress my feelings any longer, I crouched down crying loudly. Why? Why am I always the one they choose to abandon? Why don't I deserve to be loved? I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, I subconsciously touched the pillow beside me. Cold as last night. He didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost. See, Kelly? That's what happened when you stepped into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continue on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy. Suddenly a wave of nausea flooded my stomach and I realized I hadn't even eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I run to the sink and puke. I spit yellowish liquid and it tastes so bad. I washed my mouth immediately and stared at my own reflection in the mirror. I shook my head and cupped my forehead as soon as I felt like throwing up again. I spit yellowish liquid again and while Iâm washing my mouth, I feel a warm hand caressing my back. I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried face was my husband Pierce. Iâve always been thankful that I have him as my best friend and husband but nowâŚIâm losing him. Hopelessly losing him. âAre you okay? Are you not feeling well? You shouldâve told me.â I stared at him through the mirror. âYou didnât answer my calls. Guilt flickered in his eyes. âIâm sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night.â I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair. âKelsâŚâ âI woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast.â I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings. "Kels...... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition......" âKels, are we still okay?â I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? Heâs asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own. Just because his first love is back. I canât believe him. I faked a smile. âI just donât feel well today, Pierce.â He immediately squatted beside me which is not surprising because I know he truly cares. What surprised me is why is he still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart. âAre you okay?â He gently touched my forehead and neck. âAre you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels.â âMy feelings donât matter,â I couldnât help but blurt out. He looked shocked because of what I said. When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face is mirroring his anger now. Heâs completely lost his patience. âWhatâs wrong with you, Kels? Youâve been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didnât come home last night?â I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier but you just let me wait for the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?â He clenched his jaws and shook his head. âKels, I..." "Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today." âKels!â He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. âAre youâŚin love with me?â I was taken aback? In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldnât fall for someone who has been protecting you ever since? But of course, I canât tell him. It would only complicate things more. I donât even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. âAre you on drugs? Iâm not in love with you.â I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I canât let my emotions affect me butâŚbut why are my tears falling again? âYou are so pathetic, Kelly! You canât even tell him how you truly feel,â I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily. It took me almost an hour bathing. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. Heâs been constantly abandoning me. I canât believe weâd reach this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid. *** âGood morning, Miss MonroeâŚâ âGood morning, Vice PresidentâŚâ I did not greet anyone back just like how I used to greet them back. I still feel pissed and my mood seems off. Irritation can easily take over me and I canât control it. Probably because of Pierceâs divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy. I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking. âDid you see her? I bet sheâs Mr. Andersonâs girlfriend. They seemed close.â My forehead creased. Pierceâs girlfriend? âAh! Itâs a waste that I didn't see her face but I feel like itâs Miss Lexi.â âLexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?â âYes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together.â âCome on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together.â âAre you serious? Theyâre best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. Itâs Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe.â I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected. I took a deep breath and sat on my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierceâs social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together. Eating in a fancy restaurant. I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. Of course, thereâs no way I can compete with her in his heart. Sheâs always the first one and I will always be the last in his priorities. | LEARN_MORE | https://dynamic.chereads.com/noah-ssg/wn/766754101 | Novabeats-0530 | https://www.facebook.com/61559933356514/ | 2,317 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | dynamic.chereads.com | VIDEO | https://dynamic.chereads.com/noah-ssg/wn/766754101/30244563706755305+1+4+facebook?utm_source={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_adset={{adset.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464569808_3839819276265132_7120199227186426652_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cupEGcOy_pgQ7kNvgHLZtra&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Awg5QZy0brfDU4fQCD1sJX0&oh=00_AYBTXf8VIatUb85ixOvXsdBLdRLblbhwD9nNgQo77rS_OQ&oe=67305051 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Novabeats-0530 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read more FREE chaptersđ | This wasnât the first time I received photos of Owen cheating on me. The blonde hair and slender build of the woman kissing him reminded me of my best friend Josie. Could it beâŚ? No, she would never do that to me! With trembling fingers, I dropped my phone. How could my husband cheat on me?! I thought I was the most important person in his life. After 7 horrible years at the orphanage, I was adopted by Owenâs family. I saved Owen's life when we were young. His family was so grateful that they took me in. How could Owen betray me after everything we went through?! We grew up together and were always inseparable. We fell in love and got married when we were 22 years old. I canât believe that was almost 3 years ago now. But Owen had been acting very strange lately. These photos seemed to explain why⌠I had to confront him. âOwen?â I called out. âOwen, where are you?â He didn't answer. He must be upstairs. I walked up the stairs and heard him talking to his friend Simon on the phone. As I was about to knock on the door, I overheard: âNo, I donât think I love her anymore.â His words gave me icy chills. âYou should be happy, Simon. I know you like Noah. If we get a divorce, you can have her.â Owen continued. âHe said...what?â I couldnât believe my ears and cried in my heart, âHow dare he talk about me like that? I wasn't just some object he could give away! â Hearing Owenâs frivolous talk with his friend, I felt sick. I grew up with him and got married for so many years. But he recently acted like a stranger. Did he have a new love? Why did he treat me in such a cruel way?! I was almost to open the door to question him, but suddenly I hesitated, âQuestion him and then what? Do I want divorce? No, I donât think so. Anyway, I have to calm down. At least I need to have a talk with him first. I need to know what happened to our marriage.â So, I quietly made my way back downstairs. I tried to forget about what I heard by preparing dinner. As I was dishing up our pasta, the delightful scent of italian herbs drifted through the house. I heard Owen come downstairs. âJust in time for your dinner, hun!â I said, trying to sound normal. But he was wearing his coat and gelled hair. He looked handsome as ever and ready to leave. I could smell his aftershave - my favorite smell in the world. âWhere are you going? Itâs getting late and dinner is ready.â I said. âDinner with a client. Donât wait for me.â Owen replied and left without hesitation. I sat alone at the table, looking at the food Iâd carefully prepared for him. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I listlessly turned the spaghetti round and round with my fork. I wasnât hungry. After storing away the leftovers, I stared at the TV for a while. Nothing could get my mind off of Owen and whoever that blonde tramp was. I made my way to the bathroom. I washed my mascara stained face and looked at myself in the mirror. Why did he stop loving me? Am I not beautiful enough? Did I not do enough to make him happy? I gave my body a scrutinizing glance, suddenly seeing all the parts of me that werenât perfect. My belly wasnât as flat as it used to be. Maybe I shouldâve had my lips done, like my friend Josie. Mine always used to be fuller than hers. But now she had the plump, luscious lips of a model. After washing up, I went to bed. Dropping my face into my pillow, I felt miserable. I tried to fall asleep, but my mind kept wandering. Where was Owen? And with who? Will he even come home tonight? At 1 am, I finally heard the key turn in the front door. From all the stumbling I could hear Owen was very drunk. I swiftly made my way downstairs to help him to the bedroom. He started kissing me and said a blurry name. I tried to identify what it was. After he repeated it many times, I was shocked. It sounded like... âJoiseâ! âJosieâŚ? Were you with Josie?â I asked with panic in my voice. I helped his heavy body into bed. He grunted some words I couldnât understand. I couldnât believe my husband cheated on me with my best friend. I cried and pleaded with him to see that it was me, not Josie. He pushed me away. As his head hit the pillow, he started snoring right away. Looking at my husband - completely drunk - I didnât recognize the man I knew and loved. I tried to sleep next to him. But it felt like I was lying next to a stranger. I went downstairs and sat on the sofa all night, wide eyed, thinking about what happened between us. The next morning, Owen came downstairs after a shower. I wanted to ask him how he was feeling. He must be hungover. When I got up from the couch, I felt very weak and feverish. The sleepless night must've made me sick. âOwen, are you OK?â I asked as I struggled to walk over to him. I really wanted to hug him. If only for a sense of comfort. He swept my arms away and told me to leave him alone. I was so weak and dizzy, his push made me fall. Owen was stunned for a moment. Then he said coldly, âIf youâre sick, go see a doctor.â I scrambled up to my feet, and looked at him with a shocked expression. Suddenly, his phone rang. As he lifted it to his ear, the screen lit up. I could clearly see who was calling: âJosieâ. Chapter 2 - Hope Noah My heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said âJosieâ. He answered: âHello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.â I couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen. When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldnât hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance. Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend. I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes. It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he wouldâve never let me suffer like this. âIâll pick you up later.â Owen said, ready to go. I grabbed his hand and begged him to stay with me. âPlease, donât leave. I'm sick, Owen. I need to see a doctor. Iâm too weak to be all by myself.â He was very impatient. He said he had some important business to deal with. I couldnât help crying as I watched him leave. My husband and my best friend were betraying me, behind my back. I walked up the stairs slowly, carefully holding on to the railing. I was so weak and fragile. Bed rest was my best option right now. I really needed my husband to take care of me. When we got married, he vowed to me: âIn sickness and in health, in good times and badâ. This was definitely a bad time, and he was nowhere to be seen. When I woke up from my nap, I felt even worse. In my feverish haze, I reached for my phone and tried to call Owen. I opened my recent contacts and found that Owen had not had any calls with me these days at all. I had to open the contact list to look for him, but a few minutes later I dialed out with a headache and dizziness. Almost immediately I heard: âHello, Noah?â The voice on the phone sounded very deep. I figured Owen got a cold after his late night out. âIâm so sick, Iâm so weak. I need to get to the hospital. Please, come back, pleaseâŚâ I pleaded, my voice weak and trembling. âIâll be right there.â Said the voice on the phone and hung up right away. His voice sounded different from before. And his tone was a little urgent. Whatâs wrong? I didnât have enough energy to think about it. At least he might still care about me. That comforted me a lot. Before long, there was a heavy knock on the door. Did Owen leave his key? I opened the door, expecting to look into Owen's gray eyes, but found Raymond's kind, hazel brown eyes instead. What was he doing here? Raymond was Owenâs uncle. He was only several years older, but very mature. He was tall, tanned and handsome. His chocolate brown hair matched his eyes. With his strong, square jaw and muscular body. I always thought Owen was one of the most attractive men I knew. It wasn't until Raymondâs appearance that I realized how dominant the handsome genes are in this family in terms of good looking. After living in Australia for most of his life, he had come back several years ago to take over his familyâs business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single. âDoes Owen know youâre sick?â Raymond said, looking concerned. âHow did you know I'm sick? Do I look that terrible?â I asked, suddenly aware that I was only wearing my little nightgown, had no make-up on and had my hair up in a messy bun. Raymond smiled. âDon't worry, Noah. I got your call earlier.â Oops, I must have pressed the number of âOwenâs Bossâ instead of âOwenâ. I apologized for the inconvenience. âYou are a member of our family, Noah. Itâs my duty to take care of you. And you are never an inconvenience to me.â Raymond said as he took me by the arm to support me. He led me to his streamlined, dark gray Mercedes to drive me to the hospital. I sat down on the cream colored leather seat. His car smelled brand new. The seat was heated, which helped warm me up, but I was still shivering. Raymond took off his suede blazer and handed it to me. His simple act of kindness made me feel warm, inside and out. âThank you, Raymond. This means a lot to me.â I said with a relieved sigh. âOf course, Noah. Whenever you need me, Iâll be there.â He responded. He still had a slight Australian accent. He asked me what happened. I wouldnât have shared my familyâs private problems with another man who I didnât even know very well. But at that time, I was on the very edge of a breakdown. I really needed someone to talk to. Yet when I lost two of my closest persons on the same day, my husband and my best friend, who else could I talk to? âI donât think Owen loves me as much as before. It seems that he has some secrets with another woman, who used to be my best girlfriend. I couldn't sleep all night. I think that's what caused my fever.â I concluded. I was in tears again by the time I finished the story. âHow could they do this to you? You are the best thing that's ever happened to Owen. If he can't see that, he is an even bigger idiot than I thought!â Raymond shouted out. His shocked, angry expression showed me how much he cared. âPlease, don't say a word about this to Owen. I haven't confronted him yet. I need to do this myself.â I responded. We sat quietly for a while, his hand resting very close to my thigh. I felt so weak and miserable. But his presence helped. When seeing the private doctor, I tried to get out of the car but almost fell. Raymond flung an arm around me, just in time to catch me. I blushed as I looked up to him. My face was very close to his. His piercing eyes looked at me with an intensity I hadnât seen before. I smelled something fresh. It might be his aftershave. I remembered Owen also used it, and I always told he that I love what he smelled. But I found Raymondâs aftershave smelled a little special. âRaymond? Noah? What are you doing?!â I suddenly heard Owenâs angry voice. Chapter 3 - Truth Noah Raymond quickly let go of me as Owen approached us. Just before taking a step back. I stumbled over to my husband. I wanted to lean on him for support, but he didnât seem to care about me at all. All I could read on his face was anger. I tried to be strong and stand by myself, shivering with fever. âSo, youâve got a new love, huh? I saw you flirting with my uncle!â Owen spat his angry words at me. I turned pale. How could he say this to me? Especially after what he had done? I wasnât the one who couldnât be trusted! âOwen! How dare you talk to her like that! Itâs not our familyâs manner!â Raymond berated him. He was fuming with rage at the injustice. He also knew about Owen's betrayal. Owen was a little timid when Raymond got angry. Although Raymond was only 31 years old, he had become a successful CEO. He had idolized Raymond when he was a child. And now, Raymond was also his boss. Owen had recently started working at his company. Raymondâs fists were clenched and his tense muscles were visible through his buttoned up shirt. He looked like he was about to hit Owen. I didnât want them to fight over me, so I tried to calm them both down. âRaymond, itâs okay. Owen will take me in to see a doctor. Thank you for driving me here.â I said gratefully. âPlease, donât say anything about Josieâ, I tried to tell him mentally through the look in my eyes. He nodded slightly, as if he understood. He relaxed and his eyes softened when he looked at me. I turned back to my angry husband. I couldnât detect any sign of trust in his eyes. I supposed he should be concerned about my health rather than the relationship between me and Raymond. âOwen, I can explain. I tried to call you, but I was so sick I accidentally dialed Raymondâs number. He brought me to see the doctor. You should be grateful to him. Without him I would still be miserable in bed, all alone.â Owen grabbed me and said, âWell, I was just on my way to come and get you. Then I saw you get out of uncle Raymond's car and âfallâ right into his arms.â He looked at Raymond with an arrogant smirk. âYou can go back to your important job now, uncle. Iâll look after my wife.â Raymondâs eyes were cold, but he respected my wishes. He didn't object. After warning Owen that heâd better take good care of me, he got back in his car and drove off. Although I was glad I could lean on Owen, something didn't feel right. I realized I was still wearing his suede jacket. It was so soft and warm, protecting me from the cold autumn wind. When the doctor dealt with my fever, Owen didnât want to speak to me, let alone look at me. He was engaging himself in typing on his phone. The doctor told me I shouldn't have waited much longer. My fever was so high I could have fainted. After getting examined and taking medicine for my fever, Owen drove me home. We sat next to each other in our car that held many memories. All our road trips and getaways together. Those times were over now. After an uncomfortable silence, I decided to address the elephant in the room. âOwen⌠What is going on? Do you still love me? Do you still regard me as your wife?â I asked. âSo what? Whose wife do you want to be?â Owen hissed. I couldn't believe how horrible he was to me after what he had done. âI know you cheated on me, Owen.â I uttered with pain in my voice. âYouâve been seeing Josie, right?â Owen stopped the car with a jerk and pulled over. We sat in silence for a while as he processed my words. âWhat do you know, Noah?â he pressed, looking me in the eyes at last. I finally confronted him about all the things that had been weighing heavily on my heart. I explained: âSomeone sent me photos of the two of you together. The first time, they didn't show your face. So I didnât want to believe it. But in the ones I received yesterday, it was clearly you. All those nights, when you told me you had to leave town for business... You lied to me. You spent them at a hotel with another woman! Then, last night, you kissed me and called me Josie. And this morning, I saw it was her calling you. You pretended it was a client. âOwen, we have grown up together since we were kids. I always thought we knew each other the most and could trust each other. I canât believe you would cheat me like that!â I cried, âOwen, did you fall in love with another woman... Is she my best friend Josie?!â His eyes showed a moment of doubt. Then, resolution. His mouth tightened as he clenched his jaw. Just when I thought he wouldnât answer, Owen said: âItâs true. I love her. I love Josie.â Chapter 4 - Hurt Noah I just couldn't accept it. I loved him so much. How could he cheat on me? âWhy, Owen? I thought we loved each other. I thought we would be together forever. Did I do something wrong?â I cried. Owen didn't respond. He drove us home in silence. His cruelty was too much for me to bear. I stared at the raindrops on the window. I felt more depressed than ever. That afternoon, Owen left again. I tried having some food and a nap, hoping that would help me heal. But I just couldn't fall asleep until Owen came back home in the early evening. I had to talk to him. I got out of bed and met him at the top of the stairs. âOwen, we need to talk about what happened. You can't keep going out and avoiding me.â He was obviously drunk again. All he said was, âI donât have anything to say to you. I am moving out, Noah. I supposed our years of marriage is a mistake!â I took his hands in mine and begged him to stay and try to work it out. But he shook off my hands and pushed me away. I was standing right on the edge of the staircase. His push made me lose balance, and I tumbled down the stairs. I managed to grab onto the railing so I didnât fall all the way down. But my head hit the wall when I tried to break my fall. I felt my forehead was bleeding. It was so painful that I couldnât get up. I thought Owen would help me, but only heard: âYou lost your footing. Itâs not my fault.â There was a sudden knock on the door. Owen stumbled past me down the stairs. âRaymond? What are you doing here? Now is not a good time.â âI came to ask you what is going on. You need to give me an explanation. You havenât ⌠Noah?â Raymond suddenly saw me sitting on the stairs behind Owen. He pushed Owen aside and ran over to me in alarm. Seeing my messy hair and injured forehead, he instantly knew what happened between us. He punched Owen in the face. âThis is how you treat your wife?! I donât believe you. Donât you see Noah is bleeding? Did you hurt her? What a disgusting thing you smelled! You drunk idiot!â Raymond raged at his nephew. I didnât even have time to explain. Raymond immediately wrapped me up in his suit jacket and took me to see the doctor. âTwice in one day? That must be a record.â The doctor said wearily. I gave her a wry grin and answered, âNot by choiceâŚâ The doctor took care of my wounds. I needed a couple of stitches and had some pretty bad bruises, but I would be okay. Thankfully, I didn't break any bones. It was getting dark outside. The autumn breeze was busy blowing the leaves off the maple trees surrounding the hospital parking lot. Raymond and I made our way back to the car. Our feet rustled through the thick carpet of yellow, brown and scarlet red leaves. After my second - and hopefully last - doctor's visit of the day, we sat next to each other in silence. We were back in his beautiful Mercedes. I could get used to these comfortable, heated seats. I felt a bit embarrassed. Raymond kept on having to save me. At least this time, I was wearing clothes and make-up, and my brown hair was neatly tied in a long, wavy ponytail. âI donât normally need so much help, you know.â I broke the ice. âI happen to be a strong, independent woman most of the time.â Raymond laughed heartily. âJokes aside, I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me.â I continued. âWhy did you come over tonight, Raymond?â âOwen hadnât come to work at the company for days. And I wanted to speak to him about what happened this morning, with you. I tried to call him, but he never answered. I decided to come over. To see for myself what was wrong with him.â Raymond explained. âI just canât believe what he did to you!â He continued. âIf he ever does anything like that again, please tell me. Iâll teach him a lesson.â His stern face showed how much he meant it. I took a deep breath. He had a way of making me feel safe and secure. âThank you, Raymond. Iâm okay now. It was an accident. Owen didnât push me off the stairs on purpose. He didnât mean to hurt me.â I explained. Raymond looked a little angry, but he still carefully drove me home. âGoodbye, Raymond. Thank you again, for everything.â I said with feeling as he hugged me. âBye, Noah. Itâs been my pleasure. Please be safe. Call me if you need anything.â He said. He gently patted me on my head as comfort as if I was a little girl and got back in his car. His simple actions made me feel warm. I thanked him and walked home. I entered the house. It was quiet and dark downstairs. I walked up to our room. When I opened our bedroom door, all I could see was Owen and Josie kissing on the bed. Chapter 5 - The Necklace Noah I couldnât believe my eyes! While the hours I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didnât he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous! Even though I had seen Owen and Josieâs betrayal before in photos, witnessing it in real life was way worse. It felt like a million knives stabbed me in the chest. My heart shattered. âHow dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for Godâs sake!â I cried out. They hadnât heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasnât so devastated, it mightâve been funny. Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josieâs blonde hair was disheveled. They were both in their underwear. Clothes were spread out all over our bedroom floor. I tried to hold back my tears. I didn't want to show them my pain. My crying might come across as weakness. I demanded an explanation. âI donât believe this. Owen! Did you forget I am your wife?! Josie, why did you betray me too?! I treat you as my best friend. How dare you take my husband away from me!â I insisted. Josie hid away in Owenâs arms. Owen comforted her gently, then snapped at me: âYouâve already seen us together anyway, haven't you, Noah?â âI am done with you.â He continued. âOur whole relationship was based on a lie. Josie shouldâve been with me all along!â I didnât understand. âWhat are you talking about, Owen?â He held up a delicate golden necklace with a tear shaped ruby that had been resting on Josieâs collarbone. âRemember this, Noah? The truth has finally come out. It was Josie who saved my life all those years ago, not you. You pretended that it was you in front of my parents. Youâve made her suffer long enough!â I was shocked. Why did Josie have my necklace? I couldn't believe her betrayal. I tried to explain to Owen that I lost that necklace before I was adopted by his family. I told him I would never lie to him. Especially about something so important. But Owen didnât believe me. âJosie,â I cried. âHow could you do this to me? Why would you steal my necklace? You know how much it means to me! Weâve been best friends since the orphanage, havenât we? Does that mean nothing to you?â âNoah, you know this necklace has always belonged to me. I was the one who saved Owen. But you stole my life to be adopted,âJosie played innocent with me, âI should have been the one who grew up with Owen! I see you as my sister, so I never attempted to reveal your lie until Owen found this necklace in my old jewelry box several months ago.â This convinced Owen even more that I had been bullying her. He wrapped his arms around her. Over his shoulder, when he couldnât see, Josie gave me a quick, mean smirk. I knew Josie had a mean side. She always had, even when we were kids. But so far, she had only taken it out on her boyfriends and whoever got on her bad side, not on me. I never thought she might treat me in such a mean way! I had searched everywhere but couldn't find my necklace. It turned out that she was the thief who was always around me. How could she tell such outrageous lies as if it were naturalďź I left the bedroom, rushed downstairs and broke down on the couch. Oh, what a nightmare! How could I make Owen see the truth? A little later, Owen and Josie came downstairs, all dressed up again. Josie was wearing her Prada pumps and the sleek, mint green dress I gifted her for her birthday. It accentuated her long legs and slender silhouette. I had to admit, she looked beautiful. I used to dress in a simple way such as simple jeans, white blouse and sneakers. Maybe I looked less attractive compared to Josie. Owen had an arm around Josieâs waist and warned me, âYouâd better stay out of our life from now on. Iâll move to another villa with Josie.â I couldn't believe it. After 3 years of marriage, he trusted her story over mine. And now he wanted nothing to do with me. We used to be happily married. Our whole lives, ever since I saved him, we had been so close. We used to laugh together, cry together, play pranks on each other⌠But now, everything changed, simply because of a necklace. In fact, ânecklaceâ is just an excuse for his betrayal. I didnât believe our years of affection couldnât prove my heart. âNoah, my life was ruined by you. You owe me that.â Josie said. âOne day youâll both regret this. I didnât do anything wrong.â I sobbed. As they walked out, I faintly heard Owen reply: âItâs my fault. I should have found you earlier, or you wouldnât have suffered so much.â I could only guess at his last insult as the door closed behind them. I zoned out in front of the TV and poured myself some of Owenâs whisky. The past couple of days had been the worst of my life ever since I lost my parents. My body and mind had been through so much. I felt numb. I must have fallen asleep on the couch. The sudden loud jingle of my phone ringing woke me up. The bright midmorning sun was shining in through the large windows. Looks like I slept in late. Disoriented, I picked up my phone and saw it was Owen calling. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear. Before I could say a word, I heard Owenâs angry shouting: âHow dare you do this to Josie! Those guys you hired? You must pay for what you have done!â Chapter 6 - Choice Noah âWhat?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what youâre talking about.â I replied to the angry voice on the phone. âMore lies! I canât believe you, Noah. You're despicable!â Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear. âOwen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?â âJosie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!â He ended the call before I could reply. What was this about? Would my life ever go back to normal? I decided to find out what was going on. My fever was over. Although my head still hurt, the wound was healing rapidly. I took a refreshing shower and got into a pencil skirt and light blue blouse. I combed my hair and decided to wear it in natural loose waves today. After a quick breakfast, I slipped into my high heels and coat, and made my way to my car. It was a crisp sunny day. I arrived at the hospital. At least it wasn't me who needed to see the doctor this time. âOh, itâs our âold friendâ.â The nurse said jokingly. I smiled as she directed me to Josieâs room. As soon as I knocked on the door, Owen opened it with an enraged look on his face. âFinally! That took you long enough.â He whispered angrily. âJosie is sleeping.â He came out and gently closed the door behind him. We walked towards the chairs in the hallway. âI have no idea what happened, Owen.â I said honestly. âCan you please tell me what is going on? Some guys attacked her?â âAre you still pretending you weren't behind this? You are unbelievable.â He shook his head, then continued. âJosie was attacked by some hooligans this morning, on her way to work. She shouted out and fainted from fear. Thankfully, a police officer was nearby. He heard her scream. She has a heavy concussion from the fall. She'll have to stay here a few days to recover.â âWhat? That's horrible!â I replied in shock. Although I was angry with Josie, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. âStop your act now, Noah. Those guys were arrested. They told the police someone paid them to kidnap Josie, because she broke up a marriage.â No wonder he doubted me. But I couldnât believe the trust between us was so fragile. âWould you believe me if I swore to you it wasn't me?â I asked with a last glimmer of hope. His reply made it clear to me that there was no hope left for us: âNever again will I believe a single word you say, Noah.â I refused to apologize. I didn't have anything to do with this. If anyone needed to stand out and make an apology, it was them for what they had done to meďź On my way out, I contacted a friend who had lots of connections all over the city. I asked her to investigate the situation. I also called the office on my way home, to let them know I was still recovering from my fever and head wound. My boss was understanding. She told me to take as long as I needed. In the evening, Owen came home just as I was about to have dinner. âI didnât prepare your dinner. I guess you would have dinner with Josie?â I said plainly. I didnât know why he came back at this time, but I didnât care about it anymore. He ignored my words and said, âYou still donât want to apologize, right? You have two choices, Noah. Apologize and make amends with Josie, or divorce me and get out of this house!â âJosie is the one who betrayed us both. She lied to you, Owen. She stole my necklace. She is the one who should apologize!â I argued. Owen burst out in rage and slapped me in the face. I stared at him in disbelief. I was totally disappointed. Over the past few days he had hit me, pushed me, cheated on me. He had hurt me in every way. I made up my mind. âI choose divorce.â I said coldly. âGood. My lawyer will contact you in the next morning,âOwen said ruthlessly with a wicked smile, âOh, Iâve prepared another âsurpriseâ for you. Hope you will enjoy it!â | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&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/t39.35426-6/463746090_1935842656910759_3812755172762740403_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4LXbcOt6ub4Q7kNvgFtvlIx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJ9N5wwzKBuSo5OyVPlFlGn&oh=00_AYDk2TOeJpo3tTo0ZMJvlVj-STrM2SHc55mRI1AlrrFr9A&oe=67306848 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461342866_403665495877678_8039372569247806790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V-QVVgKxP20Q7kNvgFSBI2V&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_9kaS_ze9dk6BPd_VmcZ8p&oh=00_AYA31WBxOIOzz8LPe-AdCb6yM7V3bf3DsiMcEfd4LbgImQ&oe=67304FF5 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 15:48 | active | 1722 | 0 | Read with Your Earsâ¤â¤ | "I, James Rodriguez, soon to be alpha of Eclipse Pack reject you, Nikolina Reed as my mate and Luna. â The pain was blinding for Nikolina. Her next words took both of them by surprise. She was anything but weak and she knew she deserved a lot better than some douche bag who was disrespectful towards his own mate. Alpha or not, he shouldn't be the one who gets the last laugh. *** Nikolina POV 4 hours earlier I woke up in a very good mood. I am finally eighteen and today is the day I find my mate. It actually depends on both sides. If they are of age, they'll find each other soon enough, seventeen is the youngest you can be when you find your mate. However, most of the time, the guy or the girl have to wait for their other half to come of age, which I think is a great idea. Yes, I'm a werewolf, specifically the current Beta's daughter and soon to be Beta's sister. The disappointment of the family. But that's okay; I'm not very inclined to make them proud or follow in their footsteps, but mostly they want Alex to do it. Don't get me wrong. I'm not abused or bullied; except for the occasional remarks, shunned from society, the usual stuff. They say I'm ugly, but I know better than to believe that. I could have been popular due to my blue eyes and gold speckles, blonde hair and hourglass figure. But I like to keep to myself. Plus my hair was naturally blonde unlike my mother's peroxide bleached hair that comes out of bottles and pricey extensions. Actually, dad and Alex both have brown hair so I don't know how I have blonde hair. For months, I even checked the roots of my hair to find some sort of discoloration to prove that even my hair was bleached. But in vain. My mom was the stereotypical cheerleader in high school while my dad was the âdoucheâ and quarterback. Apparently they want me to be like them, and social hierarchy exists in packs as well. And my brother is following our parents footsteps, sleeping with more than half of the population, while I'm not. They revel in attention and bullying people who are lower than them, as they say. To the outside world, my family and I love each other. On the inside itâs an extreme hate relationship, something the pack is aware of except for the Alpha and Luna. If they knew the truth, my parents, Tiffany and Mark, would lose their respect and beloved Alex's position would be taken away from him. Which would obviously take his popularity down a notch. Horrifying for him. Entertaining for me. Anyways, today is also the soon-to-be Alpha's eighteenth birthday. James Rodriguez. Sometimes I wonder how someone as sweet and kind as Diana and George, produce a kid like James. In short, James is the snobby player. Itâs actually really surprising how none of the girls are pregnant yet... Back to me, I dressed up with more care than usual. I wore a baby pink sundress with black gladiator sandals. I applied a bit of winged liner to make my eyes pop. I've always read stories about loving mates. Who knows how much of it is true? For all I know, itâs some made up fantasy to make mates seem like the ultimate endgame. Maybe one day, I would meet my mate and then we could run away towards the sunset............or something, I don't really care. Apparently, all mates are compatible with their other half. Itâs like love at first sight and the males getting all possessive about their mates is very appealing and a turn on, or so I've heard. It's all hearsay. And I think itâs stupid. Itâs like the males are all custom made robots. Why else would their behavior be so alike? And there was a paragraph about heat and shifting and marking. Maybe, my mate's gonna go all caveman on me and tear my throat out. I'm just kidding, morbid thoughts on my birthday are kind of my thing. And its wishful thinking. I don't care. He might even be an omega and I still wouldn't care. Even if he's a human, it wouldn't matter. And if he's not in this pack then..... Oh well... It's better for me. I don't want to stay in a pack where I have no respect and people treat me bad. Status had once mattered to me. But when you have parents like mine, you kind of start praying not to ever be like them. Not once did they look at me but of course, Alexander was doted on by everyone. Kids. Parents. Friends. You name it. Apparently, it's because he's a boy. And according to my mother, girls are good for getting screwed, getting hit on, obeying their men, acting flirty along, and popping out heirs. And lucky for you all, my mother happens to be exhibit A. You should all be jealous because it's not everyday that you have a live walking, talking example to show the word and tell them what a hoe your mother is. Third Person POV Nikolina walked to school as she was not allowed a car. Though Alex was the proud owner of a shiny Silver Volvo. Double standards were very common in the Reed family. She had always wanted her own car, something that was a stunning shade of bright canary yellow, but that dream was nowhere close to becoming a reality. All of a sudden, she smelt an amazing scent; peppermint and honey. Lydia purred and rolled around in happiness, barely able to contain her excitement. On searching for the source, her eyes met warm, hazel orbs. His eyes expressed lust and adoration as they raked all over her body. Realization finally hit her hard when she saw that James-freaking-Rodriguez was her mate! The next Alpha of Solaris Eclipse Pack. And he was Portia's long-standing boyfriend. You know what he did next? James went back to groping the head cheerleader. âPortia.... â Oh, sorry. Rookie mistake. Portia Scott. Tears threatened to fall while her wolf Lydia whimpered, seeing her mate touch another... âOur mate is beautiful.â James's wolf, Jace said. Nikolina was more than just beautiful. Many males of the pack thought she was gorgeous but never mentioned it out loud due to the fear of facing Alex's wrath. Alex was the one to start it all: the petty insults, the hateful words and making an outcast out of her. Others had just followed his footsteps. And of course, some of the girls were shallow enough to find happiness by making Nikolina feel miserable, because they were insecure about themselves. But the main issue was, though James thought Nikolina was pretty, he would never accept her as his mate and Luna. Though she was Beta Mark's daughter and was of high status, both him and his ego considered her a nobody. He knew about the insults and he had done it as well. In his eyes, she was worthless and all everyone ever did was talk down on her and she never fought back. He couldn't have a... thing like that as his mate. Beauty just wasn't enough for him, being a ruthless woman was a requirement. âShe might be beautiful but I don't want her. She's a nobody. If people know that she is my mate, I would become the laughing stock of my pack. Seriously, people walk all over her. She can never be my Luna.â That was the thought going through his mind as he sucked on Portia's neck hard enough to bruise. âOw! You're hurting me, boo! You know Kelly has my concealer today.â Portia whined but still made no move to shove James away. She just proceeded to grind her lower body into James and trying to get as close as humanly possible without getting rid of her clothes in public. James finally pried Portia off his body and walked towards his mate. In some ways, Portia was like a bloodsucking leech or an annoying wart, never leaving without a fight. âBaby, where are you going? I need you!â Her voice was like a cat dragging its claws across a board. James just signalled her to shut up before walking towards his mate. He would do the right thing, of course, as the future Alpha of Solaris Eclipse Pack and give Nikolina what she deserves. He stopped in front of her and asked, âWhat's your name?â âNikolina,â she stated. He soon noticed that she had no friends and no car and he felt the curious stares on his back as everyone's attention was on him. âI, James Rodriguez, soon to be alpha of Eclipse Pack reject you, Nikolina Reed as my mate and Luna. â As he rejected her, Jace whimpered and cowered. And James felt bad but he knew this was the right thing to do for himself and the pack. From his perspective, Nikolina was someone who brought out the worst in people and Portia was way more deserving to be his mate and Luna, considering that she was fearless and wasn't afraid to fight dirty for her rights. James was an egoistic douche bag who mistook petty behavior for fearless but he was blinded by the greed for power and popularity. The pain was blinding for Nikolina. She would have collapsed if not for the anger that surged through her. She was furious. At James. The Moon Goddess. Not realizing how painful rejection was. Her fate. It was a never ending list. It felt like she was being drowned in liquid bleach, her lungs burned and she saw red. Anger took over the pain she was feeling and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how hurt she was. Her next words took both of them by surprise. She was anything but weak and she knew she deserved a lot better than some douche bag who was disrespectful towards his own mate. Alpha or not, he shouldn't be the one who gets the last laugh. âI, Nikolina Reed, accept your rejection as my mate and Alpha. I sincerely hope you get the clap!â With that, she turned on her heel and left the school premises. âWho needs a mate? Especially someone like James. People like him need girls like Portia by their sides, who cater to their whims and needs and whatever freaky carnal desire they might have.â Nikolina thought darkly. She wasn't going to give in to her pain and this rejection was the final push that encouraged her to chase after her freedom and break bonds with the family who had clipped off her wings. James felt a tiny bit of hurt realizing that she didn't even think twice before accepting the rejection and all he could wonder was how did she not burst into tears or grovel at his feet to take her back. Jace did not talk. He just whimpered, feeling the loss of his mate. Before James could think of it anymore, Portia dragged him to an empty classroom to distract her beloved Jamie boo. It seemed as if James wasn't the least bit affected by the incident with Nikolina, because his actions didn't falter as he hitched Portia's skirt up and ripped her panties, drilling her like an animal and releasing himself on her clothes and face as he left her alone to clean up. Nikolina POV âWell, he can go drill his toy as much as he wants.â I thought darkly while making my way towards home. All Lydia did was whimper. The moment I saw James, I knew something like this was bound to happen. You don't have any expectations when someone like him is supposed to be your destined mate. He was born with a big ego and he can just stuff it up his. âMaybe he regrets hurting us, you know.â Lydia whimpered. Before I could reply, searing hot pain flooded my senses. I felt myself fall on the pavement and the pain started to become more intense. It is obvious, isn't it? He's already drilling someone just minutes after rejecting me. It felt like my body was set on fire and the blistering flames charred my skin. I slowly got up and almost keeled over as my vision turned white. Dizziness washed over me. I had to clench my fists and dig my fingers hard enough to draw blood. Getting away from him and this stupid pack is my best bet. He was doing it intentionally considering the fact he knows that we're both connected unless one of us dies or gets marked by another. Walking never felt so strenuous and with every step I had to force myself to not curl up on the pavement and cry. I know I deserve someone better but I did want to cry my pain away. After what seemed like hours, the pain slowly ebbed away. Painful times ahead. The only problem is that the mate bond doesn't break even after being rejected. Only if the rejected is marked by the first mate or by another, or if one of the mates die, will the bond break. I entered my house and went to my room to pack my bags. You know, in every werewolf story the rejected mate writes letters before leaving. There's no logic to it. I mean, don't you get it? No one cares if you leave. No one cares if you die. No one cares if you slit your throat or get molested or murdered. That's the harsh truth. Why should I open my feelings on a letter make them feel pity? I can just run away and live my best life, away from them. It's not like they will send out search teams for you. I don't want pity. I can do better than that. I picked up my red lipstick and wrote in capitals before leaving. I know I'm dramatic but it serves them right. They'll remember this for years to come: women can walk away without feeling a twinge of guilt or regret. Showing vulnerability would only make me seem weak and I've let people walk over me way too many times. My mom was probably busy getting her hair done or something. That's the only thing she ever does. Or her nails. Or maybe she was out shopping with snobby people like herself. It's obvious that birds of a feather flock together. The only thing I ever liked about her is that she cooked for us, sometimes. Mom made a mean lasagna. Dad was probably with Alpha George. That's usually where he is. But then again, he also has this terrible habit of getting drunk during daylight hours. And once he even groped some other girl in front of the whole pack. Mom turned an ugly shade of red as she kicked him in the crotch. Those were the good days. It was fun when he laid on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on his groin and mom was nowhere around. Leaving was better for me anyway. Nothing was tying me down to this place. No friends. No proper family. I would be doing myself and them a favor. I took my dad's sleek black Porsche for my escapade. I might as well leave loaded and in style, besides it's high time I had a car. Just as I reached the pack border, I said, âI, Nikolina Reed, break all ties with the Solaris Eclipse Pack.â The patrol guards looked at me, but its not like they would stop me. The pack links broke and with that I revved up the engine and sped through the borders, driving towards my new life. A better life. It was a blessing that this pack did not care enough to stop me. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To enjoy more: Download our APP, search audiobook id 99168 and hear the complete version! | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. | Hear Love Stories | https://www.facebook.com/61557769378423/ | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Install now | 0 | play.google.com | VIDEO | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ihear.audiobook | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465616168_1083030210497441_3451545005016464065_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4NeIOPef2PoQ7kNvgGs3KMW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUKblaMe3BxTQGiyqcpbTMg&oh=00_AYDmkkYHNGZfkQ1GZ1yzO9oJCF4BbhvKLSTyUR1sckQXmg&oe=67304E40 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Hear Love Stories | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đĽđĽClick to read the next chapter for freeđ | Haley hadn't seen her husband William for a week and when she finally called him in the evening he seemed annoyed. "I have a meeting now. Excuse me." He brushed hang up the phone before she could say a word. Haley felt a little disappointed since tonight marked their third anniversary. Anyway, she decided to stay awake until he got home. Bored, she picked up her phone, checking into her tiktok to kil-l time. Just then, a piece of news popped up, featuring NK Enterprise, her husband's company. Excited, Haley tapped into the news; "William Nash, Famous CEO of NK Enterprise, Checks Into Hotel With his Mystery Girlfriend, Relationship Revealed" Her William? Haley's eyes glued to her phone's screen, shock and disbelief taking over when she saw the image of her husband entering the Hotel, his arm snaked around a woman's waist. Haley couldnât believe her husband was with a woman. She must be mistaken. Sinking in confusion was pointless. Haley dialed his number. On her third trial, he finally picked up. âWhat's up?â he asked coldly. Haley inhaled deeply, controlling her emotions. âLiam, where are you? Today's our 3rd anniversary, remember?â âSo?â he said through his careless tone, âNot coming home. Sleep by yourself.â His voice holding no remorse, a gut-wrenching punch to her pride. Just then, a female voice, soft and seductive, came on the phone. âWilly, I'm thirsty.â Willy? Even Haley wasn't allowed to call him that. He truly was with a woman! The phone beeped. He hung up the call. Haley sank onto the bed, her thoughts spinning and that voice echoing. It was Leah! Liamâs secretary who looked a lot like his Ex. Dazed, Haley's gaze fell on the decorations; her hard work. Tears blurred Haley's vision. Suddenly, a message notification appeared. [I'm pre-gnant. It's time for me to become the new Mrs. Nash.] Haley gripped the phone, her body trembling. It was from Leah. She'd been having second thoughts whenever she wanted to leave the man, but now she gave up her last hope. Haley stood up and retrieved the document she'd hidden in a corner of the closet and signed her name on it. Tears that reminded her of how weak and helpless she'd reduced herself to all in this marriage. Never again. | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12277&u | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 831 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12277&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449335891_1536775250241262_1480358716061670696_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UwPVSJCDSyoQ7kNvgETKVfB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A8rqPZ6bCYZViCnLpTnftSo&oh=00_AYB1y2J5XJMAF62ZRfEBGRFiCaIRRTK9_OmdFRAEiRDYiw&oe=67307057 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | It was 1 AM when I woke up from a bad dream. I was all alone. Whereâd Jared run off to? I propped up my slightly round belly and headed downstairs to find him. Just as I approached the hallway, a womanâs sweet voice became clearer. It was Sofia, my husbandâs so-called best friend. âWhat were you thinking when you got married to such a tough woman like Arielle? How could she make you pick her up late from work? You should be resting after a stressful day instead of being her driver!â âI did it willingly for my wife,â I heard Jaredâs steady, deep voice. âYou changed, Jared. This isnât you. What has your wife done to you?â âHuh? You failed your marriage, now judge mine?â âStop it Jared, you know it, you know I divorced my husband because of you!â Sofiaâs shrill voice cried out. My eyes widened. What the hell? âShut up! Donât drag me into your divorce!â Jared snapped, his voice laced with fury but it didnât ease the weight in my chest. I had ever seen him act so emotional⌠A sob escape Sofiaâs throat. She moved into Jaredâs arms, crying, as she held on to him tightly. Then I saw Jared wrap his arms around her. Angry, and totally disgusted, I hurried back upstairs and began to pack my things. I needed to leave. I have had just enough of their excesses! I was about to leave after the packing, but just at the entrance, Sofia stood there, obviously waiting for me. There was a smirk on her face. âI have no strength for this, Sofia. Move,â I said coldly. âAnd if I donât? You think you can try to kill me and go Scott Free?â She asked, hands akimbo. âStop pretending. Go beg Jared for attention if you want his pity.â âYou still donât see the truth, do you?â She stepped aside with a laugh. I walked past, but she called out, âWho do you think Jared would save first?â What? Before I could respond, I felt a hard shove. I tumbled down the stairs, pain shooting through my body. Sofia screamed beside me, pretending weâd both fallen. God, sheâs so despicable! As I lay there, gasping for air, Jared rushed in. I couldnât speak, but my eyes begged him. Please, help me. Help our baby! He knelt by me, but thenâhe turned to Sofia. And just before everything went black, I saw him pick her up over me. | LEARN_MORE | https://nvwibcnshop.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | nvwibcnshop.com | DCO | https://nvwibcnshop.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14537&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461713491_1087867422923073_4937479151843429803_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0JJDq6X1nsEQ7kNvgHOaVWR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8rqPZ6bCYZViCnLpTnftSo&oh=00_AYD1h2sOD3WU-i-1ccJFMh-Bo7kiXfBnJPnv4mjC9Sd36A&oe=6730631B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 16:09 | active | 1724 | 0 |
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đĽđĽClick to read the next chapter for freeđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 293 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464432077_1960115727748651_6854014262409917585_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GepqcuDTVn4Q7kNvgGZOVdY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJ9N5wwzKBuSo5OyVPlFlGn&oh=00_AYD6vNlDq4SV0jCl_-5GITqYcKmaigR_Ak2uLN57w8YO-g&oe=6730839F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đRead the next chaptersđ | Chapter 1 "You'll have the test results in about an hour." The nurse's smile was gentle and reassuring as she took the vial of blood from Madeline Sanders. Madeline held a cotton swab to her arm and settled into a chair in the waiting area. She was a bit pale, but her eyes sparkled with hope. She had a hunch she was conceived, and that hospital visit was just to make sure. Three years ago, Trevon Gibson was involved in a terrible car crash that left him comatose, with doctors saying he would never wake up. Lydia Sanders, Trevon's high school sweetheart and Madeline's half-sister, did not waste any time and jetted off abroad for her studies. Somehow, Trevon's grandmotherâEdith Gibsonâfigured that Madeline was Trevon's lucky charm and insisted she marry him. The Gibson family promised to care for Madeline's mother, who was lost in her own world of madness. Madeline felt trapped but agreed to the marriage. Little did everyone know that Madeline was secretly in love with Trevon for years. To everyone's surprise, Trevon woke up after the wedding. However, Madeline's joy was short-lived. Trevon's first words to her were icy and calculated. "Out of respect for my grandmother, I'll take you as Mrs. Gibson for three years. When Lydia returns in three years, I will marry her." Madeline had braced herself to play along with that deal, ready to step aside when the time came. However, life threw a curveball a month and a half ago. Trevon stumbled home after drowning his sorrows in wine that day, and Madeline single-handedly managed to drag him inside. Supporting a drunken Trevon was like moving a boulderâeach step a battle of strength. Madeline and Trevon could no longer keep themselves upright and crumpled to the floor just inside the front door. Their lips brushed together in the fall, an accidental kiss that sent Madeline's heart racing. Trevon was a notorious germaphobe, avoiding physical contact like the plague. However, that unexpected kiss seemed to unlock something in him, and he leaned in for another. Madeline was caught off guard, but she did not resist. Later, in the quiet aftermath, Madeline could not bear to stay in the bed they shared. She tiptoed around the sleeping Trevon, erasing any trace of what had happened between them. The hospital was a hive of activity, but Madeline felt alone in the crowd. With trembling hands, she opened the lab results. 'Early stage of conceive. Recommend a follow-up ultrasound.' Joy flickered across her face, quickly hidden behind her hand to muffle her giggles. Regardless of the state of her marriage, that baby was a precious gift. She was eager to tell Trevon, her fingers hovering over her phone. However, she hesitated. Trevon's germaphobia was not just about objectsâit extended to people. She had seen him scrub his hands raw after a mere handshake. However, wine had loosened his inhibitions that one night. Would he believe the baby was his? Doubt clouded Madeline's mind, bringing a headache and a wave of nausea. She was jostled as a group of doctors in white coats rushed by, nearly sending her phone flying. "Emergency! Please step aside," a nurse said, flashing Madeline a quick, apologetic smile before dashing off. Madeline took a deep breath, watching the commotion unfold. Her gaze drifted to the emergency room doors without much thought. However, in a heartbeat, her eyes widened in shock. Trevon was there, shielding Lydia as they stepped down from the ambulance. He guided her gently onto a stretcher and, with a team around them, made a beeline for the VIP suite. A chilling shiver sliced through Madeline, her knees buckling as she clung to the nearby railing for support. Lydia was back. In the hospital room, the doctor briefed Trevon. "It seems like a mild concussion, but we'll need the test results to be sure." Trevon's expression was serious. "Speed it up. Use the VIP route." Lydia, stretched out on the gurney, smiled weakly at Trevon. "You're always so kind to me." Lydia pouted as she continued, "I wasn't paying attention. Who would've thought a bike bump could lead to a concussion? In Ameristan, people usually slow down on their own." Trevon gave her a fleeting, detached look. A flicker of worry crossed Lydia's face. "Trevon, with Skylandia's tight deadlines, isn't my accident going to set us back a lot?" Skylandia was the latest venture from Trevon's gaming empire, Xystos Tech, and Lydia had returned to lead the art on it. "I won't stay here. I have to get back to work," she declared, attempting to get out of bed. Trevon was quick to intervene, his hand on her shoulder easing her back down. "Don't be childish." As the tender scene unfolded, Madeline watched them outside the VIP room with gritted teeth. Trevon was notorious for his meticulous ways, but he did have a soft spot. He was not always distant. He just saved all his warmth for Lydia. Madeline felt a wave of emotion as she teared up. She touched her nose and fought the tears. Without really knowing why, she found herself pulling out her phone and calling Trevon. In the sterile silence of the hospital room, Trevon's face froze for a moment as he checked his phone, then casually handed it off to his assistant, Simon Taylors. "Tell her I'm tied up in a meeting." Madeline's heart clenched as Trevon's annoyed expression flickered across his face. Simon, moving to the side, answered Madeline's call softly. "Hello, Mrs. Gibson. Mr. Gibson is busy in a meeting. Is there something you need?" Madeline's lips twitched with a defeated smile. "No, it's nothing. I just hit the wrong button." Simon frowned. "Mr. Gibson's schedule is packed. Please be more careful in the future, Mrs. Gibson." The future? Was there even a future to speak of? Lydia, overhearing Simon, gave Trevon a subtle glance. She casually showed off the pink Hello Kitty bandage on her hand. Trevon's eyes snapped to it, his voice laced with a hint of longing. "You still haven't kicked that old habit, I see." Lydia forced a smile. "Well, you know I've always been fond of Hello Kitty." Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to soften. Madeline could not stand it any longer. Clutching her phone, she turned around and left. She thought one night could change things, but it was just wishful thinking. Despite the autumn season, Redenbaugh City was sweltering, and the hospital's air conditioning was cranked up, sending chills down her spine. She felt light-headed, as if she were floating on air. Suddenly, a little boy darted into her path, bumping into her. Madeline's face went pale as she caught the little boy, but in doing so, she lost her footing and tumbled to the ground. The fall sent a chill up her spine, and she held her belly, too afraid to move. The boy, however, started wailing, drawing curious glances from passersby. His mother rushed over and gave him a quick once-over. When she found him unscathed, she pulled him into a tight embrace before turning to Madeline with fury. "Can't you watch where you're going? You ran into my baby! How will you make this right?" Madeline, her mind on the baby she was carrying, bit back her pain and chose not to retaliate. Instead, she made her way to the maternity ward upstairs. The mother was not having it, yanking on Madeline's arm. "You think you can just hit someone and leave?" Madeline, nearly tripping over, turned slightly and offered calmly, "Should we review the security footage?" The woman, clutching her son, stormed off. Madeline felt her vision darken as she clutched her chest. She leaned against the railing, immobilized. In the VIP ward, Lydia gazed at Trevon longingly and leaned in for a kiss. Trevon, who was aloof, felt a wave of nausea as she got close. His vision blurred, and his chest tightened. He flinched and shoved Lydia away. Chapter 2 "Here's the divorce agreement. Take a look." Trevon, fresh from the hospital, confronted Madeline with a request for divorce. The image of Lydia's hurt look lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of resignation. His rejection was not just about his aversion to germs. It was also the sudden sickness and weakness that overtook him. He dismissed it as a one-off, which was not worth worrying about. However, faced with Madeline, the discomfort was undeniable. Madeline, still reeling from her hospital visit, was blindsided by the divorce papers laid out before her. It took a moment for her to find her voice, and when she did, it quivered. "Do we really have to end this?" "Yes." Madeline's grip tightened, and the question she could not suppress spilled out. "Is it because Lydia's back?" Trevon loosened his tie, his face turning to stone. "Didn't I make myself clear three years ago?" He had, and she had accepted it. However⌠"If... Just if..." Madeline hesitated, biting her lip. Trevon was impatient. "Madeline, you can't always want more." She looked up sharply, disbelief etched on her face. Did he think she was haggling over the divorce terms? With several deliberate taps on the table, Trevon continued, "Indeed, you've done everything required of being a wife these past three years. There's a modest place near Johnsrud. It's yours now. That's the best I can do. Don't make me lose respect for you." Madeline's response was trapped in her throat as she smiled bitterly. Three years of marriage, and her reward was a house. Should she be thankful? He was determined to get the divorce over with, by any means necessary. There was no need to mention the baby. It would only complicate how he saw her. She did not need a man whose heart belonged to another. Madeline felt nauseous, feeling like she needed to purge immediately. She crouched down to clutch the bin and gagged, but nothing came up. Trevon watched, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Why did her sickness stir something in him? Was it a mere coincidence? Seeing her ashen face, it was clear she was unwell. Trevor gave Madeline a questioning look. "Are you sick? When did it start? What's wrong?" Madeline felt the urge to throw up but could not, which only intensified her discomfort. Clinging to the trash can seemed like the only thing she could do. At the sound of his question, her fingers tensed uncontrollably. She forced a casual response. "Maybe it's just a cold. No big deal." "Answer me!" His voice turned sharp, sending a jolt through Madeline, and she murmured almost without thinking. "This afternoon, when you were⌠I'm just feeling a bit of chest tightness, weak limbs, and a touch of nausea. Typical cold symptoms." She did not bring up the hospital visit, quickly labeling it a cold to avoid any wild guesses. The timing and the symptoms lined up perfectly. 'So, it's because we caught a cold at the same time?' Trevon wondered. Madeline finally let go of her resistance. She deliberately avoided the divorce papers on the table and fetched the sour orange she had bought earlier from the fridge. Her mouth was unbearably uncomfortable, and she craved the relief of something sour. After all, she would need some strength in her hand to sign those papers. The moment she took out the sour orange, its tangy scent filled the room. Catching a glimpse of Trevon standing to the side, watching her with a frown, she hesitated before offering, "Want one?" Trevon looked away, clearly uninterested. Madeline chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You're not into sour stuff." However, as she sliced into the vibrant sour orange and its juicy interior burst with a potent tangy aroma, Trevon seemed unable to look away. Madeline was about to take a bite when she noticed Trevon approaching. His towering presence felt like a wall closing in, making the kitchen feel smaller by the second. Instinctively, Madeline stepped back. "If you don't like it, then I'll just..." Before she could finish, Trevon was at the sink, lathering up with soap, washing his hands with deliberate care three times before reaching for a piece of the sour orange. He scrunched his forehead, eyeing the orange for a long moment before popping it into his mouth. Madeline's jaw dropped in astonishment. However, Trevon did not spit it out. He chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before looking at her seriously. "Next time, make sure the knife's washed three times, okay?" The urge to bite into that tangy orange slice was irresistible. Sure enough, the sour kick seemed to soothe his queasy stomach. It was not just some bug. His nausea had kicked in right after Madeline's, as if he was only sick because she was. What was up with that? Trevon made a mental note to get to the bottom of it. Madeline gave a simple "Oh" in response. They finished the orange together, a moment of closeness they had not felt in three years. After washing her hands, Madeline looked up at Trevon. Sharing that sour fruit seemed to have bridged the gap between them, if only a little. However, their journey together was nearing its end. She murmured, "I'll sign the divorce papers." It was like cashing out after three years. A million and five hundred thousand, and a house to her name. She was coming out ahead. When she was about to sign, Trevon snatched the papers away. "We'll add another house to the deal. Wait for the lawyer's final draft." Madeline nodded, still in a daze. Suddenly, Trevon's phone buzzed and Lydia's whiny voice came through as he picked up the call. "Trevon, when are you coming? I'm bored." Madeline gripped her pen so hard her thumb whitened, nearly snapping it. Trevon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. Madeline stepped forward, her voice tinged with concern. "How am I supposed to explain this to Grandma?" "We'll talk when I'm back," Trevon replied before the door slammed shut behind him. The house, once filled with life, echoed with emptiness. Madeline chuckled at herself, shook off the silence, and went to the kitchen to whip up some noodles. After all, she had to think about the little one growing inside her. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Expecting Trevon, who might have forgotten something, she swung the door open only to be greeted by unwelcome faces. Madeline's warmth vanished. "What are you two doing here?" Cilix Sanders, her father, smiled and said, "You weren't picking up, so your mom and I thought we'd drop by." Her phone did show a string of missed calls. Ignoring their calls was nothing new, but their sudden visit was unexpected. "My mom's lost her mind, locked up in Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital. Did you forget to visit her, or did you forget she's there?" Skylar Lowe, Madeline's stepmother, stood beside Cilix in her flawless outfit. She looked nothing like someone who had toiled in the fields. However, her sharp and calculative eyes matched her biting tone. "Such disrespect! Where are your manners?" Madeline was furious. If she truly lacked manners, Skylar would have been long gone. It was Skylar's appearance, after all, that had tipped her mother over the edge. However, Madeline had been biding her time, collecting proof. They would all pay, eventually. Pushing down the bile, she asked coolly, "So, what brings you here?" "Let's talk inside," was all they said. Once they were in, Madeline poured water into two glasses, her hands steady as stone. Madeline's calm and compliant facade only fueled Skylar's ego. With an arrogant head tilt, she announced, "Your sister's back in town. It's time you end things with Trevon and give up your title as Mrs. Gibson to her!" Madeline fought the impulse to douse Skylar with water as she gripped the kettle firmly. "Give it up? I'm not following you." Madeline's gaze shifted to Cilix. "You told me when Trevon was in that coma, the company was strapped for cash. Marrying Trevon was the only way to afford my mom's medical bills. I married into the Gibson family for the sake of the Sanders family. How did Lydia end up taking my place as the daughter-in-law of the Gibson family?" Chapter 3 "I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water. "The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother." Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more. Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?" "That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied. Madeline saw right through their plot. She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards. After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's sharesâthe ones she's entitled to." Cilix instantly became furious. Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of unity. Cilix, who came from nothing, married Bella ZieglerâMadeline's motherâand quickly turned his fortune around with a garment factory. However, Bella paid a steep price, severing ties with her own family. It was not until Skylarâpreviously 'Jolene', with her kids in towâshowed up that Bella realized the magnitude of her mistake. She battled depression for years, and the strain of the revelation only deepened her illness. That was when Cilix dropped the divorce bomb. He played the bankruptcy card during the split, claiming all assets were tied up. Bella was left with scraps. However, once the divorce papers were signed, Cilix's business miraculously bounced back. Ever the opportunist, Cilix kept footing Bella's medical bills, basking in the glow of his newfound reputation. Madeline only pieced it all together as she grew upâher mother had been played. She had been nursing a plan to set things right ever since. The meeting ended with frosty treatment all around. Madeline shut the door behind them, collapsed onto the couch, and lost herself in the darkness outside the window. ⌠Dawn's light crept into the room. Madeline shielded her eyes and took a moment to adjust before getting up reluctantly. Nausea washed over her in an unforgiving wave. Trevon had not come home all night. Madeline's emotions were a messâresignation laced with a hint of disappointment. However, above all, there was relief. It was as if her decision to let go the day before had freed her from hope. Madeline sank back into the pillows. The click of the electronic lock signaled an arrival at the door. Madeline glanced up, and there was Lydia, swathed in designer elegance, striding in with a smile that could light up the room. "Madeline, it's been ages." Rising slowly, Madeline perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes a storm of loathing. "Who said you could come in? Leave!" Lydia's smile only grew. "Trevon sent me, of course. He spent last night at the hospital with me, then dashed off to work at dawn. He asked me to pick up a suit for him." A shadow crossed Madeline's face. So, Trevon was with Lydia last night. She had waited like a fool on that couch all night long, clinging to his promise. 'We'll talk when I get back.' "You're just like your mother, always the homewrecker," Madeline spat. Lydia's laughter rang out. "Who's the real homewrecker? It's the unloved one. Even the lock's code is my birthday. Trevon's heart is still with me. Madeline, you've been using my birthday to open this door for the past three years. That must sting, doesn't it?" Madeline's eyes flickered, her grip tightening on the blanket. She inhaled sharply before smiling mockingly. "Is technology that archaic where you come from? We've moved on to facial recognition, or fingerprints at the very least. Key codes are a thing of the past." Lydia's smile faltered, her composure slipping for a split second. "Outdated or not, Trevon's word is law." Madeline could not be bothered with petty squabble. Her nausea was getting worse. She gestured toward Trevon's bedroom. "His stuff's in there. Help yourself." With a smug grin, Lydia disappeared into the room and emerged moments later, a bundle of clothes in her arms. Before she took off, she sauntered over to Madeline, flashed her hand, and there it wasâa dazzling diamond ring. There was also that cutesy pink bandage on her finger. "My mom says you're dragging your feet on the divorceâkinda funny, don't you think? Trevon's put a ring on it, so why embarrass yourself? Time to get a clue." She leaned in, whispering to Madeline, "Face it, you've never been able to outdo me in anything since we were kids." Old memories came rushing back. Her favorite things, her mentors, her dad, her very homeâLydia had snatched them all away with just a few words. Madeline squinted and swiftly yanked the bandage off Lydia's hand. "You've always been into taking my stuff, huh?" She eyed Lydia's pristine hand and tossed the bandage into the bin with a look of disgust. "Bandages are disposable. Get a new one, and it's as good as ever. However, you know what's really scary about a guy who's been down the aisle twice?" Madeline rose to her feet, locking eyes with Lydia as she smiled slyly. "It's the lingering lessons from his ex. His style, habits, tastes, thoughtsâthey're all tinged with the ghost of the woman before you. Chew on that. Good luck." "Madeline!" Ignoring her, Madeline grabbed a bag of clothes and thrust it into Lydia's arms. "So long, no need for goodbyes!" Behind the wheel on her way to work, Lydia smacked the steering wheel, Madeline's parting shot replaying in her head. The phone buzzed. Lydia answered with a huff. "What's up with the wake-up call?" Wren Naylor, Lydia's assistant, hesitated before speaking up with caution. "Ms. Sanders, the planning team wants to add an illustrator to the project. They've already picked someone out." "They've what now? Since when does planning get to call the shots on art hires? They really need to stay in their lane." Wren stayed quiet. Lydia bit back her frustration. "Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll sort it out with them." Instead of going to her department when she arrived at the office, Lydia went to the top floor to drop off some clothes for Trevon. Trevon accepted the clothes, but his brow creased in confusion. Lydia felt a twinge of worry. "Something wrong with the clothes?" They were definitely not his usual brand. Madeline would not slip up like that. "Madeline wasn't there when you picked these up?" Realizing the brand mismatch, Lydia understood her mistake. Madeline's earlier words echoed in her head. Lydia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Madeline just handed me these and shooed me out when I arrived. You know she's never been fond of me." She sighed resignedly and continued, "Typical Madeline, knowing you're in a rush and still acting petty with me. Should I run to the store and grab you a new set?" Trevon cut her off. "Don't bother. You've got work to do." Lydia clammed up, stepping back into silence. Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault. Clothes are the least of our worries. We've got the Skylandia project to focus on." In just a week, Skylandia would unveil its magical realms to eager eyes, with artistry at its heart. Lydia, fresh from her hiatus, was steering that shipâthe crown jewel of the year for Xystos Tech. She knew the drill, but duty called, and she stepped out with a promise to return for lunch. Madeline, alone then, rinsed a handful of cherry tomatoes, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside her. She scrolled through her phone, the barrage of prenatal check-ups looming large and daunting. Midway through her meticulous note-taking, the doorbell chimed. She opened the door to find Simon pulling a long face. Chapter 4 "Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes." Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?" Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?" Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagleâa woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness. Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought. "Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness. Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?" Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said? Simon rushed her along. Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily. "Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assistant needs. Why don't you take a page from Mr. Harris's book?" Trevon did have a star assistantâDaniel Harrisâwho was so capable that he was sent overseas to handle big deals. That was when Simon got the call to step in. Simon's face went through a mixture of pale and flushed as he absorbed her criticism. Madeline, who was usually quiet, had just thrown shade in his face. He bit back his retort, finally huffing in annoyance and storming off. Madeline let out a soft laugh, brushing off the encounter. With visiting hours ticking closer, Madeline headed to Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital to see Bella. It was more of a wellness retreat than a hospital, nestled right next to Redenbaugh City's fanciest private clinic. Getting in was not easy, but thanks to the Gibson family pulling strings, Bella got a spot. Madeline wheeled her mom out into the courtyard, catching her up on the week's gossip and happenings. Bella was her usual selfâunresponsive and staring off into space. Madeline sighed and took her mom's hand, resting it gently on her belly. "Mom, right here, there's a little one on the way. Even with Trevon talking about divorce, I'm keeping this baby. You've got to come back to us. Who will help me with this little one if you don't?" She nestled against Bella's legs, craving the comfort of her mother's presence. Unseen by Madeline, Bella's eyes flickeredâa brief, almost missed flutter. "Madeline?" A voice, laced with surprise, called out for her. Madeline looked up to see a man in a lab coat looking her way. The sun was blinding, and Madeline squinted without recognizing the figure before her. There was something oddly familiar about the silhouette. It was not until he was close that she could see it was Caleb Jabs, her old college friend. With a warm smile, Caleb teased, "Madeline, can't you recognize an old friend after just three years?" He opened his arms for a hug, like nothing had changed. Madeline hesitated, then offered a hand for a handshake instead. Caleb's smile faltered, then returned. "Right, we're not on campus anymore." He shook her hand before releasing it, stealing a glance at the wedding ring on her finger. Through their chat, Madeline learned that he had just returned from overseas and that his uncle was running the local private hospital. Caleb nodded toward Bella with a slight smile. "And who is this?" Madeline's smile vanished. "My mom. She's been like this since she had a breakdown three years ago." A breakdown? It looked serious, as if she had lost all touch with the world. What could have caused it? Caleb pushed down his questions, his heart aching for Madeline. "These past three years must've been tough on you." Madeline seemed more grounded than in her college days, but her eyes were shadowed with concern. Madeline shook her head. "It's time for us to head back." She was not one to bare her soul to just anyone. As she rose to leave, she wobbled slightly. Caleb reached out to steady her. "You're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should get checked out." Madeline steadied herself and took a step back. "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine." Caleb watched Madeline sidestep with a calm smile, not the least bit ruffled. "Back in college, you were always dealing with low blood sugar. Still battling that, huh? Skipped breakfast today?" He was already taking the wheelchair's handles as he spoke, and Madeline allowed it. They got Bella settled and swapped numbers. Then, Caleb pressed a chocolate bar into her hand. "For your sugar levels, have a bite." Madeline's laughter bubbled up. "Caleb, you still keep chocolate on you after all this time?" "Just a habit," he said with a chuckle. That little piece of chocolate seemed to bridge the gap that had grown between them. "How about lunch? It's already noon." Madeline bit her lip, uncertain. However, Caleb was already tugging her along. "There's this great little place I know nearby. You'll love it." Trevon managed to swing by the hospital after his meeting wrapped up. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They suggested bringing Madeline in, thinking she might be the key to why he felt off. He left the hospital with that thought, only to see Madeline and Caleb, all smiles, heading into a cozy diner. Madeline's smile was something new, something he had never seen, and it stopped him in his tracks. He took a moment before climbing into his car. From the driver's seat, Simon caught Trevon in the mirror. "Mr. Gibson, wasn't that Mrs. Gibson? Should we pick her up?" Trevon watched them disappear into the diner, a place he would never dream of entering. "No, let's not," he murmured. Simon arched an eyebrow, shot a look of faint scorn at the diner, and sped off. Trevon was reclining in the back seat, eyes closed, soaking in a moment of peace. A few minutes in, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed. It took him a moment to realize that he was embodying Madeline's happiness. What could possibly be so special about that little shop to make her that cheerful? However, that sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles they served was exceptionalâtangy and invigorating. It had been days since Madeline had enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. She even decided to get an extra serving to go. Caleb chuckled. "Noodles never taste as good reheated. Wait, didn't you love spicy food? What's with the switch?" Madeline smiled. "I haven't really switched. This is just that good." She was known for her love of spicy dishes, and even Trevon, the health nut, had found his tastes swayed by her. It was hard to argue with Madeline's culinary magic. Her cooking was irresistible to most. Back home, Madeline had barely set down her takeout when her phone rang. It was Yeneth Collins, her best friend. "Madeline, I've got some good and bad news." Feeling a bit worn out, Madeline sank into the couch. "Go on." "The good news is that you've been chosen to draw the new character for Skylandia. They've sent the contract over to you already." A spark of excitement flickered across Madeline's face as she reached for her laptop to check her email. "And the bad news?" Yeneth sighed heavily. "Lydia is the new art director for Skylandia. She just got the job today. I wouldn't have pushed you to take this gig if I'd known." Since marrying Trevon right after college, Madeline had not returned to the workforce, finding solace and passion in her art. Her style was distinctive, not exactly mainstream, with a focus on creating captivating illustrations. When Yeneth got involved with Skylandia, she thought Madeline's artwork was a perfect fit and put her name forward. Madeline smiled. "No way. The contract's terms are decent. Can't miss an opportunity of making money just because of her." She was always hustling for cash, especially with Bella's medical bills piling up. It meant biting her tongue whenever the Sanders family got tight-fisted. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" "Totally. I freelance under the name 'Lily Mora'. Who will connect the dots?" Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open as Trevon walked in. Chapter 5 Madeline's instinct was to snap her laptop shut. "Give me a second." She quickly ended the call and turned to face Trevon. "What's got you home at this hour?" Trevon eyed her hurried movements and washed his hands before replying, "Just needed to pick something up." Madeline responded with a noncommittal hum. His gaze landed on a nearby takeaway box. It was the sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles. It looked just like the one she had had for lunch. Was it really that tasty? A jolt of panic hit Madeline, and she blurted out, "It's for Yeneth, not me." Back when they were newlyweds, Madeline had grabbed some street sausages, and Trevon had gone into a tailspin, bombarding her with articles about the filth of street vendors and the dangers of eating out. Since then, she had avoided eating street food around him. However, she had slipped up and forgotten to stash the evidence. Trevon's chuckle was detached as his eyes drifted to a notebook on the table. Madeline's heart was pounding, and she pushed aside the wave of nausea to dash toward the notebookâher secret journal of conceive appointments. The last thing she wanted was for Trevon to find out she was expecting. However, Trevon was quicker. He stretched out his arm and lifted the notebook from Madeline's reach. Without regard for her protests, he calmly flipped it open. The 'Prenatal Appointment Schedule' header stared back at him. He raised an eyebrow, his cool gaze landing on Madeline. Madeline felt her heart jump into her throat. "Is this for Yeneth, too?" Trevon asked. "Huh?" Caught off guard, Madeline quickly nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Yeneth's getting married, thinking about having kids, so I was helping her research." Trevon's suspicion did not wane. "So, why the panic?" Madeline's forehead creased. She let go of the notebook and looked away. "I didn't want you to think I was up to something." Madeline's beauty was marred by her recent illness. Her pale face was then tinged with the flush of sickness, making her look even more vulnerable. Trevon felt a twinge in his chest, and his annoyance grew. Her cold was messing with his work. He tossed the notebook back to Madeline. "I don't have time for this. You should be resting, not running around. If you show up to a divorce proceeding looking like this, people will think I'm the bad guy." Madeline silently clutched the notebook with her head bowed. ⌠At the steakhouse, Lydia stared at her barely touched steak, her mood souring by the minute. When she heard Trevon returned to the Angelic Garden Residence, her annoyance turned to outright anger. "Madeline, that witch!" She whipped out her phone and dialed Skylar's number. Madeline had just reviewed the casting call from Skylandia, wrapped up her draft, and was stretching after a long day when Skylar's call came through. "Get over here tonight. If you don't show up, I'm tossing your mom's stuff." The line went dead. Madeline thought she had taken care of all Bella's things, so what could possibly be left at the Sanders' place? She could not risk it, so she hailed a cab and headed over. The Sanders' mansion was ablaze with lights, screaming new money from every gilded corner. Madeline stood at the entrance, taking in the garish display, and figured Skylar was behind it. Skylar greeted her with a grin, tugging her inside. "I just knew you'd come." Madeline jerked her hand away. "Cut the act, Skylar. There's no one else here. I did what you asked, so where's my mom's stuff?" Chapter 6 Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side. "Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!" It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster. He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off. Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!" Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed. Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table. "It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos." Skylar quickly dished some out for her. The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away. "I caught a cold and lost my appetite. I'm just here to grab a few things, and I'll be out." Cilix squinted, and Skylar, unable to contain herself, plopped down next to Madeline. "When are you planning on divorcing Trevon, huh? Your dad and I have already scoped out a new guy for you. He's ready to tie the knot and won't wait forever." A resigned feeling washed over Madeline. With a mocking smile, she murmured, "Really? Who's this wonderful match?" Skylar perked up and replied, "He's from a solid family. One of your dad's business partners. The guy owns a string of factories. Marry him, and you'll be the boss. They wouldn't even look twice at a divorcee if it wasn't for your dad's connections." She made it sound like a fairy tale. Madeline cut to the chase. "The owner of these factories? How old?" Skylar hesitated, then chuckled. "Not too old. He's just a bit over forty and in the prime of his life. It'll be your second marriage, so you can't afford to be choosy. Plus, they've promised to cut your dad a deal if you marry in. Consider it a tribute to your mom." Three years had passed, and Madeline's disdain for her family's ways was as strong as ever. She glared at Cilix. "Over forty? You're okay with this, being not much older yourself?" Cilix looked pained as he spoke, "Skylar's just trying to do what's best for you. Remarrying and bringing your mom into the mix, finding someone okay with that wasn't easy. Skylar really went out of her way for you." Skylar nodded earnestly. It had indeed been a challenge. Madeline needed to be married off and kept far away to avoid causing Lydia any more headaches. "Don't worry, the guy doesn't have kids. Everything in the future will be yours and your children's. It's a real stroke of luck." Madeline suddenly chimed in, "It's true. These kinds of terms are hard to come by. You've really outdone yourself, butâŚ" Breaking from her usual composure, Madeline locked eyes with Cilix. "I was clear yesterday. I just want what my mom is entitled toâher shares. Those shares are peanuts compared to being Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family." Cilix remained expressionless, but his eyes were calculative. "Your mom's shares?" Thinking she had swayed Cilix, Skylar piped up in a shrill tone. "What shares does her mother have? The Sanders family fortune is all thanks to me and Cilix. It's got nothing to do with your loony mom." Madeline's glare whipped towards Skylar, sharp enough to shut her up. "Apologize." "Why should I? Your mom's the crazy one." Without warning, a cup of scalding water splashed across Skylar's face, and she let out a scream. However, before Madeline could react, she was yanked back forcefully. A second later, she was punched in the face. "You owe her an apology!" Chapter 7 Each word Yale spat was accompanied by a punch landing on Madeline. Madeline shielded herself with her purse, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. Blinded by anger, she had not thought things through, never imagining Yale would actually hit her. Conceived had left her weak, and she could only dodge Yale's vicious blows in a clumsy dance of desperation. The Sanders family seemed petrified by the spectacle, each too scared to even twitch. Cilix wanted to speak, but Skylar cut him off. "What's Yale got, a little muscle? Let her take a hit. It might teach her to listen." Cilix's face darkened as he sat back down. She had written her dad off long ago, but the sting of disappointment was as sharp as ever. As Yale moved in again, Madeline knew she was on her own. With a swift kick, she toppled a chair and snatched a fruit knife from the table, aiming it straight at him. "One more step, and I swear I'll stab you!" Yale, thrown off by the chair, nearly slipped. He wiped his mouth and sneered. "You think you've got the guts?" Knife in hand, Madeline's face was ghostly, but her eyes blazed with defiance, "Try me. I'm still Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family. If I take you down, they'll make sure it never sees the light of day." Her gaze flicked to Cilix. "You think our dad's got the spine to cross the Gibsons for you?" Yale did not budge. Skylar stepped forward with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, we're family. Knives? Really? Madeline, put it down." Madeline looked at Skylar icily and aimed the knife at her. "Stay back." Skylar froze, then looked pleadingly at Cilix. Cilix broke the silence. "Madeline, what's going on?" Madeline stood there with a cold expression, ignoring the blood that had started to drip from the corner of her mouth. She bit her lip, refusing to say a word. The recent scuffle had taken a toll on her, leaving her with a heavy feeling in her chest. She was afraid she would throw up if she opened her mouth. However, she was determined not to let them see her weakness. Amid the tense moment, the nanny burst in with unexpected joy. "Mr. Gibson and Ms. Sanders have arrived!" The pair entered the room. Trevon's face was a mask of seriousness, his lips pressed into a thin line. Lydia, catching sight of the knife in Madeline's grip, let out a sharp cry. "Madeline! Why are you holding a knife? What are you planning to do?" Cilix rose swiftly to welcome Trevon. "Mr. Gibson, please come in. Let's sit and talk. Madeline, put that knife down now." With a glance at Trevon, Madeline reluctantly set the knife aside. Skylar exhaled in relief and grumbled, "This is all Madeline's doing, causing a scene for no reason. Since when do we bring knives into family disputes?" Madeline inhaled deeply, pushing down the wave of nausea, and retorted with a frosty laugh. "So, now it's all my fault, just like that? I'm trying to do the right thing here, and I'm still the one to blame?" "Is this enough for you?" Trevon's voice, frosty and laced with anger, cut through the room. He had been feeling sick to his stomach the whole way there. That sensation had become all too familiar in the last couple of days, and he did not need to guessâit was Madeline's doing again. He had warned her just at lunchtime to take it easy, but what did she do? She ran off to her family's home to pick a fight, knife in hand. She might not be bothered by it, but he was fed up. The room fell silent. Madeline looked at him in disbelief. Was he really going to blame her without even asking why? Trevon had no interest in dragging out the conversation. He grabbed Madeline's hand and led her away with urgency. Madeline stumbled as he pulled her along, a sharp pain throbbing in her heart. Lydia tried to keep up, her voice tinged with concern. "Trevon, you haven't eaten yet." He barely paused, his voice dismissive. "Some other time." With that, he ushered Madeline into the car and shut the door behind her. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61560831098071/ | 21 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449437764_2559123607604310_3298283948021123177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QI7ZWK7uy6AQ7kNvgFpPdqy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_9kaS_ze9dk6BPd_VmcZ8p&oh=00_AYBsk2u_MSdr45HQFydUtRPOfh18Sc75aOhsmp3t0AVO_A&oe=67307D5F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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