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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/t39.35426-6/461342461_541393011637127_6694870967050170909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K0VZfuQI8FoQ7kNvgEEt18J&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5nxVMjfItH1cN5jkc-bZTO&oh=00_AYDwahigkIL8JRnrvDVXA5wxvw63kWBQwDzKpCdJjOYxHw&oe=6730783C | 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 16:39 | active | 1725 | 0 |
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Get đ 1000 Bonus Entries Today! | Will YOU be our Next Winner?đ | SHOP_NOW | https://mysterypokeslabs.com/discount/1000BONUSINS | Mystery PokĂŠ Slabs | https://www.facebook.com/100088361679970/ | 8,502 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | MYSTERYPOKESLABS.COM | CAROUSEL | Will YOU be our Next Winner?đ | https://mysterypokeslabs.com/discount/1000BONUSINSTA?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fpremium-vintage-graded-pokemon-cards | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465719738_907495257616318_6015309381482058191_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kBI62WnABUIQ7kNvgExWY3W&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-JQEwjiHWcKsZA_7aoqqgw&oh=00_AYBmVlCcqiMgH-tG0Fe4YE6UKgcnNfyGLIuNzK7tkWMI6A&oe=67305D72 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Mystery PokĂŠ Slabs | 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/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/t39.35426-6/464808722_561679296363183_7942977769112369670_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mWTeG0-1dd8Q7kNvgErfE-8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6MoWaU15GCarDCcKByEc-e&oh=00_AYCSmUO3-poH1jQdGQvHC_VokKAdFZpi-DeNZJXeL1-smw&oe=673067FB | 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 | "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- 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 to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." 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." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrettâs victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... 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 Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her 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." "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 be generous enough to welcome Aurora." 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. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." âOh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa couldn't help but laughing. 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 in 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 dowry 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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464681484_532171326224549_7177859630690723278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OCFoSWCH8NIQ7kNvgFpzlle&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6MoWaU15GCarDCcKByEc-e&oh=00_AYBXIy-HHja4eyK8PWNcni6C7H2ULgXVkxnngPfIvG9y6w&oe=673090B7 | 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 17:27 | active | 1727 | 0 | ăăăăŻăŞăăŻăăŚçĄćă§ăčŞăżăă ăăďź | ăăă¤ĺ˝źĺĽłă¨é˘ĺŠăăăŽďźă ĺ厤ăŽä¸ă§ă弳ăŽĺăŻćć ăŤćşăĄăçłă§çŽăŽĺăŽçˇć§ăčŚă¤ăăŚăăă ĺ°ćžééŚăŻĺ厤ăŽĺ¤ăŤçŤăŁăŚăăŚăćčśłăĺˇăăŚăăăăăŽĺĽłăŽĺă¨ĺăăăĺ°ćžééŚăŻçˇăŽçžăăĺłăăéĄăčŚă¤ăăéĄč˛ăŻéăăăŚăăă çˇăŻĺ˝źĺĽłăŽĺ¤ŤăäşĺŽŽé äšă§ăăă ĺŁăăăăŞăé äšăŻăăăŽăŻăŠăă§ăŚă§ă¤ăżăźă¨ăăŚĺăăŚăăăééŚăŻäťćĽäťäşăçľăăŚä¸çˇăŤĺ¸°ăăăăŤćŠăăŤăăŁăŚćĽăăăăăăŞĺ ´é˘ăŤééăăă¨ăŻäşćłăăŚăăŞăăŁăă çˇăŻčăĺăčť˝ăéăăä˝ăăŚĺżĺ°ăă声ăçşăăăăă§ăăă ăćŠă彟弳ăŤčŠąăăă ééŚăŻçŽăéăăčăĺăăă 芹ăăăă ă ăăăăăăŞç´ ćľăŞĺٰă ăŁăăŞăăŚă ăăăŤăăŚăăăăŁă¨čăă彟ăŽćĺăŽč¨čăé˘ĺŠă ăŁăăŞăăŚăäşćłĺ¤ă§ăăă äşşéăă ăŁăăŽăă¨ééŚăŻĺ°ăčŤçśčŞĺ¤ąăăŚăăă ăăŽä¸ĺă§ăŻăźăŤăŞçˇć§ăăé äšă ăŞăăŚăăăĺžăŞăă é äšăé˘ĺŠăĺăĺşăăŻăăăŞăă ăŻăŠăăĺşăă¨ăăĺ¤ăŻé¨ăéăŁăŚăăăăăăŤćżĄăăŚăăžăăééŚăŻćşĺ¸Żăĺăĺşăă复ăŽçŞĺˇăŤăă¤ă¤ăŤăăŚăżăă ĺ厤ăŽçŞăžă§ćŠăăŚčĄăăé¨ă§ăăăă čŚéăéăăŚä¸ăčŚăăă é äšăŻçăĺŻăăŞăăćşĺ¸ŻăćăŤĺăăçĄčĄ¨ć ă§é芹ăĺăŁăŚăăăăĄăăťăźă¸ăćăĄĺ§ăăă ăĄăăťăźă¸ăăăăŤĺąăăă ăăŠăăăŚéťčŠąăăăăŚăăăŽďźĺă芹ăăŞăăă¨ăĺżăăŚăăŽďźă ééŚăŻăĄăăťăźă¸ăčŚă¤ăăăžăă§ăă¤ăă§ĺşăăăăăŽăăăŤĺżčăçăăŞăŁăŚăăă ăŞăĺăă¤ăďź ăă¤ĺăăăăăŤăŞăŁăăŽăďź ăăŽĺĽłăŽĺă¨ăŻăăă¤çĽăĺăŁăăă ăăďź ăă¤é˘ĺŠăăăă¨ăćąşăăăă ăăďź č¸ăŤćš§ăä¸ăăçĄć°ăŽçĺăäťăăăśăĄăžăăăă¨ćăŁăăă彟ăŽĺˇăă襨ć ăŤćăăăĽăăŚăă§ăăŞăŁăă 1ĺš´ĺăč¨ćśĺŞĺ¤ąă§ĺŁăăăăŞăé äšă厜ăŤéŁăăŚĺ¸°ăŁăćă彟ăŻčŞĺăŽĺĺăŽć¸ăćšă ăăčŚăăŚăăŚăäťăŽăăšăŚăĺżăăŚăăă ăăăŞé äšăŤčŞăżć¸ăăăć芹ăžă§ä¸ăăćăăăăăŤäşşăćăăăă¨ăăĺŚă°ăăăŽăŻĺ°ćžééŚă ăŁăă ăăŽĺžăäşäşşăŻçľĺŠăăă çżć Łă躍ăŤă¤ăăŤăŻ21ćĽăăăă¨č¨ăăăŚăăăă1ĺš´éä¸çˇăŤăăă¨ăé äšă¨ăăçˇăŽĺĺ¨ăŤăăčŞĺă¸ăŽĺŞăăçŹéĄăŤăăăŁăăć ŁăăŚăăă ă ăăăăăŻăăŁă¨ĺăŤéăăŞăăé äšăŻé˘ĺŠăĺăĺşăăŻăăăŞăă¨äżĄăăŚăăă é¨ăŤćżĄăăŚĺŽśăŤĺ¸°ăă¨ăééŚăŻă風ĺăŤĺ Ľăăé äšăŽăăăŤćçăç¨ćăăŚăéŁĺă§éăăŤĺž ăŁăŚăăă ćč¨ăĺ¤ăŽ10ćăćăăă¨ăăăă˘ăéăăĺŻć°ăăžă¨ăŁăé äšă厜ăŤĺ ĽăŁăŚăăă é äšăŻăă§ăŤăŚă§ă¤ăżăźăŽĺśćăŤçćżăăŚăăă ççąăăŞăĺżăçăăŞăŁăă ćĽä¸ăŤčŚăçˇăŽĺ§żăĺšťăŞăŽăăŠăăăăăăŞăăŁăă ăééŚăăŠăăăăŽďźă éĄăéăăăăźăăăă¨ăă襨ć ăŽĺŚťăčŚăé äšăŻăĺżé ăăăŤć芹ă§ĺ°ăăă 彟ăŽçŤŻćŁăŞéĄçŤăĄăŤăŻä¸ĺŽăăŤăăżăćăçłăŤăŻçŚăă县ăŁăŚăăăă ééŚăŽé ăŽä¸ăŤćľŽăăă§ăăăŽăŻăĺˇăăçŽă§ăĄăăťăźă¸ăćăĄčžźăżăŞăăăĺĽăŽĺĽłć§ă¨ćĽ˝ăăăăŤäźčŠąăăŚăă复ăŽĺ§żă ăŁăă ăŞăăŚçŽčăŞăăŽă ă ăéŚć°´ăŽĺăăăăăăäťăŽĺĽłć§ăŽă ééŚăŻĺ˝źăŤč§ŚăăăăăŽăéżăăŞăăč¨čăçşăăă é äšăŽéĄč˛ăä¸ĺ¤ăăć芹ă§çăăăăäťćĽăĺ厤ă§ćĽĺŽ˘ăăéăă厢ć§ăŽéŚć°´ăŽĺăăă¤ăăăăăăăŞăăăăăŤăˇăŁăŻăźăćľ´ăłăŚăăăăă é äšăçŤăĄä¸ăăŁăŚăă¤ăŹăŤčĄăă¨ăăăăŤć°´ăŽćľăăéłăčăăăŚăăă çˇĺźľăăŞăă誏ćăăć§ĺăŻăĺăăăčŚăăŞăăŁăă ééŚăŻçŤăĄä¸ăăăăăŽăžăžćľ´ĺޤăŤĺ ĽăŁăŚă濥ăă躍ä˝ăć°ăŤăăăă¨ăŞăé äšăćąăăăăçŽăéăăăăäťćĽăăŻăŠăăŤčĄăŁăŚăăăŽă çˇăŻĺăăć˘ăăăă°ăăăăŚăăăăăăăăŁăăă ăăăă¨ăăćŻăă¤ăăă ăăŽćăŤčăăă彟ăŽĺٰăŻăéłćĽ˝ă¨ćˇˇăăĺăŁăŚăăŚăăăăťăŠéŽŽćă§ăŻăŞăăŁăă ăăăŞăŽăŤăäťăŽĺ˝źăŽä˝ă声ăŻééŚăŽé ăŽä¸ă§éł´ăéżăăŚăăăăăŽéŽŽćă§ĺżăŤéżă声ăŤăééŚăŻćŻăĺăăťăŠč¸ăçăă ă é äšăŻčŠąăăăăăŤăŞăŁăăă彟ăŻăăăŤăăŽăă¨ăäźăăŚăăăăŠăăăăé˘ĺŠăĺăĺşăăă¨ăăŚăăă ăăăŻćŹĺ˝ăŞăŽă ăăăă ăŠăăăŚé˘ĺŠăŞăăŚč¨ăĺşăăŽďź ăă質ĺăăăć°ćăĄă§ăăŁăąăă ăŁăăăćć ˘ăăă ăăŽ1ĺš´éă彟ăŤĺŻžăăŚćŞăăă¨ăăăčŚăăŻä¸ĺşŚăăŞăăŽăŤăé˘ĺŠăĺăĺşăăăăŽăŞăăăăăŚççąăçĽăăăă ĺżăŻĺˇăăćăăăă彟ăŽä˝ć¸ŠăŤćăăééŚăŻăăăŁă¨ĺźˇă复ăŽä˝ăćąăăăăă ăăăă誰ăă¨čŠąăăŚăăăŽăčăăăăăŠăä˝ă芹ăăŚăăăăŻăăăăŞăăŁăăćŹĺ˝ăŤç´ ćľă ăŁăăăăžăăăăŽĺٰă ăăč¨ăăŞăăă彟ăŽčä¸ăŤăăšăăăă ăžăăăă ăăŽĺźăłćšăŻăäşäşşă ăăŽăăŠă¤ăăźăăŞćăŤä˝żăçšĺĽăŞăăŽă ă ăăĺźă°ăăăăłăŤăé äšăŻăăăŤć çąçăŤĺżăăŚăăăă ăăăăäťĺ¤ăŻéăŁăăééŚăŻćźăćťăăăŚăăžăŁăă ăç˛ăăăă¨é äšăč¨ăŁăă ééŚăŻéĄăéăăă复ăŽçŤć´žăŞčä¸ăčŚă¤ăăŞăăăçŞçśćăăćš§ăä¸ăăŁăŚăăăăă ăă揲ăăăŁăŚč¨ăŁăŚăăŽăé äšăŻç§ăŽĺ¤Ťă§ăăăďźĺ¤Ťă¨ăăŚăŽč˛ŹäťťăăĄăăă¨ćăăăšăăăăŞăăŽďźă ç˛ăăă¨č¨ăŁăŚăăăăăžăăäťăŽĺĽłă¨ĺŻăăăă§ăŻăŞăă ăăăďź äťăă確čŞăăŞăăă°ďź çŞçśĺźˇć°ăŤăŞăŁăééŚăŤéŠăăăŽăăééŚăŽćăăăćăä˝ä¸ăéăă¨ăé äšăŽćŻăŻăžăăžăčăăŞăŁăŚăăŁăă ä˝ăŻćŁç´ăŞăăŽă§ăăăŽçˇăŻăă¤ăééŚăŽčŞćăŤĺźąăă éťăçłăŽä¸ăŤćăč˛ăăĄăăă¨ĺ ăăé äšăŻééŚăŽéĄăă¤ăăżăĺă弪ăŁă⌠| LEARN_MORE | https://mmplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14806&ut | 弳ăŽĺăčŞăżăăĺ°čŞŹă大çšé | https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/ | 103 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | mmplm.com | DCO | https://mmplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14806&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/t39.35426-6/465212100_897429978668628_9056086323662448835_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=skR6pAxCUs4Q7kNvgHvnnoW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AP-G4VVVxneNSF-Cg6GPgqL&oh=00_AYBXndNUaWsuuMoD2TUa5WlLPI9nS0nAJJ4nrpJMX4L35Q&oe=67307579 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 弳ăŽĺăčŞăżăăĺ°čŞŹă大çšé | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đđĽ Continuer la lecture â¤â¤ | (Lily POV) Today is my 14th birthday. There will not be birthday cake, singing, or a party. Instead, we are attending a funeral. My sister's funeral, to be exact. Before my sister... died... we had a large party planned for me. I normally do not have a big party, but 14th birthdays are a really big event to werewolves. They are the day that we first meet our wolves. The next monumental birthday is our 20th birthday; that is when can first identify our fated mates. I am our Betaâs youngest daughter, and my father is loved and well-respected. Everyone was excited to meet my wolf and to see what type of wolf she would be. Thus, the guest list for my party was pretty large, and it included ranked wolves from nearby packs. I am normally a little bit of a loner, hence why I usually do not have a big birthday party. However, for this particular occasion, I was happy to have a lot of guests. Meeting your wolf comes with the first shift/ transition, and that can be incredibly painful. As inherently social creatures, the only thing known to help wolves with the pain of the first shift is to have supportive family, friends, and community around you. The way that it typically works is that the pack will host a dinner or barbeque in your honor. As night falls, and the moon replaces the sun in the sky, everyone will gather inside the pack amphitheater. The shifter-to-be will stand in the middle of the amphitheater while guests quietly chant well wishes and prayers to the Moon Goddess. The energy in the space can be electrifying for everyone present, no matter whether there are 25 attendees or 500. Once the first shift is completed, the new wolf will prance around the stage and strut their stuff. The crowd will âoohâ and âaahâ until the pack alpha approaches, learns the new wolfâs name, and introduces the wolf to the crowd. The new wolf will also swear his or her allegiance to the pack and to the alpha, allowing the wolf to mind-link with other pack wolves. Finally, the new wolf and any guests old enough to shift will go for a pack run. The whole process is incredibly special and exciting. As you might imagine, dĂŠcor is also an important part of the party planning process. Each shifter gets to decide the decorations and party theme that will be used for their party. If more than one wolf turns 14 on the same day, the wolves can either agree on a theme or split the party into parts that they can individually decorate. The pack luna will then work some sort of magic that somehow blends the individual areas into one cohesive theme in the center. My birthday is in October, and despite how large our pack is, I am the only one born on that day. I love having an October birthday because my favorite season is fall. For my dĂŠcor, I had picked flowers and decorations in rich fall colors, including deep oranges, reds, and greens. Unfortunately, none of my party decorations will be used. Or rather, none of my decorations will be used for me. As I mentioned, we are holding a funeral today instead. My oldest sister, Stephanie, died this morning. Pack and religious tradition dictates that we must hold funerals within 24 hours of death. Because Stephanie died shortly after midnight, her funeral must be held today. All food and dĂŠcor set aside for my birthday party was therefore immediately diverted for the funeral; thankfully my fall themed colors were sufficiently somber-ish to work. All decorations that seemed relatively âhappyâ, celebratory, or that mention me have been removed. Pictures of Stephanie have now been placed on tables and podiums, and the music I selected has been swapped out for songs about loss or Stephanieâs favorites. The loss of Stephanie is a really hurting. Not only was she my sister and my parentsâ oldest and favorite child, she was also widely anticipated to be the mate of Alpha Randallâs son, James, which meant she was most likely the future luna of our pack. Stephanie would have turned 20 in three months, and she and James would have been able to confirm that they were mates then. The pack was so sure that they were mates âand Alpha Randall was so eager to turn the pack over to James and his mate, once she was identified and ready to take on the luna positionâ that they deviated from standard protocols and decided to begin Stephanieâs Luna training just after she turned 18. If I am being completely honest, something never sat right with me about Stephanie starting Luna training. Part of it is what Stephanie's Luna training meant for me, but that is a separate conversation. The biggest thing was that I did not understand why luna training could not wait until Stephanie turned 20 and could confirm who her mate was. Lunas for generations have waited for their training; why couldn't Stephanie? It also bothered me quite a bit to watch Stephanie hang all over James at pack functions. Our pack frowned upon dating and public displays of affection prior to finding your mate; it created too much risk for problems, anger, and jealousy once your mate was located. For whatever reason, an exception was made for Stephanie. But then again, exceptions always were made for her. Stephanie was strong and absolutely beautiful, and the pack knew her as being kind, smart, and energetic. She could do no wrong in the eyes of my parents, the alpha, or the pack. I hope I do not sound too jealous or bitter. I loved my sister, and her death is hitting me really hard. Itâs just thatâŚ. I knew a different side of my sister than everyone else, and I know more than anyone that my sister was far from perfect. Had I spoken up before she died, I would have been accused of jealousy and lying. And were I to speak up now, well⌠I would be accused of jealousy, lying, AND improperly speaking ill of the dead. It is easier to just let it go. Along with my birthday. It isn't that important anyway. I do not want to be selfish or self-centered. The only immediate problem with letting go is that --bad timing or not-- I am going to shift for the first time tonight. There is nothing I can do to stop or postpone it, as much as I would like to do so. I am worried about how it is going to go. Hopefully, during the reception, my mother or father or brother or someone will be willing to step aside with me for a 20-30 minutes just to get me through it. We could then return and act like everything is normal. Or as normal as it can be with Stephanie now gone. Sadly, I should have known that nothing in life is that easy. Chapter 2: The Little Brat (James POV) I watch sadly as the casket is carried from the temple to the burial grounds. It is a cold October day, and the gray sky and drizzly weather adds to the overall somber atmosphere. I cannot help but be impressed at how quickly the pack was able to pull everything together for Stephanie's funeral. All funerals happen quickly in our world, but because of how fast the funerals must take place, the dĂŠcor and guest list is usually somewhat lacking. It is a testament to how much Stephanie was loved that they were able to put together so many beautiful floral arrangements in her honor, and that so many people were able to be here to honor her life, including many wolves from other packs. If it wasn't for it being such a horrible occasion, I would actually describe the color scheme as beautiful. Then again, fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. I am vaguely aware that we had some other function on the calendar today, but I honestly cannot think of what it was. With a large pack âthe West Mountain Pack has over 10,000 membersâ we have a lot of functions. As the future alpha, I am expected to attend as many of them as I possibly can, but no one expects me to remember what they all are⌠even if I try to pretend in the moment. Unless reminded by an Omega or my amazing girlfriend, I can't even seem to remember my own mother and father's birthdays most of the time. My amazing girlfriend. I sigh, wiping a tear from my eye. She will never again be around to remind me about birthdays. Sadly, there will be no pretending that I know what today's ceremony is about. Stephanie Brogan was the love of my life, and she was my future mate and luna. I still cannot believe that she is gone. We never even got to fully experience the mate bond, including the sparks betwwen us. Had she lived just three months longer, our wolves would have confirmed one another as mates and Stephanie would have been able to formally claim her proper place in my bed and in my life. Instead of welcoming her body into my bed, I am saying good-bye to her today. I am also saying good-bye to all of our future plans and dreams together. I cannot help but feel anger and resentment about that. This is not how things were supposed to be. As I watch the funeral procession go by --my father, mother, and I, along with the beta family, must stand at the entrance as guests move from the temple to the burial grounds-- I catch a glimpse of Stephanieâs younger sister, Lily. She is standing next to her mother. She looks both sad and innocent, which causes the anger in my body to rise even more. That little brat is the reason that Stephanie is dead. ***FLASHBACK TO LAST NIGHT*** Stephanie and I are cuddled on the couch in the packhouse living room watching a movie. I have my hand on her arm and I am about to kiss her when she gets distracted by a text message. Stephanie did not let me see the message, which annoys me, but she quickly explains that Lily is lost in the forest after having snuck out to meet a boy. Stephanieâs sister is 13 or 14 years old. She has all the teenage acne and attitude that comes along with being that young. Unlike Stephanie âwho has beautiful blond hair and hazel eyesâ Lily has reddish brown hair and bright green eyes. Or at least I think they are bright green; she usually has them covered up with large black glasses. Stephanie gets up and tells me that Lily has texted her, begging her to come and find her. I am annoyed by the interruption, but I offer to go with Stephanie to get the little brat. Stephanie says Lily will be upset if anyone else knows about her little escapade. Stephanie reassures me that she will be fine, and then gives me a quick peck. My wolf and I have a bad feeling when Stephanie leaves, but Stephanie has us wrapped around her little finger. It is almost impossible for my wolf and I to disagree with her about anything. We pause the movie and decide to get some work done in my dad's office while we wait for Stephanie to get back. I am a night owl anyway, so I do not mind waiting. Unfortunately, about an hour after Stephanie leaves, I get an urgent mind-link from our pack warriors. They report that the Little Brat had been spotted running out of the woods screaming for help. Before they can say much more, I shift into my wolf form and take off running. I follow Stephanieâs scent far into the woodsâŚ. until I come to a small clearing, which is covered in Stephanieâs blood. Her bloody clothes are tossed around, and chunks of her hair are thrown about as well. It is the worst, most savage site that I have ever seen. The smell of rogues is all over, so it is fairly obvious what has happened. The a---holes didnât even bother to leave her body. ***END OF FLASHBACK*** Tears threaten to continue to fall as I think back to the scene last night. I have not slept or eaten since I found what was left of Stephanie, and I am having trouble holding my emotions together. Now that my eyes have spotted Lily, my anger with her becomes a welcome distraction. I have a very hard time looking away from her. The truth is that I have always found myself strangely curious about her, but today⌠today all I want to do is take my anger out on someone, and she seems as good a target as anyone else. Her teenage behavior cost me my mate! And it cost this pack its future luna! My wolf, Luke, begs me to calm down. It is an interesting thing, having the wolf side try to calm the human side. As upset and angry and emotional as I am, it is tempting to ignore him and immediately start teach that Little Brat a lesson. However, I decide to follow Luke's advice after he reminds me that Stephanie deserves to have her funeral be all about her and not some whiny teenage brat. That does not mean that I am going to let Lily get away with what she has done, but I wait until a more appropriate time to take my revenge. I turn my focus back to Stephanieâs casket, which we filled with her bloody clothes, hair, and anything that could be found at the site that had her blood on it. The casket has been brought to the center of the amphitheater. The alpha and beta families take their seats in the front row, and my father and the pack priest move beside the casket to begin the ceremony. The ceremony involves a lot of prayers, rituals, and speakers. The average ceremony takes 2-3 hours, and Stephanie's will most likely take closer to 4-5 hours given her status in the pack and how beloved she was. During the ceremony, I keep trying to distract myself by looking around as others around me. I do not want to be seen as weak by curling into the fetal position and wailing like a baby, even though that is the only thing I want to do right now. My heart breaks as I glance at Stephanieâs parents next to me in the front row, holding on to one another as they cry. Seeing Stephanieâs father âa strong, powerful Beta wolfâ break down is a sight I have very rarely seen. The pain in his eyes is heart-wrenching. I also notice Stephanie's brother, Nick, as he clings to his mate, Jenny. Both of them are crying as well. Nick is my best friend, and I have known him since we were tiny pups, but I have literally never seen him cry. I notice that there are no dry eyes anywhere. Even my father has a few stray tears running down his cheeks, although I am sure he would punch anyone who pointed it out. He is a proud man, just like me. As the sky continues to darken, I notice the Little Brat starting to act like she is uncomfortable in her seat. I can tell that Stephanie's mother is getting agitated, and rightly so. For once, can the Little Brat not think about something other than herself? Seriously. It is one ceremony. Just one. For an older sister who died trying to help her. How dare the Little Brat not hold herself together? The next thing I know, the moon is high in the sky and the final rites are being spoken by the priest. As exactly that moment, the Little Brat whispers something in her motherâs ear. Her mother turns and glares at her, causing the Little Brat to put her head down. I then watch as the Little Brat stands up and walks away. She looks like she is in pain, and I hope that she is. How dare she walk away from her sisterâs funeral! Especially in the middle of the last rites! I am tempted to follow her and give her a piece of my mind, but Stephanie means more to me than that. I remind myself once again that I will get my revenge on Lily aka the Little Brat soon enough. For tonight, I must remain focused on the love of my life. Chapter 3: Lily Meets Rose âY-yes.â âGood. Now open your eyes.â I opened my eyes and immediately noticed that I was not human anymore. My feet and hands were paws. I then looked into the water that pooled at the edge of the waterfall, and I saw my reflection⌠or rather the reflection of Rose. My heart stopped. There are many different types of wolves âalpha wolves; beta wolves; gamma wolves; warrior wolves; silver wolves; white wolves; red wolves; omega wolves. And even within those categories, there are varying sizes and colors and markings. We learn about the types of wolves in school. âExpect the unexpectedâ was a phrase that was often said about the first transition, but in reality your wolf generally follows your lineage: the children of alpha wolves will generally be alpha wolves; the children of beta wolves will generally be beta wolves; and so on. Typically, the big excitement âespecially with children of ranked wolvesâ centers on the size, color, and personality of the new wolf. Looking back at me in the reflection of the pool was a type of wolf I had never seen or learned about in school. Roseâs fur was a beautiful bluish-silver color that almost glowed. On the right side of her rump was a large black crescent moon symbol, and the black coloring of that symbol matched her solid black paws and black tail. In addition, I noticed that Rose was huge. Although it was tough to tell, it appeared to me that Rose was at least as large as some alpha wolves. âWhat type of wolf are we, Rose?â âA special type. You will learn more as time goes on, but know that the Moon Goddess has blessed you and I, Lily.â I did not say anything; I was not sure what to say. Rose and I sat by the waterfall for a while longer, until I remembered Stephanieâs funeral. âWe need to get back!â I told Rose in a panic. Rose guided me through how to transform back to our human form, and I frantically searched the nearby trees for clothes. I found a menâs t-shirt and shorts. Both were far too big for my small frame, so I opted to just put the t-shirt on. I also grabbed my eye-glasses off the ground and put them on; thankfully they did not break during the transition. Now that I had Rose, I would not need the glasses anymore because she would heal my eyes. However, Rose warned me that âfor nowâ it was best that I continue to wear the glasses and let the pack believe that I did not yet have my wolf. I thought it was a curious thing for her to say, but I had no reason to not trust her. I hurried back to the packhouse and got into the beta suite, hoping to quickly change clothes and re-join the mourning crowd. Unfortunately, once I got in the suite, I was met with the angry, accusing eyes of my mother. âWHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? HOW DARE YOU MAKE A SCENE AT YOUR SISTERâS FUNERAL! HAVE YOU NO SHAME? ARE YOU SO SELFISH AND SELF-CENTERED THAT YOU CAN THINK OF NO ONE BUT YOURSELF?â I said nothing. What could I say? My mother then did something that, in my 14 years, she had never done before. She slapped me. Hard. And the beating continued from there. Chapter 4: Living in the Shadows (6 years later) (Lily POV) Six years have now passed since that fateful day that Stephanie died. I wish that I could say that life has moved on, and that we have found good in the bad... but for the most part, it isn't true. Stephanie is just as much a part of this pack today as she was before she died. And the grief felt in the pack is just as raw and angry as it was that first day. If anything has changed, it is that --instead of Stephanie being out in the center of things-- she lives on almost like a shadow over everything. She now has a couple of streets named after her --Stephanie Lane and Steffie Avenue (her nickname was "Steffie"); and you can quite literally find some of her favorite outfits on display in glass cases at various places throughout the pack. Even more bizarre, the day she died was turned into a pack holiday, as was her birthday. Everyone but pack omegas have both days off from work, school, and training, and there are somber celebrations and remembrances planned to commemorate each occasion. I once made the mistake of asking my parents whether this was a normal reaction to the death of a single she-wolf. We can love and miss her, but to continue to hold large ceremonies every year? And to treat her as a saint and forget that she had a human side too? That seemed a bit too much to me. As far as I know, the pack has never done this for any other luna or future luna, and it only honors 2-3 historical alphas in such a manner. I was rewarded for my questions by being called jealous and hateful. (I also received a significant beating, but beatings had become commonplace from my mother, so I cannot say that my question necessarily triggered the beating I received that day. Plus, the beating hurt far less than what I received before Stephanie died. But for the slight pain and who did the beating, I almost would not have minded.) Overall, I think the worst part of losing Stephanie six years ago wasn't losing Stephanie... it was how losing Stephanie impacted my relationship with my parents and other pack members. Before Stephanie died, I was well aware that Stephanie was my parents' favorite. My older brother Nick and I would even joke about it from time to time. But even though Stephanie was their favorite, they still treated me really well and loved me. They never would have raised a hand to me before Stephanie died. After Stephanie died, however, my parents could barely look at me. And when they did, I saw the unmistakable wish in their eyes that it had been me, not Stephanie, that died that fateful night. In addition, my parents stopped caring about my well-being generally. I lived in their house until I was 17, but I was responsible for my own meals and necessities. I was forced to take on a part-time job at a nearby diner just to ensure I had clothes and food to eat. (I technically could have eaten the food that was available in the packhouse, but the dirty looks and mean comments made by my parents, James, and other pack members were enough to make that an unrealistic option.) Also, in case you are wondering, I have not celebrated a birthday since Stephanie died. Not one single soul other than Rose has bothered to tell me happy birthday. No one even bothered to ask me whether I had received my wolf. That wasn't because birthdays stopped being important; it was just mine whose meaning changed. I attended plenty of birthday parties, and the pack hosted plenty of 14th birthday celebrations. In fact, I think it was because of one of those birthday celebrations that someone finally questioned whether I had received a wolf. It was a legitimate question, given that I was over 14 and never joined a pack run. Rose encouraged me early on to skip them "for safety reasons," and I was all too happy to do so. Had anyone bothered to ask me directly about my wolf or about why I was skipping the pack runs, I would have been honest... but no one ever did. Instead, a rumor spread that I was wolfless. Pack members speculated that I lost my wolf as a result of post-traumatic stress from losing Stephanie and/or guilt for what I had done to Stephanie. That latter theory was the one that really got under my skin, because I knew that was a theory and rumor spread by James. Shortly after Stephanie's funeral, he told my parents and most of the pack that Stephanie was only in the forest that night to save me. He also said I had gone out to meet a boy. I have no idea why he would say such things; I have never had a boyfriend and Stephanie was the one who asked me to meet her in the forest. This rumor was the main reason that I received a beating from my mother the night of my first shift. And it probably adds to the reason that pack members wish me dead. Notably, though, I have never dared to defend myself. To tell the truth would be the equivalent of talking negatively of both Stephanie and our future alpha.... and would likely lead to a death sentence. So instead, I have always just pushed through. One of the ways that I have survived is to hold on to the faith that one day things will be different. Another thing that I have done is take every last opportunity to leave the pack. For example, I hurried through high school so that I could graduate early, and I then went away to college. To avoid coming home, I have been loading up on credit hours and taking every term of school -including the mini winter sessions-- that I can get. I am also taking advantage of a unique expedited program offered just for werewolves doctors. Given all of these things, I actually expect that I can become a fully licensed werewolf doctor in just a couple more years. Until I become fully licensed and independent, I will have to continue to bear the shadow of my sister and the pain that comes with it. I am required to be present for both of her holidays --all pack members are; there are no exceptions-- but thankfully those are among the very few times that I can reliably be found at the Western Mountain pack these days. My ultimate goal is to meet my mate and become a pack doctor in his pack... which I pray to the Moon Goddess is not the Western Mountain pack. If, Goddess forbid, my mate is in this pack, perhaps I can convince him to transfer packs with me. Goddess willing. Tomorrow is my birthday. I guess we will find out then. Chapter 5: Without His Luna (James POV) Tomorrow will mark six years since Stephanie died. Everything and nothing has changed. I still think of Stephanie every single day. Her beautiful smile. Her laugh. The kindness that she showed to pack members. The ethusiam that she showed for her luna training. Stephanie would have been an amazing and strong luna. Had Stephanie lived, we would have been happily married by now. We would probably have already had at least two adorable pups, who would have been doted on by two loving sets of grandparents. Together, Stephanie and I would have been leading the West Mountain Pack to new heights. Of course, Stephanie is no longer here. And without Stephanie⌠Well, without Stephanie, I am only a fraction of the man that I used to be, and only a fraction of the wolf. Without Stephanie, I am not even Alpha yet. In our world, most alpha heirs take over from their fathers between 25 and 30 years old. That timing ensures that most alphas will have already found their mates before they take over the running of a pack. Running a pack is not easy to do by yourself. Even with a strong beta and a strong gamma, a lunaâs importance to a pack cannot be underestimated. A luna brings heart and balance to a pack and to the alpha himself. She is the alphaâs equal, and she is one of the few werewolves in the pack who can get away with challenging and questioning an alphaâs decisions. If she exercises her role properly and judiciously, a lunaâs presence can lead to better overall outcomes, decisions, and governing. This is especially true if the luna is the alphaâs fated mate, because it means she takes on her role with the blessing of the Moon Goddess. Alpha heirs who take over their packs prior to turning 25 typically do so either out of necessity, or because they have been fortunate to have been mated very early to a strong luna. Six years ago, when Stephanie was still alive, my father thought we were going to be part of the lucky latter category. He had been very eager to take an early retirement. He and my mother had fantasized about all the European trips and Caribbean cruises that they would take after I was sworn in as alpha, and they had already had tentative plans for at least one of those trips. Of course, all of those plans were ultimately scrapped. Today, I am old enough to take over as alpha, even without a luna by my side⌠but my father is concerned that I am not mentally strong enough to do so yet. He sees me as broken. My father is probably right. It is a little hard not to feel broken. The reminders of Stephanie are everywhere. Even after six long years, I feel like I cannot escape from the reminders or from my grief, and it is suffocating. The packhouse has practically turned into a mini museum to her, and almost all of the local businesses have some sort of small dedication, whether it be a dedicated drink, food item, picture, or shelf of Stephanie-inspired items. Worse, twice a year, we hold a series of ceremonies and remembrances for Stephanie. As Stephanieâs mate and as the future alpha heir, I am expected to attend every one of them. I want to be there. I know that I should be there. But⌠It is complete and utter torture. Every day without Stephanie is difficult, but Stephanieâs birthdays and death anniversaries always hit me the hardest. What I want to do more than anything on those two days is be by myself so that I can process my grief. There is a waterfall that I like to go to. If I could, I would spend all day there on both days. The waterfall isnât exactly hidden, but to find it, you have to go pretty far within the woods and know where to go. As far as I know, I am the only one in our pack who ever goes there. Being at the waterfall brings me comfort; it always has. That is where I want to be when I am grieving or upset. Unfortunately, instead of spending time in the comfort of my waterfall, I have to spend the two hardest days each year out in public with almost 20,000 eyes watching my every move and every reaction. Instead of just⌠grieving⌠I have to be conscientious of how every display of emotion can impact and be perceived by the pack members. As I listen to pack members, Stephanieâs parents, and my own parents take turns telling stories about Stephanie and her good deeds, I am expected to somehow strike an impossible balance between sadness and strength. At each of the events, year after year, the remembrances are largely the same. At this point, I practically have the speeches memorized. The speeches usually include stories about how Stephanie would bake cookies and send her sister to deliver them to the guards working the late-night shift on the borders. And stories about how any time anyone was injured in training or at battle, she would not only have her sister deliver care baskets to patients at the hospital, but she would also put one together for any family members separated from them while they were recovering. My parents talk about how eager Stephanie was to take on her position as luna, and how dedicated she was to her training, even working on lessons for hours at home multiple times per week. Stephanieâs parents talk about their prior dreams for their daughter and the hole they continue to feel in their hearts. Nick talks about how family celebrations do not feel the same without Stephanie there, and Jenny talks about wishing that she still had a sister-in-law to bond with and engage in girl talk. The only blessing is that âas the grieving mateâ no one expects me to say anything at these events. But that does not spare me from the staring and judgment. If I show too much sadness, pack members worry that I am weak and will not able to be the leader of the pack in the future. If I seem too stoic or show too much âstrength,â pack members could perceive me being disrespectful towards Stephanieâs memory. They will also worry that my reign as alpha will lack balance and compassionâŚ. which I already hear whispers about from time to time. Sometimes, I feel angry about the whole thing. I would never, ever expect anyone who has lost their mate to put themselves on a stage multiple times a year and be judged on whether their external grief is appropriate enough. And yet my parents have no problem doing it to me. I tried to push back once, but only once. As you can imagine, it did not go well. I started the conversation by telling my parents that I did not think it was healthy for me to be surrounded by constant reminders of Stephanie, and I told them that I thought the constant remembrances were counterproductive to my mental health. I suggested that we scale back the events, or make them more private affairs. My father got angry and accused me of being selfish. He told me that being uncomfortable and coping with the pressure of judgmental pack members is part of being an alpha. Meanwhile, my mother reminded me that the ceremonies had been Stephanieâs parentsâ idea, and she asked me if I wanted to be the one to tell them it was no longer important to celebrate Stephanieâs life. No, of course I did not want to tell Stephanie's parents that. No, I did not want to be selfish. I just wanted --and still want-- to not feel so sad all the time. Six years in, and the only reprieve I ever get from my grief is when the Little Brat is around. She has made herself scarce the last few years, but when she is around, my wolf and I can sense her from a mile away. My wolf and I fight about her all the time --for some reason, Luke seems to have a soft spot for the Little Brat-- but we can agree that it is nice having her around. For me, it's because I have a worthy target for my anger and rage. Chapter 8: Daddy's Girl (Lily POV) The drive to the pack house was eerily silent. After my father and I arrived at the pack house, my father quickly exited the vehicle and headed to his office, leaving me on my own. I timidly and cautiously got into the beta suite, but I was relieved to find that my mother was already in bed. I decided to go directly to my room and try to sleep as well. Unfortunately, I ended up tossing and turning all night. The look on my father's face when talking to the guards continued to haunt me. When I did sleep, I had nightmares. Strangely, Rose seemed restless too, but other than briefly wishing me a happy birthday after it hit midnight, she did not say anything. I think the main thing that provoked my nightmares and kept me up was that my heart ached for my father. I knew that I wanted to help him with his pain and ease his suffering, but I was not sure what I could do or say to make things better. It has already been six years. If time has not helped heal his heart, what could I do? The truth is, I am not Stephanie and I never will be. The only thing I have ever known how to do for my father is to try to stay out of his way. At least for my mother, I can serve as a literal punching bag to help her relieve her grief. And for others in the pack, I can serve as both a literal and metaphorical punching bag. But, I am nothing to my father: my father has neglected me and ignored the sufferings I went through, but he has never directly participated in any of them. Perhaps that is one reason his pain upsets me more than the pain of everyone else. He is the least awful amongst my current tormentors, and I can sometimes lie to myself that he does not know or agree with how much I have suffered. I know that it probably seems strange that my heart aches for him at all, given that he is someone who, for the most part, could care less about me. However, please understand that for my own sanity, I have chosen to remember and hold on to the good times in my childhood. Of course, there is also the fact that... regardless of how my father currently feels about me... I have always been --and will probably always be-- a daddy's girl. It is just part of who I am. Since I was in diapers, I have looked up to my father and considered him to be my superhero. Before Stephanie died, I never saw an ounce of weakness in him. He was my strength and my rock. I always had an strong desire to make him proud of me. He was always the first one I ran to when I got a good grade on a test, or when I drew a picture I thought he might like. And ...before Stephanie died... he was always the first one to dry my tears when I got hurt or to give me reassuring praise when I felt down. Even though I knew Stephanie was his favorite... even though I knew Stephanie's accomplishments would always be greater, and that he would always be more proud of her... those little things mattered to me. I lived for those moments. Sigh. By 5:30 am, I gave up on any hope of further sleep. Stephanie's first remembrance event was not scheduled until 11 am, so I knew I had a little bit of time. Eager to take advantage of that time and also avoid my mother, I took a quick shower, packed a small backpack, and headed out of the house. Predictably, my feet led me to the waterfall that I had shifted in front of six years ago. I have come here at least twice a year since Stephanie died, usually on her birthday and death anniversary. The waterfall brings me an odd sense of peace. As beautiful as it is, I do not know anyone else who comes here. Perhaps that is why I like it so much. I sighed. "It is easy to tell myself that when I am away from the pack and not having to cope with the consequences. It is a lot harder to believe that I am blameless when everyone around me is crying and upset all the time. You saw my dad last night. That nearly broke me. He is still hurting so much." "That does not make any of it your fault," Rose protests. "Rose, the day before Stephanie died, I prayed that the Moon Goddess stop Stephanie from continuing to hurt me." "She was not hurting you, Lily. She was torturing you. There is nothing wrong with you praying that it stop." "There is if it cost Stephanie her life." "Lily, you are not giving the Moon Goddess enough credit. You are smarter and stronger than this. You need to stop with the emotional vomit and ---" Suddenly Rose stops talking through the link. She is pacing back in forth in my head. I have no idea what is going on, until the overwhelming scent of vanilla and coffee beans hits my nose. "Mate! Lily, our mate is here! Mate, mate, mate, mate, mate!!!" I stand, dust the ashes off of my jeans, and turn around. My heart drops when I recognize the werewolf standing about 200 feet away from me. This has to be a joke. This cannot be happening. | LEARN_MORE | https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10745&u | Massive story | https://www.facebook.com/61560932294131/ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | getokn.com | DCO | https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10745&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/t39.35426-6/448731292_973317731140374_4061053005564536888_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lrse1jkTtxMQ7kNvgGE6J7h&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7hHT8IrzoFmdvMoASSLIWp&oh=00_AYDXPdK2uv1ZXPgtdfp76k5-tR_MGKPR4nwtIpVCGHYATw&oe=67308CCB | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Massive story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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/t39.35426-6/462143534_1670092790224824_679006321541673997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SXfGd9r4caMQ7kNvgG2Ij5Y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AhP11JvLDdwo5nzMC-LmSEk&oh=00_AYBaCGDfDmo4v1ez-7S4YYfnrSU4ahcDH1SjgiVXUJSldA&oe=67307937 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đđđ đđđđ đ đđđ + $đđđ | đ¨đđđ đđđđđđđ đđđđđđđđ đđđ đ¨ Ford F450 + $25,000 đľđľ | LEARN_MORE | https://motionautotv.com/ | MotionAutoTv | https://www.facebook.com/MotionAutoTv/ | 170,414 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | motionautotv.com | DCO | Project Build Giveaway #20 | https://motionautotv.com/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465735550_1216228359449310_7649576244587865283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RF4x_2BAM5gQ7kNvgEaSri4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AszZxW6tXuqkIauJvfAlgSN&oh=00_AYD4U17xo6yg6e_TwYfNkGYxHYIUdOJT7SIdLdll-_kbXA&oe=67305354 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | MotionAutoTv | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fiesta Auto Insurance | Fiesta Insurance is giving you the chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card by getting a free quote all month long! | LEARN_MORE | https://www.fiestainsurance.com/amazon-giveaway?ut | Fiesta Auto Insurance & Tax Service | https://www.facebook.com/FiestaInsurance/ | 6,846 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | fiestainsurance.com | DCO | Enter to Win Now | https://www.fiestainsurance.com/amazon-giveaway?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=amazongc_jan&utm_id=amazon | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465893573_1075373950719263_3956325893734432396_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rzh7r7czrB0Q7kNvgEm7jYQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aqi6sAi1nILKc80DcdyEEJ6&oh=00_AYCMQY2t2RUxVPBhSTjOoGODo3pCGmJfbuCUwkl3hlxcnA&oe=67307B5A | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fiesta Auto Insurance & Tax Service | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đĽđĽClick to read the next chapter for freeđ | My husband Elijah wanted to do some sweet things with me again, however, he suddenly brought up his ex-girlfriend. This caused my emotions to explode. 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. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He reeked of alcohol and 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 He 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. "You know," he said, oblivious to my disappointment, "she's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years." Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his 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. 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. A sudden surge of clarity and calmness washed over me. âI want to divorce you.â | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid= | 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 | thebvhwysgng.com | IMAGE | 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}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452913949_1411998729481436_338160039593101770_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vAA9NABS-IkQ7kNvgGi9CZW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbkBRcYDa6cNUM7yTg_Jhp&oh=00_AYC0aanirqouIPDIhG6I-48RDQIPLLWcfSeUiRzglFnaig&oe=673082BE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SHOP_NOW | http://tuner-merch.com/ | Tuner Merch | https://www.facebook.com/61559871928644/ | 1,747 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | tuner-merch.com | CAROUSEL | http://tuner-merch.com/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465700744_584689197270942_4901223204279015217_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zpZM1tSq-QAQ7kNvgEm2Ju4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AngMSWiV1YT4Vgwf32yOonS&oh=00_AYD1v3NML1F8NntJ4fP3oTOzDf6UonJxQYF05RhkuGTbzw&oe=67306230 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Tuner Merch | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap. She looked at the man before herâher husband whom she had spent a year waiting for. "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." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. "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." Carissa 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. Sheâs a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. If she meets you, she might say things you wonât like. Why put yourself through that?" Barrett refused instantly. 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?" | 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/t39.35426-6/459038346_1199616938012951_330058451446706531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RFLmulLba6QQ7kNvgG5szVa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhWm3nRYaxdc7B1guFNLJHn&oh=00_AYDi7OWae3sLwFy9cTLNw6OjqC0E9xT2IYuU258dNuCgIg&oe=673068CB | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ahem! Attention Everyone! đ You can win a Blackstone Grill! đŻ Ready to fire up your grilling game? Hereâs your chance to win a Blackstone Grill â perfect for those who take their grilling seriously! All you have to do is: 1. Follow our Facebook page 2. Like and Share this post đ Hurry! Contest ends 11/10! You DON'T want to miss this! đ đ Winner Announcement: Mark your calendar! Weâll announce the lucky winner right here on Facebook on 11/11. â ď¸ Important: Weâll never ask for personal information to enter or claim the prize. For full terms and conditions, visit JustCallFiveStar.com/facebook-giveaway. | Five Star Home Services | https://www.facebook.com/myfivestarhomeservices/ | 1,192 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IMAGE | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465786523_863301332537469_2561751750241883167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pE3RwsmLr_cQ7kNvgERYA3M&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0pjmDBT3OJPi9OW2DBzP3Z&oh=00_AYClrJq7iXsyNwXmIsBPlenw4N__HWWzwnNHhfhUTRCIAQ&oe=67305007 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Five Star Home Services | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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/ | 293 | 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/t39.35426-6/457252105_8286090871453554_3969448954990082224_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VzwmY4xqA88Q7kNvgHiHHBW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABFy_vR30UMrxKJO-35J7oe&oh=00_AYCnIIXaydOh1hKUOr_yg-5Hm95thAmgo31AIqizYeMY-g&oe=673083DF | 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 17:03 | active | 1726 | 0 | Young Marshalâs Charming Wife | Modern-day superstar Kelly Morse finds herself reincarnated in the body of a wealthy merchant's daughter from a hundred years ago. Promised in childhood to a young marshal thanks to her grandfather's heroic deeds, Kelly must navigate her new life with cunning and bravery. Trapped in a web of deceit spun by her stepmother and sister, she employs her acting skills to outsmart her adversaries. Amidst this turmoil, she entangles with her fiancĂŠ, a marshal in disguise. Together, they face numerous trials and life-threatening challenges, ultimately finding happiness in each other's arms. | LEARN_MORE | https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/wej1nfaycmarln | Kalos TV Dubu No.1 | https://www.facebook.com/61558037799650/ | 11,017 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbpx.16447.com | VIDEO | https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/wej1nfaycmarlnog12w1upir?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120213410600650708&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465791933_843103261051329_8659366945829562394_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vNRqErgHXbUQ7kNvgH7Kk4y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AGgwNOYXhIjkdQf5kJzc7cU&oh=00_AYAH48lkS8msCI2uva7NieJeng8Jgq2vT8wA5EEoltdqKQ&oe=673071D6 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Kalos TV Dubu No.1 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 17:06 | active | 1726 | 0 |
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Barbie Dolls - Unique and Rare - Bid Now! | đ Barbie Doll Auctionđ Collectors, donât miss this amazing online auction featuring an incredible selection of Barbie dolls! From the glamorous Holiday Celebration Barbies to the sought-after Millennial Princess and Fairytale Princess editions, this is your chance to own rare and special edition models. With a variety of styles and themes, these Barbies are perfect additions to any collection. Bid now to make these treasures yours! #BarbieCollectors #VintageBarbieAuction Bid Here: https://kerkhoffauction.nextlot.com/auctions/1689814/lots?page=1 | SHOP_NOW | https://kerkhoffauction.nextlot.com/auctions/16898 | Kerkhoff Auction and Real Estate | https://www.facebook.com/kerkhoffauctionandrealestate/ | 2,896 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | kerkhoffauction.nextlot.com | DCO | {{product.description}} | https://kerkhoffauction.nextlot.com/auctions/1689814/lots?page=1&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=November%20Barbie%20and%20Doll%20Auction&utm_content=November%20Barbie%20and%20Doll%20Auction&utm_campaign=November24%20PP | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465660902_571758178666054_124524711210034189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vfURPJTrbd4Q7kNvgFwBem1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AIsrY4ESEfHhperScmxIbPu&oh=00_AYD49Hopa3Zvmi4xAPvQ6FODwnUzq6Koqylmx-K6tl_XTQ&oe=67306A5A | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Kerkhoff Auction and Real Estate | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-05 17:45 | active | 1728 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | As the daughter of Alpha, I have been abused by my brother Alpha Trey and the pack, all because of an unforgivable mistake I made at 6. Ouch! Beta Kyle rudely kicks me to the floor in front of the office door and yells, âUseless Stupid Wolf! Clean the office asap! Our guest, Alpha Dane will be arriving soon!â Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnât mess around and he had the largest pack. âHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!â Beta Kyle continues. He digs his nails into my thinning skin before he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but 4 years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. âUhheemâ Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donât quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. âIs this the way you greet all Alphaâs?â His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. âIâm sorry.â I whisper, getting to my feet. âIâŚI thought I was alone.â I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. âCome forward.â He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to kill me. I step around the corner, doing as Iâm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. âYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?â I nod, though I couldnât tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. âI would prefer it if you spoke to me.â He growls, âIâm not in the mood to play games.â âYes.â I whisper. I couldnât help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? âWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.â âIâŚâ I hated the question. âSpit it out, I havenât got all day!â His deep voice sends a shiver through me, âYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itâs rude to not look at them.â Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. âMy Wolf abilities were bound,â I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnât interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, âWhy would someone do that?â If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. âIt was a punishment.â I whisper. It wasnât far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereâs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnât tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me âNeah, what the fuck are you doing in my office?â He turns to the crimson eyed man. âI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.â Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. âI wouldnât do that if I were you.â Alpha Daneâs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. âNeah,â My name rolls off of his tongue, âwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.â What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. âGet out now!â Alpha Trey seethes. I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. I try to keep myself busy to stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace is short-lived when I hear my brother calling out for champagne and some glasses. Quickly finding what he asked for, I bow my head as I re-enter the office. I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move; even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one has ever watched me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveâŚ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. âNeah is your sister, correct?â Alpha Dane questions my brother. âShe is.â Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. âWhy do you treat her like shit?â Straight to the point, my brother wouldnât like that. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnât know what to do. I couldnât move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. âShe's an unforgiven murderer.â Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. âMurdered who?â Alpha Daneâs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. âOur parents.â | LEARN_MORE | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783& | New world publications | https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/ | 3,752 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | wwwedb.com | DCO | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463716564_849071077033660_7419585111381032995_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yHQnnONsj9oQ7kNvgGs2rwj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6MoWaU15GCarDCcKByEc-e&oh=00_AYD6fQbM5mnxlkYXQ771fh0o2SEIN93NqXxJuNwHTCOi-A&oe=673062F4 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | New world publications | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 17:15 | active | 1726 | 0 | Music Producing Held Back? | Producers apply these 3 simple trick to produce hits. | LEARN_MORE | https://certifiedproducer.com/products/biggest-bun | Sample Pack Club | https://www.facebook.com/100080397765876/ | 76 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | CertifiedProducer.com | DCO | Click for hit-making tricks!" | https://certifiedproducer.com/products/biggest-bundle-of-them-all | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465576011_915947437138875_8190766438336103240_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yGaqDr-CjgUQ7kNvgE3HDUl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ALsqNjyxQ8ukOQbQLWpM2wu&oh=00_AYDBYDQUEgpa4cXo3kwbSfKub8ZfNdss5hh1q3IACPhlNg&oe=673082EE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sample Pack Club | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 16:59 | active | 1725 | 0 |
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$8,000 in prizes! | đ OUR BIGGEST GIVEAWAY OF THE YEAR IS HERE! đ 7 Lucky Winners will share $8,000 in incredible prizes! đ Grand Prize: A dream trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas! âď¸ Prize includes two tickets to the NFR, and a travel voucher for airfare and a two-night stay in Las Vegas! đŚ Deer Blind: Level up your hunting game with the ultimate setup from Redneck Blinds. đ˝ Beef Package: Premium selection of cuts from 44 Farms. đ˘ Tecovas Boots: Stride with confidence in iconic Western style! đ Custom Leather Wedding Wrap: Crafted to complement your rustic or Western wedding. đ§ YETI Package: Keep cool with rugged outdoor essentials! đ Antler Rings Package: A selection of premium Western-inspired jewelry from Antler Rings. đŻ How to Enter: Submit your email now for your chance to WIN + 2 Additional Entries per $100 spent!* âĄď¸ https://antlerrings.com/pages/lucky-7-giveaway *Limitations apply, see Official Rules for more details. | SIGN_UP | https://antlerrings.com/pages/lucky-7-giveaway | AntlerRings.com | https://www.facebook.com/AntlerRings/ | 390,020 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign up | 0 | antlerrings.com | IMAGE | Enter the Giveaway | https://antlerrings.com/pages/lucky-7-giveaway | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464911484_1780805149403693_1935556822864337906_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fhq42VpYtW0Q7kNvgG15qiz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5DePnmk--FRUyiC1BzPOb-&oh=00_AYACy9CXszjglYXrVBZyRWSkyaILmdPfCbySZmWCFlsx_w&oe=6730736D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | AntlerRings.com | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-05 17:27 | active | 1727 | 0 |
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â¤ď¸đ click to read on đ | "Kneel down and apologize to Sunny, now!" Several servants were surrounding Kevin. Opposite him was a fierce dog, which was Morris's Sunny. Morris thundered, "Do you even know how high and important this dog is?" Morris began with a flex of his muscle. "This dog is more expensive than the whole of your family combined. I will not stand still and watch you disregard it!" Kevin felt so humiliated, and he struggled hard, and said angrily, "It was your dog that bit me first! I'm just trying to protect myself!" Morris scoffed. "Does it look like I'm concerned a bit about you? Aren't you the useless house husband of the Perry family? Force him down!" He ordered in a thick voice. Three men advanced forward immediately. They caught Kelvin by his hands, pushed him towards the dog. He was forced to kneel in front of Morris' dog. Kelvin tried to stand up but the men pressed him firmly on the ground. âLet me go! Morris, this is too much!â Kevin could not get rid of these strong servants, Kevin could only plead with Morris to let him go. However, Morris responded by slapping Kevin hard across the face. Blood trickled from Kevin's mouth, but Morris ignored it. "Apologize now!" Morris demanded impatiently. Kevin's voice trembled as he replied, "No, I will never apologize to a beast. It's beneath my dignity!" "Dignity? You?" Morris erupted into laughter upon hearing Kevin's words. Suddenly, his tone turned vicious, "You think you have dignity? In our eyes, you're not even worth a dog's whimper!" Kevin gasped for air, his speech slurring from the blood in his mouth, but it was evident he had no intention of apologizing to a dog. Suddenly, Morris's demeanor changed. He smirked coldly, "Fine, if you won't apologize to Sunny, sign this, and I'll forgive you." With that, he threw a stack of papers at Kevin's face. Kevin furrowed his brow as he looked at the document. Divorce Agreement. Kevin glared angrily at Morris and exclaimed loudly, "You want to force me to divorce Mia? What gives you the right?" Morris's expression darkened, and he struck Kevin again, this time with even more force, "Right? What right do you have to ask me that?" | LEARN_MORE | https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=14117&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 | herfv.com | DCO | More Free Contentđ | https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=14117&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/t39.35426-6/459464144_1333048638067866_7691459565053231959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2cmkaaH2DkMQ7kNvgFdvJsI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AtAojJ4g-oYrJ_5PD2Ko4xw&oh=00_AYDAeS2CTpDMRWyHbEwYZo-rP5oWCKMJjxVRNTyLRckoEA&oe=67308562 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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