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Yes | 2024-11-14 20:15 | active | 1814 | 0 | Read next chapter | For her, marrying her best friend and carrying his child was a dream come true. However, just at this joyful moment, the man's beloved returned... ===== "It's a good thing you're cautious. You could've lost your baby, Miss Monroe," the GYN told me seriously as she could see the shock in my eyes. Had I heard it right? I was pregnant? I was pregnant with a baby for Pierce--my best friend and my first crush! On the way out of the hospital, I couldn't wait to tell Pierce about our baby. I wondered what his reaction would be. Would he scream in happiness? God! I couldn't contain my happiness. I cupped my flushed face as I fantasized, but the moment I felt the cold of the simple ring on my finger, my wildly beating heart calmed down. I almost forgot that Pierce wasn't the type to be keen on having children, especially since our marriage was arranged by his family. Pierce was a complete gentleman, both as a friend and a husband. Every time we did intimate thing, he was considerate yet cautious, saying there was no need to add extra shackles when we weren't ready. This baby, in a way, was out of the plan. "Ma'am, is everything okay? Do you need to call the boss?" my private driver, Luke, asked worriedly as he noticed my frown. Luke was reliable, like family, but if I chose to share, I still wanted Pierce to be the first to know this news. He was my baby's father. "No," I shook my head, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "He's on a flight. I'll talk to him later myself." I wanted to sense his answer directly from his raw expressions. I was always good at that. I closed my eyes, recalling the first day we met. His bright smile in the sunlight was so dazzling; he was a Prince. Long before we became best friends, I fell in love with him at first sight. But it was only unrequited love; I knew that well. I slid down the car window to get some fresh air but accidentally caught a glimpse of our old high school. That bitter feeling filled my chest once again. Pierce was my first love, but I wasn't his. In high school, I was just a boring nerd in others' eyes while Pierce Anderson was the shining quarterback. Everyone was surprised that we could be friends. Though envy arose, I enjoyed being around him. I slowly realized that I didn't just want to be his friend. However, right when I was about to confess my feelings to him, another girl came into his life. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those sad memories. I gripped the cold wedding ring on my finger, telling myself the past was the past. Pierce said they were over, and I was his wife now. I was his wife who was carrying his baby. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and opened the door to our house. My heart calmed as I breathed in the scent of home. Our home. Pierce and I decorated it together with our own hands. We enjoyed it. Yes, I must have been overthinking. That woman had been out of our lives for a long time, and my marriage with Pierce had been as beautiful as a fairy tale for the past three years. I glanced at the clock on the wall. At this point, Pierce should have gotten off the plane. He had been traveling for over a month for the sake of our family's business. Pierce was the President of ADE, the leading fashion magazine company in Asia, and I was actually the Vice President. We were not only life partners but also good partners at work. I really missed him. I dialed his number immediately. I wanted to hear his voice now, to know when he would arrive home. I would prepare a good meal for him, and he would reward me with a sweet k*ss. Then we might do intimate thing... Oops, I almost forgot I was pregnant now. I needed to tell him this first before we could do anything else. I was happily envisioning our lovely reunion when my heart dropped as a woman's voice came over the line. [Hello?] I snapped the phone as just one word came out. My phone fell to the floor, and my body started shaking uncontrollably. NO! It couldn't be her! It couldn't be Lexi! She was already out of our lives! I must have misheard. I rushed to the fridge, attempting to calm myself with some al**hol. But the moment I was reminded of the doctor's words and my baby. I needed to be cautious for my baby's sake. I turned to grab a box of milk and walked toward the sofa. I didn't know what made me recognize that as Lexi's voice at that moment. I meant Lexi and I were never close. Lexi Gilbert was a typical blonde beauty that men would go crazy for. She was the popular cheerleader in high school while Pierce was the star quarterback. A better match than he and a nerd like me, right? It wasn't surprising that he had fallen for her. My pride couldn't stand watching the man I loved go crazy for another woman. So I had once tried to stay away from them silently, but Pierce refused to quit my life. Every time I drowned myself in a sea of books and studies to forget them, Pierce would appear at my doorstep asking me out. I couldn't say no to his charming smile; I couldn't refuse when he claimed it was his duty as my best friend to take me out to enjoy the real world. To avoid ruining our friendship, I could only hide my broken heart, silently playing the role of his best friend while watching his happy face as he pursued another girl. I finally mustered the courage to study abroad when I learned that Pierce was planning to propose to Lexi. However, I never expected Grams would call to beg me to return. I hurried back only to see a lifeless Pierce. His heart was shattered, thanks to Lexi. My beloved sunshine boy was nowhere to be seen, and my heart b*ed for him. I started to hate Lexi from that moment. I gave up my cherished man for her, and how dared she harm him so badly! Pierce didn't tell anyone what happened except that he was done with Lexi. Grams arranged our marriage. I didn't understand why he agreed until the day I heard him say that marrying anyone but Lexi would be the same for him. It hurt like hell, but I still walked into this marriage without a second thought. My cherished boy was broken, and I wanted to fix him, not caring if I ruined myself in the process. I fell asleep at home, feeling insecure and worried. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone caressing my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized I had fallen asleep in the living room. Someone lifted me from the couch. I immediately recognized his scent and touch as I looked at him with heavy-lidded eyes. "Pierce..." "Hmm," he hummed as he walked toward the stairs. "Why did you sleep on the couch?" I stared at his face as he gently placed me down on the bed. He caressed my hair and k*ssed my forehead. He was always so gentle, and that was why I loved him so much. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you," I said as I caressed his cheek. "Just met a friend. You said you were waiting for me; is it something urgent?" Looking at his gentle face, I suddenly didn't want to ruin the moment, so I closed my parted lips and swallowed the truth back down. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, I would have the courage to face all the puzzles. I shook my head and pouted, signaling that I was sleepy. He chuckled and carefully carried me to the bed. Just as he was about to leave me after giving me a goodnight k*ss, I panicked for some reason. I quickly grabbed him... I missed him. I wanted him. "Wait, Kels," he said, stopping me by pinning my hands to the bed. "I thought you said you were sleepy and needed to rest." "But I think I miss you more now." I looked at him with innocence and caught the d**ire flashing in his eyes, but I didn't know why it faded so quickly. He used to be happy when I took the initiative. As if noticing my confusion, he chuckled and playfully pinched my nose. "I'll just take a shower." I nodded and watched him as he walked toward the bathroom. But drowsiness struck again, so I closed my eyes to take a nap. However, it was already morning when I opened my eyes again, and Pierce was beside me, putting a tray of food on the bedside table. "Hey!" I greeted, smiling when I realized what he'd done. He had prepared breakfast for me. In bed. The sweetest. He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. "Good morning." I grinned as I sat up. He carried the tray and put it beside me. I shot an eyebrow up, tilting my head as I stared at his handsome face. His deep brown eyes and thick, black eyebrows complemented his striking features. "What is this? Is this a bribe? You stood me up last night, bad boy." He didn't laugh. Instead, he heaved a sigh, gently tucking my hair behind my ear before taking my hand and staring into my eyes. "I have something to tell you." My heart raced. I thought about our baby. He had something to say, and I did too. "W-What is it?" I asked, feeling my voice tremble. He took a deep breath. "You know you're important to me, right?" I slowly nodded, my lips parted. I couldn't speak; I was scared of what he was about to say. I had a bad feeling about this. "You were my best friend before we got married. You're one of the few people I treasure..." I hid my clenched fists under the sheets. I didn't understand why he was telling me this, but I felt tears pooling in the corner of my eyes already. "Kelly..." He paused, squeezing his eyes shut before looking into mine again. "I-I think it's time for us to divorce." "P-Pierce..." My heart clenched. He smiled sadly. "I know you don't have feelings for me either. You only married me because of my grandparents. You just did this because you love them. Now it's time for our real happiness, Kelly." I shook my head. "W-What are you talking about, Pierce?" "Lexi is back, Kelly. My first love is back." Chapter 2 Kelly's POV--It Never Rains but It Pours I got off the bed and tried to leave, but Pierce grabbed my hand. I quickly wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks before he could see them. He stood in front of me, searching my face as I struggled to look down and avoid his gaze. My heart felt like it was breaking into pieces. I thought... I thought I could make him fall in love with me during those three years together. I believed his feelings would deepen, that he would see me as a woman rather than just a best friend. I was foolish to hope and dream so high. I had failed. No matter how hard I tried, his heart belonged only to his first love, Lexi. "Kelly..." I sucked in a breath and swallowed the pain as I looked at him. I forced a smile. "I need to wash up before eating." He stared into my eyes, trying to figure out what I was thinking. I knew he understood me too well, so I made a concerted effort to hide my pain and smiled back at him. He sighed and let go of my hand. "Okay. I'll wait for you here. Let's eat and go to work together." Together? How cruel could he be? He still wanted us to get along as if he hadn't just asked for a divorce? He wanted us to stay the same right after telling me that his first love was back and he wanted to divorce me? Oh, Pierce, what's going on in your head? If I used to be able to force myself to remain in the role of his best friend, wishing him happiness, I no longer had that courage after the three years we'd shared. There was no way I could endure that kind of torture again, especially now that I was carrying his baby. The baby... I had thought it was good news for us, but now... it felt more like a burden to him, I guess. A burden that would prevent him from pursuing his true love and freedom. I knew how an unwanted child could grow up. My parents divorced even before my mother died, and my father's new family hated me. It hurt like hell. I didn't want my baby to experience that same pain. I needed to keep my child away from it. I forced another smile. "We can't. I need to visit the studio for the photoshoot of our new models..." "I'll go with you--" "No." I pushed his hand away. His eyes followed my hand before he looked up at me again. "You have some documents to sign. Our schedules are already organized, remember?" "But..." "I have a personal driver, Pierce. I'll be fine going alone." He sighed and slowly nodded. I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom. I immediately opened the shower and stood under the cold water. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I covered my mouth to suppress my sobs. My shoulders trembled violently, and when I thought about my baby, I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself down. I wiped my face and caressed my belly. I needed to be strong. I had to stay calm. I shouldn't put my baby's life at risk just because I got my heart broken. I had to handle this wisely. I took a deep breath and finished my shower. When I got out of the bathroom, I was shocked to see Pierce still there. He was struggling to fix his tie in front of the full-length mirror. I also noticed my pair of heels and dress on the bed. "Hey! I picked your dress for today." Since our marriage wasn't public, Pierce had said he would try to do little things for me as a husband. He did it well, and I used to enjoy these sweet moments, but now, they felt like d**gers to my heart. I grabbed the dress and went into the walk-in closet. I felt him following me. I put the white dress back and picked a red one. When I turned to face him, his forehead was creased. "I prefer red today. I'd feel beautiful in this dress." His eyes landed on the dress I was holding, and his face immediately relaxed. He nodded and walked toward me. "I see. Help me fix this first." I placed my dress on his arm and started adjusting his tie. I could feel his eyes staring intently and it was making my heart beat so fast. I took a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip as I struggled to fix the tie. My vision started to blur again. D**n! "Kelly..." I jumped in shock. "Hmm?" "Are you okay?" I looked at him and smiled. "Yeah." "I have something else to say." I finished fixing his tie, then immediately grabbed the dress from him. I glanced at him before walking past him and said, "Let's just talk some other time. I'm going to be late." I heard him sigh as he followed me again. He's silent the whole time as if he's thinking about something. "You should eat before you leave." I turned to him and nodded. "I will. You should go now." "Kelly, we're on the same page, right?" I stared at him. No, Pierce. We're never on the same page. All of this was just my stupid fantasy. I thought you had feelings for me, and I was so wrong. "If it's about the divorce, I understand everything, Pierce. I know what I have to do. Just give me some time because I'm really busy with the company. I won't run away." "Kelly, I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing this for you too. You've been caged with me ever since we got married. I know you're not happy because deep down, you want to find the man you deserve. Someone who will truly love you. Not me. Not someone who's half-hearted." "I understand what you're trying to say, Pierce," I said, trying to turn away, but he held me by the waist, keeping me in place. He did everything he could to capture my gaze, and he succeeded. He looked at me worriedly. "You are my best friend. I don't want to lose you, Kels. You're one of the few people I..." "I know," I said out of frustration. He looked shocked, so I took a breath to calm myself. "I-I know. You don't have to worry. I'm just stressed about work. It's not about our divorce." His lips parted, and he slowly nodded, as if he could finally breathe properly. He walked toward me, and I froze when he gently k*ssed my forehead... "Thank you, Kelly," he whispered. My heart clenched. It had been three years, but I was still such a coward. Why couldn't I just tell him that I loved him? He's my husband, and I'm carrying his baby! If I told him, he might change his mind! I swallowed hard, ready to speak, but his phone rang. I didn't miss the caller ID. Again, it was Lexi. "I gotta go." He scratched his head in apology, and I didn't miss the upturned corners of his mouth. "I called Luke, and he's waiting outside. Eat before you go, okay?" With that, he left our room. The tears I had managed to hold back burst forth again. Why did I think I could have a chance? He had made his choice the moment he asked for a divorce, hadn't he? Whenever it came to Lexi, I was always the one he would abandon. Chapter 3 Kelly's POV--Stiff Upper Lip I entered the studio wearing two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone turned to look as I walked down the hallway, greeting me with smiles, but my face remained stoic, not showing any emotions at all. The conversation with Pierce this morning lingered in my mind, but I couldn't let it affect my work. I couldn't fail my work after I had failed my marriage. I took a deep breath to steady myself. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos. "We can't! She's not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She'll be furious." "We can just tell her the truth. She's nice." "Not in this situation, Lily! She'll scold us--" "What's happening here?" I asked, stepping further into the room. The staff turned to me with worried expressions, and I knew then that something was wrong. "G-Good morning, Miss Monroe." Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurt. I stared at her blankly, "What? "W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model, has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we're changing the model, so...she doesn't want to come here. She's even threatening to file a case against us." She bowed her head, and I gritted my teeth, scanning the room. "Where's the marketing manager?" "S-She's still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe." I massaged my forehead, squeezing my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger, causing everyone around me to jump in shock. I g**aned, sucking in a breath before looking around. "Miss Monroe..." "What is this, Miss Hayley? You're the marketing manager. What's happening?" "Miss Monroe, I don't know how it happened, but Miss Chen heard that you're changing our model. She's about to file a case against us--" Changing the model? How had I not known about this? Miss Chen had always been a trusted partner, and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only create chaos for the company. I would never allow such a costly mistake. "I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her off to save the time, "Fix this mess, or I'll have to fire you!" "Miss Monroe... It's Mr. President who ordered the change." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He instructed us as soon as he returned from his business trip yesterday." The truth hit me hard. Pierce's order? Why hadn't he told me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first. "It shouldn't be..." Confusion clouded my mind. Pierce was not a clueless businessman; he maintained a clear distinction between work and personal matters, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret. "Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back. "M-Mr. President..." Hayley bowed in respect as the man suddenly appeared behind me. "I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I snapped as I turned to face him. He knew how much effort I had put into securing this project. I hadn't slept well for days, and Miss Chen was the perfect fit for us. He had agreed too. But now... he just changed the model as he liked without informing me in advance. It felt like a hard s**p in the face. "Go ahead with the work. I'll explain it to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger simmering in my eyes. "Answer me, Pierce! Why did you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't contain my fury. He touched my shoulder and whispered, "This isn't the place to talk. Let me explain in the car." I glanced around, noticing others sneaking glances at us. I shook off his hand and walked toward the parking lot, my heart growing heavier with each step. I had a sinking feeling I wouldn't like his explanation. "Now, say it," I blurted once we were seated in his car. He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again.; I couldn't bear his gaze. I couldn't withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to. He had no feelings for me and it hurt so much. "I-I..." he paused, sighing. "I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She's also a good fit, so I agreed--" "What?" I asked in disbelief. He pressed his lips together and looked away, ruffling his hair in frustration before shaking his head and holding my hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor, and I couldn't say no." I pulled my hand away, looking at him with a mix of pain and anger. "You can't say no to her, so you'd rather harm the company--our company. You've betrayed me, Pierce." "Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She's my first love." Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she was your first love. She's always the one you want, no matter the cost. As long as she frowns a bit, you turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You're so heartless, Pierce. "Well, you've made your decision. I don't have a say in this since you're the President. Just go. I'll be in the office." I said coldly, opening the car door to leave. "Kelly..." I looked him in the eyes. "Go home early. Let's talk about our divorce at home tonight." Chapter 4 Kelly's POV--Left High and Dry I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early, but he didn't come home at all. He wasn't even answering my calls. Well, now Lexi was back; this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore. My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby thing was out of his plan. I wiped away the tears collecting at the corners of my eyes and picked up the report. It was 5 a.m. already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but it was still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy staying with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he? I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, he didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear, and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost. Suddenly, a wave of nausea flooded my stomach, and I realized I hadn't eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I ran to the sink and puked. I spat yellowish liquid, and while I was washing my mouth, I felt a warm hand caressing my back. I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried expression was my husband, Pierce. I had always been thankful to have him as my best friend and husband, but now... I'm losing him. Hopelessly losing him. "Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? You should've told me." I stared at him through the mirror. "You didn't answer my calls." Guilt flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night." I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair. "Kels..." "I woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast." I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend, yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings. "Kels... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition..." "Kels, are we still okay?" I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? He's asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own, just because his first love is back. I couldn't believe him. I faked a smile. "I just don't feel well today, Pierce." He immediately squatted beside me, which was not surprising because I knew he truly cared. What surprised me was why he was still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart. "Are you okay?" He gently touched my forehead and neck. "Are you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels." "My feelings don't matter," I couldn't help but blurt out. He looked shocked by what I said. When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face was mirroring his anger now. He was completely lost his patience. "What's wrong with you, Kels? You've been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didn't come home last night?" I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier, but you just let me wait the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?" He clenched his jaws and shook his head. "Kels, I..." "Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today." "Kels!" He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. "Are you... in love with me?" I was taken aback. In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldn't fall for someone who had been protecting you ever since? But of course, I couldn't tell him. It would only complicate things more. I didn't even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. "Are you on d**gs? I'm not in love with you." I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I can't let my emotions affect me, but... why are my tears falling again? "You are so pathetic, Kelly! You can't even tell him how you truly feel," I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily. It took me almost an hour to bathe. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. He's been constantly abandoning me. I can't believe we've reached this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid. *** "Good morning, Miss Monroe..." "Good morning, Vice President..." I did not greet anyone back, just like how I used to greet them. I still felt pissed, and my mood seemed off. Irritation could easily take over me, and I couldn't control it. Probably because of Pierce's divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy. I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking. "Did you see her? I bet she's Mr. Anderson's girlfriend. They seemed close." My forehead creased. Pierce's girlfriend? "Ah! It's a waste that I didn't see her face, but I feel like it's Miss Lexi." "Lexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?" "Yes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together." "Come on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together." "Are you serious? They're best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. It's Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe." I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected. I took a deep breath and sat in my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierce's social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together, eating in a fancy restaurant. I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. See, Kelly? That's what happens when you step into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continued on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy... ...... ==== Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly's first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart, Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. What happens next? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-e | Romantic Novel City | https://www.facebook.com/100083790041265/ | 4,128 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-encp25_2-1103-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&rawadid=120213581613120597 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466415525_1317596519210694_797680599425803162_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XDtPTJyuJTAQ7kNvgGgvCgd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyanSqbR1bqFnnDEzRpXUsC&oh=00_AYBAltBd8NG4XQLURNkQTeYThi2ltcwwVf9WZPCW2TdubA&oe=673C7372 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Romantic Novel City | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 19:06 | active | 1812 | 0 | Join us for our first ever Wardrobe Haus Pop Up Shopโผ๏ธ Located inside @sonnysgr Dearborn location from 12-3 PM๐ฅฐ *GIVEAWAY: WIN A CUSTOM JERSEY PUFFER VEST ๐๐ *EARLY BLACK FRIDAY ACCESS TO OUR NEW WINTER COLLECTION* #popup #sale #dearborn #detroit #michigan #shopping #nfl #shop #detroitlions #fashion #fallfashion #michiganshopping #blackfridaysale #blackfriday #style #trending #fyp | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | https://www.instagram.com/_u/shopwardrobehaus | Wardrobe Haus | https://www.facebook.com/wardrobehaus/ | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | www.instagram.com | VIDEO | https://www.instagram.com/_u/shopwardrobehaus | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467011239_3884552928500751_383108060218771615_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i_-AUFFQdTIQ7kNvgFlLUUm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aayrg77R0uAd9oyuHSTAjp1&oh=00_AYDr4ZbfaKI7KAn05GMMTfJ7fxAkIm0DBRdkhoYQna0s8Q&oe=673C61BC | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Wardrobe Haus | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
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No | 2024-11-14 20:15 | active | 1814 | 0 | ใใใใฏใชใใฏใใฆ็กๆใงใ่ชญใฟใใ ใใ๏ผ | ใใใคๅฝผๅฅณใจ้ขๅฉใใใฎ๏ผใ ๅๅฎคใฎไธญใงใๅฅณใฎๅญใฏๆๆ ใซๆบใกใ็ณใง็ฎใฎๅใฎ็ทๆงใ่ฆใคใใฆใใใ ๅฐๆพ้้ฆใฏๅๅฎคใฎๅคใซ็ซใฃใฆใใฆใๆ่ถณใๅทใใฆใใใใใฎๅฅณใฎๅญใจๅใใใๅฐๆพ้้ฆใฏ็ทใฎ็พใใๅณใใ้กใ่ฆใคใใ้ก่ฒใฏ้ใใใฆใใใ ็ทใฏๅฝผๅฅณใฎๅคซใไบๅฎฎ้ ไนใงใใใ ๅฃใใใใชใ้ ไนใฏใใใฎใฏใฉใใงใฆใงใคใฟใผใจใใฆๅใใฆใใใ้้ฆใฏไปๆฅไปไบใ็ตใใฆไธ็ทใซๅธฐใใใใซๆฉใใซใใฃใฆๆฅใใใใใใชๅ ด้ขใซ้ญ้ใใใจใฏไบๆณใใฆใใชใใฃใใ ็ทใฏ่ใๅใ่ปฝใ้ใใไฝใใฆๅฟๅฐใใๅฃฐใ็บใใใใใงใใใ ใๆฉใๅฝผๅฅณใซ่ฉฑใใใ ้้ฆใฏ็ฎใ้ใใ่ใๅใใใ ่ฉฑใใใใ ใ ใใใใใใช็ด ๆตใชๅฃฐใ ใฃใใชใใฆใ ใใใซใใฆใใใใฃใจ่ใใๅฝผใฎๆๅใฎ่จ่ใ้ขๅฉใ ใฃใใชใใฆใไบๆณๅคใงใใใ ไบบ้ใใ ใฃใใฎใใจ้้ฆใฏๅฐใ่ซ็ถ่ชๅคฑใใฆใใใ ใใฎไธๅใงใฏใผใซใช็ทๆงใใ้ ไนใ ใชใใฆใใใๅพใชใใ ้ ไนใ้ขๅฉใๅใๅบใใฏใใใชใใ ใฏใฉใใๅบใใจใใๅคใฏ้จใ้ใฃใฆใใใใใใซๆฟกใใฆใใพใใ้้ฆใฏๆบๅธฏใๅใๅบใใๅคซใฎ็ชๅทใซใใคใคใซใใฆใฟใใ ๅๅฎคใฎ็ชใพใงๆญฉใใฆ่กใใ้จใงใใใใ ่ฆ้ใ้ใใฆไธญใ่ฆใใใ ้ ไนใฏ็ใๅฏใใชใใๆบๅธฏใๆใซๅใใ็ก่กจๆ ใง้่ฉฑใๅใฃใฆใใใใกใใปใผใธใๆใกๅงใใใ ใกใใปใผใธใใใใซๅฑใใใ ใใฉใใใฆ้ป่ฉฑใใใใฆใใใฎ๏ผๅใ่ฉฑใใชใใใจใๅฟใใฆใใฎ๏ผใ ้้ฆใฏใกใใปใผใธใ่ฆใคใใใพใใงใใคใใงๅบใใใใใฎใใใซๅฟ่ใ็ใใชใฃใฆใใใ ใชใๅใใคใ๏ผ ใใคๅใใใใใซใชใฃใใฎใ๏ผ ใใฎๅฅณใฎๅญใจใฏใใใค็ฅใๅใฃใใใ ใใ๏ผ ใใค้ขๅฉใใใใจใๆฑบใใใใ ใใ๏ผ ่ธใซๆนงใไธใใ็กๆฐใฎ็ๅใไปใใใถใกใพใใใใจๆใฃใใใๅฝผใฎๅทใใ่กจๆ ใซๆใใใฅใใฆใใงใใชใฃใใ 1ๅนดๅใ่จๆถๅชๅคฑใงๅฃใใใใชใ้ ไนใๅฎถใซ้ฃใใฆๅธฐใฃใๆใๅฝผใฏ่ชๅใฎๅๅใฎๆธใๆนใ ใใ่ฆใใฆใใฆใไปใฎใในใฆใๅฟใใฆใใใ ใใใช้ ไนใซ่ชญใฟๆธใใใๆ่ฉฑใพใงไธใใๆใใใใใซไบบใๆใใใใจใใๅญฆใฐใใใฎใฏๅฐๆพ้้ฆใ ใฃใใ ใใฎๅพใไบไบบใฏ็ตๅฉใใใ ็ฟๆ ฃใ่บซใซใคใใซใฏ21ๆฅใใใใจ่จใใใฆใใใใ1ๅนด้ไธ็ทใซใใใจใ้ ไนใจใใ็ทใฎๅญๅจใซใใ่ชๅใธใฎๅชใใ็ฌ้กใซใใใฃใใๆ ฃใใฆใใใ ใ ใใใใใฏใใฃใจๅใซ้ใใชใใ้ ไนใฏ้ขๅฉใๅใๅบใใฏใใใชใใจไฟกใใฆใใใ ้จใซๆฟกใใฆๅฎถใซๅธฐใใจใ้้ฆใฏใ้ขจๅใซๅ ฅใใ้ ไนใฎใใใซๆ็ใ็จๆใใฆใ้ฃๅใง้ใใซๅพ ใฃใฆใใใ ๆ่จใๅคใฎ10ๆใๆใใใจใใใใขใ้ใใๅฏๆฐใใพใจใฃใ้ ไนใๅฎถใซๅ ฅใฃใฆใใใ ้ ไนใฏใใงใซใฆใงใคใฟใผใฎๅถๆใซ็ๆฟใใฆใใใ ็็ฑใใชใๅฟใ็ใใชใฃใใ ๆฅไธญใซ่ฆใ็ทใฎๅงฟใๅนปใชใฎใใฉใใใใใใชใใฃใใ ใ้้ฆใใฉใใใใฎ๏ผใ ้กใ้ใใใใผใใใใจใใ่กจๆ ใฎๅฆปใ่ฆใ้ ไนใฏใๅฟ้ ใใใซๆ่ฉฑใงๅฐใญใใ ๅฝผใฎ็ซฏๆญฃใช้ก็ซใกใซใฏไธๅฎใใซใใฟใๆใ็ณใซใฏ็ฆใใๅฎฟใฃใฆใใใใ ้้ฆใฎ้ ญใฎไธญใซๆตฎใใใงใใใฎใฏใๅทใใ็ฎใงใกใใปใผใธใๆใก่พผใฟใชใใใๅฅใฎๅฅณๆงใจๆฅฝใใใใซไผ่ฉฑใใฆใใๅคซใฎๅงฟใ ใฃใใ ใชใใฆ็ฎ่ใชใใฎใ ใ ใ้ฆๆฐดใฎๅใใใใใใไปใฎๅฅณๆงใฎใ ้้ฆใฏๅฝผใซ่งฆใใใใใฎใ้ฟใใชใใ่จ่ใ็บใใใ ้ ไนใฎ้ก่ฒใไธๅคใใๆ่ฉฑใง็ญใใใใไปๆฅใๅๅฎคใงๆฅๅฎขใใ้ใใๅฎขๆงใฎ้ฆๆฐดใฎๅใใใคใใใใใใใชใใใใใซใทใฃใฏใผใๆตดใณใฆใใใญใใ ้ ไนใ็ซใกไธใใฃใฆใใคใฌใซ่กใใจใใใใซๆฐดใฎๆตใใ้ณใ่ใใใฆใใใ ็ทๅผตใใชใใ่ชฌๆใใๆงๅญใฏใๅใใใ่ฆใใชใใฃใใ ้้ฆใฏ็ซใกไธใใใใใฎใพใพๆตดๅฎคใซๅ ฅใฃใฆใๆฟกใใ่บซไฝใๆฐใซใใใใจใชใ้ ไนใๆฑใใใใ็ฎใ้ใใใใไปๆฅใใฏใฉใใซ่กใฃใฆใใใฎใ ็ทใฏๅใใๆญขใใใใฐใใใใฆใใใใใใใใฃใใใ ใใใใจใใๆฏใใคใใใ ใใฎๆใซ่ใใใๅฝผใฎๅฃฐใฏใ้ณๆฅฝใจๆททใใๅใฃใฆใใฆใใใใปใฉ้ฎฎๆใงใฏใชใใฃใใ ใใใชใฎใซใไปใฎๅฝผใฎไฝใๅฃฐใฏ้้ฆใฎ้ ญใฎไธใง้ณดใ้ฟใใฆใใใใใฎ้ฎฎๆใงๅฟใซ้ฟใๅฃฐใซใ้้ฆใฏๆฏใๅใใปใฉ่ธใ็ใใ ใ ้ ไนใฏ่ฉฑใใใใใซใชใฃใใใๅฝผใฏใใใซใใฎใใจใไผใใฆใใใใฉใใใใ้ขๅฉใๅใๅบใใใจใใฆใใใ ใใใฏๆฌๅฝใชใฎใ ใใใใ ใฉใใใฆ้ขๅฉใชใใฆ่จใๅบใใฎ๏ผ ใใ่ณชๅใใใๆฐๆใกใงใใฃใฑใใ ใฃใใใๆๆ ขใใใ ใใฎ1ๅนด้ใๅฝผใซๅฏพใใฆๆชใใใจใใใ่ฆใใฏไธๅบฆใใชใใฎใซใ้ขๅฉใๅใๅบใใใใฎใชใใใใใฆ็็ฑใ็ฅใใใใ ๅฟใฏๅทใใๆใใใใๅฝผใฎไฝๆธฉใซๆใใ้้ฆใฏใใใฃใจๅผทใๅคซใฎไฝใๆฑใใใใใ ใใใใ่ชฐใใจ่ฉฑใใฆใใใฎใ่ใใใใใฉใไฝใ่ฉฑใใฆใใใใฏใใใใชใใฃใใๆฌๅฝใซ็ด ๆตใ ใฃใใใใพใใใใฎๅฃฐใ ใใ่จใใชใใใๅฝผใฎ่ไธญใซใญในใใใใ ใพใใใใ ใใฎๅผใณๆนใฏใไบไบบใ ใใฎใใฉใคใใผใใชๆใซไฝฟใ็นๅฅใชใใฎใ ใ ใใๅผใฐใใใใณใซใ้ ไนใฏใใใซๆ ็ฑ็ใซๅฟใใฆใใใใ ใใใใไปๅคใฏ้ใฃใใ้้ฆใฏๆผใๆปใใใฆใใพใฃใใ ใ็ฒใใใใจ้ ไนใ่จใฃใใ ้้ฆใฏ้กใ้ใใใๅคซใฎ็ซๆดพใช่ไธญใ่ฆใคใใชใใใ็ช็ถๆใใๆนงใไธใใฃใฆใใใใใ ใใๆฌฒใใใฃใฆ่จใฃใฆใใฎใ้ ไนใฏ็งใฎๅคซใงใใใ๏ผๅคซใจใใฆใฎ่ฒฌไปปใใกใใใจๆใใในใใใใชใใฎ๏ผใ ็ฒใใใจ่จใฃใฆใใใใใพใใไปใฎๅฅณใจๅฏใใใใงใฏใชใใ ใใใญ๏ผ ไปใใ็ขบ่ชใใชใใใฐ๏ผ ็ช็ถๅผทๆฐใซใชใฃใ้้ฆใซ้ฉใใใฎใใ้้ฆใฎๆใใใๆใไฝไธญใ้ใใจใ้ ไนใฎๆฏใฏใพใใพใ่ใใชใฃใฆใใฃใใ ไฝใฏๆญฃ็ดใชใใฎใงใใใฎ็ทใฏใใคใ้้ฆใฎ่ชๆใซๅผฑใใ ้ปใ็ณใฎไธญใซๆใ่ฒใใกใใใจๅ ใใ้ ไนใฏ้้ฆใฎ้กใใคใใฟใๅใๅฅชใฃใโฆ | LEARN_MORE | https://mmplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14806&ut | ๅฅณใฎๅญใ่ชญใฟใใๅฐ่ชฌใๅคง็น้ | https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/ | 106 | 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=Z-CaU-eFNxEQ7kNvgFwsDsF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Au0ZsoQO67W0bY1K1bK46Na&oh=00_AYCwVtRdJ9PVifZ3hVr34FU86_zCOzcoZpaLHtUhqNKsdA&oe=673C8B39 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | ๅฅณใฎๅญใ่ชญใฟใใๅฐ่ชฌใๅคง็น้ | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-14 20:15 | active | 1814 | 0 | Read next chapter | On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Heat Novel A | https://www.facebook.com/100089743291944/ | 572 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=934080944896999&rawadid=120213508187140714 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465377123_944550594158581_8039670204695898337_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3SxmdhnRz4YQ7kNvgGqqeJu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFMt3JoPsFOIu5vGzxQE1y_&oh=00_AYCv86An-Z418uzQPi6EyT6m6c4gegNu_N_tjvFZvUvczw&oe=673C803D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Heat Novel A | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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๐ฅ๐ฅClick to read the next chapter for free๐ | His hands gripped my hi-ps, pulling me closer, deeper. His pace quickened, his movements becoming more frantic. Whenever he travels and comes back, he is frantic. ----------- Rune and I have been having an illicit relationship for three years now though we have been hiding it from everyone including father and mother. It started when he found out I wasnโt his biological sister and he wanted to sleep with me. It is forbidden. Rune is someone I have always known to be my brother my entire life. After I was told I wasn't his biological sister five years ago, Rune's attitude towards me changed drastically. He started touching my body secretly at every given opportunity. Until the night of my eighteenth birthday, when he broke into my room and took my first time. I had fought back fiercely, did everything I could at that time but nothing happened. I even reported to the principal of the College. When they didnโt do anything. I should have known. Rune is the Alpha of the pack. Nothing could be done against him. All my efforts were effortlessly silenced. Even my โparentsโ sent me to the psychiatrist. Since then, I knew nothing was ever going to work for me here. Today I woke up feeling a little nauseous and I retched a bit before I went downstairs to make breakfast. I think this has to do with what Rune made me do yesterday night. While I was making pancakes for family, I suddenly remembered something that made me want to throw up again. I havenโt had my period in two months! My heart skipped a beat in fear and terror ...Rune never used comdoms because I was barren. We went to the doctor the first time I felt symptoms and I found out that I wonโt be able to carry a baby which is why my wolf is also weak. No Way! I rushed to my room and and leaned against the door, trying to steady my racing heart. I glanced at the small, white box in my handโa pragnancy test. I was anxious as I followed the instructions, waiting for the result. Every second felt like an eternity. Finally, two pink lines stared back at me, stark and undeniable. The reality of my situation settled heavily on my shoulders. It was over. | LEARN_MORE | https://getokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14773&u | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 841 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | getokn.com | DCO | https://getokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14773&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/t39.35426-6/463667100_916041916519433_8134508445626418156_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QCMyr2BgTQ4Q7kNvgFmv87x&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ApMJR7tluMIOa66pH3_h3f1&oh=00_AYAs0tPuPE0wjXUAPJDbvdDzuOcLYeupC2VZCQgFgK6D5Q&oe=673C635A | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 18:21 | active | 1813 | 0 | Para ella, casarse con su mejor amigo y quedar embarazada de su hijo fue un sueรฑo hecho realidad. Pero en ese momento feliz, la mujer que amaba su marido regresรณ... ===== ยฟLo habรญa oรญdo bien? ยฟEstoy embarazada? ยกEstoy embarazada de un bebรฉ de Pierce! ยกMi mejor amigo y mi primer amor! --Quรฉ bueno que haya sido cautelosa, pudo haber perdido a su bebรฉ, seรฑorita Monroe --me dijo el ginecรณlogo con seriedad al ver la sorpresa en mis ojos. En ese momento, me toquรฉ el vientre inconscientemente, sin poder creer que hubiera un bebรฉ acostado allรญ. Cuando salรญ del hospital, no podรญa esperar para contarle a Pierce sobre nuestro bebรฉ. Me preguntaba cuรกl serรญa su reacciรณn. ยฟGritarรญa de felicidad? ยฟMe b**arรญa y todo eso? ยกDios! No podรญa contener mi felicidad. Incluso tomรฉ mi cara roja entre mis manos mientras fantaseaba. Pero en el momento en que sentรญ el frรญo del anillo en mi dedo, mi corazรณn que latรญa salvajemente se calmรณ. Casi olvidaba que Pierce no estaba interesado en tener hijos, menos considerando que nuestro matrimonio fue arreglado por su familia. Por supuesto, Pierce era un completo caballero, como amigo y como marido. Cada vez que tenรญamos relaciones s**uales, รฉl era considerado y cauteloso, y decรญa que no era necesario agregar mรกs ataduras si no estรกbamos listos. Este bebรฉ, en cierto modo, estaba fuera de los planes. --Seรฑora, ยฟestรก todo bien? ยฟNecesita que llame al jefe? --preguntรณ mi conductor privado, Luke, preocupado al notar mi ceรฑo fruncido. Luke era confiable como un miembro de la familia, pero no querรญa contarle porque querรญa que Pierce fuera el primero en enterarse de esta noticia. รl era el padre de mi bebรฉ. --No --dije y neguรฉ con la cabeza, dรกndole a Luke una sonrisa tranquilizadora--. Estรก en el vuelo. Hablarรฉ con รฉl mรกs tarde --y asรญ verรญa su respuesta yo misma en sus crudas expresiones. Siempre fui buena en eso. Finalmente, cerrรฉ los ojos y recordรฉ el dรญa en que nos conocimos. Su brillante sonrisa a la luz del sol era tan deslumbrante que parecรญa un prรญncipe. Me enamorรฉ de รฉl a primera vista, mucho antes de que nos convirtiรฉramos en mejores amigos. Pero era sรณlo un amor no correspondido y yo lo sabรญa bien. En ese instante, bajรฉ la ventanilla del auto para tomar un poco de aire fresco y, sin quererlo, vislumbrรฉ nuestra antigua escuela secundaria. Ese sentimiento amargo llenรณ mi pecho una vez mรกs... Pierce fue mi primer amor, pero yo no era el suyo. En la escuela secundaria, yo no era mรกs que una nerd aburrida a los ojos de los demรกs, mientras que Pierce Anderson era el brillante mariscal de campo. Todos se sorprendieron de que pudiรฉramos ser amigos. Aunque las hostilidades hacia mรญ aumentaron, disfrutรฉ estar cerca de รฉl y poco a poco me di cuenta de que no querรญa ser sรณlo su amiga. Sin embargo, justo cuando estaba a punto de confesarle mis sentimientos, otra chica llegรณ a su vida. Sacudรญ la cabeza tratando de deshacerme de esos viejos y tristes recuerdos. Luego toquรฉ el frรญo anillo de bodas en mi dedo y me dije que el pasado ya habรญa pasado. Pierce dijo que habรญan terminado y que ahora yo era su esposa. Sรญ, yo era su esposa y ademรกs estaba embarazada de su bebรฉ. Pronto, me sequรฉ las lรกgrimas de las comisuras de los ojos y abrรญ la puerta de nuestra casa. Mi corazรณn se calmรณ al respirar el aroma de mi hogar, nuestra casa. Pierce y yo la decoramos juntos con nuestras propias manos. Lo disfrutamos. Sรญ, tal vez estaba pensando demasiado. Esa mujer habรญa estado fuera de nuestras vidas durante mucho tiempo y los รบltimos tres aรฑos mi matrimonio con Pierce fueron tan hermosos como un cuento de hadas. Una vez dentro, mirรฉ el reloj de la pared. Para ese entonces, Pierce ya deberรญa haberse bajado del aviรณn. Estuvo mรกs de un mes en viajes de negocios de nuestra empresa familiar. Pierce era el presidente de ADE, la empresa de revistas de moda lรญder en toda Asia, y yo era la vicepresidente de la compaรฑรญa. No sรณlo รฉramos compaรฑeros de vida, sino tambiรฉn buenos socios en el trabajo. En verdad lo extraรฑaba. De inmediato, marquรฉ su nรบmero, pues tenรญa muchas ganas de escuchar su voz y saber cuรกndo llegarรญa a casa. Le prepararรญa una buena comida y รฉl me premiarรญa con un dulce beso. Y luego podrรญamos... Vaya, en ese momento casi olvidรฉ que estaba embarazada. Debรญa contarle eso primero y luego podrรญamos hacer otra cosa. Estaba imaginando felizmente nuestra encantadora reuniรณn, pero mi corazรณn dio un vuelco cuando una voz de mujer cruzรณ la lรญnea. --ยฟHola? Al escuchar esa sola palabra, dejรฉ caer mi telรฉfono, que se rompiรณ al chocar contra el suelo, y mi cuerpo empezรณ a temblar incontrolablemente. ยกNO! ยกNo podรญa ser ella! ยกNo podรญa ser Lexi! ยกElla ya estaba fuera de nuestras vidas! Debรญ haber escuchado mal. De inmediato, corrรญ hacia la nevera en un intento por calmarme con la ayuda de un poco de al**hol. Pero en el momento en que toquรฉ la botella de v**o, recordรฉ las palabras del mรฉdico sobre mi bebรฉ. Debรญa tener cuidado por la salud de mi bebรฉ, asรญ que solo agarrรฉ una caja de leche y caminรฉ hacia el sofรก. En ese entonces, no sabรญa quรฉ me hizo reconocer esa voz como la de Lexi. Nosotras nunca fuimos cercanas. Lexi Gilbert era la tรญpica belleza rubia por la que los hombres se volvรญan locos. Ella era una animadora popular en la escuela secundaria, mientras que Pierce era el mariscal de campo estrella. Encajaba mejor con รฉl que una nerd como yo, ยฟverdad? No me sorprendiรณ que se haya enamorado de ella. Mi orgullo no soportรณ ver al hombre que amaba volverse loco por otra mujer, asรญ que una vez intentรฉ alejarme de ellos en silencio, pero Pierce se negรณ a salirse de mi vida. Cada vez que me ahogaba en un mar de libros y estudios para olvidarlos, Pierce aparecรญa en mi puerta invitรกndome a salir. No podรญa decirle que no a su sonrisa encantadora y tampoco podรญa decirle que no porque afirmaba que era su deber como mi mejor amigo llevarme a disfrutar del mundo real. Para no arruinar nuestra amistad, ocultรฉ mi corazรณn roto y desempeรฑรฉ en silencio el papel de su mejor amiga, siempre a su lado y observando su rostro feliz por otra chica. Finalmente, cuando supe que Pierce planeaba proponerle matrimonio a Lexi, me armรฉ de valor y fui a estudiar al extranjero, sin saber que su abuela me llamarรญa para rogarme que regresara. Por supuesto, volvรญ a toda prisa sรณlo para ver a Pierce sin vida. Lexi le habรญa herido gravemente el corazรณn y el mรญo sufrรญa por mi amado. Empecรฉ a odiar a Lexi desde ese momento. Le habรญa entregado a mi amado hombre, ยกcรณmo se atreviรณ a hacerle tanto daรฑo! ยกEsa bruja! Pierce no le contรณ a nadie lo que pasรณ, excepto que habรญa terminado con Lexi. Luego, la abuela arreglรณ nuestro matrimonio. No entendรญ por quรฉ estuvo de acuerdo hasta que un dรญa lo escuchรฉ decir que casarse con cualquiera que no fuera Lexi serรญa lo mismo para รฉl. Aquello me doliรณ mucho, pero aun asรญ me casรฉ con รฉl sin pensarlo dos veces. Mi amado estaba destrozado y querรญa recomponerlo, sin importarme si eso me arruinaba a mรญ en el proceso. Me quedรฉ dormida sintiรฉndome muy insegura y preocupada. Me despertรฉ en medio de la noche cuando sentรญ que alguien acariciaba mi mejilla. Lentamente abrรญ los ojos y me di cuenta de que me habรญa quedado dormida en la sala de estar. Alguien me levantรณ del sofรก e inmediatamente reconocรญ su olor y tacto mientras lo miraba con los ojos entrecerrados. --Pierceโฆ --Hmm --murmurรณ mientras caminaba hacia las escaleras--. ยฟPor quรฉ te dormiste en el sofรก? Yo solo me quedรฉ mirรกndolo a la cara y luego me dejรณ suavemente sobre la cama, acariciรณ mi cabello y besรณ mi frente. Siempre fue tan gentil y por eso lo amaba tanto. Llevรกbamos mรกs de un mes separados, mi cuerpo lo extraรฑaba y mi corazรณn lo anhelaba. --ยฟDรณnde estabas? Te estuve esperando --dije mientras acariciaba su mejilla. --Acabo de encontrarme con un amigo. Dijiste que me estabas esperando, ยฟes urgente? Al ver su rostro amable, de repente no quise arruinarle el momento, asรญ que cerrรฉ mis labios entreabiertos y traguรฉ la verdad para devolverla a mi estรณmago. Maรฑana, tal vez maรฑana tendrรญa el coraje de afrontar todos los rompecabezas. De modo que solo sacudรญ la cabeza, hice un puchero y le dije que tenรญa sueรฑo. รl se riรณ entre dientes y me dio un beso de buenas noches, pero en el momento en que estuvo a punto de dejarme, por alguna razรณn entrรฉ en pรกnico. Rรกpidamente lo agarrรฉ y lo b*sรฉ con toda mi pasiรณn... Lo extraรฑaba y lo querรญa. --Espera, Kels --dijo y me detuvo, sujetando mis locas manos sobre la cama--. Pensรฉ que habรญas dicho que tenรญas sueรฑo y que necesitabas descansar. --Sรญ, pero te extraรฑo --exclamรฉ y lo mirรฉ con inocencia. Pude captar el deseo brillando en sus ojos, pero se desvaneciรณ de pronto y yo no comprendรญa por quรฉ. Solรญa โโโโponerse feliz cuando yo tomaba la iniciativa. En ese instante, como si notara mi confusiรณn, se riรณ entre dientes y me pellizcรณ juguetonamente la nariz. --Me darรฉ una ducha. Huelo a al**hol --manifestรณ. Yo solo asentรญ y lo mirรฉ mientras caminaba hacia el baรฑo. Pronto la somnolencia volviรณ a atacarme, asรญ que cerrรฉ los ojos para tomar una siesta. Sin embargo, ya era de maรฑana cuando abrรญ los ojos nuevamente y Pierce estaba a mi lado, poniendo una bandeja con comida en la mesita de noche. --ยกEy! --lo saludรฉ y sonreรญ cuando me di cuenta de lo que habรญa hecho. Me habรญa preparado el desayuno para llevรกrmelo a la cama. Era tan dulce. รl sonriรณ y se sentรณ en la cama. --Buen dรญa. Le devolvรญ la sonrisa mientras me sentaba en la cama. En ese momento, agarrรณ la bandeja y la puso a mi lado. Al instante, levantรฉ una ceja e inclinรฉ la cabeza mientras miraba su hermoso rostro. Sus cejas espesas y negras enmarcaban sus hermosos ojos de color marrรณn oscuro. Su nariz era orgullosa y puntiaguda y sus labios eran rojos y finos. Parecรญa un chico malo y s*xy, incluso Damon Salvatore se avergonzarรญa de estar a su lado. Nadie tenรญa posibilidad alguna contra este hombre. --ยฟQuรฉ es esto? ยฟUn soborno? Me dejaste plantada anoche, chico malo --dije. รl no se riรณ. Exhalรณ un suspiro y colocรณ con suavidad mi cabello detrรกs de mis orejas antes de tomar mi mano y mirarme a los ojos. --Tengo algo que decirte. Al instante, sentรญ que mi corazรณn se aceleraba y pensรฉ en nuestro bebรฉ en mi รบtero. Tenรญa algo que decirme, yo tambiรฉn tenรญa algo que contarle. --ยฟQ-Quรฉ cosa? --preguntรฉ con voz temblorosa. De repente, dio un profundo suspiro y comenzรณ: --Sabes que eres importante para mรญ, ยฟverdad? Asentรญ lentamente con los labios entreabiertos. No pude responder, tenรญa miedo de lo que estaba a punto de decir. Tenรญa un mal presentimiento. --Eras mi mejor amiga antes de casarnos. Eres una de las pocas personas que valoroโฆ --prosiguiรณ. Mientras hablaba, escondรญ mis puรฑos cerrados debajo de la sรกbana. No sabรญa por quรฉ me decรญa todo esto, pero ya podรญa sentir las lรกgrimas acumulรกndose en el rabillo de mis ojos. --Kelly... --hizo una pausa y cerrรณ los ojos con fuerza antes de volver a mirarme a los ojos--. Creo que es hora de que nos divorciemos. --P-Pierceโฆ --exclamรฉ y sentรญ que mi corazรณn se apretaba. รl sonriรณ. --Sรฉ que tรบ tampoco sientes nada por mรญ. Te casaste conmigo por mis abuelos, hiciste esto solo porque los amas. Ahora llegรณ el momento de nuestra verdadera felicidad, Kelly. Al oรญrlo, no pude evitar sacudir la cabeza. --ยฟDe quรฉ estรกs hablando, Pierce? --inquirรญ. --Lexi ha vuelto, Kelly. Mi primer amor ha vuelto. Capรญtulo 2 Punto de vista de Kelly--Llueve sobre mojado De inmediato, me levantรฉ de la cama e intentรฉ irme, pero Pierce me agarrรณ la mano. Rรกpidamente me sequรฉ las lรกgrimas que rodaban por mis mejillas antes de que รฉl pudiera verlas. Luego, se parรณ frente a mรญ y me mirรณ a la cara mientras yo intentaba con todas mis fuerzas mirar hacia abajo y evitar verlo a los ojos. Sentรญ que mi corazรณn se rompรญa en pedazos. Pensabaโฆ pensaba que podrรญa hacer que se enamorara de mรญ en esos tres aรฑos que pasamos juntos. Pensaba que sus sentimientos cambiarรญan y me verรญa como una mujer en lugar de solo su mejor amiga. Fui estรบpida por tener esperanzas y soรฑar tan alto. Fallรฉ. Sin importar cuรกnto lo intentara, su corazรณn pertenecรญa sรณlo a su primer amor: Lexi. --Kellyโฆ En ese momento, contuve el aliento y me traguรฉ el dolor mientras lo miraba. Luego fingรญ una sonrisa y dije: --Debo lavarme las manos antes de comer. Pero รฉl me mirรณ a los ojos como si intentara descubrir lo que estaba pensando. Yo sabรญa que รฉl me conocรญa demasiado bien, asรญ que tratรฉ con todas mis fuerzas de ocultar mi dolor y le sonreรญ. Finalmente, suspirรณ y soltรณ mi mano. --Bueno. Te esperarรฉ aquรญ. Comamos y vayamos a trabajar juntos. ยฟJuntos? ยฟPor quรฉ era tan cruel? ยฟQuerรญa que nos siguiรฉramos llevando bien como si no me hubiera pedido el divorcio? ยฟQuerรญa que nos quedรกramos como estรกbamos justo despuรฉs de decirme que su primer amor habรญa regresado y querรญa divorciarse de mรญ? Oh Pierce, ยฟquรฉ estaba pasando por tu cabeza? Antes podรญa obligarme a mรญ misma a quedarme en el puesto de su mejor amiga mientras le deseaba felicidad, pero ya no tenรญa ese coraje despuรฉs de los tres aรฑos que habรญamos compartido. No habรญa manera de que pudiera soportar esa tortura otra vez, en especial ahora que cargaba a su bebรฉ. El bebรฉ... en un principio pensรฉ que era una buena noticia para nosotros, pero ahora... supongo que serรญa mรกs bien una carga para รฉl. Una carga que le impedirรญa conseguir su verdadero amor y su libertad. Yo sabรญa muy bien cรณmo crecรญa un niรฑo no deseado. Mis padres se divorciaron antes de que mi madre muriera y la nueva familia de mi padre me odiaba, lo que me dolรญa muchรญsimo. Por eso no querรญa que mi bebรฉ experimentara lo mismo que yo sentรญ, asรญ que debรญa mantener a mi bebรฉ alejado de รฉl. --No podemos --dije mientras fingรญa una nueva sonrisa--. Debo visitar el estudio para la sesiรณn de fotos de nuestros nuevos modelosโฆ --Irรฉ contigo. --No --contestรฉ y apartรฉ su mano. Sus ojos siguieron mi mano antes de levantar la cara para mirarme de nuevo--. Tienes documentos que firmar. Nuestros horarios ya estรกn organizados, ยฟrecuerdas? --Peroโฆ --Tengo un conductor personal, Pierce. Estarรฉ bien sola --afirmรฉ. Finalmente, suspirรณ y asintiรณ con calma. En ese momento, le di la espalda y entrรฉ al baรฑo. Inmediatamente abrรญ la ducha y me parรฉ bajo el agua frรญa. Las lรกgrimas cayeron en cascada por mis mejillas mientras me cubrรญa la boca para reprimir los sollozos. Mis hombros temblaban mucho y cuando pensรฉ en mi bebรฉ, traguรฉ saliva y tratรฉ de calmarme. Luego me limpiรฉ la cara y acariciรฉ mi vientre. Debรญa ser fuerte y mantener la calma. No podรญa arriesgar la vida de mi bebรฉ sรณlo porque me habรญan roto el corazรณn. Tenรญa que lidiar con esto de forma inteligente. Unos minutos despuรฉs, tomรฉ un respiro profundo y terminรฉ mi ducha. Cuando salรญ del baรฑo, me sorprendiรณ ver que Pierce todavรญa estaba allรญ. Estaba luchando por arreglarse la corbata frente al espejo de cuerpo entero. Tambiรฉn notรฉ un par de zapatos y un vestido mรญos sobre la cama. --ยกEy! Elegรญ tu vestido para hoy --dijo. Como nuestro matrimonio no era pรบblico, Pierce dijo que harรญa pequeรฑas cosas para mรญ como marido. De hecho, lo habรญa hecho bien y yo solรญa disfrutar de estos dulces momentos que me regalaba, pero ahora sentรญa que eso mismo me m**arรญa. Al segundo siguiente, agarrรฉ el vestido y entrรฉ al vestidor, sentiendo que me seguรญa. Volvรญ a guardar el vestido blanco y elegรญ uno rojo. Cuando me di vuelta y lo tuve de frente, lo vi con la frente arrugada. --Hoy prefiero el rojo. Me sentirรฉ hermosa con este vestido --expliquรฉ con una sonrisa. Al instante, sus ojos se dirigieron al vestido que sostenรญa y su rostro inmediatamente se calmรณ. Al final asintiรณ y caminรณ hacia mรญ. --Ya veo. Pero antes ayรบdame a arreglar esto --me pidiรณ. Sin dudarlo, puse mi vestido en su brazo y comencรฉ a arreglarle la corbata. Podรญa sentir sus ojos mirรกndome intensamente y eso hacรญa que mi corazรณn latiera muy rรกpido. Respirรฉ hondo y me mordรญ el labio inferior mientras luchaba por arreglar su corbata. De pronto, mi visiรณn se volviรณ borrosa otra vez. ยกMaldiciรณn! --Kellyโฆ No pude evitar sobresaltarme en shock. --ยฟMmm? --ยฟEstรกs bien? --preguntรณ. Lo mirรฉ y sonreรญ: --Sรญ. --Tengo algo mรกs que decirte. En ese instante, terminรฉ de arreglarle la corbata y le quitรฉ rรกpidamente el vestido del brazo. Lo mirรฉ antes de pasar junto a รฉl y dije: --Hablaremos despuรฉs. Voy a llegar tarde. Lo escuchรฉ suspirar antes de volver a seguirme. Me vestรญ mientras รฉl estaba detrรกs de mรญ. Estuvo en silencio todo el tiempo, como si estuviera pensando en algo. --Deberรญas desayunar antes de irte --comentรณ. Un segundo despuรฉs, me parรฉ frente a รฉl y asentรญ. --Lo harรฉ. Deberรญas irte ahora --respondรญ. --Kelly, estamos en la misma pรกgina, ยฟverdad? --preguntรณ. Lo mirรฉ fijamente. No, Pierce. Nunca estuvimos en la misma pรกgina. Sรณlo fueron mis estรบpidas fantasรญas. Pensaba que sentรญas algo por mรญ, pero estaba muy equivocada. --Si hablas del divorcio, lo entiendo, Pierce. Sรฉ lo que tengo que hacer. Sรณlo dame algo de tiempo porque estoy muy ocupada con la empresa. No huirรฉ. --Kelly, no estoy haciendo esto sรณlo por mรญ. Tambiรฉn lo hago por ti. Has estado encerrada conmigo desde que nos casamos. Sรฉ que no eres feliz porque en el fondo tambiรฉn quieres encontrar al hombre que te mereces. Alguien que realmente te ame, no yo. No alguien indiferente. --Entiendo lo que tratas de decir, Pierce --dije y tratรฉ de darle la espalda, pero antes de poder hacerlo, รฉl me sujetรณ por la cintura y me mantuvo en el lugar. Luego hizo todo lo posible para captar mis ojos hasta que lo consiguiรณ. Su mirada era de preocupaciรณn. --Eres mi mejor amiga. No quiero perderte, Kels. Eres una de las pocas personasโฆ --Lo sรฉ --lo interrumpรญ con frustraciรณn. Parecรญa sorprendido, asรญ que me calmรฉ--. Ya lo sรฉ. No tienes que preocuparte. Simplemente estoy estresada por el trabajo, no es por el divorcio. En ese instante, sus labios se separaron, asintiรณ lentamente y soltรณ un suspiro. Luego, caminรณ hacia mรญ y me congelรฉ cuando besรณ mi frente con dulzuraโฆ --Gracias, Kelly --susurrรณ. Al oรญrlo, mi corazรณn se apretรณ. Habรญan pasado tres aรฑos pero todavรญa era una cobarde. ยซยฟPor quรฉ no puedes simplemente decirle que lo amas, Kelly? ยกรl es tu esposo y estรกs llevando su bebรฉ! ยกDรญselo y tal vez cambie de opiniรณn!ยป pensรฉ. Con eso en mente, traguรฉ saliva y estuve a punto de decรญrselo, pero justo en ese momento su telรฉfono sonรณ. Pude ver el identificador de llamadas. Era Lexi. --Me tengo que ir --afirmรณ y se rascรณ la cabeza a modo de disculpa, mientras las comisuras de su boca se curvaban hacia arriba--. Llamรฉ a Luke. Te espera afuera. Come antes de irte, ยฟsรญ? Con eso, saliรณ de nuestra habitaciรณn. De repente, las lรกgrimas que habรญa logrado reprimir hasta ese momento volvieron a brotar. ยฟPor quรฉ habรญa pensado que podrรญa tener una oportunidad? รl tomรณ su decisiรณn en el momento en que me pidiรณ el divorcio, ยฟverdad? Siempre que se trataba de Lexi me abandonaba. Capรญtulo 3 Punto de vista de Kelly--Mantener la compostura Entrรฉ al estudio con tacones rojos de cinco centรญmetros y un vestido igualmente rojo. Todos miraron en mi direcciรณn cuando entrรฉ caminando por el pasillo y me saludaron con una sonrisa, pero mantuve mi rostro estoico, sin mostrar emociรณn alguna. La conversaciรณn de esa maรฑana con Pierce todavรญa estaba en mi cabeza, pero no podรญa permitir que afectara mi trabajo. No podรญa fallar en mi trabajo despuรฉs de haber fracasado en mi matrimonio. De modo que respirรฉ profundamente para recomponerme. Un momento despuรฉs, cuando entrรฉ a la sala de la sesiรณn de fotos, notรฉ que todos estaban sumidos en el caos. --ยกNo podemos! No responde las llamadas. ยฟQuรฉ debemos hacer? La vicepresidente viene hoy, se enojarรก. --Podemos simplemente decirle la verdad. Ella es amable. --ยกNo lo serรก con esta situaciรณn, Lily! Nos va a regaรฑar... --ยฟQuรฉ estรก pasando aquรญ? --preguntรฉ mientras entraba a la sala. De inmediato, el personal me mirรณ con expresiones preocupadas y entonces supe que habรญa un problema. --B-Buenos dรญas, seรฑorita Monroe. Seรฑorita Monroe. Por supuesto, nadie sabรญa que Pierce y yo estรกbamos casados โโexcepto nuestras familias. Sentรญ como si pellizcaran mi corazรณn con esa verdad. Dolรญa. Rรกpidamente, la mirรฉ sin comprender. --ยฟQuรฉ ocurre? --T-tenemos un problema, seรฑorita Monroe. La seรฑorita Chen, nuestra modelo, no atiende nuestras llamadas. Dijo que escuchรณ que รญbamos a cambiar de modelo asรญ queโฆ no quiere venir. Incluso... amenazรณ con presentar una demanda contra nosotros. Despuรฉs de decir eso, inclinรณ la cabeza. Yo apretรฉ los dientes y recorrรญ el lugar con la mirada. --ยฟDรณnde estรก la directora de marketing? --inquirรญ. --E-Ella todavรญa estรก tratando de convencer a la seรฑorita Chen, seรฑorita Monroe. Luego de escuchar el problema, me masajeรฉ la frente y cerrรฉ los ojos con fuerza. Un segundo despuรฉs, me agarrรฉ del pelo y gritรฉ de ira. Sentรญ que todos a mi alrededor se sobresaltaban sorprendidos. Yo solo suspirรฉ y tomรฉ una gran bocanada de aire antes de mirar a mi alrededor. --Seรฑorita Monroe... --ยฟQuรฉ es todo esto, seรฑorita Hayley? Tรบ eres la directora de marketing, ยฟquรฉ estรก pasando? --Seรฑorita Monroe, no sรฉ cรณmo sucediรณ, pero la seรฑorita Chen escuchรณ que usted cambiarรก de modelo. Estรก a punto de presentar una demanda contra nosotros... ยฟCambiar de modelo? ยฟCรณmo es que yo no sabรญa nada al respecto? La seรฑorita Chen siempre habรญa sido nuestra modelo de confianza y, si no era necesario, cambiar de modelo para una sesiรณn comercial con tan poca antelaciรณn sรณlo causarรญa muchos problemas a la empresa. Nunca permitirรญa un error como este. --Yo no pedรญ eso. Debe ser un error --la interrumpรญ para ahorrar tiempo--. ยกArregla este desastre o tendrรฉ que despedirte! --Seรฑorita Monroe... Fue el presidente quien nos pidiรณ que la cambiรกramos --explicรณ Hayley vacilante--. Lo ordenรณ ayer tan pronto como regresรณ de su viaje de negocios. Aquella verdad me golpeรณ con fuerza. ยฟFue orden de Pierce? ยฟPor quรฉ no me lo dijo? Solรญa โโdiscutir conmigo cada decisiรณn importante antes de tomarla. --No puede ser... --exclamรฉ confundida. Pierce no era un hombre de negocios despistado. Siempre mantuvo una clara distinciรณn entre el trabajo y la vida personal, razรณn por la cual siempre tuvo รฉxito. Y esa fue tambiรฉn la razรณn por la que decidiรณ mantener nuestro matrimonio en secreto. --Sรญ, Kelly. Yo di la orden. --Su voz me hizo retroceder. --S-Seรฑor Presidenteโฆ --saludรณ Hayley y se inclinรณ con respeto al ver al hombre que apareciรณ de repente detrรกs de mรญ. --Pierce, ยกcreo que me debes una explicaciรณn sobre este cambio de modelo! --dije con los dientes apretados mientras me giraba para interrogarlo. รl sabรญa perfectamente cuรกnto esfuerzo puse para ganar este proyecto. Estuve dรญas sin dormir y la seรฑorita Chen era la persona ideal para este trabajo. De hecho, รฉl tambiรฉn estuvo de acuerdo. Pero ahoraโฆ simplemente cambiรณ la modelo a su gusto sin avisarme con antelaciรณn. Eso fue como abofetearme con fuerza en la cara. --Continรบen con el trabajo. Yo se lo aclararรฉ --le indicรณ รฉl al personal para calmarlos, ignorando la ira que estaba a punto de salir de mis ojos. --ยกContรฉstame, Pierce! ยฟPor quรฉ cambias de modelo tan de repente? --No pude contener mi enojo. รl simplemente me tocรณ el hombro y me susurrรณ: --Este no es el lugar para discutir al respecto. Te lo explicarรฉ en el auto. En ese momento, mirรฉ a mi alrededor y notรฉ que los demรกs nos miraban furtivamente. Luego me quitรฉ sus manos de encima y caminรฉ hacia el estacionamiento, pero durante el camino, sentรญa mi corazรณn cada vez mรกs pesado. Tenรญa la sensaciรณn de que su explicaciรณn no iba a gustarme. --Vamos, dรญmelo --exclamรฉ ni bien nos sentamos en su auto. Antes de hablar, me mirรณ a los ojos como si sopesara mis emociones, pero yo apartรฉ la mirada de nuevo. No podรญa soportar sus miradas, no podรญa soportar esos ojos que nunca me miraban como yo querรญa. รl no sentรญa nada por mรญ y eso me dolรญa mucho. --Yo-yoโฆ --hizo una pausa y suspirรณ--. Reemplacรฉ a la seรฑorita Chen porque Lexi quiere ser nuestra modelo. Ella tambiรฉn encaja en el proyecto, asรญ que estuve de acuerdo... --ยฟQuรฉ? --preguntรฉ con incredulidad. De pronto, apretรณ los labios y mirรณ hacia otro lado. Luego se revolviรณ el cabello antes de sacudir la cabeza y tomar mi mano. --Lamento no haberte dicho antes, fue muy repentino. Ella me pidiรณ un favor, no pude decirle que no. Rรกpidamente, retirรฉ mi mano y lo mirรฉ con dolor y enojo. --No pudiste decirle que no, asรญ que preferiste daรฑar a la empresa, a nuestra empresa. Me traicionaste, Pierce. --Kels, vamos. Sabes cuรกnto la amo. Ella es mi primer amor. Al oรญrlo, cerrรฉ los ojos con dolor. ยซOh sรญ, ella es tu primer amor. Siempre la quisiste a ella, sin que te importen los demรกs. Si ella te frunce el ceรฑo un poco, puedes hacer la vista gorda ante el dolor y el esfuerzo de los demรกs. Eres tan cruel, Pierceยป pensรฉ. --Bueno, ya lo has decidido. No tengo voz y voto en esto ya que tรบ eres el presidente. Ahora vete, estarรฉ en la oficina --indiquรฉ con frialdad mientras abrรญa la puerta del auto para salir. --Kellyโฆ En ese instante, lo mirรฉ a los ojos y dije: --Ve a casa temprano. Hablaremos de nuestro divorcio esta noche. Capรญtulo 4 Punto de vista de Kelly--Plantada Me encontraba jugueteando con el anillo de bodas en mi dedo mientras lo esperaba. Le habรญa dicho que volviera temprano a casa, pero todavรญa no regresaba y ni siquiera contestaba mis llamadas. Bueno, ahora que Lexi habรญa vuelto, probablemente ya no veรญa a esta casa como su hogar. De pronto, mis ojos se dirigieron a mi informe de embarazo que estaba sobre la mesa. Quรฉ gracioso. Todavรญa era tan ingenua para albergar un rayo de esperanza de que las cosas podrรญan cambiar si le hablaba del bebรฉ, pero este bebรฉ estaba fuera de sus planes. Me sequรฉ las lรกgrimas que se acumulaban en el rabillo de mis ojos y agarrรฉ el informe. Ya eran las cinco de la maรฑana cuando mirรฉ el reloj de la pared. Intentรฉ marcar su nรบmero nuevamente, pero seguรญa sin responder. ยฟEn quรฉ estaba tan ocupado? ยฟEstaba h**iendo el a**r con Lexi? Debiรณ haberla extraรฑado mucho, ยฟverdad? Pronto, sin saber cuรกndo, me quedรฉ dormida. Cuando sonรณ el despertador, inconscientemente toquรฉ la almohada a mi lado. Frรญo como anoche, no habรญa vuelto a casa todavรญa. Me burlรฉ de mรญ misma al ver mi reflejo en el espejo de la cรณmoda. Los cรญrculos oscuros bajo mis ojos se veรญan a simple vista y mi cabello era un total desastre, parecรญa un fantasma. De repente una oleada de nรกuseas inundรณ mi estรณmago y me di cuenta de que no habรญa comido nada la noche anterior. De pronto, me sentรญ mal otra vez y rรกpidamente corrรญ hacia el lavabo y vomitรฉ. Escupรญ un lรญquido amarillento que sabรญa muy mal. De inmediato, me lavรฉ la boca y mirรฉ mi propio reflejo en el espejo. Al verme, sacudรญ la cabeza y tomรฉ mi frente en cuanto sentรญ ganas de vomitar de nuevo. Volvรญ a escupir el lรญquido amarillento y mientras me lavaba la boca, sentรญ una cรกlida mano acariciando mi espalda. Inmediatamente levantรฉ la cara y me encontrรฉ con un par de ojos marrones que me miraban a travรฉs del espejo. Detrรกs de mรญ con cara de preocupaciรณn estaba mi esposo Pierce. --ยฟEstรกs bien? ยฟTe sientes mal? Debiste haberme dicho. Al instante, lo mirรฉ a travรฉs del espejo. --No respondiste mis llamadas --contestรฉ. Ante aquellas palabras, la culpa apareciรณ en sus ojos. --Lo lamento. Tenรญa cosas que hacer. Me quedรฉ en la oficina toda la noche --afirmรณ. Rรกpidamente, me limpiรฉ la cara y pasรฉ junto a รฉl. Pierce me siguiรณ mientras me sentaba frente al tocador y comenzaba a peinarme. --Kelsโฆ --Me despertรฉ tarde. No pude preparar el desayuno. Mientras hablaba, intentรฉ evitar sus ojos. Sentรญa que iba a perder los estribos y gritarle. En ningรบn momento sentรญ su egoรญsmo tan claramente como ahora. Decรญa que yo era su mejor amiga, pero nunca le habรญan importado mis necesidades, mis sentimientos. --Kels... sabes que no te preguntรฉ eso. Estoy preocupado por tu salud... Kels, ยฟtodavรญa estamos bien? Ante aquella pregunta, dejรฉ de peinarme y lentamente nuestras miradas se encontraron a travรฉs del espejo, otra vez. ยฟDe verdad me estaba preguntando eso? ยฟDespuรฉs de que me pidiรณ el divorcio sin siquiera preguntarme si estaba de acuerdo? รl decidiรณ por su cuenta sรณlo porque su primer amor habรญa vuelto. No podรญa creer lo que hacรญa. Al final, fingรญ una sonrisa y dije: --No me siento bien hoy, Pierce, eso es todo. Un instante despuรฉs, se puso de cuclillas a mi lado, lo cual no me resultรณ sorprendente porque sabรญa que realmente se preocupaba. Pero lo que sรญ me sorprendiรณ fue que hacรญa todo esto despuรฉs de enterrar una daga en mi corazรณn. --ยฟEstรกs bien? --preguntรณ mientras tocaba suavemente mi frente y mi cuello--. ยฟEstรกs enferma? Dime cรณmo te sientes, Kels. --Mis sentimientos no importan --no pude evitar decir y parecรญa sorprendido por mis palabras. En ese instante, intentรฉ evitarlo, pero me agarrรณ de la muรฑeca y me hizo mirarlo. Su rostro ahora reflejaba su ira. Habรญa perdido completamente la paciencia. --ยฟQuรฉ te pasa, Kels? Has estado actuando asรญ desde ayer. ยฟEs por Lexi? ยฟO porque no volvรญ a casa anoche? --inquiriรณ. Yo lo mirรฉ a los ojos, molesta. --ยกTรบ fuiste quien pidiรณ el divorcio! Te pedรญ que regresaras temprano para hablar al respecto, pero me dejaste esperando toda la noche. ยฟPretendรญas que te diera la bienvenida con brazos abiertos despuรฉs de eso, Pierce? --respondรญ. Al escucharme, apretรณ la mandรญbula y sacudiรณ la cabeza. --Kels, yo... --Ya basta. Hablaremos del divorcio despuรฉs del trabajo. --ยกKels! --me llamรณ y me agarrรณ de los hombros. La confusiรณn y el dolor eran visibles en sus ojos--. ยฟEstรกs... enamorada de mรญ? Aquello me desconcertรณ. ยฟEnamorada? ยกSรญ! Desde que estรกbamos en la escuela secundaria, desde que se convirtiรณ en mi mejor amigo. ยฟQuiรฉn no se enamorarรญa de alguien que te ha estado protegiendo desde entonces? Siempre he estado agradecida de tenerlo como mi mejor amigo y esposo, pero ahoraโฆ lo estaba perdiendo. Perdiรฉndolo irremediablemente. Decidรญ darle a nuestro matrimonio una รบltima oportunidad, hacer un esfuerzo final... ...... ==== Casarse con su mejor amigo fue un sueรฑo hecho realidad para Kelly, pero todo tiene realmente una limitaciรณn. Pierce es el primer amor de Kelly, pero como su mejor amiga, sabรญa bien que siempre habรญa otra mujer en lo profundo de su corazรณn. Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finalmente se dio cuenta de que su feliz matrimonio de los รบltimos tres aรฑos era solo un hermoso sueรฑo cuando Pierce pidiรณ el divorcio solo porque Lexi regresรณ. Ella sรณlo podrรญa ser su mejor amiga incluso si estuviera encinta de su bebรฉ. ยฟPor quรฉ no merecรญa ser amada? ยฟQuรฉ sucederรก en adelante? ยฟCรณmo podrรญa Kelly salvar su corazรณn en esta batalla de amor y odio? Los capรญtulos disponibles son limitados aquรญ, haga click el botรณn abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mรกs contenidos maravillosos. 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Read next chapter๐ | She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup! ============= Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom." Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?" Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. Just then, Mitchelโs phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. He was something to see now. "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. What? He was on his way out? At this hour? Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late." Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up." With that, he headed for the door. "Mitchel." Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. "What's the matter?" There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?" Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today." Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. Mitchel was the man in the picture! So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. "Hello!" It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks. At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel? Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?" The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?" "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. "You know what, forget it!" The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. They were talking about her as if she were an object. Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?" "Yes." "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her." Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..." Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. The woman was indeed Lauren! Absence made the heart grow fonder! Every word drove a knife into her heart. Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. "Raegan?" Chapter 2 One-sided Love Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!" Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it." Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?" Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. In the elevator. Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Several employees were chatting inside. "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back." "And who is that?" "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!" "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?" "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!" Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. The love was one-sided. "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?" A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?" Raegan said nothing to that. Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe itโs time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool." Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself." "You..." Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?" It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..." Tessa was silenced by Raeganโs shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &32& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e | Hello reading | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | IMAGE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&rawadid=120216695436950091 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465049322_474710841634161_8220313977227839766_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UhtC-_p_T-kQ7kNvgHPN4B9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxFwda_E-ZiZVqwfCIBXYjc&oh=00_AYCaK_qqNGivc9O0NQpD0ECWv__LL0SFYPLXEupRJFJRPQ&oe=673C7862 | REGULAR_PAGE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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๐ขGold Bunny Donut Grand Opening Event๐ข Get ready for the grand opening of next level donut shop in town! ๐๏ธDate: 11/16/2024 โฐTime: 12 PM to until sold out ๐Location: 2131 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 110, Duluth GA 30096 -The first 50 customers One free donut, One free bubble tea and Kokee tea tote bag -The next 50 customers One free donut and One free bubble tea -And the last 50 customers One free donut Looking forward to seeing you all!!! | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/goldbunnydonut | goldbunnydonut | https://www.instagram.com/_u/goldbunnydonut | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | IMAGE | http://instagram.com/goldbunnydonut | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/464568989_3908632762715340_1352847606643924147_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=idDrpzWAc0IQ7kNvgGCJ4ge&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCA5gnj8LnMOcatPYizd0TS-TnlHrHp58wVDuavp0tupA&oe=673C5BBD | IG_ADS_IDENTITY | 1 | 0 | 0 | goldbunnydonut | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 18:21 | active | 1813 | 0 | The Vampire And His Blood Wife๐๐๐ | The Vampire And His Blood Wife ONLY on Drama Time.๐ฌ Don't miss out! Watch the series you've been wanting to see. No regrets, just pure entertainment! #Must SeeTV #No Regrets #Watch Now | WATCH_MORE | Romantic Love | https://www.facebook.com/61557838064349/ | 345 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Watch More | 0 | DCO | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461181231_26965213796459071_4397342061172772226_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5R5uXpmMFZ4Q7kNvgHkQfiT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ALLpJyOIa_ckahFbNz9W8X1&oh=00_AYAi5vlex-swDZwZFrhkkbG3XolRceey_ZV3xDShVExXHw&oe=673C4D89 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Romantic Love | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-14 19:06 | active | 1812 | 0 | Seattle Launch Giveaway Alert!๐ Stand a chance to Win - ๐ฑ iPhone 16 Pro Max ๐บ 55โ TV ๐ณ $100 Gift Card How to Enter: 1๏ธโฃ LIKE, SAVE AND SHARE THIS 2๏ธโฃ FOLLOW @smokingmonkeypizzaseattle and @smokingmonkeypizzarenton 3๏ธโฃ TAG 3 FRIENDS IN COMMENTS AND HAVE THEM FOLLOW US! Seattle, weโre on our way! Smoking Monkey Pizza is coming soon! ๐ The wait is almost over! Weโre bringing the Smoking Monkey vibe from Renton to Seattle. Keep an eye out for the official launch dateโSeattle, itโs your turn! ๐ http://www.smokingmonkeypizza.com #smokingmonkeypizza #smokingmonkeyrenton #smokingmonkeyseattle #freedelivery #woodstonepizza #woodfirepizza #rentoneats #mocktails #cocktails #seattlefoodie #seattlecomingsoon #magnoliapizza #calzones #sandwich #pizzalovers #open7days #FreeDelivery #openingoffers #capitolhillseattle #downtownseattle | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/smokingmonkeypizzaseattle | Smoking Monkey Pizza Seattle | https://www.facebook.com/61567474462094/ | 25 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | VIDEO | http://instagram.com/smokingmonkeypizzaseattle | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467316593_1089156342242482_9116421102959222078_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jG0dm9RbltwQ7kNvgE2Lhwg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFNGTj4PfPwVnaqaUXSkimk&oh=00_AYCrlv8vUr-nmwtEoyLnX4PxgHOZKsxgLFOLcu7Pj5NSNg&oe=673C7070 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Smoking Monkey Pizza Seattle | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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๐Attention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐ | In Merika State, the two of them lay close together on the hotel bed. As their passion grew, Justin Yatesโs husky voice, filled with allure, murmured, โEm, how about having a child with me?โ Caught up in the moment, Emily Yates replied without thinking. It wasnโt until they were lying together afterward that she remembered what he had said. โA child?โ she repeated, a trace of intimacy lingering in her eyes. The look stirred Justinโs desire again. She was a constant temptation to him. Pushing those thoughts aside, he pulled out a ring and slipped it onto her left hand. โAre you proposing to me?โ she asked. โYes.โ โCan I finally have your child now?โ Justin asked, smiling. His eyes were warm, but there was no love in them, as if he were gazing past her, waiting for someone elseโs answer. โIโll give you plenty,โ she replied, momentarily surprised. Proposing in bed wasnโt exactly romantic or formal, but she didnโt mind. She had waited three years for this moment, and it was worth it. Three years ago, she had been injured near the beach, hitting her head on a rock. When she woke up, she had no memory. Justin had saved her. The first thing she saw when she woke was his face, and one look left her captivated. Later, she learned that Justin had paid her hospital bills. She also learned of his identity. He was the CEO of RC Corporation. He proposed that she be his contract lover, and without hesitation, she agreed. They signed an agreement, defining their relationship, and he gave her the name Emily Yates. Yes, she was drawn to his looks. Despite their arrangement, the past three years felt like any other relationship. In the first year, she was a hidden lover. In the second, he introduced her as his girlfriend to his circle. Now, with three years approaching, he was proposing. Once she was part of his social circle, she heard whispers about a woman who had been his first love, someone he cherished deeply in college. She had disappeared without a trace, and he had been searching for her ever since. Over the years, Justin had lost hope she was still alive. That was why he finally proposed. Emily didnโt mind. Everyone has a past. Looking at the diamond ring on her left ring finger, she felt like it had all been worth it. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Justin was showering. Calming down, Emily wrapped a towel around herself and got out of bed to pick up their scattered clothes. A soft *clink* echoed as something hit the floor. It was Justinโs cardholder. She bent down to pick it up, and a photo slipped out. It was old, with frayed edges, as if it had been looked at countless times. The woman in the photo looked like her but younger, just how she would have looked three years ago. Emily didnโt remember ever taking this photo, but she had lost her memory. Maybe she had forgotten. She was just about to put the cardholder back when a large, slender hand appeared, taking it from her. Justin emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp and falling over his eyes, now tinged with a hint of displeasure. โDonโt touch my things,โ he said coldly, his tone a sharp contrast to the intimacy they had just shared. Turning away from her, he put the cardholder back in his briefcase, his whole demeanor suddenly distant and guarded. Emily froze. Was he really getting defensive over a photo? She looked at him, confused. Wasnโt that her old picture? Before she could ask, Justin seemed to realize that his reaction had been out of line. He turned back and grasped her chin. With a playful glint in his eye, he ran his thumb over her still-swollen lips, toying with them. His voice was cool, devoid of warmth, but his words were deeply suggestive, clearly aiming to change the subject. โWeโre going to be late for the art exhibit. If you rather stay here, I wouldnโt mind going another round.โ Her cheeks flushed at his teasing, and she gently pushed him away. Her thoughts were scattered, and she quickly forgot about the photo. Justin had come to Merika State on business and had received an invitation to an art exhibition by Haley Quinn. He brought Emily along, planning to take her to the show once his work was done. Haley, a painter who had withdrawn from the public eye three years ago, rarely held exhibitions, making this one a rare event. Emily dressed quickly, while Justin had already changed into a fresh suit. The gallery was close to the hotel, so they walked there. Arm in arm, they strolled down the street, enjoying the perfect atmosphere. Just as Emily felt an overwhelming sense of happiness, Justin suddenly stopped. โJustin, whatโs wrong?โ She followed his gaze. Across the street, a disheveled woman, her clothes too dirty to recognize their original color, was recklessly crossing the traffic, oblivious to the danger. The woman pushed Emily aside and wrapped her arms tightly around Justinโs waist. She sobbed uncontrollably, gasping for air. โJustin, I finally found you. You came looking for me, didnโt you?โ Emily stumbled from the shove, the bright sunlight momentarily blinding her. The woman looked eerily familiar. She resembled the one in the photo from the cardholder and, in a way, even looked like Emily herself. โEmma? Is that really you?โ Justinโs voice trembled, his eyes locked onto the woman in his arms, as if afraid she might disappear again. Just moments ago, he had proposed to Emily. Now, right there in the street, he held another woman. He gently wiped away the womanโs tears with a tenderness so delicate, as if afraid of breaking something precious. โYes, itโs me,โ the woman sobbed, nodding desperately. Frail as she was, she clung to him. Justin was known for his fastidiousness and love of cleanliness, but he now held her tightly. He was soothing her with gentle words, as if she were a lost treasure he had finally recovered. He was afraid that even the slightest rough movement might hurt her. They seemed oblivious to everything around them, including Emily. Justin seemed to have forgotten Emily was still there. The woman in his arms had cried herself into unconsciousness. He took off his expensive jacket and draped it over her. He then slipped his arms under her knees and held her tightly as he carried her back toward the hotel. Emily stood there, feeling like an outsider. Her arm still ached from where she had been shoved, and she could still feel the warmth of Justinโs touch lingering around her waist. Just minutes ago, he had been tangled up with her in bed, proposing marriage. Now, he was leaving her in the middle of the street, carrying a woman who seemed to come out of nowhere. He had tossed aside his usual grace, holding this woman, who looked like a beggar, and rushed back to the hotel. The people around them pointed and whispered, like they were watching some sort of spectacle. Emily wanted to follow him, but her first step faltered. She steadied herself against a nearby building, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the window. Her flawless makeup now showed a hint of disarray. Chapter 2 Tears had fallen without her noticing, smudging the fresh makeup around her eyes. Emily glanced down at the diamond ring on her left hand, a sense of foreboding spreading through her. The sudden appearance of this woman might shatter the happiness she had been waiting for. She couldnโt just stand here. She had to know who this woman was. After a moment to gather herself, she headed back to the hotel. The plane flew from Merika State back to Haven State. At Lichfield Hospital, Emily stood at the door of a hospital room, arms crossed, trying to see inside through the window. Justinโs friend, Zac White, the director of Lichfield Hospital, along with other doctors, were examining the restless woman on the hospital bed. Two female nurses held her steady as they conducted their checks. On the plane, her face had already been cleaned, and she had been given fresh clothes. โEmma Xander? Hasnโt she... disappeared for the past four years?โ Zac was shocked. Where had Justin found her? The Yates and White families had pulled every string they could to find Emma, but after four years with no trace, they had finally given up. And now, here she was. After completing their examination, the doctors and nurses left the room. A heavy silence fell over the space. A moment later, Justinโs voice seemed to echo from a distance as he gazed at the woman, now sound asleep after a sedative. โHow is she doing?โ โSheโs malnourished, traumatized, and a bit disoriented, but otherwise fine. She just needs some time to recover.โ Justin stood by her bedside, clearly prepared to stay with her. Zac hesitated, wanting to say something, but thought better of it and left the room. He opened the door to find Emily waiting outside. Feeling awkward for his friend, Zac adjusted his silver-framed glasses and greeted her with a polite smile. โHi, Miss Yates.โ Emily nodded in acknowledgment. โDr. White, whatโs her name? And what is her relationship with Justin?โ she asked bluntly, desperate to know who this woman was. Zac hesitated, uncertain how to explain that Emma was Justinโs long-lost first love. This was his friendโs private matter, after all, and not his to reveal. Before he could find the words, Justin opened the door and saw them standing outside. He frowned, clearly displeased. โDidnโt I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?โ Justinโs voice dripped with disdain and impatience, as if his irritation had taken on a life of its own. Emily stood her ground, unafraid. She needed answers. โYou proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now youโre holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And youโre not even coming home? Staying out all night?โ โStop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,โ he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Seeing Justinโs dark expression, Zac stepped in, concerned that Emily might end up on the losing side of this argument. When Justin was angry, it rarely boded well for anyone. โItโs late. Let me arrange a car to take Miss Yates home,โ Zac offered, trying to ease the tension. Emily, however, refused Zacโs offer. She wasnโt leaving without answers. โYou think Iโm being unreasonable? Iโm your fiancรฉe. You left me on the street in a foreign country to carry another woman away without a second thought. Did you ever consider how I felt? โIโll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, youโre coming home with me.โ Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justinโs arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justinโs personal bodyguard, William Carter. Emily was stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing. It felt as though her heart was being torn in two. Justin had always been there for her, always caring, always the first to pick up her calls, no matter if he was in a meeting or on a business trip. If she ever needed him, he would show up immediately. If she couldnโt be reached, he would search the whole city until he found her. But now, with this woman in the hospital room, he wouldnโt even let her near him? โWhat do you mean by this?โ Emilyโs voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didnโt respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancรฉe he had just proposed to. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. โDonโt be childish.โ Childish? Once, he had said he loved how she depended on him, how she claimed him for herself. And now he was calling her childish? โIf you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!โ Emilyโs heart ached, squeezing painfully in her chest. She knew it wasnโt the right moment to bring this up, but she couldnโt accept the idea that her future husband would spend the night in the hospital with another woman. Zac stood nearby, listening in shock. Marriage? Had Justin really proposed to Emily? And what about Emma in the hospital room? Justin glanced over his shoulder, worried that the woman asleep in the hospital bed might hear them and wake up. Emily noticed the concern in his eyes. It was an expression she had seen many times when he had worried about her. But now, that look was for someone else. He turned back to Emily, his voice still icy. โIf you donโt want to get married, we can call it off. This isnโt the place for your drama. William, have the driver take her home.โ He didnโt like being threatened, especially when it came to his marriage. Without another glance at her, he opened the door to the hospital room and went back inside. William stepped forward, maintaining his respectful tone. โMiss Yates, please donโt make this difficult for me. Itโs time for you to go home.โ Zac looked at Emily with sympathy. โMiss Yates, itโs late. Maybe itโs best to talk things over with Justin another time.โ But how could they ever discuss this again? Her fiancรฉ had just left her humiliated, choosing to stay with another woman without a care for her dignity. The hospital hallway lights felt harsh, blinding her with their brightness. Realizing that staying there made her look like a fool, Emily decided she wouldnโt let herself be a spectacle for others to watch. Clenching her purse tightly, Emily turned to leave. As she took a step, her vision blurred, and she nearly collapsed. Both Zac and William rushed to steady her, their grip gentlemanly but firm. โIโll walk you to the car,โ Zac offered. Leaning against the wall, Emily took a moment to steady herself, then shook her head. โIโm fine. I can get back on my own.โ Her footsteps wobbled as she walked down the hallway, but she managed to keep her head high until she was out of their sight. After returning to the hospital room, Justin glanced down at Emma, who lay pale and frail on the bed. A strange weight settled in his chest, and the pervasive smell of antiseptic only added to his irritation. He tugged at his shirt collar, unbuttoning the top two buttons, but the air still felt suffocating. He stepped back out into the hallway, finding Zac and William waiting there. Emily was gone. โShe left?โ he asked, visibly more at ease now that she was no longer around. He didnโt want her disturbing Emmaโs rest. โYes, sheโs gone,โ Zac replied, hands in the pockets of his lab coat, nodding. With both of them standing there, Justin didnโt bother asking how Emily had left. โIโm stepping out for a break,โ he said. Chapter 3 โSo, Emma Xanderโs back. What are you going to do?โ Zac asked, breaking the silence. He didnโt mention Emily, but they both knew what he meant. One woman was the college sweetheart, the first love who had once saved Justinโs life. The other was the girlfriend who had been with him for three years, sharing his most intimate moments, and now, his fiancรฉe. After a long pause, Justin replied, his voice cold and detached. โShe was just a stand-in. She could never compare to Emma.โ He went on, his tone utterly indifferent, as if he hadnโt been the one to propose to Emily in Merika State. โThe role of Mrs. Yates will never be hers. It can only belong to Emma.โ In a way, Emily had saved him the trouble of saying it himself when she had brought up their marriage in the hallway. Zac and Justin had been close friends since childhood, both growing up in privileged families, each carrying a bit of that self-centered mindset typical of their social circle. But this time, Zac couldnโt help feeling sorry for Emily. Emily, though an orphan with no family or wealth, was straightforward and honest. Over the past three years, she had complemented Justin perfectly, and in Zacโs eyes, they had seemed genuinely happy together. On the other hand, considering how long Emma had been abroad, it wasnโt hard to guess what she might have gone through. Zac didnโt care about things like V-card or a womanโs past, but he had always found Emma to be somewhat pretentious. Even back in college, she often disregarded Justinโs concerns, running off on her own without a second thought. After graduation, she mysteriously vanished during an overseas reunion party organized by a close group of alumni. Despite mobilizing every possible connection, they never found her. Even the police suggested they give up, implying that a young woman disappearing overseas was likely gone for good. At that time, Justin hadnโt fully taken over the company and wasnโt yet experienced in handling crises like these. Around the same time, his father, Henry Yates, was in a car accident and died despite emergency treatment. After the funeral, Justin was suddenly thrust into the dual responsibilities of inheriting the company and fending off his uncle, Harry Yates, who was trying to seize control. Thanks to his grandfatherโs intervention, Justin managed to stabilize the corporation. By then, the critical window to find Emma had long passed, and any chance of finding her had all but disappeared. Zac clearly remembered how Justin had been consumed with frustration and self-blame during those days. And then Emily had come into his life, bringing him some peace. For that, Zac was truly grateful to her. โEmilyโs been with you for three years,โ Zac said, trying to speak up for her. โSheโs an orphan, with no one else in the world. Isnโt it a bit cruel to treat her like this?โ โThen Iโll keep her around,โ Justin replied casually, brushing it off like it was no big deal. โBut marriage? Thatโs not going to happen.โ His tone was so offhanded, as if having another woman around didnโt matter at all. He didnโt see a problem with it. Keep her around? Really? Was he expecting her to stay hidden away as his stand-in lover, someone he kept out of sight? A mistress? A side piece? Emily didnโt leave the hospital right away. She sat on a bench behind the flower bed, letting the cold night air wash over her. She hadnโt expected to find out the truth like this. It turned out she was only here because she happened to look almost exactly like his lost one true love. And since she had lost her memory, he saw the perfect opportunity to mold her into the image of the woman he truly missed, hiding the truth from her and using her as a substitute. All the affection and indulgence he had shown her, it was never really for her. It was for the woman he had lost. Emma Xander. So that was her name, the one he had loved all his life. That was why he named her Emily, a name that allowed him to keep calling out for the one he had always loved. Even in their most intimate moments, he would call her โEm.โ Whenever he whispered โEmโ in that deep, seductive voice, full of passion, she would lose herself completely, sinking further into him. It turned out he was simply looking at her face and calling out another womanโs name all along. It dawned on her that the photo in Justinโs wallet must have been of Emma, not her. She had foolishly assumed the woman in that picture was herself. What a joke. From start to finish, Justin had shaped her into the image of his hidden love, his one true love. And she had naively believed that she had won him over, making him fall in love with her. In truth, she was nothing more than a piece in their story. Emily felt her heart plunge from a mountaintop to the depths of despair. She had gone from being a proud fiancรฉe to a hidden stand-in, a shadow. She had liked, maybe even loved Justin. But her pride couldnโt accept that she had been someone elseโs replacement all along, or that she was now the secret other woman. Resolved to leave, she felt a small sense of relief that Justin had only proposed. They werenโt married yet, and breaking up would be far easier than going through a divorce. For a moment, she felt grateful for Emmaโs sudden appearance. โMiss Yates, where are you?โ the driver called, stepping out of the car after waiting a while. โIโm here.โ Emily pulled herself from her thoughts, putting on her usual calm expression. โIs it just you? Whereโs Mr. Yates?โ he asked. โHeโs not coming back.โ Emily rose from the bench by the flower bed and walked back to the car with the driver. She wore a cream-colored, knee-length dress in a sweet, innocent style. As an artist, she was open to trying any look, but it was Justin who had said he liked this style. So, for the past three years, she had dressed this way for him. The spring breeze brushed her bare calves, sending a chill through her. Zac looked a bit uncomfortable, โEmily didnโt leave?โ So, she had heard everything they had said. Justinโs tone was just as indifferent, cold, and unfeeling. โGood. Let her hear it. She needs to know her place and avoid causing any more scenes like tonight.โ With that, he turned and walked away from the garden, completely unfazed by the fact that Emily had overheard him. Emily sat quietly during the ride back to Villa One. Mrs. Zimmer greeted her at the door, her face lighting up warmly after a few days apart. โYouโre back! It mustโve been tiring, traveling with Mr. Yates.โ Emily nodded wearily, barely acknowledging her. โYes.โ โWhereโs Mr. Yates?โ Mrs. Zimmer glanced behind her, looking for Justin. โHe wonโt be back tonight.โ Emilyโs voice was detached, as if his return made no difference to her. Mrs. Zimmer looked slightly disappointed at first, but then her face lit up with a knowing smile, the kind that came from having seen a lot in life. She took Emilyโs suitcase and gently urged her to go get some rest in the bedroom. Once inside, Emily understood Mrs. Zimmerโs smile. The room was dimly lit, with candles arranged at various heights, casting a soft, romantic glow. Flowers and scented candles adorned the surfaces, and a bottle of champagne sat open on the table. Even the usual heavy gray curtains had been replaced with delicate lace, adding an air of intimacy. The bed was covered in thick rose petals, the entire room transformed into a romantic setting. Clearly, this had been Justinโs arrangement before their trip. Exhausted, Emily didnโt have the energy to clean up, and it was too late to bother Mrs. Zimmer. Chapter 4 Emily found the remote to turn on the lights, then looked for something handy to snuff out each candle one by one. Afterward, she retrieved her nightgown from the closet and headed for a shower. As she walked into the bathroom, she noticed the ring still on her left hand. She slipped it off and tossed it into the corner of her jewelry box. When she returned to the bedroom, she brushed all the rose petals off the bed and settled under the covers, pulling them over her head. She instinctively lay on the left side of the bed, where she was used to sleeping. Justin would always hold her close, gradually shifting over to the left with her until they were practically glued together. Now, the right side of the bed was glaringly empty. To fill the space, she scooted to the center, tossing the extra pillow onto the floor, finally feeling comfortable. She turned off the lights and went to sleep. Two days passed without any word from Justin. He was likely at the hospital with Emma or busy with work. Emily didnโt care and hadnโt reached out, maintaining a complete radio silence. The morning sun was bright, and the spring breeze was warm as she lounged on a deck chair in the villaโs garden, enjoying a face mask. Her mind wandered to practical matters. She had spent some time reviewing the contract she signed three years ago to be Justinโs โcontract lover.โ It was set to expire automatically after three years, which was now less than four months away. When it ended, she would receive a payout of twenty million. Between that, and the allowance and holiday bonuses he had given her over the years, she had saved nearly six million. She had barely spent any of it, so it was all tucked away. It seemed she would be in decent shape financially, and finding a job after leaving wouldnโt be too hard. As for a place to live, she could buy a similarly sized home, and maybe invite Helen to move in as a roommate. It would be nice to have company. She did regret not being able to take Mrs. Zimmer with her. If she could, it would be perfect. The phone on the coffee table buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. Emily picked it up, unlocked it with her fingerprint, and a new message notification popped up at the top of the screen. She tapped to open it. It was from her friend, Helen Walker. They had met a year ago while shopping, when Helen insisted on becoming friends after seeing her just once. With no memory of any past friendships, Emily had found Helen easy to talk to, and they had gradually become close. โHow was your time in Merika State? When are you coming back?โ Helen had attached a mischievous emoji with a smirk. โIโm already back.โ โAlready? That was quick.โ โI thought Justin looked strong. Guess he didnโt last long? Not up to it?โ โNot just โnot up to itโ. He canโt even get started.โ Emily replied, seizing the chance to curse him. On the other end, Helen raised an eyebrow. It looked like Justin had managed to tick off her friend. But she wasnโt too concerned as they had argued before. Couples fought, and it usually blew over. โPerfect timing then. Iโm heading to the TC Mall in a bit to stock up on some new clothes. Letโs hit the mall together and grab some food afterward. Get ready and meet me there.โ โSounds good. Iโll see you at the mall.โ Emily agreed readily. She had spent the past couple of days clearing out the sweet, youthful clothes she didnโt like. Her wardrobe could use a refresh. She put down the phone and washed off her face mask. Glancing at the nearly empty wardrobe, she picked out a casual athletic outfit and did a quick, simple makeup look. Fresh and tidy, she got ready to head out. โMrs. Zimmer, Iโm meeting a friend to go shopping. Iโll have lunch out,โ Emily said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. โAlright, Miss Yates. Will you be back for dinner?โ Mrs. Zimmer, who was supervising the housekeeperโs cleaning, looked up to ask. Emily paused while slipping on her shoes, thinking about how unpredictable Helen could be and that they hadnโt seen each other in a while. She might not be back for dinner. โNot sure yet. Iโll text you later if Iโll be back in time.โ โUnderstood.โ As Emily opened the door, she found Justinโs assistant, Sam Spencer, just about to knock. โHi, Sam,โ she greeted him coolly, planning to step around him to leave. โHi, Miss Yates. Mr. Yates has a flight out of town this afternoon for a business trip. Could I trouble you to help pack his things before you go?โ Samโs tone was respectful, as usual. Emily didnโt move. โMrs. Zimmer, Justinโs going on a trip. Could you please help with his packing?โ โMiss Yates, thisโฆ?โ Samโs face showed confusion. โWhat? Before I came along, didnโt Justin have someone to handle his luggage?โ Her expression was calm, her tone light. โOf course. Youโre absolutely right, Miss Yates,โ Sam replied, beads of sweat forming as he carefully balanced his response, not daring to offend either side. In the past, Emily had always packed for Justinโs business trips. She had done it so many times that she knew exactly what he would need for any occasion. But now, she had no desire to continue. He had used her as a stand-in, and every time he watched her pack his bags, he must have thought she looked foolish. Three years. Now that she thought back, there had been plenty of strange looks and behaviors from Justin that she hadnโt picked up on. She had been utterly blind. But she wouldnโt be foolish anymore. Emily was ready to leave, but Sam was blocking the door, preventing her from going. She urged Mrs. Zimmer to hurry with the packing. Mrs. Zimmer quickly filled the suitcase and handed it to Sam, who was waiting in the living room. He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes had barely passed. That was fast. "Mrs. Zimmer, are you sure itโs all packed? Should we check to make sure nothingโs missing?" he asked cautiously. Emily replied without emotion, โIsnโt the flight at noon? If you keep dragging your feet, heโll miss it. Besides, anything he needs can be bought over there.โ She checked her watch, starting to feel a bit pressed for time. If she delayed much longer, Helen would end up waiting impatiently, and they would miss out on shopping before lunch. And who wanted to try on clothes with a full stomach? โOf course, Miss Yates. Iโll head over to the office to pick up Mr. Yates,โ Sam said with a polite smile, making his way out. Emily nodded and headed down to the garage. She chose a white luxury car and drove off. Meanwhile, Sam took the suitcase to the sleek black car parked discreetly by the curb. He placed it in the trunk, then settled into the front passenger seat. The driver, Justinโs bodyguard, William, started the car. But instead of heading to the airport, they were bound for Lichfield Hospital. โHow much longer until Emilyโs contract is up?โ Justinโs voice was calm and emotionless, as if he were discussing a routine business matter. Sam immediately understood that the question was directed at him. He quickly recalled the contract details. โLess than four months, Mr. Yates.โ โDraft a new agreement and deliver it to her when the time comes,โ Justin instructed. Keeping her around for three years had cost him little, and continuing to support her wasnโt an issue. But he was done with her. He wouldnโt touch her again or return to Villa One. Recalling the scene from the hospital hallway two nights ago, he added without hesitation, โInclude a clause that ensures she never shows up in front of Emma again.โ Sam was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his professional composure. โUnderstood, Mr. Yates.โ Chapter 5 People said billionaires were cold and indifferent in their personal lives, switching women as easily as they changed clothes. For the past three years, Mr. Yates had only been with Miss Yates, making him seem like a devoted man. But it looked like he could move on in an instant. Who knew how long Miss Xander would last by his side? Sam had joined the company three years ago, right when Justin took over RC Corporation, so he wasnโt familiar with the complicated history between Emma and Justin. Inside TC Mall, Emily was browsing through clothes, each piece a far cry from her usual sweet and innocent style. โBabe, switching things up?โ Helen asked, watching as Emily picked up a long black dress with a slitted hem. It would look stunning on Emilyโs curves. Emily held the dress up to herself in the mirror, unfazed. โYep, time for a change. Do you think this would look better with a shawl or a jacket?โ She turned to give Helen a look. โA shawl, definitely. Itโll highlight your figure beautifully,โ Helen replied with her usual style advice. โThatโs what I thought too.โ Helen eyed the dress. โThat dress is so feminine. Will your guy even let you wear it out? Doesnโt Justin only let you wear those sweet, innocent schoolgirl outfits?โ Helen couldnโt help but mentally criticize Justinโs taste. What kind of fashion sense did he have anyway? A multinational CEO, a man with a grip on the Haven State economy, yet he liked her to dress like a schoolgirl. โHis taste doesnโt matter anymore. Itโs not something Iโm concerned about,โ Emily replied casually, completely indifferent. She handed the dress to a fitting assistant with a similar build, having her try it on for her. High-end stores like this one often had staff who modeled the clothes for clients, so she didnโt have to try them on herself. Emily picked out a few more items in different styles for the assistant to model. If she liked them, she would buy them. When she was satisfied with her choices, she scanned her card and paid, then filled out the delivery details for Villa One. The clothes would be sent straight there. After they had finished shopping, they went for lunch. With no one else around, Emily finally shared her situation with Helen that she had been Justinโs stand-in for his one true love. Now that his true love had returned, she was planning to leave him. โThat despicable man!โ Helen burst out, her emotions flaring. โKeep it down.โ Emily quickly covered Helenโs mouth and glanced around to see if anyone at nearby tables was paying attention to them. Helen lowered her voice but was still fuming. โJustin might look put-together, but heโs not even half a man. His first love disappears, so he goes and finds a stand-in? โWhy didnโt he just get plastic surgery to look like her? Then he could see her every time he looked in the mirror. โGood for you for walking away. You should break up with him. No! Just breaking up is too good for that pompous human garbage! You need to dump him into the sewers!โ LMAO, where did Helen even learn these insults from? Just then, the server brought out a tray with seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and a variety of salsas. Emily began assembling her own tacos, adding the toppings she liked best. โThe contractโs up in four months. Iโm planning to buy a place.โ โWhat for? Just stay with me. Iโve got a room for you.โ โMy address is still tied to Justinโs place. Since Iโve decided to leave, I need a clean break. Iโll need my own place to change everything over,โ Emily explained, outlining her plan. Her heart felt numb now, no longer as raw as it had been the night sheโd learned the truth in the hospital garden. โThen you can cancel your lease and move in with me! Weโll be family!" Emily suggested excitedly. Helen suppressed the impulse to tell Emily that they were already family. Given Emily's amnesia, she didnโt want to overwhelm her with too much information all at once. Instead, she nodded. โAlright, Iโll move in with you. Iโll start looking around for a place for you. Actually the place I rent now is quite nice. The location and neighborhood are perfect. Iโll check if the landlordโs interested in selling, though itโs a resale property.โ โI donโt care if itโs new or used. As long as itโs clean and ready to go, Iโm good.โ Emily didnโt need much. After leaving the cushy life she had been used to, she was perfectly fine doing things on her own. She found the independence kind of refreshing. After lunch, they picked up some accessories to go with the new outfits, light enough to carry back on her own. Emily said goodbye to Helen and drove back to Villa One. By the time she got back, the clothes she had bought that morning had already been delivered, ironed, and neatly hung in the walk-in closet by the house staff. She hadnโt bought much, just enough to last the next few months and to keep the move as hassle-free as possible. The womenโs side of the closet was nearly empty, with only a few of her favorite pieces hanging. She grabbed a new loungewear set to change into and happened to glance over at the menโs side, packed with Justinโs clothes. Emily didnโt linger. She strode past it without a second thought. As she was heading to the bathroom, her phone rang from the sofa. She put down the clothes and picked up the call. โHello, is this Miss Yates?โ โYes, this is.โ โIโm a nurse from Lichfield Hospital. Your health screening results are in. When would be a convenient time for you to come pick them up?โ Emily remembered that Justin had taken her for a checkup just before their trip to Merika State. She had forgotten all about it until this call. โIโll come by tomorrow morning.โ โVery well. Have a nice day.โ The next day, Emily went to Lichfield Hospital. โPlan to have a baby?โ โThatโs right. Mr. Yates specifically requested it during his screening. Your health is excellent, Miss Yates. Your ovulation cycle is regular, so we recommend folic acid, Vitamin B1, and plenty of protein. With the right timing and frequency, you should be expecting good news soon.โ The doctor adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly. Emilyโs fingers tightened around the report, a heavy feeling settling in her chest. She had been trying hard not to think about Justin lately, but this report hit her unexpectedly hard. โMiss Yates, Iโll prescribe you two boxes of folic acid and Vitamin B1. Be sure to take them regularly.โ Emily interrupted him, finding an excuse to refuse. โThanks, doctor, but that wonโt be necessary. Iโll get them on my own.โ The doctor wasnโt surprised. Wealthy women like her often had access to premium brands from various sources, so declining hospital-prescribed supplements wasnโt unusual. Emily left the hospital in a daze, only coming to her senses when she reached a sunny spot outside. She tossed the health report into the trash bin. With Emma back, Justin clearly had no intention of having children with her. And she certainly didnโt want to give him one, either. It was easier to pretend she didnโt know what the checkup had really been for. Meanwhile, in the hospitalโs garden, the spring sunlight was warm and gentle. Justin was pushing Emmaโs wheelchair, letting her enjoy the sunshine. โJustin, youโre busy with work. You donโt have to be here with me all the time. I can manage on my own,โ Emma said, her voice soft and considerate. โFocus on getting better. Donโt worry about anything else.โ Justin felt a deep guilt about Emmaโs disappearance, blaming himself for not protecting her better. He believed his negligence had allowed her to be taken and vanish without a trace. Over the past few days, he had tried to gather clues from her about what happened, but whenever he brought it up, she would break down, unable to share any details. Emily hadnโt expected to see Justin at the hospital. Hadnโt Sam said Justin was out of town on a business trip? | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&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/t39.35426-6/464611692_886166930249424_1941613294849554701_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ra9fBVoIEiQQ7kNvgGHAelu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2tv-6LDKGfIZFln91ogWU_&oh=00_AYDoLtvruHgF7tvTkKgbSMxTCC5sZa3GTXA7c5pHYuRgRw&oe=673C81B4 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 18:21 | active | 1813 | 0 | Read next chapter | For her, marrying her best friend and carrying his child was a dream come true. However, just at this joyful moment, the man's beloved returned... ===== "It's a good thing you're cautious. You could've lost your baby, Miss Monroe," the GYN told me seriously as she could see the shock in my eyes. Had I heard it right? I was pregnant? I was pregnant with a baby for Pierce--my best friend and my first crush! On the way out of the hospital, I couldn't wait to tell Pierce about our baby. I wondered what his reaction would be. Would he scream in happiness? God! I couldn't contain my happiness. I cupped my flushed face as I fantasized, but the moment I felt the cold of the simple ring on my finger, my wildly beating heart calmed down. I almost forgot that Pierce wasn't the type to be keen on having children, especially since our marriage was arranged by his family. Pierce was a complete gentleman, both as a friend and a husband. Every time we did intimate thing, he was considerate yet cautious, saying there was no need to add extra shackles when we weren't ready. This baby, in a way, was out of the plan. "Ma'am, is everything okay? Do you need to call the boss?" my private driver, Luke, asked worriedly as he noticed my frown. Luke was reliable, like family, but if I chose to share, I still wanted Pierce to be the first to know this news. He was my baby's father. "No," I shook my head, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "He's on a flight. I'll talk to him later myself." I wanted to sense his answer directly from his raw expressions. I was always good at that. I closed my eyes, recalling the first day we met. His bright smile in the sunlight was so dazzling; he was a Prince. Long before we became best friends, I fell in love with him at first sight. But it was only unrequited love; I knew that well. I slid down the car window to get some fresh air but accidentally caught a glimpse of our old high school. That bitter feeling filled my chest once again. Pierce was my first love, but I wasn't his. In high school, I was just a boring nerd in others' eyes while Pierce Anderson was the shining quarterback. Everyone was surprised that we could be friends. Though envy arose, I enjoyed being around him. I slowly realized that I didn't just want to be his friend. However, right when I was about to confess my feelings to him, another girl came into his life. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those sad memories. I gripped the cold wedding ring on my finger, telling myself the past was the past. Pierce said they were over, and I was his wife now. I was his wife who was carrying his baby. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and opened the door to our house. My heart calmed as I breathed in the scent of home. Our home. Pierce and I decorated it together with our own hands. We enjoyed it. Yes, I must have been overthinking. That woman had been out of our lives for a long time, and my marriage with Pierce had been as beautiful as a fairy tale for the past three years. I glanced at the clock on the wall. At this point, Pierce should have gotten off the plane. He had been traveling for over a month for the sake of our family's business. Pierce was the President of ADE, the leading fashion magazine company in Asia, and I was actually the Vice President. We were not only life partners but also good partners at work. I really missed him. I dialed his number immediately. I wanted to hear his voice now, to know when he would arrive home. I would prepare a good meal for him, and he would reward me with a sweet k*ss. Then we might do intimate thing... Oops, I almost forgot I was pregnant now. I needed to tell him this first before we could do anything else. I was happily envisioning our lovely reunion when my heart dropped as a woman's voice came over the line. [Hello?] I snapped the phone as just one word came out. My phone fell to the floor, and my body started shaking uncontrollably. NO! It couldn't be her! It couldn't be Lexi! She was already out of our lives! I must have misheard. I rushed to the fridge, attempting to calm myself with some al**hol. But the moment I was reminded of the doctor's words and my baby. I needed to be cautious for my baby's sake. I turned to grab a box of milk and walked toward the sofa. I didn't know what made me recognize that as Lexi's voice at that moment. I meant Lexi and I were never close. Lexi Gilbert was a typical blonde beauty that men would go crazy for. She was the popular cheerleader in high school while Pierce was the star quarterback. A better match than he and a nerd like me, right? It wasn't surprising that he had fallen for her. My pride couldn't stand watching the man I loved go crazy for another woman. So I had once tried to stay away from them silently, but Pierce refused to quit my life. Every time I drowned myself in a sea of books and studies to forget them, Pierce would appear at my doorstep asking me out. I couldn't say no to his charming smile; I couldn't refuse when he claimed it was his duty as my best friend to take me out to enjoy the real world. To avoid ruining our friendship, I could only hide my broken heart, silently playing the role of his best friend while watching his happy face as he pursued another girl. I finally mustered the courage to study abroad when I learned that Pierce was planning to propose to Lexi. However, I never expected Grams would call to beg me to return. I hurried back only to see a lifeless Pierce. His heart was shattered, thanks to Lexi. My beloved sunshine boy was nowhere to be seen, and my heart b*ed for him. I started to hate Lexi from that moment. I gave up my cherished man for her, and how dared she harm him so badly! Pierce didn't tell anyone what happened except that he was done with Lexi. Grams arranged our marriage. I didn't understand why he agreed until the day I heard him say that marrying anyone but Lexi would be the same for him. It hurt like hell, but I still walked into this marriage without a second thought. My cherished boy was broken, and I wanted to fix him, not caring if I ruined myself in the process. I fell asleep at home, feeling insecure and worried. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone caressing my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized I had fallen asleep in the living room. Someone lifted me from the couch. I immediately recognized his scent and touch as I looked at him with heavy-lidded eyes. "Pierce..." "Hmm," he hummed as he walked toward the stairs. "Why did you sleep on the couch?" I stared at his face as he gently placed me down on the bed. He caressed my hair and k*ssed my forehead. He was always so gentle, and that was why I loved him so much. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you," I said as I caressed his cheek. "Just met a friend. You said you were waiting for me; is it something urgent?" Looking at his gentle face, I suddenly didn't want to ruin the moment, so I closed my parted lips and swallowed the truth back down. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, I would have the courage to face all the puzzles. I shook my head and pouted, signaling that I was sleepy. He chuckled and carefully carried me to the bed. Just as he was about to leave me after giving me a goodnight k*ss, I panicked for some reason. I quickly grabbed him... I missed him. I wanted him. "Wait, Kels," he said, stopping me by pinning my hands to the bed. "I thought you said you were sleepy and needed to rest." "But I think I miss you more now." I looked at him with innocence and caught the d**ire flashing in his eyes, but I didn't know why it faded so quickly. He used to be happy when I took the initiative. As if noticing my confusion, he chuckled and playfully pinched my nose. "I'll just take a shower." I nodded and watched him as he walked toward the bathroom. But drowsiness struck again, so I closed my eyes to take a nap. However, it was already morning when I opened my eyes again, and Pierce was beside me, putting a tray of food on the bedside table. "Hey!" I greeted, smiling when I realized what he'd done. He had prepared breakfast for me. In bed. The sweetest. He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. "Good morning." I grinned as I sat up. He carried the tray and put it beside me. I shot an eyebrow up, tilting my head as I stared at his handsome face. His deep brown eyes and thick, black eyebrows complemented his striking features. "What is this? Is this a bribe? You stood me up last night, bad boy." He didn't laugh. Instead, he heaved a sigh, gently tucking my hair behind my ear before taking my hand and staring into my eyes. "I have something to tell you." My heart raced. I thought about our baby. He had something to say, and I did too. "W-What is it?" I asked, feeling my voice tremble. He took a deep breath. "You know you're important to me, right?" I slowly nodded, my lips parted. I couldn't speak; I was scared of what he was about to say. I had a bad feeling about this. "You were my best friend before we got married. You're one of the few people I treasure..." I hid my clenched fists under the sheets. I didn't understand why he was telling me this, but I felt tears pooling in the corner of my eyes already. "Kelly..." He paused, squeezing his eyes shut before looking into mine again. "I-I think it's time for us to divorce." "P-Pierce..." My heart clenched. He smiled sadly. "I know you don't have feelings for me either. You only married me because of my grandparents. You just did this because you love them. Now it's time for our real happiness, Kelly." I shook my head. "W-What are you talking about, Pierce?" "Lexi is back, Kelly. My first love is back." Chapter 2 Kelly's POV--It Never Rains but It Pours I got off the bed and tried to leave, but Pierce grabbed my hand. I quickly wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks before he could see them. He stood in front of me, searching my face as I struggled to look down and avoid his gaze. My heart felt like it was breaking into pieces. I thought... I thought I could make him fall in love with me during those three years together. I believed his feelings would deepen, that he would see me as a woman rather than just a best friend. I was foolish to hope and dream so high. I had failed. No matter how hard I tried, his heart belonged only to his first love, Lexi. "Kelly..." I sucked in a breath and swallowed the pain as I looked at him. I forced a smile. "I need to wash up before eating." He stared into my eyes, trying to figure out what I was thinking. I knew he understood me too well, so I made a concerted effort to hide my pain and smiled back at him. He sighed and let go of my hand. "Okay. I'll wait for you here. Let's eat and go to work together." Together? How cruel could he be? He still wanted us to get along as if he hadn't just asked for a divorce? He wanted us to stay the same right after telling me that his first love was back and he wanted to divorce me? Oh, Pierce, what's going on in your head? If I used to be able to force myself to remain in the role of his best friend, wishing him happiness, I no longer had that courage after the three years we'd shared. There was no way I could endure that kind of torture again, especially now that I was carrying his baby. The baby... I had thought it was good news for us, but now... it felt more like a burden to him, I guess. A burden that would prevent him from pursuing his true love and freedom. I knew how an unwanted child could grow up. My parents divorced even before my mother died, and my father's new family hated me. It hurt like hell. I didn't want my baby to experience that same pain. I needed to keep my child away from it. I forced another smile. "We can't. I need to visit the studio for the photoshoot of our new models..." "I'll go with you--" "No." I pushed his hand away. His eyes followed my hand before he looked up at me again. "You have some documents to sign. Our schedules are already organized, remember?" "But..." "I have a personal driver, Pierce. I'll be fine going alone." He sighed and slowly nodded. I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom. I immediately opened the shower and stood under the cold water. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I covered my mouth to suppress my sobs. My shoulders trembled violently, and when I thought about my baby, I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself down. I wiped my face and caressed my belly. I needed to be strong. I had to stay calm. I shouldn't put my baby's life at risk just because I got my heart broken. I had to handle this wisely. I took a deep breath and finished my shower. When I got out of the bathroom, I was shocked to see Pierce still there. He was struggling to fix his tie in front of the full-length mirror. I also noticed my pair of heels and dress on the bed. "Hey! I picked your dress for today." Since our marriage wasn't public, Pierce had said he would try to do little things for me as a husband. He did it well, and I used to enjoy these sweet moments, but now, they felt like d**gers to my heart. I grabbed the dress and went into the walk-in closet. I felt him following me. I put the white dress back and picked a red one. When I turned to face him, his forehead was creased. "I prefer red today. I'd feel beautiful in this dress." His eyes landed on the dress I was holding, and his face immediately relaxed. He nodded and walked toward me. "I see. Help me fix this first." I placed my dress on his arm and started adjusting his tie. I could feel his eyes staring intently and it was making my heart beat so fast. I took a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip as I struggled to fix the tie. My vision started to blur again. D**n! "Kelly..." I jumped in shock. "Hmm?" "Are you okay?" I looked at him and smiled. "Yeah." "I have something else to say." I finished fixing his tie, then immediately grabbed the dress from him. I glanced at him before walking past him and said, "Let's just talk some other time. I'm going to be late." I heard him sigh as he followed me again. He's silent the whole time as if he's thinking about something. "You should eat before you leave." I turned to him and nodded. "I will. You should go now." "Kelly, we're on the same page, right?" I stared at him. No, Pierce. We're never on the same page. All of this was just my stupid fantasy. I thought you had feelings for me, and I was so wrong. "If it's about the divorce, I understand everything, Pierce. I know what I have to do. Just give me some time because I'm really busy with the company. I won't run away." "Kelly, I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing this for you too. You've been caged with me ever since we got married. I know you're not happy because deep down, you want to find the man you deserve. Someone who will truly love you. Not me. Not someone who's half-hearted." "I understand what you're trying to say, Pierce," I said, trying to turn away, but he held me by the waist, keeping me in place. He did everything he could to capture my gaze, and he succeeded. He looked at me worriedly. "You are my best friend. I don't want to lose you, Kels. You're one of the few people I..." "I know," I said out of frustration. He looked shocked, so I took a breath to calm myself. "I-I know. You don't have to worry. I'm just stressed about work. It's not about our divorce." His lips parted, and he slowly nodded, as if he could finally breathe properly. He walked toward me, and I froze when he gently k*ssed my forehead... "Thank you, Kelly," he whispered. My heart clenched. It had been three years, but I was still such a coward. Why couldn't I just tell him that I loved him? He's my husband, and I'm carrying his baby! If I told him, he might change his mind! I swallowed hard, ready to speak, but his phone rang. I didn't miss the caller ID. Again, it was Lexi. "I gotta go." He scratched his head in apology, and I didn't miss the upturned corners of his mouth. "I called Luke, and he's waiting outside. Eat before you go, okay?" With that, he left our room. The tears I had managed to hold back burst forth again. Why did I think I could have a chance? He had made his choice the moment he asked for a divorce, hadn't he? Whenever it came to Lexi, I was always the one he would abandon. Chapter 3 Kelly's POV--Stiff Upper Lip I entered the studio wearing two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone turned to look as I walked down the hallway, greeting me with smiles, but my face remained stoic, not showing any emotions at all. The conversation with Pierce this morning lingered in my mind, but I couldn't let it affect my work. I couldn't fail my work after I had failed my marriage. I took a deep breath to steady myself. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos. "We can't! She's not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She'll be furious." "We can just tell her the truth. She's nice." "Not in this situation, Lily! She'll scold us--" "What's happening here?" I asked, stepping further into the room. The staff turned to me with worried expressions, and I knew then that something was wrong. "G-Good morning, Miss Monroe." Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurt. I stared at her blankly, "What? "W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model, has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we're changing the model, so...she doesn't want to come here. She's even threatening to file a case against us." She bowed her head, and I gritted my teeth, scanning the room. "Where's the marketing manager?" "S-She's still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe." I massaged my forehead, squeezing my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger, causing everyone around me to jump in shock. I g**aned, sucking in a breath before looking around. "Miss Monroe..." "What is this, Miss Hayley? You're the marketing manager. What's happening?" "Miss Monroe, I don't know how it happened, but Miss Chen heard that you're changing our model. She's about to file a case against us--" Changing the model? How had I not known about this? Miss Chen had always been a trusted partner, and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only create chaos for the company. I would never allow such a costly mistake. "I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her off to save the time, "Fix this mess, or I'll have to fire you!" "Miss Monroe... It's Mr. President who ordered the change." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He instructed us as soon as he returned from his business trip yesterday." The truth hit me hard. Pierce's order? Why hadn't he told me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first. "It shouldn't be..." Confusion clouded my mind. Pierce was not a clueless businessman; he maintained a clear distinction between work and personal matters, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret. "Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back. "M-Mr. President..." Hayley bowed in respect as the man suddenly appeared behind me. "I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I snapped as I turned to face him. He knew how much effort I had put into securing this project. I hadn't slept well for days, and Miss Chen was the perfect fit for us. He had agreed too. But now... he just changed the model as he liked without informing me in advance. It felt like a hard s**p in the face. "Go ahead with the work. I'll explain it to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger simmering in my eyes. "Answer me, Pierce! Why did you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't contain my fury. He touched my shoulder and whispered, "This isn't the place to talk. Let me explain in the car." I glanced around, noticing others sneaking glances at us. I shook off his hand and walked toward the parking lot, my heart growing heavier with each step. I had a sinking feeling I wouldn't like his explanation. "Now, say it," I blurted once we were seated in his car. He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again.; I couldn't bear his gaze. I couldn't withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to. He had no feelings for me and it hurt so much. "I-I..." he paused, sighing. "I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She's also a good fit, so I agreed--" "What?" I asked in disbelief. He pressed his lips together and looked away, ruffling his hair in frustration before shaking his head and holding my hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor, and I couldn't say no." I pulled my hand away, looking at him with a mix of pain and anger. "You can't say no to her, so you'd rather harm the company--our company. You've betrayed me, Pierce." "Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She's my first love." Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she was your first love. She's always the one you want, no matter the cost. As long as she frowns a bit, you turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You're so heartless, Pierce. "Well, you've made your decision. I don't have a say in this since you're the President. Just go. I'll be in the office." I said coldly, opening the car door to leave. "Kelly..." I looked him in the eyes. "Go home early. Let's talk about our divorce at home tonight." Chapter 4 Kelly's POV--Left High and Dry I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early, but he didn't come home at all. He wasn't even answering my calls. Well, now Lexi was back; this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore. My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby thing was out of his plan. I wiped away the tears collecting at the corners of my eyes and picked up the report. It was 5 a.m. already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but it was still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy staying with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he? I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, he didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear, and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost. Suddenly, a wave of nausea flooded my stomach, and I realized I hadn't eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I ran to the sink and puked. I spat yellowish liquid, and while I was washing my mouth, I felt a warm hand caressing my back. I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried expression was my husband, Pierce. I had always been thankful to have him as my best friend and husband, but now... I'm losing him. Hopelessly losing him. "Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? You should've told me." I stared at him through the mirror. "You didn't answer my calls." Guilt flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night." I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair. "Kels..." "I woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast." I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend, yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings. "Kels... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition..." "Kels, are we still okay?" I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? He's asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own, just because his first love is back. I couldn't believe him. I faked a smile. "I just don't feel well today, Pierce." He immediately squatted beside me, which was not surprising because I knew he truly cared. What surprised me was why he was still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart. "Are you okay?" He gently touched my forehead and neck. "Are you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels." "My feelings don't matter," I couldn't help but blurt out. He looked shocked by what I said. When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face was mirroring his anger now. He was completely lost his patience. "What's wrong with you, Kels? You've been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didn't come home last night?" I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier, but you just let me wait the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?" He clenched his jaws and shook his head. "Kels, I..." "Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today." "Kels!" He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. "Are you... in love with me?" I was taken aback. In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldn't fall for someone who had been protecting you ever since? But of course, I couldn't tell him. It would only complicate things more. I didn't even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. "Are you on d**gs? I'm not in love with you." I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I can't let my emotions affect me, but... why are my tears falling again? "You are so pathetic, Kelly! You can't even tell him how you truly feel," I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily. It took me almost an hour to bathe. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. He's been constantly abandoning me. I can't believe we've reached this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid. *** "Good morning, Miss Monroe..." "Good morning, Vice President..." I did not greet anyone back, just like how I used to greet them. I still felt pissed, and my mood seemed off. Irritation could easily take over me, and I couldn't control it. Probably because of Pierce's divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy. I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking. "Did you see her? I bet she's Mr. Anderson's girlfriend. They seemed close." My forehead creased. Pierce's girlfriend? "Ah! It's a waste that I didn't see her face, but I feel like it's Miss Lexi." "Lexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?" "Yes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together." "Come on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together." "Are you serious? They're best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. It's Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe." I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected. I took a deep breath and sat in my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierce's social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together, eating in a fancy restaurant. I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. See, Kelly? That's what happens when you step into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continued on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy... ...... ==== Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly's first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart, Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. What happens next? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-e | Romantic Novel City | https://www.facebook.com/100083790041265/ | 4,128 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-encp25_2-1103-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&rawadid=120213581650630597 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466187793_851391500492203_4565474844508714456_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=seg9MfaMQ6MQ7kNvgGNter3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ADVagxL_l2AyVkF9aAUINLr&oh=00_AYA1hft2D1caGg8PwMQi70d_zzUXOLG2YbhKnVt6_uiqDw&oe=673C6328 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Romantic Novel City | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2025 Anvil Enclosed Cargo 8.5x16 extra tall enclosed cargo trailer 9990 gvwr | 2025 Anvil Enclosed Cargo 8.5x16 extra tall enclosed cargo trailer 9990 gvwr - $7,999.00 Trailer is located at Goliath Trails in Hattiesburg, MS Calls best 6.0.1.5.2.0.1.7.6.1 New Anvil AT8.5X16TA3 16' Enclosed Trailer 5 yr WARRANTY!!!!!! Upgrades Include .080 BLACK POLY-CORE, 7'0" INTERIOR HEIGHT, UPGRADED 5200LB AXLES, BLACKOUT PACKAGE: BLK ATP STONEGUARD, BLK ATP UP-V-NOSE, SMOOTH BLK FENDERS & BLK STEEL WHEELS(6 LUGS), BARLOCK SIDE DOOR Standard Features Ramp Door W/ Flap LED Exterior Lights 24" Stoneguard 15" Radial Tires EZ Lube Hubs Brakes on all 4 wheels 2K LB Tongue Jack 2 5/16" Coupler 1 Pair Plastic Side Vents 6" Tubular Steel Main Frame 16" On Center Floor & Walls 24" On Center Ceiling 36" Side Door W/ Flush Lock 3/8" Plywood Walls 3/4" Plywood Flooring Aluminum Fenders Galvalume Roof If you are interested in this trailer, please contact the Dealership to ensure that this trailer is still available. All Trailers are discounted for Cash or Finance Price. Pricing of trailers on this web site may include options that may have been installed at the Dealership. The prices on the website do not include tax, title, plate and doc fees. Please contact the Dealership for latest pricing. Published price subject to change without notice to correct errors or omissions or in the event of inventory fluctuations. We charge a convenience fee on credit card purchases. Please contact store by email or phone for additional details. While every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the listings within this web site may not reflect all accurate items. Accessories, color and options may vary. All Inventory listed is subject to prior sale. The trailer photo displayed may be an example only. Trailer Photos may not match exact trailer. Please confirm price with Dealership. See Dealership for details. Facebook Marketplace | CONTACT_US | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/389599836064 | Kelly Kinsey | https://www.facebook.com/Kelly-Kinsey-106302894345010/ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Contact us | 0 | IMAGE | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/3895998360647787/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | REGULAR_PAGE | 1 | 0 | 0 | Kelly Kinsey | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-15 11:12 | active | 1816 | 0 | {{product.name}} | LEARN_MORE | https://www.kingshopec.store/products/blue?campaig | ActiveMan Collective | https://www.facebook.com/61566928246399/ | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | kingshopec.store | DCO | {{product.description}} | https://www.kingshopec.store/products/blue?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464302307_862072572368624_8145254434094875845_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DKke3DrH3hgQ7kNvgE-KMZb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AgBFija7-l-v2N0iyoCObBK&oh=00_AYCryl_lXepPyxrWhpL30zuZ-lW2b4kOE0k3-89HgW-j0Q&oe=673D64DE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | ActiveMan Collective | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 18:21 | active | 1813 | 0 | The 8-Week Fit Over 30 is back! | WANTED:MARLBOROUGH AREA LADIES 30+ who are ready to dramatically transform their health and fitness! ๐ช Weโre excited to announce our 8-WEEK FIT OVER 30 PROGRAM, specifically designed to help women over 30 blast fat, get toned, and feel great again! โ You do not have to be in shape to do this program. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to join! Women who fit the criteria below are invited to apply: โ Over 30 and live or work close to our studio in Marlborough โ Want to feel confident, energetic, and strong ๐ฅ๐ช โ Want to learn how to strength train safely & effectively to build lean muscle โ Want to improve their mobility and bone density โ Donโt want to do hours of cardio โ Donโt want to get lost in a crowd or go it alone โ Donโt want a gym full of fitness fanatics, athletes, or bodybuilders โ Are willing to have fun, try their best, and let our coaches help them! Weโve helped HUNDREDS of ladies over 30 reclaim their health and fitness and achieve turn-your-head results (just check out all of our 5-star reviews ๐). Are you next?! All you have to do is click the button, confirm your information, and let us take it from there! | APPLY_NOW | http://fb.me/ | SPENGA | https://www.facebook.com/spengamarlborough/ | 1,488 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Apply Now | 0 | fb.me | DCO | http://fb.me/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464276732_557723166724287_7434127960782933702_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Wp8sDEOuJ70Q7kNvgHyVyku&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6ufhN_WsJBMvv7bxk6B5n7&oh=00_AYA8_YM0HTjYE9Wlv_5T8UWKXXS4I_gJnB3WX-bpGnCtng&oe=673C4D1B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | SPENGA | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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OFERTA ESPECIAL | ๐ฅ CapCut PRO por 1 aรฑo ๐ฅ+ Curso de Cero a Experto -+ Ahora con Inteligencia Artificial. โก๏ธ PAGO UNICO โญ๏ธ Accede a la mejor App de ediciรณn para vรญdeos y fotos. โญ๏ธ Todas las herramientas PRO desbloqueadas (Filtros, Mรบsica, Transiciones, Efectos, Subtรญtulos). โญ๏ธ Obten tu acceso PREMIUM para tu Iphone, Android, Ipad, Mac, Windows, ahora con Inteligencia artificial๐๐จ ๐ยกSin pagos recurrentes! ๐ป Modalidad online ๐ฒ *Edita tus videos desde la comodidad de tu casa. | LEARN_MORE | https://digitalwebtechnology.online/mega-pack-de-c | Digital Web Tecnology | https://www.facebook.com/100094210130635/ | 2,500 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | digitalwebtechnology.online | IMAGE | Una vez que te inscribas, recibirรกs un enlace a tu correo electronico para acceder a todo el archivo donde podrรกs ver todos los materiales. | https://digitalwebtechnology.online/mega-pack-de-capcu-pro-expert/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465149603_3883462741923819_1110300619534192804_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iEjVnaYKJHgQ7kNvgGDi32p&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5a1ig63REkUcMJpFk34HUd&oh=00_AYAd1biHry84mXzMKRMjo_kmsPgEr_OMnuU7yPqps7p4ag&oe=673D4C2F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Digital Web Tecnology | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 19:06 | active | 1812 | 0 |
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You are invited to our grand opening on Saturday, November 16, from 10 AM to 7 PM. Increase your savings potential by liking and sharing our offer. A raffle ticket for our giveaway will be provided in the morning, and children will receive complimentary gifts. Discounts of 50-70% apply to all store items. | MESSAGE_PAGE | The liquidators | https://www.facebook.com/61567210000478/ | 539 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | MULTI_IMAGES | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466887147_2881021712057098_5795976449260081188_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pwp5Cex4CNQQ7kNvgHM2sfR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANyHgw3K0n9bWH_wDnfsFUi&oh=00_AYBF3-oCAk8wlvkdkG6JjiFmLiDSaH83flk7Zces3YasNA&oe=673C8168 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | The liquidators | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-14 18:21 | active | 1813 | 0 | Established Coach Ready to Elevate Your Business? ๐๐พ | ๐ฃ Reaching Out To All My Fellow Coaches Ready For The Next Step Of Their Journey! You've established yourself as a coach, helping others achieve their goals... but now you're ready to elevate your business to the next level ๐ Well... this is where I come in! ๐๐พ Hey! My nameโs Coach Kelly J, widely known as ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ตโข and if you canโt tell, Iโve been in the coaching industry for decades nowโฆ I genuinely believe that if you have ANY skill in ANY area, then there are countless people out there who NEED your help & will PAY you for that help! ๐ฐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ is what separates me from other coaches youโll find all over the internet. The only thing stopping you from scaling your business and maximizing your impact is the unhelpful beliefs and strategies holding you back. ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ธ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ - ๐๐ผ๐'๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐ ๐ฎ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ถ๐ด๐ต-๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฐ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐น๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐! Now for the best bit... this week, Iโm holding a FREE Masterclass for established coaches looking to supercharge their growth and become industry leaders. โ www.impactfulandpaidcoachworkshop.com Iโm going to reveal the EXACT STRATEGIES I used to transform my coaching business from modest beginnings to a powerhouse in the industry. I'll also give you an honest, valuable insight into what it takes to elevate your business and achieve sustainable growth + learn how to do so while maintaining balance. You WILL Discover: โ How To Attract and Retain High-Ticket Clients โ How To Position Yourself As An Authority In Your Niche โ How To Transition From Working IN Your Business To Working ON Your Business โ My Top 5 Advanced Strategies To Scale Quickly โ And MUCH More! โ www.impactfulandpaidcoachworkshop.com You'll have to be quick though, the last time I ran one of these Free Classes we completely maxed out โณ | SIGN_UP | https://www.impactfulandpaidcoachworkshop.com/home | Coach Kelly J | https://www.facebook.com/CoachKellyJefferson/ | 34,493 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign up | 0 | impactfulandpaidcoachworkshop.com | VIDEO | https://www.impactfulandpaidcoachworkshop.com/home | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465705988_2684377361772601_2365392555762799390_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=joSleZnjIloQ7kNvgHt1gXi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AdMMefTK8Nw2YNVltd3xsm9&oh=00_AYB3ztnTDpuH_InhOueShUmf9xAt29wBYMd1YBhAQDGR6g&oe=673C7D27 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Coach Kelly J | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-15 11:12 | active | 1816 | 0 | This service can help you to unlock iCloud Activation lock from your iPhone by official iCloud Removal Service. Our service works for all mobile devices of the Apple Company. Before starting the unlock process, you must make sure that your IMEl number in the Apple database itโs iCloud Locked. Our service works for ANY IMEl number, locked in the iCloud Activation Lock screen. Our unlocking process is official. We offer Factory iCloud Removal Services that are permanent. You can use this service in the following case, if you forget your iCloud password, find a lost phone on the street, market, at school or work, or purchased from an online store like eBay or Amazon previously locked on the iCloud Activation Lock. With this service, you will delete the old, existing iCloud address from your iPhone permanently. In this case, after that, you will be able to add your iCloud address and continue to use your iPhone normally as a new device. Before starting with the unlock process, I would like to point out that this is not an iCloud Bypass or any iCloud Hacking methods. Here is an entirely legal and official service for unlocking phones directly from the Apple Servers. This service works for iPhone 12 12 mini, 12Pro, and 12 Pro Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8+, 8, 7 Plus, 7 SE, 6S, 6S Plus, 6+, 6, 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4, iPad, any Model, and Apple Watch. Have goodday all! Devices Supported iPhone 4 - iPhone 14 Pro Max All ipads supported ! Good day all!!! Buy iCloud locked iPhones #icloudlockediphone #icloudlock #icloudlock #icloudremoval #icloudbypass #icloudunlocker #icloudactivation #icloudhack #removeicloudlock #icloud #icloudunlocker #icloudremoval #icloudlock #iphone 11pro #icloudremoval #icloudunlocker#blackownedbusinesses #icloudunlock #icloud #iphone 12 #icloudactivationlock #icloudactivationlockremoval #icloudactivationlockoff #goviral #iphone14promax | INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE | http://instagram.com/icloud_unlockpro2024 | icloud_unlockpro2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | instagram.com | VIDEO | http://instagram.com/icloud_unlockpro2024 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-1/436368743_122043044824989456_3017849396429751828_n.png?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=7deed6&_nc_ohc=C_76aHR_0akQ7kNvgFv93Bk&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ARZPITpO8Ru-zud4uc6AVq6&oh=00_AYCIWCP_8isRTKIvzGmzO3HbxnFzS49UiyIOkGrRZKlPFg&oe=673D3C25 | IG_ADS_IDENTITY | 1 | 0 | 0 | IG Ads Identity | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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