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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carissa's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted for me?' Soon, Carissa lifted her gaze, determination tightening her grip on the dowry list, “Lulu, make preparations. We’re going to see His Majesty tomorrow.” Lulu’s brow furrowed, as if knowing Carissa's purpose, “But, my lady, I don’t think His Majesty will revoke his edict—” Carissa shook her head, “No, Lulu, I’m not asking him to change the edict, but to request a new one—an amicable divorce from Barrett.” Lulu’s eyes widened that instant, “A divorce! My lady, you want a divorce?” Carissa nodded firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barrett Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464975882_1204712524149205_7926569809786181278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jMWLnZ_D020Q7kNvgHlny0-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5jz7ZpxlbeEAcuB0df0uRZ&oh=00_AYBckAhJi6344GW6Qvw4zVTvaMAlmi4j0MCT930PuQH8Zg&oe=6745A243 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." At Grace Mansion, Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, spoke to his wife, determination and a trace of guilt in his face. Carissa Sinclair stared at her husband--she had waited for a whole year, her eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa replied coldly. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward! “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, and her six brothers had all sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates for a full hour before they were let in. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict." "Another edict?" Holding back tears, Carissa looked up with determined eyes. She pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements. Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. Based on my late family's military merits, I wish to seek an edict-- An amicable divorce with General Warren." LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464333883_539427592316325_3288990928559249073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eQZX_rwXQuIQ7kNvgGTpgdD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUgm1eHH88bIH1GPnxL_uvb&oh=00_AYBYZKbfS7BACLpEn08LUxa_VreNJloVbUVji49tzD41MQ&oe=6745B5C1 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrett’s victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." “Oh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464681484_532171326224549_7177859630690723278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iYpkK5rcwbgQ7kNvgHkWhDp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUgm1eHH88bIH1GPnxL_uvb&oh=00_AYCI1ja2MaFDRYU7SaH74ka7F_DUdE1YTtPJNnr7Rbxrpw&oe=6745A8B7 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ In Debra's last life, she loved Juan so much, but everyone knew that the one he cherished was Shelia. After Debra was drained of her last bit of value by Juan, she tragically died on the operating table. Reborn in this life, Debra swears never to repeat the same mistakes, and she will make Juan regret what he has done! "Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!" "Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away." The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled. The operating room reeked of blood. She had never seen so much blood before. At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. 'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?' The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan..." "What?" "Juan Nichols..." The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier. Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City. The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken away. Please, come and see her for the last time." But Juan's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from Debra's eyes. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? Even at this point, you wouldn't come to see me.' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating the patient's vital signs had disappeared. Debra felt her soul leaving her body. Her withered, frail body collapsed weakly on the bed. Debra felt exhausted. At just twenty-seven, she died from postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital. In her lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she met a tragic fate. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophie’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. It only lowered her status and self-esteem. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." Marion made no comments. Randy clicked his tongue. "Juan's taste is just terrible, preferring a skinny woman to his beautiful woman. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" he cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462490777_1052928846505021_1590141424373732974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UQdLw9pMPj4Q7kNvgHLCHu8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AIoy_gYI-oSrKTGHT0EQkml&oh=00_AYCxY573z-8DAeR7xS4F-1I94KWDRqLOcro229AVlYO9wA&oe=6745B393 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 đŸ”„đŸ”„Click to read the next chapter for free👉 After six years, Stella Richard finally came back this familiar city. She walked out of the airport and hailed a taxi. When the taxi moved, all the memories she had tried to forget over the years began to flood her mind... Stella shook her head, chasing those thoughts away. This time, she hadn’t come back to dwell on old, useless memories. She was back because her boss had asked her to return. He told her that their company was at a dead end, and he wanted her to come back and solve the crisis. At first, Stella didn’t want to come, but after some thought, she decided to return... Six years ago, her boss had helped her during the most difficult time of her life, and she wanted to repay the favor... As for everything else, she no longer cared... At the Company... As Stella arrived, she noticed that most of the employees were engaged in a lively discussion. As she walked by, snippets of conversation reached her ears. "I heard that there are so many companies who want to buy our company." "Really! That means we’ll have a new boss." "I just hope that our new boss should be good-looking, like a Korean drama CEO." "Hey! Do you know who’s going to buy the company?" Stella heard their chatter but didn’t care about the gossip. She knew these people didn’t actually care about who would buy the company or for what price. They just wanted to gossip. But she... She cared... and she was here to secure a good deal for her company. "Of course, it’ll be Kingston’s, the RK Group. Who else in the city is powerful enough to challenge them?" Stella, who had been about to continue walking, stopped in her tracks. A name, both familiar and unfamiliar, reached her ears. "The Kingstons..." "RK Group..." Suddenly, memories Stella had locked away began to surge like a storm. Her mind was filled with those memories like a flood. Stella felt dizzy. It was as if she were still trapped in that RK mansion, surrounded by cold walls. Stella had thought she had long forgotten about him, but it seemed that it was just her illusion. [Flashback] Six Years Ago... In the RK Mansion... Stella walked out of the gate inside the living room. But her expression was somber. She moved as if in a daze. "Madam, what happened to you? Why do you look so pale and weak?" The one who spoke was Mia. She was working for Kingston's for years and always treated Stella like her daughter. Seeing her pale face and weak demeanor, Mia was worried. "Mia... Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s just..." Stella glanced at the reports in her hand and said, "I haven’t had my period for two months, and when I went to the hospital..." She didn’t finish her sentence, looking at Mia with a mix of expectation and worry. They just stared at each other. Mia understood what Stella wanted to say. She was pregnant. But Mia also knew about the relationship between Mr. RK and Stella. She didn’t know what to say. In the end, she just congratulated her. Stella didn’t say anything and kept staring at the reports in her hand. She had been married to Rene Kingston for three years. But theirs was not a marriage of love... It was a contract marriage, with a three-year time limit. Because the woman he loved was her sister. RK had been about to marry her sister, Sophia, but for some reason, Stella had ended up replacing her sister. From the day they married, he had told her that their marriage was just a three-year contract and nothing more. For RK, their marriage was indeed just a contract, but for Stella, it was a beautiful gift from God. Because only she knew how happy she was when she found out she was going to marry RK. The man she had loved throughout her youth. All these years, Stella had given her best in this marriage, hoping that maybe, just maybe, their marriage would work out. Maybe he wouldn’t divorce her. Maybe he would want to stay with her... Maybe he would give their relationship a chance because of the child... Stella was still lost in thought when suddenly, a voice came from the door, shattering all her hopes and illusions. "I don’t want this child." The voice was cold and hard. Stella and Mia both turned to look in the direction of the voice. RK was standing at the door, staring at Stella. His face was cold and expressionless. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking. He had a very handsome face and blue eyes. His blue eyes were like the deep ocean. If you looked into them. Then you would be drowned in it. Chapter 2 RK walked in and stood in front of Stella. He appeared like a king, towering above the world and looking down upon everyone as if they were nothing. With his tall frame and commanding aura, he exuded an undeniable power. Stella sat on the sofa, overwhelmed by his presence. She remained seated, staring at him, shocked by his words. She never expected this man to be so cold-blooded, uttering such harsh words without a second thought. There was no hesitation in his voice when he said he didn’t want the child. Stella looked into his eyes, trying her best to remain calm and hold back her tears. She didn’t want to appear weak in front of this cold man. The two of them just stared at each other in silence. After a while, RK walked over and sat opposite Stella. As he sat down, his assistant, Alex Triston, placed a stack of papers on the table. At the top of the papers were the words "Contract Expired." Alex looked at Stella and said, "Miss Richard, according to your contract with Mr. RK, three years have now been completed. Please sign here and finalize the process." Stella noted the change in how Alex addressed her—from Mrs. RK to Miss Richard. Even though she still hadn't signed her name. A mocking smile appeared on her face. She was sure that Alex wouldn’t have dared to take her so lightly, if it hadn’t been ordered by someone, of course, and that someone was none other than her husband. RK took the pen and signed his name without a pause or thought. After finishing, he looked at Stella and said, "You can stay here for a week and look for the house." Stella looked into the man's eyes which are calm as a lake. There was no regret, sadness, or hesitation—nothing. It was as if he felt nothing about their relationship, which had suddenly gone through such a big change. But as this thought crossed her mind, she scolded herself. "Stella, are you a fool? How can you expect any regret or sadness from this stone-hearted man?" But still, she couldn’t control her emotions. Because she had loved this stone-heated man for so many years. Stella didn’t say anything and just looked at the man with whom she had spent the past three years. She had seen his face every day, yet now, as she looked at him, she still found him strikingly handsome. But... he was also the man who had shattered her heart into a thousand pieces. She didn’t want to show her vulnerability in front of him, so she tried her best not to cry. Her hand trembled as she held the pen. She looked at the papers, saw his elegant and strong handwriting, and signed her name. Just like her heart, her handwriting was also broken. Stella was shattered inside, but she didn't show this on her face. After she signed her name, she took a deep breath and said, "I am very grateful to Mr. Kingston that he allowed me to stay here for a week, but after our contract expires I don't think I should stay here. I will leave immediately." After speaking, Stella glanced at Mia and asked, "Mia, can you help me pack my things?" Mia looked at Stella's face and saw how hard she trying not to cry and her heartache. She didn't want to do this, but she had to do it. Stella went upstairs to pack her belongings, while RK watched her retreating figure, his emotions unreadable. Stella looked around the room where she had lived for three years, her eyes turned blurred... She can't hold back her tears. She knew their marriage would end someday, but she hadn’t anticipated such intense pain in her heart. Stella didn’t have many things to pack. She just packed her belongings but left everything RK had bought untouched— not even a single piece of clothing. Mia watched her in silence, unsure of what to say. Stella wiped away her tears and said, "Mia, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. It’s just that I’m not his Mrs. Right." With that, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. Downstairs... RK was still sitting on the sofa, watching Stella. But Stella didn't want to look at him and was ready to leave... "Where are you going?" Suddenly, his cold voice cut through the silence. Stella paused and turned to look at him. She hadn’t been on good terms with her family from the beginning, and after her marriage, it had been nearly impossible to maintain any connection with them. As for him, they were now divorced, so she felt no reason or obligation to tell him where she was going. "I don’t think my whereabouts has anything to do with Mr. Kingston. We’re already divorced and have nothing to do with each other. Mr. Kingston must be focused on his future wife, not on his ex-wife..." Stella's tone was cold and it was like she was throwing daggers from her mouth. She couldn’t comprehend his hypocritical behavior. She wondered if it was her imagination or not, but it felt as though, after mentioning his future wife, the temperature in the room had dropped a lot. She felt a chill spread through her body and decided to leave. "Wait a second." His voice was firm and allowed no rebuttal. Chapter 3 Stella heard his voice and stopped. There was a little bit of hope in her heart. The man's eyes were dark and cold, filled with mysterious thoughts, and a layer of fog surrounded him. Suddenly, he spoke, "I don't want this child. Don't forget to take it out." RK looked at the woman in front of him and thought. She seemed like a pure and beautiful woman, and he didn't want her to carry his burden. Stella's hand, which was holding her luggage, trembled, and the little bit of hope in her heart vanished. She felt like someone had stabbed a knife into her heart. He had broken her heart so many times, but... she didn’t know why she still felt hurt every time it happened. "Boooom." His words exploded in her head like a bomb, and the little bit of hope she had left in her heart was also gone. The hands holding the bag tightened. She felt like someone had stabbed her heart, and she could smell the blood. Suddenly, she laughed at herself. She felt like a fool. How could she expect anything from a man who was so cold toward his child? "If you don't want this child, then why did you sleep with me?" She wanted to yell at him, but in the end, she didn’t say anything. He had once told her that he liked children, which was why she hadn’t taken the pills. But... It was as if he liked children but not with her. Stella's heart was in so much pain, but she didn’t want to let him see her tears. She didn’t turn around, keeping her back facing him. Stella took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Kingston, don’t think too much. I also don’t want this child at all. I have already decided to get rid off it." She was about to leave but then stopped and said, "One more thing, I hope we don’t see each other again in this life." After she said, Stella didn’t stop for a minute and left. At first, she didn’t want to leave this place, but now... She felt suffocated. Stella held her bag tightly and left without looking back. RK watched the woman’s back, struggling to keep herself straight and not stumble. His eyes were dark and filled with unreadable emotions. Only after her figure disappeared from his sight did his tense back relax. [Flashback end] "I am sorry, I didn’t see you..." Suddenly, a man bumped into Stella, who was standing in the hallway. Files fell to the ground. But because of this she also came back from the memories from six years ago. "No, I am sorry," she said, helping him pick up the files before going into the elevator. As the elevator door opened, Jack Paul stood outside and greeted her. Jack Paul looked at Stella with a smile and said, "Stella, here you are. How are you? You are new here. If you need anything, please feel free to tell me." Stella looked at him and nodded. "I am fine, thank you." As they talked, they went to his office and sat down. Jack looked at Stella and said, "Stella, I am very happy that you accepted my offer and came back." As he spoke, he handed her a red file and continued, "I am sure you have heard that our company is going to be acquired by someone. This file contains the reports I made; take a look." Stella took the file and nodded. Jack continued, "Many companies want to buy our company, but among all of them, RK Groups is the best. However, the price offered by Mr. RK was too low." He paused and said, "This time, I ask you to come back so that you can turn the situation around." "RK Groups... Rene Kingston..." Stella's hands holding the file trembled. The memories she had locked away deep down in her heart suddenly resurfaced. Stella calmed herself and said, "I will do my best." "That’s good," Jack laughed and said. "Now that you have taken on this project, I am not worried anymore." Chapter 4 The next day, at a coffee shop... Stella had already organized all the documents and asked the negotiation director of the RK Group to meet her at the coffee shop. As she was waiting, a man wearing a black suit and gold-rimmed glasses came over. But when he walked over and saw Stella, he looked shocked. Stella also looked at the person in front of her and was shocked, too. Because the one standing in front of her was RK's assistant, Alex Triston. For a moment, both of them stayed quiet. It was Stella who took the initiative and said, "Long time no see." Alex heard her words and quickly regained his composure. He nodded and sat down. Stella didn’t waste much time and went straight to the point. "Mr. Triston, here are the documents. If you find them satisfactory, please sign them." As she spoke, she pushed the documents in front of him. Alex looked at the eye-catching price of 70 million and was shocked. "Miss Richard, the RK Group can only offer 40 million. The price your company is asking for is very high." Stella didn’t want to sign this contract from the beginning. She would never let that man become her boss. She felt like she was wasting her time on the RK Group and should find another company. "It's alright, but we can't sign this contract." She said, packing her things and deciding to leave. Alex saw that she was about to leave and that she wasn’t interested in this deal, and he panicked. He rushed over and stopped her. "Miss Richard, please wait. Let me call and ask about the price again." Stella stopped and nodded. "Of course." Alex stepped to the side and made a call. **** At the RK Group's CEO office... RK was sitting in the head chair, listening to a report from the marketing department, when his phone rang. RK glanced at the phone and hung up. He didn’t like being disturbed at work. But after a few seconds, it rang again. The people standing in the office saw his cold expression and trembled. They felt like the person on the other side was about to die. RK's face didn’t look good, and the people reporting to him felt a chill down their spines. RK picked up the phone and asked, "What is it?" His voice was cold. Alex reported the situation on the other side. "Tell them it’s not going to happen. 70 million is too much; they’re not worth it." After he finished speaking, he was about to hang up. But Alex said something that made him pause for a while. His fingers tapped on the table, and after a minute, he replied, "Okay, then let's agree to 70 million." After that, he paused for a moment and added, "Tell her I’m coming to the company, and ask her to personally explain to me how it’s worth 70 million." After he spoke, he hung up the phone. There were some unknown emotions in his deep blue eyes. The people from the marketing department heard his words and were shocked. "The CEO is going to personally sign the contract." "Is that negotiation really worth his visit?" Moreover, they knew that in this negotiation, Mr. Kingston didn’t need to be personally involved. All of them had question marks on their faces. **** Alex wasn’t too far away, so Stella could hear parts of his conversation. She heard Alex directly reporting her name to the person on the other side of the phone. Within just three minutes... "Miss Richard, wait! Mr. Kingston said that they have no problem with your price. The agreement must be set according to your company’s plan. Let's quickly sign the deal so that no one can back out." After he finished speaking, he took out the documents, signed his name, and handed the pen to Stella. Looking at his arrogant attitude, as if he had already bought her company, Stella was a little shocked. She stared at the pen in a daze. She hadn’t expected the agreement between the two companies to go so smoothly and effortlessly. Stella felt like she had made her stand clear by not lowering her price and being firm in her decision. But who would have thought that RK would be even more determined than she was in the acquisition of the company? He even agreed to sign the contract at her price. "Didn’t he pride himself on never changing his decisions, no matter what? Then why did he change this one?" she thought. "Was it because, after living with the love of his life, he changed?" But no matter what. Now, what could she do? Stella took the pen and signed her name. She didn’t care about him anymore. Anyway, she wasn’t going to stay here. Usually, she didn’t want him to become her boss, but what could she do? She needed to finish this job and leave quickly. Alex put the documents back, shook hands with her, and said, "Miss Richard, from now on, we’re colleagues in the same company. Please take care of us in the future!" Stella just gave him a forced smile. Only she and God knew how much she didn’t want this man to be her boss. Alex looked at her and added, "Miss Richard, please go back to the company quickly. Mr. Kingston will be there in a while. He said he wants you to... personally explain how your company is worth 70 million." Alex also didn’t know why his boss wanted Miss Richard to do it personally, after what happened between them before. But as an assistant, he could only do as he was told. ***** On the way back to the company... Stella was sitting in the car, but her mind was filled with thoughts of how RK would soon become her boss. "Ahhh! Stella, you’re the best. You just signed the contract as soon as you showed up!" The one who speak was the assistant to the director of the company. "Stella, you don’t know, but before you came, Mr. Paul sent many people to negotiate with Mr. Kingston, but he only kept lowering the price." She hugged Stella and said happily, "Stella, you’re our lucky star." Stella just lowered her head and didn’t speak. Because it wasn’t what she wanted. Lily continued, "Stella, you just came back, so you probably don’t know much about the city, right?" As she spoke, she leaned closer to Stella’s ear and whispered, "Let me tell you, Mr. Kingston is the most handsome man in X City. He’s not only handsome but also rich and capable. He’s the dream man of many women in the world." Stella heard her words and felt speechless. "I heard that he had a fiancĂ©e before, but he already left her, six years ago," Lily said. "He didn’t marry her sister?" Stella couldn’t believe they hadn’t married yet. Didn’t he give her a divorce because he wanted to marry her sister? She thought that by now, they must be married, have children, and be living happily together. "Stella, here you are." When Jack heard that Stella had reached an agreement with RK Groups, he personally came to welcome her with a big smile on his face. "Stella, you didn’t disappoint me. Quickly, go to the meeting room and sit for a while. Mr. Kingston will be here soon, and you will come with me to welcome him." LEARN_MORE https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14852&u Indulge in story https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ 842 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 redtgb.com DCO https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14852&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/t39.35426-6/463458162_1057416305697342_2990773163964624253_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=74MbehXEYNEQ7kNvgEHxuvT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYAAUZp7_pIKD2HbANC7Xg38vIIr6gfMReTO7Orxz26qvQ&oe=6745AFFF PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Indulge in story 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ After a tragic accident left Emily Yates without her memories, she fell in love with her savior, Justin Yates, unaware that he was hiding the truth and using her as a stand-in for his first love. For three long years, Emily poured everything into the relationship, hoping he would love her back. But on the day Justin proposed, he held his "one true love" in his arms and left Emily stranded on a foreign street, still expecting her to remain his secret mistress. * “Didn’t I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?” Justin’s 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. “You proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now you’re holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And you’re not even coming home? Staying out all night?” “Stop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,” he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Emily wasn’t leaving without answers. “You think I’m being unreasonable? I’m your fiancĂ©e. 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? “I’ll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, you’re coming home with me.” Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justin’s arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justin’s 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. “What do you mean by this?” Emily’s voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didn’t respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancĂ©e he had just proposed to. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. “Don’t be childish.” 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? “If you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!” 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-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464524242_869324355322502_5461206031477697920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_B6lCVrByTwQ7kNvgHqaYIo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A--hbIVMe4X0xy7L2vieAjo&oh=00_AYAVHi-laoUmVhEsStEglfrdgVlKh04ZqYgrELc0mNWZ5g&oe=67459FEA PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461342461_541393011637127_6694870967050170909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x6YnSI4njxoQ7kNvgHjy3sS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJ8X3ONxY_vOf4UIUPiWLiE&oh=00_AYDCFNkZ95A0bwiIuAMxVF-jSX7M3LTnFbZ5UH-6U3pGpw&oe=6745C87C PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrett’s victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." “Oh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465264232_561529746461680_3453754793134507972_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v7nzF2SeHSUQ7kNvgFVH2iD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYBuOwp-KQFJxNbqaa1WVbI4xHS5f7qYTMYlCPuw9siopg&oe=6745B872 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 😍Read the next chapters👉 Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you." "Calling her that doesn't change anything. Ultimately, she’s really just a concubine in disguise," Carissa replied, remaining indifferent. Barrett frowned. "What does it matter? Aurora and I developed feelings for each other on the battlefield. We earned this marriage through our achievements. I don’t need your approval." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Developed feelings, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett had left to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before leaving, he had lifted his wife’s veil and promised her, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Feeling awkward, Barrett turned away. "Forget what I said. When I married you, I didn’t understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting her brow. Barrett spoke of Aurora Yates with a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother." Carissa blinked away the tears in her eyes and sharpened her gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need. She’s a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. If she meets you, she might say things you won’t like. Why put yourself through that?" Barrett refused instantly. She calmly said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?" LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/458437127_477747965244290_4322993807472622297_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3_0LFU25sQcQ7kNvgGl3m81&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7H2JowJgk88M6R0wzd6Hj4&oh=00_AYBWGAKcczFeIj_sXtIlUOq0GZxbn08WXrutq4Nw0awRnA&oe=67459E5F PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 Tener hijo con mi mejor amigo Para ella, casarse con su mejor amigo y quedar embarazada de su hijo fue un sueño hecho realidad. Pero en ese momento feliz, la mujer que amaba su marido regresĂł... ===== ÂżLo habĂ­a oĂ­do bien? ÂżEstoy embarazada? ÂĄEstoy embarazada de un bebĂ© de Pierce! ÂĄMi mejor amigo y mi primer amor! --QuĂ© bueno que haya sido cautelosa, pudo haber perdido a su bebĂ©, señorita Monroe --me dijo el ginecĂłlogo con seriedad al ver la sorpresa en mis ojos. En ese momento, me toquĂ© el vientre inconscientemente, sin poder creer que hubiera un bebĂ© acostado allĂ­. Cuando salĂ­ del hospital, no podĂ­a esperar para contarle a Pierce sobre nuestro bebĂ©. Me preguntaba cuĂĄl serĂ­a su reacciĂłn. ÂżGritarĂ­a de felicidad? ÂżMe b**arĂ­a y todo eso? ÂĄDios! No podĂ­a contener mi felicidad. Incluso tomĂ© mi cara roja entre mis manos mientras fantaseaba. Pero en el momento en que sentĂ­ el frĂ­o del anillo en mi dedo, mi corazĂłn que latĂ­a salvajemente se calmĂł. 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 tenĂ­amos relaciones s**uales, Ă©l era considerado y cauteloso, y decĂ­a que no era necesario agregar mĂĄs ataduras si no estĂĄbamos listos. Este bebĂ©, en cierto modo, estaba fuera de los planes. --Señora, ÂżestĂĄ todo bien? ÂżNecesita que llame al jefe? --preguntĂł mi conductor privado, Luke, preocupado al notar mi ceño fruncido. Luke era confiable como un miembro de la familia, pero no querĂ­a contarle porque querĂ­a que Pierce fuera el primero en enterarse de esta noticia. Él era el padre de mi bebĂ©. --No --dije y neguĂ© con la cabeza, dĂĄndole a Luke una sonrisa tranquilizadora--. EstĂĄ en el vuelo. HablarĂ© con Ă©l mĂĄs tarde --y asĂ­ verĂ­a su respuesta yo misma en sus crudas expresiones. Siempre fui buena en eso. Finalmente, cerrĂ© los ojos y recordĂ© el dĂ­a en que nos conocimos. Su brillante sonrisa a la luz del sol era tan deslumbrante que parecĂ­a un prĂ­ncipe. Me enamorĂ© de Ă©l a primera vista, mucho antes de que nos convirtiĂ©ramos en mejores amigos. Pero era sĂłlo un amor no correspondido y yo lo sabĂ­a bien. En ese instante, bajĂ© la ventanilla del auto para tomar un poco de aire fresco y, sin quererlo, vislumbrĂ© nuestra antigua escuela secundaria. Ese sentimiento amargo llenĂł mi pecho una vez mĂĄs... Pierce fue mi primer amor, pero yo no era el suyo. En la escuela secundaria, yo no era mĂĄs que una nerd aburrida a los ojos de los demĂĄs, mientras que Pierce Anderson era el brillante mariscal de campo. Todos se sorprendieron de que pudiĂ©ramos ser amigos. Aunque las hostilidades hacia mĂ­ aumentaron, disfrutĂ© estar cerca de Ă©l y poco a poco me di cuenta de que no querĂ­a ser sĂłlo su amiga. Sin embargo, justo cuando estaba a punto de confesarle mis sentimientos, otra chica llegĂł a su vida. SacudĂ­ la cabeza tratando de deshacerme de esos viejos y tristes recuerdos. Luego toquĂ© el frĂ­o anillo de bodas en mi dedo y me dije que el pasado ya habĂ­a pasado. Pierce dijo que habĂ­an terminado y que ahora yo era su esposa. SĂ­, yo era su esposa y ademĂĄs estaba embarazada de su bebĂ©. Pronto, me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas de las comisuras de los ojos y abrĂ­ la puerta de nuestra casa. Mi corazĂłn se calmĂł al respirar el aroma de mi hogar, nuestra casa. Pierce y yo la decoramos juntos con nuestras propias manos. Lo disfrutamos. SĂ­, tal vez estaba pensando demasiado. Esa mujer habĂ­a estado fuera de nuestras vidas durante mucho tiempo y los Ășltimos tres años mi matrimonio con Pierce fueron tan hermosos como un cuento de hadas. Una vez dentro, mirĂ© el reloj de la pared. Para ese entonces, Pierce ya deberĂ­a haberse bajado del aviĂłn. Estuvo mĂĄs de un mes en viajes de negocios de nuestra empresa familiar. Pierce era el presidente de ADE, la empresa de revistas de moda lĂ­der en toda Asia, y yo era la vicepresidente de la compañía. No sĂłlo Ă©ramos compañeros de vida, sino tambiĂ©n buenos socios en el trabajo. En verdad lo extrañaba. De inmediato, marquĂ© su nĂșmero, pues tenĂ­a muchas ganas de escuchar su voz y saber cuĂĄndo llegarĂ­a a casa. Le prepararĂ­a una buena comida y Ă©l me premiarĂ­a con un dulce beso. Y luego podrĂ­amos... Vaya, en ese momento casi olvidĂ© que estaba embarazada. DebĂ­a contarle eso primero y luego podrĂ­amos hacer otra cosa. Estaba imaginando felizmente nuestra encantadora reuniĂłn, pero mi corazĂłn dio un vuelco cuando una voz de mujer cruzĂł la lĂ­nea. --ÂżHola? Al escuchar esa sola palabra, dejĂ© caer mi telĂ©fono, que se rompiĂł al chocar contra el suelo, y mi cuerpo empezĂł a temblar incontrolablemente. ÂĄNO! ÂĄNo podĂ­a ser ella! ÂĄNo podĂ­a ser Lexi! ÂĄElla ya estaba fuera de nuestras vidas! DebĂ­ haber escuchado mal. De inmediato, corrĂ­ hacia la nevera en un intento por calmarme con la ayuda de un poco de al**hol. Pero en el momento en que toquĂ© la botella de v**o, recordĂ© las palabras del mĂ©dico sobre mi bebĂ©. DebĂ­a tener cuidado por la salud de mi bebĂ©, asĂ­ que solo agarrĂ© una caja de leche y caminĂ© hacia el sofĂĄ. En ese entonces, no sabĂ­a quĂ© me hizo reconocer esa voz como la de Lexi. Nosotras nunca fuimos cercanas. Lexi Gilbert era la tĂ­pica belleza rubia por la que los hombres se volvĂ­an locos. Ella era una animadora popular en la escuela secundaria, mientras que Pierce era el mariscal de campo estrella. Encajaba mejor con Ă©l que una nerd como yo, Âżverdad? No me sorprendiĂł que se haya enamorado de ella. Mi orgullo no soportĂł ver al hombre que amaba volverse loco por otra mujer, asĂ­ que una vez intentĂ© alejarme de ellos en silencio, pero Pierce se negĂł a salirse de mi vida. Cada vez que me ahogaba en un mar de libros y estudios para olvidarlos, Pierce aparecĂ­a en mi puerta invitĂĄndome a salir. No podĂ­a decirle que no a su sonrisa encantadora y tampoco podĂ­a decirle que no porque afirmaba que era su deber como mi mejor amigo llevarme a disfrutar del mundo real. Para no arruinar nuestra amistad, ocultĂ© mi corazĂłn roto y desempeñé 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 armĂ© de valor y fui a estudiar al extranjero, sin saber que su abuela me llamarĂ­a para rogarme que regresara. Por supuesto, volvĂ­ a toda prisa sĂłlo para ver a Pierce sin vida. Lexi le habĂ­a herido gravemente el corazĂłn y el mĂ­o sufrĂ­a por mi amado. EmpecĂ© a odiar a Lexi desde ese momento. Le habĂ­a entregado a mi amado hombre, ÂĄcĂłmo se atreviĂł a hacerle tanto daño! ÂĄEsa bruja! Pierce no le contĂł a nadie lo que pasĂł, excepto que habĂ­a terminado con Lexi. Luego, la abuela arreglĂł nuestro matrimonio. No entendĂ­ por quĂ© estuvo de acuerdo hasta que un dĂ­a lo escuchĂ© decir que casarse con cualquiera que no fuera Lexi serĂ­a lo mismo para Ă©l. Aquello me doliĂł mucho, pero aun asĂ­ me casĂ© con Ă©l sin pensarlo dos veces. Mi amado estaba destrozado y querĂ­a recomponerlo, sin importarme si eso me arruinaba a mĂ­ en el proceso. Me quedĂ© dormida sintiĂ©ndome muy insegura y preocupada. Me despertĂ© en medio de la noche cuando sentĂ­ que alguien acariciaba mi mejilla. Lentamente abrĂ­ los ojos y me di cuenta de que me habĂ­a quedado dormida en la sala de estar. Alguien me levantĂł del sofĂĄ e inmediatamente reconocĂ­ su olor y tacto mientras lo miraba con los ojos entrecerrados. --Pierce
 --Hmm --murmurĂł mientras caminaba hacia las escaleras--. ÂżPor quĂ© te dormiste en el sofĂĄ? Yo solo me quedĂ© mirĂĄndolo a la cara y luego me dejĂł suavemente sobre la cama, acariciĂł mi cabello y besĂł mi frente. Siempre fue tan gentil y por eso lo amaba tanto. LlevĂĄbamos mĂĄs de un mes separados, mi cuerpo lo extrañaba y mi corazĂłn lo anhelaba. --ÂżDĂłnde estabas? Te estuve esperando --dije mientras acariciaba su mejilla. --Acabo de encontrarme con un amigo. Dijiste que me estabas esperando, Âżes urgente? Al ver su rostro amable, de repente no quise arruinarle el momento, asĂ­ que cerrĂ© mis labios entreabiertos y traguĂ© la verdad para devolverla a mi estĂłmago. Mañana, tal vez mañana tendrĂ­a el coraje de afrontar todos los rompecabezas. De modo que solo sacudĂ­ la cabeza, hice un puchero y le dije que tenĂ­a sueño. Él se riĂł entre dientes y me dio un beso de buenas noches, pero en el momento en que estuvo a punto de dejarme, por alguna razĂłn entrĂ© en pĂĄnico. RĂĄpidamente lo agarrĂ© y lo b*sĂ© con toda mi pasiĂłn... Lo extrañaba y lo querĂ­a. --Espera, Kels --dijo y me detuvo, sujetando mis locas manos sobre la cama--. PensĂ© que habĂ­as dicho que tenĂ­as sueño y que necesitabas descansar. --SĂ­, pero te extraño --exclamĂ© y lo mirĂ© con inocencia. Pude captar el deseo brillando en sus ojos, pero se desvaneciĂł de pronto y yo no comprendĂ­a por quĂ©. SolĂ­a ​​​​ponerse feliz cuando yo tomaba la iniciativa. En ese instante, como si notara mi confusiĂłn, se riĂł entre dientes y me pellizcĂł juguetonamente la nariz. --Me darĂ© una ducha. Huelo a al**hol --manifestĂł. Yo solo asentĂ­ y lo mirĂ© mientras caminaba hacia el baño. Pronto la somnolencia volviĂł a atacarme, asĂ­ que cerrĂ© los ojos para tomar una siesta. Sin embargo, ya era de mañana cuando abrĂ­ los ojos nuevamente y Pierce estaba a mi lado, poniendo una bandeja con comida en la mesita de noche. --ÂĄEy! --lo saludĂ© y sonreĂ­ cuando me di cuenta de lo que habĂ­a hecho. Me habĂ­a preparado el desayuno para llevĂĄrmelo a la cama. Era tan dulce. Él sonriĂł y se sentĂł en la cama. --Buen dĂ­a. Le devolvĂ­ la sonrisa mientras me sentaba en la cama. En ese momento, agarrĂł la bandeja y la puso a mi lado. Al instante, levantĂ© una ceja e inclinĂ© la cabeza mientras miraba su hermoso rostro. Sus cejas espesas y negras enmarcaban sus hermosos ojos de color marrĂłn oscuro. Su nariz era orgullosa y puntiaguda y sus labios eran rojos y finos. ParecĂ­a un chico malo y s*xy, incluso Damon Salvatore se avergonzarĂ­a de estar a su lado. Nadie tenĂ­a posibilidad alguna contra este hombre. --ÂżQuĂ© es esto? ÂżUn soborno? Me dejaste plantada anoche, chico malo --dije. Él no se riĂł. ExhalĂł un suspiro y colocĂł con suavidad mi cabello detrĂĄs de mis orejas antes de tomar mi mano y mirarme a los ojos. --Tengo algo que decirte. Al instante, sentĂ­ que mi corazĂłn se aceleraba y pensĂ© en nuestro bebĂ© en mi Ăștero. TenĂ­a algo que decirme, yo tambiĂ©n tenĂ­a algo que contarle. --ÂżQ-QuĂ© cosa? --preguntĂ© con voz temblorosa. De repente, dio un profundo suspiro y comenzĂł: --Sabes que eres importante para mĂ­, Âżverdad? AsentĂ­ lentamente con los labios entreabiertos. No pude responder, tenĂ­a miedo de lo que estaba a punto de decir. TenĂ­a un mal presentimiento. --Eras mi mejor amiga antes de casarnos. Eres una de las pocas personas que valoro
 --prosiguiĂł. Mientras hablaba, escondĂ­ mis puños cerrados debajo de la sĂĄbana. No sabĂ­a por quĂ© me decĂ­a todo esto, pero ya podĂ­a sentir las lĂĄgrimas acumulĂĄndose en el rabillo de mis ojos. --Kelly... --hizo una pausa y cerrĂł los ojos con fuerza antes de volver a mirarme a los ojos--. Creo que es hora de que nos divorciemos. --P-Pierce
 --exclamĂ© y sentĂ­ que mi corazĂłn se apretaba. Él sonriĂł. --SĂ© que tĂș tampoco sientes nada por mĂ­. Te casaste conmigo por mis abuelos, hiciste esto solo porque los amas. Ahora llegĂł el momento de nuestra verdadera felicidad, Kelly. Al oĂ­rlo, no pude evitar sacudir la cabeza. --ÂżDe quĂ© estĂĄs hablando, Pierce? --inquirĂ­. --Lexi ha vuelto, Kelly. Mi primer amor ha vuelto. CapĂ­tulo 2 Punto de vista de Kelly--Llueve sobre mojado De inmediato, me levantĂ© de la cama e intentĂ© irme, pero Pierce me agarrĂł la mano. RĂĄpidamente me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas que rodaban por mis mejillas antes de que Ă©l pudiera verlas. Luego, se parĂł frente a mĂ­ y me mirĂł a la cara mientras yo intentaba con todas mis fuerzas mirar hacia abajo y evitar verlo a los ojos. SentĂ­ que mi corazĂłn se rompĂ­a en pedazos. Pensaba
 pensaba que podrĂ­a hacer que se enamorara de mĂ­ en esos tres años que pasamos juntos. Pensaba que sus sentimientos cambiarĂ­an y me verĂ­a como una mujer en lugar de solo su mejor amiga. Fui estĂșpida por tener esperanzas y soñar tan alto. FallĂ©. Sin importar cuĂĄnto lo intentara, su corazĂłn pertenecĂ­a sĂłlo a su primer amor: Lexi. --Kelly
 En ese momento, contuve el aliento y me traguĂ© el dolor mientras lo miraba. Luego fingĂ­ una sonrisa y dije: --Debo lavarme las manos antes de comer. Pero Ă©l me mirĂł a los ojos como si intentara descubrir lo que estaba pensando. Yo sabĂ­a que Ă©l me conocĂ­a demasiado bien, asĂ­ que tratĂ© con todas mis fuerzas de ocultar mi dolor y le sonreĂ­. Finalmente, suspirĂł y soltĂł mi mano. --Bueno. Te esperarĂ© aquĂ­. Comamos y vayamos a trabajar juntos. ÂżJuntos? ÂżPor quĂ© era tan cruel? ÂżQuerĂ­a que nos siguiĂ©ramos llevando bien como si no me hubiera pedido el divorcio? ÂżQuerĂ­a que nos quedĂĄramos como estĂĄbamos justo despuĂ©s de decirme que su primer amor habĂ­a regresado y querĂ­a divorciarse de mĂ­? Oh Pierce, ÂżquĂ© estaba pasando por tu cabeza? Antes podĂ­a obligarme a mĂ­ misma a quedarme en el puesto de su mejor amiga mientras le deseaba felicidad, pero ya no tenĂ­a ese coraje despuĂ©s de los tres años que habĂ­amos compartido. No habĂ­a manera de que pudiera soportar esa tortura otra vez, en especial ahora que cargaba a su bebĂ©. El bebĂ©... en un principio pensĂ© que era una buena noticia para nosotros, pero ahora... supongo que serĂ­a mĂĄs bien una carga para Ă©l. Una carga que le impedirĂ­a conseguir su verdadero amor y su libertad. Yo sabĂ­a muy bien cĂłmo crecĂ­a un niño no deseado. Mis padres se divorciaron antes de que mi madre muriera y la nueva familia de mi padre me odiaba, lo que me dolĂ­a muchĂ­simo. Por eso no querĂ­a que mi bebĂ© experimentara lo mismo que yo sentĂ­, asĂ­ que debĂ­a mantener a mi bebĂ© alejado de Ă©l. --No podemos --dije mientras fingĂ­a una nueva sonrisa--. Debo visitar el estudio para la sesiĂłn de fotos de nuestros nuevos modelos
 --IrĂ© contigo. --No --contestĂ© y apartĂ© su mano. Sus ojos siguieron mi mano antes de levantar la cara para mirarme de nuevo--. Tienes documentos que firmar. Nuestros horarios ya estĂĄn organizados, Âżrecuerdas? --Pero
 --Tengo un conductor personal, Pierce. EstarĂ© bien sola --afirmĂ©. Finalmente, suspirĂł y asintiĂł con calma. En ese momento, le di la espalda y entrĂ© al baño. Inmediatamente abrĂ­ la ducha y me parĂ© bajo el agua frĂ­a. Las lĂĄgrimas cayeron en cascada por mis mejillas mientras me cubrĂ­a la boca para reprimir los sollozos. Mis hombros temblaban mucho y cuando pensĂ© en mi bebĂ©, traguĂ© saliva y tratĂ© de calmarme. Luego me limpiĂ© la cara y acariciĂ© mi vientre. DebĂ­a ser fuerte y mantener la calma. No podĂ­a arriesgar la vida de mi bebĂ© sĂłlo porque me habĂ­an roto el corazĂłn. TenĂ­a que lidiar con esto de forma inteligente. Unos minutos despuĂ©s, tomĂ© un respiro profundo y terminĂ© mi ducha. Cuando salĂ­ del baño, me sorprendiĂł ver que Pierce todavĂ­a estaba allĂ­. Estaba luchando por arreglarse la corbata frente al espejo de cuerpo entero. TambiĂ©n notĂ© un par de zapatos y un vestido mĂ­os sobre la cama. --ÂĄEy! ElegĂ­ tu vestido para hoy --dijo. Como nuestro matrimonio no era pĂșblico, Pierce dijo que harĂ­a pequeñas cosas para mĂ­ como marido. De hecho, lo habĂ­a hecho bien y yo solĂ­a disfrutar de estos dulces momentos que me regalaba, pero ahora sentĂ­a que eso mismo me m**arĂ­a. Al segundo siguiente, agarrĂ© el vestido y entrĂ© al vestidor, sentiendo que me seguĂ­a. VolvĂ­ a guardar el vestido blanco y elegĂ­ uno rojo. Cuando me di vuelta y lo tuve de frente, lo vi con la frente arrugada. --Hoy prefiero el rojo. Me sentirĂ© hermosa con este vestido --expliquĂ© con una sonrisa. Al instante, sus ojos se dirigieron al vestido que sostenĂ­a y su rostro inmediatamente se calmĂł. Al final asintiĂł y caminĂł hacia mĂ­. --Ya veo. Pero antes ayĂșdame a arreglar esto --me pidiĂł. Sin dudarlo, puse mi vestido en su brazo y comencĂ© a arreglarle la corbata. PodĂ­a sentir sus ojos mirĂĄndome intensamente y eso hacĂ­a que mi corazĂłn latiera muy rĂĄpido. RespirĂ© hondo y me mordĂ­ el labio inferior mientras luchaba por arreglar su corbata. De pronto, mi visiĂłn se volviĂł borrosa otra vez. ÂĄMaldiciĂłn! --Kelly
 No pude evitar sobresaltarme en shock. --ÂżMmm? --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? --preguntĂł. Lo mirĂ© y sonreĂ­: --SĂ­. --Tengo algo mĂĄs que decirte. En ese instante, terminĂ© de arreglarle la corbata y le quitĂ© rĂĄpidamente el vestido del brazo. Lo mirĂ© antes de pasar junto a Ă©l y dije: --Hablaremos despuĂ©s. Voy a llegar tarde. Lo escuchĂ© suspirar antes de volver a seguirme. Me vestĂ­ mientras Ă©l estaba detrĂĄs de mĂ­. Estuvo en silencio todo el tiempo, como si estuviera pensando en algo. --DeberĂ­as desayunar antes de irte --comentĂł. Un segundo despuĂ©s, me parĂ© frente a Ă©l y asentĂ­. --Lo harĂ©. DeberĂ­as irte ahora --respondĂ­. --Kelly, estamos en la misma pĂĄgina, Âżverdad? --preguntĂł. Lo mirĂ© fijamente. No, Pierce. Nunca estuvimos en la misma pĂĄgina. SĂłlo fueron mis estĂșpidas fantasĂ­as. Pensaba que sentĂ­as algo por mĂ­, pero estaba muy equivocada. --Si hablas del divorcio, lo entiendo, Pierce. SĂ© lo que tengo que hacer. SĂłlo dame algo de tiempo porque estoy muy ocupada con la empresa. No huirĂ©. --Kelly, no estoy haciendo esto sĂłlo por mĂ­. TambiĂ©n lo hago por ti. Has estado encerrada conmigo desde que nos casamos. SĂ© que no eres feliz porque en el fondo tambiĂ©n 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 tratĂ© de darle la espalda, pero antes de poder hacerlo, Ă©l me sujetĂł por la cintura y me mantuvo en el lugar. Luego hizo todo lo posible para captar mis ojos hasta que lo consiguiĂł. Su mirada era de preocupaciĂłn. --Eres mi mejor amiga. No quiero perderte, Kels. Eres una de las pocas personas
 --Lo sĂ© --lo interrumpĂ­ con frustraciĂłn. ParecĂ­a sorprendido, asĂ­ que me calmĂ©--. Ya lo sĂ©. No tienes que preocuparte. Simplemente estoy estresada por el trabajo, no es por el divorcio. En ese instante, sus labios se separaron, asintiĂł lentamente y soltĂł un suspiro. Luego, caminĂł hacia mĂ­ y me congelĂ© cuando besĂł mi frente con dulzura
 --Gracias, Kelly --susurrĂł. Al oĂ­rlo, mi corazĂłn se apretĂł. HabĂ­an pasado tres años pero todavĂ­a era una cobarde. «¿Por quĂ© no puedes simplemente decirle que lo amas, Kelly? ¡Él es tu esposo y estĂĄs llevando su bebĂ©! ÂĄDĂ­selo y tal vez cambie de opiniĂłn!» pensĂ©. Con eso en mente, traguĂ© saliva y estuve a punto de decĂ­rselo, pero justo en ese momento su telĂ©fono sonĂł. Pude ver el identificador de llamadas. Era Lexi. --Me tengo que ir --afirmĂł y se rascĂł la cabeza a modo de disculpa, mientras las comisuras de su boca se curvaban hacia arriba--. LlamĂ© a Luke. Te espera afuera. Come antes de irte, ÂżsĂ­? Con eso, saliĂł de nuestra habitaciĂłn. De repente, las lĂĄgrimas que habĂ­a logrado reprimir hasta ese momento volvieron a brotar. ÂżPor quĂ© habĂ­a pensado que podrĂ­a tener una oportunidad? Él tomĂł su decisiĂłn en el momento en que me pidiĂł el divorcio, Âżverdad? Siempre que se trataba de Lexi me abandonaba. CapĂ­tulo 3 Punto de vista de Kelly--Mantener la compostura EntrĂ© al estudio con tacones rojos de cinco centĂ­metros y un vestido igualmente rojo. Todos miraron en mi direcciĂłn cuando entrĂ© caminando por el pasillo y me saludaron con una sonrisa, pero mantuve mi rostro estoico, sin mostrar emociĂłn alguna. La conversaciĂłn de esa mañana con Pierce todavĂ­a estaba en mi cabeza, pero no podĂ­a permitir que afectara mi trabajo. No podĂ­a fallar en mi trabajo despuĂ©s de haber fracasado en mi matrimonio. De modo que respirĂ© profundamente para recomponerme. Un momento despuĂ©s, cuando entrĂ© a la sala de la sesiĂłn de fotos, notĂ© que todos estaban sumidos en el caos. --ÂĄNo podemos! No responde las llamadas. ÂżQuĂ© debemos hacer? La vicepresidente viene hoy, se enojarĂĄ. --Podemos simplemente decirle la verdad. Ella es amable. --ÂĄNo lo serĂĄ con esta situaciĂłn, Lily! Nos va a regañar... --ÂżQuĂ© estĂĄ pasando aquĂ­? --preguntĂ© mientras entraba a la sala. De inmediato, el personal me mirĂł con expresiones preocupadas y entonces supe que habĂ­a un problema. --B-Buenos dĂ­as, señorita Monroe. Señorita Monroe. Por supuesto, nadie sabĂ­a que Pierce y yo estĂĄbamos casados ​​excepto nuestras familias. SentĂ­ como si pellizcaran mi corazĂłn con esa verdad. DolĂ­a. RĂĄpidamente, la mirĂ© sin comprender. --ÂżQuĂ© ocurre? --T-tenemos un problema, señorita Monroe. La señorita Chen, nuestra modelo, no atiende nuestras llamadas. Dijo que escuchĂł que Ă­bamos a cambiar de modelo asĂ­ que
 no quiere venir. Incluso... amenazĂł con presentar una demanda contra nosotros. DespuĂ©s de decir eso, inclinĂł la cabeza. Yo apretĂ© los dientes y recorrĂ­ el lugar con la mirada. --ÂżDĂłnde estĂĄ la directora de marketing? --inquirĂ­. --E-Ella todavĂ­a estĂĄ tratando de convencer a la señorita Chen, señorita Monroe. Luego de escuchar el problema, me masajeĂ© la frente y cerrĂ© los ojos con fuerza. Un segundo despuĂ©s, me agarrĂ© del pelo y gritĂ© de ira. SentĂ­ que todos a mi alrededor se sobresaltaban sorprendidos. Yo solo suspirĂ© y tomĂ© una gran bocanada de aire antes de mirar a mi alrededor. --Señorita Monroe... --ÂżQuĂ© es todo esto, señorita Hayley? TĂș eres la directora de marketing, ÂżquĂ© estĂĄ pasando? --Señorita Monroe, no sĂ© cĂłmo sucediĂł, pero la señorita Chen escuchĂł que usted cambiarĂĄ de modelo. EstĂĄ a punto de presentar una demanda contra nosotros... ÂżCambiar de modelo? ÂżCĂłmo es que yo no sabĂ­a nada al respecto? La señorita Chen siempre habĂ­a sido nuestra modelo de confianza y, si no era necesario, cambiar de modelo para una sesiĂłn comercial con tan poca antelaciĂłn sĂłlo causarĂ­a muchos problemas a la empresa. Nunca permitirĂ­a un error como este. --Yo no pedĂ­ eso. Debe ser un error --la interrumpĂ­ para ahorrar tiempo--. ÂĄArregla este desastre o tendrĂ© que despedirte! --Señorita Monroe... Fue el presidente quien nos pidiĂł que la cambiĂĄramos --explicĂł Hayley vacilante--. Lo ordenĂł ayer tan pronto como regresĂł de su viaje de negocios. Aquella verdad me golpeĂł con fuerza. ÂżFue orden de Pierce? ÂżPor quĂ© no me lo dijo? SolĂ­a ​​discutir conmigo cada decisiĂłn importante antes de tomarla. --No puede ser... --exclamĂ© confundida. Pierce no era un hombre de negocios despistado. Siempre mantuvo una clara distinciĂłn entre el trabajo y la vida personal, razĂłn por la cual siempre tuvo Ă©xito. Y esa fue tambiĂ©n la razĂłn por la que decidiĂł mantener nuestro matrimonio en secreto. --SĂ­, Kelly. Yo di la orden. --Su voz me hizo retroceder. --S-Señor Presidente
 --saludĂł Hayley y se inclinĂł con respeto al ver al hombre que apareciĂł de repente detrĂĄs de mĂ­. --Pierce, ÂĄcreo que me debes una explicaciĂłn sobre este cambio de modelo! --dije con los dientes apretados mientras me giraba para interrogarlo. Él sabĂ­a perfectamente cuĂĄnto esfuerzo puse para ganar este proyecto. Estuve dĂ­as sin dormir y la señorita Chen era la persona ideal para este trabajo. De hecho, Ă©l tambiĂ©n estuvo de acuerdo. Pero ahora
 simplemente cambiĂł la modelo a su gusto sin avisarme con antelaciĂłn. Eso fue como abofetearme con fuerza en la cara. --ContinĂșen con el trabajo. Yo se lo aclararĂ© --le indicĂł Ă©l al personal para calmarlos, ignorando la ira que estaba a punto de salir de mis ojos. --ÂĄContĂ©stame, Pierce! ÂżPor quĂ© cambias de modelo tan de repente? --No pude contener mi enojo. Él simplemente me tocĂł el hombro y me susurrĂł: --Este no es el lugar para discutir al respecto. Te lo explicarĂ© en el auto. En ese momento, mirĂ© a mi alrededor y notĂ© que los demĂĄs nos miraban furtivamente. Luego me quitĂ© sus manos de encima y caminĂ© hacia el estacionamiento, pero durante el camino, sentĂ­a mi corazĂłn cada vez mĂĄs pesado. TenĂ­a la sensaciĂłn de que su explicaciĂłn no iba a gustarme. --Vamos, dĂ­melo --exclamĂ© ni bien nos sentamos en su auto. Antes de hablar, me mirĂł a los ojos como si sopesara mis emociones, pero yo apartĂ© la mirada de nuevo. No podĂ­a soportar sus miradas, no podĂ­a soportar esos ojos que nunca me miraban como yo querĂ­a. Él no sentĂ­a nada por mĂ­ y eso me dolĂ­a mucho. --Yo-yo
 --hizo una pausa y suspirĂł--. ReemplacĂ© a la señorita Chen porque Lexi quiere ser nuestra modelo. Ella tambiĂ©n encaja en el proyecto, asĂ­ que estuve de acuerdo... --ÂżQuĂ©? --preguntĂ© con incredulidad. De pronto, apretĂł los labios y mirĂł hacia otro lado. Luego se revolviĂł el cabello antes de sacudir la cabeza y tomar mi mano. --Lamento no haberte dicho antes, fue muy repentino. Ella me pidiĂł un favor, no pude decirle que no. RĂĄpidamente, retirĂ© mi mano y lo mirĂ© con dolor y enojo. --No pudiste decirle que no, asĂ­ que preferiste dañar a la empresa, a nuestra empresa. Me traicionaste, Pierce. --Kels, vamos. Sabes cuĂĄnto la amo. Ella es mi primer amor. Al oĂ­rlo, cerrĂ© los ojos con dolor. «Oh sĂ­, ella es tu primer amor. Siempre la quisiste a ella, sin que te importen los demĂĄs. Si ella te frunce el ceño un poco, puedes hacer la vista gorda ante el dolor y el esfuerzo de los demĂĄs. Eres tan cruel, Pierce» pensĂ©. --Bueno, ya lo has decidido. No tengo voz y voto en esto ya que tĂș eres el presidente. Ahora vete, estarĂ© en la oficina --indiquĂ© con frialdad mientras abrĂ­a la puerta del auto para salir. --Kelly
 En ese instante, lo mirĂ© a los ojos y dije: --Ve a casa temprano. Hablaremos de nuestro divorcio esta noche. CapĂ­tulo 4 Punto de vista de Kelly--Plantada Me encontraba jugueteando con el anillo de bodas en mi dedo mientras lo esperaba. Le habĂ­a dicho que volviera temprano a casa, pero todavĂ­a no regresaba y ni siquiera contestaba mis llamadas. Bueno, ahora que Lexi habĂ­a vuelto, probablemente ya no veĂ­a a esta casa como su hogar. De pronto, mis ojos se dirigieron a mi informe de embarazo que estaba sobre la mesa. QuĂ© gracioso. TodavĂ­a era tan ingenua para albergar un rayo de esperanza de que las cosas podrĂ­an cambiar si le hablaba del bebĂ©, pero este bebĂ© estaba fuera de sus planes. Me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas que se acumulaban en el rabillo de mis ojos y agarrĂ© el informe. Ya eran las cinco de la mañana cuando mirĂ© el reloj de la pared. IntentĂ© marcar su nĂșmero nuevamente, pero seguĂ­a sin responder. ÂżEn quĂ© estaba tan ocupado? ÂżEstaba h**iendo el a**r con Lexi? DebiĂł haberla extrañado mucho, Âżverdad? Pronto, sin saber cuĂĄndo, me quedĂ© dormida. Cuando sonĂł el despertador, inconscientemente toquĂ© la almohada a mi lado. FrĂ­o como anoche, no habĂ­a vuelto a casa todavĂ­a. Me burlĂ© de mĂ­ misma al ver mi reflejo en el espejo de la cĂłmoda. Los cĂ­rculos oscuros bajo mis ojos se veĂ­an a simple vista y mi cabello era un total desastre, parecĂ­a un fantasma. De repente una oleada de nĂĄuseas inundĂł mi estĂłmago y me di cuenta de que no habĂ­a comido nada la noche anterior. De pronto, me sentĂ­ mal otra vez y rĂĄpidamente corrĂ­ hacia el lavabo y vomitĂ©. EscupĂ­ un lĂ­quido amarillento que sabĂ­a muy mal. De inmediato, me lavĂ© la boca y mirĂ© mi propio reflejo en el espejo. Al verme, sacudĂ­ la cabeza y tomĂ© mi frente en cuanto sentĂ­ ganas de vomitar de nuevo. VolvĂ­ a escupir el lĂ­quido amarillento y mientras me lavaba la boca, sentĂ­ una cĂĄlida mano acariciando mi espalda. Inmediatamente levantĂ© la cara y me encontrĂ© con un par de ojos marrones que me miraban a travĂ©s del espejo. DetrĂĄs de mĂ­ con cara de preocupaciĂłn estaba mi esposo Pierce. --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? ÂżTe sientes mal? Debiste haberme dicho. Al instante, lo mirĂ© a travĂ©s del espejo. --No respondiste mis llamadas --contestĂ©. Ante aquellas palabras, la culpa apareciĂł en sus ojos. --Lo lamento. TenĂ­a cosas que hacer. Me quedĂ© en la oficina toda la noche --afirmĂł. RĂĄpidamente, me limpiĂ© la cara y pasĂ© junto a Ă©l. Pierce me siguiĂł mientras me sentaba frente al tocador y comenzaba a peinarme. --Kels
 --Me despertĂ© tarde. No pude preparar el desayuno. Mientras hablaba, intentĂ© evitar sus ojos. SentĂ­a que iba a perder los estribos y gritarle. En ningĂșn momento sentĂ­ su egoĂ­smo tan claramente como ahora. DecĂ­a que yo era su mejor amiga, pero nunca le habĂ­an importado mis necesidades, mis sentimientos. --Kels... sabes que no te preguntĂ© eso. Estoy preocupado por tu salud... Kels, ÂżtodavĂ­a estamos bien? Ante aquella pregunta, dejĂ© de peinarme y lentamente nuestras miradas se encontraron a travĂ©s del espejo, otra vez. ÂżDe verdad me estaba preguntando eso? ÂżDespuĂ©s de que me pidiĂł el divorcio sin siquiera preguntarme si estaba de acuerdo? Él decidiĂł por su cuenta sĂłlo porque su primer amor habĂ­a vuelto. No podĂ­a creer lo que hacĂ­a. Al final, fingĂ­ una sonrisa y dije: --No me siento bien hoy, Pierce, eso es todo. Un instante despuĂ©s, se puso de cuclillas a mi lado, lo cual no me resultĂł sorprendente porque sabĂ­a que realmente se preocupaba. Pero lo que sĂ­ me sorprendiĂł fue que hacĂ­a todo esto despuĂ©s de enterrar una daga en mi corazĂłn. --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? --preguntĂł mientras tocaba suavemente mi frente y mi cuello--. ÂżEstĂĄs enferma? Dime cĂłmo te sientes, Kels. --Mis sentimientos no importan --no pude evitar decir y parecĂ­a sorprendido por mis palabras. En ese instante, intentĂ© evitarlo, pero me agarrĂł de la muñeca y me hizo mirarlo. Su rostro ahora reflejaba su ira. HabĂ­a perdido completamente la paciencia. --ÂżQuĂ© te pasa, Kels? Has estado actuando asĂ­ desde ayer. ÂżEs por Lexi? ÂżO porque no volvĂ­ a casa anoche? --inquiriĂł. Yo lo mirĂ© a los ojos, molesta. --ÂĄTĂș fuiste quien pidiĂł el divorcio! Te pedĂ­ que regresaras temprano para hablar al respecto, pero me dejaste esperando toda la noche. ÂżPretendĂ­as que te diera la bienvenida con brazos abiertos despuĂ©s de eso, Pierce? --respondĂ­. Al escucharme, apretĂł la mandĂ­bula y sacudiĂł la cabeza. --Kels, yo... --Ya basta. Hablaremos del divorcio despuĂ©s del trabajo. --ÂĄKels! --me llamĂł y me agarrĂł de los hombros. La confusiĂłn y el dolor eran visibles en sus ojos--. ÂżEstĂĄs... enamorada de mĂ­? Aquello me desconcertĂł. ÂżEnamorada? ÂĄSĂ­! Desde que estĂĄbamos en la escuela secundaria, desde que se convirtiĂł en mi mejor amigo. ÂżQuiĂ©n no se enamorarĂ­a de alguien que te ha estado protegiendo desde entonces? Siempre he estado agradecida de tenerlo como mi mejor amigo y esposo, pero ahora
 lo estaba perdiendo. PerdiĂ©ndolo irremediablemente. DecidĂ­ darle a nuestro matrimonio una Ășltima oportunidad, hacer un esfuerzo final... ...... ==== Casarse con su mejor amigo fue un sueño hecho realidad para Kelly, pero todo tiene realmente una limitaciĂłn. Pierce es el primer amor de Kelly, pero como su mejor amiga, sabĂ­a bien que siempre habĂ­a otra mujer en lo profundo de su corazĂłn. Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finalmente se dio cuenta de que su feliz matrimonio de los Ășltimos tres años era solo un hermoso sueño cuando Pierce pidiĂł el divorcio solo porque Lexi regresĂł. Ella sĂłlo podrĂ­a ser su mejor amiga incluso si estuviera encinta de su bebĂ©. ÂżPor quĂ© no merecĂ­a ser amada? ÂżQuĂ© sucederĂĄ en adelante? ÂżCĂłmo podrĂ­a Kelly salvar su corazĂłn en esta batalla de amor y odio? Los capĂ­tulos disponibles son limitados aquĂ­, haga click el botĂłn abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĂĄs contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederĂĄ a este libro) &3& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spc Heart-warming Novel https://www.facebook.com/61565720283161/ 907 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.manobook.com IMAGE https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spcp25_2-1030-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=860298072104208&rawadid=120215807700980204 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466731788_1612822542992449_523884431980643157_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jq3LPgXXoUYQ7kNvgHVszzm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7H2JowJgk88M6R0wzd6Hj4&oh=00_AYAetZ7Gri3c9gA6OHFcS9vJhgKtv0qaDY5o3NjfFtn1Pg&oe=6745AE45 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Heart-warming Novel 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 â€ïžđŸ˜ click to read on 👉 Riley Allen tried to save her marriage, but when she found her husband’s mistress was carrying a baby and she lost her own child at the same time, she quickly realized it was not worth fighting for. To get enough money to save her mother’s life, Riley signed an unfair divorce paper and gave up the career she carefully built. But why did Adrian King, the hottest Billionaire and her ex-husband’s past rival, propose to her who had nothing? - "I only need one favor from you," Adrian said, staring into Riley's eyes and declared, "After your divorce is finalized, marry me." "W-what?" Riley gulped. Adrian didn't respond. He pointed to his assistant and ordered, "Explain, Clint." "Miss Allen, the other day, in order to bring you to the hospital and ensure your health, Mr. King missed his engagement party with his fiancĂ©e, Leni Eros, an heir to the Eros Empire in Dowel City. And because of it, Miss Leni Eros canceled their marriage," Clint continued, "So, Mr. King needs a new wife." Riley's heart raced. 'What in the world did he think of? He abandoned a beautiful heiress to bring me to the hospital!' 'But did he have to stay with me until ten in the evening?' He didn't have to hug me and comfort me!' Riley’s brow unwittingly raised. "So, it was my fault that you lost your fiancĂ©e?" "I'm not blaming you," Adrian replied. "You said you'd do me a favor, and this is the favor I asked for." "I may not be the wealthiest in my family, but I am at least richer than Brian. I can provide for all your needs, take care of your mother's hospitalization. I can also help you build an even better jewelry company. Lastly, I will ensure you get justice for what Brian has done to you." Adrian raised his chin, narrowed his eyes, "I promise you, he will be punished." "And don't worry. This is a simple arrangement," Adrian assured Riley as he fixed his tie. "You don't need to know all the details, but what I'm saying is that marrying is advantageous to me in many ways." "Like a contract marriage?" Riley clarified. "Hmm," Adrian answered. "You could say that, but this will be a respectful one. "Adrian ran his fingers through his long, dark hair. "What do you think, Riley?" Riley blinked again. LEARN_MORE https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15430&u Happyday https://www.facebook.com/61558228850235/ 1,406 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 redtgb.com DCO https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15430&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/t39.35426-6/465910637_3831521507176109_6733139206015814204_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z0wOOR6zWdwQ7kNvgE8vRZP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYAhHpiaz-NgnmZwYJEC_os4B7Xnxs5CoPz05xHTl_I_JA&oe=67459AB4 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Happyday 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 êł„ì† ìœêž°đŸ‘‰ 귞녀는 CEO의 ì• ìžìœŒëĄœ 3년 동안 지낎며 귞와 êČ°í˜Œí•˜êł  싶었윌나 거절ë‹čí•˜êł  êŽŽëĄœì›€ì„ êČȘ었닀. 닀시 ë§Œë‚Źì„ 때 귞는 ëŹŽëŠŽì„ êż‡êł  자ëč„넌 ê”Źí–ˆêł , 귞녀는 ëŹŽí‘œì •í•˜êȌ "자신을 ìĄŽì€‘í•ŽìŁŒì„žìš”." ==== "ëȘ» ì°žêČ ì–Ž?" 낚자는 ìŒìŁŒìŒ 출임을 닀녀였는 동안 찞았던 욕정을 ëȘšë‘ 쏘아 ë¶“êł  있는 êȃ 같았닀. "저 낎음 ì„ ëłŽëŸŹ 가요." ì•ŒëŠżí•œ 톔슝에 ëȘžì„ 돌며 í•œì„žíŹê°€. 역시, 귞녀의 ì˜ˆìƒëŒ€ëĄœ 낚자는 ìĄ°êžˆë„ 신êČœ 쓰지 않았닀. "제 마음에 드는 상대가 나였멎 바로 ë™ì˜í•˜ë €êł ìš”." í•œì„žíŹì˜ 입가에 쓞쓞한 ëŻžì†Œê°€ ëČˆìĄŒë‹€. "êČ°í˜Œí•  생각읎란 말읎알?" 낚자가 얌얎붙은 듯 손을 움직읎지 ì•Šì•˜êł  얎두욎 눈동자가 자신의 품에 갇힌 귞녀넌 뚫얎지êȌ 낎렀닀뎀닀. êčŠìŽë„Œ 알 수 없는 ê·ž 눈동자에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ë‹čìž„ìŽëŒêł  말렀듀얎 갈 êȃ 같았닀. êČ°ê”­ 뚌저 시선을 플한 귞녀가 ìš°ëŹŒì­ˆëŹŒ 입을 엎었닀. "저 읎제 27읎에요. 마냄 Ʞ닀늎 수밖에 없윌니êčŒìš”..." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 낚자의 입가에 ëČˆì§„ 냉소넌 믞ìȘ 발êČŹí•˜ì§€ ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 낚자는 ìčšëŒ€ ê°€ìž„ìžëŠŹì— 걞터앉아 닎배에 불을 붙였닀. êČ€ì€ìƒ‰ ì •ìž„ 바지는 ì—Źì „ížˆ í ìžĄì„ 데 없읎 잘 닀렀젞 ìžˆì—ˆêł , êČ€ì€ìƒ‰ 셔잠는 닚추 3개가 풀렀젞 있얎 낚자의 ì„čì‹œí•˜êł ë„ ë§€í˜č적읞 맀렄을 ê·č대화했닀. 낚자의 손끝에 위험하êȌ 맀닏렀 있는 닎배넌 ëŹŽì‹Źìœ” ìłë‹€ëłž í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 귞의 손가띜에 끌워젞 있는 앜혌반지에 시선을 êł ì •í–ˆë‹€. ê·ž 반지는 였늘따띌 더욱 눈읎 ë¶€ì…šêł , 였늘의 í•œì„žíŹë„Œ ëč„ì›ƒêł  있는 êȃ 같았닀. 3년 전, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 낚자의 ëč„서 ì‹ ë¶„ìœŒëĄœ 강씚 ê·žëŁč에 ìž…ì‚Źí–ˆë‹€. 얌마 후, ìƒì‚Źìž ê°•ì§€í•œêłŒ 핚께 출임을 떠나알 하는 ìž„ëŹŽë„Œ 수행핎알 í–ˆêł , ê·ž 후 귞듀은 맀우 ìčœë°€í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 반항하지 않았닀. ì•˜êł  뜚거욎 밀을 볮낾 후, 한 가지 음읎 닀넞 ìŒëĄœ ìŽì–ŽìĄŒêł , ê·žë ‡êȌ 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 3년읎띌는 시간 동안 ëč„ë°€ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 만낚을. ê°€ìĄŒêł  í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ë‚źì—ëŠ” 강지한의 ëč„ì„œì˜€êł , 밀에는 귞의 배드 파튞너였닀. 만앜 ê·žë‚  ë°€, í•œì„žíŹê°€ ì–ŽëŠŹì„ì€ 선택만 하지 않았닀멎 귞녀는 ì—Źì „ížˆ 순진 ë‚­ë§Œí•˜êł  자신만의 백마 탄 왕자넌 êž°ë‹€ëŠŹëŠ” 소녀였을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 얌마 있지 않윌멎 강지한은 êČ°í˜Œì„ 하êȌ 될 êČƒìŽêł , 귞녀는 읎 êŽ€êł„ë„Œ 더 읎상 ìŽì–Žê°€êł  싶지 않았닀. í–‰ëł”í•œ êČ°í˜Œ 생활에 끌얎드는 제3자가 ë˜êł  싶지 않았을 뿐더러, ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì˜ 손가띜질을 받는 정부는 더더욱 싫었닀. 더 읎상 읎얎갈 êŽ€êł„ê°€ ì•„ë‹ˆëŒêł  판닚했윌니, ê·žë…€ ì†ìœŒëĄœ 직접 읎 êŽ€êł„ë„Œ 끊얎 낎알만 했닀. ì•„ëŹŽ 쓞ëȘš 없는 ì‚ŹëžŒìČ˜ëŸŒ ëč„찞하êȌ ëČ„ë €ì§€ëŠ” êČƒëłŽë‹€ 귞녀가 뚌저 떠나는 êČƒìŽ 더 나은 걎 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽë‹ˆ. 시선을 거두얎듀읞 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 가방을 ì±™êž°êł  믞늏 쀀ëč„한 ì—ŹëȌ ì˜·ìœŒëĄœ 갈아입었닀. ê°•ì§€í•œêłŒ 만날 때마닀 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ì—Źë¶„ì˜ 옷을 쀀ëč„í•˜êł€ 했닀. 가방에 손을 뻗은 í•œì„žíŹê°€ ì—Źë¶„ì˜ 옷을 êșŒë‚Žêž°ë„ 전에 강지한은 귞녀의 손ëȘ©ì„ 섞êȌ ì›€ìŒœìžĄì•˜ë‹€. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ì‹Źìž„ìŽ ëč ë„ŽêȌ 뛰는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. ""낎음 맞선 췚소핎."" ê·žê°€ 입 ë°–ìœŒëĄœ êșŒë‚ž 걎 부탁읎 아니띌 ëȘ…ë č읎었닀. ì•„ëŹŽ 힘도 낚지 않은 í•œì„žíŹê°€ 강지한의 손을 ꜉ ë¶™ìžĄêł  지난 3년 동안 한 말 쀑 가임 용Ʞ 있는 말을 낎뱉었닀. "êČ°í˜Œ... 췚소할걎가요?" 강지한만 허띜한닀멎, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 평생 귞의 êłì— ëšžëŹŒêł  싶었닀. 귞럎 수만 있닀멎 얌마나 행볔할êčŒ. 당, 정부의 ìžëŠŹëŠ” 절대 용납하지 ëȘ»í•œë‹€. 강지한의 얌ꔎ읎 ì•„ìŁŒ 잠êč ì–Œì–Žë¶™ì€ êȃ 같더니 낼êȌ 싀소넌 터뜚렞닀. ê·ž ì›ƒìŒì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 얎찌나 쌀쌀맞았던지, 두 눈 가득 새얎 나였는 한Ʞ에 ë‹č임읎띌도 였한읎 ë“€ 정도였닀. "선 넘었얎." êł§ìŽì–Ž ì†ì‚­ìŽë“ŻìŽ 듀렀였는 귞의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì— ëȘšë“  íŹë§ìŽ 와임찜 ë¶€ì„œìĄŒë‹€. ëŹŒëĄ , 강지한읎 자신을 ì‚Źëž‘í•˜ì§€ 않을 êČƒìŽëŒëŠ” ì‚Źì‹€ì„ ëˆ„ê”ŹëłŽë‹€ 잘 ì•Œêł  있윌멎서도 말읎닀. 또닀시 귞의 눈Ꞟ을 플한 귞녀가 강지한을 따띌 웃었지만, ê·ž ì›ƒìŒì†ŒëŠŹë§ˆì € 자신을 ëč„ì›ƒêł  있는 êȃ 같은 느낌읎 듀었닀. "대표님, 저는 낎음 ì—°ì°š ì‚Źìš©í•  예정읎니 제가 신ìȭ한 ì—°ì°š 거절하지 마시Ʞ 바랍니닀. ëČ•ì ìœŒëĄœ 정한 연찚넌 ì‚Źìš©í•˜ëŠ” 거니êčŒ ê±°ì ˆí•  읎유도 없êČ ìŁ ?" ê±°ìč êȌ ìŒê·žëŸŹì§„ 귞의 읎ëȘ©ê”Źëč„ê°€ 화낏닀는 êČƒì„ 슝ëȘ…했지만 강지한은 ê·žëŒ€ëĄœ êŸč 얔눌렀닀. 낚자의 ìŁŒìœ„ì—ëŠ” 귞의 말 한마디에 ìˆœì‘í•˜êł  파튾너로 지낌 ì—Źìžë“€ìŽ 넘ìč˜êł ë„ 낚았닀. ê·žëŸŹë‹ˆ 귞의 지시넌 따넎지 않는 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 필요 없을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 강지한읎 í•œì„žíŹì˜ 턱을 ë†“ì•„ìŁŒêł  ìš•ì‹€ëĄœ 햄했닀. 잠시 후, 강지한읎 샀워넌 마ìč˜êł  나였자 방은 ìŽëŻž êč”끔하êȌ ì •ëŠŹë˜ì–Ž 있었닀. ìčšëŒ€ì—ëŠ” 3년 전, 자신읎 í•œì„žíŹì—êȌ 걎넚 은행 ìčŽë“œê°€ ë†“ì—Ź 있었닀. 읎 ìčŽë“œëŠ” 강지한읎 자신의 파튾너로 지낎는 í•œì„žíŹì—êȌ 지원한 ìčŽë“œì˜€ë‹€. 하지만 지난 3년 동안, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ìčŽë“œì— 있는 돈 한 푌도 ë‹€ìč˜ì§€ 않았닀. 강지한은 읎유 ëȘšë„Œ ì§œìŠêłŒ 닔닔핚읎 가슎 êčŠìˆ™í•œ êłłì—ì„œ ìč˜ë°€ì–Ž 였넎는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. 제2화 맞선 후 바로 임신 (제2부분) 닀음 날 아ìčš 9시, ìčŽíŽ˜. 읎ëȈ 맞선읎 ìČ« 맞선은 아니었지만, í•œì„žíŹê°€ ìŽí† ëĄ 진지한 태도로 임하는 걎 ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 귞녀의 맞은펞에 앉은 낚자는 36삎의 나읎에 평ëȔ한 생êč€ìƒˆì— 읎제 막 ê·€ê”­í•˜ì—Ź 지ꞈ은 ëȘš 전자 íšŒì‚Źì˜ 수석 ì—”ì§€ë‹ˆì–ŽëĄœ ê·ŒëŹŽí•˜êł  ìžˆë‹€êł  했닀. 직업상 귞는 말수가 ì êł  낎성적읞 성êČ©ìŽëŒêł  했닀. 귞런 읎유 ë•ŒëŹžìžì§€, 두 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 만나서부터 지ꞈêčŒì§€ í•œì„žíŹê°€ 대화의 ìŁŒë„ê¶Œì„ ìž„ì•…í•˜êł  있었닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 귞녀의 얎뚞니읞 ìœ ëŻžì›ì˜ ìš”ê”ŹëŒ€ëĄœ ì˜ˆë‹šêłŒ ì˜ˆëŹŒì„ ëč„륯핎, 신혌 ì§‘êłŒ 자동찚넌 ìš”ê”Źí–ˆêł  낚자는 귞녀의 ìš”ê”Źë„Œ ëȘšë‘ ë§ŒìĄ±ì‹œìŒœ 쀄 수 ìžˆë‹€êł  대닔했닀. 더 읎상 거절할 읎유넌 ì°Ÿì§€ ëȘ»í•œ í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 마음읎 êł”í—ˆí•Žì§€ë©° ì‹Źìž„ìŽ 뻐귌핎지는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. 아ìčš ìŒì° 집을 나섀 때, ìœ ëŻžì›ìŽ ìžìƒí•˜êł ë„ 상냄한 ëȘšìŠ”ìœŒëĄœ 귞녀넌 배웅핎 ìŁŒë˜ ëȘšìŠ”을 ë– ì˜Źë žë‹€. 귞녀의 얎뚞니는 읎제 쎈등학ꔐ 5학년 낚동생의 등ꔐ 쀀ëč„넌 ë„ì™€ìŁŒë©Žì„œ í•œì„žíŹì—êȌ 맞선에서 ìŁŒì˜í•Žì•Œ 할 ë§êłŒ 반드시 제Ʞ핎알 할 ìš”ê”Źë„Œ 상Ʞ시쌜 ìŁŒë©° êČ°í˜Œì˜ ìą‹ì€ 점에 ëŒ€í•˜ì—Ź ê°•ìĄ°í•˜êł  또 ê°•ìĄ°í–ˆë‹€. ëŹŽì—‡ëłŽë‹€ë„ í•œì„žíŹì—êȌ 예닚 ì˜ˆëŹŒì„ 더 많읎 ìš”ê”Źí•˜ë„ëĄ ì§€ì‹œí–ˆêł , 낚동생의 대학 ë“±ëĄêžˆêłŒ ì•žìœŒëĄœ 자신의 녞후자ꞈêčŒì§€ ìš”ê”Źí•˜ë©° ìž”ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ 늘얎놓았닀. ê·ž 생각에 í•œì„žíŹì˜ 입 êŒŹëŠŹê°€ ëč„ìŠ€ë“Źížˆ ì˜ŹëŒê°€ë©° 쓎웃음을 지었닀. 귞녀의 얎뚞니 ìœ ëŻžì›ì€ 6ëČˆì˜ êČ°í˜Œì„ ëȘšë‘ 싀팚했닀는 ì‚Źì‹€ì„ êčŒë§ŁêȌ 잊얎ëȄ며 êȃ 같았닀. 2년 전, ìœ ëŻžì›ì€ 갑자Ʞ 10삎 낚짓한 낚자아읎의 손을 ìžĄêł  나타나 귞녀의 할뚞니가 유음하êȌ 낹êȹ둔 ë‚Ąì€ 집 앞에서 í†”êłĄí•˜ë©° 10년 동안 연띜 한 ëȈ 하지 않은 딞에êȌ 낚자아읎넌 í‚€ìš°ëŒêł  강요했닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 가끔 읎런 생각을 한닀. 만앜, ìœ ëŻžì›ìŽ ì–Žë–»êȌ 생êČŒëŠ”ì§€ Ʞ얔하지 ëȘ»í•œë‹€ë©Ž 귞녀넌 ì–Žëšžë‹ˆëĄœ 읞정하지 않아도 될êčŒ? 하지만 현싀은 늘 ìƒê°ëŒ€ëĄœ í˜ëŸŹê°€ì§€ ì•Šì•˜êł  아늄닀욎 ëŻžëž˜ë„Œ ê·žëŠŹëŠ” 귞녀의 발ìč™í•œ 상상êčŒì§€ 박탈했닀. 흙 수저넌 ëŹŒêł  태얎난 귞녀가 닀읎아ëȘŹë“œ 수저넌 ëŹŒêł  태얎난 강지한의 êłì— 서êȠ닀는 ìš•ì‹Źë„ 핚께 말읎닀. 읎때, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 갑자Ʞ ìžëŠŹì—ì„œ ëȌ떡 음얎나는 읎정태의 움직임 ì†ŒëŠŹì— ëČˆì© 정신읎 듀었닀. 읎정태는 귞녀의 뒀에 있는 누ꔰ가넌 발êČŹí•˜êł  êł”ì†í•œ 자섞넌 췚하며 허멬êčŒì§€ ìˆ™ì—Źê°€ë©° ìžì‚Źë„Œ 걎넀는 êČƒìŽì—ˆë‹€. "강 대표님. 우연히 만나니 더 반가욎 êȃ 같슔니닀." 귞녀의 바로 뒀에서 풍êČšì˜€ëŠ” 읔숙한 햄수 냄새가 귞녀넌 ëźìł€êł , í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ꞎ임한 듯 상ìČŽë„Œ êŒżêŒżìŽ 섞웠닀. êł ê°œë„Œ 듀자 랔랙홀읎띌도 숚êČš 놓은 êȃ 같은 얎두욎 눈동자가 귞녀넌 ìŁŒì‹œí•˜êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł  ꞎ임감에 ë‹č임읎띌도 ì‹Źìž„ìŽ 입 밖에 íŠ€ì–Žë‚˜ì˜Ź êȃ 같았닀. 강지한읎 왜 읎 시간에 ìŽêłłì— 있는 걞êčŒ? ìčŽíŽ˜ì—ì„œ 판맀하는 컀플는 입에 대지도 않아 강지한읎 마시는 ëȘšë“  컀플는 ë‹€ í•œì„žíŹê°€ 직접 만든 êČƒìŽë‹€. "ë„€, 안녕하섞요." í•œì„žíŹì—êČŒì„œ 시선을 거두얎듀읞 강지한은 읎정태넌 햄핎 작êȌ êł ê°œë„Œ 끄덕읞 닀음 ìčŽìšŽí„°ëĄœ 햄했닀. 강지한은 읎정태가 ëˆ„ê”Źìžì§€ 전혀 ëȘšë„ŽëŠ” 눈ìč˜ì˜€ì§€ë§Œ, 읎정태는 강지한읎 자Ʞ ìžì‚Źë„Œ ë°›ì•„ì€Źë‹€ëŠ” ì‚Źì‹€ì— ë§ŒìĄ±í•˜êł  있었닀. êł§ë°”ëĄœ 읎정태는 강지한읎 핎왞에서 유학 êž°ê°„ 동안 출간했던 ë…ŒëŹžì— 대핮 ê·čì°Źí–ˆë‹€. 읎정태가 강지한에 대한 ìĄŽêČœì‹Źì€ 하늘로 ìč˜ì†Ÿì„ êȃ ê°™ì•˜êł , 듀윌멎 ë“€ì„ìˆ˜ëĄ í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 수ìč˜ì‹ŹìŽ 듀었닀. 강지한읎 읎정태가 하는 말을 ë“Łì§€ 않Ꞟ 바띌며 ìčŽìšŽí„° 방햄을 ëŒì•„ëłŽìž 닀행히도 강지한은 톔화 쀑읎었닀. "귞래." 강지한은 평소닔지 않êȌ ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 톔화넌 í•˜êł  있었닀. "너만 ìą‹ìœŒë©Ž 돌. 읎따 뎐." 톔화넌 마ìčœ ê·žëŠ” 윔윔넛 ë°€íŹë„Œ íŹìž„í•˜êł  ìčŽíŽ˜ë„Œ ëč ì žë‚˜ê°”ë‹€. 윔윔넛 ë°€íŹë„Œ 마시는 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì€ ìŁŒëĄœ ì—Źìž êł ê°ìœŒëĄœ 강지한은 앜혌자넌 위핎 직접 ìčŽíŽ˜êčŒì§€ 옚 êČƒìŽë‹€. 가슎읎 아렀였는 느낌에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 더 읎상 읎정태가 하는 말에 집쀑할 수 없었닀. 맞선읎 끝날 돎렔, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 닀음을 Ʞ앜하는 읎정태의 말에 적지 않êȌ 놀랐닀. ê·žë ‡êȌ 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 한 ëȈ 더 ë§Œë‚˜ëłŽêž°ëĄœ êČ°ì •í–ˆë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë˜ 쀑, 읎정태가 갑자Ʞ 전화넌 받더니 íšŒì‚Źì— ꞉한 음읎 생êČš 지ꞈ ë‹č임 돌아가 뎐알 í•œë‹€êł  했닀. 읎정태는 í•œì„žíŹì—êȌ 연신 ì‚ŹêłŒë„Œ ê±Žë„€êł  닀음에 만날 앜속êčŒì§€ 믞늏 ìžĄì€ 후 ìčŽíŽ˜ë„Œ 나섰닀. 잠시 후, ìčŽíŽ˜ë„Œ 나선 í•œì„žíŹë„ 택시에 ì˜ŹëŒíƒ€êł  ì§‘ìœŒëĄœ í–„í•  쀀ëč„넌 했닀. 아ìčšì„ ëšč지 않은 원읞음êčŒ, 아니멎 ëčˆì†ì— 컀플넌 너묮 많읎 마신 탓음êčŒ. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 찚에 였넎자마자 속읎 ë©”ìŠ„ê±°ëŠŹêž° ì‹œìž‘í–ˆêł  ì°žìœŒë €êł  애넌 썌지만, êČ°ê”­ ì‹€íŒší•˜êł  말았닀. "êž°ì‚Źë‹˜, ì°š ìą€ ì„žì›ŒìŁŒì„žìš”..." 말을 마ìč˜êž°ë„ 전에 í—›ê”Źì—­ì§ˆìŽ 뚌저 나였자 찚에 마렚되얎 있는 ì“°ë ˆêž°ëŽ‰íˆŹë„Œ ì§‘ì–Ž ëšžëŠŹë„Œ 숙였닀. Ꞟ가에 찚넌 섞욎 택시 êž°ì‚Źë‹˜ì€ 자두 한 뎉지넌 걎넀며 말했닀. "ꞈ방 임신하멎 닀듀 귞래요. ìš°ëŠŹ 아낎도 아가씚랑 슝상읎 똑같았얎요. 신맛읎 강하êȌ 나는 êłŒìŒì„ ëšč윌멎 ìĄ°êžˆ êŽœì°źì•„ì§ˆ 수도 있얎요. ìČ« 4개월 동안은 읎렇êȌ 힘듀 거예요. ê·ž 시Ʞ만 지나멎 잠도 잘 ìžêł  밄도 예전ìČ˜ëŸŒ ëšč을 수 있을 거예요." 택시 êž°ì‚Źë‹˜ì˜ 말을 ë“Łêł  나서알 ìƒëŠŹ ìŁŒêž°ë„Œ êł„ì‚°í•˜ë˜ í•œì„žíŹëŠ” êčœì§ 놀랐닀. ìƒëŠŹ 예정음읎 ìŽëŻž ìŒìŁŒìŒìŽë‚˜ 지난 상황읎었닀. 아니알, 귞럎 늏 없얎... 앜을 ëč ì§ì—†ìŽ 잘 챙êČš ëšč었는데... 갑자Ʞ ì°ëŹŒìČ˜ëŸŒ 밀렀였는 Ʞ얔에 귞녀는 닀시 ìžëŠŹì— ì–Œì–Žë¶™êł  말았닀. 정확히 3ìŁŒìŒ 전, 닀음 날, 아ìčš ìŒì° 앜ꔭ에 ë“€ëŸŹ 플임앜을 ì‚Źë € 했윌나 ìœ ëŻžì›ìŽ 도박 í˜ì˜ëĄœ ìČŽíŹë˜ì—ˆë‹€ëŠ” 전화넌 ë°›êł  너묮 화가 ìč˜ë°€ì—ˆë˜ 나뚞지 플임앜을 êčŒë§ŁêȌ ìžŠêł  있었던 êČƒìŽë‹€. 닀시 êž°ì–”ë‚Źì„ 땐, ìŽëŻž 앜을 ëł”ìš©í•Žì•Œ 하는 Ʞ한읎 훌쩍 지나ëȄ며 후였닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 가만히 손을 ì˜Źë € ëł”ë¶€ë„Œ ì“°ë‹€ë“Źì—ˆë‹€. 맞선을 ëłŽìžë§ˆìž 닀넞 낚자의 아읎넌 임신했닀는 ì‚Źì‹€ì„ 알êȌ 될 확넠은 얌마나 될êčŒ? 제3화 임신했얎 시낎 한 ëł‘ì›, 접수슝을 손에 ì„” í•œì„žíŹê°€ ì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒ ëł”ë„ì—ì„œ 쀄을 서Ʞ 위핎 발걞음을 ì˜źêž°êł  있었닀. ëȘší‰ìŽë„Œ 돌자 ë¶ˆêłŒ ëȘ‡ ëŻží„°ë°–ì— 떚얎지지 않은 êłłì—ì„œ 읔숙한 귞늌자넌 발êČŹí–ˆë‹€. 많은 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ìŽ 였가는 ëł‘ì› 로ëč„에서 귞녀는 형ìȮ만 ëłŽêł ë„ 당ëČˆì— 알 수 있었닀. 역삌각형 ëȘžë§€ì— ì–ŽìšžëŠŹëŠ” 맞춀 정임은 낚자와 완ëČœí•˜êȌ ë§€ìč˜ë˜ì—ˆë‹€. 강지한은 ìĄ°êžˆ 전 ìčŽíŽ˜ì—ì„œ íŹìž„í•œ 윔윔넛 ë°€íŹë„Œ êłì— 선 ì—Źìžì—êȌ 걎넞닀. 귞의 손에 끌워진 반지가 ëł‘ì› ì°œëŹžì— ë°˜ì‚Źë˜ëŠ” 햇삎을 맞아 유난히 눈부시êȌ ëč›ë‚Źë‹€. 가슎읎 아렀였는 느낌을 애썚 누넞 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 시선을 플하지 않êČ ë‹€êł  ìŠ€ìŠ€ëĄœ 닀짐하며 강지한의 êłì— ë‹čë‹č하êȌ 선 ì—Źìžì˜ 얌ꔎ을 확읞하Ʞ 위핎 눈을 똑바로 ë–Žë‹€. 바로 읎때, 강지한읎 갑자Ʞ êł ê°œë„Œ ëŒëŠŹêł  귞녀가 있는 방햄을 ìłë‹€ëłŽëŠ” êČƒìŽì—ˆë‹€. ë§ˆìŁŒìčœ ë‘ 눈 ì‚ŹìŽëĄœ 강지한의 얌ꔎ에 불쟌한 Ʞ색읎 ìŠ€ìł 지나갔닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 애썚 ëŻžì†Œ 지은 ì–Œê”ŽëĄœ êł ê°œë„Œ 끄덕였닀. 지ꞈ 읎 순간의 만낚읎 닚순한 ìš°ì—°ìŽëŒêł  ìč˜ë¶€í•˜êł  싶었닀. 하지만 또닀시 밀렀였는 í—›ê”Źì—­ì§ˆì— 귞녀는 황꞉히 í™”ìž„ì‹€ëĄœ ë‹Źë €ê°”êł  속을 ëȘšë‘ ëč„ì›Œë‚Žêł  나서알 숚을 êł ë„ŽêȌ 쉎 수 있었닀. í™”ìž„ì‹€ëĄœ ë‹Źë €ì˜Ź 때, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ê°•ì§€í•œêłŒ 귞의 앜혌녀 뒀에 놓읞 표지판에 적힌 Ꞁ씚넌 똑똑히 ëłŽì•˜ë‹€. 두 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 나옚 êłłì€ 바로 산전 êČ€ì‚Źë„Œ 받는 êłłìŽì—ˆë‹€. 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 아마 êČ°í˜Œ 전부터 êł„íší•  아읎넌 위핎 êČ€ì‚Źë„Œ ë°›ìœŒëŸŹ 옚 êČƒìŽêČ ì§€. 강지한읎 ìŒë¶€ëŸŹ 시간을 낎얎 ëł‘ì›ì— ë°©ëŹží–ˆë‹€ëŠ” ì‚Źì‹€êłŒ ìčŽíŽ˜ì— ë“€ëŸŹ 직접 윔윔넛 ë°€íŹë„Œ íŹìž„í•œ êȃêčŒì§€ 생각하자 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 또닀시 마음읎 쓞쓞핎 나는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. ëŹŒëĄ  귞의 아낎가 될 ì‚ŹëžŒì—êȌ 강지한은 ëȘšë“  ì• ì •êłŒ 시간을 쏟아부을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 귞의 ìŒê±°ìˆ˜ìŒíˆŹìĄ±ìŽ 귞녀넌 대했던 ë°©ì‹êłŒëŠ” 너묮 ëč„ꔐ가 되었닀. í•œì„žíŹì™€ 강지한읎 배드 파튾너로 지냈던 지난 3년 동안, 강지한은 귞녀가 ëŹŽìŠš 음식을 슐êČš ëščêł  ëŹŽì—‡ì„ ìą‹ì•„í•˜ëŠ”ì§€ ì•Œêł  있는지도 ì˜ì‹ŹìŽ 듀었닀. 읎제 더 읎상 신êČœ 쓰지 않아도 될 ëŹžì œì— 대핮 êčŠìŽ 생각할 시간도 에너지도 없었닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ê±°ìšž 속에 ëč„ìčœ ìŽˆì·Œí•œ 얌ꔎ을 뚫얎지êȌ ìłë‹€ëłŽêł  ì‹Źí˜žíĄì„ 하더니 í‹°ìŠˆëĄœ 입 ìŁŒìœ„ë„Œ ë‹Šêł  나서알 화임싀 ëŹžì„ ì—Žêł  나왔닀. ëŹžì„ 엎자마자 강지한읎 섞멎대 옆에 Ʞ대얎 있는 êČƒì„ 발êČŹí–ˆêł  ëŻžê°„ì„ êčŠêȌ 찌푞늰 귞의 손가띜 ì‚ŹìŽì— 불을 붙읞 닎배가 있었닀. 강지한은 읎 êłłì˜ 냄새가 마음에 듀지 않았닀. 섀마, 귞의 앜혌녀도 화임싀에 있는 걞êčŒ? í•œì„žíŹëŠ” êł ê°œë„Œ í‘č ìˆ™ìŽêł  ì•„ëŹŽêȃ도 ëłŽì§€ ëȘ»í•œ ìș 연Ʞ했닀. 하지만 ëł‘ì› 화임싀의 섞멎대는 한 ì€„ëĄœ ë†“ì—Ź ìžˆì—ˆêł  손을 씻윌렀멎 반드시 강지한의 êłì„ 지나가알만 했닀. 손을 씻을지 말지 êł ëŻŒí•˜êł  있을 때, 강지한의 찚가욎 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. "임신했얎?" 짧은 귞의 ëŹŒìŒ 한 마디에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 가슎읎 선뜩하êȌ 낎렀앉았닀. 귞녀의 반응을 ìœ ì‹Źížˆ ꎀ찰하던 강지한은 대닔을 ë“Łì§€ 않아도 알 수 있었닀. "대닔핎!" 강지한은 귞녀넌 햄핎 한 걞음 한 걞음 ë‹€ê°€ì™”êł , ê±°ëŠŹê°€ ìąì•„ì§ˆìˆ˜ëĄ í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ì‹Źìž„ìŽ 더욱 ëč ë„ŽêȌ 뛰는 êČƒì„ 느낄 수 있었닀. ë‹č임읎띌도 귞녀의 ëȘ©ì„ 움쌜섘 êȃ 같은 Ʞ섞와 화난 눈ëč›. 만앜 귞녀가 임신한 êČƒìŽ ì‚Źì‹€ìŽëŒë©Ž, 강지한은 바로 귞녀넌 ìˆ˜ìˆ ì‹€ëĄœ. "아니요." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” í—ˆëŠŹë„Œ êŒżêŒżìŽ íŽŽêł  강지한의 두 눈을 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëłŽë©° 대닔했닀. "배탈 ë•ŒëŹžì— 앜 ë°›ìœŒëŸŹ 왔얎요." "귞래? 하지만 소화 ë‚ŽêłŒëŠ” ì—Źêž° 없는데?" 강지한은 귞녀가 하는 말을 ëŻżì§€ 않는닀는 듯 눈을 가늘êȌ ëœšêł  추궁했닀. í•œì„žíŹì˜ 얌ꔎ에는 쓞쓞한 ëŻžì†Œë§Œ ëČˆì§ˆ ëżìŽì—ˆë‹€. 강지한은 귞녀의 임신읎 대ìČŽ 얌마나 싫은 걞êčŒ? "ìŽêłł ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ì—ëŠ” ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 적윌니êčŒìš”. 제가 하는 말을 ëŻżêł  싶지 않는 거띌멎, 대표님께서 저와 핚께 ì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒ 진찰을 받윌멎 되êČ ë„€ìš”." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 확신할 수 있었닀. 귞녀의 ìĄŽìžŹë„Œ 강지한은 절대 앜혌녀에êȌ ì•ŒëŠŹì§€ 않을 êČƒìŽë‹€. í•œì„žíŹì˜ ì˜ˆìƒëŒ€ëĄœ 강지한은 싀소넌 터뜹멬더니 닎배넌 ì„” ì†ìœŒëĄœ 귞녀의 턱을 ì›€ìŒœìžĄì•˜ë‹€. 귞의 엄지손가띜읎 귞녀의 입술을 훑을 때 뜚거욎 닎배가 귞녀의 얌ꔎ 바로 ì•žìœŒëĄœ ë‹€ê°€ì™”êł , ìžëŠŹì— 얌얎붙은 귞녀는 얌ꔎ에 흉읎 질êčŒ ë‘ë €ì› ë‹€. "만앜 지ꞈ 낮 앞에서 한 말읎 거짓말읎띌멎, ê·ž 상응한 대가넌 ìč˜ë„ŽêȌ 될 거알. 착하êȌ ꔎ얎알지. 낎음 출귌핎." ê·žëŠŹêł ëŠ” ê±°ìč êȌ í•œì„žíŹì˜ 턱을 놓아 ìŁŒì—ˆë‹€. 강지한의 손읎 귞녀의 얌ꔎ을 ìŠ€ìł 지나갈 때, 희믾한 햄수 냄새가 í•œì„žíŹì˜ 윔넌 찔렀닀. ë‚Żì„  햄수 냄새에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 아렀였는 가슎을 ì›€ìŒœìžĄì•˜ë‹€. 3년읎띌는 시간 동안, í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 강지한읎 ëŹŽì—‡ì„ 싫얎하는지 ëˆ„ê”ŹëłŽë‹€ 잘 íŒŒì•…í•˜êł  있었닀. 강지한은 ì—Źìž 햄수 냄새넌 제음 싫얎했닀. 하지만 지ꞈ은... í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ìŁŒëšč을 ì›€ìŒœì„êł  입술을 ꌭ êčšëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. êČ°ê”­ 불가늄한 걎 없었닀. 닚지 ê·ž 규ìč™ì„ ì–Žêžž 수 있는 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ë§Œ 가늄한 êČƒìŒ 뿐. 멀얎지는 강지한의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”을 ìłë‹€ëłŽë©° í•œì„žíŹê°€ êČ°ì‹Źí•œ 듯 입을 엎었닀. "대표님, 저 í‡Žì‚Źí•˜êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€." ëȘ‡ 발짝 떌지 ëȘ»í•œ 낚자가 닀시 ìžëŠŹì— 멈춰 서더니 귞녀넌 ëŒì•„ëłŽë©° ë˜ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. "방ꞈ ë­ëŒêł ?" "í‡Žì‚Źí•˜êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 읎ëČˆì—” ìą€ 더 ì°šë¶„í•˜êł  í™•êł í•œ 태도로 같은 말을 ë°˜ëł”í–ˆë‹€. 강지한은 귞제알 귞녀의 얌ꔎ을 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëŽ€êł  입술에는 ëč„ì•„ëƒ„ê±°ëŠŹëŠ” 듯한 ëŻžì†Œê°€ 걞렀 있었닀. "현ëȘšì–‘ìČ˜ê°€ 될 생각읎알?" í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 닮닮하êȌ ì„€ëȘ…했닀. "현ëȘšì–‘ìȘ도 나쁘지 않넀요. 맞선 상대가 였늘 저와 êČ°í˜ŒêčŒì§€ 앜속했얎요." "ê·ž 낚자가 마음에 듀었얎?" 강지한의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëŠ” ì••ë°•ì ìŽì—ˆêł  í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ì‹Źìž„ìŽ 얌얎붙는 êȃ 같았닀. ì•„ìŁŒ 잠êčìŽë‚˜ë§ˆ 자신읎 닀넞 ì‚ŹëžŒêłŒ êČ°í˜Œí•œë‹€ëŠ” ì‚Źì‹€ì— 강지한읎 화넌 ë‚Žêł  있는 êČƒìŽëŒêł  ëŻżì„ 뻔했윌니êčŒ. "ê·ž 낚자가 널 ë§ŒìĄ±í•˜êȌ 할 수 있을 êȃ 같아?" 하지만 말을 하멎 í• ìˆ˜ëĄ 귞의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì—ëŠ” ëč„웃음읎 한가득 ëŹ»ì–Žë‚Źë‹€. "ê·ž 낚자, 나도 잘 아는 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽì•Œ. 너랑은 ì–ŽìšžëŠŹì§€ 않아. ê·žëŸŹë‹ˆêčŒ ì”œëŒ€í•œ ëčšëŠŹ 끝낮." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 강지한읎 ì•„ëŹŽë ‡ì§€ 않êȌ 닎배넌 ìžŹë–šìŽì— ëȄ멬는 ëȘšìŠ”을 가만히 지쌜뎀닀. 귞의 말투는 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„œ ì—…ëŹŽë„Œ ë§Ąêžž 때와 닀늄없읎 ë‹Žë‹Ží•˜êł ë„ 평옚했닀. 예전의 귞녀였닀멎 ê·žì € ëŹ”ëŹ”ížˆ 귞의 지시넌 따랐을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만, 지ꞈ은 더 읎상 ê·žëŸŹêł  싶지 않았닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 귞녀의 ìžìĄŽì‹Źë„ ëŹ”ì‚Ží•˜ëŠ” 낚자의 발에 짓밟혀 형ìȮ도 ì•Œì•„ëłŒ 수 없êȌ 변하는 자신읎 싫었닀. 용Ʞ넌 낾 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 귞의 ë§íˆŹë„Œ 흉낮 낎며 ëč„아냄거렞닀. ì‹Źì§€ì–Ž 옅은 ëŻžì†ŒêčŒì§€ 지윌며 강지한의 두 눈을 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. "한ëȈ 도전핎 ëłŽêł  ì‹¶ì–Žìš”. 누가 알아요? ì˜ì™žëĄœ 속궁합읎 잘 맞을지." ê·žëŠŹêł  섞멎대에서 대충 손을 씻은 ë’€, 강지한을 ê±°ë“€ë– ëłŽì§€ë„ ì•Šêł  멀얎젞 갔닀. ëł‘ì› ê±ŽëŹŒì„ 나서는 순간êčŒì§€ í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 떹멬는 손을 ìŁŒìȮ할 수 없었닀. 강지한읎 너묮 두렀웠던 귞녀는 ì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒ êČ€ì‚Źë„ 받지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 강지한의 ëč„서가 된 순간부터 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 당 한 ëȈ도 귞의 말을 반박하거나 말대꟞한 적읎 없었닀. 였늘읎 ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 자신의 읎런 행동읎 ì–Žë–€ í›„êłŒë„Œ 쎈래할 지 ëȘ°ëžë‹€. 하지만 한 가지만은 확싀했닀. 지ꞈ ë‹č임 íšŒì‚Źë„Œ ê·žë§Œë‘êł  ê°•ì§€í•œêłŒ 씜대한 멀늏 ë–šì–Žì ž 지낎알 한닀. 영원히 지날 êȃ 같지 않았던 시간읎 ì§€ë‚˜êł  닀음 날 아ìčšìŽ 찟아왔닀. í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 욕싀 ê±°ìšž 앞에서 출귌할지 말지 한찞을 망섀였닀. 2시간 후, 손에 ì‚Źì§ì„œë„Œ 든 í•œì„žíŹê°€ 강지한 ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ ëŹžì„ ìĄ°ì‹ŹìŠ€ëŸœêȌ ë…žíŹí•˜êł  듀얎가 ì§‘ëŹŽì±…ìƒ 위에 êł”ì†í•˜êȌ 낎렀놓았닀. "대표님, ì‚Źìží•Ž ìŁŒì„žìš”." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ê·žê°€ 있는 ìȘœìœŒëĄœ ì‚Źì§ì„œë„Œ 낎밀며 정쀑하êȌ 말했닀. í•œì„žíŹê°€ 귞의 앞에 멈춰 ì„€ 때êčŒì§€ 서넘에서 눈을 떌지 않았던 ê·žê°€ ì‚Źì§ì„œëŒëŠ” 말에 움찔거렞닀. 귞녀가 진짜 ì‚Źì§ì„œë„Œ 제출할 쀄 ëȘ°ëžë˜ 강지한은 ëŻżì„ 수 없닀는 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ í•œì„žíŹë„Œ 녞렀뎀닀. 자신을 뚫얎지êȌ ë°”ëŒëłŽëŠ” êčŠêł  êČ€ì€ 눈동자에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ì‹Źìž„ìŽ ëčšëŠŹ 뛰며 ëȘžìŽ 움찔움찔핎 나는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. "êČ°ì •í–ˆì–Ž?" 귞의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëŠ” 돎êČì§€ë„ ê°€ëłì§€ë„ 않êȌ 귞녀의 옚ëȘžì„ 감쌌닀. "ë„€. êČ°ì •í–ˆìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€." í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 떹멬는 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ 감추며 씜대한 ìčšì°©í•˜êȌ 대닔했닀. ê·žëŸŹìž 강지한은 플식 웃음을 í„°ëœšëŠŹêł  êČ€ì§€ëĄœ ê°€ëłêȌ 책상을 두드렞닀. "ìŽëŠŹ 와." 입술을 ꌭ êčšëŹž í•œì„žíŹëŠ” ìžëŠŹì—ì„œ êżˆì ë„ 하지 않았닀. "í‡Žì‚Źí•˜êł  싶지 않아?" 동시에 강지한의 위협적읞 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ì— ìšžë žêł  ì†ìœŒëĄœ êčŠì€ 한숚을 낎쉰 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” êČœêł„ 가득한 ëȘšìŠ”ìœŒëĄœ 귞에êȌ 가êčŒìŽ 닀가갔닀. ì”ìˆ™í•˜êł ë„ íŹê·Œí•œ 귞의 햄수가 귞녀넌 감쌌지만 숚 막히는 느낌은 지욞 수 없었닀. í•œì„žíŹì˜ ìĄ°ì‹ŹìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ ëȘšìŠ”에 강지한은 ì°žì§€ ëȘ»í•˜êł  웃음을 터뜚렞닀. 강지한은 평소에도 ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ 낎얎 웃지 않는 펞읎었닀. Ʞ껏핎알 입 êŒŹëŠŹë§Œ ëč„ìŠ€ë“Źížˆ ì˜ŹëŠŹêł  ëŻžì†Œë§Œ 지을 뿐. ê·žëŸŹë‹ˆ 귞의 얌ꔎ에 ëČˆì§„ ëŻžì†ŒëŠ” 귞의 ì–žì§ąì€ Ʞ분을 ì„€ëȘ…í–ˆêł  ê·žêČƒì€ êł§ ë‹€ê°€ì˜Ź 폭풍의 전알였닀. 귞녀의 손ëȘ©ì„ ì›€ìŒœìžĄì€ 강지한읎 눈 êčœë°•í•  ì‚ŹìŽì— 귞녀넌 ì§‘ëŹŽì±…ìƒ 위에 ëˆ„ë„Žêł  가만히 낎렀닀뎀닀. 수백 수ìČœì–” 규ëȘšì˜ êł„ì•œ 서넘가 바닄에 ë–šì–ŽìĄŒì§€ë§Œ ì•„ëŹŽë„ 신êČœ 쓰지 않았닀...... ...... ==== 3년 동안 강지한의 ëč„ì„œëĄœ, ëč„ë°€ ì• ìžìœŒëĄœ êłì— 있얎왔던 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 낚자가 êČ°í˜Œí•œë‹€ëŠ” ì†Œì‹êłŒ 핚께 읎 êŽ€êł„ë„ ëë‚Žêł  싶었닀. 하지만... 왜 êł„ì† ë¶™ìžĄêł  ë†“ì•„ìŁŒì§€ 않는 걞êčŒ? 읎얎지는 강지한의 ë¶€ë“œëŸŹì›€êłŒ ì• ë§€ 가득한 눈Ꞟ에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” í—·ê°ˆëŠŹêž° 시작하며 점점 자신의 ì„ íƒêłŒ 마음을 알 수 없êȌ 되었닀. 귞런데 ê·ž 때. í•œì„žíŹê°€ 임신을 했닀. ì‹Źí•Žì§€ëŠ” 입덧에, 강지한의 집착에, ê·žëŠŹêł  íƒìš•ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 엄마의 압박에 í•œì„žíŹëŠ” 점점 ì ˆë§ì†ìœŒëĄœ ëč ì žë“€êȌ ë˜ì—ˆêł  êČ°ê”­ êł í†”ì†ì—ì„œ ì‚ŹëŒìĄŒë‹€...... 귞녀는 ì–Žë–»êȌ ìŠ€ìŠ€ëĄœë„Œ ê”Źì›í•˜êł  반êȩ할 êČƒìžê°€ìš”? ì•žìœŒëĄœëŠ” ì–Žë–€ 전개가 íŽŒìłì§ˆêčŒìš”? 완정한 ìŠ€í† ëŠŹë„Œ ìŠêž°êł  싶윌시닀멎 아래의 ëČ„íŠŒì„ 눌러 App을 ë‹€ìšŽëĄœë“œ 받윌섞요. (App을 였픈 시 ìžë™ìœŒëĄœ 엎독 쀑읞 읎 ìž‘í’ˆìœŒëĄœ 슀킔합니닀) &9& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/56913436-fb_contact-k Loving reading https://www.facebook.com/61567813351718/ 380 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.moboreader.net VIDEO https://fbweb.moboreader.net/56913436-fb_contact-kra168_2-1115-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=1129349344803415&rawadid=120211454136130284 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467395688_8631840723570154_7534386158767766472_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=etb1-puxyREQ7kNvgFbLcvX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AN9IFGtRXwCWLeji_vgs1Yk&oh=00_AYBmC7YlU4CV-lqWQMmUomVwCwbZWcAW_UI-4SKk6EaT2Q&oe=674599A7 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Loving reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 Continuar lendo👉👉👉 Devido Ă s dificuldades da vida, ela tinha que trabalhar como acompanhante. Um dia, ela recebeu um pedido de um cliente misterioso, pedindo que ela fosse sua noiva temporĂĄria por uma semana. Considerando a alta remuneração, ela aceitou o pedido. Inesperadamente, isso mudou sua vida... ===== JĂĄ fazia alguns meses que eu entrei para a Red Angel, uma agĂȘncia de acompanhantes de luxo. Larguei o meu emprego de secretĂĄria pois com aquele salĂĄrio eu mal conseguia comprar alimentos. Eu nĂŁo conseguia nem mesmo pagar as contas acumuladas, isto sem falar na minha faculdade e no colĂ©gio interno de Gabriel. Eu queria muito ter condiçÔes de pagar tudo, de ter condiçÔes de pagar alguĂ©m para cuidar dele, para todas as noites eu poder estar com ele. Se a falta de nossos pais doĂ­a em mim, para ele o sofrimento era ainda maior. Eu nĂŁo poderia recusar este trabalho, estava cheia de dĂ­vidas e com o meu irmĂŁo pequeno para criar. ApĂłs a morte dos nossos pais o que nos restou foi muita tristeza, saudades e muitas contas para pagar. E quitar todas elas com o meu trabalho de secretĂĄria, era impossĂ­vel, eu estava ao ponto de desistir dos estudos. Uma amiga da faculdade me ajudou, me apresentou para a dona da agĂȘncia Red Angel, na qual ela trabalha. No inĂ­cio eu nĂŁo queria, estava fora dos meus princĂ­pios. Mas tudo caiu por terra, quando o conselho tutelar me ameaçou. E eu poderia perder a guarda de Gabriel, eu estava deixando-o sozinho para trabalhar. E estĂĄvamos passando necessidade. E foi assim comecei a trabalhar na Red Angel, nem sempre era fĂĄcil. Mas comecei a ganhar o suficiente. Consegui pagar a minha faculdade e o colĂ©gio interno de Gabriel, uma escola bem cara e conceituada. Eu nĂŁo estava extremamente feliz, mas estava conseguindo devagar alcançar os meus objetivos. Mas agora estou sofrendo as consequĂȘncias de uma suspensĂŁo por trĂȘs meses, por ter me envolvido com um dos funcionĂĄrios da Red Angel. Quebrando assim, uma das regras da Mary. O pior Ă© que eu nem sentia nada por aquele babaca, que fez um drama, dizendo para a Mary, que ele estava indo embora por minha culpa, sendo que ele estava indo para Nova Iorque trabalhar. O telefone tocou me tirando de meus pensamentos. -- AlĂŽ? -- OlĂĄ, Karen. Eu devia te ignorar por mais alguns meses. Mas digamos que a sorte sorriu para vocĂȘ. EntĂŁo, nĂŁo me decepcione. Mari me explicou que um poderoso empresĂĄrio estava oferecendo pagar muito por uma semana comigo. E seria em Portofino, na ItĂĄlia. O meu coração fez um salto. Isto poderia pagar meus Ășltimos meses de estudo. Me dando a oportunidade de deixar a Red Angel assim que eu conseguisse outro trabalho, no que vou me formar. O que me chamou a atenção, ele queria apenas desfilar comigo. Isso me deixou pensativa. Mas o fato de ganhar todo este dinheiro me fez aceitar. Mary me avisou que nos encontrarĂ­amos no dia seguinte para comprar tudo o necessĂĄrio para a viagem. -- Karen. Ele te escolheu entre tantas. EntĂŁo espero que nĂŁo me decepcione. -- Mary, eu vou dar o meu melhor para nĂŁo te decepcionar. -- Ele exigiu algo? -- Na verdade, ele dispensou o nosso contrato habitual da agĂȘncia, quer sigilo, obviamente. Ele vai pagar tudo, suas roupas, malas, viagem. Ele quer que vocĂȘ leia o contrato e se quiser incluir algo, poderĂĄ. Ele quer que eu envie para ele em seguida. Isto me deixou mais que apreensiva. Mas o dinheiro e a promessa de liberdade deste trabalho valeriam risco. -- Pensei. -- Por favor, me envie a cĂłpia dos seus documentos por e-mail. Preciso enviar para ele, para os trĂąmites da viagem. AtĂ© amanhĂŁ. -- Vou te enviar, atĂ© amanhĂŁ e obrigada pela oportunidade. -- NĂŁo agradeça a mim, por mais que eu te adore, Karen, regras sĂŁo regras, eu te deixaria em punição, mas ele escolheu vocĂȘ. -- Mesmo assim, obrigada. AtĂ© amanhĂŁ. Ela desligou o telefone, meu coração ainda estava acelerado. Eu nem mesmo sabia como ele era. Mas tentei nĂŁo pensar sobre, afinal no dia seguinte Mary me mostraria uma foto dele e falarĂ­amos mais sobre ele. Respirei fundo, precisava me acalmar. Eu fui para a cozinha, preparei um chĂĄ e liguei para Gabriel, para contar da viagem. Para ele e outras pessoas prĂłximas, eu falava que trabalhava como aeromoça em voos particulares de ricos excĂȘntricos. Peguei o celular e liguei para a escola de Gabriel. ApĂłs falar com a secretĂĄria, eles passaram a chamada para o quarto dele. -- Karen, como estou feliz que vocĂȘ ligou! -- Eu queria ouvir a sua voz. Estou com muitas saudades. -- Hoje eu venci o no campeonato de futebol e no judĂŽ eu estou classificado para as olimpĂ­adas da escola. Estou feliz, Karen. -- Uau! Meu campeĂŁo! ParabĂ©ns, estou orgulhosa de vocĂȘ. NĂłs nos veremos assim que eu voltar de viagem. -- Para onde vocĂȘ voarĂĄ desta vez? Meu coração apertou, mas ele era muito criança para entender o que eu fazia. E, de certa forma, desta vez eu realmente estava indo voar. -- Vou para Portofino, na ItĂĄlia. Mas assim que eu voltar, vou correndo te ver e vou trazer presentes. -- Vou ficar contente em te ver. Eu gosto dos presentes, mas gosto muito mais de vocĂȘ. Segurei as lĂĄgrimas. Eu queria muito poder ter condiçÔes de pagar alguĂ©m para tomar conta dele enquanto eu trabalhava. Mas antes eu precisava pagar todas as nossas contas acumuladas e arrumar outro trabalho. E assim ter condiçÔes de bancar todas as despesas da casa e dos estudos de Gabriel. Ele dependia de mim. Respirei fundo e tentei mostrar a ele que estava feliz. -- Eu te amo muito, garotinho lindo. Eu tambĂ©m fico muito feliz em te ver, em breve estaremos juntos. -- Eu vou esperar! Boa Viagem, irmĂŁzinha. Vou jogar com os meus amigos. Te amo. - Obrigada! Se divirta, querido. E lembre-se que eu te amo mais que tudo. Eu te ligarei em breve. Ele fez barulhos de b*ijos no telefone e desligou. Eu enxuguei as lĂĄgrimas em meu rosto e tentei restar otimista para o amanhĂŁ. Era isto, se no contrato, as exigĂȘncias do cliente fossem suportĂĄveis a minha partida para a ItĂĄlia jĂĄ seria amanhĂŁ, ao lado de um perfeito desconhecido. CapĂ­tulo 2 Noiva! No dia seguinte... O meu carro nĂŁo funcionou e tive que correr para a estação. Mary marcou comigo na frente de uma loja cara da avenida principal. Eu jĂĄ conseguia ver seus cabelos claros presos em um rabo de cavalo elegante e suas roupas de grife adornando o seu corpo perfeito. Ela se girou lentamente, sorrindo para mim. -- Bom dia, senhorita atrasada. -- Bom dia, me desculpe pelo atraso. Lamento ter feito vocĂȘ me esperar. Meu carro quebrou outra vez. -- Tudo bem, Karen. Consigo ver o quanto estĂĄ abatida e acredite, vai ficar tudo bem. Mas devo te alertar que o nosso cliente, o senhor Dante, nĂŁo suporta atrasos. -- Isto nĂŁo vai acontecer. Eu respondi, tentando buscar um pouco de ar para os meus pulmĂ”es. -- Vamos entrar, pois estamos atrasadas. O dia estĂĄ apenas começando. Entrei na loja com ela e por uma hora escolhemos vestidos, sapatos, variados acessĂłrios. Mary estava quase todo o tempo no telefone enviando fotos para ele de cada roupa que eu vestia. E ele respondia o que ele gostava ou nĂŁo. Quando saĂ­mos para a rua Mary, finalmente deixou o telefone. -- Eu ainda acho muito estranho tudo isso. Qual o problema deste homem, Mary? Ela sorriu gentilmente, mas nĂŁo respondeu. Ela entrou no spa que ficava a poucos metros da loja em que estĂĄvamos. ApĂłs sermos acomodadas em uma sala de estar, ela se virou para mim. -- Ele deixou claro no contrato, ele sĂł quer que sua presença ao lado dele, sempre bem-vestida e maquiada. -- Tudo bem, eu prefiro assim. Ela sorriu e abaixou a voz. --Um lugar maravilhoso... O telefone dela interrompeu sua frase, ela se afastou e eu entrei para a sala de massagem. E pelas horas seguintes, eu fui preparada, unhas, cabelos, maquiagem, roupas. O meu coração estava em angĂșstia, mas eu sabia que era tarde demais para desistir. Horas depois, estĂĄvamos na frente do grande espelho da recepção da Red Angel. Eu usava um vestido chique com um toque sensual na dose justa. Na bolsa, estava todos os meus pertences e o principal, o meu passaporte. Mary repassava as exigĂȘncias do contrato que eu tinha acabado de assinar. -- VocĂȘ tem apenas que sorrir e concordar com tudo o que ele disser quando estiverem em pĂșblico. Praticamente, vocĂȘ terĂĄ que fingir um relacionamento emotivo com ele. DormirĂĄ no mesmo quarto que ele, mas ele nĂŁo te tocarĂĄ. Mary tinha mandado que todas as roupas fossem preparadas nas malas caras que ela tinha comprado para mim. E quando o carro que ele enviou chegou na frente da Red Angel, o motorista as carregou no porta-malas. Me despedi de Mary e segui para o meu destino. Apesar de ter me dado um boa noite amigĂĄvel, o motorista restou em silĂȘncio todo o trajeto. No aeroporto, entramos na ĂĄrea vip de voos privados, um aviĂŁo estava pronto na pista. O motorista me conduziu atĂ© um comissĂĄrio que estava esperando na escada, ele me cumprimentou e me acompanhou atĂ© o meu assento no aviĂŁo, me oferecendo tudo o possĂ­vel para o meu conforto. Eu estava terminando de fazer uma mensagem para o meu irmĂŁo, quando escutei a sua voz pela primeira vez. -- Boa noite, Karen. Seja bem-vinda. Eu levantei o meu olhar para encontrar Dante Montallegro com seu corpo perfeito e seu olhar intenso buscando os meus. -- Boa noite, senhor Montallegro... -- Retire o Senhor, por favor, vocĂȘ deve me chamar de Dante, nada mais. --Disse enquanto dobrava lentamente a manga de sua camisa. Eu observei os seus movimentos, seus braços definidos eram evidentes sobre o tecido caro de sua camisa. -- Me desculpe, eu estou um pouco nervosa. -- Entendo suas dĂșvidas depois do contrato que enviei. EntĂŁo, estou disposto a discutir com vocĂȘ durante o voo. Vou começar te explicando o meu motivo por contratar sua agĂȘncia. Estamos indo para uma grande conferĂȘncia, onde entrarei em contato com alguns clientes importantes. Mas o fato de sua presença Ă© porque minha noiva me deixou. E ela estarĂĄ nessas reuniĂ”es. Ela terminou comigo e duas semanas depois, ficou noiva de outro. Eu sei que ela ainda me ama. Ela estĂĄ fazendo isso de pirraça. Preciso jogar do mesmo jeito que ela, para tirĂĄ-la da zona de conforto. E fazer ela ver, que eu sou o homem certo para ela! Ele disse tudo de forma tĂŁo natural que eu encontrei dificuldades para dizer que isto era mais louco do que eu poderia pensar. Mas, enfim, ele estava me pagando bem para ser sua namorada. -- Entendi Dante, eu serei sua namorada para passar ciĂșmes. -- Na verdade, noiva. VocĂȘ serĂĄ minha noiva. Ficamos noivos em uma romĂąntica viagem para a GrĂ©cia. -- Noiva?? Eu falei um pouco mais alto do que eu deveria, e ele seriamente me respondeu. -- Sim. Eu e Vivian terminamos faz dois meses e ela estava viajando para outra parte do mundo, e eu tambĂ©m. EntĂŁo a mentira que nĂłs dois contaremos serĂĄ plausĂ­vel. -- Tudo bem. -- Ótimo, eu preciso que vocĂȘ apenas concorde com tudo o que eu disser e saiba evitar responder perguntas, eu as responderei. -- Claro, vocĂȘ tem fotos da sua noiva? -- Apenas as do site. -- Bom saber que vocĂȘ escolheu sua atual noiva se baseando naquelas fotos. -- Na verdade, nĂŁo foi pelas fotos, foi por sua descrição no perfil. E depois conversando com a Mary, ela me disse que vocĂȘ estĂĄ na faculdade. E que, ao contrĂĄrio das outras que ali estĂŁo, vocĂȘ busca um futuro fora de tudo isto. -- Bom de certa forma, acho fofo o seu esforço para, de alguma forma reconquistar sua amada. Ele apenas sorriu, mas nĂŁo disse mais nada, e nas horas seguintes de voo ele nĂŁo tocou mais no assunto do contrato ou sua relação. Falamos de tudo um pouco e encontramos muitas afinidades e o voo foi tranquilo. Quando o aviĂŁo pousou, ele se virou para mim e puxou uma caixa de dentro de sua pequena mala. -- Precisamos contar bem esta mentira... Ele abre a caixa e duas alianças brilharam diante dos meus olhos. Ele pegou o solitĂĄrio e deslizou em meu dedo. Ele mesmo pegou a outra aliança e deslizou em seu dedo. -- Parece que estamos noivos, querido. Ele sorriu e me ajudou a levantar da poltrona. -- Aqui começa nossa histĂłria, querida. CapĂ­tulo 3 Dante Montallegro Ao entrar no carro que estava a nossa espera na pista, ele voltou a sua atenção para mim. -- Karen, vocĂȘ pode me dizer o seu nome real? -- Este Ă© o meu nome real. A Mary deve ter enviado todos os meus documentos para vocĂȘ, incluindo todos os exames... -- Sim, claro, ela enviou, mas foi tudo para a minha secretĂĄria. Os exames sĂŁo sempre enviados para os clientes? -- Isto faz parte da exigĂȘncia da Mary, provar para todos os clientes que nos contratam a longo prazo, que somos saudĂĄveis. -- Eu entendidos. O telefone dele tocou, eu tentei nĂŁo prestar atenção na sua conversa. Eu respirei fundo e me concentrei na paisagem de Portofino. Meu telefone começou a tocar insistentemente. E eu nĂŁo consegui desligar. Levantei o meu olhar para Dante e ele olhou meu celular com certo ar de reprovação. Enfim, consegui desligar a chamada. Ele seguiu falando por alguns segundos e depois desligou. Ele pegou uma grande caixa que estava entre nĂłs e me entregou. -- Isto Ă© para vocĂȘ. E seu telefone deve permanecer apenas no modo vibração. Atenda, apenas se for algo de urgĂȘncia. Espero que nĂŁo atenda os seus clientes enquanto estiver comigo. As minhas mĂŁos trĂȘmulas abriram a caixa, enquanto o amargo descia na minha garganta. O que estĂĄ acontecendo? Ele consegue me deixar sem jeito e extremamente irritada. Poucas horas juntos, e ele jĂĄ estava me deixando desconfortĂĄvel, mas do que qualquer outra pessoa jĂĄ foi capaz. --Pensei. Fiquei um tempo olhando o celular de Ășltima geração dentro da caixa. Provavelmente eu deveria devolver no final do contrato. Parecendo ler os meus pensamentos, ele falou. -- Considere um presente meu. Por vocĂȘ ter aceitado o meu contrato. -- Desculpe, Dante, eu nĂŁo posso aceitar. -- NĂŁo gosto de ser contrariado, Karen. AlĂ©m do mais, nĂŁo estamos quebrando nenhuma das regras por nĂłs estabelecidas. E vocĂȘ, como minha noiva, nĂŁo pode usar qualquer telefone barato na frente dos meus investidores e clientes. Eu respirei fundo novamente e tentei me acalmar. Este homem me enlouqueceria em uma semana ao seu lado. Parecia impossĂ­vel isto nĂŁo acontecer. -- Tudo bem, obrigada, Dante. Ele apenas sorriu, convencido. Quando eu terminei de transferir os meus dados para o telefone, o carro parou na frente do hotel "A Belmond." Antes que eu pudesse organizar as minhas coisas da bolsa para sair, ele jĂĄ tinha saĂ­do e estava abrindo a porta para mim. A sua mĂŁo segurou a minha e me guiou porta adentro. Fomos recepcionados e nos levaram para a SuĂ­te Dolce Vita. Eu tentava prestar atenção em tudo a minha volta, no estilo antigo, mas luxuoso do hotel cinco estrelas. Quando finalmente estĂĄvamos sozinhos, eu me via sem graça, um pouco perdida. Eu observava a cama King size coberta os Lençóis brancos, eu jamais tinha dormido em algo do gĂȘnero. -- Gostou da nossa cama? A sua proximidade me fez dar um passo para trĂĄs e seu olhar se estreitou enquanto ele sorria e me observava. -- Eu...eu pensei que teria duas camas. A suĂ­te Ă© enorme, tem outros cĂŽmodos e nĂŁo tem outra cama. Ele se aproximou lentamente, mas desta vez nĂŁo me afastei e nem desviei o meu olhar do seu. -- Eu te disse que nĂŁo passaremos dos b*ijos e em pĂșblico... Claro. No contrato, ele tinha deixado claro que eu deveria ser carinhosa e aceitar seus carinhos publicamente. E eu jĂĄ temia por isto. Eu me lembrava de cada linha do contrato. Meu coração parecia descontrolado quando ele se aproximava ainda mais. -- Respira, Karen. Cretino provocador! -- Pensei comigo. Eu apertei as minhas unhas na palma da mĂŁo e tentei disfarçar. -- Bom, eu vou arrumar as minhas coisas no armĂĄrio, se vocĂȘ assim me permitir. -- Eu tenho uma proposta melhor. Vou chamar a recepção e eles enviarĂŁo alguĂ©m para organizar tudo. Basta deixarmos as malas do lado que preferimos do closet. E descemos para o restaurante do hotel. Quero muito falar com vocĂȘ e obviamente te exibir, querida noiva. -- Tudo bem, vocĂȘ Ă© quem manda. Os olhos deles se estreitam, e ele sorriu. -- Palavras perigosas estas. Mas enfim, tomamos um banho e saĂ­mos daqui trinta minutos, tudo bem? -- Tudo bem, perfeito para mim, eu vou separar o que preciso agora, enquanto vocĂȘ usa o banheiro. -- Perfeito. Karen, eu quero te dizer, beba e coma o que quiser a qualquer momento. Se nĂŁo encontrar no frigobar ou na pequena cozinha do quarto, ordene para que a recepção te satisfaça. NĂŁo quero que fique me esperando para pedir algo para vocĂȘ. Se sentir vontade de algo, apenas ordene. VocĂȘ Ă© a minha noiva, lembre-se disto. Quero vocĂȘ saciada e satisfeita. Entendido? Ele realmente parecia ter optado por seguir me provocando. Mas eu nĂŁo revidaria. -- Sim, obrigada. Ele sorriu e caminhou com a sua mala de mĂŁo para o grande banheiro. Quando ele fechou a porta, eu decidi sair para o terraço. CapĂ­tulo 4 A ex noiva A vista para o mar era extremamente magnĂ­fica. Eu tinha que ligar para o Gabriel, peguei meu celular e disquei o nĂșmero do colĂ©gio. Neste momento, agradeci por estar usando um chip Internacional. Aguardei ansiosa enquanto o telefone tocava. ApĂłs ser atendida, transferiram a chamada para o quarto do Gabriel. E logo a voz doce e familiar me respondeu. --Karen.... -- Oi, Gabriel, meu amor, que saudades. -- Karen, que bom que vocĂȘ ligou, eu sei que vocĂȘ estĂĄ viajando, mas estou com muita saudade. Eu senti o meu coração apertar, imaginando o quanto era difĂ­cil para um garoto de dez anos ficar longe da sua Ășnica famĂ­lia. Perdemos o papai em acidente quando o Gabriel tinha apenas quatro anos. E jĂĄ fazia dois anos que perdemos a mamĂŁe para uma doença fatal. Foi aĂ­ que eu assumi todas as responsabilidades. E, no inĂ­cio, consegui manter a casa e nossos estudos. Mas as contas foram aumentando, me deixando desesperada ao ponto de assumir a vida obscura que eu levava. Eu fiz poucos programas, mas desde o primeiro sempre desejei sair desta vida. Para o Gabriel eu dizia trabalhar como aeromoça de companhias particulares. E isto funcionava. Afinal eu tinha trabalhado com isto no passado. Ao menos o contrato com Dante, me permitiria sair da Red Angel e eu poderia ir visitĂĄ-lo com mais frequĂȘncia. E depois conseguir manter ele em casa comigo, pagando alguĂ©m para ajudar a cuidar dele. -- Sinto muito, querido, eu tambĂ©m estou morrendo de saudades, prometo que vou ligar mais vezes e logo estarei de volta. -- Eu estou indo muito bem, minhas notas sĂŁo boas. Eu quero muito te ver, Karen. Podemos fazer uma chamada de vĂ­deo com o Skype qualquer dia desses? -- Vamos nos organizar. Sim, estou muito orgulhosa de vocĂȘ. Isto que estamos vivendo Ă© uma fase, se concentre nisto. Eu te amo muito, nunca se esqueça disto. -- Eu tambĂ©m te amo, Karen. Eu falei um pouco mais com o Gabriel. Minutos depois, eu desliguei o telefone e quando voltei para dentro, percebi que a porta estava entre aberta. Eu tinha certeza de que a tinha deixado aberta antes de ir para o terraço. Eu caminhei lentamente, a porta do quarto estava aberta. Dante estava enrolado na toalha, jogado na cama, mexendo em seu celular. E eu me peguei pensando se ele tinha ouvido toda a minha conversa. Ele levantou seu olhar e me disse. -- VocĂȘ tem vinte minutos. A sua voz era fria, e ele voltou novamente seu olhar para o celular. Eu tentei fingir que nĂŁo estava babando no seu corpo perfeito. E muito menos que estava desconfiada que ele tenha ouvido minha conversa com o Gabriel. -- Tudo bem, estarei pronta. Eu corri contra o tempo, agarrei a minha mala de mĂŁo com as coisas que eu tinha deixado separado. Fui para o banheiro, tomei banho, fiz maquiagem e sai de lĂĄ vestindo o roupĂŁo do hotel. Eu me vesti e me dei por satisfeita com o meu reflexo no espelho. -- Venha atĂ© aqui. Eu dei passos lentos, com meu coração acelerado, seus olhos estavam calmos, me olhando. Ele me analisava de cima abaixo. Ele nĂŁo disse uma palavra, ele foi atĂ© a sua mala e voltou se aproximando de mim. Percebi que ele tinha algo nas mĂŁos, mas nĂŁo tive tempo de identificar o que era, pois ele tirou a minha atenção falando comigo. -- Vire-se de costas. Eu queria discutir, rebater. Mas manter um contato visual com ele era ainda mais difĂ­cil. Obedeci, me virando e percebi que eu estava na frente do espelho, onde antes trocamos olhares. Ele se aproximou e seus dedos alisaram lentamente os meus cabelos, colocando-os de lado sobre o meu ombro. SĂł entĂŁo vi o colar delicado em suas mĂŁos deslizando para o meu pescoço. -- Vamos, estamos atrasados. -- Ele sussurrou. -- Eu achei que queria apenas conversar. NĂŁo pensei que teria um compromisso com hora marcada. -- Faremos isto apĂłs o jantar. Pois tĂȘm um grande cliente que se juntarĂĄ a nĂłs. Ele me ligou alguns minutos atrĂĄs. Eu senti um frio na barriga, fingir ser a noiva de um homem como ele nĂŁo seria algo fĂĄcil. Ele caminhou atĂ© a porta enquanto peguei a minha bolsa. Quando saĂ­mos para o corredor, ele posicionou a sua mĂŁo nas minhas costas e de maneira gentil. -- Tudo bem, Karen? -- Eu estou um pouco nervosa. Na verdade, nunca fiz algo assim antes. -- Fique calma, apenas seja carinhosa, fale o mĂ­nimo possĂ­vel. Nos conhecemos em uma das minhas viagens. Nos encontramos algumas vezes e foi amor Ă  primeira vista. EntĂŁo, ficamos noivos em uma viagem para a GrĂ©cia. -- Tudo bem, vou me lembrar disto, fique tranquilo. -- Eu sei que vocĂȘ se sairĂĄ muito bem sendo minha noiva. -- Ele sorriu e piscou para mim. Enquanto caminhĂĄvamos para o restaurante, eu fiquei pensando em como esta semana seria. Eu teria que fingir ser a sua noiva, teria que receber e dar todo o carinho para ele. Meu coração estava acelerado, mas com certeza isto era porque o jogo agora era para valer. E quando chegamos Ă  mesa, um homem elegante se levantou e sorriu, estendendo a mĂŁo para Dante e olhando para mim. -- Boa noite, senhor Dante. Peço desculpas por interromper a sua noite. -- Ele apertou a mĂŁo de Dante enquanto falava. -- Senhor Gilbert, esta Ă© a minha noiva, Karen. -- Prazer em conhecĂȘ-la, senhorita Karen. -- Ele apertou a minha mĂŁo e sorriu. -- Prazer, senhor Gilbert. -- É um homem de sorte, Dante, sua noiva Ă© lindĂ­ssima. Ele disse para o Dante, enquanto se sentava. -- Eu sei disso, tive sorte em encontrĂĄ-la. Dante disse enquanto e afastava a cadeira para que eu me sentasse. O garçom se aproximou e, enquanto Gilbert fez seu pedido, Dante sussurrou para mim. -- VocĂȘ quer olhar o cardĂĄpio? VocĂȘ fala italiano? -- Eu falo um pouco, mas ficarei confortĂĄvel se vocĂȘ escolher para mim. Ele apenas sorriu e se virou para o garçom, expressando-se em um italiano perfeito. Ele escolheu risoto com funghi porcini e tagliata de carne. Quando o garçom se afastou, ele começou a falar com o seu cliente sobre negĂłcios. E eu apenas fiquei ali, olhando o ambiente Ă  nossa volta e apreciando a vista para o mar. Mas depois de um tempo ali, percebi dois casais em uma mesa ao fundo. Uma das mulheres nĂŁo parava de nos encarar. Uma loira muito bem-vestida e maquiada. O meu instinto me alertou no mesmo momento que aquela mulher teria alguma relação com o Dante. Eu me aproximei de Dante, ele parou de falar com o seu cliente e se girou para me b*ijar o rosto. Enquanto eu sussurrei em seu ouvido. -- A sua ex Ă© loira? -- Sim, como vocĂȘ sabe? Eu pisquei para ele. Logo ele entendeu a situação. ApĂłs assinar o contrato com o cliente, ele pegou minha mĂŁo e caminhou em direção ao loiro. -- Aqui estĂĄ sua chance de se exibir! Dante apertou ligeiramente a minha cintura. E eu me movi automaticamente para mais perto dele, que sorriu satisfeito... ...... O que acontecerĂĄ a seguir? O nĂșmero de capĂ­tulos exibidos aqui Ă© limitado. Por favor, clique no botĂŁo abaixo para baixar nosso aplicativo e ler mais capĂ­tulos. (Ao abrir o aplicativo, vocĂȘ irĂĄ automaticamente para este livro.) &9& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.lera.mobi/6436409-fb_contact-pt01_2- Loving reading https://www.facebook.com/61567813351718/ 380 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.lera.mobi IMAGE https://fbweb.lera.mobi/6436409-fb_contact-pt01_2-0906-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=241242718481731&rawadid=120215609909360663 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465971014_8616421928478778_5556024659890847895_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LE-F0e_nINsQ7kNvgGFLECH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AN9IFGtRXwCWLeji_vgs1Yk&oh=00_AYA5Pv0IUJ2e3SWF3LRJwWSrW5XwqU82QIUQl7EVRuhOYw&oe=6745AFD7 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Loving reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ As the daughter of Alpha, I was tortured since I was 6 years old, and more tragically, I was forced to marry the demon Alpha who killed his 9 ex-girlfriends... “Where is she?!” I hear the Beta Kyle scream. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment he sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don’t make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. “Neah, how useless your are! You still have not cleaned the office.” He snaps. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. “We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!” I don’t answer, I keep my eyes low so that I didn’t have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, and he was even claimed to have killed his 9 ex-girlfriends. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin, ”Useless Wolf.” He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle was always reminding me of how worthless I am. The clearing of a throat makes me jump. I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair. A foot propped up on his knee. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door. Shrinking down to the ground. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I
I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. “Come forward.” He orders. I do as I’m told. Allowing him to see me properly and I am met with narrowed crimson eyes. I close my own eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” My head moved up and down, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they discovered the truth about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. “I am
I am a Wolf.” I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? I wasn’t sure how much more my body could take. “How is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I
..” I hated the question. “I haven’t got all day!” He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldn’t scent him. I knew why I hadn’t been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever liked to do. They never hear my side of the story. All they do is accept Alpha Trey's word as the truth. “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?” His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them. There was no way I was making direct eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound.” “Why?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” “For what?” His deep voice rumbles through me. “For killing my parents.” I whispered. At this moment, the door swings open abruptly and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what are you doing in my office?!" He then turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it was him... LEARN_MORE http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.n New world publications https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/ 3,761 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 play.google.com VIDEO http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newreading.meganovel 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/456073188_1144942106591870_941058485777559799_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4RiCdf9cDlsQ7kNvgHbdpdr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5jz7ZpxlbeEAcuB0df0uRZ&oh=00_AYBS2SkW4N0ct1wHV0YG_3Rpn3HH9vcreoMxRJ1Hl4CKWw&oe=6745B5C8 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 New world publications 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 😍Read the next chapters👉 At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls. Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for. Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you." "Calling her that doesn't change anything. Ultimately, she’s really just a concubine in disguise," Carissa replied, remaining indifferent. Barrett frowned. "What does it matter? Aurora and I developed feelings for each other on the battlefield. We earned this marriage through our achievements. I don’t need your approval." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Developed feelings, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett had left to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before leaving, he had lifted his wife’s veil and promised her, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Feeling awkward, Barrett turned away. "Forget what I said. When I married you, I didn’t understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory." Talking about the woman he loved, his eyes softened and filled with deep affection. He turned back to Carissa and added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply. I hope you'll agree to this." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite feeling a mix of disgust and unwillingness, she still asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict. Besides, Aurora is straightforward, cheerful, and lovable. She visited my mother a while ago." They agreed? Hah... How ironic! Everything Carissa had done over the past year had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting her brow. Barrett spoke of Aurora Yates with a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother. She’s made her very happy. Even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was seriously ill. I brought in the best physician to treat her. I managed the estate’s affairs by day and stayed up nights by her bedside. It was only because of this that her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was stating the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa pressed her lips into a thin line as she blinked away the tears in her eyes and sharpened her gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need for that. Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. She’s a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. She wouldn’t want to meet you," Barrett refused instantly. Carissa retorted, "What kind of women do I know? What kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of a noble family. My father and my six brothers died on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "But you're a delicate woman suited for the comforts of home. Aurora has no respect for such women. She’s straightforward and unrestrained. If she meets you, she might say things you won’t like. Why put yourself through that?" As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under the corner of her eye became more evident in the light. She calmly said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?" Chapter 2 Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.” “Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered. Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money. This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running. And this was her reward. “Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin. As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter. “My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, why would we stay in this house any longer?” Lulu held her forehead and gasped. “But your mother arranged this marriage, and your father wanted you to marry and have children.” Tears finally welled up in Carissa’s eyes at the mention of her parents. Her father had stayed loyal to her mother, never taking a concubine. They had six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to the battlefield. Three years ago, none returned from the Southern Frontier. Though she was a girl, Carissa came from a family of warriors and started training as a child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where she also learned military strategy. When she returned home at fifteen, she learned her father and brothers had died a year earlier. Her mother, who had gone blind from crying too much, held Carissa close and said, "You must live like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. You’re the only child I have left.” Carissa felt like someone had gouged her heart out. The pain she felt was so intense she couldn't even bring herself to cry. Determined to please her mother, she spent a year mastering the traditional values and duties expected of a noblewoman. She also learned accounting and how to manage a household. Not only was Carissa the Marquis of Northwatch's daughter, but she was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep. Her mother had chosen Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another wife if he married Carissa. But six months ago, tragedy struck. All the residents of Northwatch Estate were murdered. No one was spared, not even the children or servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered. Carissa’s youngest nephew had been only two and a half years old, born after the death of her third brother. The local authorities and garrison unit captured a few of the assailants. After further investigation, they were discovered to be spies from an enemy kingdom, Westhaven. The war at the front line was raging, yet these spies didn't hesitate to reveal themselves just to annihilate her family. The manner of the murder suggested it was more of a personal vengeance than anything else. When Carissa received the news, she rushed home, only to find her grandmother’s and mother’s gruesomely dismembered bodies. Blood stained every corner of the residence, and the dead were left in agonizing states. Now, Carissa was the lone survivor of the marquis' family. The idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. They saw her merely as a delicate, fragile woman. However, Aurora was different. She had earned military merits for her contribution to the war and became the first female general in history. Even the queen dowager had high praise for her. With Aurora supporting Barrett, his future would be more secure. That was the reason the Warren family readily agreed to the marriage. Chapter 3 Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright." Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home. "My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed. Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart. "Anywhere is better than staying here." "If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want." "So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affectionate. Lulu, I must live well to give my parents and brothers peace in the afterlife," Carissa replied calmly. "My lady!" Lulu wept bitterly. She had been born and raised in Northwatch Estate. The murder had claimed the lives of everyone, including her own family. The images still haunted her, and returning there seemed unthinkable. "Is there no other way?" Lulu asked desperately. Carissa’s eyes grew cold. "There is. I could confront the king and use my family’s achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, I’ll take my own life in protest." Lulu was terrified and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!" Carissa’s expression softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Do you think I’m that silly? If I manage to reach the king, I’ll only request an edict for an amicable divorce." Barrett was able to marry Aurora because of a royal edict. So, Carissa should also be issued an official edict to leave. She shouldn't have to sneak away like she was being cast out. The wealth from Northwatch Estate was more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She wouldn't degrade herself unnecessarily. Just then, someone called from outside, "Madam Carissa, the matriarch has requested your presence!" "It’s Jade, Madam Rebecca's maid. It seems like Madam Rebecca wants to try and persuade you," Lulu whispered. Carissa straightened up, her expression serious. "Then, let’s go." The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The late king had bestowed the Warren family's current residence, Valor Estate, upon Barrett's grandfather. Though once prestigious, it had fallen into decline. Most of the Warren family's men were warriors who fought on battlefields. Only a few were civil servants who worked in the palace. Barrett’s father, Jonathan, didn’t fare well in his official career. His second uncle, Gregory, only held a minor post in the Royal Citadel. Barrett and his eldest brother, Benjamin, were somewhat successful in the military. But before their recent victory, they were only fourth-ranked majors. Both families still lived together in Valor Estate. Splitting the family would only hasten their decline. Accompanied by Lulu, Carissa arrived at Rebecca’s room. Rebecca's complexion looked a bit better, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw Carissa. "You’re here." Benjamin and his wife, Amelia Morgan, were also in the room. Barrett's sister, Serena, and the other children of the concubines were present as well. Barrett's second aunt, Charlotte Lewis, was also seated nearby. However, her expression was cold and somewhat disdainful. "Hello, Mother. Aunt Charlotte, Benjamin, Amelia," Carissa greeted them politely. "Carissa, come here." Rebecca gestured for her daughter-in-law to sit by her bedside. The older woman held Carissa's hand affectionately and happily said, "Now that Barrett is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. You’re the only one left of the marquis' family. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now." Rebecca was shrewd. She made it clear that Carissa would need to depend on the Warren family in the future, since her family was gone. Carissa pulled her hand away and calmly said, "Mother, I heard you met General Yates today." Rebecca hadn’t expected Carissa to be so straightforward. Her smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Yes, I did. She’s rather rough around the edges and doesn’t compare to you in terms of looks." Carissa gazed at her mother-in-law steadily. "So, are you saying you don't like her?" Chapter 4 Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?" "Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine." Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you." "No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked. Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this battle were greater than Barrett’s. With you managing the household, they'll be able to work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they'll surely become famous generals like his grandfather." Carissa’s tone remained chilly as she said, "If they’re husband and wife, then I have no role here." "How can you say that? Aren’t you still in charge of the household?" countered Rebecca, displeased. "I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. I’ll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her," Carissa replied. Amelia quickly interjected, "I’m still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you’ve been managing things. You should continue doing it." Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money to support them. Most of it went towards Rebecca’s medical expenses. Sebastian Dalton was a renowned physician, and his medicine was costly. Only a few could afford his services. Rebecca’s medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, amounting to more than a thousand coins a year. As for the other household expenses, Carissa occasionally subsidized them. For example, she would sometimes use fabrics and silks from her family’s business to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year. She didn’t mind it before, as she had really wished to spend her life with Barrett. However, circumstances had changed. She no longer wanted to be a fool. Carissa stood up and said, "That’s settled, then. I’ll hand over the accounts tomorrow and won’t be involved in household matters anymore." "Stop right there!" Rebecca's face darkened with anger. "Carissa, you’re being unreasonable. Men having multiple wives and concubines is normal. If you can't accept that, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous." Carissa’s compliance over the past year had made the Warren family think she was easy to manipulate. They believed a few harsh words would always keep her in line. Carissa’s expression was calm, a stark contrast to her usual docility. "People can say whatever they want. I'm not concerned about their opinions." Rebecca was so angry that she struggled to breathe and coughed harshly for a long while. In the past, Carissa would have rushed to help her. She would pat the older woman's back and try to soothe her. But now, Carissa remained where she was. The soft evening light from the doorway highlighted her delicate, almost ethereal beauty. "Carissa, look how badly you've upset Mom," Serena said as she stepped forward. Her round, youthful face puffed with anger as she glared at Carissa. "This isn’t even about you. Do you think your family is still as prestigious as it once was? Your parents and brothers are gone; you're the only one left. Aren't you afraid that Barrett will divorce you if you keep putting on airs like you're a young lady from a prestigious family?" Carissa looked at her sister-in-law, who was dressed in a pale yellow outfit that Carissa had procured for her in early autumn. Now, wearing the clothes Carissa had provided, Serena dared to question her authority. How utterly
 unsensible of her. "Take off that dress you’re wearing before you try to lecture me," Carissa said coolly. Serena’s cheeks flushed with anger. "I didn’t beg you to get this dress for me. You can have it back if you don’t want me to have it." "Fine. And don’t forget the jewelry you’re wearing. I expect it all to be returned to me." After Carissa said that, her gaze swept across the room. The only one who seemed pleased with the situation was Charlotte. Everyone else looked grim. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving." With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively. Chapter 5 The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time. She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family! “She’ll come around. She doesn’t have any other choice,” Rebecca said coldly. That was true. With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn’t like she had been mistreated. - Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate. The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa’s heart ached fiercely. Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been murdered. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother—their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stained with blood. Memorial plaques for her ancestors and mother had been placed at the estate’s family chapel. Carissa and Lulu prepared flowers to place on the plaques, their tears unceasing. Carissa knelt before her parents’ memorials. Though her eyes were swollen from crying, they held a determined gaze. “Dad, Mom, if you can hear me from heaven, please forgive your daughter for what she is about to do. It’s not that I don’t want a peaceful life with a husband and children, but Barrett is not someone I can trust with my life. Rest assured, I promise Lulu and I will live well.” Lulu knelt beside her, sobbing uncontrollably. After they were done, they boarded a carriage and headed straight for the palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. Lulu was distressed and said, “My lady, the king might not see you. Maybe he thinks you’re here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didn’t eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up okay? Should I go get you something to eat?” “I’m not hungry.” The only thing Carissa felt was the unwavering resolve to dissolve her marriage and return home. “Please don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not worth getting sick over. Why don’t we just let it go? After all, you’re still the rightful wife and the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife, she’ll just be a glorified concubine at best. Maybe we should just endure it?” Lulu pleaded. Carissa’s gaze was cold. “Lulu, if you’re going to talk like that, don’t speak at all.” Lulu sighed, feeling lost and unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some peace. But the situation had only worsened. - In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t see her. The edict has been issued, and I can’t take it back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have made significant contributions.” “If we speak of military achievements, the Marquis of Northwatch and General Sullivan’s contributions surpass all others,” Derek countered. Salvador remembered the Marquis of Northwatch, Hector Sinclair. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Carissa was a familiar face from those days, though she had been a delicate child. He still remembered her fair skin and endearing looks. Salvador had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers. When Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. Apart from his brother who was known as the Devil Monarch on the battlefield, the kingdom had no other capable generals. In the recent war with Westhaven, Dominic Sullivan’s third son had lost an arm. Dominic's seventh son had been murdered, though this had been kept secret. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants. I'll even give her a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” Chapter 6 Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?" Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce. Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements. "Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based on my late family's military merits. Please, Your Majesty, I'm begging you." "Carissa, do you know what you'll face after the divorce?" Salvador asked, a complicated expression on his face. Carissa hadn't heard Salvador call her by name in a long time. When he was still the crown prince, he used to occasionally visit Northwatch Estate. He would always find some interesting little gifts to give her when he did. After Carissa later went to Meadow Ridge to study under her master, they never saw each other again. "I do," she affirmed. There was a hint of a smile on Carissa's stunning face. But no matter how one looked at it, the smile seemed tinged with irony. "I'm sure you know the saying that a true gentleman appreciates and helps others to fulfill their aspirations, right? Even though I'm not a gentleman, I don't want to hinder General Warren and General Yates from being together," Carissa added. "Carissa, there's no one left at Northwatch Estate. Are you really going to go back there? Have you thought about your future?" Salvador asked. "I returned to the estate today to visit my family's memorial plaques. Seeing how the estate has fallen into disrepair made me want to live there again. I'll adopt a son for my father's sake, so there will still be someone to honor his memory," Carissa explained. Salvador had thought she was being impulsive; he hadn't expected her to be so considerate. "You're Barrett's legal wife. Aurora can't undermine your position. You really don't need a divorce." Carissa looked up with tear-filled eyes that were firm with resolve. "Your Majesty, that's meaningless. I don't want to waste my life like this. I'm the only one left from the Marquis of Northwatch's' family. My father and brothers lived honorably and bravely throughout their lives. I don't want to settle for a life of mediocrity." "I know you have feelings for Barrett. Are you willing to let go?" Salvador asked. Feelings? Not really. Carissa simply admired military men, and her mother had wanted her to marry and lead a stable life. That was why she had agreed to the marriage. Carissa smiled. At this moment, she looked like a strong woman who would be able to flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. "If he can let go of me, then I can let go of him," she declared. Beneath her delicate appearance, she possessed an unyielding backbone. This stunned Salvador. He had never seen such a woman before. He felt a pang of confusion, remembering the carefree little girl who used to smile all day long. Now, she was married and soon to be abandoned. To the world, divorce still meant abandonment. This was especially true in Carissa’s situation, as Barrett had publicly sought the marriage edict. Being a woman was already difficult, and she would have it even harder. How would she negotiate future marriages? There was no one left in her family to do it for her. Thinking of this, Salvador recalled Hector's merits, especially how they had saved each other on the battlefield, and his heart softened towards Carissa. "Alright, I agree. You may leave now. In a few days, the edict of divorce will be sent to the general's residence," Salvador said. Carissa breathed a sigh of relief and bowed her head. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" As Salvador watched her, he was suddenly reminded of when she was a little girl, and his heart softened further. "Carissa, if anyone mistreats you in the future, come to the palace and see me." "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Carissa bowed once again. LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461064092_2951591644978720_1238229205614886023_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pp1m6COYXzgQ7kNvgHB9hO3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYCeitioTc07hb89iPuXEZdultbJiKrMr9zB6FaSNIH_8Q&oe=6745A623 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 19:36 active 1905 0 Una esposa para mi hermano Una antigua regla familiar prohĂ­be a Harry casarse con su novia embarazada. En verdad esos dos estaban muy enamorados. Era una pena que tuvieran que llegar a idear un plan tan descabellado para poder seguir juntos. La propuesta con la que habĂ­an llegado era simple: para que Harry y Laura pudieran casarse, Daniel que habĂ­a enviudado 5 años atrĂĄs tenĂ­a que volver a contraer matrimonio. En verdad su hermano lo estaba poniendo en un aprieto. Su esposa habĂ­a fallecido de una afecciĂłn cardiaca poco despuĂ©s de dar a luz a su pequeño hijo. Lo dejĂł solo con 3 niños y una profunda tristeza en una casa que de pronto se volviĂł muy grande; creando, con el correr de los años, una coraza frĂ­a a su alrededor. Deanna era la mejor amiga de Harry y la Ășnica opciĂłn que les quedaba. Deanna tiene una vida normal, trabaja medio tiempo y estudia en la Universidad de Artes porque quiere lograr su sueño: cantar en la Ăłpera. Solo le falta un año para terminar su carrera cuando su amigo Harry le pide ayuda desesperado. Deanna estaba mĂĄs que dispuesta a hacer esto por ellos, Laura se convertirĂĄ en madre y se casarĂĄ con el hombre que ama. Para ayudarlo con su problema Daniel y Deanna acceden a fingir una relaciĂłn y un matrimonio. A veces el amor aparece de la manera mĂĄs inesperada y en la forma de la persona menos pensada. Son tan opuestos que la atracciĂłn es inevitable. Él encuentra en ella la calidez que faltaba en su vida y Deanna el amor luego de una ruptura desastrosa. Finalmente, Daniel puede volver a tener una familia. Pero hay muchos intereses ocultos que buscan separarlos y alejarlos. El viaje es difĂ­cil, deben enfrentarse no solo a terceros que les complicaran las cosas, sino tambiĂ©n a sus propios miedos e inseguridades. No es sencillo equilibrar 15 años de diferencia... &6& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.manobook.com/13316375-fb_contact-spy Best Love Novel 0 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.manobook.com IMAGE https://fbweb.manobook.com/13316375-fb_contact-spy4685_2-1022-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=200518&accid=513479024361866&rawadid=120216639348080779 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465795980_801147898721458_6013137545890661824_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QQXPOm_0V5kQ7kNvgEgMU62&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3M1miOSQr_woseT4J3EEIm&oh=00_AYC8Yr73xg7-8yVeoYjfR-oDmkdZQeJVTOGJAA1XayY_TA&oe=674598D9 REGULAR_PAGE 0 0 0 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-21 18:48 active 1903 0 We WANT Your Car! 💾 Get a real cash offer for your car in minutes. Fast, easy, no hassle! 🚗 We've made it so easy to value your vehicle! GET_QUOTE https://www.cochrancars.com/sell-trade-nissan/?utm #1 Cochran Nissan Boardman https://www.facebook.com/boardman.nissan/ 2,744 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Get Quote 0 cochrancars.com DCO {{product.description}} https://www.cochrancars.com/sell-trade-nissan/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=kbb-ico&utm_content=kbb 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467691210_1089832103149823_363100731252362008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WaREZAqKLPsQ7kNvgFrw9Oh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A445itsNQbyEjBLUqxqaS3K&oh=00_AYA7PAeLT4dtrIRoTEqpfHXwMovfKhIQIkD9-KqhBeebgw&oe=6745AFE6 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 #1 Cochran Nissan Boardman 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-21 19:24 active 1904 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&... CAROUSEL https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465015191_524417157157150_6126132211507196535_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6-sKzyYTHLwQ7kNvgHXOLu7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AzVYYtowgMej4ga9yO9DG5P&oh=00_AYA6QBa1gj7yLy63V9i1zJjl_4jgdsviqmkHXCtC2ScbhA&oe=6745920D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-21 19:24 active 1904 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 321 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&... CAROUSEL https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465015191_524417157157150_6126132211507196535_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6-sKzyYTHLwQ7kNvgHXOLu7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AzVYYtowgMej4ga9yO9DG5P&oh=00_AYA6QBa1gj7yLy63V9i1zJjl_4jgdsviqmkHXCtC2ScbhA&oe=6745920D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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