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2,514,360	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-11-23 17:39	active	1911	ILIA Black Friday Sale	Our biggest sale of the year just got bigger. 🎉 20% off sitewide or 25% off $125+—plus a free full-size lipstick when you spend $150+.*	SHOP_NOW	https://iliabeauty.com/collections/best-sellers	ILIA Beauty	https://www.facebook.com/ILIAbeauty/	135,132	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	iliabeauty.com	VIDEO	ILIAbeauty.com	https://iliabeauty.com/collections/best-sellers	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468149353_537374879267753_8899717319739650795_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2ntxOdmRNOQQ7kNvgEFKJKU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AeFyvMnnJpp3xCwKshsW_jU&oh=00_AYBBIjniqPKFetU5oXX7taJbeiakc6G6bXTNTXL0sAPX4Q&oe=67481D20	PERSON_PROFILE	ILIA Beauty	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,509,008	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2509440}'	No	2024-11-22 19:51	active	1909	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	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/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	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/t39.35426-6/464198210_1335425697867830_3839403089342624662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EBsfuLbjmDkQ7kNvgFrrM19&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AfXOnHbZFhYu4mx5_R07fP5&oh=00_AYDzUsPcBZD55gPYU8VyjaEzgdt5cTFgknmYqgpNItb4YQ&oe=6746F380	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,511,677	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2512337}'	No	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"Carissa, the king has issued a decree allowing Aurora to marry into our general's house. I hope you can accept and respect this fact." The person who said this is Carissa Sinclair's husband, Barrett Warren. A year ago, on the night of their wedding, Barrett set out to lead his army into battle. Now, after finally returning victorious, he brings Carissa this kind of "good news." 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." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Equal to me, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?" On the wedding night a year ago, he personally lifted Carissa's veil and promised affectionately: "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! When Barrett left, the general's mansion had already fallen into decline. All the expenses were supported by the dowry Carissa had brought. Barrett's mother, Rebecca, was suffering from a strange illness, and she had invited a reclusive divine doctor to treat her. Each month, dozens of silver coins were spent on exorbitant medical fees, not to mention Carissa's constant care by Rebecca's bedside. In the end, she got such a reward. So, the kindness that this family shows is merely because they are relying on Carissa's dowry. If Barrett's betrayal was like a sharp sword, then Rebecca's hypocrisy was like thousands of silver needles, piercing deeply into Carissa's heart. 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?" "Never mind. I don't want to 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. Carissa actually came from a family of warriors, and she had been training in martial arts since she was young, showing great talent. However, when she was 15, her father and several brothers died on the battlefield. Since then, her usually open-minded mother advised Carissa to hide her skills and, like other noble girls, find a husband to live a stable life. But now it seems she has betrayed her mother's expectations. 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, narrowed her eyes, and sneered, "No wonder they covet my dowry so much." The dowry her mother provided was quite substantial; she hadn't paid much attention to it before. Now she realized how much effort her mother had put in for her. "Then, my lady, what shall we do now?" Carissa's eyes grew cold. "I could confront the king and use my family's achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, I'll kill myself 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 foolish? 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. In addition, the law states that if a woman is divorced, her husband has the right to keep all her dowry. Right now, Barrett doesn't dare to divorce her, mindful of his reputation, but who knows what will happen in the future? Carissa no longer wanted to believe in this hypocritical man, nor did she want to live under the same roof with him. She once hoped to build a life with Barrett, so naturally she would not be stingy with her dowry. However, circumstances had changed. She intended to leave the general's residence with dignity and take every last coin of her dowry back home!	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	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/t39.35426-6/464183718_1608087840126342_8310047084193887164_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hZRDrJJ2lKoQ7kNvgHKyT3X&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A80Lk30kXYHH8vbjivm007l&oh=00_AYC-buLnNwOt87uWwmcDrZyptCC7SpKR-fYZSKf75pyzfA&oe=67480F1B	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,510,099	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2510107}'	No	2024-11-22 19:51	active	1909	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	CHAPTER 1 - Bridget Miller “One, two, three! Push!” The doctor yells to the exhausted woman lying on the operating table. Soon a sound of innocent cry can be heard in the room. Hannah’s forehead was full of cold sweat and her lips were pale. It’s been known that she has anemia and the doctors did their best to cure her bef ore giving birth to no luck. “Where is Xander?” She asks nicely in a weak voice, her eyes are closed and her palms are sweating. “Sir, your wife’s in labor. She is waiting for you in the hospital now,” Mrs. Cooperfield frantically mumbles over the phone while the heavily in-labor Hannah is being helped to the car by other servants. Xander scoffed, “I’m at a very important meeting. She has money on her account to pay for the expenses.” He yelled over the phone before the line was cut off. “The young master was elated to know that the baby was on the way. He said he was caught in the middle of an important meeting but will surely drive to the hospital once he is done.” It’s not a secret that Xander never loved Hannah and their marriage was an accident but despite that Hannah played the part and played it so well that Xander bed her every chance he could. Thus, a child was conceived. “What a cute baby girl?” the nurse says as she puts the baby near her mother to see her face for the first time. The exhausted woman felt all her fatigue and stress washed away as she saw her daughter. “What would you name her?” Mrs. Copperfield asks. “Bridget.” She mumbles gently as she stares at her daughter. Her eyes are still fixed on her child when she asks, “When will Xander visit us?” Mrs. Copperfield did not respond but she could see the sadness in her eyes. At the back of her mind; “what’s more important than seeing the birth of his own daughter?” She asks herself sorrowfully. AFTER two years... A toddler was running around the room while Hannah was following her. “Bridget, stop running. I need to comb your hair!” She yells. The child only laughed at her mother and continued running. She then almost bumps her head into the tall figure of a man who suddenly shows up in front of her. She gazes upward, she’s frightened. His towering height and the way he stares at her terrifies her and she starts crying. Hannah immediately carried her daughter and coaxed her. “Baby, don’t cry, it’s just your father.” She says. Xander sneered. He hates the sound his daughter makes. The running. The laughter and now the crying. “Make her stop.” He yells. His voice scared the child even more and she cried louder. “Yelling, will not help. You’re scaring her even more.” She responded with her voice filled with sorrow. She glanced at him with contempt. “Why are you even here? This is our room, we’re even far from your room and your study so we won’t disturb you.” She commented. “Yeah, this is your room but this is my house. I can go wherever I want.” He yelled at her. Bridget is still crying. Mrs. Copperfield can hear it and she discreetly steps in the room to take the child away. Hannah glanced at Mrs. Copperfield with a thankful gaze. Once they are out of the room. She finally snapped at him. “What do you want?” The moment she said those words she met Xander’s palm. Bam! She almost lost consciousness. She fell on the floor. Her head is spinning. This was the first time he hit her and it frightened her so much that she started to crawl away from him. Thinking he might hit her again. Xander’s eyes widened; he didn’t mean to hurt her. He is on edge, pressured, and stressed from work. He held her shoulders and helped her stand up. He sat her in the chair. He could see her cheek reddened. He then heard her weak trembling voice say, “I did everything you asked of me. I know you’re tired and stressed but I’m exhausted too.” She explains while holding her throbbing cheek. He didn’t respond. He is a man of few words and the word sorry is not one of the words he usually says nor the to accept that he is in the wrong. He only strokes her head as if coaxing a child to fall asleep. After several hours when both of their emotions subside. Xander finally broke the news to her. “Let’s get divorce.” He mumbles in a cold tone. Her face paled, hands trembled. She stared at him thinking how he said those words as if three years meant nothing. His eyes devoid of emotions, “You have till the end of the month to read through the documents and make demands.” He added as he handed her the papers. She pleads to him to think it through and think of their daughter’s future. But her words were ignored. She saw how certain he was with his decision. Shortly, he left her with the documents. The night became sleepless. She was pacing back and forth in their room thinking what to do next. “What will happen once I sign the divorce papers?” She asks herself while staring at her sleeping daughter. CHAPTER 2 - Drunk THE coldness of the night added dread to the sleepless Hannah. She glances at her bedside table where the documents are neatly arranged inside a brown envelope waiting for her signature. It’s haunting and taunting at the same time. She thought they were doing great. He works hard and does everything that pleases him. He could stay out all night and go home drunk and she would still welcome him with open arms. Even when he called her Denise the name of his ex while thrusting her he didn’t hear her complain. Hannah on the other hand, is a full-time housewife, even with a lot of servants in the mansion she’s the one who personally tends to Xander and his family. She cooks and serves them. She’s not even allowed to eat in the dining area with them. The only time she does is when there are visitors as the Millers don’t want any rumors circulating that they are hurting her. She might not be the one who washed his clothes but she made sure his clothes were arranged properly in his walk-in closet according to his liking. He specifically demanded that all his clothes be arranged according to color from light to dark. All of his socks should be folded in a specific way and his coffee should be made in a specific measurement of coffee, cream, sugar, and temperature one mistake and he’ll demand a new brew. With all the servants in the mansion, only Hannah can satisfy his delicate needs. That’s the reason why all the servants likes her and whenever their young master forgets any special day like Hannah’s birthday and their anniversary. They make sure to bring flowers and boxes of chocolates for her and address it to Xander as it sender. For Hannah, it was clear as day what she is for him but she thinks he will come around if she shows him love and care. Hoping that one day she could warm his cold heart. From the first day she set foot on the Miller mansion she never slept in his room. He made it clear from the very beginning that their marriage was only on paper but once the news of their unplanned wedding dies down they’ll get a divorce immediately, but things change when he develops an urge towards her. Their separate rooms are useless when he is drunk and high in libido. He will bang on her door and will not stop till she opens it and as his wife, it’s her marital duty to satisfy his desires while taking care of his well-being. Soon those nightly trips he does in her room got her with child. Not even once does he convey happiness in knowing he’ll have a child. He didn’t accompany her to any of her monthly checkups. Despite his lack of concern he never asks her to get rid of the baby and never mentions the word divorce again. Not until tonight. She frowns, “What change? Did I do something wrong?” She asks herself as she slowly opens the door and discreetly walks outside. Planning to knock on his door and wish he was in the mood to speak. She walks in the long corridor on the other end of the mansion. She knocked three times and he did not answer. Feeling defeated she started to walk back to her room when she suddenly felt her phone buzz. She checked who it was and to her surprise it was him, she answered the call immediately, “Xander, where are you?” She asks politely. The music coming from the other line was so loud that she needed to move the phone away from her ear. “Hello?” She added in confusion. She was about to disconnect the call thinking he accidentally dialed her number but before she could do that she heard a voice, “Hey, wait Hannah!” The voice on the other line yelled. “Toby? Is that you?” She asks. “Yes! Can you pick up Xander? He is too drunk to drive home.” Toby explained. “Sure.” She replied immediately. “Thanks. We are at a bar called The HideOut.” He exclaimed. Shortly, the call ended and Hannah hurriedly changed her clothes. She woke up one of the maids to accompany Bridget and then drove to the bar. When she got in there she was ushered by a waiter to the VIP room where there was a private club filled with rich men and beautiful women. On one of the booths, she saw her husband Xander together with two gorgeous women beside him. She ignored the ladies near him, she knew that Xander was not the type to cheat, especially with these types of women. She marched to him directly, “Can you walk?” She asks softly. Xander sneered, “Why are you here?” He yelled then glanced at Toby who was sitting on the opposite side of him, “Did you call her?” Toby nods. “I’m too tired to drive you home.” He remarks while chugging his beer. “Now I know why the ambiance is off. Your stalking wife is here, Xander,” Ashton says mockingly as he sits on the other vacant seat in the booth. Toby and Ashton are Xander’s closest friends. If Toby is friendly, nice, and soft-spoken. Ashton is the opposite he’s hot-tempered, bad-mouthed, impulsive, and most of all he doesn’t like Hannah. He sees her as a cunning, gold digger that took something that doesn’t belong to her. It is known to Hannah that Ashton and Denise, Xander’s ex-girlfriend were pretty close. She knew too well that even after the scandal Denise got herself into, Xander’s wedding to her and having their daughter. Ashton still thinks that Denise should be Mrs. Miller. Hannah ignored Ashton’s remarks and continued to talk Xander into coming home with her, “If you can’t walk I can guide you to the car.” She says coaxingly while lightly tugging his arm. Xander grunted and closed his eyes. Ashton took it as a sign of disrespect. “Hey!” He yelled at her. “Don’t you ever ignore me!” He added as he took a glass of water and poured it on Hannah’s head. She was dumbfounded as the cold water drenched her. Xander didn’t even bat an eye to what Ashton did and the girls beside him started laughing at her. In their minds, Hannah is one of those low-end call grils who want to get in a rich person’s pants. Hannah stared at Xander pitifully as if begging him to defend her or at least act like he cared but he did not he glanced away from her as if she was not his wife or the mother of his child. She heaved deeply and was about to burst into rage, but before she could Toby stood up for her. “Ashton! What the heck? Why did you do that?” He exclaimed while handing Hannah his handkerchief. He soon stared at the laughing women in the booth. “Leave... Now!” He yelled his voice so loud that it frightened them and they hurriedly left. “Hey!” Ashton growled in dismay at what Toby did. “Why did you shoo my girls away.” He exclaimed. Toby smirked, “Why do you need to be so rude to Hannah? She’s our friend’s wife. Treat her with respect.” He stated. Ashton scoffed, “I’ll respect her if she is someone worth respecting. Have you forgotten what she did? and what kind of person she is?” He clamored while glaring at Hannah. She glances at Toby with a thankful gaze. Then to Ashton, she’s about to defend herself against his claims when suddenly Xander stands up and speaks, “Next time when Toby asks you to pick me up don’t go.” He says to her. “You’re not needed here or anywhere.” He added as he stared at her like dirt. She frowns instantly. She could hear Ashton’s taunting sneer, she felt embarrassed and out of place. She lowered her head and walked away with tears in her eyes. “I shouldn’t have come here.” She yelled internally as she wiped her tears with the hanky Toby lent to her. As she walked to her car she saw a figure puffing a cigie in the parking lot but brushed it off and continued walking. Soon she heard the man calling her. “Hannah?” She stared at the man’s location, narrowed her gaze then her eyes beamed, “Zane?” she cried out. Zane walks to her and starts having a conversation. She was happy to see him, she felt safe seeing a familiar face. Zane is one of her oldest friends and he is also her best friend’s boyfriend. “Are you here with Clarise?” She asks. He shook his head, “I’m with Leon. He is in the restroom puking his guts out.” He remarks. She giggled, “It seems like he hasn’t changed.” She uttered. Unknown to them someone witnessed their closeness and the way she laughed at his words. He nods and continued puffing. “You on the other hand changed a lot. Clarise, Leon, and I. We missed you.” He mumbles. ~I miss you all too...~ That’s what she wants to say but her words came to an abrupt end, “I miss you a...” “Hannah!” Xander screamed while staring at her in displeasure. She turned around only to see the burning gaze of her husband, “Xander,” she mumbled softly. She was about to introduce him to Zane but before she could he carried her like a sack of potatoes and hurriedly walked to his car and threw her at the passenger seat. Zane was dumbfounded and couldn’t fathom what happened he was about to follow them and save Hannah but Leon arrived looking like a corpse when he glanced back at the car it was gone. “Did I miss something?” Leon asks weakly as he holds his stomach. CHAPTER 3 - Jealousy “YOU miss him!?” Xander yells as he drives fast. Hannah’s hand trembled and could only cling to her seat firmly as Xander drove 100 km/h on a 50 km/h road. He is clearly upset about the scene he saw and the words he heard. He sneered, “You must be celebrating when I told you I’m filing for divorce. I didn’t know you were already dating someone. Did you really even go there for me? Have you forgotten you are still my wife?” He added as his hold on the steering wheel tightened. She shook her head, her heart was pounding. She knows when Xander is angry he doesn’t listen to reason, but it will anger him more if she can’t provide an answer. He might not love her, but he values his name and dignity. His main concern is if someone saw her with another man while still married to him, “He... is Zane... A friend from high school. I’m just telling him I miss them too. Him, his girlfriend Clarise, and another friend of ours. It’s a coincidence that I saw him there. After I moved to the Miller mansion I grew apart from them,” she said stammeringly, her voice raspy and her eyes teary. He sighed, the way she spoke sounded believable to him, “Don’t you ever do that again. At least wait for divorce.” He replied, his eyes devoid of emotion. Soon he drove slower. The car ride turned silent, but Hannah could feel his burning gaze as if he wanted to poke a hole in her. She could smell the booze as he breathed, she wanted to tell him to park the car, and she’d drive. It was much safer for them. But she could vividly remember how he slapped her, and it still frightened her that she didn’t want to make unnecessary movements that would anger him. Soon they reach the Miller mansion and she heaves a sigh of relief. After he parked the car, she waited for him to leave, but it seemed like he had no plans to go out. She clears her throat, slowly unlocks her side of the door, and gets out. Soon he followed her. None of them spoke, but she could feel his dark aura surrounding her. She brushed it off and walked to the east side of the mansion before she could take her first step. He held her wrist and dragged her to the west side where his room was. “Xander,” she cried out as she tried to get herself out. He scoffed, “What? Are you refusing me now? You think too highly of yourself, Hannah.” He clamored. Her eyes reddened in exasperation. He has no right to treat her that way. She’s his wife, the mother of his child, and most of all, she’s the person who saved him from the scandal 3 years ago. “Why are you treating me like that? Am I not a good wife to you? I always keep my mouth shut, even if your family humiliates me. You, as my husband, should defend my name and honor. You know the truth, Xander.” She exclaimed. He grunted, “What are you even blabbering about? Should I thank you for throwing yourself at me?” He cried out his voice so loud that it started to wake people in the mansion. She wants to retort his accusation as that’s not what happened. “What’s the meaning of this?” Lani screamed while looking at Hannah in disdain. “It’s in the middle of the night and I hear shouting.” Hannah glanced away and took advantage of the situation to escape Xander’s grasp. Xander stared at his mother, “Why don’t you go back to your room? This is between me and Hannah.” He said as he gestured for her to go away. Lani sneered, “Are you drunk?” She mumbles, moves to Xander, then glares at Hannah. “Did you get my son drunk so you could charm him to have another child with you!” Her accusations are so absurd that Hannah can’t help but chuckle. Lani’s face contorted in rage, “Are you laughing at me?” she exclaimed, then suddenly pulled Hannah’s hair, but Hannah did not fight back and only raised her hands in defense. “You gold-digging.” “Money-chasing. “Vile woman.” At every harsh word, Lani yells, a piece of Hannah’s dignity leaves her body. “Enough!” Xander screamed dominantly. “Go back to your room, mother!” His words were so authoritative that Lani felt her heart skip a bit. She glowered at Hannah one last time and then marched back to her room. Hannah’s eyes were red in shame, in anger, in frustration. Her dry black hair made her look deranged. She took care of Xander so much that she let herself go. When she saw Lani walk away, she thought of leaving as well. “Did I permit you to leave?” Xander questions in a deep husky voice. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared at his dark brown eyes that matched his clean-cut hair. “What do you need from me?” She inquired in a low voice. Like a scared bunny in front of a dangerous predator. He breathes out, “Fulfill your marital duty.” He declares, then holds her arm and walks her to his room. Inside the room. He stripped her down, pushed her belly flat on the bed, and penetrated her from behind. No kisses. No foreplay. Straight down to business. As if she’s a call girl. After he relieved his desires, he would throw her out of the room like a dirty peasant, but tonight is different. He let her stay and hugged her till they fell asleep. THE NEXT DAY. Hannah was awakened by a ringing phone. She checked hers but it was not it. She searched for the source of the sound and found it was coming from his pants which were now on the floor. Still undressed she gently got out of bed and slowly fished his phone from his pants. She looked at the caller ID and it was an unsaved number. Not thinking anything about it she’s about to answer the call. But Xander suddenly woke up. “What are you doing?” He asks in a cold tone. “Unsave number calling. I don’t want to wake you up so--” “You decided you’ll answer the phone? What if it’s something important, what will you do then?” He intervenes. “I’ll pretend to be your assistant and take the message.” She explains. He scoffed, stood up, and took the phone away from her. Sight still blurry, “Wear some clothes would you and make some coffee.” He demanded. His face clearly shows displeasure. She was still picking up her clothes when his phone rang again. She saw that it was the same number. She witnessed how he answered the call and the expression on his face changed from annoyed to calm. She even saw him smile. Her eyes dilated in disbelief, “Who is he talking to?” She asks herself, as she tries to listen to their conversation. When he saw her staring at him, he moved away from her and went to the balcony while gesturing to her to leave the room, shooing her like a dog. Her heart sank as she walked away. She could feel that a storm was coming her way. CHAPTER 4 - Daddy’s Little Girl AFTER the weird phone call Xander received, he went down to the dining area in a seemingly good mood. Hannah could only steal glances at her husband as she served the food on the table. Soon Lani and Katarina join Xander in the dining area. When Hannah saw them she immediately walked to the kitchen as they didn’t like seeing her when they were eating. While the Millers enjoy the warm food she cooks, she’s in the kitchen eating with her daughter and Mrs. Copperfield. “Momma,” she mumbles as she points at the pieces of bananas beside the pancakes. Hannah gave her a small piece that she devoured in seconds. Hannah and Mrs. Copperfield laugh at how adorable Bridget is. LATER THAT DAY, at the Miller Group. It’s bring your child to work day at the company. Xander stared at the kids seated beside their parents staring at the type of work they were doing. He doesn’t detest children he is not just fond of crying, vomiting, pooing, and peeing. That’s the reason why he never got close to his daughter. In fact, the child is afraid of him. He once heard her say, “Momma, there’s... Monster...” While pointing at him. He could vividly remember the horror on Hannah’s face. She immediately hid Bridget behind her and apologized to him. Remembering it now left a sour taste in his mouth. “Maybe I am a monster,” he mumbles to himself as he watches the kids playing with their parents. When Xander got home. He purposely went to the east wing of the mansion to check on Hannah and Bridget. When he knocks on the door only Mrs. Copperfield and Bridget are inside the room. The old woman doing her best to play with the energetic child but as she is in her 50’s it is a bit hard for her. “Where’s Hannah?” He inquired his voice so deep that it frightened Bridget and hid behind Mrs. Copperfield. “She is preparing dinner as we speak.” She replied politely as she breathed rapidly. He could sense that she was tired and needed a break. He stared at the child behind her and gestured for her to come near him. Mrs. Copperfield coaxed the child and assured her that it was safe. Hesitantly, Bridget walked to him when he held Bridget’s hand he was surprised at how small her hand was. “How old are you now?” He asks casually. “Two!” She mumbles softly as she gestures her age with her fingers. “Two, I wonder how small she is as a newborn,” he thought as a smile escaped his lips. “How about you come with me and we let Mrs. Copperfield rest she seems tired.” He says as he bents in front of her. Bridget nods. Mrs. Copperfield’s eyes well up. The scene in front of her is something only in dreams could happen. She discreetly pinches herself and winces in pain. Despite that, she smiled gleefully and watched how Xander carried Bridget over his shoulder and he smiled in joy. When Hannah finished cooking and setting up the dining area, she asked the maids to call Lani and Katarina to eat while she checked if Xander was in his room. As she walks to the west wing of the mansion she can’t help but hear laughter. She was weirded out as the west wing should always be silent because it is where the Millers stay. Lani and Katarina are on the third floor and Xander is on the second floor. She hurriedly walks to the origin of the sound as the giggle and soft footsteps are familiar, “Bridget,” she mumbles as her hands shiver in fear. Thinking Bridget got away from Mrs. Copperfield and got lost in the west wing. She’s afraid that Bridget might break a vase or an ornament. Like the last time. When she was cooking Bridget sneaked away and accidentally broke an angel figurine owned by Katarina. She witnessed how Katarina almost hit her daughter, if she hadn’t arrived soon she wondered what could have happened. She fought against her sister-in-law but as it always been Lani came and berated her and her daughter. Called her names. All she could do was cover Bridget’s ear as she listened to their mockery of her. When Xander arrived he didn’t even bat an eye and hurriedly went to his room. She soon arrived at her destination. Her heart was pounding and slowly she opened the door. Only to see Xander playing with Bridget. They made a makeshift port using the sofa cushion and Bridget hid while Xander was counting. Hannah’s eyes well up. The day she always hoped finally came. Xander is starting to act like a father to their daughter. “Momma!” Bridget yelled as she ran to Hannah. She carried her daughter in her arms like she always does. Bridget smiles. “Poppa, carry...me .. higher...” She says while pointing at her mother’s shoulder. Hannah understood what she meant, “Well, I’m not that tall and not that strong to carry you on my shoulder.” She explains softly. Bridget puckered her lips and then crossed her arms. Then glances at Xander with a pleading look. She wants her father to carry her again. Xander understood her and marched towards them and took her from her mother’s hand. As he does he can’t help but stare at his wife’s light brown eyes. “Has her eyes always been that brown?” He asks himself. The situation felt surreal for her and her face turned red. Being that close to her he notices it immediately. “Are you sick?” He asks as he holds Bridget then touches Hannah’s forehead with his other hand. “I’m fine,” she smiles. Still standing close to her. Xander felt things move slowly as if he was seeing her for the first time. Unknowingly he starts caressing her face and then kisses her on the lips as it happens both of them are dumbfounded and taken aback. Hannah lowered her head, “The food is ready.” She mumbles awkwardly trying her best to change the weird ambiance. “Food!” Bridget yelled in glee. Soon they went downstairs, Xander still carrying his daughter while Hannah followed them behind. At that time Katarina and Lani are already in the dining area. When they saw them. Lani can’t help but sneer, “Are you trying to win my son using your daughter?” Katarina then added fuel to Lani’s accusations, “What do you expect from a gold-digging trash and her useless daughter.” Hannah can’t take it anymore. “Say what you want about me but never call my daughter like that. We were legally married when Bridget was conceived. The only trash I’m seeing here is you.” She exclaimed while looking at Lani. It is not a secret in the Miller household that Lani Miller is not a legitimate child from a wealthy family she’s a product of the infidelity of Xander’s grandfather with a call girl. Despite that, she acts high and mighty. Lani and Katarina’s faces contorted in anger. “Xander, look at the woman you brought home. How insolent?” Lani yelled at the top of her lungs. Xander eyes enlarge upon hearing the words that came out of Hannah. “Why must you say that?” He stated. She shook her head then took Bridget from him and went straight to the kitchen when suddenly Katarina stood up and grabbed Hannah’s hair. “How dare you use such words on my mother?” She yelled. Bridget started crying, “Bad! Bad! Trina!” She yelled then clenched her small hands into a fist to hit her aunt. Xander was dumbstruck by the chaos in front of him. “Enough!” He yelled dominantly. “Katarina go back to your seat!” He exclaimed. She obeyed Xander’s words but didn’t stop glaring at Hannah. He then moved to Hannah and took Bridget from her. “What are you doing? Give her back to me!” She roared at him. He held her hand while carrying Bridget in his other hand. Hannah did not fight anymore as he might accidentally let go of their daughter. The child starts wailing and it annoys Katarina. “Put a lid on that child.” She commented. As soon as the words left her Xander stared at her with a darkened gaze. She cowered in fear and could only lower her head. He handed the inconsolable Bridget to Mrs. Copperfield and then dragged Hannah to his room. The people in the dining area could only stare at them. INSIDE Xander’s room. He pushed Hannah face down into his bed and pinned her using his knee. “Why are you so feisty all of a sudden?” He yelled. She sneered, “If I don’t what do you think will happen to me and my daughter in this house? You saw how your mother and sister speak to me... Heck, even your friend and what did you do? NOTHING!” She screamed. She let out all her frustrations that she had been bottling up since the first day she set foot in the Miller mansion. “You want a divorce!?” She shouted. She could feel his knee pressing her harder against the bed. “I’ll sign the papers now, but I want sole custody of my daughter.” She declared with certainty. CHAPTER 5 - In-Laws XANDER laughs sarcastically. “Now you can’t wait to divorce me? Is it because of that Zane guy?” He exclaimed in annoyance. Hannah gasped, “I already told you he is just a friend.” She remarked with conviction. He pressed his knee harder on her back. She winces. “Forget about the divorce. From now on you can’t leave this house.” He yells. Her body stiffened upon hearing his words. “Xander!” She cried out, she felt his hands under her skirt. “What are you doing?” He did not answer and the next sound she heard was her skirt and shirt ripped out of her body, stripping her to her underwear. She shivers in fear and shame. He stood up and rummaged through his cabinet. She took advantage of it and slowly got out of bed to run out. The way he spoke scared her. She has no idea why he is acting the way he does. One moment he’d shout divorce, the next he wouldn’t let her get away from him. “What’s wrong with you?” She thought as she discreetly walked to the door. She smiled as she turned the knob. She opened the door, one of her hands was holding the knob while the other was leaning for support on the door frame. Before she could get out, Xander forcefully shut the door and it collided with her hand. Stunned. She felt her heart skipped a beat. Soon she shouted in pain at the top of her lungs. The pain was unbearable. She gasped when she saw that two of her fingers had dislocated. Her knees weaken and slowly sits on the floor and starts sobbing. Her hand was throbbing and instead of helping her, he held her by the shoulder and dragged her back to bed. She continued sobbing. He looked at her hand then scoffed, “That’s what you get for being a bad wife.” He exclaimed. He then showed her what he had taken from his drawer. Four pieces of necktie, seeing it she tried to stand but he held her shoulders and pinned her on the bed. Helpless, all she could do was watch him as he tied her limbs on his bed. Tears rolled down her cheeks, “Xander, I don’t understand you.” She yelled while looking at him. “What do you want from me? You ask me for divorce, now that I’m giving it to you. You’re acting like that.” She added as her vision blurred. He smirked, “You will stay here and think of all the things you did yesterday and today,” he said dominantly. When he finished tying her up, he went to the restroom to get the first aid kit and started rubbing pain reliever medicine on her injured hand. “Your hand is injured, and you’re bound. Don’t do anything naive.” He warned. Suddenly, he forced her broken finger back into place. She heard her bone snapped and felt her bones move. The shock made her almost lose consciousness. She yelled in pain, she arched her back and clung to her bonds tightly. He sneered at her, “Don’t be overdramatic, Hannah,” he said mockingly. He then stood up and went to his walk-in closet where he searched for a change of clothes as the one he was wearing was creased due to the commotion. She lifted her head trying to follow his movements, “Where are you going?” She cried out. “Untie me,” She pleads. He grins devilishly, “No! You will stay there. Till I return from work.” He roared at her. She gasped, “Bridget might be looking for me.” She pointed out. He marched back to her and stared at her intently. She tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes. She knew he was making fun of her. Even with her eyes closed she knew he was looking at her in contempt. She’s well aware that Xander only sleeps with her when he is intoxicated. In his exact words, he told her, “I can only use you when I’m drunk because you disgust me.” Words that always haunt her dreams. He stared at her with scrutiny. He never saw her undressed while he was sober and the lights weren’t dim and every time all he could see was her back. The way she was tied with legs akimbo in the bed was inviting. He got into bed and removed her underwear, stripping her undressed. Hannah continued to close her eyes and didn’t think much of it. When suddenly she felt his lips intertwined with hers. His kiss was so gentle, that she opened her eyes immediately, thinking someone else was in the room. She gasped in disbelief. She felt like she was dreaming. Xander continued kissing her and nibbling her neck. She can’t help but moan at his movements. When he heard her sound, his gaze darkened, then started penetrating her roughly. Her soft moaning turns to a cry for help. He covers her mouth to muffle her voice. Her eyes are wide open as he roughly thrust her. Tears rolled down her face with her blurry vision she could no longer see him clearly. She could feel his thing inside her and instead of pleasure, she could feel a stabbing pain in her insides. Nothing worth enjoying for her. She started shouting and begging him to stop, but he didn’t. She didn’t even remember when he left. Later that day, Hannah woke up still tied to Xander’s bed. She opens her eyes only to see her mother-in-law standing in front of her with phone in hand taking pictures of her bare body. She wanted to scream, but her mouth was dry, and her voice came out raspy, “What are you doing?” She inquired. Lani smirked, “Not so feisty now are we Hannah? I will upload these photos of you over the internet.” She remarks. Hannah laughs. “What’s funny? Aren’t you ashamed that people will see you undressed? Won’t that be degrading, or you are such a low-class dirt that you don’t even care?” Lani says mockingly. Hannah sneered, “You don’t get it, do you? I’m a nobody. Upload my photos all you want, no one will bat an eye on me, but once they learn I’m Xander Miller’s wife, I think it will hurt your son’s career more than me.” She declared with certainty. Her words made sense and Lani’s face contorted in rage as he didn’t think it through. Luckily for her, she hasn’t uploaded any of the images she took. Lani stumped her foot in annoyance that, even with a tied-up Hannah, she was still defeated. Soon an idea slipped into her mind. She went to Xander’s bathroom and when she returned she was holding a clipper. Hannah’s eyes widened instantly, “Get away from me!” She yelled. “Oh, look, are you scared now,” Lani says hauntingly. Hannah starts tugging on her bonds, but Xander ties her up too well. She starts squirming and arching her back, but it’s useless when Katarina suddenly arrives. “Mom, what’s happening? I heard yelling.” She says, then smiles ear to ear when she sees Hannah on the bed. “Good, you’re here. Come on and help me with her.” Lani demanded. Katarina grinned, “With pleasure Mother.” She said in a malevolent tone. “How bad is my brother,” she commented as she stared at Hannah, then slowly moved to the bed, sat on Hannah’s stomach, and started slapping her while Lani began cutting her hair with the clippers. Hannah shouts but Katarina covers her mouth. They only stopped when they heard the sound of Xander’s car. “Xander’s here. What are we going to do now?” Katarina asked anxiously. “Why are you scared? Do you think your brother will care? Even if we take care of this fool he won’t do anything to us. The only thing he will comment on is how we left the room dirty with this useless woman’s blood.” Lani remarks while spatting at Hannah’s face. Hannah’s face was swollen from Katarina’s slaps. She couldn’t fully open her eyes. Shortly, the two hurriedly left the room. When Xander stepped into his room, it was pitch dark, but he could see Hannah’s silhouette on the bed still tied. “I hope you learned your lesson,” he says as he turns on the light. Hannah was so exhausted, starving, and thirsty that she could not form any words or sound to get his attention. In her mind, she kept on asking herself, “Would he actually care? Or will he just say it serves me right for disrespecting her mother?” Without looking at her, he walked to his walk-in closet where he changed his clothes. When he finally caught a glimpse of her, his eyes widened in horror. “Hannah!?” He calls out to her. CHAPTER 6 - Sly Fox “WHAT happened?” Xander asks in shock. He could see her hair on the floor. The clipper was stuck on the corner of her head. It’s clear someone tried to cut her hair with his beard trimmers, but her hair was too thick. Her face was swollen, her lips bloodied, and her body filled with scratches. Hannah did not speak and only closed her eyes. Xander did not push her as it is obvious who did it. He removed her bonds and saw the marks they left on her body. The moment he untied her, she slowly got up. “Where are you going?” Xander asks curiously. “I need to prepare dinner for you,” she replied while trying to remove the stuck clipper on her hair. He shook his head. “You’ll scare Bridget. Have you seen yourself in the mirror?” He replied concernedly, but the choice of words sounded mockery to her. She smiled bitterly, then sat on the bed. Undresseded. Tired. Hungry and thirsty. He witnessed how she stared blankly at the floor. “Stay here. I’ll ask the servants to bring you food and a change of clothes.” He mumbles as he goes in the bathroom. She could only nod in agreement. Once more, Xander took out the first aid kit, cleaned her wounds, and applied topical pain relief. Shortly, he starts cutting the hair stuck in the clippers and fixing her hair. In the end, the only haircut passable was a pixie cut. “There, that’s the best cut I could come up with,” he uttered proudly. Hannah stared at herself and kept on brushing what was left of her hair. “I can’t be here anymore. I don’t want to be here. Let’s go our separate ways.” She exclaimed. “I said no more talk about divorce again,” he muttered. “Why? Isn’t that what you want? Why bring it up, then change your mind? The news had died down long ago, and I think…” She paused then heaved profoundly, “NO... I know Bridget would be better off without the Millers.” He smirked then held her shoulder. “I’m tired Hannah.” He clamored. “Stop talking nonsense and tell that boyfriend of yours to back away.” He accused. She frowned. “What?” She uttered. She is tired of explaining who Zane is. Xander took her silence as accepting defeat. “As I said, stay here. I don’t want anyone seeing you like that. They might say I’m hurting you.” He clamored. She scoffed, “Of course, all he thinks of is himself and what others would think about him.” She mumbled under her breath. His audacity shook her and left a pit in her stomach. In the kitchen, Xander told the maid to prepare dinner and advised Mrs. Copperfield to take care of Bridget. “Is young Mrs. Miller okay, young master?” She asks in concern. He ignored her question and soon left. The old woman felt pity for Hannah as it was not a secret that the Miller family was hard to please and easy to offend. Mrs. Copperfield could only lower her head and take good care of Bridget in Hannah’s absence. CONCURRENTLY, Katarina is in Lani’s room. She’s pacing back and forth while she’s biting her nails. She was scared of what Xander might do to her. Lani sighed in annoyance, “Would you stop panicking?” She mumbled as she sat comfortably in front of her vanity mirror, fixing her hair and removing Hannah’s dark hair that clung to her. Katarina’s hands were sweating. She swallowed slowly and then uttered, “I think we overdid it.” She could still remember the fear on Hannah’s face when her mother moved the clipper near her. At that moment, she felt impulsive and helped her mother, but soon she felt a wave of guilt. Lani mocked, “Overdid? That sly fox had it coming. Have you seen how she was trapped on the bed? She probably tried to seduce Xander, but your brother is not that fool, and he tied her up there as punishment. How shameless.” She remarks in disgust. Lani then held her hand and assured her, “Everything we did to that trash, she deserves it. Have you forgotten that if not for her, you would have had a grand celebration for your 18th birthday?” She says. The remorse Katarina felt earlier dissipated instantly. She could vividly remember how Hannah’s arrival in the Miller mansion changed everything. She’s been planning her 18th birthday since she was a child. All of a sudden, Xander forbids her from celebrating extravagantly. With the scandal he is in and the unplanned wedding, he doesn’t want to be on the news as it might affect the fragile state of the company. Being Xander’s sister, everything she does reflects on her brother. Her hands clench in a fist. She couldn’t forget the humiliation she had been put through. She had already given out her invitation and bragged to everyone that her birthday would be the biggest celebration the city had ever seen, that it would be put in the newspapers and various online sites and would go down in history. None of that happened, and she shamefully called off the event a month before her birthday. She was mocked by other rich kids who usually wouldn’t go out of her way. It was the most embarrassing thing that happened to her. As she remembers it now, she felt that she could have hurt Hannah more. A knock on the door called her back to her senses. Without any hesitation, she opened the door and saw Xander’s cold gaze. The fear she had earlier was now gone, and she stared at her brother’s head held high. “What do you want, brother? Did your good-for-nothing wife ask you to avenge her?” She commented as she crossed her arms. Xander ignored her remarks and stepped into the room. Lani gestured for Katarina to leave them alone and she did. “Mother.” He muttered perfunctory. Lani narrowed her gaze, “What? Are you going to take her side?” She stated in annoyance. He shook his head, “That’s not important. What’s important is Denise has returned, and I can’t leave Hannah looking like that. What do you think people will say?” he exclaimed. Lani’s eyes widened in glee. “Denise is back? That means...” “Yes!” He confirmed hastily. She stood up and marched to her son, “You should have told me that. If I knew, I wouldn’t have let Katarina hit her in the face.” She commented while patting his back as she smiled merrily. Her words surprised him but he brushed them off. “Finally, the rightful wife has returned. We could get rid of the sly fox.” She added as she hummed in happiness.	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14304&u	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	840	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	redtgb.com	DCO		https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14304&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461130637_998149928730487_7761764593139129907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i1G6jPGViE0Q7kNvgFI7U77&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AfDrpqNw_0XJfCwTiG7WfEN&oh=00_AYD70qsDUz3KdHUqsnyqI0vAqwsRohAJ47oNVR6PQs8MBQ&oe=67470CFF	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,511,877	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	Nächstes Kapitel lesen👉👉👉	Tagsüber waren sie Fremde auf und ab, nachts wusste nur sie, wie verrückt er war, und niemand wusste von ihrer Beziehung bis zu diesem Tag ...... ===== „Herzlichen Glückwunsch, du wirst Mutter!" Seit heute Nachmittag konnte Raegan Hayes sie nur noch an die Worte des Arztes denken. Mitchel war ihr Ehemann. Sie waren zwei Jahre lang heimlich verheiratet gewesen. Er war ihr Vorgesetzter bei der Arbeit, der Präsident der Dixon Group. Alles war so schnell passiert. Sobald sie in die Firma eintrat, heirateten sie unerwartet. Damals Mitchels Großvater schwer krank. Damn schlug er eine Scheinehe vor, nur um den letzten Wunsch seines Großvaters zu erfüllen. Sie unterzeichneten einen Ehevertrag und stimmten zu, ihre Ehe vor der Öffentlichkeit geheim zu halten. Ihre Gewerkschaft kann jederzeit aufgelöst werden. Es war eine unkonventionelle Vorgehensweise. Raegan schätzte sich zu diesem Zeitpunkt jedoch nur glücklich. Niemals hätte sie gedacht, dass sie jemals den Mann heiraten würde, in den sie acht Jahre lang verknallt war. Sie stimmte freudig zu. Nach ihrer Hochzeit war Mitchel sehr beschäftigt. Die meiste Zeit verbrachte er mit Arbeit. Raegan wünschte, sie könnte mehr Zeit mit ihm zu Hause verbringen. Sie war jedoch beruhigt, weil es in den letzten zwei Jahren keine Gerüchte oder Skandale über ihn mit Frauen gegeben hatte. Abgesehen von seiner leichten Gleichgültigkeit war Mitchel ein perfekter Ehemann. Raegan hatte gemischte Gefühle, als sie das Ergebnis des Schwangerschaftstests betrachtete. Am Ende beschloss sie, Mitchel die Wahrheit zu sagen. Sie wollte ihm auch sagen, dass sie nicht erst vor zwei Jahren zum ersten Mal von ihm erfahren hatte und dass sie schon viele Jahre zuvor in ihn verknallt gewesen war. Die Dusche im Badezimmer ging endlich aus. Sobald Mitchel herauskam, klingelte sein Telefon. Nur ging er auf den Balkon und nahm das Telefon ab. Raegan sah auf die Uhr und stellte fest, dass es bereits Mitternacht war. Sie fühlte sich ein wenig unwohl. Wer würde Mitchel zu dieser unchristlichen Stundeanrufen? Mitchel verbrachte ein paar Minuten auf dem Balkon. Danach kehrte er ins Zimmer zurück und nahm sein Hemd und seine Anzughose vom Bett. Er zog sie an und verknotete dann die Krawatte mit seinen schlanken Fingern Sein hübsches Gesicht mit den klaren Konturen verlieh ihm heute Abend ein würdevolleres Aussehen. Er war jetzt eine Augenweide. „Warte nicht auf mich. Gute Nacht", sagte er schließlich. Was? Er war auf dem Weg nach draußen? Um diese Uhrzeit? Raegans Griff um das Ergebnis des Schwangerschaftstests wurde fester, als sie ihn enttäuscht anstarrte. Unbewusst zog sie sich leicht zurück. Nachdem sie eine Weile nachgedacht hatte, platzte es heraus: „Es ist schon so spät." Mitchels Finger erfroren an seiner Krawatte. „Sei brav, okay?" Ich muss etwas tun. Warte nicht." Damit ging er zur Tür. „Mitchel." Raegan rannte schnell los und holte ihn ein. Mitchel drehte sich um und sah sie ernst an. „Was ist los?" In seiner Stimme lag ein Hauch von Kälte. Eine eisige Wolke hing über ihnen, als sie einander anstarrten. Ein wenig verzweifelt fragte Raegan mit leiser Stimme: „Ich möchte morgen meine Oma besuchen. Kannst du mich dorthin begleiten?" Gebrechlich und krank, wollte ihre Großmutter sie immer sehen. Deshalb wollte Raegan Mitchel dorthin bringen, um ihrer Großmutter zu versichern, dass sie glücklich waren. „Lass uns morgen darüber reden, ok?" Ohne zuzustimmen oder abzulehnen, verließ Mitchel eilig den Raum. Mehrere Gedanken gingen Raegan durch den Kopf, als sie duschte und sich wieder ins Bett legte. Sie konnte kein Auge zutun. Nachdem sie sich lange hin und her gewälzt hatte, stand sie auf und machte sich ein warmes Glas Milch. Auf ihrem Telefon gingen einige Benachrichtigungen von Online-Blogs ein. Sie war jedoch nicht an ihnen interessiert. Sie wollte sie gerade wegschieben, als einer von ihnen ihre Aufmerksamkeit erregte. Der vertraute Name ließ sie darauf klicken. In der Nachricht hieß es: „Die berühmte Designerin Lauren Murray wurde heute mit ihrem mysteriösen Freund am Flughafen gesichtet." Lauren trug einen Anglerhut. Die Gestalt des Mannes war vage, aber die Umrisse seines Körpers reichten aus, um zu erkennen, dass er schneidig war. Raegan zoomte in das Bild hinein. Im nächsten Moment sank ihr das Herz. Mitchel war auf dem Bild! Also hat er das Nachmittagstreffen abgesagt, nur um seine Ex-Freundin vom Flughafen abzuholen? Diese Erkenntnis setzte sich wie ein Felsbrocken in Ragans Magen fest und brachte sie aus der Fassung. Ihre Hände zitterten. Unbewusst wählte sie Mitchels Nummer. Der Wählton brachte sie wieder zur Besinnung. Gerade als sie auflegen wollte, wurde die Leitung verbunden und am anderen Ende ertönte eine Stimme. "Hallo!" Es war eine besonders sanfte Frauenstimme. Raegan erstarrte für eine Sekunde und warf dann das Telefon weg. Ihr war plötzlich schlecht. Ihr stieg die Galle in die Kehle. Sie hielt sich den Mund zu, rannte ins Bad und übergab sich in die Toilettenschüssel. Am nächsten Morgen ging Raegan pünktlich zur Arbeit. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after the wedding. Sie bestand hartnäckig darauf, ihr eigenes Geld zu verdienen. Mitchel widersetzte sich ihrer Entscheidung nicht, aber er bat sie, als seine Assistentin zu arbeiten und ihm bei den täglichen Aufgaben zu helfen. Der Chefassistent Matteo Jenkins musste sich um die wichtigen Angelegenheiten von Mitchel kümmern. Matteo war der einzige Mitarbeiter der Dixon-Gruppe, der von ihrer Ehe wusste. Seit der Gründung wurden nur männliche Assistenten für das Büro des Präsidenten eingestellt. Reagan war die erste und einzige Frau. Ihre Anstellung stellte einen Verstoß gegen das Protokoll dar. Infolgedessen konnten andere Arbeitnehmer nicht umhin, sich zu fragen, ob sie mit Mitchel zusammen war. Es dauerte eine Weile, bis ihnen klar wurde, dass Mitchel Raegan nie eine Sonderbehandlung zukommen ließ. Seltsamerweise steigerte dies ihre Verachtung noch mehr. Schließlich würde es niemand lange aushalten, wenn er ihr Aussehen ausnutzen würde. Daher war es seltsam, dass Raegan ihren Job so lange behielt. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt übergab einer von Ragans Kollegen ihr ein Dokument und befahl ihr, es in Mitchels Büro zu bringen. Mitchel ist letzte Nacht nicht nach Hause gekommen. Raegan war so besorgt, dass sie überhaupt nicht mehr schlafen konnte. Alles, woran sie denken konnte, war die Frau, die an sein Telefon ging, als sie anrief. Raegan kannte die Antwort darauf bereits, aber sie versuchte es noch immer nicht. Es war schwierig für sie, die Tatsache zu akzeptieren. Raegan versuchte jetzt, ruhig zu bleiben. Sie war der Meinung, dass sie, egal was passierte, ein Ergebnis verdiente, das sie für all die Jahre, die sie in der Liebe zu Mitchel verbracht hatte, belohnen würde. Das kann doch nicht alles umsonst gewesen sein, oder? Sie drückte ruhig den Aufzugsknopf und fuhr hinauf in das Büro des Präsidenten. Bevor sie den Aufzug verließ, glättete sie ihr Haar, um sicherzugehen, dass sie gut aussah. Als sie im Büro ankam, stellte sie fest, dass die Tür einen Spalt breit geöffnet war. Es ertönte eine Männerstimme. Sie blieb sofort stehen. „Komm schon, Mann! Hast du Gefühle für Raegan oder nicht?" Die Stimme gehörte Luis Stevens, einem Jugendfreund von Mitchel. "Was meinst du genau?" fragte Mitchel mit kalter Stimme. "Du weißt genau, was ich meine!" Luis schnalzte ungeduldig mit der Zunge und fügte hinzu: „Ich finde, Raegan ist ein gutes Mädchen. Ist sie nicht dein Typ?" „Wollen Sie, dass ich sie Ihnen übergebe?" fragte Mitchel beiläufig. „Weißt du was, vergiss es!" Das höhnische Lachen von Luis klang in Ragans Ohren besonders rau. Sie sprachen über sie, als wäre sie ein Gegenstand. Bald war Luis' Stimme wieder zu hören. „Übrigens habe ich heute Morgen die Klatschnachrichten über Laurens mysteriösen Freund gesehen. Das warst doch du, oder?" "Ja." „So, so, so! " Luis seufzte und neckte Mitchel weiter. Ein altes Sprichwort besagt, dass die Abwesenheit das Herz erfreut. Sagt mir, habt ihr beide …" Ihr Gespräch war wie ein Donnerschlag, der über Raegans Kopf niederging. Ihr Gesicht wurde blass und ihr Körper war kalt wie Eis. Die Abwesenheit ließ die Zuneigung wachsen! Jedes Wort bohrte sich in ihr Herz. Mehrere flüsternde Stimmen erfüllten ihren Kopf zu dieser Zeit. Ihr wurde plötzlich schwindelig. Ihre Sicht wurde verschwommen. Sie hielt sich an der Wand fest und machte einen Schritt zurück. Plötzlich wurde die Tür von innen geöffnet. „Raegan?" Kapitel 2 Einseitige Liebe Luis war derjenige, der die Tür geöffnet hat. Es sah so aus, als wäre er auf dem Weg nach draußen. Raegan ballte die Hände, drehte sich zu ihm um und nickte. „He, Herr Stevens!" Ohne abzuwarten, dass er auf ihre Begrüßung reagierte, ging sie an ihm vorbei und betrat das Büro mit dem Dokument. Mitchel saß hinter einem großen, luxuriösen Schreibtisch. In einem teuren Anzug und passender Krawatte sah er besonders gut aus. Raegan bemerkte, dass es nicht derselbe Anzug war, den er trug, als er gestern Abend das Haus verließ. Wie hat er sich verändert? Mit gesenktem Blick schluckte sie die Frage hinunter und sagte stattdessen: „Mr. Dixon, das ist die Marketingabteilung. Bitte unterschreiben Sie es." Mitchel war ausdruckslos, als er das Dokument mit einem kurzen Blick unterschrieb. Raegan ging zur Tür hinaus, sobald er ihr das Dokument zurückgegeben hatte. Luis stand noch immer auf der Schwelle. Erst als sie außer Sichtweite war, drehte sich Luis zu Mitchel um und sagte in gedämpftem Ton: „Glaubst du, sie hat uns gehört?" Mitchels ansprechende Augen waren in diesem Moment ausdruckslos.. Offensichtlich hat er nicht darauf geachtet, was Luis gesagt hat. Mitchel gegenüber war Raegan immer sanftmütig und nie auf jemanden eifersüchtig gewesen. Ihr strikter Gehorsam war alles, was Mitchel von ihr als Gegenleistung für ihre gute Behandlung verlangte. Im Aufzug. Raegan hielt den Atem an, um ihre Tränen zurückzuhalten. Leider hat es nicht funktioniert. Sie hatte gedacht, dass zwei Jahre ausreichen würden, damit Mitchel merkt, wie sehr sie ihn liebt und ihre Liebe erwidert. Jetzt stellte sich heraus, dass das bloß ein Wunschtraum war. Ihr wurde klar, dass sie gegenüber Lauren, Mitchels wahrer Liebe, immer die zweite Geige spielen würde. Reagan wischte sich die Tränen ab, als der Aufzug anhielt. Abgesehen von ihrem blassen Gesicht sah sie normal aus, als sich die Türen öffneten. Sie schleppte sich in den Pausenraum, wo sie sich eine Tasse Tee machen wollte. Mehrere Mitarbeiter unterhielten sich drinnen. „Leute, habt ihr gehört? Lauren Murray ist zurück." „Und wer ist das?" "Oh, meine Güte! Du kennst sie nicht? Lauren ist die Erbin der Murray Group und Weltklasse-Designerin. Und das Wichtigste: Sie ist die einzige Freundin, mit der Mr. Dixon jemals in der Öffentlichkeit angegeben hat. Sie ist seine erste Liebe!" „Warum ist ihre Rückkehr so eine große Sache? Gibt es nicht das Gerücht, dass zwischen Mr. Dixon und Raegan etwas läuft?" „Raegan? Mr. Dixon hat nie zugegeben, dass er mit ihr zusammen war. Und das überrascht mich nicht. Sehen Sie sie doch an. Sie ist nicht einmal so schön. Dennoch verhält sie sich so, als sei sie bereits Mrs. Dixon. Was für ein Iiot!" An der Tür stehend, lächelte Raegan selbstironisch, als sie ihnen zuhörte. Es stellte sich heraus, dass alle anderen außer ihr die Wahrheit sahen. Die Liebe war einseitig. „Ha-ha, ist Mrs. Dixon endlich aus ihrem wilden Traum erwacht?" Eine spöttische Stimme kam plötzlich von hinten. Raegan drehte sich um und sah Tessa Lloyd, Mitchels Cousine, die sie immer verachtet hatte. Tessa musste auch das Tratschen der Mitarbeiter gehört haben. Das Letzte, was Raegan jetzt tun wollte, war, sich in der Firma mit Tessa zu streiten. Sie drehte sich um, um zu gehen, aber Tessa versperrte ihr den Weg. Mit einer Tasse Kaffee in der Hand sagte Tessa sarkastisch: „Lauren ist jetzt zurück. Glaubst du, Mitchel wird dir noch Aufmerksamkeit schenken?" Raegan sagte nichts dazu. Sekunden später setzte Tessa ihren Spott fort. „Wie wäre es, wenn ich Ihnen ein paar Männer vorstelle? Sie könnten Ihren Service wirklich gebrauchen." Raegan ballte die Fäuste und sagte kalt: „Frau Lloyd, wir sind hier in der Firma.Wenn Sie an dieser Art von Geschäft interessiert sind, wissen Sie, wohin Sie sich wenden ." "Du..." Dies veränderte Tessas Gesichtsausdruck. In der nächsten Sekunde hob Tessa ihre Hand und leerte die Tasse mit heißem Kaffee über Raegan. Raegan hätte keine Sekunde geglaubt, dass Tessa so etwas Verrücktes tun würde. Sie hielt ihre Arme hoch, um die heiße Flüssigkeit von ihrem Gesicht fernzuhalten. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit verbrannte der Kaffee ihren Arm und ihre Haut wurde rot. "Autsch!" Raegan runzelte vor Schmerz die Stirn. „Warum hast du das getan? Bist du von Sinnen?" Es war Mittagspause und viele Mitarbeiter hatten Zeit, sich Drama anzusehen. Tessa war sogar noch selbstzufriedener, als sie immer mehr Schaulustige sah. Sie setzte einen bösen Blick auf und sagte: „Warum bist du jeden Tag so selbstgefällig, hm? ..." „Das reicht!" Aus heiterem Himmel kam ein Bariton von hinten. Mitchel hatte sein Büro verlassen und stieß auf dieses Tohuwabohu. Im ganzen Raum herrschte Stille. „Mitchel?" Beim Anblick von Mitchel lief Tessa das Blut in den Adern zusammen. Sie hatte immer Angst vor ihm gehabt. Ihre Mutter warnte sie auch davor, ihn zu provozieren. Das Sonnenlicht von draußen fiel auf Mitchels hübsches Gesicht. Raegan fühlte sich auf einmal so traurig und senkte den Kopf, um ihren vom Kaffee verbrühten Armrücken zu betrachten. Niemand wagte in diesem Moment einen Laut von sich zu geben. Durch Mitchels Wut zu Tode erschreckt, zerstreute sich die Menge bald. Raegan kniff sich in die Handfläche, um ihre Gefühle zu unterdrücken, während sie Tessa ansah. Dann ging sie an Mitchel vorbei, ohne ihn eines weiteren Blickes zu würdigen. Mitchel, der auf Ragans dünnen Rücken starrte, hatte in diesem Moment einen zweideutigen Ausdruck. Tessa knirschte mit den Zähnen und sagte bösartig: „Nächstes Mal besorge ich jemanden, der dieser S*lampe eine Lektion erteilt." „Tessa!" Mitchels Tonfall und Schielen ließen es als Tadel erscheinen. Tessa zitterte sofort. Mit ernster Miene sagte Mitchel: „Ich sage es nur einmal. Lass Raegan in Ruhe." Die Aura, die er ausstrahlte, ließ ihre Zunge trocken werden. Alle bösartigen Ideen, die sie gegen Raegan auf Lager hatte, verschwanden im Handumdrehen. Sie stammelte: „Okay … Okay, verstanden …" Mitchel warf ihr einen kalten Blick zu und sprach mit Matteo. „Irrelevante Personen dürften ab heute hier nicht mehr rein." Ohne zu verstehen, was er meinte, schmeichelte Tessa Mitchel. „Guter Anruf. Dies ist ein Top-Unternehmen. Nicht jeder bekommt hier Zutritt." Matteo nickte Mitchel zu und ging dann zu Tessa. Er deutete auf den Ausgang. „Frau Lloyd, hier entlang, bitte." Erst in diesem Moment wurde Tessa klar, dass sie die unwichtige Person war, die Mitchel gerade erwähnt hatte. Sie versuchte mit ihm zu sprechen, aber Matteo versperrte ihr den Weg. Die Sicherheitsleute warfen sie daraufhin hinaus. Sie zeigten ihr keine Gnade. Ihr Kampf war zwecklos. In der Zwischenzeit hatte sich Raegan umgezogen, als sie in ihr Büro zurückkehrte. Die Feierabendstunde verging schnell. Raegan nahm ihre Tasche und ging zum Ausgang. Matteo hielt sie jedoch davon ab. Er sagte: „Mr. Dixon hat etwas Dringendes zu erledigen, deshalb hat er mich gebeten, Sie nach Hause zu fahren." Raegan lehnte die Mitfahrgelegenheit ohne nachzudenken ab. Vorher war sie blind, doch nun durchschaute sie die Situation. In Mitchels Augen war sie einfach ein Niemand. Wie konnte Mitchel zustimmen, sie zu ihrer Großmutter zu begleiten? Als Raegan im Krankenhaus ankam, sah sie, dass die Krankenschwester gerade dabei war, ihrer Großmutter das Abendessen zu geben. Raegan übernahm die Aufgabe und erledigte sie alleine. Ihre Großmutter hatte ihr ganzes Leben lang auf dem Land gelebt und ein ruhiges Leben genossen. Alles änderte sich letzten Monat, als bei einer Routineuntersuchung festgestellt wurde, dass mit ihrer Bauchspeicheldrüse etwas nicht in Ordnung war. Raegan bestand darauf, sie für eine bessere Behandlung in die Stadt zu bringen. Ihre Großmutter wusste nichts von ihrer Heirat mit Mitchel. Raegan hatte geplant, sie heute zu überraschen. Doch wie sich herausstellte, war das nicht mehr nötig. Raegan wartete, bis ihre Großmutter eingeschlafen war, bevor sie ging. Sie verließ das Krankenhaus zu Fuß und wartete auf ein Taxi. In der Ferne fuhr ein schwarzer Luxuswagen in die Einfahrt des Krankenhauses. Raegans Augen leuchteten, als sie es sah. Sie erkannte, dass es Mitchels Auto war. Ist er gekommen, um sie abzuholen? In diesem Moment vergaß sie den ganzen Schmerz, den sie empfunden hatte. Waren ihre Gedanken über ihn völlig falsch? Hat er, entgegen den Gerüchten, etwas für sie übrig? Die Tür auf der Fahrerseite öffnete sich und Mitchel stieg aus. Raegan ging mit vor Freude erfülltem Herzen auf ihn zu. Plötzlich blieb sie wie angewurzelt stehen. Mitchel war gerade auf die andere Seite gegangen und hatte eine Frau aus dem Auto getragen. Sorge und Mitgefühl standen ihm ins Gesicht geschrieben. Das löschte das Lächeln aus Raegans Gesicht. Ihr Herz sank. Kapitel 3 Lass uns scheiden Mitchels große, aufrechte Gestalt kam immer näher an Raegan heran. Und dann schritt er wortlos an Raegan vorbei. Es war schwer zu sagen, ob Mitchel Raegan sah oder sie einfach ignorierte. Trotzdem bemerkte Raegan, dass die Frau in seinen Armen dieselbe war, die gestern mit ihm fotografiert worden war. Sie war Lauren. Raegans Schuhe fühlten sich an, als wären sie aus Blei, als sie davonlief. Sie nahm ihre Umgebung gar nicht mehr wahr. Sie stieg geistesabwesend in ein Taxi. Plötzlich rief der Fahrer: „Ma'am, wohin?" Raegan war für einen Moment fassungslos. Sie wollte nicht zu den Serenity Villas zurückkehren. Es war nur eine Frage der Zeit, bis dieser Ort nicht mehr ihr Zuhause sein würde. Nach einer Weile antwortete sie: „Bitte bringen Sie mich zur Kristallbucht". Sie hatte nach ihrer Hochzeit mit Mitchel eine Wohnung in Crystal Bay gekauft. Damals hoffte sie, ihre Großmutter in die Stadt zu holen, und kaufte die Wohnung mit einer Hypothek. Es war nicht besonders groß, aber es bot mehr als genug Platz für zwei Personen. Mitchel verstand nicht, warum sie eine Wohnung kaufen wollte. Er bot ihr an, ihr einen größeren zu geben, aber sie lehnte ab. Im Nachhinein stellte sie fest, dass der Kauf dieser Wohnung die einzige kluge Entscheidung war, die sie in den letzten zwei Jahren getroffen hatte. Als sie den Apartmentkomplex erreichte, saß Raegan allein im Park und versuchte, sich abzukühlen. Die Erinnerungen an die letzten zwei Jahre waren bittersüß. Zwei Jahre waren wie ein Wimpernschlag vergangen, obwohl es mehr als siebenhundert Tage und Nächte waren. Liebe könne Berge versetzen, hieß es. Doch ihre Liebe konnte diesen steinernen Mann nicht bewegen. Endlich wurde ihr klar, wie dumm sie gewesen war. Es war schon spät in der Nacht, als Raegan sich endlich entschloss, in ihre Wohnung zu gehen. Sobald sie aus dem Aufzug stieg, sah sie Mitchel vor der Tür stehen. Er lehnte mit geradem, hübschem Gesicht an der Wand neben der Tür. Raegan erstarrte für einen Moment. Warum war er hier? Hat sie ihn nicht mit Lauren im Krankenhaus gesehen? Was hat ihn hierher gebracht? Ihre Blicke trafen sich. „Warum bist du nicht ans Telefon gegangen?" Mantel Fragte er und klang dabei ein wenig mürrisch wie jemand, der lange nicht mehr geschlafen hatte. Raegan nahm ihr Handy heraus und sah, dass sie es versehentlich auf DND gestellt hatte. Es gab fünf verpasste Anrufe von Mitchel. Dies war das erste Mal in ihrer zweijährigen Ehe. Mitchel hat ihr Telefon gesprengt, weil er sie nicht finden konnte? Überraschend! Vor dem heutigen Tag hätte sie sich darüber riesig gefreut. Die Leute hätten gedacht, sie hätte im Lotto gewonnen. Aber jetzt warf sie ihr Telefon einfach zurück in ihre Tasche, verschränkte die Arme und sagte mit heiserer Stimme: „Ich habe es nicht klingeln hören." Mitchel hob die Hand, um die Zeit auf der Uhr zu überprüfen, und sagte ungeduldig: „Ich suche dich seit zwei Stunden". Nachdem er alles für Lauren arrangiert hatte, kehrte er nach Hause zurück und fand ein leeres Haus vor. Er suchte überall nach Raegan. Als er sie nicht finden konnte, bat er Matteo, die Überwachungsvideos aller Straßen, die von der Firma wegführten, zu überprüfen. Später fand er heraus, dass Raegan nach Crystal Bay gefahren war, ohne es ihm zu sagen. „Sag mir das nächste Mal, wann du hierher kommst, okay? Lass uns jetzt nach Hause gehen." Danach ging Mitchel in Richtung Aufzug, ohne sie eines weiteren Blickes zu würdigen. Er wollte zu den Serenity Villas zurückkehren. Raegan bewegte sich keinen Zentimeter. Sie starrte nur auf seinen breiten Rücken und grübelte unwillig. Nächstes Mal... Hätten sie eine Zukunft? Mitchell drehte sich um und sah nur, dass Raegan keinen einzigen Schritt gemacht hatte. Er runzelte die Stirn und fragte: „Kannst du nicht laufen?" Möchtest du, dass ich dich stattdessen trage?" Das Licht im Korridor beleuchtete sein Gesicht, so dass sein Seitenprofil fast makellos war. Raegan holte tief Luft und sagte: „Lass uns uns scheiden lassen." "Wie meinst du das?" Mitchels Stimme war kalt, und sein hübsches Gesicht veränderte sich sofort. „Ich möchte in eine eigene Wohnung ziehen. Schließlich werden wir bald Fremde sein." Raegan zwang sich zu einem Lächeln, aber ihr Herz schmerzte. „Wir werden Fremde sein?" Mitchel lächelte kalt. „Raegan, wie denkst du, ist unsere Beziehung im Moment?" Seine Fragen ließen Raegan für einen Moment fassungslos zurück. Mitchel hatte es ihr von Anfang an klar gemacht. Diese Fassade ihrer Ehe war im gegenseitigen Einvernehmen zustande gekommen. Es gab keine Liebe. In den Augen der anderen waren sie nichts weiter als ein Vorgesetzter und ein Untergebener. Mitchel war in Ardlens ein echter Fang. Viele junge Frauen sehnten sich nach seiner Liebe und waren. Seine Frage gerade hat sie daran erinnert. Hatte er Angst, dass sie ihn nicht so leicht gehen lassen würde? Wenn das der Fall wäre, könnte er sich nicht mehr irren... Nachdem sie sich auf die Unterlippe gebissen hatte, um ihre Bitterkeit zu verbergen, sagte Raegan: „Es tut mir leid, Mr. Dixon. Ich habe zu viel darüber nachgedacht. Wie dem auch sei, bitte lass mich von jetzt an in Ruhe. Du brauchst nicht nochmal hierher zu kommen." Nachdem sie das gesagt hatte, konnte Raegan nicht anders, als in Tränen auszubrechen. Wie sollte sie nicht traurig sein, wenn sie sich von dem Mann trennte, den sie ein Jahrzehnt lang geliebt hatte? Es ist so lange her. Egal wie schwierig es war, sie wusste, dass es Zeit war loszulassen. Es war höchste Zeit, dass sie aufhörte, sich wie eine Dumme zu benehmen. Seltsamerweise begann das Licht im Flur zu flackern. Der tödliche Blick, mit dem Mitchel Raegan in diesem Moment anstarrte, ließ die Atmosphäre wie den Moment vor einem Angriff in einem Horrorfilm erscheinen. Obwohl er verstand, dass sich Frauen manchmal wie kleine Teufel benahmen, hatte er das Gefühl, dass Raegan jetzt einfach zu weit gegangen war. Seine Augen leuchteten in diesem Moment wie lodernde Fackeln. Doch als er die Tränen in ihren Augen sah, erlosch die Wut in ihm augenblicklich. Er sagte mit leiser Stimme: „Wenn es darum geht, was zwischen dir und Tessa passiert ist, dann..." „Nein, es geht hier nicht um sie. „Mr. Dixon, bitte gehen Sie jetzt." Es ist viel zwischen ihnen passiert. Und der Vorfall mit Tessa kam dem nicht einmal annähernd nahe. Raegan war erschöpft. Sie ging an Mitchel vorbei und war im Begriff, die Tür zu öffnen. Dennoch war Mitchel mit ihrer Sturheit unzufrieden. Er lockerte gereizt seine Krawatte. Dann trat er einen Schritt vor und packte ihr Handgelenk fest. „Hör auf damit, ja?" Eine Sekunde später legte er seinen Arm um ihre Schulter, lhm wurde sofort klar, dass sie wie jemand, der in Brand gesetzt wurde, glühte. „Du hast Fieber?" Raegan fühlte sich schwindlig. Das machte die ganze Situation kompliziert. Aus heiterem Himmel hob Mitchel sie hoch. Dann ging er zum Aufzug. Benommen fragte Raegan leise: „Was machst du da?" „Wonach sieht es aus, was ich tue?" bemerkte Mitchel. „Ich bringe Sie natürlich ins Krankenhaus." "Auf keinen Fall!" Raegan schrie vor Überraschung auf und schien wieder zu Kräften zu kommen. Es bestand die Gefahr, dass sie ihre Schwangerschaft verlieren könnte, wenn sie blindlings behandelt würde. Auch wenn das Baby zur falschen Zeit kam, war es dennoch ihr Kleines. Es war ihre Pflicht, es zu schützen. Raegan kämpfte, um sich aus Mitchels Armen zu befreien. Sein fester Griff machte ihre Bemühungen jedoch zunichte. „Seien Sie nicht so stur. Du bist krank, also musst du zum Arzt", sagte Mitchel entschieden. Er ging mit ihr im Arm zum Aufzug. In diesem Moment klopfte Ragans Herz so heftig, dass es ihr aus der Brust springen konnte. „Lass mich runter! Ich möchte nicht ins Krankenhaus!" ...... Wie geht es weiter? Es gibt hier nur eine begrenzte Anzahl von Kapiteln. Klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche unten, um die App zu installieren und weitere Kapitel zu lesen (Sie werden automatisch zum Buch weitergeleitet, wenn Sie die App öffnen) &13&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/19863412-fb_contact-d	Romantic Fiction	https://www.facebook.com/61564727788108/	44	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/19863412-fb_contact-dej57-1016-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=1258461795177066&rawadid=120215180034730198	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466793595_1306789260692471_3131046473905334136_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qr2c-qtbmjIQ7kNvgGrcYwl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_zOCg64dUeDavW1R8_vAQ4&oh=00_AYBxefoxoBxnh3aTYKFIGtnj2z2eAVhUexQK872wcfl40g&oe=67481FA0	PERSON_PROFILE	Romantic Fiction	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,508,685	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2508924}'	No	2024-11-22 19:51	active	1909	😍Read the next chapters👉	Madeline felt nauseous, feeling like she needed to purge immediately. She crouched down to clutch the bin and gagged, but nothing came up. Trevon watched, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Why did her sickness stir something in him? Was it a mere coincidence? Seeing her ashen face, it was clear she was unwell. Trevor gave Madeline a questioning look. "Are you sick? When did it start? What's wrong?" Madeline felt the urge to throw up but could not, which only intensified her discomfort. Clinging to the trash can seemed like the only thing she could do. At the sound of his question, her fingers tensed uncontrollably. She forced a casual response. "Maybe it's just a cold. No big deal." "Answer me!" His voice turned sharp, sending a jolt through Madeline, and she murmured almost without thinking. "This afternoon, when you were… I'm just feeling a bit of chest tightness, weak limbs, and a touch of nausea. Typical cold symptoms." She did not bring up the hospital visit, quickly labeling it a cold to avoid any wild guesses. The timing and the symptoms lined up perfectly. 'So, it's because we caught a cold at the same time?' Trevon wondered. Madeline finally let go of her resistance. She deliberately avoided the divorce papers on the table and fetched the sour orange she had bought earlier from the fridge. Her mouth was unbearably uncomfortable, and she craved the relief of something sour. After all, she would need some strength in her hand to sign those papers. The moment she took out the sour orange, its tangy scent filled the room. Catching a glimpse of Trevon standing to the side, watching her with a frown, she hesitated before offering, "Want one?" Trevon looked away, clearly uninterested. Madeline chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You're not into sour stuff." However, as she sliced into the vibrant sour orange and its juicy interior burst with a potent tangy aroma, Trevon seemed unable to look away. Madeline was about to take a bite when she noticed Trevon approaching. His towering presence felt like a wall closing in, making the kitchen feel smaller by the second. Instinctively, Madeline stepped back. "If you don't like it, then I'll just..."	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&ut	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61560831098071/	21	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449649369_982697950216881_6633127791340967840_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gqZ7YsLRBDEQ7kNvgGX3wsU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJ6eiwHqbWG8lUK0ngBE9Ys&oh=00_AYD4nX8vGh4j83FiJnN-Bnka8F0qOr89aRFlxKc_LQIskg&oe=6746F5CC	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,514,020	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2513839}'	No	2024-11-23 17:39	active	1911	LIMITED AVAILABILITY	Get ready for Glass Skin that glows naturally? Tallow is your skin’s best friend. It’s the best all-in-one moisturizer for face and body. Packed with fatty acids that match your skin’s natural oils, it sinks in easily and works like magic. Feel the difference after just one use – softer, smoother skin that you’ll love. With vitamins A, K, D, E, and powerful antioxidants, it’s your go-to for healthy, glowing skin. ✅ Fights Signs of Aging ✅ Clears Up Acne in 16 Days ✅ Smooths Wrinkles & Fine Lines ✅ Naturally Boosts Collagen ✅ Perfect for Sensitive Skin ✅ The Only Skincare You Need Get Yours Now ➡️ https://bit.ly/Tallow-Honey-Balm	SHOP_NOW	https://bit.ly/Tallow-Honey-Balm	RunM-D-Gadgets	https://www.facebook.com/100063673671046/	233	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	bit.ly	VIDEO		https://bit.ly/Tallow-Honey-Balm	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468107543_433995209806875_2698839566944238690_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SN-H-W1KhdgQ7kNvgFzgego&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ARWRes692RtQRUDxZur8tq5&oh=00_AYB1im0ZL0wjUQlpVVFLlkT9ksXM3rWeSysG-mg1NdHtsQ&oe=67483FF8	PERSON_PROFILE	RunM-D-Gadgets	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,511,571	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2511462}'	Yes	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	When Debra died, her husband was still with his secretary. She swore that if she were given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes again... “Mr. Nichols, your wife is on the verge of death!” the doctor cried anxiously. “You might come to say your goodbyes!” “She’s still alive? Call me when she’s dead,” Juan Nichols replied, his voice icy and indifferent. With that, he hung up. All the light faded from Debra’s eyes. The machine emitted a steady, cold beep—signaling that her vital signs had ceased. In her life, she had loved Juan deeply, sacrificing everything—herself and her family—for him. If she were given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes again... “Madam, Mr. Nichols has requested you accompany him to the auction. Which outfit would you prefer?” The housekeeper Sophie asked. Debra gasped, her eyes snapping open. Everything around her felt eerily familiar. This was her home, the one she had shared with Juan. Wait— auction? Five years ago, Juan was going to a land auction, and as his wife, she had to accompany him. But Juan paid her no mind and didn’t even inform her that he had replaced her with Shelia, his secretary. When she arrived at the auction, all dressed up, she saw his secretary Shelia clinging to his arm. ‘How could this be?’ she thought, utterly confused. ‘Am I... reborn?’ 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. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. "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! -- The auction was teeming with business elites. 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. Meanwhile, Juan was about to enter with Shelia when his bodyguard spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Shelia 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.". Debra, dressed in a stunning burgundy gown, elegantly walked towards them...	LEARN_MORE	https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	thebvhwysgng.com	DCO		https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465012370_1085089863148114_2066040076159691881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IieL1sUR2t0Q7kNvgFq73TJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A80Lk30kXYHH8vbjivm007l&oh=00_AYASXVXrKAcfGgubiAlaxxyFkky9BVNCrecAhfu02Vblbg&oe=67481DBD	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,512,382	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2513015}'	No	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	Haley hadn't seen her husband William for a week and when she finally called him in the evening he seemed annoyed. "I have a meeting now. Excuse me." He brushed hang up the phone before she could say a word. Haley felt a little disappointed since tonight marked their third anniversary. Anyway, she decided to stay awake until he got home. Bored, she picked up her phone, checking into her tiktok to kil-l time. Just then, a piece of news popped up, featuring NK Enterprise, her husband's company. Excited, Haley tapped into the news; "William Nash, Famous CEO of NK Enterprise, Checks Into Hotel With his Mystery Girlfriend, Relationship Revealed" Her William? Haley's eyes glued to her phone's screen, shock and disbelief taking over when she saw the image of her husband entering the Hotel, his arm snaked around a woman's waist. Haley couldn’t believe her husband was with a woman. She must be mistaken. Sinking in confusion was pointless. Haley dialed his number. On her third trial, he finally picked up. “What's up?” he asked coldly. Haley inhaled deeply, controlling her emotions. “Liam, where are you? Today's our 3rd anniversary, remember?” “So?” he said through his careless tone, “Not coming home. Sleep by yourself.” His voice holding no remorse, a gut-wrenching punch to her pride. Just then, a female voice, soft and seductive, came on the phone. “Willy, I'm thirsty.” Willy? Even Haley wasn't allowed to call him that. He truly was with a woman! The phone beeped. He hung up the call. Haley sank onto the bed, her thoughts spinning and that voice echoing. It was Leah! Liam’s secretary who looked a lot like his Ex. Dazed, Haley's gaze fell on the decorations; her hard work. Tears blurred Haley's vision. Suddenly, a message notification appeared. [I'm pre-gnant. It's time for me to become the new Mrs. Nash.] Haley gripped the phone, her body trembling. It was from Leah. She'd been having second thoughts whenever she wanted to leave the man, but now she gave up her last hope. Haley stood up and retrieved the document she'd hidden in a corner of the closet and signed her name on it. Tears that reminded her of how weak and helpless she'd reduced herself to all in this marriage. Never again.	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12277&u	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	840	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	redtgb.com	DCO		https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=12277&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449112626_2219626285038260_1025497497506439918_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o1ZtSRnCz4gQ7kNvgFJ9SOs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxPhejTSfjShQRavNsaCMk1&oh=00_AYA2JcTuZ7sG_n_vwshdv5znq5w1THkEfr0ZOo0zcyAtVQ&oe=674818AE	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,511,923	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	Read next chapter👉	As the real heiress returns, onlookers mock at how the fake heiress will end. She, however, comes back as the daughter of a top billionaire, taking on the role of a judge in the real heiress competition, terminating her foster parents'contract, backed by business tycoons, and stunning everyone! ===== "Madisyn, for years, we've raised you, never imagining you capable of such cruelty. This house can no longer bear your presence. You must leave immediately." Declared the imposing woman before Madisyn Chapman, her gaze laden with disdain and a bitter chill, her elegant attire contrasting sharply with the harshness of her words. "Mom, please, it was an accident. I lost my footing and tumbled down the stairs on my own. Madisyn had no part in this," said a young girl from her seat on the sofa. Just half an hour prior, Jenna Chapman, the biological daughter of the Chapmans, had suffered a fall on the staircase. At that time, Madisyn had been alone on the upper floor. Everyone believed Madisyn had pushed Jenna... Now, the looks that the Chapmans shot at Madisyn were filled with venom and disgust, a stark contrast to their attitude just a week prior, when they had professed their reluctance to ever part with her. Madisyn looked down at the floor, a fleeting shadow of irony passing through her eyes. Once, Madisyn was the sole daughter of the Chapmans. Though she never basked in parental favoritism, she lacked for nothing, her basic needs always met. The facade shattered when Jeffry Chapman, whom she had known as her father, met with a grave accident necessitating an urgent bl**d transfusion. The subsequent tests unveiled a startling truth--Madisyn was not his biological child. Jeffry then harnessed his extensive network to uncover the whereabouts of his true daughter, Jenna. The Chapman family was a prestigious household in Gemond, and news like this naturally spread quickly. To manage the public narrative and preserve their esteemed reputation, they declared an unwavering commitment to Madisyn, the girl they had raised, asserting their intention to treat her as their own for a while longer before she returned to her biological family. Behind closed doors, however, their plans were starkly different. They wanted to quickly send Madisyn away at once. Upon Jenna's arrival, the Chapman family blamed Madisyn for Jenna's years of hardship, relegating Madisyn from her room to a mere storage space, diminishing her status drastically. She was tasked with menial chores, her status far beneath even those of the household servants. Jenna, however, still wanted Madisyn gone. She had crafted several schemes against Madisyn, yet her parents turned a blind eye, their disdain for Madisyn thinly veiled. These tribulations stripped away any illusions Madisyn had about her former family, fueling a resolve to confront the injustices imposed upon her. As the tensions reached a boiling point, she faced Jenna, her voice resolute as she said, "I'll leave, but not before setting the record straight, Jenna!" Jenna's composure wavered under the intensity of Madisyn's icy stare, her body trembling slightly. Was this the same Madisyn who had once submitted quietly to every slight? A dark glint flickered in Jenna's eyes. She was the rightful heiress to the Chapman family assets, not this usurper, Madisyn, who had been living in luxury undeserved. She had to drive this impostor out! "Madisyn, I have no idea what you're going on about!" Jenna's voice dripped with feigned confusion. "Ever since I reclaimed my rightful place, receiving the affection rightfully owed to me by our parents, I've sensed your discontent. Despite your actions, I've remained tolerant. But my legs... how could you? Dancing is my soul's expression. Had I known you coveted the national competition spot so desperately, I would not have contested it." Her insinuation was clear: Madisyn had sabotaged her out of it. The gaze of Jenna's mother, Phyllis Chapman, hardened at Jenna's words, her voice laced with disdain. "Jenna, you possesses a remarkable talent that Madisyn could never hope to match. That competition spot was yours by right. And you, Madisyn!" She turned sharply towards Madisyn, adding, "Pack your belongings and leave immediately!" Madisyn's usually somber expression seemed only to fuel her contempt. Meanwhile, Jenna, ever the docile and talented daughter, shone brightly in her eyes--a true Chapman. Amidst the unfolding drama, Jeffry finally broke his silence, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Madisyn, our agreement was to keep you until the public scrutiny waned, yet here we are, facing your deep-seated resentment towards Jenna. We have no choice but to return you to your true family today." Jenna's eyes glittered with a triumphant gleam as her father pronounced Madisyn's imminent departure. In stark contrast, Madisyn's face remained an unreadable mask as she went up the stairs to gather her possessions. Her prolonged stay on the upper floor kindled a flicker of anxiety in Jenna. "What if she attempts to take everything with her?" After all, everything of value in the house rightfully belonged to her--how could she allow a fake to leave with any part of her wealth? Eventually, Madisyn reappeared, descending the staircase slowly, her movements deliberate. She carried a small, unassuming black bag. As her gaze swept coolly across the living room, it unsettled Jeffry enough for him to divert his eyes. Phyllis's eyebrows knitted together at the sight of Madisyn's minimal luggage. "Is that all you've packed? What's in there? Show me," she demanded, suspicion lacing her tone. Jeffry, however, raised a hand to halt his wife's interrogation. "Let her be." It was probably just the bank card he gave her, which had a mere hundred thousand dollars left on it. Unfazed, Madisyn placed her bag squarely on the table, her expression stoic. "Inspect it if you must." Phyllis, unable to mask her distrust, scoffed. "Maybe she has packed something valuable," she muttered as she unzipped the bag. Peering inside, she found nothing more than a notebook, a few seeds, and a small stack of cash--hardly the valuables she had feared. Phyllis, her face flushed with embarrassment from her baseless accusation, straightened up. "I'll let the driver take you there," she said crisply. Jeffry, the weight of the situation bearing down on him, reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. "Madisyn, when you return, listen to your parents. They're farmers, yes... but they are good, simple people. You should help them." Madisyn looked at the offered card with her beautiful eyes, her expression calm. "Everyone has their own destiny to fulfill," she replied quietly, pushing the card back towards Jeffry. "But before I leave, there needs to be clarity. Jenna, how did you truly fall down those stairs? This is your last chance to tell the truth." Jenna seethed internally, infuriated by Madisyn's serene composure, which seemed to elevate her above everyone else despite her humble origins. Madisyn was not from a wealthy family! She was just two farmers' daughter! "Madisyn, what are you implying? That I threw myself down the stairs?" Jenna retorted. "My legs are my life; they are essential for my dancing. Why would I ever get them injured?" As she spoke, Jenna's emotions crescendoed, and she dissolved into theatrical tears, collapsing into Phyllis's arms. Suddenly, Jennainstinctively leaped to her feet because of a shattered vase. Silence enveloped the room as everyone, including Phyllis and Jeffry, turned their shocked gazes towards her. Jenna's sudden agility was startling--didn't she say she couldn't stand up because of her injuries? &9&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/60743322-fb_contact-e	Hello reading		0	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/60743322-fb_contact-enp65_2-c1-0824-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&rawadid=120216829062850091	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465818172_533755369504508_4338554020403262626_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I4ZQcewHrAUQ7kNvgEjDGqa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC7VA9RlhO7rHqMBBjH-5XA&oh=00_AYCINekmJTsBjuipuin4MMtRvpP8U1Qzv7IQklr0Lb24tg&oe=674830A8	REGULAR_PAGE		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,507,163	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2507165}'	No	2024-11-22 19:36	active	1908	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	Every time they broke up, she'd come crawling back to him, asking to get back together within three days or less. "I'm betting she'll be back in five days this time." "Six days!" Hansel looked at the door that wasn't shut properly and smiled coldly. "I say she'll be back looking for me in three hours." …… "Oh, my god! Hans, you sure know how to rile things up!" "They're kissing! They're actually kissing!" "I mean, since everyone's so excited, you guys might as well just kiss!" Miranda felt her hand shaking against the door handle. This was the man she'd loved for six years. Now, she felt like nothing but a laughingstock. "Guys, tone it down," someone suddenly whispered, gesturing at the door. Everyone immediately looked toward the entrance. "M-Mimi? You're back. Err, we're all just fooling around, you see. Don't mind—" "Miranda." Hansel interrupted the person trying to explain the situation and just looked at Miranda with a calm expression on his face. "Since you're here, let me straighten things out with you." "Okay. I'm listening." "It's tiring breaking up and making up with you for so many years. The feelings between us have long died." Miranda tightened her fist and dug her nails into her palm. However, it was as if she couldn't feel any pain at all. They'd been dating for six years, but their relationship had ended with him saying his feelings were long gone. "Ingy is a wonderful person, and I want to make things official with her." Miranda nodded robotically. "Okay." "Even though we've broken up, we can still stay friends. You can still come to me if you run into any problems in Jandersville." "No thanks," Miranda said, forcing a smile on her face. It was a wan smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Since we've broken up, it's better for us not to have any more contact with each other. That would only be fair to your new girlfriend." Hansel raised an eyebrow, looking a little shocked. "Cal," Miranda said, turning to look at the main character of the birthday party. "Happy birthday to you again. "I hope you guys have a lot of fun tonight, but I'll be leaving now. Everyone, help yourselves to the plate of clementines I peeled on that table. Don't let it go to waste."	LEARN_MORE	https://okmstudio.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1570	LoveNovel Hub	https://www.facebook.com/100088271330703/	1,427	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	okmstudio.com	VIDEO		https://okmstudio.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15704&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467332015_1588105972076494_7525024210853219949_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bV0J7kcmRUAQ7kNvgGpvcFZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJxWXdhF2mpfEY6u9Sbcl-g&oh=00_AYBJ3VDiKvfHMNKYES6DBP25z9QV3XOAwEBbb0XDeJ7T4A&oe=67470C72	PERSON_PROFILE	LoveNovel Hub	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,510,264	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2510262}'	No	2024-11-22 19:51	active	1909	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 Millie Jordan was about to experience what a woman would go through if she were abducted by a group of perverted kidnappers. A dark cloth was tied over her eyes and her mouth was taped shut. She shivered in a corner like a frightened animal. Her body was littered with cuts and bruises all over. The rope around her neck was only less than three feet long. If she moved any further forward, the rope would tighten around her neck, making her unable to breathe. She'd tried struggling many times before, but she always ended up breathless and blue in the face. Her voice was hoarse, and her throat hurt. She simply couldn't get away. She could hear the abductors angrily cursing at her outside the door. They had tried forcing themselves on her just now, but she fought back and bit one of them harshly in the throat. She'd bitten him so hard that his laryngeal bone nearly broke and she nearly knocked him down. That was the reason why she was beaten half to death and locked up in a corner like this. They had even spiked her. She didn't know what was going on outside the door. The boat she was on suddenly crashed hard against something, and she was thrown to the ground in a heap from the impact. There were loud gunshots and people screaming. Finally, everything fell eerily quiet. The door was suddenly kicked open with a loud bang. Millie could hear the sound of heavy boots slowly approaching her. She curled into a fetal position. She knew what was coming next. She was going to lose her mind as she begged the person to take her, over and over again, no matter what kind of person he was. But she couldn't do that. She couldn't do such a thing behind Stefan's back. Just then, the tape on her mouth was cut off. She could finally talk. "D-Don't touch me! S-Stefan won't forgive any of you! I'm his girlfriend… He's already on the way, he'll come and save me, he's coming very soon!" "Stefan won't be coming." The newcomer's voice was deep and hoarse. It was different from the other abductors who had brought her here. Maybe this was their leader. "No, he will be coming! He won't leave me behind!" Stefan had been abducted first. Millie was the one who came alone with the ransom for his release. However, the abductors had only agreed to release him if she took his place instead. And because she wanted to protect the person she loved, she agreed to take the risk. When Stefan left, he told her to wait for him to return with help and bring her home safely. He'd even warned the abductors that if they dared to harm a hair on her head, he and his entire family would never forgive them. That was why Millie firmly believed that he would return to save her. The leader of the abductors didn't say anything. Instead, he played a recording for Millie. "I gotta hand it to you, Ste, I never thought that Millie would exchange herself for you. I've transferred the bet of ten million bills to you." "We all know that Millie is Ste's lapdog. Sure, Ste got abducted for real, but he doesn't need her to save him. They'd never actually dare to harm him." "Alright, alright. It's Wanda's birthday. Let's not bring that woman up." The last line was from Stefan Leach. His voice was soft, gentle, and melodious as ever. Millie always thought that Stefan had been gentle to her, but now she learned that he could be ten thousand times gentler than that. "That's right. It's Wanda's birthday today, and Ste booked out the entire club, especially for her. What a romantic gesture indeed!" "Ste, aren't you going to save Ms. Jordan?" "It's your birthday today. There's no rush. Come on, birthday girl, make a wish. I'll make sure to fulfill it no matter what you want." "Really? Then, I want to be with you forever!" Stefan seemed to go quiet for a short while. Then, he said in a doting voice, "Of course. I'd love that more than anything in the world." He'd love that more than anything in the world? Millie felt her body getting hotter and hotter. However, her heart felt as if it'd just been plunged into an ice bath. However, she still harbored some hope. Maybe it was just a faked recording made from various clips combined together. This was none other than the abductors' plan to get her to listen to them. "It's fake… The recording must be fake…" "You're simple-minded than anyone I've ever met." The leader's voice was as cold as ice. He then grabbed her chin and squeezed it. As soon as he got closer to her, Millie felt her breathing start to get ragged. She swallowed a lump in her throat subconsciously. Her heart felt empty. She was feeling the primal lust starting to overtake her senses. "Do you know what they spiked you with? If you don't have slept with a man now, you won't survived." "I don't care if I'm gone… Even if I did, I'd never betray Stefan!" "If he really loved you, he wouldn't want you to go belly-up even if you were already tainted. But if he doesn't love you, your effort are in vain. "You just have to handle me alone. Then, I'll let you go. I'll be the only one to touch you, and no one else, but you'll get to stay alive. The choice is up to you." The man then let go of Millie's chin. Millie was already on the verge of tipping over, and his touch was enough to send her completely over the edge. She didn't have any energy left in her upper body to reject his touches. Of course, her mind also flew out of the window as soon as he touched her. She didn't know if she was desperately grasping onto straws to live or if she was simply succumbing to the side effects of the potent love portion. The ropes were unwrapped from her body. The man picked up Millie's weak body and hooked her legs around his waist. Then, he pierced into her, wrapping her legs even tighter around him for better purchase. "Ah…" He forced his way into her, tearing her last defenses into shreds. "Wait, was it still your first time? Didn't you say you were Stefan's girlfriend?" The man seemed surprised. The pain seemed to have brought Millie back to her senses. She was deeply ashamed when she heard him say that. How could she have given her body to an abductor because she wanted to survive? And to think that this was her precious first time she'd been saving? Even if Stefan forgave her for this, she didn't think she was good enough to stay by his side anymore. Tears rolled down her face as the thought invaded her mind. However, the man suddenly bent down and kissed the corners of her eyes. "Relax. Otherwise, it's going to hurt even more for you," he whispered in her ear. So what if the man seemed to be gentle with her? She hated him with her entire being. She hated him for abducting her, for taking her first time, and for trying to get between herself and Stefan. As soon as she was rescued, she was going to report him to the police and have him imprisoned! With all the hatred stirring up within her, Millie bit the man harshly on the shoulder until the metallic taste of blood invaded her mouth. The man grunted in pain. Millie scrunched up her eyes, anticipating him to hit her, but the pain didn't come. Instead, he thrust even more deeply into her. Even though Millie couldn't see, she could still touch him. He was tall, built, and had a muscular body. He was most probably someone who worked out or did sports a lot. As she felt the tense muscles beneath her fingertips, Millie started to get frightened. The man ravished her over and over again for what felt like hours. She finally blacked out completely. When she woke up again, she realized that she was still in the same boat. However, she was the only one there. She was completely stripped, but her cuts and bruises had all been tended to. Clean clothes in her exact size were placed on the bedside table. Millie walked out of the cabin and didn't see a single soul anywhere about. It was as if she was on a haunted ghost ship. She desperately wanted to tell herself that everything that happened had been nothing but a nightmare. However, the teeth marks and the pain in her lower body told her that everything was real. Millie got off the boat and hailed a cab. She knew that she should be heading home to give Stefan a surprise. He must be scratching his head in despair as he thought of a way to save her. But for some reason, another address appeared in Millie's mind instead. "Sir, please take me to Verdier Club." Chapter 2 Verdier Club was a place Stefan often frequented to drink and hang out with his friends. Millie's conscience told her that the abductor had been lying to her, so she shouldn't be believing what he said. However, she just couldn't stop herself from coming over to have a look for herself. She had been with Stefan for three years and knew the private room he was often in. She rushed there at once. "You lost, Ste! So, truth, or dare?" "Truth." "Alright then. Who is the woman you love the most?" "How's that even a question? Of course, it's Wanda." "Ooh!" Everyone in the private room started to laugh and riot. Millie stood outside the door, her face turning more pale with every second. Her legs felt like lead, and her hand hung mechanically in the air. She couldn't bring herself to knock on the door. A while later, the people in the room seemed to have played another round of "Truth or Dare", and the "Wanda" from before seemed to have lost. "You lost, Wanda! So, truth, or dare?" "Dare," Wanda Lytle said, her voice as gentle as a feather. "Then find a guy in this room and kiss him deeply for three minutes!" "Don't say that," Wanda replied, feeling shy. "If you don't kiss someone, you're going to have to drink three shots of this beer!" "Ste…" she cried, looking beseechingly at Stefan. "Let's complete the mission." Right after that, everyone in the room started to cheer loudly. Judging from that, Millie figured that they must have kissed. Millie felt like storming into the room and tearing that homewrecker's hair out of her head. She also wanted to dig her nails into her face and scratch her eyes out while slapping the living daylights out of her. She also wanted to drag that brat out of the room, tear off her clothes, and get everyone to see what a shameless person she was. However, Millie only felt like running away. She was worried that everything she did for Stefan in the past three years would end up like a joke as soon as she rushed in. However, when Millie turned around, she bumped into someone. "I-I'm sorry…" "Aren't you here for the birthday party? Why aren't you going in?" The person whom Millie bumped into spoke in a deep voice. Millie immediately lifted her head and looked up. She would never forget that voice. That voice belonged to the leader of the group of people who had abducted her! It wasn't a familiar face that she saw. He had thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, a tall nose, and thin lips. His facial features were quite prominent and outstanding. The man also wore a dark coat over his shoulders. His eyes were cool as he looked at her with a distant expression. It was obvious that this was his first time meeting her. Millie forced herself to calm down. It was impossible. Maybe they just had very similar voices. Just then, the man reached behind her and pushed on the handle, opening the door to the private room. "No!" Millie panicked. Her mind blanked out. She wanted to run, but it was too late. Everyone's eyes were on her. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the two people kissing each other deeply. Wanda realized that someone had arrived and felt shy at once, wanting to end the kiss. However, Stefan held her closer, snaking his arm around her waist, and continued deepening the kiss. The kiss lasted for three whole minutes; not a second more, not a second less. When they finally separated for air, Wanda's face was as red as a beet. She also looked shy and embarrassed. Meanwhile, Millie felt as if she couldn't breathe anymore. She didn't know if it was because she was triggered by their kiss or she just realized that Wanda looked a lot like herself. On second thought, she was the one who looked a lot like Wanda. Realization suddenly dawned upon Millie. Stefan saved her three years ago, but it hadn't been a coincidence. Stefan had long been paying attention to her before that. "What are you doing here?" Stefan's face fell when he caught sight of Millie. It looked like Millie was unwelcome at this party. Wanda's face also turned pale. "M-Ms. Jordan… It's not like that. I… I'll leave immediately." Wanda got to her feet, but Stefan pulled her back down by her hand. "Ste, you should take your time telling Ms. Jordan about us. Let me go." "I'll talk to her now." Stefan stood up and hid Wanda behind his body. "Wanda is the person I've always been in love with. It's just that her parents never agreed to our relationship and sent her abroad. I was only with you because you looked like her. "But now, Wanda is back by my side, and I don't need you anymore. Now if you're done here, get out of here and go back. Wanda is easily intimidated. Don't you dare scare her." Wanda escaped from Stefan's hold and went up to Millie. She grabbed Millie's hands and said anxiously, "Ms. Jordan, I'm sorry. But I can't live without Stefan. It's all my fault. You can hit me and scold me all you want. I'll even beg and grovel at your feet if that means you'll let us be together. I'll do anything you say!" Millie felt nauseated when she heard what Wanda said. She flung Wanda's hands away. Wanda let out a cry and fell to the ground. Millie was stupefied. She barely had any strength left, so it should never have sent anyone, let alone an adult woman, flying to the ground like this. Wanda was simply putting up an act. However, Stefan immediately pulled Wanda into his arms and glared angrily at Millie. "You've taken her spot for long enough. I've never treated you badly in the past, and I gave you everything you needed for the past three years. You've received more than what you're worth in the market, so don't push it anymore!" "My worth in the market? Stefan Leach, what do you take me for?" "Aren't you one? Don't forget that you were the one who took off your clothes and begged me first!" As soon as Stefan said that, everyone in the room burst into laughter. Some of the perverted guys in the room even started casting their lustful eyes at Millie. Millie's face turned as white as a sheet. How could Stefan talk about such private matters in public for everyone to hear? Did he do that to protect his so-called first love? "Now leave. Pack up all your things and leave the manor!" Millie wanted to talk, but nothing came out of her mouth. She was starting to feel smothered by all the sneers and mocking laughter in the room. She couldn't breathe. She turned around with a stagger and left in a sorry state. Someone spoke up after her. "Pierce, did you bring her here?" "I don't know her. I just saw her at the door and thought she was one of your guests." "You were late. Your punishment is to finish up this whole pack of beer." "I drove here. I'm not going to drink." Millie walked out of the club. It was raining cats and dogs outside. Since it was summertime, the rain was thunderously heavy and came in a flash. Millie was soaked all over. She was shivering from the cold, but she didn't know if it was from the weather or the feeling in her heart. After walking for a long time in the rain, she suddenly heard a loud whistle behind her. She turned around and saw a blond-haired man following her. Millie hurried forward, but the man kept chasing after her. "Hey, girlie! I'm calling you! Are you deaf or something?" The man sounded obviously drunk as he yelling. Millie was even more scared now. She took out her phone and quickly called Stefan. He was still the first person she thought of when her life was in grave danger. It was a long time before Stefan finally picked up. "Stefan… There's a drunk guy following me. What should I do? I'm scared…" "What are you calling me for? Call the police." There was a commotion on his side of the line. It sounded like they were getting ready to sing the birthday song. "Ste, come here. I want you to share my cake with me." "Alright, I'm coming." Stefan's voice immediately turned gentle again. It felt like a spring breeze that could warm anyone's heart. Then, the call disconnected. Millie froze on the spot. She forgot that there was someone still following her. The man hurriedly closed the distance between them. By the time Millie snapped back to her senses, it was too late. She was just about to bend down and grab a brick from the road to defend herself when a car suddenly flew up toward her and stopped right next to her shivering figure. The car sent a wave of dirty pavement water splashing all over the drunk man. Then, the car door opened, and a man got out of the driver's seat with an umbrella before approaching Millie. "I didn't get to introduce myself. My name is Pierce Atkinson." Chapter 3 Pierce extended his hand toward Millie. His fingers were long and slender, and he had a large palm. Millie was frozen in place when she heard his voice again. She was shocked. However, the drunk man rushed up to them just then, yelling, "Are you \blind? Did you not see me standing there? I'm going to skin you…" Pierce said nothing. He handed the umbrella over to Millie and grabbed the drunk man, forcing his arms behind his back. Then, he pulled out his phone and called someone. A while later, the police officers from the nearby station showed up. "This man harassed a young woman on the street. He should be a repeat offender. Take him back to the station as a fair warning to him." "Alright, we'll take care of him," the police officers said politely before taking the drunk man away. Millie should have grabbed the opportunity to run while Pierce was busy talking to the police. However, her legs refused to budge. She was still rooted to the ground. "Shall I send you home?" "Who are you?" Millie asked in a shaky voice. "Stefan's high school friend. I'm now a jobless retiree spending my days wandering around." "Were you from the force?" Pierce nodded. Millie was surprised. If that was the case, then he couldn't possibly be one of her abductors. After all, there had to be many people with similar-sounding voices in the world. She was just being overly paranoid at this point. "The rain is getting heavier. Let me give you a ride home. It's not safe for you to walk alone." Millie wanted to reject him, but she quickly remembered what just happened and gave in, climbing into his car. Pierce gave her an impression of a cool, distant person. He didn't say a word to her after she got into his car. However, he handed her a warm rug and a bottle of water. He left after dropping Millie off at Leach Manor. Millie stared at the place she'd been living in for the past three years and felt a large hand squeezing her heart until she could barely breathe. Three years ago, the Jordans had gone bankrupt, and Millie's parents were about to be sent to prison. Millie then tried to gather enough money for their bail and even resorted to selling herself at the club, where Stefan had been her first client. Millie had been terrified then, but Stefan treated her with nothing but kindness. After learning about her struggles, he saved her parents by bailing them out and even gave them enough money so that Millie's father, Frederick Jordan, could restart his business. That was how Millie fell deeply and helplessly in love with Stefan. Stefan treated her very well. They behaved like a young couple who were head-over-heels in love with each other and often went out for movies and dates. However, Stefan had never taken it a step further with her. He said that he was the conservative kind. He once told her, "Millie, I want our first time to be special. I want to take off your wedding dress and make you mine." At that time, Millie felt as if she was on top of the world. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have found such a perfect man who treated her like a precious jewel. Nonetheless, Stefan never acknowledged their relationship in public. He said, "Too many people have their eyes on me because of my wealth and status. If they found out about our relationship, they're only going to make it hard for you. And I'd never want anyone to hurt you if I could help it." She believed him. But now, she understood that everything he said had been a joke. She was merely a replacement for someone else. Stefan had never loved her in the first place! Millie stared at her sorry self in the mirror. Cuts, bruises, and markss were littered all over her body. She closed her eyes bitterly. She'd given in to the abductor only to learn about Stefan's true colors. Had it been worth it after all? She put on a dressing gown and came out of the shower. She planned to leave after applying some medication to her injuries. However, the door suddenly opened. A drunk Stefan then staggered into the room. He looked dissatisfied to see Millie still inside. "Why haven't you gone?" His voice came to an abrupt halt. Suddenly, Stefan was wide awake. His eyes turned red with anger as he stormed toward Millie. Millie quickly put on her clothes so she wouldn't accidentally expose herself to him. However, in the next second, Stefan yanked the collar of her shirt and hollered, "What is this?" He glared at the bite marks on her body and looked like his eyes were about to pop out from their sockets. Millie only laughed bitterly with tears in her eyes. "Stefan Leach, what do you think is going to happen to a helpless woman when she's left alone with a bunch of kidnappers?" "That's impossible. I warned them not to lay a finger on you! They'd never touch you!" "And you believed them? You believed the kidnappers? You sincerely believed that they wouldn't do anything to me?" Millie found it hilariously pathetic. She was a nobody since no one knew about her relationship with Stefan. And since he never showed up for a long time, of course, her abductors would never let her escape untouched. "Who touched you? You could have jumped off the boat, hit your head against the wall, slit your wrists… Of all things, how could you come back here and humiliate me like this?" Millie was stupefied. She'd thought that Stefan started out being worried about her and still felt a sense of warmth. However, she now finally realized that he only thought of her as his possession. And now, because she'd survived the abduction, he told her that she was nothing but a humiliation. To think that her life wasn't even worth his ego! Right at that moment, Millie's heart hurt so much that she felt suffocated. "What if it was your beloved Wanda who'd been abducted instead? Would you also want her to slit her wrists or drowng herself or—" Slap! Stefan had slapped her harshly across the cheek before she could even finish her sentence. Millie was slapped so hard that she saw stars in her eyes. She felt nothing but pain on her cheek. Her head had also been forcefully turned to the side. "How dare you curse at her like that?" Millie swore that her heart broken at that instant. So, his beloved Wanda should never go through such experiences, but he couldn't care less if she did? Millie pushed Stefan away and said, "Stefan Leach, we are over." Then, she turned to leave. "Stop right there! You can leave, but you must return everything you own that was bought with my money!" Millie stopped in her tracks. There was nothing valuable in her suitcase. She'd only brought with her the daily necessities and a few changes of clothes. However, all of them had been bought with Stefan's money. "Now! Take off those clothes!" Stefan screamed at her, his eyes a dark, scary abyss. Stefan used to be warm and gentle to her. Yet now, he was screaming at her like a demon. "Stefan…" "Or, you can beg me to let you keep them," he said, looking down at her in disdain like he was her ruler. Millie had always been docile and obedient, listening to everything he said. She should know what to do next. Millie bit on her lower lip until it started bleeding. The metallic tang immediately flooded her senses and caused her stomach to lurch with nausea. Her face was as pale as a sheet. However, she didn't stop taking the clothes off her body. Gradually, her beat-up body was completely exposed before Stefan. Stefan had initially managed to get his temper under control. However, as soon as he saw the marks on her body, he burst into anger again. Stefan had never had slept with Millie for the past three years. However, even if he refused to touch her and abandoned her afterward, nobody was allowed to pick up after him and touch her nonetheless! Stefan grabbed Millie's chin and tried to kiss her, but Millie hurriedly turned her head away in disgust. His anger then erupted like a volcano. "So, they can kiss you, but I can't now, you filthy brat? Did they touch you here? Here? Or here?" Stefan started feeling Millie up, letting his hands wander down to her sensitive part. Millie suddenly felt utterly disgusted. It hadn't even felt this disgusting when she was forced to do it with the abductor. It was only when Stefan touched her that truly felt revolting! She continued to struggle, but her strength was no match for Stefan's. She was thrown onto the bed like a ragdoll. "Why would you pretend to be some innocent maid when you're with me? I'm going to —" Before he could finish his sentence, Stefan's eyes suddenly turned glassy as his pupils constricted. Something warm, wet, and sticky started dripping down his neck. Millie had grabbed the flower vase on the bedside table and slammed it against the back of his head. Stefan's lips trembled. Then, he blacked out before he could get the last words out of his mouth. Millie had no idea what he was about to say. She then pushed him aside and hurriedly put her clothes back on. It wasn't until she finally reached the exit that she asked the household staff to go up and check on Stefan. Then, she grabbed her suitcase and walked out into the dark of the night, trembling in fear. Suddenly, she caught sight of a car waiting at the gates. It was Pierce's car. Chapter 4 Pierce was on the phone with someone and didn't notice Millie coming out. "Alright, I'll go shopping with you this weekend. I'm driving now, so I'm hanging up. Okay, I'll do whatever you say." Pierce gave off the impression that he was a tough guy who spoke his mind in an assertive way. However, he was now speaking gently into the phone with a ghost of a smile. Suddenly, he didn't look too intimidating anymore. He was most probably talking to someone he liked on the phone. Since he used to work with the law, he upheld it and didn't drive while talking on the phone. Millie looked like she'd just seen her savior. She hurriedly knocked on the driver's door. Pierce frowned and rolled the windows down. "What?" "I'm hanging up now. Something just came up. You can do whatever you want to me next time." Pierce seemed like he was trying to pacify the other person on the line before he hung up. Then, he stayed inside the car while looking at Millie. He didn't unlock the car doors either. "What's the matter?" "Can you please take me to a hotel? It's not easy to hail a cab here, and it's not safe for me to go alone." Millie felt even more unsafe now in her current situation. Her hair and clothes were a mess. She'd even done two of her buttons wrongly. However, Millie didn't seem as if she was aware of her clothing situation. She just kept looking back behind her. "Please," she begged, on the verge of tears. It was only then that Pierce wavered and let her into his car. After taking her to a hotel, Millie then realized that all the money she had in her pocket belonged to Stefan. She wasn't thick-skinned enough to use it, so she looked back at Pierce once more. "Um… Can you please pay the room charges for me? I'll return the money as soon as I can!" Pierce walked up to the counter. "Three days. Just three days' worth of charges is enough. Thank you," Millie said gratefully. After making the payment, Millie made sure to exchange contacts with Pierce so that she could return his money afterward. "Can you come up into the room with me?" Pierce was just about to leave when Millie called out to him, stopping him in his tracks. He immediately turned back and looked at her with a frown. Displeasure showed in his eyes. Millie immediately knew that he'd misunderstood her. He thought that she meant something else with what she just said. She quickly shook her hands at him and said, "It's not what you think. I just… I just want to know about the relationship between Stefan and Wanda. I want to know when they met, why they broke up…" "I don't talk about other people behind their backs." With that, Pierce turned and left. His cold demeanor made it hard for anyone to like him. Millie blushed and then turned pale. She felt guilty when he spoke to her like that. She made her way to her hotel room in a disgruntled manner. However, she just couldn't fall asleep. Maybe the Leach family would report her to the police. Maybe she'd get arrested in the middle of the night. She just didn't know. Since she couldn't fall asleep, Millie grabbed her phone and started scrolling. She suddenly caught sight of a tiny, inconspicuous news article header. It said, "13 Wanted Suspects Nabbed at an Abandoned Port." Millie tapped on the header with shaky fingers. She saw the photos of the suspects and the boat she had been taken away in at once. These suspects were repeat criminals who were wanted for smuggling, kidnapping, and human trafficking. They always remained in the open sea and had been insanely hard to nab. However, thanks to the cooperation of the police and navy from many nations, these suspects had finally been caught. Millie stared unblinkingly at one of the suspects in the photo. Although she didn't know what the leader of her abductors looked like, she knew what his body felt like. And there was only one person in the photo who had a tall build, nearly six feet tall, and a muscular body. It had to be him! Millie thought back about her frightening first experience and shivered all over. She continued scrolling down the news article and saw the photo of a few policemen who were applauded for their work. There were a few plain-clothes officers who didn't show their faces. So, the photograph only showed a handful of the regular officers from Arbelton. She'd even caught sight of Pierce's face in the photo. Had this been his final mission before he retired? The news article did not elaborate on Pierce's position nor the cases he handled in the past, so Millie had no idea at all. She just clicked around on the few highlighted keywords in the article and realized that Pierce had come from quite a sophisticated background after all. He turned out to be the heir to the Atkinson Group! He was on par with Stefan's family, if not richer and more powerful than them. Pierce only had a younger sister in his family. Today was the day that Pierce officially took over the management of Atkinson Group, his family business. Many people commented that Pierce wasn't fit to take over the group because he had been serving the country for far too long and didn't know anything about managing a business. Millie felt her head spinning as she took in all of the information. There had been too many things happening to her in the short span of a day. In the past, her eyes had only been on Stefan. She never paid any attention to the things around her. Yet, today had been the day a storm blew over Arbelton. The same could also be said about her life. Millie managed to make it through the night half asleep. She thought that the police would come knocking on her hotel door the next morning, but nothing had happened so far. It was only then that she finally managed to fall into a fitful sleep. She felt a man's perverted hands roaming all around her body in her dreams. The man then slid his arm around her waist and pistoned deeply into her. He didn't leave any expanse of her skin unkissed. "Ahh!" Millie woke up with a scream. She was covered all over in cold sweat. It had only been a dream. Or a nightmare. Millie sighed in relief. She then looked at the time on her phone and realized that it was past noon. There were a few missed calls, all from the sanatorium where she volunteered. She quickly called them back. "What's wrong, Ms. Hudson?" Bianca Hudson was the nurse whom Millie worked with. "Bill refused to eat again today. He kept asking for you. We're all about to lose our minds." "How's his condition now?" "He's not taken a bite since noon. He's fast asleep now though because he got tired after making a huge fuss." "Okay. I'll be there in a while." "Alright. I'll prepare lunch for him again then. He'll probably get his appetite back when he wakes up and sees you later." Millie washed up and changed into fresh clothing before hurrying over to the sanatorium. The sanatorium where she worked was a costly, luxurious one. The old folks who lived here all came from rich families. Stefan's grandmother, Agnes Brown, used to stay here for a while. Back then, Millie often visited her at the sanatorium on Stefan's behalf. Agnes liked her very much and often told Millie that she would regard Millie as her granddaughter if she couldn't be her granddaughter-in-law. After staying at the sanatorium for a year, Stefan's uncle finally brought Agnes abroad to live with him. Now, Millie could only talk to Agnes through video calls. However, Millie had already made it a habit to visit the old folks at the sanatorium every weekend. She liked being with the old folks and spending time with them. When Millie finally arrived, Bianca was busy entertaining Bill. "You lied to me! She never came in the morning, so she's not coming in the evening either. I'm not eating anything! I'll starve to death!" "I didn't lie to you. Look who's here? Didn't I tell you she'd be here?" Bianca looked at Millie as if she was her savior. "I'll take it from here." Bianca handed the plate of food to Millie before hurrying out. "Why haven't you been eating your meals regularly?" "Why have you lost so much weight?" Bill asked in response, looking at her with concerned eyes. Ever since that incident, nobody had ever shown any concern for her or asked her how she was doing. Millie couldn't believe that the first person to console her was Bill, an old man whom she wasn't even the least bit related to. Millie felt her nose tingling. Her eyes turned red as tears started rolling down her cheeks. "Who was the one who treated you badly? Tell me. I'll teach them a lesson!" Millie tried her best to keep her tears under control. "It's nothing. I just finally broke up with a brat. I'll be fine after a while." "You've broken up?" Bill's eyes lit up at once. "That's wonderful news! My grandson will finally have a chance!" Bill immediately grabbed his phone and made a call. Millie couldn't manage to stop him in time. After he was done with the call, Bill held her hands and said, "My grandson is good at everything. However, his only problem is that he keeps everything bottled up and doesn't express himself well. You just need to be more forgiving about his terrible temper." While speaking, Bill suddenly felt short of breath. His heart condition was acting up again! Chapter 5 Millie was shocked. She hurriedly called for the nurses at once. Bill had just been eating a second ago, but now, he was being wheeled into the emergency ward. Meanwhile, the sanatorium also hurriedly called Bill's relatives to inform them of the matter. Millie waited anxiously outside the ward. About an hour later, someone arrived in a hurry. "Officer Atkinson?" "What are you doing here?" Pierce frowned when he saw Millie. Bianca hurriedly explained, "She's a regular volunteer here, and Bill loves her the most. He's been complaining of shallow breathing lately and often wakes up in the middle of the night. We never thought his condition would suddenly relapse…" Pierce didn't bother chatting with Millie and continued asking about his grandfather's condition instead. It was only then that Millie finally learned of Bill's full name—Bill Atkinson. Bill was later wheeled into the operating theater for an emergency operation. He was only wheeled out four hours later. By the time Bill finally stirred, it was already nighttime. The doctor said that Bill's condition didn't look optimistic. Also, since he was so old, his heart was getting weaker and weaker, and his time was almost up. Even with the best medicines and most advanced technology, they would only be able to prolong Bill's life by a year at most. The next morning, Bill finally regained consciousness. He spoke in a weak voice, "Am I… dying?" "Bill, the doctor said that your health is improving…" Millie wanted to tell Bill a white lie, but Bill stopped her. "You're a good girl, Millie. But I know my body, so you don't have to lie to me. I don't have many time. But that's alright. I'm old and wrinkly now anyway, and I've lived long enough." He then coughed a few times and said, "Pierce, come here." Bill called Pierce over and took Millie's hand, placing it in Pierce's palm. Millie's first instinct was to withdraw her hand, but to her surprise, Pierce grabbed hold of her and didn't let her leave. His dark eyes landed on her body. Millie felt as if her soul was being sucked into his deep, dark eyes. "Millie is a good girl. A nice young lady. Don't let her down." "Okay." Millie was stunned. She looked at Pierce suspiciously. She was just about to retort when Pierce discreetly grabbed hold of her wrist. "Marry her." "Okay." Pierce's voice was calm and unbothered. Millie couldn't tell what he was feeling from his tone. "Then hurry up and register your marriage. Let me pass away in peace." "We'll register our marriage immediately." Pierce and Millie went out of the ward. Pierce then said, "Ms. Jordan, I'd like to ask you to play along and register for a fake marriage license with me. We'll visit him together sometimes to make him happy. I can pay for your trouble. Just tell me how much you want." Millie felt her heart beating quickly when she heard these words from him. She'd suddenly thought of a way to exact revenge on Stefan. And that would be to get together with his best friend, Pierce. As soon as the idea popped into her head, it wouldn't go away. Her eyes turned red as she looked up at Pierce and said, "I want you to marry me for real." Pierce frowned deeply when he heard this. He looked at her for a long time, the abyss in his eyes swirling the whole time as he took her in. "That's impossible. Since we can't come to an agreement, we'll—" Before Pierce could fully turn Millie down, however, Bianca ran out exclaiming, "Mr. Atkinson Senior is throwing up blood!" Bill was wearing the oxygen mask once more. He kept mumbling, "Marry… Marry Millie… Let me rest in peace…" Pierce watched over Bill until his condition finally stabilized. It was only then that he heaved a sigh of relief. By then, Millie had also calmed herself down. She watched as Bill fell into deep sleep and felt sorry for him. She must have been out of her mind! How could she use the marriage as an excuse to get revenge? Whatever, she was fine with putting on a show anyway. She'd do anything to make Bill happy. "Pierce, about that—" "Okay. Let's get married." Millie was stupefied. "You want to get your revenge on Stefan, don't you? I'll help you." Millie felt her mind draw a blank. "But… But I…" "What, you're not interested in getting back at Stefan anymore?" Millie stood up straight and replied, "Of course, I still am! Let's get married then. I've got nothing to lose!" Pierce had been the one who saved her the last time, so he would know everything she had been through. And she had nothing to lose but everything to gain if she married a powerful person like him. Most importantly, her marrying Pierce would make Stefan uncomfortable and drive him into a frenzy. Just thinking about the expression on his face was already worth it. Millie then signed a contract with Pierce. They were both to stay married to each other for as long as Bill was alive. And in return, Millie would also get one million every month as her pocket money. They went to the city hall to register their marriage. Millie still couldn't believe it even when she was holding the marriage license in her hands. Did she just get married in a flash? What was Stefan going to do if he found out that she'd married his best friend? Stefan was a specifically possessive brat, after all. Nobody was allowed to pick up after him, even if he didn't want it anymore. So, what about now? Millie showed the marriage license to Bill. Bill was simply delighted. "You both have to live together now! Bring Millie to go look for a suitable house and make sure you renovate it according to her liking, understand?" "I understand." "Alright, you both should get going now because Mr. Atkinson Senior needs to rest. You can visit him once a week. If his condition worsens, we will alert you immediately. "It's crucial that Mr. Atkinson senior stays in a positive mood more often. Who knows, his heart condition may improve and he might end up living for up to three more years! It's all up to the both of you now!" Pierce and Millie left. As soon as they were gone, Bill sat up in bed, dropping the vegetative act, and pulled out the glucose drip from the back of his hand. "It looked real, didn't it? When I acted like I got a heart attack earlier? My acting was so good that my grandson didn't even notice anything amiss although he has a keen eye for such things. I'm good at this." "Yes, Mr. Atkinson Senior. You also scared us all half to death! We really thought your health was in trouble!" "That brat wouldn't have settled down if I hadn't done this. He's old enough now, and yet, he still refuses to find a nice young lady to start a family with. He drove me crazy for years. "Still, he managed to make it. I can't believe Millie also coincidentally broke up with her ex. Haha, I did the right thing! Millie is a real gem!" … Pierce first brought Millie to his home. As soon as she stepped foot into the house, she felt that Pierce was a cold person. Everything in the house was in muted cool colors. Although the sun was shining brightly outside the window, Millie felt cold and chilly inside the house. She couldn't help tugging her clothes a little more tightly to herself. "I'll transfer the money into your card in a while. This is my supplementary credit card with no credit limit to it. Use it to get whatever you want." Pierce had always been generous with his money. He wasn't financially lacking anyway. Millie didn't reject his offer. It was better for her to have money on her at all times. After washing up and changing into some new things, Pierce brought her out for dinner at a pasta house. They got a table on the second-floor balcony that had a close-up view of the lake. Then, Pierce excused himself to the bathroom. When he came back, he told Millie, "Stefan is in one of the private rooms in there and we bumped into each other just now. He insists that I grab a drink with him. Do you want to come with me?" Millie wanted nothing more than to show up with her arms around Pierce's and take in Stefan's reaction. However, she chickened out. "I'm not going." "Then, I'll go there for one drink and come back. You can start eating first if the food arrives. You don't have to wait for me." Millie nodded. However, things didn't go quite smoothly after that since the waiter accidentally spilled her drink on her clothes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do it. Can you please not complain to my manager? I'll lose my job if that happens." "It's fine. I'll just use the bathroom for a while." Millie didn't purposely make things hard on the waiter. She just went to the bathroom to try and get the stain out. When she came back out, she caught sight of Wanda walking toward her with a few of her friends. They were actually heading for the private room in the back. "I heard that Mr. Leach is going to propose to you. How big do you think the diamond is going to be?" "It's Mr. Leach we're talking about! It's got to be at least a 14-carat diamond ring! Don't forget to invite us as your bridesmaids at your wedding!" Wanda just smiled shyly, her face full of happiness. Meanwhile, Millie kept her head down and thought of leaving in another direction. However, things just didn't go as she pleased. They called out to her and stopped her. "Oh, how could she come crawling after Mr. Leach like a lapdog?" Chapter 6 Upon hearing that, Wanda glared at her friend before taking Millie's hand with enthusiasm. "Ms. Jordan, you must be here to give me your blessing, right? I knew you weren't a petty woman. I would rather receive your blessing than the blessings of hundreds of others. Only your blessing will make me happy." Wanda's eyes sparkled innocently. What a fake woman! Millie snapped, "Don't put words into my mouth. I'm here for lunch. I had no idea Stefan would be here." She was about to leave, but Wanda grabbed her arm and wouldn't let go. Wanda even shed a few tears in sadness. She lamented, "You still refuse to forgive me, right? I know I wronged you, and I'm willing to do anything to make it up to you. How about I go down on my knees?" Before Millie could speak, Wanda shakily went on her knees while sobbing, which attracted the attention of customers at the restroom. Infuriated, Wanda's friends went up to help her up from the ground. One of them yelped, "Why did you get down on your knees? You did nothing wrong. She was the mistress! She took your place and enjoyed what should have been yours for three years. How could you be manipulated by her?" "Yeah. I'll call Mr. Leach here to speak up for you." One of the ladies ran away in a hurry. Soon, Stefan showed up at the scene. Without so much as taking a look at Millie, he quickly pulled Wanda into his arms and wiped her tears away with a crushed expression. He asked, "I heard from your friends that Millie was giving you trouble and forced you to bow down before her. Why are you so nice? She doesn't have the right to make you do that." Then, he shot a furious look at Millie. Wanda could not speak clearly between her sobs, which only fueled his anger toward Millie. Millie watched the debacle impassively. It wasn't her fault. She tried to leave, but Wanda deliberately held her back. All Wanda wanted was to stir up drama. Millie scanned the crowds but could not see Pierce anywhere. She wondered where he went. "Mr. Leach, she followed you around. When she heard you were proposing tonight, she came here to ruin it." "Millie Jordan, are you done or not?" Millie checked out the back of Stefan's head. There seemed to be a patch that could not be seen from the front. He probably just suffered from a surface injury. Although he bled a lot, he did not suffer a deep tissue injury. She assumed that Stefan was too busy with Wanda to give her any trouble. She explained, "I had no idea you're dining here, not to mention the proposal. Wanda went on her knees willingly. I never told her to do that. "If there's nothing else, I'll go back to my lunch." When she walked past Stefan, he grabbed her hand. "How dare you lie? I want you to apologize to Wanda and never show up in front of her again." Speechless, she argued, "Why should I apologize to her?" "Apologize to her. You took her place and enjoyed what should have been hers for three years!" Millie's breathing grew uneven. She felt like someone had stabbed her in her heart when she heard his words. She did not date him intentionally. He was the one who lied to her. She wasted three years on him like a fool. Did he not have a conscience? Of course not. He and Wanda were heartless and complicit. "I did nothing wrong! Let go of me! I'm here to have lunch!" "You need to apologize!" She struggled with all her might, but Stefan grabbed her wrist so tightly that red marks started forming on her skin. He grasped her wrist as though he was trying to crush it. In support of Stefan's attack, Wanda's friends helped pin down Millie and forced her to apologize. "Ste, don't do this. She made things difficult for me because she loves you too much." "Wanda, you're too kind. Why would you speak up for your bully?" Stefan and Wanda shared a tender gaze. In the meantime, Millie started biting the people around her, scaring Wanda's friends into releasing her. She slapped Stefan and Wanda, who happened to be standing next to each other. The sound echoed through the space. Wanda cried loudly after she was slapped. Anger brewed in Stefan's eyes. Like a beast, he lifted his arm to return the slap. Judging from his strength, he might hurt Millie badly with that one slap. Millie had nowhere to run to. She was trapped in his grip. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the pain, only to hear Stefan barking angrily, "Pierce, what are you doing?" She opened her eyes in fear. Pierce had grabbed Stefan's hand before pinning it against Stefan's back. Stefan finally let go of Millie's wrist due to the pain. Pierce's subtle moves were not lost on Millie during the altercation. She noticed that he had held her and shielded her behind him. "You're really something, aren't you? I'm surprised you'd beat up a woman." The passersby immediately cast judgmental looks at Stefan after hearing Pierce's remark. After all, it was very unbecoming of a man to hurt a woman. "Pierce, whose side are you on? Didn't you see how she bullied Wanda? Let go of me, or I'll be really mad at you." Pierce finally released Stefan. He clarified, "I checked the security footage. Wanda and her friends started it all." "I thought Millie was here to give us her blessing, but little did I know she followed Ste to the restaurant because she wasn't over him yet," Wanda retorted with a made-up story that sounded plausible. "Do you have evidence?" Millie said icily. "A restaurant is a public space open to all. I'm here with my new boyfriend." As she did not explicitly name Pierce or act intimately around him, he looked like nothing more but a random good Samaritan for the time being. Honestly speaking, she wasn't sure if Pierce would risk a fallout with Stefan for her sake. "What a joke! You should learn how to lie better. Did you really get yourself a new boyfriend right after Mr. Leach dumped you?" One of Wanda's friends jeered, and the others cackled disdainfully in unison. Only Stefan put on a serious face. He asked, "Who's your new boyfriend?" He believed in Millie's words because he'd witnessed her craziness; there was nothing that woman wouldn't do after she gave herself to her abductor. Millie instinctively stopped Pierce when she realized he was about to take a step forward. Frowning, he turned around and gave her a puzzled look. Wouldn't she want him to stand up for her? Was she worried about upsetting Stefan? The thought made him upset, and the light in his eyes dimmed. He stood there without a word. On the other hand, Millie did not think much of Pierce's reaction. She'd long given up on Stefan. All she wanted was to play a game with him and hide the fact she married Stefan's good friend for now. She wanted to keep Stefan guessing, and she bet he'd look into her boyfriend's identity with obsession. He'd be so tortured when he couldn't get any information on her boyfriend, at the same time beset by doubts. "Anyway, my new man is hotter and taller than you. He has the Golden Ratio, and he sports an eight-pack. Most importantly, he's better in bed than you." "Millie!" Stefan seemed angered and concerned because people started giving him funny looks. Only he alone knew that he had never slept with Millie. Wanda bit her lower lip. "D-Did you sleep with her?" "I didn't. Wanda, trust me…" While sobbing, Wanda ran away looking heartbroken, and so the fight ended as a farce. The crowds gradually dispersed. The smile returned to Millie's face after she won this round against Stefan and Wanda. At that moment, she heard Pierce asking, "How do you know I'm great in bed?"	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=13364&ut	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	840	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=13364&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/455134537_3910489159275942_3624702527298037073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jy4aeKwKsT8Q7kNvgFa-1U0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AfDrpqNw_0XJfCwTiG7WfEN&oh=00_AYDMQwbajEI_5BWmW6kfDgFoQ9cVVLlgIc3opuWywzYCPQ&oe=6746F6ED	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,511,939	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	Conquérir le cœur de la reine	Après avoir quitté son mari véreux, sa carrière a décollé et elle a eu d'innombrables prétendants. Son ex-mari l'a regretté et a tout fait pour la reconquérir, mais il l'a vue faire un grand mariage avec un autre et elle est devenue la bien-aimée du milliardaire ! ===== « Arrête, Neil. Ce n'est pas juste pour Katelyn... » Aujourd'hui, c'était son anniversaire de mariage avec Neil Wheeler, et Katelyn Bailey avait déjà planifié la célébration. Katelyn est arrivée avec enthousiasme à la villa pour trouver Neil, mais et a entendu des bruits d'intimité provenant de la chambre à coucher principale. Toute la couleur du visage de Katelyn a disparu en entendant le doux, et le fait qu'elle ait reconnu la voix n'a rien arrangé. C'était Lise Cooper. C'était l'ancienne flamme de Neil. Katelyn ne s'attendait pas à ce qu'elle revienne. Et pourtant, ils étaient là, engagés dans une liison, dans la chambre principale. « Pourquoi est-ce injuste ? Pour un bénéfice mutuel, nos familles se sont unies par le mariage. Katelyn est juste ma femme de nom qui ne m'intéresse pas du tout. Depuis que nous nous sommes mariés, je ne l'ai jamais touchée. » « Je la plains ! Trois ans de mariage, et elle n'a pas conquis le cœur de son mari », a commenté Lise. Katelyn a commencé à trembler ces mots lui ont transpercé le cœur. Son mariage avec Neil avait toujours été une question d'alliance, et non d'amour. Katelyn s'était entièrement consacrée à sa famille au cours des trois dernières années. Elle faisait la lessive, cuisinait des repas et faisait de son mieux pour être une bonne femme au foyer. Malgré ses efforts, Neil n'avait jamais partagé son lit. Katelyn pensait qu'elle n'avait pas répondu à ses attentes et avait alors échoué à obtenir son approbation. Mais maintenant, elle s'est rendu compte qu'il ne s'était jamais soucié d'elle. Les sons continus de provenant de la chambre faisaient mal au cœur de Katelyn. « Bang ! » Tout à coup, la porte s'est ouverte violemment. Quand Neil il a vu Katelyn, il s'est figé un instant avant que son expression ne devienne froide. Avec mépris, il a aboyé : « Casse-toi ! » Bien qu'il ait été pris en flagrant délit, il se comportait toujours avec un air d'arrogance. Katelyn a ressenti une vive douleur dans sa poitrine. Fixant son mari, qui ne montrait aucun remords, elle a demandé avec incrédulité : « Neil Wheeler, pourquoi me fais-tu cela ? » Avec un soupir doux, Lise a dit : « Katelyn, tu devrais comprendre Neil ne t'aime pas, donc il ne veut pas coucher avec toi. Je suis la seule qu'il aime, c'est pourquoi il ne peut être intime qu'avec moi. Je suis sûre que tu peux comprendre notre situation, n'est-ce pas ? » Lise a souri. Elle avait délibérément choisi de suire Neil le jour de leur anniversaire, savourant la pensée de submerger Katelyn. Katelyn a serré les poings fermement et a fixé Lise avec des yeux injectés de sang. « Tu es fière d'être une qui brise des foyers, n'est-ce pas ? » Les yeux de Lise sont devenus rouges alors qu'elle répondait : « Comment peux-tu dire cela ? Aurais-je rompu avec Neil si tes parents n'avaient pas menacé la sécurité de ma famille ? Katelyn, forcer l'amour ne mène qu'à la souffrance. Et souviens-toi, dans toute relation, celui qui n'est pas aimé est le véritable étranger. » Katelyn l'a fixée, choquée. Ainsi était l'histoire que Lise avait racontée à Neil. Il était maintenant clair pour elle que Neil n'avait pas pu oublier Lise. La vérité était que ni Katelyn ni sa famille n'avaient forcé Lise et Neil à se séparer. « C'est un mensonge ! » Katelyn voulait se défendre, mais avant qu'elle puisse parler, Neil l'a interrompue. « Katelyn, sans toi, Lise n'aurait pas tant souffert ces dernières années. Comment osez-vous, toi et tes parents, la traiter ainsi ? Je ne pardonnerai jamais à la famille Bailey. » Neil s'était déjà levé et habillé, son regard envers Katelyn aussi froid que la glace. Le cœur de celle-ci continuait de souffrir. À ce moment-là, elle a abandonné toute tentative d'explication et a souri amèrement. Elle s'est rendu compte combien elle avait été aveugle d'aimer un homme qui l'avait trompée et qui ne ressentait aucun remords. Un éclair de satisfaction a traversé les yeux de Lise, mais elle a soupiré avec un ton coupable. « Neil, ne sois pas si dur avec Katelyn. Elle nous a entendus à la porte tout à l'heure. Tu n'as pas couché avec elle depuis trois ans, donc il est compréhensible qu'elle se sente rancunière. » Tremblant de rage, Katelyn s'est précipitée vers le lit et a crié : « Comment oses-tu déblatérer de telles absurdités ? Personne dans ta famille ne t'a appris les bonnes manières ? Je serai heureuse de te donner une leçon alors. » Elle a levé la main... « Katelyn! » Les yeux de Neil se sont rétrécis. Sans réfléchir, il s'est précipité pour défendre Lise. Prise au dépourvu, Katelyn a été frappée et a reculé. La colère brillait dans les yeux de Neil alors qu'il grognait : « Qui crois-tu être ? Comment oses-tu frapper Lise ! T'épouser est la plus grande erreur de ma vie. » Il s'est tourné brusquement et a sorti un accord de divorce du tiroir de la table de nuit. Il l'a jeté à Katelyn en criant : « Signe-le. Je ne veux plus jamais voir ton visage ! » L'accord de divorce avait déjà été préparé et signé par Neil. Katelyn a retenu un sourire amer. Cependant, elle savait qu'il était temps de laisser tomber son mariage. Il ne l'aimait pas et l'avait même trahie. Il ne lui restait rien à quoi se raccrocher. Sans hésitation, Katelyn a pris l'accord, l'a rapidement signé et l'a jeté au visage de Neil. « Neil Wheeler, c'est fini. Désormais, nous n'avons plus rien à voir l'un avec l'autre. » Dès qu'elle a parlé, son téléphone a sonné. Katelyn s'est figée en voyant l'identifiant de l'appelant. Ignorant la réaction de Neil, elle a glissé pour répondre à l'appel. La voix à l'autre bout du fil semblait urgente. « Iris, quand reviens-tu travailler ? Les commandes à l'atelier s'accumulent. Quelqu'un a même offert cent millions de dollars pour avoir la chance de travailler avec toi. » Chapitre 2 Mieux vaut ne pas jouer de mauvais tours « Je suis de retour. J'arrive dans une seconde. » Étant donné que Katelyn n'avait plus besoin de se concentrer sur Neil ou de jouer l'épouse docile et dévouée, elle était déterminée à reprendre immédiatement sa carrière. Elle était résolue à ne plus jamais tomber amoureuse. L'expression de Katelyn est devenue sérieuse. Même si son apparence n'avait pas changé, Neil sentait quelque chose de différent chez elle. Le regard et l'attitude de celle-ci étaient différents. Même son regard n'était plus le même. Neil fixait Katelyn sans ciller. Pour une raison inconnue, il était irrité de la voir signer le contrat de divorce avec tant de détermination. Depuis le début, elle l'avait aimé de tout son être. Il ne comprenait pas pourquoi elle avait signé le contrat de divorce aussi facilement. Croyant qu'elle jouait avec lui, Neil s'est approché et a ricané : « Tu ferais mieux de ne pas tenter de mauvais coups, Katelyn. » Katelyn a raccroché et l'a regardé en face. « Tu crois vraiment que tu mérites ça ? », a-t-elle rétorqué. À l'époque, elle l'aimait et ne se souciait que de lui, ce qui l'avait poussée à être prête à tout endurer pour lui. Maintenant qu'ils en avaient fini, il ne représentait plus rien pour elle. Sans accorder un seul regard aux deux raclures sns vrgogne, Katelyn s'est retournée et a quitté la villa. Elle marchait tête haute, comme si rien au monde ne pouvait l'abattre. Lise a remarqué que les yeux de Neil étaient toujours braqués sur Katelyn et a ressenti une pointe de jalousie. Tout à coup, son téléphone a vibré d'un message. Après l'avoir lu, l'humeur de Lise s'est éclaircie. Elle s'est exclamée : « Bonne nouvelle, Neil ! Iris a accepté de travailler avec nous. Son manager vient de m'envoyer un message. » Neil est sorti de ses pensées et l'a regardée avec surprise. « Es-tu sérieuse ? » Le département design du Groupe Wheeler était confronté à un problème majeur avec un projet critique. Récemment, leur designer avait été pris en flagrant délit de plagiat. S'ils ne respectaient pas le délai, l'entreprise devrait au client plusieurs milliards de dollars de dédommagement. Il ne restait plus que cinq jours. Le seul designer en mesure de mener à bien un projet d'une telle envergure dans un délai aussi court était Iris, le meilleur designer de l'industrie. Le Groupe Wheeler avait essayé de le contacter pendant des semaines, mais avait essuyé des refus répétés. À la surprise générale, Lise était parvenue à décrocher l'opportunité. Elle a montré le message à Neil et lui a dit avec enthousiasme : « C'est vrai. Tu peux aller négocier ce soir. J'ai passé toute la nuit à convaincre son manager. Mes efforts ont fini par payer. » Iris était célèbre mais avait une personnalité difficile. Au cours des trois dernières années, Iris n'avait pas produit de nouveaux designs et semblait avoir disparu. Pour cette raison, quiconque voulait travailler avec elle devait passer par son manager, mais ce dernier était connu pour éviter les gens. Neil a posé sa main sur celle de Lise et lui a dit avec sérieux : « Lise, je n'ai jamais oublié tout ce que tu as fait pour moi. Je tiendrai la promesse que je t'ai faite. » Elle a répondu par un hochement de tête enthousiaste. Tout à coup, elle a froncé les sourcils et a grimacé de douleur. Neil a demandé avec inquiétude : « Est-ce que tu vas bien ? » Lise a forcé un sourire et a répondu : « Je vais bien. » Neil l'a regardée attentivement et lui a dit : « Ne mens pas. » Après un moment d'hésitation, Lise a lentement soulevé l'ourlet de sa robe pour révéler de larges ecchymoses sur ses genoux. Son Neil expression a aussitôt changé. À cet instant, il a compris pourquoi Iris avait accepté de travailler avec eux. Lise avait dû se mettre à genoux pour les supplier de coopérer. Très ému, Neil l'a regardée avec affection et lui a dit : « Merci pour tout ce que tu as fait pour moi, Lise. » Lise a répondu avec timidité : « Je suis prête à faire n'importe quoi si ça peut t'aider. » Pendant ce temps, Katelyn venait d'arriver à son atelier de design. En regardant le bureau familier qu'elle avait quitté depuis trois ans, elle a ressenti une pointe de regret. Elle a perdu tant de temps avec un homme qui n'en valait pas la peine. Aimee Stephens, son manager, l'a aperçue et s'est empressée de venir la voir. Vêtue d'un tailleur noir, elle était à la fois professionnelle et compétente. Elle a fait un gros câlin à Katelyn. « Ma petite Iris ! Tu es enfin de retour ! Tu m'as tellement manqué. » Une pointe de culpabilité a traversé le visage de Katelyn. « Je suis désolée. Tout était entièrement de ma faute. Aimee, parle-moi de cette commande. » Aimee connaissait l'importance des affaires. Elle a conduit Katelyn jusqu'au canapé, où elles se sont assises toutes les deux, et a dit : « L'offre a été faite par Lise Cooper. Elle l'a faite au nom de Neil Wheeler. Laisse-moi te montrer les documents. » Katelyn était stupéfaite. L'instant d'après, elle a soudainement gloussé. Que le monde est petit ! Il lui avait dit de s'en aller, mais à présent, il avait désespérément besoin de son aide. Chapitre 3 Changements radicaux Aimee a regardé Katelyn avec surprise et a demandé : « Le Groupe Wheeler, ce n'est pas la société de ton mari ? Tu ne l'as pas aidé ? Pourquoi se sont-ils tournés vers moi alors ? » Katelyn a pincé ses lèvres. Elle avait proposé son aide quand elle était au courant de la crise dans le département design, mais Neil lui avait dit de partir et de ne pas causer d'ennuis. Avec un sourire amer, elle a répondu froidement : « Nous sommes divorcés, Aimee. » Elle l'avait aimé pendant dix ans, alors que leur mariage n'avait duré que trois ans. Tout cet amour avait été gaspillé. Au final, elle a estimé mériter ce dénouement malheureux. Les yeux d'Aimee se sont écarquillés en détaillant Katelyn de haut en bas. En cliquant de la langue, elle a remarqué : « Alors, la fille amoureuse s'est enfin réveillée. Je t'avais prévenue de ne pas épouser ce ctin après avoir découvert qu'il avait une ex-petite amie qu'il n'arrivait pas à oublier. J'ai beaucoup tenté de te faire changer d'avis, mais tu étais déterminée. Je suppose que tu devais l'apprendre à la dure. » L'expression de Katelyn est restée calme, bien que ses yeux autrefois pétillants semblent ternes. Soudain, elle a laissé échapper un rire et a dit : « Tu as raison. J'ai appris ma leçon à la dure. Désormais, Aimee, je me concentre sur ma carrière. » « Fantastique ! C'est ce que je veux entendre. Oublie l'amour ! Ta carrière, c'est ce qui compte », a dit Aimee avec enthousiasme. Puis, elle a rapidement ajouté : « Quel est ton plan pour la collaboration ? Nous pouvons laisser tomber les 100 millions de dollars et leur donner la leçon qu'ils méritent. » Katelyn l'a regardée et a demandé : « La réponse que tu leur as donnée était aussi vague que d'habitude, n'est-ce pas ? » Aimee a acquiescé en confirmation. C'était ainsi qu'elles opéraient. Elles acceptaient préliminairement une offre une fois que tout semblait en ordre, mais la réponse restait vague. Cela leur donnait le temps d'enquêter davantage sur le client. Si quelque chose de suspect survenait, elles mettaient fin au partenariat immédiatement. Katelyn a souri en y réfléchissant. Elle avait examiné le dossier et savait que si le Groupe Wheeler manquait le délai, ils devraient plusieurs milliards de dollars à leur client. Elle a ri et a dit : « D'accord. Laissons-les en suspens. Faisons-leur savoir que nous serons au Bâtiment de Skyline ce soir. » Le Bâtiment de Skyline était un lieu qui accueillait uniquement la haute société. Les invités là-bas n'étaient pas seulement riches, mais aussi très influents. Lise était assise dans une salle privée, tenant le bras de Neil. Avec un sourire doux, elle a dit : « Neil, je suis sûre que tu concluras l'affaire ce soir. » Neil a souri. « Tout cela grâce à toi, Lise. J'ai de la chance de t'avoir. » Lise a rougi, imaginant déjà son succès. Si l'affaire se concluait, Neil approuverait sa véritable valeur et verrait qu'elle seule pouvait vraiment l'aider. La réunion était prévue à sept heures du soir. La porte de leur salle privée était restée ouverte, offrant une vue claire sur le couloir. Au même moment, ils ont tous deux remarqué deux silhouettes s'approcher. Le sourire de Lise s'est figé. Elle a fixé l'une des silhouettes avec stupéfaction. Elle se demandait si elle voyait bien, mais cela ressemblait à Katelyn. Neil a également aperçu Katelyn, et la surprise a traversé son regard. Elle n'était pas vêtue de son chemisier habituel et de son pantalon ample. Au lieu de cela, elle portait une robe noire moulante qui mettait en valeur sa silhouette. Ses longs cheveux étaient coiffés en boucles lâches qui tombaient sur ses épaules. Elle avait à la fois un air séduisant et distant. Son cou était gracieux, et sa taille était fine. Pour Neil, elle ressemblait à une figure d'une peinture à l'huile classique. Il a pressé ses lèvres minces alors que ses yeux la parcouraient de haut en bas. Il ne s'était écoulé qu'un jour depuis leur dernière rencontre, mais Katelyn semblait complètement transformée. Hier encore, elle était sa femme terne et médiocre. À présent, il ne pouvait s'empêcher d'imaginer l'attention qu'elle attirerait d'autres hommes lorsqu'elle serait dans une foule. Il semblait que Katelyn ne les avait pas remarqués, car elle marchait droit devant elle. Puis, quelque chose d'inattendu s'est produit. Chapitre 4 Tu as attiré des ennuis à Mme Stephens aussi Katelyn et Aimee discutaient de quelque chose en marchant. Lorsque Katelyn a vu l'homme ivre se diriger vers Aimee en titubant, elle s'est rapidement placée devant elle pour la protéger. L'ivrogne a regardé Katelyn d'un air renfrogné. « Hé, qu'est-ce qui te prend ? Comment oses-tu te mettre sur mon chemin ? Pousse-toi ! » L'instant d'après, il a remarqué à quel point Katelyn était séduisante, et ses yeux se sont illuminés. « Hé, ma belle, es-tu seule ? Que dirais-tu de passer du temps ensemble ? » Il a tendu la main vers elle, mais avant qu'il ne puisse la toucher, Katelyn l'a repoussé d'un coup sec. L'expression de l'homme est devenue plus sombre. « Espèce de sape ingrate ! Tu devrais être reconnaissante que je m'intéresse à toi. Ne sois pas stupide ! » Sa voix forte a attiré l'attention des autres personnes qui se trouvaient à côté. Neil a écarquillé les yeux de surprise. « C'est Felix Ellis ? » Lise était également choquée. Felix était ici ? Felix Ellis était un voyou notoire de la ville de Chaepstow, connu pour gagner sa vie grâce aux prêts à taux usuraires. Il était impitoyable et prêt à tout pour obtenir ce qu'il voulait. Lise s'est couvert la bouche avec sa main et s'est exclamée : « Il est dangereux ! Katelyn pourrait être blessée. Neil, nous devrions l'aider. » Même si Lise faisait semblant d'être inquiète, il y avait une lueur de satisfaction dans ses yeux. Elle espérait secrètement que Felix donnerait une dure leçon à Katelyn, ce qui lui permettrait de se venger. Neil a tapoté doucement la main de Lise et a répondu doucement : « Lise, tu es trop gentille. C'est elle-même qui l'a cherché. Ce n'est pas notre problème. » Malgré ses paroles, il n'a pas pu s'empêcher de jeter un coup d'œil vers la porte. Katelyn était petite et fragile. Si Felix la frappait, elle pourrait être gravement blessée. Avec un léger froncement de sourcils, Neil a décidé de se lever de son siège. Mais avant qu'il ne puisse agir, Félix a été vaincu par Katelyn. Neil observait la scène avec incrédulité. La femme qu'il connaissait autrefois avait changé. Elle dégageait maintenant de l'assurance et de l'allure. Il se demandait si Katelyn avait caché sa vraie nature pendant leur mariage. Bouillonnant de rage, Felix a lancé un regard à ses hommes de main et a crié : « Qu'est-ce que vous attendez tous, bordel ? Attrapez-la ! » Les hommes se sont rapidement dirigés vers Katelyn. En réponse, Aimee s'est interposée, « Si l'un d'entre vous pose ses petites mains sales sur mon amie, vous allez tous le regretter. Je ferai en sorte que vous le payiez de votre vie ! » Le visage de Felix a pâli lorsqu'il a reconnu la femme derrière Katelyn. C'était Aimee ! Aimee dirigeait le top designer Iris. Beaucoup de gens puissants évitaient de l'affronter. Felix était soudain intimidé. Il ne s'attendait pas à ce qu'Aimee soutienne la femme qu'il venait tout juste d'essayer d'agresser. Immédiatement, Felix a changé d'attitude. Il s'est forcé à sourire et a balbutié : « Oh, Mme Stephens, c'est votre amie ? Je n'avais pas remarqué. Je suis désolé pour le dérangement. » Lise était choquée par la situation. C'était tout à fait inattendu. Neil s'est également arrêté, les sourcils froncés par la confusion. Il n'avait jamais imaginé que Katelyn était si proche d'Aimee. Neil ne se rendait compte que maintenant qu'il ne savait absolument rien de son ex-femme. Aimee a croisé les bras et s'est impatientée : « Ça suffit ! Va-t'en d'ici ! Tu le regretteras si tu essaies encore de lui faire du mal. » Felix n'a plus rien dit et a pris la fuite. Peu de temps après, le couloir est redevenu silencieux. Katelyn était sur le point de parler, mais Lise s'est précipitée, l'air préoccupé. « Mme Stephens, tu vas bien ?» Neil a suivi Lise, il a jeté un regard froid à Katelyn avant de reporter son regard sur Aimee saluer. Aimee les a complètement ignorés. La façon dont Aimee traitait Katelyn était nettement différente de la façon dont elle les traitait maintenant, ce qui a poussé Lise à s'interroger sur leur lien. Après un moment d'hésitation, Lise a dit à Katelyn : « Katelyn, je comprends que tu aies voulu protéger ton amie, mais c'était trop risqué. Et si tu avais été blessée ? Tu vois ? Tu as attiré des ennuis à Mme Stephens aussi. » Chapitre 5 Désolé pour mon retard « Tu as joué le rôle de l'âme délicate et bienveillante si longtemps que tu as commencé à y croire toi-même », a dit Katelyn, son regard empli de mépris. Elle s'est rendu compte que Lise avait simplement essayé de créer une discorde entre elle et Aimee. Le visage de Lise s'est empourpré de colère. Avant qu'elle puisse répondre, Neil est intervenu : « Katelyn, ça suffit ! » Il avait été témoin de toute la scène dans la salle privée. Felix aurait continué son harcèlement, si Aimee n'était pas intervenue. Katelyn n'a pas apprécié la sollicitude de Lise, ce qui a frustré Neil. En outre, le lien de Katelyn avec Aimee, qu'elle lui avait caché, l'agaçait. Pendant que Lise se donnait beaucoup de mal pour faire plaisir à Aimee, Neil se montrait agité et anxieux au cours des dernières semaines. Katelyn, d'autre part, n'avait rien fait. La colère de Neil a éclaté, et la tension dans l'air était palpable. Lise a subtilement tiré sur sa manche. Katelyn était l'amie d'Aimee, et tout conflit pourrait affecter négativement la vision d'Aimee à leur égard et compromettre leur collaboration potentielle. Avec un sourire conciliant, Lise a dit à Aimee : « Madame Stephens, notre salle privée est juste là-bas. Pourquoi ne pas nous asseoir et discuter des détails de notre coopération ? » Aimee les a regardés avec dédain. « Quand ai-je accepté de travailler avec vous ? » Lise et Neil ont été pris de court par sa réponse. « Tu es une briseuse de ménage. Ne te fais pas d'illusions à l'idée qu'Iris travaillerait avec quelqu'un de moralement compromis comme toi. Arrête de rêver ! » Aimee a grogné. Lise l'a fixée, stupéfaite et incapable de cacher son choc. Elle n'avait pas anticipé la réponse cinglante d'Aimee. Les mots l'ont blessée plus que n'importe quel coup physique. Malgré sa douleur, Lise n'a pas osé affronter Aimee ou riposter. L'atmosphère est devenue glaciale suite aux remarques d'Aimee. Lise pensait que la réticence d'Aimee à coopérer pourrait être due à l'influence de Katelyn. Elle soupçonnait que Katelyn avait parlé d'eux en mal à Aimee, la poussant à se retirer de leur accord. Lise a réprimé sa colère et a crié à Katelyn : « Katelyn, l'entreprise de Neil est en crise. Au lieu d'aider, tu n'as fait qu'aggraver les choses. Arrête de te comporter comme une enfant ! » Neil a également lancé un regard furieux à Katelyn et a ajouté : « Katelyn, as-tu fini de causer des problèmes ? » Il lui reprochait les problèmes affectant leur coopération, estimant qu'elle avait dépassé les bornes. Les lèvres de Katelyn se sont courbées en un léger sourire. Avant qu'elle puisse répondre, Aimee l'a défendue. « Monsieur Wheeler, arrête de te flatter. » Le visage de Neil a pâli légèrement. Aimee a continué avec mépris : « Nous avons déjà choisi notre partenaire. Ce n'est pas toi. Notre partenaire doit être respectable et n'a été mêlé à aucun scandale. Il adhère strictement à ses principes moraux, et il ne tromperait jamais sa femme. Notre studio ne travaille pas avec des c*pules comme toi, Monsieur Wheeler. » « Toi ! Toi... » Neil a lancé un regard glacé. Lise est rapidement intervenue, lui pinçant le bras pour le calmer. Forçant un sourire, elle a dit à Aimee : « Madame Stephens, tu as mal compris. La représentation de Katelyn n'est pas exacte. Elle est... » Visiblement irritée, Aimee a déclaré : « Assez d'excuses. Je n'ai aucun intérêt pour vos tentatives de dissimulation. Si vous continuez, vous ne ferez que diminuer mon respect pour vous. Veuillez cesser de m'obstruer le chemin et d'agir comme des imbéciles. » Neil et Lise étaient visiblement embarrassés et frustrés. Katelyn a souri, satisfaite des mots piquants d'Aimee. Alors qu'elle allait parler, elle a remarqué une agitation dans le coin. Tous les regards se sont tournés vers eux. Une ligne de gardes du corps se déplaçait avec précision. Chacun d'eux avait l'air intimidant, et ils escortaient un homme remarquable. Vêtu d'un costume noir élégant, il dégageait une aura de sophistication à chaque pas. Son visage semblait presque divin, avec des traits qui paraissaient minutieusement sculptés par Dieu lui-même. Ses yeux, profonds et froids, pouvaient captiver et déstabiliser quiconque croisait son regard. Avant que ses gardes du corps puissent agir, la foule s'est instinctivement écartée, submergée par la présence imposante de l'homme. Lise se tenait là, les yeux écarquillés d'émerveillement. Elle s'est demandé si elle rêvait lorsqu'elle s'est rendu compte que l'homme était Vincent Adams. Il était le président du Groupe Adams, un empire commercial colossal. Le Groupe Adams avait commencé dans l'immobilier et s'était ensuite étendu aux industries médicales et informatiques. Depuis que Vincent avait repris la société il y a cinq ans, elle était devenue l'une des entreprises à la croissance la plus rapide au monde. Et maintenant, elle faisait partie des dix plus grandes entreprises mondiales. Son entreprise jouait un rôle significatif dans l'économie de la ville. L'expression de Neil s'est raidie, ses yeux reflétant son sérieux. Ignorant tout le monde, Vincent s'est approché de Katelyn. Sa voix profonde était comme la mélodie d'un violoncelle dans l'obscurité. « Je suis désolé d'être arrivé en retard. » Katelyn a regardé l'homme, perplexe quant à la raison pour laquelle il s'adressait à elle. Inquiète que son identité ne soit révélée, elle a alors jeté un coup d'œil à Aimee. Après un moment de silence, Katelyn a répondu avec un sourire : « Vous n'êtes pas du tout en retard. Le moment est parfait. » Le comportement de Vincent semblait s'adoucir sous l'effet de sa réponse. Sa sévérité a cédé la place à une expression plus chaleureuse. Debout côte à côte, leur attrait mutuel a créé une alchimie remarquable. Neil a serré les poings, se demandant si Katelyn avait refait sa vie avec quelqu'un d'autre juste après leur divorce. Lise, pleine d'envie, a observé la situation à contrecœur, s'indignant que Katelyn ait attiré une personnalité aussi influente. Affichant un sourire flatteur, elle s'est approchée et a dit : « Contente de vous voir ici, M. Adams. » Neil a masqué ses sentiments et a également salué Vincent. « Bonsoir, M. Adams. Quelle surprise de vous voir ici. » Vincent a reconnu leurs salutations d'un signe de tête, visiblement peu intéressé à poursuivre la conversation. Il s'est tourné vers Katelyn, ses yeux adoucis de chaleur, en disant : « Je m'excuse de vous avoir fait attendre. » Aimee a jeté un coup d'œil à sa montre et a souri, disant : « Ce n'est pas un problème, M. Adams. Nous venons d'arriver aussi. Le timing est parfait. Devrions-nous nous diriger vers la salle pour discuter ? » Les expressions de Lise et de Neil sont devenues choquées lorsqu'ils se sont rendu compte que Vincent était le partenaire d'affaires qu'Aimee avait mentionné. Ce qui les a laissés encore plus perplexes, c'était le fait que Katelyn et Aimee soient entrées dans une salle privée ensemble, bras dessus, bras dessous. Compte tenu de la nature de la réunion, il était rare qu'une personne extérieure, même une amie proche, soit présente. La présence de Katelyn semblait déplacée. En voyant le signe d'indifférence de Vincent, la frustration de Lise a augmenté. Elle a demandé : « N'es-tu pas censée travailler avec Iris ? Pourquoi Katelyn participe-t-elle à la négociation ? » Aimee a rétorqué : « Pourquoi Katelyn ne serait-elle pas ici ? » Lise et Vincent ont échangé des regards perplexes, se demandant ce qu'elle voulait dire. ...... Que se passe-t-il ensuite? Le nombre de chapitres affichés est limité. Appuyez sur le bouton ci-dessous pour installer notre application et lire les chapitres suivants. (Accéder automatiquement à ce livre en ouvrant l'application) &5&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.kifflire.com/20679410-fb_contact-frp	La ville du livre	https://www.facebook.com/61564304550999/	448	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.kifflire.com	IMAGE		https://fbweb.kifflire.com/20679410-fb_contact-frp84_2-241113-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=3564626023799239&rawadid=120215136627190541	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467034028_879546541008482_8734055564633630657_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EgHl783gphUQ7kNvgHfEuUG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AojqxwAEkpwH6GULO94vlVE&oh=00_AYDtcZWhhQ_7IS_6VFTvSgE__VMsyDxDZMhguVSBMR7Beg&oe=67481CBC	PERSON_PROFILE	La ville du livre	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,508,921	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2508924}'	No	2024-11-22 19:51	active	1909	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 "You'll have the test results in about an hour." The nurse's smile was gentle and reassuring as she took the vial of blood from Madeline Sanders. Madeline held a cotton swab to her arm and settled into a chair in the waiting area. She was a bit pale, but her eyes sparkled with hope. She had a hunch she was conceived, and that hospital visit was just to make sure. Three years ago, Trevon Gibson was involved in a terrible car crash that left him comatose, with doctors saying he would never wake up. Lydia Sanders, Trevon's high school sweetheart and Madeline's half-sister, did not waste any time and jetted off abroad for her studies. Somehow, Trevon's grandmother—Edith Gibson—figured that Madeline was Trevon's lucky charm and insisted she marry him. The Gibson family promised to care for Madeline's mother, who was lost in her own world of madness. Madeline felt trapped but agreed to the marriage. Little did everyone know that Madeline was secretly in love with Trevon for years. To everyone's surprise, Trevon woke up after the wedding. However, Madeline's joy was short-lived. Trevon's first words to her were icy and calculated. "Out of respect for my grandmother, I'll take you as Mrs. Gibson for three years. When Lydia returns in three years, I will marry her." Madeline had braced herself to play along with that deal, ready to step aside when the time came. However, life threw a curveball a month and a half ago. Trevon stumbled home after drowning his sorrows in wine that day, and Madeline single-handedly managed to drag him inside. Supporting a drunken Trevon was like moving a boulder—each step a battle of strength. Madeline and Trevon could no longer keep themselves upright and crumpled to the floor just inside the front door. Their lips brushed together in the fall, an accidental kiss that sent Madeline's heart racing. Trevon was a notorious germaphobe, avoiding physical contact like the plague. However, that unexpected kiss seemed to unlock something in him, and he leaned in for another. Madeline was caught off guard, but she did not resist. Later, in the quiet aftermath, Madeline could not bear to stay in the bed they shared. She tiptoed around the sleeping Trevon, erasing any trace of what had happened between them. The hospital was a hive of activity, but Madeline felt alone in the crowd. With trembling hands, she opened the lab results. 'Early stage of conceive. Recommend a follow-up ultrasound.' Joy flickered across her face, quickly hidden behind her hand to muffle her giggles. Regardless of the state of her marriage, that baby was a precious gift. She was eager to tell Trevon, her fingers hovering over her phone. However, she hesitated. Trevon's germaphobia was not just about objects—it extended to people. She had seen him scrub his hands raw after a mere handshake. However, wine had loosened his inhibitions that one night. Would he believe the baby was his? Doubt clouded Madeline's mind, bringing a headache and a wave of nausea. She was jostled as a group of doctors in white coats rushed by, nearly sending her phone flying. "Emergency! Please step aside," a nurse said, flashing Madeline a quick, apologetic smile before dashing off. Madeline took a deep breath, watching the commotion unfold. Her gaze drifted to the emergency room doors without much thought. However, in a heartbeat, her eyes widened in shock. Trevon was there, shielding Lydia as they stepped down from the ambulance. He guided her gently onto a stretcher and, with a team around them, made a beeline for the VIP suite. A chilling shiver sliced through Madeline, her knees buckling as she clung to the nearby railing for support. Lydia was back. In the hospital room, the doctor briefed Trevon. "It seems like a mild concussion, but we'll need the test results to be sure." Trevon's expression was serious. "Speed it up. Use the VIP route." Lydia, stretched out on the gurney, smiled weakly at Trevon. "You're always so kind to me." Lydia pouted as she continued, "I wasn't paying attention. Who would've thought a bike bump could lead to a concussion? In Ameristan, people usually slow down on their own." Trevon gave her a fleeting, detached look. A flicker of worry crossed Lydia's face. "Trevon, with Skylandia's tight deadlines, isn't my accident going to set us back a lot?" Skylandia was the latest venture from Trevon's gaming empire, Xystos Tech, and Lydia had returned to lead the art on it. "I won't stay here. I have to get back to work," she declared, attempting to get out of bed. Trevon was quick to intervene, his hand on her shoulder easing her back down. "Don't be childish." As the tender scene unfolded, Madeline watched them outside the VIP room with gritted teeth. Trevon was notorious for his meticulous ways, but he did have a soft spot. He was not always distant. He just saved all his warmth for Lydia. Madeline felt a wave of emotion as she teared up. She touched her nose and fought the tears. Without really knowing why, she found herself pulling out her phone and calling Trevon. In the sterile silence of the hospital room, Trevon's face froze for a moment as he checked his phone, then casually handed it off to his assistant, Simon Taylors. "Tell her I'm tied up in a meeting." Madeline's heart clenched as Trevon's annoyed expression flickered across his face. Simon, moving to the side, answered Madeline's call softly. "Hello, Mrs. Gibson. Mr. Gibson is busy in a meeting. Is there something you need?" Madeline's lips twitched with a defeated smile. "No, it's nothing. I just hit the wrong button." Simon frowned. "Mr. Gibson's schedule is packed. Please be more careful in the future, Mrs. Gibson." The future? Was there even a future to speak of? Lydia, overhearing Simon, gave Trevon a subtle glance. She casually showed off the pink Hello Kitty bandage on her hand. Trevon's eyes snapped to it, his voice laced with a hint of longing. "You still haven't kicked that old habit, I see." Lydia forced a smile. "Well, you know I've always been fond of Hello Kitty." Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to soften. Madeline could not stand it any longer. Clutching her phone, she turned around and left. She thought one night could change things, but it was just wishful thinking. Despite the autumn season, Redenbaugh City was sweltering, and the hospital's air conditioning was cranked up, sending chills down her spine. She felt light-headed, as if she were floating on air. Suddenly, a little boy darted into her path, bumping into her. Madeline's face went pale as she caught the little boy, but in doing so, she lost her footing and tumbled to the ground. The fall sent a chill up her spine, and she held her belly, too afraid to move. The boy, however, started wailing, drawing curious glances from passersby. His mother rushed over and gave him a quick once-over. When she found him unscathed, she pulled him into a tight embrace before turning to Madeline with fury. "Can't you watch where you're going? You ran into my baby! How will you make this right?" Madeline, her mind on the baby she was carrying, bit back her pain and chose not to retaliate. Instead, she made her way to the maternity ward upstairs. The mother was not having it, yanking on Madeline's arm. "You think you can just hit someone and leave?" Madeline, nearly tripping over, turned slightly and offered calmly, "Should we review the security footage?" The woman, clutching her son, stormed off. Madeline felt her vision darken as she clutched her chest. She leaned against the railing, immobilized. In the VIP ward, Lydia gazed at Trevon longingly and leaned in for a kiss. Trevon, who was aloof, felt a wave of nausea as she got close. His vision blurred, and his chest tightened. He flinched and shoved Lydia away. Chapter 2 "Here's the divorce agreement. Take a look." Trevon, fresh from the hospital, confronted Madeline with a request for divorce. The image of Lydia's hurt look lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of resignation. His rejection was not just about his aversion to germs. It was also the sudden sickness and weakness that overtook him. He dismissed it as a one-off, which was not worth worrying about. However, faced with Madeline, the discomfort was undeniable. Madeline, still reeling from her hospital visit, was blindsided by the divorce papers laid out before her. It took a moment for her to find her voice, and when she did, it quivered. "Do we really have to end this?" "Yes." Madeline's grip tightened, and the question she could not suppress spilled out. "Is it because Lydia's back?" Trevon loosened his tie, his face turning to stone. "Didn't I make myself clear three years ago?" He had, and she had accepted it. However… "If... Just if..." Madeline hesitated, biting her lip. Trevon was impatient. "Madeline, you can't always want more." She looked up sharply, disbelief etched on her face. Did he think she was haggling over the divorce terms? With several deliberate taps on the table, Trevon continued, "Indeed, you've done everything required of being a wife these past three years. There's a modest place near Johnsrud. It's yours now. That's the best I can do. Don't make me lose respect for you." Madeline's response was trapped in her throat as she smiled bitterly. Three years of marriage, and her reward was a house. Should she be thankful? He was determined to get the divorce over with, by any means necessary. There was no need to mention the baby. It would only complicate how he saw her. She did not need a man whose heart belonged to another. Madeline felt nauseous, feeling like she needed to purge immediately. She crouched down to clutch the bin and gagged, but nothing came up. Trevon watched, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Why did her sickness stir something in him? Was it a mere coincidence? Seeing her ashen face, it was clear she was unwell. Trevor gave Madeline a questioning look. "Are you sick? When did it start? What's wrong?" Madeline felt the urge to throw up but could not, which only intensified her discomfort. Clinging to the trash can seemed like the only thing she could do. At the sound of his question, her fingers tensed uncontrollably. She forced a casual response. "Maybe it's just a cold. No big deal." "Answer me!" His voice turned sharp, sending a jolt through Madeline, and she murmured almost without thinking. "This afternoon, when you were… I'm just feeling a bit of chest tightness, weak limbs, and a touch of nausea. Typical cold symptoms." She did not bring up the hospital visit, quickly labeling it a cold to avoid any wild guesses. The timing and the symptoms lined up perfectly. 'So, it's because we caught a cold at the same time?' Trevon wondered. Madeline finally let go of her resistance. She deliberately avoided the divorce papers on the table and fetched the sour orange she had bought earlier from the fridge. Her mouth was unbearably uncomfortable, and she craved the relief of something sour. After all, she would need some strength in her hand to sign those papers. The moment she took out the sour orange, its tangy scent filled the room. Catching a glimpse of Trevon standing to the side, watching her with a frown, she hesitated before offering, "Want one?" Trevon looked away, clearly uninterested. Madeline chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You're not into sour stuff." However, as she sliced into the vibrant sour orange and its juicy interior burst with a potent tangy aroma, Trevon seemed unable to look away. Madeline was about to take a bite when she noticed Trevon approaching. His towering presence felt like a wall closing in, making the kitchen feel smaller by the second. Instinctively, Madeline stepped back. "If you don't like it, then I'll just..." Before she could finish, Trevon was at the sink, lathering up with soap, washing his hands with deliberate care three times before reaching for a piece of the sour orange. He scrunched his forehead, eyeing the orange for a long moment before popping it into his mouth. Madeline's jaw dropped in astonishment. However, Trevon did not spit it out. He chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before looking at her seriously. "Next time, make sure the knife's washed three times, okay?" The urge to bite into that tangy orange slice was irresistible. Sure enough, the sour kick seemed to soothe his queasy stomach. It was not just some bug. His nausea had kicked in right after Madeline's, as if he was only sick because she was. What was up with that? Trevon made a mental note to get to the bottom of it. Madeline gave a simple "Oh" in response. They finished the orange together, a moment of closeness they had not felt in three years. After washing her hands, Madeline looked up at Trevon. Sharing that sour fruit seemed to have bridged the gap between them, if only a little. However, their journey together was nearing its end. She murmured, "I'll sign the divorce papers." It was like cashing out after three years. A million and five hundred thousand, and a house to her name. She was coming out ahead. When she was about to sign, Trevon snatched the papers away. "We'll add another house to the deal. Wait for the lawyer's final draft." Madeline nodded, still in a daze. Suddenly, Trevon's phone buzzed and Lydia's whiny voice came through as he picked up the call. "Trevon, when are you coming? I'm bored." Madeline gripped her pen so hard her thumb whitened, nearly snapping it. Trevon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. Madeline stepped forward, her voice tinged with concern. "How am I supposed to explain this to Grandma?" "We'll talk when I'm back," Trevon replied before the door slammed shut behind him. The house, once filled with life, echoed with emptiness. Madeline chuckled at herself, shook off the silence, and went to the kitchen to whip up some noodles. After all, she had to think about the little one growing inside her. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Expecting Trevon, who might have forgotten something, she swung the door open only to be greeted by unwelcome faces. Madeline's warmth vanished. "What are you two doing here?" Cilix Sanders, her father, smiled and said, "You weren't picking up, so your mom and I thought we'd drop by." Her phone did show a string of missed calls. Ignoring their calls was nothing new, but their sudden visit was unexpected. "My mom's lost her mind, locked up in Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital. Did you forget to visit her, or did you forget she's there?" Skylar Lowe, Madeline's stepmother, stood beside Cilix in her flawless outfit. She looked nothing like someone who had toiled in the fields. However, her sharp and calculative eyes matched her biting tone. "Such disrespect! Where are your manners?" Madeline was furious. If she truly lacked manners, Skylar would have been long gone. It was Skylar's appearance, after all, that had tipped her mother over the edge. However, Madeline had been biding her time, collecting proof. They would all pay, eventually. Pushing down the bile, she asked coolly, "So, what brings you here?" "Let's talk inside," was all they said. Once they were in, Madeline poured water into two glasses, her hands steady as stone. Madeline's calm and compliant facade only fueled Skylar's ego. With an arrogant head tilt, she announced, "Your sister's back in town. It's time you end things with Trevon and give up your title as Mrs. Gibson to her!" Madeline fought the impulse to douse Skylar with water as she gripped the kettle firmly. "Give it up? I'm not following you." Madeline's gaze shifted to Cilix. "You told me when Trevon was in that coma, the company was strapped for cash. Marrying Trevon was the only way to afford my mom's medical bills. I married into the Gibson family for the sake of the Sanders family. How did Lydia end up taking my place as the daughter-in-law of the Gibson family?" Chapter 3 "I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water. "The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother." Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more. Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?" "That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied. Madeline saw right through their plot. She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards. After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's shares—the ones she's entitled to." Cilix instantly became furious. Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of unity. Cilix, who came from nothing, married Bella Ziegler—Madeline's mother—and quickly turned his fortune around with a garment factory. However, Bella paid a steep price, severing ties with her own family. It was not until Skylar—previously 'Jolene', with her kids in tow—showed up that Bella realized the magnitude of her mistake. She battled depression for years, and the strain of the revelation only deepened her illness. That was when Cilix dropped the divorce bomb. He played the bankruptcy card during the split, claiming all assets were tied up. Bella was left with scraps. However, once the divorce papers were signed, Cilix's business miraculously bounced back. Ever the opportunist, Cilix kept footing Bella's medical bills, basking in the glow of his newfound reputation. Madeline only pieced it all together as she grew up—her mother had been played. She had been nursing a plan to set things right ever since. The meeting ended with frosty treatment all around. Madeline shut the door behind them, collapsed onto the couch, and lost herself in the darkness outside the window. … Dawn's light crept into the room. Madeline shielded her eyes and took a moment to adjust before getting up reluctantly. Nausea washed over her in an unforgiving wave. Trevon had not come home all night. Madeline's emotions were a mess—resignation laced with a hint of disappointment. However, above all, there was relief. It was as if her decision to let go the day before had freed her from hope. Madeline sank back into the pillows. The click of the electronic lock signaled an arrival at the door. Madeline glanced up, and there was Lydia, swathed in designer elegance, striding in with a smile that could light up the room. "Madeline, it's been ages." Rising slowly, Madeline perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes a storm of loathing. "Who said you could come in? Leave!" Lydia's smile only grew. "Trevon sent me, of course. He spent last night at the hospital with me, then dashed off to work at dawn. He asked me to pick up a suit for him." A shadow crossed Madeline's face. So, Trevon was with Lydia last night. She had waited like a fool on that couch all night long, clinging to his promise. 'We'll talk when I get back.' "You're just like your mother, always the homewrecker," Madeline spat. Lydia's laughter rang out. "Who's the real homewrecker? It's the unloved one. Even the lock's code is my birthday. Trevon's heart is still with me. Madeline, you've been using my birthday to open this door for the past three years. That must sting, doesn't it?" Madeline's eyes flickered, her grip tightening on the blanket. She inhaled sharply before smiling mockingly. "Is technology that archaic where you come from? We've moved on to facial recognition, or fingerprints at the very least. Key codes are a thing of the past." Lydia's smile faltered, her composure slipping for a split second. "Outdated or not, Trevon's word is law." Madeline could not be bothered with petty squabble. Her nausea was getting worse. She gestured toward Trevon's bedroom. "His stuff's in there. Help yourself." With a smug grin, Lydia disappeared into the room and emerged moments later, a bundle of clothes in her arms. Before she took off, she sauntered over to Madeline, flashed her hand, and there it was—a dazzling diamond ring. There was also that cutesy pink bandage on her finger. "My mom says you're dragging your feet on the divorce—kinda funny, don't you think? Trevon's put a ring on it, so why embarrass yourself? Time to get a clue." She leaned in, whispering to Madeline, "Face it, you've never been able to outdo me in anything since we were kids." Old memories came rushing back. Her favorite things, her mentors, her dad, her very home—Lydia had snatched them all away with just a few words. Madeline squinted and swiftly yanked the bandage off Lydia's hand. "You've always been into taking my stuff, huh?" She eyed Lydia's pristine hand and tossed the bandage into the bin with a look of disgust. "Bandages are disposable. Get a new one, and it's as good as ever. However, you know what's really scary about a guy who's been down the aisle twice?" Madeline rose to her feet, locking eyes with Lydia as she smiled slyly. "It's the lingering lessons from his ex. His style, habits, tastes, thoughts—they're all tinged with the ghost of the woman before you. Chew on that. Good luck." "Madeline!" Ignoring her, Madeline grabbed a bag of clothes and thrust it into Lydia's arms. "So long, no need for goodbyes!" Behind the wheel on her way to work, Lydia smacked the steering wheel, Madeline's parting shot replaying in her head. The phone buzzed. Lydia answered with a huff. "What's up with the wake-up call?" Wren Naylor, Lydia's assistant, hesitated before speaking up with caution. "Ms. Sanders, the planning team wants to add an illustrator to the project. They've already picked someone out." "They've what now? Since when does planning get to call the shots on art hires? They really need to stay in their lane." Wren stayed quiet. Lydia bit back her frustration. "Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll sort it out with them." Instead of going to her department when she arrived at the office, Lydia went to the top floor to drop off some clothes for Trevon. Trevon accepted the clothes, but his brow creased in confusion. Lydia felt a twinge of worry. "Something wrong with the clothes?" They were definitely not his usual brand. Madeline would not slip up like that. "Madeline wasn't there when you picked these up?" Realizing the brand mismatch, Lydia understood her mistake. Madeline's earlier words echoed in her head. Lydia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Madeline just handed me these and shooed me out when I arrived. You know she's never been fond of me." She sighed resignedly and continued, "Typical Madeline, knowing you're in a rush and still acting petty with me. Should I run to the store and grab you a new set?" Trevon cut her off. "Don't bother. You've got work to do." Lydia clammed up, stepping back into silence. Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault. Clothes are the least of our worries. We've got the Skylandia project to focus on." In just a week, Skylandia would unveil its magical realms to eager eyes, with artistry at its heart. Lydia, fresh from her hiatus, was steering that ship—the crown jewel of the year for Xystos Tech. She knew the drill, but duty called, and she stepped out with a promise to return for lunch. Madeline, alone then, rinsed a handful of cherry tomatoes, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside her. She scrolled through her phone, the barrage of prenatal check-ups looming large and daunting. Midway through her meticulous note-taking, the doorbell chimed. She opened the door to find Simon pulling a long face. Chapter 4 "Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes." Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?" Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?" Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagle—a woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness. Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought. "Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness. Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?" Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said? Simon rushed her along. Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily. "Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assistant needs. Why don't you take a page from Mr. Harris's book?" Trevon did have a star assistant—Daniel Harris—who was so capable that he was sent overseas to handle big deals. That was when Simon got the call to step in. Simon's face went through a mixture of pale and flushed as he absorbed her criticism. Madeline, who was usually quiet, had just thrown shade in his face. He bit back his retort, finally huffing in annoyance and storming off. Madeline let out a soft laugh, brushing off the encounter. With visiting hours ticking closer, Madeline headed to Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital to see Bella. It was more of a wellness retreat than a hospital, nestled right next to Redenbaugh City's fanciest private clinic. Getting in was not easy, but thanks to the Gibson family pulling strings, Bella got a spot. Madeline wheeled her mom out into the courtyard, catching her up on the week's gossip and happenings. Bella was her usual self—unresponsive and staring off into space. Madeline sighed and took her mom's hand, resting it gently on her belly. "Mom, right here, there's a little one on the way. Even with Trevon talking about divorce, I'm keeping this baby. You've got to come back to us. Who will help me with this little one if you don't?" She nestled against Bella's legs, craving the comfort of her mother's presence. Unseen by Madeline, Bella's eyes flickered—a brief, almost missed flutter. "Madeline?" A voice, laced with surprise, called out for her. Madeline looked up to see a man in a lab coat looking her way. The sun was blinding, and Madeline squinted without recognizing the figure before her. There was something oddly familiar about the silhouette. It was not until he was close that she could see it was Caleb Jabs, her old college friend. With a warm smile, Caleb teased, "Madeline, can't you recognize an old friend after just three years?" He opened his arms for a hug, like nothing had changed. Madeline hesitated, then offered a hand for a handshake instead. Caleb's smile faltered, then returned. "Right, we're not on campus anymore." He shook her hand before releasing it, stealing a glance at the wedding ring on her finger. Through their chat, Madeline learned that he had just returned from overseas and that his uncle was running the local private hospital. Caleb nodded toward Bella with a slight smile. "And who is this?" Madeline's smile vanished. "My mom. She's been like this since she had a breakdown three years ago." A breakdown? It looked serious, as if she had lost all touch with the world. What could have caused it? Caleb pushed down his questions, his heart aching for Madeline. "These past three years must've been tough on you." Madeline seemed more grounded than in her college days, but her eyes were shadowed with concern. Madeline shook her head. "It's time for us to head back." She was not one to bare her soul to just anyone. As she rose to leave, she wobbled slightly. Caleb reached out to steady her. "You're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should get checked out." Madeline steadied herself and took a step back. "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine." Caleb watched Madeline sidestep with a calm smile, not the least bit ruffled. "Back in college, you were always dealing with low blood sugar. Still battling that, huh? Skipped breakfast today?" He was already taking the wheelchair's handles as he spoke, and Madeline allowed it. They got Bella settled and swapped numbers. Then, Caleb pressed a chocolate bar into her hand. "For your sugar levels, have a bite." Madeline's laughter bubbled up. "Caleb, you still keep chocolate on you after all this time?" "Just a habit," he said with a chuckle. That little piece of chocolate seemed to bridge the gap that had grown between them. "How about lunch? It's already noon." Madeline bit her lip, uncertain. However, Caleb was already tugging her along. "There's this great little place I know nearby. You'll love it." Trevon managed to swing by the hospital after his meeting wrapped up. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They suggested bringing Madeline in, thinking she might be the key to why he felt off. He left the hospital with that thought, only to see Madeline and Caleb, all smiles, heading into a cozy diner. Madeline's smile was something new, something he had never seen, and it stopped him in his tracks. He took a moment before climbing into his car. From the driver's seat, Simon caught Trevon in the mirror. "Mr. Gibson, wasn't that Mrs. Gibson? Should we pick her up?" Trevon watched them disappear into the diner, a place he would never dream of entering. "No, let's not," he murmured. Simon arched an eyebrow, shot a look of faint scorn at the diner, and sped off. Trevon was reclining in the back seat, eyes closed, soaking in a moment of peace. A few minutes in, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed. It took him a moment to realize that he was embodying Madeline's happiness. What could possibly be so special about that little shop to make her that cheerful? However, that sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles they served was exceptional—tangy and invigorating. It had been days since Madeline had enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. She even decided to get an extra serving to go. Caleb chuckled. "Noodles never taste as good reheated. Wait, didn't you love spicy food? What's with the switch?" Madeline smiled. "I haven't really switched. This is just that good." She was known for her love of spicy dishes, and even Trevon, the health nut, had found his tastes swayed by her. It was hard to argue with Madeline's culinary magic. Her cooking was irresistible to most. Back home, Madeline had barely set down her takeout when her phone rang. It was Yeneth Collins, her best friend. "Madeline, I've got some good and bad news." Feeling a bit worn out, Madeline sank into the couch. "Go on." "The good news is that you've been chosen to draw the new character for Skylandia. They've sent the contract over to you already." A spark of excitement flickered across Madeline's face as she reached for her laptop to check her email. "And the bad news?" Yeneth sighed heavily. "Lydia is the new art director for Skylandia. She just got the job today. I wouldn't have pushed you to take this gig if I'd known." Since marrying Trevon right after college, Madeline had not returned to the workforce, finding solace and passion in her art. Her style was distinctive, not exactly mainstream, with a focus on creating captivating illustrations. When Yeneth got involved with Skylandia, she thought Madeline's artwork was a perfect fit and put her name forward. Madeline smiled. "No way. The contract's terms are decent. Can't miss an opportunity of making money just because of her." She was always hustling for cash, especially with Bella's medical bills piling up. It meant biting her tongue whenever the Sanders family got tight-fisted. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" "Totally. I freelance under the name 'Lily Mora'. Who will connect the dots?" Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open as Trevon walked in. Chapter 5 Madeline's instinct was to snap her laptop shut. "Give me a second." She quickly ended the call and turned to face Trevon. "What's got you home at this hour?" Trevon eyed her hurried movements and washed his hands before replying, "Just needed to pick something up." Madeline responded with a noncommittal hum. His gaze landed on a nearby takeaway box. It was the sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles. It looked just like the one she had had for lunch. Was it really that tasty? A jolt of panic hit Madeline, and she blurted out, "It's for Yeneth, not me." Back when they were newlyweds, Madeline had grabbed some street sausages, and Trevon had gone into a tailspin, bombarding her with articles about the filth of street vendors and the dangers of eating out. Since then, she had avoided eating street food around him. However, she had slipped up and forgotten to stash the evidence. Trevon's chuckle was detached as his eyes drifted to a notebook on the table. Madeline's heart was pounding, and she pushed aside the wave of nausea to dash toward the notebook—her secret journal of conceive appointments. The last thing she wanted was for Trevon to find out she was expecting. However, Trevon was quicker. He stretched out his arm and lifted the notebook from Madeline's reach. Without regard for her protests, he calmly flipped it open. The 'Prenatal Appointment Schedule' header stared back at him. He raised an eyebrow, his cool gaze landing on Madeline. Madeline felt her heart jump into her throat. "Is this for Yeneth, too?" Trevon asked. "Huh?" Caught off guard, Madeline quickly nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Yeneth's getting married, thinking about having kids, so I was helping her research." Trevon's suspicion did not wane. "So, why the panic?" Madeline's forehead creased. She let go of the notebook and looked away. "I didn't want you to think I was up to something." Madeline's beauty was marred by her recent illness. Her pale face was then tinged with the flush of sickness, making her look even more vulnerable. Trevon felt a twinge in his chest, and his annoyance grew. Her cold was messing with his work. He tossed the notebook back to Madeline. "I don't have time for this. You should be resting, not running around. If you show up to a divorce proceeding looking like this, people will think I'm the bad guy." Madeline silently clutched the notebook with her head bowed. … At the steakhouse, Lydia stared at her barely touched steak, her mood souring by the minute. When she heard Trevon returned to the Angelic Garden Residence, her annoyance turned to outright anger. "Madeline, that witch!" She whipped out her phone and dialed Skylar's number. Madeline had just reviewed the casting call from Skylandia, wrapped up her draft, and was stretching after a long day when Skylar's call came through. "Get over here tonight. If you don't show up, I'm tossing your mom's stuff." The line went dead. Madeline thought she had taken care of all Bella's things, so what could possibly be left at the Sanders' place? She could not risk it, so she hailed a cab and headed over. The Sanders' mansion was ablaze with lights, screaming new money from every gilded corner. Madeline stood at the entrance, taking in the garish display, and figured Skylar was behind it. Skylar greeted her with a grin, tugging her inside. "I just knew you'd come." Madeline jerked her hand away. "Cut the act, Skylar. There's no one else here. I did what you asked, so where's my mom's stuff?" Chapter 6 Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side. "Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!" It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster. He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off. Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!" Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed. Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table. "It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos." Skylar quickly dished some out for her. The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away. "I caught a cold and lost my appetite. I'm just here to grab a few things, and I'll be out." Cilix squinted, and Skylar, unable to contain herself, plopped down next to Madeline. "When are you planning on divorcing Trevon, huh? Your dad and I have already scoped out a new guy for you. He's ready to tie the knot and won't wait forever." A resigned feeling washed over Madeline. With a mocking smile, she murmured, "Really? Who's this wonderful match?" Skylar perked up and replied, "He's from a solid family. One of your dad's business partners. The guy owns a string of factories. Marry him, and you'll be the boss. They wouldn't even look twice at a divorcee if it wasn't for your dad's connections." She made it sound like a fairy tale. Madeline cut to the chase. "The owner of these factories? How old?" Skylar hesitated, then chuckled. "Not too old. He's just a bit over forty and in the prime of his life. It'll be your second marriage, so you can't afford to be choosy. Plus, they've promised to cut your dad a deal if you marry in. Consider it a tribute to your mom." Three years had passed, and Madeline's disdain for her family's ways was as strong as ever. She glared at Cilix. "Over forty? You're okay with this, being not much older yourself?" Cilix looked pained as he spoke, "Skylar's just trying to do what's best for you. Remarrying and bringing your mom into the mix, finding someone okay with that wasn't easy. Skylar really went out of her way for you." Skylar nodded earnestly. It had indeed been a challenge. Madeline needed to be married off and kept far away to avoid causing Lydia any more headaches. "Don't worry, the guy doesn't have kids. Everything in the future will be yours and your children's. It's a real stroke of luck." Madeline suddenly chimed in, "It's true. These kinds of terms are hard to come by. You've really outdone yourself, but…" Breaking from her usual composure, Madeline locked eyes with Cilix. "I was clear yesterday. I just want what my mom is entitled to—her shares. Those shares are peanuts compared to being Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family." Cilix remained expressionless, but his eyes were calculative. "Your mom's shares?" Thinking she had swayed Cilix, Skylar piped up in a shrill tone. "What shares does her mother have? The Sanders family fortune is all thanks to me and Cilix. It's got nothing to do with your loony mom." Madeline's glare whipped towards Skylar, sharp enough to shut her up. "Apologize." "Why should I? Your mom's the crazy one." Without warning, a cup of scalding water splashed across Skylar's face, and she let out a scream. However, before Madeline could react, she was yanked back forcefully. A second later, she was punched in the face. "You owe her an apology!" Chapter 7 Each word Yale spat was accompanied by a punch landing on Madeline. Madeline shielded herself with her purse, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. Blinded by anger, she had not thought things through, never imagining Yale would actually hit her. Conceived had left her weak, and she could only dodge Yale's vicious blows in a clumsy dance of desperation. The Sanders family seemed petrified by the spectacle, each too scared to even twitch. Cilix wanted to speak, but Skylar cut him off. "What's Yale got, a little muscle? Let her take a hit. It might teach her to listen." Cilix's face darkened as he sat back down. She had written her dad off long ago, but the sting of disappointment was as sharp as ever. As Yale moved in again, Madeline knew she was on her own. With a swift kick, she toppled a chair and snatched a fruit knife from the table, aiming it straight at him. "One more step, and I swear I'll stab you!" Yale, thrown off by the chair, nearly slipped. He wiped his mouth and sneered. "You think you've got the guts?" Knife in hand, Madeline's face was ghostly, but her eyes blazed with defiance, "Try me. I'm still Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family. If I take you down, they'll make sure it never sees the light of day." Her gaze flicked to Cilix. "You think our dad's got the spine to cross the Gibsons for you?" Yale did not budge. Skylar stepped forward with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, we're family. Knives? Really? Madeline, put it down." Madeline looked at Skylar icily and aimed the knife at her. "Stay back." Skylar froze, then looked pleadingly at Cilix. Cilix broke the silence. "Madeline, what's going on?" Madeline stood there with a cold expression, ignoring the blood that had started to drip from the corner of her mouth. She bit her lip, refusing to say a word. The recent scuffle had taken a toll on her, leaving her with a heavy feeling in her chest. She was afraid she would throw up if she opened her mouth. However, she was determined not to let them see her weakness. Amid the tense moment, the nanny burst in with unexpected joy. "Mr. Gibson and Ms. Sanders have arrived!" The pair entered the room. Trevon's face was a mask of seriousness, his lips pressed into a thin line. Lydia, catching sight of the knife in Madeline's grip, let out a sharp cry. "Madeline! Why are you holding a knife? What are you planning to do?" Cilix rose swiftly to welcome Trevon. "Mr. Gibson, please come in. Let's sit and talk. Madeline, put that knife down now." With a glance at Trevon, Madeline reluctantly set the knife aside. Skylar exhaled in relief and grumbled, "This is all Madeline's doing, causing a scene for no reason. Since when do we bring knives into family disputes?" Madeline inhaled deeply, pushing down the wave of nausea, and retorted with a frosty laugh. "So, now it's all my fault, just like that? I'm trying to do the right thing here, and I'm still the one to blame?" "Is this enough for you?" Trevon's voice, frosty and laced with anger, cut through the room. He had been feeling sick to his stomach the whole way there. That sensation had become all too familiar in the last couple of days, and he did not need to guess—it was Madeline's doing again. He had warned her just at lunchtime to take it easy, but what did she do? She ran off to her family's home to pick a fight, knife in hand. She might not be bothered by it, but he was fed up. The room fell silent. Madeline looked at him in disbelief. Was he really going to blame her without even asking why? Trevon had no interest in dragging out the conversation. He grabbed Madeline's hand and led her away with urgency. Madeline stumbled as he pulled her along, a sharp pain throbbing in her heart. Lydia tried to keep up, her voice tinged with concern. "Trevon, you haven't eaten yet." He barely paused, his voice dismissive. "Some other time." With that, he ushered Madeline into the car and shut the door behind her.	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&ut	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61560831098071/	21	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449437764_2559123607604310_3298283948021123177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=a1e61cqcwaEQ7kNvgGSmKY3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AfXOnHbZFhYu4mx5_R07fP5&oh=00_AYAdqz3j2qNm4f6TqRI7tiA7e-eSjInGYo3UMc9CPfYYhw&oe=67471F1F	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,509,010	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2509440}'	No	2024-11-22 19:51	active	1909	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	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/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	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/t39.35426-6/464198210_1335425697867830_3839403089342624662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EBsfuLbjmDkQ7kNvgFrrM19&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AfXOnHbZFhYu4mx5_R07fP5&oh=00_AYDzUsPcBZD55gPYU8VyjaEzgdt5cTFgknmYqgpNItb4YQ&oe=6746F380	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,512,743	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2512261}'	Yes	2024-11-23 15:12	active	1910	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	Neah "Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle 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. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. 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 eighteen, 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 waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was 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 and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out 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 couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. 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 eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" 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." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,762	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461239507_829957269350642_158287805321185077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N8LTg6HSpIIQ7kNvgEI4RPg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8lG92t8KhX6PmbZ36TsDH4&oh=00_AYAlUKWBpaQURStqzbLAhjL4rn0YtguilJiEHmxeP9eXTg&oe=67480DCE	PERSON_PROFILE	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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