Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Ads for Diet on 2024-11-25

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Page Is Profile Page	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,536,089	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2536088}'	No	2024-11-25 19:37	active	1922	Our Bestselling Pullover in S-3XL!	200+ 5-Star Reviews Don't Lie!! This quarter-zip is comfier than your favorite hoodie! Small-3XL, and feels like its already "broken-in"! Plus, always free shipping!! 🛍️ Did you know we have even MORE products and deals in the app? Watch daily live sales and fit videos on all products. Plus free shipping on EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM!! Download for FREE at https://discountdivas.com/links	SHOP_NOW	https://discountdivas.com/products/id/48072	Discount Divas	https://www.facebook.com/discountdivasboutique/	244,450	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	discountdivas.com	DCO	Ships Free From Alabama!	https://discountdivas.com/products/id/48072	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468038487_9225146267519694_1252120723136554417_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qkMcFChZrksQ7kNvgEvPTGP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aox0XlddS7C4hLPf6jM-SwG&oh=00_AYBnpLqPvcL6uBFHpK5ffDDhopU-RuhO0LRUfg6KEOWazA&oe=674AE4F1	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Discount Divas	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,837	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-11-25 19:35	active	1922	🔥📚 This novel is so exciting that I'm going to stay up all night to keep reading!	📖：As the world teetered on the brink of spiritual desolation, fate led him to become the final disciple of a celestial genius. For ten years, he vanished into seclusion, refining his spirit amidst the arcane. When he descended, riding a sword that shimmered with otherworldly power, the heavens trembled—an invincible force had awakened to reshape destiny and crush all who stood in his way!😮😮 Chapter 1 Ten Years Later Mount Stokeris had steep and towering cliffs with ancient trees reaching toward the sky. An isolated monastery stood alone amidst the clouds at the summit of the mountain. Two people were standing in front of the monastery gates, an elder and a youth. “Finneas, a decade has passed, and you've become invincible in the ordinary world. It's time for you to descend the mountain.” The voice of Melvin Frye, the elder, carried the weight of time. “Just say it if you want to hit me.” Finneas Lamorde looked at the old man with eyes full of resentment. Melvin fell silent for a moment before he said, “Actually, my actions were for your own good!” “Hah!” Upon hearing those words, Finneas let out a cold scoff but didn't respond. Suddenly, Melvin asked, “Finneas, do you despise me?” “I used to really hate you!” “And what about now?” “It doesn't matter anymore. Ten years have passed, so there's no point in bringing this up.” “You're right in that it's pointless! After all, how many decades does a person have in their lifetime... Time is as ruthless as a blade, cutting down even the most arrogant. Despite my strength, I still couldn't leap across to that unreachable shore.” The old man let out a sigh. With great effort, he lifted his gaze, staring into the distant sky. At this very moment, the sun was setting in the west, marking the arrival of dusk. The evening glow intertwined with the layers of clouds, its lingering light falling upon the vast forest and reflecting a breathtakingly beautiful sheen. “The setting sun is beautiful, but alas, it is fleeting.” With a sigh, Melvin continued, “Finneas, could you call me 'Master Frye?'“ Finneas lowered his head, the corners of his mouth still carrying the same unchanged cold smirk. Melvin seemed accustomed to it, continuing to speak to himself as usual. “Finneas, what do you think the Immortal Realm is like?” “Finneas, I'm craving dumplings.” “Finneas, my tooth aches...” The scene gradually quieted down. Whoosh! The evening breeze blew gently, bringing with it a touch of coolness. After quite a while of silence, Finneas sensed something was amiss and looked up at Melvin. To his surprise, he found that the old man had closed his eyes at some point and was currently devoid of any signs of life. Upon witnessing this scene, Finneas stepped forward and roughly hoisted Melvin's corpse up. His voice was cold as he said, “Aren't you just trying to trick me into going down the mountain so you can find an excuse to beat me up? Why would you go to such absurd lengths as to feign death?” However, no matter what Finneas said, Melvin no longer showed any response. His complexion was gradually turning purple, and his body temperature was slowly cooling down. His frame had withered away to less than forty kilograms, a stark contrast to his once ethereal and majestic demeanor. Memories began to slowly surface in Finneas' mind. Ten years ago, he was merely twenty-two when he graduated from university. To fulfill his promise to his girlfriend, he journeyed alone by car to Yiefmery to meet her parents at their home. Unexpectedly, during the journey, he encountered an enigmatic old man. The elder mentioned that Finneas had a natural spiritual constitution and was a promising seedling for cultivation. Despite Finneas' objections, Melvin forcibly brought him into this scarcely populated mountain. Just like that, a whole decade passed! Over the span of those ten years, Melvin subjected him to the most rigorous training known to mankind. Every day, before dawn, he had to get up to train. At seven, he practiced his punches. At ten, he practiced his kicks. At twelve, he practiced his swordsmanship. At two in the afternoon, he practiced the Eyes of Aether. At six in the afternoon, he practiced his arrays. At nine in the evening, he focused on medicine. After midnight, he began to meditate. Day after day, year after year. Over the decade, he had yearned to escape countless times, to flee from this place and return home. But every time, Melvin would effortlessly drag him back and give him a severe beating! There was even once the beating was so severe it almost cost him his life. Even though immortal cultivation was considered a great opportunity, Finneas was utterly indifferent to it. His girlfriend was still waiting for him to propose, while his aging parents and younger sister were all depending on him to earn money and support the family. How could he stay here? Unfortunately, no matter how much he pleaded, Melvin remained unmoved. Finneas had once subtly suggested that he wanted to send a message home, even pleading on his knees, but the old man still did not agree. After giving him a thorough beating, Melvin said coldly, “The pursuit of immortal cultivation goes against the heavens, so you must sever all ties with the mortal world! Finneas, unless I'm dead, you can forget about ever leaving this mountain!” From that moment on, Finneas harbored a deep-seated resentment toward Melvin! He trained relentlessly every day, hoping to quickly grow stronger. His goal was to surpass Melvin so he could kill the latter as a way to alleviate the hatred burning in his heart. And so, a decade flew by in the blink of an eye! He had devoted himself to ten years of rigorous training, yet instead of surpassing the old man as he had hoped, he was instead met with this particular scene. At that moment, Finneas felt an emptiness in his heart. He wasn't as joyful as he had imagined, nor was he as infuriated. All there was, was an undisturbed tranquility. Or perhaps, it would be more apt to say he was feeling numb. He couldn't help but feel that his ten years of persistence now seemed utterly ridiculous. The evening breeze began to blow more fiercely. The temperature in the vast mountains seemed to have plummeted below freezing all of a sudden. Without uttering a word, Finneas silently laid Melvin to rest. Then, he turned and stood, his melancholic eyes gazing at the lush green mountains in the distance. No one could comprehend what he was feeling at that moment. After a good long while, he finally spoke. “I can't believe you're truly gone this time! Your body will gradually disperse, becoming eternal, much like the grains of sand in the desert. In a way, this could be considered a form of immortality. With this farewell, we'll never see each other again!” In the end, Finneas just couldn't bring himself to address Melvin as “Master Frye.” Then again, what significance did it hold whether he did it now or not? He unsheathed his sword, transforming into a ray of light that vanished into the horizon. If there had been a cultivator present at that moment, they would have undoubtedly been utterly astounded. It was hard to believe that in this modern era, someone could actually fly on a sword! Half an hour later, Finneas returned to the hometown of his memories at last. His hometown was located on the outskirts of Jacaster in Jussipi. The home he couldn't stop thinking about was nothing more than a modest, single-story house. In front of the single-story house was a small pond, with willow trees swaying gently by its side. “So... nothing has changed, after all!” Observing the familiar scene before him, Finneas' eyes ultimately welled up with tears. A decade had passed since he was abducted, and now he was finally returning to his home. Even with his current state of mind, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow, on the verge of tears. Back when he had been in the mountain, there had been countless days and nights when he would dream of such a scene... Of swimming in the pond as a child, or the hustle and bustle of the streets, or even of all his friends and family. “After disappearing without a trace for ten years, I suppose Mom and Dad must have thought I was dead, right?” “And little Alyssa... When I left, she was only nine years old. I don't even know if she's in university now!” “The old man claimed that the path to immortality lies in cultivation and requires one to sever all earthly ties. But if that means cutting off those dearest to us, what then is the purpose of cultivation?” Finneas let out a long sigh, steadying his chaotic emotions. Wasn't this the moment he had been waiting for all these years? At that moment, a cry of fear suddenly echoed from within the single-story house. “I was wrong! I don't want the relocation compensation anymore! I was wrong, I understand my mistake now!” “Please... No... No!” Smack! “Behave yourself!” Upon hearing this, Finneas' expression changed abruptly. Is that Lyssie? Is she being assaulted? “Dmn it!” Finneas' expression was bone-chillingly cold. His body seemed to teleport as he rushed toward the single-story house's gates! Chapter 2 I Despise You Meanwhile, inside the single-story house. Two bald brutes, their bodies marked with dragon tattoos, were surrounding a girl as they let out malicious laughter. “She's absolutely stunning!” “Man, this is amazing! Who would have thought this stubborn tenant would be so gorgeous? The two of us really lucked out!” “Let me go!” Alyssa Lamorde pleaded desperately while sobbing. Her delicate cheek was a rosy hue from the slap, with traces of blood spilling from the corners of her mouth. She struggled with all her might, but it was utterly futile! No matter what she did, she couldn't fend off the two burly men. “Stop struggling! Once we're satisfied, we'll let you go!” “Don't worry, we'll treat you well, you know...” The two men held Alyssa down, all the while wearing wicked grins on their faces. Tears, clear as crystal beads, fell from Alyssa's eyes. She knew there was no escaping tonight! At this moment, she felt a chill coursing through her entire body as she reflected on her experiences over the years. She had been reluctant to spend money on clothes, and even when she got into university, she didn't have the funds to attend. Even when eating, she was always careful and meticulous. During the New Year, while others were enjoying a family reunion with a table full of lavish meals, she could only curl up alone on the bed in her single-story house, praying for the cold night to pass quickly. Eventually, an opportunity arose when she received news that she would be relocated. Unexpectedly, the demolition company took advantage of her being alone by offering an extremely low compensation for the relocation. She refused, which consequently led to the arrival of these two men to force her into submission. She genuinely didn't understand - what had she done wrong? Despite all the effort she put into living her life to the fullest, why did it seem like fate just wouldn't cut her some slack? Perhaps I should have left this world with Mom and Dad when they passed away eight years ago. That way, I wouldn't need to suffer anymore. Upon such thoughts, Alyssa felt a wave of overwhelming exhaustion and despair wash over her, to the point she fell unconscious. Upon seeing Alyssa faint, the two bald brutes laughed even more boisterously. Bang! It was at that moment the front door of the single-story house was kicked open with a single, forceful kick. Like a bolt of lightning, Finneas burst in! Upon witnessing the scene before him, his eyes instantly filled with rage, and he felt as though his heart had shattered into pieces! “Ah! Go to hell!” In a fit of rage, Finneas let out a furious roar, sending a slap through the air. Boom! Before the two burly men could even comprehend what was happening, they were reduced to a cloud of blood by Finneas! “Lyssie!” Overwhelmed with emotion, Finneas held his unconscious sister tightly in his arms, unable to hold back his tears. He had never in his wildest dreams thought that he would be met with such a spectacle upon his return. Seeing his sister's pitifully scant clothing and her red, swollen cheek, he felt an overwhelming sense of heartache. It took a while before his emotions gradually began to stabilize. After that, he fetched a clean outfit for Alyssa to wear and meticulously cleaned up all the bloodstains in the room. Only then did he sit next to his sister, silently watching over her. It seemed as though he could never tire of looking at her. They hadn't seen each other for a decade, after all! The transformation in Alyssa was significant. She had grown from the tiny tot of yesteryears into a stunning beauty. Just then, Alyssa slowly opened her eyes. The moment she saw Finneas, she was startled and quickly scrambled to her feet. She asked with a wariness in her voice, “Who are you, and where did those two people from earlier go?” “I scared them away!” Finneas didn't admit to having killed those two brutes. After all, his sister was just an ordinary person. It was inevitable that hearing such things would strike fear in her heart. At the same time, he felt somewhat conflicted within. Judging from her reaction, it was clear that Alyssa hadn't recognized him. However, this was to be expected. Ten years ago, she was merely nine years old. Over the past decade, his hair had grown long. Both his appearance and demeanor had significantly changed from what they used to be as well. “You scared them off?” Alyssa cast a doubtful glance at Finneas. Nonetheless, after a moment of hesitation, she murmured, “T-Thank you!” Despite her words, her expression remained cautious, and she maintained a relatively safe distance from Finneas. Seeing his sister's cautious demeanor, a sense of sorrow welled up in Finneas' heart. He couldn't imagine what she had gone through in the last decade without him here! What about their parents? Where had they gone? “Lyssie! Don't you recognize me anymore?” Finneas struggled to keep himself composed. “Who are you?” Alyssa looked up, a puzzled expression on her face as she regarded Finneas. His face was etched with weariness and melancholy. At first glance, he might not have been conventionally handsome, but upon closer inspection, one would discover that he possessed a unique, captivating charm. Beyond that, she surprisingly found the man before her somewhat familiar. It seemed as though they had met somewhere before! “It's me, your big brother, Finn!” A hint of a smile squeezed its way onto Finneas' face. “Finn?” Alyssa paused for a moment. Subsequently, a face from the depths of her memory began to slowly merge with the one right before her eyes. Her body visibly shuddered, and her eyes quickly reddened. It was clear that glistening tears were threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes. “Lyssie!” Finneas truly struggled to calm his emotions at that moment. He cautiously reached out his hand, hoping to ruffle his sister's hair just like he used to when they were kids. Yet, he hadn't anticipated that, after a brief moment of appearing dazed, Alyssa would actually swat his hand away. Then, she seemed to transform into another person entirely. Rubbing her teary, red eyes, she snapped, “You're mistaken. I don't have a brother!” “Lyssie, you...” Finneas was taken aback, unable to believe his sister would utter such words. He had thought that upon hearing of his return, Alyssa would joyfully throw herself into his arms, just like she used to when they were children. Surprisingly, the look on her face now was one of sheer loathing. “Don't call me Lyssie! When our parents passed away, you were nowhere to be found. Now, when our home is on the verge of being demolished, you conveniently show up? Finneas, I really don't want to think ill of you, but you've truly let me down!” A tremor ran through Finneas' heart, and he quickly asked, “Weren't Mom and Dad in good health?” “Years ago, when you left and never returned, Mom and Dad spent all their fortune trying to find you. In the end, they were hit by a car on the road and passed away, just like that.” Alyssa's voice was noticeably choked, as though she were holding back tears. “W-When did this happen?” “A long, long time ago. Specifically, the second year after you left.” She gave Finneas another once-over, letting out a cold, mocking laugh as she said, “Hah! Just what have you been doing in the decade since you left us to end up looking like this? Could it be that Natalie abandoned you? So now you're homeless, you decided to come back? Finneas, you're really not human!” Finneas swiftly stepped forward, grabbing Alyssa's arm. “Lyssie, let me explain. You might find it hard to believe, but for the past decade, I've been on a path of immortal cultivation...” “Let go of me! I don't want to hear your nonsense!” “I won't let go! I won't ever let you go. You're my sister...” “Finneas, don't push me. Will you only be happy once you've forced me into a corner until I have no other choice but to end it all?” Alyssa's voice was hysterical, her emotions seeming as if they were on the brink of collapse at any moment. “Finneas, I will never forgive you! Never ever! From the moment our parents passed away, I've been left alone in this world with no family. Don't think that I'll forgive you just because you saved me!” Upon hearing this, Finneas was dumbstruck and froze on the spot. He allowed himself to be shoved out the door by Alyssa. Then, with a resounding slam, the front door was forcefully shut. Chapter 3 The Nine Heavens Immortal Art “L-Lyssie.” Finneas stared blankly at the tightly shut door, his heart aching. Contrary to his expectations, the anticipated heartwarming family reunion never occurred. Instead, a scene of desolation unfolded. Perhaps one could say, from the moment he was brought back to the mountains by Melvin ten years ago, it was destined to end in tragedy. Finneas stood at the doorway, catching his breath for a while, until his emotions gradually settled down. He had to admit Melvin's ruthless training had really affected him. He felt as though his blood had turned cold, as if no matter what happened, he could quickly regain his composure. Finneas exhaled a heavy sigh, slowly beginning to explain, “Lyssie, I truly went for immortal cultivation back then and was confined in a place for ten years! Only today was I able to come out...” Yet, there was not a single response from inside the single-story house. “Lyssie, no matter what, now that I'm back, I'm not going anywhere! I don't care at all about things like the relocation compensation. You're my sister, so it's my duty to protect you! From now on, it's just the two of us, brother and sister, depending on each other. I won't let anyone bully you anymore.” Creak. The gates had been opened. Alyssa looked at Finneas with a complicated expression. She naturally didn't believe Finneas' claim of being confined in one place for ten years. “Does all this talk hold any significance?” “Lyssie, after our parents passed away, these years must have been quite tough for you, haven't they?” Finneas said, his heart aching for her. “It has nothing to do with you.” Alyssa slammed the door shut once again. Then, leaning against the door, she clamped her hands over her mouth, tears already streaming down her delicate face. She genuinely wanted to be able to rush into her brother's arms like she used to when they were kids, to sob uncontrollably and seek solace from him. However, every time she thought about how Finneas had left for a woman after graduating from university, staying away for ten years and causing their parents' death, she found it impossible to forgive him. Now that her brother had shown up during such a sensitive period, when their house was about to be demolished and she would receive compensation for the relocation, it was hard not to speculate about his real reason for returning. “Lyssie, get some good sleep first. I'll be outside, keeping watch. If you need anything, just call for me,” Finneas uttered softly. Then, he found a relatively flat spot in front of the door and settled down cross-legged. Right now, his mind was a mess. He needed some time to sort out his thoughts. In their quest to find him, their parents tragically lost their lives in a car accident. After that, his younger sister had to live a lonely and difficult life all by herself for so many years. It was easy to imagine just how much hardship and injustice she must have endured. “Since I've returned, no one should even think about bullying Lyssie in the future...” Finneas let out a heavy sigh. Since his parents had already passed away, his sole focus now was to care for his younger sister and achieve immortality. “As for Natalie...” Finneas let out another sigh. Natalie was indeed his girlfriend back in the day. The two of them had been together for seven years, throughout three years of high school and four years of university. Though they loved each other, they were ultimately star-crossed, destined to remain apart. A decade had passed, and Natalie was now thirty-two. Finneas guessed that she had probably married and had children by now. “Forget it, what's the point in pondering over this now? In the end, it was I who let her down.” Finneas decided not to dwell on it any further. He moved into the lotus pose, breathing in and out meditatively. The breathing technique he practiced was known as the “Nine Heavens Immortal Art.” According to Melvin, this was a supreme immortal technique, something he had risked his life to obtain from an ancient ruin! Unfortunately, this method was not suitable for ordinary people to practice. It could only be cultivated by those with a natural spiritual constitution. That was the reason Melvin had been so excited when he first saw Finneas. After everything that happened, Finneas could also guess why Melvin had been so harsh and merciless toward him. Melvin was remarkably talented, managing to reach the Judgment phase in this modern era. Unfortunately, he was ultimately unable to overcome the barrenness of this world. At the end of his lifespan, he still hadn't succeeded in achieving immortality. Achieving immortality had been Melvin's lifelong obsession. Therefore, in the last decade of his life, he sought out Finneas. Pouring all of his lifelong knowledge into the young man, he hoped that Finneas would be the one to break the chains of their world, to shatter the curse that prevented future generations from achieving immortality. Under Melvin's inhumane training, Finneas proved to live up to his expectations. In merely a decade, he had become a cultivator at the peak of the Golden Core phase. The path of cultivation was divided into ten phases: Energy Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Projection, Divine Transformation, Void Refinement, Transcendency, Great Ascension, and Judgment. Each phase was further divided into numerous sub-phases. For instance, the Golden Core phase could be divided into three sub-phases: Core Formation, Core Condensation, and Core Transformation. Similarly, the Nascent Soul phase could also be divided into three sub-phases: Soul Formation, Soul Condensation, and Soul Transformation. Every minor breakthrough of a sub-phase was a major advancement for the cultivator, resulting in an exponential increase in their strength. One could say that in this modern era, Finneas was virtually unstoppable with his peak Golden Core phase cultivation! Naturally, this was just something Melvin had told him when he was still alive. As for the specifics, even Finneas wasn't quite sure, since he hadn't encountered any other cultivators up until now. The night passed in the blink of an eye. Finneas opened his eyes after his cultivation session, exhaling a breath of stale air. After breaking through the Golden Core phase, it wouldn't be easy for him to make further progress. Due to the scarcity of spiritual energy in this world, it would take an incredibly long time to form the Nascent Soul through mere meditation and cultivation alone. To break through quickly, he would have to find alternative methods. At that moment, the gates of the single-story house opened. Alyssa, carrying a basin full of clothes, stepped out, ready to wash them in the small pond nearby. Immediately, Finneas was by his sister's side. “Lyssie, doing laundry? Let me help you with that.” “No need,” Alyssa responded coldly. Last night, she had observed Finneas sitting outside all night. Yet, even so, it was impossible to erase the resentment in her heart. She kept thinking that her brother's return this time around was most likely due to the demolition and relocation. “There's no need to be polite with me.” Finneas promptly snatched the basin and headed toward the pond. As soon as he crouched down, he noticed something was amiss. This was because the washbasin was filled with women's undergarments... To wash... or not to wash? Finneas was truly in a bit of a bind. Although Alyssa was his own sister, he still acknowledged the inherent differences between men and women. Moreover, using his hands to scrub this type of intimate clothing didn't seem all that appropriate, and it was rather awkward... That being said, as Finneas gazed at the faded undergarments, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness in his heart. For a girl, it was essential to frequently purchase new undergarments, but it seemed like Alyssa had been wearing the same ones for years. “What's wrong? Can someone like you also feel embarrassed?” Alyssa stood on the shore, her tone indifferent as she spoke. “These clothes are too old. Don't worry, I'll buy you new ones later,” Finneas promised softly while washing the laundry. “Stop pretending!” Alyssa turned her head and walked into the house. Upon seeing this, Finneas couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. Chapter 4 Kelly Latiers After finishing the laundry, Finneas decided to go out and earn some money. Just then, a pink Chevrolet Spark drove up the dilapidated gravel road in front of their house. A girl with light makeup and flashy clothes got out of the car. She looked about eighteen or nineteen, wearing a white dress and black stockings. With a youthful, energetic appearance, she resembled a delicate porcelain doll. Her name was Kelly Latiers, a high school classmate of Alyssa's. Kelly gave a curious glance at Finneas, who was standing at the door, and then loudly called out into the house, “Lyssie, are you home?” Inside, Alyssa heard the familiar voice and quickly wiped away her tears. She then ran out to ask, “Kelly, why are you here?” “Lyssie, were you just crying?” Kelly noticed Alyssa's red eyes and immediately sensed something was wrong. She then thought of something and glanced warily at Finneas standing not far away. “He doesn't look like a good person. Did he bully you?” “No, I just accidentally fell.” Alyssa shook her head and pulled Kelly into the house. Finneas wanted to follow them, but as soon as he stepped forward, the door slammed shut. “She must be Lyssie's friend... With a friend around, Lyssie should feel better,” Finneas muttered to himself outside. It didn't really matter if he went in or not, as his keen hearing allowed him to hear every sound inside the house clearly. What troubled him was that Kelly looked glamorous and beautiful, while his sister looked like Cinderella. “Even though Lyssie said this place might be relocated soon, relying on the relocation compensation isn't realistic. I need to make money quickly!” Finneas pondered for a moment, then crouched in the corner to listen to the conversation inside. Inside the small room, there was only a worn-out bed and a desk piled with books. The two girls sat on the bed, whispering to each other, unaware that Finneas could hear everything they said from the corner. If Kelly knew, she would definitely scold him with her fiery temper. “Lyssie, who is that creepy guy with the scruffy beard and long hair?” “I don't know, maybe a scavenger here to take a dump.” “Oh, no wonder he looks so shabby. A grown man living like that is really shameful!” At the corner of the wall, Finneas was speechless. Alyssa didn't want Kelly to talk about her brother that way, so she quickly asked, “Kelly, why did you come here today?” “Oh! It's been a month since school started. The administrator asked me when you're going to register. If you don't go soon, the school will consider it a voluntary withdrawal.” Kelly said quickly. Alyssa bit her lip and didn't respond. “Is it because of the tuition fees?” Kelly looked around the room and then said, “You can apply for a study loan! No matter what, getting into Jacaster University is not easy. Are you really going to give up?” “I don't want to give up, but I can't get my study loan application approved.” Alyssa smiled bitterly. “Why is that?” “Because my verification of disadvantaged background status didn't pass!” “Dmn! How is that even fair? How can they not consider you disadvantaged? Why didn't they approve it? This is outrageous!” Kelly said angrily. Alyssa wore a bitter expression and didn't reply. She knew that even if she told Kelly, it wouldn't help. Kelly came from an ordinary family, and if they got involved with those people, they'd be in trouble too. She didn't want Kelly to experience what she went through last night. As for calling the police? After she reported it yesterday, two big guys came to kidnap her at night. She didn't believe it was a coincidence. “Is it because of the relocation? Do they want to force you to sell the land cheaply?” Kelly asked keenly in a low voice. Alyssa nodded silently. Kelly clenched her teeth in anger. “Dmn! These bstards only bully a girl. If you had a man in your family, they wouldn't dare bully you!” Hearing this, Alyssa felt a pang in her heart. The situation had become serious enough that even having a man in the family might not solve it. “Forget it! I don't plan to go to university anymore. It isn't worth it. I'm alone, so it's fine if I can get by. I'll just live each day as it comes.” “No, if necessary, I'll talk to the administrator and ask the classmates to donate for you.” “Kelly, I can't live off others forever! Besides, going to university isn't always a good thing. I plan to work and see the world.” Alyssa forced a smile. Just then... Bang! The door was forcefully pushed open from the outside, and Finneas strode in. This scene stunned the two girls in the room. “No, Lyssie, you have to go to college. Don't worry about the money; I'll take care of it!” Finneas' face was dark with anger. He couldn't believe his sister was skipping university because of money! He was a powerful Golden Core cultivator and couldn't stand the thought of his sister not having money for school. His heart ached. If he hadn't eavesdropped, he wouldn't have known any of this! And the verification documents? Who was stopping them from being approved? How dare they bully Alyssa? They all deserve to die! At that moment, Finneas had an overwhelming urge to kill those who dared to bully Alyssa. “Are you insane? Trespassing into a private residence is illegal!” Kelly quickly shielded Alyssa behind her and glared at Finneas. “I'm Lyssie's brother!” Finneas replied calmly. “Brother?” Kelly looked skeptical and then turned to Alyssa for confirmation. Alyssa had just said he was a scavenger here to take a dump.” “My brother died ten years ago. This guy must be some nutcase.” Alyssa replied expressionlessly. “Did you hear that? You nutcase, leave now! Otherwise, I'll call the police. Don't think you can bully us just because we're two girls!” Kelly shouted. Finneas took a deep breath and slowly said, “Lyssie, whether you acknowledge me or not, you have to go to university. And Kelly, I'm going out to earn the tuition money now. I'll be back before dark. Take care of Lyssie for me. I'm afraid she might do something stupid.” After saying this, Finneas turned and left, quickly disappearing from their sight. This scene left Kelly stunned, her face filled with confusion. Jacaster University's tuition is over five thousand a year. How can a man who can't even afford new clothes earn that in a few hours? “He must be crazy! I heard that insane people aren't held responsible for murder. Good thing he left voluntarily,” Kelly said, patting her chest in relief. Alyssa felt conflicted and remained silent. She thought he had returned to fight for the relocation compensation, but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe he really did not have a choice back then. Should I accept if he brings back over five thousand for my tuition? Alyssa was lost in thought. Her eyes gradually lost focus, drifting into memories of her childhood. Chapter 5 A Hundred Thousand To Solve Your Problem After leaving home, Finneas ran directly to the city center of Jacaster. With his speed, a forty-kilometer journey was merely a matter of minutes. If he flew using his sword, it would only take a minute, but the city center was crowded, so he chose not to fly. As for making money? Finneas had numerous ways to earn it. Setting up arrays, refining medicines, making talismans, treating illnesses, and geomancy were all within his expertise. Any one of these could bring in a fortune. After a brief moment of thought, Finneas arrived at a market in North Jacaster. This market, known as Jaskait Market, wasn't the largest in Jacaster but was undoubtedly the most diverse. Everything was sold here, from daily necessities and home remedies to gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, and emeralds. You could even find a few fortune-tellers, exorcists, and those skilled in geomancy. The market's chaotic and mixed composition made it a lawless area, where even the city council avoided interference. Finneas found an empty spot, sat cross-legged, and wrote on the ground with a red brick: Rent me for two hours: Master of all trades, price negotiable. Having set up, Finneas closed his eyes and waited for someone in need to approach. The bustling market quickly spread the word about his offer, and many people came to take a look, but no one inquired further. His claim of being a master of all trades was too exaggerated. Even a deity wouldn't dare to make such a bold claim. Liar! They assumed he was a con artist. People surrounded Finneas, pointing and discussing. Some came to mock him with absurd questions like, “Can you cure impotence?” or “Can you increase its length by five centimeters?” Finneas ignored these obviously mocking inquiries. Meanwhile, in a black Hummer parked nearby, a group of men observed Finneas closely through the window. One of them spoke to a middle-aged man in the back seat. “Boss, this guy is too young. He's definitely bluffing. We should look elsewhere. If we don't find a solution soon, there could be major trouble at the construction site.” “Finding an expert in exorcism isn't easy,” the middle-aged man said with a sigh. He was Cameron Wheeler, chairman of a large construction company in Jacaster. Recently, strange occurrences plagued his company's construction site. Workers reported hearing children crying at night, and those who investigated found nothing. When the workers returned to their dormitory, the sounds of crying from outside resonated once more. Last night, a worker claimed to have seen a weasel smiling at him when he went to the toilet. It asked, “Young man, do I look like a human or an immortal?” The worker had never encountered such a bizarre incident. He didn't dare to respond at all and fled straight back to his dorm. However, as soon as he returned, he fell seriously ill and couldn't get up. Despite going to the hospital, they couldn't diagnose anything wrong with him. He was still lying in the hospital now. Desperate, Cameron personally led a team to Jaskait Market to find an expert. They found several seemingly powerful experts, but all turned out to be frauds. Cameron rubbed his temples in frustration. The project was worth over two billion, with a potential profit of one billion for him. Delays were costing him heavily. “Boss, I heard there's an expert in South Jacaster.” “That old guy's a fraud. I know better than you.” “What should we do then?” “I'm not paying you to ask me questions! Useless fools!” With his keen hearing, Finneas had already overheard the conversation in the Hummer. This sparked an idea, and he shouted, “Master of all trades, especially skilled in exorcism! Come to me if you need help!” After that, he began packing up, acting as if he were leaving. At this moment, a middle-aged man rushed out of the Hummer and shouted, “Young man, wait!” Gotcha! Finneas smirked and paused, scrutinizing the man. The man had a square face and thick eyebrows, exuding an aura of authority—likely someone from either the underworld or high social standing. Regardless, he wasn't an ordinary person. Most importantly, a dark aura surrounded the man's forehead, showing that he was facing imminent danger. It was a sign only visible to someone with Finneas' spiritual vision. “Let me introduce myself. I'm Cameron Wheeler, and I—” “I have limited time. Get to the point.” Finneas acted like an arrogant expert. Cameron eyed Finneas, then explained the situation at the construction site. “Where is your construction site?” “It's situated roughly fifty kilometers from the eastern suburbs, at the foot of Mount Riveria,” Cameron replied. Hearing that, Finneas had a rough idea. They were in the modern era, but spiritual energy still existed, leading to the birth of demons. The workers likely encountered a mischievous weasel that had a quest for immortality. This wasn't to imply that the weasel was truly on the verge of becoming an immortal. Rather, it had lived for a considerable amount of time and developed spiritual intelligence. Thus, it resorted to unorthodox methods to satisfy its primal desires. Such creatures would be terrified of Finneas. However, he deliberately asked, “There are many experts in this market. Why approach me?” “Forget it. They're all charlatans here to fish for fame,” Cameron responded coldly, then continued, “I know what you mean. If you can handle this, I'll pay you twenty thousand.” Finneas looked straight at Cameron and said calmly, “Mr. Wheeler, this isn't a simple matter. It's beyond dire! Forgive me for being direct, but if this situation is not addressed soon, your site and even you will face danger. Have you been sleeping poorly lately? Cameron's heart skipped a beat. He knew the situation was dire. The site had been shut down for days, costing him tens of thousands daily. If this situation were to continue, he would suffer huge losses. Moreover, he had felt watched at night recently. However, when he switched on the lights, there was nothing around. That made him terrified. Cameron initially doubted Finneas. He was desperate to try anything. After hearing Finneas' words, he was filled with shock. Is this poker-faced man a true expert? “Young man, what do you suggest?” “Raise the price.” Cameron looked at Finneas. Rather than feeling angry, he was surprisingly delighted inside. Asking for more money indicated confidence. “How much?” “A hundred grand. I guarantee to resolve your problem!” Finneas replied calmly.	LEARN_MORE	https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?	Me-Read	https://www.facebook.com/100065043842278/	1,883	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.tapon.com	IMAGE		https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=8278&brand=3&app=0&ppid=5251&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&badid={{ad.id}}&pixel_id=586505356679202&bacid=7916C20EFCF1BC2302E51717E910B7453664B9A65C34FBBBE6855F64C0ACB33B876883D1BF94D3F0A0449D3ADDA4526B06C20950F4D13F34&badid={{ad.id}}&ori_campaign_id=120213005554820213&ori_adset_id=120213005555030213&ori_ad_id=120213005573110213	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468083235_897951042424871_8958940990239415937_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pZkcfzrlZLYQ7kNvgEim7Ke&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ArL_KAI3uJJw5JOznSlva6l&oh=00_AYDPwmQjRwYKYH3rTN02WGLuZ_Tn6-7XbF1LQDUnYHTTFg&oe=674AE022	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Me-Read	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,887	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535891}'	Yes	2024-11-25 19:36	active	1922	He begs for me after I have a kid	Kelly Jackson falls in love with her boss, Jason Giveon. After a banquet where she suffers from the embarrassment of the Giveon's, she chooses to inherit the Jackson's business. Three years later, Kelly becomes the CEO of VirtuoCorp, and Jason begs for Kelly's forgiveness. Both of them become very close to each other. However, Jason discovers that his mom, Judy Giveon, is the murderer of Kelly's eldest brother.	LEARN_MORE	https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/2qmpolt1dynzth	Kalos TV man	https://www.facebook.com/61561395654629/	11	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbpx.16447.com	VIDEO		https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/2qmpolt1dynzthg3nhgnkoqm?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120214279981380093&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468335138_544103058512108_2066216630463084011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lMlz689ifGkQ7kNvgGjcSd9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AK0NP8Ue21bq8ze7UXzUgJN&oh=00_AYBtoBnzU_lSGM6_UzisBX2g6r1ev8Wf85g-52QHb_wrcg&oe=674AED61	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kalos TV man	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,534,834	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2534806}'	No	2024-11-25 19:28	active	1922	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	As the daughter of Alpha, I was tortured since I was 6 years old, and more tragically, I was forced to marry the demon Alpha who killed his 9 ex-girlfriends... “Where is she?!” I hear the Beta Kyle scream. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment he sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don’t make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. “Neah, how useless your are! You still have not cleaned the office.” He snaps. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. “We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!” I don’t answer, I keep my eyes low so that I didn’t have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, and he was even claimed to have killed his 9 ex-girlfriends. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin, ”Useless Wolf.” He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle was always reminding me of how worthless I am. The clearing of a throat makes me jump. I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair. A foot propped up on his knee. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door. Shrinking down to the ground. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I…I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. “Come forward.” He orders. I do as I’m told. Allowing him to see me properly and I am met with narrowed crimson eyes. I close my own eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” My head moved up and down, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they discovered the truth about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. “I am…I am a Wolf.” I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? I wasn’t sure how much more my body could take. “How is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I…..” I hated the question. “I haven’t got all day!” He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldn’t scent him. I knew why I hadn’t been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever liked to do. They never hear my side of the story. All they do is accept Alpha Trey's word as the truth. “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?” His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them. There was no way I was making direct eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound.” “Why?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” “For what?” His deep voice rumbles through me. “For killing my parents.” I whispered. At this moment, the door swings open abruptly and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what are you doing in my office?!" He then turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it was him...	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,763	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}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/450664948_1625574091346934_5464423536906748072_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I7mgynG-L98Q7kNvgFJbL1q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AeGGLCtpYDad7LvFNELKpij&oh=00_AYAnbCrM2wkvtOR86sXVNp6BR2jeJ1Ezj-s4k4gCkzQaSQ&oe=674AE895	PERSON_PROFILE	0	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,750	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535749}'	Yes	2024-11-25 19:35	active	1922	He begs for me after I have a kid	Kelly Jackson falls in love with her boss, Jason Giveon. After a banquet where she suffers from the embarrassment of the Giveon's, she chooses to inherit the Jackson's business. Three years later, Kelly becomes the CEO of VirtuoCorp, and Jason begs for Kelly's forgiveness. Both of them become very close to each other. However, Jason discovers that his mom, Judy Giveon, is the murderer of Kelly's eldest brother.	LEARN_MORE	https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/2qmpolt1dynzth	Kalos TV man	https://www.facebook.com/61561395654629/	11	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbpx.16447.com	VIDEO		https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/2qmpolt1dynzthg3nhgnkoqm?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120214282970520093&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468430318_577956784819957_6077332181966994975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SLA4dgGCWRcQ7kNvgHiHVjd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AHdscjYO9EqovdcG3CI7R8q&oh=00_AYACRhF5MzQ6jOQ0z-husqDsbqW3DpAXNp-4JaR8oyr7Uw&oe=674AF2FB	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kalos TV man	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,463	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2534156}'	No	2024-11-25 19:33	active	1922		BREMEN—BLACK FRIDAY savings at Auto Park Ford are happening now! Take advantage of dealer invoice pricing and get an additional $1,500 above Kelly Blue Book value for your trade-in. These offers expire November 30th, so click below and contact Auto Park today!	CALL_NOW		Auto Park Ford Bremen	https://www.facebook.com/AutoParkFordBremen/	1,520	1969-12-31 18:00	Call now		IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468522061_764247349218619_7659494716363710684_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ku46ZykFJswQ7kNvgFd9BsB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AYg8Dtx3HyHr29N88fRDryX&oh=00_AYAzwUk9yTaCdIO9clQIKMuiRu2VVa7yUzrSrLfTELhpXQ&oe=674ADFBB	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Auto Park Ford Bremen	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,534,878	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2534863}'	No	2024-11-25 19:28	active	1922	Adventure Awaits, Comfort Included	Enjoy the serenity of nature while still enjoying the comforts and amenities that you are accustomed to. Book your Smoky Mountain vacation today! https://bit.ly/3WokMx4	BOOK_TRAVEL	https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/book/FB	Roamstead	https://www.facebook.com/roamstead/	2,322	1969-12-31 18:00	Book Now	www.roamstead.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/book/FBF415F2-C33B-4F06-BDCC-DD190FDF60BB	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468285048_534974956035334_2907925631518750139_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NZchpLuEfl4Q7kNvgG_jt8c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AeGGLCtpYDad7LvFNELKpij&oh=00_AYB7bEuxakuYlqy6YL8d4m7WzzF92FzkpeSlWOLNYDHo6Q&oe=674B030D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Roamstead	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,308	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535314}'	Yes	2024-11-25 19:31	active	1922	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My heart broke as I watched a girl with long blond hair and barely any clothes on straddle Axel while she sucked on his neck. I have spent enough time at the mercy of men that I was determined to never end up back there. Men who cheated had no honor. Men who had no honor weren't worth wasting time on. Now as I stood here, watching Axel grope and peck the blond was a real eye opener. I didn't need this in my life, not now, not ever. Maybe it was time to move on, leaving was usually the best way to deal with it. I refused to be with a man that could change his bed partners as often as his socks. _________ "Hey Harley...can you take table four?" Marie asked as she passed me in the kitchen. Setting the glasses in the bin to be cleaned I quickly washed my hands and headed back out into the bar area. I have worked at The Scene now for the past six months. I was lucky at finding a job so quickly when I got into town and I honestly loved working for Mac. On the outside he looked like a big, scary bad biker, but he was nothing but a soft marshmallow on the inside. Most of the girls at the strip club were terrified of him, but not me. I found his gruff exterior endearing. The man had a huge protective streak when it came to me, acting more like my father then the pathetic excuse of the one I was born to. I haven't really thought of him much since he was killed and I ran away. Over the years I have had to move a lot, keep under the radar of both the law and the law breakers. In my world, finding yourself having to deal with either never had a good outcome. Fortunately I was lucky and when I turned eighteen I was able to breathe a little bit easier. Mac shot me a wink as I passed the bar and headed past the stage. The place looked to be getting crowded tonight. Table four was one of our larger ones in the back corner behind the stage. It was usually reserved for the Renegades, the local MC that ran the small town and I know that Marie didn't feel very comfortable around them. Growing up around bikers myself, I didn't have a problem with them, as long as they left me alone. With Mac being a member, his bar became a common hang out for the brothers outside of the clubhouse. They got cheap beer and boobs shoved in their faces, what more can a guy ask for right? I still wasn't quite sure why Mac even hired me since I refused to take any of my clothes off, but I was a bartender and manhoodtail waitress when needed. Most nights I was safe behind the bar, but two of the waitress's called in sick with the flu that was going around. So for tonight at least I had to dodge octopus hands and overzealous bikers. Pulling down on the leather vest I skirted around the stage to find table four overflowing with hot bikers. But I had my fill of bikers over the years, especially the earlier ones. All bikers were definitely on my no-no list. I couldn't risk being associated with anyone in that world. It was too dangerous. Just because I couldn't touch didn't mean I couldn't look, I was still a woman who appreciated nice scenery. There was just something about that a man in leather pants, a tight white shirt covered with a leather cut that just did something for me. it downright made my panties drenched. Just goes to show you that you can take the girl out of the MC, but you cannot take the MC out of the girl. Why couldn't I find a nice clean, cut guy who was an accountant? Was that too much to ask? Probably because I would be bored in about two minutes. Even though I found most of the guys at the table attractive, only one filled my dreams each night as I called out his name. Relesing in my sleep was new experience for me, but Christ what an experience. Dream intercourse ranked up there with watching good porn, even better. Some of the things Axel did to me in dreamland had my body humming for hours after I wokeup. Even now my body tingled like his hands were actually caressing it. Shaking my head I tried to clear my dirty mind as I approached the table. I needed to get my head together. The President of the Renegades had women throwing themselves at him...many he caught. Trust me I was not on his radar. Over the past months the man barely acknowledged me but he would sit at the bar a couple nights a week and listen to me and mostly Mac nonsense, chiming in here and there. Even with his brisk attitude towards he paid attention. I swear I could feel the mans eyes on me constantly. I kept telling myself to leave matters alone, I didn't want to open that door. But I couldn't deny that the hot biker certainly revved my engine. "Hey boys...what can I get for you today?" "How about you on that stage showing us what you got darling?" Hawk the VP commented. "Not a chance Hawk...I am way too much woman for this crowd." The table laughed while checking out my assets. And trust me I had plenty. But I kept them covered. For a bartender at a strip club I had little skin showing, but it seemed to work. Skin tight jeans and a leather vest kept me all covered, but accentuated my assets. It didn't really fit into the whole strip club atmosphere, but Mac agreed since my boobs and hip looked amazing he would let it go. "Come on Harley, show us your boobs." Tank yelled from down the table. All the others decided to chime in, wanting to see what I had stuffed into my skin tight leather vest. I found that loved to wear it for two reasons, one they kept the girls contained and I loved the feel of it rubbing against my skin. Dressed, I loved my curves and 38D size boobs, but undressed...yeah my boobs were no longer perky, I don't think they were ever perky but the men still loved them, not like I showed them to any one. "All right enough you bozos. What can I get you, I guess I should say who wants a beer that might be quicker." Eight hands were raised, all except one. Axel sat back in his chair and continued to stare at me, not partaking in the joking around about me taking my clothes off. My chest ached knowing that I couldn't have a man like him. He was just like all the rest. Arrogant, manhoody, womanizer...the list is endless. "And for you...whiskey?" Axel has been in here enough for me to know that he was partial to hard liquor than beer. "Yeah darling...whiskey will work." The side of his mouth raised as I nodded to him. The man was seriously gorgeous with just a half smile, he would be downright deadly with a full one. Before I could embarrass myself even more I headed back to fill the order. I loved when he referred to me as darling. I don't know why the endearment got to me every time but it did. Mac had even started to tease me about it. Handing out the drinks most of the men's eyes were focused on Bambi who was currently upside down on the pole. Christ that had to hurt...did she ever get pole burn I wondered? Placing the whisky in front of Axel I found his eyes not on Bambi but...me. "Um...can I get you anything else?" "Yeah darling...you." My butt hit his lap and his lips sealed to mine before I could utter a squeak. His large hands roamed all over as he drank from me. As quickly as it started it was over and I was pushed up right. As I tried to clear my focus Axel didn't seem fazed at all, as Bambi now had his full attention. Pissed and completely aroused I stormed off before I hit him over the head with my tray. The nerve of that man. Who did he think he was just pecking me like that and then pushing me away. This confirms every thought that I had...I needed to stay away from Axel Reed. For months the man sits at my bar and does nothing - now my lips still tingles from his sneak attack. As the night went on the crowd seemed to keep steady. And I was able to keep my mind off of the raging hormones towards one certain hot biker. the man for captivating my thoughts. Tips were flowing along with the beer and everyone was behaving for a change. Most men left me alone since the undressed woman dancing on stage kept their attention. But my luck ran out when I found myself being trapped between two men. Two large men who had wandering hands. "baby...lets head into the back...I want to touch your titties and then relaease all over your face." Yeah, so not happening. What is it with men in general, were they so confusing. One brushed me off like I was a fly and now these two swarmed me like I was covered in honey. Thing Two held onto my arms tightly as I managed to break free, pulling my arm out of his strong grip. The club was dark and we were situated back by the wall, hardly visible. I should have known better. "Get off me pricks. You want a lap dance flag one of the girls down." Using more force, I jerked my other arm free as I kneed Thing One in front of me since he was running his fingers along the top of my breasts. His touch sickened me bringing back bad memories. Then I thrust an elbow up into Thing Two. The impact momentarily dislodged me from their trap allowing me the time to escape. Then before I could flee the grip in my hair had my body projecting backwards once again into his deathlike grip. It hurt. Where was a knife when you needed one. "Wrong move bimbo." Pain exploded on my cheek as Thing One hit me and then Thing Two chocked my throat. Tightly...and then squeezed. All my years of training flew right out the window along with my breath. Fear took over. I knew better then to let my guard down. "Now we are going to head back to the back room and you are going..." Thing One suddenly disappeared from my view as he was tossed to the wall by an anger looking Axel. I could no longer see Thing One, only backs of the leather cuts displaying the Renegade patch. Prick deserved what he got. The hand on my neck was cutting off my air as Thing Two backed away from the pissed off looking bikers. "Let the lady go and we may just let you walk out of here...alive." My vision was starting to blur but I could still make out Axel as he stalked closer to the guy. Air exploded into my lungs as my body was tossed away from Thing Two. Large muscular arms circled my waist, preventing me from slamming to the floor. As I struggled to suck in much needed air I was able to focus on the man holding me. Axel. The look on his face confused me but I didn't have time to think about it before my world went black. Mac demanded that I take off the next few days until I felt better or at least until the bruises faded. Since my throat was sore from the prick who squeezed it I didn't put up much of a fight, especially since he was so concerned. It sounded like a great idea at the time, over the years I didn't get a lot of down time. But now after three days of sitting in my apartment, I came to the conclusion that I make a horrible sick person. I wasn't used to being idle. Even though my neck and throat hurt , I was bored out of my mind. I hated TV and I read the last of my books. Frustrated I grabbed my purse and decided to head to the book store. Maybe I could find something to hold my interest and help with the boredom. There was only so much time I could relive Axel's peck in my mind...I do believe I was going slightly crazy. Yeah I needed to get out of here before I start answering myself. One of the reasons I loved living in a small town were times like this. Everything you needed was in walking distance from the small apartment I rented above the stores that lined Main Street. the town was so small, Main Street was in fact the main street of the town. The bar was the furthest place away from me and that was still only a ten minute walk. You gotta love small towns. I enjoyed the warm weather as I window shopped. As I passed the nail salon on the corner, I looked at my nails to see that they looked pathetic. Since my hands were always in water washing glasses at the bar, my hands took a beating. Shrugging my shoulder I decided to head in, at least this would kill some time. The interior of the salon was painted a nice calming pale blue. There were four nail stations set up on the left and pedicure chairs along the right. Since I lived in boots, getting a pedicure was pointless for me, but as I looked at the sign I figured I would give acrylic nails a try. Many of the girls at the club swore by them. "Hi I am Tammy, what can we do for you today?" "I was looking to get a full set." She escorted me back to the last station that was open. We chatted as she worked on my hands. I was shocked that with her sweet, innocent personality that she had ties to the Renegades...being Tucker's old lady. I didn't know Tucker very well as he wasn't one of the regulars and now I see why. If he had Tammy at home he didn't need to be in a strip club. The woman was stunning with her golden blond hair that hung down her back. I was jealous as I always wanted to be a blond. But I knew my wavy red hair would not take the color well. Plus I was terrified to ever try changing it. "Hey I just figured it out...you are the girl all the guys in the club are talking about, you work for Mac?" "Um...yes. I bartend mostly. But occasionally waitress when needed." "Yes, Tuck mentioned that you had some trouble the other night. He wasn't there but he heard about it from Prez. It seems that there are some unwanted visitors in our town, those guys were part of it. Also heard you kneed the guy really good and put up a good fight." I guess that was why they didn't look familiar. "Yeah, the Renegades came to save the day. I will need to thank then next time they come in." That goes to show even big bad bikers have some sense of chivalry left. "Why don't you come by tonight to the club? The boys will all be there, I mean you already know most of them and I am sure Axel will be there so you can thank him in person." Did I really want to go to their clubhouse? Them coming to the club was one thing but going over to their turf...it was too risky. "Thanks Tammy, but I am busy this evening. Maybe another time." Like never. Way too many memories. My nails looked perfect when she was done. Not too long or pointy and I loved the deep red color. Promising to return in two weeks I headed out to run the rest of my errands. The day zoomed by as I piddled around town looking at all the small shops. I was able to pick up a few more books at the library to help bide the time. I also picked up fixings for a nice salad that I planned to enjoy as I read my new book. My life seemed so...normal. That thought shocked me to the core. Normal was not a word I have ever associated with my world and the feeling was...nice. By the time I was half way through the book, I already figured out who the killer was and a bit disappointed that the suspense was gone. Didn't matter, this happened a lot when I read, but I always finished the book as there could be a slight chance I could be wrong. Cleaning up the dishes I decided to finish reading in bed. Maybe having a relaxing day was so bad. As I grabbed another beer to take with me when someone knocked on my door. Looking down at my boy shorts and tank top I shrugged assuming it was Mac since he was the only person who knew where I lived. He must be coming to check on me again, man he was such a worry wart. I smiled at that thought, it was nice to have someone worry about you. I wasn't used to it. Without checking I opened the door. "Hey Mac, you need to..." But it wasn't Mac at my door. I should have looked, this was not how I wanted to look when standing in front of Axel. Leaning against the doorjamb his gaze traveled from my toes to my face and back down again. Embarrassed by my appearance I quickly tried to close the door. "Hey darling." His foot prevented the door from closing, instead his muscular body worked his way in pushing me back. The door slammed behind us with a loud bang. Was it possible or did he even look bigger in my small apartment? "Just give me a sec to go, um change." Since the outfit I had on revealed way too much skin, skin I needed to keep hidden. Why couldn't he come over when I was wearing something cute or flattering and just more of. "You look just fine to me." Christ his voice just got deeper. Oh that did things to me. Naughty Things. What! Snap out of it Harley...but his eyes continued to hold mine making me brainless. "So Tammy said you didn't want to come to the clubhouse tonight? Why is that?" I didn't realize that I was still moving until my back hit the wall. His large hands came up to rest right by my head, blocking me in. Oh boy. Wow his arms... "Um...I didn't mean anything by it..." "Axel. Say Axel darling. I want to hear it on your lips." He whispered, his face close to mine. "Oh...um okay Axel. I didn't take her invite seriously I guess." Christ I was like a bumbling school girl. How did women do this all the time? This man had me stammering like an idiot. "And why not?" Jesus did he just lean in closer? Oh his lips... "Um...I guess because I am not the type of girl that usually hangs out at your clubhouse." Well not the type any more but he didn't know that. "And what type a girl is that?" The man was smiling. An actual smile! Holy cow I think I just came a little. And was he teasing me? Flirting with me? He never did that. Did Axel have a sense of humor or was he just torturing me? "Um...I am not a sweetbutt?" I was practically a virgin. "Trust me darling...you definitely have a sweet butt, but no you are not at the same caliber as our club bimbos." Ouch. Okay that hurt. Was I that repulsive? His comment was like a kick to the stomach. Not the same caliber. Yeah he has that right. Ducking under his arm I needed to get away from him, but his hand stopped me. "Not so fast darling...that was a compliment. I meant that you were not in the same category as a club bimbo. Oh god..." Frustrated, his mouth smashed against mine as his body pinned me to the wall. Any conscious thought I may have had went right out the window the minute his tongue caressed mine. His large frame dwarfed me, making me feel...every thing. Now I could see why women did this. With my head tipped back, Axel had intercourse with my mouth, leaving no part untouched. After a few more seconds the angle hurt my already sore neck and I whimpered. "What's the matter darling?" His lips continued to peck along my lips. Oh that felt nice but... "My neck..." His tilted his head to exam the bruises and I could feel him tense. Since I was only five four, Axel was at least a whole foot taller than me, without my heels on his towering height was more prevalent. Swearing, his large hands gripped my thighs and lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. What was the man doing? "We should really stop this." God his body felt good. No bad...Christ Harley keep your wits about you. What wits...the man sucked them out when he pecked me. Great now I was answering myself. Bracing me against the wall with his body and knees, his hand cupped my face and brought me out of hiding. "Nah I'm good." "But I am too heavy." And wet...and turned on...and ...the list was endless. "Stop pissing me off. I love your curves, they drive me wild - have since the first day you strutted into Th Scene." Oh...um okay. What was I supposed to say to that? I thought he barely noticed me, what with all the undressed girls bouncing around. With his hand cupping my cheeks his lips went exploring. Oh and the spots he discovered had my body burning. My sexual experience was not a good one, but Axel's lips...Christ they did things to a girl. Really good things. Was this the way intercourse was supposed to feel? All thought about being in his arms evaporated as he tugged down my tank top to expose the top of my breasts. "These are amazing. I cannot wait to get lost in them." Okay. Yeah so apparently that was the only word that came to mind. Did men really talk like this? With the way his lips felt I was pretty much up for anything at this point. Especially as it seemed my brain had malfunctioned. As his lips continued their journey over each plump mound his hands skirted behind me to grab two large handfuls of my hip. Squeezing he pulled me up further into his body, causing his hard manhood to rub directly against me. Jesus it was like being electrocuted. But in a good way. "your hip is so big it fills my hands...even better than I have dreamt about. Soon I plan on taking you in your lush round hip. You are going to love it...it is made for intercourse." His dirty words should have turned me off, but instead they were like throwing gasoline on a fire. And wait did he say...um I will have to get back to him on that one. What was wrong with me? This was not me, other than Axel I never pecked a man before! How did I get to the point where I was considering anal intercourse? In the past whenever I thought about intercourse I was completely repulsed, terrified. Just thinking of getting undressed with a man and doing...that, made me sick to my stomach. But why is this man different? even my dreams are new, but I would take them over my nightmares any day. Lifting his head his lips took mine briefly before he rested his forehead against mine. Looking into his eyes I could see desire? Lust? Not sure but I swear my panties just got wetter. That could also be from his manhood gently rubbing against my private part but I wasn't going to question it. The sound of knock snap both of us back into reality. this was not what I wanted. Bikers are bad. Bad. Bad. I needed to remember that. Had I not learned my lesson? All I had to do was look at my scars for the reminder. Thank god for whoever was on that other side gave me the opportunity to think clearly. Pushing out of Axels arms I all but ran to the door. I needed to keep my distance. Most people would call me crazy, but I was ecstatic to be back at work. It had been two days since my little make out session with Axel was interrupted by Mac. The man seemed to cloud my judgment and I was even more determined then ever to stay away from him. That was the only conclusion I came to after spending the last forty-eight hours of doing nothing but thinking about him. I was so confused. I was so thankful that Mac decided to come check on me but I was going crazy with all the unanswered questions running around in my head. Was I just another lay to him? Another plaything? What could a man like him ever want with a girl like me, other than intercourse? If Axel was bothered by Mac's impromptu visit he didn't show it. But he was when I turned down his invite to head over to the clubhouse, he stormed out of my apartment slamming the door behind him. I guess he wasn't used to the word no. Men and their egos. I could tell Mac wanted to ask but he kept his mouth shut and shifted the focus on my injuries. Now two whole days later and I still had no word from Axel. I guess the man was only after one thing that night and it hurt to think that he got it somewhere else, that he used me. Way to make a girl feel special biker boy. But I should have known better. If there was one subject I knew about, it was bikers. "Hey sweetheart how you feeling today?" Mac leaned against the bar asking. For a man in his late 30s he was still attractive in that older man sort of way. Even I could admit that his body was smoking hot, but in a purely platonic way. "I am fine Mac, how many times do I have to tell you, stop fussing. That was not the first time I have been manhandled and it certainly won't be the last." As the word came out of my mouth, I immediately regretted them. Me and my big mouth. "WHAT. Tell me now who laid their..." "Relax Mac, all in the past. As much as you may think so - I am not an angel. I left home at sixteen and struggled to get where I am now. My past is tainted just like yours." God if he only knew. Tainted was a mild reality. "Sweetheart, trust me there is no way that could be true." Smiling I just shrugged my shoulders and continued to wash the glasses. There was no way I wanted to have this conversation with him. As of right now I liked to keep my past right were it belongs - behind me. There was no sense in bringing it up, I couldn't afford to. After all these years I just prayed that Hunter has finally given up with what ever he had planned. "No worries Mac, I am a big girl and can take care of myself. Now here is the inventory for today, I have already stocked everything and all the glasses are washed." We chatted a few more minutes until the bar began to get crowded and I needed to get back to work. If I was lucky Mac would forget our little conversation and let it go. Friday's were always busy and I was happy to be safely tucked behind the bar tonight. I tried not to look at the door every time it opened to see if Axel would show, but that plan didn't work. God was my life really so pathetic that I was actually waiting on a man to just make an appearance. Apparently so. By midnight I pretty much gave up on seeing him even though I had no idea what to say to the man. Hi you pecked the heck out of me and I liked it? It's not you its me? See there really was nothing to say to him. Getting involved with him was not an option, so I just needed to get these thoughts out of my head. Being sucked back into that world was the least smart thing I could do right now. I needed to stay under the radar and sleeping with the President of the Renegades was not my idea of laying low. "Hey Harley, I need eight beers and one whiskey." Kelly shouted over the music. The order had me pausing for a second as I quickly glanced around the club. Sure enough at table four sat the Renegades. how did I miss them coming in? This time however the bikers were not alone. My heart broke as I watched a girl with long blond hair and barely any clothes on straddle Axel while she sucked on his neck. Not wanting him to see me I turned and filled the order setting the drinks on the tray. When the heck did he come in? It didn't matter when, I guess it just mattered with who. Since the girl wasn't a dancer here she was either one of the sweetbutts or a random girl that hung around the biker clubhouse. Either way the message was clear and well received, Axel moved on. I refused to be with a man that could change his bed partners as often as his socks. My father was like that , coming home with some cheap perfume lingering on his clothes. My mother was the same way, cheating with anyone willing. In the end their actions got both of them killed, not that I cared, they sucked as parents. I guess what did matter was that any feelings I may have been developing for Axel were now pointless. I would never set myself up with a man like my father...a man like Hunter. I have spent enough time at the mercy of men that I was determined to never end up back there. Men who cheated had no honor. Men who had no honor weren't worth wasting time on. Now as I stood here, watching Axel grope and peck the blond was a real eye opener. I didn't need this in my life, not now, not ever. Maybe it was time to move on, leaving was usually the best way to deal with it. Out of sight out of mind. I would miss Mac but that was it...	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/RHJlYW1zLzM2MzQzOS8y	Hut001	https://www.facebook.com/61550056771112/	135	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	b.chaptersapps.com	VIDEO		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/RHJlYW1zLzM2MzQzOS8yMDI0MTEyNTE3MjYyOC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468332045_1147747327064162_4619085615181787387_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ExHezhtFL3MQ7kNvgHnxRXj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZvRD462TlfDbBZ2kDfUD7Q&oh=00_AYDN-wJswZvNuB_14GHVUnTTxTB7gC1WdjYyUsYiK16awA&oe=674AEBD5	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Hut001	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,497	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535971}'	No	2024-11-25 19:33	active	1922	🔥 Get Top Dollar Fast—Sell Your Property with No Hassles, No Fees! 🔥	⏰ Sell Your House in Just 7 Days—Stress-Free! ⏰ Tired of the lengthy selling process? We offer a simple and transparent way to sell your home fast, regardless of its condition. Imagine closing the deal in a week and moving forward without hassles or delays. 🚀 Don’t wait! Get started now and close in as little as 7 days! 🚀	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	Doctor Home - we buy houses	https://www.facebook.com/DoctorHomePro/	67	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	fb.me	DCO		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468326207_608599724854643_8199673099751071245_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wJlLoSCnYvMQ7kNvgHmsObQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AYg8Dtx3HyHr29N88fRDryX&oh=00_AYBnYiBLfsUwEuB_bpw3WdiNz1ymB-g2w2qbTwpRmfXOUA&oe=674B04C2	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Doctor Home - we buy houses	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,791	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535790}'	Yes	2024-11-25 19:35	active	1922	New 2025 Kia Telluride $52,170 - 5XYP5DGC6SG578480	Click for Details	SHOP_NOW	https://autos.lotlinx.com/?pubId=125000&ad=5XYP5DG	Car Savvy 17	https://www.facebook.com/100083204752717/	14	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	www.kellygrimsleykia.com	CAROUSEL	Click for Details	https://autos.lotlinx.com/?pubId=125000&ad=5XYP5DGC6SG578480&channelid=55933_Kelly_Grimsley_429566_insta_core241110_2_conversion_insta&contractid=429566&type=FC&confirm=true&lp=https://www.kellygrimsleykia.com/new/Kia/2025-Kia-Telluride-9fd9bf12ac184c7e7f8735613518d418.htm	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468428950_537343755780117_1205327131954500335_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xVF5ndy2n2sQ7kNvgGhQNnc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AazQ4YSZ6EJJQJtBxwjN_Vp&oh=00_AYDirM1Zymm9msSXQgSVrEUsqQt_gayHsTf4Ute8PdajhQ&oe=674AE578	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Car Savvy 17	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,834	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535805}'	Yes	2024-11-25 19:35	active	1922	❤️😍O que acontece a seguir👉Clique aqui para continuar lendo👉	Cheguei em casa depois de um dia puxado e meus pais estavam me esperando na sala. - Catarina, senta aí que precisamos conversar. – Meu pai falou e parecia bem nervoso. - Pode falar, pai, o que aconteceu? – Perguntei ao meu pai cansado, eu tinha trabalhado o dia todo, ido pra faculdade à noite e, ao chegar em casa, a única coisa que eu queria era tomar um banho e cair na cama. Mas não foi possível. - Catarina, chegou o convite de casamento da sua prima. – Minha mãe falou. - Aquela mulherzinha não é minha prima! – Falei já ficando nervosa. - Catarina, ela é a sua prima. – Minha mãe falou. – É melhor você parar com esse ataque de infantilidade. A Melissa já bateu nela e fez um escândalo aqui em casa. Agora chega! Ela é filha da minha irmã, portanto é sua prima. - Me desculpa, mãe, mas ela não é nada pra mim. – Tentei manter a calma. – Ela ficou com o meu namorado na minha cama, isso não é coisa que se faça. Eu namorava o Cláudio há quatro anos, ele foi meu primeiro namorado, e o encontrei na minha cama, no meu quarto, transando com a Kelly, minha prima! Eu fiquei em choque. Claro que a Melissa, minha melhor amiga, partiu pra cima deles. Desde então as coisas ficaram tensas em minha casa, pois meus pais insistiam que era uma bobagem e que eu deveria agir como se nada tivesse acontecido e voltasse a conviver com a minha prima. - Errado foi ele, Catarina, que era seu namorado. – Minha mãe argumentou. – A Kelly, coitada, foi seduzida, ele a desonrou, agora vai se casar com ela pra ela não ficar mal falada na cidade. - Ah, mãe! Me poupe e se poupe! A cidade inteira sabe que a Kelly é uma vadia... – Perdi a paciência. - Catarina, olha o vocabulário! – Meu pai chamou a minha atenção. – Olha aqui, se você não quer conviver com a Kelly tudo bem, mas você vai a esse casamento. E chega desse comportamento grosseiro. - Eu o quê? – Achei que eu tinha ouvido errado. - Você vai ao casamento da sua prima, Catarina. Isso é uma ordem! Nós somos os seus pais e você vai obedecer. – Minha mãe falava brava comigo, como se eu fosse a errada nessa situação. - Sinto muito, mãe, mas eu não vou! Eu sigo as regras de vocês, eu sou uma boa filha, mas dessa vez não vai dar. Eu fui a ofendida! Eu tenho todo o direito de não querer ser a piada da família mais. – Falei já chorando. - CHEGA, CATARINA! – Meu pai gritou e me assustou. – Você vai a esse casamento e ponto final. - Mas, pai... - Não quero saber, Catarina! É importante pra sua mãe manter a paz na família. Então você vai e pronto. – Meu pai falou não dando margem para questionamentos. Fui para o meu quarto e passei a noite chorando. No dia seguinte contei tudo para a Melissa, que não perdeu tempo, arrumou os convites para um baile de máscaras, evento de gala, falando para os meus pais que seria importantíssimo para a minha carreira, já que os empresários mais importantes da cidade estariam lá, eu faria contatos muito importantes e nossos professores haviam prometido nos apresentar a vários empresários que abririam portas para o nosso futuro profissional. Em princípio meus pais não estavam muito convencidos, mas os pais da Melissa conversaram com eles e os convenceram de que seria uma excelente oportunidade para o meu futuro. Então eles concordaram que eu deveria aproveitar a oportunidade. - Catarina, você não pode me dizer não! Já comprei os convites, as máscaras e já até convenci seus pais de que é um evento importantíssimo para o seu futuro profissional, o que me deu um trabalhão. Essa festa vai ser incrível e você não vai perder! – Melissa, falava e me olhava com os olhos de um cachorrinho abandonado, juntando as mãos como se suplicando. Eu estava sentada em minha mesa no trabalho, no meio da tarde de uma quinta feira, entre anotar recados e fazer ligações, e a Mel apareceu com café, bolinhos de chocolate e essa insistência para eu aceitar ir no baile de máscaras que acontecia anualmente e era o maior evento em nossa cidade. - Ai, Mel, como é que pode eu não conseguir dizer não pra você? Está bem, eu vou! Eu concordei em ir ao baile, mas eu ainda não tinha certeza. De qualquer forma eu iria dormir na casa da Mel para fugir do casamento, mas não iria à festa, contudo, Melissa tanto fez que me convenceu a ir pra festa. No sábado nos arrumamos na casa dela. - Quê isso, hein, amiga! Tá gata demais! – Ela me entregou uma máscara dourada, linda, toda trabalhada como se fosse uma renda, que cobria até o nariz e eu a coloquei. Eu usava um vestido de cetim vermelho brilhante e a máscara combinou perfeitamente. – Então, estamos prontas? - Sim estamos prontas. – Respondi e peguei minha bolsa. – Ih, esqueci meu perfume. - Não, tem problema, você vai usar o perfume novo da minha mãe. Ela não se importa. Quando o Fernando, namorado da Mel, nos viu sorriu, deu um beijo na Mel e disse: - Garotas, vocês estão lindíssimas! Acho que você vai sair dessa festa com um namorado novo, Cat. - Sem namorado, Nando. Na verdade, eu acho que é melhor eu ficar, eu não estou no clima pra festa. Por favor, Mel, deixa eu ficar? CAPÍTULO 2: O grande baile, a tequila, os cosmopolitans e o estranho irresistível Não teve jeito, minha amiga me arrastou para o baile. Logo que entramos a Mel nos arrastou para o bar e falou no meu ouvido: - A festa é open bar, então hoje você vai beber para afogar de vez a tristeza! –A Mel me entregou dois shots de tequila e com mais dois em suas mãos me falou: - Vamos virar! – viramos a tequila e o Fernando já entregava uma taça de cosmopolitan para cada uma. Melissa me arrastou para a pista de dança e até que eu estava me divertindo. Começou uma música lenta e o Nando e a Mel começaram a dançar agarradinhos, aproveitei a deixa e me encaminhei para o buffet, mas não consegui chegar, senti uma mão puxando a minha e quando olhei para trás havia um homem com uma máscara preta sorrindo pra mim, e que sorriso! Ele beijou minha mão e me puxou para perto dizendo no meu ouvido com uma voz rouca: - A mulher mais linda do salão não vai me negar uma dança, vai? - E por que não? Vamos dançar. – Sorri pra ele. Era impossível resistir aquela voz rouca sedutora e aquele sorriso lindo meio de lado! Ele era alto, ombros largos, um sorriso encantador e olhos azuis, tão azuis que eram quase violeta. Ele tinha uma boca que convidava ao pecado, cabelos castanhos, e quando me puxou pela cintura eu apoiei as mãos em seu corpo e percebi que ele era uma parede de músculos bem definidos. Embora a máscara não permitisse ver seu rosto, ele era muito charmoso e encantador. - Eu estava observando você desde que chegou. – Aquele homem, com ar misterioso, falou no meu ouvido. – Você é tão linda! - Você é gentil. Mas você não é da cidade, é? – Ele tinha uma presença forte, emanava poder. - Não. Um amigo me convenceu a vir a essa festa. - Parece que temos algo em comum, meus amigos também me convenceram a vir. - Sorte minha! - E por que? – Sorri. - Porque eu fiquei fascinado quando te vi. Você é muito linda. – Enquanto ele falava no meu ouvido eu ia me arrepiando, sentindo meu rosto esquentar e o corpo formigar, ele realmente me encantou. - Mesmo com a máscara? - Mesmo com a máscara! Você é linda demais. - Você é um sedutor. - Você me acha sedutor? - Você sabe que é. E lindo também. - Que bom que você gosta do que vê. – Eu me senti um pouco zonza, não sei se pela bebida ou pelo perfume delicioso que aquele homem usava. Acabei tropeçando nos meus próprios pés. - Você está bem? - Acho que preciso de um pouco de ar. - Vem comigo. - Ele me puxou para um corredor sem iluminação que dava para uma saída de emergência e ficou assoprando o meu rosto. – Eu quero muito te beijar. Posso? – Eu fiz que sim com a cabeça. Ele olhou nos meus olhos, segurou a minha nuca e nossos lábios se encontraram, começou lento, mas foi se aprofundando, ele me encostou na parede e o beijo se intensificou ainda mais, quase nos roubando o fôlego, quando ele interrompeu o beijo para respirarmos, nos olhamos nos olhos, foi como jogar gasolina no fogo, ele passou a mão pela minha cintura, desceu até minha coxa e puxou minha perna para sua cintura. Eu já estava completamente entregue nesse momento, sentindo seu corpo contra o meu, eu fiquei louca de tesão e o puxei para mais perto envolvendo sua cintura com minha perna. - Você beija bem! – Sorri pra ele e senti meu corpo todo se arrepiar. – Ah, linda, você é incrível, eu quero muito você, aqui, agora! – ele disse entre beijos e enfiou a mão sob o meu vestido o puxando pra cima e chegando a minha calcinha. Eu estava em chamas quando ele enfiou a mão dentro da minha calcinha e gemeu. – Ah! Que delícia! Tão quente, tão molhadinha! – Disse e me beijou com mais força, enquanto abria o zíper da sua calça. Com um movimento rápido, de quem já tinha feito aquilo antes, ele rasgou minha calcinha e acariciou minha entrada, como se pedisse permissão. Olhou nos meus olhos de novo e me perguntou: - O que você quer que eu faça? - Eu quero que você esteja dentro de mim agora! – Respondi sem nenhum pudor, eu já estava arfando de tanto tesão. Eu não resisti aqueles olhos e aquela voz rouca. Eu nunca fui assim, normalmente eu teria me desvencilhado dele no momento em que me puxou pela mão, mas aquela noite eu havia prometido a mim mesma que iria me divertir e se aparecesse alguém interessante eu viveria o momento. E era o que eu estava fazendo, vivendo aquele momento. Ao me ouvir, ele foi entrando em mim devagar, observando eu encostar minha cabeça na parede e aproveitar cada centímetro dele, e ele era enorme. Ele aproveitou para espalhar beijos pelo meu pescoço. Quando acabou de entrar ele parou e falou entre beijos no meu ouvido: - Agora eu vou me mexer. – E começou a sair, só pra entrar de novo com toda força dessa vez, e foi uma delícia, eu estava completamente entregue e enlouquecida com os movimentos dele que entrava e saia de mim freneticamente. Nos descontrolamos e nos entregamos totalmente, como se não tivesse nada ao nosso redor, eu senti uma névoa em meus olhos e o climax começando a se formar e gemi baixinho no ouvido dele, nesse momento parece que ele enlouqueceu, puxou minha outra perna para sua cintura e eu o entrelacei. Me beijando intensamente ele entrava e saia com mais força ainda em mim, era o paraíso na terra. Eu gozei gemendo na boca dele e foi um climax incrível, mas ele continuou o movimento e logo outro climax se formou, e gozei novamente, um climax ainda maior que o anterior que me deixou sem fôlego, enquanto eu gozava ele me disse baixinho que estava no limite me sentindo pulsar ao seu redor, logo eu senti o gozo dele quente dentro de mim. Ficamos ali encostados naquela parede, totalmente sem fôlego, a testa dele encostada a minha. Enquanto me beijava, ele começou a sair de mim e eu estava completamente bem comida, como diria a Melissa. Eu sorri e ele me olhou, me deu um selinho e disse: - Você é realmente incrível! Gentilmente ele baixou minhas pernas até meus pés tocarem o chão, colocou o meu vestido em ordem, arrumou sua calça e me abraçou. Isso foi tão íntimo, tão afetuoso, apesar da loucura daquele encontro e da ferocidade com que nos entregamos, ele ainda era cuidadoso comigo. Eu nunca tinha tido uma relação tão maravilhosa, mas eu só tinha transado com meu ex até então. E meu ex nunca tinha se preocupado em me abraçar depois, nem se preocupava com meu prazer, para ele a coisa se resumia a entrar e sair até ele estar satisfeito, então, o fato de um homem se preocupar comigo, com meu prazer, cuidar de mim, foi novidade, e uma novidade incrível. Ele me deu um beijo no pescoço e perguntou no meu ouvido: - Então, linda, eu ainda não sei o seu nome. – Levei segundos para processar e finalmente me dar conta de que acabei de transar com um completo estranho e nem sei o nome dele. Quando eu ia abrir a boca pra falar, ele puxou o celular do bolso e me pediu um minuto para atender. Se afastou um pouco e só pude ouvir ele elevando a voz e dizendo: - O que você disse? – Nesse momento aquele estranho saiu correndo como se tivesse se esquecido de mim, ou como se só estivesse fugindo da rapariga que comeu rapidinho na festa. Mas e daí? Foda-se eu só estava me divertindo também e eu nem sabia quem era o cara e ele não sabia quem eu era. Tudo certo. Me recompus, procurei minha calcinha rasgada inutilmente, onde ele a teria jogado eu não faço ideia, e saí daquele corredor. Voltei pra mesa e encontrei a Mel e o Nando se agarrando. Logo eles pararam e focaram em mim: - Mel, acho que encontrei o Lobo Mau! – Eu ri e ela riu comigo. - Quando chegarmos em casa quero saber tudo! - Claro que quer! – respondi com os olhos brilhando. - Príncipe, acho que já podemos ir. O que acha, Cat? - Eu estou pronta quando vocês quiserem! – falei virando um copo de água. - Então vamos, garotas! – Fernando falou e nos conduziu para a saída. Mal chegamos e a Mel já foi me ordenando: - Conta tudo, quem é, como foi, como não foi, tudo. Eu ri e contei tudo pra ela, quando terminei de falar minha amiga me olhava de boca aberta e me perguntou: - Vocês usaram camisinha, né? Meu coração disparou! A gente não usou preservativo. E eu balancei a cabeça em negativa para ela, eu estava em choque por me dar conta do quão descuidada eu fui. Ela já foi logo me acalmando: - Não, Cat, calma. Com certeza não vai dar nada. Mas você deve fazer uns exames para garantir que está tudo bem. Vou na cozinha preparar um chá pra gente. Não surta! CAPÍTULO 3: Chegou a hora da verdade Na segunda, na hora do almoço, encontrei a Mel e ela me entregou uma sacolinha de uma loja chique. Olhei pra ela sem entender. - Minha mãe mandou eu te entregar. Ela disse que ele é perfeito para você e não combina com ela. – A Mel falou com um grande sorriso. Abri a sacolinha e lá dentro estava o perfume que eu usei para ir ao baile. Eu abri um grande sorriso. Eu amei aquele perfume e ele era parte da melhor noite da minha vida. Liguei para o laboratório e fui informada que precisaria apresentar um pedido médico para fazer os exames pelo plano de saúde. Graças a Deus a empresa pagava plano de saúde para os funcionários, porque se não, não sei o que faria, meu salário não era alto e o pouco que sobrava depois de cobrir as despesas da faculdade eu ajudava em casa, já que minha mãe não trabalhava fora e meu pai também não ganhava muito como motorista. Então marquei o médico que só tinha horário para quinze dias depois e aguardei agoniada. Quanto mais os dias passavam mais nervosa eu estava, a Mel fazia de tudo para me acalmar. Na data marcada ela foi comigo ao médico. Com a lista de exames nas mãos ela mesma marcou o laboratório e fez questão de me acompanhar. Já tinham se passado três semanas desde a festa quando eu finalmente consegui fazer os exames. Os resultados saíram cinco dias depois e eu voltei ao médico. Claro que a Mel estava comigo. O médico verificou os resultados e me olhou nos olhos: - Srta. Catarina, sua saúde está ótima. Você está saudável. Mas, daqui pra frente terá que se cuidar melhor. Eu respirei aliviada Ele continuou falando: - Parabéns, você está grávida! Vou encaminhá-la para um ginecologista obstetra para que você faça o pré natal.... Eu não ouvi mais nada, só o sangue pulsando em meus ouvidos. Eu não podia acreditar nisso! Grávida? Como eu iria explicar? Não é possível. Na primeira vez que deixo a racionalidade de lado acabo grávida e nem sei quem é o pai! A Mel segurava minha mão e repetia: - Calma, Cat, vai ficar tudo bem! Como ficaria tudo bem? Eu nem sabia quem era o pai. Eu teria que contar isso para os meus pais, sua única filha acabaria com eles. Eles ficariam decepcionados, iriam me odiar, me colocariam pra fora de casa. Como eu ia explicar que não sei nem como é a cara do pai do meu filho? Eu já estava hiperventilando. De repente, senti o médico pegando minha mão e falando calmamente: - Filha, calma! A situação, pelo que percebo, não é a melhor, mas você não pode ficar nervosa assim, isso fará mal para o seu bebê, agora você tem que se cuidar por ele. Tenho certeza que as pessoas que te amam vão te apoiar e ajudar. Mas você precisa se acalmar, porque só você pode cuidar para que esse bebê se desenvolva saudável e nasça forte. Você me compreende? O médico pediu a secretária para trazer um chá de camomila para mim e enquanto eu bebia o chá e tentava me acalmar ele passava todas as informações para a Melissa que ouvia tudo atentamente. Saímos do consultório e a Melissa me levou para uma lanchonete dizendo que nós precisávamos comer alguma coisa. Logo que me sentei senti as lágrimas caírem. Minha amiga me abraçou e me disse mais uma vez que eu não estava sozinha. Olhei para ela e disse: - A única certeza que tenho agora é que quero você e o Nando como padrinhos do meu filho, porque sei que vocês vão apoiá-lo e dar a ele muito amor. Os olhos dela brilharam e ela explodiu em lágrimas e soluçando me respondeu: - Eu vou ser a melhor madrinha do mundo e vou estar sempre perto do nosso bebê! E tenho certeza que o Nando vai ficar muito feliz também! Ela garantiu que estaria ao meu lado sempre, deixou claro que eu não passaria por nada sozinha e que estaria comigo quando eu fosse falar com meus pais. Meus pais... ai! Comecei a raciocinar e decidi que não iria esconder deles nem por um dia, ia contar naquela noite mesmo, não iria a faculdade, pois iria pra casa falar com eles. A Mel logo me apoiou e disse: - Então vamos, eu estou com você! Quando chegamos em minha casa meus pais se assustaram e minha mãe já veio toda preocupada: - Meninas, vocês não foram a aula hoje? Está tudo bem? - Não muito, mãe. Eu preciso falar com vocês. Meus pais perceberam logo que era algo muito sério. Nos sentamos todos na sala e eu contei a eles o que estava acontecendo e que eu fui irresponsável e fiquei com um estranho na festa, não entrei em detalhes obviamente, mas deixei claro que não poderia encontrar o pai do meu filho de novo. A decepção nos olhos deles era evidente. Minha mãe soluçava de tanto chorar e dizia que eu estava arruinada. Meu pai até então não havia dito nada. A Melissa vendo como minha mãe estava nervosa foi logo na cozinha e voltou com um copo de água com açúcar para ela. Melissa sempre dá água com açúcar pra quem está nervoso dizendo que acalma, eu nunca entendi isso. Por fim, meu pai falou: - Você cometeu um erro muito grande e não tem volta. Ouvir meu pai enfatizar que eu errei fez meu coração doer ainda mais. Eu comecei a chorar e fui falando: - Eu sei, pai, eu fui irresponsável. Mas agora não tem jeito. Eu vou deixar a faculdade para poder criar meu filho. E já vou fazer minha mala... - Fazer a mala? Você está muito enganada se acha que vai sair dessa casa assim. Você errou, nos decepcionou, mas nós te amamos, vamos superar isso e vamos ajudar você. Você não está sozinha, minha filha! E essa criança também não! – Meu pai disse isso e meu coração se encheu de esperança. - Mas pai, eu envergonhei vocês... - Você não é a primeira e não será a última mãe solteira nesse mundo. Nós gostaríamos que as coisas fossem diferentes para você, que não fossem tão difíceis. Você sempre foi tão responsável! Mas, se é assim, nós vamos enfrentar isso. Você não vai deixar a faculdade, mais do que nunca você precisa crescer na vida para cuidar do seu filho, você vai ser mãe solteira, sua responsabilidade é muito grande. Nós vamos te ajudar e, mesmo que seja com dificuldade, vai dar tudo certo. A Melissa já estava chorando e logo falou com os meus pais: - Sr. Antônio, Dona Celina, vocês contem comigo, vou ajudar em tudo! Até porque eu sou a madrinha desse bebê, a Cat é como uma irmã pra mim, e vou estar sempre por perto. Meus pais olharam para ela com gratidão. Eu olhei para aqueles três me sentindo completamente abençoada por tê-los em minha vida, cheia de amor por eles e um sentimento totalmente novo por aquele serzinho que ainda crescia dentro de mim e que eu acabava de descobrir a existência! Por mais difícil que fosse ser mãe solteira, aquela noite no baile foi a melhor noite da minha vida. Eu nunca vou poder esquecer aqueles olhos azuis violeta me olhando com adoração durante nosso encontro furtivo e tudo o que meu corpo experimentou naquela noite. Eu sempre teria essa doce lembrança comigo. Os meses seguintes foram difíceis. Guardei em uma caixa o vestido, os sapatos, a máscara e o perfume que a mãe da Mel me deu. Em dias difíceis eu abria aquela caixa e revivia em minha memória aquela noite. Embora eu tenha tido uma gravidez tranquila, os comentários e a maldade das pessoas era difícil suportar. Para piorar, depois que se casaram, meu ex e minha prima foram morar com os pais dela, que moravam na mesma rua que nós, e eles faziam questão de me humilhar com comentários maldosos sempre que me viam e espalharam no bairro inteiro que eu não sabia quem era o pai do meu filho e que eu era uma perdida, por isso que o Cláudio me deixou. Eu queria matá-los! A mãe da Kelly, que era irmã da minha mãe, também não perdia a oportunidade de ir lá em casa nos atormentar, dizendo que ainda bem que a filha dela não era como eu, que era uma boa moça, que tinha se casado com um homem decente. Parecia ter esquecido que aquela puta roubou meu namorado e transou com ele na minha cama. Mas eu engolia tudo, não valia a pena bater boca com essa gente e eu não queria transmitir sentimentos ruins ao meu filho. Quanto mais os dias passavam, mais eu amava aquele bebê, eu não tinha ideia que poderia existir um amor assim. Tudo o que eu fazia, fazia por ele. Eu o protegeria de tudo, eu daria a minha vida por ele. E, por incrível que pareça, com a gravidez parecia que todas as coisas fluíam para o meu bem, tudo ia se encaminhando e dando certo. Descobri que eu teria um menino e decidi que se chamaria Pedro. E assim foi. Pedro nasceu saudável, com um par de imensos olhos azuis violeta que nunca me deixariam esquecer da noite que mudou a minha vida, mas que foi a melhor noite que eu vivi! Eu nunca esqueceria aquele homem! CAPÍTULO 4: Depois da faculdade Quando eu me formei, Pedro já estava com dois anos. A essa altura ele já andava para todos os lados, sempre agarrado na vovó, que foi a primeira palavrinha que ele disse. Era um menino lindo, cabelinhos amigos bem lisinhos, pele clara, um nariz arrebitadinho e aqueles enormes olhos violeta que me faziam suspirar. Ele era o meu sol! E agora eu teria mais tempo pra ele. Após a formatura meu chefe me chamou para conversar, ele era um ótimo chefe, disse que estava muito feliz comigo na empresa, mas sabia que eu merecia chegar muito longe, então eu deveria procurar emprego na minha área, que ele compreenderia. Garantiu que meu emprego na construtora seria meu enquanto eu quisesse e que se eu saísse e não desse certo eu teria para onde voltar. Mas que eu deveria buscar algo na minha área de formação, para dar um futuro muito melhor para o meu filho. Eu fiquei muito emocionada com isso e aceitei o seu bom conselho. Contei pra Melissa e ela logo me disse que ia falar com o pai dela para que ele acionasse alguns contatos. E não demorou, o Sr. Otávio Lascuran, pai da Mel, me chamou no escritório dele e me entregou um cartão, me dizendo: - Catarina, sei que você é uma ótima garota e uma boa profissional. Falei com um amigo e ele conseguiu uma entrevista para você no Grupo Mellendez, é para o cargo de assistente do CEO do grupo. Se você conseguir esse emprego vai exercer sua profissão em uma empresa global, é um excelente cargo, mas não é aqui em Campanário. Você teria que se mudar para Porto Paraíso. Eu sei que é um passo enorme, mas acho que você deveria considerar, vai ser excelente para você. Enfim, envie um e-mail para o endereço eletrônico no cartão com a sua resposta desistindo da vaga ou aceitando a entrevista virtual. - Sr. Lascuran, eu não tenho palavras para agradecer! Vocês sempre foram tão bons comigo! O Grupo Mellendez é um dos maiores conglomerados de empresas do país! Trabalhar lá é um sonho! Eu vou aceitar a entrevista sim, se tiver que me mudar eu vou, sei que será uma grande oportunidade. – falei com convicção, pois não seria ruim me afastar daquelas pessoas maldosas da minha família, principalmente agora que a “rainha” Kelly estava grávida e a mãe dela resolveu pedir tudo que é do Pedro pro rebento do casal canalha! Ainda bem que minha mãe disse a ela que isso era um absurdo, mas que de qualquer forma seria impossível, pois eu já havia dado tudo que não servia mais para o Pedro para uma conhecida que estava grávida. Minha mãe andava muito chateada com a irmã, pois ela estava sempre se desfazendo do meu filho, sempre se referia a ele como o menino sem pai e isso magoou muito minha mãe. Indo embora dessa cidade, só vou lamentar em deixar meus pais e meus amigos, mas sei que eles vão me apoiar mais uma vez. Agradeci ao Sr. Lascuran e sai do escritório. Cheguei a minha mesa e falei com o meu chefe, outro Sr. Lascuran, mas ele não gostava de ser chamado assim então o chamava pelo nome: - Aldo, seu irmão conseguiu uma entrevista pra mim no Grupo Mellendez. Ele sorriu: - Eu sei, ele acabou de me ligar, acho que você deve agarrar a oportunidade, se não der certo você volta. Sorri pra ele e fui logo enviar o e-mail para marcar a entrevista. Recebi rapidamente a confirmação de que a entrevista seria no dia seguinte às dez horas da manhã, já que eu já havia tomado a iniciativa de enviar o meu currículo, a entrevista seria rápida. Naquela noite em casa falei com os meus pais que entenderam, mesmo se preocupando em como eu ia cuidar de uma criança sozinha em outra cidade e ficando chorosos porque ficariam longe do neto. Me apoiaram como sempre e ficaram felizes com a oportunidade que eu recebi. Pedi que eles não contassem para ninguém. Quando a Mel chegou, ela ia todos os dias ver o afilhado, contei tudo e ela me ajudou a me preparar para o dia seguinte. Na hora da entrevista, fui para a sala de reuniões do meu trabalho, meu chefe havia me liberado, me sentei e esperei a chamada. Fui entrevistada por uma senhora muito gentil e inteligente, Sra. Mariana Toledo. Foi muito agradável, conversamos por duas horas, ela me passou todas as informações do cargo, salário e benefícios, no final ela me disse: - Catarina, você está contratada! Você vai me substituir, já que eu estou indo para um cargo de diretoria na filial de Londres, então você ocupará meu cargo aqui. De modo que gostaria que você começasse o mais rápido possível, pois eu viajo daqui a dez dias e gostaria de lhe passar tudo antes de ir. E também não gostaria de reagendar a minha partida. Quando você pode começar? - Eu preciso apenas que meu chefe me libere, mas creio que posso estar aí na segunda. – Já era sexta, será que o Aldo concordaria em me liberar ainda hoje? - Perfeito. Você pode me enviar um e-mail confirmando depois de falar com ele. Você tem alguma dúvida? - Não, senhora. Está tudo claro. -Ótimo! Bem vinda ao Grupo Mellendez, tenho certeza que você vai se sair muito bem. Te espero na segunda. Ela encerrou a chamada e meu coração estava disparado, eu tinha conseguido. O emprego era ótimo, o salário melhor ainda e eu ainda teria chance de progredir. Era um sonho. Mas era hora de correr para resolver tudo. Fui imediatamente falar com meu chefe. Ele ficou feliz, ligou para a contabilidade e mandou fazer meu acerto imediatamente. Após o acerto ele me liberou, disse que eu teria sempre um lugar para voltar se precisasse, mas que sabia que eu iria me dar muito bem. O agradeci por tudo e saí. Mandei o e-mail de confirmação para a Sra. Mariana, dizendo que na segunda, às oito da manhã, estaria na empresa, e fui logo falar com a Mel e o pai dela, tinha que agradecer. E aí foi a Mel quem me surpreendeu: - O que você achou, que ia levar meu afilhado embora assim? Não vai mesmo! Meu pai conseguiu uma entrevista para mim na Lince Mundi em Porto Paraíso. Eu vou me mudar com você e vamos morar juntas. O que acha? Isso era perfeito! Fiquei muito feliz, mas logo perguntei: - Mel, mas e o Nando? - O Nando já pediu na empresa a transferência dele pra filial de Porto Paraíso, lá ele terá mais oportunidades também. Ele vai daqui a quinze dias. Amiga, vida nova para nós três. Eu estava muito feliz. A Mel já havia orquestrado tudo. O Nando ia nos levar e ela ficaria com o Pedro para eu trabalhar até conseguirmos a creche. Ela já tinha três creches para visitar e o pai dela já havia disponibilizado um apartamento mobiliado na cidade pra gente. Era bom demais, eu estava até com medo. Percebendo, a Mel me cutucou e me disse: - Aprenda a aceitar as coisas boas que a vida te oferece! Eu sorri pra ela e fomos para a casa dos meus pais. Era hora de dar a notícia e nos despedir. Porto Paraíso fica do outro lado do país, então ficaríamos sem nos ver um tempo. Meus pais ficaram felizes, até eu dizer que partiria na manhã seguinte, aí a despedida foi uma tristeza. Era difícil deixá-los para trás, mas era necessário. Com o salário que eu receberia, poderia ajudá-los agora. Isso era bom. Na manhã seguinte o Nando e a Mel chegaram pontualmente. O pai da Mel deu uma caminhonete de presente para ela, o que facilitou muito fazer nossa mudança. O Nando colocou tudo na caminhonete e lá fomos nós, seria o dia todo na estrada. Chegamos a Porto Paraíso já era tarde da noite de sábado, Pedrinho estava muito cansado, se divertiu muito durante a viagem, era tudo novidade. Nos acomodamos, pedimos comida e depois de comer fomos dormir. No domingo percorremos a cidade reconhecendo tudo, Porto Paraíso era uma cidade muito grande, cheia de indústrias, muito moderna, ficava no litoral e o porto atraia muitos negócios para a cidade, era um centro urbano de primeiro mundo. O apartamento em que iríamos morar ficava perto de uma das creches que a Mel havia contactado, isso era ótimo, e também não ficava longe da empresa, de metrô eu chegaria em vinte minutos. Era lindo, decorado em estilo moderno e bem arejado e iluminado, com janelas enormes. À noite deixamos o Nando no aeroporto e de volta em casa fomos descansar, o dia seguinte seria um grande dia, eu começaria no emprego e a Mel faria sua entrevista virtual e marcaria com a diretora da creche perto do apartamento para irmos conhecer e conversar. Coloquei meu filho na cama, ele estava cansado de tanto que se divertiu hoje. Eu observei por um tempo seu soninho tranquilo e estava confiante de que aqui nós teríamos uma vida muito boa. Pedro agora tinha seu próprio quarto, eu e a Mel combinamos de comprar umas coisinhas para deixar bem a nossa cara, dar um toque pessoal. Peguei a babá eletrônica e fui para o meu quarto. Abri uma das minhas caixas e comecei a arrumar tudo ali. Quando abri a última caixa, tirei dela a caixa com minhas lembranças da noite do baile, a abri, passei a mão por aquele vestido lindo e suspirei mais uma vez. Peguei o perfume e pensei, “por que não?”, a partir de amanhã eu usaria esse perfume todos os dias, meu salário era bom e quando esse acabasse eu poderia comprar outro. Guardei a caixa, deixei o perfume sobre a penteadeira e fui dormir cheia de expectativas com essa vida nova que se abria a minha frente. CAPÍTULO 5: Meu novo chefe é muito estressado Me apresentei na empresa às oito da manhã. Fui muito bem recebida pela Sra. Mariana, que me apresentou todo mundo e todos foram gentis. O chefe não estava lá, estava viajando e chegaria no final da semana. O escritório era lindo, muito moderno, todo decorado em branco, aço inox e detalhes verdes, muito profissional e acolhedor ao mesmo tempo. Era elegante e eu gostei muito. Fiquei particularmente feliz por ter escolhido vestir um terno amigo, com uma blusa de cetim verde escuro por baixo e saltos amigos. Eu deveria estar elegante todos os dias agora, afinal ia trabalhar direto com o presidente da empresa. No meio da manhã recebi uma mensagem da Mel dizendo que conseguiu marcar com a diretora da creche próxima ao nosso apartamento para a hora do almoço. Expliquei a situação a Sra. Mariana e perguntei se seria possível me liberar no horário, mas que eu estaria de volta a tempo. - Então você tem um filho. Qual a idade dele? – ela me perguntou com um sorriso. - Ele tem dois anos. É um garotinho muito esperto. Não foi planejado, mas é a razão da minha vida! - Qual o nome dele? - Pedro. - Pedro. Um nome forte. Você não é casada, isso eu sei, mas e o pai do seu filho, vocês continuam juntos? – Meu coração despencou, como é que eu explico pra ela que não sei quem é o pai? Mas eu não minto, então vamos enfrentar a verdade. Contei para ela que o pai do Pedro era um homem que eu conheci em uma festa e nunca mais vi, ela me olhava séria, não havia julgamento nos olhos dela. Então me disse: - Você tem o meu respeito, Catarina, não é fácil ser mãe solteira, e é muito difícil contar verdades como essa que você sabe que vai despertar o julgamento dos outros. Obrigada pela confiança e honestidade. Vai lá resolver a creche para o seu filho, continuamos à tarde, não precisa correr. Agradeci e me despedi dela indo encontrar a Mel e o Pedro. Minha admiração e respeito pela Sra. Mariana só cresciam. Ela é uma mulher de uns cinquenta e cinco anos, cabelos loiros bem claros e olhos azuis quase transparentes. É uma mulher bonita e elegante, mas principalmente é muito acolhedora. Nós nos demos muito bem. Durante o resto da manhã ela me encheu de informações sobre o trabalho e eu ia anotando tudo. Na hora do almoço eu saí do prédio e a Mel já estava me esperando na porta com o Pedro. Entrei no carro e fomos almoçar antes de ir à creche. Eu e a Mel adoramos a creche e o Pedro já estava enturmado correndo com os novos amiguinhos, ele é um menino muito extrovertido. Isso me deixou muito feliz! Meu filho estava feliz! Desistimos de ver as outras creches, pois essa era ótima e ficava muito perto de casa, a três quarteirões de distância. Fizemos a matrícula e acertamos todos os detalhes. A diretora sugeriu que deixássemos o Pedro até o final do dia, já que ele estava se divertindo e assim já ia se adaptando. A Mel ficou de buscá-lo no fim do dia. A Mel me deixou na empresa novamente e me disse que voltaria pra casa para se preparar para a entrevista de trabalho que seria no meio da tarde. Voltei à minha sala e cheguei antes da Sra. Mariana. Sentei à mesa e fui repassando tudo o que ela já havia me informado. O telefone sobre a mesa tocou e eu fiquei sem saber o que fazer, mas aquela seria minha mesa, então atendi com a voz mais profissional possível: - Grupo Mellendez, presidência, boa tarde, em que posso ajudar? Ouvi do outro lado um silêncio sepulcral seguido de um longo suspiro. Alguém vociferou do outro lado, com certa impaciência e uma voz forte e meio rouca: - Passa para a Mariana. Levei um susto, mas me controlei e respondi: - Desculpe, senhor, mas a senhora Mariana ainda não retornou do almoço. Posso ajudá-lo ou o senhor gostaria de deixar um recado? - Quem está falando? – falou do outro lado ainda mais impaciente. - Meu nome é Catarina, sou a nova assessora do Sr. Mellendez. - Mas eu não te conheço. – Parecia que ele ficava mais impaciente a cada vez que falava. - É que hoje é meu primeiro dia, senhor. O senhor gostaria de deixar um recado? - Diga a Mariana para me ligar assim que puser os pés no escritório. - Perfeitamente, senhor. E qual o seu nome? - Parece que eu sou o seu chefe! – falou rispidamente e desligou o telefone. Nossa, que homem estressado! Isso não estava na descrição do cargo. Imediatamente minha garganta apertou, meu chefe e eu já tinha causado má impressão? Eu estava muito ferrada! Comecei a pensar que não ia durar nesse emprego. Pouco depois a Sra. Mariana chegou e eu lhe transmiti o recado com uma cara de preocupação. Ela olhou pra mim sorrindo, como se entendesse meu receio, e perguntou: - Ele estava calmo? Eu olhei pra ela e não aguentei: - Ele estava a ponto de ter um colapso nervoso. Certamente a jugular dele estava saltando no pescoço. Ela caiu na gargalhada e depois disse: - Vocês dois vão se dar muito bem! Você vai domar a fera, tenho certeza. Eu não tinha essa certeza. Talvez eu nem devesse desfazer as malas, esse homem iria me engolir viva!	LEARN_MORE	https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&u	Casa dos livros	https://www.facebook.com/61558148557550/	16,063	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	hunled.com	DCO	🔥Mais grandes romances aqui🔥	https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&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/t39.35426-6/468421081_1737050043759717_6042104613010049390_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1n7KcXpyFcAQ7kNvgHHWBWa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ArL_KAI3uJJw5JOznSlva6l&oh=00_AYCTBVHLGc6MQspZaGMVJs8A9WdmU7j7Lx1YGYY0_cbb0w&oe=674B0C75	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Casa dos livros	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,410	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535470}'	No	2024-11-25 19:32	active	1922		Agende sua depilação a laser sem dor aqui na clínica, consulte os horários disponíveis. ❤️	BOOK_NOW	https://api.whatsapp.com/send	Kelly Moreira Beauty Professional	https://www.facebook.com/lashessbeauty28/	19	1969-12-31 18:00	Book now	api.whatsapp.com	VIDEO		https://api.whatsapp.com/send	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468142425_586836333797685_5409656101265753391_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6H8iRQqrFFsQ7kNvgEF3Jao&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Ai7jeYirsOSZ2EHLxv1TP5h&oh=00_AYC8PMKi0uFLUlwAOq5Y8qmYa1St4z45k_s5w6ufX-F04w&oe=674AD8D2	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly Moreira Beauty Professional	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,534,893	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2534863}'	No	2024-11-25 19:28	active	1922	Adventure Awaits, Comfort Included	Winter magic is calling in the Smoky Mountains! ❄️✨ Dreaming of cozy cabins, scenic snow-dusted trails, and hassle-free camping? At Roamstead, we’ve got it all—year-round adventure with warm, comfortable accommodations and family-friendly vibes. Whether it’s a peaceful retreat or a holiday getaway, your perfect winter escape awaits. Visit our website now to book your Smoky Mountain winter adventure!	BOOK_TRAVEL	https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/book/FB	Roamstead	https://www.facebook.com/roamstead/	2,322	1969-12-31 18:00	Book Now	www.roamstead.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/book/FBF415F2-C33B-4F06-BDCC-DD190FDF60BB	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468459970_1084651893150795_2065059459138646396_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LeCM2bUqjmkQ7kNvgEhdre9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AeGGLCtpYDad7LvFNELKpij&oh=00_AYAHCVKL19I6IdTXKFto1n6aISjm9E0dDQ--77VffD8HkA&oe=674AF8A7	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Roamstead	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,535,754	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535758}'	No	2024-11-25 19:35	active	1922	He begs for me after I have a kid	Kelly Jackson falls in love with her boss, Jason Giveon. After a banquet where she suffers from the embarrassment of the Giveon's, she chooses to inherit the Jackson's business. Three years later, Kelly becomes the CEO of VirtuoCorp, and Jason begs for Kelly's forgiveness. Both of them become very close to each other. However, Jason discovers that his mom, Judy Giveon, is the murderer of Kelly's eldest brother.	LEARN_MORE	https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/dj42icehjdtkz3	Kalos 19 TV	https://www.facebook.com/61559209341802/	1,144	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbpx.16447.com	VIDEO		https://fbpx.16447.com/share/middle/dj42icehjdtkz3nnhoowaw2w?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120214167345140233&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468310907_1324001315444602_5372476961066592474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lDb0eZS45fkQ7kNvgEbWPOl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AHdscjYO9EqovdcG3CI7R8q&oh=00_AYDjnCwGAf4451traABpFUKIkmejDugX9PRYSXGOwmZslg&oe=674B0D51	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kalos 19 TV	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,533,952	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2534156}'	No	2024-11-25 19:21	active	1922	The Vampire And His Blood Wife👉👉👉	The Vampire And His Blood Wife ONLY on Drama Time.🎬 Don't miss out! Watch the series you've been wanting to see. No regrets, just pure entertainment! #Must SeeTV #No Regrets #Watch Now	WATCH_MORE		Romantic Love		0	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch More		DCO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460995122_536409665411185_2841353432547896925_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qfgwSbNfWFwQ7kNvgEz9tGv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUZjlQ8ehLxq_xOpg1VIu6d&oh=00_AYBqOyX4bmpuFE7Wv4XfkBWSbxAVwwUo2UNQHu06mjDBUw&oe=674ADB8C	REGULAR_PAGE	0		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,534,105	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2534156}'	No	2024-11-25 19:23	active	1922	Download Now👉👉👉	The Vampire and His Blood wife ONLY on Drama Time.🎬 Don't miss out! Watch the series you've been wanting to see. No regrets, just pure entertainment! #Must SeeTV #No Regrets #Watch Now	WATCH_MORE		Miiowtv short000		0	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch More		DCO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/458568810_1026702872539704_5128960842889323992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7aBaGovzi0AQ7kNvgGb9EfJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFf-HE7JfANDXgERGP09zVl&oh=00_AYCu5SFKYJoOlSZMFfOAE_R355MgCtcYLdcK-i9zas1LMw&oe=674B096B	REGULAR_PAGE	0		1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,536,058	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.22162162162162163,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-11-25 19:37	active	1922	Brunswick--8ft	Brunswick--8ft - $500.00 Brunswick--good condition. Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/161719399586	Omar Kelly	https://www.facebook.com/Omar-Kelly-103749291955019/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1617193995864676/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Omar Kelly	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,534,129	/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}'	No	2024-11-25 19:23	active	1924	Read next chapter👉	She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup! ============= Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom." Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?" Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. He was something to see now. "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. What? He was on his way out? At this hour? Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late." Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up." With that, he headed for the door. "Mitchel." Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. "What's the matter?" There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?" Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today." Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. Mitchel was the man in the picture! So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. "Hello!" It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks. At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel? Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?" The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?" "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. "You know what, forget it!" The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. They were talking about her as if she were an object. Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?" "Yes." "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her." Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..." Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. The woman was indeed Lauren! Absence made the heart grow fonder! Every word drove a knife into her heart. Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. "Raegan?" Chapter 2 One-sided Love Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!" Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it." Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?" Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. In the elevator. Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Several employees were chatting inside. "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back." "And who is that?" "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!" "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?" "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!" Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. The love was one-sided. "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?" A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?" Raegan said nothing to that. Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool." Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself." "You..." Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?" It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..." Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &32&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e	Lime novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090847180115/	904	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=791750052879575&rawadid=120213973893190758	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464870751_565914379301838_8844692960912003811_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HpjUepgSDDQQ7kNvgFl_wdr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AK4YUunD7X7iWP4L15qXV5j&oh=00_AYADwGXd29fjn-dBf7JhhIhHzuYsqiY9zQb_9Xo_MkVPgg&oe=674AFFF2	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lime novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,536,135	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2536128}'	No	2024-11-25 19:38	active	1922	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I got a call from a detective late one night asking me to take my two children in. I had no idea I fathered another two children at all but was forced to prove that by providing a DNA sample. Dakota and Darcy are 3-year-old twins, they have been bounced around foster care homes since birth. Once everyone had looked at Dakota, I pulled up the photo of Darcy. My four sons gasped, they were not expecting to have a baby sister at all. "She is gorgeous and so tiny" Hunter stated. "Look at her button nose and those eyes" Jamie stated. "I bags cuddling her first" Eddie yelled. "We are in so much trouble, when she grows up, the boys will swarm" Mitchell grumbled causing all the boys to glare. They had not thought of that. I chuckled at his sons, they hadn't even met the kids and they were already so protective of their baby sister. "Anyway, Mitchell and I are heading to LA tonight and when the twins are released from hospital we will bring them home. "That's not fair. Why does he get to go?" Jamie whined. "I don't want to overwhelm the twins but I will need help to bring them home." ———————— Four years ago Daniel spent two months with a woman named Kelly who was appointed to help him on an extended tour in China for his business. She was his interpreter and guide. His parents looked after his four sons while he toured the factories checking how they were working and coping with the products his business imported to Australia. Kelly was an American girl who spoke fluent Mandarin. She was 13 years younger than Daniel but they spent every minute of every day together and things just happened in the last two weeks of Daniel's stay. Kelly knew it was just a quick fling and she was ok with that because she was going back home to America after Daniel left anyway. She was going to be married to her father's business associate to create a partnership. For her, it was a last chance to be reckless and she was. She didn't plan on it at all and thought they had been safe. When Kelly returned to America, she was pregnant but didn't know it until just before her wedding. Her father decided that the child would be put up for adoption and the wedding was pushed back. Kelly birthed twins on April 16th 2019 by herself. Her firstborn was a little boy she called Dakota Ray and her secondborn was a beautiful baby girl whom she named Darcy Celine. She held them for a full hour before her father rushed them away and dumped them into foster care with the one request that the children stay together. Kelly had named Daniel on the papers hoping that somehow her kids would end up with him and be loved like they deserved, she didn't want them in a family like hers. She hoped the foster care agency would search for Daniel but they didn't. She wanted her children to be free and happy unlike her and thought of them daily while in her loveless marriage until she took her own life one year after her children were born. Dakota and Darcy were bounced around from home to home. In their three years of life, they had never known love except for each other. Dakota was the protector of his sister and tried to shield her from the abuse they suffered at the different homes. Dakota was 95cm and a little underweight for his age and height due to the lack of food he had been given. Dakota had blonde hair and blue eyes but no one could tell because of how dirty he was. Darcy was small for her age. She was 88cm and barely 10 kilos when soaking wet. Darcy had been born with a full head of hair which was now down to her waist. It was blonde and curly when it wasn't matted and she had piercing blue eyes. Darcy was the opposite of Dakota, she was sweet and shy. She barely talked to anyone except for Kota as she called him. Darcy was known as Cc to her brother but no one else was allowed to call her that. The current foster home of the twins was bad. They were never allowed to bathe at all and had been in the same clothes since they arrived 7 weeks ago. They were only fed twice a week if they were good. Whatever food the twins got they would share. They slept holding onto each other, for Kota, it was so he could protect his sister and so Cc didn't have bad dreams. For Cc, it was to make sure that no one took Kota away from her. The twins slept in the laundry room on a dog bed with a baby's blanket they found in the bin. The twins spent most of their time either being locked out when the men with white powder came around or staying in the laundry room. When they went into the house, the scary man would hit them and throw things at them so they avoided it as much as possible. One night, the twins heard loud banging and shouting. There were flashing lights and dogs barking. Darcy was scared and shaking, she was crying and Dakota was trying to calm his sister down so no one would find them hidden next to the funny machine. He was holding her close and trying to cover her with a blanket. He would rather the bad man hit him than his baby sister. He was watching to make sure no one came through the door while he covered his sister with his body. The police were searching the house for drugs and had found it held thousands of dollars of cocaine and a dope lab was upstairs. The dogs were taken into each room searching each room and they were scratching on the laundry door. The officer kicked the door in causing Darcy to scream while Dakota tried to cover her mouth with his little hand scared of what the scary man would do to them for making noise. The dog bolted towards the children sniffing them before laying protectively in front of the children. "Get in here sarge" the dog handler called out causing several officers and a detective to come running. Darcy peeked out and saw the dog "Doggy" she squealed reaching for the dog. "Don't touch" the handler yelled out fearing the dog would harm the children. Darcy jumped causing the dog to growl at the new people entering the room. "Blue heel" the handler stated stopping the dog from growling. "Blue come" the handler called but the dog refused to leave the kids. As the detective inched closer to the kids, Blue the police dog put his body in front of the kids ready to defend them. "Blue's protecting the kids" the handler stated. "I see that but we need to get them checked. Call the dog off now" the detective stated. "Blue come" the handler called again but the dog just ignored him. "Blue seek" the handler stated opening the back door. Blue took off outside and the detective quickly shut the door. The detective walked over to the kids causing Dakota to jump up and stand in front of his sister glaring at the man in front of him. "I'm Detective Brown. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to check if you are ok?" The detective stated. "No touching Cc" Dakota stated putting his hands on his hips and glaring at the man. "Is CC your sister's name?" Detective Brown asked. "No call her that, she Darcy mister" Dakota stated causing Darcy to giggle. Detective Brown smiled "ok so what's your name then?" He asked. "Dakota" Dakota stated. "Ok Dakota, I just want to check on you and your sister and maybe get something to eat?" Detective Brown stated, he wanted them checked at the hospital and cleaned up but he would get them out of there first. "Kota I hungry," Darcy said. Both children seemed to have a conversation with each other speaking with words that didn't make sense and eventually agreed to go with the detective if he didn't touch them. --- Detective Brown had managed to get the twins into his car and took them to the hospital where they were cleaned up. The wounds on both children were being treated and they had been fed. Detective Brown couldn't believe the extent of the dirt on the children and how dehydrated and malnourished these kids were. Who could do that to a child? He made it his mission to find the children a proper home to live as no child should have to go through what they had. He was horrified by what he found in that house and the condition of the children. He contacted the social worker in charge of the twins. The woman told him to do the job himself if he didn't like what she had done so that was what he was doing. Detective Brown went through the file on the twins and saw they had been in 23 homes since birth. They were unable to be adopted as the mother and father hadn't signed the proper forms. He eventually found the twin's birth certificates listing both the mother and father and got to work on searching for them. He found the mother had committed suicide exactly one year after the children were born. He also found that the father was an Australian citizen and was listed on the birth certificate. He got to work searching for contact details on a Daniel Levi Toms. Detective Brown found his contact details in a letter at the bottom of the file and immediately called the number. Daniel was sound asleep, it was 3 am when his phone began to ring with a number from LA. "This better be good" he answered the phone. "Is this Mr Daniel Toms?" Detective Brown asked. "Who is asking?" Daniel replied. "Oh sorry, my name is Detective Brown. I am calling in regards to your children we found late last night in a dope raid" Detective Brown started. "I think you have the wrong number mate. My kids are here in Australia with me" Daniel replied getting angry. "No, you are Daniel Levi Toms correct?" Detective Brown asked" "Yes" Daniel replied. "Then I have the right number. You are listed on the birth certificate of Dakota and Darcy born 16th April 2019, mother Kelly Wright now deceased" Detective Brown continued. "Look mate, I'm not the kid's father. There has been a mistake" Daniel replied. "Well as you are listed you are the next of kin and I will need you to provide a DNA sample to get your name removed off the birth certificate or you will need to sign paperwork relinquishing your rights so the children can be placed up for adoption" Detective Brown fumed out. He was angry at this man for denying his children, especially after seeing them in the state they were in. Those kids deserved better than that. "Where can I go to provide the sample?" Daniel asked. After another 10 minutes on the phone organising for Daniel to provide a sample of DNA in the morning the detective and Daniel hung up. He was now wide awake and fuming with Kelly. Why would she put his name down? They had spent two weeks together but had parted ways after a mutually satisfying time together. There is no way he could have fathered children with her, he was sure they were careful. He was awake now so decided to do some work before going to the clinic at 8 am to get a DNA test done. At 7.30 am Daniel left a note for his sons saying he had an errand to run and headed to the clinic. He would then head to the office after the test was done. The detective said they would have the results in two days and then Daniel would be absolved of the responsibility of the children that Kelly claimed were his. He already had four children he had raised practically on his own that were grown, he didn't need to raise another two especially when he would be 50 in a few years. The twins had been admitted to hospital and would be spending about 10 days there. They had school sores all over them from how unclean they were. Darcy had a UTI from not being cleaned properly after going to the toilet. They both had insect bites all over them. Dakota had a skin infection and multiple bruises on his body. Darcy also had a middle ear infection. Both children slept a lot but neither would let go of each other. Dakota had to be held down while the doctors checked his sister because he kept kicking and biting the doctor. Each time the nurse would come to check the twin's vitals it took three of them, two to hold Dakota and one to check Darcy. Dakota had also taken out his IV several times so he could sleep with Darcy. The nurses had threatened to put the kids in different rooms unless he kept his IV in. Two days later Detective Brown got a call confirming that Daniel was the biological father of the twins. He immediately picked up the phone to call Daniel. "Daniel speaking" Daniel answered the phone quickly seeing the LA number. He assumed it was the start of getting his name off the kid's birthday certificate. "Daniel, this is Detective Brown. I am ringing to confirm you are the father of Dakota and Darcy. I have sent the paperwork through for you to see along with forms allowing the children to be placed up for adoption. As Ms Wright is now deceased, all we require is your signature and we can get the process started" Detective Brown stated. "Wait did you just say the kids are mine?" Daniel asked. "Yes sir, DNA confirms it" Detective Brown replied. "God" Daniel stated. "Wait two children? How?" Daniel asked. "They are twins, they are three years old and currently are in hospital. As I mentioned we found them in a dope raid and I don't want them going back into foster care, I'd rather they be placed up for adoption" Detective Brown stated. "No, wait. I didn't know about them. I'll take my kids. I'll be on the first flight out of Australia. Send me through the details" Daniel replied. "Yes sir, and sir you should know they show signs of abuse" Detective Brown stated they continued to talk with the detective passing on relevant information before hanging up. Daniel was horrified, how was he going to tell his sons? --- Daniel booked the first flight from Sydney to LA for himself and his eldest. He knew he would need help getting two children back especially when they had shown signs of abuse. He had forgotten to ask about the gender of his children, he assumed they were two boys. He didn't know what abuse the children had suffered but he knew they were in a dope raid. These are the things he would have to find out as well as getting the children back to Australia. He rang Mitchell and told him they both needed to get to LA immediately and to pack a bag for the both of them with at least 10 days worth of clothes. He would explain on the way to the airport. He called his other sons and told them he and Mitchell would be heading to LA for two weeks immediately for an emergency and to get home quickly so he could explain it all. Their flight was leaving at 7.30 pm and it was currently 1 pm. It would only take 20 minutes to drive to the airport from their house. He was worried about what his sons were going to say about having siblings. He got into a cab as he wanted to read the things that the detective had sent and his car would be fine in the work car park. As he read through the reports he realised he had a little boy and a little girl. Finally, he would have a little princess to spoil and he couldn't help but smile. As he walked into the house he was met with all his sons. "Dad, what's the emergency?" His eldest Mitchell asked. "A few days ago, I got a call from a detective in LA claiming I had fathered two children. Turns out he was right, I have the DNA results. Before anyone says anything, they are twins and are three. I am going to America to bring them back home. Their mum is deceased and we are all they have left" Daniel stated not leaving any room for arguing. "What? How?" Asked Eddie the youngest. "You see brother dear when a man and a woman" Hunter began. "Shut up, I meant how did we not know?" Eddie argued. "Their mother didn't let me know. I spent 2 weeks with her in China, she was my guide and translator. We both knew it was casual" Daniel replied. He wanted to be honest with his sons so they knew exactly what was going on, he always had been honest. "That's not all. The twins, Dakota and Darcy are currently in hospital. They are showing signs of abuse. The police picked them up during a dope raid" Daniel informed his sons. Everyone was quiet for a while, no one knew what to say at all. How could someone harm children? Why would someone want to do that? Eventually, Jamie spoke up "Do you have a photo of them?" He asked making Daniel smile. The detective had sent through a picture of the children with the file which could be used to get emergency passports to get the kids home to Australia. Daniel pulled up the photos and the boys gathered around the phone to look. First, they saw a photo of Dakota, there was no denying him, he was the spitting image of Mitchell. You would swear they were twins. Mitchell and Dakota shared the same blue eyes and blonde curly hair. They even had the same face shape although Dakota did not have the fullness in his cheeks. Once everyone had looked at Dakota, Daniel pulled up the photo of Darcy. The boys gasped, they were not expecting to have a baby sister at all. "She is gorgeous and so tiny" Hunter stated. "Look at her button nose and those eyes" Jamie stated. "I bags cuddling her first" Eddie yelled. "We are in so much trouble, when she grows up, the boys will swarm" Mitchell grumbled causing all the boys to glare. They had not thought of that. Daniel chuckled at his sons, they hadn't even met the kids and they were already so protective of their baby sister. "Anyway, Mitchell and I are heading to LA tonight and when the twins are released from hospital we will bring them home. "That's not fair. Why does he get to go?" Jamie whined. "I don't want to overwhelm the twins but I will need help to bring them home. You all are at uni and I don't want you taking the time off" Daniel replied earning groans from all of his sons besides Mitchell. Daniel spent the rest of the time organising emergency passports for the twins so they could return to Australia. He would pick them up from the Australian embassy in 5 days along with paperwork allowing the twins to be brought into the country. Mitchell checked them into the flight online so all they would have to do is drop their bags and head through security. He was extremely excited to meet the twins and couldn't wait to cuddle with both of them. He missed having younger siblings in the house. He had plans for what he would do with each of the twins. He would teach Dakota how to play football and ride a bike, he would also read to him and teach him how to protect his sister. He could not wait to teach Darcy to ride a bike and would cuddle with her to sleep. He would take her dancing and go watch every performance if she was interested. It was time to leave and they caught a cab to the airport ready to get to LA to see the twins. Mitchell and Daniel had been quiet since arriving at the airport waiting for their flight to be called. They were travelling first class so they would be able to sleep on the plane. Both were lost in their own thoughts after reading medical reports from the hospital. As they boarded the flight all Daniel could think of was how he was going to be able to help his children when they were showing signs of abuse. How would he be able to get them to trust him when he already had let them down? How could he make up for the time he had already missed with his children? But most of all he was worried the twins would not like him.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.weloveread.com/ad/bG92ZXJlYWQvMzYxMzI1Lz	Lov002	https://www.facebook.com/100092720766465/	102	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.weloveread.com	VIDEO		https://a.weloveread.com/ad/bG92ZXJlYWQvMzYxMzI1LzIwMjQxMTIzMTAwMTQ0L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468001644_2017696638668585_2214062116662326820_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EjZrE3pErkcQ7kNvgHIOQcr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8vy1qHE9RiwCaj3tigjvHh&oh=00_AYArQjUy1ktM7Z193Ao7qFkI5kWTVpY9dygfEX49lm63Ow&oe=674B007C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lov002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,536,235	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2535805}'	No	2024-11-25 19:38	active	1922	❤️😍O que acontece a seguir👉Clique aqui para continuar lendo👉	- Você vai ao casamento da sua prima, Catarina. Isso é uma ordem! Nós somos os seus pais e você vai obedecer. – Minha mãe falava brava comigo, como se eu fosse a errada nessa situação. - Ah, mãe! Me poupe e se poupe! A cidade inteira sabe que a Kelly é uma vadia... – Perdi a paciência. A Kelly, minha prima, roupou meu namorado Cláudio, quem eu namorava há 4 anos. Ele foi meu primeiro namorado, e os encontrei na minha cama! E agora, eles vão se casar. - Catarina, olha o vocabulário! – Meu pai chamou a minha atenção. - Sinto muito, mãe, mas eu não vou! Eu sigo as regras de vocês, eu sou uma boa filha, mas dessa vez não vai dar. Eu fui a ofendida! Eu tenho todo o direito de não querer ser a piada da família mais. – Falei já chorando. - CHEGA, CATARINA! – Meu pai gritou e me assustou. – Você vai a esse casamento e ponto final. - Mas, pai... - Não quero saber, Catarina! É importante pra sua mãe manter a paz na família. Então você vai e pronto. – Meu pai falou não dando margem para questionamentos. Fui para o meu quarto e passei a noite chorando. No dia seguinte contei tudo para a Melissa, que não perdeu tempo, arrumou os convites para um baile de máscaras...... CAPÍTULO 2: O grande baile, a tequila, os cosmopolitans e o estranho irresistível No baile, um homem com uma máscara preta sorrindo pra mim. Ele beijou minha mão e me puxou para perto dizendo no meu ouvido com uma voz rouca: - A mulher mais linda do salão não vai me negar uma dança, vai? - Acho que preciso de um pouco de ar. - Vem comigo. - Ele me puxou para um corredor sem iluminação que dava para uma saída de emergência e ficou assoprando o meu rosto. – Eu quero muito te beijar. Posso? – Eu fiz que sim com a cabeça. Ele olhou nos meus olhos, segurou a minha nuca e nossos lábios se encontraram, começou lento, mas foi se aprofundando, ele me encostou na parede e o beijo se intensificou ainda mais, quase nos roubando o fôlego. - Você beija bem! – Sorri pra ele e senti meu corpo todo se arrepiar. – Ah, linda, você é incrível, eu quero muito você, aqui, agora! – ele disse entre beijos e enfiou a mão sob o meu vestido o puxando pra cima e chegando a minha calcinha. Olhou nos meus olhos de novo e me perguntou: - O que você quer que eu faça? - Eu quero que você esteja dentro de mim agora! Ele me deu um beijo no pescoço e perguntou no meu ouvido: - Então, linda, eu ainda não sei o seu nome. Quando eu ia abrir a boca pra falar, ele puxou o celular do bolso e me pediu um minuto para atender. - O que você disse? – Nesse momento aquele estranho saiu correndo como se tivesse se esquecido de mim, ou como se só estivesse fugindo da rapariga que comeu rapidinho na festa. Voltei pra mesa. - Vocês usaram camisinha, né? Meu coração disparou! A gente não usou preservativo. Ela já foi logo me acalmando: - Não, Cat, calma. Com certeza não vai dar nada. Mas você deve fazer uns exames para garantir que está tudo bem. Não surta! CAPÍTULO 3: Chegou a hora da verdade Na data marcada Mel foi comigo ao médico. Com a lista de exames nas mãos ela mesma marcou o laboratório e fez questão de me acompanhar. Os resultados saíram cinco dias depois e eu voltei ao médico. Claro que a Mel estava comigo. O médico verificou os resultados e me olhou nos olhos: - Srta. Catarina, sua saúde está ótima. Você está saudável. Mas, daqui pra frente terá que se cuidar melhor. Eu respirei aliviada Ele continuou falando: - Parabéns, você está grávida! Eu não ouvi mais nada, só o sangue pulsando em meus ouvidos. - Calma, Cat, vai ficar tudo bem! Eu já estava hiperventilando. De repente, senti o médico pegando minha mão e falando calmamente: - Filha, calma! A situação, pelo que percebo, não é a melhor, mas você não pode ficar nervosa assim, isso fará mal para o seu bebê, agora você tem que se cuidar por ele. Ela garantiu que estaria ao meu lado sempre, deixou claro que eu não passaria por nada sozinha e que estaria comigo quando eu fosse falar com meus pais. Quando chegamos em minha casa meus pais se assustaram e minha mãe já veio toda preocupada: - Meninas, vocês não foram a aula hoje? Está tudo bem? - Não muito, mãe. Eu preciso falar com vocês. - Mas agora não tem jeito. Eu vou deixar a faculdade para poder criar meu filho. E já vou fazer minha mala... - Fazer a mala? Você errou, nos decepcionou, mas nós te amamos, vamos superar isso e vamos ajudar você. – Meu pai disse isso e meu coração se encheu de esperança. - Você não é a primeira e não será a última mãe solteira nesse mundo. Nós vamos te ajudar e, mesmo que seja com dificuldade, vai dar tudo certo. Embora eu tenha tido uma gravidez tranquila, os comentários e a maldade das pessoas era difícil suportar. Para piorar, depois que se casaram, meu ex e minha prima foram morar com os pais dela, que moravam na mesma rua que nós, e eles faziam questão de me humilhar com comentários maldosos sempre que me viam e espalharam no bairro inteiro que eu não sabia quem era o pai do meu filho e que eu era uma perdida, por isso que o Cláudio me deixou. Mas eu engolia tudo, não valia a pena bater boca com essa gente e eu não queria transmitir sentimentos ruins ao meu filho. Descobri que eu teria um menino e decidi que se chamaria Pedro. E assim foi. Pedro nasceu saudável, com um par de imensos olhos azuis violeta que nunca me deixariam esquecer da noite que mudou a minha vida, mas que foi a melhor noite que eu vivi! CAPÍTULO 4: Depois da faculdade Quando eu me formei, Pedro já estava com dois anos. Após a formatura meu chefe me chamou para conversar, ele era um ótimo chefe, disse que estava muito feliz comigo na empresa, mas sabia que eu merecia chegar muito longe. E não demorou, o Sr. Otávio Lascuran, pai da Mel, me chamou no escritório dele e me entregou um cartão, me dizendo: - Falei com um amigo e ele conseguiu uma entrevista para você no Grupo Mellendez, é para o cargo de assistente do CEO do grupo. - Sr. Lascuran, eu não tenho palavras para agradecer! Vocês sempre foram tão bons comigo! Agradeci ao Sr. Lascuran e sai do escritório. Recebi rapidamente a confirmação de que a entrevista seria no dia seguinte às dez horas da manhã, já que eu já havia tomado a iniciativa de enviar o meu currículo, a entrevista seria rápida. Na hora da entrevista, fui para a sala de reuniões do meu trabalho, meu chefe havia me liberado, me sentei e esperei a chamada. Fui entrevistada por uma senhora muito gentil e inteligente, Sra. Mariana Toledo. No final ela me disse: - Catarina, você está contratada! Você vai me substituir, já que eu estou indo para um cargo de diretoria na filial de Londres, então você ocupará meu cargo aqui. Quando você pode começar? - Eu preciso apenas que meu chefe me libere, mas creio que posso estar aí na segunda. – Já era sexta. - Perfeito. - Ótimo! Bem vinda ao Grupo Mellendez. Ela encerrou a chamada e meu coração estava disparado, eu tinha conseguido. Peguei a babá eletrônica e fui para o meu quarto. Abri uma das minhas caixas e comecei a arrumar tudo ali. Quando abri a última caixa, tirei dela a caixa com minhas lembranças da noite do baile, a abri, passei a mão por aquele vestido lindo e suspirei mais uma vez. Peguei o perfume e pensei, “por que não?”, a partir de amanhã eu usaria esse perfume todos os dias, meu salário era bom e quando esse acabasse eu poderia comprar outro. Guardei a caixa, deixei o perfume sobre a penteadeira e fui dormir cheia de expectativas com essa vida nova que se abria a minha frente. CAPÍTULO 5: Meu novo chefe é muito estressado Me apresentei na empresa às oito da manhã. No meio da manhã recebi uma mensagem da Mel dizendo que conseguiu marcar com a diretora da creche próxima ao nosso apartamento para a hora do almoço. Expliquei a situação a Sra. Mariana e perguntei se seria possível me liberar no horário, mas que eu estaria de volta a tempo. - Então você tem um filho. Qual a idade dele? – ela me perguntou com um sorriso. - Ele tem dois anos. - Você não é casada, isso eu sei, mas e o pai do seu filho, vocês continuam juntos? – Meu coração despencou, como é que eu explico pra ela que não sei quem é o pai? Mas eu não minto, então vamos enfrentar a verdade. Me disse: - Você tem o meu respeito, Catarina, não é fácil ser mãe solteira, e é muito difícil contar verdades como essa que você sabe que vai despertar o julgamento dos outros. Não precisa correr. Voltei à minha sala e sentei à mesa e fui repassando tudo o que ela já havia me informado. O telefone sobre a mesa tocou, então atendi com a voz mais profissional possível: - Grupo Mellendez, presidência, boa tarde, em que posso ajudar? Ouvi do outro lado um silêncio sepulcral seguido de um longo suspiro. Alguém vociferou do outro lado, com certa impaciência e uma voz forte e meio rouca: - Passa para a Mariana. - Desculpe, senhor, mas a senhora Mariana ainda não retornou do almoço. - Quem está falando? – falou do outro lado ainda mais impaciente. - Meu nome é Catarina, sou a nova assessora do Sr. Mellendez. - Mas eu não te conheço. – Parecia que ele ficava mais impaciente a cada vez que falava. - É que hoje é meu primeiro dia, senhor. O senhor gostaria de deixar um recado? - Diga a Mariana para me ligar assim que puser os pés no escritório. Desligou o telefone. Pouco depois a Sra. Mariana chegou e eu lhe transmiti o recado com uma cara de preocupação. Ela olhou pra mim sorrindo, como se entendesse meu receio. - Vocês dois vão se dar muito bem! Você vai domar a fera, tenho certeza.	LEARN_MORE	https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&u	Casa dos livros	https://www.facebook.com/61558148557550/	16,066	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	hunled.com	VIDEO	🔥Mais grandes romances aqui🔥	https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&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/t39.35426-6/468106709_1104318211368778_4744388507555543074_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B2lWgYvTbQsQ7kNvgHN4Ffb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AgnKEz8Qw-kKx6GSiPYFI-d&oh=00_AYC46NHwoiQh_BTn_QmFkEDYMZ5GxqMuAj3cKOroii7kyA&oe=674AF175	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Casa dos livros	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

Page 290 of 344, showing 20 record(s) out of 6,874 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads for Diet on 2024-11-25