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Yes | 2024-11-28 18:57 | active | 1934 | 0 | š„Microfiber Car Windshield Cleaner Tool | š Want to clean your car windshield Window glass pane Or how about your car windows, but cannot reach š§¹š§¹ ššWell, now you can!šš ā ā GET ITš https://flashdeal-4u.com/microfiber-cleaner | SHOP_NOW | https://flashdeal-4u.com/microfiber-cleaner | George Kelly PTO | https://www.facebook.com/georgekellyPTO/ | 371 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | flashdeal-4u.com | DCO | ā754800+ Satisfied Customers | https://flashdeal-4u.com/microfiber-cleaner | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468543667_598646649509629_2328674201167822077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eXm-E9mEfUoQ7kNvgFXcn_0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWla7RR-uelt21bBaaEbr7o&oh=00_AYBoiA9CH8ZFxQCYoTtdEguwQcyiUw3ubNtPBe8UVjHT5g&oe=674ED305 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | George Kelly PTO | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 19:48 | active | 1936 | 0 |
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Read next chapterš | 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, Mitchelās 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 itās 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 Raeganās 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/ | 946 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | IMAGE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=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=B4akNM-0t2gQ7kNvgEiIfCN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AmCaD-dZV1d6nl0xnPJ77ho&oh=00_AYCgJ30UxsaAMIXEBgxgOuJEfF6zVtLLAslC7CoE3Zxr1g&oe=674EF472 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lime novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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šAttention! Do not read in publicļ¼š | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herāher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonāt be a concubine. Sheāll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheās still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donāt really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeās veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheās unlike any woman Iāve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheās talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateās affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnāt seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheās different from any woman you know. As a general, sheās above household squabbles and wouldnāt want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatās them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itās fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iāll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donāt you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. āWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.ā āOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?ā Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyās life respectable, and this was her reward. āEnough,ā Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. āIāve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonāt change anything.ā As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. āMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!ā Lulu, Carissaās maid, said, wiping her tears. āDonāt call him that!ā Carissa gave her a stern look. āWe never consummated the marriage. Heās not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.ā āWhy the dowry list?ā Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. āSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.ā Lulu gasped. āLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?ā Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered ā assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyās former glory seemed impossibleāat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyās fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. āLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.ā ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaās arrival to the king three times. āYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,ā he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. āI canāt summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.ā āThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheās been standing there for over an hour without moving.ā Salvador felt a pang of guilt. āBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnāt want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.ā āYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,ā Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. āAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iāll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,ā said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. āAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!ā ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 320 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464808722_561679296363183_7942977769112369670_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aSRkE5-EaOwQ7kNvgF2kINZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7Lk9ksHhmRwuQAWkFItxS3&oh=00_AYDkVP_140uidgBGFq0CXhEKHsoi-yvWJ1cXG1u-EpvPkQ&oe=674EF2BB | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 19:48 | active | 1936 | 0 | Š§ŠøŃŠ°ŃŃ ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŃŃŃŃ Š³Š»Š°Š²Ńš | ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а она ŃŠ·Š½Š°Š»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾ Š½ŠµŠ·Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŃŠ¹ Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина, Ń ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¼ она ŠæŃовела ŃŠ²Š¾Ń ŠæŠµŃŠ²ŃŃ Š±ŃŠ°ŃнŃŃ Š½Š¾ŃŃ, оказалŃŃ ŠµŠµ Š·Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¼ Š¼ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ¼ по Š“Š¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ŃŃŠø, она ŃŠ¾Ńла Ń ŃŠ¼Š°! ===== ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠŠµŃŃŠ¾Š²Š° ŃŠµŠ³Š¾Š“Š½Ń Š²ŃŃŠ»Š° Š·Š°Š¼ŃŠ¶. РнеŃŃŠ°ŃŃŃŃ Š“Š»Ń Š½ŠµŃ, Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š° нигГе не Š±Ńло виГно. ŠŠ½Š° Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“ела ŠæŃŃŃŃŃ ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°ŃŃ, Šø ŠµŃ Š»ŠøŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ°Š»Š¾ Š±ŠµŠ»ŃŠ¼, ŃŠ»Š¾Š²Š½Š¾ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŃŠ½Ń. ŠŠ½Š° ŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŃŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŃŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ ŃŠ½ŠøŠ¶ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° не желала ŃŠµŃпеŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ Š¾ŃŠŗŠ¾Ńбление! ŠŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾ она могла поГелаŃŃ? Š” ŃŠ°Š¼Š¾Š³Š¾ ŃŠ¾Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š²ŃŠµ Š°ŃŠæŠµŠŗŃŃ ŠµŃ Š¶ŠøŠ·Š½Šø конŃŃŠ¾Š»ŠøŃовалиŃŃ Š“ŃŃŠ³ŠøŠ¼Šø Š»ŃŠ“ŃŠ¼Šø. Дамо ŃŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ°Š·ŃмееŃŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠŗŠ°ŃŠ°Š»Š¾ŃŃ Šø ŠµŃ Š·Š°Š¼ŃŠ¶ŠµŃŃŠ²Š°. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń ŠæŃŠøŠ½ŃГил Šŗ ŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń ŃŠ¾ŃŠ·Ń Š¾ŃŠµŃ, ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗ, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¼ ŃŠæŃŠ°Š²Š»ŃŠ»Š° жаГноŃŃŃ. ŠŃ ГеГŃŃŠŗŠ° ŃŠ°Š±Š¾Ńал ŃŠ¾ŃŃŃŠ¾Š¼ Ń Š Š¾Š“ŠøŠ¾Š½Š° ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°, Š³Š»Š°Š²Ń Š¼Š¾Š³ŃŃŠµŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹ ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŠø ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ . ŠŠ¾ Š“Š¾ŃŠ°Š“ной ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š¹Š½Š¾ŃŃŠø они попали в ŃŠ¶Š°ŃнŃŃ Š°Š²Š°ŃŠøŃ, в ŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃой ГеГ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń погиб, ŃŠæŠ°ŃŠ°Ń РоГиона. Š ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ние меŃŃŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ±Š¾Š»ŃŃŠ°Ń компаниŃ, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾Ńой ŃŠæŃŠ°Š²Š»ŃŠ»Š° ŠµŃ ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŃ, везГе Šø вŃŃŠ“Ń ŠæŠ¾Š³ŃŃŠ·Š»Š° в Š¾Š³ŃомнŃŃ Š“Š¾Š»Š³Š°Ń . ŠŠ½Šø Š½Š°Ń Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃ Š½Š° Š³ŃŠ°Š½Šø Š±Š°Š½ŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŃŃŠ²Š°. ŠŠµŃмоŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŃŠ¾, ŠµŃ Ń ŠøŃŃŃŠ¹ Š¾ŃŠµŃ Š¾ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»ŃŃ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠø Ń ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŠø ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ , знаŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾ Š¾ŃŠ¼ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Голг, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¹ они Š“Š¾Š»Š¶Š½Ń Š±ŃŠ»Šø ŃŠµŠ¼Ńе ŠŠµŃŃŠ¾Š²ŃŃ . ŠŠ¼ŠµŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾ он ŠæŃŠøŠ“ŃŠ¼Š°Š» план, ŃŠ¾Š³Š»Š°Ńно ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š¼Ń Š²Š½ŃŠŗ РоГиона, ŠŠøŃалий ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š², жениŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Šµ. Š£ŃŠøŃŃŠ²Š°Ń богаŃŃŃŠ²Š¾ ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŠø ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ , они Š±Ńли ŃŠ²ŠµŃенŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠµ ГаГŃŃ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŃŠøŠµ Š“ŠµŠ½ŃŠ³Šø в обмен на ŃŃŠŗŃ Šø ŃŠµŃŠ“ŃŠµ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń. Š, в ŠŗŠ°ŃеŃŃŠ²Šµ Š“Š¾ŠæŠ¾Š»Š½ŠøŃŠµŠ»Ńного бонŃŃŠ°, они, наконеŃ, ŃŃŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»Šø Š±Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŠµŠµ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃнŃŃ ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Ń Ń ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŃŠ¹ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ , ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŠ°Ń Š±ŃŠ»Š° Š±Ń Š·Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½Š½Š¾ ŃŠŗŃеплена. Š Š°Š·ŃŠ¼ŠµŠµŃŃŃ, ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŃ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ Š½Šµ могла позволиŃŃ ŃŠµŠ±Šµ Š¾ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°ŃŃŃŃ Š¾Ń ŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾ ŠæŃŠµŠ“ложениŃ, ŠøŠ½Š°ŃŠµ они ŃŠøŃковали ŠæŠ¾ŃŠµŃŃŃŃ Š»ŠøŃŠ¾ в ŃŠ¾Š¼ или ином ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Šµ. ŠŠøŃалий ŃŠµŃŠøŠ» вŃŃŠ°Š·ŠøŃŃ ŃŠ²Š¾Ń неГоволŃŃŃŠ²Š¾ Š²ŃŠµŠ¼ ŃŃŠøŠ¼, не ŃŠ²ŠøŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ Š½Š° банкеŃ, Ń Š¾ŃŃ Š½Š° Š½ŃŠ¼ не ŠæŃŠøŃŃŃŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š¾ никого, ŠŗŃŠ¾Š¼Šµ ŃŠ»ŠµŠ½Š¾Š² ŃŠµŠ¼ŠµŠ¹. ŠŠ½ ŃŠ°ŠŗŠ¶Šµ Š¾ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Šµ в ŠøŃŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŠ·Š¾Š²Š°Š½ŠøŠø ŃŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»ŠøŠø ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ Šø Š·Š°ŠæŃŠµŃŠøŠ» ей Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŃŃ Š»ŃŠ“ŃŠ¼, ŃŃŠ¾ она его жена. ŠŠ° ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠø Š²ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾, Š¾Ń Š½Š°ŃŠ°Š»Š° Šø Го ŠŗŠ¾Š½Ńа, Š½ŠøŠŗŃŠ¾ не поŃŃŃŠ“ŠøŠ»ŃŃ ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃŃ Š¼Š½ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ ŃŠ°Š¼Š¾Š¹ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń. Š”ŠµŠ¹ŃŠ°Ń она ŃŃŠ¾ŠøŃ Ń ŠæŃŃŠ¼Š¾Š¹ ŃŠæŠøŠ½Š¾Š¹ Šø ŃŠ°ŃŠæŃŠ°Š²Š»ŠµŠ½Š½Ńми ŠæŠ»ŠµŃŠ°Š¼Šø. ŠŃ ŃŠµŃниŃŃ, возможно, ŃŠ»ŠµŠ³ŠŗŠ° Š“ŃŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»Šø, но в Š³Š»Š°Š·Š°Ń ŃŠøŃалоŃŃ ŃŠæŃŃŠ¼ŃŃŠ²Š¾. ŠŠ½Š° не ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃалаŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š“Š°Š²Š°ŃŃŃŃ ŃŠ½ŠøŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŠ¾ как ей ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŠµŃ поŃŃŃŠæŠøŃŃ? Š ŃŠ¾ Š²ŃŠµŠ¼Ń, когГа ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° ŃŠ°Š·Š¼ŃŃŠ»Ńла о ŃŠ¾Š¼, как ŠæŃовеГŃŃ ŠæŠµŃŠ²ŃŃ Š±ŃŠ°ŃнŃŃ Š½Š¾ŃŃ, она полŃŃŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠ¾Š¾Š±Ńение Š¾Ń оГной ŠøŠ· ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŃ коллег. ŠŠµŠ½Ńина ŠæŃоŃила ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń поГмениŃŃ ŠµŃ Š½Š° Š½Š¾ŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ¼ŠµŠ½Šµ. Та не ŃŃŠ°Š»Š° Голго ŃŠ°Š·Š“ŃŠ¼ŃваŃŃ. ŠŠ½Š° вŃŃŠ»Š° ŠøŠ· зала Šø Š²ŃŠ·Š²Š°Š»Š° ŃŠ°ŠŗŃŠø, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń Š¾ŃŠæŃавиŃŃŃŃ Š² Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ. ŠŠ³Š½Š¾Š²ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµŠ¼ позже она оказалаŃŃ Š² ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°ŃŠµ Š¾ŃŠ“ŃŃ Š° пеŃŃŠ¾Š½Š°Š»Š° Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ, ŠæŃŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŃŃ Š·Š°ŠæŠøŃŠø ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ńов, а ŠµŃ Š²ŠµŃŠµŃнее плаŃŃŠµ Гавно ŃŠ¼ŠµŠ½ŠøŠ»Š¾ŃŃ Š±ŠµŠ»ŃŠ¼ Š»Š°Š±Š¾ŃŠ°ŃŠ¾ŃŠ½Ńм Ń Š°Š»Š°ŃŠ¾Š¼. ŠŠ½ŠµŠ·Š°ŠæŠ½Š¾ ГвеŃŃ Ń Š³ŃŠ¾Š¼ŠŗŠøŠ¼ ŃŃŃŠŗŠ¾Š¼ ŃŠ°ŃŠæŠ°Ń Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Ń Š²Š½ŠµŃŠ½ŠµŠ¹ ŃŃŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š½Ń Šø ŃŠ“Š°ŃŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š¾ ŃŃŠµŠ½Ń. ŠŠµ ŃŃŠæŠµŠ»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° поГнŃŃŃ Š³Š»Š°Š·Š°, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ½ŃŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŃŠ¾ŠøŃŃ Š¾Š“ŠøŃ, как ГвеŃŃ ŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š° Š·Š°Ń Š»Š¾ŠæŠ½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ. ŠŠ°Ńем она ŃŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š»Š° ŃŠµŠ»Ńок Š²ŃŠŗŠ»ŃŃŠ°ŃелŃ, Šø в ŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠµŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠø ŃŃŠ°Š»Š¾ ŃŠµŠ¼Š½Š¾. ŠŠ¾ ŠµŃ ŃŠæŠøŠ½Šµ ŠæŃŠ¾Š±ŠµŠ¶Š°Š» Ń Š¾Š»Š¾Š“Š¾Šŗ. Ā«ŠŃо...Ā» ŠŠµ ŃŃŠæŠµŠ»Š° она Š“Š¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŃŃ, как ŠµŃ ŃŠ¾Š»ŠŗŠ½Ńли на ŃŃŠ¾Š». ŠŃŃŠ° ŠŗŠ°Š½ŃŠµŠ»ŃŃŃŠŗŠøŃ ŠæŃŠøŠ½Š°Š“лежноŃŃŠµŠ¹ ŃŠæŠ°Š»Š° на пол, Šø в ŃŃŠ¾Ń Š¼Š¾Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń Š¾Š½Š° поŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°, как Šŗ ŠµŃ ŃŠµŠµ ŠæŃŠøŠ¶Š°Š»ŃŃ Ń Š¾Š»Š¾Š“Š½ŃŠ¹ оŃŃŃŃŠ¹ Šŗ*ай н*жа. Ā«Š¢ŠøŃ Š¾!Ā» - ŃŠ²ŠøŃепо ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠµŠæŃал Š½Š°ŠæŠ°Š“Š°Š²ŃŠøŠ¹. ŠŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŠ° еГва могла ŃŠ°Š·Š³Š»ŃГеŃŃ Š»ŠøŃŠ¾ Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃинŃ, Ń Š¾ŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ глаза Š²ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»ŃŠ»ŠøŃŃ. ŠŠ½Šø меŃŃŠ°Š»Šø в ŃŃŃŠŗŠ»Š¾Š¼ ŃŠ²ŠµŃе, его Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ Š±ŃŠ» полон Š±Š“ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃноŃŃŠø. РвозГŃŃ Šµ вокŃŃŠ³ Š½ŠøŃ Š²ŠøŃŠ°Š» Š·Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŃŠ¹ Š·Š°ŠæŠ°Ń Š¶ŠµŠ»ŠµŠ·Š°, Šø она ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗ ŃŠ°Š½ŠµŠ½. ŠŠ»Š°Š³Š¾Š“аŃŃ Š¼Š½Š¾Š³Š¾Š»ŠµŃŠ½ŠµŠ¼Ń обŃŃŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Šø опŃŃŃ Š²ŃŠ°Ńа, ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠ¼Š¾Š³Š»Š° ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½ŠøŃŃ ŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾Š¹ŃŃŠ²ŠøŠµ. ŠŠ°Ńем она меГленно ŃŠ¾Š³Š½Ńла Š¾Š“Š½Ń Š½Š¾Š³Ń, планиŃŃŃ Š°ŃŠ°ŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°ŃŃ Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Ń ŠŗŠ¾Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾Š¼. ŠŠ¾ ŃŠ¾Ń виГел ŠµŃ Š½Š°ŃŠŗŠ²Š¾Š·Ń. ŠŠ°Šŗ ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко он поŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š» ŠµŃ Š“Š²ŠøŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ, ŃŠ¾ Ń ŃŠøŠ»Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ¶Š°Š» ŠµŃ Š½Š¾Š³Šø вмеŃŃŠµ Šø ŠæŃŠøŠ¶Š°Š» Šŗ ŃŃŠ¾Š»Ń ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŠ¼Šø Š¼Š¾ŃŠ½Ńми Š±ŃŠ“ŃŠ°Š¼Šø. ŠŠ“ŃŃŠ³ в ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠøŠ“Š¾ŃŠµ ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š»ŃŃ ŃŃŠ¼ ŃŠ°Š³Š¾Š². ŠŠ½Šø Š½Š°ŠæŃŠ°Š²Š»ŃлиŃŃ ŠæŃŃŠ¼Š¾ в комнаŃŃ Š¾ŃŠ“ŃŃ Š° пеŃŃŠ¾Š½Š°Š»Š°. Ā«ŠŃŃŃŃŠµŠµ, Ń Š²ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ»Š°, как он ŃŃŠ» ŃŃŠ“а!Ā» ŠŠ¾ŃŃŠ°ŃŠ¾ŃŠ½Š¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ оГного ŠŗŃика о ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠø, Šø ŃŃŠø Š»ŃŠ“Šø Š²Š¾ŃŠ²Š°Š»ŠøŃŃ Š±Ń Š² комнаŃŃ. ŠŃŃŠ°ŃŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ, Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина опŃŃŃŠøŠ» Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Š²Ń Šø по**ловал ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń. ŠŠ½Š° ŃŃŠ°Š»Š° Š±Š¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŃŃ Šø Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŃŠ“ивлена ŃŠµŠ¼, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠ¼Š¾Š³Š»Š° легко оŃŃŠ¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾. Тем более, ŃŃŠ¾ Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина болŃŃŠµ не ŃŠ³Ńожал ей н*жом. ŠŃŃŠ»Šø ГевŃŃŠŗŠø Š·Š°Š¼ŠµŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃŃ. Š ŃŃŠ¾Ń Š¼Š¾Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŃŠ¾Ń, ŠŗŃŠ¾ Š½Š°Ń Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»ŃŃ ŠæŠ¾ ŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š½Ń Š“Š²ŠµŃŠø, ŃŃ Š²Š°ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃ Š·Š° ŃŃŃŠŗŃ. ŠŃŠøŠ½ŃŠ² ŃŠµŃение, ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŃŠøŃŃŠ½Ńла Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Ń Šŗ ŃŠµŠ±Šµ Šø обвила ŃŃŠŗŠ°Š¼Šø его ŃŠµŃ. ŠŠ° ŃŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š· она по**ловала его. «Я Š¼Š¾Š³Ń Š²Š°Š¼ помоŃŃĀ», - ŠæŃŠ¾Š±Š¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŠ°Š»Š° она поГ ноŃ, наГеŃŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠµŃ ŃŃŃŠ°Ń не Š±ŃŠ» Š·Š°Š¼ŠµŃŠµŠ½. ŠŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Š° ŃŃŠ¼Š½Š¾ ŃŠ³Š»Š¾ŃŠ½ŃŠ». ŠŠ¼Ń поŃŃŠµŠ±Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃ ŃŠµŠŗŃнГа, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŠæŃŠøŠ½ŃŃŃ ŃŠµŃение, Š·Š°ŃŠµŠ¼ она поŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° его гоŃŃŃŠµŠµ Š“ŃŃ Š°Š½ŠøŠµ Ń ŃŠ²Š¾ŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŃ Š°: «Я Š²Š¾Š·ŃŠ¼Ń на ŃŠµŠ±Ń Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ŃŃŃ Š·Š° ŃŃŠ¾Ā». ŠŠ³Š¾ Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ń Š±ŃŠ» низким Šø ŠæŃŠøŃŃŠ³Š°ŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Ńм. ŠŠ¾ он, ŠæŠ¾Ń Š¾Š¶Šµ, Š½ŠµŠæŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Ńно ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ». ŠŠ½Š° Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń вŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ ŠæŃŠøŃвоŃŃŃŠ²Š¾Š¼. ŠŠ½ не Голжен Š±ŃŠ» ни за ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ°ŃŃ Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ŃŃŃ. Š ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŃŃŃŃ ŃŠµŠŗŃŠ½Š“Ń Š“Š²ŠµŃŃ ŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š° ŃŠ°ŃŠæŠ°Ń Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Šø Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина ŃŃŃ Š¶Šµ ŃŠ»ŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃ Š² Š¾ŃŠµŃеГном по**Š»ŃŠµ. ŠŠµŃмоŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŠøŃ Š·Š°ŃŃŃŠ“Š½ŠøŃŠµŠ»Ńное положение, Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина обнаŃŃŠ¶ŠøŠ», ŃŃŠ¾ его ŃŠµŠ»Š¾ ŃŃŠµŠ°Š³ŠøŃовало на Š·Š²ŃŠŗ. ŠŠ½ мог Š±Ń ŠæŠ¾ŃŠµŃŃŃŃŃŃ Š² Š½ŃŠ¼, ŠµŃŠ»Šø Š±Ń Š»ŃŠ“Šø за ГвеŃŃŃ Š½Šµ Š·Š°Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŠ»Šø. «Ч*ŃŃ Š²*Š·ŃŠ¼Šø! ŠŠ° ŃŃŠ¾ же ŠæŃоŃŃŠ¾ Ń**ŃŃŃŠ°ŃŃŃ ŠæŠ°ŃŠ¾Ńка. Š§ŃŠ²Š°Šŗ, они Šø Š²ŠæŃŠ°Š²Š“Ń Š·Š°Š½ŠøŠ¼Š°ŃŃŃŃ ŃŃŠøŠ¼ в Š±Š¾Š»ŃниŃе. ŠŠ¼ŠµŠ¹Ńе Ń Š¾ŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ¼Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŠæŃŠøŠ»ŠøŃŠøŃ!Ā» Š”Š²ŠµŃ ŠøŠ· ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠøŠ“Š¾ŃŠ° ŠæŃŠ¾Š½ŠøŠŗŠ°Š» в комнаŃŃ, Š¾Š±Š½Š°Š¶Š°Ń ŠæŠ°ŃŃ. ŠŠ“нако ŃŠµŠ»Š¾ Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Ń Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ Š¾Š±Ń Š²Š°ŃŠµŠ½Š¾ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š¾Š¹, ŃŠŗŃŃŠ²Š°Ń его Š»ŠøŃо Š¾Ń Š»ŃŠ±Š¾ŠæŃŃŠ½ŃŃ Š³Š»Š°Š· незванŃŃ Š³Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ¹. Ā«Š§ŃŠ¾ ж, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠ¾Ńно не ŠŠøŃалий. ŠŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ±Š»ŃГок ŃŃŠ¶ŠµŠ»Š¾ ŃŠ°Š½ŠµŠ½. ŠŠµŠ²Š°Š¶Š½Š¾, Š½Š°ŃŠŗŠ¾Š»Ńко ŃŠ¾Š±Š»Š°Š·Š½ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Š° Š¶ŠµŠ½ŃŠøŠ½Š°, Ń ŃŠ¾Š¼Š½ŠµŠ²Š°ŃŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ Ń Š½ŠµŠ³Š¾ Ń Š²Š°ŃŠøŃ ŃŠøŠ» ŃŠ“елаŃŃ Ń Š½ŠµŠ¹ ŃŃŠ¾-Š½ŠøŠ±ŃŠ“ŃĀ». Ā«ŠŠ¾, ŃŃŠ²Š°Šŗ, ŃŃŠ° Š¶ŠµŠ½ŃŠøŠ½Š° изГаŃŃ Š“Š¾Š²Š¾Š»ŃŠ½Š¾ ŠæŃŠøŃŃŠ½Ńе Š·Š²ŃŠŗŠø, а?Ā» Ā«ŠŠ°ŃкниŃŃ Šø ŠæŠ¾ŃŠµŠ²ŠµŠ»ŠøŠ²Š°Š¹ŃŃ! ŠŠ°Š¼ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾ Š½Š°Š¹ŃŠø ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ ŠŗŠ°Šŗ можно ŃŠŗŠ¾Ńее, ŠøŠ½Š°ŃŠµ Š¼Ń ŠæŠ¾ŃŠµŃŃŠµŠ¼ головŃ!Ā» ŠŠ¾ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š»ŃŃ ŃŠ¾ŃŠ¾Ń Šø ŃŠ¾ŠæŠ¾Ń ног, Šø Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Ń Š±ŃŠ¾ŃилиŃŃ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃ, а ГвеŃŃ Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃлаŃŃ Š² ŃŠ²Š¾Ń ŠøŃŃ Š¾Š“Š½Š¾Šµ положение. ŠŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Š° знал, ŃŃŠ¾ его ŠæŃŠµŃŠ»ŠµŠ“Š¾Š²Š°ŃŠµŠ»Šø ŃŃŠ»Šø, но Š¾Ńознание ŃŠ¾Š³Š¾, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠµŠæŠµŃŃ Š¾Š½Šø оŃŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃŃ Š¾Š“Š½Šø, поГейŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š¾ на его ŃŠ°Š¼Š¾Š¾Š±Š»Š°Š“ание. ŠŠ½ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠ¾ŃвалŃŃ, Šø Š½ŠµŠ¾Š¶ŠøŠ“Š°Š½Š½Š°Ń Š²Š¾Š»Š½Š° Šæ**Š¾ŃŠø Š·Š°Ń Š»ŠµŃŃŠ½Ńла его. ŠŃŠ¾Ń ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Šŗ же**Š½ŠøŃ Š½Šµ обоŃŃŠ» ŃŃŠ¾Ńоной Šø ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń. ŠŠ¾Š·Š¼Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾, Гело Š±Ńло в ŠøŃ близоŃŃŠø, или в ŃŠ¾Š¼, как ŠøŠ½Ńимно они ŠŗŠ°ŃалиŃŃ Š“ŃŃŠ³ Š“ŃŃŠ³Š°, а Š¼Š¾Š¶ŠµŃ бŃŃŃ, во внезапном ŠæŃиливе Š°Š“ŃŠµŠ½Š°Š»ŠøŠ½Š°, но на повеŃŃ Š½Š¾ŃŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š±ŃŠ½ŃаŃŃŠŗŠ°Ń жилка, о ŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃой она Гаже не ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾Š·ŃŠµŠ²Š°Š»Š°. ŠŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾ Š¼Š¾Š¼ŠµŠ½ŃŠ° ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° жила ŃŠµŃой Š¾Š“Š½Š¾Š¾Š±ŃŠ°Š·Š½Š¾Š¹ жизнŃŃ, Š²ŃŠµŠ³Š“а ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠøŠ½ŃŃŃŃ ŠæŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°Š¼ Šø планам, ŃŃŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š²Š»ŠµŠ½Š½Ńм Š“Š»Ń Š½ŠµŃ Š“ŃŃŠ³ŠøŠ¼Šø. ŠŠ° ŃŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š· - Ń Š¾ŃŃ Š±Ń ŃŠ°Š· - она ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃалаŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š±Š°Š»Š¾Š²Š°ŃŃ ŃŠµŠ±Ń. ŠŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŠ° Š¾ŃŠ±ŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠ²Š¾Šø Š·Š°ŠæŃŠµŃŃ Šø ŠæŃŠµŠ“оŃŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š° Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńине ŃŠ²Š¾Š±Š¾Š“Ń Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃŠ²ŠøŠ¹, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń он Гелал вŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ Š·Š°Ń Š¾ŃŠµŃ. ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а они Š·Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½Ńили, Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина нежно ŠæŠ¾ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²Š°Š» ŠµŃ Š² ŃŃŠŗŃ. «Я ŠæŃŠøŠ“Ń Š·Š° ŃŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¹Ā», - ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠµŠæŃŠ°Š» он, в его Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ńе вŃŃ ŠµŃŃ ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃŃ Š¾ŃŠ³Š¾Š»Š¾ŃŠŗŠø Š½Š°ŃŠ»Š°Š¶Š“ениŃ. Š Š·Š°ŃŠµŠ¼ он ŃŃŃŠ», ŃŠ°Šŗ же внезапно, как Šø ŠæŃŠøŃŃŠ». ŠŃŠ¾ŃŠ»Š¾ немало Š²Ńемени, ŠæŃŠµŠ¶Š“е ŃŠµŠ¼ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠ¼Š¾Š³Š»Š° поГнŃŃŃŃŃ Š½Š° ноги. Š¢ŠøŃŠøŠ½Ń в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ńе наŃŃŃŠøŠ» звонок ŠµŃ ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŃона. ŠŠ½Š° Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“елаŃŃ Šø обнаŃŃŠ¶ŠøŠ»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾ он Š»ŠµŠ¶ŠøŃ на ŠŗŃŠ°Ń ŃŃŠ¾Š»Š°. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŃ Š²Š°ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŃон, пока он не ŃŠæŠ°Š», Šø нажала на ŠŗŠ½Š¾ŠæŠŗŃ Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃа. Ā«ŠŠ¾ŠŗŃоŃ! - ŃŠ°Š·Š“алŃŃ Š²Š·Š²Š¾Š»Š½Š¾Š²Š°Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ голоŃ. -Š ŃŠµŠ½ŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ¾ŃŠ»Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾Š¹ ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠø ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко ŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŃŠøŠ²ŠµŠ·Š»Šø ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ńа. ŠŠ½ попал в Š°Š²Š°ŃŠøŃ Šø полŃŃŠøŠ» ŃŠµŃŃŃŠ·Š½Ńе ŃŃŠ°Š²Š¼Ń. ŠŠ°Š¼ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń Š²Ń Š½ŠµŠ¼ŠµŠ“Š»ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ оказали ŠµŠ¼Ń помоŃŃ!Ā» ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃŃŠøŠ»Š° Š³Š¾ŃŠ»Š¾, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ń Š·Š²ŃŃŠ°Š» ŃŠ¾Š²Š½Š¾: Ā«Š„Š¾ŃŠ¾Ńо, Ń Š±ŃŠ“Ń ŃŠµŃез минŃŃŃĀ». ŠŠ½Š° положила ŃŃŃŠ±ŠŗŃ Šø Š½Š°ŠæŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Šŗ Š“Š²ŠµŃŠø, но оŃŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š½Š° ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š³Šµ. ŠŠ½Š° Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“ела ŃŠµŠ±Ń. ŠŠ½Š° Šø Š²ŠæŃŠ°Š²Š“Ń Š·Š°Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Ń*ŠŗŃŠ¾Š¼ Ń Š½ŠµŠ·Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŃŠµŠ¼ в ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š±ŃŠ°ŃнŃŃ Š½Š¾ŃŃ. ŠŃо Š±ŃŠ» ŃŠ°Š¼Ńй возмŃŃŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Ńй поŃŃŃŠæŠ¾Šŗ в ŠµŃ жизни! ŠŠ¾ ŃŠµŠ¹ŃŠ°Ń Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ не Š²ŃŠµŠ¼Ń ŠæŃŠ°Š·Š“новаŃŃ ŃŠ²Š¾Š¹ поŃŃŃŠæŠ¾Šŗ или ŃŠ°Š·Š¼ŃŃŠ»ŃŃŃ Š¾ его ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŃŠ²ŠøŃŃ . ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŃŠøŠ²ŠµŠ»Š° ŃŠµŠ±Ń в поŃŃŠ“ок Šø Š¾ŃŠæŃавилаŃŃ Š² ŃŠµŠ½ŃŃ ŃŠŗŃŃŃŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹ ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠø. ŠŠµŃŃ Š¾ŃŃŠ°Ńок Š½Š¾ŃŠø она Š±Ńла занŃŃŠ° ŃŠ°Š±Š¾Ńой. ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а она Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŠµŃ Š¾ŃŠ²Š¾Š±Š¾Š“илаŃŃ, ŃŠ¶Šµ близилŃŃ ŃŠ°ŃŃŠ²ŠµŃ. ŠŠµŃŠ½ŃŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ Š² комнаŃŃ Š¾ŃŠ“ŃŃ Š° пеŃŃŠ¾Š½Š°Š»Š°, она обнаŃŃŠ¶ŠøŠ»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾ в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ńе Š±Ńло вŃŃ ŃŠ°Šŗ же гŃŃŠ·Š½Š¾. Š ŃŠŗŠø ГевŃŃŠŗŠø ŃŠ¶Š°Š»ŠøŃŃ Š² ŠŗŃŠ»Š°ŠŗŠø, а в голове ŠæŃонеŃлиŃŃ Š²Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠøŠ½Š°Š½ŠøŃ Š¾ бŃŃŠ½Š¾Š¼ ŠæŃŠ¾Ńлой ноŃŃŃ. Ā«Š”ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠ±Š¾, ŃŃŠ¾ поГменила менŃ, Š“Š¾ŠŗŃŠ¾Ń ŠŠµŃŃŠ¾Š²Š°Ā», - коллега ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń, Яна ŠŠ³Š°Ńонова, Š²Š¾ŃŠ»Š° Ń Š±Š»Š°Š³Š¾Š“Š°ŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ»Ńбкой. Та Š²ŃŠ“авила ŠøŠ· ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŃŠ»ŃбкŃ: Ā«ŠŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃйŃŃŠ°Ā». Ā«ŠŠ°Š»ŃŃŠµ Ń ŃŠæŃавлŃŃŃ ŃŠ°Š¼Š°. Тебе ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŠµŃ Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃŃŃŃŃ Šø немного Š¾ŃŠ“Š¾Ń Š½ŃŃŃ, - Яна ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ»Š° на Š±Ńмаги, ŃŠ°Š·Š±ŃŠ¾ŃŠ°Š½Š½Ńе по полŃ, Šø ŠæŃŠøŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š° Š±ŃŠ¾Š²Šø. - Š§ŃŠ¾ зГеŃŃ ŠæŃŠ¾ŠøŠ·Š¾Ńло? ŠŠ¾ŃŠµŠ¼Ń Š²ŃŃ Š²Š°Š»ŃŠµŃŃŃ Š½Š° полŃ?Ā» ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š° в панике Š¾Ńвела глаза Šø Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила: Ā«ŠŠ¹, Ń ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š¹Š½Š¾ ŃŃŠ¾Š½ŠøŠ»Š° ŠøŃ . ŠŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃйŃŃŠ°, ŠæŃŠøŠ±ŠµŃŠøŃŃ Š·Š“ŠµŃŃ. ŠÆ ŃŃŃŠ°Š»Š°, поŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń пойГŃĀ». Яне показалŃŃ ŃŃŃŠ°Š½Š½Ńм Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń, но она не ŠæŃŠøŠ“ала ŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń Š·Š½Š°ŃŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŠ½Šø ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠ¾ŃалиŃŃ, Šø Š¶ŠµŠ½ŃŠøŠ½Š° ŠæŃŠøŠ½ŃлаŃŃ ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃаŃŃ ŃŠ°Š·Š±ŃŠ¾ŃŠ°Š½Š½Ńе Š²ŠµŃŠø. ŠŠ½Š° еГва ŃŃŠæŠµŠ»Š° Š½Š°ŃŠ°ŃŃ, как в ГвеŃŃŃ ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ²ŠøŠ»ŃŃ ŃŠ°Š¼ Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ, а за ним - ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠŗ ŠŠøŃалиŃ. ŠŠ»Š°Š²Š° 2 Š§ŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾ Š²ŠøŠ½Ń Ā«ŠŃо Š²ŃаŃ, ГежŃŃŠøŠ²ŃŠ°Ń Š²ŃŠµŃа Š²ŠµŃеŃом, - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ. - ŠŠ¾ŠŗŃŠ¾Ń ŠÆŠ½Š° ŠŠ³Š°Ńонова». ŠŃŃŠøŃŃŠµŠ½Ń ŠŠøŃалиŃ, ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŠŃлов, воŃŃŠ» в комнаŃŃ Šø ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ» на ŃŠ°Š±Š»ŠøŃŠŗŃ Ń ŠøŠ¼ŠµŠ½ŠµŠ¼ на Š»Š°Š±Š¾ŃŠ°ŃŠ¾Ńном Ń Š°Š»Š°ŃŠµ ЯнŃ. Ā«ŠŠ¾Š¹Š“ŃŠ¼Ńе ŃŠ¾ мной». Яна Š±Ńла в Š·Š°Š¼ŠµŃаŃелŃŃŃŠ²Šµ. Ā«ŠŃГа Š¼Ń ŠøŠ“ŃŠ¼?Ā» ŠŠ¾ Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ Š½Šµ Š·Š°Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ» Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃаŃŃ Š½Š° ŠµŃ Š²Š¾ŠæŃŠ¾Ń. ŠŠ½ Ń ŃŠøŠ»Š¾Š¹ поŃŃŠ½ŃŠ» ŠµŃ Š·Š° ŃŃŠŗŃ Šø ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»: Ā«ŠŃоŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŠ¾Š¹Š“ŃŠ¼Ńе. ŠŠµ заŃŃŠ°Š²Š»ŃŠ¹ŃŠµ Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š“ŠøŠ½Š° ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š° жГаŃŃĀ». ŠŃŠŗŠ¾ŃŠµ она оказалаŃŃ Š² ŠŗŠ°Š±ŠøŠ½ŠµŃŠµ Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŠ° Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ. ŠŠøŃалий ŃŠøŠ“ел на Гиване, его Ń ŃŠ“Š¾ŃŠ°Š²Š¾Šµ Šø мŃŃŠŗŃлиŃŃŠ¾Šµ ŃŠµŠ»Š¾ Š¾ŃŠŗŠøŠ½ŃлоŃŃ Š½Š°Š·Š°Š“ в Š½ŠµŠæŃŠøŠ½ŃŠ¶Š“ŃŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹ позе, а Š“Š»ŠøŠ½Š½ŃŠµ ноги Š±Ńли ŃŠŗŃŠµŃŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ“ ним. ŠŃжно Š±Ńло имеŃŃ Š¾ŃŃŃŃŠ¹ глаз Šø ŠæŃŠøŃмоŃŃŠµŃŃŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š²Š½ŠøŠ¼Š°ŃŠµŠ»Ńнее, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń понŃŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ его Š³ŃŠ±Ń Š±ŃŠ»Šø блеГнее обŃŃŠ½Š¾Š³Š¾. Š ŃŃŠ°ŃŃŃŃ, ŃŠµŠ·ŠŗŠøŠ¹ Š·Š°ŠæŠ°Ń Š“ŠµŠ·ŠøŠ½ŃŠøŃŠøŃŃŃŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŃŠµŠ“ŃŃŠ²Š°, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¼ Š±ŃŠ»Šø ŠæŃŠ¾ŠæŠøŃŠ°Š½Ń ŃŃŠµŠ½Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ, ŃŠŗŃŃŠ²Š°Š» Š·Š°ŠæŠ°Ń Šŗ**ви на его коже. ŠŠ½ Š±ŃŠ» Š¾Š“ŠµŃ Š² ŃŠøŃŃŃŠ¹ ŃŃŃŠ½Ńй коŃŃŃŠ¼, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¹ ŃŠ°ŠŗŠ¶Šµ помог ŃŠŗŃŃŃŃ ŠŗŃŠ°ŃŠ½ŃŠµ ŠæŃŃŠ½Š°, в ŠæŃоŃивном ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Šµ вŃŃŃŠµŠ²Š¾Š¶ŠøŠ²Ńие Š±Ń Š²ŃŠµŃ окŃŃŠ¶Š°ŃŃŠøŃ . Рего вŃŃŠ°Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠø Š»ŠøŃŠ° ŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃ Š¶ŃŃŃŠŗŠ¾ŃŃŃ, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŠ°Ń ŃŠ°Šŗ Šø Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŠ»Š°, Š±ŃŠ“ŃŠ¾ он ŠæŠ¾Š±ŃŠ²Š°Š» в ŃŠ°Š¼Š¾Š¼ аГŃ, Šø ŃŃŠ¾ Ń Š½ŠøŠ¼ не ŃŃŠ¾ŠøŃ ŃŃŃŠøŃŃ. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ поГоŃŃŠ» Šŗ Š“ŠøŠ²Š°Š½Ń Šø наклонилŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š±Š»ŠøŠ¶Šµ, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠµŠæŃŠ°ŃŃ ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ Š½Š° ŃŃ Š¾: Ā«ŠŠøŠ“ŠµŠ¾Š·Š°ŠæŠøŃŠø Ń ŠŗŠ°Š¼ŠµŃ Š½Š°Š±Š»ŃŠ“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŠæŃŠ¾Ńлой Š½Š¾ŃŠø Š±ŃŠ»Šø Š½Š°Š¼ŠµŃŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ поГГеланŃ, ŃŠŗŠ¾Ńее Š²Ńего, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠ“елали Š²Š°ŃŠø Š½Š°ŠæŠ°Š“Š°Š²ŃŠøŠµ. ŠŠ½Šø ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠøŃŃŠøŠ»Šø ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“Ń Šø ŃŠ±Ńали Š²Ńе Š²Š¾Š·Š¼Š¾Š¶Š½Ńе ŃŠ»ŠøŠŗŠø. ŠŃо Š“Š¾ŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Яна ŠŠ³Š°Ńонова, ГежŃŃŠøŠ²ŃŠ°Ń ŠæŃŠ¾Ńлой ноŃŃŃ. ŠŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ ŃŠ°Š¼ ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠ²ŠµŃГил ŃŃŠ¾. ŠÆ ŃŠ°ŠŗŠ¶Šµ ŠæŠµŃŠµŠæŃŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŠøŠ» Š·Š°ŠæŠøŃŠø. ŠŃо ГейŃŃŠ²ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Š¾ она». Š¢Š¾Š»ŃŠŗŠ¾ ŃŠ¾Š³Š“а ŠŠøŃалий ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ» глаза. Š£ ŠÆŠ½Ń ŃŠµŠ·ŠŗŠ¾ ŠæŠµŃŠµŃ Š²Š°ŃŠøŠ»Š¾ Š“ŃŃ Š°Š½ŠøŠµ Šø она ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ“ ней ŃŠ°Š¼ боŃŃ ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ°ŃŠøŠø Ā«ŠŠ°ŃŠ°Š¼Š°ŃŠ½ŃĀ». Ā«ŠŃ ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗ, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¹ помог мне ŠæŃоŃлой ноŃŃŃ?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» ŠŠøŃалий, Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“ŃŠ²Š°Ń ŠµŃ Ń Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Š²Ń Š“Š¾ ног. Яна ŃŃŃ Š¶Šµ ŠæŃŠøŠ³Š½Ńла головŃ, не ŃŠµŃаŃŃŃ Š²ŃŃŃŠµŃŠøŃŃŃŃ Ń Š³ŃŠ¾Š·Š½Ńм Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ом Š¼ŃжŃинŃ. Ā«ŠŠ°... Š-ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŃĀ», - она не ŃŠ¾Š²Ńем понимала, о ŃŃŠ¼ ŠøŠ“ŃŃ ŃŠµŃŃ, но знала, ŃŃŠ¾ в ŠµŃ ŠøŠ½ŃŠµŃŠµŃŠ°Ń Š²Š¾Š¹ŃŠø в Š“Š¾Š²ŠµŃŠøŠµ Šŗ ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń. ŠŃгоГа не заŃŃŠ°Š²ŠøŃ ŃŠµŠ±Ń жГаŃŃ. Так ŃŠ»ŃŃŠøŠ»Š¾ŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ в ЦенŃŃŠ°Š»Ńном военном Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃŠ°Š»Šµ ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃалиŃŃ Š¾ŃŠ¾Š±ŃаŃŃ ŠŗŠ°Š½Š“ŠøŠ“Š°ŃŠ¾Š² Š“Š»Ń ŠæŃŠ¾Ń Š¾Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŠæŃŠ°ŠŗŃŠøŠŗŠø. Š Ń Š¾ŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ Š¾Š±Š¾Š·Š½Š°ŃŠµŠ½Š¾ как ŃŠ°ŠŗŠ¾Š²Š¾Šµ, Š²ŃŠµ в ŃŃŠ¾Š¹ оŃŃŠ°Ńли знали, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠøŠ½ŃŠµŃŠ½Ń Š² ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŠµŃŠ½Š¾Š¼ ŠøŃŠ¾Š³Šµ Š±ŃŠ“ŃŃ ŠæŃŠøŠ½ŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠ°Š±Š¾ŃŃ Šø ГоживŃŃ Š“Š¾ ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŃŠ° ŃŠ²Š¾ŠµŠ¹ каŃŃŠµŃŃ Š² ŃŃŠ¾Š¼ ŃŃŃŠµŠ¶Š“ении. ŠŃли ŃŠ¶ на ŃŠ¾ ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»Š¾, ЦенŃŃŠ°Š»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ Š²Š¾ŠµŠ½Š½ŃŠ¹ Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃŠ°Š»Ń имел ГоŃŃŃŠæ Šŗ ŃŠµŃŃŃŃŠ°Š¼, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµ Š±ŃŠ»Šø намного Š»ŃŃŃŠµ, ŃŠµŠ¼ в ŃŃŠ¾Š¹ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃе. Яна ŠæŠ»Š°Š½ŠøŃŠ¾Š²Š°Š»Š° поГŃŃŠ¶ŠøŃŃŃŃ Ń ŠŠøŃалием в наГежГе ŠøŃŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŠ·Š¾Š²Š°ŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Šø, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń попаŃŃŃ Š² Š»ŃŃŃŃŃ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ. «Я Š¼Š¾Š³Ń ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŠæŠµŠ½ŃŠøŃоваŃŃ ŃŠµŠ±Šµ Š²ŃŠµŠ¼, ŃŠµŠ¼ ŃŃ Š·Š°Ń Š¾ŃŠµŃŃ, Гаже Š±Ńаком», - внезапно ŠæŃеŃвал ŠµŃ мŃŃŠ»Šø Ń Š¾Š»Š¾Š“Š½ŃŠ¹ Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ń ŠŠøŃалиŃ. ŠŠ³Š¾ Š»ŠøŃŠ¾ оŃŃŠ°Š²Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃ Š¾ŃŃŃŃŠ°Š½ŃŠ½Š½ŃŠ¼, но мŃŃŠ»Ń о Š²ŃŠµŃŠ°Ńней Š½Š¾ŃŠø ŃŠ¼ŃŠ³ŃŠøŠ»Š° жŃŃŃŠŗŃŃ Š»ŠøŠ½ŠøŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŃŠ°. Ā«Š§ŃŠ¾ ж... ŠÆ...Ā» - ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ наŃŃŠ¾Š»Ńко неожиГанно, ŃŠµŠ¼ Яна могла ŃŠµŠ±Šµ ŠæŃŠµŠ“ŃŃŠ°Š²ŠøŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ она Ń ŃŃŃŠ“ом могла ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾Š±ŃŠ°ŃŃ ŃŠ»Š¾Š²Š°. Ā«ŠŃŠøŃ Š¾Š“Šø ко мне, как ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко ŠæŃимеŃŃ ŃŠµŃение», - вŃŃŠ°Š» ŠŠøŃалий Šø жеŃŃŠ¾Š¼ ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃа ГаŃŃ ŠµŠ¹ ŃŠ²Š¾Š¹ ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŃŠ°ŠŗŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŃон. ŠŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ ŠæŠ¾ŃŠæŠµŃŠøŠ» Šø ŠæŃŠµŠ“ложил ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ ŠæŃŠ¾Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ Šŗ вŃŃ Š¾Š“Ń. «РŃŃŠ¾Š¼ Š½ŠµŃ Š½ŠµŠ¾Š±Ń Š¾Š“ŠøŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠøĀ», - Š¾ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»ŃŃ ŃŠ¾Ń, Šø вŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ повеГение ŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š° ŃŃŠ°Š»Š¾ Ń Š¾Š»Š¾Š“Š½ŃŠ¼. ŠŠ°Ńем он оŃŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»ŃŃ, как Š±ŃŠ“ŃŠ¾ его кое-ŃŃŠ¾ Š¾ŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠ»Š¾. ŠŠ½ Š¾Š±ŠµŃŠ½ŃŠ»ŃŃ Šŗ Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃоŃŃ Šø ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»: Ā«ŠŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃйŃŃŠ°, позабоŃŃŃŠµŃŃ Š¾ ней». Ā«ŠŠ¾Š½ŠµŃно», - Š·Š°Š²ŠµŃŠøŠ» его Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ Ń Š²ŠµŠ¶Š»ŠøŠ²Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ»Ńбкой. Š£Š±ŠµŠ“ŠøŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ они Š½Š°Ń оГŃŃŃŃ Š²Š½Šµ ŠæŃŠµŠ“елов ŃŠ»ŃŃŠøŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠø, ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ поГоŃŃŠ» Šŗ ŠŠøŃалиŃ. Ā«ŠŠ°ŃŠ°Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŠŗ, - Š¾Š±ŃŠ°ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃ Š¾Š½ ŃŠøŃ им, но наŃŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¼ Š³Š¾Š»Š¾ŃŠ¾Š¼, - Š²Ń Š²ŠµŠ“Ń ŃŠ¶Šµ женаŃŃ. ŠÆ не Š“ŃŠ¼Š°Ń, ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ°Šŗ ŃŠ²Š»ŃеŃŃŃ ŠæŃŠøŠµŠ¼Š»ŠµŠ¼Ńм Š²Š°ŃианŃом Š“Š»Ń Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š¶Šø ŠŠ³Š°Ńоновой. ŠŠ°Š¼ ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŠµŃ Š¾ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°ŃŃŃŃ Š¾Ń ŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾ ŠæŃŠµŠ“ложениŃĀ». ŠŃŠ±Ń ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ Š“ŃŃŠ½ŃлиŃŃ ŠæŃŠø ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠøŠ½Š°Š½ŠøŠø о его Š±Ńаке, а Š»ŠøŃо еŃŃ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŃŠµ ŠæŠ¾Š¼ŃŠ°Ńнело, когГа он ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠ¼Š°Š» о Š¶ŠµŠ½Ńине, на ŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃой его заŃŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Šø жениŃŃŃŃ. «Тебе ŃŃŠ¾, жиŃŃ Š½Š°Š“Š¾ŠµŠ»Š¾?Ā» - ŠæŃŠøŠ³Ńозил он ŃŠ²Š¾ŠµŠ¼Ń ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠŗŃ. Š¢Š¾Ń ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ», ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» ŃŠ¾, ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ не ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“овало, Šø ŃŃŃ Š¶Šµ Š·Š°Š“ŃŠ¾Š¶Š°Š». Š ŃŃŠ¾Ń Š¼Š¾Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń Š¾Š½ не знал, ŠŗŃŠ¾ болŃŃŠµ Š²ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ Š·Š»ŠøŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ боŃŃŠ° - Š½Š¾Š²Š°Ń Š½ŠµŠ²ŠµŃŃŠ° или ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗ, ŃŃŠ¾ŃŃŠøŠ¹ за Š²ŃŠµŃŠ°Ńним напаГением. Тем Š²Ńеменем ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃлаŃŃ Š½Š° виллŃ, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŃ Š“Š¾Š»Š¶Š½Š° Š±ŃŠ»Š° ГелиŃŃ Ń Š¼ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ¼. ŠŠŗŠ¾Š½Š¾Š¼ŠŗŠ° ŃŃŠµŠ“Š½ŠøŃ Š»ŠµŃ, ŠŠøŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃ Романова, вŃŃŃŠµŃила ŠµŃ в ŃŠ¾Š¹Šµ, на ŠµŃ Š»ŠøŃŠµ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ Š½Š°ŠæŠøŃŠ°Š½Š¾ Š±ŠµŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾Š¹ŃŃŠ²Š¾. Ā«ŠŠ¾ŃŠµŠ¼Ń Š²Š°Ń Š½Šµ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ Š²ŃŠµŃа Š²ŠµŃеŃом, Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š¶Š°?Ā» «Я Голжна Š±Ńла поГмениŃŃ ŠŗŠ¾Š»Š»ŠµŠ³ŃĀ», - Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила ŃŠ°. ŠŃ глаза Š±Ńли ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŃŠ°ŃŠ½ŠµŠ²ŃŠøŠ¼Šø Šø ŃŠ»ŠµŠ·ŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃ Š¾Ń ŃŃŃŠ°Š»Š¾ŃŃŠø. УвиГев ŃŃŠ¾, ŠŠøŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃ ŃŠµŃила не наŃŃŠ°ŠøŠ²Š°ŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠ²Š¾Ńм. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š½Š°Š²ŠµŃŃ Šø погŃŃŠ·ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š² ваннŃ. ŠŃ мŃŃŠ»Šø Š½ŠµŠ²Š¾Š»ŃŠ½Š¾ Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃлиŃŃ Šŗ ŠæŃŠµŠ“ŃŠ“ŃŃŠµŠ¹ Š½Š¾ŃŠø, Šø она поŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°, как ŠµŃ ŃŃŠŗŠø Š½Š°ŃŠ°Š»Šø Š³Š¾ŃŠµŃŃ. ŠŠ½Š° Š²Š·Š“Š¾Ń Š½ŃŠ»Š° Šø погŃŃŠ·ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š² воГŃ, как Š±Ń ŃŠæŠ°ŃŠ°ŃŃŃ Š¾Ń ŃŃŠµŠ²Š¾Š¶Š½ŃŃ Š²Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠøŠ½Š°Š½ŠøŠ¹. ŠŃ ŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š° по ŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń ŠæŠ¾Š²Š¾Š“Ń Š±ŃŠ»Šø ŃŠ¼ŠµŃŠ°Š½Š½ŃŠ¼Šø, Šø она не знала, Ń ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ Š½Š°ŃŠ°ŃŃ. ŠŠ½Š° Гаже не ŠæŃеГŃŃŠ°Š²Š»Ńла, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ» за ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗ. ŠŠ¾Š»ŠµŠµ ŃŠ¾Š³Š¾, она ŃŠµŠæŠµŃŃ Š±ŃŠ»Š° Š·Š°Š¼ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ¼. ŠŃ ŃŃŠ¾Š¹ мŃŃŠ»Šø она поŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° винŃ. ŠŠµŃмоŃŃŃ Š½Š° обŃŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµŠ»ŃŃŃŠ²Š°, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµ ŠæŃŠøŠ²ŠµŠ»Šø ŠøŃ Šŗ Š½ŃŠ½ŠµŃŠ½ŠµŠ¼Ń ŠæŠ¾Š»Š¾Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ, ŃŠ°ŠŗŃ оŃŃŠ°Š²Š°Š»ŃŃ ŃŠ°ŠŗŃом: она Šø ŠŠøŃалий ŃŠ²Š»ŃŃŃŃŃ Š¼ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ¼ Šø женой. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° вŃŃŠ»Š° ŠøŠ· ваннŃ, оГелаŃŃ Šø ŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š° ŠæŃŠøŠ³Š¾ŃовилаŃŃ Šŗ вŃŃ Š¾Š“Ń. ŠŠ°Šŗ ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко она ŃŠæŃŃŃŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š²Š½ŠøŠ·, ŠŠøŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃ ŃŃŃ Š¶Šµ заŃŃŠµŃилаŃŃ Š²Š¾ŠŗŃŃŠ³ неŃ: Ā«ŠŃ опŃŃŃ ŃŃ Š¾Š“ŠøŃŠµ ŃŠ°Šŗ ŃŠŗŠ¾Ńо? ŠŠ¾ŃŠµŠ¼Ń Š±Ń Š²Š°Š¼ ŃŠ½Š°Ńала не позавŃŃŠ°ŠŗŠ°ŃŃ?Ā» Та ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ»Š° на Š²ŃемŃ. Ā«ŠŠµŃ, Ń Š¾ŠæŠ¾Š·Š“Š°Ń Š½Š° ŃŠ°Š±Š¾ŃŃĀ». ŠŠøŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃ знала, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š²ŃŠ°Ń, поŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń она понимала, ŃŃŠ¾ Š“Š»Ń ŃŃŠ¾Š¹ молоГой ГевŃŃŠŗŠø ŃŠ²Š»ŃеŃŃŃ Š½Š¾ŃŠ¼Š¾Š¹ ŠæŃŠ¾Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠ°Š±Š¾Ńе Š½ŠµŃмеŃенное ŠŗŠ¾Š»ŠøŃеŃŃŠ²Š¾ Š²ŃŠµŠ¼ŠµŠ½Šø. ТогГа она ŠæŃоŃŃŠ½Ńла ей ŃŃŠ°ŠŗŠ°Š½ молока: Ā«ŠŃŠæŠµŠ¹ŃŠµ Ń Š¾ŃŃ Š±Ń ŃŃŠ¾. ŠŃŃŠ¾Ńожно, оно гоŃŃŃŠµŠµĀ». Ā«Š”ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠ±Š¾Ā», - ŃŠøŃ о ŠæŃоизнеŃла ГевŃŃŠŗŠ°, ŃŠ¾Š³ŃŠµŃŠ°Ń Š·Š°Š±Š¾ŃŠ¾Š¹ ŃŠŗŠ¾Š½Š¾Š¼ŠŗŠø. Ā«ŠŠµ за ŃŃŠ¾Ā», - Š»ŃŠ±ŠµŠ·Š½Š¾ ŃŠ»ŃŠ±Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ ŃŠŗŠ¾Š½Š¾Š¼ŠŗŠ°. ŠŠ¾Š·Š¼Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾, ŃŃŠ¾Ń Š±ŃŠ°Šŗ Šø Š±ŃŠ» Š²ŃŠ½ŃŠ¶Š“ŠµŠ½Š½ŃŠ¼, но она ГоŃŃŠ°ŃŠ¾ŃŠ½Š¾ Ń Š¾ŃŠ¾Ńо знала, ŃŃŠ¾ Š½ŠµŠ»ŃŠ·Ń ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŃŃ Š½Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń ŃŠ²ŃŃŠ¾ŠŗŠ°. ŠŠ°Š¶Šµ без ŃŠøŃŃŠ»Š° Š¶ŠµŠ½Ń ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° - ŠæŃŠ¾ŃеŃŃŠøŠ¾Š½Š°Š»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ Š²ŃŠ°Ń, Šø ŃŃŠ¾ Š“ŠµŠ»Š°ŠµŃ ŠµŃ Š±Š¾Š»ŠµŠµ ŃŠµŠ¼ ГоŃŃŠ¾Š¹Š½Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ²Š°Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŠ¾ŠæŠøŠ² молоко, ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š²ŠµŃŠ½Ńла ŃŃŠ°ŠŗŠ°Š½ ŠŠøŠŗŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠø Šø Š½Š°ŠæŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Šŗ вŃŃ Š¾Š“Ń. ŠŠ“нако она не ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»Š° ŃŃŠ°Š·Ń в комнаŃŃ Š¾ŃŠ“ŃŃ Š° пеŃŃŠ¾Š½Š°Š»Š°. ŠŠ½Š° вŃŃŠ»Š° ŠøŠ· Гома ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ°Š½ŃŃŠµ, ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š¼Ń ŃŃŠ¾ ей Š½Ńжно Š±Ńло Š·Š°Š¹ŃŠø в ŃŃŠ°ŃионаŃ. ŠŃ маŃŃ Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠµŃŠµŠ½Š° в Š¾ŃŠ“еление ŠøŠ½ŃенŃивной ŃŠµŃапии. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š¼Š¾Š»ŃŠ° Š²Š¾ŃŠ»Š° в палаŃŃ Šø ŠæŃŠ¾Š²ŠµŃила ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾Ńние Š¼Š°ŃŠµŃŠø. ŠŠµŠ½Ńина по-ŠæŃŠµŠ¶Š½ŠµŠ¼Ń Š½Š°Ń Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š² ŠæŠ»Š¾Ń Š¾Š¼ ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾Ńнии. Š”ŠµŃŠ“ŃŠµ ГевŃŃŠŗŠø Š·Š°Š½ŃŠ»Š¾. ŠŃ маŃŃ ŃŃŃŠ°Š“ала Š¾Ń ŃŠµŃŠ“ŠµŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ неГоŃŃŠ°ŃŠ¾ŃŠ½Š¾ŃŃŠø Šø Š½Š°Ń Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š² ŠŗŃŠøŃŠøŃŠµŃком ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾Ńнии. ŠŠ“инŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Ńм ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¼ ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½ŠøŃŃ Š¶ŠøŠ·Š½Ń Š¼Š°ŃŠµŃŠø Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŠæŠµŃŠµŃаГка ŃŠµŃŠ“ŃŠ°, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃаŃ, еŃŃŠµŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾, Š¾Š±Š¾ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š±Ń Š² ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Šµ ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾Ńние. ŠŃновной ŠæŃŠøŃиной, по ŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃой ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠ¾Š³Š»Š°ŃилаŃŃ Š½Š° Š±ŃŠ°Šŗ, Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ ŃŠ¾, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠµŃ Š¾ŃŠµŃ ŃŠ³Ńожал ŃŠ“ŠµŃŠ¶Š°ŃŃ Š“ŠµŠ½ŃŠ³Šø, Š½ŠµŠ¾Š±Ń Š¾Š“ŠøŠ¼ŃŠµ Š“Š»Ń Š¾ŠæŠµŃŠ°ŃŠøŠø. ТепеŃŃ, когГа она вŃŃŠ»Š° Š·Š°Š¼ŃŠ¶, как ŃŠ¾Š³Š¾ ŃŃŠµŠ±Š¾Š²Š°Š» ŠµŃ Š¾ŃŠµŃ, вŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ им Š±Ńло Š½Ńжно, ŃŃŠ¾ Š½Š°Š¹ŃŠø ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń Š¾Š“ŃŃŠµŠ³Š¾ Š“Š¾Š½Š¾ŃŠ° ŃŠµŃŠ“ŃŠ°. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š±ŃŠ¾Ńила гоŃŃŠŗŠøŠ¹ Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ на маŃŃ: Ā«ŠŠ°Š¼Š°, Ń ŃŠµŠ±Ń Š²ŃŠ»ŠµŃŃ. ŠÆ Š¾Š±ŠµŃŠ°ŃĀ». ŠŃ маŃŃ Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŃŠ°Š¼Ńм близким ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗŠ¾Š¼, ŠµŃ Š³Š»Š°Š²Š½Š¾Š¹ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š“ŠµŃŠ¶ŠŗŠ¾Š¹ Šø Š½Š°Š“ŃŠ¶Š½Ńм Š“Š¾Š²ŠµŃŠµŠ½Š½Ńм Š»ŠøŃом. ŠŠµŠ¾Š¶ŠøŠ“анно зазвонил ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŃон. ŠŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŠ° ГоŃŃŠ°Š»Š° ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŃон ŠøŠ· ŠŗŠ°ŃŠ¼Š°Š½Š° Šø Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила на звонок. Ā«ŠŠøŠ»Š°, - ŃŠ°Š·Š“алŃŃ Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńкой голоŃ. - ŠŠ½Šµ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŃŃ Š¾ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° мне Š¾Š“Š½Ń ŃŃŠ»ŃгŃĀ». ŠŠ»Š°Š²Š° 3 ЧаŃŃŠ½Ńй ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ń ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Šµ позвонил Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾Ń Š¤Š°Š»ŃŠŗŠ¾Š². ŠŠ½Šø ŃŃŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃ Š² оГном Š¼ŠµŠ“ŠøŃŠøŠ½Ńком ŃŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃŃŠøŃŠµŃŠµ, Ń Š¾ŃŃ Š¾Š½ Š±ŃŠ» на Гва гоГа ŃŃŠ°ŃŃŠµ еŃ. ŠŠ°Ńем он ŃŠµŃ ал за Š³ŃаниŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŠæŃŠ¾Š“олжиŃŃ Š¾Š±ŃŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ, Šø ŃŠµŠæŠµŃŃ Š±ŃŠ» извеŃŃŠ½Ńм ŃŠŗŃпеŃŃŠ¾Š¼ в ŃŠ²Š¾ŠµŠ¹ облаŃŃŠø. Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾Ń Š²ŃŠµŠ³Š“а Ń Š¾ŃŠ¾Ńо Š·Š°Š±Š¾ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃ Š¾ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Šµ, поŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń они Š±Ńли Š“Š¾Š²Š¾Š»ŃŠ½Š¾ близки. «Ркакой ŃŃŠ»Ńге ŠøŠ“ŃŃ ŃŠµŃŃ?Ā» - ŠæŃŃŠ¼Š¾ ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. «У Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠµŃŃŃ ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ń, Š½ŃŠ¶Š“аŃŃŠøŠ¹ŃŃ Š² Š»ŠµŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠø, оГнако Ń Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ²ŠøŠ»Š¾ŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ¾ŃŠ»Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾Šµ Гело, Šø Ń Š½Šµ Š“ŃŠ¼Š°Ń, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠ¼Š¾Š³Ń занŃŃŃŃŃ ŃŃŠøŠ¼ в Š±Š»ŠøŠ¶Š°Š¹Ńее Š²ŃемŃ. ŠŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃйŃŃŠ°, Š²Š¾Š·ŃŠ¼Šø ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ńа поГ ŃŠ²Š¾Ń ŠŗŃŃŠ»Š¾Ā», - ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» Š¤ŃŠ“оŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š° Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ½Ńла на ŃŠ²Š¾Ń ŃŠ°ŃŠæŠøŃŠ°Š½ŠøŠµ. Š”ŠµŠ³Š¾Š“Š½Ń Ń Š½ŠµŃ Š½Šµ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ Гел в Š¾ŃŠøŃе, Šø, ŠµŃŠ»Šø не ŃŃŠøŃаŃŃ Š“Š²ŃŃ Š¾ŠæŠµŃŠ°Ńий, Š·Š°ŠæŠ»Š°Š½ŠøŃŠ¾Š²Š°Š½Š½ŃŃ Š½Š° полГенŃ, она Š±Ńла ŠæŃŠ°ŠŗŃŠøŃŠµŃŠŗŠø ŃŠ²Š¾Š±Š¾Š“на. Ā«ŠŠ°, ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŠµŃŠ½Š¾. ŠŃГа мне ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠµŃ аŃŃ?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. «Я напиŃŃ ŃŠµŠ±Šµ Š°Š“ŃŠµŃ. ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а ГобеŃŃŃŃŃŃ ŃŃŠ“а, ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠŗŠ°Š¶Šø Š¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½Š½ŠøŠŗŠ°Š¼, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃ ŠæŃŠøŠµŃ ала Šŗ Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š“ŠøŠ½Ń ŠŠ°Š»Š°ŃниковŃ, Šø они обо вŃŃŠ¼ позабоŃŃŃŃŃĀ», - Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃŠøŠ» Š¤ŃŠ“оŃ. Ā«ŠŠ¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃилиŃŃĀ», - Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила ГевŃŃŠŗŠ°. Ā«ŠŃŃ ŠŗŠ¾Šµ-ŃŃŠ¾, - Гобавил Š¤ŃŠ“оŃ, Šø его ŃŠ¾Š½ ŃŃŠ°Š» ŃŠµŃŃŃŠ·Š½Ńм. - ŠŠøŠŗŠ¾Š³Š“а Š½ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š¼Ń об ŃŃŠ¾Š¼ не Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠø Šø не заГавай Š»ŠøŃŠ½ŠøŃ Š²Š¾ŠæŃŠ¾Ńов. ŠŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠµŠ±Šµ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾ ŃŠ“елаŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ Š²ŃŠ»ŠµŃŠøŃŃ ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ńа». Ā«ŠÆŃŠ½Š¾. ŠŠµ Š²Š¾Š»Š½ŃŠ¹ŃŃĀ», - Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. ŠŠ½Šø ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠ¾ŃалиŃŃ, Šø ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š²ŃŠ·Š²Š°Š»Š° ŃŠ°ŠŗŃŠø, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń Š“Š¾Š±ŃŠ°ŃŃŃŃ Šŗ ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½ŃŃ. ŠŠµŃŃŠ¾ оказалоŃŃ Š² ŠæŃŠµŃŃŠøŠ¶Š½Š¾Š¼ ŃŠ°Š¹Š¾Š½Šµ, заполненном виллами, Š¾ŃŠ½Š°ŃŃŠ½Š½Ńми ŃŠøŃŃŠµŠ¼Š°Š¼Šø Š±ŠµŠ·Š¾ŠæŠ°ŃŠ½Š¾ŃŃŠø вŃŃŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŃŠ¾Š²Š½Ń. ŠŠ°Šŗ Šø ожиГалоŃŃ, на Š²Ń оГе ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° ŃŃŠ¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃлаŃŃ Ń ŃŃŃŠ¾Š²Š¾Š¹ Š¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š¹. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“овала инŃŃŃŃŠŗŃŠøŃŠ¼ Šø ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼ŃŠ½Ńла Š³Š¾ŃпоГина ŠŠ°Š»Š°Ńникова. ДГелав звонок, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŃŠ±ŠµŠ“ŠøŃŃŃŃ Š² ŠæŃŠ°Š²Š“ивоŃŃŠø ŠµŃ ŃŠ»Š¾Š², Š¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½Š½ŠøŠŗ ŠæŃŠøŠ³Š»Š°ŃŠøŠ» ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń внŃŃŃŃ. ŠŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŠ° легко Š½Š°Ńла виллŃ. ŠŠ½Š° ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ ŠæŠ¾ ŃŃŃŠæŠµŠ½ŃŠŗŠ°Š¼ Šø позвонила в ГвеŃŃ. Š§ŠµŃŠµŠ· Š½ŠµŃŠŗŠ¾Š»Ńко ŃŠµŠŗŃнГ ГвеŃŃ Š¾ŃŠŗŃŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ. ŠŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠøŃŃŠ°ŃŠøŃ Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃŠ²ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Š¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŃŃŠ¾Ńной. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š½Š°Ń Š¼ŃŃŠøŠ»ŃŃ. ŠŠ½Šø жГали Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾ŃŠ°, но вмеŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾ на ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š³Šµ оказалаŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ·Š²Š°Š½Š°Ń Š³Š¾ŃŃŃŃ. Ā«ŠŃоŃŃŠøŃе, вŃā¦Ā» - Š½Š°ŃŠ°Š»Š° ГевŃŃŠŗŠ°. ŠŠ· ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š½ŠøŠ¹ Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾ŃŠ° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠ¶Šµ ŃŠ“елала Š²ŃвоГ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃŠ¾Ń ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ń ŃŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š»ŠøŃŠ½Š¾Šµ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŃŠ°Š½ŃŃŠ²Š¾, Šø ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń избежаŃŃ Š½ŠµŠæŃŠøŃŃŠ½Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ¹, она ŃŠ¾Ńла ŃŠ°Š·ŃŠ¼Š½ŃŠ¼ наГеŃŃ Š¼Š°ŃŠŗŃ. ŠŠµŠ·Š¾ŠæŠ°ŃноŃŃŃ Š±ŃŠ»Š° в ŠæŃŠøŠ¾ŃŠøŃеŃе. Ā«ŠŠ¾ŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š¤Š°Š»ŃŠŗŠ¾Š² ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŃŠøŠµŃ аŃŃ ŃŃŠ“а», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š¼ŠµŠ»ŃŠŗŠ¾Š¼ Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ½ŃŠ» на Š°ŠæŃŠµŃŠŗŃ, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŃ Š¾Š½Š° Š“ŠµŃŠ¶Š°Š»Š°: Ā«ŠŃ Š·Š½Š°ŠµŃŠµ, ŃŃŠ¾ ГелаŃŃ?Ā» Ā«ŠŠ°, Š“Š¾ŠŗŃŠ¾Ń Š¤Š°Š»ŃŠŗŠ¾Š² Гал мне инŃŃŃŃŠŗŃŠøŠø. ŠÆ ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½Ń вŃŃ Š² ŃŃŃŠ¾Š³Š¾Š¹ ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŃŠøŠ“ŠµŠ½ŃŠøŠ°Š»ŃноŃŃŠøĀ», - Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила ГевŃŃŠŗŠ°. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ знал, ŃŃŠ¾ Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾Ń Š½Šµ ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ“ал Š±Ń ŃŠ²Š¾Šø Š¾Š±ŃŠ·Š°Š½Š½Š¾ŃŃŠø ŃŠ¾Š¼Ń, ŠŗŃŠ¾ не Š·Š°ŃŠ»ŃŠ¶ŠøŠ²Š°ŠµŃ Š“Š¾Š²ŠµŃŠøŃ или Š½ŠµŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŠæŠµŃенŃен, поŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń ŃŃŠ²ŠµŃŠ“ŠøŃŠµŠ»Ńно ŠŗŠøŠ²Š½ŃŠ» Šø впŃŃŃŠøŠ» ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń. ŠŠ½ ŠæŃŠ¾Š²ŃŠ» ŠµŃ Š¼ŠøŠ¼Š¾ ŃŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ гоŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾Š¹, Š·Š°ŃŠµŠ¼ ввеŃŃ ŠæŠ¾ леŃŃŠ½ŠøŃе в ŃŠæŠ°Š»ŃŠ½Ń. Š ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°ŃŠµ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ ŃŠµŠ¼Š½Š¾. Ā«ŠŠ°Šŗ Ń Š±ŃŠ“Ń ŠæŃŠ¾Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃŃ Š»ŠµŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ без ŃŠ²ŠµŃа?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а ŠŠøŃалий ŃŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š» Š¶ŠµŠ½ŃŠŗŠøŠ¹ голоŃ, ŃŠ¾ ŠæŠ¾ŃŠæŠµŃŠ½Š¾ ŃŃ Š²Š°ŃŠøŠ» ŃŠ²Š¾Š¹ пиГжак Šø наŃŃŠ½ŃŠ» его на Š»ŠøŃо. Ā«ŠŠŗŠ»ŃŃŠø ŃŠ²ŠµŃĀ», - ŠæŃŠøŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» он ŃŠŗŠ²Š¾Š·Ń ŃŠŗŠ°Š½Ń. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŃŃŠ»ŠŗŠ½ŃŠ» Š²ŃŠŗŠ»ŃŃŠ°Ńелем, Šø комнаŃŃ Š·Š°Š»ŠøŠ» ŃŃŠŗŠøŠ¹ ŃŠ²ŠµŃ. ŠŠµŃвой мŃŃŠ»ŃŃ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ ŃŠ¾, ŃŃŠ¾ Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ń ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ńа Š±ŃŠ» Š“Š¾Š²Š¾Š»ŃŠ½Š¾ Š·Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŃŠ¼, оГнако она Š¾ŃŠ¼Š°Ń Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š¾Ń ŃŃŠøŃ мŃŃŠ»ŠµŠ¹. ŠŠ½Š° ŃŠ²ŠøŠ“ела ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š²ŠµŠŗŠ°, Š»ŠµŠ¶Š°ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ на ŠŗŃŠ¾Š²Š°ŃŠø, ŃŃŃ Š±ŠµŠ»Š°Ń ŠæŠ°ŃŠ°Š“Š½Š°Ń ŃŃŠ±Š°Ńка Š±Ńла в ŠæŃŃŠ½Š°Ń Гавно Š·Š°ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠµŠ¹ ŠŗŃŠ¾Š²Šø. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° не Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ»Š° вГаваŃŃŃŃ Š² ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃŠø Šø ŃŠµŃила ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµŠ“Š¾ŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠ°Š½Š°Ń . ŠŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Š° ŃŠ²Š½Š¾ не Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ» Š²ŃŠ“аваŃŃ ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š»ŠøŃŠ½Š¾ŃŃŃ, поŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° еŃŃŠµŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Ńм Š¾Š±Ńазом ŃŠ²Š°Š¶Š°Š»Š° его Š³ŃаниŃŃ Šø вела ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŠæŃŠøŠ»ŠøŃно. ŠŠ½Š° поŃŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š°ŠæŃŠµŃŠŗŃ Š½Š° ŃŃŠ¼Š±Š¾ŃŠŗŃ Šø ГоŃŃŠ°Š»Š° Ń ŠøŃŃŃŠ³ŠøŃŠµŃŠŗŠøŠµ инŃŃŃŃŠ¼ŠµŠ½ŃŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š½Š¾Š¶Š½ŠøŃŠ°Š¼Šø ŃŠ°Š·Ńезала ŃŃŠ±Š°ŃŠŗŃ ŠæŠ°ŃŠøŠµŠ½Ńа, обнажив его ŃŠ°Š½Ń, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµ Š±ŃŠ»Šø покŃŃŃŃ ŃŠ¾Š½ŠŗŠøŠ¼ ŃŠ»Š¾ŠµŠ¼ Š¼Š°ŃŠ»Šø. ŠŠ½Š° ŃŠ±Ńала вŃŃ Šø, наконеŃ, ŃŠ²ŠøŠ“ела Гве Š·ŠøŃŃŃŠøŠµ ŃŠ°Š½Ń на ŠæŃавой ŃŃŠ¾Ńоне ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ° Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃинŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š½Š°ŃŠ°Š»Š° Š»ŠµŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ, Š¾Š±ŃŠ°Š±Š¾Ńав ŃŠ°Š½Ń ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŠ¼Šø ловкими ŃŃŠŗŠ°Š¼Šø. ŠŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ Š²ŃŠµŠ¼Ń она оŃŃŠ°Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃ ŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾Š¹Š½Š¾Š¹, а ŠµŃ Š“Š²ŠøŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š±ŃŠ»Šø бŃŃŃŃŃŠ¼Šø Šø ŃŃŃŠµŠŗŃŠøŠ²Š½ŃŠ¼Šø. Ā«ŠŃŃŃ Š»Šø Ń Š²Š°Ń Š°Š»Š»ŠµŃŠ³ŠøŃ на анеŃŃŠµŠ·ŠøŃ?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° она ŃŠµŃез Š½ŠµŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃое Š²ŃемŃ. Š ŃŃŠ°ŃŃŃŃ, ŃŠ°Š½Ń Š±ŃŠ»Šø Š½ŠµŠ³Š»ŃŠ±Š¾ŠŗŠøŠµ Šø ŠæŠ¾Š²ŃŠµŠ“или лиŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ±Š¾Š»ŃŃŃŃ ŃŠ°ŃŃŃ ŠŗŠ¾Š¶Šø, оГнако ŃŃŠµŠ±Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃ Ń ŠøŃŃŃŠ³ŠøŃŠµŃŠŗŠ¾Šµ Š²Š¼ŠµŃŠ°ŃелŃŃŃŠ²Š¾. ŠŃŠ¾ŃŠµŃŃ ŃŃŠµŠ±Š¾Š²Š°Š» ŠæŃŠøŠ¼ŠµŠ½ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ меŃŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ анеŃŃŠµŠ·ŠøŠø. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾Š¹Š½Š¾, поŃŃŠø ŃŠøŃ о, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠµŠ·ŠŗŠ¾ конŃŃŠ°ŃŃŠøŃовало Ń ŠµŃ Š±ŠµŠ·ŃŠ¼Š½Ńм Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ńом ŠæŃоŃлой ноŃŃŃ. ŠŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ń, Š½ŠµŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŃ Š½Š° обмен Š½ŠµŃколŃкими ŃŠ»Š¾Š²Š°Š¼Šø, ŠŠøŃалий ŃŠ¾Š²Ńем не ŃŠ·Š½Š°Š» еŃ. Ā«ŠŠµŃĀ», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» он ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŠ¼ обŃŃŠ½Ńм Ń Š¾Š»Š¾Š“Š½ŃŠ¼ Š³Š¾Š»Š¾ŃŠ¾Š¼, ŠæŃŠ¾ ŃŠµŠ±Ń воŃŃ Š²Š°Š»ŃŃ ŠµŃ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃеŃŃŠøŠ¾Š½Š°Š»ŠøŠ·Š¼. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŃŠøŃŃŃŠæŠøŠ»Š° Šŗ ŠæŃŠøŠ³Š¾ŃŠ¾Š²Š»ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š°Š½ŠµŃŃŠµŠ·ŠøŠø, а Š·Š°Ńем ввела ŠµŃ в облаŃŃŃ Š²Š¾ŠŗŃŃŠ³ ŃŠ°Š½. ŠŠ¼ ŠæŃŠøŃлоŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾Š¶Š“Š°ŃŃ ŠæŠ°ŃŃ Š¼ŠøŠ½ŃŃ, пока Š½Š°ŃалоŃŃ Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃŠ²ŠøŠµ ŠæŃŠµŠæŠ°ŃŠ°ŃŠ°, ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»Šµ ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ она наложила ŃŠ²Ń. ŠŃŠøŠ¼ŠµŃŠ½Š¾ ŃŠµŃез ŃŠ°Ń ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŠµŃ Š·Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŃŠøŠ»Š°. Š ŃŠµŠ»Š¾Š¼, Š»ŠµŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ ŠæŃŠ¾Ńло бŃŃŃŃŠ¾ Šø ŃŃŠæŠµŃŠ½Š¾. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ»Š° на ŃŠ²Š¾Šø ок**Š²Š°Š²Š»ŠµŠ½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŃŠŗŠø Šø ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š°: Ā«ŠŠ½Šµ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾ в ŃŠ±Š¾ŃнŃŃĀ». Ā«ŠŃ Š¼Š¾Š¶ŠµŃŠµ ŠøŃŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŠ·Š¾Š²Š°ŃŃ ŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ внизŃĀ», - Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃŠøŠ» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠæŠ¾ŃŠæŠµŃŠ½Š¾ ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠøŠ½ŃŠ»Š° ŃŠæŠ°Š»ŃŠ½Ń. Š£Š±ŠµŠ“ŠøŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃлаŃŃ Š½Š° ŠæŠµŃŠ²Ńй ŃŃŠ°Š¶, ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ закŃŃŠ» ГвеŃŃ Šø ŠæŠ¾ŃŠæŠµŃŠøŠ» Šŗ ŠŠøŃалиŃ. «Я ŃŠ·Š½Š°Š», ŃŃŠ¾ банГиŃŃ, Š½Š°ŠæŠ°Š²ŃŠøŠµ на Š²Š°Ń Š²ŃŠµŃа, ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾ŃŠ»Š°Š½Ń ŠŃŃŃŠ¼Š¾Š¼. ŠŠ½, Š²ŠµŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ½Š¾, оŃŃŠ°Ńнно Ń Š¾ŃŠµŃ избавиŃŃŃŃ Š¾Ń Š²Š°Ń, Š¾ŃŠ¾Š±ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»Šµ ŃŠ¾Š³Š¾, как Š²Ń вŃŃŠøŃлили его ŃŠæŠøŠ¾Š½Š¾Š² в Š²Š°Ńей компании», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŠøŃалий заŃŃŠ¾Š½Š°Š» Š¾Ń Š±Š¾Š»Šø, ŃŃŠ°Š¶ŠøŠ²Š°ŃŃŃ, а Š·Š°Ńем поГŃŃŠ½ŃŠ»ŃŃ Šŗ ŠŗŃŠ°Ń ŠŗŃŠ¾Š²Š°ŃŠø Šø опŃŃŃŠøŠ» ноги на пол. ŠŠ½ Š²ŃŠ³Š»ŃГел ŃŠ»Š°Š±Ńм, но его глаза Š²ŃŠæŃŃ Š½ŃŠ»Šø Š¾ŠæŠ°ŃŠ½Ńм Š±Š»ŠµŃком. ŠŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Š° ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ²ŃŠ» ŠæŃŠ¾Š½Š·ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Ńй Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ на ŃŠ²Š¾ŠµŠ³Š¾ ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠŗŠ°. Ā«ŠŃа Š¶ŠµŠ½Ńина, на ŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃой Ń Š±ŃŠ» Š²ŃŠ½ŃжГен жениŃŃŃŃ, ŠøŠ¼ŠµŠµŃ ŠŗŠ°ŠŗŠ¾Šµ-либо Š¾ŃноŃение Šŗ ŠŃŃŃŠ¼Ń?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» он. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ понизил голоŃ: Ā«ŠŠ° ŃŠ°Š¼Š¾Š¼ Геле, ŠŃŃŃŠ¼ ŃŠ²ŃзалŃŃ Ń Š²Š°ŃŠøŠ¼ ŃŠµŃŃŠµŠ¼, ŠŠøŃоном. ŠŠ½ ŃŃŃŠµŠ¼ŠøŠ»ŃŃ Š²ŃŠ“аŃŃ ŃŠ²Š¾Ń ГоŃŃ Š·Š°Š¼ŃŠ¶ за ŃŠ»ŠµŠ½Š° ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŠø ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²ŃŃ , но, ŠæŠ¾Ń Š¾Š¶Šµ, никогГа не ŃŠ°ŃŃŠ¼Š°ŃŃŠøŠ²Š°Š» Š²Š°ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŠŗŃŠ·ŠµŠ½Š° ŠŠ»ŃŃ, как ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń Š¾Š“ŃŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŠŗŠ°Š½Š“ŠøŠ“Š°ŃŠ°. ŠŠ¾Š»Š¶Š½Š¾ бŃŃŃ, ŠŃŃŃŠ¼ Š“Š¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃ Ń Š½ŠøŠ¼Ā». Ā«ŠŠ½ не ŠæŠµŃŠµŃŃŠ°ŃŃ Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŃŠ“ивлŃŃŃ ŠŗŠ°Š¶Š“ŃŠ¹ ГенŃ. Š” моей ŃŃŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š½Ń Š±ŃŠ“ŠµŃ Š½Šµ вежливо ŠæŃомолŃаŃŃ Š² Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃĀ», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» ŠŠøŃалий. ŠŠ° Š²ŃŠµŠ¼Ń оŃŃŃŃŃŃŠ²ŠøŃ ŠŠøŃалиŃ, в Š³Š¾ŃŠ¾Š“е ŠæŃоизоŃло много ŃŠ¾Š±ŃŃŠøŠ¹, в ŠŗŠ¾ŃоŃŃŃ Š±ŃŠ» Š·Š°Š¼ŠµŃŠ°Š½ ŠŠ»ŃŃ. «Я ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š», ŃŃŠ¾ Ń ŠŠ»ŃŠø еŃŃŃ Š·Š°Ń ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŃŠ¹ Š±Š°Ń "ŠØŠ°ŃŠ¼" на ŃŠ»ŠøŃе ŠŃбаŃŃŠŗŠ°ŃĀ», - ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ½ŃŠ» ŠŠøŃалий. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ вŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ» Ń ŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŃŠ»Š¾Š²Š°. Ā«ŠŠ°, ŠæŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ¾Š»ŃŠŗŃ ŃŠæŠøŠ¾Š½Š¾Š² Š²ŃŠ³Š½Š°Š»Šø ŠøŠ· компании, ŃŃŠ¾Ń ŠŗŠ»ŃŠ± ŃŃŠ°Š» ŠøŃ ŠµŠ“ŠøŠ½ŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Ńм ŠøŃŃŠ¾Ńником Š“Š¾Ń Š¾Š“Š°, Šø ŠµŃŠ»Šø его Š·Š°ŠŗŃоŃŃ, ŃŠ¾ им ŠæŃŠøŠ“ŃŃŃŃ Š“Š¾Š²Š¾Š»ŃŠ½Š¾ ŃŃŠ³Š¾Ā», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. Ā«ŠŠ¾Š¼Š¾Š³Šø им в ŃŃŠ¾Š¼Ā», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» ŠŠøŃалий, Šø его Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ń ŃŃŠ°Š» на Š¾ŠŗŃŠ°Š²Ń ниже. ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŃŃŠ¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃŠ»ŃŃ Ń ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š¾Š¹, когГа ŃŠæŃŃŠŗŠ°Š»ŃŃ Š²Š½ŠøŠ·. ŠŠ½ ŠæŃŠµŠ“положил, ŃŃŠ¾ Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾Ń ŠæŃŠ¾ŠøŠ½ŃŃŃŃŠŗŃŠøŃŠ¾Š²Š°Š» ГевŃŃŠŗŃ Š·Š°ŃŠ°Š½ŠµŠµ, оГнако ŃŠµŃŠøŠ» немного ŠµŃ Š½Š°ŠæŃŠ³Š°ŃŃ Š“Š»Ń Š±Š¾Š»ŃŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŃŃŠµŠŗŃа: Ā«ŠŃли Š²Ń ŃŠ°ŃŃŠŗŠ°Š¶ŠµŃе об ŃŃŠ¾Š¼ комŃ-Š½ŠøŠ±ŃŠ“Ń, Š²Š°Ń Š½Š°ŃŃŠøŠ³Š½ŠµŃ ŃŠ¶Š°ŃŠ½Š°Ń ŃŠ¼ŠµŃŃŃĀ», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» он. ŠŃли ŃŠ»ŃŃ Š¾ ŃŃŠ°Š²Š¼Š°Ń ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ Š“Š¾Š¹Š“ŃŃ Š“Š¾ ŠŃŃŃŠ¼Š° или его ŃŃŠ½Š° ŠŠ»ŃŠø, они Š¾Š±ŃŠ·Š°ŃŠµŠ»Ńно ŠæŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ в ŃŠ²Š¾Ń ŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŠ·Ń. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŠŗŠøŠ²Š½ŃŠ»Š°: «Я ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½Ń ŃŃŠ¾ в ŃŠ°Š¹Š½Šµ. ŠÆ ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко Š²Š¾Š·ŃŠ¼Ń ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š°ŠæŃŠµŃŠŗŃ Šø немеГленно ŃŠ¹Š“ŃĀ». ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° Š²ŠµŃŠ½ŃлаŃŃ Š² ŃŠæŠ°Š»ŃŠ½Ń, ŃŠ¾ обнаŃŃŠ¶ŠøŠ»Š° Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃинŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµŠ³Š¾ Ń Š¾ŠŗŠ½Š° Š½Š°ŠæŃŠ¾Ńив Š“Š²ŠµŃŠø. ŠŠ½ ŃŃŠ¾ŃŠ» Šŗ ней ŃŠæŠøŠ½Š¾Š¹, оГнако ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° могла ŃŠ°ŃŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃŠøŃокие ŠæŠ»ŠµŃŠø Šø мŃŃŠŗŃлиŃŃŃŃ ŃŠæŠøŠ½Ń. ŠŠ³Š¾ ŃŠµŠ»Š¾ Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ ŃŃŃŠ¾Š¹Š½Ńм, ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾ ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ°Š»ŃŠ½Ńм. Ā«ŠŃ ŃŠ°Š·Š²Šµ не ŃŃŠ»Šø?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина Š½Š°ŃŠ¼ŠµŃŠ»ŠøŠ²Ńм Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ńом. ŠŠ½ не Š¾Š±ŠµŃŠ½ŃŠ»ŃŃ, но каким-ŃŠ¾ Š¾Š±ŃŠ°Š·Š¾Š¼ ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ», ŃŃŠ¾ она ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠøŃ на него. ŠŠ¾Š·Š¼Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾, он поŃŃŠ²ŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š» ŠµŃ Š³Š¾ŃŃŃŠøŠ¹ Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠ¼ŃŃŃŠ½Š½Š¾ опŃŃŃŠøŠ»Š° головŃ. ŠŠ°Šŗ Š±Ń ŠµŠ¹ не Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ»Š¾ŃŃ ŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŃŠøŠ·Š½Š°Š²Š°ŃŃ, но ŃŃŠ¾Ń Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина Š·Š°ŠøŠ½ŃŠµŃŠµŃовал еŃ. ŠŠ»Š°Š²Š° 4 Š”ŃŠ°Š¶ŠøŃовка ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°, опŃŃŃŠøŠ² головŃ, ŃŠ¾Ńопливо Š²Š·Ńла ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š°ŠæŃŠµŃŠŗŃ. ŠŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃŃŠøŠ² Š³Š¾ŃŠ»Š¾, она Гала Š¼ŃжŃине Š½ŠµŃколŃко ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š½ŠøŠ¹. ŠŠ°Šŗ Š±Ń ŃŠ°Š¼ ни Š±Ńло, она вŃŃ Š¶Šµ Š±ŃŠ»Š° Š²ŃŠ°Ńом. Ā«ŠŠ°Š¼ Š½ŠµŠ»ŃŠ·Ń пока Š¼Š¾ŃŠøŃŃ ŃŠ²Š¾Šø ŃŠ°Š½Ń. ŠŠµŠ·ŠøŠ½ŃŠøŃŠøŃŃŠ¹Ńе ŠøŃ ŃŠ°Š· в Š“ŠµŠ½Ń Šø Š½Š¾ŃŠøŃе ŃŠ²Š¾Š±Š¾Š“Š½ŃŠµ ŃŃŠ±Š°ŃŠŗŠø, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń не ŃŠ°Š·Š“ŃŠ°Š¶Š°ŃŃ ŃŠ°Š½ŃĀ». ŠŠ½Š° поŃŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š° бŃŃŃŠ»Š¾ŃŠŗŃ Ń ŃŠ°Š±Š»ŠµŃками Šø ŃŃŠ±ŠøŠŗ Ń Š¼Š°Š·ŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŃŠ¼Š±Š¾ŃŠŗŃ. «Я оŃŃŠ°Š²Š»ŃŃ Š²Š°Š¼ ŃŃŠø лекаŃŃŃŠ²Š°Ā». ŠŠøŃалий ŃŃŠ¾-ŃŠ¾ ŠæŃŠ¾Š±Š¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŠ°Š» в знак ŠæŃŠøŠ·Š½Š°ŃŠµŠ»ŃноŃŃŠø, но не Š¾Š±ŠµŃŠ½ŃŠ»ŃŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠ¾Š¶Šµ болŃŃŠµ Š½ŠøŃŠµŠ³Š¾ не ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° Šø ŃŃŠ°Š·Ń же ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠøŠ½ŃŠ»Š° виллŃ. ŠŠ¾Š³Š“а она Š²ŠµŃнŃлаŃŃ Š² Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ, Š±ŃŠ»Š¾ ŃŠ¶Šµ поŃŃŠø Š¾Š“ŠøŠ½Š½Š°Š“ŃŠ°ŃŃ Š“Š½Ń. ŠŠ½Š° Š½Š°ŠæŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š² ŃŃŠ¾Š»Š¾Š²ŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŠæŠµŃŠµŠŗŃŃŠøŃŃ. ŠŠ“ва ŃŃŃŃŠ¾ŠøŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ Š·Š° ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŠ¼ ŃŃŠ¾Š»Š¾Š¼, ŠµŃ Š²ŃŠ·Š²Š°Š»Šø в ŠŗŠ°Š±ŠøŠ½ŠµŃ Š³Š»Š°Š²Š²ŃŠ°Ńа. «Я Š¾ŃŠæŃавлŃŃ ŠÆŠ½Ń Š² ЦенŃŃŠ°Š»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ Š²Š¾ŠµŠ½Š½ŃŠ¹ Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃŠ°Š»Ń на ŃŃŠ°Š¶ŠøŃовкŃĀ», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» Š³Š»Š°Š²Š²ŃŠ°Ń ŃŠ¾Š½Š¾Š¼, не ŃŠµŃŠæŃŃŠøŠ¼ Š²Š¾Š·ŃŠ°Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠ¹. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š±ŃŠ»Š° поŃŃŃŃŠµŠ½Š° Šø ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š°: Ā«ŠŠ¾ Ń Š“ŃŠ¼Š°Š»Š°, ŃŃŠ¾ Š²Ń ŃŠ¶Šµ ŃŠµŃили Š¾ŃŠæŃавиŃŃ Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń?Ā» Ā«ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°, Ń ŃŠ²ŠµŃен, ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŃ Š·Š½Š°ŠµŃŃ Š¾ ŃŠ¾Š¼, ŃŃŠ¾ вŃŃ Š²ŃŃŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠµŃ Š½Š¾Š»Š¾Š³ŠøŃŠ½Š¾Šµ обоŃŃŠ“ование Š½Š°Ńей Š±Š¾Š»ŃниŃŃ ŃŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠøŃовалоŃŃ ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ°Ńией "ŠŠ°ŃŠ°Š¼Š°ŃŠ½Ń". ŠŃŠµŠ·ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ½Ń ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š² Š»ŠøŃŠ½Š¾ ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŠ¾Š·Š°Š±Š¾ŃŠøŃŃŃŃ Š¾ Яне. ŠÆ не Š¼Š¾Š³Ń позволиŃŃ ŃŠµŠ±Šµ ŠæŠ¾Š¹ŃŠø ŠæŃŠ¾Ńив его воли». ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š¾ŃŠµŃинилаŃŃ ŠæŃŠø ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠøŠ½Š°Š½ŠøŠø имени ŠŠøŃалиŃ. ЄоŃŃ Š¾Š½Šø Šø Š±ŃŠ»Šø Š¾ŃŠøŃŠøŠ°Š»ŃŠ½Š¾ женаŃŃ, но они никогГа не вŃŃŃŠµŃалиŃŃ. ŠŠ½Š° виГела Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Ń ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко в жŃŃŠ½Š°Š»Š°Ń Šø иногГа в новоŃŃŃŃ ŠæŠ¾ ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŠ²ŠøŠ·Š¾ŃŃ. ŠŠ½Š°ŃŠøŃ, он Šø Яна? Š”ŠµŃŠ“ŃŠµ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń ŃŠŗŠ½Ńло, но она оŃŃŠ°Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃ ŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾Š¹Š½Š¾Š¹. Ā«ŠŠ¾Ń как?Ā» Ā«ŠŠ°, боŃŃŃ, Ń Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Š°Š½Ń ŃŃŠŗŠø. ŠŠ¾ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š¹, ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°, Š¼Ń Š¾Š±Š° знаем о ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŃ ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃŃŃ , но...Ā» - Š³Š»Š°Š²Š²ŃŠ°Ń Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ» ŃŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾ŠøŃŃ Š“ŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŃ, но не знал, как. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Š²ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ ŃŃŠµŠ“Šø ŃŠ²Š¾ŠøŃ ŃŠ²ŠµŃŃŃŠ½ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š² благоГаŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ²ŠµŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ½Š¾Š¼Ń ŃŠ°Š»Š°Š½ŃŃ Šø ŠæŃŠ¾ŃеŃŃŠøŠ¾Š½Š°Š»Ńной ŃŃŠøŠŗŠµ. ŠŠ»Š°Š²Š²ŃŠ°Ń ŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠ» ŠµŃ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŃŠµ Š²ŃŠµŃ оŃŃŠ°Š»ŃнŃŃ . «Я понимаŃĀ», - ŠæŃŠ¾Š±Š¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŠ°Š»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° ŃŠµŠ±Šµ поГ ноŃ. ŠŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŠ° Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠµŠ±Šµ, ŃŃŠ¾ она Š±Ńла не в ŃŠ¾Š¼ положении, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŃŠ°ŃŃŃŃŠ°ŠøŠ²Š°ŃŃŃŃ ŠøŠ·-за Š²Š¼ŠµŃаŃелŃŃŃŠ²Š° ŠŠøŃалиŃ. ŠŠ½ Š±ŃŠ» Š²ŃŠ½ŃжГен жениŃŃŃŃ Š½Š° ней, Šø, еŃŃŠµŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾, она не могла ŃŠ°ŃŃŃŠøŃŃŠ²Š°ŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠ¾, ŃŃŠ¾ он Š±ŃŠ“ŠµŃ Š·Š°Š±Š¾ŃŠøŃŃŃŃ Š¾ ней. Ā«ŠŠ½Šµ еŃŃ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š³Š¾ŃŠ¾Š²ŠøŃŃŃŃ Šŗ Š¾ŠæŠµŃŠ°ŃŠøŠø, ŃŠ°Šŗ ŃŃŠ¾ Ń ŠæŠ¾Š¹Š“ŃĀ», - ŃŠ¼ŠøŃŠµŠ½Š½ŃŠ¼ Š³Š¾Š»Š¾ŃŠ¾Š¼ ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° ГевŃŃŠŗŠ°. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° понимала, ŃŃŠ¾ Š½ŠøŃŠµŠ³Š¾ не Š¼Š¾Š¶ŠµŃ ŃŠ“елаŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń измениŃŃ ŃŠøŃŃŠ°ŃŠøŃ. ŠŠ»Š°Š²Š²ŃŠ°Ń ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾ Š²Š·Š“Š¾Ń Š½ŃŠ» Šø ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ», как она ŃŃ Š¾Š“ŠøŃ. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° Ń ŃŠ½ŃŃŠ·ŠøŠ°Š·Š¼Š¾Š¼ погŃŃŠ·ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š² ŃŠ°Š±Š¾ŃŃ, ŠæŃŃŠ°ŃŃŃ Š½Šµ Š“ŃŠ¼Š°ŃŃ Š¾ ŃŃŠ°Š¶ŠøŃовке. ŠŠ½Š° без заминки ŠæŃовела ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š²ŃŠ¾ŃŃŃ Š¾ŠæŠµŃŠ°ŃŠøŃ, Š·Š°ŃŠµŠ¼ ŃŠ½Ńла ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Ń ŠøŃŃŃŠ³ŠøŃŠµŃŠŗŃŃ ŃŠ¾ŃŠ¼Ń Šø, ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¼Š¾ŃŃŠµŠ² ввеŃŃ , ŃŃŃŠ°Š»Š¾ плŃŃ Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŃŃŠ». ŠŠ¼ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ в ŃŃŠ¾Ń Š¼Š¾Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń Š² гоŃŃŠøŠ½ŃŃ Š²Š¾ŃŠ»Š° Яна Šø ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š°: Ā«ŠŠ“ŃŠ°Š²ŃŃŠ²Ńй, ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°, - ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃŠøŠ²ŠµŃŃŃŠ²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° она, ŃŃŠŗŠ¾ ŃŠ»ŃбаŃŃŃ. - Š¢Ń ŃŠ²Š¾Š±Š¾Š“на Š²ŠµŃеŃом? ŠŠ¾Š·Š²Š¾Š»Ń ŃŠ³Š¾ŃŃŠøŃŃ ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŃŠ¶ŠøŠ½Š¾Š¼Ā». Ā«ŠŠ·Š²ŠøŠ½Šø, но Ń Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠµŃŃŃ Š“ŠµŠ»Š°, Ń ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¼Šø Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾ ŃŠ°Š·Š¾Š±ŃаŃŃŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š·Š¶ŠµĀ», - вежливо Š¾ŃказалаŃŃ ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. ŠŠµŠ²ŃŃŠŗŠ° не Š±Ńла в Ń Š¾ŃŠ¾ŃŠøŃ Š¾ŃŠ½Š¾ŃениŃŃ Ń ŠÆŠ½Š¾Š¹. ŠŠ½Šø Š±ŃŠ»Šø ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¾ коллегами, а не поГŃŃŠ³Š°Š¼Šø. ŠŠ±Šµ Š¾ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŃŠøŠ»Šø оГин Šø ŃŠ¾Ń же ŃŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃŃŠøŃŠµŃ Š² оГно Šø ŃŠ¾ же Š²ŃемŃ. ŠŃŃ ŃŠ¾Š³Š“а Яна Š±Ńла ŃŠ¾Š¹ еŃŃ ŃŃŃŃŠŗŠ¾Š¹. ŠŠ½Š° Š±ŃŠ»Š° Š¾ŃŠµŠ½Ń Š°Š¼Š±ŠøŃŠøŠ¾Š·Š½Š¾Š¹ Šø Š²ŃŠµŠ³Š“а Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ»Š° ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŃŠ°ŃоваŃŃŃŃ Šø ŠæŃŠøŠ²Š»ŠµŠŗŠ°ŃŃ Š²ŃŠµŠ¾Š±Ńее внимание. ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°, в ŃŠ²Š¾Ń Š¾ŃŠµŃеГŃ, ŠæŃŠµŠ“ŠæŠ¾ŃŠøŃала оŃŃŠ°Š²Š°ŃŃŃŃ Š½ŠµŠ·Š°Š¼ŠµŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ Šø Š±ŃŠ»Š° погŃŃŠ¶ŠµŠ½Š° в ŃŠ²Š¾Šø книги. ŠŠ¾Š¶Š½Š¾ ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°ŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ГевŃŃŠŗŠø Š±ŃŠ»Šø Š°Š±ŃŠ¾Š»ŃŃŠ½Š¾ ŃŠ°Š·Š½Ńми. ŠŠ¾Š½ŃŃŠ½Š¾Šµ Гело, ŃŃŠ¾ они не Š¾ŃŠµŠ½Ń Ń Š¾ŃŠ¾Ńо лаГили. Ā«Š, Š¾ŃŠµŠ½Ń жалŃ, - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° Яна, Š²ŃŠ³Š»ŃŠ“Ń ŠæŠ¾ŃŠµŠ¼Ń-ŃŠ¾ ŃŠ¼ŃŃŃŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹. - ŠŠ¾Š¾Š±Ńе-ŃŠ¾ Ń Ń Š¾ŃŠµŠ»Š° Ń ŃŠ¾Š±Š¾Š¹ кое о ŃŃŠ¼ ŠæŠ¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŃŃĀ». ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° вŃŃŠ°Š»Š° Šø ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾ŃŠ»Š° Šŗ ŃŠ²Š¾ŠµŠ¼Ń ŃŠŗŠ°ŃŃŠøŠŗŃ, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŠæŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŠøŃŃ Ń Š°Š»Š°Ń. Ā«ŠŠ¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøĀ», - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° она, не Š³Š»ŃŠ“Ń Š½Š° ЯнŃ. Š¢Š¾Ń ŃŠ°ŠŗŃ, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠµŃ ŠŗŠ¾Š»Š»ŠµŠ³Š° ŃŠ°Šŗ или ŠøŠ½Š°Ńе ŃŠ²ŃзалаŃŃ Ń ŠŠøŃалием, еŃŃ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŃŠµ Š¾ŃŠ“алил ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń Š¾Ń ŠÆŠ½Ń. «ТŃ, Голжно бŃŃŃ, ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š»Š°, Га? ŠŠ½Šµ Š¾ŃŠµŠ½Ń жалŃ. ŠÆ понŃŃŠøŃ не имела, ŃŃŠ¾ Š“ŠøŃŠµŠŗŃоŃā¦Ā» Ā«ŠŃŃ Š² поŃŃŠ“ке», - ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ±ŠøŠ»Š° ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š°. ŠŠ“нако Яна еŃŃ Š½Šµ вŃŃ ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š° Šø ŠæŃŠ¾Š“олжила: «РеŃŃ, можеŃŃ ŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ°Š½ŠøŃŃ Š² ŃŠµŠŗŃŠµŃŠµ ŃŠ¾, ŃŃŠ¾ Š²ŃŠµŃа Š²ŠµŃеŃом ŃŃ Š²ŃŃŠ»Š° на ŃŠ¼ŠµŠ½Ń вмеŃŃŠ¾ менŃ? ŠŠ½Š°ŠµŃŃ, ŠæŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ¾Š»ŃŠŗŃ Ń ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃаŃŃŃ Š² ЦенŃŃŠ°Š»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ Š²Š¾ŠµŠ½Š½ŃŠ¹ Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃŠ°Š»Ń, Ń Š½Šµ Ń Š¾ŃŃ, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŃŠøŃинило какие-либо ŠæŃоблемŃĀ». ŠŠµŃмоŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠ¾, ŃŃŠ¾ ŠæŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ±Š° ŠÆŠ½Ń Š±ŃŠ»Š° необŃŃŠ½Š¾Š¹, ŠŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Š° не Š“ŃŠ¼Š°Š»Š° об ŃŃŠ¾Š¼ Šø Š¾ŃŠ²ŠµŃила: «Я Š½ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š¼Ń Š½Šµ ŃŠŗŠ°Š¶ŃĀ». Š Š»ŃŠ±Š¾Š¼ ŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Šµ, не Š±Ńло Š½ŠøŃего ŃŃŃŠ°Š½Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ в ŃŠ¾Š¼, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń взŃŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŃŠ¼ŠµŠ½Ń коллеги. ŠŃŠµŠ¼Ń Š¾Ń Š²ŃŠµŠ¼ŠµŠ½Šø им ŠæŃŠøŃ оГилоŃŃ ŃŃŠ°Š»ŠŗŠøŠ²Š°ŃŃŃŃ Ń Š»ŠøŃŠ½Ńми ŃŃŠµŠ·Š²ŃŃŠ°Š¹Š½Ńми обŃŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµŠ»ŃŃŃŠ²Š°Š¼Šø. ŠŠ° ŃŠµŃŃŠøŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠø Š±Š¾Š»ŃŠ½ŠøŃŃ. Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾Ń ŃŠøŠ“ел на заГнем ŃŠøŠ“ŠµŠ½ŃŠµ Š“Š¾ŃŠ¾Š³Š¾Š¹ ŃŃŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ Š¼Š°ŃŠøŠ½Ń, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŠ°Ń Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŠæŃŠøŠæŠ°Ńкована Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠ¾Ń. Ā«ŠŃ, - ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š» он Š³Š¾Š»Š¾Ńом, ŠæŠµŃŠµŠæŠ¾Š»Š½ŠµŠ½Š½Ńм Š³Š¾ŃŠ“оŃŃŃŃ, - ŃŃŠ¾ Š“ŃŠ¼Š°ŠµŃŃ Š¾ моей ŃŃŠµŠ½ŠøŃе? Š£ Š½ŠµŃ Š¾ŃŠ»ŠøŃŠ½ŃŠµ ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃŠø, не ŃŠ°Šŗ ли?Ā» Š ŃŠ“ом Ń Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńиной ŃŠøŠ“ел ŠŠøŃалий, Š¾ŃŠŗŠøŠ½ŃŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ Š½Š° ŃŠæŠøŠ½ŠŗŃ ŃŠøŠ“енŃŃ. ŠŠ½ ŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š° ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠ¼Š°Š» о Š²ŃаŃе, ŠŗŠ¾ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠ¹ Š»ŠµŃŠøŠ» его, Šø Š²ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼Š½ŠøŠ», какими ŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾Š¹Š½ŃŠ¼Šø Šø ŃŠ¾ŃŠ½ŃŠ¼Šø Š±ŃŠ»Šø ŠµŃ Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃŠ²ŠøŃ. ŠŠ° ŃŠ°Š¼Š¾Š¼ Геле, Š¼ŃŠ¶Ńина Š±ŃŠ» ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ°Š¶ŠµŠ½ ŠµŃ ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃŃŠ¼Šø. Ā«ŠŃо Š³Š¾Ńпожа ŠŠ¾Š»ŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°Ā», - вГŃŃŠ³ Š·Š°Š³Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŠøŠ» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŠøŃалий опŃŃŃŠøŠ» ŃŃŠµŠŗŠ»Š¾ как ŃŠ°Š· в ŃŠ¾Ń моменŃ, когГа Яна ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾ŃŠ»Š° Šŗ Š¼Š°ŃŠøŠ½Šµ. ŠŃови Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾ŃŠ° ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»ŠøŃŃ, Šø он ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»: «Яна?Ā» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ Š¾Š±ŠµŃŠ½ŃŠ»ŃŃ Ń Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŃŠŗŠ¾Š³Š¾ меŃŃŠ° Šø ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ»: Ā«ŠŃ Š·Š½Š°ŠµŃŠµ еŃ?Ā» Š¤ŃŠ“Š¾Ń ŠŗŠøŠ²Š½ŃŠ», его Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ заблеŃŃŠµŠ» Š¾Ń Š»ŃŠ±Š¾ŠæŃŃŃŃŠ²Š°. Ā«ŠŠ½Š° Š±ŃŠ»Š° ŃŃŃŠ“ŠµŠ½ŃŠŗŠ¾Š¹ на гоГ Š¼Š»Š°Š“ŃŠµ в Š¼Š¾Ńм ŃŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃŃŠøŃŠµŃŠµĀ». ŠŠøŃŠ°Š»ŠøŃ ŃŃŠ°Š»Š¾ Š»ŃŠ±Š¾ŠæŃŃŠ½Š¾, когГа он ŃŃŠ»ŃŃŠ°Š» ŃŃŠ¾. ŠŠ½Š°ŃŠøŃ, ŃŃŠ° ГевŃŃŠŗŠ° не ŃŠ¾Š»Ńко ŃŠæŠ°ŃŠ»Š° его ŠæŃоŃлой ноŃŃŃ, но Šø Š·Š°Š»ŠµŃŠøŠ»Š° его ŃŠ°Š½Ń? Ā«ŠŃо ŃŃŠ“ŃŠ±Š°?Ā» - Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŠ»ŠøŠŗŠ½ŃŠ» ŠŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠŃŠµŠ»ŠµŠ½Š½Š°Ń Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŠµŃ ŃŠµŃила ГаŃŃ ŠµŠ³Š¾ боŃŃŃ ŃŠ°Š½Ń на Š»ŃбовŃ? Ā«ŠŠ°ŠŗŠ¾Š³Š¾ ŃŃŃŃŠ° ŃŃ Š½ŠµŃŃŃŃ?Ā» - ŃŠæŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ» Š¤ŃŠ“оŃ, Š½Š°Ń Š¼ŃŃŠøŠ²ŃŠøŃŃ, ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ²Š¾Š“Ń Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ Ń Š¾Š“Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ Š¼ŃŠ¶ŃŠøŠ½Ń Š½Š° Š“ŃŃŠ³Š¾Š³Š¾. ...... Š§ŃŠ¾ Š±ŃŠ“ŠµŃ Š“Š°Š»ŃŃŠµ? ŠŠ¾Š»ŠøŃеŃŃŠ²Š¾ глав зГеŃŃ Š¾Š³ŃŠ°Š½ŠøŃено, Š½Š°Š¶Š¼ŠøŃŠµ на ŠŗŠ½Š¾ŠæŠŗŃ ниже, ŃŃŠ¾Š±Ń ŃŃŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŃŃ ŠæŃŠøŠ»Š¾Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ Šø ŠæŃŠ¾Š“олжиŃŃ ŃŃŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ более Š·Š°Ń ваŃŃŠ²Š°ŃŃŠøŃ глав! (ŠŃ Š±ŃŠ“ŠµŃŠµ Š°Š²ŃŠ¾Š¼Š°ŃŠøŃŠµŃŠŗŠø ŠæŠµŃŠµŠ½Š°ŠæŃŠ°Š²Š»ŠµŠ½Ń Š½Š° книгŃ, когГа Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠ¾ŠµŃе ŠæŃиложение) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.litradnovie.com/10251418-fb_contact- | Lime novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090847180115/ | 946 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.litradnovie.com | VIDEO | https://fbweb.litradnovie.com/10251418-fb_contact-ruj17_6-1108-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=1016312736312375&rawadid=120213381659820790 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465792578_598653076050650_3950164271136370649_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jJ5sxv4lx04Q7kNvgFhPjaf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=APNgNaStQAylM9z5x-afjxD&oh=00_AYAnc6BAtoOPrPwT0IkikI3mjAGkp7q_th8gxgQzhmzo_A&oe=674EFAE3 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lime novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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šRead the next chaptersš | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herāher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonāt be a concubine. Sheāll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheās still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donāt really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeās veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheās unlike any woman Iāve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheās talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateās affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnāt seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheās different from any woman you know. As a general, sheās above household squabbles and wouldnāt want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatās them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itās fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iāll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donāt you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. āWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.ā āOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?ā Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyās life respectable, and this was her reward. āEnough,ā Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. āIāve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonāt change anything.ā As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. āMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!ā Lulu, Carissaās maid, said, wiping her tears. āDonāt call him that!ā Carissa gave her a stern look. āWe never consummated the marriage. Heās not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.ā āWhy the dowry list?ā Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. āSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.ā Lulu gasped. āLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?ā Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered ā assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyās former glory seemed impossibleāat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyās fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. āLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.ā ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaās arrival to the king three times. āYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,ā he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. āI canāt summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.ā āThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheās been standing there for over an hour without moving.ā Salvador felt a pang of guilt. āBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnāt want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.ā āYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,ā Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. āAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iāll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,ā said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. āAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!ā ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 320 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462070849_1186717122429002_4317317778552029382_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Z0OEa5k8YQEQ7kNvgHn7a-I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A52joVpbNb7sJ9JTGyMXMLi&oh=00_AYBLJRGODJ-Sxni5a9CuKN_fdEJEOgFrnqEBtrg9IxROAw&oe=674F00DA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 19:18 | active | 1935 | 0 | Read next chapter | On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Fun Novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/ | 1,257 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213212939810604 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465611732_1077811323937134_4063319567511935342_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z3JLj6n_WkYQ7kNvgF5hVDP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvGDymBVUF8FwmLrLQehHgk&oh=00_AYCEdCM35_jXAoEnaQK-u1RGmULJQ3A8_OzR3GF46nNnww&oe=674EF362 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fun Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 19:20 | active | 1935 | 0 | Her groom ran away from wedding to pursue his first love. Heartbroken, she randomly found a disabled man who was also abandoned to get married. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be a billionaire! ===== Chapter 1 How About We Get Married? "Today is our wedding day! What am I supposed to do if you leave?" At the wedding, Elyse Lloyd was in a panic as she grabbed Theo Ward's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filling with pleading. "Kaelyn knows about our wedding, and now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression, aren't you? I have to go save her." Theo explained impatiently and pushed Elyse aside. The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. The officiant had posed the question to Theo about his willingness to marry Elyse. Instead of replying, he ignored the officiant, answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave. "Kaelyn Bennett totally stabbed you in the back before. She's caused you so much pain--why the heck must you go see her right now?" "You're not in a position to judge what happened between me and Kaelyn. No matter her wrongs or the pain she caused, you don't measure up to her." A pain struck Elyse's heart. "You're more concerned with your wedding than a living person's life. You're so heartless. Let's reschedule the wedding." Without a glance at her pale face, he strode away from the ornate altar, oblivious to the puzzled looks of gathered guests. Elyse cried out, sitting pitifully on the floor. She trembled, tears ruining her carefully applied makeup. The man she had loved for three years, disregarding her dignity, had chosen another woman without a second thought on their big day. He was consumed with thoughts of Kaelyn's distress but seemed indifferent to how lost and humiliated she felt, left alone at the altar. All around her, countless eyes watched, some mocking, some pitying, and others even gloating. Elyse had never felt such torment! Her father, Lanny Lloyd, approached. She hoped for comfort, but instead, he scolded her sharply, "You can't even keep a man. How useless!" After berating her, he left with his wife, Glenda Lloyd, without a backward glance. Her sister, Mabel Lloyd, emerged from the crowd with a smirk. "Well, that's embarrassing, Elyse. Your groom ran off, and now you're a laughingstock. I'm embarrassed for you. Imagine how Mom and Dad feel." After saying that, she turned and left. One by one, all of Elyse's family members departed, leaving her completely alone. Initially, Theo's parents felt guilty, but upon witnessing her family's reaction, all traces of guilt dissipated. "Even her own parents didn't support her. It seems this isn't entirely Theo's fault." "Yes, if she were a good partner, why would her fiancƩ leave her?" "Did she cheat on him? What else would make a groom leave like that?" The murmurs of criticism from the surrounding guests grew louder and harsher. Suddenly, there were noises nearby. Turning around, Elyse spotted a man in a suit sitting alone in a wheelchair. The officiant, looking flustered, asked, "Where is your bride?" Wiping away her tears, she halted a passing staff member and inquired, "That man is a groom, right? Where is his bride?" The staff member glanced at her and responded, "She didn't show up. I heard it was because she couldn't deal with her husband's disability." "And he's been waiting here all this time?" The staff member nodded. The wheelchair-bound groom was facing away from Elyse, and they were a fair distance apart. She couldn't see his expression, but she understood the pain of being left alone. They were both unfortunate souls, abandoned. After a moment of reflection, a determined look settled in Elyse's eyes. She had loved Theo for three years, but he had betrayed her. Why should she remain loyal to him? She realized she didn't need to be with him at all. As she suddenly stood up, the guests who had been whispering and mocking her fell silent. All eyes instinctively focused on her as she lifted the hem of her dress and confidently walked toward the man in the wheelchair. The sight of a bride in a white wedding dress approaching left the man's guests equally stunned. Hearing the rustle of her dress, the man in the wheelchair turned around slowly. Elyse halted and gazed at the handsome man before her, a spark of surprise in her eyes. She then extended her hand and said, "Hello, I heard you're in need of a bride. My groom just left me. How about we get married?" Chapter 2 What Was She Up To? "My name is Elyse Lloyd. If it's all right with you, we can get married today," she proposed confidently. Her bold proposal left the crowd in shock, prompting several to capture the moment with their phones. "Miss Lloyd, are you certain about this decision? Given my disability, I may not be able to provide the future you envision," the man replied openly, without hiding his condition, and gently urged her to think it over. "I've made up my mind," Elyse responded with determination. "I'm Jayden," he introduced himself. Seeing her resolve, Jayden Owen grasped her hand and shared his concern, "I fear you might regret this choice later on." Elyse chose not to respond. She was sure of her decision. She had once been solely focused on marrying Theo, who never truly reciprocated her love. Now, who she married seemed inconsequential. After efficiently wrapping up the wedding formalities at City Hall, Elyse and Jayden were now bound by matrimony, officially united as husband and wife. With the marriage certificate in hand, Elyse experienced a profound sense of relief. Theo had broken her heart, and she was resolute in never returning to him. Regarding her father, since she would not be marrying into the Ward family, he had another daughter to think about. She understood her little sister Mabel too well. As someone driven by greed, how could Mabel resist the temptation to become Theo's wife and a member of the Ward family? Thus, marrying Jayden was Elyse's perfect escape from her family's clutches. She had no intention of going back home again. While she gazed thoughtfully at the marriage certificate, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind? Regretting your decision to marry a disabled man?" Elyse shook her head, took hold of the wheelchair, and replied, "I think it was a good decision." Jayden smiled slightly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism and mistrust. How could any woman genuinely want to marry a disabled man? He figured she was just putting on an act--an act that couldn't last forever. He needed a bride momentarily to distract his family while he pursued his own goals. Well, he decided, he might as well see what she was up to. Elyse helped Jayden into the car, and they drove to his house. Jayden's home was opulent, complete with a garden and a swimming pool, and staffed with a butler in a tuxedo and uniformed maids. As Elyse stepped onto the plush wool carpet, she truly realized that her new husband was far from ordinary. The butler, Driscoll Lee, approached them respectfully and inquired, "Mr. Owen, is this your bride?" Surveying the opulent house and recollecting her newlywed husband's full name, a sudden realization dawned on Elyse. The Owens were the most influential family in town, and Jayden Owen was particularly notable among his peers for his business acumen and exceptional talent. He was one of the wealthiest men around. However, after a car accident a year ago that cost him his legs, Jayden had faded from the public eye and his prior achievements were largely forgotten. So, she had married the legendary Jayden Owen? Elyse recalled hearing rumors about his engagement to a girl from the Foster family. The bride who had disappeared on her wedding day was supposed to be that Foster girl. Upon hearing Jayden's full name at City Hall, Elyse hadn't dwelled on it much. If she had known his background sooner, she wouldn't have had the courage to broach the topic of marriage with him. Jayden noticed the shock and panic on her face but remained silent. He still doubted that she truly hadn't recognized him. After all, his disability was well known. "This is Elyse Lloyd, my wife. From now on, she will be the hostess here," Jayden introduced her firmly. "Joanna Foster escaped on our wedding day because she didn't want to marry a disabled man," he added bluntly. "Joanna Foster disappeared on the wedding day?" Driscoll expressed his surprise. The Foster family had been eager to forge a union with the Owen family through marriage, pushing for Jayden to marry Joanna. On the wedding day, however, the bride had disappeared. Wasn't this a deliberate humiliation of Jayden? Driscoll felt sympathy for him and offered some consolation, "Sir, perhaps it's for the best that she left. It seems you might have found the right person after all." Elyse had shown no concern for Jayden's disability and was willing to marry him. That indeed counted for something. Chapter 3 He Could Walk Fluidly Looking at Jayden's legs, Elyse felt a wave of sympathy for him. Jayden had once been at the pinnacle of success, and now he seemed so vulnerable. Just because he was disabled, his bride had callously abandoned him at the altar, showing him no respect whatsoever. He must have felt even more devastated than she did during the wedding. Approaching Jayden, Elyse took his hand and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We are husband and wife now. I will take care of you for the rest of our lives." Jayden's expression turned rigid. Could she really mean it, promising to take care of him for a lifetime? He doubted her sincerity, thinking she was just putting on an act of compassion. Without a word, Jayden maneuvered his wheelchair into the study on the first floor. "I'm sorry," Driscoll said apologetically. "Since his accident, he's been a bit more temperamental." "It's fine. I understand," Elyse replied, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. Anyone in his situation might change. She then followed Driscoll upstairs to a room on the second floor. -- "Sir." In the study stood a bald man named Vinny Bailey, clad in a tight black shirt that accentuated his prominent tendons. Respectfully, Vinny ignited a lighter and lit a cigar for Jayden. "Joanna has gone abroad. The Foster family is desperately trying to come up with a solution." "They've taken thirty million and five major projects from me. Is this their way of repaying me?" Jayden let out a puff of smoke and remarked casually, "If I don't teach them a lesson, others will see me as a pushover. The Fosters need to learn a few things." "Do you want us to bring Joanna back?" Vinny inquired, nodding. "And as for your new wife, should we make some introductions with our men?" "No need." Jayden, cigar clenched between his teeth, lifted a document from the desk and strolled over to the window. The wheelchair was tucked away in a corner of the room, ignored, as he moved fluidly across the floor. This document detailed Elyse's entire life, from her childhood through to her college life, even including her romance with Theo. He casually flipped through the pages and drawled, "An ordinary woman. She married me just for my money." Back then, the Owens had declared their search for a wife for Jayden, aiming simply to secure an heir. Upon the announcement, no wealthy family was eager to marry their daughter to him, except for the Fosters, who had enriched themselves through their daughters' marriage. The Fosters' motive was straightforward--to exchange their daughter for resources and money. Vinny saw no other reason for Elyse to marry Jayden but for financial gain. Yet, there was another twist. "She was originally going to marry Theo Ward." "Ward? The Ward family that's well-known?" Jayden lifted an eyebrow. "Yes. But apparently, the groom ran off to reunite with his ex-girlfriend after receiving a phone call." Vinny paused, then speculated, "Maybe she married you just to spite Theo Ward." Jayden ceased perusing the documents and glanced up at Vinny with a hint of annoyance. "You're looking at it too simplistically. By marrying me, she stands to gain more. That's the real reason she married me, despite my disability." In Jayden's eyes, Elyse hadn't yet revealed her true intentions. But he didn't mind her interest in his money. He needed a wife to appease his family. If she married him for gain, it would make a future divorce simpler for him. -- Perched on the edge of the bed, Elysee scrolled through her phone and noticed the trending topics. #Bridegroom Ran Away For His Ex #Bride Marries Stranger To Anger Her Ranaway Groom She casually scrolled through the comments. The public deemed the entire situation unbelievable and both parties' actions as unreasonable. Nevertheless, discussions had thrust Elyse's name into circulation because of it. Some even discovered she was a violinist in an orchestra and stumbled upon a video of her past performance. Unable to resist, Elyse was watching these videos when Theo called. "Where are you, Elyse? Let's meet and talk." Chapter 4 Who Were You Married To? As Elyse descended the stairs to the villa's entrance, Driscoll approached her with concern. "It's quite late. Where are you off to? Shall I arrange a car for you?" "No, thanks. I'll be back soon." Driscoll watched her depart before heading to the study. Elyse, having agreed to meet Theo, called a taxi and was soon en route. Fifteen minutes later, she entered a coffee shop and instantly noticed Theo, who was in high spirits, busy texting on his phone. A flicker of sarcasm crossed her eyes as she approached and sat across from him. Theo looked up, his expression souring. "Why are you so late? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?" Staring back at him, Elyse felt a chill. They had been together for a long time, yet he was always domineering toward her, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Kaelyn. She had once loved him, believing she could endure anything. Only today had she realized how foolish that was. If she didn't love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love her? "If you don't want to wait, you can leave," Elyse retorted icily. Theo, taken aback by her response, grew visibly more upset. "You're holding a grudge about what happened at the wedding, aren't you? I get why you're upset, but you can't be more understanding and reasonable? I left because Kaelyn was in dire straits--she was depressed and contemplating suicide." "You can go to anyone you want. You don't need to explain anything to me--I don't care anymore." Elyse found humor in his words. Theo couldn't believe she was indifferent. They had been together for three years, and everyone knew how deeply she loved him. He thought her claim of indifference was merely a result of anger. But he was confident he could easily resolve this. Just a few sweet words and she'd come back to him. "It's not a big deal. I came back to you after handling everything, didn't I? I'll visit your parents soon, and we can start planning the wedding again," Theo said. "No need for that." "What?" "There won't be a wedding." Elyse's face was devoid of emotion. "We're done." "Why are you still upset? I left at the wedding, but I came back for you. Can't you forgive me?" Theo frowned. "Forgive you? Forgive you for abandoning me for another woman?" Elyse slammed her hand on the table. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you left? Your family has been calling me names, even though you were the one who left me at the altar--just for another woman!" "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo shouted her name furiously. "What others say is their issue. Isn't our three-year relationship strong enough for you to trust me?" "Three years, and yet you never forgot your ex," Elyse countered, her face marked by disappointment. "I believed we'd be together forever, but it seems three years was our limit. We're done, Theo. It's clear we're not suited for each other." While speaking, she retrieved a ring from her bag and set it down on the table--the same ring he had used to propose. She recalled the joy she felt that day, now overshadowed by her current despair. Elyse gave Theo one last look, mentally closing the chapter on their three years together. She grabbed her bag and departed without a backward glance. Theo was stunned. Was Elyse dumping him? He always saw her as a simp, her family reliant on his. How could she just walk away? Humiliated, he chased after her, grabbed her shoulder, and said forcefully, "You have no right to break things off! Remember, your father's business relies on me. Without me, your family has nothing. Come back, and we'll marry in a few days to make up for today!" "Let me go!" Elyse fought back fiercely and yelled with defiance and frustration, "I'm married. Stop bothering me!" "So what if you are married! You will always belong to me." After blurting that out, he froze and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You're married? Who to?" While he was momentarily dazed, Elyse wriggled free from his grip. She hadn't anticipated turning around to find Jayden sitting in a wheelchair quietly a few meters behind her. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. Chapter 5 You Can Stand? "Didn't I make it clear? I'm married. We're over. This is my husband," Elyse said as she quickly moved to Jayden's side, gripping his arm. Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. With a sneer, he said, "To get back at me, you married a disabled man?" He then extended his hand, commanding in a domineering tone, "Elyse, come here! I'll make it up to you when we get back." But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. "Did you hear me? Come here!" Theo grew frustrated. Elyse reflected on how she would have responded in the past--she would definitely walk over to his side. She had loved him deeply for three years. Her feelings had been genuine. Yet, the depth of her affection made the betrayal harder to bear. On her first birthday after they got together, she wanted to celebrate it by the sea. To make her happy, Theo bought a camera, promising to capture beautiful photos of her. As they were about to board the plane for their trip to the seaside, Kaelyn was injured on a film set and called Theo. Without any hesitation, Theo left her stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday Elyse had ever experienced. Theo had once vowed to attend her debut performance with her orchestra, yet she ended up not seeing him there. She lingered in the hall all night, only to learn the next day that he had missed the performance because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to land a role. He stayed because he was worried she might be taken advantage of. For three years, he had been Kaelyn's protector, but he had never offered Elyse the same safeguard. This accumulation of disappointments came to a head at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect. "I am Jayden's wife now. I owe my loyalty to him," declared Elyse with a chill in her voice. "Elyse Lloyd!" Theo roared, enraged. He thought Elyse was merely being spiteful and fabricating things due to the day's incidents. As he tried to seize her hand, Jayden intervened, blocking him swiftly. Theo struggled to free his hand, but was unable to. He couldn't overpower a disabled man? The realization pissedhim off. "Release me!" Theo exploded with anger. "She has no desire to leave with you. Can't you understand?" Jayden pressed slowly, his force causing Theo's features to twist in distress. Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain before releasing him. "Remember this day, Elyse. You'll regret it in the future!" With a hint of embarrassment, Theo glared at Elyse and stormed off after his declaration. Watching him leave, Elyse felt a bitter smile form within her. She knew Theo would not easily let go of being humiliated, but there was no turning back for them now. "Let's go home, Elyse." "Okay." After helping Jayden into the car, they both sat silently, gazing out the window and avoiding any mention of Theo. "How did you know I was out here?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued. Without turning to face her, Jayden replied, "Driscoll mentioned it wasn't safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up." In truth, he had suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed. "Since you've married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can't cover for you if they find out you're still seeing another man." "I won't see him again. I met him just to return a ring," Elyse responded, nodding. Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices. When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study again. Curious, she asked Driscoll, "Why is he always in the study?" "The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul," Driscoll explained. "And why doesn't he return to his room?" "He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don't fuss over him too much." With that, Driscoll departed. After freshening up in her room, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day's events with Jayden. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety. Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. As she approached, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway. Elyse pushed the door open and to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped and asked, "Jayden, you can stand?" ==== "You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don't we get married?" Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful and healthy tycoon. Was Jayden's fake disability revealed just like that? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/55905322-fb_contact-e | Dreamy books | https://www.facebook.com/61565834197209/ | 155 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/55905322-fb_contact-enp12_8-c2-0511-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=566863032532824&rawadid=120213066150880132 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465660277_4324995904394089_8736726348987445583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2Zkz5uYS-i4Q7kNvgFOw9bR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av27-JH-jVujggdB5oavyaV&oh=00_AYAkuDtz0JM2Vv1XygD7J1CEmP4U67KeSjUP0JEM6MUUJA&oe=674EF4A2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Dreamy books | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Seguir leyendošš | Tuvieron un conflicto en su primer encuentro, pero no se esperaba que el amor aparecerĆa de una manera inesperada. El hombre y la mujer se enamoraron rĆ”pidamente, pero la brecha de edad de 15 aƱos no es fĆ”cil de superar... ===== A Deanna no le gustaba nada lo que Harry le estaba proponiendo. TenĆa que estar loco para tener semejante idea. - Lo que me estĆ”s diciendo no tiene ningĆŗn sentido ĀæTe golpeaste la cabeza antes de venir? - - Lo sĆ©, pero necesitamos tu ayuda. No sĆ© a quiĆ©n mĆ”s pedĆrselo- La novia de Harry, Laura, no decĆa nada, pero se estaba poniendo cada vez mĆ”s nerviosa. La situación de ambos no era buena, estaban estudiando todavĆa, eran jóvenes, estaban locamente enamorados, pero se descuidaron. Laura habĆa confirmado su embarazo apenas tres dĆas atrĆ”s. - CrĆ©eme que los entiendo, Harry, pero nadie va a creĆ©rselo. Ni siquiera me conocen en tu familia - - Pero hablĆ© con mi hermano y ha accedido, por favor Deanna, ayĆŗdanos- Laura se atrevió a intervenir, tenĆa los ojos llenos de lĆ”grimas. - No te pedirĆamos esto si no fuera algo tan importante para nosotros. Nuestras familias son muy estrictas al respecto. No dejarĆ”n que Harry se casĆ© conmigo si su hermano mayor aĆŗn estĆ” soltero. Y mi familia no me permitirĆ” que conserve el bebĆ© si no estoy casada - Ver a Laura tan angustiada hizo que Deanna comenzara a dudar. - No puedo creer que hasta el dĆa de hoy continĆŗen con esas reglas tan antiguas. Pero no conozco a tu hermano mayor mĆ”s que por fotografĆa - La propuesta con la que habĆan llegado era simple: para que Harry y Laura pudieran casarse, Daniel que habĆa enviudado 5 aƱos atrĆ”s tenĆa que volver a contraer matrimonio. Deanna era la mejor amiga de Harry y la Ćŗnica opción que les quedaba. -Ni yo tampoco lo creo, parece que continuamos viviendo en la edad media. Es todo lo que se me ocurrió para solucionarlo y Daniel estĆ” dispuesto tambiĆ©n- -Pero ĀæQuĆ© va a decir tu familia? ĀæEstarĆ”n de acuerdo? ĀæSolo voy a aparecerme un dĆa y anunciarles que soy la futura esposa de tu hermano? - -Eso podemos verlo sobre la marcha, lo importante es que se casen lo antes posible; luego lo haremos nosotros y podremos tener a nuestro bebĆ© - Deanna tenĆa que estar tan loca como Harry porque toda esta idea demente comenzaba a resultarle viable. TenĆa mucho cariƱo por su amigo y ver a la pobre Laura tan angustiada por su bebĆ© en camino la terminó por decidir. -Bien, pero... - - ”¿En verdad, Deanna?! Ā”Esto es genial! - -Espera, Harry ... - - Ā”Nos has salvado, amiga! Ā”Eres la mejor! Ā”Laura, vamos a casarnos! - - ”” HARRY!! Espera, por favor... Al menos presĆ©ntame a tu hermano primero - - Ā”Claro! ArreglarĆ© una cena para que puedas conocerlo. Solo nosotros 4 - Laura se puso a llorar sin consuelo, estaba tan feliz que no podĆa parar. Harry la abrazaba y la en el rostro con mucho cariƱo tratando de consolarla. En verdad esos dos estaban muy enamorados, daban ternura. Era una pena que tuvieran que llegar a idear un plan tan descabellado para poder seguir juntos. Esto le hizo pensar a Deanna que se habĆa metido en la boca del lobo. ĀæQuĆ© clase de familia tiene este tipo de tradiciones y las respeta a rajatabla? Pero no podĆa negarse ante semejante pedido. ConocĆa a Harry desde que comenzó a estudiar en la Universidad de Arte, enseguida se hicieron compaƱeros, compinches y terminaron como buenos amigos. A Laura le costó un poco al principio aceptarla como amiga de su prometido, pero con el correr del tiempo se dio cuenta de que se querĆan como hermanos. Comenzaron a compartir mucho los tres juntos a pesar de tener orĆgenes tan diferentes. Harry y Laura provenĆan de familias adineradas, Ć©lite tradicional con generaciones completas de profesionales exitosos. En cambio, Deanna, se habĆa criado con su madre y su abuela y ella era la primera en toda su familia en pisar una Universidad. De hecho, tenĆa un trabajo de medio tiempo en una tienda de ropa para poder solventar algunos gastos y no cargar tanto a su madre con los costos de enviarla a estudiar a la capital. Deanna habĆa mostrado tener un talento natural para el canto, quizĆ” heredado de su padre a quien no conoció, y ambas mujeres decidieron hacer un esfuerzo mĆ”s para darle la posibilidad de que tuviera una educación superior. En cambio, Harry y Laura no tenĆan que preocuparse por trivialidades como el dinero; aunque a Ć©l le costó bastante convencer a su padre de dejarlo estudiar mĆŗsica en vez de ser un abogado, un mĆ©dico o un empresario como su hermano. Pero como Daniel ya se encargaba del negocio familiar fue mĆ”s flexible con su hijo menor. -Mi familia no puede enterarse - Les dijo Deanna - ĀæPor quĆ©? - Le preguntó Laura -Solo somos nosotras tres, no quiero que piensen que este matrimonio durarĆ” toda la vida y luego me vean divorciada. Les prometĆ que primero terminarĆa la carrera - -No te preocupes, amiga, lo mantendremos lo mĆ”s discreto que podamos - El bebĆ© que venĆa en camino llegarĆa en menos de 8 meses asĆ que tenĆan poco tiempo antes que comenzara a notarse en Laura. DebĆan acelerar todo; una vez que Deanna y Daniel concluyeran la boda iban a fugarse āromĆ”nticamenteā para sellar su amor. VolverĆan despuĆ©s de que el niƱo hubiese nacido y ya nadie podrĆa decir nada al respecto. Entonces Deanna y Daniel declararĆan que no eran compatibles y se separarĆan, como si no hubiese ocurrido nada. Era lo mĆ”s normal del mundo Āæverdad? Muchas parejas se disolvĆan despuĆ©s de convivir un tiempo porque descubrĆan que en realidad no se llevaban tan bien. Nadie saldrĆa herido o perjudicado y Deanna ganarĆa un sobrino o sobrina a quien mimar. -LlamarĆ© a mi hermano para contarle las buenas nuevas y ver cuĆ”ndo puede reunirse con nosotros - - ĀæSabe quiĆ©n soy? - -Bueno, sabe que le preguntarĆa a una amiga de la Universidad. No tenĆa sentido decirle que eras tĆŗ porque tampoco te conoce - -Ya veo - -Pero no debes preocuparte por eso, seguro le caerĆ”s bien. No es tan ādifĆcilā como todos dicen - - ĀæA quĆ© te refieres con ādifĆcilā - - Mi cuƱado es un poco... especial. Pero Harry tiene razón, no es tan malo una vez que lo conoces - Trató de alivianar las cosas Laura. - ĀæPor quĆ© de pronto siento que me estoy metiendo en un terrible problema? - Harry y Laura se miraron y sonrieron. Era cierto que Daniel era algo complicado en ciertos aspectos, pero era una persona de buen corazón. QuizĆ” un poco estricto y diametralmente opuesto a la personalidad alegre y despreocupada de Deanna; estaba dispuesto a ayudarlos por el bien de su futuro sobrino. Aunque habĆa hecho un escĆ”ndalo cuando se enteró, no permitirĆa que nada le pasara a su hermano o a su cuƱada y mucho menos al niƱo. -Por cierto, si sabes que Daniel tiene tres hijos ĀæVerdad? - - ””¿QUĆ?!! - -Si: Ethan, Naomi y Jonathan - - ĀæNo eran los hijos de tu hermana? - -No, Susan aĆŗn no se casa - - Ā”Oh, por Dios! - -SerĆ”s una madrastra genial - - No tires de la soga, niƱo, no vaya a ser que se rompa - - No puedes arrepentirte ahora, ya dijiste que si - - PruĆ©bame - Laura estaba feliz, muy feliz. Los veĆa pelear como si fueran dos niƱos pequeƱos y no podĆa evitar sentirse muy afortunada. Deanna estaba mĆ”s que dispuesta a hacer esto por ellos, iba a ser madre y el hombre que amaba se casarĆa con ella. Solo esperaba que todo saliera bien y Daniel se comportara como un caballero. Esa noche salieron a cenar los tres juntos al puesto de comidas que estaba cerca de la Universidad y solĆan frecuentar bastante. Deanna y Harry sĆ pudieron beber unas, demasiadas, porque acabaron la noche casi arrastrĆ”ndose para llevar de vuelta a Deanna a su departamento y luego tomar un taxi. Ya en su departamento la āpoderosa Deanā, como Harry la llamaba, cayó como una roca sobre la cama. No tenĆa idea de todo lo que estaba por vivir solo por intentar ayudar a sus amigos. CapĆtulo 2 Cara de hielo Daniel Crusher llevaba 5 aƱos viudo. Su esposa habĆa fallecido de una afección cardiaca poco despuĆ©s de dar a luz a su pequeƱo hijo. Lo dejó solo con 3 niƱos y una profunda tristeza en una casa que de pronto se volvió muy grande. No tenĆa intenciones de volver a casarse, aunque era uno de los solteros mĆ”s codiciados y se le conocĆan algunas relaciones pasajeras. Ćl podĆa criar solo a sus hijos, o al menos eso creĆa. Y de pronto llega su hermano menor a ponerlo entre la espada y la pared y con una propuesta totalmente impensable. Cuando supo por quĆ©, estalló en furia. - ”¿Cómo puedes ser tan irresponsable?!- Pero Daniel no podĆa dejar a su hermano y a Laura a su suerte. Mucho menos abandonar al pequeƱo que venĆa en camino. Dentro de la coraza de hielo que se habĆa creado todavĆa existĆa un hombre de corazón cĆ”lido. - ĀæQuiĆ©n es ella? - Le habĆa preguntado. Y de nuevo volvió a poner el grito en el cielo cuando Harry le habló de Deanna. -Pero si va a la Universidad contigo eso quiere decir que... Āætiene tu edad? - -SĆ, tiene 25 como Laura y yo- -Harry, Āæestas demente? Le llevó 15 aƱos de diferencia - - Es la Ćŗnica que puede aceptar esto, Daniel, no conozco a nadie mĆ”s que acceda a hacerlo- No solo debĆa casarse con una mujer que no conocĆa, sino que era 15 aƱos mĆ”s joven que Ć©l. Una universitaria a quien nunca antes vio en su vida. Esto resultarĆa un desastre. -A mamĆ” le va a dar un infarto, lo sabes- -Tu puedes con ella, siempre te has impuesto cuando quieres algo, aunque nuestros padres se opongan- -Esto es diferente, Harry. ĀæCrees que aceptarĆan quĆ© me case de repente con una mujer mĆ”s joven, que nadie conoce y que estudia contigo? - -Al menos pueden decirles que yo los presentĆ©- Daniel no tendrĆa demasiados problemas para imponer su voluntad, pero la historia tenĆa que ser creĆble. Era una mujer muy joven para Ć©l y ese no era su estilo. En verdad su hermano lo estaba poniendo en un aprieto, eran demasiadas cosas para justificar. Solo habĆa salido con dos mujeres, de manera oficial, en todos estos aƱos y solo por insistencia de su madre que querĆa que sus nietos tuvieran una figura materna. Una de ellas no habĆa tenido problemas con que Ć©l tuviera 3 hijos, pero a Daniel no le gustaba. La otra tampoco le gustaba, pero se lo hizo fĆ”cil porque no tenĆa intenciones de convertirse en la madre de nadie. El resto de las pocas mujeres fueron cosas ocasionales o fugaces sin relevancia. -Tengo que conocerla al menos Āæya hablaste con ella? - -AĆŗn no, lo harĆ© esta tarde. Estoy seguro de que nos ayudarĆ”. Gracias, hermano, gracias- -SerĆ” mejor que te conviertas en un padre ejemplar y comiences a sentar cabeza- -Por supuesto que lo harĆ©, Laura y nuestro bebĆ© solo se merecen lo mejor- -Me alegra oĆr eso- Para Ć©l y su difunta esposa las cosas habĆan sido muy distintas. Si bien se casaron siendo jóvenes aĆŗn, como Harry y Laura, Daniel ya habĆa terminado de estudiar y comenzado a trabajar en la empresa familiar. Fue desde pequeƱo muy responsable y aplicado, mientras otros niƱos de su edad practicaban algĆŗn deporte o jugaban, Ć©l aprendĆa idiomas. Mientras sus compaƱeros iban de viaje alrededor del mundo, Ć©l tomaba clases de matemĆ”ticas y estadĆstica. TenĆa una disciplina muy fuerte para alguien tan chico. Siempre se comportaba como un caballero, era austero y conservado y seguĆa al pie de la letra los mandatos familiares. Gracias a eso sus padres rara vez le prohibieron algo y pudo casarse con su novia de la adolescencia a una temprana edad. Fueron una familia feliz, su esposa equilibraba el carĆ”cter un poco frĆo y estricto de Daniel. Armonizaban a la perfección, eran una pareja adorable. Luego llegaron los hijos y con ellos mĆ”s felicidad. Por eso cuando Emily murió todo su mundo se vino abajo. Daniel no tuvo mĆ”s remedio que abocarse a sus tres hijos y a su trabajo, no podĆa derrumbarse. Ahora era el Ćŗnico pilar que quedaba en pie. Su hermana lo ayudó el primer aƱo con los niƱos. Pero como en todo en su vida, Daniel demostró ser capaz de ser un buen padre soltero. Tal vez un poco estricto e inflexible en algunos aspectos, pero muy amoroso. -En cuanto hable con Deanna te avisarĆ©- - ĀæPor quĆ© estĆ”s tan seguro de que aceptarĆ”? - - Porque es Deanna- - ĀæY eso que quiere decir? - - Que asĆ es ella, no duda en darte apoyo o estar ahĆ cuando la necesitas. Es una gran amiga- -Ya veo...- - Solo... ĀæCrees que podrĆas ser menos tĆŗ? - - ĀæDe quĆ© hablas? - - Ya sabes, menos... frĆo y serio. Es una gran mujer, Daniel, pero vas a espantarla con tus expresiones- - Eso es ridĆculo, Harry- En realidad, Ć©l era todo un caballero, pero tenĆa predisposición a ser un poco... grosero a veces, sin darse cuenta. Sencillamente era su forma de ser. Le habĆan puesto un apodo que nadie se atrevĆa a decir en su presencia: āCara de hielo Crusherā. Y tenĆa fama en el negocio de ser implacable y recto. Siempre estaba serio, pocas veces sonreĆa y tendĆa a decir lo que pensaba sin importarle si caerĆa mal o no. Esto debĆa funcionar como fuera, se estaban quedando cortos de tiempo. Harry arregló un encuentro para los 4 en su departamento para ultimar los detalles e inventar una historia plausible. Ahora que su amiga tambiĆ©n estaba abordo si cruzaba los dedos y tenĆa mucha fe, aĆŗn tendrĆan una chance. - ĀæSabe de los niƱos? - - SĆ, se los mencionĆ© mĆ”s de una vez... me parece. De todas maneras, no tendrĆ” problemas por eso - - Tendremos que poner reglas en relación con los niƱos tambiĆ©n - Ninguno de ellos tenĆa idea de todo lo que acarrearĆa su pequeƱa āobra teatralā, o cómo afectarĆa las vidas de la āPoderosa Deanā y āCara de hieloā. Pero las ruedas ya estaban en movimiento, lo mĆ”s complicado serĆa hacer que ambos padres acepten a la nueva nuera sin muchos cuestionamientos. Deanna se preparó esa noche lo mejor que pudo. Se puso un vestido negro y zapatos bajos, pero algo elegantes. No tenĆa demasiada ropa que causara una buena impresión, pero al menos debĆa intentar caerle bien a Daniel. Estaba un poco nerviosa, sin embargo, sacó todo su optimismo de dentro y salió para el departamento de Harry. Por su parte Daniel tambiĆ©n eligió ponerse algo no muy elegante, un poco conservador, pero que no delatara demasiado su edad. Inconscientemente, estaba tratando de ajustarse a su nueva āparejaā. Se sentĆa un poco... apremiado por el hecho de que ella fuera tan joven; tal vez lo verĆa como a un viejo y no querrĆa continuar. ĀæQuĆ© habĆa querido decir Harry con eso de ser menos Ć©l mismo? No veĆa que tuviera nada de malo su forma de ser. Era un hombre exitoso con hijos bien educados y muy respetado en su cĆrculo social. Su imagen era pulcra, seria y admirada por muchos. TenĆa una buena posición y era un excelente partido para cualquier mujer. Harry estaba muy equivocado... Āæverdad? Antes de salir pasó por el cuarto del pequeƱo Jonathan quiĆ©n ya estaba dormido. Recogió algunos muƱecos que estaban en el piso y se quedó mirĆ”ndolo unos minutos. Pensaba que el hijo o hija de Harry tendrĆa a sus dos padres juntos, Jonathan ya se habĆa olvidado del rostro de su madre y apenas podĆa comunicarse con Ć©l. No sabĆa que mĆ”s hacer por su hijo. CapĆtulo 3 Primer encuentro El primero en llegar al departamento fue Daniel, ya habĆa estado allĆ alguna vez en los Ćŗltimos aƱos, pero esta vez se notaba la presencia de Laura en pequeƱas cosas por toda la casa. Era evidente que llevaban un buen tiempo compartiendo el lugar. Por alguna razón se sentĆa nervioso, esta situación era muy similar a cuando su madre le armaba citas con las hijas de sus amigas; solo que esta vez vino por voluntad propia. QuizĆ” porque esta era la primera vez que quiĆ©n estaba esperando aprobación era Ć©l. A los pocos minutos sonó el timbre, era Deanna. Ni bien la vio cruzar el umbral supo que todo aquello le resultarĆa mĆ”s difĆcil de lo que habĆa pensado. Ella entró con una enorme sonrisa y en pocos segundos llenó el lugar con su energĆa, como si irradiarĆa una especie luz cĆ”lida. Llevaba el cabello suelto, la abundante melena color caramelo le cubrĆa los hombros. La primera reacción de Daniel fue la de ponerse de pie inmediatamente, como empujado por una fuerza invisible. Al verlo, Deanna no dudo en acercarse hasta Ć©l y pararse frente al hombre alto de cabello negro. -Mucho gusto, soy Deanna ĀæEres Daniel? - Y le extendió la mano con otra sonrisa. -Mucho gusto, Deanna. Soy Daniel, el hermano de Harry, es un placer - Tomó su mano para estrecharla y sintió esa calidez irradiando. Laura entró con algunas bebidas y bocadillos y ambas mujeres se saludaron. El ambiente se sentĆa un poco incómodo, pero Harry, con su habitual charlatanerĆa comenzó a preparar el terreno para aliviar un poco la tensión. Esta reunión debĆa ser todo un Ć©xito si querĆan que el plan funcionara. Y lo fue, solo que no como lo tenĆa pensado. -AsĆ que estudias con Harry y Laura - Tanteó Daniel -SĆ, nos conocemos de la Universidad - - ĀæY quĆ© estudias? - - Canto lĆrico - - Mmmm... - Respondió Daniel con un dejo de... Āædesaprobación? Harry le habĆa advertido, se lo habĆa advertido. - Mmmm, ĀæquĆ©? - -Nada - -Algo debes tener para decir ademĆ”s de āmmmā - -Nada... Respeto mucho a los artistas - - Tal vez debamos comer ahora - Dijo Laura tratando de cambiar el tema. DebĆan contener a Daniel antes de que mostrara su carĆ”cter especial, sabĆan que Deanna no se quedarĆa callada tampoco. Lo mejor era tratar de estirar y dilatar el eminente choque. La cena transcurrió en una charla amena, parecĆa que Daniel y Deanna habĆan encontrado un punto de inflexión. Hasta que surgió el ātemaā. -Debemos hacer esto lo mĆ”s rĆ”pido posible. No saben lo agradecidos que estamos de que puedan ayudarnos - Dijo Harry -Es verdad, gracias desde el fondo de mi corazón - AƱadió Laura -CorrerĆ© con los gastos universitarios por el aƱo que estemos casados, en compensación por tener que pausar tu carrera - Disparó Daniel sin mĆ”s -ĀæCómo que pausar mi carrera? No voy a pausar mi carrera - - Definitivamente tendrĆ”s que hacerlo, no puedo estar casado con una universitaria. No se verĆa bien - - No quiero tu dinero - - No se trata de eso. EstĆ”s por hacer un sacrificio y debe ser compensado - - Que bueno saber que serĆ” un āsacrificioā - Harry y Laura se miraron, la delicada lĆnea se habĆa roto. -Tengo 3 hijos Āælo sabes verdad? - - Claro que lo sĆ© - - Bien, porque debemos establecer reglas para que interactĆŗes con ellos - Deanna miró a Harry quiĆ©n le respondió como resignado. En su interior estaba rogando que su amiga resistiera lo que quedaba de la noche y no se arrepintiera. Daniel parecĆa estar tratando de cerrar un acuerdo de negocios y no una boda. -Otra cosa que debes respetar es que en casa tenemos normas de convivencia que funcionan de maravilla y no podemos... cambiarlas - - ĀæDónde vives? ĀæEn una base militar? - - Espero que no te cueste adaptarte, a pesar de tu evidente desinterĆ©s por todo lo que te digo - - No es desinterĆ©s, pero difĆcilmente pueda adaptarme a nada con esa actitud ācastrenseā - - ĀæCastrense? Es solo un poco de disciplina... Y no puedes vestirte mĆ”s de esa manera - Y le seƱaló las rodillas desnudas - Ā”Ah! Es un convento, no una base militar - - Chicos, por favor... - Intervino Harry Pero de ahĆ en mĆ”s todo fue en picada. Las condiciones que Daniel trataba de imponer recibĆan una respuesta contraria por parte de Deanna. No estaba siendo para nada amable, era extraƱo, solĆa ser cortĆ©s a pesar de estar disgustado por algo. -Son aspectos mĆnimos que necesito que cumplas si queremos que esta fachada no levante sospechas. No eres exactamente el tipo de mujer con la que saldrĆa - - Bueno Āægracias? Entiendo lo que dices, pero no la forma en que lo haces como si estuvieras tratando de cerrar un contrato - - Eso lo hablarĆ© con mi abogado maƱana, el contrato prenupcial. SerĆ” una boda falsa, pero legĆtima y debemos cubrir eso tambiĆ©n - - Entonces dĆ©jame repasar: tengo que cumplir reglas y dejar la Universidad. Supongo que debes tener un manual sobre cómo debo interactuar con tus hijos y debo cambiar mi manera de vestir. Lo del contrato prenupcial lo entiendo perfectamente - -Bien, me alegra que llegĆ”ramos a un acuerdo - - ĀæQuĆ© acuerdo? Eso solo es lo que tĆŗ quieres, pero yo tambiĆ©n tengo mis condiciones - - ĀæCuĆ”les serĆan? - - Ya que no puedo continuar en la Universidad, tomarĆ© un dĆa en la semana a mi criterio para asistir a clases de canto particulares - - Bien, cubrirĆ© ese gasto - - No necesito que lo hagas, tengo un empleo - - Al que deberĆ”s renunciar, asĆ que yo cubrirĆ© el gasto - Deanna estaba a punto de explotar, solo se contenĆa porque Laura la miraba con ojos grandes y llenos de preocupación. Daba la impresión de que estaba rogĆ”ndole por paciencia. Deanna respiró profundo. -Muy bien... ya que eres un cajero automĆ”tico con piernas, tambiĆ©n quiero un cuarto en tu casa, solo para mĆ, que funcione como un salón de mĆŗsica - -Puedo hacerlo... Āæeso es todo? - - Por el momento supongo que si - Se quedaron en silencio sin mirarse. Harry y Laura habĆan estado conteniendo la respiración sin darse cuenta mientras los observaban discutir. -MaƱana hablarĆ© con nuestros padres para que hagamos una reunión familiar y poder presentarla. ConfĆo en que Laura podrĆ” ayudarla a adecuarse a la situación - Hablaba de ella como si no estuviera en el mismo cuarto. -Bien - Dijo Harry y le lanzó una mirada furtiva a Deanna como tratando de disculparse. Ya estaba oyĆ©ndola en su cabeza quejarse sin cesar de las actitudes de Daniel. Este tipo era increĆble, no demostraba ningĆŗn reparo por expresarse sin filtros. Como si todos fueran sus empleados y debieran seguir sus órdenes. -Me irĆ© entonces - Dijo Deanna, ya no lo soportaba mĆ”s. -DĆ©jame pedirte un taxi - Le dijo Harry. -Nada de eso, yo la llevarĆ© hasta su casa - -No creo que sea buena idea, Daniel - - ĀæPor quĆ© no? Dentro de algunas semanas serĆ” mi esposa, es lo mĆ”s normal del mundo, Laura... Vamos - Simplemente se puso de pie y se paró junto a la puerta, esperĆ”ndola. Ella se resignó, saludó a sus amigos y salieron. No cruzaron una sola palabra en todo el trayecto hasta que llegaron a su edificio. - ĀæAquĆ vives? - - Si... Bueno, gracias por traerme. Buenas noches - Y eso fue todo, se bajó del coche y se perdió dentro del edificio. Daniel se quedó unos minutos mĆ”s mirĆ”ndola y luego pensando. Si no lograba moldearla un poco a sus estĆ”ndares nadie se creerĆa la historia. CapĆtulo 4 Voy a casarme Al dĆa siguiente Daniel se reunió con sus padres. TenĆa que estar lo mĆ”s calmado posible y contarles la noticia con toda naturalidad; sin flaquear tratando de seguir el argumento al pie de la letra o nadie iba a creerse la farsa. -Bueno, ya estamos aquĆ hijo ĀæDe quĆ© quieres hablarnos? - Le preguntó su madre. -Voy a casarme - - ĀæCómo que vas a casarte? ĀæDe que estas hablando, Daniel? - Su padre se sorprendió un poco, era algo que no esperaba oĆr de Ć©l nuevamente. -Voy a casarme en unas semanas, papĆ” y quiero que toda la familia la conozca - -Espera un momento hijo, espera... ĀæCon quiĆ©n vas a casarte, exactamente? - - Con Deanna - - ĀæCon quiĆ©n? ĀæQuiĆ©n es Deanna? - SabĆa que su madre lo llenarĆa de preguntas, ella querĆa que sus nietos contarĆ”n con la presencia de una mujer mientras crecĆan que no sean ella misma o Susan, pero esto era demasiado repentino. Ninguno de los dos estaba preparado para oĆr lo que Daniel tenĆa para decir. -Deanna es compaƱera de Universidad de Harry, estamos saliendo hace unos cuantos meses ya y decidĆ casarme con ella - - ”¿CompaƱera de Harry?!- -SĆ, mamĆ”, se lo que estĆ”s pensando. Por eso mismo decidimos llevar la relación de la manera mĆ”s discreta posible - - Le llevas 15 aƱos a Harry o sea que si es su compaƱera de estudios... Ā”tiene su misma edad! ĀæVas a casarte con una mujer mucho mĆ”s joven que tĆŗ a con la que solo sales hace unos meses? - - AsĆ es - - Ā”EstĆ”s loco, Daniel! Mis nietos necesitan una madre no una hermana - - Por favor, mamĆ”, no involucres a los niƱos en esto - - ĀæCómo no voy a hacerlo? Ā”Por el amor de Dios, Daniel! ĀæEn quĆ© estĆ”s pensando? No seas necio, no vas a casarte con ella - - Esa es mi decisión y ya la tomĆ©, no hay nada que puedas hacer al respecto - - Ā”Charles, dile algo, por amor de Dios! Ā”Tu hijo perdió la razón! - Su padre se inclinó un poco en su asiento y lo miró directo a los ojos. - ĀæEstĆ” embarazada? - Le preguntó. - ”¿QuĆ©?! Ā”No, papĆ”, por favor! - - ĀæEntonces porque te casas con ella? - - Porque estoy enamorado y me parece que serĆ” una excelente compaƱera. ĀæAcaso de la Ćŗnica manera que una mujer como ella se casarĆa con alguien como yo es porque estuviera embarazada? - - Ā”O va detrĆ”s de tu dinero! - Agregó su madre. - EstĆ”s siendo ridĆcula, mamĆ” - - El ridĆculo eres tĆŗ al pretender hacer una locura como esa. Estoy segura que si se metió contigo es porque algo quiere - - Bueno, mamĆ”, no sabĆa que tenĆas ese concepto de mi - - Sabes bien a que me refiero. Ćltimamente he estado viendo como esa clase de mujeres se acercan a hombres como tĆŗ solo para sacarles dinero. Eso fue lo que le pasó al hijo de Madison con su supuesta novia - - Deanna no es asĆ - - ĀæCómo lo sabes? Los hombres no pueden pensar bien cuando tienen enfrente un par de piernas bonitas - - Lo sĆ© porque es amiga de Harry y Laura y ha demostrado no tener interĆ©s en mi dinero. Tiene un trabajo que planeo que deje cuando nos casemos - - Todo esto es muy repentino, Daniel - Le dijo su padre. - Lo sĆ©, papĆ”, pero debes confiar en mi buen juicio. TĆŗ me conoces mejor que nadie y sabes que no me arriesgarĆa si no estuviera seguro - - Eso es verdad, no has dado nunca un paso en falso... Bien, parece que tendremos una boda, Camila - - Ā”EstĆ”n locos los dos! SerĆ” mejor que traigas a tu āfutura esposaā lo antes posible Āælos niƱos ya la conocen? - - No, por supuesto que no - - Mejor, si no funciona al menos no tendrĆ”n que ver como su padre es abandonado por una mujer mĆ”s joven - -MamĆ”, por favor... - - No, Daniel. No. EstĆ”s queriendo meter a una mujer que ninguno conoce en tu hogar donde estĆ”n tus hijos y convertirla es tu esposa. ĀæSabes que serĆ”s la comidilla de todos? - - No me interesa - Bueno, no habĆa sido un Ć©xito rotundo, pero al menos su padre parecĆa confiar en Ć©l. El verdadero problema serĆa su madre que iba a inspeccionar a Deanna de todos los Ć”ngulos posibles para encontrarle todos los defectos que tuviera. Ćl lo sabĆa y por eso llamó a su cuƱada para pedirle que la āentreneā un poco y la acompaƱe a elegir un vestuario mĆ”s adecuado. Laura tenĆa que hacer un trabajo medianamente pasable y darle muchos consejos a Deanna para prevenirla de su suegra. Camila podĆa ser implacable cuando se lo proponĆa y hacerle la vida imposible a su nueva nuera hasta cansarla. No era ni de cerca la clase de mujer que querĆa para su hijo mayor. HabĆa intentado por todos los medios hacer que Daniel conociera y saliera con mujeres a las que ella consideraba adecuadas. La mayorĆa eran hijas de sus amigas o conocidas. Pero su hijo no mostraba ningĆŗn interĆ©s por ellas y siempre le pedĆa que lo dejara en paz. Y ahora decĆa que estaba por casarse con alguien que nadie conocĆa. Por supuesto que iba a poner todo de ella para desenmascarar a la ājovencita interesada en su dineroā. Al primero que interrogarĆa serĆa a Harry. - ĀæCómo conoció tu hermano a esa tal Deanna? - - Yo los presentĆ©. MamĆ”, Deanna es una excelente persona no tienes nada de quĆ© preocuparte - - Por supuesto que sĆ, va a compartir la crianza de mis nietos - - EstĆ”s exagerando Āæacaso no confĆas en tu pequeƱo hijo? - - Claro que no confĆo en ti - - Ā”MamĆ”! - - Todo esto es muy repentino, Harry, aquĆ hay algo raro...- - No hay nada raro, solo que Daniel decidió continuar con su vida. No veo que tenga nada de malo. Tiene todo el derecho de encontrar alguien que lo ame y a quien amar - - Eso no lo cuestiono, hijo. He estado esperando por este momento desde que Emily nos dejó de esa manera tan horrible. Ā”Pero no asĆ! - - Vamos, mamĆ”. Estas siendo intolerante. Conozco a Deanna desde que comenzamos la Universidad, Laura tambiĆ©n la conoce. Es una persona magnifica en muchos aspectos, no puedo entender cómo es que no salió huyendo de Daniel - - Porque tu hermano es un hombre importante y poderoso... - - Dean no va tras su dinero, mamĆ”... - - ĀæAsĆ le dices? Entonces la conoces bastante - - Es lo que estoy tratando de decirte - Ahora mĆ”s que nunca debĆan andar con cuidado, al menos hasta que la boda se concretara. El problema no era si Camila la aceptaba o no, porque de todas maneras iban a casarse. El problema era convencerlos el suficiente tiempo para que luego Harry y Laura no tuvieran ningĆŗn obstĆ”culo. Daniel estaba decidido a romper con esa tradición prehistórica de su familia, sus hijos no tendrĆan que pasar por eso nunca. Ćl se encargarĆa de priorizar su felicidad antes que un mandato heredado que solo servĆa para poner a las personas en situaciones irrisorias. Nada de este circo serĆa necesario si simplemente pudieran vivir sus vidas libremente. Pero lo cierto era que Deanna habĆa causado una impresión en Ć©l que no se esperaba. A pesar de su edad parecĆa ser alguien que sabĆa lo que querĆa y tenĆa una meta en la vida, sabĆa defenderse y enfrentarse a quiĆ©n tratara de imponĆ©rsele. No tenĆa mal aspecto y era bastante educada, se notaba que no pertenecĆa al mismo nivel social que ellos, pero de alguna forma eso no la detenĆa ni la asustaba. La habĆa conocido hacĆa solo dos dĆas, pero no podĆa sacar de su cabeza su imagen cuando se bajó del coche, evidentemente molesta con Ć©l, caminando hasta la entrada sin voltearse una sola vez. ĀæEn que estaba pensando? Era una mujer combativa que no se quedaba callada, tenĆa ese cabello caramelo todo rizado, los ojos grandes y expresivos, la sonrisa cĆ”lida... El no esperaba, a veces el amor aparece de la manera mĆ”s inesperada y en la forma de la persona menos pensada... ...... ==== Deanna tiene una vida normal, trabaja medio tiempo y estudia en la Universidad de Artes porque quiere lograr su sueƱo: cantar en la ópera. Solo le falta un aƱo para terminar su carrera cuando su amigo Harry le pide ayuda desesperado. Una antigua regla familiar le impide casarse con su novia, la cual estĆ” embarazada. Para ayudarlo con su problema Daniel y Deanna acceden a fingir una relación y un matrimonio. Son tan opuestos que la atracción es inevitable. Ćl encuentra en ella la calidez que faltaba en su vida y Deanna el amor luego de una ruptura desastrosa. Pero hay muchos intereses ocultos que buscan separarlos y alejarlos. No es sencillo equilibrar 15 aƱos de diferencia. ĀæQuĆ© sucederĆ” en adelante? Los capĆtulos disponibles son limitados aquĆ, haga click el botón abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĆ”s contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederĆ” a este libro) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/13316375-fb_contact-spy | Happy reading | https://www.facebook.com/61566043183664/ | 384 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.manobook.com | IMAGE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/13316375-fb_contact-spy4685_2-1022-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=1139812000905147&rawadid=120215392594210297 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467898760_1915764112248402_1245629276550056794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WjxI-lVK_hYQ7kNvgEamLuY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AIzOOUiotQiWIZW-ooPNirz&oh=00_AYCSMUzugPEBMgpA0OlYc6_QwIFuiFyXh3aG_y0Gu3gobA&oe=674EFBC4 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Happy reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-28 18:52 | active | 1934 | 0 | Para ella, casarse con su mejor amigo y quedar embarazada de su hijo fue un sueƱo hecho realidad. Pero en ese momento feliz, la mujer que amaba su marido regresó... ===== ĀæLo habĆa oĆdo bien? ĀæEstoy embarazada? Ā”Estoy embarazada de un bebĆ© de Pierce! Ā”Mi mejor amigo y mi primer amor! --QuĆ© bueno que haya sido cautelosa, pudo haber perdido a su bebĆ©, seƱorita Monroe --me dijo el ginecólogo con seriedad al ver la sorpresa en mis ojos. En ese momento, me toquĆ© el vientre inconscientemente, sin poder creer que hubiera un bebĆ© acostado allĆ. Cuando salĆ del hospital, no podĆa esperar para contarle a Pierce sobre nuestro bebĆ©. Me preguntaba cuĆ”l serĆa su reacción. ĀæGritarĆa de felicidad? ĀæMe b**arĆa y todo eso? Ā”Dios! No podĆa contener mi felicidad. Incluso tomĆ© mi cara roja entre mis manos mientras fantaseaba. Pero en el momento en que sentĆ el frĆo del anillo en mi dedo, mi corazón que latĆa salvajemente se calmó. Casi olvidaba que Pierce no estaba interesado en tener hijos, menos considerando que nuestro matrimonio fue arreglado por su familia. Por supuesto, Pierce era un completo caballero, como amigo y como marido. Cada vez que tenĆamos relaciones s**uales, Ć©l era considerado y cauteloso, y decĆa que no era necesario agregar mĆ”s ataduras si no estĆ”bamos listos. Este bebĆ©, en cierto modo, estaba fuera de los planes. --SeƱora, ĀæestĆ” todo bien? ĀæNecesita que llame al jefe? --preguntó mi conductor privado, Luke, preocupado al notar mi ceƱo fruncido. Luke era confiable como un miembro de la familia, pero no querĆa contarle porque querĆa que Pierce fuera el primero en enterarse de esta noticia. Ćl era el padre de mi bebĆ©. --No --dije y neguĆ© con la cabeza, dĆ”ndole a Luke una sonrisa tranquilizadora--. EstĆ” en el vuelo. HablarĆ© con Ć©l mĆ”s tarde --y asĆ verĆa su respuesta yo misma en sus crudas expresiones. Siempre fui buena en eso. Finalmente, cerrĆ© los ojos y recordĆ© el dĆa en que nos conocimos. Su brillante sonrisa a la luz del sol era tan deslumbrante que parecĆa un prĆncipe. Me enamorĆ© de Ć©l a primera vista, mucho antes de que nos convirtiĆ©ramos en mejores amigos. Pero era sólo un amor no correspondido y yo lo sabĆa bien. En ese instante, bajĆ© la ventanilla del auto para tomar un poco de aire fresco y, sin quererlo, vislumbrĆ© nuestra antigua escuela secundaria. Ese sentimiento amargo llenó mi pecho una vez mĆ”s... Pierce fue mi primer amor, pero yo no era el suyo. En la escuela secundaria, yo no era mĆ”s que una nerd aburrida a los ojos de los demĆ”s, mientras que Pierce Anderson era el brillante mariscal de campo. Todos se sorprendieron de que pudiĆ©ramos ser amigos. Aunque las hostilidades hacia mĆ aumentaron, disfrutĆ© estar cerca de Ć©l y poco a poco me di cuenta de que no querĆa ser sólo su amiga. Sin embargo, justo cuando estaba a punto de confesarle mis sentimientos, otra chica llegó a su vida. SacudĆ la cabeza tratando de deshacerme de esos viejos y tristes recuerdos. Luego toquĆ© el frĆo anillo de bodas en mi dedo y me dije que el pasado ya habĆa pasado. Pierce dijo que habĆan terminado y que ahora yo era su esposa. SĆ, yo era su esposa y ademĆ”s estaba embarazada de su bebĆ©. Pronto, me sequĆ© las lĆ”grimas de las comisuras de los ojos y abrĆ la puerta de nuestra casa. Mi corazón se calmó al respirar el aroma de mi hogar, nuestra casa. Pierce y yo la decoramos juntos con nuestras propias manos. Lo disfrutamos. SĆ, tal vez estaba pensando demasiado. Esa mujer habĆa estado fuera de nuestras vidas durante mucho tiempo y los Ćŗltimos tres aƱos mi matrimonio con Pierce fueron tan hermosos como un cuento de hadas. Una vez dentro, mirĆ© el reloj de la pared. Para ese entonces, Pierce ya deberĆa haberse bajado del avión. Estuvo mĆ”s de un mes en viajes de negocios de nuestra empresa familiar. Pierce era el presidente de ADE, la empresa de revistas de moda lĆder en toda Asia, y yo era la vicepresidente de la compaƱĆa. No sólo Ć©ramos compaƱeros de vida, sino tambiĆ©n buenos socios en el trabajo. En verdad lo extraƱaba. De inmediato, marquĆ© su nĆŗmero, pues tenĆa muchas ganas de escuchar su voz y saber cuĆ”ndo llegarĆa a casa. Le prepararĆa una buena comida y Ć©l me premiarĆa con un dulce beso. Y luego podrĆamos... Vaya, en ese momento casi olvidĆ© que estaba embarazada. DebĆa contarle eso primero y luego podrĆamos hacer otra cosa. Estaba imaginando felizmente nuestra encantadora reunión, pero mi corazón dio un vuelco cuando una voz de mujer cruzó la lĆnea. --ĀæHola? Al escuchar esa sola palabra, dejĆ© caer mi telĆ©fono, que se rompió al chocar contra el suelo, y mi cuerpo empezó a temblar incontrolablemente. Ā”NO! Ā”No podĆa ser ella! Ā”No podĆa ser Lexi! Ā”Ella ya estaba fuera de nuestras vidas! DebĆ haber escuchado mal. De inmediato, corrĆ hacia la nevera en un intento por calmarme con la ayuda de un poco de al**hol. Pero en el momento en que toquĆ© la botella de v**o, recordĆ© las palabras del mĆ©dico sobre mi bebĆ©. DebĆa tener cuidado por la salud de mi bebĆ©, asĆ que solo agarrĆ© una caja de leche y caminĆ© hacia el sofĆ”. En ese entonces, no sabĆa quĆ© me hizo reconocer esa voz como la de Lexi. Nosotras nunca fuimos cercanas. Lexi Gilbert era la tĆpica belleza rubia por la que los hombres se volvĆan locos. Ella era una animadora popular en la escuela secundaria, mientras que Pierce era el mariscal de campo estrella. Encajaba mejor con Ć©l que una nerd como yo, Āæverdad? No me sorprendió que se haya enamorado de ella. Mi orgullo no soportó ver al hombre que amaba volverse loco por otra mujer, asĆ que una vez intentĆ© alejarme de ellos en silencio, pero Pierce se negó a salirse de mi vida. Cada vez que me ahogaba en un mar de libros y estudios para olvidarlos, Pierce aparecĆa en mi puerta invitĆ”ndome a salir. No podĆa decirle que no a su sonrisa encantadora y tampoco podĆa decirle que no porque afirmaba que era su deber como mi mejor amigo llevarme a disfrutar del mundo real. Para no arruinar nuestra amistad, ocultĆ© mi corazón roto y desempeƱƩ en silencio el papel de su mejor amiga, siempre a su lado y observando su rostro feliz por otra chica. Finalmente, cuando supe que Pierce planeaba proponerle matrimonio a Lexi, me armĆ© de valor y fui a estudiar al extranjero, sin saber que su abuela me llamarĆa para rogarme que regresara. Por supuesto, volvĆ a toda prisa sólo para ver a Pierce sin vida. Lexi le habĆa herido gravemente el corazón y el mĆo sufrĆa por mi amado. EmpecĆ© a odiar a Lexi desde ese momento. Le habĆa entregado a mi amado hombre, Ā”cómo se atrevió a hacerle tanto daƱo! Ā”Esa bruja! Pierce no le contó a nadie lo que pasó, excepto que habĆa terminado con Lexi. Luego, la abuela arregló nuestro matrimonio. No entendĆ por quĆ© estuvo de acuerdo hasta que un dĆa lo escuchĆ© decir que casarse con cualquiera que no fuera Lexi serĆa lo mismo para Ć©l. Aquello me dolió mucho, pero aun asĆ me casĆ© con Ć©l sin pensarlo dos veces. Mi amado estaba destrozado y querĆa recomponerlo, sin importarme si eso me arruinaba a mĆ en el proceso. Me quedĆ© dormida sintiĆ©ndome muy insegura y preocupada. Me despertĆ© en medio de la noche cuando sentĆ que alguien acariciaba mi mejilla. Lentamente abrĆ los ojos y me di cuenta de que me habĆa quedado dormida en la sala de estar. Alguien me levantó del sofĆ” e inmediatamente reconocĆ su olor y tacto mientras lo miraba con los ojos entrecerrados. --Pierce⦠--Hmm --murmuró mientras caminaba hacia las escaleras--. ĀæPor quĆ© te dormiste en el sofĆ”? Yo solo me quedĆ© mirĆ”ndolo a la cara y luego me dejó suavemente sobre la cama, acarició mi cabello y besó mi frente. Siempre fue tan gentil y por eso lo amaba tanto. LlevĆ”bamos mĆ”s de un mes separados, mi cuerpo lo extraƱaba y mi corazón lo anhelaba. --ĀæDónde estabas? Te estuve esperando --dije mientras acariciaba su mejilla. --Acabo de encontrarme con un amigo. Dijiste que me estabas esperando, Āæes urgente? Al ver su rostro amable, de repente no quise arruinarle el momento, asĆ que cerrĆ© mis labios entreabiertos y traguĆ© la verdad para devolverla a mi estómago. MaƱana, tal vez maƱana tendrĆa el coraje de afrontar todos los rompecabezas. De modo que solo sacudĆ la cabeza, hice un puchero y le dije que tenĆa sueƱo. Ćl se rió entre dientes y me dio un beso de buenas noches, pero en el momento en que estuvo a punto de dejarme, por alguna razón entrĆ© en pĆ”nico. RĆ”pidamente lo agarrĆ© y lo b*sĆ© con toda mi pasión... Lo extraƱaba y lo querĆa. --Espera, Kels --dijo y me detuvo, sujetando mis locas manos sobre la cama--. PensĆ© que habĆas dicho que tenĆas sueƱo y que necesitabas descansar. --SĆ, pero te extraƱo --exclamĆ© y lo mirĆ© con inocencia. Pude captar el deseo brillando en sus ojos, pero se desvaneció de pronto y yo no comprendĆa por quĆ©. SolĆa āāāāponerse feliz cuando yo tomaba la iniciativa. En ese instante, como si notara mi confusión, se rió entre dientes y me pellizcó juguetonamente la nariz. --Me darĆ© una ducha. Huelo a al**hol --manifestó. Yo solo asentĆ y lo mirĆ© mientras caminaba hacia el baƱo. Pronto la somnolencia volvió a atacarme, asĆ que cerrĆ© los ojos para tomar una siesta. Sin embargo, ya era de maƱana cuando abrĆ los ojos nuevamente y Pierce estaba a mi lado, poniendo una bandeja con comida en la mesita de noche. --Ā”Ey! --lo saludĆ© y sonreĆ cuando me di cuenta de lo que habĆa hecho. Me habĆa preparado el desayuno para llevĆ”rmelo a la cama. Era tan dulce. Ćl sonrió y se sentó en la cama. --Buen dĆa. Le devolvĆ la sonrisa mientras me sentaba en la cama. En ese momento, agarró la bandeja y la puso a mi lado. Al instante, levantĆ© una ceja e inclinĆ© la cabeza mientras miraba su hermoso rostro. Sus cejas espesas y negras enmarcaban sus hermosos ojos de color marrón oscuro. Su nariz era orgullosa y puntiaguda y sus labios eran rojos y finos. ParecĆa un chico malo y s*xy, incluso Damon Salvatore se avergonzarĆa de estar a su lado. Nadie tenĆa posibilidad alguna contra este hombre. --ĀæQuĆ© es esto? ĀæUn soborno? Me dejaste plantada anoche, chico malo --dije. Ćl no se rió. Exhaló un suspiro y colocó con suavidad mi cabello detrĆ”s de mis orejas antes de tomar mi mano y mirarme a los ojos. --Tengo algo que decirte. Al instante, sentĆ que mi corazón se aceleraba y pensĆ© en nuestro bebĆ© en mi Ćŗtero. TenĆa algo que decirme, yo tambiĆ©n tenĆa algo que contarle. --ĀæQ-QuĆ© cosa? --preguntĆ© con voz temblorosa. De repente, dio un profundo suspiro y comenzó: --Sabes que eres importante para mĆ, Āæverdad? AsentĆ lentamente con los labios entreabiertos. No pude responder, tenĆa miedo de lo que estaba a punto de decir. TenĆa un mal presentimiento. --Eras mi mejor amiga antes de casarnos. Eres una de las pocas personas que valoro⦠--prosiguió. Mientras hablaba, escondĆ mis puƱos cerrados debajo de la sĆ”bana. No sabĆa por quĆ© me decĆa todo esto, pero ya podĆa sentir las lĆ”grimas acumulĆ”ndose en el rabillo de mis ojos. --Kelly... --hizo una pausa y cerró los ojos con fuerza antes de volver a mirarme a los ojos--. Creo que es hora de que nos divorciemos. --P-Pierce⦠--exclamĆ© y sentĆ que mi corazón se apretaba. Ćl sonrió. --SĆ© que tĆŗ tampoco sientes nada por mĆ. Te casaste conmigo por mis abuelos, hiciste esto solo porque los amas. Ahora llegó el momento de nuestra verdadera felicidad, Kelly. Al oĆrlo, no pude evitar sacudir la cabeza. --ĀæDe quĆ© estĆ”s hablando, Pierce? --inquirĆ. --Lexi ha vuelto, Kelly. Mi primer amor ha vuelto. CapĆtulo 2 Punto de vista de Kelly--Llueve sobre mojado De inmediato, me levantĆ© de la cama e intentĆ© irme, pero Pierce me agarró la mano. RĆ”pidamente me sequĆ© las lĆ”grimas que rodaban por mis mejillas antes de que Ć©l pudiera verlas. Luego, se paró frente a mĆ y me miró a la cara mientras yo intentaba con todas mis fuerzas mirar hacia abajo y evitar verlo a los ojos. SentĆ que mi corazón se rompĆa en pedazos. Pensaba⦠pensaba que podrĆa hacer que se enamorara de mĆ en esos tres aƱos que pasamos juntos. Pensaba que sus sentimientos cambiarĆan y me verĆa como una mujer en lugar de solo su mejor amiga. Fui estĆŗpida por tener esperanzas y soƱar tan alto. FallĆ©. Sin importar cuĆ”nto lo intentara, su corazón pertenecĆa sólo a su primer amor: Lexi. --Kelly⦠En ese momento, contuve el aliento y me traguĆ© el dolor mientras lo miraba. Luego fingĆ una sonrisa y dije: --Debo lavarme las manos antes de comer. Pero Ć©l me miró a los ojos como si intentara descubrir lo que estaba pensando. Yo sabĆa que Ć©l me conocĆa demasiado bien, asĆ que tratĆ© con todas mis fuerzas de ocultar mi dolor y le sonreĆ. Finalmente, suspiró y soltó mi mano. --Bueno. Te esperarĆ© aquĆ. Comamos y vayamos a trabajar juntos. ĀæJuntos? ĀæPor quĆ© era tan cruel? ĀæQuerĆa que nos siguiĆ©ramos llevando bien como si no me hubiera pedido el divorcio? ĀæQuerĆa que nos quedĆ”ramos como estĆ”bamos justo despuĆ©s de decirme que su primer amor habĆa regresado y querĆa divorciarse de mĆ? Oh Pierce, ĀæquĆ© estaba pasando por tu cabeza? Antes podĆa obligarme a mĆ misma a quedarme en el puesto de su mejor amiga mientras le deseaba felicidad, pero ya no tenĆa ese coraje despuĆ©s de los tres aƱos que habĆamos compartido. No habĆa manera de que pudiera soportar esa tortura otra vez, en especial ahora que cargaba a su bebĆ©. El bebĆ©... en un principio pensĆ© que era una buena noticia para nosotros, pero ahora... supongo que serĆa mĆ”s bien una carga para Ć©l. Una carga que le impedirĆa conseguir su verdadero amor y su libertad. Yo sabĆa muy bien cómo crecĆa un niƱo no deseado. Mis padres se divorciaron antes de que mi madre muriera y la nueva familia de mi padre me odiaba, lo que me dolĆa muchĆsimo. Por eso no querĆa que mi bebĆ© experimentara lo mismo que yo sentĆ, asĆ que debĆa mantener a mi bebĆ© alejado de Ć©l. --No podemos --dije mientras fingĆa una nueva sonrisa--. Debo visitar el estudio para la sesión de fotos de nuestros nuevos modelos⦠--IrĆ© contigo. --No --contestĆ© y apartĆ© su mano. Sus ojos siguieron mi mano antes de levantar la cara para mirarme de nuevo--. Tienes documentos que firmar. Nuestros horarios ya estĆ”n organizados, Āærecuerdas? --Pero⦠--Tengo un conductor personal, Pierce. EstarĆ© bien sola --afirmĆ©. Finalmente, suspiró y asintió con calma. En ese momento, le di la espalda y entrĆ© al baƱo. Inmediatamente abrĆ la ducha y me parĆ© bajo el agua frĆa. Las lĆ”grimas cayeron en cascada por mis mejillas mientras me cubrĆa la boca para reprimir los sollozos. Mis hombros temblaban mucho y cuando pensĆ© en mi bebĆ©, traguĆ© saliva y tratĆ© de calmarme. Luego me limpiĆ© la cara y acariciĆ© mi vientre. DebĆa ser fuerte y mantener la calma. No podĆa arriesgar la vida de mi bebĆ© sólo porque me habĆan roto el corazón. TenĆa que lidiar con esto de forma inteligente. Unos minutos despuĆ©s, tomĆ© un respiro profundo y terminĆ© mi ducha. Cuando salĆ del baƱo, me sorprendió ver que Pierce todavĆa estaba allĆ. Estaba luchando por arreglarse la corbata frente al espejo de cuerpo entero. TambiĆ©n notĆ© un par de zapatos y un vestido mĆos sobre la cama. --Ā”Ey! ElegĆ tu vestido para hoy --dijo. Como nuestro matrimonio no era pĆŗblico, Pierce dijo que harĆa pequeƱas cosas para mĆ como marido. De hecho, lo habĆa hecho bien y yo solĆa disfrutar de estos dulces momentos que me regalaba, pero ahora sentĆa que eso mismo me m**arĆa. Al segundo siguiente, agarrĆ© el vestido y entrĆ© al vestidor, sentiendo que me seguĆa. VolvĆ a guardar el vestido blanco y elegĆ uno rojo. Cuando me di vuelta y lo tuve de frente, lo vi con la frente arrugada. --Hoy prefiero el rojo. Me sentirĆ© hermosa con este vestido --expliquĆ© con una sonrisa. Al instante, sus ojos se dirigieron al vestido que sostenĆa y su rostro inmediatamente se calmó. Al final asintió y caminó hacia mĆ. --Ya veo. Pero antes ayĆŗdame a arreglar esto --me pidió. Sin dudarlo, puse mi vestido en su brazo y comencĆ© a arreglarle la corbata. PodĆa sentir sus ojos mirĆ”ndome intensamente y eso hacĆa que mi corazón latiera muy rĆ”pido. RespirĆ© hondo y me mordĆ el labio inferior mientras luchaba por arreglar su corbata. De pronto, mi visión se volvió borrosa otra vez. Ā”Maldición! --Kelly⦠No pude evitar sobresaltarme en shock. --ĀæMmm? --ĀæEstĆ”s bien? --preguntó. Lo mirĆ© y sonreĆ: --SĆ. --Tengo algo mĆ”s que decirte. En ese instante, terminĆ© de arreglarle la corbata y le quitĆ© rĆ”pidamente el vestido del brazo. Lo mirĆ© antes de pasar junto a Ć©l y dije: --Hablaremos despuĆ©s. Voy a llegar tarde. Lo escuchĆ© suspirar antes de volver a seguirme. Me vestĆ mientras Ć©l estaba detrĆ”s de mĆ. Estuvo en silencio todo el tiempo, como si estuviera pensando en algo. --DeberĆas desayunar antes de irte --comentó. Un segundo despuĆ©s, me parĆ© frente a Ć©l y asentĆ. --Lo harĆ©. DeberĆas irte ahora --respondĆ. --Kelly, estamos en la misma pĆ”gina, Āæverdad? --preguntó. Lo mirĆ© fijamente. No, Pierce. Nunca estuvimos en la misma pĆ”gina. Sólo fueron mis estĆŗpidas fantasĆas. Pensaba que sentĆas algo por mĆ, pero estaba muy equivocada. --Si hablas del divorcio, lo entiendo, Pierce. SĆ© lo que tengo que hacer. Sólo dame algo de tiempo porque estoy muy ocupada con la empresa. No huirĆ©. --Kelly, no estoy haciendo esto sólo por mĆ. TambiĆ©n lo hago por ti. Has estado encerrada conmigo desde que nos casamos. SĆ© que no eres feliz porque en el fondo tambiĆ©n quieres encontrar al hombre que te mereces. Alguien que realmente te ame, no yo. No alguien indiferente. --Entiendo lo que tratas de decir, Pierce --dije y tratĆ© de darle la espalda, pero antes de poder hacerlo, Ć©l me sujetó por la cintura y me mantuvo en el lugar. Luego hizo todo lo posible para captar mis ojos hasta que lo consiguió. Su mirada era de preocupación. --Eres mi mejor amiga. No quiero perderte, Kels. Eres una de las pocas personas⦠--Lo sĆ© --lo interrumpĆ con frustración. ParecĆa sorprendido, asĆ que me calmĆ©--. Ya lo sĆ©. No tienes que preocuparte. Simplemente estoy estresada por el trabajo, no es por el divorcio. En ese instante, sus labios se separaron, asintió lentamente y soltó un suspiro. Luego, caminó hacia mĆ y me congelĆ© cuando besó mi frente con dulzura⦠--Gracias, Kelly --susurró. Al oĆrlo, mi corazón se apretó. HabĆan pasado tres aƱos pero todavĆa era una cobarde. «¿Por quĆ© no puedes simplemente decirle que lo amas, Kelly? Ā”Ćl es tu esposo y estĆ”s llevando su bebĆ©! Ā”DĆselo y tal vez cambie de opinión!Ā» pensĆ©. Con eso en mente, traguĆ© saliva y estuve a punto de decĆrselo, pero justo en ese momento su telĆ©fono sonó. Pude ver el identificador de llamadas. Era Lexi. --Me tengo que ir --afirmó y se rascó la cabeza a modo de disculpa, mientras las comisuras de su boca se curvaban hacia arriba--. LlamĆ© a Luke. Te espera afuera. Come antes de irte, ĀæsĆ? Con eso, salió de nuestra habitación. De repente, las lĆ”grimas que habĆa logrado reprimir hasta ese momento volvieron a brotar. ĀæPor quĆ© habĆa pensado que podrĆa tener una oportunidad? Ćl tomó su decisión en el momento en que me pidió el divorcio, Āæverdad? Siempre que se trataba de Lexi me abandonaba. CapĆtulo 3 Punto de vista de Kelly--Mantener la compostura EntrĆ© al estudio con tacones rojos de cinco centĆmetros y un vestido igualmente rojo. Todos miraron en mi dirección cuando entrĆ© caminando por el pasillo y me saludaron con una sonrisa, pero mantuve mi rostro estoico, sin mostrar emoción alguna. La conversación de esa maƱana con Pierce todavĆa estaba en mi cabeza, pero no podĆa permitir que afectara mi trabajo. No podĆa fallar en mi trabajo despuĆ©s de haber fracasado en mi matrimonio. De modo que respirĆ© profundamente para recomponerme. Un momento despuĆ©s, cuando entrĆ© a la sala de la sesión de fotos, notĆ© que todos estaban sumidos en el caos. --Ā”No podemos! No responde las llamadas. ĀæQuĆ© debemos hacer? La vicepresidente viene hoy, se enojarĆ”. --Podemos simplemente decirle la verdad. Ella es amable. --Ā”No lo serĆ” con esta situación, Lily! Nos va a regaƱar... --ĀæQuĆ© estĆ” pasando aquĆ? --preguntĆ© mientras entraba a la sala. De inmediato, el personal me miró con expresiones preocupadas y entonces supe que habĆa un problema. --B-Buenos dĆas, seƱorita Monroe. SeƱorita Monroe. Por supuesto, nadie sabĆa que Pierce y yo estĆ”bamos casados āāexcepto nuestras familias. SentĆ como si pellizcaran mi corazón con esa verdad. DolĆa. RĆ”pidamente, la mirĆ© sin comprender. --ĀæQuĆ© ocurre? --T-tenemos un problema, seƱorita Monroe. La seƱorita Chen, nuestra modelo, no atiende nuestras llamadas. Dijo que escuchó que Ćbamos a cambiar de modelo asĆ que⦠no quiere venir. Incluso... amenazó con presentar una demanda contra nosotros. DespuĆ©s de decir eso, inclinó la cabeza. Yo apretĆ© los dientes y recorrĆ el lugar con la mirada. --ĀæDónde estĆ” la directora de marketing? --inquirĆ. --E-Ella todavĆa estĆ” tratando de convencer a la seƱorita Chen, seƱorita Monroe. Luego de escuchar el problema, me masajeĆ© la frente y cerrĆ© los ojos con fuerza. Un segundo despuĆ©s, me agarrĆ© del pelo y gritĆ© de ira. SentĆ que todos a mi alrededor se sobresaltaban sorprendidos. Yo solo suspirĆ© y tomĆ© una gran bocanada de aire antes de mirar a mi alrededor. --SeƱorita Monroe... --ĀæQuĆ© es todo esto, seƱorita Hayley? TĆŗ eres la directora de marketing, ĀæquĆ© estĆ” pasando? --SeƱorita Monroe, no sĆ© cómo sucedió, pero la seƱorita Chen escuchó que usted cambiarĆ” de modelo. EstĆ” a punto de presentar una demanda contra nosotros... ĀæCambiar de modelo? ĀæCómo es que yo no sabĆa nada al respecto? La seƱorita Chen siempre habĆa sido nuestra modelo de confianza y, si no era necesario, cambiar de modelo para una sesión comercial con tan poca antelación sólo causarĆa muchos problemas a la empresa. Nunca permitirĆa un error como este. --Yo no pedĆ eso. Debe ser un error --la interrumpĆ para ahorrar tiempo--. Ā”Arregla este desastre o tendrĆ© que despedirte! --SeƱorita Monroe... Fue el presidente quien nos pidió que la cambiĆ”ramos --explicó Hayley vacilante--. Lo ordenó ayer tan pronto como regresó de su viaje de negocios. Aquella verdad me golpeó con fuerza. ĀæFue orden de Pierce? ĀæPor quĆ© no me lo dijo? SolĆa āādiscutir conmigo cada decisión importante antes de tomarla. --No puede ser... --exclamĆ© confundida. Pierce no era un hombre de negocios despistado. Siempre mantuvo una clara distinción entre el trabajo y la vida personal, razón por la cual siempre tuvo Ć©xito. Y esa fue tambiĆ©n la razón por la que decidió mantener nuestro matrimonio en secreto. --SĆ, Kelly. Yo di la orden. --Su voz me hizo retroceder. --S-SeƱor Presidente⦠--saludó Hayley y se inclinó con respeto al ver al hombre que apareció de repente detrĆ”s de mĆ. --Pierce, Ā”creo que me debes una explicación sobre este cambio de modelo! --dije con los dientes apretados mientras me giraba para interrogarlo. Ćl sabĆa perfectamente cuĆ”nto esfuerzo puse para ganar este proyecto. Estuve dĆas sin dormir y la seƱorita Chen era la persona ideal para este trabajo. De hecho, Ć©l tambiĆ©n estuvo de acuerdo. Pero ahora⦠simplemente cambió la modelo a su gusto sin avisarme con antelación. Eso fue como abofetearme con fuerza en la cara. --ContinĆŗen con el trabajo. Yo se lo aclararĆ© --le indicó Ć©l al personal para calmarlos, ignorando la ira que estaba a punto de salir de mis ojos. --Ā”ContĆ©stame, Pierce! ĀæPor quĆ© cambias de modelo tan de repente? --No pude contener mi enojo. Ćl simplemente me tocó el hombro y me susurró: --Este no es el lugar para discutir al respecto. Te lo explicarĆ© en el auto. En ese momento, mirĆ© a mi alrededor y notĆ© que los demĆ”s nos miraban furtivamente. Luego me quitĆ© sus manos de encima y caminĆ© hacia el estacionamiento, pero durante el camino, sentĆa mi corazón cada vez mĆ”s pesado. TenĆa la sensación de que su explicación no iba a gustarme. --Vamos, dĆmelo --exclamĆ© ni bien nos sentamos en su auto. Antes de hablar, me miró a los ojos como si sopesara mis emociones, pero yo apartĆ© la mirada de nuevo. No podĆa soportar sus miradas, no podĆa soportar esos ojos que nunca me miraban como yo querĆa. Ćl no sentĆa nada por mĆ y eso me dolĆa mucho. --Yo-yo⦠--hizo una pausa y suspiró--. ReemplacĆ© a la seƱorita Chen porque Lexi quiere ser nuestra modelo. Ella tambiĆ©n encaja en el proyecto, asĆ que estuve de acuerdo... --ĀæQuĆ©? --preguntĆ© con incredulidad. De pronto, apretó los labios y miró hacia otro lado. Luego se revolvió el cabello antes de sacudir la cabeza y tomar mi mano. --Lamento no haberte dicho antes, fue muy repentino. Ella me pidió un favor, no pude decirle que no. RĆ”pidamente, retirĆ© mi mano y lo mirĆ© con dolor y enojo. --No pudiste decirle que no, asĆ que preferiste daƱar a la empresa, a nuestra empresa. Me traicionaste, Pierce. --Kels, vamos. Sabes cuĆ”nto la amo. Ella es mi primer amor. Al oĆrlo, cerrĆ© los ojos con dolor. Ā«Oh sĆ, ella es tu primer amor. Siempre la quisiste a ella, sin que te importen los demĆ”s. Si ella te frunce el ceƱo un poco, puedes hacer la vista gorda ante el dolor y el esfuerzo de los demĆ”s. Eres tan cruel, PierceĀ» pensĆ©. --Bueno, ya lo has decidido. No tengo voz y voto en esto ya que tĆŗ eres el presidente. Ahora vete, estarĆ© en la oficina --indiquĆ© con frialdad mientras abrĆa la puerta del auto para salir. --Kelly⦠En ese instante, lo mirĆ© a los ojos y dije: --Ve a casa temprano. Hablaremos de nuestro divorcio esta noche. CapĆtulo 4 Punto de vista de Kelly--Plantada Me encontraba jugueteando con el anillo de bodas en mi dedo mientras lo esperaba. Le habĆa dicho que volviera temprano a casa, pero todavĆa no regresaba y ni siquiera contestaba mis llamadas. Bueno, ahora que Lexi habĆa vuelto, probablemente ya no veĆa a esta casa como su hogar. De pronto, mis ojos se dirigieron a mi informe de embarazo que estaba sobre la mesa. QuĆ© gracioso. TodavĆa era tan ingenua para albergar un rayo de esperanza de que las cosas podrĆan cambiar si le hablaba del bebĆ©, pero este bebĆ© estaba fuera de sus planes. Me sequĆ© las lĆ”grimas que se acumulaban en el rabillo de mis ojos y agarrĆ© el informe. Ya eran las cinco de la maƱana cuando mirĆ© el reloj de la pared. IntentĆ© marcar su nĆŗmero nuevamente, pero seguĆa sin responder. ĀæEn quĆ© estaba tan ocupado? ĀæEstaba h**iendo el a**r con Lexi? Debió haberla extraƱado mucho, Āæverdad? Pronto, sin saber cuĆ”ndo, me quedĆ© dormida. Cuando sonó el despertador, inconscientemente toquĆ© la almohada a mi lado. FrĆo como anoche, no habĆa vuelto a casa todavĆa. Me burlĆ© de mĆ misma al ver mi reflejo en el espejo de la cómoda. Los cĆrculos oscuros bajo mis ojos se veĆan a simple vista y mi cabello era un total desastre, parecĆa un fantasma. De repente una oleada de nĆ”useas inundó mi estómago y me di cuenta de que no habĆa comido nada la noche anterior. De pronto, me sentĆ mal otra vez y rĆ”pidamente corrĆ hacia el lavabo y vomitĆ©. EscupĆ un lĆquido amarillento que sabĆa muy mal. De inmediato, me lavĆ© la boca y mirĆ© mi propio reflejo en el espejo. Al verme, sacudĆ la cabeza y tomĆ© mi frente en cuanto sentĆ ganas de vomitar de nuevo. VolvĆ a escupir el lĆquido amarillento y mientras me lavaba la boca, sentĆ una cĆ”lida mano acariciando mi espalda. Inmediatamente levantĆ© la cara y me encontrĆ© con un par de ojos marrones que me miraban a travĆ©s del espejo. DetrĆ”s de mĆ con cara de preocupación estaba mi esposo Pierce. --ĀæEstĆ”s bien? ĀæTe sientes mal? Debiste haberme dicho. Al instante, lo mirĆ© a travĆ©s del espejo. --No respondiste mis llamadas --contestĆ©. Ante aquellas palabras, la culpa apareció en sus ojos. --Lo lamento. TenĆa cosas que hacer. Me quedĆ© en la oficina toda la noche --afirmó. RĆ”pidamente, me limpiĆ© la cara y pasĆ© junto a Ć©l. Pierce me siguió mientras me sentaba frente al tocador y comenzaba a peinarme. --Kels⦠--Me despertĆ© tarde. No pude preparar el desayuno. Mientras hablaba, intentĆ© evitar sus ojos. SentĆa que iba a perder los estribos y gritarle. En ningĆŗn momento sentĆ su egoĆsmo tan claramente como ahora. DecĆa que yo era su mejor amiga, pero nunca le habĆan importado mis necesidades, mis sentimientos. --Kels... sabes que no te preguntĆ© eso. Estoy preocupado por tu salud... Kels, ĀætodavĆa estamos bien? Ante aquella pregunta, dejĆ© de peinarme y lentamente nuestras miradas se encontraron a travĆ©s del espejo, otra vez. ĀæDe verdad me estaba preguntando eso? ĀæDespuĆ©s de que me pidió el divorcio sin siquiera preguntarme si estaba de acuerdo? Ćl decidió por su cuenta sólo porque su primer amor habĆa vuelto. No podĆa creer lo que hacĆa. Al final, fingĆ una sonrisa y dije: --No me siento bien hoy, Pierce, eso es todo. Un instante despuĆ©s, se puso de cuclillas a mi lado, lo cual no me resultó sorprendente porque sabĆa que realmente se preocupaba. Pero lo que sĆ me sorprendió fue que hacĆa todo esto despuĆ©s de enterrar una daga en mi corazón. --ĀæEstĆ”s bien? --preguntó mientras tocaba suavemente mi frente y mi cuello--. ĀæEstĆ”s enferma? Dime cómo te sientes, Kels. --Mis sentimientos no importan --no pude evitar decir y parecĆa sorprendido por mis palabras. En ese instante, intentĆ© evitarlo, pero me agarró de la muƱeca y me hizo mirarlo. Su rostro ahora reflejaba su ira. HabĆa perdido completamente la paciencia. --ĀæQuĆ© te pasa, Kels? Has estado actuando asĆ desde ayer. ĀæEs por Lexi? ĀæO porque no volvĆ a casa anoche? --inquirió. Yo lo mirĆ© a los ojos, molesta. --Ā”TĆŗ fuiste quien pidió el divorcio! Te pedĆ que regresaras temprano para hablar al respecto, pero me dejaste esperando toda la noche. ĀæPretendĆas que te diera la bienvenida con brazos abiertos despuĆ©s de eso, Pierce? --respondĆ. Al escucharme, apretó la mandĆbula y sacudió la cabeza. --Kels, yo... --Ya basta. Hablaremos del divorcio despuĆ©s del trabajo. --Ā”Kels! --me llamó y me agarró de los hombros. La confusión y el dolor eran visibles en sus ojos--. ĀæEstĆ”s... enamorada de mĆ? Aquello me desconcertó. ĀæEnamorada? Ā”SĆ! Desde que estĆ”bamos en la escuela secundaria, desde que se convirtió en mi mejor amigo. ĀæQuiĆ©n no se enamorarĆa de alguien que te ha estado protegiendo desde entonces? Siempre he estado agradecida de tenerlo como mi mejor amigo y esposo, pero ahora⦠lo estaba perdiendo. PerdiĆ©ndolo irremediablemente. DecidĆ darle a nuestro matrimonio una Ćŗltima oportunidad, hacer un esfuerzo final... ...... ==== Casarse con su mejor amigo fue un sueƱo hecho realidad para Kelly, pero todo tiene realmente una limitación. Pierce es el primer amor de Kelly, pero como su mejor amiga, sabĆa bien que siempre habĆa otra mujer en lo profundo de su corazón. Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finalmente se dio cuenta de que su feliz matrimonio de los Ćŗltimos tres aƱos era solo un hermoso sueƱo cuando Pierce pidió el divorcio solo porque Lexi regresó. Ella sólo podrĆa ser su mejor amiga incluso si estuviera encinta de su bebĆ©. ĀæPor quĆ© no merecĆa ser amada? ĀæQuĆ© sucederĆ” en adelante? ĀæCómo podrĆa Kelly salvar su corazón en esta batalla de amor y odio? Los capĆtulos disponibles son limitados aquĆ, haga click el botón abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĆ”s contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederĆ” a este libro) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spc | Heart-warming Novel | https://www.facebook.com/61565720283161/ | 959 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.manobook.com | VIDEO | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spcp25_2-1030-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=860298072104208&rawadid=120215807600830204 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466928629_2201657966895715_9222453783821403363_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I73ULw5j2qcQ7kNvgHbaftv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Au1Ak_p0FG4-TSKXfQKuRrG&oh=00_AYD5lBerPuf7N4_THXr6aeHCE_FblbQ-IFeBosHkfZ7QUw&oe=674ECE11 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Heart-warming Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 18:38 | active | 1933 | 0 | DON'T MISS OUT! - ENDS DEC 27THā ļø | šØOUR 370Z GIVEAWAY IS LIVE!šØ Will you be our lucky winner?š Enter now and lock in your chance to drive home with this japanese stunner! We're a small business trying to do big things for the community! | LEARN_MORE | http://drivernation.us/ | DriverNation | https://www.facebook.com/DriverNationOfficial/ | 18 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | drivernation.us | VIDEO | http://drivernation.us/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468596716_877536554533538_2796134580970743386_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4QzgKbZ87h0Q7kNvgFm-Sx6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUZLt5hD2bJuKFL7QLmGFgf&oh=00_AYBl90Bg85L1tugR7GhJQ0tpOA8yV2SpWXjXaE9ra6W1IQ&oe=674EE53E | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | DriverNation | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 18:38 | active | 1933 | 0 | Get Exclusive Black Friday Deals on our entire selection! šÆYour purchase gets you a raffle ticket for the Grand Prize Giveawayš šPhx⢠2 Desert Sky Mall-near Dillards šTempe ā¢Arizona Mills Mall next to Ross #pueblojewelers #fyp #blackfridaydeals #blackfridaydeal #holiday #giveaway | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/pueblojewelersaz | Pueblo Jewelers Diamond Gallery | https://www.facebook.com/Pueblojewelersaz/ | 6,379 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | VIDEO | http://instagram.com/pueblojewelersaz | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468549316_614065654330206_8233158998040607450_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u2JnE1uEKJgQ7kNvgG4a80H&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aw0KGF7VeNfx5zENiA4B1uN&oh=00_AYB2nKGwcE1s0ZCpXcjKzOTJFPR29PQVFqzuNqxXuOmxUQ&oe=674EF0A3 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Pueblo Jewelers Diamond Gallery | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Seguir leyendošš | En medio de la ruina económica de su familia, ella renunció a su preciado violĆn y se convirtió en la dócil mascota de su esposo, solo para encontrarse con el desprecio de este. Afortunadamente, ella por fin despertó, se divorció con valentĆa y reinició su carrera musical, alcanzando un gran Ć©xito y provocando el remordimiento de su ex. ===== Joelle Miller examinó minuciosamente el feed de Twitter de Rebecca Lloyd, estudiando con mucha atención cada video, ansiosa por ver el rostro del novio de Rebecca. Rebecca, la protagonista de los videos, irradiaba ternura y delicadeza con su sencillo vestido blanco. Si bien no era tan bella, tenĆa una genuina sencillez y una sonrisa encantadora. HabĆa descubierto que, en los dĆas importantes, Nochebuena, San ValentĆn e incluso el cumpleaƱos de Joelle, Rebecca estaba con Adrian Miller, su supuesto esposo, quien se habĆa ausentado de todos esos dĆas durante los Ćŗltimos tres aƱos. Esas alegres narraciones sobre su vida con su novio fueron mĆ”s que suficientes para hundirla en la tristeza. "ĀæLo ven? Ćl siempre guarda para mĆ la parte mĆ”s jugosa de una sandĆa". "Incluso cuando llega tarde a casa, siempre me trae algo". "Ā”Y miren esta sorpresa! Recogió de la iglesia un amuleto de bendición para mĆ". ...... El nombre de usuario era "Cuenta Regresiva Hacia la Muerte", la Ćŗnica cuenta a la que Joelle seguĆa. Justo cuando reflexionaba sobre el siniestro nombre, la puerta del baƱo se abrió. En la habitación poco iluminada apareció Adrian. Gotas de agua caĆan de su cabello. A pesar de la tenue iluminación, sus atractivos rasgos permanecĆan intactos. Joelle cerró instintivamente su celular y le dio una mirada reflexiva. HacĆa mucho tiempo desde la Ćŗltima vez que lo vio. Esa noche Ć©l no estaba ahĆ por decisión propia. Su abuela, Irene Miller, estaba enferma y, como querĆa un bisnieto con desesperación, lo obligó a regresar. De lo contrario, tal vez nunca hubiera venido. Durante sus tres aƱos de matrimonio, Adrian pasaba la mayor parte del tiempo en Villas Oak, por lo que rara vez estaba en casa. Todos sabĆan que en realidad no amaba a Joelle. Estaba atrapada en un matrimonio por conveniencia. "Solo te voy a dar una oportunidad. El destino dirĆ” si quedas e**arazada o no", declaró Adrian con una voz resonante. ĀæQuĆ© querĆa decir? Antes de que Joelle pudiera seguir pensando, Adrian la agarró del tobillo y la atrajo hacia Ć©l. Joelle palideció ante su crueldad, su cuerpo se tensó de miedo. "Ā”Adrian! Basta, no quiero...". Empezó a luchar frenĆ©ticamente. Era una completa humillación verse obligada a vivir en esa situación con el hombre que amaba. Adrian hizo una mueca de desprecio. "Te atreviste a diseƱo una vez, asĆ que debiste haberlo visto venir. Solo aguĆ”ntalo". Ante esas duras palabras, los ojos de Joelle se llenaron de lĆ”grimas y sus pestaƱas bailaron como mariposas heridas. Mirando su rostro severo, dijo con voz temblorosa: "Las cosas no fueron lo que imaginabas..." Pero sus protestas fueron interrumpidas. Su resistencia se desvaneció a medida que la desesperación se apoderaba de ella. "Has aprendido que hacerte la difĆcil es mucho mĆ”s interesante que quedarse tirada como un pez muerto", comentó con rencor. DespuĆ©s de ducharse, se marchó sin mirar atrĆ”s, como si no quisiera quedarse mĆ”s tiempo ahĆ. Joelle no entendĆa quĆ© papel tenĆa en su vida. ĀæSolo era un juguete para su placer? ĀæO una herramienta para cumplir las expectativas de su familia de tener un heredero? La ventana estaba completamente abierta, por lo que entraba un gĆ©lido y cortante viento. A Joelle se le erizaron los pelos de la nuca y se arropó mĆ”s con su manta. No solo temblaba de frĆo, sino que sentĆa su corazón desgarrado, ahora no conocĆa en absoluto al hombre que habĆa adorado durante casi ocho aƱos. Tres aƱos atrĆ”s, en un lujoso banquete organizado por la familia Miller, Joelle bebió demasiado. Cuando se despertó, en la con Adrian. Antes de que pudiera asimilar lo que estaba pasando, su hermano y varios miembros de su familia irrumpieron. Ya no podĆa revertir lo sucedido. La abuela de Adrian tomó las riendas y organizó su matrimonio. Desde entonces, Ć©l estaba convencido de que Joelle lo habĆa hecho a propósito. A ella le desconcertaba su profunda animosidad, por mĆ”s que creyera que lo habĆa d**gado. DespuĆ©s de todo, habĆan crecido juntos. Pero ahora lo entendĆa todo. Para Ć©l, ella no era mĆ”s que la nefasta mujer que habĆa saboteado su relación con Rebecca. A menudo pensaba en lo perfecto que Ć©l se veĆa en los videos de Rebecca, siempre tan gentil y atento. Probablemente nunca le mostrarĆa esa misma ternura. No pudo contener mĆ”s las lĆ”grimas y sucumbió a un ataque de sollozos. Esa noche no pudo dormir bien. Tuvo sueƱos sobre el pasado, cuando ella y Adrian no estaban en malos tĆ©rminos. Debido a su angustia, Joelle se levantó inusualmente temprano. DespuĆ©s de lavarse, se puso ropa de casa y bajó las escaleras. Leah Jenkins, la empleada domĆ©stica con muchos aƱos de servicio, la vio bajar y rĆ”pidamente puso la mesa con el desayuno, ya que conocĆa sus preferencias dietĆ©ticas. Joelle se tomó su tiempo para comer lentamente. "SeƱora Miller, Āæpor quĆ© anoche no convenció a su esposo para que se quedara? No viene a casa a menudo", comentó Leah con simpatĆa. HabĆa sido sirvienta de la familia Miller durante muchos aƱos, por lo que habĆa visto cómo los dos se convertĆan de amigos de la infancia a enemigos. Joelle se mostró incómoda, pero lo ocultó con una sonrisa serena. "Lo intentĆ©, pero no quiso quedarse". Incluso si pudiera mantener a Adrian cerca, Ć©l tenĆa el corazón en otra parte. MĆ”s concretamente, en Villas Oak, el hogar de la mujer que realmente amaba. Leah dudó y agregó con cautela: "Tal vez sea porque el seƱor Miller estĆ” muy ocupado con la empresa. Dirigir una compaƱĆa tan grande requiere mucho tiempo". Tres aƱos atrĆ”s, le habĆan reasignado para cuidar de Joelle, asĆ que entendĆa los entresijos de ese matrimonio mejor que nadie. Su perspicacia trajo consigo una sincera simpatĆa hacia ella. Las pestaƱas de Joelle temblaron mientras mordisqueaba su tostada. Sus ojos se llenaron de lĆ”grimas debido a la tensión emocional. SĆ, Adrian estaba muy ocupado, pero siempre tenĆa tiempo para Rebecca. Frecuentaba la Iglesia Redención en busca de un amuleto de bendición para ella. A pesar de su apretada agenda, siempre pasaba las vacaciones con ella. De repente, su celular rompió el silencio. Cuando Leah salió del comedor, Joelle agarró el dispositivo y vio que era una llamada de su mejor amiga, Katherine Nash. "Katherine, quiero el divorcio", confesó con voz ronca. CapĆtulo 2 En declive Joelle habĆa tomado una decisión: querĆa el divorcio. No tenĆa sentido seguir alargĆ”ndolo. Tras un silencio atónito, Katherine soltó una estridente carcajada. "ĀæTe quedarĆ”s con la mitad de los bienes de Adrian? Ā”Oh, por Dios! Ā”Joelle, te convertirĆ”s en una multimillonaria!". "No, no serĆ” asĆ". Joelle habĆa firmado un acuerdo cuando se casó con Adrian. Si se divorciaban, ella no recibirĆa nada. "Entonces, Āæpor quĆ© te estĆ”s divorciando? Ā”Tienes que seguir siendo su esposa!". Joelle recordó la brutalidad de Adrian la noche anterior, asĆ como la humillación posterior. HabĆa sido muy ingenua al creer que su amor por Ć©l la ayudarĆa a soportar cualquier dificultad. Pero ahora sabĆa que habĆa sido una completa tonta. ĀæEl sufrimiento hacĆa que Adrian la amara mĆ”s? Claro que no. Para empezar, un hombre que realmente la amara nunca le harĆa sufrir. Joelle se rio de sĆ misma y cambió de tema: "Por cierto, Āærecuerdas el favor que te pedĆ?". "SĆ, justo te iba a contar eso. Me pediste que estuviera atenta a un trabajo, y tengo algo para ti. Vas a enseƱar a un estudiante a tocar el violĆn, aunque debo decir que serĆ” un desperdicio de tu talento". "EstĆ” bien", respondió Joelle con una leve sonrisa. "No serĆ” un desperdicio en absoluto. Llevo tres aƱos siendo ama de casa. Es suficiente con que alguien quiera contratarme". "ĀæCómo que no serĆ” un desperdicio? Casi formaste parte de una orquesta internacional. Si no fuera por el matrimonioā¦". Katherine se quedó en silencio, demasiado indignada por su amiga. DespuĆ©s de su boda, a Joelle ni siquiera le permitieron trabajar. Las familias adineradas se aferraban a esas reglas obsoletas. Era bastante ridĆculo. HacĆa tres aƱos, la carrera de Joelle como violinista despegaba. Pero las estrictas tradiciones de la familia Miller le prohibĆan tocar en pĆŗblico. El primer dĆa de su matrimonio, la madre de Adrian le dijo: "No tienes que trabajar. Adrian te proveerĆ” en todo lo que necesites. Tu Ćŗnico trabajo es tener bebĆ©s y cuidar a tu esposo". Una vez que terminó su llamada con Katherine, Joelle subió las escaleras y fue al estudio para agarrar su violĆn abandonado. HabĆa sido un regalo especial de su padre en su decimoctavo cumpleaƱos. No obstante, poco despuĆ©s de recibirlo, este sufrió un derrame cerebral y cayó en coma. Su hermano mayor terminó asumiendo la responsabilidad de sustentar a la familia, asĆ que la dejó perseguir su sueƱo de tocar el violĆn. Mientras recordaba el pasado, Joelle movió el arco sobre las cuerdas. AƱos atrĆ”s, un accidente le habĆa lesionado la muƱeca y desde entonces no habĆa vuelto a tocar. A pesar del dolor agudo que sentĆa en esa zona mientras tocaba, no se detuvo y confió en su memoria muscular para tocar una pieza corta. Al final, soltó una risa amarga. Sonaba horrible. De repente, escuchó la alegre voz de Leah en la puerta. "Ā”SeƱor, ha regresado!". Estaba secretamente aliviada de ver a Adrian, ya que eso tal vez significaba que todavĆa se preocupaba por Joelle. QuizĆ”s si ella le decĆa algo amable, su relación podrĆa mejorar. Por su parte, Joelle estaba sorprendida. Adrian rara vez venĆa a casa durante el dĆa. Apenas habĆa dejado el violĆn cuando se abrió la puerta. AhĆ estaba la alta e imponente figura de su esposo. Sus ojos la recorrieron con el ceƱo fruncido. Recordaba que Joelle habĆa aprendido a tocar el violĆn cuando era niƱa y que un reconocido profesor la habĆa elogiado por su talento. Sin embargo, por alguna razón, habĆa dejado de tocar. HacĆa un momento, la habĆa escuchado desde afuera y le pareció una interpretación mediocre. ĀæCómo era posible que la elogiara por su talento? Joelle lo miró y bajó la cabeza para volver a guardar el violĆn en su estuche. "ĀæQuĆ© te trae por aquĆ?", murmuró. "ĀæNecesitas algo?". "Vine a recoger algo y recordarte que maƱana tenemos que visitar a la abuela", respondió Ć©l frĆamente. Era una regla familia visitar a su abuela al menos una vez al mes, y maƱana era el dĆa. De no ser por esa obligación, Adrian no habrĆa regresado. Irene se enfadarĆa si no iban juntos. Joelle sonrió con amargura. Recordaba las normas de los Miller mejor que Adrian y siempre las cumplĆa. Ni siquiera Irene, tan estricta como siempre, podĆa encontrarle defectos. "No lo he olvidado, me alegra que tĆŗ tampoco lo hayas hecho", respondió. Su tono acusatorio hizo que Adrian pusiera una mueca. Una ira latente empezó a hervir dentro de Ć©l. Sin decir nada mĆ”s, se dirigió al vestidor para buscar algo. Aunque Ć©l no solĆa estar en casa, Joelle aseaba meticulosamente su guardarropa, por lo que tenĆa la ropa lavada, planchada y ordenada. Era como si su papel se redujera a realizar las tareas del hogar, algo que Leah tambiĆ©n podĆa hacer. Su Ćŗnica ventaja, tal vez, era ser mĆ”s joven y mĆ”s guapa que Leah. Sus ojos siguieron los movimientos de Adrian. TenĆa el dedo anular desnudo, sin el anillo de bodas. Una punzada de dolor le atravesó el corazón. "Adrian, hay que divorciarnos", declaró con una voz tan suave como la brisa. HabĆa agotado todas sus fuerzas al pronunciar esas palabras, pero se sintió extraƱamente aliviada. Adrian se dio la vuelta y la miró con una sonrisa burlona. "Tienes que pensar muy bien antes de hablar. La familia Watson estĆ” en declive. Sin mi apoyo, Āævas a dormir en la calle con tu hermano?". Desde la caĆda de la familia Watson, Joelle pasó de ser amada a quedar en ridĆculo. La familia Miller la despreciaba y la miraba por encima del hombro, como si ella y su hermano fueran sanguijuelas de las que no podĆan librarse. Incluso sus momentos Ćntimos con Adrian la hacĆan sentir degradada. Joelle se mordió el labio y se enderezó. "Ya he alquilado un apartamento. Incluso si terminara durmiendo en la calle, es asunto mĆo". Solo querĆa que su esposo la respetara, pero tres aƱos de cautiverio la habĆan dejado sin orgullo ni dignidad. "ĀæY de dónde sacaste el dinero para alquilar un apartamento? Si tanto querĆas ser independiente, no deberĆas haber gastado ni un solo centavo de mi familia". De espaldas a ella, Adrian encontró entre unos muebles el anillo de bodas perdido y lo sostuvo en la palma de su mano. Joelle no se dio cuenta. Las palabras de ese hombre la dejaron sin aliento. SĆ, habĆa utilizado sus escasos ahorros para alquilar el apartamento. Pero como estaba casada con Adrian, Āælo que era suyo no era tambiĆ©n de Ć©l? AdemĆ”s, el apoyo financiero que Adrian les habĆa dado a los Watson durante todos esos aƱos ascendĆa a una suma significativa. Joelle siempre habĆa despreciado la idea de deberle algo, pero su deuda con Ć©l era infinita. Si se divorciaban, tal vez dejarĆa de darle apoyo financiero a la familia Watson. ĀæEstaba sugiriendo que ella debĆa salir del matrimonio con las manos vacĆas? Cuando Adrian se dio la vuelta para irse, Joelle dijo con una dignidad apenas intacta: "Tengo derecho legĆtimo a este matrimonio y a reclamar lo que supuestamente es mĆo. Pero no te preocupes, no pedirĆ© mucho, solo lo suficiente para ayudar al Grupo Watson a superar esta crisis". Adrian se quedó paralizado y su mirada se agudizó. Sus labios formaron una fina lĆnea mientras apretaba la mandĆbula. Eran claras seƱales de su creciente furia. Aunque Joelle ya se habĆa preparado mentalmente, no podĆa soportar su intensidad. Cada segundo bajo su mirada severa la ponĆa mĆ”s ansiosa. De repente, sonó el celular de Adrian, quien lo sacó de su bolsillo y estuvo a punto de alejarse. "Ā”Adrian!". CapĆtulo 3 Siempre mantendrĆ© la cabeza en alto La frustración de Adrian crepitaba como estĆ”tica. "Si tu hermano necesita dinero, dile que vaya al Grupo Miller". "Ā”No se trata de eso!", replicó Joelle. La habĆa malinterpretado por completo. Con el corazón latiendo con urgencia, corrió tras Ć©l. "Ā”Adrian, quiero el divorcio!". Adrian dejó de subir las escaleras y giró la cabeza. El celular en su mano habĆa dejado de sonar. Con un metro noventa de altura, se alzaba sobre ella. "Joelle, Āæno se te ocurre un mejor juego que este interminable tira y afloja?", preguntó burlonamente con una mirada gĆ©lida. "Si de verdad quieres divorciarte, Āæpor quĆ© no se lo dices tĆŗ misma a la abuela? Ā”No quiero volver a escucharte pronunciar esa palabra!". La puerta se cerró de golpe detrĆ”s de Ć©l, haciendo eco a su irrevocable decisión. Joelle se apoyó contra la pared y sus piernas cedieron hasta que se deslizó al suelo. Una risa amarga emergió de sus labios. Irene habĆa organizado su matrimonio. Adrian se habĆa visto obligado a aceptar, y Joelle lo sabĆa muy bien. Si de verdad querĆa el divorcio, lo mĆ”s efectivo serĆa hablar con Irene. Sin embargo, una pequeƱa y estĆŗpida parte de ella se habĆa aferrado a la esperanza de que ella y Adrian eran una verdadera pareja. Por eso se lo habĆa mencionado primero a Ć©l, porque lo veĆa como su esposo. Sin embargo, olvidó un detalle crucial: Adrian nunca habĆa querido casarse con ella. Su reticencia habĆa sido evidente desde el principio, aunque ella habĆa intentado pasarla por alto. Sus Ćŗltimas palabras no solo fueron despectivas, sino una orden. Si de verdad querĆa el divorcio, deberĆa enfrentarse a Irene. Joelle se dio una ducha, se puso ropa limpia y se preparó para visitar a la anciana. Irene era estricta, autoritaria y temida por toda la familia. Gobernaba con puƱo de hierro y no toleraba la desobediencia. Pero Joelle tenĆa un vĆnculo muy especial con ella. En parte, habĆa aceptado casarse con Adrian para cumplir las expectativas de Irene. QuerĆa cuidar de Adrian, construir un hogar y asegurarse de que la anciana falleciera sin remordimientos. Pero ahora ya no aguantaba mĆ”s. Ver a Adrian tan preocupado por otra mujer le llenaba de una amargura que parecĆa consumirla. Era consciente de que Ć©l no la amaba. Ā”Nunca lo hizo y nunca lo harĆa! Estaba a punto de irse cuando sonó su celular. Era su hermano, Shawn Watson. "ĀæShawn? ĀæQuĆ© ocurre?". "Ā”SeƱora Miller!". Era el asistente de Shawn. Su voz sonaba muy asustada, algo que Joelle nunca habĆa escuchado. Se le heló la s**gre y agarró el celular con mĆ”s fuerza mientras permanecĆa en la escalera. "ĀæDónde estĆ” mi hermano? ĀæQuĆ© le pasó?". "Anoche el seƱor Watson asistió a una reunión de negocios, donde lo presionaron para que b*iera. Supuestamente volverĆa a casa, pero Erick Lloyd insistió en llevarlo a unas aguas termales". Joelle se quedó congelada y la furia recorrió sus venas. "ĀæErick no sabĆa que eso podrĆa matarlo?". "Ā”Erick es un s**vergüenza! Se jacta de su poder desde que su padre y su hermano se volvieron chóferes de la familia Miller. Ā”SeƱora Miller, tiene que venir rĆ”pido! El seƱor Watson estĆ” siendo operado y los mĆ©dicos han emitido dos avisos de condición crĆtica. Ā”No pude aguantar mĆ”s, asĆ que la llamĆ©!". El asistente parecĆa estar al borde de las lĆ”grimas. Joelle sabĆa que Ć©l no se habrĆa puesto en contacto con ella a menos que la situación fuera bastante desesperada. Shawn siempre la habĆa protegido de las malas noticias, sin importar lo sombrĆas que fueran las circunstancias. Si su asistente estaba tan conmocionado, la vida de su hermano debĆa estar en peligro. Joelle sintió como si el mundo se cerrara a su alrededor y un nudo se formó en su garganta. Al bajar del Ćŗltimo escalón, tropezó y se cayó con fuerza, torciĆ©ndose bruscamente el tobillo. El dolor abrasador la devolvió a la realidad y las lĆ”grimas brotaron de sus ojos. "Ā”Oh, no, seƱora Miller, tenga mĆ”s cuidado cuando camina!". Leah corrió a ayudarla a levantarse. Joelle agarró el brazo de Leah con la visión borrosa a causa de las lĆ”grimas. Intentó hablar, pero las palabras le salĆan entrecortadas porque estaba sollozando. "Mi hermano... Ā”Tengo que ir al hospital para verlo!". Leah sintió su urgencia y respondió sin dudar: "De acuerdo, no se preocupe. Ā”Le pedirĆ© al conductor que la lleve de inmediato!". Leah era una criada experimentada y confiable que llevaba aƱos al servicio de la familia Miller. Cinco minutos despuĆ©s, el auto ya estaba aparcado delante de la villa. Joelle estaba a punto de subir cuando se volvió hacia Leah. "Por favor, no se lo cuentes a Irene. No quiero preocuparla". El corazón de la criada se ablandó. Incluso con el rostro pĆ”lido y surcado de lĆ”grimas, Joelle se preocupaba por la salud de Irene. Ā”QuĆ© muchacha tan rara y extraordinaria! "No se preocupe, seƱora Miller. Yo sĆ© quĆ© hacer. Vaya a ver a su hermano". Cuando Joelle llegó al hospital, Shawn acababa de salir del quirófano. Al ver a su jefe conectado a tubos y cables, el asistente casi se desplomó. Joelle se acercó y lo encontró arrodillado contra la pared, con los ojos hundidos e inyectados en s**gre. Tuvo que contener el impulso de regaƱarlo por no haber protegido mejor a su hermano. MĆ”s tarde habrĆa tiempo para eso. Cuando la condición de Shawn fue mĆ”s estable, Joelle llevó al asistente a un lado. "CuĆ©ntamelo todo. ĀæCómo ocurrió esto?". El asistente vaciló, con el rostro desencajado. "SeƱora Miller, el seƱor Watson nos ordenó especĆficamente que no la involucremos en los asuntos comerciales". "Pero esto es una cuestión de vida o muerte. ĀæPiensas que todavĆa es una opción no decirme nada?". Ya sin paciencia, Joelle se dio la vuelta para alejarse. "SeƱora Miller, eso no sirve de nada", respondió el asistente desesperadamente. "Usted sabe que desde la muerte de su padre, el Grupo Watson ha dependido por completo de su hermano. Ha estado luchando para defender la dignidad de la familia, porque quiere que su vida con los Miller sea mĆ”s llevadera". Durante esos aƱos, Shawn habĆa luchado valientemente para mantener a la familia a flote. No obstante, sin el apoyo financiero de Adrian, sus esfuerzos se habrĆan desvanecido hacĆa mucho tiempo. Su deseo mĆ”s profundo era que su hermana viviera cómodamente, pero a pesar de sus incansables esfuerzos, nunca pudo hacerle ganar el respeto que merecĆa por parte de su esposo. No importaba lo mucho que se sacrificara, ella seguirĆa siendo infravalorada en la familia Miller. Joelle estaba hirviendo de rabia, pero sabĆa que no podĆa cambiar su realidad. Entonces, inspiró profundamente y preguntó: "ĀæNo mencionaron mi relación con Adrian?" Esperaba que alinearse con los Miller pudiera ayudar a Shawn a mantenerse firme en sus actividades sociales. "El seƱor Watson se niega a tocar ese tema, pues teme que eso le haga las cosas mĆ”s difĆciles a usted". Joelle soltó una risa amarga. JamĆ”s habĆa estado en igualdad de condiciones con Adrian. No le extraƱaba que la despreciara, ya que apenas podĆa soportarse a sĆ misma. Solo hacĆa una hora que le habĆa pedido el divorcio. Y ahora se aferraba al nombre de su esposo, desesperada por facilitarle la vida a su hermano. "Dile a Shawn que soy la esposa de Adrian Miller, Irene me eligió personalmente. Ā”Mientras sea la seƱora Miller, mantendrĆ© la cabeza en alto dentro de la familia!". De repente, escucharon unos pasos detrĆ”s de ella. Joelle se dio la vuelta y vio a Adrian, que tenĆa una sonrisa frĆa en su rostro. A su lado, se encontraba una muchacha de aspecto frĆ”gil, con grandes ojos inocentes, aferrada a Ć©l. Adrian la miraba desdeƱosamente, como si incluso le costara reconocer su presencia. Ya se habĆa dado cuenta de que ella realmente no querĆa el divorcio. La mujer que habĆa parecido tan decidida a irse, ahora estaba haciendo alarde de su tĆtulo como la seƱora Miller. Su amenaza de divorcio no habĆa sido mĆ”s que una estrategia, como una pelea de amantes que terminaba en amenazas vacĆas. Era tan astuta que lo habĆa d**gado para obligarlo a casarse. Con tĆ”cticas tan engaƱosas, Āæcómo podrĆa irse tan fĆ”cilmente? Su matrimonio eran un salvavidas para las dificultades de su familia. Adrian le daba cien millones cada aƱo al Grupo Watson. Joelle serĆa una tonta si se arriesgaba a perderlo divorciĆ”ndose de Ć©l. CapĆtulo 4 Por fin se dio cuenta HacĆa mucho que Joelle se habĆa vuelto insensible ante la indiferencia de Adrian. Observó sin decir nada los brazos entrelazados de la pareja y recordó los dulces momentos capturados en los videos de Rebecca, que provocaban la envidia de mucha gente. Ā”QuĆ© pareja tan perfecta! Ese pensamiento la golpeó. "Ā”Joelle, por favor, no nos malinterpretes!", dijo Rebecca con urgencia mientras retiraba su mano del brazo de Adrian. "No me siento bien y no puedo caminar, asĆ que Adie simplemente tuvo la amabilidad de sostenerme". Joelle esbozó una leve sonrisa. "ĀæQuĆ© te trae al hospital?", preguntó mirando a Adrian, como si no hubiera escuchado la explicación de Rebecca. "Es por Erick", dijo Rebecca, con las manos entrelazadas como una niƱa arrepentida. "TambiĆ©n vine a pedirte perdón, Joelle. Lamento que Erick haya sido tan descuidado para provocar que tu hermano terminara en el hospital". "ĀæDescuidado?", replicó ella. "Tu hermano casi m*ta al mĆo, Āæy crees que una disculpa bastarĆ” para arreglarlo?". Rebecca se estremeció y agarró la manga de Adrian en busca de apoyo. "Ya es suficiente, Joelle", respondió Ć©l con una voz tan gĆ©lida como el invierno. "No fue a propósito". Luego, se volvió hacia Rebecca y agregó suavemente: "Vamos, Āæno viniste para ver a Erick?". Fue entonces cuando Joelle lo entendió todo. HabĆa esperado ingenuamente que Adrian viniera para ver a Shawn. Pero no, habĆa venido con Rebecca para ver a Erick. Incluso si visitara a Shawn, serĆa por obligación, nada mĆ”s. Pero sabĆa que no debĆa esperar que Ć©l la defendiera. "Ā”Rebecca, no olvidarĆ© lo que hizo Erick!", espetó. Rebecca dobló las piernas y se desplomó sobre el pecho de Adrian, quien la atrapó justo a tiempo y la abrazó con fuerza. "Joelle, Erick no tenĆa malas intenciones. Ā”TambiĆ©n estĆ” en el hospital!". "ĀæYa estĆ” muerto? Ā”Si no, tendrĆ” que pagar por lo que hizo!". Joelle no solĆa arremeter, pero esta vez era diferente. Shawn era la Ćŗnica familia que le quedaba. Su padre, incapacitado por un derrame cerebral, se encontraba en estado vegetativo con poca o ninguna esperanza de recuperación, y su madre habĆa fallecido en un accidente de trĆ”fico. Desde los dieciocho aƱos, habĆan sido solo ella y Shawn, enfrentĆ”ndose juntos a las dificultades del mundo. En sus momentos mĆ”s oscuros, Shawn llevó sola la carga para dejar que Joelle persiguiera su pasión por el violĆn. Ahora la idea de perderlo tambiĆ©n a Ć©l era insoportable. Su Ćŗnico deseo era que Erick muriera. "Joelle, Āæcómo puedes decir eso?", sollozó Rebecca con incredulidad. Ya sin paciencia, Adrian fijó su frĆa mirada en Joelle. "ĀæQuĆ© deseas?". "Shawn recibió dos avisos de condición crĆtica. ĀæQuĆ© hay de Erick?". Rebecca jadeó, su frĆ”gil cuerpo estaba temblando como una hoja en el viento. "Ā”Joelle, por favor! Solo me queda un hermano. Ā”Por favor, ten compasión!". Se desmayó antes de que la otra mujer pudiera responder. Adrian la levantó en sus brazos y le dio una Ćŗltima mirada de reproche a Joelle. Luego, se alejó y la dejó clavada en el mismo lugar, incapaz de moverse o incluso de pensar, lo que pareció una eternidad. Antes de su matrimonio, habĆa sido una chica adinerada, pero luego se convirtió en la sirvienta de Adrian. Ahora se daba cuenta de lo ingenua que habĆa sido. Ella solĆa ser una persona muy orgullosa, pero ahora soporta todo tipo de agravios sólo para complacer a su marido. Ā”QuĆ© patĆ©tico! Han pasado tres aƱos, es hora de divorciarnos y comenzar una nueva vida... ...... ĀæQuĆ© sucederĆ” en adelante? Los capĆtulos disponibles son limitados aquĆ, haga click el botón abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĆ”s contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederĆ” a este libro) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14484375-fb_contact-spa | Happy reading | https://www.facebook.com/61566043183664/ | 384 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.manobook.com | IMAGE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14484375-fb_contact-spa220_2-1023-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=1139812000905147&rawadid=120215395691650297 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468027329_1293923672039962_2966573413736556508_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=thRI66U0Yn4Q7kNvgGUbr2m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AmCaD-dZV1d6nl0xnPJ77ho&oh=00_AYCEDmp_dc0geAWM6gI7Zkiau_M4gqiUQGpIMzynxNeoAA&oe=674EDB87 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Happy reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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šRead the next chaptersš | t. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheās talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateās affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnāt seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheās different from any woman you know. As a general, sheās above household squabbles and wouldnāt want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatās them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itās fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iāll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donāt you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. āWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.ā āOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?ā Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyās life respectable, and this was her reward. āEnough,ā Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. āIāve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonāt change anything.ā As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. āMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!ā Lulu, Carissaās maid, said, wiping her tears. āDonāt call him that!ā Carissa gave her a stern look. āWe never consummated the marriage. Heās not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.ā āWhy the dowry list?ā Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. āSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.ā Lulu gasped. āLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?ā Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered ā assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyās former glory seemed impossibleāat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyās fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. āLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.ā ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaās arrival to the king three times. āYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,ā he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. āI canāt summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.ā āThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheās been standing there for over an hour without moving.ā Salvador felt a pang of guilt. āBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnāt want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.ā āYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,ā Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. āAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iāll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,ā said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. āAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!ā ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 320 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460723249_8667426709955594_6343552522607692952_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sJjRnXz2zSMQ7kNvgHhLuqi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcGTCeH-5MhW9cszwObFS8R&oh=00_AYAST0--3aZqZbo4vfezcea5Hc9-41xm37EK1t4zpU5Dxw&oe=674ED087 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read next chapterš | 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, Mitchelās 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 itās 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 Raeganās shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &32& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e | Hello reading | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | IMAGE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&rawadid=120216695383250091 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465251588_3964547393829670_3171900157859632340_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=heAhvMoYNnoQ7kNvgEncloA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av27-JH-jVujggdB5oavyaV&oh=00_AYDwKS6NupH_L4Muf4i1HphOROHXD_4H7XSnhBUJzxw3Ig&oe=674EEF10 | REGULAR_PAGE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read next chapterš | Because of cheating, he divorced her. She left a sentence, "You will regret it." 4 years later, he saw her on TV and introduced her as a top 100 female CEO and a single mother of triplets. The faces of her three children are exactly like his ... ============= 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, Mitchelās 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 itās 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 Raeganās 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!" &40& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e | Lera reading | https://www.facebook.com/61550764321146/ | 3,082 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | IMAGE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&rawadid=120216748287190091 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465608694_1263678661646960_1392855961890154464_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qR1VO62xEzgQ7kNvgEhpPGa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyG_fIt3yDksZGMhYlF67-B&oh=00_AYBCkWdVD4w2TQd8AqNk0bpeknlaI7ZaXARv3MB6vtyvbw&oe=674EF258 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lera reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-28 19:19 | active | 1935 | 0 | Read next chapterš | After shedding the shackles of marriage, she transformed from a dull housewife into a famous painter with countless admirers. Her ex-husband came to her house to seek reconciliation, only to see her being embraced by a famous tycoon, "Say hello to your sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &5& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Hello reading | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&rawadid=120216696006300091 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464792385_1356480009066709_3168883015413993878_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qKW8H1dBWVEQ7kNvgGiL1Ma&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ADWp-l0BYQheuuNtxOoronS&oh=00_AYCzM37lhCgKTkBHOvwzI3A7ksMencaoqFWpC8wYjtwsVw&oe=674EF9AE | REGULAR_PAGE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-11-28 19:19 | active | 1935 | 0 | Read next chapterš | After shedding the shackles of marriage, she transformed from a dull housewife into a famous painter with countless admirers. Her ex-husband came to her house to seek reconciliation, only to see her being embraced by a famous tycoon, "Say hello to your sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &5& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Lime novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090847180115/ | 946 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=791750052879575&rawadid=120213974773720758 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465400689_1055970699549245_5791930800709440551_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4KDjFGkpbc8Q7kNvgG1uw0g&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUt09kxKciZel68yTxKbwDI&oh=00_AYDF9DWSfqV8BD2BOA6EZMtOV6XPFY6Er8MD_lF9LHsEcA&oe=674ECF6D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lime novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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