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Yes 2024-11-28 18:57 active 1934 0 šŸ”„Microfiber Car Windshield Cleaner Tool šŸ™„ Want to clean your car windshield Window glass pane Or how about your car windows, but cannot reach 🧹🧹 šŸ™ŒšŸ™ŒWell, now you can!šŸ˜šŸ˜ āœ…āœ…GET ITšŸ‘‰ 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 ⭐754800+ 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:48 active 1936 0 Read next chapteršŸ‘‰ She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup! ============= Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom." Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?" Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. He was something to see now. "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. What? He was on his way out? At this hour? Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late." Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up." With that, he headed for the door. "Mitchel." Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. "What's the matter?" There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?" Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today." Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. Mitchel was the man in the picture! So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. "Hello!" It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks. At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel? Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?" The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?" "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. "You know what, forget it!" The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. They were talking about her as if she were an object. Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?" "Yes." "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her." Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..." Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. The woman was indeed Lauren! Absence made the heart grow fonder! Every word drove a knife into her heart. Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. "Raegan?" Chapter 2 One-sided Love Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!" Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it." Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?" Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. In the elevator. Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Several employees were chatting inside. "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back." "And who is that?" "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!" "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?" "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!" Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. The love was one-sided. "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?" A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?" Raegan said nothing to that. Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool." Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself." "You..." Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?" It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..." Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &32& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e Lime novel https://www.facebook.com/100090847180115/ 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:46 active 1936 0 šŸ”žAttention! Do not read in publicļ¼šŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. ā€œWhy 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€ ā€œOh, 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 family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. ā€œEnough,ā€ Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. ā€œI’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.ā€ As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. ā€œMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!ā€ Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. ā€œDon’t call him that!ā€ Carissa gave her a stern look. ā€œWe never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.ā€ ā€œWhy the dowry list?ā€ Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. ā€œSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.ā€ Lulu gasped. ā€œLeave? 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 — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. ā€œLulu, 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 Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. ā€œYour 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. ā€œI can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.ā€ ā€œThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.ā€ Salvador felt a pang of guilt. ā€œBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.ā€ ā€œYour 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. ā€œAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,ā€ said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. ā€œAs 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:48 active 1936 0 Š§ŠøŃ‚Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃƒŃŽŃ‰ŃƒŃŽ Š³Š»Š°Š²ŃƒšŸ‘‰ КогГа она узнала, что незнакомый Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š°, с которым она провела ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ ŠæŠµŃ€Š²ŃƒŃŽ Š±Ń€Š°Ń‡Š½ŃƒŃŽ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒ, Š¾ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»ŃŃ ее законным мужем по Гоговоренности, она сошла с ума! ===== Камилла ŠŸŠµŃ‚рова ŃŠµŠ³Š¾Š“Š½Ń Š²Ń‹ŃˆŠ»Š° замуж. К Š½ŠµŃŃ‡Š°ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŽ Š“Š»Ń неё, жениха нигГе не было виГно. ŠžŠ½Š° Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»Š° ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŃƒŃŽ ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ, Šø её лицо стало белым, словно ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃŃ‚Ń‹Š½Ń. ŠžŠ½Š° Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŃŠ¾Š²ŠµŃ€ŃˆŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ униженной. Камилла не желала Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŠæŠµŃ‚ŃŒ ŃŃ‚Š¾ оскорбление! ŠŠ¾ что она могла ŠæŠ¾Š“ŠµŠ»Š°Ń‚ŃŒ? Š” самого Ń€Š¾Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ все аспекты её жизни ŠŗŠ¾Š½Ń‚Ń€Š¾Š»ŠøŃ€Š¾Š²Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³ŠøŠ¼Šø Š»ŃŽŠ“ŃŒŠ¼Šø. Дамо собой Ń€Š°Š·ŃƒŠ¼ŠµŠµŃ‚ŃŃ, ŃŃ‚Š¾ касалось Šø её Š·Š°Š¼ŃƒŠ¶ŠµŃŃ‚Š²Š°. Камиллу ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ½ŃƒŠ“ŠøŠ» Šŗ ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ ŃŠ¾ŃŽŠ·Ńƒ отец, человек, которым ŃƒŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š»ŃŠ»Š° Š¶Š°Š“Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ. Её ГеГушка работал ŃˆŠ¾Ń„Ń‘Ń€Š¾Š¼ у РоГиона ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°, главы Š¼Š¾Š³ŃƒŃ‰ŠµŃŃ‚Š²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹ семьи ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń…. По ГосаГной ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ‡Š°Š¹Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚Šø они попали в ŃƒŠ¶Š°ŃŠ½ŃƒŃŽ Š°Š²Š°Ń€ŠøŃŽ, в которой ГеГ ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹ погиб, ŃŠæŠ°ŃŠ°Ń РоГиона. Š’ послеГние Š¼ŠµŃŃŃ†Ń‹ Š½ŠµŠ±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŠ°Ń ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŠæŠ°Š½ŠøŃ, которой ŃƒŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š»ŃŠ»Š° её ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŒŃ, везГе Šø Š²ŃŃŽŠ“Ńƒ ŠæŠ¾Š³Ń€ŃŠ·Š»Š° в огромных Голгах. ŠžŠ½Šø Š½Š°Ń…Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ на грани банкротства. ŠŠµŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€Ń на ŃŃ‚Š¾, её хитрый отец Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»ŃŃ ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃŠøŃ‚ŃŒ помощи у семьи ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń…, Š·Š½Š°Ń, что ŃŃ‚Š¾ отменит Голг, который они Голжны были семье ŠŸŠµŃ‚ровых. Вместо ŃŃ‚Š¾Š³Š¾ он ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ“ŃƒŠ¼Š°Š» план, согласно ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Š¾Š¼Ńƒ внук РоГиона, Виталий ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š², Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŃ на Камилле. Š£Ń‡ŠøŃ‚Ń‹Š²Š°Ń богатство семьи ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń…, они были ŃƒŠ²ŠµŃ€ŠµŠ½Ń‹, что те Š“Š°Š“ŃƒŃ‚ большие Геньги в обмен на Ń€ŃƒŠŗŃƒ Šø серГце ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹. И, в качестве Š“Š¾ŠæŠ¾Š»Š½ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾Š³Š¾ бонуса, они, наконец, ŃƒŃŃ‚Š°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»Šø бы более ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‡Š½ŃƒŃŽ ŃŠ²ŃŠ·ŃŒ с ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŒŃ‘Š¹ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń…, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Š°Ń была бы законно скреплена. Š Š°Š·ŃƒŠ¼ŠµŠµŃ‚ŃŃ, ŃŠµŠ¼ŃŒŃ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń… не могла ŠæŠ¾Š·Š²Š¾Š»ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ себе Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ от ŃŃ‚Š¾Š³Š¾ ŠæŃ€ŠµŠ“Š»Š¾Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ, иначе они рисковали ŠæŠ¾Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŃŃ‚ŃŒ лицо в том или ином ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ‡Š°Šµ. Виталий Ń€ŠµŃˆŠøŠ» Š²Ń‹Ń€Š°Š·ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ своё Š½ŠµŠ“Š¾Š²Š¾Š»ŃŒŃŃ‚Š²Š¾ всем ŃŃ‚ŠøŠ¼, не ŃŠ²ŠøŠ²ŃˆŠøŃŃŒ на банкет, Ń…Š¾Ń‚Ń на нём не ŠæŃ€ŠøŃŃƒŃ‚ствовало никого, кроме членов семей. ŠžŠ½ также отказал Камилле в использовании фамилии ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń… Šø запретил ей Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ Š»ŃŽŠ“ŃŠ¼, что она его жена. ŠŠ° ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‚ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠø всего ŃŃ‚Š¾Š³Š¾, от начала Šø Го конца, никто не ŠæŠ¾Ń‚Ń€ŃƒŠ“ŠøŠ»ŃŃ ŃŠæŃ€Š¾ŃŠøŃ‚ŃŒ мнение самой ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹. Дейчас она стоит с ŠæŃ€ŃŠ¼Š¾Š¹ спиной Šø расправленными плечами. Её ресницы, возможно, слегка Грожали, но в глазах Ń‡ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃŒ ŃƒŠæŃ€ŃŠ¼ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾. ŠžŠ½Š° не ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃ€Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š“Š°Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ ŃƒŠ½ŠøŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃŽ. ŠŠ¾ как ей ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃƒŠµŃ‚ ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠæŠøŃ‚ŃŒ? Š’ то Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń, когГа Гевушка Ń€Š°Š·Š¼Ń‹ŃˆŠ»ŃŠ»Š° о том, как провеГёт ŠæŠµŃ€Š²ŃƒŃŽ Š±Ń€Š°Ń‡Š½ŃƒŃŽ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒ, она ŠæŠ¾Š»ŃƒŃ‡ŠøŠ»Š° сообщение от оГной ŠøŠ· своих коллег. Женщина просила Камиллу ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¼ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ её на ночной смене. Та не стала Голго Ń€Š°Š·Š“ŃƒŠ¼Ń‹Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ. ŠžŠ½Š° Š²Ń‹ŃˆŠ»Š° ŠøŠ· зала Šø вызвала такси, чтобы Š¾Ń‚ŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ в Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ńƒ. Мгновением позже она оказалась в комнате отГыха персонала Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹, ŠæŃ€Š¾Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŃ записи пациентов, а её вечернее ŠæŠ»Š°Ń‚ŃŒŠµ Гавно сменилось белым лабораторным халатом. Внезапно Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ с громким ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠŗŠ¾Š¼ Ń€Š°ŃŠæŠ°Ń…Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ с внешней стороны Šø ŃƒŠ“Š°Ń€ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ о ŃŃ‚ŠµŠ½Ńƒ. ŠŠµ успела Камилла ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŃ‚ŃŒ глаза, чтобы Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ½ŃƒŃ‚ŃŒ, что происхоГит, как Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ снова Š·Š°Ń…Š»Š¾ŠæŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ. Затем она ŃƒŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š»Š° щелчок Š²Ń‹ŠŗŠ»ŃŽŃ‡Š°Ń‚ŠµŠ»Ń, Šø в помещении стало темно. По её спине пробежал холоГок. Ā«ŠšŃ‚Š¾...Ā» ŠŠµ успела она Š“Š¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ, как её Ń‚Š¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŠ»Šø на стол. ŠšŃƒŃ‡Š° ŠŗŠ°Š½Ń†ŠµŠ»ŃŃ€ŃŠŗŠøŃ… принаГлежностей упала на пол, Šø в ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ момент она ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°, как Šŗ её шее ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ¶Š°Š»ŃŃ холоГный острый Šŗ*ай н*жа. «Тихо!Ā» - свирепо ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠµŠæŃ‚ал напаГавший. Š”ŠµŠ²ŃƒŃˆŠŗŠ° еГва могла Ń€Š°Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ŠµŃ‚ŃŒ лицо Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ń‹, Ń…Š¾Ń‚Ń его глаза Š²Ń‹Š“ŠµŠ»ŃŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ. ŠžŠ½Šø мерцали в Ń‚ŃƒŃŠŗŠ»Š¾Š¼ свете, его Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ был полон Š±Š“ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ŃŃ‚Šø. Š’ Š²Š¾Š·Š“ŃƒŃ…Šµ Š²Š¾ŠŗŃ€ŃƒŠ³ них витал знакомый запах железа, Šø она ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ»Š°, что ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ человек ранен. Š‘Š»Š°Š³Š¾Š“Š°Ń€Ń Š¼Š½Š¾Š³Š¾Š»ŠµŃ‚Š½ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ Š¾Š±ŃƒŃ‡ŠµŠ½ŠøŃŽ Šø Š¾ŠæŃ‹Ń‚Ńƒ врача, Камилла смогла ŃŠ¾Ń…Ń€Š°Š½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ спокойствие. Затем она меГленно согнула оГну ногу, ŠæŠ»Š°Š½ŠøŃ€ŃƒŃ Š°Ń‚Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ńƒ коленом. ŠŠ¾ тот виГел её насквозь. Как Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ он ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š» её Гвижение, то с силой сжал её ноги вместе Šø прижал Šŗ ŃŃ‚Š¾Š»Ńƒ своими мощными бёГрами. Š’Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³ в кориГоре ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š»ŃŃ шум шагов. ŠžŠ½Šø Š½Š°ŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š»ŃŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ ŠæŃ€ŃŠ¼Š¾ в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ отГыха персонала. «Быстрее, я виГела, как он ŃˆŃ‘Š» ŃŃŽŠ“Š°!Ā» Достаточно было оГного крика о помощи, Šø ŃŃ‚Šø Š»ŃŽŠ“Šø Š²Š¾Ń€Š²Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ бы в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ. ŠžŃ‚Ń‡Š°ŃŠ²ŃˆŠøŃŃŒ, Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° Š¾ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ» голову Šø по**ловал Камиллу. ŠžŠ½Š° стала Š±Š¾Ń€Š¾Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ Šø была уГивлена тем, что смогла легко Š¾Ń‚Ń‚Š¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŃ‚ŃŒ его. Тем более, что Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° больше не ŃƒŠ³Ń€Š¾Š¶Š°Š» ей н*жом. ŠœŃ‹ŃŠ»Šø Гевушки Š·Š°Š¼ŠµŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ. Š’ ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ момент тот, кто Š½Š°Ń…Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»ŃŃ по ту ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń€Š¾Š½Ńƒ Гвери, ŃŃ…Š²Š°Ń‚ŠøŠ»ŃŃ за Ń€ŃƒŃ‡ŠŗŃƒ. ŠŸŃ€ŠøŠ½ŃŠ² Ń€ŠµŃˆŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ, Камилла ŠæŃ€ŠøŃ‚ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š° Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ńƒ Šŗ себе Šø обвила Ń€ŃƒŠŗŠ°Š¼Šø его ŃˆŠµŃŽ. ŠŠ° ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ раз она по**ловала его. «Я могу вам ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾Ń‡ŃŒĀ», - пробормотала она поГ нос, Š½Š°Š“ŠµŃŃŃŒ, что её страх не был заметен. ŠœŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° шумно ŃŠ³Š»Š¾Ń‚Š½ŃƒŠ». Š•Š¼Ńƒ ŠæŠ¾Ń‚Ń€ŠµŠ±Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ секунГа, чтобы ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚ŃŒ Ń€ŠµŃˆŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ, затем она ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° его Š³Š¾Ń€ŃŃ‡ŠµŠµ Гыхание у своего ŃƒŃ…Š°: «Я возьму на ŃŠµŠ±Ń Š¾Ń‚Š²ŠµŃ‚ŃŃ‚Š²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ за ŃŃ‚Š¾Ā». Его голос был низким Šø ŠæŃ€ŠøŃ‚ŃŠ³Š°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¼. ŠŠ¾ он, похоже, Š½ŠµŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ». ŠžŠ½Š° хотела, чтобы всё ŃŃ‚Š¾ было притворством. ŠžŠ½ не Голжен был ни за что Š±Ń€Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š¾Ń‚Š²ŠµŃ‚ŃŃ‚Š²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ. Š’ ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃƒŃŽŃ‰ŃƒŃŽ секунГу Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ снова Ń€Š°ŃŠæŠ°Ń…Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ. Камилла Šø Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° тут же слились в очереГном по**луе. ŠŠµŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€Ń на ŠøŃ… Š·Š°Ń‚Ń€ŃƒŠ“Š½ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾Šµ положение, Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° Š¾Š±Š½Š°Ń€ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŠ», что его тело среагировало на звук. ŠžŠ½ мог бы ŠæŠ¾Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ в нём, если бы Š»ŃŽŠ“Šø за Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒŃŽ не заговорили. «Ч*рт в*зьми! Да ŃŃ‚Š¾ же просто ц**ŃƒŃŽŃ‰Š°ŃŃŃ парочка. Чувак, они Šø Š²ŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š“Ńƒ Š·Š°Š½ŠøŠ¼Š°ŃŽŃ‚ŃŃ ŃŃ‚ŠøŠ¼ в Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Šµ. Š˜Š¼ŠµŠ¹Ń‚Šµ Ń…Š¾Ń‚ŃŒ немного ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ»ŠøŃ‡ŠøŃ!Ā» Двет ŠøŠ· кориГора проникал в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ, Š¾Š±Š½Š°Š¶Š°Ń ŠæŠ°Ń€Ńƒ. ŠžŠ“Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾ тело Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ń‹ было обхвачено Камиллой, ŃŠŗŃ€Ń‹Š²Š°Ń его лицо от Š»ŃŽŠ±Š¾ŠæŃ‹Ń‚Š½Ń‹Ń… глаз незваных гостей. «Что ж, ŃŃ‚Š¾ точно не Виталий. Этот ŃƒŠ±Š»ŃŽŠ“Š¾Šŗ Ń‚ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ»Š¾ ранен. ŠŠµŠ²Š°Š¶Š½Š¾, насколько ŃŠ¾Š±Š»Š°Š·Š½ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š° женщина, я ŃŠ¾Š¼Š½ŠµŠ²Š°ŃŽŃŃŒ, что у него хватит сил ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»Š°Ń‚ŃŒ с ней что-нибуГь». Ā«ŠŠ¾, Ń‡ŃƒŠ²Š°Šŗ, ŃŃ‚Š° женщина изГаёт Говольно ŠæŃ€ŠøŃŃ‚ные звуки, а?Ā» Ā«Š—Š°Ń‚ŠŗŠ½ŠøŃŃŒ Šø ŠæŠ¾ŃˆŠµŠ²ŠµŠ»ŠøŠ²Š°Š¹ŃŃ! ŠŠ°Š¼ нужно найти Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ как можно скорее, иначе мы ŠæŠ¾Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŃŠµŠ¼ головы!Ā» ŠŸŠ¾ŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š»ŃŃ ŃˆŠ¾Ń€Š¾Ń… Šø топот ног, Šø Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ń‹ Š±Ń€Š¾ŃŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‡ŃŒ, а Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в своё исхоГное положение. ŠœŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° знал, что его преслеГователи ушли, но осознание того, что Ń‚ŠµŠæŠµŃ€ŃŒ они Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ оГни, поГействовало на его самооблаГание. ŠžŠ½ просто ŃŠ¾Ń€Š²Š°Š»ŃŃ, Šø Š½ŠµŠ¾Š¶ŠøŠ“Š°Š½Š½Š°Ń волна Šæ**оти Š·Š°Ń…Š»ŠµŃŃ‚Š½ŃƒŠ»Š° его. Этот поток же**Š½ŠøŃ не Š¾Š±Š¾ŃˆŃ‘Š» стороной Šø Камиллу. Возможно, Гело было в ŠøŃ… близости, или в том, как интимно они касались Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³ Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³Š°, а может Š±Ń‹Ń‚ŃŒ, во внезапном приливе аГреналина, но на ŠæŠ¾Š²ŠµŃ€Ń…Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ Š±ŃƒŠ½Ń‚Š°Ń€ŃŠŗŠ°Ń жилка, о которой она Гаже не поГозревала. До ŃŃ‚Š¾Š³Š¾ момента Гевушка жила серой оГнообразной Š¶ŠøŠ·Š½ŃŒŃŽ, всегГа ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń‡ŠøŠ½ŃŃŃŃŒ правилам Šø планам, ŃƒŃŃ‚Š°Š½Š¾Š²Š»ŠµŠ½Š½Ń‹Š¼ Š“Š»Ń неё Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³ŠøŠ¼Šø. ŠŠ° ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ раз - Ń…Š¾Ń‚Ń бы раз - она ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃ€Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ ŠæŠ¾Š±Š°Š»Š¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŃŠµŠ±Ń. Š”ŠµŠ²ŃƒŃˆŠŗŠ° отбросила свои запреты Šø преГоставила Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Šµ свобоГу Гействий, чтобы он Гелал всё, что захочет. КогГа они закончили, Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° нежно поцеловал её в Ń‰Ń‘ŠŗŃƒ. «Я ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ“Ńƒ за тобой», - ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠµŠæŃ‚Š°Š» он, в его голосе всё ещё ŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ отголоски Š½Š°ŃŠ»Š°Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. А затем он ŃƒŃˆŃ‘Š», так же внезапно, как Šø ŠæŃ€ŠøŃˆŃ‘Š». ŠŸŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾ немало времени, прежГе чем Камилла смогла ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ на ноги. Тишину в комнате Š½Š°Ń€ŃƒŃˆŠøŠ» звонок её телефона. ŠžŠ½Š° Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ Šø Š¾Š±Š½Š°Ń€ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŠ»Š°, что он лежит на ŠŗŃ€Š°ŃŽ стола. Камилла схватила телефон, пока он не упал, Šø нажала на кнопку ответа. «Доктор! - Ń€Š°Š·Š“Š°Š»ŃŃ взволнованный голос. -Š’ центр неотложной помощи Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ что привезли пациента. ŠžŠ½ попал в Š°Š²Š°Ń€ŠøŃŽ Šø ŠæŠ¾Š»ŃƒŃ‡ŠøŠ» ŃŠµŃ€ŃŒŃ‘Š·Š½Ń‹Šµ травмы. ŠŠ°Š¼ нужно, чтобы вы немеГленно оказали ему ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾Ń‰ŃŒ!Ā» Камилла прочистила горло, чтобы голос Š·Š²ŃƒŃ‡Š°Š» ровно: Ā«Š„Š¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠ¾, я буГу через Š¼ŠøŠ½ŃƒŃ‚ŃƒĀ». ŠžŠ½Š° положила Ń‚Ń€ŃƒŠ±ŠŗŃƒ Šø Š½Š°ŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ Šŗ Гвери, но Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ на пороге. ŠžŠ½Š° Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»Š° ŃŠµŠ±Ń. ŠžŠ½Š° Šø Š²ŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š“Ńƒ Š·Š°Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ с*ксом с незнакомцем в ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š±Ń€Š°Ń‡Š½ŃƒŃŽ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒ. Это был самый Š²Š¾Š·Š¼ŃƒŃ‚ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¹ ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠæŠ¾Šŗ в её жизни! ŠŠ¾ сейчас было не Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń ŠæŃ€Š°Š·Š“Š½Š¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ свой ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠæŠ¾Šŗ или Ń€Š°Š·Š¼Ń‹ŃˆŠ»ŃŃ‚ŃŒ о его ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃŃ‚Š²ŠøŃŃ…. Камилла привела ŃŠµŠ±Ń в ŠæŠ¾Ń€ŃŠ“Š¾Šŗ Šø Š¾Ń‚ŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в центр ŃŠŗŃŃ‚Ń€ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹ помощи. Š’ŠµŃŃŒ остаток ночи она была Š·Š°Š½ŃŃ‚а работой. КогГа она наконец освобоГилась, уже Š±Š»ŠøŠ·ŠøŠ»ŃŃ рассвет. Š’ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ²ŃˆŠøŃŃŒ в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ отГыха персонала, она Š¾Š±Š½Š°Ń€ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŠ»Š°, что в комнате было всё так же Š³Ń€ŃŠ·Š½Š¾. Руки Гевушки сжались в кулаки, а в голове ŠæŃ€Š¾Š½ŠµŃŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ Š²Š¾ŃŠæŠ¾Š¼ŠøŠ½Š°Š½ŠøŃ о Š±ŃƒŃ€Š½Š¾Š¼ ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾Š¹ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒŃŽ. «Дпасибо, что поГменила Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń, Гоктор ŠŸŠµŃ‚Ń€Š¾Š²Š°Ā», - коллега ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹, Яна Агафонова, вошла с благоГарной ŃƒŠ»Ń‹Š±ŠŗŠ¾Š¹. Та выГавила ŠøŠ· ŃŠµŠ±Ń ŃƒŠ»Ń‹Š±ŠŗŃƒ: Ā«ŠŸŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃƒŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š°Ā». Ā«Š”Š°Š»ŃŒŃˆŠµ я ŃŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š»ŃŽŃŃŒ сама. Тебе ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃƒŠµŃ‚ Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ Šø немного Š¾Ń‚Š“Š¾Ń…Š½ŃƒŃ‚ŃŒ, - Яна посмотрела на бумаги, разбросанные по полу, Šø ŠæŃ€ŠøŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š° брови. - Что зГесь ŠæŃ€Š¾ŠøŠ·Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾? ŠŸŠ¾Ń‡ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ всё Š²Š°Š»ŃŠµŃ‚ŃŃ на полу?Ā» Камила в панике отвела глаза Šø ответила: Ā«ŠžŠ¹, я ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ‡Š°Š¹Š½Š¾ ŃƒŃ€Š¾Š½ŠøŠ»Š° ŠøŃ…. ŠŸŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃƒŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š°, ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ±ŠµŃ€ŠøŃŃŒ зГесь. ŠÆ ŃƒŃŃ‚Š°Š»Š°, ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ пойГу». Яне ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»ŃŃ странным ответ ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹, но она не приГала ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ Š·Š½Š°Ń‡ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. ŠžŠ½Šø ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‰Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ, Šø женщина ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃ€Š°Ń‚ŃŒ разбросанные вещи. ŠžŠ½Š° еГва успела Š½Š°Ń‡Š°Ń‚ŃŒ, как в Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŃ… ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ²ŠøŠ»ŃŃ сам Гиректор Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹, а за ним - помощник Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ. Глава 2 Š§ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾ вины «Это врач, Š“ŠµŠ¶ŃƒŃ€ŠøŠ²ŃˆŠ°Ń вчера вечером, - сказал Гиректор Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹. - Доктор Яна Агафонова». Ассистент Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ, Денис ŠžŃ€Š»Š¾Š², Š²Š¾ŃˆŃ‘Š» в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ Šø посмотрел на Ń‚Š°Š±Š»ŠøŃ‡ŠŗŃƒ с именем на лабораторном халате Яны. Ā«ŠŸŠ¾Š¹Š“Ń‘Š¼Ń‚Šµ со мной». Яна была в Š·Š°Š¼ŠµŃˆŠ°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŃ‚Š²Šµ. «КуГа мы иГём?Ā» ŠŠ¾ Гиректор Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹ не захотел Š¾Ń‚Š²ŠµŃ‡Š°Ń‚ŃŒ на её вопрос. ŠžŠ½ с силой ŠæŠ¾Ń‚ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ» её за Ń€ŃƒŠŗŃƒ Šø сказал: Ā«ŠŸŃ€Š¾ŃŃ‚Š¾ пойГёмте. ŠŠµ Š·Š°ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š»ŃŠ¹Ń‚Šµ госпоГина ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š° Š¶Š“Š°Ń‚ŃŒĀ». Вскоре она оказалась в кабинете Гиректора Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹. Виталий сиГел на Гиване, его Ń…ŃƒŠ“Š¾Ń‰Š°Š²Š¾Šµ Šø Š¼ŃƒŃŠŗŃƒŠ»ŠøŃŃ‚Š¾Šµ тело Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠøŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š¾ŃŃŒ назаГ в Š½ŠµŠæŃ€ŠøŠ½ŃƒŠ¶Š“ённой позе, а Глинные ноги были скрещены переГ ним. ŠŃƒŠ¶Š½Š¾ было ŠøŠ¼ŠµŃ‚ŃŒ острый глаз Šø ŠæŃ€ŠøŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€ŠµŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ ŠæŠ¾Š²Š½ŠøŠ¼Š°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½ŠµŠµ, чтобы ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŃ‚ŃŒ, что его Š³ŃƒŠ±Ń‹ были блеГнее обычного. К ŃŃ‡Š°ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŽ, резкий запах Š“ŠµŠ·ŠøŠ½Ń„ŠøŃ†ŠøŃ€ŃƒŃŽŃ‰ŠµŠ³Š¾ среГства, которым были пропитаны стены Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹, скрывал запах Šŗ**ви на его коже. ŠžŠ½ был оГет в чистый чёрный ŠŗŠ¾ŃŃ‚ŃŽŠ¼, который также помог ŃŠŗŃ€Ń‹Ń‚ŃŒ красные ŠæŃŃ‚на, в противном ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ‡Š°Šµ Š²ŃŃ‚Ń€ŠµŠ²Š¾Š¶ŠøŠ²ŃˆŠøŠµ бы всех Š¾ŠŗŃ€ŃƒŠ¶Š°ŃŽŃ‰ŠøŃ…. Š’ его выражении лица Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ Š¶Ń‘ŃŃ‚ŠŗŠ¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Š°Ń так Šø говорила, Š±ŃƒŠ“Ń‚Š¾ он побывал в самом аГу, Šø что с ним не стоит ŃˆŃƒŃ‚ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ. Денис ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾ŃˆŃ‘Š» Šŗ Гивану Šø Š½Š°ŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½ŠøŠ»ŃŃ поближе, чтобы ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠµŠæŃ‚Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŽ на ŃƒŃ…Š¾: «ВиГеозаписи с камер Š½Š°Š±Š»ŃŽŠ“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾Š¹ ночи были намеренно поГГеланы, скорее всего, ŃŃ‚Š¾ сГелали ваши напаГавшие. ŠžŠ½Šø поГчистили слеГы Šø ŃƒŠ±Ń€Š°Š»Šø все возможные улики. Это Гоктор Яна Агафонова, Š“ŠµŠ¶ŃƒŃ€ŠøŠ²ŃˆŠ°Ń ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾Š¹ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒŃŽ. Директор Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹ сам поГтверГил ŃŃ‚Š¾. ŠÆ также перепроверил записи. Это Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š²ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ она». Только тогГа Виталий ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ» глаза. Š£ Яны резко перехватило Гыхание Šø она ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ»Š°, что переГ ней сам босс корпорации Ā«ŠŸŠ°Ń€Š°Š¼Š°ŃƒŠ½Ń‚Ā». «Вы тот человек, который помог мне ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾Š¹ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒŃŽ?Ā» - спросил Виталий, Š¾Š³Š»ŃŠ“Ń‹Š²Š°Ń её с головы Го ног. Яна тут же ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ³Š½ŃƒŠ»Š° голову, не Ń€ŠµŃˆŠ°ŃŃŃŒ Š²ŃŃ‚Ń€ŠµŃ‚ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ с грозным Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ом Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ń‹. «Да... Š­-ŃŃ‚Š¾ была ŃĀ», - она не совсем понимала, о чём иГёт Ń€ŠµŃ‡ŃŒ, но знала, что в её интересах войти в Говерие Šŗ Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŽ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ńƒ. ВыгоГа не заставит ŃŠµŠ±Ń Š¶Š“Š°Ń‚ŃŒ. Так ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ‡ŠøŠ»Š¾ŃŃŒ, что в Š¦ŠµŠ½Ń‚Ń€Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Š¾Š¼ военном госпитале ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃ€Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ Š¾Ń‚Š¾Š±Ń€Š°Ń‚ŃŒ канГиГатов Š“Š»Ń ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń…Š¾Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ практики. И Ń…Š¾Ń‚Ń ŃŃ‚Š¾ было обозначено как таковое, все в ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¹ отрасли знали, что интерны в конечном итоге Š±ŃƒŠ“ŃƒŃ‚ ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń‹ на Ń€Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚Ńƒ Šø Š“Š¾Š¶ŠøŠ²ŃƒŃ‚ Го конца своей ŠŗŠ°Ń€ŃŒŠµŃ€Ń‹ в ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼ ŃƒŃ‡Ń€ŠµŠ¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŠø. Если уж на то пошло, Š¦ŠµŠ½Ń‚Ń€Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¹ военный Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŃŒ имел Š“Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠæ Šŗ Ń€ŠµŃŃƒŃ€ŃŠ°Š¼, которые были намного Š»ŃƒŃ‡ŃˆŠµ, чем в ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¹ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Šµ. Яна планировала ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ с Виталием в наГежГе ŠøŃŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŒŠ·Š¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ его ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Šø, чтобы ŠæŠ¾ŠæŠ°ŃŃ‚ŃŒ в Š»ŃƒŃ‡ŃˆŃƒŃŽ Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ńƒ. «Я могу ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŠæŠµŠ½ŃŠøŃ€Š¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ тебе всем, чем ты Š·Š°Ń…Š¾Ń‡ŠµŃˆŃŒ, Гаже браком», - внезапно прервал её мысли холоГный голос Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ. Его лицо Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃŒ отстранённым, но Š¼Ń‹ŃŠ»ŃŒ о Š²Ń‡ŠµŃ€Š°ŃˆŠ½ŠµŠ¹ ночи ŃŠ¼ŃŠ³Ń‡ŠøŠ»Š° Š¶Ń‘ŃŃ‚ŠŗŃƒŃŽ Š»ŠøŠ½ŠøŃŽ его рта. «Что ж... ŠÆ...Ā» - ŃŃ‚Š¾ было Š½Š°ŃŃ‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ неожиГанно, чем Яна могла себе ŠæŃ€ŠµŠ“ŃŃ‚Š°Š²ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ, что она с Ń‚Ń€ŃƒŠ“Š¾Š¼ могла ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾Š±Ń€Š°Ń‚ŃŒ слова. Ā«ŠŸŃ€ŠøŃ…Š¾Š“Šø ко мне, как Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ¼ŠµŃˆŃŒ Ń€ŠµŃˆŠµŠ½ŠøŠµĀ», - встал Виталий Šø жестом попросил Дениса Š“Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ей свой контактный телефон. Директор Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹ поспешил Šø преГложил Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŽ ŠæŃ€Š¾Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ его Šŗ Š²Ń‹Ń…Š¾Š“Ńƒ. «В ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼ нет необхоГимости», - Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»ŃŃ тот, Šø всё его повеГение снова стало холоГным. Затем он Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»ŃŃ, как Š±ŃƒŠ“то его кое-что осенило. ŠžŠ½ Š¾Š±ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»ŃŃ Šŗ Š“ŠøŃ€ŠµŠŗŃ‚Š¾Ń€Ńƒ Šø сказал: Ā«ŠŸŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃƒŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š°, ŠæŠ¾Š·Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚ŃŒŃ‚ŠµŃŃŒ о ней». Ā«ŠšŠ¾Š½ŠµŃ‡Š½Š¾Ā», - заверил его Гиректор Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹ с вежливой ŃƒŠ»Ń‹Š±ŠŗŠ¾Š¹. УбеГившись, что они Š½Š°Ń…Š¾Š“ŃŃ‚ŃŃ вне преГелов ŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠøŠ¼Š¾ŃŃ‚Šø, Денис ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾ŃˆŃ‘Š» Šŗ Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŽ. Ā«ŠŠ°Ń‡Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŠŗ, - Š¾Š±Ń€Š°Ń‚ŠøŠ»ŃŃ он тихим, но Š½Š°ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¼ голосом, - вы веГь уже женаты. ŠÆ не Š“ŃƒŠ¼Š°ŃŽ, что брак ŃŠ²Š»ŃŠµŃ‚ŃŃ приемлемым вариантом Š“Š»Ń госпожи Агафоновой. Вам ŃŠ»ŠµŠ“ŃƒŠµŃ‚ Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ от ŃŃ‚Š¾Š³Š¾ ŠæŃ€ŠµŠ“Š»Š¾Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃĀ». Š“ŃƒŠ±Ń‹ Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ Š“Ń‘Ń€Š½ŃƒŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ при упоминании о его браке, а лицо ещё больше помрачнело, когГа он поГумал о женщине, на которой его заставили Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ. «Тебе что, Š¶ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ наГоело?Ā» - пригрозил он своему ŠæŠ¾Š¼Š¾Ń‰Š½ŠøŠŗŃƒ. Тот ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ», что сказал то, чего не слеГовало, Šø тут же заГрожал. Š’ ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ момент он не знал, кто больше всего злит его босса - Š½Š¾Š²Š°Ń невеста или человек, ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŃ‰ŠøŠ¹ за Š²Ń‡ŠµŃ€Š°ŃˆŠ½ŠøŠ¼ напаГением. Тем временем Камилла Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ на виллу, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€ŃƒŃŽ Голжна была Š“ŠµŠ»ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ с мужем. Экономка среГних лет, Š’ŠøŠŗŃ‚Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ Романова, встретила её в фойе, на её лице было написано беспокойство. Ā«ŠŸŠ¾Ń‡ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ вас не было вчера вечером, госпожа?Ā» «Я Голжна была ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¼ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ коллегу», - ответила та. Её глаза были ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŃ€Š°ŃŠ½ŠµŠ²ŃˆŠøŠ¼Šø Šø слезились от ŃƒŃŃ‚Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃ‚Šø. УвиГев ŃŃ‚Š¾, Š’ŠøŠŗŃ‚Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ Ń€ŠµŃˆŠøŠ»Š° не Š½Š°ŃŃ‚Š°ŠøŠ²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ на своём. Камилла ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ наверх Šø ŠæŠ¾Š³Ń€ŃƒŠ·ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в ванну. Её мысли невольно Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ Šŗ ŠæŃ€ŠµŠ“Ń‹Š“ŃƒŃ‰ŠµŠ¹ ночи, Šø она ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š°, как её щёки начали Š³Š¾Ń€ŠµŃ‚ŃŒ. ŠžŠ½Š° Š²Š·Š“Š¾Ń…Š½ŃƒŠ»Š° Šø ŠæŠ¾Š³Ń€ŃƒŠ·ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в воГу, как бы ŃŠæŠ°ŃŠ°ŃŃŃŒ от тревожных воспоминаний. Её Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š° по ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ повоГу были ŃŠ¼ŠµŃˆŠ°Š½Š½Ń‹Š¼Šø, Šø она не знала, с чего Š½Š°Ń‡Š°Ń‚ŃŒ. ŠžŠ½Š° Гаже не ŠæŃ€ŠµŠ“ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š»ŃŠ»Š°, что ŃŃ‚Š¾ был за человек. Более того, она Ń‚ŠµŠæŠµŃ€ŃŒ была замужем. ŠžŃ‚ ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¹ мысли она ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š° вину. ŠŠµŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€Ń на Š¾Š±ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŃ‚Š²Š°, которые привели ŠøŃ… Šŗ Š½Ń‹Š½ŠµŃˆŠ½ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ ŠæŠ¾Š»Š¾Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃŽ, факт Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š°Š»ŃŃ фактом: она Šø Виталий ŃŠ²Š»ŃŃŽŃ‚ŃŃ мужем Šø женой. Камилла Š²Ń‹ŃˆŠ»Š° ŠøŠ· ванны, оГелась Šø снова ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ³Š¾Ń‚Š¾Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ Šŗ Š²Ń‹Ń…Š¾Š“Ńƒ. Как Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ она ŃŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ вниз, Š’ŠøŠŗŃ‚Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ тут же Š·Š°ŃŃƒŠµŃ‚ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ Š²Š¾ŠŗŃ€ŃƒŠ³ неё: «Вы Š¾ŠæŃŃ‚ŃŒ ŃƒŃ…Š¾Š“ŠøŃ‚Šµ так скоро? ŠŸŠ¾Ń‡ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ бы вам сначала не ŠæŠ¾Š·Š°Š²Ń‚Ń€Š°ŠŗŠ°Ń‚ŃŒ?Ā» Та посмотрела на Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń. Ā«ŠŠµŃ‚, я Š¾ŠæŠ¾Š·Š“Š°ŃŽ на Ń€Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚ŃƒĀ». Š’ŠøŠŗŃ‚Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ знала, что Камилла врач, ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ она понимала, что Š“Š»Ń ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¹ молоГой Гевушки ŃŠ²Š»ŃŠµŃ‚ŃŃ нормой ŠæŃ€Š¾Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ на работе Š½ŠµŃƒŠ¼ŠµŃ€ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Šµ количество времени. ТогГа она ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‚ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š° ей стакан молока: «Выпейте Ń…Š¾Ń‚Ń бы ŃŃ‚Š¾. ŠžŃŃ‚Š¾Ń€Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾, оно Š³Š¾Ń€ŃŃ‡ŠµŠµĀ». «Дпасибо», - тихо произнесла Гевушка, ŃŠ¾Š³Ń€ŠµŃ‚Š°Ń заботой ŃŠŗŠ¾Š½Š¾Š¼ŠŗŠø. Ā«ŠŠµ за что», - Š»ŃŽŠ±ŠµŠ·Š½Š¾ ŃƒŠ»Ń‹Š±Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ ŃŠŗŠ¾Š½Š¾Š¼ŠŗŠ°. Возможно, ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ брак Šø был Š²Ń‹Š½ŃƒŠ¶Š“енным, но она Гостаточно Ń…Š¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠ¾ знала, что Š½ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ·Ń ŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€ŠµŃ‚ŃŒ на Камиллу свысока. Даже без Ń‚ŠøŃ‚ŃƒŠ»Š° жены Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š° Камилла - ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń„ŠµŃŃŠøŠ¾Š½Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¹ врач, Šø ŃŃ‚Š¾ Гелает её более чем Гостойной ŃƒŠ²Š°Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ. Допив молоко, Камилла Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»Š° стакан Виктории Šø Š½Š°ŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ Šŗ Š²Ń‹Ń…Š¾Š“Ńƒ. ŠžŠ“Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾ она не пошла ŃŃ€Š°Š·Ńƒ в ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ отГыха персонала. ŠžŠ½Š° Š²Ń‹ŃˆŠ»Š° ŠøŠ· Гома ŠæŠ¾Ń€Š°Š½ŃŒŃˆŠµ, ŠæŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ что ей нужно было зайти в стационар. Её Š¼Š°Ń‚ŃŒ была помещена в отГеление интенсивной терапии. Камилла молча вошла в ŠæŠ°Š»Š°Ń‚Ńƒ Šø проверила ŃŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠµ матери. Женщина по-ŠæŃ€ŠµŠ¶Š½ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ Š½Š°Ń…Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в плохом ŃŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠø. ДерГце Гевушки заныло. Её Š¼Š°Ń‚ŃŒ страГала от серГечной неГостаточности Šø Š½Š°Ń…Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в критическом ŃŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠø. ЕГинственным способом ŃŠ¾Ń…Ń€Š°Š½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ жизнь матери была пересаГка серГца, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Š°Ń, естественно, обошлась бы в целое ŃŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŠ½ŠøŠµ. ŠžŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š½Š¾Š¹ причиной, по которой Камилла согласилась на брак, было то, что её отец ŃƒŠ³Ń€Š¾Š¶Š°Š» ŃƒŠ“ŠµŃ€Š¶Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Геньги, необхоГимые Š“Š»Ń операции. Š¢ŠµŠæŠµŃ€ŃŒ, когГа она Š²Ń‹ŃˆŠ»Š° замуж, как того требовал её отец, всё, что им было нужно, ŃŃ‚Š¾ найти ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń…Š¾Š“ŃŃ‰ŠµŠ³Š¾ Гонора серГца. Камилла бросила Š³Š¾Ń€ŃŒŠŗŠøŠ¹ Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ на Š¼Š°Ń‚ŃŒ: «Мама, я Ń‚ŠµŠ±Ń Š²Ń‹Š»ŠµŃ‡Ńƒ. ŠÆ Š¾Š±ŠµŃ‰Š°ŃŽĀ». Её Š¼Š°Ń‚ŃŒ была самым близким человеком, её главной поГГержкой Šø наГёжным Говеренным лицом. ŠŠµŠ¾Š¶ŠøŠ“Š°Š½Š½Š¾ зазвонил телефон. Š”ŠµŠ²ŃƒŃˆŠŗŠ° Гостала телефон ŠøŠ· кармана Šø ответила на звонок. «Мила, - Ń€Š°Š·Š“Š°Š»ŃŃ мужской голос. - Мне нужно, чтобы ты оказала мне оГну услугу». Глава 3 Частный пациент Камилле позвонил ФёГор Фальков. ŠžŠ½Šø ŃƒŃ‡ŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ в оГном меГицинском ŃƒŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ€ŃŠøŃ‚ŠµŃ‚Šµ, Ń…Š¾Ń‚Ń он был на Гва гоГа ŃŃ‚Š°Ń€ŃˆŠµ её. Затем он ŃƒŠµŃ…Š°Š» за Š³Ń€Š°Š½ŠøŃ†Ńƒ, чтобы ŠæŃ€Š¾Š“Š¾Š»Š¶ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ Š¾Š±ŃƒŃ‡ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ, Šø Ń‚ŠµŠæŠµŃ€ŃŒ был известным ŃŠŗŃŠæŠµŃ€Ń‚Š¾Š¼ в своей области. ФёГор всегГа Ń…Š¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠ¾ Š·Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚ŠøŠ»ŃŃ о Камилле, ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ они были Говольно близки. Ā«Šž какой услуге иГёт Ń€ŠµŃ‡ŃŒ?Ā» - ŠæŃ€ŃŠ¼Š¾ спросила Камилла. «У Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠµŃŃ‚ŃŒ пациент, Š½ŃƒŠ¶Š“Š°ŃŽŃ‰ŠøŠ¹ŃŃ в лечении, оГнако у Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŠ¾ŃŠ²ŠøŠ»Š¾ŃŃŒ неотложное Гело, Šø я не Š“ŃƒŠ¼Š°ŃŽ, что смогу Š·Š°Š½ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ ŃŃ‚ŠøŠ¼ в ближайшее Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń. ŠŸŠ¾Š¶Š°Š»ŃƒŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š°, возьми пациента поГ своё крыло», - попросил ФёГор. Камила Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š° на своё расписание. Š”ŠµŠ³Š¾Š“Š½Ń у неё не было Гел в офисе, Šø, если не ŃŃ‡ŠøŃ‚Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š“Š²ŃƒŃ… операций, запланированных на полГень, она была практически свобоГна. «Да, конечно. КуГа мне ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠŠµŃ…Š°Ń‚ŃŒ?Ā» - спросила Камилла. «Я напишу тебе аГрес. КогГа Š“Š¾Š±ŠµŃ€Ń‘ŃˆŃŒŃŃ Ń‚ŃƒŠ“Š°, просто скажи охранникам, что ты приехала Šŗ госпоГину Калашникову, Šø они обо всём ŠæŠ¾Š·Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚ŃŃ‚ŃŃĀ», - ответил ФёГор. Ā«Š”Š¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€ŠøŠ»ŠøŃŃŒĀ», - ответила Гевушка. «Ещё кое-что, - Гобавил ФёГор, Šø его тон стал ŃŠµŃ€ŃŒŃ‘Š·Š½Ń‹Š¼. - ŠŠøŠŗŠ¾Š³Š“Š° никому об ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼ не говори Šø не заГавай Š»ŠøŃˆŠ½ŠøŃ… вопросов. Всё, что тебе нужно ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»Š°Ń‚ŃŒ, ŃŃ‚Š¾ Š²Ń‹Š»ŠµŃ‡ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ пациента». «Ясно. ŠŠµ Š²Š¾Š»Š½ŃƒŠ¹ŃŃĀ», - ответила Камилла. ŠžŠ½Šø ŠæŠ¾ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‰Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ, Šø Камилла вызвала такси, чтобы Š“Š¾Š±Ń€Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ Šŗ ŠæŠ°Ń†ŠøŠµŠ½Ń‚Ńƒ. ŠœŠµŃŃ‚Š¾ оказалось в престижном районе, заполненном виллами, оснащёнными системами безопасности Š²Ń‹ŃŃˆŠµŠ³Š¾ ŃƒŃ€Š¾Š²Š½Ń. Как Šø ожиГалось, на вхоГе Гевушка ŃŃ‚Š¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ с ŃŃƒŃ€Š¾Š²Š¾Š¹ охраной. Камилла послеГовала ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń€ŃƒŠŗŃ†ŠøŃŠ¼ Šø ŃƒŠæŠ¾Š¼ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š° госпоГина Калашникова. ДГелав звонок, чтобы ŃƒŠ±ŠµŠ“ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ в правГивости её слов, охранник пригласил Камиллу Š²Š½ŃƒŃ‚Ń€ŃŒ. Š”ŠµŠ²ŃƒŃˆŠŗŠ° легко нашла виллу. ŠžŠ½Š° ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ по ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠæŠµŠ½ŃŒŠŗŠ°Š¼ Šø позвонила в Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ. Через несколько секунГ Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŃ€Ń‹Š»Š°ŃŃŒ. Казалось, что ŃŠøŃ‚ŃƒŠ°Ń†ŠøŃ Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š²ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ была срочной. Денис Š½Š°Ń…Š¼ŃƒŃ€ŠøŠ»ŃŃ. ŠžŠ½Šø жГали ФёГора, но вместо ŃŃ‚Š¾Š³Š¾ на пороге оказалась Š½ŠµŠ·Š²Š°Š½Š°Ń Š³Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃ. Ā«ŠŸŃ€Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠøŃ‚Šµ, вы…» - начала Гевушка. Из указаний ФёГора Камилла уже сГелала вывоГ, что ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ пациент ценит своё личное пространство, Šø чтобы ŠøŠ·Š±ŠµŠ¶Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š½ŠµŠæŃ€ŠøŃŃ‚Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠµŠ¹, она сочла Ń€Š°Š·ŃƒŠ¼Š½Ń‹Š¼ Š½Š°Š“ŠµŃ‚ŃŒ маску. Š‘ŠµŠ·Š¾ŠæŠ°ŃŠ½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ была в приоритете. «Доктор Фальков попросил Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŃ€ŠøŠµŃ…Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŃŃŽŠ“Š°Ā», - сказала Камилла. Денис мельком Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ» на Š°ŠæŃ‚ŠµŃ‡ŠŗŃƒ, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€ŃƒŃŽ она Гержала: «Вы знаете, что Š“ŠµŠ»Š°Ń‚ŃŒ?Ā» «Да, Гоктор Фальков Гал мне ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń€ŃƒŠŗŃ†ŠøŠø. ŠÆ ŃŠ¾Ń…Ń€Š°Š½ŃŽ всё в строгой ŠŗŠ¾Š½Ń„ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ½Ń†ŠøŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠøĀ», - ответила Гевушка. Денис знал, что ФёГор не переГал бы свои Š¾Š±ŃŠ·Š°Š½Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚Šø Ń‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ, кто не Š·Š°ŃŠ»ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŠ²Š°ŠµŃ‚ Š“Š¾Š²ŠµŃ€ŠøŃ или некомпетентен, ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ ŃƒŃ‚Š²ŠµŃ€Š“ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ кивнул Šø Š²ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ» Камиллу. ŠžŠ½ провёл её мимо Ń€Š¾ŃŠŗŠ¾ŃˆŠ½Š¾Š¹ гостиной, затем вверх по лестнице в ŃŠæŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½ŃŽ. Š’ комнате было темно. «Как я буГу ŠæŃ€Š¾Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ лечение без света?Ā» - спросила Камилла. КогГа Виталий ŃƒŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š» женский голос, то поспешно схватил свой пиГжак Šø Š½Š°Ń‚ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ» его на лицо. Ā«Š’ŠŗŠ»ŃŽŃ‡Šø свет», - приказал он сквозь Ń‚ŠŗŠ°Š½ŃŒ. Денис Ń‰Ń‘Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŠ» Š²Ń‹ŠŗŠ»ŃŽŃ‡Š°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŠµŠ¼, Šø ŠŗŠ¾Š¼Š½Š°Ń‚Ńƒ залил ŃŃ€ŠŗŠøŠ¹ свет. ŠŸŠµŃ€Š²Š¾Š¹ Š¼Ń‹ŃŠ»ŃŒŃŽ ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹ было то, что голос пациента был Говольно знакомым, оГнако она Š¾Ń‚Š¼Š°Ń…Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ от ŃŃ‚ŠøŃ… мыслей. ŠžŠ½Š° увиГела человека, лежащего на кровати, чья Š±ŠµŠ»Š°Ń ŠæŠ°Ń€Š°Š“Š½Š°Ń Ń€ŃƒŠ±Š°ŃˆŠŗŠ° была в ŠæŃŃ‚нах Гавно Š·Š°ŃŠ¾Ń…ŃˆŠµŠ¹ крови. Камилла не хотела Š²Š“Š°Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ в поГробности Šø Ń€ŠµŃˆŠøŠ»Š° ŃŠ¾ŃŃ€ŠµŠ“Š¾Ń‚Š¾Ń‡ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ на ранах. ŠœŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° ŃŠ²Š½Š¾ не хотел Š²Ń‹Š“Š°Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š»ŠøŃ‡Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒ, ŠæŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ Гевушка естественным образом уважала его границы Šø вела ŃŠµŠ±Ń прилично. ŠžŠ½Š° поставила ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š°ŠæŃ‚ŠµŃ‡ŠŗŃƒ на Ń‚ŃƒŠ¼Š±Š¾Ń‡ŠŗŃƒ Šø Гостала Ń…ŠøŃ€ŃƒŃ€Š³ŠøŃ‡ŠµŃŠŗŠøŠµ ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń€ŃƒŠ¼ŠµŠ½Ń‚Ń‹. Камилла ножницами разрезала Ń€ŃƒŠ±Š°ŃˆŠŗŃƒ пациента, обнажив его раны, которые были покрыты тонким слоем марли. ŠžŠ½Š° ŃƒŠ±Ń€Š°Š»Š° всё Šø, наконец, увиГела Гве Š·ŠøŃŃŽŃ‰ŠøŠµ раны на правой стороне торса Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ń‹. Камилла начала лечение, обработав раны своими ловкими Ń€ŃƒŠŗŠ°Š¼Šø. Всё ŃŃ‚Š¾ Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń она Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ спокойной, а её Š“Š²ŠøŠ¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ были быстрыми Šø ŃŃ„Ń„ŠµŠŗŃ‚ŠøŠ²Š½Ń‹Š¼Šø. Ā«Š•ŃŃ‚ŃŒ ли у вас Š°Š»Š»ŠµŃ€Š³ŠøŃ на Š°Š½ŠµŃŃ‚ŠµŠ·ŠøŃŽ?Ā» - спросила она через некоторое Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń. К ŃŃ‡Š°ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŽ, раны были неглубокие Šø повреГили лишь Š½ŠµŠ±Š¾Š»ŃŒŃˆŃƒŃŽ Ń‡Š°ŃŃ‚ŃŒ кожи, оГнако Ń‚Ń€ŠµŠ±Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃŒ Ń…ŠøŃ€ŃƒŃ€Š³ŠøŃ‡ŠµŃŠŗŠ¾Šµ Š²Š¼ŠµŃˆŠ°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŃ‚Š²Š¾. ŠŸŃ€Š¾Ń†ŠµŃŃ требовал ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ¼ŠµŠ½ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ местной анестезии. Камилла говорила спокойно, почти тихо, что резко контрастировало с её Š±ŠµŠ·ŃƒŠ¼Š½Ń‹Š¼ голосом ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾Š¹ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒŃŽ. ŠŸŠ¾ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ńƒ, Š½ŠµŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€Ń на обмен несколькими словами, Виталий совсем не узнал её. Ā«ŠŠµŃ‚Ā», - сказал он своим обычным холоГным голосом, про ŃŠµŠ±Ń Š²Š¾ŃŃ…Š²Š°Š»ŃŃ её профессионализм. Камилла ŠæŃ€ŠøŃŃ‚ŃƒŠæŠøŠ»Š° Šŗ ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ³Š¾Ń‚Š¾Š²Š»ŠµŠ½ŠøŃŽ анестезии, а затем ввела её в Š¾Š±Š»Š°ŃŃ‚ŃŒ Š²Š¾ŠŗŃ€ŃƒŠ³ ран. Им ŠæŃ€ŠøŃˆŠ»Š¾ŃŃŒ ŠæŠ¾Š“Š¾Š¶Š“Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŠæŠ°Ń€Ńƒ Š¼ŠøŠ½ŃƒŃ‚, пока Š½Š°Ń‡Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃŒ Гействие препарата, после чего она наложила ŃˆŠ²Ń‹. ŠŸŃ€ŠøŠ¼ŠµŃ€Š½Š¾ через час Камилла наконец закончила. Š’ целом, лечение ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾ быстро Šø успешно. Камилла посмотрела на свои ок**вавленные Ń€ŃƒŠŗŠø Šø сказала: «Мне нужно в ŃƒŠ±Š¾Ń€Š½ŃƒŃŽĀ». «Вы можете ŠøŃŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŒŠ·Š¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ту, что внизу», - ответил Денис. Камилла поспешно покинула ŃŠæŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½ŃŽ. УбеГившись, что Гевушка Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ на первый ŃŃ‚Š°Š¶, Денис закрыл Š“Š²ŠµŃ€ŃŒ Šø поспешил Šŗ Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŽ. «Я узнал, что банГиты, напавшие на вас вчера, поГосланы Артёмом. ŠžŠ½, Š²ŠµŃ€Š¾ŃŃ‚Š½Š¾, Š¾Ń‚Ń‡Š°ŃŠ½Š½Š¾ хочет ŠøŠ·Š±Š°Š²ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ от вас, особенно после того, как вы вычислили его шпионов в вашей компании», - сказал Денис. Виталий застонал от боли, ŃƒŃŠ°Š¶ŠøŠ²Š°ŃŃŃŒ, а затем ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń‚ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ»ŃŃ Šŗ ŠŗŃ€Š°ŃŽ кровати Šø Š¾ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ» ноги на пол. ŠžŠ½ Š²Ń‹Š³Š»ŃŠ“ŠµŠ» слабым, но его глаза Š²ŃŠæŃ‹Ń…Š½ŃƒŠ»Šø опасным блеском. ŠœŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° перевёл ŠæŃ€Š¾Š½Š·ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¹ Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ на своего помощника. «Эта женщина, на которой я был Š²Ń‹Š½ŃƒŠ¶Š“ен Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ, имеет какое-либо Š¾Ń‚Š½Š¾ŃˆŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ Šŗ ŠŃ€Ń‚Ń‘Š¼Ńƒ?Ā» - спросил он. Денис понизил голос: Ā«ŠŠ° самом Геле, Артём ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Š°Š»ŃŃ с вашим тестем, ŠœŠøŃ€Š¾Š½Š¾Š¼. ŠžŠ½ ŃŃ‚Ń€ŠµŠ¼ŠøŠ»ŃŃ Š²Ń‹Š“Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š“Š¾Ń‡ŃŒ замуж за члена семьи ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Ń‹Ń…, но, похоже, никогГа не рассматривал вашего кузена Š˜Š»ŃŒŃŽ, как ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń…Š¾Š“ŃŃ‰ŠµŠ³Š¾ канГиГата. Должно Š±Ń‹Ń‚ŃŒ, Артём Š“Š¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€ŠøŠ»ŃŃ с ним». Ā«ŠžŠ½ не перестаёт Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŃƒŠ“ŠøŠ²Š»ŃŃ‚ŃŒ кажГый Гень. Š” моей стороны Š±ŃƒŠ“ŠµŃ‚ не вежливо ŠæŃ€Š¾Š¼Š¾Š»Ń‡Š°Ń‚ŃŒ в ответ», - сказал Виталий. За Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń Š¾Ń‚ŃŃƒŃ‚ŃŃ‚Š²ŠøŃ Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ, в гороГе ŠæŃ€Š¾ŠøŠ·Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾ много событий, в которых был замешан Š˜Š»ŃŒŃ. «Я ŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š», что у Ильи ŠµŃŃ‚ŃŒ Š·Š°Ń…ŃƒŠ“Š°Š»Ń‹Š¹ бар "Шарм" на ŃƒŠ»ŠøŃ†Šµ ŠŃ€Š±Š°Ń‚ŃŠŗŠ°ŃĀ», - ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń‚ŃŠ½ŃƒŠ» Виталий. Денис всё ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ» с полуслова. «Да, поскольку шпионов выгнали ŠøŠ· компании, ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ клуб стал ŠøŃ… еГинственным источником ГохоГа, Šø если его Š·Š°ŠŗŃ€Š¾ŃŽŃ‚, то им ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ“Ń‘Ń‚ŃŃ Говольно Ń‚ŃƒŠ³Š¾Ā», - сказал Денис. «Помоги им в ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼Ā», - сказал Виталий, Šø его голос стал на Š¾ŠŗŃ‚Š°Š²Ńƒ ниже. Денис ŃŃ‚Š¾Š»ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŠ»ŃŃ с Камиллой, когГа ŃŠæŃƒŃŠŗŠ°Š»ŃŃ вниз. ŠžŠ½ преГположил, что ФёГор ŠæŃ€Š¾ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń€ŃƒŠŗŃ‚ŠøŃ€Š¾Š²Š°Š» Гевушку заранее, оГнако Ń€ŠµŃˆŠøŠ» немного её Š½Š°ŠæŃƒŠ³Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š“Š»Ń большего ŃŃ„Ń„ŠµŠŗŃ‚Š°: «Если вы расскажете об ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼ кому-нибуГь, вас настигнет ŃƒŠ¶Š°ŃŠ½Š°Ń ŃŠ¼ŠµŃ€Ń‚ŃŒĀ», - сказал он. Если ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ… о травмах Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ ГойГёт Го Артёма или его сына Ильи, они Š¾Š±ŃŠ·Š°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ ŠæŠ¾Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŃ‚ ŃŃ‚Š¾ в ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ пользу. Камилла кивнула: «Я ŃŠ¾Ń…Ń€Š°Š½ŃŽ ŃŃ‚Š¾ в тайне. ŠÆ Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ возьму ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š°ŠæŃ‚ŠµŃ‡ŠŗŃƒ Šø немеГленно уйГу». КогГа Гевушка Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в ŃŠæŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½ŃŽ, то Š¾Š±Š½Š°Ń€ŃƒŠ¶ŠøŠ»Š° Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ńƒ, ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŃ‰ŠµŠ³Š¾ у окна напротив Гвери. ŠžŠ½ ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŠ» Šŗ ней спиной, оГнако Гевушка могла Ń€Š°ŃŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€ŠµŃ‚ŃŒ его ŃˆŠøŃ€Š¾ŠŗŠøŠµ плечи Šø Š¼ŃƒŃŠŗŃƒŠ»ŠøŃŃ‚ŃƒŃŽ спину. Его тело было стройным, просто ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¼. «Вы разве не ушли?Ā» - спросил Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° Š½Š°ŃŠ¼ŠµŃˆŠ»ŠøŠ²Ń‹Š¼ голосом. ŠžŠ½ не Š¾Š±ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»ŃŃ, но каким-то образом ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠ», что она смотрит на него. Возможно, он ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŃƒŠ²ŃŃ‚Š²Š¾Š²Š°Š» её Š³Š¾Ń€ŃŃ‡ŠøŠ¹ Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“. Камилла ŃŠ¼ŃƒŃ‰Ń‘Š½Š½Š¾ Š¾ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ»Š° голову. Как бы ей не Ń…Š¾Ń‚ŠµŠ»Š¾ŃŃŒ ŃŃ‚Š¾ ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ·Š½Š°Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ, но ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° заинтересовал её. Глава 4 Дтажировка Камилла, Š¾ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ² голову, торопливо Š²Š·ŃŠ»Š° ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š°ŠæŃ‚ŠµŃ‡ŠŗŃƒ. ŠŸŃ€Š¾Ń‡ŠøŃŃ‚ŠøŠ² горло, она Гала Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Šµ несколько указаний. Как бы там ни было, она всё же была врачом. «Вам Š½ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ·Ń пока Š¼Š¾Ń‡ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ свои раны. Š”ŠµŠ·ŠøŠ½Ń„ŠøŃ†ŠøŃ€ŃƒŠ¹Ń‚Šµ ŠøŃ… раз в Гень Šø носите свобоГные Ń€ŃƒŠ±Š°ŃˆŠŗŠø, чтобы не Ń€Š°Š·Š“Ń€Š°Š¶Š°Ń‚ŃŒ раны». ŠžŠ½Š° поставила Š±ŃƒŃ‚Ń‹Š»Š¾Ń‡ŠŗŃƒ с таблетками Šø Ń‚ŃŽŠ±ŠøŠŗ с Š¼Š°Š·ŃŒŃŽ на Ń‚ŃƒŠ¼Š±Š¾Ń‡ŠŗŃƒ. «Я Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š»ŃŃŽ вам ŃŃ‚Šø лекарства». Виталий что-то пробормотал в знак ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ·Š½Š°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ŃŃ‚Šø, но не Š¾Š±ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»ŃŃ. Камилла тоже больше ничего не сказала Šø ŃŃ€Š°Š·Ńƒ же покинула виллу. КогГа она Š²ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ńƒ, было уже почти Š¾Š“ŠøŠ½Š½Š°Š“Ń†Š°Ń‚ŃŒ Š“Š½Ń. ŠžŠ½Š° Š½Š°ŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в ŃŃ‚Š¾Š»Š¾Š²ŃƒŃŽ, чтобы ŠæŠµŃ€ŠµŠŗŃƒŃŠøŃ‚ŃŒ. ЕГва ŃƒŃŃ‚Ń€Š¾ŠøŠ²ŃˆŠøŃŃŒ за своим столом, её вызвали в кабинет главврача. «Я Š¾Ń‚ŠæŃ€Š°Š²Š»ŃŃŽ Яну в Š¦ŠµŠ½Ń‚Ń€Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¹ военный Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŃŒ на ŃŃ‚Š°Š¶ŠøŃ€Š¾Š²ŠŗŃƒĀ», - сказал главврач тоном, не Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŠæŃŃ‰ŠøŠ¼ возражений. Камилла была ŠæŠ¾Ń‚Ń€ŃŃŠµŠ½Š° Šø сказала: Ā«ŠŠ¾ я Гумала, что вы уже Ń€ŠµŃˆŠøŠ»Šø Š¾Ń‚ŠæŃ€Š°Š²ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń?Ā» «Камилла, я ŃƒŠ²ŠµŃ€ŠµŠ½, что ты знаешь о том, что всё высокотехнологичное Š¾Š±Š¾Ń€ŃƒŠ“ование нашей Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹ ŃŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŠøŃ€Š¾Š²Š°Š»Š¾ŃŃŒ корпорацией "ŠŸŠ°Ń€Š°Š¼Š°ŃƒŠ½Ń‚". ŠŸŃ€ŠµŠ·ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ½Ń‚ ŠŠ¾Š²ŠøŠŗŠ¾Š² лично попросил Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠæŠ¾Š·Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ о Яне. ŠÆ не могу ŠæŠ¾Š·Š²Š¾Š»ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ себе пойти против его воли». Камилла Š¾Ń‰ŠµŃ‚ŠøŠ½ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ при упоминании имени Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ. Š„Š¾Ń‚Ń они Šø были Š¾Ń„ŠøŃ†ŠøŠ°Š»ŃŒŠ½Š¾ женаты, но они никогГа не Š²ŃŃ‚Ń€ŠµŃ‡Š°Š»ŠøŃŃŒ. ŠžŠ½Š° виГела Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ńƒ Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ в Š¶ŃƒŃ€Š½Š°Š»Š°Ń… Šø иногГа в Š½Š¾Š²Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŃ… по Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŠµŠ²ŠøŠ·Š¾Ń€Ńƒ. Значит, он Šø Яна? ДерГце ŠšŠ°Š¼ŠøŠ»Š»Ń‹ Ń‘ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŠ»Š¾, но она Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ спокойной. «Вот как?Ā» «Да, Š±Š¾ŃŽŃŃŒ, у Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Š°Š½Ń‹ Ń€ŃƒŠŗŠø. Послушай, Камилла, мы оба знаем о твоих ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŃ…, но...Ā» - главврач хотел ŃƒŃŠæŠ¾ŠŗŠ¾ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ Гевушку, но не знал, как. Камилла Š²Ń‹Š“ŠµŠ»ŃŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ среГи своих сверстников Š±Š»Š°Š³Š¾Š“Š°Ń€Ń Š½ŠµŠ²ŠµŃ€Š¾ŃŃ‚Š½Š¾Š¼Ńƒ Ń‚Š°Š»Š°Š½Ń‚Ńƒ Šø ŠæŃ€Š¾Ń„ŠµŃŃŠøŠ¾Š½Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Š¾Š¹ ŃŃ‚ŠøŠŗŠµ. Главврач ценил её больше всех Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Ń…. «Я ŠæŠ¾Š½ŠøŠ¼Š°ŃŽĀ», - пробормотала Камилла себе поГ нос. Š”ŠµŠ²ŃƒŃˆŠŗŠ° говорила себе, что она была не в том положении, чтобы Ń€Š°ŃŃŃ‚Ń€Š°ŠøŠ²Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ ŠøŠ·-за Š²Š¼ŠµŃˆŠ°Ń‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŃ‚Š²Š° Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃ. ŠžŠ½ был Š²Ń‹Š½ŃƒŠ¶Š“ен Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ на ней, Šø, естественно, она не могла Ń€Š°ŃŃŃ‡ŠøŃ‚Ń‹Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒ на то, что он Š±ŃƒŠ“ет Š·Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ о ней. «Мне ещё нужно ŠæŠ¾Š“Š³Š¾Ń‚Š¾Š²ŠøŃ‚ŃŒŃŃ Šŗ операции, так что я пойГу», - смиренным голосом сказала Гевушка. Камилла понимала, что ничего не может ŃŠ“ŠµŠ»Š°Ń‚ŃŒ, чтобы ŠøŠ·Š¼ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ ŃŠøŃ‚ŃƒŠ°Ń†ŠøŃŽ. Главврач просто Š²Š·Š“Š¾Ń…Š½ŃƒŠ» Šø смотрел, как она ŃƒŃ…Š¾Š“ŠøŃ‚. Камилла с ŃŠ½Ń‚ŃƒŠ·ŠøŠ°Š·Š¼Š¾Š¼ ŠæŠ¾Š³Ń€ŃƒŠ·ŠøŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ в Ń€Š°Š±Š¾Ń‚Ńƒ, ŠæŃ‹Ń‚Š°ŃŃŃŒ не Š“ŃƒŠ¼Š°Ń‚ŃŒ о стажировке. ŠžŠ½Š° без заминки провела ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š²Ń‚Š¾Ń€ŃƒŃŽ Š¾ŠæŠµŃ€Š°Ń†ŠøŃŽ, затем ŃŠ½ŃŠ»Š° ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Ń…ŠøŃ€ŃƒŃ€Š³ŠøŃ‡ŠµŃŠŗŃƒŃŽ Ń„Š¾Ń€Š¼Ńƒ Šø, посмотрев вверх, ŃƒŃŃ‚Š°Š»Š¾ ŠæŠ»ŃŽŃ…Š½ŃƒŠ»Š°ŃŃŒ на ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠ». Именно в ŃŃ‚Š¾Ń‚ момент в Š³Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠøŠ½ŃƒŃŽ вошла Яна Šø сказала: Ā«Š—Š“Ń€Š°Š²ŃŃ‚Š²ŃƒŠ¹, Камилла, - поприветствовала она, ŃŃ€ŠŗŠ¾ ŃƒŠ»Ń‹Š±Š°ŃŃŃŒ. - Ты свобоГна вечером? Позволь ŃƒŠ³Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ Ń‚ŠµŠ±Ń ужином». «Извини, но у Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń ŠµŃŃ‚ŃŒ Гела, с которыми нужно Ń€Š°Š·Š¾Š±Ń€Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ позже», - вежливо Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ Камилла. Š”ŠµŠ²ŃƒŃˆŠŗŠ° не была в Ń…Š¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠøŃ… Š¾Ń‚Š½Š¾ŃˆŠµŠ½ŠøŃŃ… с Яной. ŠžŠ½Šø были просто коллегами, а не ŠæŠ¾Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³Š°Š¼Šø. ŠžŠ±Šµ окончили оГин Šø тот же ŃƒŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ€ŃŠøŃ‚ŠµŃ‚ в оГно Šø то же Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń. Ещё тогГа Яна была той ещё ŃˆŃ‚ŃƒŃ‡ŠŗŠ¾Š¹. ŠžŠ½Š° была Š¾Ń‡ŠµŠ½ŃŒ амбициозной Šø всегГа хотела ŠæŠ¾ŠŗŃ€Š°ŃŠ¾Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ Šø ŠæŃ€ŠøŠ²Š»ŠµŠŗŠ°Ń‚ŃŒ всеобщее внимание. Камилла, в ŃŠ²Š¾ŃŽ Š¾Ń‡ŠµŃ€ŠµŠ“ŃŒ, преГпочитала Š¾ŃŃ‚Š°Š²Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ незаметной Šø была ŠæŠ¾Š³Ń€ŃƒŠ¶ŠµŠ½Š° в свои книги. Можно ŃŠŗŠ°Š·Š°Ń‚ŃŒ, что Гевушки были Š°Š±ŃŠ¾Š»ŃŽŃ‚но разными. ŠŸŠ¾Š½ŃŃ‚Š½Š¾Šµ Гело, что они не Š¾Ń‡ŠµŠ½ŃŒ Ń…Š¾Ń€Š¾ŃˆŠ¾ лаГили. Ā«Šž, Š¾Ń‡ŠµŠ½ŃŒ жаль, - сказала Яна, Š²Ń‹Š³Š»ŃŠ“Ń ŠæŠ¾Ń‡ŠµŠ¼Ńƒ-то ŃŠ¼ŃƒŃ‰Ń‘Š½Š½Š¾Š¹. - Вообще-то я хотела с тобой кое о чём ŠæŠ¾Š³Š¾Š²Š¾Ń€ŠøŃ‚ŃŒĀ». Камилла встала Šø поГошла Šŗ своему ŃˆŠŗŠ°Ń„Ń‡ŠøŠŗŃƒ, чтобы ŠæŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŠøŃ‚ŃŒ халат. «Говори», - сказала она, не Š³Š»ŃŠ“я на Яну. Тот факт, что её коллега так или иначе ŃŠ²ŃŠ·Š°Š»Š°ŃŃŒ с Виталием, ещё больше отГалил Камиллу от Яны. «Ты, Голжно Š±Ń‹Ń‚ŃŒ, ŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š»Š°, Га? Мне Š¾Ń‡ŠµŠ½ŃŒ жаль. ŠÆ ŠæŠ¾Š½ŃŃ‚ŠøŃ не имела, что Гиректор…» «Всё в ŠæŠ¾Ń€ŃŠ“ŠŗŠµĀ», - перебила Камилла. ŠžŠ“Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾ Яна ещё не всё сказала Šø проГолжила: «И ещё, можешь ŃŠ¾Ń…Ń€Š°Š½ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ в секрете то, что вчера вечером ты Š²Ń‹ŃˆŠ»Š° на смену вместо Š¼ŠµŠ½Ń? Š—Š½Š°ŠµŃˆŃŒ, поскольку я ŃŠ¾Š±ŠøŃ€Š°ŃŽŃŃŒ в Š¦ŠµŠ½Ń‚Ń€Š°Š»ŃŒŠ½Ń‹Š¹ военный Š³Š¾ŃŠæŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŃŒ, я не Ń…Š¾Ń‡Ńƒ, чтобы ŃŃ‚Š¾ причинило какие-либо проблемы». ŠŠµŃŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€Ń на то, что ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃŃŒŠ±Š° Яны была необычной, Камилла не Гумала об ŃŃ‚Š¾Š¼ Šø ответила: «Я никому не скажу». Š’ Š»ŃŽŠ±Š¾Š¼ ŃŠ»ŃƒŃ‡Š°Šµ, не было ничего странного в том, чтобы Š²Š·ŃŃ‚ŃŒ на ŃŠµŠ±Ń смену коллеги. Š’Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń от времени им ŠæŃ€ŠøŃ…Š¾Š“ŠøŠ»Š¾ŃŃŒ ŃŃ‚Š°Š»ŠŗŠøŠ²Š°Ń‚ŃŒŃŃ с личными чрезвычайными Š¾Š±ŃŃ‚Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŃ‚Š²Š°Š¼Šø. ŠŠ° территории Š±Š¾Š»ŃŒŠ½ŠøŃ†Ń‹. ФёГор сиГел на заГнем сиГенье Горогой чёрной Š¼Š°ŃˆŠøŠ½Ń‹, ŠŗŠ¾Ń‚Š¾Ń€Š°Ń была припаркована у ворот. Ā«ŠŃƒ, - сказал он голосом, переполненным Š³Š¾Ń€Š“Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŒŃŽ, - что Гумаешь о моей ŃƒŃ‡ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ†Šµ? Š£ неё отличные способности, не так ли?Ā» Š ŃŠ“Š¾Š¼ с Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š¾Š¹ сиГел Виталий, Š¾Ń‚ŠŗŠøŠ½ŃƒŠ²ŃˆŠøŃŃŒ на спинку ŃŠøŠ“ŠµŠ½ŃŒŃ. ŠžŠ½ снова поГумал о враче, который лечил его, Šø вспомнил, какими спокойными Šø точными были её Š“ŠµŠ¹ŃŃ‚Š²ŠøŃ. ŠŠ° самом Геле, Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Š° был поражен её ŃŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃ‚ŃŠ¼Šø. «Это госпожа Волкова», - Š²Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³ заговорил Денис. Виталий Š¾ŠæŃƒŃŃ‚ŠøŠ» стекло как раз в тот момент, когГа Яна поГошла Šŗ машине. Брови ФёГора ŠæŠ¾Š“Š½ŃŠ»ŠøŃŃŒ, Šø он сказал: «Яна?Ā» Денис Š¾Š±ŠµŃ€Š½ŃƒŠ»ŃŃ с Š²Š¾Š“ŠøŃ‚ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŠŗŠ¾Š³Š¾ места Šø спросил: «Вы знаете её?Ā» ФёГор кивнул, его Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ заблестел от Š»ŃŽŠ±Š¾ŠæŃ‹Ń‚ŃŃ‚Š²Š°. Ā«ŠžŠ½Š° была ŃŃ‚ŃƒŠ“ŠµŠ½Ń‚ŠŗŠ¾Š¹ на гоГ млаГше в моём ŃƒŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ€ŃŠøŃ‚ŠµŃ‚ŠµĀ». Š’ŠøŃ‚Š°Š»ŠøŃŽ стало Š»ŃŽŠ±Š¾ŠæŃ‹Ń‚но, когГа он ŃƒŃŠ»Ń‹ŃˆŠ°Š» ŃŃ‚Š¾. Значит, ŃŃ‚Š° Гевушка не Ń‚Š¾Š»ŃŒŠŗŠ¾ спасла его ŠæŃ€Š¾ŃˆŠ»Š¾Š¹ Š½Š¾Ń‡ŃŒŃŽ, но Šø залечила его раны? «Это суГьба?Ā» - воскликнул Денис. Š’ŃŠµŠ»ŠµŠ½Š½Š°Ń наконец Ń€ŠµŃˆŠøŠ»Š° Š“Š°Ń‚ŃŒ его боссу шанс на Š»ŃŽŠ±Š¾Š²ŃŒ? «Какого чёрта ты Š½ŠµŃŃ‘ŃˆŃŒ?Ā» - спросил ФёГор, Š½Š°Ń…Š¼ŃƒŃ€ŠøŠ²ŃˆŠøŃŃŒ, ŠæŠµŃ€ŠµŠ²Š¾Š“Ń Š²Š·Š³Š»ŃŠ“ с оГного Š¼ŃƒŠ¶Ń‡ŠøŠ½Ń‹ на Š“Ń€ŃƒŠ³Š¾Š³Š¾. ...... Что Š±ŃƒŠ“ет Гальше? ŠšŠ¾Š»ŠøŃ‡ŠµŃŃ‚Š²Š¾ глав зГесь ограничено, нажмите на кнопку ниже, чтобы ŃƒŃŃ‚Š°Š½Š¾Š²ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ приложение Šø ŠæŃ€Š¾Š“Š¾Š»Š¶ŠøŃ‚ŃŒ чтение более Š·Š°Ń…Š²Š°Ń‚Ń‹Š²Š°ŃŽŃ‰ŠøŃ… глав! 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Yes 2024-11-28 19:45 active 1936 0 šŸ˜Read the next chaptersšŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. ā€œWhy 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€ ā€œOh, 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 family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. ā€œEnough,ā€ Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. ā€œI’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.ā€ As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. ā€œMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!ā€ Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. ā€œDon’t call him that!ā€ Carissa gave her a stern look. ā€œWe never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.ā€ ā€œWhy the dowry list?ā€ Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. ā€œSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.ā€ Lulu gasped. ā€œLeave? 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 — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. ā€œLulu, 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 Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. ā€œYour 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. ā€œI can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.ā€ ā€œThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.ā€ Salvador felt a pang of guilt. ā€œBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.ā€ ā€œYour 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. ā€œAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,ā€ said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. ā€œAs 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
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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
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No 2024-11-28 18:37 active 1933 0 0% APR : Murano It doesn't get any better. LEARN_MORE https://bosaknissan.com/2024-nissan-murano Bosak Nissan https://www.facebook.com/bosaknissan/ 483 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 bosaknissan.com CAROUSEL It doesn't get any better. https://bosaknissan.com/2024-nissan-murano 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468406449_1273145417208938_9072688702384341244_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jc8SBSyNnXsQ7kNvgGuSwwk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AAzq7q0DRTIg6djR-7KjGUn&oh=00_AYBxVWTvJndDSSTiK-Zv6fNZztQAgOwwsGqO_CBj1nts9Q&oe=674ECEFB PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Bosak Nissan 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 18:37 active 1933 0 Unwrap Epic Deals and Win Big šŸŽ…šŸ¼ The TacomaBeast Black Friday Sale is officially LIVE! šŸ˜ŽšŸ”„ Take advantage of our best deals of the year and save big on your favorite brands. PLUS: Every dollar you spend gets you 4X entries to our Beastmas $13K Giveaway! šŸŽŸļø Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long, snag them while they last! SHOP_NOW https://tacomabeast.com/ Tacomabeast https://www.facebook.com/tacomabeast/ 36,853 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shop Now 0 tacomabeast.com DCO https://tacomabeast.com/ 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468711995_3971378426415569_2209570996702339151_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jck_BvhzsBgQ7kNvgHiiMZG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5aEfIZwaXORgkyYV4rS8qV&oh=00_AYDjpC6wwc7hBLjzyVoJJxdPkyajNqcyHoJ_hLLgvIUBlw&oe=674EC023 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Tacomabeast 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 18:55 active 1934 0 SIGN_UP https://kelly-lyons.mykajabi.com/fbworkshop Kelly L Wellness https://www.facebook.com/Kellylwellness/ 4,803 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sign Up 0 kelly-lyons.mykajabi.com CAROUSEL https://kelly-lyons.mykajabi.com/fbworkshop 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467747626_2052928031805328_7850944054391844731_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2vsW9vBib4AQ7kNvgFqy9qY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AXnGImeA51J96UJoQKqZQFo&oh=00_AYCBla9aSCR7E3cPgQTFFLMEk1tj_WWTFj-8J6c2TcPjtA&oe=674ECAD3 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Kelly L Wellness 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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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
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No 2024-11-28 19:48 active 1936 0 Seguir leyendošŸ‘‰šŸ‘‰ 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 ā€œromĆ”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 ā€œdifĆ­cilā€ como todos dicen - - ĀæA quĆ© te refieres con ā€œdifĆ­cilā€ - - 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? - - ””¿QUƉ?!! - -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 ā€œpoderosa 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. Ɖl 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: ā€œCara 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 ā€œobra teatralā€, o cómo afectarĆ­a las vidas de la ā€œPoderosa Deanā€ y ā€œCara 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 ā€œparejaā€. 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 ā€œmmmā€ - -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 ā€œtemaā€. -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 ā€œsacrificioā€ - 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 ā€œcastrenseā€ - - 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. Últimamente 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 ā€œfutura 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. Ɖl lo sabĆ­a y por eso llamó a su cuƱada para pedirle que la ā€œentreneā€ 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 ā€œjovencita 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. Ɖl 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. Ɖl 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
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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. Ɖl 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 compaƱƭa. 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. Ɖl 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 ​​​​ponerse 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. Ɖl 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. Ɖl 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. Ɖl 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? Ӄl 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? Ɖl 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 ​​excepto 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 ​​discutir 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. Ɖl 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. Ɖl 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. Ɖl 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? Ɖl 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:48 active 1936 0 Seguir leyendošŸ‘‰šŸ‘‰ 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? Ɖl 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 compaƱƭa 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 matrimonio…". 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:48 active 1936 0 šŸ˜Read the next chaptersšŸ‘‰ 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, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. ā€œWhy 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€ ā€œOh, 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 family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. ā€œEnough,ā€ Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. ā€œI’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.ā€ As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. ā€œMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!ā€ Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. ā€œDon’t call him that!ā€ Carissa gave her a stern look. ā€œWe never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.ā€ ā€œWhy the dowry list?ā€ Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. ā€œSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.ā€ Lulu gasped. ā€œLeave? 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 — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. ā€œLulu, 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 Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. ā€œYour 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. ā€œI can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.ā€ ā€œThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.ā€ Salvador felt a pang of guilt. ā€œBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.ā€ ā€œYour 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. ā€œAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,ā€ said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. ā€œAs 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:20 active 1935 0 Read next chapteršŸ‘‰ She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup! ============= Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom." Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?" Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. He was something to see now. "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. What? He was on his way out? At this hour? Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late." Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up." With that, he headed for the door. "Mitchel." Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. "What's the matter?" There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?" Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today." Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. Mitchel was the man in the picture! So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. "Hello!" It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks. At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel? Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?" The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?" "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. "You know what, forget it!" The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. They were talking about her as if she were an object. Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?" "Yes." "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her." Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..." Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. The woman was indeed Lauren! Absence made the heart grow fonder! Every word drove a knife into her heart. Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. "Raegan?" Chapter 2 One-sided Love Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!" Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it." Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?" Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. In the elevator. Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Several employees were chatting inside. "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back." "And who is that?" "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!" "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?" "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!" Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. The love was one-sided. "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?" A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?" Raegan said nothing to that. Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool." Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself." "You..." Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?" It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..." Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &32& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e 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
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No 2024-11-28 19:19 active 1935 0 Read next chapteršŸ‘‰ 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, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. He was something to see now. "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. What? He was on his way out? At this hour? Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late." Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up." With that, he headed for the door. "Mitchel." Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. "What's the matter?" There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?" Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today." Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. Mitchel was the man in the picture! So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. "Hello!" It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks. At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel? Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?" The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?" "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. "You know what, forget it!" The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. They were talking about her as if she were an object. Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?" "Yes." "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her." Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..." Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. The woman was indeed Lauren! Absence made the heart grow fonder! Every word drove a knife into her heart. Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. "Raegan?" Chapter 2 One-sided Love Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!" Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it." Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?" Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. In the elevator. Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Several employees were chatting inside. "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back." "And who is that?" "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!" "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?" "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!" Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. The love was one-sided. "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?" A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?" Raegan said nothing to that. Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool." Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself." "You..." Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?" It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..." Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!" Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness." Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?" These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. "That's enough!" Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. The entire room fell silent. "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me." The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?" His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. No one dared to make a sound at this moment. Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. Raegan could understand why he took this stand. However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. Was she truly insignificant to him? Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you." Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..." "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. "You..." Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!" Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson." "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. Tessa trembled at once. With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone." The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..." Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards." Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here." Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please." It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. Closing hour soon rolled by. Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home." Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. Did he come to pick her up? At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. Chapter 3 Let's Divorce Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. She was Lauren. Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?" Raegan was stunned for a moment. She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay." She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. Love could move mountains, they said. Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. Raegan froze for a moment. Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. There were five missed calls from Mitchel. This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring." Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours." After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. Would they have a future? Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?" The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce." "What do you mean?" Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon." Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. "We will be strangers?" Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?" His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again." After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. It was high time she stopped being a fool. Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..." "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now." A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. "Stop this, will you?" A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. "You have a fever?" Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. This made the whole situation complicated. Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?" The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. He then headed for the elevator. In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course." "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital. Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!" &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
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:19 active 1935 0 Read next chapteršŸ‘‰ 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? 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No 2024-11-28 19:19 active 1935 0 Read next chapteršŸ‘‰ 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
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