Ads for Sweeps on 2024-11-30
| Id | Vlad | Saved | Scrape Time | Status | Scrape Result | Original Ad | Adarchiveid | Creative Links | Title | Body | Cta Type | Link Url | Pageid | Page Name | Page Profile Uri | Page Like Count | Collationcount | Collationid | Currency | Enddate | Entitytype | Fevinfo | Gatedtype | Hasuserreported | Hiddensafetydata | Hidedatastatus | Impressionstext | Impressionsindex | Isaaaeligible | Isactive | Isprofilepage | Cta Text | Pageinfo | Pageisdeleted | Pagename | Reachestimate | Reportcount | Ad Creative | Byline | Caption | Dynamic Versions | Effective Authorization Category | Display Format | Link Description | Link Url | Page Welcome Message | Creation Time | Page Profile Picture Url | Page Entity Type | Page Is Profile Page | Instagram Actor Name | Instagram Profile Pic Url | Instagram Url | Instagram Handle | Is Reshared | Version | Branded Content | Current Page Name | Disclaimer Label | Page Is Deleted | Root Reshared Post | Additional Info | Ec Certificates | Country Iso Code | Instagram Branded Content | Spend | Startdate | Statemediarunlabel | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,562,173 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2562168}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:57 | active | 1943 | 0 |
|
🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉 | Liesel Sharp had just unlocked her phone while waiting for her IV drip to be done when she received a message from her best friend, Chelsea Walden. "Jacob's back." She faltered. She and Jacob Ford had barely spoken throughout their month-long cold war, so she had no idea he was back. Soon, she received another message. "He's brought a young woman back with him." A photo had been sent with the message. The young woman in the photo resembled Liesel a little—she was Natalie Sharp, Liesel's younger half-sister. She'd been raised in the countryside. Chelsea continued, "The Sharp family is throwing them a welcome-back party. Do you want to crash it, Lili?" She knew what Liesel was like. Liesel would give Jacob a taste of his own medicine if he dared to do anything to her. There was even a chance she would set the Sharp residence on fire. Liesel checked her IV bag. She'd had a high fever for three days now, and the back of her hand was swollen from the constant IV drips she'd been on. She wasn't in the mood for that nonsense. "No," she replied. Then, she shut her eyes to get some rest. It was close to 10:00 pm when she took a cab back to Viewpoint Residences. The fever had taken its toll on her, so she soon drifted into a restless sleep. Jacob returned at some point, which woke her up. "Did I wake you?" he asked while rolling up the sleeves of his ironed shirt. The dim light made his skin glow, adding a hint of iciness to his already cold demeanor. He looked down at her with an indifferent gaze. His voice was as alluring as always, though. "No." Liesel's voice was a little nasal because she'd just woken up. She explained lazily, "I wasn't sleeping too soundly after taking my meds." He frowned slightly. "Are you sick?" She chuckled softly. She'd been sick for a while now and had mentioned it in her texts to him when admitting defeat. Yet he looked like he'd only just noticed. She poured two glasses of water and handed one to him. "How are things at Norton City? I heard from Brook that there seemed to be some trouble with it. You—" Her throat felt dry and uncomfortable; she wasn't in the mood to chat. Still, someone had to back down—it had been nearly two months since they'd seen each other. However, Jacob cut her off. "Let's divorce." She stared at him and almost lost her grip on her glass. Her throat seemed to hurt more now. He didn't explain himself. All he said was, "You can ask for whatever you want. I won't shortchange you." Liesel's heart clenched, but she soon regained her composure. "We can discuss this if this is because you left to pick Natalie up two months ago." "It's not." He looked at her, his gaze aloof. "This is a loveless marriage, Liesel. There's no point in keeping it going." It was true that the marriage alliance between the Ford and Sharp families had never been the one Jacob had hoped for. Liesel was the eldest daughter of the Sharp family, but he'd never wanted to marry her. Their accidental encounter that night was the only thing that had made him choose to take responsibility for her. Liesel lowered her eyes and said slowly, "Alright. All I want is the house at Northview Garden, and I won't quit my job after the divorce." Her mother, Heather Mallone, had left the house for her. For whatever reason, it had ended up in the Ford family's hands and become one of her wedding gifts. As for her career, she'd worked hard and built a network within Ford Corporation. She couldn't allow the divorce to wipe her efforts away. Jacob didn't object. He looked at her and said, "Okay. Anything else?" "No." Liesel shook her head. "If it bothers you, I can move out tomorrow." He seemed surprised by how accommodating she was. He cautioned her calmly, "Make sure you've thought this through, Liesel. I don't want there to be anything between us after the divorce." "Don't worry about that." She smiled. He seemed to want to say something else, but his phone rang. He answered it and hung up shortly after. Then, he said, "I have something else to do. I'll get a lawyer to talk to you about the divorce." Soon after he left, Liesel saw a trending topic on him and Natalie showing up together somewhere. In hindsight, fate was such a twisted thing. Back then, Heather could not tolerate even the slightest flaw in her marriage. After learning about Natalie's existence, she forced her husband, Jeffrey Sharp, to send Natalie to the countryside so she could grow up there. Less than two years after Heather's death, Jeffrey had remarried, turning Liesel into a joke. Natalie had also been brought back from the countryside. Fate loved playing jokes on everyone—no one would've expected Natalie to be the one who held Jacob's heart. … Liesel only woke up the following noon. Her cold was much better now. A lawyer brought her the divorce agreement, making sure to go through the allocation of assets. Jacob truly hadn't shortchanged her. Aside from the house at Northview Garden, he'd also given her some other real estate. The lawyer said, "Sign here if you don't have any objection to the clauses, Ms. Sharp." Liesel nodded and signed the agreement without hesitation. The divorce would take some more time to finalize, though. Jacob was busy, so Liesel didn't get to see him at all. She reminded the lawyer, "Please tell Mr. Ford to expedite the finalization of the divorce if he's not too busy. Dragging this out won't do any of us favors." After settling the divorce, Liesel moved out of her and Jacob's marital home. Chelsea heard about this and invited her out for coffee. "You know about Natalie, right? She studied hard in the countryside after being banished by your mother and later got into a good university. Jacob ran into her at Alden University when he went there to give a talk." Chelsea snorted. She continued, "I heard Natalie was really in awe of him; it helped that she was so hardworking and optimistic. Your father was desperate to matchmake them, you know. But here's the question—why would someone as wonderful as her not realize what a contemptible move it is to ruin someone's marriage?" Chelsea had always been defensive of people she counted as her own, and she scorned those who knowingly got involved with people who had significant others. The fact that Natalie was an illegitimate child only made Chelsea despise her more. Liesel looked unfazed, though. "It's all in the past now. Jacob and I are already divorced, so she's not really ruining the marriage." She chuckled. She had mixed feelings about the whole thing. "Besides, it's not like Jacob and I ever had feelings for each other." She lowered her gaze and suddenly remembered the first time she and Jacob had met. The year Heather had died, she'd caused one of Jeffrey's business deals to fall through. She'd been overjoyed and had dragged Chelsea out for a celebration. After the celebration, she'd refused to let go of a handsome man she'd latched onto. They'd both had too much to drink and had ended up in bed. It was only later that she'd learned he was Jacob Ford, her fiancé. Rumor had it that he'd never wanted to marry her, but he'd looked at her the following morning and said, "I'm willing to take responsibility for this, Liesel. What about you?" He'd proposed marriage. Liesel had looked at him, and a rare moment of rashness had taken over her. She'd said, "Let's do it." To tell the truth, there wasn't anything bad about Jacob. He didn't love her but had never played the field or slept around with other women. He was also calm and level-headed, considerate and gentle. She didn't even have any complaints about their adventures in bed. But things had changed after he'd run into Natalie at Alden University two months ago. Chelsea looked at Liesel while feeling bitter. The latter hadn't said anything, but Chelsea knew how she felt. Judging from Liesel's personality, there was no way she would've settled for Jacob for so long if she didn't have feelings for him. "Maybe you should go back to Shifter Corporation, Lili. Why continue suffering at Ford Corporation? I feel nauseous at the thought of those two pieces of trash being there." Liesel had always been prideful and stubborn. After Heather's death, she'd used whatever she'd inherited to set up Shifter Corporation, wanting to compete with the Sharp family's company. However, she'd left it in the hands of Heather's friend, Jonathan Shifter. The outside world only knew it as Jonathan's company. "Marriage is marriage, and work is work," Liesel said. "I'm not going to give up on my career over a failed marriage." That was what she thought—it was also what Jacob had promised her. But when she headed to work the next day, she discovered she'd been transferred from her position as his secretary to the project department manager. Chapter 2 Liesel had taken a week of sick leave. She'd only learned about the transfer when returning to work. A colleague gossiped with her, sounding pointed as they said, "I bet you still don't know this, Ms. Sharp. We have a new secretary whose last name is also Sharp. It looks like there's something special about her." Liesel didn't expect to hear that. Had Jacob actually given Natalie a job by his side? Soon, Jacob summoned Liesel to the CEO's office. When she entered and stood before him, he looked at her indifferently. "Since you want to stay at the company, continuing to hold the position of my personal secretary isn't appropriate. "The project department manager was transferred to a branch company, leaving a vacancy there. The timing is just right." Liesel knew very well that Jacob had always been clear-headed. He would never allow her to cause Natalie any discomfort or disappointment. Rather than saying the transfer was his recognition of Liesel's abilities, it would be more accurate to say he merely didn't want Natalie to misunderstand. "Okay," Liesel said. He frowned slightly and said, "Natalie hasn't seen much of the world since she's just graduated. You should give her more guidance." Liesel didn't say no. Setting everything else aside, she did need to hand over the work she had in hand—it was her responsibility as an employee. She headed downstairs, running into Natalie on her way. The latter was a rookie and a greenhorn, so some of the veterans had tricked her into buying them over a dozen cups of coffee. She hurried around with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, looking obedient yet silly. She faltered when she saw Liesel. "Lie—" She seemed to think of something and stuck out her tongue. "Ms. Liesel." Liesel frowned at her and said, "You're here as Mr. Ford's secretary, not to run errands. Set the coffee aside and come with me." Natalie paled. Still, she did as told and followed Liesel. Everyone else in the department settled down. Liesel had no intention of picking on Natalie. After all, banishing the latter to the countryside again wouldn't bring Heather back to life. Besides, before her death, Heather had already lost interest in being mad at the Sharp family. "These are the most recently saved files. This is a list of things to pay attention to when working with Mr. Ford, and this is his latest schedule," Liesel said. "Avoid wearing too many accessories during work unless necessary for a gathering or business meeting. "As a secretary, what's more important is your ability to think on your feet and react to whatever that's happened." Natalie blinked as a light blush spread across her cheeks. "Is this one not allowed, too? Mr. Ford gave this to me, and I quite like it. Can't I wear it?" Liesel's gaze flitted past the necklace she wore. It took her aback for a split second. She'd like that particular necklace for some time. Once, Jacob had nonchalantly asked her, "Do all little ladies like accessories like that?" It turned out he was getting it for Natalie. "That's up to you." Liesel lowered her gaze to conceal the emotions in her eyes. Her tone remained calm as she continued, "It's fine as long as it doesn't affect your work." Natalie smiled sweetly without saying anything else. Liesel showed her the ropes and gave her a run-through of the overall workflow. When she was done, Natalie said, "I get the feeling that you don't really like me, Liesel. Is it because of Mr. Ford?" Liesel looked at her. She didn't avert her gaze. Instead, she just smiled and continued, "It's hard to tell who's wrong and right when it comes to matters of the heart—it was the same with my mother and our father. Whatever it is, I still want to be friends with you…" "Natalie." Liesel stopped her there. "Morals and ethics still bind all matters of the heart. You wouldn't have been banished to the countryside if not for that. Do only what you must, and stop thinking everyone around you is a fool." Jeffrey had had an affair, which led to Natalie's birth. Even if Heather was already dead, Liesel didn't think she could shamelessly forgive Natalie's mother on Heather's behalf, let alone allow Natalie to do the forgiving. What right did Natalie have to talk about right or wrong? Liesel turned and left. She returned to her office and texted Jacob. "Do you have time to get the divorce settled today, Mr. Ford? Let's get that divorce certificate." He didn't stand her up. They met at the courthouse at 2:00 pm. Liesel signed whatever papers she needed to and looked at him. "It's all ready. Your turn to sign." She hadn't had time to change her outfit before leaving the office, so she still wore a professional-looking women's suit. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, which framed her aloof yet delicate face. She looked beautiful. Jacob watched her for a while before looking away. "You seem to be in quite a rush." "Hmm? No, I'm not," Liesel answered after a beat. "We've already signed the papers. There's no point in dragging this out." He didn't say anything else and quickly signed. After they got their divorce certificates and left the courthouse, Jacob looked at her. "All better now?" "Yep." She nodded. She was about to leave when he got in his car and rolled down the window. "I'll drop you back." Liesel hesitated. She was about to turn him down when a wave of nausea washed over her, making her retch. When she returned to her senses, she saw Jacob watching her with narrowed eyes. "Are you conceived?" Her heart sank. It had been a month since they'd last slept. He'd been rather rough that night and hadn't used any protection. But things couldn't be that coincidental, right? Could she have gotten conceived from that one time? She clenched her fists. "I can't be." He was about to say something else when his phone rang. He answered it. When he hung up, his brows were furrowed. "I have work to do." He looked at her pointedly. "We can't have children, Liesel. I hope this is just a coincidence." Liesel's heart clenched, but she didn't say anything. Throughout her and Jacob's three-year marriage, they'd always been careful with preventive measures. That time a month ago was the only time neither of them had done anything. But how could she have conceived so easily? She pushed the thought out of her mind and took a cab back to the company. When she arrived, she noticed the tension in the air. A colleague leaned close to her and whispered in trepidation, "There's been a problem with the products from Hardin Group. That new secretary signed the papers during the handover without checking the stock properly." Liesel frowned. She'd deliberately reminded Natalie to check everything before signing for them. It didn't help that Hardin Group was more cunning than others. This wasn't their first time trying to pull something like this. Shortly after, her assistant came and said, "Mr. Ford wants to see you, Ms. Sharp." Liesel pushed open the door to Jacob's office. Natalie stood inside. Her nose was red, and she was biting her lip. She looked pitiful yet adorable. Her words made Liesel frown, though. "I'm sorry, Jake. I had no idea I needed to check everything when accepting the stock. Ms. Liesel did tell me to check the items but didn't caution me that Hardin Group would be so cunning. It's all my fault…" Jacob looked at Liesel coldly. "Nat's just graduated, so she knows nothing about these things. You know very well what Hardin Group is capable of. Why didn't you give her a heads-up?" Chapter 3 Liesel's heart twinged slightly, but she said calmly, "I reminded Ms. Natalie about the stock handover. The office has surveillance cameras. You can check the footage if you don't believe me, Mr. Ford." Natalie paled. Tears welled in her eyes, and she said pitifully, "I-I probably didn't hear you because my mind wandered. That's why I made such a mistake." Liesel ignored her. "We can't let Hardin Group manipulate us for stocks worth millions. I'll handle this, but the company also has rules to uphold. Natalie will need to be reprimanded accordingly." She turned and left the office to check on the stocks. Now that they'd already been accepted, from a legal perspective, Ford Corporation had no choice but to swallow its woes and live with the situation. Still, there was hope for this. Uriah Hardin, the third son of the Hardin family, managed Hardin Group. However, his brother, Elijah Hardin, was the second son and favored by his family. He also wanted to usurp Uriah's position. If she could turn this matter into a power play, she could turn the tables on Hardin Group. At 8:00 pm, Liesel and Elijah met at a restaurant. His roguish, flippant look landed on her. "Have you invited the wrong man, Ms. Sharp? I'm not the one who calls the shots at Hardin Group, nor am I interested in you." Liesel was beautiful but too boring in his eyes. He liked his women obedient and gentle. They were cuter that way. Liesel ignored his words and placed a document before him. "These are some of the tracks Mr. Uriah has left in the industry over the years, Mr. Elijah. I won't beat around the bush—I don't believe you're uninterested in Hardin Group. Take him down, and this deal with Ford Corporation will be yours." The flippant look in Elijah's eyes faded away. He narrowed his eyes and appraised her with interest. His mother wasn't his father, Richard Hardin's first wife, and Richard favored Uriah over him. But was there anyone in the Hardin family who didn't want to have something to do with the company? After a long silence, he drawled, "What's in it for you if I take him down?" "I need you to switch out the subpar products Hardin Group has just supplied to Ford Corporation. Cooperating with you is also good for us because you don't pull dirty tricks." Liesel didn't mind pulling a few tricks when doing business, but Uriah's methods were too lowbrow. She was scornful of him. Elijah looked at her. Then, he raised his glass and said meaningfully, "I hope things will work out the way you wish, Ms. Sharp." A few tables away, Jacob's assistant, Jesse Lane, noticed Liesel. In a low voice, he told Jacob, "Ms. Sharp is here, too, Mr. Ford." Jacob followed his line of sight and frowned slightly. Elijah had a reputation for being a dandy—what was Liesel doing with him? Liesel didn't notice Jacob. She and Elijah soon ended their discussion; Jesse approached her then. He said, "Mr. Ford is waiting for you, Ms. Sharp." Elijah glanced at him before turning back to Liesel. "You should consider joining Hardin Group if you ever get sick of being at Ford Corporation, Ms. Sharp. We always know a good thing when we see it." A woman with nothing but good looks would quickly become boring, but she would be a valuable resource if she were beautiful and brainy. Liesel didn't respond to Elijah's words. Instead, she politely bid him farewell before following Jesse to Jacob's car. It was 11:00 pm, and the night breeze was rather chilly. Liesel's lips were a little pale as she got into the car. She lowered her eyes, and her wrists were briefly exposed underneath her suit jacket. It made her seem rather weak and pitiful. Jacob frowned. He'd never noticed her being this skinny. "Have you settled the problem with Hardin Group?" She nodded, looking tired. "Yeah. Elijah is harder to deal with than Uriah, but he's already agreed to switch out the subpar products. We'll just need to send someone to handle the handover." Jacob's gaze flitted past her. "Natalie is young and naive. You can't completely blame her for this." Liesel paused before saying softly, "You're Ford Corporation's CEO. It's up to you how you want to handle her." Natalie was young, huh? She'd been even younger than Natalie when joining Ford Corporation, but Jacob had never cut her any slack. "I've yet to tell Grandpa about the divorce," he said, switching the subject. Vincent Ford had been recuperating at home these past years and couldn't be aggravated. Even if Liesel and Jacob had never been the most loving couple, Vincent probably still couldn't handle the news of their divorce. Liesel looked down. "Got it. I'll tell him about this when the time is right." Jacob didn't say anything else. Liesel had had a bit to drink without eating anything. After a while, she curled up in her seat and drifted off. Her face was pale. When Jacob noticed something was wrong with her, he frowned. He was about to instruct Jesse to take them to the hospital when she woke up. "Where are we?" she asked, her voice hoarse. He said, "I'm taking you to the hospital." Liesel's heart skipped a beat as she thought of something. However, she kept her tone nonchalant and said, "There's no need for that. My stomach just feels a little upset. I'll be fine after resting at home." Jacob looked at her. His gaze was deep and sharp. It was as if he could read her thoughts. After a while, he said, "Fine." She relaxed. Back home, she called Chelsea and said a little grimly, "Buy me a test." … The following day, Liesel was supposed to attend a welcome-back party for Alex Stone, one of her and Jacob's mutual friends. Alex had called her before his return to invite her to the party. Perhaps it was because he'd heard about the divorce and wanted to help them reconcile. The party was already in full swing when Liesel arrived. She heard Alex's voice through the door. "Have you and Liesel really divorced? Was it because of Natalie?" Liesel faltered, her hand on the doorknob. After a pause, Jacob said, "It has nothing to do with Natalie. Liesel and I aren't a good match." "Tsk. How are you two not a good match?" Alex asked. "I think Liesel is fantastic. She's pretty, intelligent, and has won many people's recognition at Ford Corporation. Why are you so obsessed with Natalie? Don't forget that Liesel saved you in the past. Sometimes, some things are just too little, too late." He'd met Natalie before and could tell she was nothing but a young woman with a few tricks up her sleeve. She couldn't compare to Liesel. Liesel had managed to save Jacob from the hands of his abductors. How could someone like Natalie compare to her bravery and determination? Jacob would have much to regret if he and Liesel really were to divorce. This time, Jacob remained silent for a longer time. Then he said, "You can't force matters of the heart." Liesel lowered her eyes and slowly clenched her fists. Alex stopped trying to change Jacob's mind. Instead, he said, "You'd better think this through. You may not like her, but plenty of others do." Liesel didn't linger. She texted Alex on WhatsApp and told him she wasn't attending the party because she had to attend to something else. Then, she asked Chelsea out. Chelsea gave her the test and asked hesitantly, "You're not really conceived, are you, Lili?" Chapter 4 Liesel held the test tightly. "I'm not sure yet." Her period had yet to come this month, and the retching from before… She suspected something was up. "What are you going to do if you are?" Chelsea looked at her hesitantly. "Will Jacob accept it?" Liesel dropped her gaze. Jacob would never want a child she'd brought into the world. Besides, they were already divorced—it was bad for them both if she were to keep the child… even if it was one she'd longed for in the past. After a long silence, she said, "No, he won't. There's no point in keeping lingering attachments or forcing someone to do something against their will. If I'm conceived, I'll lose the baby." She'd waited for a baby that hadn't come over the past three years. Now, it was long past the time for that. Liesel was in a bad mood, so she didn't do the test on the spot. Instead, she and Chelsea had some drinks. Well, she only had a sip or two of a drink with the lowest possible wine content. She only remembered the test when she arrived at the company the following day. She headed to the bathroom and did the test. Then, she was dumbstruck when she saw the two lines on it. She was conceived… with Jacob's child. Her face turned pale. Just then, someone entered the bathroom. In her panic, she threw the test into the trashcan and clenched her fists. Was she really going to lose her and Jacob's child? A pang of pain swept past her heart. Liesel was in a meeting but she was distracted. When it was over, a colleague leaned close to her, looking excited to share gossip. "Did you hear, Ms. Sharp? Someone from our department is conceived." The competition within Ford Corporation had always been intense, and carrying a baby was something that would easily affect one's career and ascension up the ladder. The colleague couldn't help saying gleefully, "I wonder who it is. They're being hush-hush about this, aren't they?" Liesel's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and happened to meet Jacob's cool, calm gaze. He said, "Come to my office, Ms. Sharp." She clenched her fists. When she entered Jacob's office, he said, "I'll have Jesse take you for an examination in a couple of days." Her heart stuttered, and she blurted out, "It's not me." "This is just to be safe. I'm sure you don't want any trouble to arise from this." Liesel couldn't stop him. She could only suppress her panic and say, "Okay." Natalie came her way when she left the office. The former bit her lip and said uneasily, "What happened last time was a misunderstanding, Ms. Liesel. You won't get mad at me for that, will you? I had no idea Hardin Group would pull such a dirty trick and try to stuff subpar products on us!" "That's none of my business," Liesel said indifferently. "The company has its system for rewards and punishments. You'll have to bear the consequences of your mistakes. It's as simple as that." She had nothing much to say to Natalie. Setting aside their relationship, she'd always drawn a clear line between her professional and private lives. There was no need to drag personal grudges into work. Natalie sighed in relief. "It's Dad's birthday next week, Liesel. He hasn't seen you for so long. How about you come home so we can celebrate as a family?" Jeffrey's birthday was a week after Heather's death anniversary. Liesel looked at Natalie and said, "I'm not in the mood to scheme and play mind games with you, Natalie. "If you're not a complete idiot, you'll understand what I mean when I say your father's birthday isn't a good day for me and my mother." Natalie faltered. Then, her face turned red, and she said, "I know it's only a week after Heather's death anniversary, but you can't revive the dead. We still have to celebrate Dad's birthday since he's alive, right? "I've never blamed Heather for banishing me to the countryside, so why do you have to keep holding a grudge against Dad?" "You know very well why my mother sent you to the countryside," Liesel said icily. "If I were to forgive the person who'd caused her death and even celebrate his birthday, it wouldn't prove that I'm generous enough to bury the hatchet. It would just show that I'm heartless." Natalie blanched. Her eyes turned red as tears welled in them. "I didn't mean anything else by this, Liesel. I just—" "I don't care what you meant," Liesel interrupted. "When at work, we're nothing more than colleagues. You should focus on your work, Ms. Natalie." She turned and left, not wanting to play mind games with Natalie. She took the afternoon off to head to the hospital. It didn't even occur to her what Natalie thought of her words. Unfortunately, it seemed Natalie was more cowardly than she'd expected. The former had been so absent-minded while walking that she'd twisted her ankle. Jacob brought her to the hospital. "Congratulations. You're six weeks conceived." Liesel happened to run into Jacob, who was holding Natalie up, when she was leaving the hospital with her report. The doctor's words reverberated in her mind. "Your body cannot handle the surgery, Ms. Sharp. If you proceed with it, you might not be able to conceive in the future. I'd advise you to think this through." Liesel felt bitter. She was conceived with Jacob's child, which was something to be happy and expectant about. But would he allow her to keep it? Jacob noticed the look on her face while Natalie hesitantly called out to her. "Lie—Ms. Liesel." Jacob's gaze flitted past her. "What are you doing here?" She hid her report behind her and said softly, "I came for a follow-up check because my cold isn't completely gone yet." He narrowed his eyes at her. Natalie seemed to notice something and tugged his sleeve. She looked a little glum. "You should have something to discuss with Ms. Sharp, Mr. Ford. I'll head back first." Jacob frowned but didn't make her stay. "I'll have someone take you back." She nodded obediently. Liesel sighed in relief and stuffed the report into her bag. When she and Jacob were in his car, he glanced at her. "Are you that nervous to be around me? The more you act like this, the more I'll think you're conceived." She subconsciously wanted to deny it but forced herself to smile. She asked, "What will you do if I really am conceived, then?" "Make you lose it," he said without hesitation as he looked her in the eye. She knew it. A pang of pain swept past her heart, and she shook her head as she said bitterly, "It's just a cold." Jacob scrutinized her for a while before saying, "I heard you and Nat got into a small fight today, leading to her twisting her ankle while heading downstairs. "She's young and naive but is kind. She also doesn't get into arguments with others that easily. You should be nicer to her and be more accommodating if anything happens in the future." Liesel's bitterness bubbled up in her. No one in this world could avoid being more favorable to certain people. She said, "She's not a child, Mr. Ford. There's nothing for me to accommodate." Chapter 5 Liesel looked at Jacob. Her tone was calm as she said, "I don't owe Natalie anything, nor do I owe you. Work-wise, I'm only her senior. Regarding my personal life, my mother didn't owe her anything. "Natalie came knocking on our door when her mother chose to marry another. No woman can accept her husband's illegitimate daughter. She might have had Natalie sent to the countryside, but Natalie was also given more than enough money to survive there. "I don't owe her, whether professionally or personally. Why should I be more accommodating and tolerant of her? Why should I back down when facing off against her?" When she finished her speech, silence descended upon the car. Jacob looked at her. She wore a simple dress that clung to her curves, and her delicate features were arranged into her usual mask of aloofness. There was something cold and tenacious about her. She was so brilliant that one could almost neglect her beauty. His gaze flitted over her eyes. After a moment of silence, he said gently, "I'm sorry. I didn't handle this matter appropriately." Liesel didn't say anything. He looked her in the eye and said, "I shouldn't have made you suppress yourself and back down for Natalie's sake. You're a wonderful woman, Liesel. Even though we're divorced now, I still hope you'll live your own life." She clenched her fists and tried to keep her tears at bay. She couldn't deny that she really, really liked Jacob. However, certain things just couldn't be forced. … Liesel headed home. She had someone ask around about the doctor Jacob was going to arrange to examine her. Meanwhile, Chelsea was worried. "Can't you just tell him the truth? He might not be that cruel. You two were together for three years, after all." "I'd rather not." Liesel caressed her belly. She was silent for a while before saying, "Since I can't lose the child, there's no need to let Jacob know about this. We're already divorced, and this child is part of my life now. I'll need your help dealing with the doctor." Whatever it was, she couldn't let Jacob find out about the baby. Chelsea didn't object. She seemed to think of something and said, "Natalie used to intern at Shifter Corporation. Do you think it's just a coincidence, or does she know something?" This came as a surprise to Liesel. Natalie had interned at Shifter Corporation? Did she know it belonged to Liesel, or… It piqued Liesel's suspicions, but she didn't dwell on the matter. "It's probably just a coincidence. She graduated from Alden University, and Shifter Corporation does campus recruitments there, too." Chelsea had only brought it up since it had occurred to her. She smiled and said, "Mr. Shifter and Neal should be back soon, right? I'm sure you'll feel more secure with them around." Neal Shifter was Jonathan's son, and the Shifter family had been managing Shifter Corporation on Liesel's behalf all these years. Since Heather's passing, the Shifters had become like family to Liesel. She smiled, and a rare hint of relief flashed in her eyes. … The following day, news of Uriah's downfall broke out. Elijah looked like a dandy but had surprisingly ruthless methods. He'd gotten someone to leak information on the dirty tricks Uriah had pulled to the paparazzi. Coincidentally, Uriah had recently murdered someone while driving under the influence and had gotten a scapegoat to take the fall. Thanks to everything being lumped together, he was soon arrested. Elijah had proper quality stocks delivered to Ford Corporation in exchange for the subpar stocks. When Liesel went to handle the handover, he watched her with interest. "Don't you trust me, Ms. Sharp?" He raised an eyebrow and eyed the light sheen of sweat at her temples. His gaze turned pointed. She smiled and blinked at him. "I wouldn't put it that way. Better safe than sorry, right?" Her smile and rare moment of slyness made her glow. Her eyes were so bright. Elijah smirked at the sight. It looked like the rumors about her couldn't be trusted at all. She was much more interesting than those naive young women. Jacob and Natalie happened to see this. Natalie approached with a smile and said, "You and Ms. Liesel seem to get along very well, Mr. Hardin. It looks like this matter was a blessing in disguise." Her tone was light-hearted and lively, which carried a hint of a young woman's naivety and cheer. Her words made one's imagination wander, though. It was as if Liesel and Elijah were more involved than they seemed. Jacob's expression darkened when he took in the smile on Liesel's face. Then, he said coolly, "Sorry to have troubled you over this, Mr. Hardin." "Oh, it was no trouble at all." Elijah smiled meaningfully. "Nothing is considered troublesome when I have someone as gorgeous as Ms. Liesel attending to me." "Ms. Liesel has always drawn a clear line between work and pleasure. You might have gotten the wrong idea, Mr. Hardin." Jacob's gaze flitted over Liesel. Elijah's smile widened. "Drawing a clear line between work and pleasure isn't the same as being heartless. One has to be thick-skinned when pursuing a woman, right? Or are you interfering in your employee's personal life, Mr. Ford?" Jacob faltered. Then, he said, "I'll leave you to it, Mr. Hardin." He turned and left with Natalie in tow. Liesel watched them. Her gaze was aloof. However, Elijah saw the glumness deep inside. He said, "Your precious Mr. Ford isn't all that great. Why don't you consider other fish in the sea?" There was a hint of amorosity to his words. Liesel returned to her senses and chuckled. "I remember you saying that I'm not your type, Mr. Hardin. Have you changed your mind?" Elijah looked at her. If he had to be honest, she was too stubborn and inflexible for his tastes. She was indeed not his type. Yet she was pretty and intelligent enough to mask her inflexibility. "Not really." He leaned closer. "But I'll make an exception for you. You should really consider my proposal." Liesel didn't take his words to heart. She was just glad she'd managed to resolve the stock problem and prevent Ford Corporation from suffering any losses. Jacob punished Natalie by docking three months of her pay and bonuses. Then, he paid Liesel double her salary. The colleagues in Liesel's department were pleased when she returned. "I'll admit it—I can't stand those who got in here because of their connections. Anyone else would've been fired ages ago." "I know, right? She's supposed to have graduated from Alden University, yet she made such a huge mistake immediately after taking over as Mr. Ford's secretary. Even if we were to talk about looks alone, it's not like she can compare with Ms. Sharp! I wonder what Mr. Ford sees in her…" Ford Corporation was one of the biggest in the industry, so it was harder for rookies to find their footing there compared to other companies. Their situation would only be worse if they didn't have the skills to back themselves up. It wasn't appropriate for Liesel to comment on the subject, but she knew it wasn't right to pick on Natalie like that. "Stop." She could feel a headache coming on as she stopped the gossip. "She's just a young woman who's new to this. You guys should focus on your work. I'll treat everyone to a nice meal in a couple of days, okay?" Only then did the crowd zip their lips and get back to work. Liesel needed to hand a contract to Jacob now that she was done with the matter with Hardin Corporation. She headed to his office and was about to knock when she heard Natalie's voice. Inside the room, Natalie bit her lip. Her eyes were red as she said, "I'm too useless, aren't I, Jake? Everyone says I can't compare to Ms. Liesel." Jacob frowned, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes. He wiped her tears and said, "What's the point of comparing yourself to her? You two aren't the same." Liesel faltered outside the door. She only pushed it open after a beat. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14615&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14615&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.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465273676_1622670338644980_7149820105324418627_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6YV4AOiHhpkQ7kNvgGz1hYd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AS55YITk8xyo-8exHxU-xjh&oh=00_AYCb2VP50FSE_WeEXZc2PzzutlritJNuZjslRTjCSORccg&oe=67519BDD | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,495 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2560794}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:39 | active | 1942 | 0 | Fuller-Bust Comfort | Fuller-bust ladies, say goodbye to discomfort with FORLEST® wireless bras. Our innovative Jelly Ge® technology provides the support we need without the pinch of underwires. | SHOP_NOW | https://forlest.com/collections/best-seller | Forlest | https://www.facebook.com/forlestofficial/ | 10,013 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | forlest.com | DCO | Grab 2 for better deals! | https://forlest.com/collections/best-seller | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468600698_1245518236612234_3428108837720357423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6Ki5FY_YTwwQ7kNvgE--OoE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AP_dilfucD6CIH6kwvw8Puz&oh=00_AYCI4zbanDHcwuOQcpSYZDCucudSntgr81mMrEENgnZKiw&oe=675183EA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Forlest | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,560,281 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:26 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
Seguir leyendo👉👉 | Ella decidió divorciarse de su marido, que siempre había estado enamorado de su primer amor. Inesperadamente, él se negó a dejarla ir. Para empeorar las cosas, su hermanastro diabólico también intervino al mismo tiempo de manera dominante, ¡queriéndola para él! ===== ¿Lo había oído bien? ¿Estoy embarazada? ¡Estoy embarazada de un bebé de Pierce! ¡Mi mejor amigo y mi primer amor! --Qué bueno que haya sido cautelosa, pudo haber perdido a su bebé, señorita Monroe --me dijo el ginecólogo con seriedad al ver la sorpresa en mis ojos. En ese momento, me toqué el vientre inconscientemente, sin poder creer que hubiera un bebé acostado allí. Cuando salí del hospital, no podía esperar para contarle a Pierce sobre nuestro bebé. Me preguntaba cuál sería su reacción. ¿Gritaría de felicidad? ¿Me b**aría y todo eso? ¡Dios! No podía contener mi felicidad. Incluso tomé mi cara roja entre mis manos mientras fantaseaba. Pero en el momento en que sentí el frío del anillo en mi dedo, mi corazón que latía 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 teníamos relaciones s**uales, él era considerado y cauteloso, y decía que no era necesario agregar más ataduras si no estábamos listos. Este bebé, en cierto modo, estaba fuera de los planes. --Señora, ¿está todo bien? ¿Necesita que llame al jefe? --preguntó mi conductor privado, Luke, preocupado al notar mi ceño fruncido. Luke era confiable como un miembro de la familia, pero no quería contarle porque quería que Pierce fuera el primero en enterarse de esta noticia. Él era el padre de mi bebé. --No --dije y negué con la cabeza, dándole a Luke una sonrisa tranquilizadora--. Está en el vuelo. Hablaré con él más tarde --y así vería su respuesta yo misma en sus crudas expresiones. Siempre fui buena en eso. Finalmente, cerré los ojos y recordé el día en que nos conocimos. Su brillante sonrisa a la luz del sol era tan deslumbrante que parecía un príncipe. Me enamoré de él a primera vista, mucho antes de que nos convirtiéramos en mejores amigos. Pero era sólo un amor no correspondido y yo lo sabía bien. En ese instante, bajé la ventanilla del auto para tomar un poco de aire fresco y, sin quererlo, vislumbré nuestra antigua escuela secundaria. Ese sentimiento amargo llenó mi pecho una vez más... Pierce fue mi primer amor, pero yo no era el suyo. En la escuela secundaria, yo no era más que una nerd aburrida a los ojos de los demás, mientras que Pierce Anderson era el brillante mariscal de campo. Todos se sorprendieron de que pudiéramos ser amigos. Aunque las hostilidades hacia mí aumentaron, disfruté estar cerca de él y poco a poco me di cuenta de que no quería ser sólo su amiga. Sin embargo, justo cuando estaba a punto de confesarle mis sentimientos, otra chica llegó a su vida. Sacudí la cabeza tratando de deshacerme de esos viejos y tristes recuerdos. Luego toqué el frío anillo de bodas en mi dedo y me dije que el pasado ya había pasado. Pierce dijo que habían terminado y que ahora yo era su esposa. Sí, yo era su esposa y además estaba embarazada de su bebé. Pronto, me sequé las lágrimas de las comisuras de los ojos y abrí 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. Sí, tal vez estaba pensando demasiado. Esa mujer había estado fuera de nuestras vidas durante mucho tiempo y los últimos tres años mi matrimonio con Pierce fueron tan hermosos como un cuento de hadas. Una vez dentro, miré el reloj de la pared. Para ese entonces, Pierce ya debería haberse bajado del avión. Estuvo más de un mes en viajes de negocios de nuestra empresa familiar. Pierce era el presidente de ADE, la empresa de revistas de moda líder en toda Asia, y yo era la vicepresidente de la compañía. No sólo éramos compañeros de vida, sino también buenos socios en el trabajo. En verdad lo extrañaba. De inmediato, marqué su número, pues tenía muchas ganas de escuchar su voz y saber cuándo llegaría a casa. Le prepararía una buena comida y él me premiaría con un dulce beso. Y luego podríamos... Vaya, en ese momento casi olvidé que estaba embarazada. Debía contarle eso primero y luego podríamos hacer otra cosa. Estaba imaginando felizmente nuestra encantadora reunión, pero mi corazón dio un vuelco cuando una voz de mujer cruzó la línea. --¿Hola? Al escuchar esa sola palabra, dejé caer mi teléfono, que se rompió al chocar contra el suelo, y mi cuerpo empezó a temblar incontrolablemente. ¡NO! ¡No podía ser ella! ¡No podía ser Lexi! ¡Ella ya estaba fuera de nuestras vidas! Debí haber escuchado mal. De inmediato, corrí hacia la nevera en un intento por calmarme con la ayuda de un poco de al**hol. Pero en el momento en que toqué la botella de v**o, recordé las palabras del médico sobre mi bebé. Debía tener cuidado por la salud de mi bebé, así que solo agarré una caja de leche y caminé hacia el sofá. En ese entonces, no sabía qué me hizo reconocer esa voz como la de Lexi. Nosotras nunca fuimos cercanas. Lexi Gilbert era la típica belleza rubia por la que los hombres se volvían locos. Ella era una animadora popular en la escuela secundaria, mientras que Pierce era el mariscal de campo estrella. Encajaba mejor con él que una nerd como yo, ¿verdad? No me sorprendió que se haya enamorado de ella. Mi orgullo no soportó ver al hombre que amaba volverse loco por otra mujer, así que una vez intenté 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 aparecía en mi puerta invitándome a salir. No podía decirle que no a su sonrisa encantadora y tampoco podía decirle que no porque afirmaba que era su deber como mi mejor amigo llevarme a disfrutar del mundo real. Para no arruinar nuestra amistad, oculté mi corazón roto y desempeñé en silencio el papel de su mejor amiga, siempre a su lado y observando su rostro feliz por otra chica. Finalmente, cuando supe que Pierce planeaba proponerle matrimonio a Lexi, me armé de valor y fui a estudiar al extranjero, sin saber que su abuela me llamaría para rogarme que regresara. Por supuesto, volví a toda prisa sólo para ver a Pierce sin vida. Lexi le había herido gravemente el corazón y el mío sufría por mi amado. Empecé a odiar a Lexi desde ese momento. Le había entregado a mi amado hombre, ¡cómo se atrevió a hacerle tanto daño! ¡Esa bruja! Pierce no le contó a nadie lo que pasó, excepto que había terminado con Lexi. Luego, la abuela arregló nuestro matrimonio. No entendí por qué estuvo de acuerdo hasta que un día lo escuché decir que casarse con cualquiera que no fuera Lexi sería lo mismo para él. Aquello me dolió mucho, pero aun así me casé con él sin pensarlo dos veces. Mi amado estaba destrozado y quería recomponerlo, sin importarme si eso me arruinaba a mí en el proceso. Me quedé dormida sintiéndome muy insegura y preocupada. Me desperté en medio de la noche cuando sentí que alguien acariciaba mi mejilla. Lentamente abrí los ojos y me di cuenta de que me había quedado dormida en la sala de estar. Alguien me levantó del sofá e inmediatamente reconocí su olor y tacto mientras lo miraba con los ojos entrecerrados. --Pierce… --Hmm --murmuró mientras caminaba hacia las escaleras--. ¿Por qué te dormiste en el sofá? Yo solo me quedé mirándolo 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. Llevábamos más de un mes separados, mi cuerpo lo extrañaba y mi corazón lo anhelaba. --¿Dónde estabas? Te estuve esperando --dije mientras acariciaba su mejilla. --Acabo de encontrarme con un amigo. Dijiste que me estabas esperando, ¿es urgente? Al ver su rostro amable, de repente no quise arruinarle el momento, así que cerré mis labios entreabiertos y tragué la verdad para devolverla a mi estómago. Mañana, tal vez mañana tendría el coraje de afrontar todos los rompecabezas. De modo que solo sacudí la cabeza, hice un puchero y le dije que tenía sueño. Él 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 entré en pánico. Rápidamente lo agarré y lo b*sé con toda mi pasión... Lo extrañaba y lo quería. --Espera, Kels --dijo y me detuvo, sujetando mis locas manos sobre la cama--. Pensé que habías dicho que tenías sueño y que necesitabas descansar. --Sí, pero te extraño --exclamé y lo miré con inocencia. Pude captar el deseo brillando en sus ojos, pero se desvaneció de pronto y yo no comprendía por qué. Solía 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 daré una ducha. Huelo a al**hol --manifestó. Yo solo asentí y lo miré mientras caminaba hacia el baño. Pronto la somnolencia volvió a atacarme, así que cerré los ojos para tomar una siesta. Sin embargo, ya era de mañana cuando abrí los ojos nuevamente y Pierce estaba a mi lado, poniendo una bandeja con comida en la mesita de noche. --¡Ey! --lo saludé y sonreí cuando me di cuenta de lo que había hecho. Me había preparado el desayuno para llevármelo a la cama. Era tan dulce. Él sonrió y se sentó en la cama. --Buen día. Le devolví la sonrisa mientras me sentaba en la cama. En ese momento, agarró la bandeja y la puso a mi lado. Al instante, levanté una ceja e incliné 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. Parecía un chico malo y s*xy, incluso Damon Salvatore se avergonzaría de estar a su lado. Nadie tenía posibilidad alguna contra este hombre. --¿Qué es esto? ¿Un soborno? Me dejaste plantada anoche, chico malo --dije. Él no se rió. Exhaló un suspiro y colocó con suavidad mi cabello detrás de mis orejas antes de tomar mi mano y mirarme a los ojos. --Tengo algo que decirte. Al instante, sentí que mi corazón se aceleraba y pensé en nuestro bebé en mi útero. Tenía algo que decirme, yo también tenía algo que contarle. --¿Q-Qué cosa? --pregunté con voz temblorosa. De repente, dio un profundo suspiro y comenzó: --Sabes que eres importante para mí, ¿verdad? Asentí lentamente con los labios entreabiertos. No pude responder, tenía miedo de lo que estaba a punto de decir. Tenía un mal presentimiento. --Eras mi mejor amiga antes de casarnos. Eres una de las pocas personas que valoro… --prosiguió. Mientras hablaba, escondí mis puños cerrados debajo de la sábana. No sabía por qué me decía todo esto, pero ya podía sentir las lágrimas acumulándose 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… --exclamé y sentí que mi corazón se apretaba. Él sonrió. --Sé que tú tampoco sientes nada por mí. Te casaste conmigo por mis abuelos, hiciste esto solo porque los amas. Ahora llegó el momento de nuestra verdadera felicidad, Kelly. Al oírlo, no pude evitar sacudir la cabeza. --¿De qué estás hablando, Pierce? --inquirí. --Lexi ha vuelto, Kelly. Mi primer amor ha vuelto. Capítulo 2 Punto de vista de Kelly--Llueve sobre mojado De inmediato, me levanté de la cama e intenté irme, pero Pierce me agarró la mano. Rápidamente me sequé las lágrimas que rodaban por mis mejillas antes de que él pudiera verlas. Luego, se paró frente a mí y me miró a la cara mientras yo intentaba con todas mis fuerzas mirar hacia abajo y evitar verlo a los ojos. Sentí que mi corazón se rompía en pedazos. Pensaba… pensaba que podría hacer que se enamorara de mí en esos tres años que pasamos juntos. Pensaba que sus sentimientos cambiarían y me vería como una mujer en lugar de solo su mejor amiga. Fui estúpida por tener esperanzas y soñar tan alto. Fallé. Sin importar cuánto lo intentara, su corazón pertenecía sólo a su primer amor: Lexi. --Kelly… En ese momento, contuve el aliento y me tragué el dolor mientras lo miraba. Luego fingí una sonrisa y dije: --Debo lavarme las manos antes de comer. Pero él me miró a los ojos como si intentara descubrir lo que estaba pensando. Yo sabía que él me conocía demasiado bien, así que traté con todas mis fuerzas de ocultar mi dolor y le sonreí. Finalmente, suspiró y soltó mi mano. --Bueno. Te esperaré aquí. Comamos y vayamos a trabajar juntos. ¿Juntos? ¿Por qué era tan cruel? ¿Quería que nos siguiéramos llevando bien como si no me hubiera pedido el divorcio? ¿Quería que nos quedáramos como estábamos justo después de decirme que su primer amor había regresado y quería divorciarse de mí? Oh Pierce, ¿qué estaba pasando por tu cabeza? Antes podía obligarme a mí misma a quedarme en el puesto de su mejor amiga mientras le deseaba felicidad, pero ya no tenía ese coraje después de los tres años que habíamos compartido. No había manera de que pudiera soportar esa tortura otra vez, en especial ahora que cargaba a su bebé. El bebé... en un principio pensé que era una buena noticia para nosotros, pero ahora... supongo que sería más bien una carga para él. Una carga que le impediría conseguir su verdadero amor y su libertad. Yo sabía muy bien cómo crecía un niño no deseado. Mis padres se divorciaron antes de que mi madre muriera y la nueva familia de mi padre me odiaba, lo que me dolía muchísimo. Por eso no quería que mi bebé experimentara lo mismo que yo sentí, así que debía mantener a mi bebé alejado de él. --No podemos --dije mientras fingía una nueva sonrisa--. Debo visitar el estudio para la sesión de fotos de nuestros nuevos modelos… --Iré contigo. --No --contesté y aparté su mano. Sus ojos siguieron mi mano antes de levantar la cara para mirarme de nuevo--. Tienes documentos que firmar. Nuestros horarios ya están organizados, ¿recuerdas? --Pero… --Tengo un conductor personal, Pierce. Estaré bien sola --afirmé. Finalmente, suspiró y asintió con calma. En ese momento, le di la espalda y entré al baño. Inmediatamente abrí la ducha y me paré bajo el agua fría. Las lágrimas cayeron en cascada por mis mejillas mientras me cubría la boca para reprimir los sollozos. Mis hombros temblaban mucho y cuando pensé en mi bebé, tragué saliva y traté de calmarme. Luego me limpié la cara y acaricié mi vientre. Debía ser fuerte y mantener la calma. No podía arriesgar la vida de mi bebé sólo porque me habían roto el corazón. Tenía que lidiar con esto de forma inteligente. Unos minutos después, tomé un respiro profundo y terminé mi ducha. Cuando salí del baño, me sorprendió ver que Pierce todavía estaba allí. Estaba luchando por arreglarse la corbata frente al espejo de cuerpo entero. También noté un par de zapatos y un vestido míos sobre la cama. --¡Ey! Elegí tu vestido para hoy --dijo. Como nuestro matrimonio no era público, Pierce dijo que haría pequeñas cosas para mí como marido. De hecho, lo había hecho bien y yo solía disfrutar de estos dulces momentos que me regalaba, pero ahora sentía que eso mismo me m**aría. Al segundo siguiente, agarré el vestido y entré al vestidor, sentiendo que me seguía. Volví a guardar el vestido blanco y elegí uno rojo. Cuando me di vuelta y lo tuve de frente, lo vi con la frente arrugada. --Hoy prefiero el rojo. Me sentiré hermosa con este vestido --expliqué con una sonrisa. Al instante, sus ojos se dirigieron al vestido que sostenía y su rostro inmediatamente se calmó. Al final asintió y caminó hacia mí. --Ya veo. Pero antes ayúdame a arreglar esto --me pidió. Sin dudarlo, puse mi vestido en su brazo y comencé a arreglarle la corbata. Podía sentir sus ojos mirándome intensamente y eso hacía que mi corazón latiera muy rápido. Respiré hondo y me mordí el labio inferior mientras luchaba por arreglar su corbata. De pronto, mi visión se volvió borrosa otra vez. ¡Maldición! --Kelly… No pude evitar sobresaltarme en shock. --¿Mmm? --¿Estás bien? --preguntó. Lo miré y sonreí: --Sí. --Tengo algo más que decirte. En ese instante, terminé de arreglarle la corbata y le quité rápidamente el vestido del brazo. Lo miré antes de pasar junto a él y dije: --Hablaremos después. Voy a llegar tarde. Lo escuché suspirar antes de volver a seguirme. Me vestí mientras él estaba detrás de mí. Estuvo en silencio todo el tiempo, como si estuviera pensando en algo. --Deberías desayunar antes de irte --comentó. Un segundo después, me paré frente a él y asentí. --Lo haré. Deberías irte ahora --respondí. --Kelly, estamos en la misma página, ¿verdad? --preguntó. Lo miré fijamente. No, Pierce. Nunca estuvimos en la misma página. Sólo fueron mis estúpidas fantasías. Pensaba que sentías algo por mí, pero estaba muy equivocada. --Si hablas del divorcio, lo entiendo, Pierce. Sé lo que tengo que hacer. Sólo dame algo de tiempo porque estoy muy ocupada con la empresa. No huiré. --Kelly, no estoy haciendo esto sólo por mí. También lo hago por ti. Has estado encerrada conmigo desde que nos casamos. Sé que no eres feliz porque en el fondo también 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 traté de darle la espalda, pero antes de poder hacerlo, él 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 sé --lo interrumpí con frustración. Parecía sorprendido, así que me calmé--. Ya lo sé. 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 mí y me congelé cuando besó mi frente con dulzura… --Gracias, Kelly --susurró. Al oírlo, mi corazón se apretó. Habían pasado tres años pero todavía era una cobarde. «¿Por qué no puedes simplemente decirle que lo amas, Kelly? ¡Él es tu esposo y estás llevando su bebé! ¡Díselo y tal vez cambie de opinión!» pensé. Con eso en mente, tragué saliva y estuve a punto de decírselo, pero justo en ese momento su teléfono 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--. Llamé a Luke. Te espera afuera. Come antes de irte, ¿sí? Con eso, salió de nuestra habitación. De repente, las lágrimas que había logrado reprimir hasta ese momento volvieron a brotar. ¿Por qué había pensado que podría tener una oportunidad? Él tomó su decisión en el momento en que me pidió el divorcio, ¿verdad? Siempre que se trataba de Lexi me abandonaba. Capítulo 3 Punto de vista de Kelly--Mantener la compostura Entré al estudio con tacones rojos de cinco centímetros y un vestido igualmente rojo. Todos miraron en mi dirección cuando entré caminando por el pasillo y me saludaron con una sonrisa, pero mantuve mi rostro estoico, sin mostrar emoción alguna. La conversación de esa mañana con Pierce todavía estaba en mi cabeza, pero no podía permitir que afectara mi trabajo. No podía fallar en mi trabajo después de haber fracasado en mi matrimonio. De modo que respiré profundamente para recomponerme. Un momento después, cuando entré a la sala de la sesión de fotos, noté que todos estaban sumidos en el caos. --¡No podemos! No responde las llamadas. ¿Qué debemos hacer? La vicepresidente viene hoy, se enojará. --Podemos simplemente decirle la verdad. Ella es amable. --¡No lo será con esta situación, Lily! Nos va a regañar... --¿Qué está pasando aquí? --pregunté mientras entraba a la sala. De inmediato, el personal me miró con expresiones preocupadas y entonces supe que había un problema. --B-Buenos días, señorita Monroe. Señorita Monroe. Por supuesto, nadie sabía que Pierce y yo estábamos casados excepto nuestras familias. Sentí como si pellizcaran mi corazón con esa verdad. Dolía. Rápidamente, la miré sin comprender. --¿Qué ocurre? --T-tenemos un problema, señorita Monroe. La señorita Chen, nuestra modelo, no atiende nuestras llamadas. Dijo que escuchó que íbamos a cambiar de modelo así que… no quiere venir. Incluso... amenazó con presentar una demanda contra nosotros. Después de decir eso, inclinó la cabeza. Yo apreté los dientes y recorrí el lugar con la mirada. --¿Dónde está la directora de marketing? --inquirí. --E-Ella todavía está tratando de convencer a la señorita Chen, señorita Monroe. Luego de escuchar el problema, me masajeé la frente y cerré los ojos con fuerza. Un segundo después, me agarré del pelo y grité de ira. Sentí que todos a mi alrededor se sobresaltaban sorprendidos. Yo solo suspiré y tomé una gran bocanada de aire antes de mirar a mi alrededor. --Señorita Monroe... --¿Qué es todo esto, señorita Hayley? Tú eres la directora de marketing, ¿qué está pasando? --Señorita Monroe, no sé cómo sucedió, pero la señorita Chen escuchó que usted cambiará de modelo. Está a punto de presentar una demanda contra nosotros... ¿Cambiar de modelo? ¿Cómo es que yo no sabía nada al respecto? La señorita Chen siempre había sido nuestra modelo de confianza y, si no era necesario, cambiar de modelo para una sesión comercial con tan poca antelación sólo causaría muchos problemas a la empresa. Nunca permitiría un error como este. --Yo no pedí eso. Debe ser un error --la interrumpí para ahorrar tiempo--. ¡Arregla este desastre o tendré que despedirte! --Señorita Monroe... Fue el presidente quien nos pidió que la cambiáramos --explicó Hayley vacilante--. Lo ordenó ayer tan pronto como regresó de su viaje de negocios. Aquella verdad me golpeó con fuerza. ¿Fue orden de Pierce? ¿Por qué no me lo dijo? Solía discutir conmigo cada decisión importante antes de tomarla. --No puede ser... --exclamé 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 éxito. Y esa fue también la razón por la que decidió mantener nuestro matrimonio en secreto. --Sí, Kelly. Yo di la orden. --Su voz me hizo retroceder. --S-Señor Presidente… --saludó Hayley y se inclinó con respeto al ver al hombre que apareció de repente detrás de mí. --Pierce, ¡creo que me debes una explicación sobre este cambio de modelo! --dije con los dientes apretados mientras me giraba para interrogarlo. Él sabía perfectamente cuánto esfuerzo puse para ganar este proyecto. Estuve días sin dormir y la señorita Chen era la persona ideal para este trabajo. De hecho, él también 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. --Continúen con el trabajo. Yo se lo aclararé --le indicó él al personal para calmarlos, ignorando la ira que estaba a punto de salir de mis ojos. --¡Contéstame, Pierce! ¿Por qué cambias de modelo tan de repente? --No pude contener mi enojo. Él simplemente me tocó el hombro y me susurró: --Este no es el lugar para discutir al respecto. Te lo explicaré en el auto. En ese momento, miré a mi alrededor y noté que los demás nos miraban furtivamente. Luego me quité sus manos de encima y caminé hacia el estacionamiento, pero durante el camino, sentía mi corazón cada vez más pesado. Tenía la sensación de que su explicación no iba a gustarme. --Vamos, dímelo --exclamé ni bien nos sentamos en su auto. Antes de hablar, me miró a los ojos como si sopesara mis emociones, pero yo aparté la mirada de nuevo. No podía soportar sus miradas, no podía soportar esos ojos que nunca me miraban como yo quería. Él no sentía nada por mí y eso me dolía mucho. --Yo-yo… --hizo una pausa y suspiró--. Reemplacé a la señorita Chen porque Lexi quiere ser nuestra modelo. Ella también encaja en el proyecto, así que estuve de acuerdo... --¿Qué? --pregunté 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. Rápidamente, retiré mi mano y lo miré con dolor y enojo. --No pudiste decirle que no, así que preferiste dañar a la empresa, a nuestra empresa. Me traicionaste, Pierce. --Kels, vamos. Sabes cuánto la amo. Ella es mi primer amor. Al oírlo, cerré los ojos con dolor. «Oh sí, ella es tu primer amor. Siempre la quisiste a ella, sin que te importen los demás. Si ella te frunce el ceño un poco, puedes hacer la vista gorda ante el dolor y el esfuerzo de los demás. Eres tan cruel, Pierce» pensé. --Bueno, ya lo has decidido. No tengo voz y voto en esto ya que tú eres el presidente. Ahora vete, estaré en la oficina --indiqué con frialdad mientras abría la puerta del auto para salir. --Kelly… En ese instante, lo miré a los ojos y dije: --Ve a casa temprano. Hablaremos de nuestro divorcio esta noche. Capítulo 4 Punto de vista de Kelly--Plantada Me encontraba jugueteando con el anillo de bodas en mi dedo mientras lo esperaba. Le había dicho que volviera temprano a casa, pero todavía no regresaba y ni siquiera contestaba mis llamadas. Bueno, ahora que Lexi había vuelto, probablemente ya no veía a esta casa como su hogar. De pronto, mis ojos se dirigieron a mi informe de embarazo que estaba sobre la mesa. Qué gracioso. Todavía era tan ingenua para albergar un rayo de esperanza de que las cosas podrían cambiar si le hablaba del bebé, pero este bebé estaba fuera de sus planes. Me sequé las lágrimas que se acumulaban en el rabillo de mis ojos y agarré el informe. Ya eran las cinco de la mañana cuando miré el reloj de la pared. Intenté marcar su número nuevamente, pero seguía sin responder. ¿En qué estaba tan ocupado? ¿Estaba h**iendo el a**r con Lexi? Debió haberla extrañado mucho, ¿verdad? Pronto, sin saber cuándo, me quedé dormida. Cuando sonó el despertador, inconscientemente toqué la almohada a mi lado. Frío como anoche, no había vuelto a casa todavía. Me burlé de mí misma al ver mi reflejo en el espejo de la cómoda. Los círculos oscuros bajo mis ojos se veían a simple vista y mi cabello era un total desastre, parecía un fantasma. De repente una oleada de náuseas inundó mi estómago y me di cuenta de que no había comido nada la noche anterior. De pronto, me sentí mal otra vez y rápidamente corrí hacia el lavabo y vomité. Escupí un líquido amarillento que sabía muy mal. De inmediato, me lavé la boca y miré mi propio reflejo en el espejo. Al verme, sacudí la cabeza y tomé mi frente en cuanto sentí ganas de vomitar de nuevo. Volví a escupir el líquido amarillento y mientras me lavaba la boca, sentí una cálida mano acariciando mi espalda. Inmediatamente levanté la cara y me encontré con un par de ojos marrones que me miraban a través del espejo. Detrás de mí con cara de preocupación estaba mi esposo Pierce. --¿Estás bien? ¿Te sientes mal? Debiste haberme dicho. Al instante, lo miré a través del espejo. --No respondiste mis llamadas --contesté. Ante aquellas palabras, la culpa apareció en sus ojos. --Lo lamento. Tenía cosas que hacer. Me quedé en la oficina toda la noche --afirmó. Rápidamente, me limpié la cara y pasé junto a él. Pierce me siguió mientras me sentaba frente al tocador y comenzaba a peinarme. --Kels… --Me desperté tarde. No pude preparar el desayuno. Mientras hablaba, intenté evitar sus ojos. Sentía que iba a perder los estribos y gritarle. En ningún momento sentí su egoísmo tan claramente como ahora. Decía que yo era su mejor amiga, pero nunca le habían importado mis necesidades, mis sentimientos. --Kels... sabes que no te pregunté eso. Estoy preocupado por tu salud... Kels, ¿todavía estamos bien? Ante aquella pregunta, dejé de peinarme y lentamente nuestras miradas se encontraron a través del espejo, otra vez. ¿De verdad me estaba preguntando eso? ¿Después de que me pidió el divorcio sin siquiera preguntarme si estaba de acuerdo? Él decidió por su cuenta sólo porque su primer amor había vuelto. No podía creer lo que hacía. Al final, fingí una sonrisa y dije: --No me siento bien hoy, Pierce, eso es todo. Un instante después, se puso de cuclillas a mi lado, lo cual no me resultó sorprendente porque sabía que realmente se preocupaba. Pero lo que sí me sorprendió fue que hacía todo esto después de enterrar una daga en mi corazón. --¿Estás bien? --preguntó mientras tocaba suavemente mi frente y mi cuello--. ¿Estás enferma? Dime cómo te sientes, Kels. --Mis sentimientos no importan --no pude evitar decir y parecía sorprendido por mis palabras. En ese instante, intenté evitarlo, pero me agarró de la muñeca y me hizo mirarlo. Su rostro ahora reflejaba su ira. Había perdido completamente la paciencia. --¿Qué te pasa, Kels? Has estado actuando así desde ayer. ¿Es por Lexi? ¿O porque no volví a casa anoche? --inquirió. Yo lo miré a los ojos, molesta. --¡Tú fuiste quien pidió el divorcio! Te pedí que regresaras temprano para hablar al respecto, pero me dejaste esperando toda la noche. ¿Pretendías que te diera la bienvenida con brazos abiertos después de eso, Pierce? --respondí. Al escucharme, apretó la mandíbula y sacudió la cabeza. --Kels, yo... --Ya basta. Hablaremos del divorcio después del trabajo. --¡Kels! --me llamó y me agarró de los hombros. La confusión y el dolor eran visibles en sus ojos--. ¿Estás... enamorada de mí? Aquello me desconcertó. ¿Enamorada? ¡Sí! Desde que estábamos en la escuela secundaria, desde que se convirtió en mi mejor amigo. ¿Quién no se enamoraría 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. Perdiéndolo irremediablemente. Decidí darle a nuestro matrimonio una última oportunidad, hacer un esfuerzo final... ...... ==== Casarse con su mejor amigo fue un sueño hecho realidad para Kelly, pero todo tiene realmente una limitación. Pierce es el primer amor de Kelly, pero como su mejor amiga, sabía bien que siempre había otra mujer en lo profundo de su corazón. Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finalmente se dio cuenta de que su feliz matrimonio de los últimos tres años era solo un hermoso sueño cuando Pierce pidió el divorcio solo porque Lexi regresó. Ella sólo podría ser su mejor amiga incluso si estuviera encinta de su bebé. ¿Por qué no merecía ser amada? ¿Qué sucederá en adelante? ¿Cómo podría Kelly salvar su corazón en esta batalla de amor y odio? Los capítulos disponibles son limitados aquí, haga click el botón abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo más contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederá a este libro) &5& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spc | Happy reading | https://www.facebook.com/61566043183664/ | 396 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.manobook.com | IMAGE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spcp25_2-1030-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=2029568687383448&rawadid=120214044415460700 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465377687_1107151511116104_7628075802818127073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6SK5DA2GrnoQ7kNvgERadEl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A_TqoC2SR-s-MpM6u8g4uDx&oh=00_AYAS_YXYSrsKZ30pHPG-UCxtBo6p7H90k4u8S_ucf8vZiA&oe=6751970C | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Happy reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,582 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2561580}'
|
No | 2024-11-30 18:51 | active | 1943 | 0 | Take a Free Quiz To get your personalized plan | Living a healthy life doesn’t have to be hard. With the help of the fully personalized Lasting Change self-growth book, you will achieve your personal goals, stay healthy, and be well the easy way. Fill in our highly-detailed, easy-to-understand questionnaire and transform your life with Lasting Change forever! | LEARN_MORE | https://thelastingchange.com/start?qz=lc1&locale=E | The Lasting Change | https://www.facebook.com/thelastingchangeofficial/ | 5,803 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | thelastingchange.com | VIDEO | https://thelastingchange.com/start?qz=lc1&locale=EN_US | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461270249_501844982811906_4312914486048580256_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w5BWlvgvgcwQ7kNvgHILIjK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AluZlZIbmgH0mnwpPkvLFY5&oh=00_AYC4OOlj6FFl3Y02fISxuF_kZeOT9LbmFjg0OMvKKqXSBA&oe=6751760A | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | The Lasting Change | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,562,712 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2562714}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 19:03 | active | 1943 | 0 |
|
SIGN_UP | https://www.stemcell.com/forms/on-demand-liver-org | STEMCELL Technologies | https://www.facebook.com/stemcelltechnologies/ | 34,817 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign Up | 0 | stemcell.com | CAROUSEL | https://www.stemcell.com/forms/on-demand-liver-organoid-training.html?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=hep_organoids&utm_content=on_demand_training_HLO_carousel | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468613411_1633175697552655_1537184908763265560_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eXhgSRHqd7YQ7kNvgHa07YS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Auew1B1aU54iPpLmhhAH-0d&oh=00_AYARFqKy1wwwX-dNRPrkQ5NT_0SLuoQASEjCOMmrz6iIMg&oe=67516C07 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | STEMCELL Technologies | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,560,196 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2560003}'
|
No | 2024-11-30 18:25 | active | 1942 | 0 | Descargar ahora👉👉👉 | No hace falta que busques más. Esta es la serie que estabas deseando ver. ¡No te la pierdas o te arrepentirás! 😍 | WATCH_MORE | Miiowtv short000 | https://www.facebook.com/61557562951006/ | 207 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Watch More | 0 | DCO | {{product.description}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461602134_1192681088880291_3265962485167695804_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ADCJh3cP7VgQ7kNvgHbj3rz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AsOAI8WPHXObQsZPuJ89EvP&oh=00_AYBnmKi-wY1hlzml_MxgpTszIbbZSJiTFfxImImHDuZmqw&oe=67518804 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Miiowtv short000 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,325 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2561197}'
|
No | 2024-11-30 18:37 | active | 1942 | 0 | 🔥 ¡Aprende ahora! | ¡Aprende la MEJOR técnica de masaje íntimo de América con el ÚNICO curso que ofrece video lecciones prácticas con modelos reales! Haz clic en el botón 'Saber más' AHORA, ¡las inscripciones se están cerrando rápidamente! | LEARN_MORE | https://joy-teaches.store/qsd-high/ | Joy Kelly | https://www.facebook.com/61552770085884/ | 224 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | joy-teaches.store | DCO | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.9/10) | https://joy-teaches.store/qsd-high/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468710595_543723795308906_5601072047243838920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2JL-91QiqpcQ7kNvgGRapdr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AaYi6LTLHA5lRoI1AMxLlkW&oh=00_AYCsUSq6VkMfgYF5sa-P63OwPQngtDq00oQYZqurMP058A&oe=67518DB1 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Joy Kelly | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,510 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2561509}'
|
No | 2024-11-30 18:39 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
44079 W Stonecreek Rd | Maricopa, AZ | $489,900 | https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/ | Ted & Kelly Anderson HomeSmart Success | https://www.facebook.com/homesmart.success/ | 407 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | realtor.com | CAROUSEL | Maricopa, AZ | $489,900 | https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/44079-W-Stonecreek-Rd_Maricopa_AZ_85139_M14991-20261?cid=local_expert_city_rdc&lex_assetId=02i5f00000GqkmfAAB&lex_advertiserId=1493197&lex_id=eab3afec-2665-4780-99a5-75c9c46883ca | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468647941_937660417861297_8917001630722388455_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Xk_pSt0B2NUQ7kNvgGFrQcL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AQBDuBxZ45WHZupMx9aUc1n&oh=00_AYCS1dJ7xQ1fDcEBmw1vZQ2Mxq1L7uzw8k6ox936CMD1pQ&oe=67517849 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ted & Kelly Anderson HomeSmart Success | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,148 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2561176}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:36 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
{{product.name}} | Love it 🎄 Order here: https://petthouse.com/FBTVD241119133332 Browse other designs in our store: https://petthouse.com Tips: Use search bar to look for more preferred designs. | SHOP_NOW | https://petthouse.com/products/petthouse-personali | Pet House | https://www.facebook.com/61559043224514/ | 8,126 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | https://petthouse.com/products/petthouse-personali... | DCO | {{product.description}} | https://petthouse.com/products/petthouse-personalized-dental-work-ornament-best-dental-team-ever-dental-assistant-hygienist-gift-corporate-gift | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468189541_1113805662952991_5332255529121232591_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uS6mV4cyuZ0Q7kNvgG1eixD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AaZBtiLhwVT6i2AfS0eSM48&oh=00_AYBOV5n6RnfLBMyHV6uMfRY0ZXVJ3d7SsR4dpfS07qYv8w&oe=67517659 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Pet House | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,574 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:39 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
📚📚 Meister der Spirituellen Kultivierung | Kapitel 1 Zehn Jahre später Der Mount Stokeris hatte steile und hohe Klippen mit alten Bäumen, die gen Himmel ragten. Ein abgeschiedenes Kloster stand einsam inmitten der Wolken auf dem Gipfel des Berges. Zwei Personen standen vor den Toren des Klosters, ein Älterer und ein Jugendlicher. "Finneas, ein Jahrzehnt ist vergangen, und du bist unbesiegbar in der gewöhnlichen Welt geworden. Es ist Zeit für dich, den Berg hinabzusteigen." Die Stimme von Melvin Frye, dem Älteren, trug die Last der Zeit. "Sag es einfach, wenn du mich schlagen willst." Finneas Lamorde sah den alten Mann mit einem Blick voller Groll an. Melvin schwieg einen Moment, bevor er sagte: "Eigentlich waren meine Handlungen zu deinem eigenen Besten!" "Hah!" Als Finneas diese Worte hörte, ließ er ein kaltes Schnauben los, antwortete aber nicht. Plötzlich fragte Melvin: "Finneas, verachtest du mich?" "Ich habe dich früher wirklich gehasst!" "Und jetzt?" "Es spielt keine Rolle mehr. Zehn Jahre sind vergangen, also hat es keinen Sinn, das anzusprechen." "Du hast recht, es ist sinnlos! Schließlich, wie viele Jahrzehnte hat ein Mensch in seinem Leben... Die Zeit ist so gnadenlos wie eine Klinge, die selbst die Arrogantesten niederhaut. Trotz meiner Stärke konnte ich nicht zu jenem unerreichbaren Ufer springen." Der alte Mann seufzte. Mit großer Anstrengung hob er seinen Blick und starrte in den fernen Himmel. In diesem Moment ging die Sonne im Westen unter und kündigte den Einbruch der Dämmerung an. Das Abendrot vermischte sich mit den Schichten der Wolken, sein verweilendes Licht fiel auf den weiten Wald und spiegelte einen atemberaubend schönen Glanz wider. "Der Sonnenuntergang ist schön, aber leider ist er vergänglich." Mit einem Seufzer fuhr Melvin fort: "Finneas, könntest du mich 'Meister Frye' nennen?" Finneas senkte den Kopf, die Mundwinkel trugen immer noch das gleiche unveränderte kalte Grinsen. Melvin schien daran gewöhnt zu sein, weiterhin wie gewohnt mit sich selbst zu sprechen. "Finneas, was denkst du, wie die Unsterblichen Welt ist?" "Finneas, ich habe Lust auf Knödel." "Finneas, mein Zahn schmerzt..." Die Szene wurde allmählich ruhig. Whoosh! Die Abendbrise wehte sanft und brachte eine Berührung von Kühle mit sich. Nach einer Weile der Stille spürte Finneas, dass etwas nicht stimmte, und sah zu Melvin auf. Zu seiner Überraschung stellte er fest, dass der alte Mann irgendwann die Augen geschlossen hatte und derzeit keinerlei Lebenszeichen mehr zeigte. Als Finneas diese Szene sah, trat er vor und hob grob Melvins Leiche hoch. Seine Stimme war kalt, als er sagte: "Versuchst du mich nicht nur zu überlisten, den Berg hinunterzugehen, damit du eine Ausrede findest, mich zu schlagen? Warum würdest du so absurde Längen gehen, um deinen Tod vorzutäuschen?" Aber egal, was Finneas sagte, Melvin zeigte keine Reaktion mehr. Sein Teint wurde allmählich lila, und seine Körpertemperatur kühlte langsam ab. Sein Körper war auf weniger als vierzig Kilogramm geschrumpft, ein krasser Gegensatz zu seinem einst ätherischen und majestätischen Auftreten. Erinnerungen begannen langsam in Finneas' Gedanken aufzutauchen. Vor zehn Jahren war er erst zweiundzwanzig, als er sein Studium abschloss. Um sein Versprechen an seine Freundin zu erfüllen, reiste er alleine mit dem Auto nach Yiefmery, um ihre Eltern in ihrem Zuhause zu treffen. Unerwartet traf er auf der Reise einen rätselhaften alten Mann. Der Ältere erwähnte, dass Finneas eine natürliche spirituelle Konstitution hatte und ein vielversprechender Sämling für die Kultivierung war. Trotz Finneas' Einwänden brachte Melvin ihn gewaltsam in diesen dünn besiedelten Berg. So verging ein ganzes Jahrzehnt! In diesen zehn Jahren unterzog Melvin ihn dem rigorosesten Training, das der Menschheit bekannt war. Jeden Tag musste er vor dem Morgengrauen aufstehen, um zu trainieren. Um sieben Uhr übte er seine Schläge. Um zehn Uhr übte er seine Tritte. Um zwölf Uhr übte er sein Schwertkampf. Um zwei Uhr nachmittags übte er die Augen des Äthers. Um sechs Uhr nachmittags übte er seine Arrays. Um neun Uhr abends konzentrierte er sich auf die Medizin. Nach Mitternacht begann er zu meditieren. Tag für Tag, Jahr für Jahr. Über das Jahrzehnt hinweg hatte er unzählige Male danach gestrebt zu entkommen, von diesem Ort zu fliehen und nach Hause zurückzukehren. Aber jedes Mal würde Melvin ihn mühelos zurückziehen und ihm eine schwere Tracht Prügel verpassen! Es gab sogar einmal, als die Prügel so heftig waren, dass sie ihm fast das Leben gekostet hätten. Obwohl die Unsterblichkeitskultivierung als eine große Chance angesehen wurde, war Finneas völlig gleichgültig. Seine Freundin wartete immer noch darauf, dass er sie fragte, während seine alternden Eltern und seine jüngere Schwester alle von ihm abhängig waren, um Geld zu verdienen und die Familie zu unterstützen. Wie konnte er hier bleiben? Leider blieb Melvin trotz all seiner Bitten ungerührt. Finneas hatte einmal subtil angedeutet, dass er eine Nachricht nach Hause schicken wollte, sogar auf Knien gebeten, aber der alte Mann stimmte immer noch nicht zu. Nachdem er ihn gründlich verprügelt hatte, sagte Melvin kalt: „Die Verfolgung der Unsterblichkeitskultivierung widersetzt sich den Himmeln, also musst du alle Bindungen zur sterblichen Welt abbrechen! Finneas, solange ich lebe, kannst du vergessen, jemals diesen Berg zu verlassen!“ Von diesem Moment an hegte Finneas einen tiefen Groll gegen Melvin! Er trainierte jeden Tag unermüdlich in der Hoffnung, schnell stärker zu werden. Sein Ziel war es, Melvin zu übertreffen, um diesen dann zu töten und so den Hass in seinem Herzen zu lindern. Und so verging ein Jahrzehnt im Nu! Er hatte sich zehn Jahre lang einem rigorosen Training gewidmet, aber anstatt den alten Mann zu übertreffen, wie er gehofft hatte, wurde er stattdessen mit dieser bestimmten Szene konfrontiert. In diesem Moment fühlte Finneas eine Leere in seinem Herzen. Er war nicht so fröhlich, wie er es sich vorgestellt hatte, noch war er so wütend. Alles, was da war, war eine ungestörte Ruhe. Oder vielleicht wäre es treffender zu sagen, dass er sich taub fühlte. Er konnte nicht anders, als zu denken, dass seine zehn Jahre des Durchhaltens jetzt völlig lächerlich erschienen. Der Abendwind begann stärker zu wehen. Die Temperatur in den weiten Bergen schien plötzlich unter den Gefrierpunkt gefallen zu sein. Ohne ein Wort zu sagen, legte Finneas Melvin still zur Ruhe. Dann drehte er sich um und stand da, seine melancholischen Augen starrten auf die saftig grünen Berge in der Ferne. Niemand konnte verstehen, was er in diesem Moment fühlte. Nach einer langen Weile sprach er endlich. „Ich kann nicht glauben, dass du dieses Mal wirklich fort bist! Dein Körper wird sich allmählich auflösen und ewig werden, ähnlich wie die Sandkörner in der Wüste. Auf gewisse Weise könnte dies als eine Form der Unsterblichkeit betrachtet werden. Mit diesem Abschied werden wir uns nie wiedersehen!“ Am Ende konnte sich Finneas einfach nicht dazu bringen, Melvin als „Meister Frye“ anzusprechen. Aber was bedeutete es schon, ob er es jetzt tat oder nicht? Er zog sein Schwert, verwandelte sich in einen Lichtstrahl und verschwand am Horizont. Wenn in diesem Moment ein Kultivierter anwesend gewesen wäre, wäre er zweifellos völlig erstaunt gewesen. Es war schwer zu glauben, dass in dieser modernen Ära jemand tatsächlich auf einem Schwert fliegen konnte! Eine halbe Stunde später kehrte Finneas endlich in die Heimat seiner Erinnerungen zurück. Seine Heimatstadt lag am Rande von Jacaster in Jussipi. Das Haus, an das er unaufhörlich dachte, war nichts weiter als ein bescheidenes, eingeschossiges Haus. Vor dem eingeschossigen Haus befand sich ein kleiner Teich, an dessen Seite sanft schwingende Weiden standen. „Also... nichts hat sich letztendlich geändert!“ Als er die vertraute Szene vor sich betrachtete, füllten sich Finneas' Augen schließlich mit Tränen. Ein Jahrzehnt war vergangen, seit er entführt worden war, und jetzt kehrte er endlich nach Hause zurück. Auch mit seinem gegenwärtigen Gemütszustand konnte er nicht anders, als einen Stich des Kummers zu spüren, kurz vor den Tränen. Damals, als er auf dem Berg gewesen war, hatte es unzählige Tage und Nächte gegeben, an denen er von einer solchen Szene geträumt hatte... Vom Schwimmen im Teich als Kind, vom Trubel der Straßen oder sogar von all seinen Freunden und seiner Familie. „Nachdem ich zehn Jahre lang spurlos verschwunden war, haben Mom und Dad wohl gedacht, dass ich tot bin, oder?“ „Und die kleine Alyssa... Als ich ging, war sie erst neun Jahre alt. Ich weiß nicht einmal, ob sie jetzt an der Universität ist!“ „Der alte Mann behauptete, dass der Weg zur Unsterblichkeit in der Kultivierung liegt und erfordert, dass man alle weltlichen Bindungen abbricht. Aber wenn das bedeutet, die Liebsten von uns abzuschneiden, was ist dann der Zweck der Kultivierung?“ Finneas seufzte lang, um seine chaotischen Emotionen zu beruhigen. War das nicht der Moment, auf den er all die Jahre gewartet hatte? In diesem Moment hallte plötzlich ein Schrei der Angst aus dem eingeschossigen Haus. "Ich lag falsch! Ich will die Umzugskompensation nicht mehr! Ich lag falsch, ich verstehe meinen Fehler jetzt!" "Bitte... Nein... Nein!" Klatsch! "Benehmen Sie sich!" Als er das hörte, änderte sich Finneas' Ausdruck abrupt. Ist das Lyssie? Wird sie angegriffen? "Verdammt!" Finneas' Ausdruck war eiskalt. Sein Körper schien zu teleportieren, als er auf die Tore des eingeschossigen Hauses zustürmte! Kapitel 2 Ich verabscheue dich In der Zwischenzeit, im einstöckigen Haus. Zwei glatzköpfige Brutale, ihre Körper mit Drachentattoos markiert, umgaben ein Mädchen, während sie bösartig lachten. "Sie ist absolut umwerfend!" "Mann, das ist erstaunlich! Wer hätte gedacht, dass dieser sture Mieter so wunderschön ist? Wir haben wirklich Glück gehabt!" "Lass mich los!" flehte Alyssa Lamorde verzweifelt und weinte. Ihre zarte Wange war von der Ohrfeige rosarot, mit Blutspuren, die aus den Mundwinkeln flossen. Sie kämpfte mit aller Kraft, aber es war völlig nutzlos! Egal, was sie tat, sie konnte die beiden kräftigen Männer nicht abwehren. "Hör auf zu kämpfen! Wenn wir zufrieden sind, lassen wir dich gehen!" "Keine Sorge, wir werden dich gut behandeln, weißt du..." Die beiden Männer hielten Alyssa fest, während sie böse grinsten. Tränen, klar wie Kristallperlen, fielen aus Alyssas Augen. Sie wusste, dass es heute Nacht kein Entkommen gab! In diesem Moment durchfuhr sie ein Schauer den ganzen Körper, als sie über ihre Erfahrungen in den letzten Jahren nachdachte. Sie hatte sich dagegen gesträubt, Geld für Kleidung auszugeben, und selbst als sie an die Universität kam, hatte sie nicht genug Geld, um teilzunehmen. Selbst beim Essen war sie immer vorsichtig und akribisch. Während des Neujahrs, als andere ein Familientreffen mit einem Tisch voller opulenter Mahlzeiten genossen, konnte sie nur alleine in ihrem einstöckigen Haus zusammengekauert im Bett liegen und beten, dass die kalte Nacht schnell vorübergehen möge. Schließlich ergab sich eine Gelegenheit, als sie die Nachricht erhielt, dass sie umgesiedelt werden würde. Unerwartet nutzte das Abrissunternehmen ihre Einsamkeit aus, indem es eine extrem niedrige Entschädigung für die Umsiedlung anbot. Sie lehnte ab, was dazu führte, dass diese beiden Männer kamen, um sie zur Unterwerfung zu zwingen. Sie verstand es wirklich nicht - was hatte sie falsch gemacht? Trotz all der Mühe, die sie darauf verwendete, ihr Leben in vollen Zügen zu genießen, schien es, als würde das Schicksal ihr einfach keinen Spielraum lassen. Vielleicht hätte ich diese Welt mit Mama und Papa verlassen sollen, als sie vor acht Jahren starben. Dann müsste ich nicht mehr leiden. Bei solchen Gedanken überkam Alyssa eine Welle überwältigender Erschöpfung und Verzweiflung, bis sie bewusstlos wurde. Als die beiden glatzköpfigen Brutalen sahen, wie Alyssa ohnmächtig wurde, lachten sie noch lauter. Knall! In diesem Moment wurde die Haustür des einstöckigen Hauses mit einem einzigen, kraftvollen Tritt aufgestoßen. Wie ein Blitz stürmte Finneas herein! Als er die Szene vor sich sah, füllten sich seine Augen sofort vor Wut, und er fühlte, als ob sein Herz in tausend Stücke zersprungen wäre! "Ah! Geh zur Hölle!" In einem Wutanfall ließ Finneas einen wütenden Schrei los und schleuderte eine Ohrfeige durch die Luft. Boom! Bevor die beiden kräftigen Männer überhaupt begreifen konnten, was passierte, wurden sie von Finneas zu einem Blutnebel reduziert! "Lyssie!" Überwältigt von Emotionen hielt Finneas seine bewusstlose Schwester fest in den Armen und konnte seine Tränen nicht zurückhalten. Er hatte nie in seinen wildesten Träumen gedacht, dass er bei seiner Rückkehr mit einem solchen Anblick konfrontiert würde. Als er den armseligen, knappen Kleidungsstil seiner Schwester und ihre gerötete, geschwollene Wange sah, fühlte er einen überwältigenden Schmerz. Es dauerte eine Weile, bis sich seine Emotionen allmählich stabilisierten. Danach holte er Alyssa ein sauberes Outfit zum Anziehen und reinigte sorgfältig alle Blutflecken im Raum. Er setzte sich erst neben seine Schwester, als er fertig war, und wachte schweigend über sie. Es schien, als könnte er sich nie daran sattsehen. Immerhin hatten sie sich seit einem Jahrzehnt nicht mehr gesehen! Die Veränderung bei Alyssa war signifikant. Sie war von dem winzigen Kind von damals zu einer atemberaubenden Schönheit herangewachsen. Gerade als Alyssa langsam die Augen öffnete. Als sie Finneas sah, erschrak sie und sprang schnell auf die Beine. Mit Misstrauen in ihrer Stimme fragte sie: "Wer bist du und wo sind die beiden Leute von vorhin hin?" "Ich habe sie vertrieben!" Finneas gab nicht zu, die beiden Schurken getötet zu haben. Immerhin war seine Schwester nur ein gewöhnlicher Mensch. Es war unvermeidlich, dass solche Dinge ihr Angst einjagen würden. Gleichzeitig fühlte er sich innerlich etwas zerrissen. Anhand ihrer Reaktion war klar, dass Alyssa ihn nicht erkannt hatte. Aber das war zu erwarten. Vor zehn Jahren war sie erst neun Jahre alt. In den letzten zehn Jahren war sein Haar lang gewachsen. Sowohl sein Aussehen als auch sein Auftreten hatten sich erheblich verändert. "Du hast sie vertrieben?" Alyssa warf Finneas einen zweifelnden Blick zu. Dennoch murmelte sie nach einem Moment des Zögerns: "D-Danke!" Trotz ihrer Worte blieb ihr Ausdruck vorsichtig, und sie hielt einen relativ sicheren Abstand zu Finneas. Als Finneas das vorsichtige Verhalten seiner Schwester sah, stieg Traurigkeit in seinem Herzen auf. Er konnte sich nicht vorstellen, was sie in den letzten zehn Jahren ohne ihn durchgemacht hatte! Was ist mit ihren Eltern passiert? Wo waren sie hingegangen? "Lyssie! Erkennst du mich nicht mehr?" Finneas kämpfte darum, sich zu beherrschen. "Wer bist du?" Alyssa sah auf, ein verwirrter Ausdruck auf ihrem Gesicht, als sie Finneas ansah. Sein Gesicht war von Müdigkeit und Melancholie gezeichnet. Auf den ersten Blick war er vielleicht nicht konventionell attraktiv, aber bei genauerem Hinsehen würde man entdecken, dass er einen einzigartigen, fesselnden Charme besaß. Darüber hinaus fand sie den Mann vor sich überraschenderweise irgendwie vertraut. Es schien, als hätten sie sich irgendwo schon einmal getroffen! "Ich bin es, dein großer Bruder, Finn!" Ein Hauch eines Lächelns schlich sich auf Finneas' Gesicht. "Finn?" Alyssa hielt einen Moment inne. Anschließend begann ein Gesicht aus den Tiefen ihrer Erinnerung langsam mit dem vor ihr verschmelzen. Ihr Körper zitterte sichtbar, und ihre Augen röteten sich schnell. Es war klar, dass glänzende Tränen drohten, aus ihren Augenwinkeln zu fließen. "Lyssie!" Finneas kämpfte wirklich darum, seine Emotionen in diesem Moment zu beruhigen. Er streckte vorsichtig seine Hand aus, in der Hoffnung, das Haar seiner Schwester zu zerzausen, so wie er es früher als Kinder getan hatte. Doch er hatte nicht erwartet, dass Alyssa nach einem kurzen Moment des Erscheinens benommen tatsächlich seine Hand wegschlagen würde. Dann schien sie sich in eine völlig andere Person zu verwandeln. Sie rieb sich die tränenfeuchten, roten Augen und schnappte: "Du irrst dich. Ich habe keinen Bruder!" "Lyssie, du..." Finneas war schockiert, dass seine Schwester solche Worte aussprechen würde. Er hatte gedacht, dass Alyssa bei seiner Rückkehr sich freudig in seine Arme werfen würde, so wie sie es früher als Kinder getan hatten. Überraschenderweise war der Ausdruck in ihrem Gesicht jetzt einer reinen Abscheu. "Nenn mich nicht Lyssie! Als unsere Eltern starben, warst du nicht auffindbar. Jetzt, wo unser Zuhause kurz vor der Zerstörung steht, tauchst du bequemerweise auf? Finneas, ich möchte wirklich nicht schlecht von dir denken, aber du hast mich wirklich enttäuscht!" Ein Zittern durchlief Finneas' Herz, und er fragte schnell: "Waren Mama und Papa gesund?" "Vor Jahren, als du gegangen bist und nie zurückgekommen bist, haben Mama und Papa ihr ganzes Vermögen ausgegeben, um dich zu finden. Am Ende wurden sie von einem Auto auf der Straße erfasst und starben einfach so." Alyssas Stimme war spürbar erstickt, als würde sie Tränen zurückhalten. "W-Wann ist das passiert?" "Vor langer, langer Zeit. Genauer gesagt im zweiten Jahr nach deinem Weggang." Sie betrachtete Finneas erneut, ließ ein kaltes, spöttisches Lachen los und sagte: "Hah! Was hast du in den letzten zehn Jahren gemacht, seit du uns verlassen hast, um so auszusehen? Hat dich Natalie verlassen? Bist du jetzt obdachlos und deshalb zurückgekommen? Finneas, du bist wirklich nicht menschlich!" Finneas trat schnell vor, packte Alyssas Arm. "Lyssie, lass mich erklären. Du magst es schwer glauben, aber in den letzten zehn Jahren war ich auf dem Pfad der unsterblichen Kultivierung..." "Lass mich los! Ich will deinen Unsinn nicht hören!" "Ich werde nicht loslassen! Ich werde dich niemals loslassen. Du bist meine Schwester..." "Finneas, dränge mich nicht. Wirst du nur glücklich sein, wenn du mich in die Ecke gedrängt hast, bis ich keine andere Wahl habe, als alles zu beenden?" Alyssas Stimme war hysterisch, ihre Emotionen schienen jeden Moment zusammenzubrechen. "Finneas, ich werde dir niemals vergeben! Niemals! Seit dem Moment, als unsere Eltern starben, bin ich allein auf dieser Welt ohne Familie zurückgeblieben. Denk nicht, dass ich dir vergeben werde, nur weil du mich gerettet hast!" Als Finneas das hörte, war er sprachlos und erstarrte vor Ort. Er ließ zu, dass Alyssa ihn aus der Tür schob. Dann wurde die Haustür mit einem lauten Knall zugeschlagen. Kapitel 3 Die neun Himmelskunst der Unsterblichen „L-Lyssie.“ Finneas starrte regungslos auf die fest verschlossene Tür, sein Herz schmerzte. Entgegen seiner Erwartungen kam es nie zu der ersehnten herzerwärmenden Familienzusammenführung. Stattdessen spielte sich eine Szene der Verwüstung ab. Man könnte sagen, dass es von dem Moment an, als er vor zehn Jahren von Melvin in die Berge zurückgebracht wurde, dazu bestimmt war, in Tragödie zu enden. Finneas stand an der Tür, holte erst einmal tief Luft, bis sich seine Emotionen allmählich beruhigten. Er musste zugeben, dass Melvins gnadenloses Training ihn wirklich beeinflusst hatte. Er fühlte, als ob sein Blut kalt geworden wäre, als ob er trotz allem schnell wieder zu sich kommen könnte, egal was passierte. Finneas seufzte schwer und begann langsam zu erklären: „Lyssie, damals bin ich wirklich zur Unsterblichen Kultivierung gegangen und wurde an einem Ort für zehn Jahre eingesperrt! Erst heute konnte ich herauskommen...“ Doch drinnen im einstöckigen Haus gab es keine Antwort. „Lyssie, egal was passiert ist, jetzt, da ich zurück bin, gehe ich nirgendwo hin! Mir ist es völlig egal, wie es mit der Umzugsentschädigung aussieht. Du bist meine Schwester, also ist es meine Pflicht, dich zu beschützen! Von jetzt an sind es nur noch wir beide, Bruder und Schwester, die sich aufeinander verlassen. Ich lasse nicht zu, dass dich jemand mehr belästigt.“ Knarren. Die Tore waren geöffnet. Alyssa sah Finneas mit einem komplizierten Ausdruck an. Natürlich glaubte sie Finneas' Behauptung, dass er zehn Jahre lang an einem Ort eingesperrt war, nicht. „Hat all dieses Gerede irgendeine Bedeutung?“ „Lyssie, nachdem unsere Eltern gestorben sind, müssen diese Jahre für dich ziemlich hart gewesen sein, oder?“ Finneas sagte, sein Herz schmerzte für sie. „Das geht dich nichts an.“ Alyssa schlug die Tür wieder zu. Dann lehnte sie sich gegen die Tür, hielt sich die Hände vor den Mund und Tränen liefen bereits über ihr zartes Gesicht. Sie wollte wirklich in die Arme ihres Bruders stürmen können, wie sie es früher als Kinder getan hatten, hemmungslos schluchzen und Trost bei ihm suchen. Aber jedes Mal, wenn sie daran dachte, wie Finneas nach dem Studium für eine Frau weggegangen war, zehn Jahre lang weggeblieben war und den Tod ihrer Eltern verursacht hatte, fand sie es unmöglich, ihm zu vergeben. Jetzt, da ihr Bruder während einer so sensiblen Zeit aufgetaucht war, als ihr Haus abgerissen werden sollte und sie eine Entschädigung für den Umzug erhalten würde, war es schwer, nicht über seinen wirklichen Grund für die Rückkehr zu spekulieren. „Lyssie, geh erst einmal gut schlafen. Ich werde draußen Wache halten. Wenn du etwas brauchst, ruf einfach nach mir“, sagte Finneas leise. Dann fand er einen relativ flachen Platz vor der Tür und setzte sich im Schneidersitz nieder. Sein Kopf war jetzt durcheinander. Er brauchte etwas Zeit, um seine Gedanken zu ordnen. Auf ihrer Suche nach ihm verloren ihre Eltern tragischerweise bei einem Autounfall ihr Leben. Danach musste seine jüngere Schwester so viele Jahre lang ein einsames und schwieriges Leben ganz alleine führen. Es war leicht vorstellbar, wie viel Mühsal und Ungerechtigkeit sie ertragen musste. „Da ich zurückgekehrt bin, sollte niemand mehr daran denken, Lyssie in Zukunft zu belästigen...“ Finneas seufzte schwer. Da seine Eltern bereits gestorben waren, lag sein einziger Fokus jetzt darauf, sich um seine jüngere Schwester zu kümmern und Unsterblichkeit zu erlangen. „Was Natalie betrifft...“ Finneas seufzte erneut. Natalie war tatsächlich seine Freundin von damals. Die beiden waren sieben Jahre lang zusammen, während drei Jahren in der High School und vier Jahren an der Universität. Obwohl sie sich liebten, waren sie letztendlich dazu verdammt, getrennt zu bleiben. Ein Jahrzehnt war vergangen, und Natalie war jetzt zweiunddreißig. Finneas vermutete, dass sie wahrscheinlich inzwischen verheiratet und Mutter war. „Vergiss es, was bringt es jetzt noch, darüber nachzudenken? Letztendlich war ich es, der sie enttäuscht hat.“ Finneas beschloss, nicht weiter darüber nachzudenken. Er nahm die Lotussitzhaltung ein und atmete meditativ ein und aus. Die Atemtechnik, die er praktizierte, war als die "Neun Himmel Unsterbliche Kunst" bekannt. Nach Melvin war dies eine höchste unsterbliche Technik, etwas, für das er sein Leben riskiert hatte, um es aus einer alten Ruine zu erhalten! Leider war diese Methode nicht für gewöhnliche Menschen geeignet. Sie konnte nur von denen kultiviert werden, die eine natürliche spirituelle Konstitution hatten. Das war der Grund, warum Melvin so aufgeregt war, als er Finneas zum ersten Mal sah. Nach allem, was passiert war, konnte auch Finneas erraten, warum Melvin so hart und gnadenlos zu ihm gewesen war. Melvin war bemerkenswert talentiert und schaffte es, in dieser modernen Ära die Urteilsphase zu erreichen. Leider konnte er letztendlich die Unfruchtbarkeit dieser Welt nicht überwinden. Am Ende seines Lebens hatte er es immer noch nicht geschafft, Unsterblichkeit zu erlangen. Unsterblichkeit zu erlangen war Melvins lebenslange Besessenheit. Deshalb suchte er im letzten Jahrzehnt seines Lebens Finneas auf. Er goss all sein lebenslanges Wissen in den jungen Mann und hoffte, dass Finneas derjenige sein würde, der die Ketten ihrer Welt brechen würde, um den Fluch zu zerstören, der zukünftigen Generationen die Unsterblichkeit verwehrte. Unter Melvins unmenschlichem Training erwies sich Finneas als würdig. In nur einem Jahrzehnt war er ein Kultivierender auf dem Höhepunkt der Goldenen Kernphase geworden. Der Weg der Kultivierung war in zehn Phasen unterteilt: Energieverfeinerung, Grundsteinlegung, Goldener Kern, Nascitseele, Seelenprojektion, Göttliche Transformation, Leere Verfeinerung, Transzendenz, Große Erhebung und Urteil. Jede Phase war weiter in zahlreiche Unterphasen unterteilt. Zum Beispiel könnte die Goldene Kernphase in drei Unterphasen unterteilt werden: Kernbildung, Kernkondensation und Kerntransformation. Ebenso könnte die Nascitseelephase auch in drei Unterphasen unterteilt werden: Seelenbildung, Seelenkondensation und Seelentransformation. Jeder kleine Durchbruch einer Unterphase war ein großer Fortschritt für den Kultivierenden und führte zu einem exponentiellen Anstieg seiner Stärke. Man könnte sagen, dass Finneas in dieser modernen Ära mit seiner Kultivierung auf dem Höhepunkt der Goldenen Kernphase praktisch unaufhaltsam war! Natürlich war dies nur etwas, was Melvin ihm erzählt hatte, als er noch lebte. Was die Details betrifft, war selbst Finneas nicht ganz sicher, da er bis jetzt noch keinen anderen Kultivierenden getroffen hatte. Die Nacht verging im Nu. Nach seiner Kultivierungssitzung öffnete Finneas die Augen und atmete eine verbrauchte Luft aus. Nach dem Durchbruch der Goldenen Kernphase würde es für ihn nicht einfach sein, weitere Fortschritte zu machen. Aufgrund der Knappheit an spiritueller Energie in dieser Welt würde es eine unglaublich lange Zeit dauern, die Nascitseele allein durch Meditation und Kultivierung zu bilden. Um schnell voranzukommen, müsste er alternative Methoden finden. In diesem Moment öffneten sich die Tore des einstöckigen Hauses. Alyssa, die eine Schüssel voller Kleidung trug, trat heraus, bereit, sie im nahegelegenen Teich zu waschen. Sofort war Finneas an der Seite seiner Schwester. "Lyssie, Wäsche waschen? Lass mich dir dabei helfen." "Das ist nicht nötig", antwortete Alyssa kalt. In der letzten Nacht hatte sie beobachtet, wie Finneas die ganze Nacht draußen saß. Dennoch war es unmöglich, den Groll in ihrem Herzen zu löschen. Sie dachte immer noch, dass die Rückkehr ihres Bruders dieses Mal höchstwahrscheinlich auf den Abriss und die Umsiedlung zurückzuführen war. "Es besteht kein Grund, höflich zu mir zu sein." Finneas schnappte sich prompt die Schüssel und ging zum Teich. Als er sich hinsetzte, bemerkte er, dass etwas nicht stimmte. Dies lag daran, dass die Waschschüssel mit Damenunterwäsche gefüllt war... Waschen... oder nicht waschen? Finneas war wirklich in einer Zwickmühle. Obwohl Alyssa seine eigene Schwester war, erkannte er immer noch die inhärenten Unterschiede zwischen Männern und Frauen an. Außerdem schien es ihm nicht ganz angemessen und ziemlich unangenehm, diese Art von intimer Kleidung mit den Händen zu schrubben... Trotzdem konnte Finneas, als er auf die verblassten Unterwäsche starrte, nicht umhin, einen Stich der Traurigkeit in seinem Herzen zu spüren. Für ein Mädchen war es wichtig, regelmäßig neue Unterwäsche zu kaufen, aber es schien, als ob Alyssa seit Jahren dieselben trug. "Was ist los? Kann jemand wie du auch verlegen sein?" Alyssa stand am Ufer, ihr Ton gleichgültig, als sie sprach. "Diese Kleidung ist zu alt. Mach dir keine Sorgen, ich werde dir später neue kaufen", versprach Finneas leise, während er die Wäsche wusch. "Hör auf zu tun als ob!" Alyssa drehte sich um und ging ins Haus. Bei diesem Anblick konnte Finneas nicht anders, als bitter zu lachen. Kapitel 4 Kelly Latiers Nachdem er die Wäsche fertig hatte, beschloss Finneas, rauszugehen und etwas Geld zu verdienen. Gerade als ein pinkfarbener Chevrolet Spark die baufällige Schotterstraße vor ihrem Haus hochfuhr. Ein Mädchen mit leichtem Make-up und auffälliger Kleidung stieg aus dem Auto aus. Sie sah etwa achtzehn oder neunzehn aus, trug ein weißes Kleid und schwarze Strümpfe. Mit einem jugendlichen, energiegeladenen Aussehen ähnelte sie einer zarten Porzellanpuppe. Ihr Name war Kelly Latiers, eine Klassenkameradin von Alyssa. Kelly warf einen neugierigen Blick auf Finneas, der an der Tür stand, und rief dann laut ins Haus: "Lyssie, bist du zu Hause?" Drinnen hörte Alyssa die vertraute Stimme und wischte schnell ihre Tränen weg. Dann lief sie heraus und fragte: "Kelly, warum bist du hier?" "Lyssie, hast du gerade geweint?" Kelly bemerkte Alyssas rote Augen und spürte sofort, dass etwas nicht stimmte. Dann dachte sie an etwas und warf einen misstrauischen Blick auf Finneas, der nicht weit entfernt stand. "Er sieht nicht wie ein guter Mensch aus. Hat er dich gemobbt?" "Nein, ich bin nur versehentlich hingefallen." Alyssa schüttelte den Kopf und zog Kelly ins Haus. Finneas wollte ihnen folgen, aber als er einen Schritt nach vorne machte, knallte die Tür zu. "Sie muss eine Freundin von Lyssie sein... Mit einer Freundin um sich herum sollte sich Lyssie besser fühlen", murmelte Finneas draußen vor sich hin. Es spielte eigentlich keine Rolle, ob er reinging oder nicht, denn sein scharfes Gehör ermöglichte es ihm, jedes Geräusch im Haus klar zu hören. Was ihn beunruhigte, war, dass Kelly glamourös und schön aussah, während seine Schwester wie Cinderella aussah. "Auch wenn Lyssie gesagt hat, dass dieser Ort bald umgesiedelt werden könnte, ist es nicht realistisch, sich auf die Umsiedlungskompensation zu verlassen. Ich muss schnell Geld verdienen!" Finneas überlegte einen Moment, dann hockte er sich in die Ecke, um dem Gespräch im Haus zuzuhören. In dem kleinen Raum gab es nur ein abgenutztes Bett und einen mit Büchern überhäuften Schreibtisch. Die beiden Mädchen saßen auf dem Bett und flüsterten miteinander, ohne zu bemerken, dass Finneas alles hörte, was sie aus der Ecke sagten. Wenn Kelly es wüsste, würde sie ihn definitiv mit ihrem feurigen Temperament ausschimpfen. "Lyssie, wer ist dieser gruselige Typ mit dem struppigen Bart und den langen Haaren?" "Ich weiß nicht, vielleicht ein Müllsammler, der hierher gekommen ist, um sich zu erleichtern." "Oh, kein Wunder, dass er so heruntergekommen aussieht. Ein erwachsener Mann, der so lebt, ist wirklich beschämend!" An der Wand in der Ecke war Finneas sprachlos. Alyssa wollte nicht, dass Kelly so über ihren Bruder sprach, also fragte sie schnell: "Kelly, warum bist du heute hierher gekommen?" "Oh! Es ist einen Monat her, seit die Schule begonnen hat. Der Administrator hat mich gefragt, wann du dich anmelden wirst. Wenn du nicht bald gehst, wird die Schule es als freiwilligen Rückzug betrachten." Kelly sagte schnell. Alyssa biss sich auf die Lippe und antwortete nicht. "Ist es wegen der Studiengebühren?" Kelly sah sich im Raum um und sagte dann: "Du kannst einen Studienkredit beantragen! Wie auch immer, es ist nicht einfach, an die Jacaster University zu kommen. Willst du wirklich aufgeben?" "Ich will nicht aufgeben, aber ich kann meinen Antrag auf Studienkredit nicht genehmigt bekommen." Alyssa lächelte bitter. "Warum nicht?" "Weil meine Bestätigung des benachteiligten Hintergrunds nicht bestanden hat!" "Verdammung! Wie kann das fair sein? Wie können sie dich nicht als benachteiligt betrachten? Warum haben sie es nicht genehmigt? Das ist empörend!" Kelly sagte wütend. Alyssa trug einen bitteren Ausdruck und antwortete nicht. Sie wusste, dass selbst wenn sie es Kelly erzählte, es nicht helfen würde. Kelly kam aus einer gewöhnlichen Familie, und wenn sie sich mit diesen Leuten einließen, wären sie auch in Schwierigkeiten. Sie wollte nicht, dass Kelly das erlebte, was sie letzte Nacht durchgemacht hatte. Was das Anrufen der Polizei betrifft? Nachdem sie es gestern gemeldet hatte, kamen nachts zwei große Kerle, um sie zu entführen. Sie glaubte nicht, dass es ein Zufall war. "Is it because of the relocation? Do they want to force you to sell the land cheaply?" Kelly asked keenly in a low voice. Alyssa nodded silently. Kelly clenched her teeth in anger. "D*mn! These b*stards only bully a girl. If you had a man in your family, they wouldn't dare bully you!" Hearing this, Alyssa felt a pang in her heart. The situation had become serious enough that even having a man in the family might not solve it. "Forget it! I don't plan to go to university anymore. It isn't worth it. I'm alone, so it's fine if I can get by. I'll just live each day as it comes." "No, if necessary, I'll talk to the administrator and ask the classmates to donate for you." "Kelly, I can't live off others forever! Besides, going to university isn't always a good thing. I plan to work and see the world." Alyssa forced a smile. Just then... Bang! The door was forcefully pushed open from the outside, and Finneas strode in. This scene stunned the two girls in the room. "No, Lyssie, you have to go to college. Don't worry about the money; I'll take care of it!" Finneas' face was dark with anger. He couldn't believe his sister was skipping university because of money! He was a powerful Golden Core cultivator and couldn't stand the thought of his sister not having money for school. His heart ached. If he hadn't eavesdropped, he wouldn't have known any of this! And the verification documents? Who was stopping them from being approved? How dare they bully Alyssa? They all deserve to die! At that moment, Finneas had an overwhelming urge to kill those who dared to bully Alyssa. "Are you insane? Trespassing into a private residence is illegal!" Kelly quickly shielded Alyssa behind her and glared at Finneas. "I'm Lyssie's brother!" Finneas replied calmly. "Brother?" Kelly looked skeptical and then turned to Alyssa for confirmation. Alyssa had just said he was a scavenger here to take a dump." "My brother died ten years ago. This guy must be some nutcase." Alyssa replied expressionlessly. "Did you hear that? You nutcase, leave now! Otherwise, I'll call the police. Don't think you can bully us just because we're two girls!" Kelly shouted. Finneas took a deep breath and slowly said, "Lyssie, whether you acknowledge me or not, you have to go to university. And Kelly, I'm going out to earn the tuition money now. I'll be back before dark. Take care of Lyssie for me. I'm afraid she might do something stupid." After saying this, Finneas turned and left, quickly disappearing from their sight. This scene left Kelly stunned, her face filled with confusion. Jacaster University's tuition is over five thousand a year. How can a man who can't even afford new clothes earn that in a few hours? "He must be crazy! I heard that insane people aren't held responsible for murder. Good thing he left voluntarily," Kelly said, patting her chest in relief. Alyssa felt conflicted and remained silent. She thought he had returned to fight for the relocation compensation, but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe he really did not have a choice back then. Should I accept if he brings back over five thousand for my tuition? Alyssa was lost in thought. Her eyes gradually lost focus, drifting into memories of her childhood. Kapitel 5 Hunderttausend, um Ihr Problem zu lösen Nachdem er zu Hause weggegangen war, rannte Finneas direkt zum Stadtzentrum von Jacaster. Mit seiner Geschwindigkeit war eine vierzig Kilometer lange Reise nur eine Frage von Minuten. Wenn er mit seinem Schwert flog, würde es nur eine Minute dauern, aber das Stadtzentrum war überfüllt, also entschied er sich, nicht zu fliegen. Was das Geldverdienen betrifft? Finneas hatte zahlreiche Möglichkeiten, es zu verdienen. Das Einrichten von Arrays, die Verfeinerung von Medikamenten, die Herstellung von Talismanen, die Behandlung von Krankheiten und die Geomantie waren alles in seinem Fachgebiet. Jeder dieser Bereiche könnte ein Vermögen einbringen. Nach einem kurzen Moment des Nachdenkens kam Finneas auf einem Markt in Nord-Jacaster an. Dieser Markt, bekannt als Jaskait Market, war nicht der größte in Jacaster, aber zweifellos der vielfältigste. Hier wurde alles verkauft, von täglichen Notwendigkeiten und Hausmitteln bis hin zu Gold, Silber, Schmuck, Antiquitäten und Smaragden. Man konnte sogar ein paar Wahrsager, Exorzisten und Geomantie-Kundige finden. Die chaotische und gemischte Zusammensetzung des Marktes machte ihn zu einem rechtsfreien Raum, in dem selbst der Stadtrat eine Einmischung vermied. Finneas fand einen leeren Platz, setzte sich mit gekreuzten Beinen hin und schrieb mit einem roten Ziegelstein auf den Boden: Vermiete mich für zwei Stunden: Meister aller Trades, Preis verhandelbar. Nachdem er sich eingerichtet hatte, schloss Finneas die Augen und wartete darauf, dass jemand in Not auf ihn zukam. Der belebte Markt verbreitete schnell die Nachricht über sein Angebot, und viele Leute kamen, um sich das anzusehen, aber niemand erkundigte sich weiter. Seine Behauptung, ein Meister aller Trades zu sein, war zu übertrieben. Selbst eine Gottheit würde es nicht wagen, eine so kühne Behauptung aufzustellen. Lügner! Sie nahmen an, er sei ein Betrüger. Die Leute umringten Finneas, zeigten auf ihn und diskutierten. Einige kamen, um ihn mit absurden Fragen zu verspotten wie: "Kannst du Impotenz heilen?" oder "Kannst du seine Länge um fünf Zentimeter vergrößern?" Finneas ignorierte diese offensichtlich spöttischen Anfragen. In der Zwischenzeit beobachtete eine Gruppe von Männern in einem schwarzen Hummer, der in der Nähe geparkt war, Finneas genau durch das Fenster. Einer von ihnen sprach zu einem Mann mittleren Alters auf dem Rücksitz. "Boss, dieser Kerl ist zu jung. Er blufft definitiv. Wir sollten woanders suchen. Wenn wir nicht bald eine Lösung finden, könnte es auf der Baustelle zu großen Problemen kommen." "Es ist nicht einfach, einen Experten für Exorzismus zu finden", seufzte der Mann mittleren Alters. Er war Cameron Wheeler, Vorsitzender eines großen Bauunternehmens in Jacaster. In letzter Zeit plagten seltsame Vorkommnisse die Baustelle seines Unternehmens. Arbeiter berichteten, nachts Kinder weinen zu hören, und diejenigen, die nachsahen, fanden nichts. Als die Arbeiter in ihre Unterkunft zurückkehrten, hallten die Geräusche des Weinens von draußen erneut wider. Letzte Nacht behauptete ein Arbeiter, als er auf die Toilette ging, einen Wiesel gesehen zu haben, der ihn anlächelte. Es fragte: "Junger Mann, sehe ich aus wie ein Mensch oder ein Unsterblicher?" Der Arbeiter hatte noch nie ein so seltsames Ereignis erlebt. Er wagte es überhaupt nicht zu antworten und floh direkt zurück in seine Unterkunft. Doch sobald er zurückkehrte, wurde er ernsthaft krank und konnte nicht aufstehen. Trotz des Krankenhausaufenthalts konnten sie nichts finden. Er lag immer noch im Krankenhaus. Verzweifelt führte Cameron persönlich ein Team zum Jaskait Market, um einen Experten zu finden. Sie fanden mehrere scheinbar mächtige Experten, aber alle stellten sich als Betrüger heraus. Cameron rieb sich frustriert die Schläfen. Das Projekt hatte einen Wert von über zwei Milliarden, mit einem potenziellen Gewinn von einer Milliarde für ihn. Verzögerungen kosteten ihn schwer. "Boss, ich habe gehört, es gibt einen Experten in Süd-Jacaster." "Dieser alte Kerl ist ein Betrüger. Ich weiß es besser als du." "Was sollen wir dann tun?" "Ich bezahle euch nicht, um mir Fragen zu stellen! Nutzlose Idioten!" Mit seinem feinen Gehör hatte Finneas das Gespräch im Hummer bereits mitgehört. Das brachte ihn auf eine Idee, und er rief: "Meister aller Trades, besonders geschickt im Exorzismus! Kommt zu mir, wenn ihr Hilfe braucht!" Danach begann er zusammenzupacken und tat so, als würde er gehen. In diesem Moment stürzte ein Mann mittleren Alters aus dem Hummer und rief: "Junger Mann, warte!" Erwischt! Finneas lächelte spöttisch und hielt inne, um den Mann zu prüfen. Der Mann hatte ein quadratisches Gesicht und dicke Augenbrauen, strahlte eine Aura der Autorität aus - wahrscheinlich jemand aus der Unterwelt oder von hohem gesellschaftlichen Stand. Er war auf jeden Fall keine gewöhnliche Person. Am wichtigsten war, dass eine dunkle Aura den Mann umgab, was zeigte, dass er einer unmittelbaren Gefahr gegenüberstand. Es war ein Zeichen, das nur für jemanden mit Finneas' spiritueller Sicht sichtbar war. "Lassen Sie mich mich vorstellen. Ich bin Cameron Wheeler und ich -" "Ich habe nur begrenzte Zeit. Kommen Sie zur Sache." Finneas benahm sich wie ein arroganter Experte. Cameron betrachtete Finneas und erklärte dann die Situation auf der Baustelle. "Wo befindet sich Ihre Baustelle?" "Sie liegt ungefähr fünfzig Kilometer von den östlichen Vororten entfernt, am Fuße des Mount Riveria", antwortete Cameron. Nachdem Finneas das gehört hatte, hatte er eine grobe Vorstellung. Sie befanden sich im modernen Zeitalter, aber spirituelle Energie existierte immer noch, was zur Geburt von Dämonen führte. Die Arbeiter hatten wahrscheinlich einen schelmischen Wiesel getroffen, der nach Unsterblichkeit strebte. Dies bedeutete nicht, dass der Wiesel wirklich kurz davor stand, unsterblich zu werden. Vielmehr hatte es eine beträchtliche Zeit gelebt und spirituelle Intelligenz entwickelt. Daher griff es zu unkonventionellen Methoden, um seine Urbedürfnisse zu befriedigen. Solche Kreaturen würden vor Finneas erschreckt sein. Dennoch fragte er absichtlich: "Es gibt viele Experten auf diesem Markt. Warum kommen Sie zu mir?" "Vergessen Sie es. Sie sind alle Scharlatane, die hier nach Ruhm fischen", antwortete Cameron kalt und fuhr fort: "Ich verstehe, was Sie meinen. Wenn Sie damit umgehen können, werde ich Ihnen zwanzigtausend bezahlen." Finneas sah Cameron direkt an und sagte ruhig: "Mr. Wheeler, das ist keine einfache Angelegenheit. Es ist überaus ernst! Verzeihen Sie mir die Direktheit, aber wenn diese Situation nicht bald gelöst wird, werden Ihre Baustelle und sogar Sie selbst in Gefahr geraten. Haben Sie in letzter Zeit schlecht geschlafen?" Camerons Herz setzte einen Schlag aus. Er wusste, dass die Situation ernst war. Die Baustelle war seit Tagen geschlossen und kostete ihn täglich Zehntausende. Wenn diese Situation weitergehen würde, würde er enorme Verluste erleiden. Außerdem fühlte er sich in letzter Zeit nachts beobachtet. Aber wenn er das Licht einschaltete, war nichts in der Nähe. Das machte ihn ängstlich. Cameron zweifelte zunächst an Finneas. Er war verzweifelt und bereit, alles zu versuchen. Nachdem er Finneas' Worte gehört hatte, war er voller Schock. Ist dieser Pokerface-Mann ein echter Experte? "Junger Mann, was schlagen Sie vor?" "Erhöhen Sie den Preis." Cameron sah Finneas an. Anstatt wütend zu sein, war er überraschend erfreut. Die Forderung nach mehr Geld deutete auf Selbstvertrauen hin. "Wie viel?" "Hunderttausend. Ich garantiere, Ihr Problem zu lösen!" antwortete Finneas ruhig. | LEARN_MORE | https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html? | Wie Lesen | https://www.facebook.com/61565407629595/ | 335 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | page.tapon.com | IMAGE | https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=de&id=294&brand=3&app=0&ppid=5506&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&badid=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=586505356679202&bacid=7916C20EFCF1BC2302E51717E910B7453664B9A65C34FBBBE6855F64C0ACB33B876883D1BF94D3F0A0449D3ADDA4526B382EE6218C962C16&ori_campaign_id=120214177459680296&ori_adset_id=120214177460730296&ori_ad_id=120214177467330296 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468538910_465173853259349_4942634345344488970_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8_69DDbGO1sQ7kNvgE413RI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ax_YQFSoV56o7A6iDsktEUX&oh=00_AYDtNZwaFIfVm4uGhnIf7jcl1_Ff5aUTGwm8Phi9JRHusA&oe=675172ED | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Wie Lesen | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,560,101 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2560003}'
|
No | 2024-11-30 18:25 | active | 1942 | 0 | The Vampire and His Blood wife👉👉👉 | This series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! #Next episode is amazing!😍 | WATCH_MORE | Miiowtv short000 | https://www.facebook.com/61557562951006/ | 207 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Watch More | 0 | DCO | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/458769627_832827298955953_3464472771163015071_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KXGmDvRW4DgQ7kNvgF8J4Hw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AQs8ITFSinH8RkVjuf9zqAI&oh=00_AYCNrmLKmguUwOhepwnr3qMcDYPLXzAp2yWtaysKZhnf9w&oe=6751981E | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Miiowtv short000 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,258 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2561259}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:37 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
Bulk Order | Personalized Custom Beaded Name Bracelets|Custom Word Beaded Bracelets|Handmade Jewelry|friendship bracelets|Mama Day's | ORDER_NOW | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444487376/friendship | Dreamsofpearlbracelet | https://www.facebook.com/61558282242122/ | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Order Now | 0 | https://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamsOfPearl?ref=shop-h... | CAROUSEL | Personalized Custom Beaded Name Bracelets|Custom Word Beaded Bracelets|Handmade Jewelry|friendship bracelets|Mama Day's | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444487376/friendship-bracelet-bachelorette-party?click_key=04c70f0cf32ed9e5bd38fbcb2ffcf36d183afb33%3A1444487376&click_sum=577c2c83&ref=shop_home_active_36&pro=1&sts=1 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468751766_3049881608484730_8532808163126069026_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KCVY4z5h27sQ7kNvgHbllfm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=ALjPyIDvfJ71vaYOetjeeiR&oh=00_AYCH_Mp0CSXC2YbkUokkYc5A5ejXJ5v9LmYpD2QkA54aaA&oe=675173F2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Dreamsofpearlbracelet | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,560,401 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
No | 2024-11-30 18:28 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
Spicy Sapphic Sale! | Constitution Check is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time! If you haven't grabbed this spicy "only one night" sapphic romance, this is your chance! One night was all Kelly promised. One night was all Tabby offered. And yet one night wasn’t nearly enough… 💜 Bi Movie Mondays 💜Butch babes and femme hotties 💜Roller derby, D&D, and more... http://mybook.to/ConstitutionCheck | SHOP_NOW | http://mybook.to/ConstitutionCheck | Katherine Mcintyre | https://www.facebook.com/kmcintyreauthor/ | 2,014 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | mybook.to | IMAGE | Read it now | http://mybook.to/ConstitutionCheck | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468866474_1134561941569818_6977737634687668862_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1v9lfp1Zw_8Q7kNvgEC3VL8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ah13OyVmJMNrTcvojxmMPiH&oh=00_AYBg9fK7acLM6AvzOio4ZKAy_-zAchxdp4D3EfYnuQXYrQ&oe=67516EAC | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Katherine Mcintyre | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,562,291 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
No | 2024-11-30 18:59 | active | 1943 | 0 | Read next chapter | Dressed up for her wedding day, she was unwittingly drugged by her husband's mistress. She spent the night with a stranger, unaware that he was her husband's half-brother and his formidable business adversary! ===== 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) &7& | 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=120213298924470604 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466413718_1271748904160493_1643135588738896292_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HX3P2ZknEfAQ7kNvgHzpFwc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A-2UwXqmig2xLwW5026B7c-&oh=00_AYCbsfMvwTr1mJ05jKG-qaWhq8Q2xlTmBU0tQcZSqNz5mg&oe=675188A7 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fun Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,757 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2561756}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:53 | active | 1943 | 0 |
|
$20 OFF over $99💥 | Vitality Cabin for Plant lover🎁 Who says nature and fantasy can't be combined?🫶 | SHOP_NOW | https://www.freeleaf.com/collections/new-in?sort_b | Free Leaf | https://www.facebook.com/61566347965636/ | 489 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | freeleaf.com | IMAGE | Free Shipping all web🎁 | https://www.freeleaf.com/collections/new-in?sort_by=vitality-cabin-iphone-case,vitality-cabin-sweatshirt,vitality-cabin-washed-sweatshirt,vitality-cabin-back-printed-washed-hoodie,vitality-cabin-washed-long-sleeve-top,vitality-cabin-raglan-long-sleeve-top,vitality-cabin-back-printed-hoodie,vitality-cabin-hat&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=new-in&utm_content=Iris | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467445789_450403577729030_1974501395590704422_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vJYm85IDMdUQ7kNvgFh-GS3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A7W3io4m6DDpfYYlbcwAedn&oh=00_AYCoj_eAo5qnWwCV3bgcymiKvTjlwOP2_fDEHJhVTKvDHw&oe=6751989D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Free Leaf | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,275 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2560003}'
|
Yes | 2024-11-30 18:37 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
Este DOMINGO tenemos una cita 🌟🎉🎉 No puedes faltar a nuestra última edición 2024👋🏽 para renovar tu closet‼️ Ven y encuentra ese outfits perfecto para tus fiestas 🛍️ 🗓️ Domingo 01 de Diciembre ⏰ 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 📍 Los Cerezos Salón de Eventos 🗺️ Blvd Álvaro Obregón 98, Col. Ampliación Rodríguez (a un costado de Soriana Morelos, casi frente al Cetis 71). 🎟️ ENTRADA LIBRE | MESSAGE_PAGE | Te Vendo Mi Closet | https://www.facebook.com/tevendomiclosetrey/ | 16,637 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | MULTI_IMAGES | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468528042_611883788165905_8004300414684220116_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=73fFskFMtNUQ7kNvgHQPk2O&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AOZV_xf1S15Kz2-ItEsgyRV&oh=00_AYCF3aX1dh6XlP5lgSxAdirRboQbg2NL3B5FlD6GuwXsvQ&oe=67517E2B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Te Vendo Mi Closet | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,049 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
No | 2024-11-30 18:35 | active | 1942 | 0 | 🎬❤️🔥Continue to watch the full series 👉🔞 | Three years ago, Crystal, the daughter of billionaire Brown family, was saved by Charles. To repay him, she hides her true identity and marries him, helping his struggling company. Charles' family constantly humiliates her, unaware that she is the heiress of the city's wealthiest family.Upon her return as the Brown family heir, how will Crystal treat those who once mistreated her? And can Charles mend Crystal's broken heart and win back her love? | LEARN_MORE | https://xsrrq.i299sdgktl.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adi | ShortMax | https://www.facebook.com/61565879024659/ | 11,216 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | xsrrq.i299sdgktl.com | VIDEO | https://xsrrq.i299sdgktl.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=39164&language=en×tamp=1732096842395&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468549343_1109494920961750_5195148317765290118_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Iy6LhR1m74EQ7kNvgGu9whJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AC733a9D4zook15xZwHJPVl&oh=00_AYDBiyiG9u0BNKZkwPusShihu23GL7gwM47KJn_0-Yf_xQ&oe=67517B50 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | ShortMax | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,032 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
No | 2024-11-30 18:35 | active | 1942 | 0 |
|
We'll Be Friends Until We're Old And Senile Then We'll Be New Best Fri | We'll Be Friends Until We're Old And Senile Then We'll Be New Best Friends V3 - Personalized Mug ❤️ 👉 Order here https://makezbrightgifts.com/products/well-be-friends-until-were-old-and-senile-then-well-be-new-best-friends-v3-personalized-mug | SHOP_NOW | https://makezbrightgifts.com/products/well-be-frie | Makezbright Gifts | https://www.facebook.com/superherogift/ | 328,199 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | makezbrightgifts.com | IMAGE | Make every cup of morning caffeine extra special with a personalized coffee mug!This personalized mug will be the perfect celebratory present to mark your incredible friendship with your besties. Show your sisters/besties/brothers, even your pets how much they mean to you with our top-quality person... | https://makezbrightgifts.com/products/well-be-friends-until-were-old-and-senile-then-well-be-new-best-friends-v3-personalized-mug | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468595732_940253048036440_2765887404591182320_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xkpKwSrTTbwQ7kNvgGDW1Og&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AWM6J27Yi1Io8ExkT64aHzZ&oh=00_AYBsGlvm9Xu9WFuiQWbWFmXVuKO2L3tS4wHsvBX6F_Fm9Q&oe=675170A8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Makezbright Gifts | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,561,531 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2560389}'
|
No | 2024-11-30 18:39 | active | 1942 | 0 | ❤️😍O que acontece a seguir👉Clique aqui para continuar lendo👉 | - Você vai ao casamento da sua prima, Catarina. Isso é uma ordem! Nós somos os seus pais e você vai obedecer. – Minha mãe falava brava comigo, como se eu fosse a errada nessa situação. - Ah, mãe! Me poupe e se poupe! A cidade inteira sabe que a Kelly é uma vadia... – Perdi a paciência. A Kelly, minha prima, roupou meu namorado Cláudio, quem eu namorava há 4 anos. Ele foi meu primeiro namorado, e os encontrei na minha cama! E agora, eles vão se casar. - Catarina, olha o vocabulário! – Meu pai chamou a minha atenção. - Sinto muito, mãe, mas eu não vou! Eu sigo as regras de vocês, eu sou uma boa filha, mas dessa vez não vai dar. Eu fui a ofendida! Eu tenho todo o direito de não querer ser a piada da família mais. – Falei já chorando. - CHEGA, CATARINA! – Meu pai gritou e me assustou. – Você vai a esse casamento e ponto final. - Mas, pai... - Não quero saber, Catarina! É importante pra sua mãe manter a paz na família. Então você vai e pronto. – Meu pai falou não dando margem para questionamentos. Fui para o meu quarto e passei a noite chorando. No dia seguinte contei tudo para a Melissa, que não perdeu tempo, arrumou os convites para um baile de máscaras...... CAPÍTULO 2: O grande baile, a tequila, os cosmopolitans e o estranho irresistível No baile, um homem com uma máscara preta sorrindo pra mim. Ele beijou minha mão e me puxou para perto dizendo no meu ouvido com uma voz rouca: - A mulher mais linda do salão não vai me negar uma dança, vai? - Acho que preciso de um pouco de ar. - Vem comigo. - Ele me puxou para um corredor sem iluminação que dava para uma saída de emergência e ficou assoprando o meu rosto. – Eu quero muito te beijar. Posso? – Eu fiz que sim com a cabeça. Ele olhou nos meus olhos, segurou a minha nuca e nossos lábios se encontraram, começou lento, mas foi se aprofundando, ele me encostou na parede e o beijo se intensificou ainda mais, quase nos roubando o fôlego. - Você beija bem! – Sorri pra ele e senti meu corpo todo se arrepiar. – Ah, linda, você é incrível, eu quero muito você, aqui, agora! – ele disse entre beijos e enfiou a mão sob o meu vestido o puxando pra cima e chegando a minha calcinha. Olhou nos meus olhos de novo e me perguntou: - O que você quer que eu faça? - Eu quero que você esteja dentro de mim agora! Ele me deu um beijo no pescoço e perguntou no meu ouvido: - Então, linda, eu ainda não sei o seu nome. Quando eu ia abrir a boca pra falar, ele puxou o celular do bolso e me pediu um minuto para atender. - O que você disse? – Nesse momento aquele estranho saiu correndo como se tivesse se esquecido de mim, ou como se só estivesse fugindo da rapariga que comeu rapidinho na festa. Voltei pra mesa. - Vocês usaram camisinha, né? Meu coração disparou! A gente não usou preservativo. Ela já foi logo me acalmando: - Não, Cat, calma. Com certeza não vai dar nada. Mas você deve fazer uns exames para garantir que está tudo bem. Não surta! CAPÍTULO 3: Chegou a hora da verdade Na data marcada Mel foi comigo ao médico. Com a lista de exames nas mãos ela mesma marcou o laboratório e fez questão de me acompanhar. Os resultados saíram cinco dias depois e eu voltei ao médico. Claro que a Mel estava comigo. O médico verificou os resultados e me olhou nos olhos: - Srta. Catarina, sua saúde está ótima. Você está saudável. Mas, daqui pra frente terá que se cuidar melhor. Eu respirei aliviada Ele continuou falando: - Parabéns, você está grávida! Eu não ouvi mais nada, só o sangue pulsando em meus ouvidos. - Calma, Cat, vai ficar tudo bem! Eu já estava hiperventilando. De repente, senti o médico pegando minha mão e falando calmamente: - Filha, calma! A situação, pelo que percebo, não é a melhor, mas você não pode ficar nervosa assim, isso fará mal para o seu bebê, agora você tem que se cuidar por ele. Ela garantiu que estaria ao meu lado sempre, deixou claro que eu não passaria por nada sozinha e que estaria comigo quando eu fosse falar com meus pais. Quando chegamos em minha casa meus pais se assustaram e minha mãe já veio toda preocupada: - Meninas, vocês não foram a aula hoje? Está tudo bem? - Não muito, mãe. Eu preciso falar com vocês. - Mas agora não tem jeito. Eu vou deixar a faculdade para poder criar meu filho. E já vou fazer minha mala... - Fazer a mala? Você errou, nos decepcionou, mas nós te amamos, vamos superar isso e vamos ajudar você. – Meu pai disse isso e meu coração se encheu de esperança. - Você não é a primeira e não será a última mãe solteira nesse mundo. Nós vamos te ajudar e, mesmo que seja com dificuldade, vai dar tudo certo. Embora eu tenha tido uma gravidez tranquila, os comentários e a maldade das pessoas era difícil suportar. Para piorar, depois que se casaram, meu ex e minha prima foram morar com os pais dela, que moravam na mesma rua que nós, e eles faziam questão de me humilhar com comentários maldosos sempre que me viam e espalharam no bairro inteiro que eu não sabia quem era o pai do meu filho e que eu era uma perdida, por isso que o Cláudio me deixou. Mas eu engolia tudo, não valia a pena bater boca com essa gente e eu não queria transmitir sentimentos ruins ao meu filho. Descobri que eu teria um menino e decidi que se chamaria Pedro. E assim foi. Pedro nasceu saudável, com um par de imensos olhos azuis violeta que nunca me deixariam esquecer da noite que mudou a minha vida, mas que foi a melhor noite que eu vivi! CAPÍTULO 4: Depois da faculdade Quando eu me formei, Pedro já estava com dois anos. Após a formatura meu chefe me chamou para conversar, ele era um ótimo chefe, disse que estava muito feliz comigo na empresa, mas sabia que eu merecia chegar muito longe. E não demorou, o Sr. Otávio Lascuran, pai da Mel, me chamou no escritório dele e me entregou um cartão, me dizendo: - Falei com um amigo e ele conseguiu uma entrevista para você no Grupo Mellendez, é para o cargo de assistente do CEO do grupo. - Sr. Lascuran, eu não tenho palavras para agradecer! Vocês sempre foram tão bons comigo! Agradeci ao Sr. Lascuran e sai do escritório. Recebi rapidamente a confirmação de que a entrevista seria no dia seguinte às dez horas da manhã, já que eu já havia tomado a iniciativa de enviar o meu currículo, a entrevista seria rápida. Na hora da entrevista, fui para a sala de reuniões do meu trabalho, meu chefe havia me liberado, me sentei e esperei a chamada. Fui entrevistada por uma senhora muito gentil e inteligente, Sra. Mariana Toledo. No final ela me disse: - Catarina, você está contratada! Você vai me substituir, já que eu estou indo para um cargo de diretoria na filial de Londres, então você ocupará meu cargo aqui. Quando você pode começar? - Eu preciso apenas que meu chefe me libere, mas creio que posso estar aí na segunda. – Já era sexta. - Perfeito. - Ótimo! Bem vinda ao Grupo Mellendez. Ela encerrou a chamada e meu coração estava disparado, eu tinha conseguido. Peguei a babá eletrônica e fui para o meu quarto. Abri uma das minhas caixas e comecei a arrumar tudo ali. Quando abri a última caixa, tirei dela a caixa com minhas lembranças da noite do baile, a abri, passei a mão por aquele vestido lindo e suspirei mais uma vez. Peguei o perfume e pensei, “por que não?”, a partir de amanhã eu usaria esse perfume todos os dias, meu salário era bom e quando esse acabasse eu poderia comprar outro. Guardei a caixa, deixei o perfume sobre a penteadeira e fui dormir cheia de expectativas com essa vida nova que se abria a minha frente. CAPÍTULO 5: Meu novo chefe é muito estressado Me apresentei na empresa às oito da manhã. No meio da manhã recebi uma mensagem da Mel dizendo que conseguiu marcar com a diretora da creche próxima ao nosso apartamento para a hora do almoço. Expliquei a situação a Sra. Mariana e perguntei se seria possível me liberar no horário, mas que eu estaria de volta a tempo. - Então você tem um filho. Qual a idade dele? – ela me perguntou com um sorriso. - Ele tem dois anos. - Você não é casada, isso eu sei, mas e o pai do seu filho, vocês continuam juntos? – Meu coração despencou, como é que eu explico pra ela que não sei quem é o pai? Mas eu não minto, então vamos enfrentar a verdade. Me disse: - Você tem o meu respeito, Catarina, não é fácil ser mãe solteira, e é muito difícil contar verdades como essa que você sabe que vai despertar o julgamento dos outros. Não precisa correr. Voltei à minha sala e sentei à mesa e fui repassando tudo o que ela já havia me informado. O telefone sobre a mesa tocou, então atendi com a voz mais profissional possível: - Grupo Mellendez, presidência, boa tarde, em que posso ajudar? Ouvi do outro lado um silêncio sepulcral seguido de um longo suspiro. Alguém vociferou do outro lado, com certa impaciência e uma voz forte e meio rouca: - Passa para a Mariana. - Desculpe, senhor, mas a senhora Mariana ainda não retornou do almoço. - Quem está falando? – falou do outro lado ainda mais impaciente. - Meu nome é Catarina, sou a nova assessora do Sr. Mellendez. - Mas eu não te conheço. – Parecia que ele ficava mais impaciente a cada vez que falava. - É que hoje é meu primeiro dia, senhor. O senhor gostaria de deixar um recado? - Diga a Mariana para me ligar assim que puser os pés no escritório. Desligou o telefone. Pouco depois a Sra. Mariana chegou e eu lhe transmiti o recado com uma cara de preocupação. Ela olhou pra mim sorrindo, como se entendesse meu receio. - Vocês dois vão se dar muito bem! Você vai domar a fera, tenho certeza. | LEARN_MORE | https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&u | Casa dos livros | https://www.facebook.com/61558148557550/ | 16,723 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | hunled.com | VIDEO | 🔥Mais grandes romances aqui🔥 | https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468617532_1301139594237555_3950634827457874712_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=We-MtwMAUtoQ7kNvgHuPew3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AQBDuBxZ45WHZupMx9aUc1n&oh=00_AYARJJngUc-VLxYrqYq4Y1mo9XX7s5apsiunxBJNrWkU_g&oe=67516C99 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Casa dos livros | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,560,200 |
/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
null |
No | 2024-11-30 18:25 | active | 1942 | 0 | Read next chapter | For her, marrying her best friend and carrying his child was a dream come true. However, just at this joyful moment, the man's beloved returned... ===== "It's a good thing you're cautious. You could've lost your baby, Miss Monroe," the GYN told me seriously as she could see the shock in my eyes. Had I heard it right? I was pregnant? I was pregnant with a baby for Pierce--my best friend and my first crush! On the way out of the hospital, I couldn't wait to tell Pierce about our baby. I wondered what his reaction would be. Would he scream in happiness? God! I couldn't contain my happiness. I cupped my flushed face as I fantasized, but the moment I felt the cold of the simple ring on my finger, my wildly beating heart calmed down. I almost forgot that Pierce wasn't the type to be keen on having children, especially since our marriage was arranged by his family. Pierce was a complete gentleman, both as a friend and a husband. Every time we did intimate thing, he was considerate yet cautious, saying there was no need to add extra shackles when we weren't ready. This baby, in a way, was out of the plan. "Ma'am, is everything okay? Do you need to call the boss?" my private driver, Luke, asked worriedly as he noticed my frown. Luke was reliable, like family, but if I chose to share, I still wanted Pierce to be the first to know this news. He was my baby's father. "No," I shook my head, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "He's on a flight. I'll talk to him later myself." I wanted to sense his answer directly from his raw expressions. I was always good at that. I closed my eyes, recalling the first day we met. His bright smile in the sunlight was so dazzling; he was a Prince. Long before we became best friends, I fell in love with him at first sight. But it was only unrequited love; I knew that well. I slid down the car window to get some fresh air but accidentally caught a glimpse of our old high school. That bitter feeling filled my chest once again. Pierce was my first love, but I wasn't his. In high school, I was just a boring nerd in others' eyes while Pierce Anderson was the shining quarterback. Everyone was surprised that we could be friends. Though envy arose, I enjoyed being around him. I slowly realized that I didn't just want to be his friend. However, right when I was about to confess my feelings to him, another girl came into his life. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those sad memories. I gripped the cold wedding ring on my finger, telling myself the past was the past. Pierce said they were over, and I was his wife now. I was his wife who was carrying his baby. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and opened the door to our house. My heart calmed as I breathed in the scent of home. Our home. Pierce and I decorated it together with our own hands. We enjoyed it. Yes, I must have been overthinking. That woman had been out of our lives for a long time, and my marriage with Pierce had been as beautiful as a fairy tale for the past three years. I glanced at the clock on the wall. At this point, Pierce should have gotten off the plane. He had been traveling for over a month for the sake of our family's business. Pierce was the President of ADE, the leading fashion magazine company in Asia, and I was actually the Vice President. We were not only life partners but also good partners at work. I really missed him. I dialed his number immediately. I wanted to hear his voice now, to know when he would arrive home. I would prepare a good meal for him, and he would reward me with a sweet k*ss. Then we might do intimate thing... Oops, I almost forgot I was pregnant now. I needed to tell him this first before we could do anything else. I was happily envisioning our lovely reunion when my heart dropped as a woman's voice came over the line. [Hello?] I snapped the phone as just one word came out. My phone fell to the floor, and my body started shaking uncontrollably. NO! It couldn't be her! It couldn't be Lexi! She was already out of our lives! I must have misheard. I rushed to the fridge, attempting to calm myself with some al**hol. But the moment I was reminded of the doctor's words and my baby. I needed to be cautious for my baby's sake. I turned to grab a box of milk and walked toward the sofa. I didn't know what made me recognize that as Lexi's voice at that moment. I meant Lexi and I were never close. Lexi Gilbert was a typical blonde beauty that men would go crazy for. She was the popular cheerleader in high school while Pierce was the star quarterback. A better match than he and a nerd like me, right? It wasn't surprising that he had fallen for her. My pride couldn't stand watching the man I loved go crazy for another woman. So I had once tried to stay away from them silently, but Pierce refused to quit my life. Every time I drowned myself in a sea of books and studies to forget them, Pierce would appear at my doorstep asking me out. I couldn't say no to his charming smile; I couldn't refuse when he claimed it was his duty as my best friend to take me out to enjoy the real world. To avoid ruining our friendship, I could only hide my broken heart, silently playing the role of his best friend while watching his happy face as he pursued another girl. I finally mustered the courage to study abroad when I learned that Pierce was planning to propose to Lexi. However, I never expected Grams would call to beg me to return. I hurried back only to see a lifeless Pierce. His heart was shattered, thanks to Lexi. My beloved sunshine boy was nowhere to be seen, and my heart b*ed for him. I started to hate Lexi from that moment. I gave up my cherished man for her, and how dared she harm him so badly! Pierce didn't tell anyone what happened except that he was done with Lexi. Grams arranged our marriage. I didn't understand why he agreed until the day I heard him say that marrying anyone but Lexi would be the same for him. It hurt like hell, but I still walked into this marriage without a second thought. My cherished boy was broken, and I wanted to fix him, not caring if I ruined myself in the process. I fell asleep at home, feeling insecure and worried. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone caressing my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized I had fallen asleep in the living room. Someone lifted me from the couch. I immediately recognized his scent and touch as I looked at him with heavy-lidded eyes. "Pierce..." "Hmm," he hummed as he walked toward the stairs. "Why did you sleep on the couch?" I stared at his face as he gently placed me down on the bed. He caressed my hair and k*ssed my forehead. He was always so gentle, and that was why I loved him so much. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you," I said as I caressed his cheek. "Just met a friend. You said you were waiting for me; is it something urgent?" Looking at his gentle face, I suddenly didn't want to ruin the moment, so I closed my parted lips and swallowed the truth back down. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, I would have the courage to face all the puzzles. I shook my head and pouted, signaling that I was sleepy. He chuckled and carefully carried me to the bed. Just as he was about to leave me after giving me a goodnight k*ss, I panicked for some reason. I quickly grabbed him... I missed him. I wanted him. "Wait, Kels," he said, stopping me by pinning my hands to the bed. "I thought you said you were sleepy and needed to rest." "But I think I miss you more now." I looked at him with innocence and caught the d**ire flashing in his eyes, but I didn't know why it faded so quickly. He used to be happy when I took the initiative. As if noticing my confusion, he chuckled and playfully pinched my nose. "I'll just take a shower." I nodded and watched him as he walked toward the bathroom. But drowsiness struck again, so I closed my eyes to take a nap. However, it was already morning when I opened my eyes again, and Pierce was beside me, putting a tray of food on the bedside table. "Hey!" I greeted, smiling when I realized what he'd done. He had prepared breakfast for me. In bed. The sweetest. He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. "Good morning." I grinned as I sat up. He carried the tray and put it beside me. I shot an eyebrow up, tilting my head as I stared at his handsome face. His deep brown eyes and thick, black eyebrows complemented his striking features. "What is this? Is this a bribe? You stood me up last night, bad boy." He didn't laugh. Instead, he heaved a sigh, gently tucking my hair behind my ear before taking my hand and staring into my eyes. "I have something to tell you." My heart raced. I thought about our baby. He had something to say, and I did too. "W-What is it?" I asked, feeling my voice tremble. He took a deep breath. "You know you're important to me, right?" I slowly nodded, my lips parted. I couldn't speak; I was scared of what he was about to say. I had a bad feeling about this. "You were my best friend before we got married. You're one of the few people I treasure..." I hid my clenched fists under the sheets. I didn't understand why he was telling me this, but I felt tears pooling in the corner of my eyes already. "Kelly..." He paused, squeezing his eyes shut before looking into mine again. "I-I think it's time for us to divorce." "P-Pierce..." My heart clenched. He smiled sadly. "I know you don't have feelings for me either. You only married me because of my grandparents. You just did this because you love them. Now it's time for our real happiness, Kelly." I shook my head. "W-What are you talking about, Pierce?" "Lexi is back, Kelly. My first love is back." Chapter 2 Kelly's POV--It Never Rains but It Pours I got off the bed and tried to leave, but Pierce grabbed my hand. I quickly wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks before he could see them. He stood in front of me, searching my face as I struggled to look down and avoid his gaze. My heart felt like it was breaking into pieces. I thought... I thought I could make him fall in love with me during those three years together. I believed his feelings would deepen, that he would see me as a woman rather than just a best friend. I was foolish to hope and dream so high. I had failed. No matter how hard I tried, his heart belonged only to his first love, Lexi. "Kelly..." I sucked in a breath and swallowed the pain as I looked at him. I forced a smile. "I need to wash up before eating." He stared into my eyes, trying to figure out what I was thinking. I knew he understood me too well, so I made a concerted effort to hide my pain and smiled back at him. He sighed and let go of my hand. "Okay. I'll wait for you here. Let's eat and go to work together." Together? How cruel could he be? He still wanted us to get along as if he hadn't just asked for a divorce? He wanted us to stay the same right after telling me that his first love was back and he wanted to divorce me? Oh, Pierce, what's going on in your head? If I used to be able to force myself to remain in the role of his best friend, wishing him happiness, I no longer had that courage after the three years we'd shared. There was no way I could endure that kind of torture again, especially now that I was carrying his baby. The baby... I had thought it was good news for us, but now... it felt more like a burden to him, I guess. A burden that would prevent him from pursuing his true love and freedom. I knew how an unwanted child could grow up. My parents divorced even before my mother died, and my father's new family hated me. It hurt like hell. I didn't want my baby to experience that same pain. I needed to keep my child away from it. I forced another smile. "We can't. I need to visit the studio for the photoshoot of our new models..." "I'll go with you--" "No." I pushed his hand away. His eyes followed my hand before he looked up at me again. "You have some documents to sign. Our schedules are already organized, remember?" "But..." "I have a personal driver, Pierce. I'll be fine going alone." He sighed and slowly nodded. I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom. I immediately opened the shower and stood under the cold water. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I covered my mouth to suppress my sobs. My shoulders trembled violently, and when I thought about my baby, I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself down. I wiped my face and caressed my belly. I needed to be strong. I had to stay calm. I shouldn't put my baby's life at risk just because I got my heart broken. I had to handle this wisely. I took a deep breath and finished my shower. When I got out of the bathroom, I was shocked to see Pierce still there. He was struggling to fix his tie in front of the full-length mirror. I also noticed my pair of heels and dress on the bed. "Hey! I picked your dress for today." Since our marriage wasn't public, Pierce had said he would try to do little things for me as a husband. He did it well, and I used to enjoy these sweet moments, but now, they felt like d**gers to my heart. I grabbed the dress and went into the walk-in closet. I felt him following me. I put the white dress back and picked a red one. When I turned to face him, his forehead was creased. "I prefer red today. I'd feel beautiful in this dress." His eyes landed on the dress I was holding, and his face immediately relaxed. He nodded and walked toward me. "I see. Help me fix this first." I placed my dress on his arm and started adjusting his tie. I could feel his eyes staring intently and it was making my heart beat so fast. I took a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip as I struggled to fix the tie. My vision started to blur again. D**n! "Kelly..." I jumped in shock. "Hmm?" "Are you okay?" I looked at him and smiled. "Yeah." "I have something else to say." I finished fixing his tie, then immediately grabbed the dress from him. I glanced at him before walking past him and said, "Let's just talk some other time. I'm going to be late." I heard him sigh as he followed me again. He's silent the whole time as if he's thinking about something. "You should eat before you leave." I turned to him and nodded. "I will. You should go now." "Kelly, we're on the same page, right?" I stared at him. No, Pierce. We're never on the same page. All of this was just my stupid fantasy. I thought you had feelings for me, and I was so wrong. "If it's about the divorce, I understand everything, Pierce. I know what I have to do. Just give me some time because I'm really busy with the company. I won't run away." "Kelly, I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing this for you too. You've been caged with me ever since we got married. I know you're not happy because deep down, you want to find the man you deserve. Someone who will truly love you. Not me. Not someone who's half-hearted." "I understand what you're trying to say, Pierce," I said, trying to turn away, but he held me by the waist, keeping me in place. He did everything he could to capture my gaze, and he succeeded. He looked at me worriedly. "You are my best friend. I don't want to lose you, Kels. You're one of the few people I..." "I know," I said out of frustration. He looked shocked, so I took a breath to calm myself. "I-I know. You don't have to worry. I'm just stressed about work. It's not about our divorce." His lips parted, and he slowly nodded, as if he could finally breathe properly. He walked toward me, and I froze when he gently k*ssed my forehead... "Thank you, Kelly," he whispered. My heart clenched. It had been three years, but I was still such a coward. Why couldn't I just tell him that I loved him? He's my husband, and I'm carrying his baby! If I told him, he might change his mind! I swallowed hard, ready to speak, but his phone rang. I didn't miss the caller ID. Again, it was Lexi. "I gotta go." He scratched his head in apology, and I didn't miss the upturned corners of his mouth. "I called Luke, and he's waiting outside. Eat before you go, okay?" With that, he left our room. The tears I had managed to hold back burst forth again. Why did I think I could have a chance? He had made his choice the moment he asked for a divorce, hadn't he? Whenever it came to Lexi, I was always the one he would abandon. Chapter 3 Kelly's POV--Stiff Upper Lip I entered the studio wearing two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone turned to look as I walked down the hallway, greeting me with smiles, but my face remained stoic, not showing any emotions at all. The conversation with Pierce this morning lingered in my mind, but I couldn't let it affect my work. I couldn't fail my work after I had failed my marriage. I took a deep breath to steady myself. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos. "We can't! She's not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She'll be furious." "We can just tell her the truth. She's nice." "Not in this situation, Lily! She'll scold us--" "What's happening here?" I asked, stepping further into the room. The staff turned to me with worried expressions, and I knew then that something was wrong. "G-Good morning, Miss Monroe." Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurt. I stared at her blankly, "What? "W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model, has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we're changing the model, so...she doesn't want to come here. She's even threatening to file a case against us." She bowed her head, and I gritted my teeth, scanning the room. "Where's the marketing manager?" "S-She's still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe." I massaged my forehead, squeezing my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger, causing everyone around me to jump in shock. I g**aned, sucking in a breath before looking around. "Miss Monroe..." "What is this, Miss Hayley? You're the marketing manager. What's happening?" "Miss Monroe, I don't know how it happened, but Miss Chen heard that you're changing our model. She's about to file a case against us--" Changing the model? How had I not known about this? Miss Chen had always been a trusted partner, and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only create chaos for the company. I would never allow such a costly mistake. "I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her off to save the time, "Fix this mess, or I'll have to fire you!" "Miss Monroe... It's Mr. President who ordered the change." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He instructed us as soon as he returned from his business trip yesterday." The truth hit me hard. Pierce's order? Why hadn't he told me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first. "It shouldn't be..." Confusion clouded my mind. Pierce was not a clueless businessman; he maintained a clear distinction between work and personal matters, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret. "Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back. "M-Mr. President..." Hayley bowed in respect as the man suddenly appeared behind me. "I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I snapped as I turned to face him. He knew how much effort I had put into securing this project. I hadn't slept well for days, and Miss Chen was the perfect fit for us. He had agreed too. But now... he just changed the model as he liked without informing me in advance. It felt like a hard s**p in the face. "Go ahead with the work. I'll explain it to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger simmering in my eyes. "Answer me, Pierce! Why did you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't contain my fury. He touched my shoulder and whispered, "This isn't the place to talk. Let me explain in the car." I glanced around, noticing others sneaking glances at us. I shook off his hand and walked toward the parking lot, my heart growing heavier with each step. I had a sinking feeling I wouldn't like his explanation. "Now, say it," I blurted once we were seated in his car. He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again.; I couldn't bear his gaze. I couldn't withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to. He had no feelings for me and it hurt so much. "I-I..." he paused, sighing. "I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She's also a good fit, so I agreed--" "What?" I asked in disbelief. He pressed his lips together and looked away, ruffling his hair in frustration before shaking his head and holding my hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor, and I couldn't say no." I pulled my hand away, looking at him with a mix of pain and anger. "You can't say no to her, so you'd rather harm the company--our company. You've betrayed me, Pierce." "Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She's my first love." Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she was your first love. She's always the one you want, no matter the cost. As long as she frowns a bit, you turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You're so heartless, Pierce. "Well, you've made your decision. I don't have a say in this since you're the President. Just go. I'll be in the office." I said coldly, opening the car door to leave. "Kelly..." I looked him in the eyes. "Go home early. Let's talk about our divorce at home tonight." Chapter 4 Kelly's POV--Left High and Dry I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early, but he didn't come home at all. He wasn't even answering my calls. Well, now Lexi was back; this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore. My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby thing was out of his plan. I wiped away the tears collecting at the corners of my eyes and picked up the report. It was 5 a.m. already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but it was still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy staying with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he? I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, he didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear, and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost. Suddenly, a wave of nausea flooded my stomach, and I realized I hadn't eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I ran to the sink and puked. I spat yellowish liquid, and while I was washing my mouth, I felt a warm hand caressing my back. I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried expression was my husband, Pierce. I had always been thankful to have him as my best friend and husband, but now... I'm losing him. Hopelessly losing him. "Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? You should've told me." I stared at him through the mirror. "You didn't answer my calls." Guilt flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night." I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair. "Kels..." "I woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast." I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend, yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings. "Kels... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition..." "Kels, are we still okay?" I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? He's asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own, just because his first love is back. I couldn't believe him. I faked a smile. "I just don't feel well today, Pierce." He immediately squatted beside me, which was not surprising because I knew he truly cared. What surprised me was why he was still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart. "Are you okay?" He gently touched my forehead and neck. "Are you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels." "My feelings don't matter," I couldn't help but blurt out. He looked shocked by what I said. When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face was mirroring his anger now. He was completely lost his patience. "What's wrong with you, Kels? You've been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didn't come home last night?" I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier, but you just let me wait the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?" He clenched his jaws and shook his head. "Kels, I..." "Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today." "Kels!" He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. "Are you... in love with me?" I was taken aback. In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldn't fall for someone who had been protecting you ever since? But of course, I couldn't tell him. It would only complicate things more. I didn't even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. "Are you on d**gs? I'm not in love with you." I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I can't let my emotions affect me, but... why are my tears falling again? "You are so pathetic, Kelly! You can't even tell him how you truly feel," I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily. It took me almost an hour to bathe. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. He's been constantly abandoning me. I can't believe we've reached this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid. *** "Good morning, Miss Monroe..." "Good morning, Vice President..." I did not greet anyone back, just like how I used to greet them. I still felt pissed, and my mood seemed off. Irritation could easily take over me, and I couldn't control it. Probably because of Pierce's divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy. I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking. "Did you see her? I bet she's Mr. Anderson's girlfriend. They seemed close." My forehead creased. Pierce's girlfriend? "Ah! It's a waste that I didn't see her face, but I feel like it's Miss Lexi." "Lexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?" "Yes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together." "Come on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together." "Are you serious? They're best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. It's Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe." I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected. I took a deep breath and sat in my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierce's social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together, eating in a fancy restaurant. I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. See, Kelly? That's what happens when you step into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continued on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy... ...... ==== Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly's first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart, Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. What happens next? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate? 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/61818322-fb_contact-e | Romantic Novel City | https://www.facebook.com/100083790041265/ | 4,123 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-encp25_2-1103-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&rawadid=120213581491890597 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465793258_1535721127144755_7719017938158810082_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t6jKT8BD6MAQ7kNvgHi2_6G&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AsOAI8WPHXObQsZPuJ89EvP&oh=00_AYApHBkcWwu0cCI6g4kg9y8AkyEMcUXvKYGAcVfKS-dm0g&oe=67516BCC | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Romantic Novel City | 1 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
Page 149 of 157, showing 20 record(s) out of 3,130 total