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2,562,075	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2561920}'	No	2024-11-30 18:56	active	1943	❤️😍Can't wait to read more👉	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	321	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u...	CAROUSEL	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465169516_1259818645301512_7718910771256407974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5WBE4GdUFcoQ7kNvgFnJ2E-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=ALiF4JpCVokkL_y2LRmKugm&oh=00_AYC4r-4fDJLtkDR6yX1-dBFAt0HboSoO1hvRoSQMiT4TxA&oe=67518A37	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,562,500	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2562576}'	Yes	2024-11-30 19:01	active	1943	Concrete Driveways: Starting at $1499	👋 Hey there, I'm Michael, owner of Priscoll Concrete Driveways! The cost of concrete is currently low. We don’t know how long this will last but we will pass massive savings on to you! Get your new Concrete Driveway installed for as low as $1499. Just fill out the form to get a Quote! 🏡 Proudly local, we're passionate about enhancing the beauty & value of our community's homes. Serving Billings, Laurel, Lockwood, Park City, Pryor & surrounding areas! Get Your Free Quote!	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	VooltPro Certified Provider	https://www.facebook.com/vooltprocertifiedproviders/	4	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	fb.me	IMAGE		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468667741_1117729389885355_7592236001198646136_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=og_BlbV1xrkQ7kNvgEdzdLH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AANfwJ7XsWLUm2k_CBjajZg&oh=00_AYALmm2OVg9jdiST3-Ph7GaxDoM69Wm1MbWa5xcALkf7jQ&oe=67518988	PERSON_PROFILE	0	VooltPro Certified Provider	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,560,781	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2560774}'	No	2024-11-30 18:32	active	1942			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/haleykellyevents	Haley Kelly Events	https://www.facebook.com/haleykellyevents/	498	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/haleykellyevents	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468564392_904579761393881_2169284833410869089_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5Q-MmOXGWJgQ7kNvgEEgw4W&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AQqq0ypXB5liTNMgABQCPiZ&oh=00_AYAPYT-HqdQIUdc7w_MQwgSvwVg_SmIUFSs6_YtDGc8G7A&oe=675186AD	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Haley Kelly Events	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,560,517	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2560509}'	Yes	2024-11-30 18:29	active	1942	To find out, listen to the audioseries “Rekindled Heartache” (FREE for a limited period of time) Click on the link below to download the PocketFM app, now!	Listen to one of the most interesting audio series “Rekindled Heartache” Only on the PocketFM app. Download Now!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.r	Rekindled Heartache By Pocket FM	https://www.facebook.com/pocketfm.rekindledheartache/	7,478	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.pocketfm	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445773015_441291575511637_2266642443319683976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rSExHJZGKv8Q7kNvgFNx8Dj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A0XOkJnfuM9OwcmC_jn9jN7&oh=00_AYAUlM3Jrfmw8fZJ8JWDgYnxBea6CsP5jYkVcNji2W13_Q&oe=67516AA1	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Rekindled Heartache By Pocket FM	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,561,642	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2562576}'	No	2024-11-30 18:51	active	1943	Get 21 Days for JUST $21 🔥	“I've been coming here since October of 2022. I live in Mamaroneck and love working out here. The vibe is super open and friendly. It feels like everyone is training to get better at something they're passionate about..” We train for life. Which is why we have an extensive variety of options for your workouts: ✅ Turf ✅ Strength Training Equipment ✅ Personal Training ✅ Octagon® ✅ Mixed Martial Arts Classes ✅ Functional Equipment ✅ Free Weight Room ✅ Cardio Equipment ✅ Bag Room Click Learn More and get 21 days for JUST $21 at UFC Gym in Mamaroneck. Hurry - spots are extremely limited. ⚠️	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	UFC GYM	https://www.facebook.com/UFCGymMamaroneck/	1,666	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fb.me	IMAGE		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451444472_2020640838338151_4444738685334451278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tWg45qTLc-EQ7kNvgHAI6D6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A76e1jbwjTAn-ISxM9RzRbV&oh=00_AYAK8amhqr0ic6xr-3IBLI_NAnRPbXShiiIeQPbT2YM2Qw&oe=67518E19	PERSON_PROFILE	0	UFC GYM	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,560,060	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2560003}'	No	2024-11-30 18:24	active	1942	The Vampire And His Blood Wife👉👉👉	"🎥 Binge-watching this series is like a rollercoaster ride! 😱 I can't stop watching it, and the next episode just keeps getting better and better. 🙌 ✨"	WATCH_MORE		Romantic Love	https://www.facebook.com/61557838064349/	346	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch More		DCO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/458745860_508995035182772_1924372475343827338_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KLDdz-jXNK4Q7kNvgHZdLwj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AnId_PF0YT5nv7qZh7MVAfF&oh=00_AYDgEaVMzY-Dv3Y3eYO5zizwHHBhE1MBmUKbC51wexpy5w&oe=675170B5	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Romantic Love	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,560,237	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-30 18:26	active	1942	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 kss. 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 alhol. 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 bed 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 kssed 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 kss, 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 dire 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 dgers 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 kssed 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 ganed, 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 sp 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 dgs? 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	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-encp25_2-1103-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&rawadid=120213581650790597	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465733155_446821421781060_3666344556946972157_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RRD4gPMNWXkQ7kNvgG_DxNb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AGE4n5atAuy0MTtqTLihLst&oh=00_AYA5pB_ERtZlyhpGYnhDwmLhQxxeFS8_v-wdq291mHVVHw&oe=67516095	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Romantic Novel City	1	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,561,953	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2561955}'	Yes	2024-11-30 18:55	active	1943	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	After six years, Stella Richard finally came back this familiar city. She walked out of the airport and hailed a taxi. When the taxi moved, all the memories she had tried to forget over the years began to flood her mind... Stella shook her head, chasing those thoughts away. This time, she hadn’t come back to dwell on old, useless memories. She was back because her boss had asked her to return. He told her that their company was at a dead end, and he wanted her to come back and solve the crisis. At first, Stella didn’t want to come, but after some thought, she decided to return... Six years ago, her boss had helped her during the most difficult time of her life, and she wanted to repay the favor... As for everything else, she no longer cared... At the Company... As Stella arrived, she noticed that most of the employees were engaged in a lively discussion. As she walked by, snippets of conversation reached her ears. "I heard that there are so many companies who want to buy our company." "Really! That means we’ll have a new boss." "I just hope that our new boss should be good-looking, like a Korean drama CEO." "Hey! Do you know who’s going to buy the company?" Stella heard their chatter but didn’t care about the gossip. She knew these people didn’t actually care about who would buy the company or for what price. They just wanted to gossip. But she... She cared... and she was here to secure a good deal for her company. "Of course, it’ll be Kingston’s, the RK Group. Who else in the city is powerful enough to challenge them?" Stella, who had been about to continue walking, stopped in her tracks. A name, both familiar and unfamiliar, reached her ears. "The Kingstons..." "RK Group..." Suddenly, memories Stella had locked away began to surge like a storm. Her mind was filled with those memories like a flood. Stella felt dizzy. It was as if she were still trapped in that RK mansion, surrounded by cold walls. Stella had thought she had long forgotten about him, but it seemed that it was just her illusion. [Flashback] Six Years Ago... In the RK Mansion... Stella walked out of the gate inside the living room. But her expression was somber. She moved as if in a daze. "Madam, what happened to you? Why do you look so pale and weak?" The one who spoke was Mia. She was working for Kingston's for years and always treated Stella like her daughter. Seeing her pale face and weak demeanor, Mia was worried. "Mia... Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s just..." Stella glanced at the reports in her hand and said, "I haven’t had my period for two months, and when I went to the hospital..." She didn’t finish her sentence, looking at Mia with a mix of expectation and worry. They just stared at each other. Mia understood what Stella wanted to say. She was pregnant. But Mia also knew about the relationship between Mr. RK and Stella. She didn’t know what to say. In the end, she just congratulated her. Stella didn’t say anything and kept staring at the reports in her hand. She had been married to Rene Kingston for three years. But theirs was not a marriage of love... It was a contract marriage, with a three-year time limit. Because the woman he loved was her sister. RK had been about to marry her sister, Sophia, but for some reason, Stella had ended up replacing her sister. From the day they married, he had told her that their marriage was just a three-year contract and nothing more. For RK, their marriage was indeed just a contract, but for Stella, it was a beautiful gift from God. Because only she knew how happy she was when she found out she was going to marry RK. The man she had loved throughout her youth. All these years, Stella had given her best in this marriage, hoping that maybe, just maybe, their marriage would work out. Maybe he wouldn’t divorce her. Maybe he would want to stay with her... Maybe he would give their relationship a chance because of the child... Stella was still lost in thought when suddenly, a voice came from the door, shattering all her hopes and illusions. "I don’t want this child." The voice was cold and hard. Stella and Mia both turned to look in the direction of the voice. RK was standing at the door, staring at Stella. His face was cold and expressionless. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking. He had a very handsome face and blue eyes. His blue eyes were like the deep ocean. If you looked into them. Then you would be drowned in it. Chapter 2 RK walked in and stood in front of Stella. He appeared like a king, towering above the world and looking down upon everyone as if they were nothing. With his tall frame and commanding aura, he exuded an undeniable power. Stella sat on the sofa, overwhelmed by his presence. She remained seated, staring at him, shocked by his words. She never expected this man to be so cold-blooded, uttering such harsh words without a second thought. There was no hesitation in his voice when he said he didn’t want the child. Stella looked into his eyes, trying her best to remain calm and hold back her tears. She didn’t want to appear weak in front of this cold man. The two of them just stared at each other in silence. After a while, RK walked over and sat opposite Stella. As he sat down, his assistant, Alex Triston, placed a stack of papers on the table. At the top of the papers were the words "Contract Expired." Alex looked at Stella and said, "Miss Richard, according to your contract with Mr. RK, three years have now been completed. Please sign here and finalize the process." Stella noted the change in how Alex addressed her—from Mrs. RK to Miss Richard. Even though she still hadn't signed her name. A mocking smile appeared on her face. She was sure that Alex wouldn’t have dared to take her so lightly, if it hadn’t been ordered by someone, of course, and that someone was none other than her husband. RK took the pen and signed his name without a pause or thought. After finishing, he looked at Stella and said, "You can stay here for a week and look for the house." Stella looked into the man's eyes which are calm as a lake. There was no regret, sadness, or hesitation—nothing. It was as if he felt nothing about their relationship, which had suddenly gone through such a big change. But as this thought crossed her mind, she scolded herself. "Stella, are you a fool? How can you expect any regret or sadness from this stone-hearted man?" But still, she couldn’t control her emotions. Because she had loved this stone-heated man for so many years. Stella didn’t say anything and just looked at the man with whom she had spent the past three years. She had seen his face every day, yet now, as she looked at him, she still found him strikingly handsome. But... he was also the man who had shattered her heart into a thousand pieces. She didn’t want to show her vulnerability in front of him, so she tried her best not to cry. Her hand trembled as she held the pen. She looked at the papers, saw his elegant and strong handwriting, and signed her name. Just like her heart, her handwriting was also broken. Stella was shattered inside, but she didn't show this on her face. After she signed her name, she took a deep breath and said, "I am very grateful to Mr. Kingston that he allowed me to stay here for a week, but after our contract expires I don't think I should stay here. I will leave immediately." After speaking, Stella glanced at Mia and asked, "Mia, can you help me pack my things?" Mia looked at Stella's face and saw how hard she trying not to cry and her heartache. She didn't want to do this, but she had to do it. Stella went upstairs to pack her belongings, while RK watched her retreating figure, his emotions unreadable. Stella looked around the room where she had lived for three years, her eyes turned blurred... She can't hold back her tears. She knew their marriage would end someday, but she hadn’t anticipated such intense pain in her heart. Stella didn’t have many things to pack. She just packed her belongings but left everything RK had bought untouched— not even a single piece of clothing. Mia watched her in silence, unsure of what to say. Stella wiped away her tears and said, "Mia, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. It’s just that I’m not his Mrs. Right." With that, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. Downstairs... RK was still sitting on the sofa, watching Stella. But Stella didn't want to look at him and was ready to leave... "Where are you going?" Suddenly, his cold voice cut through the silence. Stella paused and turned to look at him. She hadn’t been on good terms with her family from the beginning, and after her marriage, it had been nearly impossible to maintain any connection with them. As for him, they were now divorced, so she felt no reason or obligation to tell him where she was going. "I don’t think my whereabouts has anything to do with Mr. Kingston. We’re already divorced and have nothing to do with each other. Mr. Kingston must be focused on his future wife, not on his ex-wife..." Stella's tone was cold and it was like she was throwing daggers from her mouth. She couldn’t comprehend his hypocritical behavior. She wondered if it was her imagination or not, but it felt as though, after mentioning his future wife, the temperature in the room had dropped a lot. She felt a chill spread through her body and decided to leave. "Wait a second." His voice was firm and allowed no rebuttal. Chapter 3 Stella heard his voice and stopped. There was a little bit of hope in her heart. The man's eyes were dark and cold, filled with mysterious thoughts, and a layer of fog surrounded him. Suddenly, he spoke, "I don't want this child. Don't forget to take it out." RK looked at the woman in front of him and thought. She seemed like a pure and beautiful woman, and he didn't want her to carry his burden. Stella's hand, which was holding her luggage, trembled, and the little bit of hope in her heart vanished. She felt like someone had stabbed a knife into her heart. He had broken her heart so many times, but... she didn’t know why she still felt hurt every time it happened. "Boooom." His words exploded in her head like a bomb, and the little bit of hope she had left in her heart was also gone. The hands holding the bag tightened. She felt like someone had stabbed her heart, and she could smell the blood. Suddenly, she laughed at herself. She felt like a fool. How could she expect anything from a man who was so cold toward his child? "If you don't want this child, then why did you sleep with me?" She wanted to yell at him, but in the end, she didn’t say anything. He had once told her that he liked children, which was why she hadn’t taken the pills. But... It was as if he liked children but not with her. Stella's heart was in so much pain, but she didn’t want to let him see her tears. She didn’t turn around, keeping her back facing him. Stella took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Kingston, don’t think too much. I also don’t want this child at all. I have already decided to get rid off it." She was about to leave but then stopped and said, "One more thing, I hope we don’t see each other again in this life." After she said, Stella didn’t stop for a minute and left. At first, she didn’t want to leave this place, but now... She felt suffocated. Stella held her bag tightly and left without looking back. RK watched the woman’s back, struggling to keep herself straight and not stumble. His eyes were dark and filled with unreadable emotions. Only after her figure disappeared from his sight did his tense back relax. [Flashback end] "I am sorry, I didn’t see you..." Suddenly, a man bumped into Stella, who was standing in the hallway. Files fell to the ground. But because of this she also came back from the memories from six years ago. "No, I am sorry," she said, helping him pick up the files before going into the elevator. As the elevator door opened, Jack Paul stood outside and greeted her. Jack Paul looked at Stella with a smile and said, "Stella, here you are. How are you? You are new here. If you need anything, please feel free to tell me." Stella looked at him and nodded. "I am fine, thank you." As they talked, they went to his office and sat down. Jack looked at Stella and said, "Stella, I am very happy that you accepted my offer and came back." As he spoke, he handed her a red file and continued, "I am sure you have heard that our company is going to be acquired by someone. This file contains the reports I made; take a look." Stella took the file and nodded. Jack continued, "Many companies want to buy our company, but among all of them, RK Groups is the best. However, the price offered by Mr. RK was too low." He paused and said, "This time, I ask you to come back so that you can turn the situation around." "RK Groups... Rene Kingston..." Stella's hands holding the file trembled. The memories she had locked away deep down in her heart suddenly resurfaced. Stella calmed herself and said, "I will do my best." "That’s good," Jack laughed and said. "Now that you have taken on this project, I am not worried anymore." Chapter 4 The next day, at a coffee shop... Stella had already organized all the documents and asked the negotiation director of the RK Group to meet her at the coffee shop. As she was waiting, a man wearing a black suit and gold-rimmed glasses came over. But when he walked over and saw Stella, he looked shocked. Stella also looked at the person in front of her and was shocked, too. Because the one standing in front of her was RK's assistant, Alex Triston. For a moment, both of them stayed quiet. It was Stella who took the initiative and said, "Long time no see." Alex heard her words and quickly regained his composure. He nodded and sat down. Stella didn’t waste much time and went straight to the point. "Mr. Triston, here are the documents. If you find them satisfactory, please sign them." As she spoke, she pushed the documents in front of him. Alex looked at the eye-catching price of 70 million and was shocked. "Miss Richard, the RK Group can only offer 40 million. The price your company is asking for is very high." Stella didn’t want to sign this contract from the beginning. She would never let that man become her boss. She felt like she was wasting her time on the RK Group and should find another company. "It's alright, but we can't sign this contract." She said, packing her things and deciding to leave. Alex saw that she was about to leave and that she wasn’t interested in this deal, and he panicked. He rushed over and stopped her. "Miss Richard, please wait. Let me call and ask about the price again." Stella stopped and nodded. "Of course." Alex stepped to the side and made a call. ** At the RK Group's CEO office... RK was sitting in the head chair, listening to a report from the marketing department, when his phone rang. RK glanced at the phone and hung up. He didn’t like being disturbed at work. But after a few seconds, it rang again. The people standing in the office saw his cold expression and trembled. They felt like the person on the other side was about to die. RK's face didn’t look good, and the people reporting to him felt a chill down their spines. RK picked up the phone and asked, "What is it?" His voice was cold. Alex reported the situation on the other side. "Tell them it’s not going to happen. 70 million is too much; they’re not worth it." After he finished speaking, he was about to hang up. But Alex said something that made him pause for a while. His fingers tapped on the table, and after a minute, he replied, "Okay, then let's agree to 70 million." After that, he paused for a moment and added, "Tell her I’m coming to the company, and ask her to personally explain to me how it’s worth 70 million." After he spoke, he hung up the phone. There were some unknown emotions in his deep blue eyes. The people from the marketing department heard his words and were shocked. "The CEO is going to personally sign the contract." "Is that negotiation really worth his visit?" Moreover, they knew that in this negotiation, Mr. Kingston didn’t need to be personally involved. All of them had question marks on their faces. Alex wasn’t too far away, so Stella could hear parts of his conversation. She heard Alex directly reporting her name to the person on the other side of the phone. Within just three minutes... "Miss Richard, wait! Mr. Kingston said that they have no problem with your price. The agreement must be set according to your company’s plan. Let's quickly sign the deal so that no one can back out." After he finished speaking, he took out the documents, signed his name, and handed the pen to Stella. Looking at his arrogant attitude, as if he had already bought her company, Stella was a little shocked. She stared at the pen in a daze. She hadn’t expected the agreement between the two companies to go so smoothly and effortlessly. Stella felt like she had made her stand clear by not lowering her price and being firm in her decision. But who would have thought that RK would be even more determined than she was in the acquisition of the company? He even agreed to sign the contract at her price. "Didn’t he pride himself on never changing his decisions, no matter what? Then why did he change this one?" she thought. "Was it because, after living with the love of his life, he changed?" But no matter what. Now, what could she do? Stella took the pen and signed her name. She didn’t care about him anymore. Anyway, she wasn’t going to stay here. Usually, she didn’t want him to become her boss, but what could she do? She needed to finish this job and leave quickly. Alex put the documents back, shook hands with her, and said, "Miss Richard, from now on, we’re colleagues in the same company. Please take care of us in the future!" Stella just gave him a forced smile. Only she and God knew how much she didn’t want this man to be her boss. Alex looked at her and added, "Miss Richard, please go back to the company quickly. Mr. Kingston will be there in a while. He said he wants you to... personally explain how your company is worth 70 million." Alex also didn’t know why his boss wanted Miss Richard to do it personally, after what happened between them before. But as an assistant, he could only do as he was told. *** On the way back to the company... Stella was sitting in the car, but her mind was filled with thoughts of how RK would soon become her boss. "Ahhh! Stella, you’re the best. You just signed the contract as soon as you showed up!" The one who speak was the assistant to the director of the company. "Stella, you don’t know, but before you came, Mr. Paul sent many people to negotiate with Mr. Kingston, but he only kept lowering the price." She hugged Stella and said happily, "Stella, you’re our lucky star." Stella just lowered her head and didn’t speak. Because it wasn’t what she wanted. Lily continued, "Stella, you just came back, so you probably don’t know much about the city, right?" As she spoke, she leaned closer to Stella’s ear and whispered, "Let me tell you, Mr. Kingston is the most handsome man in X City. He’s not only handsome but also rich and capable. He’s the dream man of many women in the world." Stella heard her words and felt speechless. "I heard that he had a fiancée before, but he already left her, six years ago," Lily said. "He didn’t marry her sister?" Stella couldn’t believe they hadn’t married yet. Didn’t he give her a divorce because he wanted to marry her sister? She thought that by now, they must be married, have children, and be living happily together. "Stella, here you are." When Jack heard that Stella had reached an agreement with RK Groups, he personally came to welcome her with a big smile on his face. "Stella, you didn’t disappoint me. Quickly, go to the meeting room and sit for a while. Mr. Kingston will be here soon, and you will come with me to welcome him."	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14478&u	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	855	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	redtgb.com	DCO		https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14478&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/t39.35426-6/461700748_896829415136386_2800863049063417918_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDGOznnUo88Q7kNvgGQmsx4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AEd2vZ6cHQCjy1qGM7UX_ZM&oh=00_AYAuBnrZsq46ZDi35U8IVCKqm_r0cEGerRI5txACPO8CJg&oe=67519246	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Indulge in story	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,560,743	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-11-30 18:31	active	1942		Spotted on Day Time Chicago! Kelly MacNeal from @TheBuzzOnGifts raves about our Suncatcher Daytripper Carryall Tote & Pouch Set, and we couldn’t agree more! PLUS, don’t miss out—get 25% off all non-sale items during our limited-time sale! #DayTimeChicago #ToteBag #TravelEssentials	SHOP_NOW	http://sidneybyron.com/	Sidney Byron	https://www.facebook.com/thesidneybyronshop/	574	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	sidneybyron.com	VIDEO		http://sidneybyron.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468526491_541780278652226_2306552566812712185_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=22zFNDF_nPEQ7kNvgHJvjMM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AaGb4E7ym0GTHmo47nGRcfG&oh=00_AYAUSUSRcAsN4hunm8WZfdYzEJueTHlJFHGzHEjp9J4C2A&oe=67517F42	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Sidney Byron	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,561,490	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2561486}'	Yes	2024-11-30 18:39	active	1942	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I'm sorry you lost your baby, Dove." "My baby? Not ours?" I can't believe what I'm hearing. He doesn't even seem a little bit upset! "Maybe this is for the best; you know I wasn't ready to be a father anyway." I'm so uncomfortable that he's having this conversation in front of Jenny—it feels like he's purposefully trying to embarrass me. I glance slightly towards Jenny to ask her to leave but notice her trying to hide the grin on her face. Just as I'm about to ask Jenny about the grin, Kelly beats me to it. I didn't even realize she saw it, but I'm grateful she did. Kelly walks slowly towards Jenny, clearly ready to call her out. "What's so funny? You think this is a joke?" — I'm so lost in my thoughts that I barely register the soft squeak of my hospital door opening. I don't need to look up to know it's Kelly; the familiar scent of her light vanilla perfume gives her away. Before I can turn around, she's already climbing into my hospital bed, wrapping her arms around me from behind in a tight hug. I didn't realize how much I needed her until this moment. I don't have to be strong on my own anymore, and I finally allow myself to grieve, letting the tears I've been holding back flow freely. As my sobs shake my body, she just holds me tighter, not saying a word or trying to hush me. It's exactly what I need—just the space to feel everything. Even the ache in my chest feels a little lighter with her here. It feels like I've been crying for hours, but it's really only been about twenty minutes. When I finally manage to take a deep breath and regain some control, I hear Kelly's soft sniffles and realize she's been crying too. I reach for her hand, gently lace my fingers with hers, and give it a squeeze, offering her some comfort in return. After lying here for a while, sniffling and holding each other, Kelly finally gets up and sits in the chair next to my bed. She takes my hand again, her eyes full of concern and sadness, waiting patiently for me to open up. So, I do. I tell her everything—the unbearable pain that hit me at home, the terror I felt when I saw the blood running down my legs, how I tried calling Daniel and Jenny, but neither of them answered, and how I eventually had to call an ambulance on my own. The words spill out in a broken stream, and I feel her hand tighten around mine as I speak. I tell her about Dr. Smith and Nurse Jackie doing everything they could, but in the end, they couldn't save the pregnancy. As I speak, I see a range of emotions play across Kelly's face—sadness, empathy, love, and then, unmistakably, anger. She's never liked Jenny, always saying she gives off weird vibes, and honestly, I agree. I have talked to Daniel about it so many times, but he's made it clear that Jenny is one of his closest friends and he won't let her go. Part of me understands, because that's exactly how I feel about Kelly. Kelly climbs back into the bed with me, wrapping her arms around me again. She doesn't let go, and I'm grateful for the warmth of her embrace. After a while, she speaks softly. "I'm so sorry, Ari. I'm sorry you had to go through this alone since yesterday. Why didn't you call me? You know I would've dropped everything to be here with you." I let out a sigh, knowing I owe her an explanation. "I know, Kells, but... I guess I just wanted to pretend a little longer that this was all just a bad dream. When I finally worked up the courage to call you, it felt like I was admitting that it was real, you know?" She hums but doesn't press further. "Okay, hun, I get it. Now I'm starving, and I'm ordering us some food." We spend a couple of hours cuddling and watching TV. Nurse Jackie pops in every now and then, probably just checking in on how I'm holding up. Eventually, we convince her to join us for lunch, which turns out to be really nice. Nurse Jackie tells me I have to stay another night for more blood tests because Dr. Smith found something in my bloodstream that's worrying her. Kelly quickly offers to run out and grab me an overnight bag. "You definitely need a nice hot shower," she says, and I can't help but agree. Just as Kelly is about to hand me a glass of ice water, Daniel casually walks into the room with his "bestie," Jenny. I'm surprised to see her here. I'm not sure if I should say anything or just let it go. I don't understand why she needs to be here. After our argument, she didn't even attempt to apologize for the things she said and just pretended nothing happened. This woman clearly doesn't like me—anyone can see it in her eyes—so her being in my hospital room right now makes my skin crawl. Daniel silently plops himself into the chair next to me, not bothering with a hello. Leaning in, he takes hold of my hand and gives it a small squeeze. "I'm sorry you lost your baby, Dove." "My baby? Not ours?" I can't believe what I'm hearing. He doesn't even seem a little bit upset! "Maybe this is for the best; you know I wasn't ready to be a father anyway." I'm so uncomfortable that he's having this conversation in front of Jenny—it feels like he's purposefully trying to embarrass me. I glance slightly towards Jenny to ask her to leave but notice her trying to hide the grin on her face. Just as I'm about to ask Jenny about the grin, Kelly beats me to it. I didn't even realize she saw it, but I'm grateful she did. Kelly walks slowly towards Jenny, clearly ready to call her out. "What's so funny? You think this is a joke?" Jenny turns to Daniel with this exaggerated look of shock, like she's the victim here. And, of course, the idiot falls for it. He drops my hand and steps between them, like he's trying to protect her from some kind of threat. "I'm sure you saw wrong, Kelly," Daniel says, trying to smooth things over. I jump in, my voice unsteady with anger. "No, I saw that smirk too. Why is she even here, Dani? This isn't a conversation she should be part of." I know he's going to ignore me—he's been doing that a lot lately. It's always the same old nonsense, and honestly, I'm reaching my breaking point. "Oh, come on, Aria, be realistic," he says, exasperated. "She's my friend, and I was going to tell her about this anyway. You talk to Kelly about stuff at home too, so it's only fair I get to do the same." Then he turns around and takes Jenny's hand. "Let's go, Jen. We don't need this." And just like that, he walks out with her. I try to hold it in, but a harsh sob escapes my lips, raw and painful. I don't want to cry in front of them, but I can't help it. I can't help but wonder why he keeps choosing her over me. This should be a time for us to lean on each other, to be strong together, but it's like the miscarriage doesn't even faze him. When did I lose the supportive boyfriend, the boy I grew up with? When did he turn into this stranger? I look at Kelly, and I can see the anger simmering in her eyes. I know she wants to go after Daniel and Jenny, to give them a piece of her mind. But instead, she stays by my side, offering the support I so desperately need right now. I couldn't wait to get home and climb into my own bed. The nurses and doctors are amazing, but there's nothing like being in your own space. I unlock the door and walk inside, hoping Daniel is home, but it's completely silent, so obviously he isn't here. I take off my jacket, hang it on the coat rack by the door, and stretch my stiff muscles. I glance towards the kitchen and let out a puff of air because I know what's waiting for me there. I was in the kitchen when the cramps hit me out of nowhere, and the amount of bleeding and how quickly it happened was overwhelming. As expected, the mess is still there, including my footprints from when I walked over to the counter to get my cell to call for help. I put my medication on the counter and get the bucket and rag out to clean up a bit. Just as I'm about to fill the bucket with water, Kelly walks into the kitchen from the laundry room. "Okay, Ri, I put the clothes in the washing machine. Do you want me to hang them outside or put them in the dryer when they are done?" she asks absentmindedly. "I'll hang them outside, don't worry. Thanks, Kells." Opening the tap at the sink to fill the bucket with hot water, Kelly walks over and hip-bumps me out of the way. "Move, I'll handle this. You go get in the shower." "No, it's really okay. I just need to clean the blood off the floor first and then I will go take a shower," I say, pointing to the floor. She shakes her head. "Nah uh. All you need to do is take that shower and get to bed. Nurse Jacky gave me strict instructions to make sure you get enough sleep and finish your meds. I plan on following her orders to the T." "Thank you, Kells, but it's blood. I can't ask you to clean that." "Good thing you didn't ask, right? I know where the gloves are, and I know where you keep your bleach and everything I will need. Now, please go before I call Jacky on you." Chuckling at her threat because I know she will really do it, I give her a tight hug and turn to walk to my bedroom. Lowering myself to the shower floor, I let the tears come, feeling every bit of the hurt. My chest is so tight, it feels like it's being squeezed. It's hard to breathe, like I'm trying to get air in my lungs but it's just not happening. I sob and allow myself the time to grieve for my baby. My throat is raw by the time I start to calm down. Pulling myself back together, I give my body a final rinse and switch off the water. It's like Kelly was waiting for me just outside the door because as I step out of the shower she walks in, wraps me in a warm towel, and hugs me from behind. She got me everything I needed, including a pad, and I'm so happy she is here with me right now. Once I'm dressed, she quickly blow-dries my hair and puts me in bed. She makes sure I'm comfy, turning on the electric blanket and tucking me in tightly. I must have slept for a few hours because when I open my eyes, I notice the room is dark. About ten minutes later, Kelly walks in. She has a bag full of food from my favourite Chinese place. She puts on the light and gets into bed next to me. As we relax in bed, my head laying on her lap, we hear the front door open and then close. I lift my head and move over to sit beside Kelly. When Daniel walks in, he looks genuinely surprised to see us here. His eyes flick between us, and he awkwardly waves. Kelly stands up, and for a moment, I feel panicked. But she gives me a soft smile, whispering she's just giving us a chance to talk. As she walks past Daniel, she gives him the meanest side-eye imaginable. I thought Daniel would come sit and talk to me about our baby and what happened, but instead, he walks right past me and goes to the bathroom. I can hear him digging through the vanity, moving things around, and opening and closing drawers. What is he doing? Is he avoiding me? "Did you clean up the mess you made in the kitchen? I'm not touching that blood. It's disgusting," he yells from the bathroom. What is wrong with this man? "Are you joking right now, Daniel?" I snap back. "I can't believe you just said that. I lost our baby, and all you care about is the mess—the mess you obviously saw and left anyway." "Look, I didn't ask for this, alright?" Daniel answers. "It's not like I wanted the child to die. I can't deal with this right now. Just clean it up, okay?" "Doesn't any of this bother you?" I demand. "Don't you care about me, even a little, Dani? I went through the miscarriage alone. You didn't even bother answering a simple phone call." He lets out a frustrated sigh and walks back into the room. "Okay, I get it, I messed up, and I'm sorry," he says, waving his hands around in frustration. "I don't know how to handle any of this!" We both stay quiet because I know I can't be too harsh on him; we all deal with pain differently, and I need to let him grieve in his own way. He walks further into the room and grabs a duffel bag. I follow his movements with my eyes. Turning to me, he says, "Aria, let's face it: the baby wasn't healthy enough to make it. You weren't that far along anyway. Jenny said it wasn't even considered a baby yet, so you really shouldn't feel this sad about it." I feel like I can't breathe. "So, I'm not allowed to feel anything because of what Jenny said? She doesn't even have a say in this," I say, my voice shaky and barely audible. Tears sting my eyes because all I want from Dani right now is understanding, a hug, or maybe just a glimpse of my childhood best friend, but I don't know this person anymore. Daniel's jaw tightens, and he runs his fingers through his hair—a habit of his when he's frustrated. When he finally looks at me, his eyes seem hazy, like he's lost in his own world. "Look, I didn't ask for this mess," he snaps. "It's not like I wanted the baby to die, but you need to face reality. You lost a fetus, not a child! You are making this harder than it needs to be." He doesn't wait for a reply and starts packing a few things into the bag. I watch him closely, tears slowly running down my face as he does. When he's finally done, he looks at me, "Dove, I'm going to leave for the night to clear my head. Maybe ask Kelly to stay over or something." With that, he walks out of the room.	LEARN_MORE	https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvMzY1NTU5LzIw	Wha004	https://www.facebook.com/61554431895436/	47	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	c.whastory.com	VIDEO		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvMzY1NTU5LzIwMjQxMTI3MTM1NjEzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468219658_8835225896571340_6670001553625884350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ksBBuuUkWGUQ7kNvgFF6Htp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AP_dilfucD6CIH6kwvw8Puz&oh=00_AYCTktxeV7MGio0wmvSiMbwiNg0z_aDIcDnvJ4OSVth6bA&oe=6751739D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha004	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,561,742	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2562168}'	No	2024-11-30 18:52	active	1943	🔞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	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	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=A7W3io4m6DDpfYYlbcwAedn&oh=00_AYAtXRHSfqHyniT1qQTphSEgzhMCxAyezqq08UpT-LZdtQ&oe=6751639D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,562,282	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-30 18:58	active	1943	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 dug'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 dug-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. Pgnant? 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 bld 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 sap 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	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213299054980604	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466362483_501064539614896_4056919878631851641_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QcZb-pdiE4sQ7kNvgGNd8tm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A-2UwXqmig2xLwW5026B7c-&oh=00_AYBaRskUXBE4KbFkrlcEteJ36QfqdNm6TNhpCiRmlKq0Vw&oe=675186AA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Fun Novel	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,561,575	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-11-30 18:39	active	1942	📚📚 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. "Dmn! These bstards only bully a girl. If you had a man in your family, they wouldn't dare bully you!" Hearing this, Alyssa felt a pang in her heart. The situation had become serious enough that even having a man in the family might not solve it. "Forget it! I don't plan to go to university anymore. It isn't worth it. I'm alone, so it's fine if I can get by. I'll just live each day as it comes." "No, if necessary, I'll talk to the administrator and ask the classmates to donate for you." "Kelly, I can't live off others forever! Besides, going to university isn't always a good thing. I plan to work and see the world." Alyssa forced a smile. Just then... Bang! The door was forcefully pushed open from the outside, and Finneas strode in. This scene stunned the two girls in the room. "No, Lyssie, you have to go to college. Don't worry about the money; I'll take care of it!" Finneas' face was dark with anger. He couldn't believe his sister was skipping university because of money! He was a powerful Golden Core cultivator and couldn't stand the thought of his sister not having money for school. His heart ached. If he hadn't eavesdropped, he wouldn't have known any of this! And the verification documents? Who was stopping them from being approved? How dare they bully Alyssa? They all deserve to die! At that moment, Finneas had an overwhelming urge to kill those who dared to bully Alyssa. "Are you insane? Trespassing into a private residence is illegal!" Kelly quickly shielded Alyssa behind her and glared at Finneas. "I'm Lyssie's brother!" Finneas replied calmly. "Brother?" Kelly looked skeptical and then turned to Alyssa for confirmation. Alyssa had just said he was a scavenger here to take a dump." "My brother died ten years ago. This guy must be some nutcase." Alyssa replied expressionlessly. "Did you hear that? You nutcase, leave now! Otherwise, I'll call the police. Don't think you can bully us just because we're two girls!" Kelly shouted. Finneas took a deep breath and slowly said, "Lyssie, whether you acknowledge me or not, you have to go to university. And Kelly, I'm going out to earn the tuition money now. I'll be back before dark. Take care of Lyssie for me. I'm afraid she might do something stupid." After saying this, Finneas turned and left, quickly disappearing from their sight. This scene left Kelly stunned, her face filled with confusion. Jacaster University's tuition is over five thousand a year. How can a man who can't even afford new clothes earn that in a few hours? "He must be crazy! I heard that insane people aren't held responsible for murder. Good thing he left voluntarily," Kelly said, patting her chest in relief. Alyssa felt conflicted and remained silent. She thought he had returned to fight for the relocation compensation, but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe he really did not have a choice back then. Should I accept if he brings back over five thousand for my tuition? Alyssa was lost in thought. Her eyes gradually lost focus, drifting into memories of her childhood. 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	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	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=120214177469290296	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468499707_1291506275202112_3901478102000013870_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pZl9xKiD-OcQ7kNvgGWD7Fo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ax_YQFSoV56o7A6iDsktEUX&oh=00_AYDX4Uf46Zhw01CVDr0I5FaDyE8mRYChdHgwPwM4_Hhf2A&oe=675169A8	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wie Lesen	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,561,970	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2561965}'	No	2024-11-30 18:55	active	1943	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	Chapter 1 IRENE'S POV My chast heaved with rapid breaths, my eyes fluttered close. My lips fell open and a moan squeezed past my throat. My fingers were working overtime as I pushed them in and out of my wetness with my legs spread apart in bed. I bit the corners of my lips as I threaded my fingers through my hair, gripping them a bit hard like I suspected he would. I imagined his hands on me instead. His long fingers sliding in and out, coated with my juices. He would stroke my insides while holding my legs apart. "Karson," I moaned when his image was all I could see. I reached out my hand to touch him. To touch his rock hard body and trail my fingers down his chast to the V-line where his towel had hung loose. His scent was buried in my memory. All it took was one sniff and here I was, moaning to this man and bucking my hiips. He looked so much better. His face was more defined and he grew so handsome in a short while. His shoulders were broad and wide. He had a perfect figure and toned body. I increased my pace and I gasped when I found it. I slapped a hand over my mouth. The rising heat in the lower part of my stomach increased. Tears rolled down my face. I craved his touch, his fire. My body ached for his attention, the warmth in his eyes, I desired nothing more- My toes curled and I jerrked my hiips as my body convulsed. I bit into my palm as my orggasm rolled out of me. It took a while to recover. I was breathing hard and trying to gather myself again. This was the state he left me in. every single time we bumped into each other. Just a whiff of his scent and I was squirming for his touch. I almost felt terrible for including him in my little session but he was all I could think about. I've been masturbatting frequently now. My mating ceremony to the man of my fantasies was today. One part of me was pleased and happy with the fact that I would have my long time dream come true; being mated to Karson. He was the soon to be Alpha of The Nightcrawlers Pride. I didn't care about his title, that wasn't the reason I loved him. With or without his title, I was bound to be drawn to him. While one part was pleased, the other part was devastated. As much as I wanted to be his mate, I wasn't. Even worse, Karson seemed to think that I had bewitched Luna- his mother- into arranging our marriage. "She's wolfless, mother," he had said during dinner tonight. His contempt was loud, his mock even louder. I withdrew my hands from the table and hid them under with my head lowered at the usual confrontation. "I know," Luna Teresa's reply was calm like she was unaffected by her son's cruel words. I wished his words wouldn't affect me at all. Yet every time he opened his mouth, I was close to tears. Maybe if I loved him any less, I would have tougher skin and wouldn't be running to my room crying like a three year old. He was right. I was wolfless. It wasn't impossible for a werewolf not to have a wolf, it was just rare to find and even rarer for that wolfless wolf to be Luna, ruling over a powerful pack as The Nightcrawlers Pride. According to the book of records in the Pack, I would be the first wolfless Luna. While breaking a record didn't seem too bad, this wasn't exactly the kind of record I would be boastful of. "Yet you would subject your only son and heir to the Pride Family Pack to this fate?" Karson had asked his mother in an accusing tone that made me stop feeling sorry for myself but sorry for her. A wolfless mate meant one of two things; There was a high chance of birthing a wolfless pup and there was a lower chance of birthing a pup- in this case, the next Alpha. I squeezed my dress in a fist. The pressure that was upon my shoulders was more than anyone could ever imagine. "I have strong faith in our genes," Aunt Teresa- as I'd come to know her, smirked. "After all, your father's family were all Alpha's, down to his mother. So you're from a thick and strong Alpha bloodline. I have faith in you-" "My goodness!" Karson huffed in disbelief. "Can you hear yourself, mother? You're betting everything away for her?" I wanted the soft dining chair that had suddenly grown cold under my bvtt to swallow me. "What’s so special about her anyways!" I've heard that before. It shouldn't be anything new. I've cried my eyes out to those words yet every time he asked, it was a whole different feeling than I had bargained for. I was plain. I had no scent, no wolf, no family. There was literally nothing to my name. All I had was everything Aunt Teresa had given to me since I was five. My parents died in a war and Luna had been so kind as to take me in. She couldn't recall my last name so she gave me Pride instead. I was already sharing a last name with the man I came to love. Karson and I lived under the same roof. Growing up around him had been okay. He never showed me this hate, he never even spoke to me except when we were at the table. But ever since he returned from his training where he stayed away to be Alpha for three years, things had gone down the drain. "This is your doing, isn't it?" I stiffened at his words and finally lifted my gaze. The anger and hate in his eyes was enough to let a tear slide down my eye. He was convinced I had bewitched Luna. After all, why would she decide to kil her own bloodline that had been passed down for years? I quickly wiped my eyes. I didn't want Luna to notice plus Karson would scold me and be cross at me if his mother confronted him about making me cry. I fear he was already running from my reach before I could even stretch out my hands. "I'm sorry, I have no hand in this," I said either way, knowing fully well that he wouldn't believe me. "Don't apologize for things that are beyond your control, Irene," Aunt Teresa wiped her mouth with her napkin and rose to her feet. "You two will be just fine. The mating ceremony is in a few days. Get to know yourselves a lot better," with her little advice, she walked away, allowing fear to step in. Karson would eat me alive now that we were alone. I wanted to run after Aunty but I knew it would be childish- "Don’t get any ideas in your head," Karson stated and I turned my attention to him. His words pierced me like a hot thin needle. "You're only my mother's choice. Once I find my mate, I'll have her as my Luna and you'll step down." I gulped and started to nod slowly at his words. "I don't need you to agree, Irene," he scoffed, reminding me that I didn't have a choice and that he called all the shots. "That's just the way it's supposed to be. Think of this as a way of repaying my mother's kindness all those years." Karson got up and walked out of the table. I tried my hardest to understand him. I guess, in a way, his hate was justified. He returned from his Alpha training only to discover he was arranged to be married. He was stripped of the chance to find his mate and he was stuck with someone as useless as myself. His words, his attitude had screamed one thing. 'Know your place, Irene,' and I read the message loud and clear. ************** Our mating ceremony was a long and torturous one for me. The Pack congratulated us endlessly and the smile I plastered on my face should leave a mark by morning. Karson stood stiffly by my side. We were now the new Alpha and Luna of The Nightcrawlers Pride and we were expected to carry out our duties immediately. While no one would say it, I knew that the 'baby making process' was expected as well. We headed to our new room to commence and mark the final activity for the mating ceremony. A day that I had looked forward to all my life. I was nervous and it didn't seem like a good one. I didn't know what to expect but I was already wet, my niples had rolled into tight buds and they tried to gain attention and drill a hole through my outfit. I stepped into the room before him. "I'll be right back," he said and I nodded, closing the door behind me. Immediately, I dashed to the bathroom and took a shower. I couldn't afford this moment to be ruined. I wrapped the towel around my chast and got out of the shower. My heart hammered in my chast. Karson was staring at me with his undivided attention. His gaze dropped lower and I tightened my hand around my towel. The air was thick and in an instant, he was taking long strides towards me. I met him half way and while my hands reached out to touch his face and pull him into a kiss, his hand grabbed my towel and he yanked it off. I gasped in shock but his hands grabbed my brreasts. I was immediately enveloped in the feel of him. I wrapped my hands around his back as he licked and softly nibbled on my hard niples. His rough hands trailed down my body and kicked my legs apart. He slid two fingers into my core and I gasped at the sudden intrusion. "How are you so wet?" He mumbled to himself. I couldn't breathe. His fingers were bigger than mine so they stretched me more than I had ever done to myself. I felt so full and I hadn't even had the real thing yet. He pumped into me hard and fast, soon my legs shook and my eyes were fluttering close. "Karson," I wanted it now. I wanted it right now. I wanted his shaft filling me up and I wanted his bite mark over my neck. "Fvcking hel, Irene!" He cursed and roughly pulled out his fingers. He grabbed my wrist and made me climb the bed, he pressed a hand to my waist and I knew what he wanted. I stayed ass up, face down. I was exposed to him in that position with my legs spread apart. I gripped the sheets beside my head and waited impatiently. The sound of his zipper fuelled my rising hunger and soon I felt something cold and hard poke at my entrance. Suddenly alarmed, I started to rise, "Karson, wait I've never-" He thrust his full length into me and my jaw dropped open. "Fvck! How are you so...tight!" Karson forced those words through his teeth. The sharp pain I felt was overwhelmed by the pleasure that came soon after. I felt him all the way to the back of my throat. My insides were stretched to their limit and when he pulled out and slammed back in, hard and fast, a tear rolled down my cheek. It was more than I had imagined. It was blissful. I could almost see it. The way he pulled back with my juices coating his shaft, inviting him to slam back in and when he did, I could only chew my lip and let out moans of pleasure. Our first night was pure fvcking and nothing else. I gripped the sheets as he grabbed my waist to meet and take his every thrust. I was gasping for breath and his thrusts were faster, shorter and harder. I wondered how it was even possible to move his hiips like that. I could barely catch my breath. If I died today, I would die a happy, wolfless wolf who finally married the man of her dreams. I needed his bite mark. "Karson," I managed to get the words out in between gasps and moans. My or9asm was sudden and instant. My body shook and convulsed as he kept up his thrusts. I squeezed my eyes shut as the electricity rolled through my vibrating core, clenching down hard on him and svcking him in. He grew harder under in an instant and I soon felt something warm in my belly and his shaft pulsed like a heart pumping. My body was spent and I was too weak to open my eyes. He pulled out and I let out a weak moan. I waited for his touch to find me but the only thing I heard were his footsteps and soon, the sound of the door opening and then closing- announcing his departure. Karson had left without leaving his mate bite behind. Chapter 2 IRENE'S POV I threw my head over her legs as I sobbed like a child. Her gentle pat landed on my head, over and over again. "It's going to be alright, Irene," Aunt Teresa said in a soothing voice. I shook my head against her hand. I could hear my heart breaking at his rejection and words of comfort reached nowhere near to piecing my heart together. "I mean it, Irene," Aunt Teresa sighed. She was adamant on making me feel good this morning. After Karson walked out of the room, he was yet to return and I just couldn't stand the terrible feeling that plagued my heart. So here I was in Aunt's room, crying my eyes out. "Don't shed so many tears, Irene. Your eyes will be puffy," she grabbed my face and jerrked my head up. I could barely see her through my blurry vision but her face was in a small pout and her brows were knitted in a frown. Her long black hair was let down and she looked like a goddess. "Look at you," she sighed. "You're so pretty, don't ruin your face, Irene." She wiped my tears with her thumb and pressed her lips to my forehead in a kiss. I closed my eyes as I tried to relax into it but more tears only poured out when I remembered that Karson didn't even kiss me. I 9roaned, throwing my head back as I sobbed even harder. "He didn't- hic- he avoided- hic- I don't know why- hic- but he didn't- hic-" "Stop crying, Irene. I can't make out your words-" "He didn't make out with me!" I cried harder and stopped to swallow the lump in my throat before I continued again. "It's because I'm wolfless and I'm not even his mate! I have nothing- he hates me," "He doesn't hate you," She tried to assure me. "He just doesn't understand-" "Understand what?" I cried. "I don't understand either. Make me understand-" "Irene!" She grabbed my face again and stared into my eyes. "You can't force your destiny. When the time is right, you'll understand. I have faith in you, Irene." I didn't even have faith in myself but her tone was convincing and the way she stared at me with no joke. She wiped my tears again and I didn't have the heart to produce any more. "Trust me, my dear. You're Luna now and I'm sure you'll be more powerful than ever before." I held onto her words and made them my strength but as the days rolled by, my frustration was beyond me that I would lock myself in my room- as Karson never returned- and cried. Our matrimonial bed had become my personal bed. The room we were supposed to share was now my own room. The only time we bumped into each other was during breakfast where we ate in silence or going past his office to mine. The Luna position came with a lot of responsibility and I was still being eased into it. But with Karson's attitude still on my mind, I was always mentally and emotionally stressed by the end of each day. "Luna, is everything alright?" I snapped out of my thoughts at the Beta's voice. Wayne stared at me with a worried look. He had been in my office for a few minutes now but I could hardly recall the issue he had raised. "I'm sorry," I hurriedly apologized and dropped my pen on the desk, giving him my full attention. "I'm fine. You were saying?" He didn't look the least convinced but he had to go on either way. He smiled and the wrinkles around his mouth stretched. He had gotten very old over the years, I guess it was time for him to retire but that was his and Karson's decision to make. "Maybe you should get some rest later,"he suggested and I could only offer him a smile. "I was asking your opinion about weapon storage in the Pack. While we don't have any impending threats, I was thinking it wouldn't be bad to restock and increase our budget." "A few of our warriors with friends from other packs have mentioned the endless amount of weapons over there. I'm afraid they feel ours is lacking behind," he explained. "I understand. But having an endless amount of weapons calls for a higher maintenance budget. If we do that, the tax will increase, the pack members will suffer and all we'll have are weapons while exploiting others," I sighed. "We're building a nation not a military zone. Even during war, we can have enough money and gain the upper hand." "I'm afraid I'll have to decline the request to stock more weapons. Instead, could we cover it by high maintenance of what we already have?" I suggested. Beta Wayne was already nodding with a satisfied smile on his face, "Yes, that could work. You're right. You're a blessing to us, Irene. Our budget is in safe hands. Our Alpha is really lucky to have you by his side." I smiled in response to his words and watched him excuse himself. It was only fair to have brains, in my opinion. After discovering I was wolfless, I trained myself in other ways to help strengthen the Pack and I knew I was successful each time I received praises. Even worse, there was something strange that I had started to notice. Wayne's daughter visited Alpha Karson every day. "Where is the Alpha, Joan?" I asked the maid that served my tea. "He's in his office, Luna," she fidgeted for a while, biting her lip. "With who?" I already knew what she wanted to say. The thought of her answer was already making me squeeze the document I was holding. "Lexie, Luna Irene," she replied in a murmur. I offered her a smile, "Thank you. You can go now." She bowed before rushing out of my office. I leaned back on my seat with a hand over my face and a tired sigh leaving my lips. Her constant visits to the Alpha's study was becoming alarming. They spent every minute together and he rarely had lunch or dinner with me. Her giggles were loud and every time I heard it, I could hear my heart breaking but I would lift my chin and wear a smile. I had loved Karson for years and a little thing like this shouldn't be able to shake me. I shrugged it off my shoulders and tried to concentrate on my duties. I successfully distracted myself till evening but soon came the migraines that were impossible to ignore. I called it a night and started to walk down the hallway. When I approached Karson's door, my heart began to pound. I wondered if he was still in and if he was with her. It was almost 9p.m already and she was supposed to be at home. Besides, I was yet to have dinner and I wondered if he had eaten too. He had successfully avoided me for a whole month, sharing his attention between his work and Lexie. It was strange to think about but I didn't want to ponder on that. Especially when my thoughts would play detective, questioning itself if she was his mate or not. But she wasn't of age yet for him to find out. That was the only thread of hope that I clung onto. "Maybe I could ask if we could have dinner together," I wondered and I slowed down when I got to his door. Karson's scent was faint but it tickled my nose either way, making my niples hard and my core already wet. Being wolfless, I could hardly distinguish between people by their scent nor could I smell everyone but Karson's scent was one I had thought myself to remember. His scent was like wild roses in an open field while Aunt Teresa's scent was warm and sunny. I cherished the little gift I had from having two werewolf parents as Aunt Teresa had told me. We never spoke much about them and I wondered why. All I knew was that they were good people who would do anything for the ones they loved. Sometimes, I wondered if they didn't love me enough to stay alive. Exhaling softly, I held the cold door knob of Karson's office and I pushed it open. "Karson, I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with-" The rest of the words died in my throat. My eyes widened and I heard my own heart shatter. Dizziness washed over me and my knees wobbled but I gripped the door hard to keep standing. Karson had Lexie in his arms in a hug while he backed her against his desk. His mouth was on her neck and the way she held onto him tightly as if she was in slight pain, I could already tell what was going on. The mate bite he had refused to give me, he was bestowing it upon her. He had marked her without even stopping to consider our mating ceremony- Was she... No! I shook my head even as my thoughts already confirmed it. My lips trembled as tears filled my eyes at the realization. Karson was hel bent upon meeting his mate. He hates our arranged marriage because he didn't have the chance to find his destined mate. She was his mate. The sight before my eyes was growing on my pierced heart that continued to shatter even more. The sight burned right into my head that I was sure I could never forget it even if I were to lose my memory today. I would at least remember that the only man I had ever loved, had finally found his mate and I was nothing to him. I stepped away from the door like it would explode at any minute. "You're only my mother's choice," his words before our mating ceremony began to hunt me. My breathing became ragged and I clutched my chast, tugging at the neck of my dress as I found it hard to breathe. I staggered backwards with eyes wide in horror. I turned and ran into my room, slamming the door behind me. I sagged to the floor with my knees hunched up to my chast. My hands shook and so did my shoulders. The tears fell and all I could do was stare into my palm before slowly placing it over my face. Chapter 3 IRENE'S POV The pain I felt was like a deep hollow of nothingness that delved deeper and deeper even when I tried not to think about last night. The image was engraved in my head. I hadn't slept a wink. I sat up in my bed all night with my thoughts all over hel's half acre. My shoulders were slumped and my hair was let loose to drop down, covering the side of my face. There was a knock on my door but I didn't lift my eyes from the sheets. The knock sounded again and it took a while to recover. I lifted my gaze and sighed, drilling a hole into the door. I didn't want any visitors. I simply wished to sit in my bed all day but that couldn't happen. I muttered a weak "come in," and mentally mocked my sorry tone. "Luna?" A maid stepped in and I locked eyes with her. She gasped with her eyes going wide for a brief second before she lowered her eyes. Did I really look that bad in just one night? "B-breakfast has been served and the Alpha's mother has asked me to come fetch you," she stuttered. "I see," I sighed again and started to drag myself out of bed. My knees were weak from holding me up. "Bring out something for me to wear and... Some make-up for my face." "Y-Yes, Luna!" I showered quickly and dressed up fast. When I stared into the mirror, I shook my head at my sorry self. My eye bags were bad and there were dark circles too. I looked like I had been crying all night. The maid helped in applying the pancake and covering it up. I thanked her and rushed for breakfast after practicing my smile in the mirror. I was going to act like there was no weight in my heart and no turbulence in my head. But my smile froze when I got to the table. Lexie was laughing with Aunty and Karson had a smile on his face while he ate- that was something that had never happened. "Oh, Luna," Lexie's voice was high and she sounded elated. "You're here. We've been waiting for you. Breakfast is almost cold." She was a very pretty young woman with bob brown hair, an oblong face, love shaped bow lip and her body figure was very matured. Her b00bs were bigger than mine and so were her legs. This was probably Karson's type. What was she doing here? Why was she here? She had no right to be here- unless... "Lexie, here, joined us for breakfast," Aunt explained. She probably read the confusion on my face. "Sorry, if it's uncomfortable for you," Lexie said and nervously rubbed her hand on her neck. I saw it. She knew I saw it. The band-aid on her neck was no joke. I had lost Karson and she was making that clear. She didn't have breakfast with us every other day. It was just that one time but it sent a clear message to me. My days in his life were numbered. I went down for breakfast with a thudding heart and anxiousness in my womb. Their silence was taking a toll on me. I wondered if it was their plan to drive me mad so they could find an excuse to kick me out but Karson didn't need an excuse to get rid of me. He could do it whenever he wanted since he had found his mate. So why was he holding back? Why were they keeping their affair a secret? My thoughts were ferocious and they showed no mercy. A minute of idleness and I was sinking deep into depression. I picked up more work than usual. An attempt to keep my mind occupied and busy was starting to weigh down on me. I left my office by 2a.m. every day, only to return by 8a.m. I had no complaints whatsoever but after a week, I noticed the workload started to reduce. The usual heap of files I arranged for myself were halved and I was rounding off sooner than I wanted. "Raphael, why is there so little work to do?" I voiced my complaints to the Gamma of the Pack. He was arranging a few files for me to check out and I was already frowning at how little they were. "Shouldn't you be happy?" He asked instead. "You've been working too much of late," he was one of the few who could speak freely to me despite my Luna title. He was a good friend of mine despite still being Karson's Gamma. "I'm not complaining," I told him. "What happened to all the work?" I wanted to sink into work and nothing more. It was my only means of escape at this point. "Well, Alpha Karson shared some of your Luna duties to Lexie-" "What?" I must've misheard. I refused to believe my ears. "What did you just say?" Raphael met my gaze with caution. He was probably debating whether or not to repeat that. In the end, he did. "But, I don't understand... Am I doing something wrong? Did I make a mistake somewhere-" "No, never. Irene, you're perfect. You've been doing everything right from the very beginning," he encouraged, pulling me out from the hands of criticism that my thoughts had wrapped around me. "Then why? I am Luna. Only Luna should handle Luna affairs," I said more to myself, trying to understand the situation and give reasons why it wasn't even making any sense. Raphael glanced away for a moment and my heart sank. "You've been noticing it too, haven't you?" "I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you so you wouldn't worry so much," He made an apologetic face. "I simply carried out the order. Maybe you could ask him sometime," he suggested. "Would you like to go for a walk? To clear your mind at least?" This was happening too fast for me to wrap my head around. I swallowed hard as I looked around my office. Since when was there a deputy Luna? What was Karson's aim in all of this? Was he trying to ridicule my position or make me know my place? I nodded and he smiled, turning away immediately. "Would you like ice cream or sandwich along the way-" "R-Raphael?" I called and stepped out from behind my desk. He was already at the door when he turned to face me. " Let's go for a smooke break instead," I needed another form of distraction since Karson had taken this one away from me. "What do you mean?" He asked, sounding suspicious. "I want to smooke too." *** My workload reduced as my deputy Luna took her work seriously. Day by day I did less work but I occupied myself with smooking in my bathroom whenever I could. It was relaxing and it helped me let out some steam. I was in my room by 6pm. that evening, smooking again when I heard a knock on the door. I froze for a moment, looking at the door with furrowed brows. I wasn't expecting anyone. Plus Karson never came here. He had his own room now. "Who is it-" "Irene, dear? Can I come in?" Aunt Teresa's voice had me slamming the ci9arette on the ashtray. I carried it to the bathroom and dumped it in the sink. I rushed out and grabbed my perfumes, spraying the air with my heart beating wildly in my chast. After I sniffed the air and made sure the ci9arette smell was gone, I took a deep breath and opened the door. Her shiny face and warm smile came into view. She stood in a composed manner with her head tipped up. Aunty could never be caught without the aura and grace of a queen. I ushered her in with more enthusiasm than normal and I hoped she wouldn't notice. "You finished your duties a little early. That's good. Why didn't you come over to my room so we could talk?" She wondered, heading to the dropped curtains. "It's quite dark in here," she mumbled to herself and spread the curtain open. I raised a hand to shield my eyes from the light. I preferred the dark and gloomy area. It was a perfect place to hide my shame. How could I even look at myself in the mirror and call myself a Luna? I was a sorry excuse for one. "I didn't want to disturb you with my issues," I intertwined my fingers over my legs as I stood by the door with my eyes on the floor of where she was. She turned her body in my direction, "Oh? That's a first. Is something going on?" Something? More than enough was going on and I doubted Aunty even knew half of it. "Not at all," I shook my head. If Karson wouldn't tell her, then I wouldn't dare to mention it. Aunt Teresa was a supportive mother to both Karson and I. I wondered how she would react to Karson finally finding his mate. I wouldn't want to put her at a crossroad. Actually, I think I just couldn't bear the thought of Aunt Teresa picking Lexie over me. It hurt that Karson already did but it would hurt me more and rip my heart out if the only mother figure I've known all my life were to discard me like I meant nothing. "It's your birthday tomorrow," she announced. "Did you forget?" "Oh," a day I had always looked forward to was now insignificant to me. "I guess I did." She sighed, "Perhaps are you working too much, Irene?" I almost scoffed with my vision blurred with tears, "No, that's impossible. I'm not even doing nearly enough." "What do you mean? You work everyday and you're doing good," she defended. "Are you crying again?" I couldn't help it. My chin was trembling as I tried to hold back my tears. It felt as though a dam was about to break. I felt like a worthless piece of crap. Karson couldn't even trust me with Luna duties anymore, he handed them over to that other woman. What was I thinking? I was actually the "other woman" in their relationship. I was an outsider who could never take the place of his mate. Not that I even wanted to try- far from it! I just wanted Karson to acknowledge my love for him and my efforts to make him happy and satisfied. Was that really too much to ask? I was in Aunt Teresa's embrace by the time I recovered myself. She wrapped her arms around me as I tried to control my sobs. "Don't doubt yourself so much, my dear. Everything will be just fine," she reassured and I nodded even though I knew things wouldn't be fine. They would only get worse and worse with each passing day. I made up my mind to confront Karson about what he had done rather than allow myself to wallow and sink further into self pity and doubt. Aunt Teresa left after informing me she would be returning from a short trip tomorrow evening to celebrate my birthday with me. I took a shower and by evening I was heading to Karson's room. My head was throbbing from a dull headache that had become a constant thing every evening for a week now and my temperature was quite high. I made it to Karson's room and after practicing controlled breathing up to five times, I knocked. "Come in," his voice was soft and it made my heart melt. For a second there I wondered if he was expecting someone else. I walked into his room with his scent hitting me first. It's been a while since I stepped into his personal space. The last time I did that, I nearly had a heart attack from what I saw. Karson was seated on his king sized bed with his head turned to a document. He had moved back to his old room. While everything was familiar in here, the one thing that wasn't was this hot man in nothing but his dark blue pants. I almost drooled just by staring at his chast and bulging muscles. When next would I get to touch his body- "I suppose you didn't come here to stare, right?" His voice interrupted my thoughts and gone was the soft tone that I had received outside the door. He was back to his usual self and cold tone especially with the way he gazed at me with no atom of smile on his face. I summon my courage, "Right. I came because I need answers. You handed part of my duties to Lexie and I'd appreciate it if you could tell me why." His brow arched in a silent question, "It's been a week already. Why is it suddenly so important to know?" He was right. I had taken too long to question him. I should've headed into his office the first time I heard the news. "I know. I've only been wondering if there was something I wasn't doing right," I stated while trying to keep a straight face. "So I took the time to look inwards and question myself-" "There's no need for you to do that, Irene," he tilted his head. "You've managed the Packs finances very well while making sure there's adequate supply of everyone's needs." His compliment left me stunned as I never expected it from him. "Then," I took a step closer. "Why is Lexie acting as a deputy Luna? It is unheard of that Luna's duties are given to someone else. Is there something I should know-" "If that'll be all, I'd like to get back to my duties now. As you can see," he lifted the document slightly. "I'm still occupied." I gaped at him in shock. He was openly dismissing my question about Lexie. Was this what it had come to? "It's my birthday tomorrow," I announced with my eyes on the sheets, wondering if he had ever taken Lexie here and did to her what he did with me during the night of our mating ceremony. Was he more pasionate and gentle? Did he hold her after- I let out a harsh breath as there was nothing but silence. He had turned his attention back to his work and it showed that I wasn't needed here anymore. I quietly left his room and I doubted he even noticed that I was gone. I spent the night with a high fever and a headache but by morning after throwing up a few times, I realized what my condition was. I threw out the ci9arettes and got rid of the ash tray. I got naked and stood in front of a mirror. My breests were fuller and my niples had spread and were wider. Karson would've noticed if he had spared me a minute or more of his time for a little visit. I needed to get out of here. This place was no longer my home. It was only a matter of time before Karson would welcome his mate to his side and she would be made Luna as soon as possible. There was nothing left for me here; not in the pack and not even by his side. I did the only thing I could do at this point; the only thing Karson would appreciate and probably love me for someday... I ran. Chapter 4 IRENE'S POV FIVE YEARS LATER "Carl! Karin! Mummy's leaving!" The nanny announced with a loud voice and in less than two seconds, two preschoolers ran out with their chubby cheeks. The boy- Carl- was holding his favorite dinosaur toy with his black hair disheveled on his head. His smile was wide as he ran out and his arms opened wide while Karin- the girl- had her usual frown on her face. She practically glared at everything as she approached. I squatted before the couch as they approached me. I wrapped my arms around them, pulling them into a hug when they got closer. "M-Mummy," Carl stuttered excitedly. When I pulled away and stared into their faces, Karin was wearing a smile. She only ever smiled when she was around me. The nanny was already complaining that she was scared of her. But what could a four year old do to a full grown woman? "Karin, did you pull your brother's hair again?" I arched my brows and she tensed with her smile freezing on her face. Her dark hair was in two ponytails. I wondered how long it had taken Nanny May to successfully do that. She shook her head aggressively and I glanced at Carl who was already playing with his dinosaur. Ignoring our conversation like it was past tense to him. "Are you lying?" I tried again and when she nodded, I covered my face with a smile. "Your honesty is appreciated but you have to stop pulling his hair. You'll turn him into an old man." I could feel my wolf smiling proudly as we stared at the duo who almost never got along. It almost reminded me of the relationship I had with their father. "Anyways!" I said to my pups and to my thoughts but that got their attention anyways. "I'm leaving-" "Where?" Karin's frown was back on her face- she was the bossy one- and Carl looked like he was about to start crying. "N-No no, I'll be back soon, I promise. I have to meet up with the Alpha," I touched their cheeks and brought them closer for a kiss. "Remember, do not shift before anyone except me, okay?" I repeated the only rule we had and they nodded in silence. "Thank you, baby," I kissed their foreheads and spoke loudly this time, "Make sure to listen to Nanny May, okay?" But they were already running away before I could get the words out. I stepped out of the house with a weird feeling in my chast. It always felt this way whenever I had to leave them with anyone even for a second. Especially now that I'd be away for two nights. I trusted the twins not to break the rule but it was concerning to think about. They were only four years old. Since when did four year olds start to shift? Heck! I didn't even get my wolf until after I gave birth. It was a whole new experience for me, especially trying to connect with her. The link between us was like a thin thread but it had gradually advanced over the years. "Ready to go?" I was pulled out of my thoughts at the sound of my Alpha's voice. A bulky man with light brown skin and wild hair. Despite being in his thirties, he didn't look a day over twenty. He still looked so young and agile. Alpha Lucas was leaning over his Jeep and I rushed to him. We got into the car and drove down to where the meeting was supposed to take place. It was the third cross pack meeting our Pack would hold after five years and I was really looking forward to it. I had received his orders to participate and I had already prepared my speech but my stomach still tied itself in a knot due to nervousness. It had been a long time since I was made to handle such responsibility. I knew I was once Luna for The Nightcrawlers Pride and I delivered speeches to the Pack during the time I was there but that was a long time ago. We arrived at the hotel scheduled for the meeting in less than two hours and the hall was already filled with Alpha's of different pack's and their Beta's, talking and catching up while others were getting to know each other. "You look nervous," Alpha Lucas leaned down to whisper close to my ears. I blinked up at him, a bit uncomfortable by his sudden closures and he smiled, taking a step back. "Is it that obvious?" My cheeks were flushed from the idea of everyone reading my body language. I had gained a few of their attention but I lifted my head and avoided their gaze. I knew how Alpha's could get with their ego's. I wouldn't want to step on toes here. "Only to me," he shrugged. "But you look elegant and calm like a Luna," he complimented and I smiled tightly at the use of that title. No one in The Howlers Pack knew of my past. When I ended up here five years ago, I was almost knocked over by his car. He took me in as a rogue who had decided to acknowledge an Alpha and we've not once talked about my past, not even when I found out I was pre9nant. "You say the loveliest things to me, Alpha Lucas," I told him and I really meant it. He was like that guardian angel that kept cheering me on. "You know I would say even lovelier things and do much more for you if you agree to be my mate," he tried again with a daunting smile on his lips. He was a very good looking man who could get away with anything if he smiled. It was sad to know he lost his mate several years ago and he never spoke about her. He was convinced I was his second chance mate and he had been trying, for what three to four years now? I had lost count of how many times he had tried to convince me but each time I repeated the same old lines. "You're talking to a-" "...a brick wall whose heart can never beat again," he rolled his eyes as he finished my lines. "I know, I know. I've heard that before. Sometimes I wish I could find the basstard who dared to break your heart and make him pay." I laughed, placing a hand on his arm. It was funny hearing him say that and also very sweet. He cared deeply about me and I knew I could never repay his kindness in the way he wanted. "Can I see the list of Pack's that'll be attending?" I asked, changing the topic and he went along with it. He handed me a book that had all the twenty lists of Pack names with their Alpha and I scanned them. Eighteen out of twenty had already ticked in while two were left out. "Black Might Pack- Alpha John and Beta Phillip," I mumbled, reading to myself. "And The Nightcrawlers Pride," I froze and stopped breathing. I caught a whiff of something familiar in the air. It sparked memories that I had sought to bury. The scent of wild rose filled my nose and I gulped as I slowly lifted my gaze towards the door. I held the gaze of familiar black eyes that made my heart slowly start beating again before picking up the pace. He occupied the whole room and everyone else disappeared. He scanned the room as he buttoned his black suit that hugged his wide frame. His eyes landed on mine and I felt my heart skip a nervous beat. He was staring and I couldn't bring myself to look away. Could he recognise me? I wasn't the same woman when I left the pack five years ago. I was way different as my body had developed and I had added flesh in all the right places. Still he stared like he knew and I saw recognition flash in his orbs. "Irene, are you okay?" I felt Alpha Lucas place a hand on my shoulder with his tone filled with worry and just like that, Karson's brows furrowed in a deep frown as his eyes darted back and forth in an angry and suspicious stare between me and my new Alpha.	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2,562,385	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-30 19:00	active	1943	Read next chapter	She and her stepsister fell in love with the same man, but when he knelt down to beg her to save her stepsister, she felt desperate. She demanded to become his wife to save her stepsister. Two years later, when she got the divorce agreement as scheduled, she realized that she had ended up losing everything. ===== Emma Cooper boarded her flight home after three grueling months of filming. Today was also the final day of Emma's contractual marriage. The four-hour journey felt endless, but at last, the plane touched down. Once she retrieved her suitcase, she made her way toward the exit, expecting a company car. But as soon as the doors slid open, she spotted someone familiar--Edwin Reid, the Jenner family's long-time driver. He stood by a sleek black Rolls-Royce, his posture rigid and respectful, waiting. Dragging her suitcase, she approached. Edwin immediately took over, wordlessly opening the car door for her. Inside, a man sat in silence. His presence was cold yet commanding, encased in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharply chiseled face devoid of any expression, he didn't look up--not even a glance her way. It was Ricky Jenner, her husband of two years. His unexpected appearance caught her off guard, though she quickly remembered why he was here. Their arrangement was ending today. Of course, he would show up. Emma slid into the car, maintaining a careful distance, the space between them as silent and tense as ever. For two years, Ricky had made it clear--he didn't want her close. Tonight was the first time they had been seated so near, and the closeness felt foreign. The faint scent of his cologne lingered between them, familiar but distant, like everything about him. Edwin quietly loaded her suitcase into the trunk and slid back behind the wheel. As the car pulled away from the airport, the silence inside grew suffocating. Ricky's expression remained as cold and distant as ever, his presence casting a shadow over the space. Emma's heart raced, each breath coming in shallow, uneasy waves. Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop in front of the Jenner family's grand estate. Before Emma could collect her thoughts, the butler rushed out, swiftly opening the door. Ricky stepped out first, his long strides carrying him toward the house without so much as a glance in her direction. "Let's go to the study," he muttered, his tone clipped, not even bothering to slow his pace. Emma's nerves had been on edge the entire ride. She knew what was coming. The moment she entered the study, she saw Ricky pull out a stack of papers from the desk drawer, tossing them in front of her. "Let's get a divorce," he said. Emma's heart twisted painfully in her chest, but she remained composed. She had loved Ricky for ten years, and wearing the title of Mrs. Jenner had never brought her closer to his heart. His body, his soul--none of him had ever belonged to her. "Nicola is old enough to marry now, isn't she?" Emma said, her voice trembling despite her best effort to keep it steady. Ricky's brow twitched slightly, a flicker of impatience crossing his sharp features. He didn't bother responding to her comment. Instead, he immediately extended the pen toward her, a silent demand. Emma forced a smile, but it felt like a crack in her mask. Without her usual makeup, her lips looked pale, and her face seemed drained of life. The exhaustion was undeniable. "Just sign it," Ricky said, emotionless and firm. She accepted the pen and, without sparing a glance at the contents of the contract, flipped to the last page and signed her name. The act felt final, yet hollow. As she placed the pen down, Emma glanced up at Ricky. His eyes, still striking, stared back at her with an icy detachment that sent a shiver through her. It was as if he was looking at a stranger, not his wife. "It's getting late. I'll move out tomorrow, if that's alright?" Emma asked, her voice fragile, her smile tense as she searched Ricky's face for even a shred of warmth. But Ricky's response came swift and sharp, dashing any hope. "Edwin will take you to a hotel." Was he really sending her away this very moment? Not even allowing her the courtesy of one last night under this roof? Her forced smile faltered, then vanished altogether. The silence between them stretched, heavy. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned away, her heart hardening with each step as she left the room. In her bedroom, Emma took the suitcase she hadn't even had the chance to unpack. When she dragged her suitcase downstairs, the maids rushed to help, but she waved them off, her smile weary. "Thank you, but I can handle it." They exchanged helpless glances, standing quietly in a line as they watched her approach the door. In the two years she had spent in this house, Emma had grown to care for the people here. Everyone, except Ricky, had shown her warmth. A pang of sorrow hit her, but after enduring two years of emotional isolation, she no longer had the strength to fight. It was over. Time to move on, and finally, let go. Despite the searing pain ripping through her chest, Emma remained dry-eyed. She had learned how to hide her emotions well. As she slid into the backseat of the car, she forced herself to appear composed. Edwin drove her through the city streets and dropped her off at a five-star hotel. Without a word, he left. Inside, Emma checked in and powered on her phone, which had been off for hours. There was a missed call from her father, Colby Cooper. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself as she dialed his number. Colby picked up almost immediately. "Emma, Nicola's condition has worsened," he said, his voice rough, weighed down with exhaustion and worry. Emma's heart skipped a beat. "What? When did this happen?" "About a week ago." "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked. "You were busy filming. I didn't want to burden you," Colby explained. Emma paused, the silence between them heavy. Her mind flashed back to two years ago, when she had donated her bone marrow to save Nicola Cooper. The realization hit her--she knew exactly why her father was calling. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice steady but resigned. "No, there's nothing you need to do. Ricky's already taken care of everything--he's brought in top doctors, and the hospital found a bone marrow match for Nicola from the registry. You just need to visit when you can," Colby said. Emma stayed silent, her chest tightening. Colby, sensing her hesitation, gave her Nicola's room number and urged her to come soon, mentioning how much Nicola missed her. A sharp pain gripped her heart. She managed a weak "okay" before quickly ending the call, unable to hear more. That night felt endless. She tossed and turned on the unfamiliar hotel bed, her mind racing. By 2 a.m., she gave in, ordering a bottle of red wne. She drank most of it before finally drifting off into a fitful sleep. The next morning, close to noon, Emma was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Her agent's voice was quick and urgent on the other end. She pitched the idea of her joining a popular rural reality show--one that guaranteed fame for all who participated. "I'm not interested. I need a break," she replied, her voice groggy with exhaustion. Her agent snapped, clearly frustrated, "A break? Do you think you can take a break whenever you feel like it? Look, you've been in this industry for three years. You've turned down intimate scenes, refused reality shows and avoided any publicity stunts with male celebrities. The company has bent over backward to accommodate you! But what now?" Her voice grew sharper. "Three years in, and you still lack ambition. Keep this up, and your career will be done." "Then let it be done." "Emma, you..." Her agent's voice was cut off as Emma ended the call without hesitation. The frustration simmered inside her, but she didn't dwell on it. She headed straight to the bathroom, ignoring the incessant buzzing of her phone. After a long shower, feeling slightly more clear-headed, she decided to reach out to Jenifer Howard, a close friend she hadn't seen for a while. Emma asked if she could stay at Jenifer's place for a few days. Jenifer was thrilled and agreed, coming over to pick her up almost immediately. Once settled at Jenifer's, Emma unpacked her things and shared a quiet meal with her friend. That afternoon, she made her way to Ecatin General Hospital. Standing outside Nicola's room, Emma watched through the glass as the caregiver tried feeding her sister. Nicola, frail and pale, managed only a few bites before she began to retch. Emma's chest tightened with a sorrow she couldn't fully articulate. Nicola was her half-sister, five years younger and barely twenty now. They had been inseparable as children; Nicola had always looked up to her, following her everywhere. But everything changed when they both fell in love with Ricky. Two years ago, when Nicola was first diagnosed with leukemia, Ricky had been beside himself with worry. That was when the truth hit Emma--Ricky didn't love her. His heart belonged to Nicola. Chapter 2 You Don't Deserve To Be Around Nicola Back then, Emma's blod test results had come back clear--there were no complications, no signs of rejection. She could save Nicola. In truth, Emma wouldn't have hesitated to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her own sister. But before she could even voice her decision, Ricky had already thought of her as cold and indifferent, assuming she wouldn't step up to save Nicola. He was so desperate that he even knelt before her, pleading for her help--a sight that shattered Emma's heart. Never in her life had she seen Ricky humble himself for anyone like that. She had known Ricky since they were kids. From elementary school to high school, they had been inseparable. Childhood sweethearts, as some might have called them. Ricky used to get into fights with other boys just to defend her, and he would stay up late into the night to help her prepare for exams. She had believed, naively, that after all those years of being by his side, she would eventually earn his love. But she was wrong. Feelings, she had come to understand, were never won by logic or time. Emma was never as good at acting cute or knowing exactly how to please Ricky as Nicola. While he cared for both of them, the way he doted on Nicola was always more tender, more genuine. He must have loved her deeply. The thought pierced Emma's heart, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. What hurt most wasn't just Ricky's love for Nicola but the fact that he had assumed she was heartless enough to let her sister die. That judgment, so harsh and wrong, had infuriated her. In a moment of blind anger, she had demanded that Ricky marry her. She wanted to be his wife. Even though the marriage would only last two year, she had believed--foolishly--that it would be enough time for Ricky to fall in love with her. But reality, sharp and unforgiving, had torn that hope apart. She had lost. Miserably. "You still have the nerve to show your face here?" A biting voice yanked Emma out of her thoughts. Emma quickly wiped away her tears and turned to see Verena Cooper standing behind her, her expression instantly turning cold. Verena, her stepmother, was forty but looked a decade younger. With her perfectly styled hair and chic designer clothes, she exuded elegance and control. When Emma was still mourning the loss of her mother, Verena, who had been the family's servant, got pregnant. The father of the baby was Colby. "Spare me the crocodile tears!" Verena sneered, brushing past Emma as she entered the hospital room. Emma swallowed her frustration and followed behind, forcing herself to remain composed. When Nicola saw her, a faint light flickered in her otherwise tired eyes. "Emma," she said softly, a trace of warmth in her voice. Emma smiled, walking over to gently take Nicola's hand. "I heard you've been missing me." Nicola nodded, her expression gentle. "I haven't seen you for three months. I really missed you." Emma's heart twisted painfully. Nicola, with her innocence and kindness, made everything so much more difficult. How could her own sister, the one she'd loved and cared for, be the one standing between her and the man she longed for? When Nicola had fallen ill, Emma had crossed a line she could never uncross--using that tragedy to secure her place as Mrs. Jenner. She had expected Nicola to resent her for it, maybe even despise her. In her mind, their meetings would be cold, filled with resentment and distance. But Nicola still cared about her as though nothing had changed. And that was the hardest part of all. Every time Emma looked at her sister, the guilt became unbearable. "I'm taking a break right now, so I've got plenty of time to spend with you," Emma said, her eyes still red from emotion, but she forced a smile. Nicola's face lit up. "That's amazing! I want you to visit me every day until I'm discharged, okay?" "Of course, I'll be here every day," Emma replied warmly. From the side, Verena rolled her eyes, glaring at Emma with open contempt. She held her tongue for Nicola's sake, but every time she looked at Emma, her anger flared. She couldn't forget how Nicola had become a shell of herself when Ricky married Emma. Fighting her bitterness, Verena coaxed Nicola to sleep. Once Nicola was asleep, she turned to Emma, her voice cold. "Ricky's coming soon to see Nicola. If you don't want an uncomfortable scene, you'd better go." Emma stood silently, taking in her words. After one last glance at Nicola, now peacefully asleep, she turned and headed for the door. Just as she reached the doorway, Verena's voice cut through the air once more. "Don't bother coming back. After everything you've done to her, you don't deserve to be around Nicola." Emma didn't say a word. She walked out, her steps heavy with the weight of a truth she'd long grown accustomed to carrying. Emma quietly closed the door behind her and collapsed onto a bench in the corridor. She buried her face in her hands as tears flowed uncontrollably, her body shaking with silent sobs. Jenifer had been waiting outside in the car for far too long. Concerned, she decided to head into the hospital to check on Emma. When she entered the corridor and saw Emma hunched over on the bench, looking utterly defeated, Jenifer was about to rush over when she noticed Ricky stepping out of the elevator. He paused when he spotted Emma, but after a brief pause, he walked toward her. Emma had been following Ricky everywhere since childhood; she knew the sound of his footsteps anywhere. Hearing that familiar rhythm, she quickly wiped her face and tried to compose herself, though the effort felt futile. "Are you here to see Nicola?" she asked, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. Her eyes were swollen from crying, with streaks of smudged makeup on her face. She looked fragile, a shadow of her usual self. Ricky's response was indifferent. "You've already visited her?" "Yes," Emma whispered. For a moment, something in her appearance must have stirred a hint of sympathy, because Ricky, in an unusual display of kindness, added softly, "Don't worry. Nicola will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant soon. She'll get better soon enough." "I know." With just those words, Ricky simply turned to push open the door to Nicola's room. But before he could step inside, Emma couldn't help but call after him, "Please, take good care of her." If she couldn't have him, then maybe it was time to let go, to give him back to Nicola--the one he truly loved. Ricky paused, his hand on the door. Without turning to face her, he replied in a voice laced with restrained anger, "I don't need you to remind me. I'll take care of her." His words were sharp, each syllable weighted with frustration. Emma flinched. She had already signed the divorce papers, freeing him from their hollow marriage, giving him the chance to return to Nicola. This was what he had always wanted, wasn't it? So why did he still seem so furious with her? Was he really that eager to be rid of her? Did he hate her that much? Ricky disappeared into the room, but Emma remained frozen on the bench, her eyes locked on the closed door. She felt hollow, lost in the emptiness of it all. Jenifer, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't bear it any longer. She rushed over, gently pulling Emma to her feet and dragging her away from the hospital ward. In the days that followed, Emma continued visiting the hospital, but she no longer went inside Nicola's room. She only stood by the door, looking through the glass to catch a glimpse of her sister. Sometimes she would see Ricky taking Nicola for walks outside, their closeness painfully clear. From afar, she would watch, a quiet spectator to the life she had no part in. Ricky's coldness toward her was always in stark contrast to his gentle care for Nicola, a contrast that left Emma with a deep, aching wound that never seemed to heal. A month later, Nicola successfully underwent her bone marrow transplant. There were no signs of rejection or complications, and her recovery was progressing smoothly. For the first time in a long while, Emma felt a sense of relief. In the past month, Ricky spent nearly all his time at the hospital, constantly by Nicola's side. He seemed to have forgotten about going to the courthouse with her to finalize the divorce. Emma had watched enough of his affection toward Nicola. She was ready to close this chapter, ready to walk away and rebuild her life. That day, she made up her mind to call him. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before Ricky finally picked up. "What is it?" he asked, his tone as cold and detached as ever. Emma didn't hesitate. "When are we going to finalize the divorce?" There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line. When Ricky finally spoke again, his voice was distant, but his words caught her off guard. "I haven't signed the papers yet." Her heart skipped a beat. After all this time, he still hadn't signed the divorce papers? Emma froze for a moment, her mind racing. Why hadn't Ricky signed the papers yet? Could he have changed his mind? Was there a possibility he no longer wanted the divorce? The thought was fleeting and absurd, and she quickly dismissed it. Ricky had always wanted to be free of her. Now that Nicola was recovering and old enough to marry, there was no reason for him to hold on. This delay couldn't possibly mean anything different. "Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow at nine," she said, her tone sharp, leaving no room for discussion before hanging up the phone. Meanwhile, in Ricky's office. For two years, Ricky had been waiting for this moment--the end of their marriage. The divorce papers had been drawn up months ago, prepared by his assistant, ready for the final signatures that would sever their ties for good. He had thought the moment he signed would bring relief, a clean break. But after Emma had actually signed them, something gnawed at him. A strange unease he couldn't shake. Ricky wasn't sure anymore, not even of himself. He wasn't something to be traded or handed over between two women. His decisions were his own--no one else had the right to make them for him. He calmly finished his work, then pulled the divorce papers from his desk drawer and tore them to pieces. "Divorce?" Ricky's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "It's not that simple. The game has just begun." ...... ==== Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-e	Popular romance stories	https://www.facebook.com/100083149047490/	17,942	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-enj103_2-1105-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=673595984708315&rawadid=120213730557740033	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465412681_1063852188568245_5963759797737777324_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PewWCJTqzLIQ7kNvgGDHT3y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ac_pw2LxwDN6fzuXCHPQMJ8&oh=00_AYCnZjGr_m1Mb4rBewMusN0RJymgSpmzoqgiW2TEZg3BHQ&oe=67517040	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Popular romance stories	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,561,197	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-30 18:36	active	1942	🔥 ¡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/	223	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	joy-teaches.store	VIDEO	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.9/10)	https://joy-teaches.store/qsd-high/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fshd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468736352_580648947786353_1857680833853491497_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9YNZ_YYu0IIQ7kNvgEcS76V&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fshd1-1.fna&_nc_gid=AQ1ao3NS2SBpytvJRiJoU4j&oh=00_AYD4BO64-yt9emJUWUED17cD14cRB9-vEX352AP0lFN94A&oe=67517495	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Joy Kelly	0	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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