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đ„đ„Click to read the next chapter for freeđ | Chapter 1 Aloraâs POV I tried to clean the stain on the floor but it is not coming off and Iâm sure the maids intentionally left it for me to clean when they couldnât do it. I let out a frustrated sigh and tuck the strand of my hair away from my face. The hair that is getting me into so much trouble recently that I want to cut it all off. Adding more bleach on the stain, I tried to scrub some more then I heard the click clacks of high heels and knew I was in for another badge of trouble this early morning. âWhere the fvck is she?" I heard Cielle cursing in a shriek-y voice of hers that startled me. I rushed out of the bathroom in a hurry before she thought Iâm slacking off. I was very tired this entire week because I got up at 5 am every day to do the cleaning under Cielleâs words. Itâs not like I can say no to the princess of the house when she wants to be a brat. No one could actually. She does what she wants anytime she wants to whoever she decides to fck. Although I was also my parents' daughter, I was more like a servant now in the house. After the truth was uncovered years ago, everything changed entirely. I now live a life I donât understand anymore. When Cielle saw me coming out, she scolded as usual, "The kitchen table is so dirty, how did you clean it?" If I could muster the courage to swing it at her head, it would make my day or in this case, the whole past year. But I knew I couldn't. If I want to live longer than today then I wonât try it. "Do you know what day it is today? How dare you slack off like that?" Cielle continued, her blue eyes blazing angrily into slits. âWhat day is it?" I asked weakly while moving my arms to relieve the soreness. "It's the day my brother comes back home! How could you forget? Idiot." She glared some more coming to my face like she wanted to slap me so I moved back. I recoiled in revulsion, a shiver of disgust running down my spine as the words sunk in. The realization hit me with a sickening weight: heâs back. The thought of his return filled me with a deep sense of dread and unease, twisting my insides into knots. The mere idea of facing him again, of enduring the oppressive atmosphere he brought with him, was almost too much to bear. I've lived in the Arctic Canines pack for as long as I can remember. I used to be the cherished daughter of the Alpha and Luna, and Rune was my loving brother. But everything changed five years ago. When my parents discovered I wasnât their biological child, their world unraveled. They searched tirelessly to find their real daughter, Cielle, and when they brought her home, my life turned into a waking nightmare. Since then, my existence has descended from a once-coveted place to an unending he-ll. Iâve been reduced to nothing more than a servant to Cielle, enduring her relentless cruelty. My parents still put on a facade of normalcy, but their once-warm affection has been replaced by barely masked disdain. I donât know how they could go from loving to hating me. Every day feels like a cruel reminder of how my life has transformed from one of privilege to a ceaseless ordeal of rejection and exploitation. I have endured all that for five years now. At that moment, there was a noise outside the gates. Several maids pulled up to the door. My heart raced with nervousness and anxiety threatened to make me throw up my breakfast. He is back! Alpha Rune was welcomed by the whole family with wide smiles and laughter. Father and mother rose to greet him from the coach like the proud parents they were. They always want to celebrate every small success. Alpha Rune went to the only powerful and large pack that is bigger than our own to form a new alliance with their new Alpha. The other was dead in a war and a rogue that ki-lled him took over. I glanced down the stairs and was taken aback by how much more handsome and mature Alpha Rune appeared. It was as if the past two months had chiseled away any remnants of boyishness, leaving a striking, authoritative figure in its place. His presence seemed to command even more respect and attention, making it hard to reconcile this imposing Alpha with the brother I once knew. Well, he has been anything but that doting loving brother for five years. At that moment, I heard my mother scolded loudly, "Where's Alora? Why hasnât she come down yet? Doesnât she know that her brother is back?â I rushed downstairs to stand with the others despite my reluctance. I donât want to give them any other reason to scold me. Rune stared at me with those piercing eyes of his, and an unsettling shiver ran down my spine. His gaze was intense and predatory, filled with a dark hunger that made my skin crawl. It felt as if he could see right through me, stripping away any semblance of safety or comfort. The look in his eyes was enough to make me want to recoil in fear and dread. Oh no. Cielle jumped into Rune's arms like the little brat she is and asked, "Bro, where's my gift?" Rune smiled dotingly and took out an exquisite box, handing it to her. That smile used to be mine with so much softness and warmth. Now, I get the exact opposite if at all he acknowledges me not for his needs. "Wow, it's the limited edition necklace!" Cielle jumped around holding the piece of jewelry Rune continued to give gifts to his father, mother, and even the head maid who literally brought the two of us up when they were busy. She smiled tentatively then went back to her work. I saw the smile on Cielleâs face before she could talk and knew nothing good was going to come out of her mouth. I bowed my head so she wouldn't see the hurt in my eyes. She has taken my place. "Bro, you haven't given Alora a gift yet. Where is her own?" She asked with a smirk directed at me. Rune turned to me and I was forced to meet his eyes with my bright green ones, completely opposite of his and our parents. That was the first sign they knew something was wrong and I might not be their biological daughter after all. âI forgot yours." He said in that unapologetic emotionless voice that made a pang hit my che-st. âOuuu, you always forget hers.â Cielle laughed and ran up the stairs probably to show her friends her new limited jewelry. âYou need to freshen up then come down and eat. We have made all your favorite meals today.â Mother said to Rune who dragged his eyes away from mine to smile at her. âSure.â He kissed her forehead then brushed past me to his room. I let out a breath I didnât know I was holding. Chapter 2 Everyone disappeared from the living room leaving me alone. I looked at the expensive suitcase Rune came back with and decided to let the butler take it to his room instead. I donât want to go there and cause myself unnecessary trouble when he just showed that he didnât care an ounce about me. Not that I donât know but hope is my biggest weakness. With a small sigh, I went to the kitchen to get the meals I cooked the entire morning along with a few other maids though they were gossiping all around about things I donât care about and I did most of the work. I arranged the dining room, kept Runeâs silver utensils the way he likes them. One wrong misstep and I will be punished for it. I hope he doesnât summon me today because Iâm really not in the mood. An hour later while I was standing beside the wall patiently waiting for them to come in so I could serve them, they started filing in one after the other. Mother and father first followed by Rune and Cielle. In the middle of their meal while I waited in case they needed something else though I was sitting on the dining table eating, I wanted to be anywhere but here, Cielle brought back the gift subject. I smiled bitterly at that knowing she wonât let it be then I said it was okay. I mean, this is the nth time he traveled without getting me a gift and he would give Cielle. Cielle gave me a mocking pitiful look making me feel pathetic. Are my emotions showing in my eyes? I made sure I mastered the art of hiding them whenever Iâm around this family. At this point, father asked, "Why didn't you bring Alora a gift in the first place?" Uh, is he just noticing that Rune never gives me gifts after finding out I wasnât his biological sister? Kudos to you father. I thought in my head while biting on a piece of chicken. Rune said indifferently, "She's not my sister, dad. There is no need to get her anything. I have brought it for my sister and that is all that matters.â From my peripheral vision I saw father shaking his head but didnât say anything while mother continued to eat her food like nothing was going on on the table. Cielle, she is smug. I clenched my fists and bit my li-p to keep from crying. He doesnât have to keep rubbing it on my face that I donât have parents or family now. That I have been easily replaced like I meant nothing. After a moment, mother said in an airy tone that she usually used to brush off the tense atmosphere. She is always good when it comes to that. âAnyway, it's good that Rune came back at this time, the pack has a lot of things to take care of, and Cielle is going to get married to Beta Dylan soon, you need to help with the arrangements too. I mean, your friend and sister?â She clapped her hands together. Cielle suddenly turned to me and narrowed her eyes into slits. I donât know why she is more on edge now than sheâs ever been before. Is it because she thinks Iâm in her hair again? I have been avoiding her most of the time. "Alora, why are you frowning? Aren't you happy I'm getting married?" Cielle asked with a pout of her pink li-ps. I shook my head and denied it instantly. âOh, no. Iâm thinking about the stain I wasnât able to clean earlier.â Cielle sneered, not believing me because yeah I sounded lame giving that excuse but at the same time I donât care about her marriage. Iâm thinking of nothing. I just frown a lot. My life is defined by that frown now. Nothing makes me happy. "You're just jealous that I'm marrying Dylan ! You'd better put your little mind away, Dylan can only be mine, he never liked you!" Cielle smirked at her last statement. "You donât have to worry about that. I am not jealous of you. Happy wedding to you both.â I responded in a cool voice. I mentally rolled my eyes and confessed in my mind, "Even though he's my ex-fiancĂ©, I really don't care right now. You can have him. You already stole my family, fiance is nothing.â My parents got me engaged with Dylan at the age of sixteen. But when Cielle came back five years ago, the bride choice was immediately changed to Cielle. Which wasnât surprising. I noticed the sharp look from Rune's eyes staring at me across the table and I swallowed. Those eyes. They have the power to do so many unpleasant things to me and they can change my mood no matter the situation. I thought to myself, "He must hate me double now. He must be afraid that I'll steal his sister's man?" Itâs not like Dylan was in love with me when we were engaged. It was something only our family knew and we kept it that way for the longest time. They have nothing to worry about. That night after finishing the dishes, I went to my room and took a hot shower letting the steam envelop me in a brief moment of solace. The water washed away the grime of the day. Heaviness still settled deep within me holding me down. Exhausted, I slowly slipped into my nightgown so ready for the day to end. I climbed into bed ready to escape into the reprieve of sleep. But as soon as I pulled the covers, my hands froze midair. There was someone already there in MY bed. My heart pounded in the confines of my ribcage when I saw who it was. Rune. Before I could think or breathe, Runeâs strong muscled hand shot out and gripped my wrist pulling me down on the bed. I fell on top of him with a whoosh of breath escaping me. âStill not over Dylan, Red?â He asked in a whisper, his breath hot against my ear. I shuddered both from the sudden cold and the sickening warmth of his breath. Something rock hard that Iâm now familiar with whenever Iâm around Rune settled in my stomach. âNo no. Iâm over him. I swear.â I answered in a shaky tone, my voice just above a whisper. âYou better fvcking be.â He growled softly, a very dangerous edge lingering in his tone earning another shiver from me. Without another word, Runeâs li-ps crushed against mine, his kiss forceful and demanding. His hands roamed over my body, roughly pulling at my clothes until I was beneath him. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to endure, knowing I had no other choice. My mind screamed in protest, but my body, trapped under his, could do nothing but submit as always. His mouth was relentless, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses along my brea-sts, my stomach, and lower. Every touch was a command, every kiss a claim, and I had no strength left to fight him. Runeâs hands slid between my thi-ghs, parting them with ease. His fingers moved with practiced skill, coaxing responses from my body that I couldnât control. I bit my li-p to stifle a moan, hating myself for the way my body reacted to his touch. He noticed, a dark chuckle rumbling in his arms as he continued his assault on my senses. Runeâs hands gripped my hi-ps, pulling me closer, deeper. His pace quickened, his movements becoming more frantic. Whenever he travels and comes back, he is frantic. My body responded against my will, a wave of unwanted pleasure building within me. I fought it and failed as usual because Rune knew my body too well. He angled his hi-ps just right, hitting that spot that made me see stars. With one final, powerful thrust, he pushed me over the edge. My body convulsed around him, and he followed me into oblivion. Chapter 3 Rune and I have been having an illicit relationship for three years now though we have been hiding it from everyone including father and mother. Of course, Cielle too. It started when he found out I wasnât his biological sister and he wanted to sleep with me. It is forbidden. Rune is someone I have always known to be my brother my entire life. After I was told I wasn't his biological sister five years ago, Rune's attitude towards me changed drastically. Like this was the leverage he had been waiting for his whole life. He started touching my body secretly at every given opportunity. Beneath the table. In the car going somewhere. He just started doing weird things I didnât get. Until the night of my eighteenth birthday, when he broke into my room and took my first time. He was gentle with me but that didnât mean he didnât take advantage of me at the same time. I had fought back fiercely, did everything I could at that time but nothing happened. I even reported to the principal of the Arctic Canines College. When they didnât do anything. I took it higher. I went to court to sue him for ra-pe which was a mistake because I should have known. Rune is the alpha of the pack. Nothing could be done against him. All my efforts were effortlessly silenced. The entire blame was placed back on me that I was trying to ruin my brotherâs image then it turned to a joke. No one believed Rune would do something like that to his sister. Mother and father on the other hand thought I had hit my head somewhere and sent me to the psychiatrist. Since then, I knew nothing was ever going to work for me here. And gradually I gave up resisting along the way and sometimes it is almost pleasurable even though I hate it. A forbidden pleasure. I closed my eyes remembering that first night, a tear fell down my eyes. Every member of the pack looks forward to their eighteenth birthday but not me. I dreaded it. I have changed to my wolf which was a very very weak ginger compared to Cielleâs strong blonde wolf. I could barely move in my wolf form because she was weak and everyone laughed. Mother and father didnât show it but they praised Cielle for a total of thirty two times while they only said well done to me once and turned their attention on their daughter. It was horrible. Later that night came Rune who took advantage of my broken heart and forced himself on me. He was my first kiss and first everything because he protected me against all boys my age. He said he didnât want them touching his baby sister when they are not married to me. Then accused me of being wet that night. âWhy are you so wet when you are fighting it, Red? You naughty girl.â And then he slid his very big cok inside me. I swallowed, turning away from the frame I just finished cleaning. Apparently, Dylan is coming to see Cielle this evening to discuss their wedding so she wants ME to clean the house. I have been doing that since I came back while the other maids slack off. I know she wonât scold them when she comes, she will only do that to me and if I am not careful she would do worse. I didnât hear his footsteps and last I saw him, he was leaving the house to go to Goddess knows where but he came out of the blue startling me. I dropped the rag and turned to him. "What did you do this morning?" He asked in a gritty low voice. Nervously wringing my soapy hands, I stuttered, "No, nothing special." Rune smiled coldly like he knew something I didnât. I hate when he smiles like this. It means I am in trouble and I will only understand that at night. "The surveillance camera caught you riding to work in Dylanâs car. Arenât you going to tell me about that? Or are you going to deny it?â He brow up elegently. I quickly explained my point of view. "No, it's because my car broke down in the morning, and Dylan was passing by, so..." "Enough! I don't want to hear it. Anyway, I can't believe you didn't report to me this time, it won't happen again. Do you hear me?â He said coming to my face. I couldn't take it anymore and cursed before I could think things through. âI've had enough! The driver obviously reported all my trips to you, why do I need to report to you?" My body trembled in anger. Rune grimaced in surprise. He didnât expect me to bust like that but even I am surprised. Iâm just fed up, okay? This is so dreaming. "Because I have to supervise you so that you wonât do anything to harm Cielle. She is already uncomfortable having you around him.â He gripped my skull, his fingers tightening around my hair. I whimpered. âYes.â âNever try to seduce Dylan, you don't deserve it. And you wonât like what I will do to you! Understand?â His grip tightened then he roughly let go. With that, he turned around and left me standing there in the corridor shaken. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Itâs my fault. I shouldnât have cursed at him like that. Tears streamed down my cheeks in rapid succession, each one a silent telltale to the anguish I could no longer contain. As I stood there, the weight of my despair pressing down on me, a fierce determination began to take root in my heart. I am going to leave this forsaken pack this year, I vowed silently, my resolve hardening with every passing second. I have had enough of this maltreatment. I donât deserve it! No longer would I be their victim. I would find a way to escape, to reclaim my life and my dignity. This torment would end, and I would be frree. Chapter 4 The next morning I woke up feeling a little nauseous and I retched a bit before I went downstairs to make breakfast. I think this has to do with what Rune made me do yesterday night. He forced me to take his entire length from behind while my head is hanging. All blood had rushed to my head at the new position but as always, I didnât complain. Making my way down to the kitchen, I brought out the ingredients for everyone's favorite food while thinking about how I am going to escape from this pack unnoticed. I donât want drama. The only person that will create problems for me is Rune. He has been on my tail twenty four seven since they fixed Cielle and Dylanâs wedding date. While I was making pancakes for Cielle, I suddenly remembered something that made me want to throw up again. I havenât had my period in two months! The pancake burned while I was thinking. My heart skipped a beat in fear and terror ...Rune never used comdoms because I was barren. We went to the doctor the first time I felt symptoms and I found out that I wonât be able to carry a baby which is why my wolf is also weak. No way! I finished making breakfast for everyone but myself because I have lost my appetite. I donât think I can keep anything down with how nauseous I feel. Also the fear tightening in my guts uncomfortably. âWhy arenât you joining us for breakfast today?â Father asked as he cut through his toast. âUh, I have errands to run and I ate in the kitchen.â I lied nervously because I want to disappear from this place to know what is going on with me. âYou look tense. Is everything alright?â Mother asked, tentatively sipping her creamy coffee. âEverything is fine.â I forced myself to smile then turned and walked away. I could feel Runeâs eyes following me and burning my back but I didnât turn around to acknowledge him. Not with the wild thoughts trying to take shape in my head. I might be fcked up. Taking the car myself and dismissing my assigned driver, I decided to not go see the family doctor. I dare not do this because this couldnât be known by anyone. Even though it is a fifty fifty percent chance. So I decided to get a pragnancy test strip instead. That is the safest alternative because all the hospitals in this pack report under the family doctor. Not safe. Just as I left the house after changing into plain jeans and shirt, I bumped into Dylan. I gulped down knowing what happened the last time I was with him. I donât want Rune and Cielle thinking something is going on. âHi, Alora. Were you late for work yesterday?â He asked, referring to the ride he gave her after her car broke down. âNo I wasnât. Thanks for your ride.â I beamed then rushed towards my car. I donât think Rune is going to take it lightly if he sees us together. The CCTV camera will still show this little conversation but at least they exchanged just a few words. Getting to the closest supermarket, I used a mask to close my face to avoid getting recognized by the pack members, not that I have friends anymore. I avoided them like a plague after everything. I bought the preggnancy test stick with other items so it wonât be obvious. I quickly went home with shaky hands and a knotted stomach. This better be just a weird coincidence that I didnât see her period. I CAN'T be pragnant. As soon as I got inside, I bumped into my mother who beamed at the sight of me. That is weird. Thank God I hid the test inside my hoodie so I held the paper bag in my hand containing fruits. Mother dragged me to the couch looking excited to share whatever news it is that she has. I donât know why I donât like this smile on her face. She hasnât smiled at me like that in many years. âWhere have you been to?â She asked, tilting her head at me taking in my outfit. âJust supermarket to get some fruits I have been craving.â I lied straight from my teeth but I was also craving the fruits I got. My motherâs gentle tug guided me to the couch, her voice a mix of reassurance and dismissiveness. âDonât take Runeâs words to heart. Rune must have been busy and forgot your gift.â I forced a smile, shaking my head. âItâs alright, Mother. I donât mind.â Motherâs xpression softened, and she reached for a gift box nestled beside her on the coffee table. âLook, I got you a birthday present,â she said, her voice carrying a touch of warmth. As mother handed me the box, my heart fluttered in my che-st. The gesture was unexpectedly kind. I was touched that mother remembered my birthday, especially given how things had been lately. âIâm twenty-one now,â I thought, feeling a fleeting sense of normalcy. Motherâs eyes twin-kled with a forced cheerfulness as she continued. âThis year, your father and I decided to find you a mate as well, so that you and Cielle can get married together this year.â The words hit me like a cold wave. My breath caught in my throat, and the smile faded from my li-ps in an instant. It was clear now: motherâs so-called gift was not a token of love but a strategic move to secure my place and keep me out of Cielleâs way. My heart sank with bitterness. The reality that mother was merely pushing me into marriage to prevent any interference with Cielle and Dylan stung deeply. So this gift didnât come from her heart. Outwardly, I nodded in agreement, masking my dismay like I have been doing for years. âThat sounds... lovely, Mother,â I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. Feigning exhaustion, I excused myself and retreated to my room. The moment I was alone, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to steady my racing heart. I glanced at the small, white box I had brought with me. With trembling hands, I fished out the test stick and unwrapped it. My mind swirled with anxious thoughts as I followed the instructions, waiting for the result. Every second felt like an eternity. Finally, I looked down at the stick, and my world seemed to collapse. Two pink lines stared back at me, stark and undeniable. The reality of my situation settled heavily on my shoulders. I was pragnant. It was over. A wave of despair washed over me, mingling with the sharp pain of motherâs earlier words. The birthday present that had once seemed so touching now felt like a cruel irony, a symbol of my continued entrapment in a life that had long ceased to be my own. The weight of my predicament pressed down on me, and I slumped to the floor, overwhelmed by the crushing realization that my life had just become infinitely more complicated. Should I run away now? Yes, I should. Chapter 5 Runeâs POV I donât know what is happening but there is something off about Alora lately. She has been sluggish and doesnât like meeting my eyes whenever she works. Even while I am fvcking her. I plan to find out what is going on with her tonight because ainât no way sheâs going to keep being off and I wonât react. I miss her. I know what we have isnât something to miss when it is lost but I do. I realized I was obsessed with Alora when she was just twelve years old. I couldnât breathe when she wasnât around. My parents and even I thought it was because she is my sister and brothers are meant to protect their sisters but this feeling is so deep rooted that I went to therapy in the human world. Nobody knows about that but after my eighteenth birthday, I knew something was off with what I felt for my red haired sister. The therapist told me there was obsession and I agreed. There is no way what I felt for Alora is normal. Then she came to the age where men flaunt all over her. Alora is a true beauty with her fiery red hair and glowing green eyes. She is also amongst the rarest red haired we have in Arctic Canines. I want to be around her every single second of the day. Sometimes I get annoyed when she gives my parents her time. I usually announce that Iâll be taking her out for ice cream. I want Alora to myself. I made sure every single boy in the pack stayed away from her using my title. Everyone thought it was because I was her brother, which was the case before I found out she wasnât my biological sister. Once I found out, all bars were broken. I knew there was no stopping me now and I went for it. Had I gone through the easiest part? She wouldnât have agreed so I used my power on her too. Getting off the bed, I went to my closet and opened the safe. There⊠so many gifts I have bought for Alora over the years reside. I couldnât give them to her. Once is soften up, she will not allow me to touch her again so I donât. I remain aloof and tough whenever she is around but every waking moment is filled with her thoughts. I travel around the world? Alora has more gifts than anyone in the world. Not even Cielle could compare. I get her souvenirs everywhere I go because I know what she loves and what she doesnât. I was hoping one day I will be able to give them to her. And she will be happy about it. I never forget her. Ever. I showered, got dressed and made my way to her room for the night. I knocked and there was no answer so I walked in. The room was empty, so was the bathroom. I asked the maids to check her all over the house but she wasnât found. I started panicking. She has been acting really weird so something must be up with her. Checking around the room for evidence that she has run away, I found her drawer empty. The one where she puts her favorite books and memorable stuff. So many emotions attacked me at the same time. It is confirmed, she has ran away. I watched the guards disperse into the night, my che-st tight with a mix of fury and panic. "Search everywhere," I had commanded, my voice barely concealing the desperation that gnawed at me. "I want every corner of this territory scoured. Leave no stone unturned." The echo of their footsteps faded into the distance, leaving me alone with my turbulent thoughts. The hours dragged on, and with each passing minute, the tension inside me grew, threatening to consume me. Pacing the floor of my study, I couldn't shake the image of Alora from my mind. The moonlight cast long, eerie shadows through the windows, mirroring the darkness that churned within me. How could she have disappeared so completely? Every forest path, every hidden nook, every abandoned building was being inspected, yet there was no sign of her. My mind raced with possibilities, each more unsettling than the last. Has someone taken her? Was she hurt, hiding somewhere? The thought of her being in danger sent a chill down my spine, a sensation I was unaccustomed to. I slammed my fist against the desk, the pain a welcome distraction from the helplessness that threatened to overwhelm me. âFind her," I whispered to the empty room, my voice hoarse. "Find her and bring her back to me." As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, there was still no news. The silence was deafening, a stark reminder of how deeply she had embedded herself in my life. I couldn't breathe without her, couldn't think straight. The thought of losing her was unbearable, and I knew I would tear the world apart to find her. But as the night gave way to day, I had to face the grim reality: Alora had vanished, and for now, I was powerless to bring her back. And I think I am going to die. | LEARN_MORE | https://getokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14773&u | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 857 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | getokn.com | DCO | https://getokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14773&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463445970_1260392804911599_1999566566845230776_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-ds-kRrbFCUQ7kNvgHCLil0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvjGzgdaHS4vSGosPJJTOX5&oh=00_AYDKq4QX8NYgHnBcdLGbu30dznXXS4Tv5FgBAH3IISsC_g&oe=67543E30 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 19:09 | active | 1951 | 0 | đ„đ„LUST IS SWEETER THE SECOND TIME AROUNDđđ | "Puta!"Sambit ni Ken sa kaulyaw nyang si Alice.Pumunta ito sa opisina nya para makikipag meeting.Pero ito ang meeting na ibig nyang sabihin."Mating"pala.Isa lang si Alice sa mga babae nya pero wala cyang girlfriend na matatawag sa isa man sa kanila. "Ohhh Ken,more."Sambit nito sarap na sarap sa ginagawa nya.Naka pwesto ito patalikod sa kanya habang pinapaligaya nya..Pagod sana cya sa araw na iyon pero ang palay ang lumapit sa kanya para tukain...sino ba naman cya para hindian ang grasya ng langit. Nasa kasarapan sila ng pag-niniig ng biglang nagbukas ang pinto...Pumasok ang secretary nyang si Jonie...Naka yuko ito habang nakatingin sa dalang mga papel na papa-pirmahan sa kanya,kinakagat-kagat pa nito ang dulo ng ballpen kaya hindi sila napansin ng dalaga. "Sir,may meeting kayo with Ms.Alice today..." "I'm already here Puta"sagot ni Alice habang sarap na sarap sa ginagawa niya.Hinahawakan nya ang balakang nito para sagad na sagad ang pag labas masok nya sa perlas nito."ahhh..ahhh...ahhhh..." "Ay kabayo!!!Napatalon sa gulat si Jonie ng makita silang nagba-babakbakan ni Alice.Naitapon nito pataas ang mga hawak na papel dahilan kaya nagkalat ang mga iyon sa buong opisina nya.Dali daling pinulot iyon isa-isa ni Jonie. Lihim cya napangiti....hindi kasi muna kumakatok bago pumasok....ayan tuloy!sambit nya sa isip "Sorry Sir,I donât know na andito na pala si Ms Alice.."sambit ng secretarya nya habang patuloy sa pag pulot ng mga papel.Hindi ito tumitingin sa kanila,napako ang tingin nito sa sahig habang pinupulot isa-isa ang mga papel. Hindi cya nagpatinag kahit pa andiyan ang secretarya nya,hindi nya tinitigil ang pagkadyot kay Alice kaya patuloy din ito sa pag ungol.."ahhh Ken.." Napako ang tingin nya sa sekretarya,naaliw kasi sya sa ekspresyon ng mukha nito...habang umuungol si Alice ay napapangiwi ang mukha ito sa mga narinig mula sa kanila,tila nandidiri.Sumasabay ang pag-ngiwi ng mukha nito sa mga ungol ni Alice.Gusto nyang humalakhak....ang cute kasi tingnan ng sekretarya nya. Halos pagapang na ang posisyon nito para lang mapulot ang lahat ng mga papel sa sahig.Tila hingal na hingal sa ginagawa eh nagpupulot lang naman!Natatawa cya sa isip. Maya-maya pa ay humarap ito sa banda nya pero nakatutok pa din ang atensyon sa sahig kaya wala ito sa sarili na nakikitaan nya na ito ng panti dahil sa igsi ng palda nito.Black ang panti ni Jonie at sumilip ang perlas ng silangan. "Ahh lintik!"sambit nya....Lalo cyang ginanahan,pero hindi dahil kay Alice. "Ken,moreee!" Patuloy sya sa pag galaw sa puwitan ni Alice pero ang mata nya ay nakatingin sa perlas ni Jonie,hindi pa din nito alam na nasisilapan nya na ito,patuloy ito sa pagpulot ng papel. Sana hindi maubos ang papel sa bandang harapan nya.Mas gusto nya ang view doon.Bahagyang pang nalaylay ang blouse nito at sumisilip din ang malulusog na suso ng dalaga.Napapikit nalang cya ng mata.Anu ba yan!...Si Alice ang ka-niig nya pero si Jonie ang nasa isip nya! Nang matapos mapulot ang mga papel ay patakbong lumabas si Jonie ng office at sinara ang pinto. "Baby,Pumasok ka sa loob ko, mas gusto kita, gusto kita grabe! !!!"Sambit ni Alice. Bumalik ang atensyon nya kay Alice nang makalabas na si Jonie. "Ahhh...ooh Baby, ang laki mo na, gusto ko pa. aahhh ahhh.aahhh" Parang nawalan na tuloy sya ng gana sa ingay ng babae,parang star ito kung maka ungol,dagdag pa na pagod cya...humugot muna sya ng malalim na hininga saka tinapos nya na agad ang pagpapaligaya sa dalaga. "Ahhhhhh..mahabang ungol ni Alice ng nilabasan na cya. "Ang galing mo talaga Ken.."tumayo si Alice at inayos ang palda nito. "Next time ulit ha....Bye!"Nag flying kiss pa ito sa kanya bago lumabas "Puta"Sambit nya sa utak.Kinuha nya ang kondomsa ari nya at tinapon iyon sa basurahan.Kahit ilang babae pa ang lumapit sa kanya ay kaya nya yan....ang importante ay nagpa-practice sya ng safe talik. Inayos nya ang pantalon at umupo sa sofa.Napagod cya sa ginawa nila ni Alice.Masyado kasi itong wild.Bakit kasi ganito ang papel nya sa mundo?Ang magpaligaya ng mga babaeng tigang!Natawa cya sa mga naiisip. Naalala nya ang mukha ng sekretarya nya kanina.Aliw na aliw cya habang pinagmamasdan itong pinupulot ang lahat ng papel na naka-kalat,hindi na nito alam kung ano ang uunahing gagawin.Natawa sya Nakita nya din ang panti nito,kakaiba ang naramdaman nya kanina ng masilip ang panti ng dalaga.Madami naman cyang nakitang puki pero bakit parang ang puki ng sekretarya nya ang gusto nyang makita?Saka ang suso nitong tayo-tayo!...parang hindi pa nalamas ng lalaki...Ah Lintik! Bigla cyang nakaramdam ng init...panti palang ang nakita nya pero bakit ang lakas na ng epekto nito sa kanya?Maganda din ang sekretarya nyang si Jonie,fresh graduate ito,halatang wala pang karanasan sa pag-ibig.Sa tantiya nya ay 24 palang ito. Four months palang ang dalaga bilang sekretary nya at masasabi nyang very efficient ito sa work.Dati nilang OJT si Jonie. Inabsorb ng kompanya nga ang dalaga dahil Summa cum Laude ito nung grumaduate sa college.Kung bibitawan pa nya ay siguradong pag aagawan ito ng ibang kompanya. Ibang-iba din ito sa mga naging sekretarya nya dati.Lahat kasi ng naging sekretarya nya ay inaakit cya.Isa sa mga gusto nyang maging sekretarya ay maganda,mestiza at seksi.Gusto nyang maganda lagi ang nakikita habang nagta-trabaho,mas ginaganahan cya kapag ganun...at pasok na pasok si Jonie sa mga requirements nya na yun. Ang pinagkaiba lang ni Jonie sa mga naging sekretarya nya ay matalino ito.Ang iba kasi ay puro katawan lang at walang utak.Hindi rin ito nagpapakita ng ano mang pagka gusto sa kanya.Pure work lang ang dalaga kaya feeling nya ay wala itong interes sa kanya.Ito lang ata ang babaeng hindi nahuhumaling sa kagwapuhan nya.Alam nya iyon kasi hindi man lang ito kinikilig habang kausap cya.Bagkus ay parang takot pa nga ito sa kanya.Ahhh!bakit nga ba si Jonie ang iniisip nya eh kakatapos nya lang makikipag-niig kay Alice? Sumilay ang ngiti sa labi nya.Parang gusto nya tuloy tuksuhin si Jonie.May naisip cyang kalokohan...Naaaliw cya habang inaalala ang mukha nito kanina.Ang cute kasi ng dalaga.Tumayo sya at pumunta sa desk nya.Tinawagan nya ito sa intercom. "S-sir may kailangan po kayo?"Nag-aalangang sagot ng dalaga.Parang may takot na naman sa boses nito. "Pasok ka sa office ko..."Utos nya.Seryoso ang boses nya habang kausap ang dalaga. "Lintik!"Narinig pa nyang pabulong na sambit ng dalaga.Lalong natawa sya sa isip.Maya-maya pa ay kumatok ito ng dalawang beses. "Pasok!"Sigaw nya.Pagpasok ng dalaga ay hindi ito makatingin sa mata nya,nakayuko lang ito. "Ahm Sir my kailangan po ba kayo?"tanong ni Jonie habang hawak ang ballpen na halos mabali na sa kakalapirot nito...hindi ito mapakali. "Itatanong ko lang kung bakit kanina hindi ka kumatok kung marunong ka naman pala kumatok?"Seryosong tanong nya kay Jonie.Gusto nyang makita ang expresyon ng mukha nito. "Ah eh Sir,hindi ko po kasi akalain na andito ba si Ms.Alice sa loob ng opisina nyo"Mukhang takot na takot na naman ito sa kanya.Hindi ito tumitingin sa mata nya.Patuloy lang itong naka yuko.Gusto nya nang tumawa ng malakas.Aliw na aliw cya sa dalaga...napaka inosente nito. "Hmmm...."tumango lang cya bilang sagot sa dalaga."So kamusta naman ang performance ko kanina?" "Sir???"Napangiti sya sa reaksyon ni Jonie.Nagulat ito sa tanong nya.Ang cute talaga ng pagka inosente ni Jonie "Wala..next time kumatok ka muna para hindi ka maalangan palagi." "Y-yes sir...May iuutos po ba kayo?" "Wala naman..." "S-sige po Sir labas na ako." Sinundan nya ng tingin ang paglabas nito sa opisina nya.Halos madapa na ito sa kakamadali makalabas lang doon.Napahalakhak cya ng wala na si Jonie.Mas natutuwa pa ata cya kay Jonie kesa sa ginawa nila ni Alice. MARIA LEONORA GOMEZ: Hapong hapo cyang lumabas sa office ng boss nya.Paano kasi nakita nya kanina na may kaulyawan ito sa opisina.Bad trip kasi bakit hindi nya naisipang kumatok!Haaay.. Sa dinami-daming babaeng pumupunta sa office nila ay first time nya lang nakakita ng ganun.Para tuloy cyang nakapanood ng live scandal!Ang ingay pa ng babaing yun....Akala mo naman ay kinatakay! Well,hindi nya namam ma-judge ang babae...wala pa naman cyang experience sa pakikipagtalik kaya hindi nya alam kung bakit maingay itong mga babae kapag ginaganun! Umupo cya sa desk nya.Executive secretary siya ni Kenneth Enriquez.Isa ito sa mga pinaka mayamang tao sa Pilipinas.Ito ang nag mamay-ari ng mga malalaking subdivision sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa. As an executive secretary,sya ang pinagkakatiwalaan nito sa lahat ng mga schedules ng binata,kasama na doon ang pang babae nito. Babaero ang boss nya....Na saksihan nya lahat ng iyon dahil cya ang nag-aayos ng schedules nito sa mga bawat babae na gusto nitong makapiling.Sinisigurado nya na hindi magka hulihan ang mga babae ng boss nya.Wala naman itong exclusive girlfriend,ayaw nito ng commitment. Matangkad,pogi at matipono si Ken kaya madaming babaeng gusto maging boyfriend ito pero wala ni isa sa mga babae nito ang serious girlfriend....lahat ito ay panandalian lamang.Playtime lang kung baga.Kapag nagsawa ito ay basta-basta nalang nito itatapon na parang basahan. Bakit kasi ang kati-kati ng boss nya?Hindi ba ito nakokontento sa isa?Saka kawawa naman ang mga kabaro nyang mga babae!...pinaglalaruan lang ng isang lalaking katulad ng boss nya! Sabagay hindi nya naman masisi si Sir Ken kasi ang mga babae naman ang naghahabol dito.Pero kahit pa!Hindi ito dapat nag te-take advantage sa kahinaan ng mga babae! Kaya ako,hinding hindi ako mafa-fall sa boss ko na yan!Gwapo at macho at mayaman at....Ayy anu ba yan!akala ko ba hindi ka ma fa-fall?bakit kinikilig ka hahang dini-discribe mo ang manyakis mong boss!Erase erase!galit nya sa sarili.Nagring ang landline sa desk nya kaya bumalik cya sa huwisyo. "Hello,good morning Enriquez Builders?" "I would like to have an appointment with Mr.Ken Enriquez." "May I know who's on the line mam?" "Ann Valdez." "Give me a minute Mam.I'll just check on Mr Enriquez's schedule. Nilagay nya sa table ang telepono at pumunta sa opisina ng boss nya.Pag mga ganitong babae kasi ang tumatawag at nagpapa-appointment ay alam nya na ang pakay ng mga ito,hindi naman talaga business ang habol ng mga to....Nagpapa"kwan"lang sa boss nya!Ay ano ba yan!Iwinaksi nya sarili sa mga maduduming naiisip. Kumatok muna cya bago pumasok.Baka may kababalaghan na namang ginagawa ang boss nya doon. Nang hindi ito sumagot ay muli cya kumatok at sumigaw."Sir pasok po ako!"Saka nya binuksan ang pinto.Nasa table lang pala ito busy sa laptop.Hindi man lang cya sinagot kung pwede cya pumasok o hindi. "Sir,nagpapa-appointment si Ms.Ann Valdez..ano po sasabihin ko?" "SirâŠ...."Tawag nya ulit dito,parang hindi kasi cya narinig.Masyadong busy ito sa ginagawa sa laptop. âWhat is it?âPasigaw na tanong nito sa kanya,napatalon tuloy cya.Mukhang magkaka nerbyos pa ata cya dito sa boss nya.Kanina lang ang okay ito...ngayon naman ay galit!May sayad na ata ang boss nya...Natuyuan na ata ito ng utak sa dami ng babaeng nakaniig nito. Yun din ang rason kaya bawal cyang magkamali sa trabaho dahil kung hindi ay sangkatutak na sermon ang matatanggap nya.Sala sa init,sala sa lamig kasi ito.Pabago-bago ng emosyon. "A-hm nagpapa appointment po si Ms Ann Valdez.Kelan daw cya pwedeng pumunta?" âOk..mamaya 3PM.âHindi na ito nag aksaya pa na tapunan cya ng tingin.Naka tutuk pa din ito sa laptop. "Ok sir..."Yun lang ang tanging nasagot nya saka tumalikod na at dali-daling lumabas sa office.Baka kasi mabuntungan pa ulit cya galit nito. Matindi ang takot niya sa kaniyang striktong boss. Kung hindi niya sana kailangan ng malaking halaga para sa operasyon ng kaniyang ina dulot ng cancer, matagal na siyang nag-resign. Ang plano nya ay mang-empleyo lang muna sa ibang kompanya katulad ng kay Sir Ken pagkaptapos kapag makapag-ipon na cya ng malaki ay plano nyang magpatayo ng sariling kompanya na cya mismo ang magpapatakbo. Aaminin nya malaki ang swledo na natatanggap nya sa kumpanya ni Sir Ken.First job nya iyon,Summa cum Laude sya pagka graduate ng college as Business Management kaya hindi mahirap para sa kanya ang mag hanap ng trabaho. Sa kompanya ni Sir Ken cya nag OJT,madaming kompanya ang gusto cyang i-hire pero pinili nya ang kompanya ni Sir Ken dahil kahit papaano ay may mga kakilala na cya doon. "Hello Ms Valdez?"sambit nya nang kunin ulit ang telepono. "What took you so long?"singhal ng babae sa kanya. Matagal nga cya kasi naman ang boss nya matagal din sumagot sa opisina."Sorry about that Mam.Chinek ko pa kasi ang schedule ni Sir..."pagsisinungaling nya. "Ang sabihin mo tatanga-tanga kang sekretarya!"muling singhal nito sa kanya. Nagpanting ang tenga nya!Gusto nya din sagutin ang babae na at least cya hindi nagpapakamot sa boss nya!Naku kung hindi lang talaga cya makapagtimpi baka hindi pa nya bigyan ng appointment ito sa boss nya! "Your appointment will be on 3PM later...that would be all mam?"mahinahon na wika nya sa kabilang linya.Hindi na cya sinagot nito,binagsakan pa cya ng telepono. âBwisit! Nakakairita ang babaeng iyon!â Huminga siya ng malalim; ayaw niyang masira ang araw niya dahil dito. Nang makakalma na siya ng kaunti, lumabas siya ng opisina at nagpunta sa company cafeteria.Wala masiyadong tao sa cafetaria dahil ala una na ng hapon. Halos lahat ng empleyado ay tapos na mag-lunch break. Dalawang set ang binili nyang lunch,ang isa ay para sa kanya at ang isa naman ay para sa Boss nya.3 cups of rice ang binili nya,isa para sa kanya at dalawa para sa Boss nya.Alam nyang kulang ang 1 cup of rice dito dahil nakipag bakbakan ito kanina.Beef broccoli naman ulam na pinili nya. Bumili na din cya ng dalawang leche flan para panghimagas nila.Hindi nya alam kung mahilig ang Boss nya sa sweets pero kasi cya ay parang hindi kompleto ang pagkain kapag walang dessert.Mabuti nga at hindi naman cya tumataba dahil sa katakawan nya sa sweets. After nyang bumili ng lunch para sa kanila ay bumalik na cya ng office.Iniwan na nya si Fe doon,sa cafeteria na ito kakain. Nang makarating na cya sa opisina ay pinatong muna ang pagkain nya sa table nya saka pumunta sa opisina ng boss nya dala-dala ang pagkain na binili nya para dito.Kumatok muna cya bago pumasok....mahirap na baka may makita na naman cya. "Pasok!"sigaw ng boss nya mula sa loob. Binuksan nya ang pinto at pumasok.Naka tutuk pa din ito sa laptop."Sir binilhan na kita ng lunch....nakalimutan mo ata kumain."Nag angat ito ng tingin...tiningnan muna cya nito mula ulo hanggang paa..nahiya cya bigla,baka my dumi sya sa mukha. "Sir?...."pukaw nya dito. "Thank you Jonie...nakalimutan ko nga 1 PM na pala....kaya pala masakit na ang tyan ko.I was about to go out para mag lunch pero dahil binilhan mo na ako ay di nako lalabas...thank you."wika nito sa kanya saka inabot ang pagkain. Seryoso pa din ang mukha ng boss nya.Ewan ba nya bakit nagkaka-crush ang mga babae dito eh parang dragon kaya ito kung magalit!...Or baka sa kanya lang.Lumabas na cya ng office pagkatapos nyang maibigay ang food. Haaay hindi talaga cya makahinga ng tama kapag nasa loob ng office ng boss nya o kapag malapit ito sa kanya...parang hinihigop kasi nito ang lahat ng oxygen. Napatalon cya ng biglang nagring ang intercom nya."Sir,may ipag-uutos po ba kayo?"sagot nya....ito lang naman ang naka connect sa intercom nya. "Dito ka na kumain sa loob wala ako kasama eh.nakaka-bored kumain mag-isa..."wika nito sa kanya. "Ah eh....wag na ho,madami pa kasi akong trabaho dito sa desk ko."pagdadahilan nya. "Di ba nga lunch time?After lunch mo na gawin yan,and thats an order!" "O-ok sir...."wala na cyang magawa.That's an order daw eh!Dala-dala nya ang lunch na binili saka pumasok sa loob ng office.Gusto nyang magreklamo pero wala naman cyang magagawa. Umupo sya sa coffee table.May pangdalawahang chair doon...doon nalang cya kakain para medyo malayo sa boss nya,nakaupo kasi ito sa desk nito at nag sisimula ng kumain. Binuksan na nya ang pagkain nya at magsisimula na dapat kumain ng biglang lumapit ito sa kanya dala-dala din ang lunch nito saka umupo sa tabi nya.Hindi na naman cya makahinga...Nawawalan na naman cya ng oxygen.Di kaya may hika cya?Pa-check-up na kaya cya? "Dito nalang din ako kakain....Pinapasok nga kita dito para may kasabayan ako eh...tapos ang layo naman ng upuan mo sa akin!"Reklamo nito sa kanya. "Sorry po...."Yun lang ang tanging nasambit nya.Pinag patuloy na nito ang pagkain.Sya naman ay hindi pa nakasubo kahit isa....nahihiya kasi cya. "Nahihiya ka ba sa akin Jonie?O natatakot?" "Ahm...hindi naman Sir....naiilang lang cyempre boss po kita..." "Kumain ka na kung hindi ay ubusin ko yang pagkain mo....gutom pa naman ako!"Naubos na nito ang isang cup ng rice..Mabuti pala at 2 cups ang binili nya dito kung hindi ay mabibitin talaga ito. "Ah eh...gusto mo Sir sayo na lang?Hindi naman kasi talaga ako gutom...."pagsisinungaling nya. "I'm just joking...kain ka na!"simpleng sambit nito sa kanya. Kahit nahihiya ay pinilit na din nyang kumain.Kinuha nya ang kutsara at tinidor.Dahan-dahan nyang hinihiwa ang beef pero hindi kaya iyon kapag dadahan-dahanin nya.Sinulyapan nya ang Boss...walang tigil ito sa kakakain.Parang wala naman ito pakialam sa kanya kaya kumain na din cya.Kanina pa din kasi talaga cya gutom. Kahit hindi masyadong masarap ang luto sa cafeteria ay nagiging masarap na iyon sa panlasa nya lalo na't gutom cya.Pero mas masarap pa din ang luto nya kesa sa cafeteria.Sa isip nya. KENNETH POV: Pasimpleng pinagmamasdan nya si Jonie habang kumakain.Magana itong kumain kaya nakapagtataka kung bakit hindi ito tumataba.Napansin nyang mahilig din ito sa sweets.May leche flan pa itong dala para sa kanya.Actually hindi cya mahilig sa sweets pero dahil dala ito ni Jonie para sa kanya ay kakainin nya. Kilig na kilig cya ng dinalhan sya ng pagkain ng sekretarya nya.Hindi nya lang pinapahalata pero naa-appreciate nya iyon.Parang wala lang naman ito sa dalaga pero malaking bagay na iyon sa kanya. "Nga pala Jonie,ilang months ka na pala dito sa office?"pagbasag nito ng katahimikan sa pagitan nila. "4 months na Sir...pagka graduate ko ay dito agad ako nakapag trabaho sa kompanya mo.Dito din kasi ako nag OJT." Nakikinig lang cya sa dalaga na kunyari ay hindi nya alam."Balita ko ay Summa com Laude ka daw?"Napayuko ito...tila nahihiya. "Opo Sir....." "Matalino ka pala kung ganun?Swerte ko naman at sa akin ka napunta!....Este dito ka nakapagtrabaho...Galingan mo ha,kapag nakita ko ang work ethics mo ay tataasan ko sweldo mo para hindi ka ma-pirate ng ibang kompanya." "Naku Sir wag na ho!Malaki na po ang sweldo ko para sa isang fresh graduate na tulad ko." "Bakit ayaw mo ng increase?You deserve it dahil you graduated with flying colors!" "Ahhhh gusto Sir!..."biglang sagot nito. "Yun naman pala eh hahaha.."Sa lahat ng mga babaeng nakakasama nya ay ngayun lang ata cya nakatawa ng ganito kalakas at sa sekretarya pa nya. "Ilang taon ka na pala?"tanong ulit nya ulit dito.Alam nyang nahihiya at naiilang ito sa kanya kaya kinakausap nya ito ng kinakausap para mawala ang hiya nito sa kanya. "24 po..." Lintik ang layo pala agwat namin!30 na kasi cya...sa isip nya.Habang tumatagal ay gusto nya ang personality ng serectary nya.Ngayun lang sila nakapag-usap ng ganito.Palagi kasi itong ilag sa kanya.Matalino ito....may sense kausap. Pasimpleng tinitingnan nya ito habang kumakain..nahihiya ito sa kanya,ramdam nya iyon.Maliit kasi ang subo nito sa pagkain.Pero kapag hindi naman cya nakatingin ay malaki naman ito sumubo.Gusto nyang matawa pero pinigilan nya. Kasalukuyan na itong kumakain ng dessert.Kanina pa dapat cya tapos pero dinahan-dahan nya na din ang pagkain para hindi ito mailang sa kanya kapag mag-isa nalang itong kumakain.Tila sarap na sarap ito sa pagkain ng leche flan..Gumagalaw-galaw pa ang ulo ito habang sumusubo.Lihim cyang napangiti.Ang cute kasi nito...parang bata. "Sir labas na po ako ha,mag aalas-tres na pala.May meeting po kau with Ms.Ann Valdez." Akmang tatayo na ito ng pigilan nya."Cancel mo nalang yun,tinatamad nako eh.Mas gusto ko pang makipag-usap sayo kesa humarap sa babaeng yun."Biro nya dito pero hindi ito tumawa...napahiya tuloy cya,baka sabihin nito na feeling close cya. "Ah eh Sir baka po pagalitan ako ni Ms.Ann?" "Bahala ka na mag-alibi basta cancel my appointment to her..." "S-sige po sir..."Alanganing sagot nito. Lumabas na si Jonie at tinawagan si Ann.Alam nyang pagagalitan ito ni Ann pero wala na cyang magawa,ayaw nyang masira ang mood nya.Ang gusto nya ay si Jonie lang ang babaeng makikita ng mga mata nya sa araw na yun. Mag-isa nalang siya sa office.Natutuwa cya sa dalaga,masarap ito kausap...may sense...alam mong hindi bobo.Ilang sandali lang silang nag-usap ay parang naging interesado na cya sa babae.Pero nakikita nya sa mata nito na wala talaga ito pagtingin sa kanya.Boss lang talaga ang turing nito sa kanya kahit pa nagpapahaging na cya dito. Na-curious tuloy cya...gumana na naman ang kapilyuhan nya...parang gusto nyang gawing project si Jonie...make her fall in love with him!Napangiti cya sa mga naiisip. Pero nag-aalala din cya baka kasi umalis ang dalaga kapag ginawa nya iyon at ayaw nya mangyari yun!Jonie is an asset to him...kapag umalis ito sa kanya ay siguradong makakahanap agad ito ng trabaho at pag-aagawan pa ng ibang kompanya. Ah Lintik...pagpapalaglag mission!!!hindi nya pwedeng paglaruan ang dalaga.Sa iba nalang sya maglalaro!!!Nalungkot tuloy cya bigla sa desisyon nya. Dahil kinancel nya ang appointment with Ann ay wala na cyang ginagawa sa office.Nakatingin na lang cya sa labas,naka glass kasi ang buong wall ng kanyang office...nakikita nya ang mga tao sa labas pero hindi cya nakikita ng mga ito sa loob.Nakamasid lang sya sa mga ginagawa ni Jonie.Mahinhin kumilos ang dalaga,napakalambot nito....babaeng babae.5'5"lang ata ang height nito,cya naman ay 6 footer..Hmmm its ok,I like petite woman.parang masarap alagaan....sambit nya... Ah ano bang pinagsasabi nya?Hindi nga pwede si Jonie di ba???pagpapalaglag mission!!!Nakita nyang nag-aayos na ito ng mga gamit,pinapasok na ang mga gamit nito sa bag,tiningnan nya ang oras,5:30 na pala...malamang ay uuwi na ang babae.Dalidali na din cyang nag-ayos at lumabas ng office. "Oh Jonie bakit andito ka pa?5:30 na ah?"kunwaring tanong nya. "Ah may tinapos lang po...pauwi na din po ako Sir." Natawa cya sa sarili.Syempre alam nyang pauwi na ang dalaga!....kanina pa kaya nya ito pinagmamasdan! "Sakto!kung gusto mo sumabay ka na sa akin...pauwi na din ako..."wika nya.Ang galing nya talagang artista! "Ay wag na Sir...may dadaanan pa kasi ako..." "Saan naman yun?ihahatid kita..."Minsan naiinis na cya dito sa babaeng ito...hindi talaga effective ang charisma nya sa dalaga.Kung ibang babae siguro ay nagkukumahog na iyon na sasama sa kanya. "Wag na po...baka out of way sayo." "Saan nga?Paano ko malalaman na out of way kung hindi mo sasabihin?"Tila nawawalan na din cya ng pasencya sa dalaga at napalakas ang boses nya. "Sa Mendez hospital po..."Nahihiyang sagot ni Jonie sa kanya. "Sakto may pupuntahan din ako banda doon,sabay ka na sa akin..."Lihim cyang napangiwi...ang lousy na mga'the moves'nya!Bakit ba kasi nya ginagawa ito?Di ba nga pagpapalaglag mission na si Jonie sa kanya?Off limits na ang dalaga!!!Haaay bahala na....eh sa gusto nya eh! "Sure ka Sir?Baka nakakahiya..." "Hindi...tara na baka matraffic pa tayo."Nagpatiuna na cya sa paglakad para hindi na ito maka hindi pa sa kanya. JONIE POV: Pumayag nalang si Jonie sa offer ng boss nya...sayang din kasi ang pamasahe.Nag ga-grab pa kasi cya papunta sa ospital.Pag ganitong oras ay punuan na ang mga jeep kaya siguradong mahihirapan na cyang makarating sa ospital kaagad...dadalawin nya ang mama nya.Andun naman ang pinsan nya na nagbabantay,sinuswelduhan nya ito para magbantay sa mama nya,mag-isa lang kasi cyang anak. Wala din cyang Papa.Naanakan lang ang nanay nya ng amerikano kaya mestiza cya.Hindi pa nya nakita ang Papa simulang ng isinilang cya. "Jonie!"pukaw ni Sir Ken sa kanya. "Ay opo Sir...tara na."Nagpatiuna ito sa paglakad papuntang elevator.May sarili itong elevator kaya wala silang magiging kasabay. Nang makarating sa harap ng elevator ay hinintay siya nito na pumasok.Hinawakan cya nito sa beywang para igiya papasok.Napaikgtad cya ng bahagya ng maramdaman ang palad nito sa bewang nya.Pasimple nya itong tiningnan...parang wala lang naman ito dito...Baka nagpapaka gentleman lang. Haaay.masyado kang over reacting Jonie!Nag papaka-gentleman lang ang Boss mo...wag mo bigyan ng malisya!saway nya sa sarili. Wala silang pansinan habang nasa elevator.As usual hindi na naman cya makahinga...inuubos na naman ng boss nya ang oxygen sa loob ng elevator. "Are you ok?bakit parang hindi ka pamakali?" "Ah eh....wala po Sir...naiihi lang.Joke lang!" "Hahaha....nakakatawa ka talaga." First time nyang nakita ang boss nya na tumawa sa joke nya.Marunong din pala itong tumawa?Nang nasa parking na sila ay sumakay sila sa Ferrari red na sasakyan ng boss nya.Isa lang ito sa mga napakadami nitong sasakyan.Halos iba-iba ang kotse na ginagamit nito araw-araw. "Ano nga pala ang gagawin mo sa ospital?May sakit ka ba?" "Ah wala po...bibisitahin ko lang ang mama ko." "Why?ano nangyari sa mama mo?" "May cancer po cya.naka-admit cya sa ospital...naka schedule po cya for chemo. "Ohhhh...."tanging sagot nito sa kanya. Wala na sila pansinan habang nagba-byahe.Mabilis lang sila nakarating sa ospital dahil may mga short cut itong dinaanan.Akala nga nya kung saan na cya dadalhin nito,hindi nya kasi kabisado ang mga daan na dinadaanan nito. "Ah Sir thank you ha...mauna na po ako."Paalam nya ng makarating na sila sa parking ng hospital. "No...I want to go with you..." "Ay hindi na po kailangan!Nakakahiya!"Hinatid na nga cya sa ospital pati ba naman sa kwarto ng Mama nya ay uhahatid pa cya? "No,I insist...saka tigilan mo na ang kaka'Po'mo sa akin bata pa ako,kayang kaya ko pang hanggang 10 rounds." "Ano po yun Sir?" "Ahh...wala!" ******************* KEN POV: Kahit anong pigil nya ay hindi nya taalga maiwasan na magpahaging kay Jonie.Natural na sa kanya ang pagka pilyo kaya kusa nang lumalabas iyon sa bibig nya.birhen pala ang secretary nya kaya wala ito alam.Ang sarap tuloy paglaruan ang mga ganitong inosenteng babae... pagpapalaglag mission!!!pagpapalaglag mission!!sigaw na naman ng utak nya.Pinapaalala nito na off limits ni Jonie."Lintik!!!"napa mura cya.Nagulat si Jonie sa kanya.Napalakas pala ang pagmura nya "Ayy sorry....hindi ikaw ang minumura ko...may natapakan lang ako kaya nagulat ako."Pagdadahilan nya.Tumango lang ito sa kanya. Pumasok na ito sa ospital.Ramdam nyang nahihiya ito dahil nakasunod cya.Pasimpleng tinitingnan nya ito habang naglalakad.Ang ganda ng kurbada ng katawan nito....payat pero mabalakang.Napansin nyang malaman din ang suso nito.Nakikita nya iyon kapag medyo mababa ang pagka V-leeg ng suot na blouse nito...naramadaman nyang gumalaw si manoy.... Lintik Lintik Lintik!....pagpapalaglag pagpapalaglag pagpapalaglag!hindi ka pwede tayuan dito!Nakakahiya!..Nasa ospital ka pa man din!Galit nya sa sarili. "Ahm Jonie?"tawag nya sa dalaga,nilingon cya nito.Pasimpleng tinabuhan nya ang harapan nya.Baka mapansin nito ang galit na si manoy. "Ano ang room ng mama mo?susunod nalang ako doon...mag CR lang ako sandali" "Ah ok Sir....room 208 po si Mama." "Ok I'll be there...."sambit nya saka tumalikod at naghanap ng CR.kakalmahin nya muna ang sarili bago puntahan ang dalaga.Bakit kasi kung ano-ano ang mga iniisip nya?sinabi ng pagpapalaglag eh!Tigas din kasi ng ulo eh ayan tuloy tinigasan ka!!!galit ng utak nya sa kanya. Nang maramdamang ok na cya ay saka sya lumabas ng CR at pumunta sa room 208.Naabutan nyang kinakausap ng doctor si Jonie.Tulog ang mama nito,payat na ito pero halatang maganda noong kabataan nito.Dito nagmana si Jonie sa ganda pero morena ang mama nito,hindi katulad ni Jonie na mestiza.Malamang ay foreigner ang papa ni Jonie..Saan kaya ang papa ni dalaga?tanong nya sa isip.Pagkatapos makipag usap ng doctor kay Jonie ay umalis na ito. "Kamusta ang mama mo?"tanong nya dito...nakatulala lang kasi ito....Mukhang paiyak na.Ayaw nya naman hawakan ito at i-comfort,baka lalo mailang ito sa kanya.Kanina pa nga lang nung nasa elevator sila ay napaiktad pa ito ng hinawakan nya sa bewang...nagkunyari nalang cyang hindi nya iyon napansin para hindi ito lalong mailang. Hindi cya sinagot nito...parang walang narinig.Nakatingin lang ito sa mama nito."Ate!..."tawag ng isang babae na naroon din kay Jonie.Baka kamag-anak nya ito...may resemblance ang dalawang babae pero mas maganda pa din si Jonie. "Bakit?...." "Sino po cya?"Tanong nito sabay turo sa kanya. "Ay boss ko pala si Sir Ken....Sir pinsan ko po si Bebe...cya po ang nag babantay kay Mama habang nasa trabaho ako."Pakilala nito sa kanya. "Hi bebe..."bati nya dito.Kinilig naman ito ng binati nya.lihim nalang cyang natawa. "Bebe ikaw na ang bahala dito kay mama ha.Uuwi muna ako,babalik nalang ulit ako bukas." "Ok ate.dalhan mo ako pasalubong ha?" "Anu ba gusto mo?" "Jabee..."nakangiting sambit nito.Jolibee ang ibig sabihin nito pero ginagaya ang mga bata sa jabee ang tawag. "Mag order ka na jan sa app...eto pambayad."Inabutan ito ni Jonie ng 500.Tuwang tuwa naman ang pinsan nito. "Sige na...alis na kami ha...." "Bye ate....bye boss pogi!..."Pinandilatan ito ng mata ni Jonie...baka nahihiya sa inakto ng pinsan nito. "Pasencya ka na sa pinsan ko Sir.pilya lang talaga yan....tara na po?"Nginitian nya naman ito at tinanguan.. JONIE POV: Nagpatiuna na naman cya sa paglakad.Iniisip nya ang sinabi ng doctor.kailangan ng operahan ang mama nya sa lalong madaling panahon para maiwasan ang pag kalat ng cancer sa katawan nito. Kailangan nya ng malaking halaga.1 milyon ang hinihingi ng doctor sa kanya!Saan naman sya kukuha ng ganun kalaking pera!Wala pa nga sa kalahati ang ipon nya.Kung sana ay wala iyong maintenance ay siguro malaki-laki na ang naiipon nya.Bukod kasi sa pang oopera ng Mama nya ay kailangan nya din ng budget para sa maintenance nito. Kahit pa patayin nya ang sarili sa pagtatrabaho at pagluto ng ulam araw araw ay hindi pa din kaya punuin ang 1 milyon.Saka pagod pagod naman ang katawan nya.Baka pati cya ay ma-ospital na din sa kakahanap ng pera.Naiiyak nalang cya..pasimpleng pinahid nya ang luha nya. "Hey anything wrong?"tanong ng boss nya.Malamang ay napansin nito ang pananahimik nya at ang pasimpleng pagpahid nya ng luha. "Ah wala po sir...."pagsisinungaling nya.Nakakahiya at nakita pa cya ng Boss nya sa ganoong sitwasyon. Nang makalabas na sila ng ospital ay nag paalam na cya sa boss nya. "Salamat sa paghatid Sir ha...dito nalang po ako mag aabang ng jeep...."balak nya sana mag grab pero sayang din ang pera na pambayad.Pandagdag pa yun sa ipon nya para sa operasyon ng mama nya. "Mahihirapan kang maka uwi nyan...kita mo punuan ang mga jeep?Sumabay ka na sa akin,ihahatid na kita..."alok nito sa kanya. "Naku wag na po Sir!Nakakahiya na talaga! Saka may pupuntahan ka pa malapit dito di ba?" Sandaling napa-isip si Ken..Oo nga pala,yun pala ang alibi nya kanina para pumayag si Jonie na ihatid nya sa ospital. "Ah eh...wala na....tumawag na ang ka meeting ko dito,bukas nalang daw kami mag kita..."pagsisinungaling nito. "Ganun po ba..." "Tara na...ihahatid na kita."sambit ng boss nya.Nagpatiuna na din ito sa paglakad papuntang parking kung nasaan ang sasakyan nito.Hindi na tuloy cya naka hindi.Tinalikuran na cya at naunang sumakay ng kotse. Nahihiya man cya pero sumakay na din.Mahihirapan talaga cya makasakay...Friday pa naman ngayun at araw ng swedo. "Saan ba ang sa inyo?"tanong nito sa kanya ng makasakay na cya. Wala sa sariling binigay nya ang adress ng bahay nya..Iniisip pa din ang sinabi ng doctor kanina. "What happened Jonie?Ano ang sinabi ng doctor tungkol sa kalagayan ng mama mo?" Humikbi sya....ang bigat na kasi ng nararamdaman nya...Bakit kasi wala cyang tatay at mga kapatid?Solo nya lang tuloy ang problema. "K-kailangan daw operahan si Mama.Malaking halaga ang kailangan.Konti palang kasi ang ipon ko,kailangan na daw kasi pigilan ang pagkalat ng cancer sa katawan nya...."tumutulo ang luha na kinukwento nya sa boss.Hindi nya alam kung bakit cya napa-kwento dito....siguro dahil kailangan nyang ilabas ang sakit ng dibdib nya. "Magkano ba kailangan?" "Isang milyon daw po..." "I will give you 1 milyon."Simpleng sabi lang nito sa kanya habang nagda drive. "Naku wag po Sir!Hindi po ako tumatanggap ng abuloy....nakakahiya!!!"utal-utal na tanggi nya. "Hindi ito abuloy...tulong ko sau." "Kahit na Sir!hindi ko kayang bayaran yan sayo!" "Maliit na halaga lang sa akin ang isang milyon." "Oo nga Sir pero hindi ko pa din kayang bayaran yun..."Kahit pa kailangan nya ng pera ay hindi naman cya basta basta lang tatanggap sa boss nya.Hindi cya ganoong tao. "Edi bayaran mo ako sa paraang gusto ko!" Napatingin sya sa Boss nya."P-paano po Sir?" "I'll give you 10 million....be my lover for 3 months." "What!"Napalakas ng boses nya. "Ayaw mo ng abuloy di ba?Ayaw mo din na na tulungan kita,kaya bayaran mo nalang sa paraan ng gusto ko.10 million for your body.Alam ko birhen ka pa kaya kulang ang isang milyon.Gagawin ko sampung milyon pumayag ka lang."Normal lang ang pag sabi nito sa kanya.Parang nanghihingi lang ito ng tinapay.Pero hindi ba nito alam ang kapalit ng hinihingi nito?Buhay at kinabukasan nya ang nakasalalay dito!Masisira ang pagkatao nya kapag pumayag cya! "Pero Sir hindi po ako ganung babae!"Pilit nyang ipinapaintindi dito na iba sya sa mga babaeng nagkakandarapa dito...Iba cya! "Alam ko...kaya nga nagustuhan kita eh.Alam kong iba ka sa mga babaeng pumupunta sa office ko." "P-pero Sir....hindi ko po kaya ang ipapagawa mo sa akin."Hindi nya lubos maisip kung bakit sya nito inalok ng ganun?May nagawa ba cyang pagpapakita ng motibo sa boss nya para gawin nito iyon sa kanya?Sa pagkaka-alam nya ay wala naman.Maingat pa nga cya sa mga galaw nya kapag kaharap ang Boss dahil alam nyang maloko ito sa mga babae.Ayaw nyang matulad sa kanila. "Pag-isipan mo....Para sa Mama mo.Kung ayaw mo ay hindi kita pipilitin." Napayuko cya...hindi nya akalain na ooferan cya ng boss nya ng indecent proposal..Kahit pa wala pa cyang ginagawa ay parang napakababa na ng tingin nya sa sarili nya.Pero paano naman ang Mama nya?papayagan nya bang mamatay nalang ito dahil sa prinsipyo nya?Bubuhayin ba sila ng prinsipyo nya?Lintik!ano ang gagawin nya? Wala na silang pansinan buong byahe.Wala cyang masabi at malamang ay wala na din itong sasabihin sa kanya.Nasabi na nito lahat ang gustong sabihin...nasa kanya nalang ang desisyon.Sa kakaisip nya ay hindi nya namalayan na nasa harap na sila ng bahay nya.Tumigil ito sa harap ng gate nila. "Pag isipan mo Jonie.I want your answer tomorrow morning.Kung hindi ka tatawag bukas ay ibig sabihin hindi ka pumapayag."Sambit nito sa kanya.Hindi pa din ito tumitingin sa kanya...nasa harap lang ito nakatingin.Hindi nya din naman kayang harapin ito ng mata sa mata. Dahan-dahan cyang lumabas ng kotse...walang salitang lumabas sa bibig nya.Kahit nga magpasalamat dahil sa paghatid nito sa kanya ay hindi nya nagawa. Nang makalabas na cya ay tinapunan muna sya nito ng tingin...Nag tama ang kanilang mga mata.Ewan lang pero nakikita nya sa mga mata nito ang pagsusumamo na sana ay pumayag cya sa proposal nito.Ilang segundo pa silang nagka tinginan bago nito ulit paandarin ang makina at nagdrive na palayo sa kanya... KENNETH POV: Lintik!napamura si Ken...wala sa plano nya ang alukin si Jonie ng ganun.Di ba nga off limits si Jonie?Yan ang sabi ng utak nya pero sabi ng puso nya gusto nya ang dalaga.Gusto nya lagi itong nakikita...gusto nya ito lagi sa tabi nya. He wants her...hindi lang bilang sekretarya,gusto nya itong maging kanya!Gusto nya ito ang pagpapa-init sa kanyang kama. Sana ay pumayag si Jonie...kung hindi ay wala na cyang mukhang maihaharap pa sa dalaga.Isang malaking sampal iyon sa kanya!Hanggang bukas ng umaga lang ang palugit nya dito.Ayaw nya na pinaghihintay cya ng matagal. Sa kakaisip nya sa dalaga ay hindi nya namalayan na nasa harap na sya ng gate nila.Pinagbuksan cya ng security guard saka pinasok nya ang sasakyan sa parking. "Good evening po seniorito...kakain po na kayu ng dinner?"Tanong ni Aling Meding na kasambahay nya ng salubungin sya nito. "Hindi na ate...hindi ako gutom." Dumiretso cya ng kwarto,hinubad ang damit at pumunta ng banyo para maligo.Itinuon ang ulo sa baba ng shower.Hinayaan nyang mabasa ang buo nyang katawan.Inalala nya ang tagpo kanina sa office...nakita nya ang panti ni Jonie...parang gusto nyang hawiin ang panti nito at silipin ang nakatagong perlas doon."ahhh..."napaungol cya.Tumayo ang pagkalalaki nya..Lintik! Hinimas nya ang alaga nya."ohhhh...."grabi ang epekto ni Jonie sa kanya...iisipin palang nya ang dalaga ay ang laki na ng epekto nito sa kanya."ahhh...ahhhh...ahhhh..."ungol nya habang pinapaligaya ang sarili. "Jonie....."sambit nya sa pangalan ng dalaga.Lalo nyang binilisan nag pag-akyat baba sa palad nya..hanggang sa labasan cya.."aaahhhh....." Tinapos na nya ang pagligo at lumabas ng banyo..pumasok na naman sa isip nya ang dalaga.Sabado bukas...wala silang work.Sana ay tawagan cya ni Jonie.Sya ang pinaka masayang lalaki kung mangyayari yun.Humiga cya sa kama at pinikit ang mata...nakatulog cyang may ngiti sa labi at pag-asang tatawagan cya ni Jonie bukas at papayag sa alok nya. ***** Kinaumagahan ay maaga cyang nagising,tiningnan nya agad ang telepono...wala pang tawag si Jonie sa kanya. Ano ka ba?Alas singko palang ng umaga!Nagmamadali?...Galit nya sa sarili. Lumabas cya ng kwarto para magkape.Panay pa din ang silip nya sa cellphone nya...parang timang lang na naghihintay ng chat o tawag ng dalaga. Pagkatapos nya magkape ay nag gym naman cya.Alas-dyes na ng umaga wala pa din tawag ni Jonie sa kanya.Hindi na cya mapakali...umiinit na ang ulo nya.Gusto nya cya na misno tatawag sa dalaga pero wala cyang contact number nito,sa work lang silang nag-uusap. Tinawagan nya ang isa pa nyang executive secretary na si Alex.Lalaki naman ito...ito ang kasa-kasama nya sa field pag-umaalis cya samantalang si Jonie naman ang in-charge sa office kapag wala cya. "Good morning Sir,may kailangan po ba kayo?"bati ni Alex sa kanya nang tawagan nya.Malamang ay nagulat ito dahil wala naman silang pasok sa araw na yun. "Ahm..may personal number ka ba ni Jonie?"Nag-aalangan cyang sabihin iyon,alam kasi nito na hindi sya nanghihingi ng personal number ng mga empleyado."May nakalimutan lang akong ibilin sa kanya."Pagdadahilan nya. "Ano po ba yun Sir?"gusto nyo ako na po ang magsasabi sa kanya?" "No!..ako na." "Ah..okay sige po sir,I'll text you her number."alam nyang nagdududa na ito sa kinikilos nya pero hindi cya magpapahalata.Pagkababa nya ng telepono ay nakatanggap agad cya ng text galing kay Alex...number iyon ni Jonie..Lihim cyang napangiti. Dinayal nya ang telepono ni Jonie...nang magring ito ng isang beses ay agad nyang pinatay.Bigla cyang natauhan...hindi cya dapat ang tatawag kay Jonie kundi ang dalaga.Hindi nya iba-bargain ang sarili nya para sa isang babae!Si Jonie dapat ang lalapit sa kanya at hindi cya!...Kailangan cya ng dalaga kaya sigurado cyang tatawag ito sa kanya. Lintik!!!ang pinaka-ayaw nya talaga sa lahat ay ang pinaghihintay cya!Dumating na ang alas-dose pero wala talaga tawag ang dalaga sa kanya.Bigla cyang nalungkot.Natapos na ang palugit nya sa dalaga...hindi talaga cya gusto ni Jonie...masakit iyon para sa kanya. Biglang tumigas ang ekspresyon ng mukha nya.Ngayon palang cya napahiya sa babae ng ganito...at sa sekretarya pa nya!Bakit sino ba cya?galit na wika nya sa sarili.Kinuha nya ang cellphone at tinawagan si Anne,dito nya ibubuhos ang galit nya ky Jonie. "Hello Ann...are you free today?"wika nya "Hi pogi!mabuti naman at naisipan mo akong tawagan?" "Can we meet?"Sambit nya.Hindi nya sinagot ang tanong nito...kinansel nya kasi ang pagkikita nila dapat ni Ann kahapon dahil na din kay Jonie.Alam nyang susumbatan lang sya nito...Sinabi nya kung saan sila magkikita at pinatay ang telepono. Pumasok na sya ng kwarto at nagbihis.Galit pa din cya...kailangan nyang ma-divert ang atensyon nya kay Jonie.Hindi nya matanggap na binale-wala cya nito!Galit na galit cya...hindi kaya ng pride nya ang ginawa ng dalaga sa kanya.Pagkatapos nyang magbihis ay pumunta na sya ng kotse at pinaharurut iyon palayo..Pupunta sya sa meeting place nila ni Ann. Nauna na cya sa hotel kung saan sila magme-meet ni Ann.Maya-maya pa ay may kumatok na sa hotel room nya.Pagbukas nya ay si Ann iyon.Siniil nya agad ito ng halik...hindi na nya binigyan ng pagkakataon ang babae...dali-dali nyang hinubad ang damit ng dalaga... | LEARN_MORE | https://bioplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=12380&u | Philip Spicy Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61561349855790/ | 52,400 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | bioplm.com | VIDEO | đđTumakbo siya palayo sa kanya at hinabol siya, hindi makakalipad nang walang pakpakđđ | https://bioplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=12380&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467781251_1109202577510838_455698719595063387_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pm7nUok8dwkQ7kNvgHlw6xD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvjGzgdaHS4vSGosPJJTOX5&oh=00_AYAu8BxxrHadCnP2P6Fy7qPOK3a1nco-8vM7Voeub_c0Zw&oe=6754278C | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Philip Spicy Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 18:48 | active | 1950 | 0 | Hello everyone! We are all shut down for the 2024 season. It was a great year with many new guests and faces. I would like to thank our new staff members who did a fantastic job (Dan, Brianna, and Kelly)! Also Andy and Jocelyne who went out of their way to help with opening and training. This winter I will be doing shows in Chicago (All Canada Show) starting January 30th, Kansas City February 6th, Madison Wisconsin February 21st and Cedar Falls Iowa March 14th. If you are interested in a trip to Canada and are in the area please stop by! We are now taking reservations for the 2025 season and have openings available in every month. Please feel free to contact me with any questions (608-215-6291). I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you in the future! Chance CNL | Canada North Lodge | https://www.facebook.com/fishcanada3030/ | 1,442 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TEXT | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468836389_1099218441703775_3543182344919388933_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UUatVJmkbywQ7kNvgGv4gr8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Arqpmf822FYoqrbMq3bFTea&oh=00_AYCfNGBm0K32XaNVnjeY-uGaFn0o8ZAdpePMZ7PeyLqhFw&oe=67540F21 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Canada North Lodge | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 18:36 | active | 1949 | 0 |
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Itâs GIVEAWAY time! On the first day of Farnam, we wanted you to see⊠The chance to win your horseâs favorite product for FREE. To enter today, all you have to do is: 1. Follow us @farnamhorse 2. Like this post 3. Tag a riding buddy in the comments Todayâs winner will win one product of their choice. Stay tuned for more chances to gift your horse with #everythingfortheride this month. | Farnam Horse | https://www.facebook.com/farnamhorse/ | 209,298 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | MULTI_IMAGES | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468859938_2028115550942318_7496734498584152341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4WyHl3BEzMcQ7kNvgHjJN31&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcM5SaZOhYk8r_8NiX0SpGW&oh=00_AYAhDFDpsOxJ105WfUOrKjzJkV9dO2HvZFUNRXNTM3I5ZQ&oe=67541F03 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Farnam Horse | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-02 20:12 | active | 1952 | 0 |
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Le retour de l'hĂ©ritiĂšre adorĂ©e | Alors que la vĂ©ritable hĂ©ritiĂšre a fait son apparition, les spectateurs attendent la chute de l'imposteur. Cependant, Ă la surprise gĂ©nĂ©rale, elle a dĂ©voilĂ© son identitĂ© de fille de l'homme le plus riche, assumant le rĂŽle de juge dans le concours de la vraie hĂ©ritiĂšre et mettant fin Ă l'accord commercial de ses parents adoptifs. Forte du soutien d'un magnat des affaires, elle a Ă©tonnĂ© tout le monde ! ===== « Madisyn, pendant toutes ces annĂ©es que nous t'avons Ă©levĂ©e, nous ne t'avons jamais imaginĂ©e capable d'une telle cruautĂ©. Cette maison n'est plus en mesure de supporter ta prĂ©sence. Tu dois partir immĂ©diatement ». A dĂ©clarĂ© l'imposante femme, dont le regard Ă©tait chargĂ© de dĂ©dain et d'un froid glacial et l'Ă©lĂ©gance vestimentaire contrastait fortement avec la duretĂ© de ses propos, devant Madisyn Chapman. « Maman, je t'en prie, c'Ă©tait un accident. J'ai perdu pied et j'ai dĂ©valĂ© les escaliers toute seule. Madisyn n'a rien Ă voir lĂ -dedans », a dĂ©clarĂ© une jeune fille assise dans le canapĂ©. Ressemblant physiquement Ă la femme en face d'elle, elle les yeux pleins de larmes. Une demi-heure plus tĂŽt, Jenna Chapman, la fille biologique des Chapman, avait fait une chute dans l'escalier. Madisyn Ă©tait alors seule Ă l'Ă©tage supĂ©rieur. Tout le monde pensait que Madisyn avait poussĂ© Jenna... Maintenant, les regards que les Chapman lançaient Ă Madisyn Ă©taient remplis de dĂ©goĂ»t et de venin, un contraste frappant avec leur attitude une semaine auparavant, lorsqu'ils avaient professĂ© devant les journalistes leur rĂ©ticence Ă se sĂ©parer d'elle. Madisyn a baissĂ© les yeux vers le sol, une ombre fugace d'ironie traversant son regard. Autrefois, Madisyn Ă©tait la seule fille des Chapman. MĂȘme si elle n'avait jamais bĂ©nĂ©ficiĂ© du favoritisme de ses parents, elle ne manquait de rien, ses besoins essentiels Ă©tant toujours satisfaits. Mais la façade avait volĂ© en Ă©clats lorsque Jeffry Chapman, qu'elle connaissait comme son pĂšre, avait Ă©tĂ© victime d'un grave accident qui avait nĂ©cessitĂ© une transfusion s*nguine urgente. Les analyses suivantes avaient rĂ©vĂ©lĂ© que Madisyn n'Ă©tait pas son enfant biologique. Jeffry avait ensuite fait appel Ă son vaste rĂ©seau pour retrouver sa vĂ©ritable fille, Jenna. La famille Chapman Ă©tait une famille prestigieuse dans la ville de Gemond, et les nouvelles de ce genre s'Ă©taient naturellement rĂ©pandues rapidement. Pour gĂ©rer l'opinion publique et prĂ©server leur rĂ©putation, ils avaient dĂ©clarĂ© un engagement inĂ©branlable envers Madisyn, la fille qu'ils avaient Ă©levĂ©e, affirmant leur intention de la traiter comme leur propre fille pendant un certain temps avant qu'elle ne retourne dans sa famille biologique. Cependant, derriĂšre les portes closes, leurs plans Ă©taient radicalement diffĂ©rents. Une fois le regard du public dĂ©tournĂ©, ils avaient l'intention de renvoyer discrĂštement Madisyn. Ă l'arrivĂ©e de Jenna, la famille Chapman avait reprochĂ© Ă Madisyn les annĂ©es de galĂšre de Jenna, relĂ©guant Madisyn de sa chambre Ă un simple espace de rangement, diminuant ainsi considĂ©rablement son statut. Elle Ă©tait chargĂ©e de tĂąches subalternes, son statut Ă©tant bien infĂ©rieur Ă celui des domestiques. Jenna, elle, voulait toujours que Madisyn s'en aille. Elle avait montĂ© plusieurs plans contre Madisyn, mais ses parents fermaient les yeux, leur mĂ©pris pour Madisyn Ă©tant Ă peine voilĂ©. Ces tribulations ont ĂŽtĂ© Ă Madisyn toute illusion sur cette famille hypocrite et l'ont poussĂ©e Ă affronter les injustices qui lui Ă©taient imposĂ©es. Alors que les tensions atteignaient leur paroxysme, elle a fait face Ă Jenna, d'une voix rĂ©solue : « Je vais partir, mais pas avant d'avoir remis les pendules Ă l'heure. Je refuse d'endosser tes malversations plus longtemps, Jenna! » Le calme de Jenna a vacillĂ© sous l'intensitĂ© du regard glacial de Madisyn, son corps tremblant lĂ©gĂšrement. S'agissait-il de la mĂȘme Madisyn que celle qui s'Ă©tait pliĂ©e Ă toutes les avanies ? Une lueur sombre s'est reflĂ©tĂ©e dans les yeux de Jenna. Elle Ă©tait l'hĂ©ritiĂšre lĂ©gitime des biens de la famille Chapman, pas cette usurpatrice, Madisyn, qui vivait dans un luxe immĂ©ritĂ©. Elle devait cĂŽute que coĂ»te chasser cet imposteur! « Madisyn, j'ai aucune idĂ©e de ce que tu racontes! » La voix de Jenna Ă©tait empreinte d'une confusion feinte. « Depuis que j'ai repris ma place, que j'ai reçu l'affection qui m'Ă©tait due par nos parents, j'ai senti ton mĂ©contentement. MalgrĂ© tes actions, je suis restĂ©e tolĂ©rante. Mais pour mes jambes... Comment pourrais-tu?La danse est ma passion et l'expression de mon Ăąme. Si j'avais su que tu convoitais si dĂ©sespĂ©rĂ©ment la place au concours national, je ne l'aurais pas disputĂ©e. » Son insinuation Ă©tait trĂšs claire que Madisyn l'avait sabotĂ©e par jalousie. Le regard de la mĂšre de Jenna, Phyllis Chapman, s'est durci aux paroles de sa fille biologique, sa voix Ă©tant empreinte de dĂ©dain. « Jenna, tu possĂšdes un talent remarquable que Madisyn ne pourra jamais Ă©galer. Cette place en compĂ©tition te revenait de droit. Et toi, Madisyn! » Elle s'est retournĂ©e brusquement vers Madisyn et a ajoutĂ© : « Fais tes valises et pars immĂ©diatement! » L'expression habituellement sombre de Madisyn n'a fait qu'attiser son mĂ©pris. Pendant ce temps, Jenna, toujours docile et talentueuse, brillait de mille feux dans ses yeux ; c'Ă©tait une vĂ©ritable Chapman. Au milieu de ce drame, Jeffry a finalement rompu le silence, la voix lourde de dĂ©ception. « Madisyn, notre accord Ă©tait de te garder jusqu'Ă ce que les regards du public s'apaisent, mais nous voilĂ confrontĂ©s Ă ton profond ressentiment envers Jenna. Nous n'avons pas d'autre choix que de te rendre Ă ta vraie famille aujourd'hui. » Les yeux de Jenna ont brillĂ© d'une lueur triomphante lorsque son pĂšre a annoncĂ© le dĂ©part imminent de Madisyn. En revanche, le visage de cette derniĂšre est restĂ© un masque indĂ©chiffrable tandis qu'elle montait les escaliers pour rassembler ses affaires. La longue durĂ©e de Madisyn Ă l'Ă©tage supĂ©rieur inquiĂ©tait Jenna. « Et si elle essayait de tout emporter avec elle?» AprĂšs tout, tout ce qui avait de la valeur dans la maison lui revenait de droit ; comment pouvait-elle permettre Ă une imposture de partir avec une partie de ses richesses? Madisyn a fini par rĂ©apparaĂźtre, descendant lentement l'escalier, ses mouvements Ă©tant dĂ©libĂ©rĂ©s. Elle transportait un petit sac noir sans prĂ©tention. Lorsque son regard a balayĂ© froidement le salon, il a suffisamment troublĂ© Jeffry pour qu'il dĂ©tourne les yeux. Les sourcils de Phyllis se sont froncĂ©s Ă la vue du bagage minimal de Madisyn. « C'est tout ce que tu veux emporter?Qu'y a-t-il lĂ -dedans?Montre-moi », a-t-elle demandĂ©, le ton suspicieux. Jeffry a levĂ© la main pour mettre fin Ă l'interrogatoire de sa femme. « Laisse-la tranquille. » Il s'agissait sans doute de la carte bancaire qu'il lui avait donnĂ©e et sur laquelle il ne restait qu'une centaine de milliers de dollars. Sans se laisser dĂ©concerter, Madisyn a posĂ© son sac sur la table, l'air stoĂŻque. « Inspecte-le si tu veux. » Phyllis, incapable de masquer sa mĂ©fiance, s'est moquĂ©e. « Elle a peut-ĂȘtre emportĂ© quelque chose de prĂ©cieux », a-t-elle marmonnĂ© en ouvrant le sac. En jetant un coup d'Ćil Ă l'intĂ©rieur, elle n'a trouvĂ© qu'un carnet, quelques graines et une petite somme d'argent, loin des objets de valeur qu'elle craignait. Phyllis, le visage rougi par l'embarras de son accusation sans fondement, s'est redressĂ©e. « Je vais laisser le chauffeur t'emmener lĂ -bas », a-t-elle dit d'un ton sec. Jeffry, sous le poids de la situation, a fouillĂ© dans sa poche et en a sorti une carte. « Madisyn, Ă ton retour, Ă©coute tes parents. Ce sont des fermiers, certes... mais ils sont bons, ce sont des gens simples. Tu devrais les aider. » Madisyn a regardĂ© la carte offerte avec ses beaux yeux, son expression calme. « Chacun a son propre destin Ă accomplir », a-t-elle rĂ©pondu tranquillement, en repoussant la carte vers Jeffry. « Mais avant que je ne parte, il faut que les choses soient claires. Jenna, comment es-tu vraiment tombĂ©e dans ces escaliers?C'est ta derniĂšre chance de dire la vĂ©ritĂ©. » Jenna fulminait intĂ©rieurement, exaspĂ©rĂ©e par le calme serein de Madisyn, qui semblait l'Ă©lever au-dessus de tout le monde malgrĂ© ses origines modestes. Madisyn ne venait pas d'une famille riche! Elle Ă©tait juste la fille de deux fermiers! « Madisyn, qu'est-ce que tu insinues?Que je me suis jetĂ©e dans les escaliers?», a rĂ©torquĂ© Jenna. « Mes jambes, c'est ma vie, elles sont indispensables Ă ma danse. Pourquoi me blesserais-je?» Au fur et Ă mesure qu'elle parlait, les Ă©motions de Jenna sont allĂ©es crescendo, et elle a fondu en larmes de façon thĂ©Ăątrale, s'effondrant dans les bras de Phyllis. Soudain, Jenna se leva instinctivement Ă cause d'un vase brisĂ©. Le silence s'est installĂ© dans la piĂšce et tout le monde, y compris Phyllis et Jeffry, a tournĂ© son regard choquĂ© vers elle. L'agilitĂ© soudaine de Jenna a Ă©tĂ© surprenante ; n'avait-elle pas dit qu'elle ne pouvait pas se tenir debout Ă cause de ses blessures ? Chapitre 2 Le plus riche de Gemond Se rendant compte de son erreur, Jenna s'est effondrĂ©e dans le canapĂ©, s'agrippant Ă ses jambes avec une dĂ©tresse exagĂ©rĂ©e. « AĂŻe, mes jambes! Elles me font si mal! » La rĂ©ponse de Jeffry n'Ă©tait pas de la colĂšre mais une culpabilitĂ© dirigĂ©e vers Madisyn. « Madisyn, comprends que Jenna est encore trĂšs jeune. Ne lui en veux pas... » Madisyn Ă©tait habituĂ©e Ă entendre ce genre d'excuse trop souvent. « Bien sĂ»r, je ne me vengerais pas si un chien me mordait. AprĂšs tout, il apprend ce genre de comportement de ses maĂźtres, n'est-ce pas?» Avec un dernier ricanement qui a tranchĂ© l'air tendu, Madisyn a pris son modeste sac et s'est dirigĂ©e vers la porte, d'un pas dĂ©cidĂ© et inĂ©branlable. Elle ne s'est pas retournĂ©e vers la famille qu'elle laissait derriĂšre elle. Le trio qu'elle laissait dans son sillage fulminait de fureur. Dehors, le chauffeur attendait, inconscient de l'agitation qui rĂ©gnait entre les murs de la maison des Chapman. Depuis le retour de Jenna, le respect du personnel de la maison pour Madisyn s'Ă©tait considĂ©rablement dĂ©gradĂ© ; mĂȘme le chauffeur ne l'avait pas saluĂ©e comme il se devait lorsqu'elle s'Ă©tait approchĂ©e. Ignorant sa prĂ©sence, Madisyn est passĂ©e devant lui, la posture droite et rĂ©solue. Le chauffeur, la rattrapant avec un soupçon d'urgence dans ses pas, a appelĂ© : « Madisyn, on m'a dit de te conduire Ă ta destination. » Madisyn s'est arrĂȘtĂ©e, se tournant lĂ©gĂšrement pour donner sa rĂ©ponse, son ton glacial : « Pas la peine. Ă partir de maintenant, je ne veux plus rien avoir Ă faire avec la famille Chapman. » Sur ces derniers mots, elle a hĂ©lĂ© un taxi et a indiquĂ© au chauffeur l'adresse que Jeffry lui avait envoyĂ©e sur son tĂ©lĂ©phone. La destination Ă©tait un village humble et dĂ©labrĂ©, loin de l'opulence qu'elle avait connue. En arrivant, elle a remarquĂ© l'Ă©tat de dĂ©labrement de la maison de ses parents biologiques, l'air rempli de cris Ă©touffĂ©s qui lui ont serrĂ© le cĆur. En entrant, elle a vu beaucoup de monde. Le contraste Ă©tait saisissant. Un homme vĂȘtu d'un costume propre et Ă©lĂ©gant, entourĂ© de gardes du corps, se tenait devant un couple en pleurs, vĂȘtu d'un simple costume de paysan. Alors que Madisyn contemplait ce tableau surrĂ©aliste, l'homme s'est retournĂ©, les yeux remplis de rouge et d'incrĂ©dulitĂ©. Il s'est prĂ©cipitĂ© vers elle, les bras grands ouverts. « Ma fille, c'est bien toi! Je ne peux pas croire que tu sois vraiment vivante! » La voix de l'homme grand et imposant s'est brisĂ©e sous le coup de l'Ă©motion. Madisyn est restĂ©e bouche bĂ©e. Qui Ă©tait cet homme et pourquoi agissait-il de la sorte ? Madisyn a absorbĂ© les regards larmoyants du couple de paysans devant elle. Sa voix, tremblante de confusion, a finalement rompu le silence. « Maman, papa, qu'est-ce qui se passe?» Le fermier a soupirĂ© lourdement, sa voix Ă©tant fatiguĂ©e par le poids de vĂ©ritĂ©s inavouĂ©es. « Madisyn, nous ne sommes pas tes vĂ©ritables parents. Jenna est la fille lĂ©gitime des Chapman, mais toi, tu n'es pas la nĂŽtre. Notre bĂ©bĂ© est mort-nĂ©. » Il a marquĂ© une pause, faisant un geste vers l'homme bien habillĂ©. « Cet homme est ton vrai pĂšre. » Madisyn a regardĂ© l'Ă©tranger, notant les similitudes indĂ©niables entre leurs traits. L'homme a sorti un document de sa mallette, sa main tremblant lĂ©gĂšrement. « Madisyn, quand je t'ai vue pour la premiĂšre fois Ă l'hĂŽpital, quelque chose en toi m'a interpellĂ©, mĂȘme si je l'ai Ă©cartĂ© Ă ce moment-là », a-t-il expliquĂ©, la voix Ă©tranglĂ©e par l'Ă©motion. « AprĂšs avoir entendu parler des retrouvailles des Chapman avec leur vraie fille, j'ai voulu savoir s'il n'y avait pas eu une erreur. Ce test de paternitĂ© a confirmĂ© mes soupçons. Tu es bien ma fille. » En prenant le rapport, Madisyn a vu noir sur blanc la preuve indĂ©niable. D'ailleurs, mĂȘme sans cela, leur ressemblance en disait long. La rĂ©ponse de la jeune femme Ă©tait un silence rempli de pensĂ©es tumultueuses. Cette rĂ©vĂ©lation, ce nouveau rebondissement dans son rĂ©cit dĂ©jĂ complexe, l'a submergĂ©e. L'homme a continuĂ© : « C'est beaucoup de choses Ă assimiler, je sais. Mais voici la vĂ©ritĂ©. La nuit de ta naissance, une erreur tragique s'est produite au sein de l'hĂŽpital. Ă cause de la nĂ©gligence d'une infirmiĂšre, trois familles ont vu leurs vies s'entremĂȘler sans le savoir. L'enfant de ce couple a Ă©tĂ© dĂ©clarĂ© mort-nĂ© et nous a Ă©tĂ© remis par erreur, tu as fini chez les Chapman, et Jenna a Ă©tĂ© amenĂ©e ici. » « Ta mĂšre et moi Ă©tions dĂ©vastĂ©s, pensant que nous t'avions perdue », a-t-il ajoutĂ©, les yeux humides. « Tu ne peux pas savoir Ă quel point cela a affectĂ© ta mĂšre. Elle attend anxieusement Ă l'hĂŽtel, espĂ©rant enfin te rencontrer. » TouchĂ©e par sa sincĂ©ritĂ©, Madisyn a hochĂ© lentement la tĂȘte, son regard se portant Ă nouveau sur les fermiers. La voix de l'homme en costume s'est adoucie lorsqu'il a promis : « Tout cela n'Ă©tait qu'un accident. Ils sont eux aussi des victimes. J'ai l'intention de leur offrir une compensation pour leur perte. » Le fermier a fait un signe de la main dĂ©daigneux, mais sa voix est restĂ©e ferme. « Nous n'avons pas besoin de compensation, la vĂ©ritĂ© nous suffit. » Il y avait dans la voix du fermier une pointe de lassitude mĂȘlĂ©e Ă une subtile dĂ©sillusion. Sa relation avec Jenna, la fille que sa femme et lui avaient Ă©levĂ©e comme leur propre fille, s'Ă©tait dĂ©tĂ©riorĂ©e aprĂšs qu'elle avait retrouvĂ© sa famille biologique ; elle avait cessĂ© toute communication avec eux. « Vous devriez rentrer chez vous maintenant. Votre famille sera enfin rĂ©unie, ne perdez pas votre temps ici », a-t-il dit, son expression mĂȘlant tristesse et dĂ©tachement, tandis qu'il guidait Madisyn et l'homme en costume vers la porte. Madisyn a suivi l'homme en costume jusqu'Ă une rutilante Rolls-Royce garĂ©e sur le trottoir. L'opulence du vĂ©hicule contrastait fortement avec la modeste maison dont elle venait de sortir. « Madisyn, moi c'est Glenn Johns, ton pĂšre. Ă partir de maintenant, je suis lĂ pour toi ; n'hĂ©site pas Ă me demander ce dont tu as besoin », a dit l'homme en costume, d'une voix douce mais ferme. La prise de conscience s'est faite lentement : Glenn Johns n'Ă©tait pas seulement un homme riche, il Ă©tait le PDG du Groupe Johns, l'homme le plus riche de Gemond. Les implications de sa nouvelle lignĂ©e ont commencĂ© Ă s'installer, lourdes et profondes. Madisyn a acquiescĂ© lentement. L'HĂŽtel d'Alpenglow Ă©tait le plus luxueux de Gemond. Jenna, vĂȘtue d'une robe Chanel fluide, incarnait l'Ă©lĂ©gance lorsqu'elle est entrĂ©e dans le grand hall d'entrĂ©e avec ses parents. L'occasion Ă©tait capitale ; Phyllis venait d'apprendre que Lynda Johns, vice-prĂ©sidente de l'Association Nationale de Danse et juge de la compĂ©tition nationale, Ă©tait en ville. Phyllis avait vite compris que le fait d'ĂȘtre sous la tutelle de Lynda pouvait permettre Ă Jenna de remporter le championnat. Dans cette optique, elle avait fait habiller Jenna de ses plus beaux atours et l'avait emmenĂ©e en vitesse Ă l'hĂŽtel. Mais Ă leur arrivĂ©e, une surprise les attendait. De l'autre cĂŽtĂ© du hall, Madisyn se tenait debout, habillĂ©e simplement d'un T-shirt et d'un jean, mais elle se comportait avec une grĂące posĂ©e qui semblait attirer les regards. Ă cĂŽtĂ© d'elle se trouvait un homme en costume, dont la prĂ©sence Ă©tait impressionnante, mĂȘme si Phyllis ne voyait pas les traits de celui-ci. « Madisyn?Qu'est-ce qu'elle fait ici?», a murmurĂ© Phyllis sous sa respiration, son ton mĂȘlant confusion et agacement. Chapitre 3 Sa vraie famille « La nouvelle de l'arrivĂ©e de Mme Johns a sans doute Ă©tĂ© divulguĂ©e », a dĂ©clarĂ© Jenna avec une façade d'innocence, sa voix Ă©tant basse et teintĂ©e de curiositĂ©. « On dirait que Madisyn veut aussi apprendre de Mme Johns qui ne sait peut-ĂȘtre pas encore que Madisyn a Ă©tĂ© chassĂ©e de chez nous. On dirait que nous pourrions toutes les deux finir par devenir ses Ă©lĂšves! » Le visage de Phyllis s'est assombri d'inquiĂ©tude aux paroles de Jenna. Elle s'est prĂ©cipitĂ©e, son intention Ă©tant claire : intercepter Madisyn avant qu'elle n'ait pu Ă©tablir des relations influentes. Mais Madisyn se dirigeait dĂ©jĂ rapidement vers la Salle d'Ămeraude, la salle la plus exclusive et la plus privĂ©e de l'hĂŽtel. Phyllis est restĂ©e perplexe. Pourquoi Madisyn se rendrait-elle dans la Salle d'Ămeraude ? Jenna, rattrapĂ©e par son retard, a partagĂ© la surprise de sa mĂšre. « Maman, cette salle n'est pas ouverte Ă tout le monde. On dirait que Madisyn a plus de contacts qu'on ne le pensait. Elle doit avoir des amis trĂšs impressionnants. » « Quel genre d'amis pourrait-elle bien avoir?», a marmonnĂ© Phyllis avec amertume, son esprit s'emballant avec des hypothĂšses dĂ©favorables. Le dĂ©goĂ»t l'a momentanĂ©ment envahie alors que Phyllis Ă©tait aux prises avec ces pensĂ©es, mais elle n'a pas eu le temps de s'y attarder. Avec un sentiment d'urgence, elle a sorti son tĂ©lĂ©phone et a appelĂ© Lynda. « Toutes mes excuses, je suis en train de traiter une affaire urgente. » La voix de Lynda Ă©tait dĂ©tachĂ©e et vive au tĂ©lĂ©phone avant qu'elle ne mette fin Ă l'appel. Jenna Ă©tant accablĂ©e par le dĂ©couragement, son moral a chutĂ© et elle s'est masquĂ© le visage avec ses mains, des larmes coulant entre ses doigts. Jeffry l'a enlacĂ©e, sa voix empreinte d'une douce assurance. « Jenna, ne t'inquiĂšte pas. Nous aurons d'autres occasions. Nous trouverons un autre moyen. » Pendant ce temps, Lynda a reposĂ© son tĂ©lĂ©phone sur le coussin Ă cĂŽtĂ© d'elle. Son frĂšre Glenn avait organisĂ© une rĂ©union de famille immĂ©diate aprĂšs la dĂ©couverte de sa fille perdue de vue depuis longtemps. « Madisyn a dĂ» traverser beaucoup d'Ă©preuves au fil des ans », a dĂ©clarĂ© Kristine Johns, assise Ă©lĂ©gamment Ă cĂŽtĂ© de Lynda. Elle avait des traits remarquables, un maquillage exquis et Ă©tait habillĂ©e d'une robe luxueuse. Bien qu'elle renvoie l'image d'une dame raffinĂ©e, son expression trahissait une profonde inquiĂ©tude. Lynda a rĂ©pondu pensivement : « J'ai entendu dire que son ancienne famille l'avait bien traitĂ©e. Elle n'a peut-ĂȘtre pas Ă©tĂ© confrontĂ©e aux difficultĂ©s que nous imaginons. » La rĂ©ponse de Kristine Ă©tait empreinte de conviction. « Il est essentiel que nous lui apportions notre chaleur et notre soutien. » Lynda a caressĂ© affectueusement la tĂȘte de Kristine, fiĂšre du bon caractĂšre de son Ă©lĂšve. Cette derniĂšre avait Ă©tĂ© adoptĂ©e par la famille Johns. L'accueil qu'elle a rĂ©servĂ© Ă Madisyn a mis en Ă©vidence son esprit gĂ©nĂ©reux et sa gentillesse. Elle n'avait pas peur que le retour de Madisyn menace son statut. Dans un coin, Elaine Johns Ă©tait assise tranquillement, le regard fixĂ© sur la porte, impatiente et dans l'expectative. Kristine a perçu l'intensitĂ© du regard d'Elaine et s'est sentie mal Ă l'aise. Enfin, la porte s'est ouverte, la jeune femme qui entrait Ă©tait magnifique, ses traits exquis et distants reflĂ©tant ceux d'Elaine de maniĂšre suffisamment frappante pour affirmer leur parentĂ©. Kristine a ressenti un vide inexplicable Ă cette vue. Elaine, incapable de contenir ses Ă©motions plus longtemps, s'est Ă©lancĂ©e en avant. « Ma fille! », s'est-elle exclamĂ©e en serrant Madisyn dans ses bras, ses larmes coulant Ă flots. Madisyn est restĂ©e momentanĂ©ment abasourdie par l'intensitĂ© de l'accueil, ses mains tapotant avec hĂ©sitation le dos d'Elaine. Elle sentait naĂźtre en elle une nouvelle chaleur, une chaleur familiale. C'Ă©tait donc ça, avoir une famille aimante. « Laisse Madisyn s'asseoir d'abord », a dit Glenn d'une voix douce. Alors qu'ils s'installaient dans le canapĂ©, Elaine s'est accrochĂ©e Ă Madisyn, essayant de stabiliser sa voix Ă travers ses larmes. « Madisyn, je suis dĂ©solĂ©e qu'il nous ait fallu autant de temps pour te retrouver. Tu as dĂ» endurer tellement de choses. » « Je... Ăa va, ça va. Je vais bien. » Les larmes d'Elaine, chaudes et sincĂšres, ont coulĂ© sur la main de Madisyn, laissant celle-ci quelque peu dĂ©semparĂ©e. TouchĂ©e par une telle dĂ©monstration de sincĂ©ritĂ©, elle a gentiment rassurĂ© Elaine : « Ne pleure pas, maman. Nous sommes ensemble maintenant. » Le terme « maman » a semblĂ© susciter une joie profonde chez Elaine, dont la voix s'est mise Ă trembler lorsqu'elle a rĂ©pondu : « Oui, tu es de retour. Et je promets de tout arranger. » Glenn a observĂ© l'Ă©change avec un sourire radieux, son impatience Ă©tant palpable lorsqu'il a regardĂ© Madisyn. Sentant le poids de son regard, la jeune femme s'est tournĂ©e vers lui. « Hum... Papa. » « Nous sommes si heureux d'ĂȘtre rĂ©unis avec toi, ma Madisyn. » Glenn rayonnait, son visage s'illuminant de bonheur, une expression rare de pure joie. « Laisse-moi te prĂ©senter Ă notre famille. Voici ta tante Lynda. » Lynda a observĂ© Madisyn, lui adressant un lĂ©ger signe de tĂȘte en guise de reconnaissance. Madisyn lui a rendu le geste avec une chaleur polie. Puis c'Ă©tait au tour de Kristine. Le sourire de celle-ci Ă©tait radieux lorsqu'elle s'est adressĂ©e Ă Madisyn. « J'attendais depuis si longtemps de pouvoir enfin le dire ; j'ai maintenant une sĆur dont je peux me vanter. » Elaine est intervenue, la voix teintĂ©e d'une pointe d'hĂ©sitation : « Voici Kristine. Son pĂšre Ă©tait un ami proche de ton pĂšre. Kristine a perdu ses parents quand elle Ă©tait enfant, et nous l'avons recueillie. Si cela te met mal Ă l'aise... » « Ce n'est pas grave. » Madisyn l'a interrompue doucement, comprenant ce qu'elle voulait dire. « Tu as aussi trois frĂšres, mais ils ne sont pas lĂ pour l'instant. Nous ferons en sorte que tu les rencontres plus tard! » Elaine a continuĂ©, un sourire illuminant son visage alors qu'elle observait le hochement de tĂȘte de Madisyn qui acceptait. Glenn a pris son tĂ©lĂ©phone. « Ăa a sans doute Ă©tĂ© dur pour toi pendant toutes ces annĂ©es, Madisyn. Commençons par Ă©changer nos numĂ©ros », a-t-il suggĂ©rĂ©. Elaine s'est empressĂ©e de lui emboĂźter le pas en sortant aussi son tĂ©lĂ©phone. « Ăchange ton numĂ©ro avec moi aussi », a-t-elle ajoutĂ© avec empressement. AprĂšs que Madisyn a Ă©changĂ© ses numĂ©ros avec eux, son tĂ©lĂ©phone a bourdonnĂ© de deux notifications. Son pĂšre lui avait envoyĂ© dix millions de dollars par le biais de Venmo, et sa mĂšre avait fait de mĂȘme. Glenn a souri, sa voix empreinte d'une gĂ©nĂ©rositĂ© dĂ©sinvolte. « Voici un peu d'argent de poche de la part de maman et papa. Si ce n'est pas assez pour toi, fais-le-moi savoir. » La chaleur d'Elaine n'a pas faibli. « Et j'ai choisi des vĂȘtements pour toi. Tu pourras les essayer quand nous rentrerons Ă la maison! » Ce tourbillon de gĂ©nĂ©rositĂ© n'Ă©tait pas familier Ă Madisyn, mais il lui apportait une chaleur qu'elle n'avait jamais connue. Mais Kristine se sentait Ă la fois mal Ă l'aise et choquĂ©e. Glenn et Elaine venaient de transfĂ©rer en toute dĂ©contraction vingt millions de dollars Ă Madisyn, une somme qui Ă©clipsait sa propre allocation mensuelle, relativement modeste. Ătait-ce parce que Madisyn Ă©tait leur enfant biologique et qu'elle avait Ă©tĂ© adoptĂ©e ? Chapitre 4 Son frĂšre Pendant tout le repas, Elaine et Glenn se sont relayĂ©s pour dĂ©poser de la nourriture dans l'assiette de Madisyn, la nourriture empilĂ©e ressemblant Ă une petite montagne. Lorsque Madisyn a tout fini, son estomac Ă©tait plein. C'Ă©tait un vĂ©ritable flot d'affection, inĂ©dit et rĂ©confortant, qui s'exprimait Ă travers chaque plat offert par ses parents. La sonnerie soudaine du tĂ©lĂ©phone de Glenn a coupĂ© court Ă ce moment. Il a jetĂ© un coup d'Ćil Ă l'identifiant de l'appelant et un large sourire s'est dessinĂ© sur son visage. « Madisyn, c'est l'un de tes frĂšres aĂźnĂ©s qui est en ligne, le plus jeune d'entre eux. Il est impatient de te rencontrer. » Il a rĂ©pondu Ă l'appel vidĂ©o, et une voix dĂ©bordante d'enthousiasme s'est fait entendre. « Tu l'as retrouvĂ©e?J'ai hĂąte de la voir! » Glenn a jetĂ© un coup d'Ćil Ă Madisyn, qui a fait un timide signe de tĂȘte, ce qui a incitĂ© Glenn Ă orienter le tĂ©lĂ©phone vers elle. « La voilĂ , ta petite sĆur, Madisyn. » « Ouais, on est vraiment de la mĂȘme famille! » Le visage Ă l'Ă©cran s'est illuminĂ© d'un sourire malicieux. Le cĆur de Madisyn a sautĂ© un battement lorsqu'elle a reconnu Waylon, une cĂ©lĂšbre star de cinĂ©ma laurĂ©ate d'un prix. En un instant, son univers s'est Ă©largi, ses liens familiaux s'Ă©tant Ă©tendus Ă des domaines qu'elle n'avait jamais imaginĂ©s. « Salut », a dit Madisyn, sa voix n'Ă©tant qu'un doux chuchotement. L'excitation de Waylon Johns a traversĂ© le tĂ©lĂ©phone. « Madisyn, je suis coincĂ© sur le plateau en ce moment, donc je ne peux pas revenir, mais je t'enverrai bientĂŽt quelque chose de spĂ©cial! » Son affection Ă©tait Ă©vidente. MalgrĂ© leur lien biologique rĂ©cemment dĂ©couvert, la chaleur de Waylon Ă©tait authentique et immĂ©diate. Waylon et ses frĂšres espĂ©raient depuis longtemps avoir une petite sĆur. Ils avaient bien Kristine, mais elle avait Ă©tĂ© adoptĂ©e par leurs parents alors qu'elle n'Ă©tait plus un bĂ©bĂ©, et elle n'Ă©tait pas liĂ©e Ă eux par le sang, ce qui faisait qu'ils n'Ă©taient pas si proches. Waylon s'est alors tournĂ© vers l'homme noble et distant qui se trouvait Ă ses cĂŽtĂ©s. « Andrew, voici ma sĆur. N'est-elle pas adorable?» Andrew Klein, connu pour sa rĂ©serve et sa prestance, a jetĂ© un coup d'Ćil Ă l'Ă©cran. DĂšs qu'il a vu la jeune fille sur l'Ă©cran, son regard jusqu'alors dĂ©contractĂ© s'est instantanĂ©ment figĂ©. Les longs cheveux souples de Madisyn descendaient sur ses Ă©paules et ses traits dĂ©licats, qui reflĂ©taient remarquablement les traits de la famille Johns, Ă©taient trĂšs sĂ©duisants. Ses yeux ambrĂ©s, empreints d'un soupçon de paresse et d'indiffĂ©rence, semblaient apaiser quiconque entrait en contact avec sa vue. Les yeux d'Andrew Ă©taient profonds. Madisyn est restĂ©e calme pendant l'appel vidĂ©o, mais la rĂ©action de Kristine a Ă©tĂ© moins contrĂŽlĂ©e. Ă la mention de « Andrew », le corps de cette derniĂšre s'est raidi, ses yeux s'Ă©tant fixĂ©s sur l'Ă©cran oĂč Andrew apparaissait plus frappant que jamais. Son attitude distante lui a fait soupçonner qu'il n'accorderait pas beaucoup d'attention Ă Madisyn. « Salut. » La salutation d'Andrew Ă©tait brĂšve, sa voix basse. Kristine a ressenti un malaise, ses ongles s'enfonçant dans sa paume. Elle s'est rassurĂ©e silencieusement en se disant que le salut d'Andrew n'Ă©tait qu'une formalitĂ©. Madisyn a rĂ©pondu par un hochement de tĂȘte poli, son attitude Ă©tant calme et dĂ©tachĂ©e. Waylon a continuĂ© Ă bavarder au tĂ©lĂ©phone avec Madisyn jusqu'Ă ce que Glenn intervienne, lui rappelant de ne pas priver Madisyn de son repas. MĂȘme si son pĂšre lui a raccrochĂ© au nez, Waylon Ă©tait visiblement ravi, se retournant vers Andrew avec un sourire. « C'est ma petite sĆur perdue de vue depuis longtemps. N'est-elle pas adorable?Il faut que je finisse vite et que j'aille la retrouver. » Il lui a ensuite lancĂ© une invitation dĂ©contractĂ©e. « Andrew, tu veux venir avec moi?» Il savait qu'Andrew Ă©vitait gĂ©nĂ©ralement de se rendre Ă la rĂ©sidence de la famille Johns en raison de l'affection manifeste de Kristine. Il y avait eu un ancien arrangement concernant un mariage potentiel entre la famille Johns et la famille Klein, mais il s'agissait simplement d'un accord verbal conclu par les aĂźnĂ©s. Les Klein, une famille importante de la ville d'Ansport, Ă©taient bien supĂ©rieure en statut et en influence aux Johns de Gemond, et Kristine semblait encore plus dĂ©lirante lorsqu'elle s'accrochait Ă l'idĂ©e d'Ă©pouser Andrew. Andrew, le regard intense et distant, lui a rĂ©pondu nonchalamment : « Bien sĂ»r, ça fait un moment que je n'ai pas vu tes parents. » Waylon a clignĂ© des yeux, dĂ©contenancĂ© par l'acceptation inattendue d'Andrew. Ătait-il vraiment sĂ©rieux ? Chapitre 5 La sotte arrogante Ă la fin du repas, tous les membres de la famille Johns se sont dirigĂ©s vers leur vaste manoir, qui Ă©clipsait la villa plus simple de la famille Chapman, tant par son ampleur que par sa splendeur. La propriĂ©tĂ© dĂ©gageait une Ă©lĂ©gance royale, Ă l'image d'un chĂąteau par sa grandeur. Elaine a impatiemment escortĂ© Madisyn Ă travers les vastes couloirs jusqu'Ă une chambre spĂ©cialement prĂ©parĂ©e. La chambre Ă©tait une vĂ©ritable vision de la grĂące fĂ©minine, dĂ©corĂ©e de teintes dĂ©licates et d'ornements bien pensĂ©s, qui rendaient Madisyn muette Ă cause de son ambiance trop fĂ©minine. Au milieu de cette retraite enchanteresse, Elaine a regardĂ© Madisyn avec des yeux pleins d'attente et lui a demandĂ© doucement : « Madisyn, est-ce que c'est Ă ton goĂ»t?» « Oui, j'adore », a rĂ©pondu Madisyn, la voix teintĂ©e d'un soupçon d'impuissance. Elaine Ă©tait ravie et lui a serrĂ© la main avec douceur. « C'est trĂšs agrĂ©able! Si tu as besoin de quoi que ce soit, tu n'as qu'Ă me le dire », a-t-elle dit, pĂ©tillante de joie. « Maintenant, laisse-moi te montrer la garde-robe que ton pĂšre et moi avons choisie pour toi! » Elaine a ouvert les portes de l'armoire d'un geste majestueux. Les yeux de Madisyn se sont Ă©carquillĂ©s devant la multitude de robes exquises et opulentes qui scintillaient sous l'Ă©clairage tamisĂ©. « Ce n'est que le dĂ©but. Il y en a d'autres qui arriveront demain », a annoncĂ© Elaine. « Merci, maman, mais n'est-ce pas un peu trop?», a demandĂ© Madisyn. Elaine a Ă©clatĂ© de rire, Ă©cartant l'inquiĂ©tude. « Oh, jamais! Une fille n'a jamais trop de robes. Cet aprĂšs-midi, nous allons faire du shopping pour que tu puisses ajouter tout ce qui te plaira! », a-t-elle dĂ©clarĂ© avec un sourire gĂ©nĂ©reux. Madisyn, bien que dĂ©passĂ©e, a ressenti une profonde chaleur dans les gestes qui l'entouraient. Elaine avait l'intention d'attendre quelques jours avant de changer le nom de Madisyn. Mais celle-ci, sentant l'amour sincĂšre d'Elaine et de Glenn, ne voyait aucune raison d'attendre. L'aprĂšs-midi mĂȘme, ils se sont rendus Ă la mairie locale, oĂč Madisyn a officiellement adoptĂ© le nom de famille Johns, devenant Madisyn Johns. Une fois les formalitĂ©s lĂ©gales accomplies, Elaine a serrĂ© la main de Madisyn, la voix pleine d'excitation. « ChĂ©rie, allons faire du shopping et voyons ce qui attire ton attention. » Glenn les a observĂ©es d'un regard tendre, avec du regret dans le ton. « Amusez-vous bien toutes les deux. J'ai du travail cet aprĂšs-midi et je ne peux pas vous accompagner. VoilĂ dix millions, faites-vous plaisir, peu importe ce que vous trouverez. » S'adaptant au style de vie fastueux de ses parents, Madisyn a remerciĂ© Glenn et a pris la gĂ©nĂ©reuse somme. Il lui a tapotĂ© la tĂȘte avec amour, ses yeux dĂ©bordant d'affection paternelle. Le Mall de Moonshine Ă©tait le centre commercial de luxe le mieux classĂ© de Gemond. Elaine a conduit Madisyn Ă la boutique chic de Chanel, les yeux brillants d'excitation alors qu'elle imaginait sa fille dans chaque piĂšce. Rapidement, elle a choisi une collection de vĂȘtements. « ChĂ©rie, essaie-les. S'ils te conviennent, nous les prendrons tous. » Madisyn, qui se sentait un peu dĂ©passĂ©e, a acquiescĂ© et a rassemblĂ© les vĂȘtements. Alors qu'elle se dirigeait vers la cabine d'essayage, elle a remarquĂ© que Phyllis et Jenna s'approchaient. Jenna, manifestement de mauvaise humeur, a Ă©tĂ© amenĂ©e par Phyllis pour se livrer Ă une thĂ©rapie de shopping. Sa surprise de voir Madisyn Ă©tait Ă©vidente. « Madisyn! », s'est-elle exclamĂ©e, sa voix rĂ©sonnant d'incrĂ©dulitĂ©. Elaine, qui s'est retournĂ©e Ă la voix, a reconnu le couple instantanĂ©ment. Elle s'est radoucie, connaissant le rĂŽle important de la famille Chapman dans l'Ă©ducation de Madisyn. Pour rendre la pareille, Glenn avait dĂ©jĂ acceptĂ© de travailler avec l'entreprise de la famille Chapman, et il Ă©tait retournĂ© Ă l'entreprise un peu plus tĂŽt pour rencontrer Jeffry et discuter de la coopĂ©ration. Alors qu'Elaine prĂ©parait un accueil chaleureux, prĂ©voyant mĂȘme de payer les courses de Phyllis et de Jenna en signe de bonne volontĂ©, le ton de cette derniĂšre a changĂ© brusquement. « Madisyn, que fais-tu ici?Nous sommes dans une boutique Chanel. Est-ce que tu peux te permettre quoi que ce soit?» Phyllis a regardĂ© attentivement Madisyn, son visage s'assombrissant au fur et Ă mesure qu'elle se souvenait de la scĂšne Ă laquelle elle avait assistĂ© Ă l'HĂŽtel d'Alpenglow plus tĂŽt dans la journĂ©e. « Madisyn, pourquoi tu n'es pas avec tes parents pauvres?Tu achĂštes des produits de luxe ici, oĂč as-tu trouvĂ© cet argent?» Madisyn, le visage figĂ© dans un masque de dĂ©tachement glacial, a rĂ©pondu sans la moindre chaleur : « Mes affaires ne vous regardent plus. » L'opinion de Madisyn sur la famille Chapman a pris forme Ă ce moment-lĂ , reflĂ©tant des annĂ©es de loyautĂ© non rĂ©ciproque. Elle avait Ă©levĂ© leur modeste entreprise au rang de centrale cotĂ©e en bourse, pensant qu'elle avait remboursĂ© la dette de gratitude pour l'avoir Ă©levĂ©e. Pourtant, les Chapman n'Ă©taient pas conscients de son aide. L'expression d'Elaine est devenue sĂ©vĂšre alors qu'elle absorbait la duretĂ© des mots de Phyllis. La famille qu'elle avait imaginĂ©e comme faisant partie du passĂ© de Madisyn Ă©tait loin de la rĂ©alitĂ© qui se prĂ©sentait Ă elle. Ils traitaient Madisyn non pas avec une attention familiale, mais avec une franche hostilitĂ©. « Excusez-moi, j'ai cru comprendre que cette jeune femme Ă©tait autrefois une fille pour vous, mais pourquoi la traitez-vous ainsi maintenant?», est intervenue Elaine, incapable de retenir sa consternation. Avec un public maintenant prĂ©sent, Phyllis a expirĂ© profondĂ©ment, son visage Ă©tant un masque de rĂ©signation douloureuse. « En effet, elle Ă©tait une fille pour moi autrefois. Mais je dois vous avertir, madame, de ne pas vous laisser abuser par sa façade. Elle a profĂ©rĂ© de nombreux mensonges et a mĂȘme volĂ© de l'argent Ă notre famille. C'est une honte! » Elle a poursuivi, la voix chargĂ©e d'une feinte dĂ©tresse : « Ma dĂ©ception a Ă©tĂ© profonde et je n'ai eu d'autre choix que de l'Ă©loigner de notre famille, malgrĂ© les annĂ©es que nous avons passĂ©es Ă l'Ă©lever. » Phyllis Ă©tait dĂ©terminĂ©e Ă dĂ©peindre Madisyn sous le pire jour possible, en s'assurant qu'aucune dame fortunĂ©e ne penserait du bien de Madisyn, de peur que le bruit ne se rĂ©pande qu'elle a Ă©tĂ© trop sĂ©vĂšre avec cette fausse fille. Pour rendre ses paroles plus convaincantes, elle s'est mĂȘme tamponnĂ© les yeux, simulant des larmes pour souligner son prĂ©tendu dĂ©sespoir. Phyllis Ă©tait en train de la discrĂ©diter devant sa propre mĂšre. L'expression de Madisyn s'est durcie, une Ă©tincelle dangereuse s'allumant dans son regard lorsqu... ...... ==== Madisyn a dĂ©couvert avec stupeur qu'elle n'Ă©tait pas l'enfant biologique de ses parents. Ă cause des manigances de la vraie fille, elle a Ă©tĂ© mise Ă la porte et est devenue la risĂ©e de tous. Alors qu'on la croyait issue d'une famille de paysans, Madisyn a dĂ©couvert que son vrai pĂšre Ă©tait l'homme le plus riche de la ville et que ses frĂšres Ă©taient des personnalitĂ©s renommĂ©es dans leur domaine respectif. Ils la couvraient d'amour, avant d'apprendre que Madisyn avait sa propre entreprise florissante... Que se passe-t-il ensuite? Le nombre de chapitres affichĂ©s est limitĂ©. Appuyez sur le bouton ci-dessous pour installer notre application et lire les chapitres suivants. 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No | 2024-12-02 19:09 | active | 1951 | 0 | Read next chapter | On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Fun Novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/ | 1,265 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213213030170604 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465911538_1042179871044852_2895115988005728293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hjnNbveddb4Q7kNvgFcV8dY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUlYzkOOi_zKJwNRYoqTUgt&oh=00_AYAP3s7aT5aSI12WlBe9b8igoMiGzHCq-CGyyi8aZH3ltA&oe=67542B2D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fun Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464198210_1335425697867830_3839403089342624662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=98TFq34LZCwQ7kNvgG40uT8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0p4E08cuVi92sb96tnpmm7&oh=00_AYAzcfg2AsEFoDi_h9icDfIHfBCxXpf1wYFmCo6mfvSZ1Q&oe=67542280 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464198210_1335425697867830_3839403089342624662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=98TFq34LZCwQ7kNvgG40uT8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ApvClzotAfR5NlviZ-XCtHq&oh=00_AYDeUosxh4j18us2WYMExP26EixYcaW-9NypDmh4XejEFg&oe=67542280 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read more FREE chaptersđ | This wasnât the first time I received photos of Owen cheating on me. The blonde hair and slender build of the woman kissing him reminded me of my best friend Josie. Could it beâŠ? No, she would never do that to me! With trembling fingers, I dropped my phone. How could my husband cheat on me?! I thought I was the most important person in his life. After 7 horrible years at the orphanage, I was adopted by Owenâs family. I saved Owen's life when we were young. His family was so grateful that they took me in. How could Owen betray me after everything we went through?! We grew up together and were always inseparable. We fell in love and got married when we were 22 years old. I canât believe that was almost 3 years ago now. But Owen had been acting very strange lately. These photos seemed to explain why⊠I had to confront him. âOwen?â I called out. âOwen, where are you?â He didn't answer. He must be upstairs. I walked up the stairs and heard him talking to his friend Simon on the phone. As I was about to knock on the door, I overheard: âNo, I donât think I love her anymore.â His words gave me icy chills. âYou should be happy, Simon. I know you like Noah. If we get a divorce, you can have her.â Owen continued. âHe said...what?â I couldnât believe my ears and cried in my heart, âHow dare he talk about me like that? I wasn't just some object he could give away! â Hearing Owenâs frivolous talk with his friend, I felt sick. I grew up with him and got married for so many years. But he recently acted like a stranger. Did he have a new love? Why did he treat me in such a cruel way?! I was almost to open the door to question him, but suddenly I hesitated, âQuestion him and then what? Do I want divorce? No, I donât think so. Anyway, I have to calm down. At least I need to have a talk with him first. I need to know what happened to our marriage.â So, I quietly made my way back downstairs. I tried to forget about what I heard by preparing dinner. As I was dishing up our pasta, the delightful scent of italian herbs drifted through the house. I heard Owen come downstairs. âJust in time for your dinner, hun!â I said, trying to sound normal. But he was wearing his coat and gelled hair. He looked handsome as ever and ready to leave. I could smell his aftershave - my favorite smell in the world. âWhere are you going? Itâs getting late and dinner is ready.â I said. âDinner with a client. Donât wait for me.â Owen replied and left without hesitation. I sat alone at the table, looking at the food Iâd carefully prepared for him. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I listlessly turned the spaghetti round and round with my fork. I wasnât hungry. After storing away the leftovers, I stared at the TV for a while. Nothing could get my mind off of Owen and whoever that blonde tramp was. I made my way to the bathroom. I washed my mascara stained face and looked at myself in the mirror. Why did he stop loving me? Am I not beautiful enough? Did I not do enough to make him happy? I gave my body a scrutinizing glance, suddenly seeing all the parts of me that werenât perfect. My belly wasnât as flat as it used to be. Maybe I shouldâve had my lips done, like my friend Josie. Mine always used to be fuller than hers. But now she had the plump, luscious lips of a model. After washing up, I went to bed. Dropping my face into my pillow, I felt miserable. I tried to fall asleep, but my mind kept wandering. Where was Owen? And with who? Will he even come home tonight? At 1 am, I finally heard the key turn in the front door. From all the stumbling I could hear Owen was very drunk. I swiftly made my way downstairs to help him to the bedroom. He started kissing me and said a blurry name. I tried to identify what it was. After he repeated it many times, I was shocked. It sounded like... âJoiseâ! âJosieâŠ? Were you with Josie?â I asked with panic in my voice. I helped his heavy body into bed. He grunted some words I couldnât understand. I couldnât believe my husband cheated on me with my best friend. I cried and pleaded with him to see that it was me, not Josie. He pushed me away. As his head hit the pillow, he started snoring right away. Looking at my husband - completely drunk - I didnât recognize the man I knew and loved. I tried to sleep next to him. But it felt like I was lying next to a stranger. I went downstairs and sat on the sofa all night, wide eyed, thinking about what happened between us. The next morning, Owen came downstairs after a shower. I wanted to ask him how he was feeling. He must be hungover. When I got up from the couch, I felt very weak and feverish. The sleepless night must've made me sick. âOwen, are you OK?â I asked as I struggled to walk over to him. I really wanted to hug him. If only for a sense of comfort. He swept my arms away and told me to leave him alone. I was so weak and dizzy, his push made me fall. Owen was stunned for a moment. Then he said coldly, âIf youâre sick, go see a doctor.â I scrambled up to my feet, and looked at him with a shocked expression. Suddenly, his phone rang. As he lifted it to his ear, the screen lit up. I could clearly see who was calling: âJosieâ. Chapter 2 - Hope Noah My heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said âJosieâ. He answered: âHello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.â I couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen. When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldnât hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance. Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend. I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes. It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he wouldâve never let me suffer like this. âIâll pick you up later.â Owen said, ready to go. I grabbed his hand and begged him to stay with me. âPlease, donât leave. I'm sick, Owen. I need to see a doctor. Iâm too weak to be all by myself.â He was very impatient. He said he had some important business to deal with. I couldnât help crying as I watched him leave. My husband and my best friend were betraying me, behind my back. I walked up the stairs slowly, carefully holding on to the railing. I was so weak and fragile. Bed rest was my best option right now. I really needed my husband to take care of me. When we got married, he vowed to me: âIn sickness and in health, in good times and badâ. This was definitely a bad time, and he was nowhere to be seen. When I woke up from my nap, I felt even worse. In my feverish haze, I reached for my phone and tried to call Owen. I opened my recent contacts and found that Owen had not had any calls with me these days at all. I had to open the contact list to look for him, but a few minutes later I dialed out with a headache and dizziness. Almost immediately I heard: âHello, Noah?â The voice on the phone sounded very deep. I figured Owen got a cold after his late night out. âIâm so sick, Iâm so weak. I need to get to the hospital. Please, come back, pleaseâŠâ I pleaded, my voice weak and trembling. âIâll be right there.â Said the voice on the phone and hung up right away. His voice sounded different from before. And his tone was a little urgent. Whatâs wrong? I didnât have enough energy to think about it. At least he might still care about me. That comforted me a lot. Before long, there was a heavy knock on the door. Did Owen leave his key? I opened the door, expecting to look into Owen's gray eyes, but found Raymond's kind, hazel brown eyes instead. What was he doing here? Raymond was Owenâs uncle. He was only several years older, but very mature. He was tall, tanned and handsome. His chocolate brown hair matched his eyes. With his strong, square jaw and muscular body. I always thought Owen was one of the most attractive men I knew. It wasn't until Raymondâs appearance that I realized how dominant the handsome genes are in this family in terms of good looking. After living in Australia for most of his life, he had come back several years ago to take over his familyâs business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single. âDoes Owen know youâre sick?â Raymond said, looking concerned. âHow did you know I'm sick? Do I look that terrible?â I asked, suddenly aware that I was only wearing my little nightgown, had no make-up on and had my hair up in a messy bun. Raymond smiled. âDon't worry, Noah. I got your call earlier.â Oops, I must have pressed the number of âOwenâs Bossâ instead of âOwenâ. I apologized for the inconvenience. âYou are a member of our family, Noah. Itâs my duty to take care of you. And you are never an inconvenience to me.â Raymond said as he took me by the arm to support me. He led me to his streamlined, dark gray Mercedes to drive me to the hospital. I sat down on the cream colored leather seat. His car smelled brand new. The seat was heated, which helped warm me up, but I was still shivering. Raymond took off his suede blazer and handed it to me. His simple act of kindness made me feel warm, inside and out. âThank you, Raymond. This means a lot to me.â I said with a relieved sigh. âOf course, Noah. Whenever you need me, Iâll be there.â He responded. He still had a slight Australian accent. He asked me what happened. I wouldnât have shared my familyâs private problems with another man who I didnât even know very well. But at that time, I was on the very edge of a breakdown. I really needed someone to talk to. Yet when I lost two of my closest persons on the same day, my husband and my best friend, who else could I talk to? âI donât think Owen loves me as much as before. It seems that he has some secrets with another woman, who used to be my best girlfriend. I couldn't sleep all night. I think that's what caused my fever.â I concluded. I was in tears again by the time I finished the story. âHow could they do this to you? You are the best thing that's ever happened to Owen. If he can't see that, he is an even bigger idiot than I thought!â Raymond shouted out. His shocked, angry expression showed me how much he cared. âPlease, don't say a word about this to Owen. I haven't confronted him yet. I need to do this myself.â I responded. We sat quietly for a while, his hand resting very close to my thigh. I felt so weak and miserable. But his presence helped. When seeing the private doctor, I tried to get out of the car but almost fell. Raymond flung an arm around me, just in time to catch me. I blushed as I looked up to him. My face was very close to his. His piercing eyes looked at me with an intensity I hadnât seen before. I smelled something fresh. It might be his aftershave. I remembered Owen also used it, and I always told he that I love what he smelled. But I found Raymondâs aftershave smelled a little special. âRaymond? Noah? What are you doing?!â I suddenly heard Owenâs angry voice. Chapter 3 - Truth Noah Raymond quickly let go of me as Owen approached us. Just before taking a step back. I stumbled over to my husband. I wanted to lean on him for support, but he didnât seem to care about me at all. All I could read on his face was anger. I tried to be strong and stand by myself, shivering with fever. âSo, youâve got a new love, huh? I saw you flirting with my uncle!â Owen spat his angry words at me. I turned pale. How could he say this to me? Especially after what he had done? I wasnât the one who couldnât be trusted! âOwen! How dare you talk to her like that! Itâs not our familyâs manner!â Raymond berated him. He was fuming with rage at the injustice. He also knew about Owen's betrayal. Owen was a little timid when Raymond got angry. Although Raymond was only 31 years old, he had become a successful CEO. He had idolized Raymond when he was a child. And now, Raymond was also his boss. Owen had recently started working at his company. Raymondâs fists were clenched and his tense muscles were visible through his buttoned up shirt. He looked like he was about to hit Owen. I didnât want them to fight over me, so I tried to calm them both down. âRaymond, itâs okay. Owen will take me in to see a doctor. Thank you for driving me here.â I said gratefully. âPlease, donât say anything about Josieâ, I tried to tell him mentally through the look in my eyes. He nodded slightly, as if he understood. He relaxed and his eyes softened when he looked at me. I turned back to my angry husband. I couldnât detect any sign of trust in his eyes. I supposed he should be concerned about my health rather than the relationship between me and Raymond. âOwen, I can explain. I tried to call you, but I was so sick I accidentally dialed Raymondâs number. He brought me to see the doctor. You should be grateful to him. Without him I would still be miserable in bed, all alone.â Owen grabbed me and said, âWell, I was just on my way to come and get you. Then I saw you get out of uncle Raymond's car and âfallâ right into his arms.â He looked at Raymond with an arrogant smirk. âYou can go back to your important job now, uncle. Iâll look after my wife.â Raymondâs eyes were cold, but he respected my wishes. He didn't object. After warning Owen that heâd better take good care of me, he got back in his car and drove off. Although I was glad I could lean on Owen, something didn't feel right. I realized I was still wearing his suede jacket. It was so soft and warm, protecting me from the cold autumn wind. When the doctor dealt with my fever, Owen didnât want to speak to me, let alone look at me. He was engaging himself in typing on his phone. The doctor told me I shouldn't have waited much longer. My fever was so high I could have fainted. After getting examined and taking medicine for my fever, Owen drove me home. We sat next to each other in our car that held many memories. All our road trips and getaways together. Those times were over now. After an uncomfortable silence, I decided to address the elephant in the room. âOwen⊠What is going on? Do you still love me? Do you still regard me as your wife?â I asked. âSo what? Whose wife do you want to be?â Owen hissed. I couldn't believe how horrible he was to me after what he had done. âI know you cheated on me, Owen.â I uttered with pain in my voice. âYouâve been seeing Josie, right?â Owen stopped the car with a jerk and pulled over. We sat in silence for a while as he processed my words. âWhat do you know, Noah?â he pressed, looking me in the eyes at last. I finally confronted him about all the things that had been weighing heavily on my heart. I explained: âSomeone sent me photos of the two of you together. The first time, they didn't show your face. So I didnât want to believe it. But in the ones I received yesterday, it was clearly you. All those nights, when you told me you had to leave town for business... You lied to me. You spent them at a hotel with another woman! Then, last night, you kissed me and called me Josie. And this morning, I saw it was her calling you. You pretended it was a client. âOwen, we have grown up together since we were kids. I always thought we knew each other the most and could trust each other. I canât believe you would cheat me like that!â I cried, âOwen, did you fall in love with another woman... Is she my best friend Josie?!â His eyes showed a moment of doubt. Then, resolution. His mouth tightened as he clenched his jaw. Just when I thought he wouldnât answer, Owen said: âItâs true. I love her. I love Josie.â Chapter 4 - Hurt Noah I just couldn't accept it. I loved him so much. How could he cheat on me? âWhy, Owen? I thought we loved each other. I thought we would be together forever. Did I do something wrong?â I cried. Owen didn't respond. He drove us home in silence. His cruelty was too much for me to bear. I stared at the raindrops on the window. I felt more depressed than ever. That afternoon, Owen left again. I tried having some food and a nap, hoping that would help me heal. But I just couldn't fall asleep until Owen came back home in the early evening. I had to talk to him. I got out of bed and met him at the top of the stairs. âOwen, we need to talk about what happened. You can't keep going out and avoiding me.â He was obviously drunk again. All he said was, âI donât have anything to say to you. I am moving out, Noah. I supposed our years of marriage is a mistake!â I took his hands in mine and begged him to stay and try to work it out. But he shook off my hands and pushed me away. I was standing right on the edge of the staircase. His push made me lose balance, and I tumbled down the stairs. I managed to grab onto the railing so I didnât fall all the way down. But my head hit the wall when I tried to break my fall. I felt my forehead was bleeding. It was so painful that I couldnât get up. I thought Owen would help me, but only heard: âYou lost your footing. Itâs not my fault.â There was a sudden knock on the door. Owen stumbled past me down the stairs. âRaymond? What are you doing here? Now is not a good time.â âI came to ask you what is going on. You need to give me an explanation. You havenât ⊠Noah?â Raymond suddenly saw me sitting on the stairs behind Owen. He pushed Owen aside and ran over to me in alarm. Seeing my messy hair and injured forehead, he instantly knew what happened between us. He punched Owen in the face. âThis is how you treat your wife?! I donât believe you. Donât you see Noah is bleeding? Did you hurt her? What a disgusting thing you smelled! You drunk idiot!â Raymond raged at his nephew. I didnât even have time to explain. Raymond immediately wrapped me up in his suit jacket and took me to see the doctor. âTwice in one day? That must be a record.â The doctor said wearily. I gave her a wry grin and answered, âNot by choiceâŠâ The doctor took care of my wounds. I needed a couple of stitches and had some pretty bad bruises, but I would be okay. Thankfully, I didn't break any bones. It was getting dark outside. The autumn breeze was busy blowing the leaves off the maple trees surrounding the hospital parking lot. Raymond and I made our way back to the car. Our feet rustled through the thick carpet of yellow, brown and scarlet red leaves. After my second - and hopefully last - doctor's visit of the day, we sat next to each other in silence. We were back in his beautiful Mercedes. I could get used to these comfortable, heated seats. I felt a bit embarrassed. Raymond kept on having to save me. At least this time, I was wearing clothes and make-up, and my brown hair was neatly tied in a long, wavy ponytail. âI donât normally need so much help, you know.â I broke the ice. âI happen to be a strong, independent woman most of the time.â Raymond laughed heartily. âJokes aside, I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me.â I continued. âWhy did you come over tonight, Raymond?â âOwen hadnât come to work at the company for days. And I wanted to speak to him about what happened this morning, with you. I tried to call him, but he never answered. I decided to come over. To see for myself what was wrong with him.â Raymond explained. âI just canât believe what he did to you!â He continued. âIf he ever does anything like that again, please tell me. Iâll teach him a lesson.â His stern face showed how much he meant it. I took a deep breath. He had a way of making me feel safe and secure. âThank you, Raymond. Iâm okay now. It was an accident. Owen didnât push me off the stairs on purpose. He didnât mean to hurt me.â I explained. Raymond looked a little angry, but he still carefully drove me home. âGoodbye, Raymond. Thank you again, for everything.â I said with feeling as he hugged me. âBye, Noah. Itâs been my pleasure. Please be safe. Call me if you need anything.â He said. He gently patted me on my head as comfort as if I was a little girl and got back in his car. His simple actions made me feel warm. I thanked him and walked home. I entered the house. It was quiet and dark downstairs. I walked up to our room. When I opened our bedroom door, all I could see was Owen and Josie kissing on the bed. Chapter 5 - The Necklace Noah I couldnât believe my eyes! While the hours I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didnât he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous! Even though I had seen Owen and Josieâs betrayal before in photos, witnessing it in real life was way worse. It felt like a million knives stabbed me in the chest. My heart shattered. âHow dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for Godâs sake!â I cried out. They hadnât heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasnât so devastated, it mightâve been funny. Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josieâs blonde hair was disheveled. They were both in their underwear. Clothes were spread out all over our bedroom floor. I tried to hold back my tears. I didn't want to show them my pain. My crying might come across as weakness. I demanded an explanation. âI donât believe this. Owen! Did you forget I am your wife?! Josie, why did you betray me too?! I treat you as my best friend. How dare you take my husband away from me!â I insisted. Josie hid away in Owenâs arms. Owen comforted her gently, then snapped at me: âYouâve already seen us together anyway, haven't you, Noah?â âI am done with you.â He continued. âOur whole relationship was based on a lie. Josie shouldâve been with me all along!â I didnât understand. âWhat are you talking about, Owen?â He held up a delicate golden necklace with a tear shaped ruby that had been resting on Josieâs collarbone. âRemember this, Noah? The truth has finally come out. It was Josie who saved my life all those years ago, not you. You pretended that it was you in front of my parents. Youâve made her suffer long enough!â I was shocked. Why did Josie have my necklace? I couldn't believe her betrayal. I tried to explain to Owen that I lost that necklace before I was adopted by his family. I told him I would never lie to him. Especially about something so important. But Owen didnât believe me. âJosie,â I cried. âHow could you do this to me? Why would you steal my necklace? You know how much it means to me! Weâve been best friends since the orphanage, havenât we? Does that mean nothing to you?â âNoah, you know this necklace has always belonged to me. I was the one who saved Owen. But you stole my life to be adopted,âJosie played innocent with me, âI should have been the one who grew up with Owen! I see you as my sister, so I never attempted to reveal your lie until Owen found this necklace in my old jewelry box several months ago.â This convinced Owen even more that I had been bullying her. He wrapped his arms around her. Over his shoulder, when he couldnât see, Josie gave me a quick, mean smirk. I knew Josie had a mean side. She always had, even when we were kids. But so far, she had only taken it out on her boyfriends and whoever got on her bad side, not on me. I never thought she might treat me in such a mean way! I had searched everywhere but couldn't find my necklace. It turned out that she was the thief who was always around me. How could she tell such outrageous lies as if it were naturalïŒ I left the bedroom, rushed downstairs and broke down on the couch. Oh, what a nightmare! How could I make Owen see the truth? A little later, Owen and Josie came downstairs, all dressed up again. Josie was wearing her Prada pumps and the sleek, mint green dress I gifted her for her birthday. It accentuated her long legs and slender silhouette. I had to admit, she looked beautiful. I used to dress in a simple way such as simple jeans, white blouse and sneakers. Maybe I looked less attractive compared to Josie. Owen had an arm around Josieâs waist and warned me, âYouâd better stay out of our life from now on. Iâll move to another villa with Josie.â I couldn't believe it. After 3 years of marriage, he trusted her story over mine. And now he wanted nothing to do with me. We used to be happily married. Our whole lives, ever since I saved him, we had been so close. We used to laugh together, cry together, play pranks on each other⊠But now, everything changed, simply because of a necklace. In fact, ânecklaceâ is just an excuse for his betrayal. I didnât believe our years of affection couldnât prove my heart. âNoah, my life was ruined by you. You owe me that.â Josie said. âOne day youâll both regret this. I didnât do anything wrong.â I sobbed. As they walked out, I faintly heard Owen reply: âItâs my fault. I should have found you earlier, or you wouldnât have suffered so much.â I could only guess at his last insult as the door closed behind them. I zoned out in front of the TV and poured myself some of Owenâs whisky. The past couple of days had been the worst of my life ever since I lost my parents. My body and mind had been through so much. I felt numb. I must have fallen asleep on the couch. The sudden loud jingle of my phone ringing woke me up. The bright midmorning sun was shining in through the large windows. Looks like I slept in late. Disoriented, I picked up my phone and saw it was Owen calling. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear. Before I could say a word, I heard Owenâs angry shouting: âHow dare you do this to Josie! Those guys you hired? You must pay for what you have done!â Chapter 6 - Choice Noah âWhat?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what youâre talking about.â I replied to the angry voice on the phone. âMore lies! I canât believe you, Noah. You're despicable!â Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear. âOwen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?â âJosie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!â He ended the call before I could reply. What was this about? Would my life ever go back to normal? I decided to find out what was going on. My fever was over. Although my head still hurt, the wound was healing rapidly. I took a refreshing shower and got into a pencil skirt and light blue blouse. I combed my hair and decided to wear it in natural loose waves today. After a quick breakfast, I slipped into my high heels and coat, and made my way to my car. It was a crisp sunny day. I arrived at the hospital. At least it wasn't me who needed to see the doctor this time. âOh, itâs our âold friendâ.â The nurse said jokingly. I smiled as she directed me to Josieâs room. As soon as I knocked on the door, Owen opened it with an enraged look on his face. âFinally! That took you long enough.â He whispered angrily. âJosie is sleeping.â He came out and gently closed the door behind him. We walked towards the chairs in the hallway. âI have no idea what happened, Owen.â I said honestly. âCan you please tell me what is going on? Some guys attacked her?â âAre you still pretending you weren't behind this? You are unbelievable.â He shook his head, then continued. âJosie was attacked by some hooligans this morning, on her way to work. She shouted out and fainted from fear. Thankfully, a police officer was nearby. He heard her scream. She has a heavy concussion from the fall. She'll have to stay here a few days to recover.â âWhat? That's horrible!â I replied in shock. Although I was angry with Josie, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. âStop your act now, Noah. Those guys were arrested. They told the police someone paid them to kidnap Josie, because she broke up a marriage.â No wonder he doubted me. But I couldnât believe the trust between us was so fragile. âWould you believe me if I swore to you it wasn't me?â I asked with a last glimmer of hope. His reply made it clear to me that there was no hope left for us: âNever again will I believe a single word you say, Noah.â I refused to apologize. I didn't have anything to do with this. If anyone needed to stand out and make an apology, it was them for what they had done to meïŒ On my way out, I contacted a friend who had lots of connections all over the city. I asked her to investigate the situation. I also called the office on my way home, to let them know I was still recovering from my fever and head wound. My boss was understanding. She told me to take as long as I needed. In the evening, Owen came home just as I was about to have dinner. âI didnât prepare your dinner. I guess you would have dinner with Josie?â I said plainly. I didnât know why he came back at this time, but I didnât care about it anymore. He ignored my words and said, âYou still donât want to apologize, right? You have two choices, Noah. Apologize and make amends with Josie, or divorce me and get out of this house!â âJosie is the one who betrayed us both. She lied to you, Owen. She stole my necklace. She is the one who should apologize!â I argued. Owen burst out in rage and slapped me in the face. I stared at him in disbelief. I was totally disappointed. Over the past few days he had hit me, pushed me, cheated on me. He had hurt me in every way. I made up my mind. âI choose divorce.â I said coldly. âGood. My lawyer will contact you in the next morning,âOwen said ruthlessly with a wicked smile, âOh, Iâve prepared another âsurpriseâ for you. Hope you will enjoy it!â | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463746090_1935842656910759_3812755172762740403_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dJhRFpl4HKAQ7kNvgGmP2SG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Akfssf1u3G7i_l0UYvHCnsO&oh=00_AYC7yN4IjpTKO9Fm5lcr_yLmUNj5tjbvE5Z7ULkVPUjJaQ&oe=67543908 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-02 18:48 | active | 1950 | 0 | Download Nowđđđ | The Vampire And His Blood Wife ONLY on Drama Time.đŹ Don't miss out! Watch the series you've been wanting to see. No regrets, just pure entertainment! #Must SeeTV #No Regrets #Watch Now | WATCH_MORE | Romantic Love | https://www.facebook.com/61557838064349/ | 346 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Watch More | 0 | DCO | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460810830_386022504546583_4449310275471778756_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2W-lI3aN5h4Q7kNvgHDqUbF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AuNuODF8nveQUKo4QmnScuJ&oh=00_AYDOrAWhfo6OeBP00KtafPGHiHr2wiHRuEDFd_5Y2LSd-g&oe=67540CF2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Romantic Love | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 19:09 | active | 1951 | 0 | Get 21 Days for JUST $21 đ„ | âI'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..â We train for life. Which is why we have an extensive variety of options for your workouts: â Turf â Strength Training Equipment â Personal Training â OctagonÂź â Mixed Martial Arts Classes â Functional Equipment â Free Weight Room â Cardio Equipment â Bag Room Click Learn More and get 21 days for JUST $21 at UFC Gym in Mamaroneck. Hurry - spots are extremely limited. â ïž | LEARN_MORE | http://fb.me/ | UFC GYM | https://www.facebook.com/UFCGymMamaroneck/ | 1,666 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fb.me | VIDEO | http://fb.me/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451540882_459105737081637_8906452273219997704_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UnhtYyQjX0IQ7kNvgG2l3QH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AjP0-_q6tQfv2q0Uzkn4Wzn&oh=00_AYAcKepndxmhNkjtKX9pwrHBdcQBvdeMwpu295Yf6MJynA&oe=6754411F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | UFC GYM | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 18:48 | active | 1950 | 0 |
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[NEW] GLP-1 Superfood Coffee âïž | đ„°âI hardly ever leave product reviews but this stuff is amazing đ so I had to. I feel AMAZING with the added Green Tea & Yerba Mate energy + ZERO cravings. It tastes fantastic and I'm not missing my coffee because it still has that flavor. Iâm proud to say Iâm down to my goal & staying there easier than ever since using this. My husband is even a huge fan so I just reordered the bulk pack!â - Kelly W | LEARN_MORE | http://drinkbodied.com/pages/superfood1 | Bodied | https://www.facebook.com/drinkbodied/ | 668 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | drinkbodied.com | IMAGE | Join the superfood coffee movement today, 100% happiness guaranteed! | http://drinkbodied.com/pages/superfood1 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465873018_894150819468293_1510908864496956569_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x4-OncWUq-cQ7kNvgEWVVY4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5g8Ge-RdcAN-R4-I-zQ-Jj&oh=00_AYD-YbnOb7r3Wje1X-4d4XorVNfYQ3gmSJnRC8b-DEWmNw&oe=67540E4D | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bodied | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-02 18:48 | active | 1950 | 0 |
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Mom Confronts Mother-in-Lawâs Prejudice Against Adopted Son, Unveils a Long-Buried Family Secret | Mom Confronts Mother-in-Lawâs Prejudice Against Adopted Son, Unveils a Long-Buried Family Secret | LEARN_MORE | https://sportzbonanza.com/mil-treatment-adopted-en | Fox'oclock | https://www.facebook.com/100076064792214/ | 7,097 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | sportzbonanza.com | IMAGE | Amanda Jones adored the vibrant energy of her household, resonating with the cheerful sounds of her three children. A year back, she and her spouse, Ben, joyfully welcomed six-year-old Ethan into their family through adoption. Ethan swiftly integrated into their home, warmly accepted by his older si... | https://sportzbonanza.com/mil-treatment-adopted-en-md/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468945556_1314006623107841_3551033906927626275_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PXg1bffebmMQ7kNvgEkP5Hs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcrFXdo79PZsxb0Cq9ZlJCm&oh=00_AYDRqLRaJ5ZdZGtVBBgA_OFTFKSJBzKzAegJpL1nCJfZdw&oe=67541770 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fox'oclock | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 18:36 | active | 1949 | 0 |
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đ CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY đ It wouldn't be December without a Christmas Giveaway! This year, we are giving one lucky winner a Home Fragrance Gift Box with winner's choice of scents. Gift Set includes a 16oz soy candle, artisan reed diffuser, and a room + linen spray! There are multiple ways to enter: âšïž Make a purchase on our website www.fragrantfarmhouse.com for FIVE entries. âšïž Leave a review on our website, Google, or Facebook for TWO entries. âšïž LIKE this post, FOLLOW @fragrantfarmhouse, and TAG your friends for ONE entry for each tag. We thank you all for sticking around during our transition back to online sales. Lots of you have continued to shop our website, and we APPRECIATE you so much! Keep sharing the love, y'all! Entries close on December 18 at 6pm pst. Not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook. Available to anyone in the US. #Christmas #christmasshopping #christmasgifts #christmasgiftset #homefragrance #homefragrancegiftset #giftset #reeddiffuser #soycandle #roomspray #soycandles #roomandlinenspray #lockefordca #lodica #acampoca #galtca #candleaddict #candleobsessed | SHOP_NOW | http://www.fragrantfarmhouse.com/ | Fragrant Farmhouse | https://www.facebook.com/FragrantFarmhouse/ | 2,401 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | fragrantfarmhouse.com | IMAGE | http://www.fragrantfarmhouse.com/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469023699_935321792031269_3835872246215229972_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xRhHKRSk51gQ7kNvgGdvv7p&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUV6Mh2vH8Mtrc1AuZNkVjs&oh=00_AYCliEtEvbiAnraFfJPO9fchM2JQkrt6Ow8S1iVUG09oIw&oe=675437E8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fragrant Farmhouse | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 20:12 | active | 1952 | 0 |
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He drunkenly hugged her âCall me husband again ......â | đNyla Jayston was in her third month of trying to conceive when she saw a message on her husband Clark Sumner's phone from a contact named "Jordyn Cheatham". Jordyn: [I think my new nightgown is a bit tight. Why don't you come over and check if it fits?] Attached was a selfie of a woman in a deep V-neck red slip dress, her body partly exposed, exuding seduction. Nyla's grip on the phone tightened. She scrolled up and found Clark and Jordyn's previous exchanges to be strictly work-related, which made her frown. 'Was the text sent by mistake? OrâŠ' A hand wrapped around Nyla's waist from behind, breaking her thoughts. Clark pressed his warm body against hers and gently nibbled her earlobe. "Honey, I'm all cleaned up. Do you want to do it on the couch or the bed?" Before Nyla could respond, Clark picked her up and laid her on the couch, his tall frame looming over her. "Since you're not saying anything, I'll choose. Let's do it on the couch," Clark said, his voice husky and his eyes filled with a flicker of fire that made Nyla blush instantly. Nyla was already beautiful, and the slight flush on her cheeks made her look like a tempting, ripe, juicy peach under the light. Clark's gaze grew darker. He leaned in to kiss Nyla, but she suddenly turned her head away. Sensing her resistance, he looked at her with confusion. "Honey, what's wrong?" Clark, usually assertive at work, now looked at Nyla with a mix of confusion and hurt, which softened her heart momentarily. Despite that, she hadn't forgotten the explicit selfie she had just seen. She stopped him with one hand on his chest and held up his phone with the other, showing him the screen. "Explain this first." Clark glanced at the screen and immediately frowned, grabbing the phone to make a call. It was quickly answered. "Mr. Sumner, what can I do for you?" Clark glowered, and his voice turned icy. "I didnât know my secretary started soliciting clients." There was a moment of silence before Jordyn's panicked voice came through. "M-Mr. Sumner, I'm sorry. That message was meant for my boyfriend. I must have sent it to you by mistake..." "Next time it happens, pack your things and leave!" Clark hung up and looked back at Nyla, his expression softening, even showing a hint of grievance. "Honey, she sent it by mistake. If you're still upset, I'll fire her tomorrow. It's late now, so letâs not waste time on someone unworthy. We haven't seen each other in a week. You need to make it up to me tonight." Clark pulled Nyla in for a kiss, but her mood was ruined despite the issue being cleared up. She wasn't in the mood anymore and pushed him away. "I'm tired tonight. Let's continue tomorrow." A flash of disappointment crossed Clark's eyes, but he didn't pressure her. "Alright, you sleep first. I'm not tired yet, so I'll go to the study to handle some work." "Okay." ⊠It started raining heavily in the middle of the night. The sound woke Nyla, and she reached out only to feel the cold space beside her. She glanced at the clockâ3:16 a.m. Nyla wondered whether Clark was still working. She got up, put on a robe, and went to the study, but it was dark and empty. Her grip on the doorknob tightened, and her heart sank. Nylaâs phone suddenly chimed, startling her in the quiet night. Seeing that it was a text from a stranger, she had a gut feeling that reading it would mean no turning back for her and Clark. A thunderclap boomed outside, startling her into accidentally pressing it. [Still awake? Because your husband isn't with you?] [I was scared because of the thunder and power outage, and he came to comfort me.] [Don't you want to know where your husband is?] As Nyla read the messages and the boastful tone, her hands trembled uncontrollably. After a long while, another text came in with an address and a series of digits. Nyla bit her lip, grabbed her car keys, and drove straight there. By the time she reached the villa, it was past 4:00 a.m. She entered the code, and the door unlocked. The living room lights were on. From the entrance to the bedroom door, a man's suit and a woman's lingerie were strewn about, revealing the urgency of their actions. Seeing the torn red nightgown at the bedroom door, Nyla felt a sense of absurdity. Although the distance from the entrance to the bedroom was only a few meters, it felt like an eternity to Nyla. Standing at the bedroom door, she felt light-headed and dizzy. She reached out, trembling, and slowly pushed the slightly open door. The sight of the messy bed and the bared couple entwinedâtheir heavy breathing filling the roomâpierced Nyla's heart. The couple was so engrossed that they didn't notice her standing there. Nyla's hand on the door frame turned white from gripping it too hard, leaving red marks on her palm. She had been with Clark for eight years, from school days to marriage, envied by everyone around them. Until today, she had never imagined betrayal between them. Now, reality dealt her a cruel blow. Even the most sincere wedding vows couldn't withstand a fickle heart. Unable to bear the sight, Nyla turned and stumbled out, driving away. She stopped by a bar on the way and decided to go in. ⊠By the time Valarie Weir arrived, Nyla had already downed two bottles of whiskey, her gaze slightly unfocused. "Valarie, you're here..." Seeing Nyla surrounded by several men, Valarie frowned. "All of you, leave!" "No, they're fine hereâ" "I said, leave!" After driving the men away, Valarie sat next to Nyla. "What happened? Did Clark really cheat on you?" Valarie was Nyla's university roommate and had witnessed Nyla and Clarkâs journey from school to marriage. She had seen Clark treat Nyla well all these years, so she couldn't believe he would cheat. Upon hearing Clarkâs name, Nyla's gaze dimmed, and the heart-wrenching pain came rushing back. "I don't want to hear that name right now." Chapter 2 Nyla downed her drink in one gulp. She had never imagined Clark would betray her. Seeing him in bed with another woman felt like a dagger through her heart. "I just can't believe it. He loved you so much. He didn't seem like the type to cheat. Maybe there's a misunderstanding," Valarie suggested. Nyla let out a cold laugh. "I saw it with my own eyes. How could that be a misunderstanding?" The room fell silent. Watching Nyla drink like there was no tomorrow, Valarie grabbed the glass from her hand. "Even if he cheated, you shouldn't punish yourself by getting drunk. What are you going to do now?" "I'm getting a divorce. Just thinking about him with that woman makes me sick." Upon seeing the defiance in Nylaâs red eyes, Valarie's heart ached. "Don't think about it now. You need to rest. Decide what to do next once youâre calm. I'll take you home." Nyla shook her head. "No... I don't want to go back." Returning to that house would only bring back the sickening images of Clarkâs betrayal. Each recollection made her feel nauseous. Seeing Nylaâs reluctance, Valarie didn't insist. "I'll book you a hotel room then." ⊠After booking a room, Valarie took Nyla to the hotel entrance. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you up?" Nyla shook her head. "No, you go rest. I'll be fine." She waved with the room card and walked into the hotel. Seeing Nyla walk steadily, Valarie finally breathed a sigh of relief and drove away once Nyla was inside the hotel. What she didn't know was that Nyla, when drunk, appeared sober but was actually a mess inside. Nyla entered the elevator, scanned her card, and the elevator began to ascend. Soon, the doors opened with a ding. As Nyla stepped out onto the carpet, her legs almost gave out. She steadied herself against the wall, massaging her aching temples while searching for her room number. The wine was taking its toll, and her vision blurred. She found Room 8919 and tried the card on the door. Hearing no beep, she frowned and was about to push the door when it suddenly opened. Nyla froze. Before she could react, a large hand yanked her into the dark room. The door slammed shut, cutting off the light from the hallway. She was pressed against the door, a man's breath hot against her ear, making her shiver. The familiar scent of pine filled her senses, but before she could place it, she felt the warmth of his lips on hers. "Mmph!" Realizing what was happening, Nyla struggled. Damon was strong, and with the wine dulling her strength, her hands felt weak, almost inviting as she pushed against his chest. Damonâs hands roamed her body, leaving a trail of fire, and her body grew more responsive under his touch. Nyla tried to push him away, but he easily caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Letâ Mmph! Let me goâŠ" He stopped kissing her and chuckled. "No need to play hard to get." His fingers traced her collar, the cool touch making her shudder. His body heat seemed to melt her, and her legs grew weak. In the dark, Nylaâs senses heightened. She felt Damon unbuttoning her clothes, her mouth dry, her last bit of rationality warning her that this was going too far. "Let me go!" She mustered all her strength to push him, but he simply picked her up and threw her onto the bed. The bed was soft, so Nyla didnât feel pain, but the impact made her head spin. She tried to get up, but Damon pinned her down. Soon, her clothes were gone, and they were both nearly bared. He pressed against her, ready. His dominating presence made her tremble. She pushed against his chest, biting her lip to stay calm and clear-headed. "Mister, I think I entered the wrong room. Please let me goâŠ" Nylaâs voice shook with tension. "Tsk!" Damon's voice was impatient, his tone cold. "Still playing?" He was about to get up and kick Nyla out when the room light suddenly came on. Nyla had accidentally hit the light switch in her struggle. The sudden light made Damon squint. He was shocked when he saw the terrified woman beneath him. Nyla, recognizing Damon, felt the blood drain from her face. The fear sobered her instantly. She couldnât believe itâthe man who almost violated her was Clarkâs uncle, Damon Summer! "Uncle DamonâŠ" Nyla had always been wary of Damon. He was the youngest son of Richard Sumner and Marie Thorne, doted on by them and known for his unpredictable, cold nature. Even outsiders avoided crossing him. When she married Clark, he had warned her to steer clear of Damon. "Shut up!" Damon's face was dark, his gaze icy, as he contemplated whether to silence her for good. Then, his eyes shifted to her bare body, darkening further. He turned away, getting off the bed. "Get dressed and get out!" As Damon moved, Nyla caught a glimpse of him where she shouldn't, and her face turned red with embarrassment. Upon seeing her flushed face, Damon's expression soured even more. "Still not leaving?" Nyla could not care less about her embarrassment as she hastily dressed and left without looking back. Once outside, she checked the room number and realized her mistakeâit wasnât Room 8919, but Room 8916! She had entered the wrong room and almost slept with her husbandâs uncle. The thought made her headache worse. She should have let Valarie take her up. Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets now. After Nyla left, Damon dialed a number with a glower on his face. "Delete all surveillance footage from the Empire Skyview Hotel tonight!" Upon hanging up, he looked at the messy bed and sheets, his irritation growing. He had almost slept with his nephewâs wife... What a mess! Chapter 3 On Nyla's way back, she hesitated for a long time before finally messaging Damon, someone whose contact she had had for three years but had never contacted. Nyla: [Uncle Damon... Can we pretend tonight never happened? I was really drunk and went to the wrong room.] She waited for a long time, but there was no response from Damon. Frowning, she sent another message. Nyla: [?] As soon as she sent it, a red exclamation mark appeared: [You are no longer friends with this user. Please send a friend request to continue chatting.] Nyla bit her lip. Damon had deleted her. He must not want to bring this up again. Relieved, she finally felt a bit of peace. ⊠When Nyla got home, it was already past 6:00 a.m. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Clark sitting on the sofa. He turned sharply at the sound of the door, his eyes bloodshot from a sleepless night. "Where were you last night? I called you dozens of times. Why didnât you answer?" Clark stood up and walked quickly toward her, reaching out to grab her hand, but she pulled away. He froze, about to speak, but she spoke first, her tone icy. "You can stay out all night, but I can't?" Nyla had always been gentle. In their eight years together, they had hardly ever argued. This was the first time she had spoken to him so coldly. Clark sensed something was wrong and noticed her red, swollen eyes. His expression changed, and his hand clenched at his side. "You know, don't you?" His voice was calm, without a trace of guilt or panic, as if he had expected this day to come. Upon seeing his unapologetic demeanor, Nyla's long-suppressed emotions finally exploded. She swung her bag at him, her eyes red with fury, like a madwoman. All the good times they had shared, all the happy moments, were shattered the moment she saw him in bed with another woman. They could never be pieced together again. "Clark Sumner, how could you do something so disgusting?! If you didnât love me anymore, you could have divorced me. Why did you have to hurt me like this?" Nyla had assumed that no third party could ever come between them. Unfortunately, reality gave her a harsh slap, waking her from the lies he had woven and turning her love for him into a joke. Seeing her red, tear-filled eyes, Clark felt a pang in his chest. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Nyla, Iâm sorry..." Nyla shoved him away, wanting to laugh but only tears came. "Donât touch me with your filthy hands! "Is it that hard to stay faithful? "Since we got married, Iâve met many excellent men, and some have shown interest in me. But Iâve never crossed the line. If I can do it, why canât you?!" Clark clenched his fists when he saw the disappointment and anger in her eyes. "Nyla, youâre the only one I love⊠It was just an accident with herâŠ" His explanation sounded so weak that Nyla found it both laughable and nauseating. "So youâre saying I could sleep with another man and then tell you it was an accident? That I may have betrayed you physically, but my heart still belongs to you?" A flash of ruthlessness crossed Clark's eyes. "If you dare, Iâll end you and that man together in bed." Seeing his icy gaze, Nyla felt a chill in her heart. If he knew betrayal was unforgivable, why would he still betray her? She took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Do you remember what I told you when you proposed?" She had said that if he ever betrayed her, she would not forgive him but leave him. Clarkâs expression changed. "I will not let you leave!" Nyla wiped her tears, her expression a mixture of ridicule and hatred. "Whether you agree or not, Iâve made up my mind. Iâm divorcing you. You donât deserve my forgiveness." With that, she ignored his reaction and went upstairs. Clark stared at her back, his gaze dark. ⊠Back in the bedroom, Nyla went straight to the bathroom to shower, unable to stand the smell of wine on herself. While applying body wash, she noticed red marks on her chest and paused. The image of Damonâs hands roaming her body flashed through her mind, making her frown. She scrubbed the marks hard until the skin around them turned red, trying to erase his touch. After her shower, she saw Clark sitting on the bed with his head down, lost in thought. She frowned and decided to ignore him. They would be divorced soon anyway. Clark looked up and saw Nyla coming out in just a towel. Her damp hair dripped water, her freshly washed face flushed like a blooming rose with an enticing fragrance. The towel barely covered her behinds, revealing her long, fair legs. His breath hitched, his gaze glued on her. Nyla didnât notice Clark's reaction. She walked to the wardrobe to grab her pajamas when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind. "Nyla..." Clark's voice was husky, filled with undisguised desire. Clark had been thinking about how to win her back downstairs after she left. The only way he could think of was to have a child with her. He had come upstairs to discuss this with her, planning to take it slow. However, he lost control upon seeing her just out of the shower. In the past, such behavior would have stirred Nyla's feelings, but all she felt now was disgust. She turned and pushed him away, her gaze full of revulsion. "Donât touch me. I feel dirty." Hurt flashed in Clark's eyes. He grabbed her hands, his expression earnest. "Didnât you always want a child? Letâs have one now, okay?" Nyla shook him off at his matter-of-fact attitude. "That was before. I might have a child in the future, but it wonât be yours." Her words enraged Clark. He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed, pinning her down. "Say that again!" His eyes were full of anger, but Nyla didnât care. "It doesnât matter how many times I say it. Iâm disgusted by you. Iâd rather die than have your child." As soon as she finished speaking, Clark kissed her fiercely. Chapter 4 Nyla froze for a moment, then struggled desperately. Just the thought of Clark kissing another woman the night before filled her with disgust and rage. "Let go!" Her struggles were futile against Clark, who only tightened his grip around her waist. As she fought, her towel loosened, revealing her body. His gaze darkened, and he felt a rush of desire. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, and Nyla quickly noticed the change in Clark. Furious, she bit him hard, tasting blood in their mouths. Instead of letting go, Clark's other hand slipped under Nyla's towel. She had nothing on underneath, having just come out of the shower. She stiffened and struggled even more fiercely. "Clark, get off me!" Clark ignored Nyla, his fingers teasing her sensitive spots. "Nyla, you need me too, don't you?" Nylaâs struggles were in vain, and she grew increasingly desperate. As Clark positioned himself, she closed her eyes in despair. "Clark, don't make me hate you." Clark halted abruptly. Seeing Nyla filled with despair and pain, like a fragile porcelain doll about to shatter, made him pause. He wanted her desperately, but a voice in his head warned that if he took her now, it would be the end of them. He stared at her, his hand tightening around her waist. After several tense seconds, he suddenly let go and got off the bed, leaving the room quickly. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, making Nyla flinch. She clutched the blanket tightly. ⊠For the next few days, Clark didn't come home. Nyla called him several times to discuss the divorce, but he didn't respond. ⊠The weekend arrived. Nyla was in the living room, sending out job applications when she heard the front door open. Clark walked in, looking haggard. They stared at each other in silence until Nyla broke it, closing her laptop and standing up calmly. "Since you're back, let's talk about the divorce." Clark frowned. "I told you, I won't divorce you. I'm here to remind you that we have to go to the family dinner tonight." The Sumners held a monthly dinner, and ever since their wedding, Clark and Nyla had attended together. The family wasn't kind to Nyla, often treating her poorly. She endured it because she believed Clark loved her. After seeing him with another woman, however, she couldn't lie to herself anymore. "I don't want to go. Go by yourself." Clarkâs expression turned impatient. "Nyla, how long are you going to keep this up?" He had ignored her calls and messages, hoping she would calm down, but she was still the same. "I'm not keeping anything up. I just want a divorce." Upon hearing the word "divorce", Clark's patience wore thin. He looked at Nyla as if she were unreasonable. "Divorce? You haven't worked since we got married. How will you support yourself? Which company would hire you? And what about your father's exorbitant medical bills? Can you afford those? "Nyla, you're not a teenager anymore. You're 28. It's time to grow up. "I'm the CEO of the Sumner Group. I face temptations all the time. Sometimes, it's hard to resist, but those women will never take your place as my wife. What more do you want?" Clark couldn't understand why Nyla didn't see that he still loved her, even if he couldn't commit to being with her forever. Seeing Clarkâs arrogant demeanor, Nyla couldn't reconcile this man with the shy boy who had once blushed while confessing his love and promising never to hurt her. Maybe this was his true selfâselfish, proud, and condescending. "If being mature means tolerating your infidelity, then I'm sorry, I can't do that. Find someone else. Here are the divorce papers I've had drafted. Sign them when you have time." Clark glanced at the documents, sneering when he saw the section on asset division. "Quite the appetite you have, asking for half my assets. Do you really think that's possible?" "I deserve it. Why not?" Clark chuckled, his tone mocking. "Look around this house. Did you buy anything here? I've been covering your father's medical expenses for years. If we tally things up, you should be paying me. Should I have my lawyer do the math?" As Nyla watched his bitter expression, she couldn't believe she had once loved this man. He had hidden his true self so well that, until she caught him cheating, she had thought he was a great guy. "Don't forget, if it weren't for me giving you that patent, you wouldn't be the Sumner Group's CEO. And you were the one who told me to stay home after we got married. If I had continued my research, I would have earned far more than what you've given me." Unfazed, Clark replied, "Who would believe you about the patent now? "I don't want to argue about money, but if you insist on a divorce, we'll have to settle accounts. Nyla, as long as you drop the divorce idea, my money is still yours to use." "Clark, you're despicable!" Since he refused to divorce, she'd have to sue. She turned to leave, but he blocked her. "Change your clothes. We're going to the family dinner." "I said I'm not going. Tell them I'm not feeling well." Clark grabbed her wrist. "Nyla, I'm running out of patience. Don't force me to cut off your father's medical expenses." "You wouldn't dare!" Clark took out his phone and called his secretary. "Cancel my father-in-law's medical payment for next monthâ" Furious, Nyla grabbed his phone and ended the call. "You're crossing a line, Clark." "Crossing a line?" Clark's gaze was full of contempt as he yanked her closer. "Everything you have is because of me. Don't you think you're the one crossing the line? Change your clothes, or I have numerous ways to make you comply." Chapter 5 Seeing the coldness in Clark's eyes, Nyla realized how blind she had been to fall in love with such a man. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she refused to show any vulnerability in front of him. She yanked her hand away, took a deep breath, and headed upstairs. The only thought in her mind was to find a job quickly so she could move out and divorce Clark. She grabbed a random outfit, tied her hair up with a hairpin, and went back downstairs. She was never one to fuss over her appearance. In the past, she had dressed up for the Sumners' gatherings to make a good impression. Now, she couldn't care less. Hearing her footsteps, Clark looked up. Nyla wore a fitted white dress, her waist so slender it seemed it could be encircled with one hand. Her hair was secured with a jade hairpin, revealing her delicate neck. She was breathtakingly beautiful. The grace she exuded was just like when they first met. However, the look in her eyes now was devoid of any warmth. "Letâs go," she said. They drove to the Sumner residence in silence. As they arrived and were about to get out of the car, a black Range Rover sped up and stopped abruptly in front of them. Upon recognizing the car, Clark's expression darkened. It was Damon's car, someone he both feared and disliked. Damon was known for his reckless and unpredictable behavior. He had refused to take over the Sumner Group when Richard wanted him to run the company, choosing to start his own business instead. Everyone had expected him to fail, but within five years, his company had grown to be worth several times more than the Sumner Group. Clark couldn't stand Damon, partly out of jealousy. Once, a comment Clark made about Damon reached Damon's ears, and in retaliation, Damon refused to collaborate with the Sumner Group, costing them millions. Damon rarely attended family dinners, and Clark had hoped to avoid him. Luck wasnât on his side todayâthey met at the door. He didnât notice Nylaâs stiffened expression when she saw Damon get out of his car. Clark opened the car door and greeted, "Uncle Damon." Damon glanced at him indifferently, his gaze briefly landing on the passenger seat before he nodded and walked into the house. Nyla let out a deep breath. When Damon looked her way, she had forgotten to breathe, fearing he might say something outrageous. He was known for his unpredictable nature, always doing whatever he pleased. Fortunately, he said nothing. She decided she needed to talk to him privately later. As Clark and Nyla walked into the living room, they saw it was already filled with people. Richard and Marie, the family heads, were chatting with Damon. He was the kind of person who naturally stood out in a crowd. Noticing Nylaâs gaze on Damon, Clark frowned. "Why are you staring at my uncle?" Nyla withdrew her gaze and replied coolly, "None of your business." Her coldness irritated Clark. "Nyla, you know I donât like you paying attention to other men." Ever since they got together, Clark had been extremely controlling, not allowing Nyla to interact with other men. She used to think this was a sign of his love, but now it seemed laughable. She sneered. "And I donât like you sleeping with other women, but you seem to enjoy it just fine." Clark said through gritted teeth, "This is a family dinner. Weâll deal with this later." "If you donât want me to bring it up, then stay out of my business," she retorted. Clark didnât want to cause a scene now because it might affect the Sumner Group and his standing with Richard, who still held all the companyâs shares. As they talked, Marie called out, "Nyla, Clark, youâre here! Come sit down!" Nyla took a deep breath, forcing a smile as she approached. She might not like the Sumners, but she maintained basic manners. "Hello, Grandpa, Grandma," she greeted with a smile. Marie, who had been urging Damon to settle down and get married, looked pleased to see the couple. "Come, sit down." She turned to Damon with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Look at Clark. He manages the company well and has a beautiful wife. They might have children soon. And you? Almost 30 and still single. If you donât bring a girlfriend next time, donât bother coming!" Damon glanced at the couple with a smirk. "She is indeed beautiful." He just wondered how that petite frame would suffer if she were to have children. Nyla frowned, feeling uncomfortable with Damonâs gaze. Clark also noticed the inappropriate way Damon looked at Nyla. It wasnât the look of an elder but more like a man admiring a woman. His hand clenched into a fist, and his body tensed. Marie sighed. "My point is, when will you bring me a daughter-in-law?" "Depends. If I meet someone I like, maybe Iâll bring her back tomorrow," Damon replied nonchalantly. "Youâre too picky! Iâve arranged a good match for you. Date's tomorrow, donât ruin it." "Then youâll probably have to apologize to another old friend tomorrow." Frustrated, Marie snapped, âYouâre going to drive me crazy!â Damon glanced at Clark. âClark's been married for years. Instead of pushing me, why donât you encourage him to have kids?â Marie nodded, realizing Damon wouldnât listen to her. She turned to Nyla and Clark, her expression softening. âNyla, you and Clark have been married for a few years now. When are you planning to have children?â Chapter 6 Nyla lifted her head to speak, but Clark grabbed her hand and smiled. "Grandma, we're working on it!" Nyla tried to pull her hand away, but Clark's grip was too tight. If he wouldn't let her be, she wouldn't make it easy for him either. She turned to Marie. "Grandma, I'm looking for a job right now, so having children might have to wait." The room fell silent. Clark's grip on Nyla's hand tightened painfully, and she winced. Damon glanced at Clark's hand on Nyla, noticing the bulging veins, then looked away indifferently. Clarkâs aunt, Anne Sumner, sneered. "Nyla, don't blame me for being blunt. You've been married for years. How can you not have a child yet? If it weren't for Clark insisting on marrying you, do you think your family could have ever married into the Sumners? "You should be grateful. If you don't want to have Clark's child, there are plenty of women who do. If someone else steps in, youâll be the one looking silly." Besides, Anne thought, "Who knows if Nyla is fertile?" She sounded like she meant well, but her gaze at Nyla was filled with an air of superiority. Marie frowned at Anne, disapproving. "Anne, enough." Anne pursed her lips but stayed silent. Marie turned back to Nyla with a kind smile. "Nyla, you and Clark are still young. If you don't want children yet, that's fine. Just don't overwork yourself. Our family isn't short on money. You can work if you want, but take it easy." Nyla nodded. "I understand, Grandma." With that, the awkward moment passed, and the room returned to its previous warmth. Seeing the attention shift away, Clark pulled Nyla out of the living room. Once they reached the gazebo in the backyard, he released her. "Nyla, have you lost your mind? Do you want everyone to know about our fight?" Nyla rubbed her sore hand and said, "I was just being honest." "Honest?" Clark scowled. "Should I call your father then?" Harrison Jayston was ill and couldn't handle stress. Nyla planned to divorce Clark before breaking the news to him gently. She glared at Clark. "You wouldnât dare! You were the one who cheated. What right do you have to be so self-righteous?" Clark clenched his hands, a flicker of guilt crossing his face before it was replaced by impatience. "I promised it wouldnât happen again. If you don't want to see Jordyn, I'll fire her. What more do you want?" Nyla felt like there was a communication breakdown between them and turned away. "I don't want to argue with you here." When Clark saw her red-rimmed eyes, he softened. "Nyla, I truly know I was wrong. Just don't mention divorce, and I'll make it up to you. I love you. I can't let you go." Nyla found it laughable. How could he claim to love her while being with another woman? Just thinking about him with someone else made her sick. "I will never forgive you." Betrayal was her bottom line. She couldnât pretend nothing had happened or reconcile with him. Clark knew Nyla well enough to understand that he had to be patient. He believed she still had feelings for him. Otherwise, she would have made a bigger scene when she found out. As long as he refused to divorce her, she would eventually forgive him. "Fine, we won't talk about it now. If you don't want kids yet, weâll postpone it to two years later. Since you want to work, I'll have my secretary find you a position at the Sumner Group." Nyla laughed at his arrangement, a mocking look in her eyes. "Clark, do you see me as a puppet you can control?" Hurt by her gaze, Clark frowned. "How am I controlling you? You don't want kids now, so I agreed to wait two years. You want to work, so I'll arrange it. What more do you want?" "Stop pretending. I don't want kids because I want a divorce. I want to work to sever ties with you." Clark looked at Nyla's stubborn face, displeased. Since their wedding, she had been like a canary in his cage. He couldn't let her go. "As long as I don't agree, this marriage won't end. Even if you tell a lawyer I cheated, do you have proof?" Clark's confident tone and controlling demeanor made Nyla step back, trembling with anger. She finally saw how selfish and disgusting he was. She had wasted eight yearsâthe best years of her life, from 18 to 26âloving this man. "You make me sick, Clark!" Seeing the undisguised disgust in Nyla's eyes, Clar | LEARN_MORE | https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692& | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 857 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | findedc.com | DCO | https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468488068_484333964060835_7423614745601675335_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aEvUZFVuk1QQ7kNvgErHiOI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6tClaglfdboxt_hHoxFEDs&oh=00_AYCLZv0XYd5Yw9KIWrM_Kx43rP1jBoC6foWZRasE2hvNNg&oe=67541AAE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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AHS Winter Bazaar | A festive holiday market bringing together AHS Clubs, local artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses to showcase their unique products! Sign up for kids' crafts 5-7: https://calendly.com/aps-blong/tiny-titian-winter-bazaar-crafts-ages-5-7 Sign up for kids crafts 8-12: https://calendly.com/aps-blong/tiny-titian-winter-bazaar-crafts-ages-5-7-clone Sign up for ASL Caroling: https://calendly.com/aps-blong/sign-language-carol-learning-performance This event is more than just a shopping experience; it celebrates community, creativity, and holiday spirit. The Winter Bazaar is part of the Arlington Hometown Holiday event. It is included in the popular Charm Walk, where visitors can collect charms as they explore local businesses and attractions. | EVENT_RSVP | https://www.facebook.com/events/1003719648225491/ | Arlington Career & Technical Education | https://www.facebook.com/61566425171066/ | 22 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | INTERESTED | 0 | AHS Winter Bazaar | EVENT | A festive holiday market bringing together AHS Clubs, local artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses to showcase their unique products! Sign up for kids' crafts 5-7: https://calendly.com/aps-blong/tiny-titian-winter-bazaar-crafts-ages-5-7 Sign up for kids crafts 8-12: https://calendly.com/aps-blong/tiny-titian-winter-bazaar-crafts-ages-5-7-clone Sign up for ASL Caroling: https://calendly.com/aps-blong/sign-language-carol-learning-performance This event is more than just a shopping experience; it celebrates community, creativity, and holiday spirit. The Winter Bazaar is part of the Arlington Hometown Holiday event. It is included in the popular Charm Walk, where visitors can collect charms as they explore local businesses and attractions. | https://www.facebook.com/events/1003719648225491/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469165317_617791800670698_6250272450632197283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bBHRp7tC9EoQ7kNvgEjhjvb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFUfgD8SNUSeKscxGfSCD1C&oh=00_AYAf9G01pfjGqnz-2K5ccVRevrPjwxD1_oHxwUhOEN2KoQ&oe=67542C90 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Arlington Career & Technical Education | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | I saw my boyfriend and my best friend lying together in our bed, naked. Tomorrow is my 18th birthday, and is this the âBig Surpriseâ they had planned for me? Two years together, and just one more day until I would finally find out if he was my fated mate... but now, everything felt like a cruel joke. "So-Sophia?" Bruce looked at me, stunned, as if seeing a ghost. "I am sorry. Please forgive me, baby." Bruce came close and held my hand. I felt disgusted when he touched me. I yanked my hand out of his grasp and slapped him. "How long?" I asked. He was silent. Why? Why was he so quiet right now? He promised me to be a loyal man. He vowed to me that he would mark me as his mate. But what exactly was he doing now? "I ASKED HOW LONG???" I yelled at him. He remained silent, not even making eye contact. I turned to Luisa. "You, tell me. How long have you been doing this behind my back with him?" I wanted to hear for myself how long they had made a fool out of me. "O-One year." She clutched the blanket around her body tightly, but the marks on her bare skin still stung me deeply. One year. For a year, they'd been lying, cheating, breaking me piece by piece without me even realizing it. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not now. Not in front of them. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "WE ARE DONE." I said, the words cold and final. Then I ran, my vision blurring as my legs carried me down the hallway. I wasnât sure where I was going, but I needed to get away from them. In my haste, I collided with a solid wall of muscle. I looked up, and for a moment, I was too stunned to move. It was Alpha BryanâBruceâs elder brother. Unlike Bruce, who was always calm and friendly, Bryan was known for his icy demeanor. The entire pack feared him! I let out a gasp, and my hand began to shake. "S-Sorry, B-Big Brother-in-law!" I said subconsciously, but soon I realized something was wrong, I had broken up with Bruce and shouldn't call him that anymore. "Brother-in-law? Is what I've heard correct, Bryan?â A woman stepped forward, positioning herself beside Bryan. She was stunning, with a beauty that could make anyone feel small in comparison. This had to be Bryanâs fiancĂ©e, our future Luna. After giving me an in-depth look from head to toe, she turned her attention to him. âIs she Bruce's girlfââ Bryan raised his hand to stop her from continuing to speak. His gaze moved to me, sharp and unreadable, and for a moment, I thought I saw something flicker in his eyesâbut just as quickly, it vanished, replaced by his usual cold demeanor. âLEAVE." he ordered, his voice as icy as ever. The command left no room for argument. I flinched under the weight of his stare and fled the room, holding back the tears burning behind my eyes. As I passed the woman, her voice followed me like a dagger. "What's wrong with our Bruce? Does he really like that girl? I can't believe this. He has such a bad choice!" My steps faltered, but I didnât look back. I did not want to stay a single second here. I did not come here to take any humiliation. ... A day later "I don't want to go, Mom" I said quietly, staring at the simple white dress I was supposed to wear. How could I go to that house? It was my ex-boyfriend's house. I did not want to see his face again. "You have to go. It's Alpha Bryan's engagement ceremony. Your name is clearly stated on the invitation card. You can't deny it, my child. It's a rule." I sighed, reluctantly pulling on the dress and applying light makeup. "You look so beautiful, Sophia." Mom said, her voice filled with a bittersweet pride. "Thanks, Mom." I gave her a hug then got into the car. As I stepped into the grand hall, the scent of flowers filled the air, their delicate petals cascading down the walls in elaborate displays of elegance and wealth. This place once felt like a symbol of beauty and grace to me, but now it was just a prison of painful memories. I found a quiet corner, hoping to avoid Bruce. I didnât want to see him, especially not today. My eyes wandered across the room, eventually landing on Alpha Bryan and his fiancĂ©e. They stood together, poised and perfect, as the guests eagerly awaited the ring exchange. Suddenly, my view turned foggy. A mixed smell of rain and forest hit my nose. My wolf stirred, taking control of my movements. I tried to resist, but it was no use. I pushed the crowd and took long strides in front of the royal family. They turned their heads toward me. I could sense Bruce's eyes on me. However, my eyes were not on him but on his brother. As I drew near, Bryan's eyes also locked onto mine, burning with fury. He didnât seem pleased to see meânot at all. My wolf could not take his cold look. Tears streamed out of my eyes. I could not stop myself from calling him in front of everyone. "MATE" | LEARN_MORE | https://cnwsx.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15088&ut | Galaxy in the Story | https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/ | 1,582 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | cnwsx.com | DCO | https://cnwsx.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15088&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466732969_1209189833517661_6933314428754704425_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zYPjqGN2z_IQ7kNvgF1MJnO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0p4E08cuVi92sb96tnpmm7&oh=00_AYDOuUnYS8rhyMPvetl2a8ynKYj08CFILbDyzyCzdlDS2Q&oe=6754132C | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Leadership Training Bundle - The Chicago School | Office of Continuing Education | Spring and Summer Leadership Training and Certification Courses from The Chicago School. Registration Now Open! Bundle and Save! Both courses only $1569 GA/ $869 Student (https://tcsppofficeofce.com/product/leadership-training-bundle/) Become Dare to Lead Trained- Session starts February 21, 2025 (https://tcsppofficeofce.com/dare-to-lead/) Resilient Based Leadership Professional Certification Training- Session starts June 09, 2025 (https://tcsppofficeofce.com/rblp/) #leadership #spring2025certifications #springlearning #leadershipcertification #aspiringleaders #buildingleaders #nextgenleadership #positiveleadership | LEARN_MORE | https://tcsppofficeofce.com/product/leadership-tra | Office of Continuing Education at The Chicago School | https://www.facebook.com/100087011633145/ | 209 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | tcsppofficeofce.com | IMAGE | Leadership Bundle includes LIVE PROGRAM ACCESS to: Dare to Lead (24.0 CE/CEUs | 997.00 USD) -- **PROGRAM WILL BEGIN February 21, 2025 VIA ZOOM** Building and Leading Resilient Teams (21.0 CE/CEUs | 850.00 USD) -- **PROGRAM WILL BEGIN June 09, 2025 VIA ZOOM** Save $277 by bundling these programs toge... | https://tcsppofficeofce.com/product/leadership-training-bundle/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468715774_991173976152054_4205216505275652870_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_Xcmdf_2gKMQ7kNvgEB5Q6o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_eeg3urvE6Z1DtyP5Vec4M&oh=00_AYCBJRO5LW2g1ZIQyCMNwutocyJrvqgcrhx8KxjEbf3AmA&oe=67544940 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Office of Continuing Education at The Chicago School | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 18:48 | active | 1950 | 0 | To find out, listen to the audioseries âRekindled Heartacheâ (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 âRekindled Heartacheâ 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/ | 7,498 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Install now | 0 | play.google.com | VIDEO | http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.pocketfm | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442426681_382482858119782_8934642607422595363_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HvBny7upb4wQ7kNvgEjCkGc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AveofrKlxW3dOdXS42A2Hfs&oh=00_AYADRQ_DxaDCvQObuWZwAjggj42vV5UjxJc7xTQBQUUlCQ&oe=67543A57 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Rekindled Heartache By Pocket FM | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-02 18:36 | active | 1949 | 0 |
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Every $1 Spent = 1 Automatic Entry | Enter to WIN the $80,000 Ultimate Mobile Hunting Rig Giveaway The Hush crew is giving away a 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax with: GFC Platform Camper Custom upgrades from DECKED, CBI Offroad, Rigid, Zamp & More Gear from YETI, Camp Chef & More | SHOP_NOW | https://gethushin.com/pages/ultimate-mobile-huntin | Hushin | https://www.facebook.com/GetHushin/ | 116,912 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | gethushin.com | IMAGE | WIN THIS TRUCK | https://gethushin.com/pages/ultimate-mobile-hunting-rig-giveaway | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466779749_1595222531371334_7450883913546100094_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-kpAB_4uH3UQ7kNvgFVeITO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZYNOIPtPjFvNoVZHtdO-K_&oh=00_AYBjpKJC71pfHoIoXk8uB7vioedCZw4JahX6Z8tnFsKOEg&oe=67543759 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Hushin | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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