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2,582,374	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2582380}'	No	2024-12-04 18:51	active	1957	Dream Truck Giveaway #63: 2024 Limited Mega Cab Cummins	1 of 1 Satin Red Chrome Cummins ❤️ Up for grabs for only a few days…	LEARN_MORE	http://lgndsupplyco.com/	LGND Supply Co.	https://www.facebook.com/lgndsupply/	141,827	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	lgndsupplyco.com	DCO	Win This 2024 Limited Megacab Cummins + $50,000— Deadline To Enter: 12/25 🎄🎅🏻	http://lgndsupplyco.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469138799_1089092372475183_7493080204113541920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZXq8OlyGCr0Q7kNvgGKvd5I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQr3rqzqf2yr5EKT3y1WRk_&oh=00_AYBbVDysm49EQawf8J88JJWTqjO7OWbXe6lIH1sysxvhsg&oe=6756DC0C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	LGND Supply Co.	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,586,898	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2587345}'	No	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why 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.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” 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. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... 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	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	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=KEpxDRZToVMQ7kNvgEZfqNl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACi5lN-TM6XAkHyuXsTlYwg&oh=00_AYCP-SOA2mymjHuAidkzbt0qv4ehow3JQzBIHrJt6C_ahA&oe=6756C580	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,582,004	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-04 18:51	active	1957		Step 1 : Follow our page @skindeep_medspa Step 2 : Send this reel to 3 of your friends Step 3 : Comment “Done” below to confirm your entry. . Contact: +1 (646) 467-3016 . #iv #ivtherapy #botox #botoxday #botoxfacial #fillers #filler #health #medspa #medical #spa #healthylifestyle #heal #healthcare #prp #prpfacial #prptreatment #prphair #prpinjection #ivinfusion #skin #energy #christmastime🎄 #christmasiscoming #christmasgiveaway #medicalcare #giveaway #christmas	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/skindeep_medspa	skindeep_medspa	https://www.instagram.com/_u/skindeep_medspa	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/skindeep_medspa	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/456066345_356235864087155_8571244619739530327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=Ch2D8NtvuusQ7kNvgGEc9sc&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYBq6JWMlfGm865axQxLgbHW9mpB6zWgAzQmqNSAeRD1Mw&oe=6756D5D7	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	skindeep_medspa	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,586,871	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2586568}'	Yes	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	In Merika State, the two of them lay close together on the hotel bed. As their passion grew, Justin Yates’s husky voice, filled with allure, murmured, “Em, how about having a child with me?” Caught up in the moment, Emily Yates replied without thinking. It wasn’t until they were lying together afterward that she remembered what he had said. “A child?” she repeated, a trace of intimacy lingering in her eyes. The look stirred Justin’s desire again. She was a constant temptation to him. Pushing those thoughts aside, he pulled out a ring and slipped it onto her left hand. “Are you proposing to me?” she asked. “Yes.” “Can I finally have your child now?” Justin asked, smiling. His eyes were warm, but there was no love in them, as if he were gazing past her, waiting for someone else’s answer. “I’ll give you plenty,” she replied, momentarily surprised. Proposing in bed wasn’t exactly romantic or formal, but she didn’t mind. She had waited three years for this moment, and it was worth it. Three years ago, she had been injured near the beach, hitting her head on a rock. When she woke up, she had no memory. Justin had saved her. The first thing she saw when she woke was his face, and one look left her captivated. Later, she learned that Justin had paid her hospital bills. She also learned of his identity. He was the CEO of RC Corporation. He proposed that she be his contract lover, and without hesitation, she agreed. They signed an agreement, defining their relationship, and he gave her the name Emily Yates. Yes, she was drawn to his looks. Despite their arrangement, the past three years felt like any other relationship. In the first year, she was a hidden lover. In the second, he introduced her as his girlfriend to his circle. Now, with three years approaching, he was proposing. Once she was part of his social circle, she heard whispers about a woman who had been his first love, someone he cherished deeply in college. She had disappeared without a trace, and he had been searching for her ever since. Over the years, Justin had lost hope she was still alive. That was why he finally proposed. Emily didn’t mind. Everyone has a past. Looking at the diamond ring on her left ring finger, she felt like it had all been worth it. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Justin was showering. Calming down, Emily wrapped a towel around herself and got out of bed to pick up their scattered clothes. A soft clink echoed as something hit the floor. It was Justin’s cardholder. She bent down to pick it up, and a photo slipped out. It was old, with frayed edges, as if it had been looked at countless times. The woman in the photo looked like her but younger, just how she would have looked three years ago. Emily didn’t remember ever taking this photo, but she had lost her memory. Maybe she had forgotten. She was just about to put the cardholder back when a large, slender hand appeared, taking it from her. Justin emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp and falling over his eyes, now tinged with a hint of displeasure. “Don’t touch my things,” he said coldly, his tone a sharp contrast to the intimacy they had just shared. Turning away from her, he put the cardholder back in his briefcase, his whole demeanor suddenly distant and guarded. Emily froze. Was he really getting defensive over a photo? She looked at him, confused. Wasn’t that her old picture? Before she could ask, Justin seemed to realize that his reaction had been out of line. He turned back and grasped her chin. With a playful glint in his eye, he ran his thumb over her still-swollen lips, toying with them. His voice was cool, devoid of warmth, but his words were deeply suggestive, clearly aiming to change the subject. “We’re going to be late for the art exhibit. If you rather stay here, I wouldn’t mind going another round.” Her cheeks flushed at his teasing, and she gently pushed him away. Her thoughts were scattered, and she quickly forgot about the photo. Justin had come to Merika State on business and had received an invitation to an art exhibition by Haley Quinn. He brought Emily along, planning to take her to the show once his work was done. Haley, a painter who had withdrawn from the public eye three years ago, rarely held exhibitions, making this one a rare event. Emily dressed quickly, while Justin had already changed into a fresh suit. The gallery was close to the hotel, so they walked there. Arm in arm, they strolled down the street, enjoying the perfect atmosphere. Just as Emily felt an overwhelming sense of happiness, Justin suddenly stopped. “Justin, what’s wrong?” She followed his gaze. Across the street, a disheveled woman, her clothes too dirty to recognize their original color, was recklessly crossing the traffic, oblivious to the danger. The woman pushed Emily aside and wrapped her arms tightly around Justin’s waist. She sobbed uncontrollably, gasping for air. “Justin, I finally found you. You came looking for me, didn’t you?” Emily stumbled from the shove, the bright sunlight momentarily blinding her. The woman looked eerily familiar. She resembled the one in the photo from the cardholder and, in a way, even looked like Emily herself. “Emma? Is that really you?” Justin’s voice trembled, his eyes locked onto the woman in his arms, as if afraid she might disappear again. Just moments ago, he had proposed to Emily. Now, right there in the street, he held another woman. He gently wiped away the woman’s tears with a tenderness so delicate, as if afraid of breaking something precious. “Yes, it’s me,” the woman sobbed, nodding desperately. Frail as she was, she clung to him. Justin was known for his fastidiousness and love of cleanliness, but he now held her tightly. He was soothing her with gentle words, as if she were a lost treasure he had finally recovered. He was afraid that even the slightest rough movement might hurt her. They seemed oblivious to everything around them, including Emily. Justin seemed to have forgotten Emily was still there. The woman in his arms had cried herself into unconsciousness. He took off his expensive jacket and draped it over her. He then slipped his arms under her knees and held her tightly as he carried her back toward the hotel. Emily stood there, feeling like an outsider. Her arm still ached from where she had been shoved, and she could still feel the warmth of Justin’s touch lingering around her waist. Just minutes ago, he had been tangled up with her in bed, proposing marriage. Now, he was leaving her in the middle of the street, carrying a woman who seemed to come out of nowhere. He had tossed aside his usual grace, holding this woman, who looked like a beggar, and rushed back to the hotel. The people around them pointed and whispered, like they were watching some sort of spectacle. Emily wanted to follow him, but her first step faltered. She steadied herself against a nearby building, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the window. Her flawless makeup now showed a hint of disarray. Chapter 2 Tears had fallen without her noticing, smudging the fresh makeup around her eyes. Emily glanced down at the diamond ring on her left hand, a sense of foreboding spreading through her. The sudden appearance of this woman might shatter the happiness she had been waiting for. She couldn’t just stand here. She had to know who this woman was. After a moment to gather herself, she headed back to the hotel. The plane flew from Merika State back to Haven State. At Lichfield Hospital, Emily stood at the door of a hospital room, arms crossed, trying to see inside through the window. Justin’s friend, Zac White, the director of Lichfield Hospital, along with other doctors, were examining the restless woman on the hospital bed. Two female nurses held her steady as they conducted their checks. On the plane, her face had already been cleaned, and she had been given fresh clothes. “Emma Xander? Hasn’t she... disappeared for the past four years?” Zac was shocked. Where had Justin found her? The Yates and White families had pulled every string they could to find Emma, but after four years with no trace, they had finally given up. And now, here she was. After completing their examination, the doctors and nurses left the room. A heavy silence fell over the space. A moment later, Justin’s voice seemed to echo from a distance as he gazed at the woman, now sound asleep after a sedative. “How is she doing?” “She’s malnourished, traumatized, and a bit disoriented, but otherwise fine. She just needs some time to recover.” Justin stood by her bedside, clearly prepared to stay with her. Zac hesitated, wanting to say something, but thought better of it and left the room. He opened the door to find Emily waiting outside. Feeling awkward for his friend, Zac adjusted his silver-framed glasses and greeted her with a polite smile. “Hi, Miss Yates.” Emily nodded in acknowledgment. “Dr. White, what’s her name? And what is her relationship with Justin?” she asked bluntly, desperate to know who this woman was. Zac hesitated, uncertain how to explain that Emma was Justin’s long-lost first love. This was his friend’s private matter, after all, and not his to reveal. Before he could find the words, Justin opened the door and saw them standing outside. He frowned, clearly displeased. “Didn’t I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?” Justin’s voice dripped with disdain and impatience, as if his irritation had taken on a life of its own. Emily stood her ground, unafraid. She needed answers. “You proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now you’re holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And you’re not even coming home? Staying out all night?” “Stop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,” he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Seeing Justin’s dark expression, Zac stepped in, concerned that Emily might end up on the losing side of this argument. When Justin was angry, it rarely boded well for anyone. “It’s late. Let me arrange a car to take Miss Yates home,” Zac offered, trying to ease the tension. Emily, however, refused Zac’s offer. She wasn’t leaving without answers. “You think I’m being unreasonable? I’m your fiancée. You left me on the street in a foreign country to carry another woman away without a second thought. Did you ever consider how I felt? “I’ll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, you’re coming home with me.” Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justin’s arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justin’s personal bodyguard, William Carter. Emily was stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing. It felt as though her heart was being torn in two. Justin had always been there for her, always caring, always the first to pick up her calls, no matter if he was in a meeting or on a business trip. If she ever needed him, he would show up immediately. If she couldn’t be reached, he would search the whole city until he found her. But now, with this woman in the hospital room, he wouldn’t even let her near him? “What do you mean by this?” Emily’s voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didn’t respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancée he had just proposed to. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. “Don’t be childish.” Childish? Once, he had said he loved how she depended on him, how she claimed him for herself. And now he was calling her childish? “If you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!” Emily’s heart ached, squeezing painfully in her chest. She knew it wasn’t the right moment to bring this up, but she couldn’t accept the idea that her future husband would spend the night in the hospital with another woman. Zac stood nearby, listening in shock. Marriage? Had Justin really proposed to Emily? And what about Emma in the hospital room? Justin glanced over his shoulder, worried that the woman asleep in the hospital bed might hear them and wake up. Emily noticed the concern in his eyes. It was an expression she had seen many times when he had worried about her. But now, that look was for someone else. He turned back to Emily, his voice still icy. “If you don’t want to get married, we can call it off. This isn’t the place for your drama. William, have the driver take her home.” He didn’t like being threatened, especially when it came to his marriage. Without another glance at her, he opened the door to the hospital room and went back inside. William stepped forward, maintaining his respectful tone. “Miss Yates, please don’t make this difficult for me. It’s time for you to go home.” Zac looked at Emily with sympathy. “Miss Yates, it’s late. Maybe it’s best to talk things over with Justin another time.” But how could they ever discuss this again? Her fiancé had just left her humiliated, choosing to stay with another woman without a care for her dignity. The hospital hallway lights felt harsh, blinding her with their brightness. Realizing that staying there made her look like a fool, Emily decided she wouldn’t let herself be a spectacle for others to watch. Clenching her purse tightly, Emily turned to leave. As she took a step, her vision blurred, and she nearly collapsed. Both Zac and William rushed to steady her, their grip gentlemanly but firm. “I’ll walk you to the car,” Zac offered. Leaning against the wall, Emily took a moment to steady herself, then shook her head. “I’m fine. I can get back on my own.” Her footsteps wobbled as she walked down the hallway, but she managed to keep her head high until she was out of their sight. After returning to the hospital room, Justin glanced down at Emma, who lay pale and frail on the bed. A strange weight settled in his chest, and the pervasive smell of antiseptic only added to his irritation. He tugged at his shirt collar, unbuttoning the top two buttons, but the air still felt suffocating. He stepped back out into the hallway, finding Zac and William waiting there. Emily was gone. “She left?” he asked, visibly more at ease now that she was no longer around. He didn’t want her disturbing Emma’s rest. “Yes, she’s gone,” Zac replied, hands in the pockets of his lab coat, nodding. With both of them standing there, Justin didn’t bother asking how Emily had left. “I’m stepping out for a break,” he said. Chapter 3 “So, Emma Xander’s back. What are you going to do?” Zac asked, breaking the silence. He didn’t mention Emily, but they both knew what he meant. One woman was the college sweetheart, the first love who had once saved Justin’s life. The other was the girlfriend who had been with him for three years, sharing his most intimate moments, and now, his fiancée. After a long pause, Justin replied, his voice cold and detached. “She was just a stand-in. She could never compare to Emma.” He went on, his tone utterly indifferent, as if he hadn’t been the one to propose to Emily in Merika State. “The role of Mrs. Yates will never be hers. It can only belong to Emma.” In a way, Emily had saved him the trouble of saying it himself when she had brought up their marriage in the hallway. Zac and Justin had been close friends since childhood, both growing up in privileged families, each carrying a bit of that self-centered mindset typical of their social circle. But this time, Zac couldn’t help feeling sorry for Emily. Emily, though an orphan with no family or wealth, was straightforward and honest. Over the past three years, she had complemented Justin perfectly, and in Zac’s eyes, they had seemed genuinely happy together. On the other hand, considering how long Emma had been abroad, it wasn’t hard to guess what she might have gone through. Zac didn’t care about things like V-card or a woman’s past, but he had always found Emma to be somewhat pretentious. Even back in college, she often disregarded Justin’s concerns, running off on her own without a second thought. After graduation, she mysteriously vanished during an overseas reunion party organized by a close group of alumni. Despite mobilizing every possible connection, they never found her. Even the police suggested they give up, implying that a young woman disappearing overseas was likely gone for good. At that time, Justin hadn’t fully taken over the company and wasn’t yet experienced in handling crises like these. Around the same time, his father, Henry Yates, was in a car accident and died despite emergency treatment. After the funeral, Justin was suddenly thrust into the dual responsibilities of inheriting the company and fending off his uncle, Harry Yates, who was trying to seize control. Thanks to his grandfather’s intervention, Justin managed to stabilize the corporation. By then, the critical window to find Emma had long passed, and any chance of finding her had all but disappeared. Zac clearly remembered how Justin had been consumed with frustration and self-blame during those days. And then Emily had come into his life, bringing him some peace. For that, Zac was truly grateful to her. “Emily’s been with you for three years,” Zac said, trying to speak up for her. “She’s an orphan, with no one else in the world. Isn’t it a bit cruel to treat her like this?” “Then I’ll keep her around,” Justin replied casually, brushing it off like it was no big deal. “But marriage? That’s not going to happen.” His tone was so offhanded, as if having another woman around didn’t matter at all. He didn’t see a problem with it. Keep her around? Really? Was he expecting her to stay hidden away as his stand-in lover, someone he kept out of sight? A mistress? A side piece? Emily didn’t leave the hospital right away. She sat on a bench behind the flower bed, letting the cold night air wash over her. She hadn’t expected to find out the truth like this. It turned out she was only here because she happened to look almost exactly like his lost one true love. And since she had lost her memory, he saw the perfect opportunity to mold her into the image of the woman he truly missed, hiding the truth from her and using her as a substitute. All the affection and indulgence he had shown her, it was never really for her. It was for the woman he had lost. Emma Xander. So that was her name, the one he had loved all his life. That was why he named her Emily, a name that allowed him to keep calling out for the one he had always loved. Even in their most intimate moments, he would call her “Em.” Whenever he whispered “Em” in that deep, seductive voice, full of passion, she would lose herself completely, sinking further into him. It turned out he was simply looking at her face and calling out another woman’s name all along. It dawned on her that the photo in Justin’s wallet must have been of Emma, not her. She had foolishly assumed the woman in that picture was herself. What a joke. From start to finish, Justin had shaped her into the image of his hidden love, his one true love. And she had naively believed that she had won him over, making him fall in love with her. In truth, she was nothing more than a piece in their story. Emily felt her heart plunge from a mountaintop to the depths of despair. She had gone from being a proud fiancée to a hidden stand-in, a shadow. She had liked, maybe even loved Justin. But her pride couldn’t accept that she had been someone else’s replacement all along, or that she was now the secret other woman. Resolved to leave, she felt a small sense of relief that Justin had only proposed. They weren’t married yet, and breaking up would be far easier than going through a divorce. For a moment, she felt grateful for Emma’s sudden appearance. “Miss Yates, where are you?” the driver called, stepping out of the car after waiting a while. “I’m here.” Emily pulled herself from her thoughts, putting on her usual calm expression. “Is it just you? Where’s Mr. Yates?” he asked. “He’s not coming back.” Emily rose from the bench by the flower bed and walked back to the car with the driver. She wore a cream-colored, knee-length dress in a sweet, innocent style. As an artist, she was open to trying any look, but it was Justin who had said he liked this style. So, for the past three years, she had dressed this way for him. The spring breeze brushed her bare calves, sending a chill through her. Zac looked a bit uncomfortable, “Emily didn’t leave?” So, she had heard everything they had said. Justin’s tone was just as indifferent, cold, and unfeeling. “Good. Let her hear it. She needs to know her place and avoid causing any more scenes like tonight.” With that, he turned and walked away from the garden, completely unfazed by the fact that Emily had overheard him. Emily sat quietly during the ride back to Villa One. Mrs. Zimmer greeted her at the door, her face lighting up warmly after a few days apart. “You’re back! It must’ve been tiring, traveling with Mr. Yates.” Emily nodded wearily, barely acknowledging her. “Yes.” “Where’s Mr. Yates?” Mrs. Zimmer glanced behind her, looking for Justin. “He won’t be back tonight.” Emily’s voice was detached, as if his return made no difference to her. Mrs. Zimmer looked slightly disappointed at first, but then her face lit up with a knowing smile, the kind that came from having seen a lot in life. She took Emily’s suitcase and gently urged her to go get some rest in the bedroom. Once inside, Emily understood Mrs. Zimmer’s smile. The room was dimly lit, with candles arranged at various heights, casting a soft, romantic glow. Flowers and scented candles adorned the surfaces, and a bottle of champagne sat open on the table. Even the usual heavy gray curtains had been replaced with delicate lace, adding an air of intimacy. The bed was covered in thick rose petals, the entire room transformed into a romantic setting. Clearly, this had been Justin’s arrangement before their trip. Exhausted, Emily didn’t have the energy to clean up, and it was too late to bother Mrs. Zimmer. Chapter 4 Emily found the remote to turn on the lights, then looked for something handy to snuff out each candle one by one. Afterward, she retrieved her nightgown from the closet and headed for a shower. As she walked into the bathroom, she noticed the ring still on her left hand. She slipped it off and tossed it into the corner of her jewelry box. When she returned to the bedroom, she brushed all the rose petals off the bed and settled under the covers, pulling them over her head. She instinctively lay on the left side of the bed, where she was used to sleeping. Justin would always hold her close, gradually shifting over to the left with her until they were practically glued together. Now, the right side of the bed was glaringly empty. To fill the space, she scooted to the center, tossing the extra pillow onto the floor, finally feeling comfortable. She turned off the lights and went to sleep. Two days passed without any word from Justin. He was likely at the hospital with Emma or busy with work. Emily didn’t care and hadn’t reached out, maintaining a complete radio silence. The morning sun was bright, and the spring breeze was warm as she lounged on a deck chair in the villa’s garden, enjoying a face mask. Her mind wandered to practical matters. She had spent some time reviewing the contract she signed three years ago to be Justin’s “contract lover.” It was set to expire automatically after three years, which was now less than four months away. When it ended, she would receive a payout of twenty million. Between that, and the allowance and holiday bonuses he had given her over the years, she had saved nearly six million. She had barely spent any of it, so it was all tucked away. It seemed she would be in decent shape financially, and finding a job after leaving wouldn’t be too hard. As for a place to live, she could buy a similarly sized home, and maybe invite Helen to move in as a roommate. It would be nice to have company. She did regret not being able to take Mrs. Zimmer with her. If she could, it would be perfect. The phone on the coffee table buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. Emily picked it up, unlocked it with her fingerprint, and a new message notification popped up at the top of the screen. She tapped to open it. It was from her friend, Helen Walker. They had met a year ago while shopping, when Helen insisted on becoming friends after seeing her just once. With no memory of any past friendships, Emily had found Helen easy to talk to, and they had gradually become close. “How was your time in Merika State? When are you coming back?” Helen had attached a mischievous emoji with a smirk. “I’m already back.” “Already? That was quick.” “I thought Justin looked strong. Guess he didn’t last long? Not up to it?” “Not just ‘not up to it’. He can’t even get started.” Emily replied, seizing the chance to curse him. On the other end, Helen raised an eyebrow. It looked like Justin had managed to tick off her friend. But she wasn’t too concerned as they had argued before. Couples fought, and it usually blew over. “Perfect timing then. I’m heading to the TC Mall in a bit to stock up on some new clothes. Let’s hit the mall together and grab some food afterward. Get ready and meet me there.” “Sounds good. I’ll see you at the mall.” Emily agreed readily. She had spent the past couple of days clearing out the sweet, youthful clothes she didn’t like. Her wardrobe could use a refresh. She put down the phone and washed off her face mask. Glancing at the nearly empty wardrobe, she picked out a casual athletic outfit and did a quick, simple makeup look. Fresh and tidy, she got ready to head out. “Mrs. Zimmer, I’m meeting a friend to go shopping. I’ll have lunch out,” Emily said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Alright, Miss Yates. Will you be back for dinner?” Mrs. Zimmer, who was supervising the housekeeper’s cleaning, looked up to ask. Emily paused while slipping on her shoes, thinking about how unpredictable Helen could be and that they hadn’t seen each other in a while. She might not be back for dinner. “Not sure yet. I’ll text you later if I’ll be back in time.” “Understood.” As Emily opened the door, she found Justin’s assistant, Sam Spencer, just about to knock. “Hi, Sam,” she greeted him coolly, planning to step around him to leave. “Hi, Miss Yates. Mr. Yates has a flight out of town this afternoon for a business trip. Could I trouble you to help pack his things before you go?” Sam’s tone was respectful, as usual. Emily didn’t move. “Mrs. Zimmer, Justin’s going on a trip. Could you please help with his packing?” “Miss Yates, this…?” Sam’s face showed confusion. “What? Before I came along, didn’t Justin have someone to handle his luggage?” Her expression was calm, her tone light. “Of course. You’re absolutely right, Miss Yates,” Sam replied, beads of sweat forming as he carefully balanced his response, not daring to offend either side. In the past, Emily had always packed for Justin’s business trips. She had done it so many times that she knew exactly what he would need for any occasion. But now, she had no desire to continue. He had used her as a stand-in, and every time he watched her pack his bags, he must have thought she looked foolish. Three years. Now that she thought back, there had been plenty of strange looks and behaviors from Justin that she hadn’t picked up on. She had been utterly blind. But she wouldn’t be foolish anymore. Emily was ready to leave, but Sam was blocking the door, preventing her from going. She urged Mrs. Zimmer to hurry with the packing. Mrs. Zimmer quickly filled the suitcase and handed it to Sam, who was waiting in the living room. He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes had barely passed. That was fast. "Mrs. Zimmer, are you sure it’s all packed? Should we check to make sure nothing’s missing?" he asked cautiously. Emily replied without emotion, “Isn’t the flight at noon? If you keep dragging your feet, he’ll miss it. Besides, anything he needs can be bought over there.” She checked her watch, starting to feel a bit pressed for time. If she delayed much longer, Helen would end up waiting impatiently, and they would miss out on shopping before lunch. And who wanted to try on clothes with a full stomach? “Of course, Miss Yates. I’ll head over to the office to pick up Mr. Yates,” Sam said with a polite smile, making his way out. Emily nodded and headed down to the garage. She chose a white luxury car and drove off. Meanwhile, Sam took the suitcase to the sleek black car parked discreetly by the curb. He placed it in the trunk, then settled into the front passenger seat. The driver, Justin’s bodyguard, William, started the car. But instead of heading to the airport, they were bound for Lichfield Hospital. “How much longer until Emily’s contract is up?” Justin’s voice was calm and emotionless, as if he were discussing a routine business matter. Sam immediately understood that the question was directed at him. He quickly recalled the contract details. “Less than four months, Mr. Yates.” “Draft a new agreement and deliver it to her when the time comes,” Justin instructed. Keeping her around for three years had cost him little, and continuing to support her wasn’t an issue. But he was done with her. He wouldn’t touch her again or return to Villa One. Recalling the scene from the hospital hallway two nights ago, he added without hesitation, “Include a clause that ensures she never shows up in front of Emma again.” Sam was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his professional composure. “Understood, Mr. Yates.” Chapter 5 People said billionaires were cold and indifferent in their personal lives, switching women as easily as they changed clothes. For the past three years, Mr. Yates had only been with Miss Yates, making him seem like a devoted man. But it looked like he could move on in an instant. Who knew how long Miss Xander would last by his side? Sam had joined the company three years ago, right when Justin took over RC Corporation, so he wasn’t familiar with the complicated history between Emma and Justin. Inside TC Mall, Emily was browsing through clothes, each piece a far cry from her usual sweet and innocent style. “Babe, switching things up?” Helen asked, watching as Emily picked up a long black dress with a slitted hem. It would look stunning on Emily’s curves. Emily held the dress up to herself in the mirror, unfazed. “Yep, time for a change. Do you think this would look better with a shawl or a jacket?” She turned to give Helen a look. “A shawl, definitely. It’ll highlight your figure beautifully,” Helen replied with her usual style advice. “That’s what I thought too.” Helen eyed the dress. “That dress is so feminine. Will your guy even let you wear it out? Doesn’t Justin only let you wear those sweet, innocent schoolgirl outfits?” Helen couldn’t help but mentally criticize Justin’s taste. What kind of fashion sense did he have anyway? A multinational CEO, a man with a grip on the Haven State economy, yet he liked her to dress like a schoolgirl. “His taste doesn’t matter anymore. It’s not something I’m concerned about,” Emily replied casually, completely indifferent. She handed the dress to a fitting assistant with a similar build, having her try it on for her. High-end stores like this one often had staff who modeled the clothes for clients, so she didn’t have to try them on herself. Emily picked out a few more items in different styles for the assistant to model. If she liked them, she would buy them. When she was satisfied with her choices, she scanned her card and paid, then filled out the delivery details for Villa One. The clothes would be sent straight there. After they had finished shopping, they went for lunch. With no one else around, Emily finally shared her situation with Helen that she had been Justin’s stand-in for his one true love. Now that his true love had returned, she was planning to leave him. “That despicable man!” Helen burst out, her emotions flaring. “Keep it down.” Emily quickly covered Helen’s mouth and glanced around to see if anyone at nearby tables was paying attention to them. Helen lowered her voice but was still fuming. “Justin might look put-together, but he’s not even half a man. His first love disappears, so he goes and finds a stand-in? “Why didn’t he just get plastic surgery to look like her? Then he could see her every time he looked in the mirror. “Good for you for walking away. You should break up with him. No! Just breaking up is too good for that pompous human garbage! You need to dump him into the sewers!” LMAO, where did Helen even learn these insults from? Just then, the server brought out a tray with seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and a variety of salsas. Emily began assembling her own tacos, adding the toppings she liked best. “The contract’s up in four months. I’m planning to buy a place.” “What for? Just stay with me. I’ve got a room for you.” “My address is still tied to Justin’s place. Since I’ve decided to leave, I need a clean break. I’ll need my own place to change everything over,” Emily explained, outlining her plan. Her heart felt numb now, no longer as raw as it had been the night she’d learned the truth in the hospital garden. “Then you can cancel your lease and move in with me! We’ll be family!" Emily suggested excitedly. Helen suppressed the impulse to tell Emily that they were already family. Given Emily's amnesia, she didn’t want to overwhelm her with too much information all at once. Instead, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll move in with you. I’ll start looking around for a place for you. Actually the place I rent now is quite nice. The location and neighborhood are perfect. I’ll check if the landlord’s interested in selling, though it’s a resale property.” “I don’t care if it’s new or used. As long as it’s clean and ready to go, I’m good.” Emily didn’t need much. After leaving the cushy life she had been used to, she was perfectly fine doing things on her own. She found the independence kind of refreshing. After lunch, they picked up some accessories to go with the new outfits, light enough to carry back on her own. Emily said goodbye to Helen and drove back to Villa One. By the time she got back, the clothes she had bought that morning had already been delivered, ironed, and neatly hung in the walk-in closet by the house staff. She hadn’t bought much, just enough to last the next few months and to keep the move as hassle-free as possible. The women’s side of the closet was nearly empty, with only a few of her favorite pieces hanging. She grabbed a new loungewear set to change into and happened to glance over at the men’s side, packed with Justin’s clothes. Emily didn’t linger. She strode past it without a second thought. As she was heading to the bathroom, her phone rang from the sofa. She put down the clothes and picked up the call. “Hello, is this Miss Yates?” “Yes, this is.” “I’m a nurse from Lichfield Hospital. Your health screening results are in. When would be a convenient time for you to come pick them up?” Emily remembered that Justin had taken her for a checkup just before their trip to Merika State. She had forgotten all about it until this call. “I’ll come by tomorrow morning.” “Very well. Have a nice day.” The next day, Emily went to Lichfield Hospital. “Plan to have a baby?” “That’s right. Mr. Yates specifically requested it during his screening. Your health is excellent, Miss Yates. Your ovulation cycle is regular, so we recommend folic acid, Vitamin B1, and plenty of protein. With the right timing and frequency, you should be expecting good news soon.” The doctor adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly. Emily’s fingers tightened around the report, a heavy feeling settling in her chest. She had been trying hard not to think about Justin lately, but this report hit her unexpectedly hard. “Miss Yates, I’ll prescribe you two boxes of folic acid and Vitamin B1. Be sure to take them regularly.” Emily interrupted him, finding an excuse to refuse. “Thanks, doctor, but that won’t be necessary. I’ll get them on my own.” The doctor wasn’t surprised. Wealthy women like her often had access to premium brands from various sources, so declining hospital-prescribed supplements wasn’t unusual. Emily left the hospital in a daze, only coming to her senses when she reached a sunny spot outside. She tossed the health report into the trash bin. With Emma back, Justin clearly had no intention of having children with her. And she certainly didn’t want to give him one, either. It was easier to pretend she didn’t know what the checkup had really been for. Meanwhile, in the hospital’s garden, the spring sunlight was warm and gentle. Justin was pushing Emma’s wheelchair, letting her enjoy the sunshine. “Justin, you’re busy with work. You don’t have to be here with me all the time. I can manage on my own,” Emma said, her voice soft and considerate. “Focus on getting better. Don’t worry about anything else.” Justin felt a deep guilt about Emma’s disappearance, blaming himself for not protecting her better. He believed his negligence had allowed her to be taken and vanish without a trace. Over the past few days, he had tried to gather clues from her about what happened, but whenever he brought it up, she would break down, unable to share any details. Emily hadn’t expected to see Justin at the hospital. Hadn’t Sam said Justin was out of town on a business trip?	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&ut	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	323	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&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/t39.35426-6/464668396_838968851777178_6862484548457197291_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GbNW26-eeiAQ7kNvgG38J60&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2qlb5mTM6duP7HZwJQRS2g&oh=00_AYDT5mZk_SlIPdlhyXq2K6__-4_xm9NmXI8AHc4A553-NA&oe=6756CDA5	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,587,700	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	Читать следующую главу👉	Днем они незнакомые начальники и подчиненные. Ночью только она знала, насколько он сумасшедший. До этого дня никто не знал об их отношениях... ===== Глава 1 Разлука укрепляет чувства Из ванной доносился шум воды. Регина и Марат были тайно женаты в течение двух лет. Мужчина был её начальником на работе, генеральным директором Шестаков Групп. Их роман закрутился очень быстро. Регина устроилась на работу в компанию, а их с Маратом происходит первый интимный контакт в ночь после вечеринки. Пара подписала брачный договор, решив скрыть этот брак от общественности, поскольку их союз мог быть расторгнут в любой момент. Да, этот поступок кажется неразумным, однако на тот момент Регина считала себя настоящей счастливицей. Никогда она не могла и подумать о том, что когда-нибудь выйдет замуж за человека, в которого была влюблена восемь лет. На предложение Марата она согласилась даже не раздумывая. После свадьбы мужчина был очень занят – большую часть времени он проводил за работой. Регине хотела, чтобы он больше оставался с ней дома, однако она была уверена в своём муже, поскольку за последние несколько лет о нём не прошло ни единого слуха о романе с женщинами. Если не брать в учёт его некоторое безразличие, Марат был идеальным мужем. Увидев результат теста на беременность, Регина испытала смешанные чувства. В конце концов она решилась сказать мужу правду. Ещё ей хотелось рассказать ему, что два года назад они встретились не впервые, и что до этого она любила его много лет. Вода в ванной наконец-то затихла. Как только Марат вышел, зазвонил его телефон. Мужчина вышел на балкон с одним лишь банным полотенцем на бёдрах и ответил на звонок. Регина взглянула на часы – полночь. Она пребывала в смятении. Кто мог позвонить Марату в столь поздний час? Мужчина провёл на балконе несколько минут, а затем вернулся в комнату и снял полотенце. Фигура Марата была впечатляющей. На его животе красовались кубики, ноги были длинными, а плечи крепкими и мускулистыми. Оторвать от этого мужчины взгляд было невозможно! Регина видела его обнажённым не впервые, но краснела каждый раз, а её сердце начинало колотиться в бешеном темпе. Марат, не обращая внимания на блуждающий взгляд Регины, взял с кровати рубашку и брюки от костюма. Он оделся и тонкими пальцами завязал галстук. Его красивое лицо с чёткими очертаниями придавало его ауре властность. Однако сейчас мужчине пора было идти. «Не жди меня. Спокойной ночи», – сказал он. Что? Куда он собрался в такой час? Регина крепче сжала тест на беременность, разочарованно глядя на мужа. Её сердце заполнила печаль. Пораздумав, она осторожно пробормотала: «Но ведь уже так поздно...» Пальцы Марата замерли на галстуке. Со слабой улыбкой он и ущипнул девушку за мочку уха: «Веди себя хорошо, ладно? У меня появились дела. Не жди». С этими словами мужчина направился к двери. «Марат?» Девушка быстро побежала и догнала его. Марат обернулся и серьёзно посмотрел на неё. «В чём дело?» Его тон был холодным. Ледяное облако нависло над парой, пока они смотрели друг на друга. Расстроенная, Регина тихо спросила: «Я хотела навестить бабушку завтра. Ты можешь поехать со мной?» Хрупкая и больная бабушка всегда была рада приезду внучки. Регина хотела познакомить её с Маратом, чтобы заверить, что они счастливы в браке. «Давай решим завтра, ладно?» Так и не дав ответа, Марат поспешно ушёл. Разные мысли крутились в голове девушки, когда она приняла душ и вернулась в постель. Она долго не могла заснуть. На её телефон пришло несколько уведомлений из некоторых интернет-блогов. В новости говорилось: «Знаменитая дизайнер Елена Фадеева была замечена в аэропорту с загадочным парнем». На Елене была гламурная шляпа. Фигура мужчины была расплывчатой, но даже по очертаниям стало ясно, что тот был не промах. Регина увеличила изображение. В следующую секунду её сердце упало в пятки. Мужчиной на фотографии оказался Марат! Значит, он отменил дневную встречу только ради того, чтобы забрать из аэропорта свою бывшую девушку? Разволновавшись, Регина почувствовала боль в животе. Её руки задрожали. Словно на автомате она набрала номер Марата. Звук гудков привёл её в чувство. Когда девушка собиралась повесить трубку, линия соединилась, и на другом конце послышалось: «Алло!» Это был особенно нежный женский голос. Регина замерла, а затем быстро отбросила телефон. Внезапно она почувствовала позыв тошноты. К её горлу подступила желчь. Прикрыв рот, она побежала в ванную, и её вырвало в унитаз. На следующее утро Регина пришла на работу вовремя. Когда они поженились, Марат пытался уговорить её уволиться. Однако девушка упрямо настаивала на том, чтобы зарабатывать собственные деньги. Мужчина не стал возражать, но попросил её работать его помощницей, которая могла взять на себя часть обязанностей. Главному помощнику, Матвею Анисимову, было поручено заниматься основными делами Марата. Он был единственным сотрудником компании, знавшим о браке Марата и Регины. В это время один из коллег Регины вручил ей документ и приказал отнести его в офис Марата. Прошлым вечером Марат так и не вернулся домой. Всю ночь она думала о женщине, которая ответила на звонок. Неужели Марат провёл ночь с ней? Девушка старалась сохранять спокойствие. Она рассудила – что бы ни случилось, она заслужила брак с мужчиной, которого жаждала долгие годы. Её страдания не могли быть напрасными, ведь так? Она нажала кнопку лифта и поднялась в кабинет генерального директора. Прежде чем выйти из лифта, Регина пригладила волосы, чтобы убедиться, что хорошо выглядит. Она пришла в офис и заметила, что дверь была приоткрыта. Раздался мужской голос, и девушка мгновенно остановилась. «Хорош тебе, мужик! У тебя вообще есть чувства к Регине?» Голос принадлежал Давиду Титову, другу детства Марата. «Что ты имеешь в виду?» – холодным тоном спросил Марат. «Ты точно знаешь, что я имею в виду! – Давид нетерпеливо щёлкнул языком. – Мне кажется, что Регина хорошая девушка. Разве она не в твоём вкусе?» «Ты хочешь, чтобы я передал её тебе?» – небрежно спросил Марат. «Ладно, забудь об этом!» Презрительный смех Давида прозвучал в ушах Регины особенно резко. О ней говорили, как о предмете. Девушка глубоко вздохнула и крепче сжала документ. Вскоре голос Давида послышался снова. «Кстати, утром я видел новости о загадочном парне Лены. Это ведь был ты, да?» «Да». «Так-так-так! Значит, эта женщина до сих пор держит тебя рядом. А ты только рад доставить ей удовольствие!» Давид вздохнул и продолжил дразнить Марата. «Вы провели ночь вместе. Как говорится, разлука укрепляет чувства. Скажи, вы...» Их разговор был подобен грому, грянувшему над головой Регины. Её лицо побледнело, а конечности онемели. Елена и Марат провели ночь вместе! Разлука укрепляет чувства! Каждое из этих слов вонзало нож в её сердце. Эти фразы эхом отдавались в её голове. Регина вдруг почувствовала головокружение, а её зрение стало размытым. Она схватилась за стену и сделала шаг назад. Внезапно дверь открылась изнутри. «Регина?» Глава 2 Невзаимная любовь Дверь открыл Давид, который собирался уходить. Регина сложила руки, повернулась к нему и кивнула. «Доброе утро, господин Титов!» Не дожидаясь ответа на приветствие, девушка прошла мимо Давида и вошла в кабинет с документом. Марат сидел за большим роскошным столом. В дорогом костюме и чёрном галстуке он выглядел особенно красиво. Регина заметила, что это был не тот костюм, в котором он уходил из дома. Где и как он успел переодеться? Опустив глаза, она проглотила этот вопрос и вместо этого сказала: «Господин Шестаков, это из отдела маркетинга. Пожалуйста, подпишите». Марат молчал, подписав документ не глядя. Регина вышла за дверь, как только мужчина вернул ей бумагу. Давид всё ещё стоял на пороге. И только когда она скрылась из виду, он повернулся к Марату и воскликнул: «Дерьмо! Думаешь, она услышала?» Взгляд мужчины был равнодушным. Казалось, он не обращал внимания на слова друга. Для Марата Регина всегда была послушной и прилежной девушкой. Её строгое послушание – это всё, что требовал от неё Марат в обмен на хорошее обращение. В лифте. Регина закусила губу и пыталась сдержать слёзы, но тщетно. Она думала, что двух лет будет достаточно, чтобы Марат понял, как сильно Регина любит его, и ответил ей взаимностью. Однако теперь это казалось лишь несбыточной мечтой. Девушка поняла, что всегда будет играть второстепенную роль в жизни мужа, в отличие от Елены, его первой любви. Регина вытерла слезы, когда лифт остановился. Она быстро привела себя в порядок, хотя её лицо осталось заметно бледным. Она потащилась в комнату отдыха, чтобы заварить себе чашечку чая. Внутри болтали несколько сотрудников. «Ребята, вы слышали? Елена Фадеева вернулась». «А кто это?» «Боже! Ты её не знаешь? Она наследница Фадеев Групп и дизайнер мирового уровня. И самое главное – она единственная девушка, которую господин Шестаков демонстрировал публично. Она его первая любовь!» «Но почему её возвращение так важно? Разве господин Шестаков не встречается с Региной?» «Регина? Она наверняка его очередная игрушка. Он не подтверждал, что встречается с ней. Но это и неудивительно. Посмотрите на неё – она даже не красотка, но ведёт себя так, будто уже стала его женой. Как глупо и наивно!» Стоя у двери и подслушивая, Регина насмешливо улыбалась. Оказалось, что правду поняли все, кроме неё самой. Её любовь была невзаимной. «Ха-ха, госпожа Шестакова наконец узнала всю правду?» Внезапно послышался насмешливый голос позади. Регина обернулась и увидела Алину Герасимову, двоюродную сестру Марата, которая всегда презирала её. Должно быть, она слышала сплетни коллег. Меньше всего Регине хотелось ругаться с Алиной на людях. Она повернулась, чтобы уйти, как вдруг Алина преградила ей путь. С чашкой кофе в руке она саркастически заявила: «Елена вернулась. Думаешь, Марату будет не всё равно на тебя?» Регина промолчала. Однако Алина продолжила насмешки. «Я слышал, что ты неплохо справляешься по ночам. Как насчет того, чтобы познакомить тебя с парой мужчин? Ты им действительно можешь понадобиться.» Сжав кулаки, Регина холодно ответила: «Госпожа Герасимова, мы на рабочем месте, а не в борделе. Я уверена – вы знаете, как до него добраться». «Ты...» Регина тонко намекнула на аморальное мышление Алины, и та быстро изменилась в лице. В следующую секунду Алина подняла руку и вылила чашку горячего кофе на Регину. Регина и представить не могла, что Алина окажется настолько безумной. Она схватила лицо руками, защищаясь от кипятка. В мгновение ока кофе вылился на её руку, и кожа девушки тут же покраснела. «Ай! – Регина нахмурилась от боли. – Ты что творишь? С ума сошла?» На обеденном перерыве многие сотрудники наблюдали за драмой. Алина злорадствовала, когда толпа зрителей начала увеличиваться. Скрестив руки на груди, она спросила Регину: «И откуда такая самоуверенность? Ты серьёзно думаешь, что окружающие не знают, что ты мерзкая сирота? Ты ошибка...» Внезапно послышался хлопок. Горячая пощёчина тут же заставила Алину замолчать. Она в шоке распахнула глаза. Неужели тихая и покладистая Регина дала ей пощёчину? Алина прижала руку к щеке, молча от шока. Спустя пару секунд она пробормотала: «Ты... Ты ударила меня? как ты смеешь!» Регина поймала её взгляд и ответила: «Да, я ударила тебя! Кажется, тебя не учили элементарной вежливости!» Действительно, девушка потеряла родителей ещё в детстве. Однако это не означало, что кто-либо мог высмеивать её за это. Алина глубоко нахмурилась. Будучи сестрой Марата Шестакова, она привыкла к уважению и лести в свой адрес. Ситуация с пощёчиной произошла впервые в её жизни. Девушка бросилась на Регину, как разъярённый бык, высоко подняв руку, чтобы ответить пощёчиной. На этот раз Регина была полностью готова к тому, что произойдёт. Она так крепко схватила запястье соперницы, что та не могла и пошевелиться. Поскольку Алина была ниже Регины, у последней было преимущество. Алина в ярости выругалась: «Не смей трогать меня своими грязными ручонками! Ты кем себя возомнила?! Ты очередная игрушка Марата! » Резкие слова привлекли в комнату отдыха ещё больше людей. «Довольно!» Неожиданно послышался низкий мужской голос позади. Марат заметил суматоху, выходя из своего офиса. В комнате воцарилась гробовая тишина. «Марат?» Кровь в жилах Алины застыла. Девушка всегда боялась брата. Мама много раз предупреждала её не провоцировать его. Недолго думая Алина заняла позицию жертвы – она схватилась за щёку и громко зарыдала. «Марат, посмотри на меня! Она ударила меня!» Солнечный свет снаружи падал на точёное лицо мужчины. Успокоившись, Регина опустила голову и посмотрела на руку, ошпаренную кофе. Их взгляды встретились в воздухе. Глубоконахмурившись, Марат посмотрел на Регину и задал вопрос: «Ты забыла правила компании?» Из-за его ледяного взгляда девушка неосознанно задержала дыхание. Она не могла поверить своим ушам. В этот момент никто не осмеливался издать ни звука. Регина молчала, стоя неподвижно. Когда она устраивалась на работу, Марат ясно дал понять, что Шестаков Групп – не то место, где можно бездельничать или допускать ошибки. Регина понимала его позицию. Однако в этот момент она отчаянно хотела узнать, слышал ли Марат резкие слова Алины или просто притворялся. Действительно ли он видел в Регине очередную игрушку? До смерти напуганная яростью Марата, толпа вскоре разошлась. Несколько сотрудников осмелились подглядывать издалека, не желая упускать представление. Холодный взгляд Марата заставил Регину задрожать. Глядя на Алину, девушка сжала ладони, чтобы подавить эмоции. «Мне очень жаль, госпожа Герасимова. Я поступила неправильно, когда ударила вас». Глядя на Регину, Алина самодовольно задрала подбородок. «Пф! Не думай, что тебя спустят с крючка за одни лишь извинения. Я не...» «В таком случае, беру свои извинения обратно. А теперь, если вы меня извините, – Регина прошла мимо Марата, не удостоив его и взглядом. Лицо Алины лишилось всяких красок. Никогда в жизни она не подвергалась такому унижению. Она всегда была хулиганом, а не жертвой! Алина была готова раскромсать Регину на куски! Указав на неё пальцем, девушка крикнула: «Марат, ты слышал? Она дала мне пощёчину и продолжает разговаривать в таком тоне! Поставь её на место. Иначе я изобью её так, что она будет молить о пощаде!» Выражение лица Марата, который смотрел в спину Регины, было нечитаемым. «Достаточно!»‎ – холодно воскликнул он, подняв руку. Как человек, который жил и дышал драмой и жестокостью, Алина предвкушала, что Марат проучит наглую девушку. Она была уверена, что он ни во что не ставит Регину. Алина стиснула зубы и злобно заявила: «В следующий раз я попрошу кого-нибудь преподать этой женщине урок.» «Алина!»‎ Тон и прищур Марата до жути напугали девушку. Алина вздрогнула. С мрачным выражением лица Марат объяснил: «Я говорю это в первый и последний раз. Забудь о том, что здесь произошло. Оставь Регину в покое». Алина почувствовала ком в горле. Все порочные планы, которые она строила против Регины, разрушились в одно мгновение. Она пробормотала: «Хорошо... Хорошо, понятно...»‎ Марат бросил на неё холодный взгляд и заговорил с Матвеем. «С сегодняшнего дня сюда не впускают посторонних людей». Не уловив смысла, Алина польстила Марату: «Хорошая идея. Это топ-компания. Не каждый имеет доступ сюда». Матвей кивнул Марату, а затем подошёл к Алине и указал на выход. «Госпожа Герасимова, пожалуйста, сюда». Только в этот момент Алина осознала, что она и есть тот ненужный человек, которого имел в виду Марат. Она попыталась заговорить с ним, но Матвей преградил ей путь. После этого охранники вывели её. Они не проявили к ней ни капли пощады, и её попытки вырваться оказались бесполезными. Тем временем Регина вернулась в офис, чтобы переодеться. Её сердце наполнилось печалью, когда она подумала о последнем взгляде Марата. Рабочий день подошёл к концу. Регина взяла сумку и направилась к выходу, как вдруг её остановил Матвей. Недолго думая, Регина отказалась от поездки. Раньше она была слепа, но теперь видела ситуацию насквозь. В глазах Марата она была просто никем. Почему он согласился навестить её бабушку, если Регина была ему безразлична? Прибыв в больницу, Регина увидела медсестру, которая собиралась кормить её бабушку ужином, и взяла эту задачу на себя. Всю жизнь её бабушка жила в деревне тихо и мирно. Всё изменилось в прошлом месяце, когда плановое медицинское обследование показало, что у неё были проблемы с поджелудочной железой. Регина настояла на том, чтобы привезти бабушку в город для качественного лечения. Бабушка не знала о браке внучки. Регина планировала устроить ей сюрприз. Однако, как оказалось, в этом уже не было необходимости. Девушка подождала, пока бабушка уснёт, прежде чем уйти. Она вышла из больницы и вызвала такси. Вдалеке, ко входу в больницу подъехал роскошный чёрный автомобиль. Глаза Регины загорелись – она узнала машину Марата. Неужели он приехал за ней? В этот момент Регина позабыла всю боль, которую испытывала всего пару часов назад. Дверь открылась, и на улицу вышел Марат. Регина поспешила к нему с наполняющимся радостью сердцем. Однако в следующую секунду она замерла, не в силах пошевелиться. Марат подошёл к задней двери и взял на руки девушку. На его лице отражались тревога и сострадание. Улыбка исчезла с лица Регины, когда её сердце обливалось кровью. Неужели её догадки были ошибочными? Заботился ли о ней Марат, вопреки слухам? ... ==== В сердце Регины был только один мужчина, и это был Марат. На второй год брака с ним она забеременела. Радость Регины не знала границ. Но не успела она сообщить новость мужу, как он подал документы на развод, потому что хотел жениться на своей первой любви. После этого она решила наладить свою жизнь. Спустя годы её имя стало известно повсюду. Марату стало крайне не по себе. По какой-то причине он начал скучать по ней. Его сердце болело, когда он видел её улыбающейся с другим мужчиной. Что будет дальше? Количество глав здесь ограничено, нажмите на кнопку ниже, чтобы установить приложение и продолжить чтение более захватывающих глав! (Вы будете автоматически перенаправлены на книгу, когда откроете приложение) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.litradnovie.com/12024418-fb_contact-	Lime novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090847180115/	965	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.litradnovie.com	IMAGE		https://fbweb.litradnovie.com/12024418-fb_contact-ruj57_2-0510-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=1016312736312375&rawadid=120213326171560790	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465714126_1108290224152291_1667991243107963220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ePOxu5Kk01QQ7kNvgHL7yjX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AIEFC0B8KwypFNcbJadiPw5&oh=00_AYCb_uu7Zvi1VibIvktwHqQXjt1O0D9bZ1dLbaoSdarJjw&oe=6756CC9B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lime novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,586,398	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	Read next chapter	Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the dug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a dug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. Pgnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bld test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j*k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a sap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e	Love Story Now	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	25,620	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1025-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=968271541620686&rawadid=120215495222930541	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468653553_909648257931272_693863283488233948_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q-wnggSexd4Q7kNvgGk_P7V&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AP5q0ozZf30gICEzfEtgHUJ&oh=00_AYDggp3kfGD2auJamF9QRfDSVHje3CwkBVbtYvH0zNJG8w&oe=6756B948	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Love Story Now	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,587,893	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2587908}'	No	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960		Join us for a special forum designed for families who are new to St. Louis. This meeting aims to provide guidance and resources to help you navigate life in America and set you up for success. Topics We’ll Cover: 1. Understanding Local Systems: Housing, healthcare, transportation, and education. 2. Employment and Finances: Finding jobs, managing finances, and starting small businesses. 3. Legal and Immigration Guidance: Your rights, responsibilities, and pathways to citizenship. 4. Building Community Connections: Creating support networks and finding local resources. 5. Parenting in a New Culture: Balancing traditions and new opportunities for your children. 6. Health and Wellness: Accessing healthcare and maintaining mental and physical well-being. 8. Emergency Preparedness: Staying safe and knowing where to turn in emergencies. 9. This forum is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet other families, and gain the tools you need to thrive in your new home. We look forward to welcoming you! Register https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfux4wQSOhqgvEjyVfsi5Nd6uTjvVAqDrbwG8bPDLPLzomTRw/viewform?usp=sharing Zellipah Githui Arinola Smith Solanke @topfans St. Louis Mosaic Project African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis @followers	CALL_NOW		Vitendo 4 Africa	https://www.facebook.com/vitendo4africa/	1,900	1969-12-31 18:00	Call now		MULTI_IMAGES			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469167620_2960115740816770_4113771332527727235_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MMMG-_H8BM4Q7kNvgGN7iPm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AwdNWj6sENrh4tGxHQ-_yIh&oh=00_AYAdi8sZXiekjpucZMeLQaFTzcaKJDk3ZRWDSvXQppHhCw&oe=6756D4C1	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Vitendo 4 Africa	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,586,296	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2587367}'	Yes	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	Read more FREE chapters👉	This wasn’t 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 be…? 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 Owen’s 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 can’t 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. “Owen?” I called out. “Owen, where are you?” 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: “No, I don’t think I love her anymore.” His words gave me icy chills. “You should be happy, Simon. I know you like Noah. If we get a divorce, you can have her.” Owen continued. “He said...what?” I couldn’t believe my ears and cried in my heart, “How dare he talk about me like that? I wasn't just some object he could give away! ” Hearing Owen’s 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, “Question him and then what? Do I want divorce? No, I don’t 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.” 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. “Just in time for your dinner, hun!” 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. “Where are you going? It’s getting late and dinner is ready.” I said. “Dinner with a client. Don’t wait for me.” Owen replied and left without hesitation. I sat alone at the table, looking at the food I’d carefully prepared for him. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I listlessly turned the spaghetti round and round with my fork. I wasn’t 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 weren’t perfect. My belly wasn’t as flat as it used to be. Maybe I should’ve 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... “Joise”! “Josie…? Were you with Josie?” I asked with panic in my voice. I helped his heavy body into bed. He grunted some words I couldn’t understand. I couldn’t 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 didn’t 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. “Owen, are you OK?” 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, “If you’re sick, go see a doctor.” 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: “Josie”. Chapter 2 - Hope Noah My heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said “Josie”. He answered: “Hello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.” 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 couldn’t 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 would’ve never let me suffer like this. “I’ll pick you up later.” Owen said, ready to go. I grabbed his hand and begged him to stay with me. “Please, don’t leave. I'm sick, Owen. I need to see a doctor. I’m too weak to be all by myself.” He was very impatient. He said he had some important business to deal with. I couldn’t 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: “In sickness and in health, in good times and bad”. 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: “Hello, Noah?” The voice on the phone sounded very deep. I figured Owen got a cold after his late night out. “I’m so sick, I’m so weak. I need to get to the hospital. Please, come back, please…” I pleaded, my voice weak and trembling. “I’ll be right there.” Said the voice on the phone and hung up right away. His voice sounded different from before. And his tone was a little urgent. What’s wrong? I didn’t 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 Owen’s 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 Raymond’s 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 family’s business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single. “Does Owen know you’re sick?” Raymond said, looking concerned. “How did you know I'm sick? Do I look that terrible?” 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. “Don't worry, Noah. I got your call earlier.” Oops, I must have pressed the number of “Owen’s Boss” instead of “Owen”. I apologized for the inconvenience. “You are a member of our family, Noah. It’s my duty to take care of you. And you are never an inconvenience to me.” 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. “Thank you, Raymond. This means a lot to me.” I said with a relieved sigh. “Of course, Noah. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there.” He responded. He still had a slight Australian accent. He asked me what happened. I wouldn’t have shared my family’s private problems with another man who I didn’t 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? “I don’t 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.” I concluded. I was in tears again by the time I finished the story. “How 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!” Raymond shouted out. His shocked, angry expression showed me how much he cared. “Please, don't say a word about this to Owen. I haven't confronted him yet. I need to do this myself.” 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 hadn’t 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 Raymond’s aftershave smelled a little special. “Raymond? Noah? What are you doing?!” I suddenly heard Owen’s 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 didn’t 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. “So, you’ve got a new love, huh? I saw you flirting with my uncle!” Owen spat his angry words at me. I turned pale. How could he say this to me? Especially after what he had done? I wasn’t the one who couldn’t be trusted! “Owen! How dare you talk to her like that! It’s not our family’s manner!” 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. Raymond’s fists were clenched and his tense muscles were visible through his buttoned up shirt. He looked like he was about to hit Owen. I didn’t want them to fight over me, so I tried to calm them both down. “Raymond, it’s okay. Owen will take me in to see a doctor. Thank you for driving me here.” I said gratefully. ‘Please, don’t say anything about Josie’, 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 couldn’t 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. “Owen, I can explain. I tried to call you, but I was so sick I accidentally dialed Raymond’s 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.” Owen grabbed me and said, “Well, I was just on my way to come and get you. Then I saw you get out of uncle Raymond's car and ‘fall’ right into his arms.” He looked at Raymond with an arrogant smirk. “You can go back to your important job now, uncle. I’ll look after my wife.” Raymond’s eyes were cold, but he respected my wishes. He didn't object. After warning Owen that he’d 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 didn’t 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. “Owen… What is going on? Do you still love me? Do you still regard me as your wife?” I asked. “So what? Whose wife do you want to be?” Owen hissed. I couldn't believe how horrible he was to me after what he had done. “I know you cheated on me, Owen.” I uttered with pain in my voice. “You’ve been seeing Josie, right?” Owen stopped the car with a jerk and pulled over. We sat in silence for a while as he processed my words. “What do you know, Noah?” 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: “Someone sent me photos of the two of you together. The first time, they didn't show your face. So I didn’t 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. “Owen, we have grown up together since we were kids. I always thought we knew each other the most and could trust each other. I can’t believe you would cheat me like that!” I cried, “Owen, did you fall in love with another woman... Is she my best friend Josie?!” His eyes showed a moment of doubt. Then, resolution. His mouth tightened as he clenched his jaw. Just when I thought he wouldn’t answer, Owen said: “It’s true. I love her. I love Josie.” Chapter 4 - Hurt Noah I just couldn't accept it. I loved him so much. How could he cheat on me? “Why, Owen? I thought we loved each other. I thought we would be together forever. Did I do something wrong?” 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. “Owen, we need to talk about what happened. You can't keep going out and avoiding me.” He was obviously drunk again. All he said was, “I don’t have anything to say to you. I am moving out, Noah. I supposed our years of marriage is a mistake!” 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 didn’t 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 couldn’t get up. I thought Owen would help me, but only heard: “You lost your footing. It’s not my fault.” There was a sudden knock on the door. Owen stumbled past me down the stairs. “Raymond? What are you doing here? Now is not a good time.” “I came to ask you what is going on. You need to give me an explanation. You haven’t … Noah?” 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. “This is how you treat your wife?! I don’t believe you. Don’t you see Noah is bleeding? Did you hurt her? What a disgusting thing you smelled! You drunk idiot!” Raymond raged at his nephew. I didn’t even have time to explain. Raymond immediately wrapped me up in his suit jacket and took me to see the doctor. “Twice in one day? That must be a record.” The doctor said wearily. I gave her a wry grin and answered, “Not by choice…” 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. “I don’t normally need so much help, you know.” I broke the ice. “I happen to be a strong, independent woman most of the time.” Raymond laughed heartily. “Jokes aside, I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me.” I continued. “Why did you come over tonight, Raymond?” “Owen hadn’t 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.” Raymond explained. “I just can’t believe what he did to you!” He continued. “If he ever does anything like that again, please tell me. I’ll teach him a lesson.” 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. “Thank you, Raymond. I’m okay now. It was an accident. Owen didn’t push me off the stairs on purpose. He didn’t mean to hurt me.” I explained. Raymond looked a little angry, but he still carefully drove me home. “Goodbye, Raymond. Thank you again, for everything.” I said with feeling as he hugged me. “Bye, Noah. It’s been my pleasure. Please be safe. Call me if you need anything.” 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 couldn’t believe my eyes! While the hours I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didn’t he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous! Even though I had seen Owen and Josie’s 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. “How dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for God’s sake!” I cried out. They hadn’t heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasn’t so devastated, it might’ve been funny. Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josie’s 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. “I don’t 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!” I insisted. Josie hid away in Owen’s arms. Owen comforted her gently, then snapped at me: “You’ve already seen us together anyway, haven't you, Noah?” “I am done with you.” He continued. “Our whole relationship was based on a lie. Josie should’ve been with me all along!” I didn’t understand. “What are you talking about, Owen?” He held up a delicate golden necklace with a tear shaped ruby that had been resting on Josie’s collarbone. “Remember 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. You’ve made her suffer long enough!” 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 didn’t believe me. “Josie,” I cried. “How could you do this to me? Why would you steal my necklace? You know how much it means to me! We’ve been best friends since the orphanage, haven’t we? Does that mean nothing to you?” “Noah, you know this necklace has always belonged to me. I was the one who saved Owen. But you stole my life to be adopted,”Josie played innocent with me, “I 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.” This convinced Owen even more that I had been bullying her. He wrapped his arms around her. Over his shoulder, when he couldn’t 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 natural？ 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 Josie’s waist and warned me, “You’d better stay out of our life from now on. I’ll move to another villa with Josie.” 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, “necklace” is just an excuse for his betrayal. I didn’t believe our years of affection couldn’t prove my heart. “Noah, my life was ruined by you. You owe me that.” Josie said. “One day you’ll both regret this. I didn’t do anything wrong.” I sobbed. As they walked out, I faintly heard Owen reply: “It’s my fault. I should have found you earlier, or you wouldn’t have suffered so much.” 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 Owen’s 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 Owen’s angry shouting: “How dare you do this to Josie! Those guys you hired? You must pay for what you have done!” Chapter 6 - Choice Noah “What?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I replied to the angry voice on the phone. “More lies! I can’t believe you, Noah. You're despicable!” Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear. “Owen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?” “Josie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!” 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. “Oh, it’s our ‘old friend’.” The nurse said jokingly. I smiled as she directed me to Josie’s room. As soon as I knocked on the door, Owen opened it with an enraged look on his face. “Finally! That took you long enough.” He whispered angrily. “Josie is sleeping.” He came out and gently closed the door behind him. We walked towards the chairs in the hallway. “I have no idea what happened, Owen.” I said honestly. “Can you please tell me what is going on? Some guys attacked her?” “Are you still pretending you weren't behind this? You are unbelievable.” He shook his head, then continued. “Josie 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.” “What? That's horrible!” I replied in shock. Although I was angry with Josie, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. “Stop your act now, Noah. Those guys were arrested. They told the police someone paid them to kidnap Josie, because she broke up a marriage.” No wonder he doubted me. But I couldn’t believe the trust between us was so fragile. “Would you believe me if I swore to you it wasn't me?” I asked with a last glimmer of hope. His reply made it clear to me that there was no hope left for us: “Never again will I believe a single word you say, Noah.” 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 me！ 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. “I didn’t prepare your dinner. I guess you would have dinner with Josie?” I said plainly. I didn’t know why he came back at this time, but I didn’t care about it anymore. He ignored my words and said, “You still don’t want to apologize, right? You have two choices, Noah. Apologize and make amends with Josie, or divorce me and get out of this house!” “Josie is the one who betrayed us both. She lied to you, Owen. She stole my necklace. She is the one who should apologize!” 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. “I choose divorce.” I said coldly. “Good. My lawyer will contact you in the next morning,”Owen said ruthlessly with a wicked smile, “Oh, I’ve prepared another ‘surprise’ for you. Hope you will enjoy it!”	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&u	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	323	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	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=9cyJlcF71fkQ7kNvgECb6HH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQlix74y3zBm0d9HdSEceXS&oh=00_AYDsMJLWLhvKNzN65HOAyD4GEQBkQ7bFvhPo9HyeaF0K9w&oe=6756DC08	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,588,114	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	resolvethroughsharing.myabsorb.com	Only a few days left to register for December courses! -RTS Bereavement Training: Perinatal Death on December 9-10 -RTS Bereavement Coordinator Certification on December 11 https://resolvethroughsharing.myabsorb.com/#/catalog Here is a statement from one of our previous attendees. “RTS Perinatal Death and Coordinator Training are excellent. As leaders of a foundation that strives to bring the best standards in bereavement care services to underserved communities, we couldn’t ask for a better guiding light than RTS. Their comprehensive approach, compassionate training, and dedication to supporting families in their darkest moments are unmatched.” #ResolveThroughSharing #RTS #BereavementEducation	SIGN_UP	https://resolvethroughsharing.myabsorb.com/#/catal	Resolve Through Sharing	https://www.facebook.com/bereavementservices/	3,162	1969-12-31 18:00	Sign up	resolvethroughsharing.myabsorb.com	IMAGE		https://resolvethroughsharing.myabsorb.com/#/catalog	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469334938_1288844825636619_4728478216819339551_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MSnaX80X8AgQ7kNvgFGnCDd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9p8ya_vxwwDBKcAq9A8yEk&oh=00_AYDyez46HzuvE1eW9SxjzSJJusVERmHzchKwe9wLqM0Nbw&oe=6756EA7B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Resolve Through Sharing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,582,488	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2581574}'	Yes	2024-12-04 18:51	active	1957		🎁 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝟗 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒!!!🎁 🎄✨ 𝟏𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐦 & 𝐒𝐩𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 ✨🎄 We’re spreading holiday cheer with 12 days of FUN, fabulous prizes, and pampering! Starting December 12th, we’re launching our 12 Days of Glam Salon & Spa Christmas game, and 𝐘𝐎𝐔 could win amazing goodies each day! 🌟💅 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬: 🎁 𝟏𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝟏𝟐 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬: Every day brings a new challenge and a new prize! From gift cards and discounts to free services, you won’t want to miss out. 🎁 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲: We’ll post a fun challenge each morning at 8 AM—think trivia, selfies, tagging friends, and more! Participate before midnight to be entered into that day’s drawing. 🎁 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞: Play as many days as you can! Every entry you make gives you a chance to win our GRAND PRIZE on Day 12—a Deluxe Spa Package! 😍 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧: 1️⃣ 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐬! Make sure you’re following [𝙩𝙖𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣'𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠] 2️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲: Every morning, we’ll post the day’s challenge. Be the first to join in or participate anytime before midnight. 3️⃣ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Snap a selfie, answer trivia, share your favorite holiday memory, or tag a friend who needs pampering! 4️⃣ 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬: From spray tans to facials, nails, massage, discounts, and MORE—each day’s winner will be announced the next morning! 🎉 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏: Caption This! 🖊️ (Prize: $10 off your next service) 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐: Holiday Selfie 🎄 (Prize: FREE Spray Tan) 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟑: Trivia Time 🧠 (Prize: Manicure Discount) ...and MUCH MORE! 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡! 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐬 Don’t miss out—spread the word, tag your friends, and get ready to celebrate the holidays with some glam and festive fun! ✨🎅 #12DaysOfGlam #ChristmasAtTheSpa #GlamGiveaway #HolidayFun #SprayOfSunshineSpa #PamperedHolidays #merrychristmas #salonandspa #derbyks #derbykansas #wichitaks #ictks #peckks #udallks #mulvaneks #haysvilleks #mayfieldks #douglassks #andoverks #rosehillks #belleplaineks #giveaway #gifts #CelebrateChristmas #ourclientsarefamily #spaday #nearmesalon #nearmesearches #facials	CALL_NOW		Spray Of Sunshine Glam Central Station and Spa	https://www.facebook.com/Sprayofsunshineglamcentralstationandspa/	919	1969-12-31 18:00	Call now		IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469119157_1091285942210102_1883788721184590958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HSvDr5YJ9sAQ7kNvgH0a1Dj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AKJFKWFMmGaTYCMfDq4zIdX&oh=00_AYDxFMF4p3RcFEyBLTWRHev5fbWrwoMl8a5KEBVtxWxz7A&oe=6756AEBB	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Spray Of Sunshine Glam Central Station and Spa	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,585,109	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2585104}'	No	2024-12-04 19:30	active	1959	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉		LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	323	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&...	CAROUSEL		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/t39.35426-6/465015191_524417157157150_6126132211507196535_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9wVh8KXOsA0Q7kNvgF0uEuh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ApGKE7cwAIHDN3Bow3TII4t&oh=00_AYDry99Q4y1NrXfGbXUzqkuV_R9BNOlRGtjMhwXXfsL39A&oe=6756B58D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,583,720	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-04 19:06	active	1958	Toy Drive Raffle - Win a Yeti Cooler \| C-JAM Construction	🎉 The Raffle is LIVE! 🎉 This holiday season, you can win BIG while making a difference! Enter our Holiday Toy Drive Raffle to support the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and bring joy to kids and families in need. 🏆 Prizes: A Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler 🥶 A Kelly Green Saquon Barkley Eagles #26 Jersey 🦅 🎟 Tickets: Just $10 each 📅 Raffle Ends: December 20 🎉 Winner Announced: December 21 Every ticket purchased helps brighten the holidays for kids at CHOP. Together, we can make a huge impact—plus, you could take home these amazing prizes! ✨ Enter now at cjamconstruction.com/toydrive ✨ 📢 Help us spread the word! Like, share, and tag your friends to join this incredible cause. 💚 #HolidayToyDrive #CHOPCharity #GivingBack #EaglesFans #CJamConstruction	LEARN_MORE	http://cjamconstruction.com/toydrive	C-JAM Construction LLC	https://www.facebook.com/CJAMconstruction/	10	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	cjamconstruction.com	IMAGE	Join our Toy Drive Raffle to support the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia! Donate for a chance to win a Yeti cooler. Raffle ends December 21. Learn more at C-JAM Construction.	http://cjamconstruction.com/toydrive	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468958819_2108681859546590_3931215129346662148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A2WhUPo1ggQQ7kNvgG_wmPJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Atw2nWCkDbIW6d5k36EQVAG&oh=00_AYDbq9s2eYRvtSOwZDEri7At9iCN9LbxczGgx4AOVAxzQw&oe=6756B4A9	PERSON_PROFILE	0	C-JAM Construction LLC	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,581,978	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2581977}'	No	2024-12-04 18:51	active	1957			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/cassidythom_	cassidythom_	https://www.instagram.com/_u/cassidythom_	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/cassidythom_	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/344856235_784563279603431_1904522313791370505_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=-JacCpJXfdMQ7kNvgFRvMhB&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYC-a6VhwN2oCFy74l8nvJjWkiAh58kgt1tz7it-Li_9sA&oe=6756B592	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	cassidythom_	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,583,095	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2583094}'	No	2024-12-04 19:06	active	1958	💵Earn Free Cash	💵We are Doing a FREE Cash Giveaway as part of our 5 Year Anniversary Celebration!! We haven't Done this In Years so Take Advantage NOW!! 🎅How to Earn: 1. If you don't already have our FREE Shopping App, Download it Below: 2. For every Pair of Denim you want, add the Cash SKU to the cart as well. 3. Complete your purchase and you'll receive an envelope with FREE CASH!! 4. First Time App Users still receive 15% OFF your entire purchase with code KaliRose15 at checkout!! Get it Here: 👇 https://kaliroseboutique.com/pages/applinks	SHOP_NOW	https://kaliroseboutique.com/	Kali Rose Boutique	https://www.facebook.com/100071921824495/	14,606	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	kaliroseboutique.com	VIDEO	App ONLY Access	https://kaliroseboutique.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468943180_3829004824026237_5623721064444010655_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VnFjCnbAvHMQ7kNvgGMIZ7V&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJstinc8T_cNThw0BGS1xdr&oh=00_AYAAXWoCSlMRx9S3ndKm4ChqArtL1sASssLXJJ1cnfwVkg&oe=6756DF86	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kali Rose Boutique	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,588,066	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-04 20:33	active	1960	Subaru Outback Finance Offer		SHOP_NOW	https://www.speedwaycars.com/search/new-outback/?m	Speedway Automotive	https://www.facebook.com/speedwaysubaruvw/	1,001	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	speedwaycars.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.speedwaycars.com/search/new-outback/?md=289&tp=new&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=subaru-monthly-offers&utm_content=all-outback	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469203139_1986565508436062_7108945993729275766_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ARise1NTdPwQ7kNvgGkof55&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvZej2_-_cbUE1KlbN6rJxT&oh=00_AYDz5JA4XgPNHT13MSllMXslPMisgK426Rq7ap49e0vOzg&oe=6756E820	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Speedway Automotive	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,583,543	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2583546}'	No	2024-12-04 19:06	active	1958			LEARN_MORE	https://shopcrossroadsmn.com/	Crossroads Clothing	https://www.facebook.com/shopcrossroadsmn/	601	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shopcrossroadsmn.com	CAROUSEL		https://shopcrossroadsmn.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469185056_1600851777171798_7638108966750258302_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lV-LkZuzVo0Q7kNvgGOj52k&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxuoLjVVWT4Vpe6ha6wTGAs&oh=00_AYDRnr-J5aaTDe84YFnEYUlHKdKV4m6bv8vFN6UW0yOOBw&oe=6756C083	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Crossroads Clothing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,583,542	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2583546}'	No	2024-12-04 19:06	active	1958			LEARN_MORE	https://shopcrossroadsmn.com/	Crossroads Clothing	https://www.facebook.com/shopcrossroadsmn/	601	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shopcrossroadsmn.com	CAROUSEL		https://shopcrossroadsmn.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469185056_1600851777171798_7638108966750258302_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lV-LkZuzVo0Q7kNvgGOj52k&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxuoLjVVWT4Vpe6ha6wTGAs&oh=00_AYDRnr-J5aaTDe84YFnEYUlHKdKV4m6bv8vFN6UW0yOOBw&oe=6756C083	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Crossroads Clothing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,583,591	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-04 19:06	active	1958	Kindle Unlimited	Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Married for just three months, Alex Barrett is stunned when her husband, David, dies in a tragic accident. And the absolute last thing the pregnant young widow wants is to take on responsibility for his teenage daughter, Maddie. Reeling from loss, Alex struggles to deal with her grief and her troubled stepdaughter, but one question haunts her: why was David with his ex-wife when he died? All Maddie Barrett wanted was for her parents to get back together, but an icy road took that dream away. Afterward, Maddie is riddled with guilt that she can’t share with anyone. Feeling angry and alone, she lays all the blame on Alex. Alex and Maddie must find a way to move past their pain—shared, yet separate. Thrown together in an untenable arrangement, they fight through a frozen landscape of sorrow and redemption while redefining love, forgiveness, and family.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V5GATCW	Erica Lucke Dean	https://www.facebook.com/EricaLuckeDean/	1,096	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	amazon.com	DCO		https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V5GATCW	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442415571_803049868440162_1287007681943858921_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ac1_C0IGhWMQ7kNvgHL8VGi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AuXj-QOkoFvTaH_ljC-5XF5&oh=00_AYDeRuZJqbYeWCefRzS1WXWBMUbQJYUTq9PRJ2lFZ0UnrQ&oe=6756B6FE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Erica Lucke Dean	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,583,624	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2583620}'	No	2024-12-04 19:06	active	1958			LEARN_MORE	https://polishednetwork.org/polished-moving-4word-	Polished Network	https://www.facebook.com/PolishedNetwork.online/	2,621	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	polishednetwork.org	CAROUSEL		https://polishednetwork.org/polished-moving-4word-give	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469165258_989537513215067_5068544013902143146_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pzM0rmbem8EQ7kNvgHS0Dkl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWeY6DsLrM7nUKuKbXGuGaz&oh=00_AYB9G3B2n2izTVOtDUYbY4dvg246AAxFjvAES8iJg5dQGA&oe=6756E7F0	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Polished Network	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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