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Agatha Christie's in hot water... | Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect… | SHOP_NOW | https://www.amazon.ca/Case-Christie-Conspiracy-Kel | Kelly Oliver Books | https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor/ | 17,828 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | https://www.amazon.ca/Case-Christie-Conspiracy-Kel... | DCO | New Mystery from Kelly Oliver | https://www.amazon.ca/Case-Christie-Conspiracy-Kelly-Oliver-ebook/dp/B0DFXWPCFP | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469577818_1113985143776960_6509104814728557388_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=APXFE8gTb5gQ7kNvgG3g-ws&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AalUypB0k1W3IyfGC-b3B7i&oh=00_AYCkNltmoYEevlm1O5Dq_kV_LzfBW2KAshwdn6e-b45a6w&oe=675C1FBD | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Kelly Oliver Books | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-09 09:00 | active | 1978 | 0 |
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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 d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Love Story Now | https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/ | 25,616 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | IMAGE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1025-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=968271541620686&rawadid=120215495127210541 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468570850_1038021974761080_8888501906983622444_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9P71YDViitIQ7kNvgEwzvUE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9zIrHiBmGfelxAGJEQvsHZ&oh=00_AYD0k08o0Tveey0kpcy7Ojin25g5ce4qGpb3q9qQoD7Fag&oe=675CD9E0 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Love Story Now | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 09:00 | active | 1978 | 0 | Download to read the full novel👉👉👉 | "Finish inside me, or we'll ruin your bride's wedding dress." I froze at the door—my fiancé with his assistant, on my wedding bed. Rage surged through me, but before I could act, strong arms pulled me back. It was him—my fiancé's uncle. The city's most desired man. The living embodiment of power. "Want revenge?" he murmured, his voice a dangerous mix of charm and intent brushing against my ear. "Marry me." *** Chapter 1 Call Off The Wedding [Miss Rowland, your customized wedding dress just landed at the hotel. Hit us up if you need anything.] Thea Rowland was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement when she got the text from the wedding dress shop. She was tying the knot with her boyfriend of eight years in just a week. Venue booked, invites out, and everything was ticking along nicely. After clocking out from work, Thea was all set to hit the hotel and maybe sneak a peek at their new menu offerings on the way. But the moment she stepped in, the hotel manager was there, giving her this weird, twitchy kind of smile. "Miss Rowland, didn't expect you! Everything alright? Need anything?" Thea, still riding that high vibe, said briskly, "Hey, my wedding dress is here, right? Can't wait to try it on." "Oh, yes, got here about half an hour ago," the manager managed to say, but there was something off about his grin. "By the way, we've got some new dishes we thought you might want to try out. If they hit the spot, we can add them to your menu. No extra charge." "Let's hold that thought till after the dress," Thea said, making a beeline for the elevator. "Miss Rowland!" the manager called out, trailing after her. "We've also got this recital team in today. Why not give them a listen and see if they vibe with your plans?" That was when Thea's spidey senses started tingling. "Hold up, is there a problem with the dress?" she asked, the smile slipping off her face. "Well..." the manager stuttered, looking like he was about to melt into a puddle. That pretty much sealed the deal for Thea. Something was definitely up. Dodging the manager's attempts to slow her down, she made a beeline for her dress. "Don't..." Only when she reached the door did she hear ambiguous sounds coming from inside the room. The woman was flirty, mixed with the man's moans. Thea looked down at the text message on her phone and confirmed the room number. She had the right room. "Jake, it doesn't feel right. What if we get caught?" "Madelyn, do you have any idea how beautiful you look right now? I can't wait!" Moans and heavy breaths interspersed with bits of conversation came out. Thea's brain began to run out of oxygen. She felt like she was suffocating, and her head went blank. She forgot how she had opened the door to get inside. Thea couldn't help but shake, feeling this intense ache in her heart, as she caught sight of the chaotic scene inside. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes. She had to dig her nails into her palms to stop herself from collapsing and screaming. Inside the room, two bodies intertwined. Thea's fiancé, Jake Hendrix, who was supposed to be on a business trip, was making out with another woman at that moment. The woman's gaze was tender, her shoulders were exposed, and the layers of Thea's gorgeous wedding dress hems were untidily pressed under her. At a glance, Thea recognized the woman as none other than Madelyn Terell, Jake's assistant. They were cheating on Thea, and Madelyn was wearing her wedding dress. Her boyfriend for eight years, on the eve of her wedding, dealt her a severe blow. It hit her like a ton of bricks. Thea was struggling to catch her breath, overwhelmed by a rollercoaster of emotions and feeling so dizzy she had to lean against the doorframe just to stay upright. Hearing the noise, Jake pulled away from Madelyn as an afterthought, not forgetting to pull the covers over a startled Madelyn quickly. Thea gritted her teeth and looked at them as if looking at two pieces of shit. "Mr. Hendrix, it looks like you're having a good time." Her breathing was a little unstable, and she forced her tears back. "Do you want me to capture this wonderful moment for you?" The slightest hint of guilt crossed Jake's eyes, more annoyance at being caught. Jake just hung his head, not bothering to deny it. "Well, it's probably better you found out now. I was planning on telling you sooner or later anyway. Thea, to be honest, I've been really over this for a while now. You're super controlling, and you keep me at arm's length all the time. I'm a man with physical needs. "Just be clever about it, and our wedding will go off without a hitch. Once we're married, you'll officially be my wife. Oh, and just a heads up, Madelyn is going to be sticking around with us." Thea felt like she was about to lose her lunch. A mix of anger and embarrassment was doing a number on her sanity. She stormed over and gave Jake a solid slap, practically in a frenzy. "You really think I'd still want to marry you after all this?" Jake quickly swiped his tongue over the inside of his cheek, not even getting a chance to chime in before Madelyn, tears streaming down her face, rushed forward to grab Thea's hand. "Miss Rowland, this whole mess is on me. Don't be mad at Jake. I'll even drop to my knees and beg if that's what it takes, okay? And about the wedding dress, wearing it was never my intention. It's all—"Madelyn explained. Thea felt a shiver of annoyance. She yanked Madelyn's hands away, cutting her off, "Save the act for someone who's buying it!" Madelyn stumbled backward, her foot catching on the wedding dress's hem, and she ended up smacking her head against the table corner. Jake quickly ran over, shoved Thea aside roughly, and then reached out to help Madelyn up with a lot of care. He gazed at Thea, his eyes a deep crimson, and said in a chilly tone, "Look at you now, Thea. You're a crazy bitch. It's disgusting!" Seeing the disgust in his eyes, Thea managed to stay surprisingly cool, though her hands were shaking a bit, hidden away behind her back where nobody could see them. After eight years together, Jake's parting shot was calling her disgusting, making her wonder who was really the disgusting one here. Suddenly, the manager burst in, looking completely freaked out. "Mr. Hendrix, we've got a problem. There's a whole bunch of reporters outside, and they're about to come in." The mood in the room shifted immediately. Jake was quick to respond, his expression turning stormy as he stepped up and grabbed Thea's wrist. "Thea, you've really stirred the pot, haven't you?" Thea felt like her head was spinning. 'Why on earth would reporters be here?' she wondered. Even as Jake's words hit her, Thea couldn't help but snap back, her voice laced with defiance despite feeling weak. "Well, maybe you should've thought about that before cheating on me. This is on you, not me." "Bitch!" Jake cursed and pushed her down, his voice cold and clear. "If anyone hears about today, I'll be having a chat with your big brother. And trust me, if my day gets ruined, you're tagging along for whatever comes next." With that, he quickly walked away with Madelyn. Thea's heart skipped a beat, that all-too-familiar feeling of being trapped washing over her. After spending so much time together, Jake had figured out exactly how to get under her skin. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion hit her like a ton of bricks. The urge to just lie down and let the tears flow was overwhelming. But, of course, life wasn't about to give her a break to just sit and wallow. With a deep breath and a clenched jaw, she pushed herself off the ground and left the room, only to run into a bunch of paparazzi ready to snap away. Thea didn't miss a beat—she dodged and weaved, sprinting away. A couple of reporters tried to keep up. Behind her, footsteps tried to close the gap, and distant voices were pleading for her to wait. Accidentally, she ended up in a man's embrace. She was immediately struck by the cool, refreshing smell of peppermint mixed with a hint of nicotine. Despite the warmth from the man's body, Thea couldn't shake off the feeling of a chilly stare fixed on her. Behind her, the reporter halted, and someone gasped, shocked. Frozen in place, Thea managed a shaky plea. "Sir, please help me." This area was for the presidential suite. Guests here had to be either loaded or titled. Thea was betting on her luck. The cigarette between the man's fingers was still lit, its smoke making his already striking, frosty appearance seem even more intense. He glanced down at Thea. Her hands were pressed against her chest, her eyes wide and filled with a haunting sadness, like a deer caught in headlights. The man paused, giving a subtle wink to his assistant, his gaze narrowing ever so slightly. The assistant stepped up, all smiles on the outside but radiating a vibe that was hard to pin down. "Hey, are you folks snapping pics of my boss?" A few journalists shook their heads, their attention reluctantly shifting back to Thea. "Hand over the memory card from your camera before you get lost," the assistant said, his smile now gone. The sound of the reporters leaving dwindled away. Thea let out a quiet sigh of relief, even as she heard the man's raspy voice, cool and detached. "Getting cozy in there?" he asked. Taking a few steps back, Thea kept her head down, too scared to meet the man's gaze. The man flicked his cigarette into the ashtray on the side table and crushed it, his interest in Thea visibly waning. "Get her out of here." Approaching Thea, the assistant offered a friendly gesture. "Miss Rowland, let me get someone to escort you out." 'Miss Rowland? How did this random guy know who I am?' Thea couldn't help but wonder. Asking him seemed too risky, almost like she was trying too hard to climb his ladder. After walking a bit, she couldn't resist looking back. The guy was still there, tall and standing with such poise. At that glimpse, Thea felt a weird sense of familiarity. Once she made it outside the hotel, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at the swarm of reporters at the entrance, looking like something out of a zombie movie. Thinking back on the cringy scene back in the hotel room made all those mixed feelings bubble up again. Trying to shake off that icky feeling, she grabbed her phone and hit dial. "Hey Darwin, about the wedding with Jake next week... yeah, let's just call the whole thing off." Chapter 2 The Banquet "What is wrong with you to call off the marriage with the Hendrix family?" Ivy Rowland pointed at Thea, scolding, right after Thea got back to the Rowland mansion. "The Hendrix family is big league. Can't you just pretend nothing happened? Ditching the engagement will drag our name through the mud," Ivy continued. Thea, feeling hot under the collar and as uncomfortable as ever, pulled a face and shot back, "Mum, if Emmalie was in my shoes, would you have made her stick it out?" Ivy, slightly irked, retorted, "Always dragging Emmalie into this when you mess up. Do you think she'd be as lost as you? She even told me yesterday how much she missed you. What's with the attitude now?" Thea couldn't help but scoff, "That's all Emmalie's sweet talk to keep you in the dark." Ivy, trying to cool down, snapped, "Enough. Pull yourself together. Emmalie will be back tonight, and you're not skipping the welcome-back banquet tomorrow. The Hendrix family's on the guest list, too." Thea suddenly stared at Ivy, her eyes tinting red. "Mum, I think I'm sick. Can we go to the hospital?" Ivy just gave her a cold stare, visibly annoyed. Thea managed a weak smile, fighting back tears, and hurried upstairs to be alone with her thoughts. Ivy's voice trailed after her, filled with frustration. "I can't believe I raised a daughter who plays sick whenever things get tough. Why couldn't it have been her that got lost? "My sweet Emmalie has been through so much, and here I've been, pouring my heart into raising Thea, only for her to turn out so selfish and moody. Anyway, Emmalie's coming back. Let's go check on the soup I made for her in the kitchen." Thea's limbs were numb and cold, just like her heart. Ever since that thing happened when she was sixteen, she had become the family's black sheep, always on the fringes. There was a time when being sad wasn't really in her vocabulary because she had someone by her side, someone who'd smile at her like the sun breaking through the clouds. His eyes sparkled whenever he looked at her. He made her promises. "Thea, I'm sticking by you forever." "Think of me as your family now," "I'm going to love you for all my days, and I won't let anything hurt you, not even a little." Back then, Thea thought she was over feeling sad. She brushed it off like it was nothing. But old memories had a way of crashing back in, like a tidal wave she didn't see coming. Suddenly, she was hit with the realization that those old hurts hadn't healed. They were still there, aching. Now, with what little strength she had left falling apart, she found herself curled up in a ball at the corner of the stairs, hugging her knees and just letting the tears flow. ***** The next day, Thea turned heads at the banquet with her choice of a dark green evening dress. Her wild, curly hair flowed behind her like seaweed, paired with these striking red lips that popped against her pale skin. Her features were gentle and understated, yet this chilly, detached vibe came from her eyes. That mix of red lips with the green dress was bold. Only Thea could rock something that gutsy. Ivy, hanging out with a bunch of noble ladies with Emmalie by her side, spotted a bold figure lurking in the background, and her eyes popped wide open. Right when she was about to lose it, someone gently grabbed her from behind, pulling her back. "Mum, there's no need to get on Thea's case. With so many people around today, it's only natural she'd want to spruce up and look her best," Emmalie said, her doe-like eyes blinking. Ivy gave a helpless tap on her nose. "You're the only one who really spoils Thea in her moods. Honestly, I'd worry way less if she could be as sweet as you." Immediately, everyone around chimed in, praising Emmalie for being a good daughter. The Rowland family had two daughters and two sons. The youngest daughter, Emmalie, had a rough start, getting kidnapped as a kid, but she bounced back incredibly, turning out super smart and well-mannered. She even snagged a VP position at the International Piano Association at a surprisingly young age. The eldest son had climbed his way up to become a young vice president at the Rowland Group, while the other son was the family's surprise packet, having set up a new venture overseas. Then there was Thea. She became the black sheep, notorious for her troubling past with bullying both at school and at home. Emmalie, noticing the tension, sighed and said with a hint of irony, "Seems like Thea isn't too happy. Guess I should go and smooth things over." Thea, always on alert, had seen Emmalie approaching, set her glass down, and turned to leave. Whenever Emmalie headed over, it almost always ended in some "accidental" drama, like a mysterious fall or a "why did you push me?" scenario. Thea was heading to the restroom to freshen up her lipstick. It was only when she reached the restroom that she heard a strange wailing sound. Thea paused, sneaking a peek around the corner with a mix of curiosity and caution. She spotted a well-built woman tumbling into a man's embrace. The lady's face was flushed red, her halter dress slipping to reveal more skin than intended. The man stood with his back to Thea, his tall and slender figure all that was visible. Thea clicked her tongue in disapproval, ready to walk away, but then she overheard the woman's soft plea. "President Hendrix, I think I've hurt my leg. Could you check it for me?" 'Wait, President Hendrix?' Thea did a double-take. The only "President Hendrix" in the Hendrix family was Jake's enigmatic uncle, Nicolas Hendrix. 'Him, at a party like this? Unheard of. What's he doing here?' Thea wondered. Mulling over his known temper and dark reputation, Thea decided she wanted no part of this drama. She was sneaking off when her phone blared. Flustered, she killed the call before looking up and locking eyes with Nicolas. The light cast his features into sharp relief, the shadows accentuating his face and the brooding look in his eyes. Known for his icy demeanor, Nicolas seemed even more intimidating now. Caught, Thea stammered, "Uncle Nicolas, I, uh, just got here. Didn't see a thing..." Immediately, she wanted to facepalm. 'Great, that probably made things worse,' she thought. Nicolas simply shifted his gaze away, his face a mask of indifference, and coldly told the woman in his arms, "Get lost." The woman's face lost all its color. Nicolas spun around and strolled off, his indifferent gaze briefly meeting Thea's. It was quick, but enough to give Thea chills. After he had left, Thea quickly touched up her lipstick and headed out. As soon as she stepped outside, Ivy, with a frosty expression, grabbed her arm. "So, you couldn't even drop a hello when your sister got back into town, and you've been ignoring my calls. What's up with that?" Thea rolled her eyes and replied with a sneer, "Weren't we supposed to be clearing the air with Jake today? Why would I be chasing after Emmalie?" Despite Ivy's frustration at Thea's attitude, she insisted Thea should seek out the Hendrix family. Jake's expression turned even sourer as he saw her gutsy outfit. The tension was palpable as their eyes met, but Thea quickly looked away. She made it a point to warmly greet every Hendrix family member, except Jake, of course. Some elders joked, "Thea, it's normal for young couples to fight. They always make up afterwards." With a laugh, Thea playfully asked, "Want to guess what Jake had done?" Chapter 3 Eight Years Everything went quiet all of a sudden. People all kinda knew there was some drama going on between Thea and Jake, but no one had the full scoop. Thea's attitude now spoke louder than words. Then, someone in the crowd couldn't help but snort, making the already weird vibe even weirder. Thea wanted to see who it was. Turning her head, she noticed Nicolas chilling on a couch not too far off. She blinked a few times, thinking back to that scene she stumbled upon in the restroom. Jake's face was a mix of emotions, struggling to stay put. "Thea," he started, his voice suddenly all gentle. "About the other day. I swear I can explain. I actually—" But before he could get it all out, the waitress holding a cake next to him dropped the plate. Crash! It hit the floor, and she was all over it like a scared rabbit, trying to clean up the mess, her eyes red even behind her mask. Jake's gaze quickly swept the scene, then froze. The tension built up in him as he reached out to grab the waitress's hand, only to let go real quick. Thea, with a slight raise of her eyebrow and her arms crossed, glanced sideways. "Looks like Mr. Hendrix is a bit tied up with his own stuff right now. Maybe we should save this chat for later, once he's sorted his things out?" Madelyn, tears starting to form, kept her gaze down. "I'm so sorry, Jake. I didn't mean to barge in like this. I'm just really worried about you. I wanted to apologize to Miss Rowland in person. I really don't want to be the reason you two split up." Jake was heartbroken. "Madelyn, you don't have to do this." Ivy's face was a mix of colors as she glared at Madelyn, her eyes filled with hatred and disgust. Despite Thea's fiery temper, Thea was still her daughter. The alliance with the Hendrix family was too good to pass up, and it would be a real bummer if Madelyn messed it up. Unable to stomach Jake and Madelyn flaunting their relationship any longer, Thea turned to leave, only to have her wrist caught in a sudden grip. Madelyn spoke with a hint of apology in her voice. "Miss Rowland, I swear I didn't show up to cause trouble. You've got it all—looks, a great family. I get it. I'm not in the same league. I messed up and am willing to make it right, even if it means kneeling. Can you please forgive Jake?" Jake's eyes were visibly wet. "Madelyn, you don't need to degrade yourself like this. Get up!" But Madelyn was stubborn, feigning weakness while gripping Thea's wrist tightly. Thea couldn't help but smirk a little. "Who said anything about keeping you two apart? Ease up on the drama. Let go." Thea wasn't pushing. She was just trying to pull her hand back. But then, Madelyn suddenly yelped, almost like she lost her balance, and ended up tripping over the table's corner. To anyone watching, it looked like Thea had pushed her. The champagne tower on the table started shaking, and then it all came tumbling down on Madelyn. Thea caught a quick sparkle of smugness in Madelyn's eyes. Without missing a beat, she stepped in and yanked Madelyn towards her. This time, Madelyn managed to avoid the champagne tower but actually ended up falling for real. Just as she was about to make a big scene, she noticed the crowd was totally stunned. The champagne tower crashed to the floor, drenching Nicolas' pricey suit. Everything went quiet for a brief moment, and then Ivy, with her eyes wide, called out, "What are you standing around for? Check if Mr. Hendrix is okay!" She then zipped around in her high heels, shooting Madelyn a sharp glance as she passed her. The room was buzzing with tension, and everyone was nervous. Madelyn turned pale, looking totally freaked out and confused. She glanced back at Thea with tears welling up, but before she could say anything, Thea beat her to it. "Miss Terell, why are you always causing a mess? If I hadn't been quick to stop you just now, you could've been caught in that mess yourself. And with Mr. Hendrix being the star of the show today, can you imagine if he got hurt?" she said. Madelyn was struggling, tears streaming down her face. Jake quietly stepped in front of her, shielding her from Thea's gaze, clearly annoyed. "It's Madelyn's first time at something like this. She's out of her depth, and instead of making her feel welcome, you're just piling on. Thea, if you've got beef, take it up with me. Don't make it hard for Madelyn," Jake said. "If she really wanted to stir the pot, Miss Rowland would have shown her the door already," came a calm, deep voice. Nicolas brushed off the towel a waiter had offered him and shot Jake a frosty look. "Showing up as guests and then throwing shade at the host because your friend can't handle the scene? Is that the kind of stuff your dad taught you? That's pretty low," Nicolas scolded. The last words hit Jake like a slap in the face. Everyone around was so stressed out by Nicolas's intensity that it was hard to breathe. Nicolas was known for sticking to rules like his life depended on it, super strict. His annoyance at Jake's disgraceful behavior led to Jake getting publicly called out. Ivy, trying to lighten the mood, cracked a smile and said, "Mr. Hendrix, we've got your dressing room ready. Why don't you head over and get changed?" "Sounds good," Nicolas agreed, then glanced over at Thea, who was still caught up in the scene unfolding. "Miss Rowland, after you," he said, with a hint of a smile. Thea was taken aback, musing, 'He wants me to show the way?' Awkwardly, she moved forward, politely gesturing for Nicolas to follow. As she led him to the dressing room, Thea was about to shut the door behind her and leave. But then, Nicolas called out to her unexpectedly. "Miss Rowland, can we talk for a second?" Thea's hand trembled a bit as she turned around. With a little nod, she stepped back into the room and softly closed the door, feeling like a kid about to get a talking-to from a teacher. "Mr. Hendrix, I'm really sorry about stumbling into that situation in the restroom. And don't worry, my lips are sealed," she said. Nicolas gave her a look, his deep eyes flicking through a storm of emotions she couldn't read, and his lips twitched slightly. "Mr. Hendrix? What's with the formalities all of a sudden?" he asked. Caught off guard, Thea looked up and replied, a bit unsure, "Well, I've been doing some thinking. And I don't think Jake and I are a good match after all. So, calling off the wedding seems like the best move for both of us." "Eight years," Nicolas said as he settled into his chair, a shadow cast by his long, dark lashes. His voice had a teasing edge, or maybe it was just light-hearted. "Do you think it's that easy to just drop an eight-year relationship? Besides, you know a marriage between the Rowlands and the Hendrixes isn't something you can simply walk away from," he said, half reminding, half warning her. Thea was just about to say something when she spotted a dark red mark on Nicolas' wrist. "Mr. Hendrix, are you hurt?" she asked, quickly grabbing the medical kit nearby. She then crouched down, taking Nicolas' hand in hers with a concerned look, revealing a scar on his arm as she pushed his sleeve up. It wasn't too deep but still noticeable. Efficiently, she began to treat his wound. Nicolas gave her a look, his eyes dim and seemingly empty of any emotion. "You know how to do this?" he asked. "Yeah, I had to pick up a few first aid tricks while living abroad by myself. Can't really survive otherwise," she replied. His hands were noticeably pale and well-cared-for, his knuckles well-defined. The slight protrusion of veins on his arms added an unexpected hint of allure. Thea found herself momentarily distracted by his appearance as she tended to his wound. It was only when their hands accidentally touched that she snapped back to reality. "Oh, sorry!" she blurted out, her cheeks coloring as she started to pull away. But before she could, Nicolas caught her wrist, holding her in place. Chapter 4 Being Set Up Thea just looked at Nicolas, noticing his eyes were kinda spaced out. "You—" Nicolas tried to say but got cut off by a knock at the door. Then came Madelyn's voice, sounding all frustrated. "Uncle Nicolas, are you okay? I messed up with what I did before, and I wanna say sorry face to face." It might've been Thea's imagination, but it seemed like Nicolas got even more ticked off the moment he heard "Uncle Nicolas." His eyes went ice cold. "Mr. Hendrix, chill here. I'll handle this," said Thea, taking the chance to stand up. Opening the door, she saw Madelyn looking all teary but trying to keep a brave face. Thea couldn't help but smirk. "Still got some nerve, huh? I wonder how you've got the guts to worm your way into the Hendrix family. Doesn't it feel weird calling Mr. Hendrix 'Uncle Nicolas'?" Madelyn's response was to bite her lower lip, looking defiant yet somehow innocent. "I get it, you think low of where I come from. But aren't we all supposed to be equal? There's no high and low in people, right?" Thea chuckled at that, stepping aside to let her in. "Wanna bet you'll be shown the door by security? Go on in if you're feeling lucky." With that, Thea turned and strolled off. Madelyn clenched her teeth and followed up before grabbing Thea's wrist. The soft, vulnerable look she usually had around others was gone, replaced by a steely determination in the dim corridor light. "You've really changed a ton since you hit sixteen. That whole mess really got to you, huh?" Madelyn challenged, locking eyes with Thea. "We need to have a chat. Just us." Thea, caught off guard, felt a flicker of surprise, wondering why Madelyn would know about that incident. Despite her reservations, she agreed, "Okay, follow me." She led Madelyn to her room, a silent agreement to this private talk. As soon as they were inside, Madelyn dove straight in. "If you want to keep your secrets safe, you need to leave Jake. He's been over you for ages. Can't you tell?" Thea, ever the picture of carefree grace, took a seat and faced Madelyn head-on. "Since we're laying things out, let me be clear. I'm calling off my engagement with Jake. But it's my call. I don't want him anymore. If you're so keen on picking up leftovers, be my guest. Just quit sneaking around." Madelyn's face twisted with a mix of anger and envy, a clear sign she'd hit a nerve. Suddenly, this weird smell just wafted through the air. Thea barely had a moment to think that something was off before it was way too late. The sky started doing this crazy dance, and Madelyn morphed into a dark, ominous blur. Thea tried to stand and bail, but her body was weak, and she just crashed, out cold. It took a moment for her brain to clear before Thea was roughly dragged off the bed and onto the floor. The fall was hard. She heard a woman's anguished scream and Jake's low growl of rage. "I didn't think you'd stoop so low as to do this! You're a woman too. Your methods are too vicious." Thea was still weak on all fours. She sat up, propped on the floor, looking sorry. She met Jake's gaze, which was cold and filled with intense disgust. "What's going on?" Her head was spinning, and her heart was suddenly pounding as she took in the chaotic scene before her. Jake reached out and gripped her chin tightly, his tone indignant and icy. "What's going on? Hadn't you plotted all this? If I hadn't been there in time, Madelyn would have been raped by the thugs you arranged. "I knew you were up to something when the champagne tower collapsed, but I didn't expect you to stoop so low!" Jake's outburst had completely clued Thea into what was going on. She spotted Madelyn, all messed up and crying, looking like she'd been through the wringer. Right then, Thea wasn't about to waste time guessing if Madelyn was faking it. Her mind was racing with the shock that she was being set up. Summoning all her strength, she shoved Jake's hand aside and got ready to stand her ground. "Are you out of your mind? Why would you even think I did this? I just woke up, and I'm also a victim." Jake gave a sarcastic sniff and mocked her, "You don't know why you passed out? Wasn't it just a slick move to throw us off your scent? We're in your room. Who else would be behind this but you?" Madelyn took Jake's hand, her eyes brimming with tears she fought to keep at bay. "Jake, let's not jump to conclusions. It might not be Miss Rowland's fault. She was knocked out at the same time I was. Guess my bad luck just made me a magnet for those thugs." Jake was getting madder by the second. "Thea, how can you be so evil?" His words hit Thea hard, making it tough for her to breathe. She never imagined a day when he would call her "evil." There was a time when he would shield her from any criticism or hostility, no matter what. But now, he was all about another woman, turning into the deepest cut she had ever felt. Thea looked at Jake with a cold, detached gaze, feeling like he was a complete stranger. "Why would I even bother playing games with you? Is it worth throwing away my future over a man I'm already over?" Perhaps it was the clarity in Thea's eyes that threw Jake off, making him think she wasn't just lashing out. His panic started to creep up until Madelyn's shaky hand found his wrist, snapping him back to reality. He was all Madelyn had left. A pair of cool, deep eyes observed the chaos unfolding in the room. Nicolas was standing quietly in the hallway, not wanting to butt in, yet he couldn't take his eyes off Thea's helpless, sad figure inside. Next to him, Darwin spoke up in a hushed tone, "Mr. Hendrix, want me to go in and give a hand? She was the one—" Before he could finish, Nicolas gave a slight twitch of his lips, a hint of a smirk, and asked, "Got nothing better to do?" Darwin was promptly left without words. A gasp of shock echoed from the doorway. "My God, what is happening here?" Emmalie rushed in, her dress trailing behind her, with a bunch of people in tow. Ivy was so thrown by the mess in front of her that she nearly froze on the spot. Thea's brothers, Max Rowland and Duncan Rowland, came barreling in to tackle the chaos head-on. "Thea, are you okay?" Emmalie looked super worried, her eyes all red. Thea just made a face and sidestepped a comforting hand. Emmalie, trying not to show how hurt she was, bit her lip and said, "Why's everyone assuming Thea's behind this? Got any proof?" Jake slowed at the memory and turned to command, "Bring those thugs here." A few minutes later, several men with swollen noses entered the room, all tied up. Chapter 5 Not This Time As soon as they walked in, those thugs made a beeline for Thea, dropping to their knees with desperate looks. "Miss Rowland, we can't handle the beatings any longer. You're the one who paid us. You can't just bail on us now." Thea stepped back, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you even talking about? I don't know you guys." She was trying to make sense of the situation. "If I were the one who hired you, I wouldn't be dumb enough to reach out directly. Wouldn't that just make it easy for you to pin me down?" The lead guy clenched his jaw and whipped out his phone. "Miss Rowland, here's the proof—calls and messages. You're not going to deny it, right? "Plus, you wired a cool 35 thousand dollars from the Rowland account to me just the other day. We could just head to the bank and verify that." Jake was visibly fuming, looking really upset. Before he could even get a word out, Emmalie jumped in, saying, "Mr. Hendrix, Thea only messed up because she's way too into you. I apologize to Miss Terell on her behalf. Let's just put this behind us, okay? Whatever Miss Terell needs to make things right, we're on it." Jake's mood went from bad to worse, and he shot Thea a scathing look. "So, you think you've outsmarted everyone, huh? If it weren't for me standing up for Madelyn, you would've had her played, wouldn't you?" Out of nowhere, Thea burst into laughter as if a lightbulb went off in her head. Turning to Emmalie, she said with a sarcastic tone, "We're still on this, and here you are, rushing to cover up and say sorry - are you so eager to pin this on me?" Emmalie's eyes went wide, and before anyone knew it, she was crying."Thea, I really want to help you. Why would you even think that of me?" Ivy was visibly upset and shot Thea a furious look. "It's tough for Emmalie to have your back when you're causing chaos at her welcome party. Do you only feel good when she's groveling and saying sorry for stuff you've done?" Max just sighed, looking both helpless and tired. "Thea, just say sorry if you've messed up. We're all trying to help you here." Duncan chimed in with a frown, "Honestly, Emmalie's the only one foolish enough to keep fixing your disasters, and she's been nothing but nice to you." 'Help me? By jumping to conclusions?' Thea thought in disbelief. Despite being used to not being trusted, Thea couldn't shake off the feeling of her heart being punctured, leaving her cold and empty. She tilted her head, giving off a vibe that was both cool and dismissive. "Am I wrong? Right now, shouldn't we be focusing on figuring out the real story? Do you actually want to see me getting blamed for something I didn't do?" Max remained silent, his eyes fixed on Madelyn, who looked visibly shaken. Jake stepped in, his voice dripping with unfriendliness. "Look, it's clear as day. I get it. You're doing this because moving on is hard for you. But let's get one thing straight - Madelyn is innocent. "She's been caught up in something she has nothing to do with. Just say you're sorry, and we can all move past this. I'm still here for you, but let's not make things worse with angry outbursts." The others looked awkward, blushing for various reasons, not catching on that Jake was still willing to marry Thea despite everything. Madelyn's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, betraying a sense of resignation. Thea, all smiles, kept her tone polite but firm. "Mr. Hendrix, your generosity is touching, but I'm not about to confess to things I haven't done. And regarding the engagement..." She glanced around the room. "Just to clear the air for everyone here, my engagement to Jake is off. From this point on, he'll go his way, and I'll go mine. We're not crossing paths anymore." With every word, her red lips painted a picture, and Jake's expression shifted through an entire spectrum of emotions, as vivid as a kaleidoscope. Darwin, hanging out in the doorway, couldn't resist jumping into the conversation. "So, Miss Rowland is really done with Jake, huh? She's making him look like a fool. Pretty slick." Nicolas stayed quiet, a fleeting, mysterious emotion flickering in his eyes for just a second. Madelyn felt a spark of hope and grabbed Jake's hand, pleading, "Jake, I shouldn't have messed with Miss Rowland. I'm sorry. If she can forgive me, I swear I'll leave the city for good." Jake, who had just started to soften up, snapped back to his usual stern self. With a dark look, he shot back, "Thea, wanna test out how your family holds up against my fury?" Max quickly chimed in, "Can't you just listen for once, Thea? Say you're sorry." Jake and the Rowland family were pressuring her because they bet she wouldn't give up on love or family. 'I've been bending over backward, getting frustrated time and time again. Not this time. Not today,' Thea thought. Thea whipped out her phone, a playful smirk on her face. "If you're really as innocent and wronged as you claim, let's get the police involved and see what they have to say. "Lucky for us, I've got some juicy recordings on my phone. The police can figure out who's lying and make sure no innocent people get blamed." "No!" Madelyn was quick to reject, her voice a bit sharp because of the stress. She started panicking, looking for a way out, sounding shaky and lost. "If this leaks, my reputation will be in shreds," she hastily added. Betting on whether Thea had incriminating stuff on her phone wasn't an option. If she did, Madelyn would be done for it. Next to Ivy, Emmalie shook her head, clearly not impressed. "Isn't this messing with the Rowland family's good name? It's not cool letting this stuff get out." She gave Thea a concerned look. "Thea, maybe we should just keep this low-key. Apologize to Miss Terell and get past this. Let's not wreck things with the Hendrix family, okay?" Thea just winked and gave a mean sneer. "Why should I be scared? It's the person pulling strings from the shadows who should worry, right? For Miss Terell's sake, maybe it's time to let the police handle it and catch the real troublemaker asap." It was pretty obvious who had sneaked into her room to set her up. She was down for a drug test, and whatever banned stuff they could find in her system was solid proof. As for witnesses, it seemed like those thugs who stirred up the mess didn't even hint at the possibility of jail time beforehand. Thea was chilling, even though she had no recordings on her phone. Those punks got all jittery the second they heard the word "police." But somehow, they were biting down hard, keeping silent. Emmalie's got this shadow passing over her eyes like she just went numb for a second. Max gave a sly nod to his bodyguard. "Thea's a bit out of it from all the drinks. Let's get her downstairs to crash off the buzz. I'll go to your place to apologize personally, Miss Terell." Then, out of nowhere, Thea said, "Excuse me," dialing up the police with everyone listening in. Chapter 6 Compensation Proposed By Nicolas "Hey, officer. We have a serious situation involving attempted drugging and rape. Can you come check it out?" Thea's voice was steady. After hanging up, she noticed Emmalie nervously clutching her dress. If they were going to take this seriously, she would play along. The Rowland family's welcome party had turned into a complete disaster. The police approached Thea. "We understand the basics, but since the suspects are all pointing fingers at you, we need you to come to the station to help with our investigation." The Rowland family members had already left, not wanting to be tied to this mess. Jake looked like he wanted to say something to Thea, but Madelyn started swaying again. Without hesitation, Jake scooped her up in his arms and walked away, leaving Thea behind. In the night breeze, Thea's silhouette seemed lonely and cold. As Nicolas watched the police car drive off, he looked away from the window and rolled it up. He absentmindedly fiddled with his watch, staring into space, his thoughts unreadable. Darwin cleared his throat and said to the driver, "Let's hold off on going back to Belcrane Villa for now." ***** At the police station, the lawyer hired by the Hendrix family said, "Miss Rowland, I've been informed about the situation. My advice is simple - compensation and an apology. "The Hendrix family will pay, and you'll apologize. Then we can move on. Don't worry; I'll ensure your apology stays private." He then adopted a haughty tone. "The Hendrix family believes that if you let this blow over, the marriage between the Hendrix and Rowland families will still happen." Max, who seemed to have been waiting for this, visibly relaxed. He smiled and said, "I knew Jake was reasonable. Please pass on our apologies to him." He then gave Thea a pointed look, urging her to accept. "No," Thea replied, her hair slightly messy but her head held high, her neck long and elegant. "I won't apologize. Let the police investigate and clear my name." Everyone's expressions changed. Frustrated, Max slammed his hand on the table. "Thea, can you please stop making a scene? So many people saw what happened today. You might not care about your reputation, but the Rowland family does." Duncan scoffed, "She's just been spoiled at home. If it were Emmalie, she wouldn't be causing us all this trouble." Thea let out a bitter laugh to herself. She was definitely not like Emmalie, who would stoop to any low to ruin her. The Hendrix family's lawyer narrowed his eyes threateningly. "If you refuse to apologize, the Hendrix family won't bail you out. We'll also press charges against you for hiring someone to attack Madelyn." Thea's heart sank. Jake was truly ruthless, not even pretending anymore. As long as he stood firm, the Rowland family wouldn't dare come to her aid. She could end up spending the rest of her life in prison. Thea let out a cold laugh, lifting her chin defiantly. "But I didn't do anything, and I won't apologize. If you want me to continue with the engagement, I have one condition - give me the security footage from today." Max's expression shifted. "Jake already took the footage. He said if you keep causing trouble, he won't hesitate to make it public." Thea's gaze hardened, her heart growing colder. "So none of you believe me, right? Not one of you even bothered to look at the footage, huh?" Duncan replied impatiently, "Why would we? It's embarrassing enough as it is. Not making it public is for your own good. We're all worried sick about this mess, and here you are, still stirring things up. It's frustrating." Thea suddenly felt exhausted. "If that's how it is, you can all leave. I don't need you to bail me out, and you don't need to waste your energy trying to force me." Everyone's expressions changed. The Hendrix family's lawyer was the first to leave, muttering, "Ungrateful brat." The Rowland family members started jeering. "Let's see how long you can keep this up. You'll come crawling back to us to clean up your mess." Thea's pale, chapped lips twitched. She silently vowed that even if she died here today, she would never let anyone control her again. After what felt like an eternity in her daze, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching. "Thea, you're free to go. Someone's here to bail you out," an officer said. Thea ran through everyone she could think of, but she couldn't guess who it might be. At the police station entrance, a Pagani was parked by the curb, with a tall figure standing beside it. The man was backlit, the shadows highlighting his profile, his eyelashes casting shadows beneath his eyes. His cool demeanor and stern expression made him seem even sharper. His cold, dignified presence contrasted sharply with Thea's disheveled appearance. Thea was momentarily stunned. "Nicolas?" she called out in surprise. Realizing that might not be appropriate, she quickly corrected herself, "Mr. Hendrix." "Yeah." Nicolas nodded slightly. "Get in the car." Thea felt uneasy but obediently climbed in. She hadn't interacted much with this powerful head of the Hendrix family. After all, Nicolas spent most of his time abroad managing their overseas markets. Their few meetings were limited to family dinners. In Thea's mind, Nicolas was a golden boy, a business legend who, even in his thirties, exuded charisma and had never been involved in a scandal. Jake both feared and resented Nicolas. Whenever he brought up Nicolas's achievements, his tone dripped with envy. With Nicolas around, Jake would never be the Hendrix family heir. Thea was lost in thought, and her heart raced. 'I embarrassed the Hendrix family in front of everyone. Nicolas probably won't let me off easy. Even if he bailed me out, he's likely planning to confront me afterward,' she thought. Just as panic set in, she heard Nicolas's clear, cool voice. "The Hendrix family owes you for this incident. What kind of compensation would you like?" "Huh?" Thea thought she must have misheard. Nicolas turned slightly to look at her, his deep, calm eyes both alluring and intimidating. "I know everything about Jake's situation. The Hendrix family will make this right. I promise that woman won't be around him anymore." Thea snapped out of her shock. She suddenly understood what he meant. The Hendrix family wasn't foolish; she was still the Rowland family's daughter. Even if she wasn't favored, she was better than Madelyn, who had no background or status. Madelyn's family and education were mediocre; she wouldn't even qualify as a maid in the Hendrix family house. If Jake really married her, it would be a laughingstock for the Hendrix family. Rationally, Thea should agree to this, continuing to secure the Hendrix family connection for the Rowland family. But... Chapter 7 Madelyn's Excuse Thea looked up at Nicolas, her voice steady. "Mr. Hendrix, I want to end my engagement with Jake. From now on, I want nothing more to do with him." Nicolas raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised. "Are you sure about this?" Thea gripped her hands tightly on her knees. "I am. I hope you can understand my actions. No one wants to be cheated on. I didn't intend to embarrass the Hendrix family." Nicolas said nothing in response but added, his tone remaining calm, "Take a few days to think it through. Don't make a rash decision you'll regret." Thea misinterpreted his words, thinking he was threatening her, and her face grew even paler. "Mr. Hendrix, I—" "I helped you today, but it comes with conditions," Nicolas interrupted, shifting slightly in his seat, his presence as cold and distant as stone. "I know you don't want to stay at Avon Ventures, but I need you to finish the Warren Group project you're working on," Nicolas said. "You're a valuable employee, and I stepped in today because it was the right thing to do." Thea felt her anxiety ease a little, offering Nicolas a sincere smile. "Thank you, Mr. Hendrix." Avon Ventures was a key subsidiary of the Hendrix Group. Thea had joined the company alongside Jake. Jake hated being bound by company rules, but his family pressured him into staying, so Thea ended up doing most of his work. She even handled several projects worth millions of dollars on his behalf, without recognition. The Rowland family hadn't objected, partly because they assumed she'd eventually marry into the Hendrix family, and partly because her efforts at Avon Ventures benefitted the Rowland family, too. Now, as Thea reflected, she realized she'd spent years working for everyone else's gain. How foolish she'd been. Upon arrival, Thea quickly disappeared into the night. Darwin returned from a phone call, looking irritated. "Mr. Hendrix, they're not pleased with your sudden return without notice." Nicolas's expression remained as cold as ice. "Are the executives at the foreign office completely useless?" Darwin hesitated before mumbling, "You clearly don't approve of Jake's behavior, so why did you tell Miss Rowland to reconsider breaking off the engagement?" Nicolas's eyes narrowed. "That's enough talk." ***** The next day, rumors followed Thea the moment she walked into Avon Ventures. "Did you hear? Miss Rowland lost it at the family party yesterday. She hired some thugs who almost raped Miss Terell," one employee whispered. "That's taking things too far," another replied. "Well, Madelyn shouldn't have been the other woman," someone added. "You can't really say that. Miss Rowland and Mr. Hendrix weren't married. I heard he wanted to break up with her a while ago. He and Miss Terell are truly in love, but Miss Rowland won't let go. Jealousy can make people act crazy," another person chimed in. "She's just throwing her weight around because of her money and connections. I've never liked her arrogant attitude. If I were Mr. Hendrix, I'd choose Miss Terell as well," a woman scoffed. Thea heard these harsh comments but kept her expression neutral as she made her way to the meeting room. However, someone stopped her with a forced smile. "Miss Rowland, all the meeting rooms are booked today. Did you have an appointment?" "I do." Thea checked the time. "Warren Group is coming to review our products today. If everything goes well, we'll sign the contract this afternoon." Her colleague looked hesitated. "Well, Mr. Hendrix already took Miss Terell to handle that. He said you wouldn't be coming in today, so he brought her instead." Thea's mind went blank, her face growing tense. She rushed toward the meeting room, but it was too late. Madelyn was already showing the Warren Group representatives around the product area. Since this was a major order that could be highlighted in the company's profile, the whole process was recorded and photographed. Jake stood nearby, beaming with pride as he gazed at Madelyn, like he was saying, "Look how incredible my girl is." Their eyes met often, full of sweetness. After the previous night's drama, they seemed even bolder. However, all the product descriptions Madelyn was presenting had been painstakingly prepared by Thea over several nights. Jake didn't have an ounce of sympathy for her. People around them cast looks of either mockery or pity in Thea's direction. A Wintean from Warren Group was inspecting the products on display, speaking quickly to the person beside him. That person turned to Madelyn and asked, "Miss Terell, could you please repeat that in Wintean?" Madelyn's smile faded instantly, her face going pale with panic. She looked helplessly at Jake, her anxiety clear. She didn't speak Wintean and had only gotten the position through Jake's connections. Jake hadn't expected this situation, but he tried to calm her with a silent gesture of reassurance. The client picked up on the tension and frowned. "Are you serious? You can't even handle basic Wintean communication, huh?" Madelyn looked as if she might cry, clearly overwhelmed. Jake scanned the room until his eyes landed on Thea, who had been watching everything unfold. His expression darkened as he strode over. "Thea, are you just going to stand there and watch Madelyn struggle like this?" His tone was sharp. Before Thea could respond, Jake lightly pushed her forward, saying in a low, threatening voice, "The company's reputation is on the line. Don't be petty. Help Madelyn out so we can get this contract signed." Thea nearly laughed in disbelief. She stood firm, crossing her arms, and gave Jake a cold look. "When you handed my project over to Madelyn, did you tell her not to make things difficult for me?" She spoke loudly enough for everyone around to hear. Madelyn's frail frame shook as she bit her lip, fighting back tears. In a soft, tearful voice, she tried to shift the blame onto Thea. "It's not like that. My name is also on the project. I worked late on several proposals, and everyone knows that. Mr. Hendrix just wanted to give me more experience, so he asked me to handle the reception today. "This is all my fault. You're the only one on the team who knows Wintean, and now I've embarrassed myself. Miss Rowland, you must have forgotten to mention that the clients were Wintean. That has to be it." Before the project began, Jake had indeed insisted on adding a few names to the team, including Madelyn's. Thea hadn't liked seeing Madelyn's name there, but she'd been too busy to worry about it at the time. She had seen Madelyn's so-called proposals - they were worthless, lacking any real content. Thea had been more than tolerant by not calling Madelyn out for contributing nothing but still accepting her share of the bonus. She never expected them to turn the situation around like this. As Madelyn's tears fell, it painted Thea as the villain who bullied and overworked the newcomer. Thea's chest rose and fell as she tried to contain her anger, but she didn't rush to defend herself. Instead, she looked straight at Jake, her eyes cold. "Mr. Hendrix, what's your take on this?" The others might not know the truth, but he certainly did. Chapter 8 Compete For Promotion Jake's eyes darted around nervously as he cleared his throat. "Madelyn has put in a lot of effort. Thea, why don't you help her out this time? Think of it as mentoring a newbie." With a sweet smile on her tear-stained face, Madelyn looked at Thea with a hint of challenge in her eyes. "Thank you so much, Miss Rowland." Anger burned in Thea's chest, making her eyes sting. 'Madelyn's effort, huh? Then what about all the sleepless nights I spent working and the endless client dinners to secure deals?' she thought. She recalled how Jake had come to her, desperate, telling her this deal was crucial. Nicolas had given him an ultimatum from overseas - either close this deal or pack up and return to the Hendrix family. That was why Thea had pushed herself so hard. And now, it all felt like a cruel joke. Her face hardened as she tossed the files she was holding onto the floor. "So this is how you want to play it, huh? Fine. I'm done with this project. You said it was all Madelyn's hard work, right? Let her finish it. I'm out." Jake clenched his jaw and grabbed Thea's arm, dragging her toward the door. His grip was harsh, and Thea stumbled in her heels, struggling to keep her balance. "Thea, I know I've been distant, and that's my fault. But I told you that Madelyn has nothing to do with this. Can't you just leave her alone? If you've got a problem, take it up with me," he said. Thea yanked her arm free, wincing at the red marks his fingers left behind. She stared at him coldly. "All I want is for my hard work not to benefit someone else. Is that too much to ask?" Jake took a deep breath, gripping her shoulders as he tried to look sincere. "I'm ready to let the past go. Tomorrow, I'll announce to the whole company that you're my fiancée. "You're the daughter of the Rowland family, respected and accomplished. Madelyn's got nothing. Can't you just give her a break?" Thea felt a wave of dizziness. She'd waited so long to hear those words. Since she had started working at the company, Jake had insisted he hated office romances and didn't want anyone thinking he was relying on her. Even when rumors spread about their relationship, he never publicly acknowledged it. Then Madelyn appeared, and some people even speculated that Thea was using her position to try to break them up. Now, Jake was finally willing to claim her publicly - the very thing he had avoided for so long - but only to protect Madelyn. Instead of the joy and excitement she had once imagined, Thea felt a knot in her stomach as she processed everything. "Announce what? I thought we didn't have a relationship, right?" A dangerous glint flashed in Jake's eyes as he tightened his grip on her shoulders. "My patience has limits. Keep this up, and it really will be over between us." He seemed so confident, so sure that Thea would back down, just like before when she would beg and plead, terrified of losing him. A bitter smirk tugged at Thea's lips, but before she could respond, there was a knock at the door. "Mr. Jake Hendrix, sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Nicolas Hendrix is here. He's called an emergency meeting and wants you and Miss Rowland there right away," an employee announced. Thea reacted first, shaking off Jake's hands and walking out of the door with a blank expression. ***** In the meeting room, Nicolas sat at the head of the table, cold and dignified as ever. He flipped through the company's financial reports, absently tapping his fingers on the table. Everyone else held their breath. Avon Ventures was just a small subsidiary under Nicolas, and in a year, one could count on one hand the number of times he'd even set foot in the office. Everyone was on edge, nervously reviewing their recent work decisions. Thea and Jake entered one after the other, with Madelyn trailing behind Jake. Darwin didn't hold back. "Didn't you see the memo? We don't need anyone serving refreshments. What are you doing here?" Madelyn stood frozen, her eyes red and watery, looking at Jake with a helpless expression. Jake's face darkened. "Darwin, she's with Miss Rowland's team. What's wrong with her sitting in to observe?" Thea's eyebrow twitched, but before she could object, Nicolas pointed toward the door. "Grab a chair and listen from outside. The executive seats are full. There's no room for you here." Madelyn swayed on her feet, biting her lip in humiliation as she kept glancing at Jake. But Jake could only clench his fists in frustration; he didn't dare to challenge Nicolas. Nicolas provided a brief overview of the company's situation. To everyone's relief, he didn't seem upset. Then he turned his attention to Jake. "Your work performance over the past six months has been impressive - high quality and high volume. It must be a lot for one person to handle, so I'm considering promoting someone to deputy manager." At this announcement, most people perked up, excited about the opportunity. Thea wasn't surprised; she had already heard rumors and planned to go for the position herself. After all, she had done all of Jake's projects. A promotion seemed more than reasonable. Jake cleared his throat and stood up, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Well, I actually have someone in mind for the deputy manager position." Everyone assumed he was about to name Thea. Even Thea believed it for a moment. But Jake turned toward the door and said slowly, "I think Miss Terell would be an excellent choice. She's been by my side, helping secure all these projects. The recent partnership with the company from Wintoland was all thanks to her. I know what she can do. This promotion is well-deserved." His words felt like two sharp slaps to Thea's face. She had tolerated Jake's shifting loyalties, but she never imagined he would erase their history so easily. Maybe it was the intensity of Thea's gaze that made Jake avoid her eyes as he continued, "Miss Terell has worked tirelessly, and it's taken a toll on her health. Becoming the deputy manager has been her dream, and I hope you guys can find it in your hearts not to take that away from her." The room fell silent. No one dared object. Then, as if twisting the knife further, Jake turned to gaze lovingly at Thea and added, "I have one more announcement. Miss Rowland and I will be getting married soon, and we'd love for you all to attend the wedding." The crowd was stunned for a moment before they started offering congratulations. But with each passing second, Thea's expression grew colder, like she was on the verge of snapping. She wanted to expose the truth and tear down Jake's facade in front of everyone. But when her eyes met Nicolas's, she hesitated. Jake was still a Hendrix, and humiliating him could be seen as an insult to the family itself. She couldn't afford to risk provoking Nicolas. "Quiet," Nicolas said, his voice cutting through the room. 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SHOP_NOW | http://makeshiftartspace.org/shop | Make.Shift | https://www.facebook.com/makeshiftproject/ | 6,283 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | makeshiftartspace.org | CAROUSEL | http://makeshiftartspace.org/shop | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469645966_609425681853437_8163425968174194546_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4GgnMAFkKF0Q7kNvgHAwcrE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AkkvBrkeX865dlnbEXpQkL4&oh=00_AYCapdmJcZin1g8z4v6cqtQfuI-LjdfVuP6HjSi3aOenQQ&oe=675C2815 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Make.Shift | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:06 | active | 1974 | 0 |
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MOTORDOG69 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY We are giving away a FREE Challenge Coin Mount and Challenge Coin of your Choice Valued Up to $130 Enter Daily!!! Earn Multiple Entries each day. Here’s How: 1. Come to our Facebook page each day between December 7th and December 18th and respond by commenting on our daily question. 2. Share our post each day of the promo, and comment “shared”. 3. Invite your friends to our page and have them mention your name in a comment. Winner will be announced on a Facebook Live Saturday December 21st. Time TBA | MESSAGE_PAGE | MotorDog69 | https://www.facebook.com/MD69RIDEWITHPRIDE/ | 2,424 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | IMAGE | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469652370_1531332854926902_7141872982545638763_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k2sejnKGE3gQ7kNvgG3kirP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6_Cd_Xu5ebBFXteGoqXf1U&oh=00_AYCqTwZJWoEGZR59QfQ72orlW1mL0o4cjBigGE6ci74WWg&oe=675C262B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | MotorDog69 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:12 | active | 1975 | 0 | Enhance your hearing, prevent auditory impairments, and maintain sharp hearing—trust NasoTonefor reliable auditory health benefits at every moment! | Experience a mild hearing boost with Barbara! Discover tried-and-true strategies to enhance your hearing and protect yourself from hearing loss and auditory impairments. Watch the video now for more insights. 👂 | LEARN_MORE | https://www.naturewisp.com/en/review-nasotone-ja.h | Megan Kelly Victoria | https://www.facebook.com/61552293253153/ | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | www.naturewisp.com | VIDEO | https://www.naturewisp.com/en/review-nasotone-ja.html?cy=US&campaignId={{campaign.id}}&adgroupId={{adset.id}}&adId={{ad.id}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469577857_614000221010635_9186591437135005663_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aUs-rgsJoL8Q7kNvgGyVEkX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ARy2rvZCLpvgx1O6rF3sCw9&oh=00_AYAynCZ2y5l3cq_CSjS-bjOKQNyqoHN2tYdZ9N-pQ-g8TA&oe=675C2D7E | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Megan Kelly Victoria | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-08 19:42 | active | 1976 | 0 | Want A Better Way To Start 2025? | This FREE 31-Day Wisdom challenge in 2025 will give you the wisdom you need to grow in every area of your life! Join Pedro Adao and tens of thousands of other kingdom-minded truth-seekers as we take a daily journey through the Book of Proverbs during the 31-Day Wisdom Challenge: https://wisdom2025.com/fb The 31-Day Wisdom Challenge is designed to help you grow in your faith, gain clarity on what matters most, and discover practical ways to apply biblical principles to every area of your life. You’ll also hear from dozens of other incredible ministry leaders and Kingdom entrepreneurs. Check out our past guests: 🎙️ Eric Thomas 🎙️ Lisa Nichols 🎙️ Bill Johnson 🎙️ Heidi Baker 🎙️ Kris Vallotton 🎙️ Ron Carpenter 🎙️ Brian Simmons ... AND MORE! Be inspired by amazing Kingdom leaders as they share their testimonies, personal notes, and powerful takeaways from their own search for God’s wisdom. Join us now at https://wisdom2025.com/fb | LEARN_MORE | http://fb.me/ | Pedro Adao | https://www.facebook.com/pedromadao/ | 38,527 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fb.me | VIDEO | http://fb.me/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469457502_1286888662507832_4557562898165985676_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CB5QFBQlAtwQ7kNvgHBe_Ma&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AL7by9zeaxCbt7cJCxx7AOU&oh=00_AYBEaW5-LSRmDurt0QtkQZ8icZQUxKq6YwK_r9vwaGdfWg&oe=675C14B1 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Pedro Adao | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-08 19:06 | active | 1974 | 0 |
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The ultimate wellness bundle could be yours! 💚 Win premium products to help you rest, recharge, and relax this season. What’s Included: ✨ Cooling Recovery Cream - $79.99 ✨ Topical Salve - $39.99 ✨ Oil (Your Choice) - $59.99 ✨ Gummies (Your Choice) - $34.99 ✨ Hemp-Infused Bath Bomb - $13 Total Value: $228 How to Enter: 1️⃣ Follow @hempremediesog 2️⃣ Like this post ❤️ 3️⃣ Tag a friend who deserves a little holiday reset (each tag = 1 entry!) 🎁 Bonus Entry: Share this post to your story and tag us! Giveaway ends Dec 15th at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be announced on Dec 16th via our story! Open to U.S. residents only. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Good luck, and happy holidays! 💚 . #wellness #holiday #relax #giveaway #giveawayalert #stressrelief #rest #calm #relaxation | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | https://www.instagram.com/_u/hempremediesog | Hemp Remedies Original Grower | https://www.facebook.com/61552759093920/ | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | IMAGE | https://www.instagram.com/_u/hempremediesog | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469495061_505331822530722_2250556688262481159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=n_cL88NBaWsQ7kNvgHO1tfb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AEcYmzHo2avNVTf1b_YUeR9&oh=00_AYD4xvehMJJfJB0BdkqPO1w7rjl4N0pQminRbgLGzATY-A&oe=675BFDED | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Hemp Remedies Original Grower | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:42 | active | 1976 | 0 | 🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉 | 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. Confusion clouded Carissa's eyes. "The queen dowager praises 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? 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 gaze. "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." As he spoke of Aurora, his eyes softened with deep affection, "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 in vain. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to 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." "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 confront 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 him storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, exclaimed, 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 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 in war. 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 last of the Sinclair line, 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, 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 for me?' Resolute, Carissa declared, “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 when they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates, waiting 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,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document in hand and rubbed his temples. “ I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued and can’t be revoked. Send her back.” “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 in the Sinclairs', 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. | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | shgjfh.com | VIDEO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465968889_1802724053464972_2345824730389979106_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=khPAmUTaVUcQ7kNvgFJFUG-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMLlpInsE8HstLm7KGzDUjV&oh=00_AYBcEWqUEIJmtS5QmUCt40eEDuJZ2zk5NYmbxa9sMjq9Kg&oe=675C01E6 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 20:15 | active | 1977 | 0 |
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🎉 Win $400 Worth of Surprises! 🎉 Kickstart Your New Year with the Fitness Unplugged Challenge! Join us for an exhilarating 6-week fitness challenge designed to transform your body and mind! 🗓 Challenge Dates: January 6, 2024 - February 21, 2024 💲 Cost: Only $250 ### What’s Included: ✅ 5 Days a Week of Fitness Classes: Enjoy access to dynamic fitness classes at 6 AM and 9 AM, guided by our professional fitness coaches, ensuring you get the most out of every workout! ✅ Personalized Meal Plans: Receive customized nutrition plans tailored to your fitness goals. ✅ Weekly Check-Ins: Stay accountable with regular progress check-ins to track your journey. ✅ Group Support: Join a community of like-minded individuals for motivation and encouragement. ✅ Expert Coaching: Benefit from guidance and support from our certified trainers throughout the challenge. ✅ Fitness Assessments: Get baseline fitness assessments at the beginning and end of the challenge to measure your progress. ✅ Exclusive Workshops: Attend special workshops on nutrition, fitness techniques, and wellness topics. Don’t miss this chance to transform your body and kickstart your fitness journey! Limited spots available! 📍 Location: 1801 Elzworth St, Bakersfield, CA 93312 📞 Register Now: Call 661-808-1674 or visit fitunplugged661.com | MESSAGE_PAGE | Fitness Unplugged 661 | https://www.facebook.com/100087785347139/ | 385 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | IMAGE | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469596798_3896587647265902_2289033170619423958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r95gu_gmPPAQ7kNvgH00trD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AG3JO6qOX1IKa6qVhInm2S4&oh=00_AYCyF0n5qTy7itMhRbL70MdD4eSNzaSJLz65IKYfQZGxxw&oe=675C220B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fitness Unplugged 661 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-08 20:15 | active | 1977 | 0 |
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$1600/Trade New Lenovo Legion, RTX 4070, Intel i9-14900HX, 32GB DDR5, 512GB, QHD+ 165Hz, Brand New | $1600/Trade New Lenovo Legion, RTX 4070, Intel i9-14900HX, 32GB DDR5, 512GB, QHD+ 165Hz, Brand New - $500.00 See our full selection online at mbpc.gg Trade ins accepted! Brand new sealed in box, never opened. Full Specs: -GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 -CPU: Intel i9-14900HX -RAM: 32GB DDR5 -STORAGE: 512B NVMe SSD -Operating System: Windows 11 Home Edition Activated -SCREEN: 16" QHD+ (2560x1600p) 165Hz 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Receive the item fully functional and as advertised or you may return it for a full refund. Price is $1600, not $500. It is listed at $500 because Facebook has a $500 processing limit for shipped items. You may purchase on our website @ mbpc.gg. Free shipping. Local pickup optional in Syracuse, NY. Payment plans accepted. Upgrading from your current laptop or PC? Message us to discuss trade in offers. Follow this page to stay up to date with new products! Facebook Marketplace | BUY_NOW | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/128456113259 | Maximillion Blumetti | https://www.facebook.com/Maximillion-Blumetti-1343938682449842/ | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Buy now | 0 | IMAGE | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1284561132591370/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | REGULAR_PAGE | 1 | 1 | 0 | Maximillion Blumetti | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:06 | active | 1974 | 0 |
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💖 Limited Offer: Grab Your Free eBook Now! 💖 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book has been an amazing resource for my daughter and me! It explains puberty in a clear, friendly way that’s easy for her to understand, and it’s taken the stress out of covering everything myself. Perfect for starting positive conversations about growing up! | LEARN_MORE | https://fb.com/messenger_doc/ | Empower Teen Girls | https://www.facebook.com/61559712543386/ | 18 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | fb.com | DCO | https://fb.com/messenger_doc/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469659017_424954933883641_4687714562489834378_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pDyCQcBkOPUQ7kNvgEhQoHv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ArI5rwqUsXMAqfxMsJtJ1V3&oh=00_AYDMUJLYNUXX59TDk5I_nF-buwHMhP4KMPJFB7ArfsKBVA&oe=675C15C7 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Empower Teen Girls | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:42 | active | 1976 | 0 |
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Pick up your free jar now | A new enhancement that is available for free* *Pay only for shipping | LEARN_MORE | https://us.reddituk.com/hHvqwFjj | Free Samples UK | https://www.facebook.com/100083504823090/ | 132 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | amazon.com | DCO | {{product.description}} | https://us.reddituk.com/hHvqwFjj | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469865754_453986577745863_5262982329802579932_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bzpQzqlaMcAQ7kNvgHgtZtE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQQqrkeNE52f93wHmxKrSkv&oh=00_AYAUGhD4IlhPzEHMEcDJGi8liY-KZsUM2cK9Ssx8JX8jFA&oe=675BFFF0 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Free Samples UK | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-08 19:12 | active | 1975 | 0 |
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Custom Wifey Est Flower Applique Embroidered Sweatshirt | Personalized sweatshirt for your beloved 😁 Order here 👉 https://godmerch.com/wifey_est #gifts #personalized #couple #couplegoalsgifts #anniversarygifts #couplegiftshop #huswif #anniversary #fashion | SHOP_NOW | https://godmerch.com/products/custom-wifey-est-flo | Best Family Ever | https://www.facebook.com/bestfamilyevershop/ | 18,067 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | godmerch.com | IMAGE | Custom Wifey Est Flower Applique Embroidered Sweatshirt Please enter: We love what we do and you can also make us any suggestions or requests so do not hesitate to contact us, we will do our best to satisfy you.These T-Shirts are 100% embroidered one by one with great care and dedication. They are 1... | https://godmerch.com/products/custom-wifey-est-flower-applique-embroidered-sweatshirt | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469314086_1090207852596770_6692267191950425355_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gWah2y4VC_kQ7kNvgE-KxhP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABc5AfBnyBXwnNriz8BjcC0&oh=00_AYBfxTFD5RL3RuIhUC1APxJZX8IT8Uu_DdDyu0qVT2h5rg&oe=675C1E34 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Best Family Ever | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 20:15 | active | 1977 | 0 |
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😍Read the next chapters👉 | At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls. Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for. Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is 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 and equal to you." "Calling her that doesn't change anything. Ultimately, she’s really just a concubine in disguise," Carissa replied, remaining indifferent. Barrett frowned. "What does it matter? Aurora and I developed feelings for each other on the battlefield. We earned this marriage through our achievements. I don’t need your approval." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Developed feelings, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett had left to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before leaving, he had lifted his wife’s veil and promised her, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Feeling awkward, Barrett turned away. "Forget what I said. When I married you, I didn’t understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory." Talking about the woman he loved, his eyes softened and filled with deep affection. He turned back to Carissa and added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply. I hope you'll agree to this." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite feeling a mix of disgust and unwillingness, she still asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict. Besides, Aurora is straightforward, cheerful, and lovable. She visited my mother a while ago." They agreed? Hah... How ironic! Everything Carissa had done over the past year had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting her brow. Barrett spoke of Aurora Yates with a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother. She’s made her very happy. Even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was seriously ill. I brought in the best physician to treat her. I managed the estate’s affairs by day and stayed up nights by her bedside. It was only because of this that her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was stating 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 pressed her lips into a thin line as she blinked away the tears in her eyes and sharpened her gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need for that. Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. She’s a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. She wouldn’t want to meet you," Barrett refused instantly. Carissa retorted, "What kind of women do I know? What kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of a noble family. My father and my six brothers died on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "But you're a delicate woman suited for the comforts of home. Aurora has no respect for such women. She’s straightforward and unrestrained. If she meets you, she might say things you won’t like. Why put yourself through that?" As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under the corner of her eye became more evident in the light. She calmly said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?" Chapter 2 Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.” “Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered. Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money. This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running. And this was her reward. “Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin. As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter. “My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, why would we stay in this house any longer?” Lulu held her forehead and gasped. “But your mother arranged this marriage, and your father wanted you to marry and have children.” Tears finally welled up in Carissa’s eyes at the mention of her parents. Her father had stayed loyal to her mother, never taking a concubine. They had six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to the battlefield. Three years ago, none returned from the Southern Frontier. Though she was a girl, Carissa came from a family of warriors and started training as a child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where she also learned military strategy. When she returned home at fifteen, she learned her father and brothers had died a year earlier. Her mother, who had gone blind from crying too much, held Carissa close and said, "You must live like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. You’re the only child I have left.” Carissa felt like someone had gouged her heart out. The pain she felt was so intense she couldn't even bring herself to cry. Determined to please her mother, she spent a year mastering the traditional values and duties expected of a noblewoman. She also learned accounting and how to manage a household. Not only was Carissa the Marquis of Northwatch's daughter, but she was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep. Her mother had chosen Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another wife if he married Carissa. But six months ago, tragedy struck. All the residents of Northwatch Estate were murdered. No one was spared, not even the children or servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered. Carissa’s youngest nephew had been only two and a half years old, born after the death of her third brother. The local authorities and garrison unit captured a few of the assailants. After further investigation, they were discovered to be spies from an enemy kingdom, Westhaven. The war at the front line was raging, yet these spies didn't hesitate to reveal themselves just to annihilate her family. The manner of the murder suggested it was more of a personal vengeance than anything else. When Carissa received the news, she rushed home, only to find her grandmother’s and mother’s gruesomely dismembered bodies. Blood stained every corner of the residence, and the dead were left in agonizing states. Now, Carissa was the lone survivor of the marquis' family. The idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. They saw her merely as a delicate, fragile woman. However, Aurora was different. She had earned military merits for her contribution to the war and became the first female general in history. Even the queen dowager had high praise for her. With Aurora supporting Barrett, his future would be more secure. That was the reason the Warren family readily agreed to the marriage. Chapter 3 Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support 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." Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright." Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home. "My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed. Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart. "Anywhere is better than staying here." "If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want." "So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affectionate. Lulu, I must live well to give my parents and brothers peace in the afterlife," Carissa replied calmly. "My lady!" Lulu wept bitterly. She had been born and raised in Northwatch Estate. The murder had claimed the lives of everyone, including her own family. The images still haunted her, and returning there seemed unthinkable. "Is there no other way?" Lulu asked desperately. Carissa’s eyes grew cold. "There is. I could confront the king and use my family’s achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, I’ll take my own life in protest." Lulu was terrified and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!" Carissa’s expression softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Do you think I’m that silly? If I manage to reach the king, I’ll only request an edict for an amicable divorce." Barrett was able to marry Aurora because of a royal edict. So, Carissa should also be issued an official edict to leave. She shouldn't have to sneak away like she was being cast out. The wealth from Northwatch Estate was more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She wouldn't degrade herself unnecessarily. Just then, someone called from outside, "Madam Carissa, the matriarch has requested your presence!" "It’s Jade, Madam Rebecca's maid. It seems like Madam Rebecca wants to try and persuade you," Lulu whispered. Carissa straightened up, her expression serious. "Then, let’s go." The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The late king had bestowed the Warren family's current residence, Valor Estate, upon Barrett's grandfather. Though once prestigious, it had fallen into decline. Most of the Warren family's men were warriors who fought on battlefields. Only a few were civil servants who worked in the palace. Barrett’s father, Jonathan, didn’t fare well in his official career. His second uncle, Gregory, only held a minor post in the Royal Citadel. Barrett and his eldest brother, Benjamin, were somewhat successful in the military. But before their recent victory, they were only fourth-ranked majors. Both families still lived together in Valor Estate. Splitting the family would only hasten their decline. Accompanied by Lulu, Carissa arrived at Rebecca’s room. Rebecca's complexion looked a bit better, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw Carissa. "You’re here." Benjamin and his wife, Amelia Morgan, were also in the room. Barrett's sister, Serena, and the other children of the concubines were present as well. Barrett's second aunt, Charlotte Lewis, was also seated nearby. However, her expression was cold and somewhat disdainful. "Hello, Mother. Aunt Charlotte, Benjamin, Amelia," Carissa greeted them politely. "Carissa, come here." Rebecca gestured for her daughter-in-law to sit by her bedside. The older woman held Carissa's hand affectionately and happily said, "Now that Barrett is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. You’re the only one left of the marquis' family. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now." Rebecca was shrewd. She made it clear that Carissa would need to depend on the Warren family in the future, since her family was gone. Carissa pulled her hand away and calmly said, "Mother, I heard you met General Yates today." Rebecca hadn’t expected Carissa to be so straightforward. Her smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Yes, I did. She’s rather rough around the edges and doesn’t compare to you in terms of looks." Carissa gazed at her mother-in-law steadily. "So, are you saying you don't like her?" Chapter 4 Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?" "Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine." Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you." "No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked. Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this battle were greater than Barrett’s. With you managing the household, they'll be able to work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they'll surely become famous generals like his grandfather." Carissa’s tone remained chilly as she said, "If they’re husband and wife, then I have no role here." "How can you say that? Aren’t you still in charge of the household?" countered Rebecca, displeased. "I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. I’ll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her," Carissa replied. Amelia quickly interjected, "I’m still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you’ve been managing things. You should continue doing it." Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money to support them. Most of it went towards Rebecca’s medical expenses. Sebastian Dalton was a renowned physician, and his medicine was costly. Only a few could afford his services. Rebecca’s medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, amounting to more than a thousand coins a year. As for the other household expenses, Carissa occasionally subsidized them. For example, she would sometimes use fabrics and silks from her family’s business to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year. She didn’t mind it before, as she had really wished to spend her life with Barrett. However, circumstances had changed. She no longer wanted to be a fool. Carissa stood up and said, "That’s settled, then. I’ll hand over the accounts tomorrow and won’t be involved in household matters anymore." "Stop right there!" Rebecca's face darkened with anger. "Carissa, you’re being unreasonable. Men having multiple wives and concubines is normal. If you can't accept that, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous." Carissa’s compliance over the past year had made the Warren family think she was easy to manipulate. They believed a few harsh words would always keep her in line. Carissa’s expression was calm, a stark contrast to her usual docility. "People can say whatever they want. I'm not concerned about their opinions." Rebecca was so angry that she struggled to breathe and coughed harshly for a long while. In the past, Carissa would have rushed to help her. She would pat the older woman's back and try to soothe her. But now, Carissa remained where she was. The soft evening light from the doorway highlighted her delicate, almost ethereal beauty. "Carissa, look how badly you've upset Mom," Serena said as she stepped forward. Her round, youthful face puffed with anger as she glared at Carissa. "This isn’t even about you. Do you think your family is still as prestigious as it once was? Your parents and brothers are gone; you're the only one left. Aren't you afraid that Barrett will divorce you if you keep putting on airs like you're a young lady from a prestigious family?" Carissa looked at her sister-in-law, who was dressed in a pale yellow outfit that Carissa had procured for her in early autumn. Now, wearing the clothes Carissa had provided, Serena dared to question her authority. How utterly… unsensible of her. "Take off that dress you’re wearing before you try to lecture me," Carissa said coolly. Serena’s cheeks flushed with anger. "I didn’t beg you to get this dress for me. You can have it back if you don’t want me to have it." "Fine. And don’t forget the jewelry you’re wearing. I expect it all to be returned to me." After Carissa said that, her gaze swept across the room. The only one who seemed pleased with the situation was Charlotte. Everyone else looked grim. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving." With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively. Chapter 5 The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time. She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family! “She’ll come around. She doesn’t have any other choice,” Rebecca said coldly. That was true. With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn’t like she had been mistreated. - Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate. The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa’s heart ached fiercely. Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been murdered. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother—their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stained with blood. Memorial plaques for her ancestors and mother had been placed at the estate’s family chapel. Carissa and Lulu prepared flowers to place on the plaques, their tears unceasing. Carissa knelt before her parents’ memorials. Though her eyes were swollen from crying, they held a determined gaze. “Dad, Mom, if you can hear me from heaven, please forgive your daughter for what she is about to do. It’s not that I don’t want a peaceful life with a husband and children, but Barrett is not someone I can trust with my life. Rest assured, I promise Lulu and I will live well.” Lulu knelt beside her, sobbing uncontrollably. After they were done, they boarded a carriage and headed straight for the 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. Lulu was distressed and said, “My lady, the king might not see you. Maybe he thinks you’re here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didn’t eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up okay? Should I go get you something to eat?” “I’m not hungry.” The only thing Carissa felt was the unwavering resolve to dissolve her marriage and return home. “Please don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not worth getting sick over. Why don’t we just let it go? After all, you’re still the rightful wife and the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife, she’ll just be a glorified concubine at best. Maybe we should just endure it?” Lulu pleaded. Carissa’s gaze was cold. “Lulu, if you’re going to talk like that, don’t speak at all.” Lulu sighed, feeling lost and unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some peace. But the situation had only worsened. - 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 see her. The edict has been issued, and I can’t take it 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, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have made significant contributions.” “If we speak of military achievements, the Marquis of Northwatch and General Sullivan’s contributions surpass all others,” Derek countered. Salvador remembered the Marquis of Northwatch, Hector Sinclair. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Carissa was a familiar face from those days, though she had been a delicate child. He still remembered her fair skin and endearing looks. Salvador had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers. When Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. Apart from his brother who was known as the Devil Monarch on the battlefield, the kingdom had no other capable generals. In the recent war with Westhaven, Dominic Sullivan’s third son had lost an arm. Dominic's seventh son had been murdered, though this had been kept secret. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants. I'll even give her a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” Chapter 6 Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him. "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." "I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?" Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce. Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements. "Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based on my late family's military merits. Please, Your Majesty, I'm begging you." "Carissa, do you know what you'll face after the divorce?" Salvador asked, a complicated expression on his face. Carissa hadn't heard Salvador call her by name in a long time. When he was still the crown prince, he used to occasionally visit Northwatch Estate. He would always find some interesting little gifts to give her when he did. After Carissa later went to Meadow Ridge to study under her master, they never saw each other again. "I do," she affirmed. There was a hint of a smile on Carissa's stunning face. But no matter how one looked at it, the smile seemed tinged with irony. "I'm sure you know the saying that a true gentleman appreciates and helps others to fulfill their aspirations, right? Even though I'm not a gentleman, I don't want to hinder General Warren and General Yates from being together," Carissa added. "Carissa, there's no one left at Northwatch Estate. Are you really going to go back there? Have you thought about your future?" Salvador asked. "I returned to the estate today to visit my family's memorial plaques. Seeing how the estate has fallen into disrepair made me want to live there again. I'll adopt a son for my father's sake, so there will still be someone to honor his memory," Carissa explained. Salvador had thought she was being impulsive; he hadn't expected her to be so considerate. "You're Barrett's legal wife. Aurora can't undermine your position. You really don't need a divorce." Carissa looked up with tear-filled eyes that were firm with resolve. "Your Majesty, that's meaningless. I don't want to waste my life like this. I'm the only one left from the Marquis of Northwatch's' family. My father and brothers lived honorably and bravely throughout their lives. I don't want to settle for a life of mediocrity." "I know you have feelings for Barrett. Are you willing to let go?" Salvador asked. Feelings? Not really. Carissa simply admired military men, and her mother had wanted her to marry and lead a stable life. That was why she had agreed to the marriage. Carissa smiled. At this moment, she looked like a strong woman who would be able to flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. "If he can let go of me, then I can let go of him," she declared. Beneath her delicate appearance, she possessed an unyielding backbone. This stunned Salvador. He had never seen such a woman before. He felt a pang of confusion, remembering the carefree little girl who used to smile all day long. Now, she was married and soon to be abandoned. To the world, divorce still meant abandonment. This was especially true in Carissa’s situation, as Barrett had publicly sought the marriage edict. Being a woman was already difficult, and she would have it even harder. How would she negotiate future marriages? There was no one left in her family to do it for her. Thinking of this, Salvador recalled Hector's merits, especially how they had saved each other on the battlefield, and his heart softened towards Carissa. "Alright, I agree. You may leave now. In a few days, the edict of divorce will be sent to the general's residence," Salvador said. Carissa breathed a sigh of relief and bowed her head. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" As Salvador watched her, he was suddenly reminded of when she was a little girl, and his heart softened further. "Carissa, if anyone mistreats you in the future, come to the palace and see me." "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Carissa bowed once again. | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462254547_546124237828312_865207145744070452_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MroURkKDb2gQ7kNvgE60p2y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOLb0PtKpxFQThX6T6PQW9F&oh=00_AYARAE_a9nSO-9jmpOmhsy0-E_b9c-VUdCgnt2QfuRzMqg&oe=675C0F43 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:42 | active | 1976 | 0 | Read next chapter | Dressed up for her wedding day, she was unwittingly drugged by her husband's mistress. She spent the night with a stranger, unaware that he was her husband's half-brother and his formidable business adversary! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &7& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Fun Novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/ | 1,272 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213298854540604 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465841255_2864414403735979_7371941853911134404_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KN2S-DCPUA8Q7kNvgGVY2l0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AEMn047vT227xN3vmDinoYx&oh=00_AYB8ZxFB-PyJTPFc7TUDAl4TryoAwpIVPahtOn9ZsDmG2A&oe=675C1D33 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fun Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉 | “Strip.” The one who commanded me was the very man I had loved. “Didn't you hear me? I said strip.” My husband, Caleb repeated, a smirk on his li-ps. I lowered my head, my hands trembling. Tears gathered at the corner of my eyes as I gingerly stepped backwards, subconsciously trying to run away. “Stop her and help her remove her clothes if she doesn't want to do it herself.” Caleb said to the security guards who stood behind me. They came forward and held me by my arms, twisting it to my back and forcing me to kneeel down. “Why?” I asked, “Why are you doing this to me?” My throat constricted. “Why?” Caleb tilted his head, “You were the one who forced my grandfather to make me get married to you. If it was for you, I would have gotten married to Emily. Now, you have to face the consequences of what you did!” Caleb said hatefully and forcefully raised my chin up, motioning for a man to bring over a bottle of wine. My eyes widened as I realized what he wanted to do. “Caleb, please, you know I can't drink that. I beg you, please let me go. Please.” I begged, but it was to no avail. My vision blurred as I choked, gasping for air in between sobs. “Wasn't that good enough?” Caleb questioned, “Now that wasn't so bad after all.” “Caleb… You…” I began coughing, my eyes were getting blurry, it was hard to see their faces. A sharp pain went through my stomach and I gasped. My baby... “C… Caleb… My… my stomach. It hurts.” I gasped again as the pain spread to my spine. I thought I saw a flicker of panic in his eyes, but I was deluding myself. Caleb didn't care, he had never cared. But I still needed help, the pain was almost unbearable now. “No. No!” I cried out as I realized exactly what was happening. I looked back at Caleb who knew that I was having a miscar-riage, I thought he would help me even upon seeing that. But once again, I was wrong. He stepped back, looking at the blood in disgust. Then the world turned black. --------- “Ah!” I gasped, shaking awake. “You shouldn't move like that, you'll open your stitches.”The one with shorter hair and gold rimmed glasses said to me. “It’s...you..” I stammered, all the cells in my body were screaming. Zade Silver, my ex boyfriend. | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15016&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15016&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/t39.35426-6/464456042_1979851562482664_990634671024687959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GgbbUzaniR4Q7kNvgGzu6C8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOLb0PtKpxFQThX6T6PQW9F&oh=00_AYBDk2UBodM6ngl7bsgSaYzlBgu1HExYMamrL2kJ8f1aBQ&oe=675C13B7 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 20:15 | active | 1977 | 0 |
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🔞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 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=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/t39.35426-6/464601896_901814508153856_1029011708717057110_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-EFPBYi2pIIQ7kNvgHN9Yt5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7PidvPt09a4Zvnf78FlqGl&oh=00_AYC6K21YcSyM5eGlYB9GDfgscfkJFqQIsur0vo3QhufNIA&oe=675C13DB | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-08 19:42 | active | 1976 | 0 |
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$20 OFF over $99💥 | Exclusive sale-Winter Aurora🎁 Original design&Show our respect to the nature Committed to incorporating natural elements into our products, and hope that the power of nature will be with us.🥰 | SHOP_NOW | https://www.freeleaf.com/collections/new-in?sort_b | Free Leaf | https://www.facebook.com/61566347965636/ | 646 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | freeleaf.com | DCO | Free Shipping all web🎁 | https://www.freeleaf.com/collections/new-in?sort_by=winter-aurora-double-sided-acrylic-keychain,winter-aurora-back-printed-washed-hoodie,winter-aurora-sweatshirt,winter-aurora-front-printed-washed-tee,winter-aurora-back-printed-hoodie,winter-aurora-front-printed-washed-long-sleeve-top,winter-aurora-tee,winter-aurora-front-printed-tie-dye-tee&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=new-in&utm_content=Iris | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468145887_1104275084380922_2821193840975261227_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f79PQtCCXDgQ7kNvgFN11BZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Agh7iB2C7d3h3kpnXzMXnMe&oh=00_AYBm3fgWrP2-kfPVNQNByPE6gSgRwpy95UgYwgWIcQuOGA&oe=675C03F8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Free Leaf | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-08 19:06 | active | 1974 | 0 |
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VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/salondehui | Salon De Hui | https://www.facebook.com/61568509115410/ | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram Profile | 0 | instagram.com | CAROUSEL | http://instagram.com/salondehui | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469516787_3707484366179699_1781906008397358088_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xQk-gW3KvioQ7kNvgHilydo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AuoMqYwnqfp2YW-W9fHrzsi&oh=00_AYBOi9hn24sUz8yjYhYrieteUw9nY31jH8lnoN-WOqiwbQ&oe=675C028F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Salon De Hui | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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