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Yes | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 | Read next chapter | She and her stepsister fell in love with the same man, but when he knelt down to beg her to save her stepsister, she felt desperate. She demanded to become his wife to save her stepsister. Two years later, when she got the divorce agreement as scheduled, she realized that she had ended up losing everything. ===== Emma Cooper boarded her flight home after three grueling months of filming. Today was also the final day of Emma's contractual marriage. The four-hour journey felt endless, but at last, the plane touched down. Once she retrieved her suitcase, she made her way toward the exit, expecting a company car. But as soon as the doors slid open, she spotted someone familiar--Edwin Reid, the Jenner family's long-time driver. He stood by a sleek black Rolls-Royce, his posture rigid and respectful, waiting. Dragging her suitcase, she approached. Edwin immediately took over, wordlessly opening the car door for her. Inside, a man sat in silence. His presence was cold yet commanding, encased in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharply chiseled face devoid of any expression, he didn't look up--not even a glance her way. It was Ricky Jenner, her husband of two years. His unexpected appearance caught her off guard, though she quickly remembered why he was here. Their arrangement was ending today. Of course, he would show up. Emma slid into the car, maintaining a careful distance, the space between them as silent and tense as ever. For two years, Ricky had made it clear--he didn't want her close. Tonight was the first time they had been seated so near, and the closeness felt foreign. The faint scent of his cologne lingered between them, familiar but distant, like everything about him. Edwin quietly loaded her suitcase into the trunk and slid back behind the wheel. As the car pulled away from the airport, the silence inside grew suffocating. Ricky's expression remained as cold and distant as ever, his presence casting a shadow over the space. Emma's heart raced, each breath coming in shallow, uneasy waves. Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop in front of the Jenner family's grand estate. Before Emma could collect her thoughts, the butler rushed out, swiftly opening the door. Ricky stepped out first, his long strides carrying him toward the house without so much as a glance in her direction. "Let's go to the study," he muttered, his tone clipped, not even bothering to slow his pace. Emma's nerves had been on edge the entire ride. She knew what was coming. The moment she entered the study, she saw Ricky pull out a stack of papers from the desk drawer, tossing them in front of her. "Let's get a divorce," he said. Emma's heart twisted painfully in her chest, but she remained composed. She had loved Ricky for ten years, and wearing the title of Mrs. Jenner had never brought her closer to his heart. His body, his soul--none of him had ever belonged to her. "Nicola is old enough to marry now, isn't she?" Emma said, her voice trembling despite her best effort to keep it steady. Ricky's brow twitched slightly, a flicker of impatience crossing his sharp features. He didn't bother responding to her comment. Instead, he immediately extended the pen toward her, a silent demand. Emma forced a smile, but it felt like a crack in her mask. Without her usual makeup, her lips looked pale, and her face seemed drained of life. The exhaustion was undeniable. "Just sign it," Ricky said, emotionless and firm. She accepted the pen and, without sparing a glance at the contents of the contract, flipped to the last page and signed her name. The act felt final, yet hollow. As she placed the pen down, Emma glanced up at Ricky. His eyes, still striking, stared back at her with an icy detachment that sent a shiver through her. It was as if he was looking at a stranger, not his wife. "It's getting late. I'll move out tomorrow, if that's alright?" Emma asked, her voice fragile, her smile tense as she searched Ricky's face for even a shred of warmth. But Ricky's response came swift and sharp, dashing any hope. "Edwin will take you to a hotel." Was he really sending her away this very moment? Not even allowing her the courtesy of one last night under this roof? Her forced smile faltered, then vanished altogether. The silence between them stretched, heavy. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned away, her heart hardening with each step as she left the room. In her bedroom, Emma took the suitcase she hadn't even had the chance to unpack. When she dragged her suitcase downstairs, the maids rushed to help, but she waved them off, her smile weary. "Thank you, but I can handle it." They exchanged helpless glances, standing quietly in a line as they watched her approach the door. In the two years she had spent in this house, Emma had grown to care for the people here. Everyone, except Ricky, had shown her warmth. A pang of sorrow hit her, but after enduring two years of emotional isolation, she no longer had the strength to fight. It was over. Time to move on, and finally, let go. Despite the searing pain ripping through her chest, Emma remained dry-eyed. She had learned how to hide her emotions well. As she slid into the backseat of the car, she forced herself to appear composed. Edwin drove her through the city streets and dropped her off at a five-star hotel. Without a word, he left. Inside, Emma checked in and powered on her phone, which had been off for hours. There was a missed call from her father, Colby Cooper. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself as she dialed his number. Colby picked up almost immediately. "Emma, Nicola's condition has worsened," he said, his voice rough, weighed down with exhaustion and worry. Emma's heart skipped a beat. "What? When did this happen?" "About a week ago." "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked. "You were busy filming. I didn't want to burden you," Colby explained. Emma paused, the silence between them heavy. Her mind flashed back to two years ago, when she had donated her bone marrow to save Nicola Cooper. The realization hit her--she knew exactly why her father was calling. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice steady but resigned. "No, there's nothing you need to do. Ricky's already taken care of everything--he's brought in top doctors, and the hospital found a bone marrow match for Nicola from the registry. You just need to visit when you can," Colby said. Emma stayed silent, her chest tightening. Colby, sensing her hesitation, gave her Nicola's room number and urged her to come soon, mentioning how much Nicola missed her. A sharp pain gripped her heart. She managed a weak "okay" before quickly ending the call, unable to hear more. That night felt endless. She tossed and turned on the unfamiliar hotel bed, her mind racing. By 2 a.m., she gave in, ordering a bottle of red w*ne. She drank most of it before finally drifting off into a fitful sleep. The next morning, close to noon, Emma was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Her agent's voice was quick and urgent on the other end. She pitched the idea of her joining a popular rural reality show--one that guaranteed fame for all who participated. "I'm not interested. I need a break," she replied, her voice groggy with exhaustion. Her agent snapped, clearly frustrated, "A break? Do you think you can take a break whenever you feel like it? Look, you've been in this industry for three years. You've turned down intimate scenes, refused reality shows and avoided any publicity stunts with male celebrities. The company has bent over backward to accommodate you! But what now?" Her voice grew sharper. "Three years in, and you still lack ambition. Keep this up, and your career will be done." "Then let it be done." "Emma, you..." Her agent's voice was cut off as Emma ended the call without hesitation. The frustration simmered inside her, but she didn't dwell on it. She headed straight to the bathroom, ignoring the incessant buzzing of her phone. After a long shower, feeling slightly more clear-headed, she decided to reach out to Jenifer Howard, a close friend she hadn't seen for a while. Emma asked if she could stay at Jenifer's place for a few days. Jenifer was thrilled and agreed, coming over to pick her up almost immediately. Once settled at Jenifer's, Emma unpacked her things and shared a quiet meal with her friend. That afternoon, she made her way to Ecatin General Hospital. Standing outside Nicola's room, Emma watched through the glass as the caregiver tried feeding her sister. Nicola, frail and pale, managed only a few bites before she began to retch. Emma's chest tightened with a sorrow she couldn't fully articulate. Nicola was her half-sister, five years younger and barely twenty now. They had been inseparable as children; Nicola had always looked up to her, following her everywhere. But everything changed when they both fell in love with Ricky. Two years ago, when Nicola was first diagnosed with leukemia, Ricky had been beside himself with worry. That was when the truth hit Emma--Ricky didn't love her. His heart belonged to Nicola. Chapter 2 You Don't Deserve To Be Around Nicola Back then, Emma's bl*od test results had come back clear--there were no complications, no signs of rejection. She could save Nicola. In truth, Emma wouldn't have hesitated to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her own sister. But before she could even voice her decision, Ricky had already thought of her as cold and indifferent, assuming she wouldn't step up to save Nicola. He was so desperate that he even knelt before her, pleading for her help--a sight that shattered Emma's heart. Never in her life had she seen Ricky humble himself for anyone like that. She had known Ricky since they were kids. From elementary school to high school, they had been inseparable. Childhood sweethearts, as some might have called them. Ricky used to get into fights with other boys just to defend her, and he would stay up late into the night to help her prepare for exams. She had believed, naively, that after all those years of being by his side, she would eventually earn his love. But she was wrong. Feelings, she had come to understand, were never won by logic or time. Emma was never as good at acting cute or knowing exactly how to please Ricky as Nicola. While he cared for both of them, the way he doted on Nicola was always more tender, more genuine. He must have loved her deeply. The thought pierced Emma's heart, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. What hurt most wasn't just Ricky's love for Nicola but the fact that he had assumed she was heartless enough to let her sister die. That judgment, so harsh and wrong, had infuriated her. In a moment of blind anger, she had demanded that Ricky marry her. She wanted to be his wife. Even though the marriage would only last two year, she had believed--foolishly--that it would be enough time for Ricky to fall in love with her. But reality, sharp and unforgiving, had torn that hope apart. She had lost. Miserably. "You still have the nerve to show your face here?" A biting voice yanked Emma out of her thoughts. Emma quickly wiped away her tears and turned to see Verena Cooper standing behind her, her expression instantly turning cold. Verena, her stepmother, was forty but looked a decade younger. With her perfectly styled hair and chic designer clothes, she exuded elegance and control. When Emma was still mourning the loss of her mother, Verena, who had been the family's servant, got pregnant. The father of the baby was Colby. "Spare me the crocodile tears!" Verena sneered, brushing past Emma as she entered the hospital room. Emma swallowed her frustration and followed behind, forcing herself to remain composed. When Nicola saw her, a faint light flickered in her otherwise tired eyes. "Emma," she said softly, a trace of warmth in her voice. Emma smiled, walking over to gently take Nicola's hand. "I heard you've been missing me." Nicola nodded, her expression gentle. "I haven't seen you for three months. I really missed you." Emma's heart twisted painfully. Nicola, with her innocence and kindness, made everything so much more difficult. How could her own sister, the one she'd loved and cared for, be the one standing between her and the man she longed for? When Nicola had fallen ill, Emma had crossed a line she could never uncross--using that tragedy to secure her place as Mrs. Jenner. She had expected Nicola to resent her for it, maybe even despise her. In her mind, their meetings would be cold, filled with resentment and distance. But Nicola still cared about her as though nothing had changed. And that was the hardest part of all. Every time Emma looked at her sister, the guilt became unbearable. "I'm taking a break right now, so I've got plenty of time to spend with you," Emma said, her eyes still red from emotion, but she forced a smile. Nicola's face lit up. "That's amazing! I want you to visit me every day until I'm discharged, okay?" "Of course, I'll be here every day," Emma replied warmly. From the side, Verena rolled her eyes, glaring at Emma with open contempt. She held her tongue for Nicola's sake, but every time she looked at Emma, her anger flared. She couldn't forget how Nicola had become a shell of herself when Ricky married Emma. Fighting her bitterness, Verena coaxed Nicola to sleep. Once Nicola was asleep, she turned to Emma, her voice cold. "Ricky's coming soon to see Nicola. If you don't want an uncomfortable scene, you'd better go." Emma stood silently, taking in her words. After one last glance at Nicola, now peacefully asleep, she turned and headed for the door. Just as she reached the doorway, Verena's voice cut through the air once more. "Don't bother coming back. After everything you've done to her, you don't deserve to be around Nicola." Emma didn't say a word. She walked out, her steps heavy with the weight of a truth she'd long grown accustomed to carrying. Emma quietly closed the door behind her and collapsed onto a bench in the corridor. She buried her face in her hands as tears flowed uncontrollably, her body shaking with silent sobs. Jenifer had been waiting outside in the car for far too long. Concerned, she decided to head into the hospital to check on Emma. When she entered the corridor and saw Emma hunched over on the bench, looking utterly defeated, Jenifer was about to rush over when she noticed Ricky stepping out of the elevator. He paused when he spotted Emma, but after a brief pause, he walked toward her. Emma had been following Ricky everywhere since childhood; she knew the sound of his footsteps anywhere. Hearing that familiar rhythm, she quickly wiped her face and tried to compose herself, though the effort felt futile. "Are you here to see Nicola?" she asked, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. Her eyes were swollen from crying, with streaks of smudged makeup on her face. She looked fragile, a shadow of her usual self. Ricky's response was indifferent. "You've already visited her?" "Yes," Emma whispered. For a moment, something in her appearance must have stirred a hint of sympathy, because Ricky, in an unusual display of kindness, added softly, "Don't worry. Nicola will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant soon. She'll get better soon enough." "I know." With just those words, Ricky simply turned to push open the door to Nicola's room. But before he could step inside, Emma couldn't help but call after him, "Please, take good care of her." If she couldn't have him, then maybe it was time to let go, to give him back to Nicola--the one he truly loved. Ricky paused, his hand on the door. Without turning to face her, he replied in a voice laced with restrained anger, "I don't need you to remind me. I'll take care of her." His words were sharp, each syllable weighted with frustration. Emma flinched. She had already signed the divorce papers, freeing him from their hollow marriage, giving him the chance to return to Nicola. This was what he had always wanted, wasn't it? So why did he still seem so furious with her? Was he really that eager to be rid of her? Did he hate her that much? Ricky disappeared into the room, but Emma remained frozen on the bench, her eyes locked on the closed door. She felt hollow, lost in the emptiness of it all. Jenifer, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't bear it any longer. She rushed over, gently pulling Emma to her feet and dragging her away from the hospital ward. In the days that followed, Emma continued visiting the hospital, but she no longer went inside Nicola's room. She only stood by the door, looking through the glass to catch a glimpse of her sister. Sometimes she would see Ricky taking Nicola for walks outside, their closeness painfully clear. From afar, she would watch, a quiet spectator to the life she had no part in. Ricky's coldness toward her was always in stark contrast to his gentle care for Nicola, a contrast that left Emma with a deep, aching wound that never seemed to heal. A month later, Nicola successfully underwent her bone marrow transplant. There were no signs of rejection or complications, and her recovery was progressing smoothly. For the first time in a long while, Emma felt a sense of relief. In the past month, Ricky spent nearly all his time at the hospital, constantly by Nicola's side. He seemed to have forgotten about going to the courthouse with her to finalize the divorce. Emma had watched enough of his affection toward Nicola. She was ready to close this chapter, ready to walk away and rebuild her life. That day, she made up her mind to call him. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before Ricky finally picked up. "What is it?" he asked, his tone as cold and detached as ever. Emma didn't hesitate. "When are we going to finalize the divorce?" There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line. When Ricky finally spoke again, his voice was distant, but his words caught her off guard. "I haven't signed the papers yet." Her heart skipped a beat. After all this time, he still hadn't signed the divorce papers? Emma froze for a moment, her mind racing. Why hadn't Ricky signed the papers yet? Could he have changed his mind? Was there a possibility he no longer wanted the divorce? The thought was fleeting and absurd, and she quickly dismissed it. Ricky had always wanted to be free of her. Now that Nicola was recovering and old enough to marry, there was no reason for him to hold on. This delay couldn't possibly mean anything different. "Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow at nine," she said, her tone sharp, leaving no room for discussion before hanging up the phone. Meanwhile, in Ricky's office. For two years, Ricky had been waiting for this moment--the end of their marriage. The divorce papers had been drawn up months ago, prepared by his assistant, ready for the final signatures that would sever their ties for good. He had thought the moment he signed would bring relief, a clean break. But after Emma had actually signed them, something gnawed at him. A strange unease he couldn't shake. Ricky wasn't sure anymore, not even of himself. He wasn't something to be traded or handed over between two women. His decisions were his own--no one else had the right to make them for him. He calmly finished his work, then pulled the divorce papers from his desk drawer and tore them to pieces. "Divorce?" Ricky's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "It's not that simple. The game has just begun." ...... ==== Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-e | Popular romance stories | https://www.facebook.com/100083149047490/ | 17,947 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-enj103_2-1105-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=673595984708315&rawadid=120213837968590033 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465986843_586649387367538_7513693738805095050_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fpdFORRx8vIQ7kNvgGCswbN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AM-SmqtCMIfwMfQBaJT_AcU&oh=00_AYBvwpLhh7Qx1QxtcQf4fLV7Zso0sPgwvkIaRXbQf8H--Q&oe=675D62EE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Popular romance stories | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 21:03 | active | 1982 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | In Debra's last life, she loved Juan so much, but everyone knew that the one he cherished was Shelia. After Debra was drained of her last bit of value by Juan, she tragically died on the operating table. Reborn in this life, Debra swears never to repeat the same mistakes, and she will make Juan regret what he has done! "Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!" "Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away." The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled. The operating room reeked of blood. She had never seen so much blood before. At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. 'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?' The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan..." "What?" "Juan Nichols..." The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier. Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City. The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken away. Please, come and see her for the last time." But Juan's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from Debra's eyes. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? Even at this point, you wouldn't come to see me.' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating the patient's vital signs had disappeared. Debra felt her soul leaving her body. Her withered, frail body collapsed weakly on the bed. Debra felt exhausted. At just twenty-seven, she died from postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital. In her lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she met a tragic fate. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophieâs voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. It only lowered her status and self-esteem. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." Marion made no comments. Randy clicked his tongue. "Juan's taste is just terrible, preferring a skinny woman to his beautiful woman. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" he cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&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/t39.35426-6/462483624_1046414663443486_2784424457317863530_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ukSapTpT0cUQ7kNvgFdROQ9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6NmLnNe3rwn79sbYOF9Rky&oh=00_AYDQRt5aCBq3obb8JEIbR4IA6qbSro4kVV_pU0dcjaG4wA&oe=675D89BB | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 | Saber falar esses nomes muda 0 coisas na sua vida ok? Mas lembrar que esse macete Ă© Ăștil em vocabulĂĄrios, empregar na sua fala e ser compreendido de primeira quando conversar com um nativo, muda tudo! . #ingles #inglesonline #dicasdeingles #aprenderingles #inglesfluente #english #teacher #pronuncia #speakenglish | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/fluentecomdoug | Fluente com Doug | https://www.facebook.com/61567317489065/ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | VIDEO | http://instagram.com/fluentecomdoug | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469551256_444215982074325_8167537347838037938_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eL2wHQKvmCkQ7kNvgEM5EuV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACy9-8UdOakfrcb7SAOTfXV&oh=00_AYCGpsrlByyDG6Pjp5wUgovneycgAw2tSZcMGsxu1X9E1Q&oe=675D5AD3 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fluente com Doug | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 | Free Worldwide Shipping! | Raise the bar on your squats and deadlifts with the Adjustable Squat Block â custom stability for peak performance! đïžââïž | SHOP_NOW | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/adjustable-squat- | Fit Fusion Hub | https://www.facebook.com/shoproyalepaw/ | 61 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop now | 0 | fitfusionhub.co | VIDEO | âââââ 5/5 Reviews! | https://fitfusionhub.co/products/adjustable-squat-blocks | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434558423_799224488763855_375982975789020658_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B7tAM03HpAcQ7kNvgHij-St&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANh_NVnaWJjRBTaj1I411Eq&oh=00_AYDsqj9SJ5b-nK3TiQpgZsM2QNkS379F_CKlKLFb7NFCQg&oe=675D5FA3 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Royalepaw | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 |
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Looking to make a career change? Our next BankWork$ cohort starts soon! BankWork$ can prepare you for a career in retail banking. Apply here: https://ow.ly/IUKQ50U7ZsP #bankworks #jobs #milwaukeejobs #financejobs #nowhiring #freetraining #bankingjobs | MESSAGE_PAGE | Employ Milwaukee | https://www.facebook.com/EmployMilwaukee/ | 5,069 | 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/t39.35426-6/469572054_1324012139039728_3711076246234624648_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6qtM8N9cpR0Q7kNvgGHjqnP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnTqb2lPk9kOP2YPsU_-MG2&oh=00_AYC-xfrqC4rn-kzyXOikzEFzAKRNnYy6zgGtnqDX6W43aQ&oe=675D76C2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Employ Milwaukee | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 | Get VIP Access: Join for free! | Kelly Gazzaway is breaking the mold in country music with a unique blend of emotional honesty, humor, and genre-defying sounds. From ironic Christian tunes to heartfelt anthems, his music isn't confined to any one style. Click below to join my VIP community for free! | SIGN_UP | http://kellygazzaway.streetteam.fm/join | Kelly Gazzaway Music | https://www.facebook.com/100063141463249/ | 114 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign up | 0 | kellygazzaway.streetteam.fm | VIDEO | http://kellygazzaway.streetteam.fm/join | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464410634_540999315204299_6674855439498642692_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gxyvM6kXQeQQ7kNvgHmgSa0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AuTwqxEcZitSPlNj2K7PfVp&oh=00_AYAMSH-VFDqlYSjh8UoJ3IwUxETezapVuPYJSZPiWvp6CQ&oe=675D75B4 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Kelly Gazzaway Music | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 16:49 | active | 1985 | 0 |
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Free Estimates | LEARN_MORE | http://www.thompsoncrowleymasonry.com/ | Thompson Crowley Masonry Inc. | https://www.facebook.com/thompsoncrowley/ | 1,549 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thompsoncrowleymasonry.com | CAROUSEL | http://www.thompsoncrowleymasonry.com/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469829851_1659616831565069_1019255293234249887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QBOnRhPaItMQ7kNvgEdC4PK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Au-HvNVUU7X0kDtmKlzbADD&oh=00_AYCZZYo5_c_G7HZdhXLVcOXAScHYtGB0XT4fsYcgQgD-qQ&oe=675E8A93 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Thompson Crowley Masonry Inc. | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 |
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Seguir leyendođđ | Ella decidiĂł divorciarse de su marido, que siempre habĂa estado enamorado de su primer amor. Inesperadamente, Ă©l se negĂł a dejarla ir. Para empeorar las cosas, su hermanastro diabĂłlico tambiĂ©n intervino al mismo tiempo de manera dominante, ÂĄqueriĂ©ndola para Ă©l! ===== ÂżLo habĂa oĂdo bien? ÂżEstoy embarazada? ÂĄEstoy embarazada de un bebĂ© de Pierce! ÂĄMi mejor amigo y mi primer amor! --QuĂ© bueno que haya sido cautelosa, pudo haber perdido a su bebĂ©, señorita Monroe --me dijo el ginecĂłlogo con seriedad al ver la sorpresa en mis ojos. En ese momento, me toquĂ© el vientre inconscientemente, sin poder creer que hubiera un bebĂ© acostado allĂ. Cuando salĂ del hospital, no podĂa esperar para contarle a Pierce sobre nuestro bebĂ©. Me preguntaba cuĂĄl serĂa su reacciĂłn. ÂżGritarĂa de felicidad? ÂżMe b**arĂa y todo eso? ÂĄDios! No podĂa contener mi felicidad. Incluso tomĂ© mi cara roja entre mis manos mientras fantaseaba. Pero en el momento en que sentĂ el frĂo del anillo en mi dedo, mi corazĂłn que latĂa salvajemente se calmĂł. Casi olvidaba que Pierce no estaba interesado en tener hijos, menos considerando que nuestro matrimonio fue arreglado por su familia. Por supuesto, Pierce era un completo caballero, como amigo y como marido. Cada vez que tenĂamos relaciones s**uales, Ă©l era considerado y cauteloso, y decĂa que no era necesario agregar mĂĄs ataduras si no estĂĄbamos listos. Este bebĂ©, en cierto modo, estaba fuera de los planes. --Señora, ÂżestĂĄ todo bien? ÂżNecesita que llame al jefe? --preguntĂł mi conductor privado, Luke, preocupado al notar mi ceño fruncido. Luke era confiable como un miembro de la familia, pero no querĂa contarle porque querĂa que Pierce fuera el primero en enterarse de esta noticia. Ăl era el padre de mi bebĂ©. --No --dije y neguĂ© con la cabeza, dĂĄndole a Luke una sonrisa tranquilizadora--. EstĂĄ en el vuelo. HablarĂ© con Ă©l mĂĄs tarde --y asĂ verĂa su respuesta yo misma en sus crudas expresiones. Siempre fui buena en eso. Finalmente, cerrĂ© los ojos y recordĂ© el dĂa en que nos conocimos. Su brillante sonrisa a la luz del sol era tan deslumbrante que parecĂa un prĂncipe. Me enamorĂ© de Ă©l a primera vista, mucho antes de que nos convirtiĂ©ramos en mejores amigos. Pero era sĂłlo un amor no correspondido y yo lo sabĂa bien. En ese instante, bajĂ© la ventanilla del auto para tomar un poco de aire fresco y, sin quererlo, vislumbrĂ© nuestra antigua escuela secundaria. Ese sentimiento amargo llenĂł mi pecho una vez mĂĄs... Pierce fue mi primer amor, pero yo no era el suyo. En la escuela secundaria, yo no era mĂĄs que una nerd aburrida a los ojos de los demĂĄs, mientras que Pierce Anderson era el brillante mariscal de campo. Todos se sorprendieron de que pudiĂ©ramos ser amigos. Aunque las hostilidades hacia mĂ aumentaron, disfrutĂ© estar cerca de Ă©l y poco a poco me di cuenta de que no querĂa ser sĂłlo su amiga. Sin embargo, justo cuando estaba a punto de confesarle mis sentimientos, otra chica llegĂł a su vida. SacudĂ la cabeza tratando de deshacerme de esos viejos y tristes recuerdos. Luego toquĂ© el frĂo anillo de bodas en mi dedo y me dije que el pasado ya habĂa pasado. Pierce dijo que habĂan terminado y que ahora yo era su esposa. SĂ, yo era su esposa y ademĂĄs estaba embarazada de su bebĂ©. Pronto, me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas de las comisuras de los ojos y abrĂ la puerta de nuestra casa. Mi corazĂłn se calmĂł al respirar el aroma de mi hogar, nuestra casa. Pierce y yo la decoramos juntos con nuestras propias manos. Lo disfrutamos. SĂ, tal vez estaba pensando demasiado. Esa mujer habĂa estado fuera de nuestras vidas durante mucho tiempo y los Ășltimos tres años mi matrimonio con Pierce fueron tan hermosos como un cuento de hadas. Una vez dentro, mirĂ© el reloj de la pared. Para ese entonces, Pierce ya deberĂa haberse bajado del aviĂłn. Estuvo mĂĄs de un mes en viajes de negocios de nuestra empresa familiar. Pierce era el presidente de ADE, la empresa de revistas de moda lĂder en toda Asia, y yo era la vicepresidente de la compañĂa. No sĂłlo Ă©ramos compañeros de vida, sino tambiĂ©n buenos socios en el trabajo. En verdad lo extrañaba. De inmediato, marquĂ© su nĂșmero, pues tenĂa muchas ganas de escuchar su voz y saber cuĂĄndo llegarĂa a casa. Le prepararĂa una buena comida y Ă©l me premiarĂa con un dulce beso. Y luego podrĂamos... Vaya, en ese momento casi olvidĂ© que estaba embarazada. DebĂa contarle eso primero y luego podrĂamos hacer otra cosa. Estaba imaginando felizmente nuestra encantadora reuniĂłn, pero mi corazĂłn dio un vuelco cuando una voz de mujer cruzĂł la lĂnea. --ÂżHola? Al escuchar esa sola palabra, dejĂ© caer mi telĂ©fono, que se rompiĂł al chocar contra el suelo, y mi cuerpo empezĂł a temblar incontrolablemente. ÂĄNO! ÂĄNo podĂa ser ella! ÂĄNo podĂa ser Lexi! ÂĄElla ya estaba fuera de nuestras vidas! DebĂ haber escuchado mal. De inmediato, corrĂ hacia la nevera en un intento por calmarme con la ayuda de un poco de al**hol. Pero en el momento en que toquĂ© la botella de v**o, recordĂ© las palabras del mĂ©dico sobre mi bebĂ©. DebĂa tener cuidado por la salud de mi bebĂ©, asĂ que solo agarrĂ© una caja de leche y caminĂ© hacia el sofĂĄ. En ese entonces, no sabĂa quĂ© me hizo reconocer esa voz como la de Lexi. Nosotras nunca fuimos cercanas. Lexi Gilbert era la tĂpica belleza rubia por la que los hombres se volvĂan locos. Ella era una animadora popular en la escuela secundaria, mientras que Pierce era el mariscal de campo estrella. Encajaba mejor con Ă©l que una nerd como yo, Âżverdad? No me sorprendiĂł que se haya enamorado de ella. Mi orgullo no soportĂł ver al hombre que amaba volverse loco por otra mujer, asĂ que una vez intentĂ© alejarme de ellos en silencio, pero Pierce se negĂł a salirse de mi vida. Cada vez que me ahogaba en un mar de libros y estudios para olvidarlos, Pierce aparecĂa en mi puerta invitĂĄndome a salir. No podĂa decirle que no a su sonrisa encantadora y tampoco podĂa decirle que no porque afirmaba que era su deber como mi mejor amigo llevarme a disfrutar del mundo real. Para no arruinar nuestra amistad, ocultĂ© mi corazĂłn roto y desempeñé en silencio el papel de su mejor amiga, siempre a su lado y observando su rostro feliz por otra chica. Finalmente, cuando supe que Pierce planeaba proponerle matrimonio a Lexi, me armĂ© de valor y fui a estudiar al extranjero, sin saber que su abuela me llamarĂa para rogarme que regresara. Por supuesto, volvĂ a toda prisa sĂłlo para ver a Pierce sin vida. Lexi le habĂa herido gravemente el corazĂłn y el mĂo sufrĂa por mi amado. EmpecĂ© a odiar a Lexi desde ese momento. Le habĂa entregado a mi amado hombre, ÂĄcĂłmo se atreviĂł a hacerle tanto daño! ÂĄEsa bruja! Pierce no le contĂł a nadie lo que pasĂł, excepto que habĂa terminado con Lexi. Luego, la abuela arreglĂł nuestro matrimonio. No entendĂ por quĂ© estuvo de acuerdo hasta que un dĂa lo escuchĂ© decir que casarse con cualquiera que no fuera Lexi serĂa lo mismo para Ă©l. Aquello me doliĂł mucho, pero aun asĂ me casĂ© con Ă©l sin pensarlo dos veces. Mi amado estaba destrozado y querĂa recomponerlo, sin importarme si eso me arruinaba a mĂ en el proceso. Me quedĂ© dormida sintiĂ©ndome muy insegura y preocupada. Me despertĂ© en medio de la noche cuando sentĂ que alguien acariciaba mi mejilla. Lentamente abrĂ los ojos y me di cuenta de que me habĂa quedado dormida en la sala de estar. Alguien me levantĂł del sofĂĄ e inmediatamente reconocĂ su olor y tacto mientras lo miraba con los ojos entrecerrados. --Pierce⊠--Hmm --murmurĂł mientras caminaba hacia las escaleras--. ÂżPor quĂ© te dormiste en el sofĂĄ? Yo solo me quedĂ© mirĂĄndolo a la cara y luego me dejĂł suavemente sobre la cama, acariciĂł mi cabello y besĂł mi frente. Siempre fue tan gentil y por eso lo amaba tanto. LlevĂĄbamos mĂĄs de un mes separados, mi cuerpo lo extrañaba y mi corazĂłn lo anhelaba. --ÂżDĂłnde estabas? Te estuve esperando --dije mientras acariciaba su mejilla. --Acabo de encontrarme con un amigo. Dijiste que me estabas esperando, Âżes urgente? Al ver su rostro amable, de repente no quise arruinarle el momento, asĂ que cerrĂ© mis labios entreabiertos y traguĂ© la verdad para devolverla a mi estĂłmago. Mañana, tal vez mañana tendrĂa el coraje de afrontar todos los rompecabezas. De modo que solo sacudĂ la cabeza, hice un puchero y le dije que tenĂa sueño. Ăl se riĂł entre dientes y me dio un beso de buenas noches, pero en el momento en que estuvo a punto de dejarme, por alguna razĂłn entrĂ© en pĂĄnico. RĂĄpidamente lo agarrĂ© y lo b*sĂ© con toda mi pasiĂłn... Lo extrañaba y lo querĂa. --Espera, Kels --dijo y me detuvo, sujetando mis locas manos sobre la cama--. PensĂ© que habĂas dicho que tenĂas sueño y que necesitabas descansar. --SĂ, pero te extraño --exclamĂ© y lo mirĂ© con inocencia. Pude captar el deseo brillando en sus ojos, pero se desvaneciĂł de pronto y yo no comprendĂa por quĂ©. SolĂa ââââponerse feliz cuando yo tomaba la iniciativa. En ese instante, como si notara mi confusiĂłn, se riĂł entre dientes y me pellizcĂł juguetonamente la nariz. --Me darĂ© una ducha. Huelo a al**hol --manifestĂł. Yo solo asentĂ y lo mirĂ© mientras caminaba hacia el baño. Pronto la somnolencia volviĂł a atacarme, asĂ que cerrĂ© los ojos para tomar una siesta. Sin embargo, ya era de mañana cuando abrĂ los ojos nuevamente y Pierce estaba a mi lado, poniendo una bandeja con comida en la mesita de noche. --ÂĄEy! --lo saludĂ© y sonreĂ cuando me di cuenta de lo que habĂa hecho. Me habĂa preparado el desayuno para llevĂĄrmelo a la cama. Era tan dulce. Ăl sonriĂł y se sentĂł en la cama. --Buen dĂa. Le devolvĂ la sonrisa mientras me sentaba en la cama. En ese momento, agarrĂł la bandeja y la puso a mi lado. Al instante, levantĂ© una ceja e inclinĂ© la cabeza mientras miraba su hermoso rostro. Sus cejas espesas y negras enmarcaban sus hermosos ojos de color marrĂłn oscuro. Su nariz era orgullosa y puntiaguda y sus labios eran rojos y finos. ParecĂa un chico malo y s*xy, incluso Damon Salvatore se avergonzarĂa de estar a su lado. Nadie tenĂa posibilidad alguna contra este hombre. --ÂżQuĂ© es esto? ÂżUn soborno? Me dejaste plantada anoche, chico malo --dije. Ăl no se riĂł. ExhalĂł un suspiro y colocĂł con suavidad mi cabello detrĂĄs de mis orejas antes de tomar mi mano y mirarme a los ojos. --Tengo algo que decirte. Al instante, sentĂ que mi corazĂłn se aceleraba y pensĂ© en nuestro bebĂ© en mi Ăștero. TenĂa algo que decirme, yo tambiĂ©n tenĂa algo que contarle. --ÂżQ-QuĂ© cosa? --preguntĂ© con voz temblorosa. De repente, dio un profundo suspiro y comenzĂł: --Sabes que eres importante para mĂ, Âżverdad? AsentĂ lentamente con los labios entreabiertos. No pude responder, tenĂa miedo de lo que estaba a punto de decir. TenĂa un mal presentimiento. --Eras mi mejor amiga antes de casarnos. Eres una de las pocas personas que valoro⊠--prosiguiĂł. Mientras hablaba, escondĂ mis puños cerrados debajo de la sĂĄbana. No sabĂa por quĂ© me decĂa todo esto, pero ya podĂa sentir las lĂĄgrimas acumulĂĄndose en el rabillo de mis ojos. --Kelly... --hizo una pausa y cerrĂł los ojos con fuerza antes de volver a mirarme a los ojos--. Creo que es hora de que nos divorciemos. --P-Pierce⊠--exclamĂ© y sentĂ que mi corazĂłn se apretaba. Ăl sonriĂł. --SĂ© que tĂș tampoco sientes nada por mĂ. Te casaste conmigo por mis abuelos, hiciste esto solo porque los amas. Ahora llegĂł el momento de nuestra verdadera felicidad, Kelly. Al oĂrlo, no pude evitar sacudir la cabeza. --ÂżDe quĂ© estĂĄs hablando, Pierce? --inquirĂ. --Lexi ha vuelto, Kelly. Mi primer amor ha vuelto. CapĂtulo 2 Punto de vista de Kelly--Llueve sobre mojado De inmediato, me levantĂ© de la cama e intentĂ© irme, pero Pierce me agarrĂł la mano. RĂĄpidamente me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas que rodaban por mis mejillas antes de que Ă©l pudiera verlas. Luego, se parĂł frente a mĂ y me mirĂł a la cara mientras yo intentaba con todas mis fuerzas mirar hacia abajo y evitar verlo a los ojos. SentĂ que mi corazĂłn se rompĂa en pedazos. Pensaba⊠pensaba que podrĂa hacer que se enamorara de mĂ en esos tres años que pasamos juntos. Pensaba que sus sentimientos cambiarĂan y me verĂa como una mujer en lugar de solo su mejor amiga. Fui estĂșpida por tener esperanzas y soñar tan alto. FallĂ©. Sin importar cuĂĄnto lo intentara, su corazĂłn pertenecĂa sĂłlo a su primer amor: Lexi. --Kelly⊠En ese momento, contuve el aliento y me traguĂ© el dolor mientras lo miraba. Luego fingĂ una sonrisa y dije: --Debo lavarme las manos antes de comer. Pero Ă©l me mirĂł a los ojos como si intentara descubrir lo que estaba pensando. Yo sabĂa que Ă©l me conocĂa demasiado bien, asĂ que tratĂ© con todas mis fuerzas de ocultar mi dolor y le sonreĂ. Finalmente, suspirĂł y soltĂł mi mano. --Bueno. Te esperarĂ© aquĂ. Comamos y vayamos a trabajar juntos. ÂżJuntos? ÂżPor quĂ© era tan cruel? ÂżQuerĂa que nos siguiĂ©ramos llevando bien como si no me hubiera pedido el divorcio? ÂżQuerĂa que nos quedĂĄramos como estĂĄbamos justo despuĂ©s de decirme que su primer amor habĂa regresado y querĂa divorciarse de mĂ? Oh Pierce, ÂżquĂ© estaba pasando por tu cabeza? Antes podĂa obligarme a mĂ misma a quedarme en el puesto de su mejor amiga mientras le deseaba felicidad, pero ya no tenĂa ese coraje despuĂ©s de los tres años que habĂamos compartido. No habĂa manera de que pudiera soportar esa tortura otra vez, en especial ahora que cargaba a su bebĂ©. El bebĂ©... en un principio pensĂ© que era una buena noticia para nosotros, pero ahora... supongo que serĂa mĂĄs bien una carga para Ă©l. Una carga que le impedirĂa conseguir su verdadero amor y su libertad. Yo sabĂa muy bien cĂłmo crecĂa un niño no deseado. Mis padres se divorciaron antes de que mi madre muriera y la nueva familia de mi padre me odiaba, lo que me dolĂa muchĂsimo. Por eso no querĂa que mi bebĂ© experimentara lo mismo que yo sentĂ, asĂ que debĂa mantener a mi bebĂ© alejado de Ă©l. --No podemos --dije mientras fingĂa una nueva sonrisa--. Debo visitar el estudio para la sesiĂłn de fotos de nuestros nuevos modelos⊠--IrĂ© contigo. --No --contestĂ© y apartĂ© su mano. Sus ojos siguieron mi mano antes de levantar la cara para mirarme de nuevo--. Tienes documentos que firmar. Nuestros horarios ya estĂĄn organizados, Âżrecuerdas? --Pero⊠--Tengo un conductor personal, Pierce. EstarĂ© bien sola --afirmĂ©. Finalmente, suspirĂł y asintiĂł con calma. En ese momento, le di la espalda y entrĂ© al baño. Inmediatamente abrĂ la ducha y me parĂ© bajo el agua frĂa. Las lĂĄgrimas cayeron en cascada por mis mejillas mientras me cubrĂa la boca para reprimir los sollozos. Mis hombros temblaban mucho y cuando pensĂ© en mi bebĂ©, traguĂ© saliva y tratĂ© de calmarme. Luego me limpiĂ© la cara y acariciĂ© mi vientre. DebĂa ser fuerte y mantener la calma. No podĂa arriesgar la vida de mi bebĂ© sĂłlo porque me habĂan roto el corazĂłn. TenĂa que lidiar con esto de forma inteligente. Unos minutos despuĂ©s, tomĂ© un respiro profundo y terminĂ© mi ducha. Cuando salĂ del baño, me sorprendiĂł ver que Pierce todavĂa estaba allĂ. Estaba luchando por arreglarse la corbata frente al espejo de cuerpo entero. TambiĂ©n notĂ© un par de zapatos y un vestido mĂos sobre la cama. --ÂĄEy! ElegĂ tu vestido para hoy --dijo. Como nuestro matrimonio no era pĂșblico, Pierce dijo que harĂa pequeñas cosas para mĂ como marido. De hecho, lo habĂa hecho bien y yo solĂa disfrutar de estos dulces momentos que me regalaba, pero ahora sentĂa que eso mismo me m**arĂa. Al segundo siguiente, agarrĂ© el vestido y entrĂ© al vestidor, sentiendo que me seguĂa. VolvĂ a guardar el vestido blanco y elegĂ uno rojo. Cuando me di vuelta y lo tuve de frente, lo vi con la frente arrugada. --Hoy prefiero el rojo. Me sentirĂ© hermosa con este vestido --expliquĂ© con una sonrisa. Al instante, sus ojos se dirigieron al vestido que sostenĂa y su rostro inmediatamente se calmĂł. Al final asintiĂł y caminĂł hacia mĂ. --Ya veo. Pero antes ayĂșdame a arreglar esto --me pidiĂł. Sin dudarlo, puse mi vestido en su brazo y comencĂ© a arreglarle la corbata. PodĂa sentir sus ojos mirĂĄndome intensamente y eso hacĂa que mi corazĂłn latiera muy rĂĄpido. RespirĂ© hondo y me mordĂ el labio inferior mientras luchaba por arreglar su corbata. De pronto, mi visiĂłn se volviĂł borrosa otra vez. ÂĄMaldiciĂłn! --Kelly⊠No pude evitar sobresaltarme en shock. --ÂżMmm? --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? --preguntĂł. Lo mirĂ© y sonreĂ: --SĂ. --Tengo algo mĂĄs que decirte. En ese instante, terminĂ© de arreglarle la corbata y le quitĂ© rĂĄpidamente el vestido del brazo. Lo mirĂ© antes de pasar junto a Ă©l y dije: --Hablaremos despuĂ©s. Voy a llegar tarde. Lo escuchĂ© suspirar antes de volver a seguirme. Me vestĂ mientras Ă©l estaba detrĂĄs de mĂ. Estuvo en silencio todo el tiempo, como si estuviera pensando en algo. --DeberĂas desayunar antes de irte --comentĂł. Un segundo despuĂ©s, me parĂ© frente a Ă©l y asentĂ. --Lo harĂ©. DeberĂas irte ahora --respondĂ. --Kelly, estamos en la misma pĂĄgina, Âżverdad? --preguntĂł. Lo mirĂ© fijamente. No, Pierce. Nunca estuvimos en la misma pĂĄgina. SĂłlo fueron mis estĂșpidas fantasĂas. Pensaba que sentĂas algo por mĂ, pero estaba muy equivocada. --Si hablas del divorcio, lo entiendo, Pierce. SĂ© lo que tengo que hacer. SĂłlo dame algo de tiempo porque estoy muy ocupada con la empresa. No huirĂ©. --Kelly, no estoy haciendo esto sĂłlo por mĂ. TambiĂ©n lo hago por ti. Has estado encerrada conmigo desde que nos casamos. SĂ© que no eres feliz porque en el fondo tambiĂ©n quieres encontrar al hombre que te mereces. Alguien que realmente te ame, no yo. No alguien indiferente. --Entiendo lo que tratas de decir, Pierce --dije y tratĂ© de darle la espalda, pero antes de poder hacerlo, Ă©l me sujetĂł por la cintura y me mantuvo en el lugar. Luego hizo todo lo posible para captar mis ojos hasta que lo consiguiĂł. Su mirada era de preocupaciĂłn. --Eres mi mejor amiga. No quiero perderte, Kels. Eres una de las pocas personas⊠--Lo sĂ© --lo interrumpĂ con frustraciĂłn. ParecĂa sorprendido, asĂ que me calmĂ©--. Ya lo sĂ©. No tienes que preocuparte. Simplemente estoy estresada por el trabajo, no es por el divorcio. En ese instante, sus labios se separaron, asintiĂł lentamente y soltĂł un suspiro. Luego, caminĂł hacia mĂ y me congelĂ© cuando besĂł mi frente con dulzura⊠--Gracias, Kelly --susurrĂł. Al oĂrlo, mi corazĂłn se apretĂł. HabĂan pasado tres años pero todavĂa era una cobarde. «¿Por quĂ© no puedes simplemente decirle que lo amas, Kelly? ÂĄĂl es tu esposo y estĂĄs llevando su bebĂ©! ÂĄDĂselo y tal vez cambie de opiniĂłn!» pensĂ©. Con eso en mente, traguĂ© saliva y estuve a punto de decĂrselo, pero justo en ese momento su telĂ©fono sonĂł. Pude ver el identificador de llamadas. Era Lexi. --Me tengo que ir --afirmĂł y se rascĂł la cabeza a modo de disculpa, mientras las comisuras de su boca se curvaban hacia arriba--. LlamĂ© a Luke. Te espera afuera. Come antes de irte, ÂżsĂ? Con eso, saliĂł de nuestra habitaciĂłn. De repente, las lĂĄgrimas que habĂa logrado reprimir hasta ese momento volvieron a brotar. ÂżPor quĂ© habĂa pensado que podrĂa tener una oportunidad? Ăl tomĂł su decisiĂłn en el momento en que me pidiĂł el divorcio, Âżverdad? Siempre que se trataba de Lexi me abandonaba. CapĂtulo 3 Punto de vista de Kelly--Mantener la compostura EntrĂ© al estudio con tacones rojos de cinco centĂmetros y un vestido igualmente rojo. Todos miraron en mi direcciĂłn cuando entrĂ© caminando por el pasillo y me saludaron con una sonrisa, pero mantuve mi rostro estoico, sin mostrar emociĂłn alguna. La conversaciĂłn de esa mañana con Pierce todavĂa estaba en mi cabeza, pero no podĂa permitir que afectara mi trabajo. No podĂa fallar en mi trabajo despuĂ©s de haber fracasado en mi matrimonio. De modo que respirĂ© profundamente para recomponerme. Un momento despuĂ©s, cuando entrĂ© a la sala de la sesiĂłn de fotos, notĂ© que todos estaban sumidos en el caos. --ÂĄNo podemos! No responde las llamadas. ÂżQuĂ© debemos hacer? La vicepresidente viene hoy, se enojarĂĄ. --Podemos simplemente decirle la verdad. Ella es amable. --ÂĄNo lo serĂĄ con esta situaciĂłn, Lily! Nos va a regañar... --ÂżQuĂ© estĂĄ pasando aquĂ? --preguntĂ© mientras entraba a la sala. De inmediato, el personal me mirĂł con expresiones preocupadas y entonces supe que habĂa un problema. --B-Buenos dĂas, señorita Monroe. Señorita Monroe. Por supuesto, nadie sabĂa que Pierce y yo estĂĄbamos casados ââexcepto nuestras familias. SentĂ como si pellizcaran mi corazĂłn con esa verdad. DolĂa. RĂĄpidamente, la mirĂ© sin comprender. --ÂżQuĂ© ocurre? --T-tenemos un problema, señorita Monroe. La señorita Chen, nuestra modelo, no atiende nuestras llamadas. Dijo que escuchĂł que Ăbamos a cambiar de modelo asĂ que⊠no quiere venir. Incluso... amenazĂł con presentar una demanda contra nosotros. DespuĂ©s de decir eso, inclinĂł la cabeza. Yo apretĂ© los dientes y recorrĂ el lugar con la mirada. --ÂżDĂłnde estĂĄ la directora de marketing? --inquirĂ. --E-Ella todavĂa estĂĄ tratando de convencer a la señorita Chen, señorita Monroe. Luego de escuchar el problema, me masajeĂ© la frente y cerrĂ© los ojos con fuerza. Un segundo despuĂ©s, me agarrĂ© del pelo y gritĂ© de ira. SentĂ que todos a mi alrededor se sobresaltaban sorprendidos. Yo solo suspirĂ© y tomĂ© una gran bocanada de aire antes de mirar a mi alrededor. --Señorita Monroe... --ÂżQuĂ© es todo esto, señorita Hayley? TĂș eres la directora de marketing, ÂżquĂ© estĂĄ pasando? --Señorita Monroe, no sĂ© cĂłmo sucediĂł, pero la señorita Chen escuchĂł que usted cambiarĂĄ de modelo. EstĂĄ a punto de presentar una demanda contra nosotros... ÂżCambiar de modelo? ÂżCĂłmo es que yo no sabĂa nada al respecto? La señorita Chen siempre habĂa sido nuestra modelo de confianza y, si no era necesario, cambiar de modelo para una sesiĂłn comercial con tan poca antelaciĂłn sĂłlo causarĂa muchos problemas a la empresa. Nunca permitirĂa un error como este. --Yo no pedĂ eso. Debe ser un error --la interrumpĂ para ahorrar tiempo--. ÂĄArregla este desastre o tendrĂ© que despedirte! --Señorita Monroe... Fue el presidente quien nos pidiĂł que la cambiĂĄramos --explicĂł Hayley vacilante--. Lo ordenĂł ayer tan pronto como regresĂł de su viaje de negocios. Aquella verdad me golpeĂł con fuerza. ÂżFue orden de Pierce? ÂżPor quĂ© no me lo dijo? SolĂa ââdiscutir conmigo cada decisiĂłn importante antes de tomarla. --No puede ser... --exclamĂ© confundida. Pierce no era un hombre de negocios despistado. Siempre mantuvo una clara distinciĂłn entre el trabajo y la vida personal, razĂłn por la cual siempre tuvo Ă©xito. Y esa fue tambiĂ©n la razĂłn por la que decidiĂł mantener nuestro matrimonio en secreto. --SĂ, Kelly. Yo di la orden. --Su voz me hizo retroceder. --S-Señor Presidente⊠--saludĂł Hayley y se inclinĂł con respeto al ver al hombre que apareciĂł de repente detrĂĄs de mĂ. --Pierce, ÂĄcreo que me debes una explicaciĂłn sobre este cambio de modelo! --dije con los dientes apretados mientras me giraba para interrogarlo. Ăl sabĂa perfectamente cuĂĄnto esfuerzo puse para ganar este proyecto. Estuve dĂas sin dormir y la señorita Chen era la persona ideal para este trabajo. De hecho, Ă©l tambiĂ©n estuvo de acuerdo. Pero ahora⊠simplemente cambiĂł la modelo a su gusto sin avisarme con antelaciĂłn. Eso fue como abofetearme con fuerza en la cara. --ContinĂșen con el trabajo. Yo se lo aclararĂ© --le indicĂł Ă©l al personal para calmarlos, ignorando la ira que estaba a punto de salir de mis ojos. --ÂĄContĂ©stame, Pierce! ÂżPor quĂ© cambias de modelo tan de repente? --No pude contener mi enojo. Ăl simplemente me tocĂł el hombro y me susurrĂł: --Este no es el lugar para discutir al respecto. Te lo explicarĂ© en el auto. En ese momento, mirĂ© a mi alrededor y notĂ© que los demĂĄs nos miraban furtivamente. Luego me quitĂ© sus manos de encima y caminĂ© hacia el estacionamiento, pero durante el camino, sentĂa mi corazĂłn cada vez mĂĄs pesado. TenĂa la sensaciĂłn de que su explicaciĂłn no iba a gustarme. --Vamos, dĂmelo --exclamĂ© ni bien nos sentamos en su auto. Antes de hablar, me mirĂł a los ojos como si sopesara mis emociones, pero yo apartĂ© la mirada de nuevo. No podĂa soportar sus miradas, no podĂa soportar esos ojos que nunca me miraban como yo querĂa. Ăl no sentĂa nada por mĂ y eso me dolĂa mucho. --Yo-yo⊠--hizo una pausa y suspirĂł--. ReemplacĂ© a la señorita Chen porque Lexi quiere ser nuestra modelo. Ella tambiĂ©n encaja en el proyecto, asĂ que estuve de acuerdo... --ÂżQuĂ©? --preguntĂ© con incredulidad. De pronto, apretĂł los labios y mirĂł hacia otro lado. Luego se revolviĂł el cabello antes de sacudir la cabeza y tomar mi mano. --Lamento no haberte dicho antes, fue muy repentino. Ella me pidiĂł un favor, no pude decirle que no. RĂĄpidamente, retirĂ© mi mano y lo mirĂ© con dolor y enojo. --No pudiste decirle que no, asĂ que preferiste dañar a la empresa, a nuestra empresa. Me traicionaste, Pierce. --Kels, vamos. Sabes cuĂĄnto la amo. Ella es mi primer amor. Al oĂrlo, cerrĂ© los ojos con dolor. «Oh sĂ, ella es tu primer amor. Siempre la quisiste a ella, sin que te importen los demĂĄs. Si ella te frunce el ceño un poco, puedes hacer la vista gorda ante el dolor y el esfuerzo de los demĂĄs. Eres tan cruel, Pierce» pensĂ©. --Bueno, ya lo has decidido. No tengo voz y voto en esto ya que tĂș eres el presidente. Ahora vete, estarĂ© en la oficina --indiquĂ© con frialdad mientras abrĂa la puerta del auto para salir. --Kelly⊠En ese instante, lo mirĂ© a los ojos y dije: --Ve a casa temprano. Hablaremos de nuestro divorcio esta noche. CapĂtulo 4 Punto de vista de Kelly--Plantada Me encontraba jugueteando con el anillo de bodas en mi dedo mientras lo esperaba. Le habĂa dicho que volviera temprano a casa, pero todavĂa no regresaba y ni siquiera contestaba mis llamadas. Bueno, ahora que Lexi habĂa vuelto, probablemente ya no veĂa a esta casa como su hogar. De pronto, mis ojos se dirigieron a mi informe de embarazo que estaba sobre la mesa. QuĂ© gracioso. TodavĂa era tan ingenua para albergar un rayo de esperanza de que las cosas podrĂan cambiar si le hablaba del bebĂ©, pero este bebĂ© estaba fuera de sus planes. Me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas que se acumulaban en el rabillo de mis ojos y agarrĂ© el informe. Ya eran las cinco de la mañana cuando mirĂ© el reloj de la pared. IntentĂ© marcar su nĂșmero nuevamente, pero seguĂa sin responder. ÂżEn quĂ© estaba tan ocupado? ÂżEstaba h**iendo el a**r con Lexi? DebiĂł haberla extrañado mucho, Âżverdad? Pronto, sin saber cuĂĄndo, me quedĂ© dormida. Cuando sonĂł el despertador, inconscientemente toquĂ© la almohada a mi lado. FrĂo como anoche, no habĂa vuelto a casa todavĂa. Me burlĂ© de mĂ misma al ver mi reflejo en el espejo de la cĂłmoda. Los cĂrculos oscuros bajo mis ojos se veĂan a simple vista y mi cabello era un total desastre, parecĂa un fantasma. De repente una oleada de nĂĄuseas inundĂł mi estĂłmago y me di cuenta de que no habĂa comido nada la noche anterior. De pronto, me sentĂ mal otra vez y rĂĄpidamente corrĂ hacia el lavabo y vomitĂ©. EscupĂ un lĂquido amarillento que sabĂa muy mal. De inmediato, me lavĂ© la boca y mirĂ© mi propio reflejo en el espejo. Al verme, sacudĂ la cabeza y tomĂ© mi frente en cuanto sentĂ ganas de vomitar de nuevo. VolvĂ a escupir el lĂquido amarillento y mientras me lavaba la boca, sentĂ una cĂĄlida mano acariciando mi espalda. Inmediatamente levantĂ© la cara y me encontrĂ© con un par de ojos marrones que me miraban a travĂ©s del espejo. DetrĂĄs de mĂ con cara de preocupaciĂłn estaba mi esposo Pierce. --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? ÂżTe sientes mal? Debiste haberme dicho. Al instante, lo mirĂ© a travĂ©s del espejo. --No respondiste mis llamadas --contestĂ©. Ante aquellas palabras, la culpa apareciĂł en sus ojos. --Lo lamento. TenĂa cosas que hacer. Me quedĂ© en la oficina toda la noche --afirmĂł. RĂĄpidamente, me limpiĂ© la cara y pasĂ© junto a Ă©l. Pierce me siguiĂł mientras me sentaba frente al tocador y comenzaba a peinarme. --Kels⊠--Me despertĂ© tarde. No pude preparar el desayuno. Mientras hablaba, intentĂ© evitar sus ojos. SentĂa que iba a perder los estribos y gritarle. En ningĂșn momento sentĂ su egoĂsmo tan claramente como ahora. DecĂa que yo era su mejor amiga, pero nunca le habĂan importado mis necesidades, mis sentimientos. --Kels... sabes que no te preguntĂ© eso. Estoy preocupado por tu salud... Kels, ÂżtodavĂa estamos bien? Ante aquella pregunta, dejĂ© de peinarme y lentamente nuestras miradas se encontraron a travĂ©s del espejo, otra vez. ÂżDe verdad me estaba preguntando eso? ÂżDespuĂ©s de que me pidiĂł el divorcio sin siquiera preguntarme si estaba de acuerdo? Ăl decidiĂł por su cuenta sĂłlo porque su primer amor habĂa vuelto. No podĂa creer lo que hacĂa. Al final, fingĂ una sonrisa y dije: --No me siento bien hoy, Pierce, eso es todo. Un instante despuĂ©s, se puso de cuclillas a mi lado, lo cual no me resultĂł sorprendente porque sabĂa que realmente se preocupaba. Pero lo que sĂ me sorprendiĂł fue que hacĂa todo esto despuĂ©s de enterrar una daga en mi corazĂłn. --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? --preguntĂł mientras tocaba suavemente mi frente y mi cuello--. ÂżEstĂĄs enferma? Dime cĂłmo te sientes, Kels. --Mis sentimientos no importan --no pude evitar decir y parecĂa sorprendido por mis palabras. En ese instante, intentĂ© evitarlo, pero me agarrĂł de la muñeca y me hizo mirarlo. Su rostro ahora reflejaba su ira. HabĂa perdido completamente la paciencia. --ÂżQuĂ© te pasa, Kels? Has estado actuando asĂ desde ayer. ÂżEs por Lexi? ÂżO porque no volvĂ a casa anoche? --inquiriĂł. Yo lo mirĂ© a los ojos, molesta. --ÂĄTĂș fuiste quien pidiĂł el divorcio! Te pedĂ que regresaras temprano para hablar al respecto, pero me dejaste esperando toda la noche. ÂżPretendĂas que te diera la bienvenida con brazos abiertos despuĂ©s de eso, Pierce? --respondĂ. Al escucharme, apretĂł la mandĂbula y sacudiĂł la cabeza. --Kels, yo... --Ya basta. Hablaremos del divorcio despuĂ©s del trabajo. --ÂĄKels! --me llamĂł y me agarrĂł de los hombros. La confusiĂłn y el dolor eran visibles en sus ojos--. ÂżEstĂĄs... enamorada de mĂ? Aquello me desconcertĂł. ÂżEnamorada? ÂĄSĂ! Desde que estĂĄbamos en la escuela secundaria, desde que se convirtiĂł en mi mejor amigo. ÂżQuiĂ©n no se enamorarĂa de alguien que te ha estado protegiendo desde entonces? Siempre he estado agradecida de tenerlo como mi mejor amigo y esposo, pero ahora⊠lo estaba perdiendo. PerdiĂ©ndolo irremediablemente. DecidĂ darle a nuestro matrimonio una Ășltima oportunidad, hacer un esfuerzo final... ...... ==== Casarse con su mejor amigo fue un sueño hecho realidad para Kelly, pero todo tiene realmente una limitaciĂłn. Pierce es el primer amor de Kelly, pero como su mejor amiga, sabĂa bien que siempre habĂa otra mujer en lo profundo de su corazĂłn. Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finalmente se dio cuenta de que su feliz matrimonio de los Ășltimos tres años era solo un hermoso sueño cuando Pierce pidiĂł el divorcio solo porque Lexi regresĂł. Ella sĂłlo podrĂa ser su mejor amiga incluso si estuviera encinta de su bebĂ©. ÂżPor quĂ© no merecĂa ser amada? ÂżQuĂ© sucederĂĄ en adelante? ÂżCĂłmo podrĂa Kelly salvar su corazĂłn en esta batalla de amor y odio? Los capĂtulos disponibles son limitados aquĂ, haga click el botĂłn abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĂĄs contenidos maravillosos. 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3 Day Returns & Free Shipping to you! | Antique Kurdish rug | SHOP_NOW | https://saperecollection.com/collections/frontpage | Sapere Collection | https://www.facebook.com/saperecollection/ | 243 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | https://saperecollection.com/collections/frontpage | CAROUSEL | Antique Kurdish rug | https://saperecollection.com/collections/frontpage/products/babouna-antique-kurdish-floral-rug | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469855690_962300112413909_1210556094475712365_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HVSOmsby-YkQ7kNvgE8fz7w&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7WPYw8CH7lu0jCw9dkfE-H&oh=00_AYCPZG3UfeDF4rsqTYPbl4wtfjs2YgBdaiGmvLluE2BSNw&oe=675E8128 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sapere Collection | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 21:03 | active | 1982 | 0 |
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Looking for experience gift ideas? Don't miss out! Pogo Pass is one of my favorite frugal mom ways to save on local experiences! Pogo Pass gets you in over 25 places for FREE Admission! My coupon saves you 50% off. Regular website price is $100. đBuy the gift card and activate when you are ready!! đ1 pass per person over 2 years old đđLOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! đđ đŠ Hawaiian Falls/Waters Waterpark đŠFort Worth Zoo đ§The Cove at the Lakefront đ Super Llama - Bounce house đ€žââïžKid Mania - Indoor playground đââïž Obstacle Warriors đReunion Tower đ« Main Event - 7 locations đź National Video Game Museum đŹSci-Tech Children's Museum đFowling đžTexas Discovery Garden đłShenaniganz đ€žââïžPlay Park MTX âŸïžFrisco Rough Riders Games đTexas Legends Basketball Games âœïžSidekicks Dallas Games đ Dallas Wings Games đłInternational Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame đ€žââïžPump it Up - South Dallas âłïžAlley Cats âžïžStar Center đłItâz Family Food & Fun đ Allen Americans đŸTexas Sports Hall of Fame đŠMayborn Museum Hurry!! Comment for a coupon! #frugalmom #frisco | MESSAGE_PAGE | Frugal Frisco Mom | https://www.facebook.com/FrugalFriscoMom/ | 16,258 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | MULTI_IMAGES | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469677722_482748320996223_4713056923448252680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=841zlpifDGgQ7kNvgGh0j91&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ABEakXqAQybpxIFyedTA9SL&oh=00_AYA6AgGuKeQeUnt92LZiB4vTambrHH9JFQSM09v0ybzNBQ&oe=675D5E54 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Frugal Frisco Mom | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 |
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Seguir leyendođđ | Ella decidiĂł divorciarse de su marido, que siempre habĂa estado enamorado de su primer amor. Inesperadamente, Ă©l se negĂł a dejarla ir. Para empeorar las cosas, su hermanastro diabĂłlico tambiĂ©n intervino al mismo tiempo de manera dominante, ÂĄqueriĂ©ndola para Ă©l! ===== ÂżLo habĂa oĂdo bien? ÂżEstoy embarazada? ÂĄEstoy embarazada de un bebĂ© de Pierce! ÂĄMi mejor amigo y mi primer amor! --QuĂ© bueno que haya sido cautelosa, pudo haber perdido a su bebĂ©, señorita Monroe --me dijo el ginecĂłlogo con seriedad al ver la sorpresa en mis ojos. En ese momento, me toquĂ© el vientre inconscientemente, sin poder creer que hubiera un bebĂ© acostado allĂ. Cuando salĂ del hospital, no podĂa esperar para contarle a Pierce sobre nuestro bebĂ©. Me preguntaba cuĂĄl serĂa su reacciĂłn. ÂżGritarĂa de felicidad? ÂżMe b**arĂa y todo eso? ÂĄDios! No podĂa contener mi felicidad. Incluso tomĂ© mi cara roja entre mis manos mientras fantaseaba. Pero en el momento en que sentĂ el frĂo del anillo en mi dedo, mi corazĂłn que latĂa salvajemente se calmĂł. Casi olvidaba que Pierce no estaba interesado en tener hijos, menos considerando que nuestro matrimonio fue arreglado por su familia. Por supuesto, Pierce era un completo caballero, como amigo y como marido. Cada vez que tenĂamos relaciones s**uales, Ă©l era considerado y cauteloso, y decĂa que no era necesario agregar mĂĄs ataduras si no estĂĄbamos listos. Este bebĂ©, en cierto modo, estaba fuera de los planes. --Señora, ÂżestĂĄ todo bien? ÂżNecesita que llame al jefe? --preguntĂł mi conductor privado, Luke, preocupado al notar mi ceño fruncido. Luke era confiable como un miembro de la familia, pero no querĂa contarle porque querĂa que Pierce fuera el primero en enterarse de esta noticia. Ăl era el padre de mi bebĂ©. --No --dije y neguĂ© con la cabeza, dĂĄndole a Luke una sonrisa tranquilizadora--. EstĂĄ en el vuelo. HablarĂ© con Ă©l mĂĄs tarde --y asĂ verĂa su respuesta yo misma en sus crudas expresiones. Siempre fui buena en eso. Finalmente, cerrĂ© los ojos y recordĂ© el dĂa en que nos conocimos. Su brillante sonrisa a la luz del sol era tan deslumbrante que parecĂa un prĂncipe. Me enamorĂ© de Ă©l a primera vista, mucho antes de que nos convirtiĂ©ramos en mejores amigos. Pero era sĂłlo un amor no correspondido y yo lo sabĂa bien. En ese instante, bajĂ© la ventanilla del auto para tomar un poco de aire fresco y, sin quererlo, vislumbrĂ© nuestra antigua escuela secundaria. Ese sentimiento amargo llenĂł mi pecho una vez mĂĄs... Pierce fue mi primer amor, pero yo no era el suyo. En la escuela secundaria, yo no era mĂĄs que una nerd aburrida a los ojos de los demĂĄs, mientras que Pierce Anderson era el brillante mariscal de campo. Todos se sorprendieron de que pudiĂ©ramos ser amigos. Aunque las hostilidades hacia mĂ aumentaron, disfrutĂ© estar cerca de Ă©l y poco a poco me di cuenta de que no querĂa ser sĂłlo su amiga. Sin embargo, justo cuando estaba a punto de confesarle mis sentimientos, otra chica llegĂł a su vida. SacudĂ la cabeza tratando de deshacerme de esos viejos y tristes recuerdos. Luego toquĂ© el frĂo anillo de bodas en mi dedo y me dije que el pasado ya habĂa pasado. Pierce dijo que habĂan terminado y que ahora yo era su esposa. SĂ, yo era su esposa y ademĂĄs estaba embarazada de su bebĂ©. Pronto, me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas de las comisuras de los ojos y abrĂ la puerta de nuestra casa. Mi corazĂłn se calmĂł al respirar el aroma de mi hogar, nuestra casa. Pierce y yo la decoramos juntos con nuestras propias manos. Lo disfrutamos. SĂ, tal vez estaba pensando demasiado. Esa mujer habĂa estado fuera de nuestras vidas durante mucho tiempo y los Ășltimos tres años mi matrimonio con Pierce fueron tan hermosos como un cuento de hadas. Una vez dentro, mirĂ© el reloj de la pared. Para ese entonces, Pierce ya deberĂa haberse bajado del aviĂłn. Estuvo mĂĄs de un mes en viajes de negocios de nuestra empresa familiar. Pierce era el presidente de ADE, la empresa de revistas de moda lĂder en toda Asia, y yo era la vicepresidente de la compañĂa. No sĂłlo Ă©ramos compañeros de vida, sino tambiĂ©n buenos socios en el trabajo. En verdad lo extrañaba. De inmediato, marquĂ© su nĂșmero, pues tenĂa muchas ganas de escuchar su voz y saber cuĂĄndo llegarĂa a casa. Le prepararĂa una buena comida y Ă©l me premiarĂa con un dulce beso. Y luego podrĂamos... Vaya, en ese momento casi olvidĂ© que estaba embarazada. DebĂa contarle eso primero y luego podrĂamos hacer otra cosa. Estaba imaginando felizmente nuestra encantadora reuniĂłn, pero mi corazĂłn dio un vuelco cuando una voz de mujer cruzĂł la lĂnea. --ÂżHola? Al escuchar esa sola palabra, dejĂ© caer mi telĂ©fono, que se rompiĂł al chocar contra el suelo, y mi cuerpo empezĂł a temblar incontrolablemente. ÂĄNO! ÂĄNo podĂa ser ella! ÂĄNo podĂa ser Lexi! ÂĄElla ya estaba fuera de nuestras vidas! DebĂ haber escuchado mal. De inmediato, corrĂ hacia la nevera en un intento por calmarme con la ayuda de un poco de al**hol. Pero en el momento en que toquĂ© la botella de v**o, recordĂ© las palabras del mĂ©dico sobre mi bebĂ©. DebĂa tener cuidado por la salud de mi bebĂ©, asĂ que solo agarrĂ© una caja de leche y caminĂ© hacia el sofĂĄ. En ese entonces, no sabĂa quĂ© me hizo reconocer esa voz como la de Lexi. Nosotras nunca fuimos cercanas. Lexi Gilbert era la tĂpica belleza rubia por la que los hombres se volvĂan locos. Ella era una animadora popular en la escuela secundaria, mientras que Pierce era el mariscal de campo estrella. Encajaba mejor con Ă©l que una nerd como yo, Âżverdad? No me sorprendiĂł que se haya enamorado de ella. Mi orgullo no soportĂł ver al hombre que amaba volverse loco por otra mujer, asĂ que una vez intentĂ© alejarme de ellos en silencio, pero Pierce se negĂł a salirse de mi vida. Cada vez que me ahogaba en un mar de libros y estudios para olvidarlos, Pierce aparecĂa en mi puerta invitĂĄndome a salir. No podĂa decirle que no a su sonrisa encantadora y tampoco podĂa decirle que no porque afirmaba que era su deber como mi mejor amigo llevarme a disfrutar del mundo real. Para no arruinar nuestra amistad, ocultĂ© mi corazĂłn roto y desempeñé en silencio el papel de su mejor amiga, siempre a su lado y observando su rostro feliz por otra chica. Finalmente, cuando supe que Pierce planeaba proponerle matrimonio a Lexi, me armĂ© de valor y fui a estudiar al extranjero, sin saber que su abuela me llamarĂa para rogarme que regresara. Por supuesto, volvĂ a toda prisa sĂłlo para ver a Pierce sin vida. Lexi le habĂa herido gravemente el corazĂłn y el mĂo sufrĂa por mi amado. EmpecĂ© a odiar a Lexi desde ese momento. Le habĂa entregado a mi amado hombre, ÂĄcĂłmo se atreviĂł a hacerle tanto daño! ÂĄEsa bruja! Pierce no le contĂł a nadie lo que pasĂł, excepto que habĂa terminado con Lexi. Luego, la abuela arreglĂł nuestro matrimonio. No entendĂ por quĂ© estuvo de acuerdo hasta que un dĂa lo escuchĂ© decir que casarse con cualquiera que no fuera Lexi serĂa lo mismo para Ă©l. Aquello me doliĂł mucho, pero aun asĂ me casĂ© con Ă©l sin pensarlo dos veces. Mi amado estaba destrozado y querĂa recomponerlo, sin importarme si eso me arruinaba a mĂ en el proceso. Me quedĂ© dormida sintiĂ©ndome muy insegura y preocupada. Me despertĂ© en medio de la noche cuando sentĂ que alguien acariciaba mi mejilla. Lentamente abrĂ los ojos y me di cuenta de que me habĂa quedado dormida en la sala de estar. Alguien me levantĂł del sofĂĄ e inmediatamente reconocĂ su olor y tacto mientras lo miraba con los ojos entrecerrados. --Pierce⊠--Hmm --murmurĂł mientras caminaba hacia las escaleras--. ÂżPor quĂ© te dormiste en el sofĂĄ? Yo solo me quedĂ© mirĂĄndolo a la cara y luego me dejĂł suavemente sobre la cama, acariciĂł mi cabello y besĂł mi frente. Siempre fue tan gentil y por eso lo amaba tanto. LlevĂĄbamos mĂĄs de un mes separados, mi cuerpo lo extrañaba y mi corazĂłn lo anhelaba. --ÂżDĂłnde estabas? Te estuve esperando --dije mientras acariciaba su mejilla. --Acabo de encontrarme con un amigo. Dijiste que me estabas esperando, Âżes urgente? Al ver su rostro amable, de repente no quise arruinarle el momento, asĂ que cerrĂ© mis labios entreabiertos y traguĂ© la verdad para devolverla a mi estĂłmago. Mañana, tal vez mañana tendrĂa el coraje de afrontar todos los rompecabezas. De modo que solo sacudĂ la cabeza, hice un puchero y le dije que tenĂa sueño. Ăl se riĂł entre dientes y me dio un beso de buenas noches, pero en el momento en que estuvo a punto de dejarme, por alguna razĂłn entrĂ© en pĂĄnico. RĂĄpidamente lo agarrĂ© y lo b*sĂ© con toda mi pasiĂłn... Lo extrañaba y lo querĂa. --Espera, Kels --dijo y me detuvo, sujetando mis locas manos sobre la cama--. PensĂ© que habĂas dicho que tenĂas sueño y que necesitabas descansar. --SĂ, pero te extraño --exclamĂ© y lo mirĂ© con inocencia. Pude captar el deseo brillando en sus ojos, pero se desvaneciĂł de pronto y yo no comprendĂa por quĂ©. SolĂa ââââponerse feliz cuando yo tomaba la iniciativa. En ese instante, como si notara mi confusiĂłn, se riĂł entre dientes y me pellizcĂł juguetonamente la nariz. --Me darĂ© una ducha. Huelo a al**hol --manifestĂł. Yo solo asentĂ y lo mirĂ© mientras caminaba hacia el baño. Pronto la somnolencia volviĂł a atacarme, asĂ que cerrĂ© los ojos para tomar una siesta. Sin embargo, ya era de mañana cuando abrĂ los ojos nuevamente y Pierce estaba a mi lado, poniendo una bandeja con comida en la mesita de noche. --ÂĄEy! --lo saludĂ© y sonreĂ cuando me di cuenta de lo que habĂa hecho. Me habĂa preparado el desayuno para llevĂĄrmelo a la cama. Era tan dulce. Ăl sonriĂł y se sentĂł en la cama. --Buen dĂa. Le devolvĂ la sonrisa mientras me sentaba en la cama. En ese momento, agarrĂł la bandeja y la puso a mi lado. Al instante, levantĂ© una ceja e inclinĂ© la cabeza mientras miraba su hermoso rostro. Sus cejas espesas y negras enmarcaban sus hermosos ojos de color marrĂłn oscuro. Su nariz era orgullosa y puntiaguda y sus labios eran rojos y finos. ParecĂa un chico malo y s*xy, incluso Damon Salvatore se avergonzarĂa de estar a su lado. Nadie tenĂa posibilidad alguna contra este hombre. --ÂżQuĂ© es esto? ÂżUn soborno? Me dejaste plantada anoche, chico malo --dije. Ăl no se riĂł. ExhalĂł un suspiro y colocĂł con suavidad mi cabello detrĂĄs de mis orejas antes de tomar mi mano y mirarme a los ojos. --Tengo algo que decirte. Al instante, sentĂ que mi corazĂłn se aceleraba y pensĂ© en nuestro bebĂ© en mi Ăștero. TenĂa algo que decirme, yo tambiĂ©n tenĂa algo que contarle. --ÂżQ-QuĂ© cosa? --preguntĂ© con voz temblorosa. De repente, dio un profundo suspiro y comenzĂł: --Sabes que eres importante para mĂ, Âżverdad? AsentĂ lentamente con los labios entreabiertos. No pude responder, tenĂa miedo de lo que estaba a punto de decir. TenĂa un mal presentimiento. --Eras mi mejor amiga antes de casarnos. Eres una de las pocas personas que valoro⊠--prosiguiĂł. Mientras hablaba, escondĂ mis puños cerrados debajo de la sĂĄbana. No sabĂa por quĂ© me decĂa todo esto, pero ya podĂa sentir las lĂĄgrimas acumulĂĄndose en el rabillo de mis ojos. --Kelly... --hizo una pausa y cerrĂł los ojos con fuerza antes de volver a mirarme a los ojos--. Creo que es hora de que nos divorciemos. --P-Pierce⊠--exclamĂ© y sentĂ que mi corazĂłn se apretaba. Ăl sonriĂł. --SĂ© que tĂș tampoco sientes nada por mĂ. Te casaste conmigo por mis abuelos, hiciste esto solo porque los amas. Ahora llegĂł el momento de nuestra verdadera felicidad, Kelly. Al oĂrlo, no pude evitar sacudir la cabeza. --ÂżDe quĂ© estĂĄs hablando, Pierce? --inquirĂ. --Lexi ha vuelto, Kelly. Mi primer amor ha vuelto. CapĂtulo 2 Punto de vista de Kelly--Llueve sobre mojado De inmediato, me levantĂ© de la cama e intentĂ© irme, pero Pierce me agarrĂł la mano. RĂĄpidamente me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas que rodaban por mis mejillas antes de que Ă©l pudiera verlas. Luego, se parĂł frente a mĂ y me mirĂł a la cara mientras yo intentaba con todas mis fuerzas mirar hacia abajo y evitar verlo a los ojos. SentĂ que mi corazĂłn se rompĂa en pedazos. Pensaba⊠pensaba que podrĂa hacer que se enamorara de mĂ en esos tres años que pasamos juntos. Pensaba que sus sentimientos cambiarĂan y me verĂa como una mujer en lugar de solo su mejor amiga. Fui estĂșpida por tener esperanzas y soñar tan alto. FallĂ©. Sin importar cuĂĄnto lo intentara, su corazĂłn pertenecĂa sĂłlo a su primer amor: Lexi. --Kelly⊠En ese momento, contuve el aliento y me traguĂ© el dolor mientras lo miraba. Luego fingĂ una sonrisa y dije: --Debo lavarme las manos antes de comer. Pero Ă©l me mirĂł a los ojos como si intentara descubrir lo que estaba pensando. Yo sabĂa que Ă©l me conocĂa demasiado bien, asĂ que tratĂ© con todas mis fuerzas de ocultar mi dolor y le sonreĂ. Finalmente, suspirĂł y soltĂł mi mano. --Bueno. Te esperarĂ© aquĂ. Comamos y vayamos a trabajar juntos. ÂżJuntos? ÂżPor quĂ© era tan cruel? ÂżQuerĂa que nos siguiĂ©ramos llevando bien como si no me hubiera pedido el divorcio? ÂżQuerĂa que nos quedĂĄramos como estĂĄbamos justo despuĂ©s de decirme que su primer amor habĂa regresado y querĂa divorciarse de mĂ? Oh Pierce, ÂżquĂ© estaba pasando por tu cabeza? Antes podĂa obligarme a mĂ misma a quedarme en el puesto de su mejor amiga mientras le deseaba felicidad, pero ya no tenĂa ese coraje despuĂ©s de los tres años que habĂamos compartido. No habĂa manera de que pudiera soportar esa tortura otra vez, en especial ahora que cargaba a su bebĂ©. El bebĂ©... en un principio pensĂ© que era una buena noticia para nosotros, pero ahora... supongo que serĂa mĂĄs bien una carga para Ă©l. Una carga que le impedirĂa conseguir su verdadero amor y su libertad. Yo sabĂa muy bien cĂłmo crecĂa un niño no deseado. Mis padres se divorciaron antes de que mi madre muriera y la nueva familia de mi padre me odiaba, lo que me dolĂa muchĂsimo. Por eso no querĂa que mi bebĂ© experimentara lo mismo que yo sentĂ, asĂ que debĂa mantener a mi bebĂ© alejado de Ă©l. --No podemos --dije mientras fingĂa una nueva sonrisa--. Debo visitar el estudio para la sesiĂłn de fotos de nuestros nuevos modelos⊠--IrĂ© contigo. --No --contestĂ© y apartĂ© su mano. Sus ojos siguieron mi mano antes de levantar la cara para mirarme de nuevo--. Tienes documentos que firmar. Nuestros horarios ya estĂĄn organizados, Âżrecuerdas? --Pero⊠--Tengo un conductor personal, Pierce. EstarĂ© bien sola --afirmĂ©. Finalmente, suspirĂł y asintiĂł con calma. En ese momento, le di la espalda y entrĂ© al baño. Inmediatamente abrĂ la ducha y me parĂ© bajo el agua frĂa. Las lĂĄgrimas cayeron en cascada por mis mejillas mientras me cubrĂa la boca para reprimir los sollozos. Mis hombros temblaban mucho y cuando pensĂ© en mi bebĂ©, traguĂ© saliva y tratĂ© de calmarme. Luego me limpiĂ© la cara y acariciĂ© mi vientre. DebĂa ser fuerte y mantener la calma. No podĂa arriesgar la vida de mi bebĂ© sĂłlo porque me habĂan roto el corazĂłn. TenĂa que lidiar con esto de forma inteligente. Unos minutos despuĂ©s, tomĂ© un respiro profundo y terminĂ© mi ducha. Cuando salĂ del baño, me sorprendiĂł ver que Pierce todavĂa estaba allĂ. Estaba luchando por arreglarse la corbata frente al espejo de cuerpo entero. TambiĂ©n notĂ© un par de zapatos y un vestido mĂos sobre la cama. --ÂĄEy! ElegĂ tu vestido para hoy --dijo. Como nuestro matrimonio no era pĂșblico, Pierce dijo que harĂa pequeñas cosas para mĂ como marido. De hecho, lo habĂa hecho bien y yo solĂa disfrutar de estos dulces momentos que me regalaba, pero ahora sentĂa que eso mismo me m**arĂa. Al segundo siguiente, agarrĂ© el vestido y entrĂ© al vestidor, sentiendo que me seguĂa. VolvĂ a guardar el vestido blanco y elegĂ uno rojo. Cuando me di vuelta y lo tuve de frente, lo vi con la frente arrugada. --Hoy prefiero el rojo. Me sentirĂ© hermosa con este vestido --expliquĂ© con una sonrisa. Al instante, sus ojos se dirigieron al vestido que sostenĂa y su rostro inmediatamente se calmĂł. Al final asintiĂł y caminĂł hacia mĂ. --Ya veo. Pero antes ayĂșdame a arreglar esto --me pidiĂł. Sin dudarlo, puse mi vestido en su brazo y comencĂ© a arreglarle la corbata. PodĂa sentir sus ojos mirĂĄndome intensamente y eso hacĂa que mi corazĂłn latiera muy rĂĄpido. RespirĂ© hondo y me mordĂ el labio inferior mientras luchaba por arreglar su corbata. De pronto, mi visiĂłn se volviĂł borrosa otra vez. ÂĄMaldiciĂłn! --Kelly⊠No pude evitar sobresaltarme en shock. --ÂżMmm? --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? --preguntĂł. Lo mirĂ© y sonreĂ: --SĂ. --Tengo algo mĂĄs que decirte. En ese instante, terminĂ© de arreglarle la corbata y le quitĂ© rĂĄpidamente el vestido del brazo. Lo mirĂ© antes de pasar junto a Ă©l y dije: --Hablaremos despuĂ©s. Voy a llegar tarde. Lo escuchĂ© suspirar antes de volver a seguirme. Me vestĂ mientras Ă©l estaba detrĂĄs de mĂ. Estuvo en silencio todo el tiempo, como si estuviera pensando en algo. --DeberĂas desayunar antes de irte --comentĂł. Un segundo despuĂ©s, me parĂ© frente a Ă©l y asentĂ. --Lo harĂ©. DeberĂas irte ahora --respondĂ. --Kelly, estamos en la misma pĂĄgina, Âżverdad? --preguntĂł. Lo mirĂ© fijamente. No, Pierce. Nunca estuvimos en la misma pĂĄgina. SĂłlo fueron mis estĂșpidas fantasĂas. Pensaba que sentĂas algo por mĂ, pero estaba muy equivocada. --Si hablas del divorcio, lo entiendo, Pierce. SĂ© lo que tengo que hacer. SĂłlo dame algo de tiempo porque estoy muy ocupada con la empresa. No huirĂ©. --Kelly, no estoy haciendo esto sĂłlo por mĂ. TambiĂ©n lo hago por ti. Has estado encerrada conmigo desde que nos casamos. SĂ© que no eres feliz porque en el fondo tambiĂ©n quieres encontrar al hombre que te mereces. Alguien que realmente te ame, no yo. No alguien indiferente. --Entiendo lo que tratas de decir, Pierce --dije y tratĂ© de darle la espalda, pero antes de poder hacerlo, Ă©l me sujetĂł por la cintura y me mantuvo en el lugar. Luego hizo todo lo posible para captar mis ojos hasta que lo consiguiĂł. Su mirada era de preocupaciĂłn. --Eres mi mejor amiga. No quiero perderte, Kels. Eres una de las pocas personas⊠--Lo sĂ© --lo interrumpĂ con frustraciĂłn. ParecĂa sorprendido, asĂ que me calmĂ©--. Ya lo sĂ©. No tienes que preocuparte. Simplemente estoy estresada por el trabajo, no es por el divorcio. En ese instante, sus labios se separaron, asintiĂł lentamente y soltĂł un suspiro. Luego, caminĂł hacia mĂ y me congelĂ© cuando besĂł mi frente con dulzura⊠--Gracias, Kelly --susurrĂł. Al oĂrlo, mi corazĂłn se apretĂł. HabĂan pasado tres años pero todavĂa era una cobarde. «¿Por quĂ© no puedes simplemente decirle que lo amas, Kelly? ÂĄĂl es tu esposo y estĂĄs llevando su bebĂ©! ÂĄDĂselo y tal vez cambie de opiniĂłn!» pensĂ©. Con eso en mente, traguĂ© saliva y estuve a punto de decĂrselo, pero justo en ese momento su telĂ©fono sonĂł. Pude ver el identificador de llamadas. Era Lexi. --Me tengo que ir --afirmĂł y se rascĂł la cabeza a modo de disculpa, mientras las comisuras de su boca se curvaban hacia arriba--. LlamĂ© a Luke. Te espera afuera. Come antes de irte, ÂżsĂ? Con eso, saliĂł de nuestra habitaciĂłn. De repente, las lĂĄgrimas que habĂa logrado reprimir hasta ese momento volvieron a brotar. ÂżPor quĂ© habĂa pensado que podrĂa tener una oportunidad? Ăl tomĂł su decisiĂłn en el momento en que me pidiĂł el divorcio, Âżverdad? Siempre que se trataba de Lexi me abandonaba. CapĂtulo 3 Punto de vista de Kelly--Mantener la compostura EntrĂ© al estudio con tacones rojos de cinco centĂmetros y un vestido igualmente rojo. Todos miraron en mi direcciĂłn cuando entrĂ© caminando por el pasillo y me saludaron con una sonrisa, pero mantuve mi rostro estoico, sin mostrar emociĂłn alguna. La conversaciĂłn de esa mañana con Pierce todavĂa estaba en mi cabeza, pero no podĂa permitir que afectara mi trabajo. No podĂa fallar en mi trabajo despuĂ©s de haber fracasado en mi matrimonio. De modo que respirĂ© profundamente para recomponerme. Un momento despuĂ©s, cuando entrĂ© a la sala de la sesiĂłn de fotos, notĂ© que todos estaban sumidos en el caos. --ÂĄNo podemos! No responde las llamadas. ÂżQuĂ© debemos hacer? La vicepresidente viene hoy, se enojarĂĄ. --Podemos simplemente decirle la verdad. Ella es amable. --ÂĄNo lo serĂĄ con esta situaciĂłn, Lily! Nos va a regañar... --ÂżQuĂ© estĂĄ pasando aquĂ? --preguntĂ© mientras entraba a la sala. De inmediato, el personal me mirĂł con expresiones preocupadas y entonces supe que habĂa un problema. --B-Buenos dĂas, señorita Monroe. Señorita Monroe. Por supuesto, nadie sabĂa que Pierce y yo estĂĄbamos casados ââexcepto nuestras familias. SentĂ como si pellizcaran mi corazĂłn con esa verdad. DolĂa. RĂĄpidamente, la mirĂ© sin comprender. --ÂżQuĂ© ocurre? --T-tenemos un problema, señorita Monroe. La señorita Chen, nuestra modelo, no atiende nuestras llamadas. Dijo que escuchĂł que Ăbamos a cambiar de modelo asĂ que⊠no quiere venir. Incluso... amenazĂł con presentar una demanda contra nosotros. DespuĂ©s de decir eso, inclinĂł la cabeza. Yo apretĂ© los dientes y recorrĂ el lugar con la mirada. --ÂżDĂłnde estĂĄ la directora de marketing? --inquirĂ. --E-Ella todavĂa estĂĄ tratando de convencer a la señorita Chen, señorita Monroe. Luego de escuchar el problema, me masajeĂ© la frente y cerrĂ© los ojos con fuerza. Un segundo despuĂ©s, me agarrĂ© del pelo y gritĂ© de ira. SentĂ que todos a mi alrededor se sobresaltaban sorprendidos. Yo solo suspirĂ© y tomĂ© una gran bocanada de aire antes de mirar a mi alrededor. --Señorita Monroe... --ÂżQuĂ© es todo esto, señorita Hayley? TĂș eres la directora de marketing, ÂżquĂ© estĂĄ pasando? --Señorita Monroe, no sĂ© cĂłmo sucediĂł, pero la señorita Chen escuchĂł que usted cambiarĂĄ de modelo. EstĂĄ a punto de presentar una demanda contra nosotros... ÂżCambiar de modelo? ÂżCĂłmo es que yo no sabĂa nada al respecto? La señorita Chen siempre habĂa sido nuestra modelo de confianza y, si no era necesario, cambiar de modelo para una sesiĂłn comercial con tan poca antelaciĂłn sĂłlo causarĂa muchos problemas a la empresa. Nunca permitirĂa un error como este. --Yo no pedĂ eso. Debe ser un error --la interrumpĂ para ahorrar tiempo--. ÂĄArregla este desastre o tendrĂ© que despedirte! --Señorita Monroe... Fue el presidente quien nos pidiĂł que la cambiĂĄramos --explicĂł Hayley vacilante--. Lo ordenĂł ayer tan pronto como regresĂł de su viaje de negocios. Aquella verdad me golpeĂł con fuerza. ÂżFue orden de Pierce? ÂżPor quĂ© no me lo dijo? SolĂa ââdiscutir conmigo cada decisiĂłn importante antes de tomarla. --No puede ser... --exclamĂ© confundida. Pierce no era un hombre de negocios despistado. Siempre mantuvo una clara distinciĂłn entre el trabajo y la vida personal, razĂłn por la cual siempre tuvo Ă©xito. Y esa fue tambiĂ©n la razĂłn por la que decidiĂł mantener nuestro matrimonio en secreto. --SĂ, Kelly. Yo di la orden. --Su voz me hizo retroceder. --S-Señor Presidente⊠--saludĂł Hayley y se inclinĂł con respeto al ver al hombre que apareciĂł de repente detrĂĄs de mĂ. --Pierce, ÂĄcreo que me debes una explicaciĂłn sobre este cambio de modelo! --dije con los dientes apretados mientras me giraba para interrogarlo. Ăl sabĂa perfectamente cuĂĄnto esfuerzo puse para ganar este proyecto. Estuve dĂas sin dormir y la señorita Chen era la persona ideal para este trabajo. De hecho, Ă©l tambiĂ©n estuvo de acuerdo. Pero ahora⊠simplemente cambiĂł la modelo a su gusto sin avisarme con antelaciĂłn. Eso fue como abofetearme con fuerza en la cara. --ContinĂșen con el trabajo. Yo se lo aclararĂ© --le indicĂł Ă©l al personal para calmarlos, ignorando la ira que estaba a punto de salir de mis ojos. --ÂĄContĂ©stame, Pierce! ÂżPor quĂ© cambias de modelo tan de repente? --No pude contener mi enojo. Ăl simplemente me tocĂł el hombro y me susurrĂł: --Este no es el lugar para discutir al respecto. Te lo explicarĂ© en el auto. En ese momento, mirĂ© a mi alrededor y notĂ© que los demĂĄs nos miraban furtivamente. Luego me quitĂ© sus manos de encima y caminĂ© hacia el estacionamiento, pero durante el camino, sentĂa mi corazĂłn cada vez mĂĄs pesado. TenĂa la sensaciĂłn de que su explicaciĂłn no iba a gustarme. --Vamos, dĂmelo --exclamĂ© ni bien nos sentamos en su auto. Antes de hablar, me mirĂł a los ojos como si sopesara mis emociones, pero yo apartĂ© la mirada de nuevo. No podĂa soportar sus miradas, no podĂa soportar esos ojos que nunca me miraban como yo querĂa. Ăl no sentĂa nada por mĂ y eso me dolĂa mucho. --Yo-yo⊠--hizo una pausa y suspirĂł--. ReemplacĂ© a la señorita Chen porque Lexi quiere ser nuestra modelo. Ella tambiĂ©n encaja en el proyecto, asĂ que estuve de acuerdo... --ÂżQuĂ©? --preguntĂ© con incredulidad. De pronto, apretĂł los labios y mirĂł hacia otro lado. Luego se revolviĂł el cabello antes de sacudir la cabeza y tomar mi mano. --Lamento no haberte dicho antes, fue muy repentino. Ella me pidiĂł un favor, no pude decirle que no. RĂĄpidamente, retirĂ© mi mano y lo mirĂ© con dolor y enojo. --No pudiste decirle que no, asĂ que preferiste dañar a la empresa, a nuestra empresa. Me traicionaste, Pierce. --Kels, vamos. Sabes cuĂĄnto la amo. Ella es mi primer amor. Al oĂrlo, cerrĂ© los ojos con dolor. «Oh sĂ, ella es tu primer amor. Siempre la quisiste a ella, sin que te importen los demĂĄs. Si ella te frunce el ceño un poco, puedes hacer la vista gorda ante el dolor y el esfuerzo de los demĂĄs. Eres tan cruel, Pierce» pensĂ©. --Bueno, ya lo has decidido. No tengo voz y voto en esto ya que tĂș eres el presidente. Ahora vete, estarĂ© en la oficina --indiquĂ© con frialdad mientras abrĂa la puerta del auto para salir. --Kelly⊠En ese instante, lo mirĂ© a los ojos y dije: --Ve a casa temprano. Hablaremos de nuestro divorcio esta noche. CapĂtulo 4 Punto de vista de Kelly--Plantada Me encontraba jugueteando con el anillo de bodas en mi dedo mientras lo esperaba. Le habĂa dicho que volviera temprano a casa, pero todavĂa no regresaba y ni siquiera contestaba mis llamadas. Bueno, ahora que Lexi habĂa vuelto, probablemente ya no veĂa a esta casa como su hogar. De pronto, mis ojos se dirigieron a mi informe de embarazo que estaba sobre la mesa. QuĂ© gracioso. TodavĂa era tan ingenua para albergar un rayo de esperanza de que las cosas podrĂan cambiar si le hablaba del bebĂ©, pero este bebĂ© estaba fuera de sus planes. Me sequĂ© las lĂĄgrimas que se acumulaban en el rabillo de mis ojos y agarrĂ© el informe. Ya eran las cinco de la mañana cuando mirĂ© el reloj de la pared. IntentĂ© marcar su nĂșmero nuevamente, pero seguĂa sin responder. ÂżEn quĂ© estaba tan ocupado? ÂżEstaba h**iendo el a**r con Lexi? DebiĂł haberla extrañado mucho, Âżverdad? Pronto, sin saber cuĂĄndo, me quedĂ© dormida. Cuando sonĂł el despertador, inconscientemente toquĂ© la almohada a mi lado. FrĂo como anoche, no habĂa vuelto a casa todavĂa. Me burlĂ© de mĂ misma al ver mi reflejo en el espejo de la cĂłmoda. Los cĂrculos oscuros bajo mis ojos se veĂan a simple vista y mi cabello era un total desastre, parecĂa un fantasma. De repente una oleada de nĂĄuseas inundĂł mi estĂłmago y me di cuenta de que no habĂa comido nada la noche anterior. De pronto, me sentĂ mal otra vez y rĂĄpidamente corrĂ hacia el lavabo y vomitĂ©. EscupĂ un lĂquido amarillento que sabĂa muy mal. De inmediato, me lavĂ© la boca y mirĂ© mi propio reflejo en el espejo. Al verme, sacudĂ la cabeza y tomĂ© mi frente en cuanto sentĂ ganas de vomitar de nuevo. VolvĂ a escupir el lĂquido amarillento y mientras me lavaba la boca, sentĂ una cĂĄlida mano acariciando mi espalda. Inmediatamente levantĂ© la cara y me encontrĂ© con un par de ojos marrones que me miraban a travĂ©s del espejo. DetrĂĄs de mĂ con cara de preocupaciĂłn estaba mi esposo Pierce. --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? ÂżTe sientes mal? Debiste haberme dicho. Al instante, lo mirĂ© a travĂ©s del espejo. --No respondiste mis llamadas --contestĂ©. Ante aquellas palabras, la culpa apareciĂł en sus ojos. --Lo lamento. TenĂa cosas que hacer. Me quedĂ© en la oficina toda la noche --afirmĂł. RĂĄpidamente, me limpiĂ© la cara y pasĂ© junto a Ă©l. Pierce me siguiĂł mientras me sentaba frente al tocador y comenzaba a peinarme. --Kels⊠--Me despertĂ© tarde. No pude preparar el desayuno. Mientras hablaba, intentĂ© evitar sus ojos. SentĂa que iba a perder los estribos y gritarle. En ningĂșn momento sentĂ su egoĂsmo tan claramente como ahora. DecĂa que yo era su mejor amiga, pero nunca le habĂan importado mis necesidades, mis sentimientos. --Kels... sabes que no te preguntĂ© eso. Estoy preocupado por tu salud... Kels, ÂżtodavĂa estamos bien? Ante aquella pregunta, dejĂ© de peinarme y lentamente nuestras miradas se encontraron a travĂ©s del espejo, otra vez. ÂżDe verdad me estaba preguntando eso? ÂżDespuĂ©s de que me pidiĂł el divorcio sin siquiera preguntarme si estaba de acuerdo? Ăl decidiĂł por su cuenta sĂłlo porque su primer amor habĂa vuelto. No podĂa creer lo que hacĂa. Al final, fingĂ una sonrisa y dije: --No me siento bien hoy, Pierce, eso es todo. Un instante despuĂ©s, se puso de cuclillas a mi lado, lo cual no me resultĂł sorprendente porque sabĂa que realmente se preocupaba. Pero lo que sĂ me sorprendiĂł fue que hacĂa todo esto despuĂ©s de enterrar una daga en mi corazĂłn. --ÂżEstĂĄs bien? --preguntĂł mientras tocaba suavemente mi frente y mi cuello--. ÂżEstĂĄs enferma? Dime cĂłmo te sientes, Kels. --Mis sentimientos no importan --no pude evitar decir y parecĂa sorprendido por mis palabras. En ese instante, intentĂ© evitarlo, pero me agarrĂł de la muñeca y me hizo mirarlo. Su rostro ahora reflejaba su ira. HabĂa perdido completamente la paciencia. --ÂżQuĂ© te pasa, Kels? Has estado actuando asĂ desde ayer. ÂżEs por Lexi? ÂżO porque no volvĂ a casa anoche? --inquiriĂł. Yo lo mirĂ© a los ojos, molesta. --ÂĄTĂș fuiste quien pidiĂł el divorcio! Te pedĂ que regresaras temprano para hablar al respecto, pero me dejaste esperando toda la noche. ÂżPretendĂas que te diera la bienvenida con brazos abiertos despuĂ©s de eso, Pierce? --respondĂ. Al escucharme, apretĂł la mandĂbula y sacudiĂł la cabeza. --Kels, yo... --Ya basta. Hablaremos del divorcio despuĂ©s del trabajo. --ÂĄKels! --me llamĂł y me agarrĂł de los hombros. La confusiĂłn y el dolor eran visibles en sus ojos--. ÂżEstĂĄs... enamorada de mĂ? Aquello me desconcertĂł. ÂżEnamorada? ÂĄSĂ! Desde que estĂĄbamos en la escuela secundaria, desde que se convirtiĂł en mi mejor amigo. ÂżQuiĂ©n no se enamorarĂa de alguien que te ha estado protegiendo desde entonces? Siempre he estado agradecida de tenerlo como mi mejor amigo y esposo, pero ahora⊠lo estaba perdiendo. PerdiĂ©ndolo irremediablemente. DecidĂ darle a nuestro matrimonio una Ășltima oportunidad, hacer un esfuerzo final... ...... ==== Casarse con su mejor amigo fue un sueño hecho realidad para Kelly, pero todo tiene realmente una limitaciĂłn. Pierce es el primer amor de Kelly, pero como su mejor amiga, sabĂa bien que siempre habĂa otra mujer en lo profundo de su corazĂłn. Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finalmente se dio cuenta de que su feliz matrimonio de los Ășltimos tres años era solo un hermoso sueño cuando Pierce pidiĂł el divorcio solo porque Lexi regresĂł. Ella sĂłlo podrĂa ser su mejor amiga incluso si estuviera encinta de su bebĂ©. ÂżPor quĂ© no merecĂa ser amada? ÂżQuĂ© sucederĂĄ en adelante? ÂżCĂłmo podrĂa Kelly salvar su corazĂłn en esta batalla de amor y odio? Los capĂtulos disponibles son limitados aquĂ, haga click el botĂłn abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mĂĄs contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederĂĄ a este libro) &5& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spc | Happy reading | https://www.facebook.com/61566043183664/ | 469 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.manobook.com | IMAGE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14603375-fb_contact-spcp25_2-1030-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=2029568687383448&rawadid=120214044489410700 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465237043_586205500428601_1824023346892929047_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oK2TY0vwaeoQ7kNvgEIxJCs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1Gn0RATctPu7VNvlNEuNaW&oh=00_AYBOFv5sX5-LR9zBQ_oojUuvMJwRKVE_fB2C2BeV_NZnMg&oe=675D74B2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Happy reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Limited Time Giveaway | Enter the Giveaway đšđ WIN A SHAPERS! | SIGN_UP | https://cysm.com/pages/promo-free-shaper-giveaway- | CYSM Shapers | https://www.facebook.com/CYSMBodyShaper/ | 52,317 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign Up | 0 | cysm.com | DCO | Sign up for a chance to win an amazing CYSM Shaper! | https://cysm.com/pages/promo-free-shaper-giveaway-lead?utm_source=Paid&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign=GIVE&utm_content=Giveaway-IMG2 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469966651_1303999494127225_7772265093673620782_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EaDPStFhP-EQ7kNvgED09fK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aai9cZaVUiK-D_yusbBgIec&oh=00_AYBZ9R3Le7Yuxo92ohiHLdg3svis0pymKtIVeTCmztwydA&oe=675E0100 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | CYSM Shapers | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | February in Sureton City was wet. It had been drizzling throughout the day, leaving the roads damp. The cold wind brought with it the rain, making Freya Somner shiver. She held an umbrella and curled up while crouching before the entrance to the city hall. It was already 5:00 pm. Would that person come? She was worried as she thought about her grandfather, Neil Somner, who lay sick in bed. Had he finished his IV drip? Would he need to use the restroom? Had Thomas Talbot already gone home? She looked up and scanned the empty streets. The city hall would close for the day at 5:30 pm. She would just grit her teeth and wait for another half an hour, then. If that person didn't show up, she could blame him and tell Neil and Thomas that he'd stood her up. It wasn't because she didn't want to marry him or anything. Neil was sick. As a traditional medicine practitioner, he knew his time was running out. Freya was his only concernâshe would be alone in the world once he passed. He'd contacted Thomas, whom he'd saved many years ago. Thomas had promised Neil that he would do everything in his power to help if Neil ever needed it. All Neil had to do was make the call. Years had passed since then, but the call had miraculously gone through. Thomas had shown up the very next day. Neil had explained the situation to him and asked Thomas to help care for Freya in the future. Thomas had generously said, "It's only natural for me to care for her. How about thisâI have many grandsons, so I'll have one of them marry Fae as a way of repaying you. That way, she won't be alone." Neil had agreed, leaving Freya with no room to object. She didn't want to marryâshe could take care of herself and was fine alone. She was currently staying at the dormitory her university had prepared for graduate students. She even had 2,300 a month as financial aid. Eating at the hospital's and university's cafeterias was cheapâshe only needed to spend 15 a day on food. However, Neil had insisted. He felt that it was hard to predict the future, and he would only be able to rest in peace once he saw that marriage certificate. That way, he'd be able to face Freya's parents in the afterlife with no regrets. Freya's parents had died after falling off a cliff. They'd been searching for a herbal catalyst to save Thomas back in the day. It had rained that day, just as it had on this day. Freya had seen her parents' corpses entwined with one another, their hands still clutching the herbal catalyst. After her parents passed away, she and Neil depended on each other for survival. It was on that day that she'd suddenly grown up. She'd studied hard and skipped grades, sitting for her SATs at 17 years old. Then, she'd gotten into Sureton University's medical faculty, joining the seven-year integrated bachelor's and master's program. She only had two years to go before she could graduate and officially start working. Things were starting to look good. Then, Neil had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. It was taking his life away. The screeching of brakes pulled Freya out of her reverie. She looked up at the offroad vehicle before her. It was painted a military green and covered in mud, and the tires were soiled. It was clear the car had ventured through the mountains. The door opened, blocking the man's face from her view. Still, she'd gotten a glimpse of his chiseled features. His bushy brows, tall nose, and deep-set eyes formed a handsome, honest face. With the door open, all Freya could see was the army pants enveloping his long legs and the leather boots he wore. It was a cold day, yet he only wore an olive green T-shirt. He stepped away from the car. Before Freya could take a closer look at his face, he approached her, stopping before her so his boots were level with her eyes. "Are you Freya Somner?" he asked, his voice deep and somewhat daunting. "Yeah." "Let's get married, then." He turned and headed into the city hall. Chapter 2 Freya wanted to stand up, but she'd been crouching for so long that her legs had gone numb. "What's wrong?" the man asked. "My legs have gone numb." She was lifted off her feet as soon as the words were out of her mouth. An unfamiliar scent enveloped her, and she felt her face burn. The man placed her on the seat before the counter. "Get your identification." She kept her head lowered as she obediently placed the things on the counter. "Daniel Talbot," the staff said. "That's me," the man said. "Freya Somner." "Here," Freya said. She looked up at the staff. The staff looked at the identification she held, then at Freya. The latter's eyes were spirited but also carried a hint of naivety. Freya was only 22, but Daniel was already 28. He'd even carried her in. That made the staff suspect whether Freya had been forced into this. She asked, "Are you here to get married at your own will?" "Yes, I am," Freya said. "Alright, then. Fill up these forms, please." At 5:30 pm, Freya and Daniel walked out of the city hall. Freya looked down at her marriage certificate. She'd gone from being single to married once the staff stamped the certificate. She'd married a man she'd met for the first time without even dating him. The whole thing had only taken a matter of minutes. Daniel stopped and looked at her. "Where are you headed now?" She had kept her head down and hadn't been paying attention to the distance between them. She walked right into his chest. Pain spread through her, starting from her nose. Tears welled in Freya's eyes. How could his chest be as hard as a wall? She clamped a hand over her nose and looked at him tearily. "I'm going back to the hospital." He was so tall that her eyes were only level with his chest. It was incredibly muscular and looked just like the diagrams she'd seen in her medical texts. "Get in the car," he said. Freya struggled to open the door. She tugged it with all her strength, but it didn't budge. Daniel saw her from the driver's seat. He waved at her, gesturing for her to back up. Then, he opened the door from inside. "Which hospital are you going to?" he asked. "The county tumor hospital, the one at Percat Street. Thanks." Freya obediently settled in her seat. "Your seatbelt," he said. She put it on, and he started the car. She noticed that his hands and arms were tanned, with protruding veins. He oozed strength and power. Suddenly, Freya's stomach rumbled. The sound was magnified in the silent car. She instinctively held her stomach, her face turning beet red. What was wrong with her? Why did she keep embarrassing herself? Was there something about her that made her incompatible with Daniel? Her stomach continued to rumble for a while. Finally, the car stopped. Freya thought they'd arrived at the hospital and moved to open the door. Then, she looked out and said, "We're not at the hospital." Daniel had already gotten out of the car, though. He headed to a fruit store without looking back at her. Soon, he returned with a bag full of fruits. "I don't know what your grandfather likes, so I bought a little of everything." "He can't eat anything. Doctor's orders." Daniel looked at her, perhaps because she sounded too calm. Only then did Freya notice how deep-set his eyes were. There was a hint of dominance in them. "You have them, then." He placed the bag on her lap. "Have some to tide the hunger. I'm in a rush." Freya wondered whether he was showing his concern for her. A wave of warmth surged in her as she peeled a banana. It was sweet. ⊠The nurse had just removed Neil's IV drip when Freya and Daniel arrived at the ward. Thomas took the marriage certificates from Daniel and Freya and held them before Neil. He said happily, "Look at this, Neil. They're official marriage certificates with the stamps and all. They're genuine!" Neil smiled and nodded weakly. "That's great. I won't have anything to worry about anymore." "Come closer so Neil can see you, Dan," Thomas said. Daniel stepped forward. "Hi, Grandpa." Neil's smile widened. "HiâŠ" He held Daniel's hand and said, "I'll leave Freya in your hands from now on. She's a softie but is stubborn on the inside. I hope you'll be more tolerant of her and take the time to explain your thoughts to her if you two ever get into an argument." Tears streamed down Freya's face when she heard this. Daniel said, "I will, Grandpa." "Don't worry, Neil. We won't mistreat Freya. Daniel has property and a carâI'll have him show Freya around his place right now. She can move in when she's free," Thomas said. Freya forgot about crying and stared at Thomas in shock when she heard that. Didn't she and Daniel only have to get married? Why did they even have to live together? "Go on, then. It's still light out, so you can see what the place is like," Neil said. Daniel and Freya headed to his place under Thomas' urging. Chapter 3 Daniel's apartment was in Sureton City's central commercial area. It was an expensive area with good infrastructureâthe medical and education systems were well-established. The residential area was right next to Sureton City's largest park. Freya looked at the minimalist, almost stark apartment. The marble coffee table was covered in a layer of dust. "This is your home?" "Yeah." Daniel also saw the dust. "I don't usually stay here." That didn't make sense at all. Why would anyone not live in their own home? Freya couldn't understand it. "There's a card here that you can use to pay for the utilities." He opened a drawer in the TV cabinet to show her. "If anything needs fixing, you can speak to the management office. "I'll have someone clean up the place later. There are two rooms, so you can pick whichever one you want. Feel free to use the study as wellâŠ" Freya observed the place. It was well renovated but showed no signs of being lived in. There weren't even any plates or utensils around. "What am I to you?" she suddenly asked. "My wife." "But I feel like your mistress," she said boldly. She didn't know whether Daniel had a girlfriend or anythingâperhaps he'd only married her due to Thomas' pressure. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made her wait a whole afternoon for him, only arriving right before the city hall closed for the day. "What are you getting at?" Daniel asked. "I'm fine with getting a divorce if you already have a partnerâour grandfathers have seen the marriage certificates, anyway. I don't want to inadvertently end up as a homewrecker." She respected the elderly but wouldn't do anything immoral just to comply with Neil's and Thomas' wishes. Daniel understood now. "I'm single. I usually stay at the military camp in the mountains." Freya recalled his offroad vehicle and the mud on it. That, coupled with his outfit, made her realize just who he was. "I'm sorry for misunderstanding you." "It's fine. I'll take you back to the hospital nowâyou can move in here whenever it's convenient for you." "What about you?" she blurted. Then, she disdained herself for asking. What did his matters have to do with her? "I need to head back after this. There's an urgent mission I need to handle." That was the last thing Daniel said to her. ⊠Shortly after Daniel left, Neil's condition took a turn for the worse, and a new semester started. Freya bustled back and forth between the university and the hospital daily. On days when Neil felt better, he could even hold Freya's hand and reminisce with her. Neither of them mentioned that rainy night, though. He kept telling her that life was long and that she had to live well independently. However, he also told her she couldn't expect to do everything herself. She had to give in occasionally. Daniel looked like a good man, and they had to communicate with each other. They had to understand each other⊠Neil said many things. Freya wanted to object to everything and tell him that none of that mattered. She wanted him to know that she only wanted to spend her life with him in a small town called Floriver Town. She wanted to read medical texts and pick herbs with him. However, as a doctor, she was rational enough to know there was no chance of them ever returning to that life. The reports and data she saw every day were enough to tell her that Neil's condition was deteriorating. She cried almost daily throughout that month but hid it well. Neil never noticed. One day, white clouds floated in the blue sky. Freya drew the curtains, allowing the sunlight to stream into the room. Neil was in good spirits. "The weather is so nice today, Fae. Maybe you should take me off my oxygen tube now." He sounded calm, but Freya faltered while clipping his nails. She acted like she hadn't heard him and moved on to the next finger. "I can't take it anymore, Fae. I'm on drug every day, but it still hurts so bad. I'm begging you, okay?" His plea made Freya's nose prickle. Tears rolled down her face and landed on the floor, fading within seconds. Neil was a proud and strong man who'd never begged anyone in his life. Now⊠It looked like she really had to let him go. She slowly shut her eyes, sounding choked up as she said, "Okay. I'll get a doctor after I'm done clipping your nails." "The weather is so nice today that I feel so much more relaxed," Neil said. He lifted a hand with difficulty to caress her head one last time. It reminded her of how he'd praised her whenever she could memorize the things she'd read in the medical texts. After Freya signed the necessary documents, the doctor removed Neil's oxygen tube. She stood by his bedside and held his hand until his body became devoid of warmth. Thomas helped her with Neil's funeral, after which he urged her to move into Daniel's apartment. Chapter 4 Two years passed in the blink of an eye. "There's no time to eat, Dr. Somner. We're being dispatched for a house call." Freya was in a hospital's emergency room. When she heard the nurse, Jade Winton, call her, she put a folder over her unfinished instant mac and cheese and left the doctor's lounge. "Where's Dr. Wood?" she asked while wearing a mask. She hurried to catch up with Jade. "He's accompanying Lena for a prenatal check. I've called him, and he's on his way." Jade grabbed a first-aid kit and an extra bag of gauze and bandages. She handed them to Freya. "What's the situation? Why do we need so many bandages and gauze?" "A luxury jewelry store was robbed. The store's staff called the police, but the robbers discovered them and took ten staff hostage. We're being dispatched to provide medical assistance," Jade said. She told Freya everything she knew, then added, "Don't be rash later. Leave everything to Dr. Wood." "Got it. Thanks, Jade." Freya's mentor, Jason Wood, arrived at the same time as Freya and Jade. He was a tall, skinny man whose hairline was receding. He'd come from a prenatal check with his wife, Lena Johnson, and had already changed into his uniform. It made him look particularly spirited. "What's the situation?" he asked as he got into the car. "A jewelry store's been robbed. The robbers are armed," Jade said. Silence descended upon the car. They didn't know what they were facing but had to go at it regardless. Medicine knew no borders, and all lives were equal in worth. They had to save lives as long as they were at risk. When Freya and the others arrived, the police had already secured the scene. A crowd consisting of spectators and staff from various media outlets gathered behind the police line, surrounding the place and making it hard for anyone to get through. Police cars and vehicles belonging to a SWAT team were parked outside the jewelry store. There were also three buses with the windows tinted black. Freya followed Jason out of the car. A man who looked like an administrator hurried over to them, looking anxious. "The robbers need a doctor in there to save their comrade. Which one of you two will go in?" Freya looked at the jewelry store. It had three floors and was a corner lot with an expansive view. A mall was behind it, which meant it probably had more than one exit. "I'll go," Jason said, dragging Freya out of her reverie. She gave him a disagreeable look. "No way. I'll go, Dr. Wood. You have parents and children to care for, and Lena's conceived with your second child. You can't go in there." "You can't, either. You're inexperienced." Jason's attitude was firm. "The situation is complicated. I'm the only one who can head in there." Freya didn't argue with him. She turned to the administrator and volunteered. "I'll go, sir. I've passed the medical board exam and can practice independently. I don't have any dependents or relatives to care for." He looked at her. She was young and so nervous that she clenched her fists, but her expression was calm. She was bold, but her courage needed some training. "You can go, then. We don't know the situation inside, so we can only act when the Falcon Strike Unit arrives. All you need to do when you get in there is to save whoever is injured. Drag things out for as long as possible while ensuring your safety and wait for help." "Understood, sir." Freya wore her medical cap and gave herself a mental pep talk. "FreyaâŠ" Jason started. "I have to gain experience since I don't have it, Dr. Wood. You have to give me a chance," she said. That was what medicine was like. One had to be bold and careful while constantly defeating one's old self. That way, one would only become a better version of oneself. Jason knew what Freya was like. She'd met various people when treating patients. When some of them criticized or insulted her, she wouldn't take it lying down. Her retorts left much to be desired, though. For instance, if a patient said she was incapable and that a doctor online had told them this and that, she would say, "I'll leave, then. You can ask your online doctor to treat you." Once, someone had shouted at her, saying she was useless. She'd clapped back, calling that person the useless one. "Do you guys have a bulletproof vest or something? Give one to her." Jason knew nothing he said would change Freya's mind. The administrator gave one of his subordinates a look. A member of the SWAT team brought a bulletproof vest over. Freya took her doctor's coat off and put the bulletproof vest on over her T-shirt. Then, she put her uniform on. Chapter 5 Jade handed Freya the first-aid kit before hanging the stethoscope from her neck. "You're just going to ignore everything I told you before we came here, aren't you? You're bound to get into trouble if you continue like this." "No one is more suitable than me, Jade," Freya said calmly. "It's not like the military region's general hospital lacks doctors. If you turn them down, they'll arrange for someone else to come." "But it's too far away. They'll take at least 30 minutes to arrive. That doesn't conform to the principles of pre-hospitalization emergency care." Jade was one of the emergency room's most experienced nurses, so she knew Freya was right. It was the only thing they could do under the circumstances. The administrator held a loudspeaker and shouted toward the store, "The doctor is coming. Open the door." A hoarse voice rang out as soon as the words were out of his mouth. "Put the first-aid kit on the ground and turn in a circle. Then, take everything out of the first-aid kit and lay them on the ground." Freya did as told. She'd just placed the final tool on the ground when the hoarse voice rang out again. "Put the things back in and come inside." Freya packed everything back. She was about to enter the store when she felt a cool breeze. Curious, she looked in the direction it had come. A helicopter was hovering in midair in one of the jewelry store's blind spots. A tall figure in camouflage slid down the rope and made a smooth landing. It happened in seconds. Freya stared at the man, finding his figure incredibly familiar. He wore a black mask, and his sharp eyes flitted past her. Then, he hid behind the wall. Another team member landed behind him. "Come in," the hoarse voice urged loudly. He sounded impatient. Freya knew she had to enter the store since these people had yet to infiltrate it. Once she understood that, she didn't hesitate to head inside. As soon as she pushed open the door, she smelled the metallic scent of blood. Suddenly, someone grabbed her by the neck and roughly dragged her inside. Then, he flung her onto the floor and commanded, "Save him." She looked at the man on the floor. His mask, shaped like a pig's head, had been thrown aside. He looked ashen while struggling to breathe and had cyanosis of the nail bed. These were all signs of a lack of oxygen. Freya checked him and concluded that he was having an asthma attack. His throat had swelled up, leading to breathing difficulties. She searched his bag while muttering, "Where's the inhaler?" Asthma patients would bring their inhalers when they were out, but she didn't find one in his bag. "What are you looking for?" a man in a mask shaped like a dog's head asked. "His inhaler," she said. "He doesn't have one. Do a cricothyrotomy on him right now." Freya was taken aback. "How are you related to him? You know how to save him?" Suddenly, he pressed a gun to her forehead. "Shut up if you don't want to die. Just do as I say!" The iciness of the metal made Freya's heart clench. Her mind went blank for a second, and she couldn't think. "Hurry up!" He kicked her shoulder. The pain made her snap to her senses. She forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath before commencing anatomical positioning and sterilization. Then, she inserted a thick injection needle into the cricothyroid membrane. The process didn't take long, and the man gradually started looking better. Suddenly, a black thing landed not far from Freya. Before she realized what it was, a few more followed. The inside of the store was quickly filled with smoke, and people started yelling. The alarm went off. Freya wanted to take advantage of the chaos to hide, but a hand wrapped around her neck. A gun was pressed to her forehead, and someone snarled, "You're coming with me." Chapter 6 The man dragged Freya to a secluded corner to hide. The cold feeling against her temple made her compliant. Her palms grew sweaty as she stood there, and she could hear her heart racing. No matter how nervous or scared she was, she could only place her faith in the Falcon Strike Unit and tightly hold the needle in her hand. A few minutes later, red lights flashed at them. The man dragged Freya out of their hiding spot. Before she could even see what was happening, she heard a muffled groan behind her. Then, there was a thump, and the robber's hand fell before her. She was still lost when a team of three surrounded her. A familiar voice said, "Take her out, Rabbit." "Roger, Falcon." This voice belonged to a woman. Rabbit, or Loren Smith, turned to Freya. "Come with me." Freya turned to look at the familiar man while following Loren out. He glanced at her while walking up the stairs, and his sharp eyes matched the ones in her memory. She asked Loren, "Is the person you called Falcon Daniel Talbot?" Loren faltered. Then, she continued walking out while observing their surroundings. She didn't respond to Freya's question, but Freya knew she was right. After leaving the jewelry store, the situation outside left no room for Freya to be pensive. She threw herself into workâthe jewelry store's staff had more or less been injured. Jason was rescuing the most critically injured ones, so she had to handle those who were only bruised or scraped. The injured staff came and went as she stopped the bleeding, cleaned wounds, and bandaged them. "Freya." She looked up in the middle of stopping a patient's bleeding to see black leather boots before her. Then, she raised her head to find Daniel standing before her. She looked away and continued with her work. "Yes?" "Help me clean this up." He'd taken his mask off, his tanned face unreadable. It had been two years since they'd last seen each other. Now that they were reunited, Freya still couldn't help feeling a little scared of him. Based on what she remembered, he was a little domineering, and he spoke and acted brusquely. "I'm almost done here." She picked up the pace and recorded the time. Then, she called out to Jade, who was somewhere behind her, "I'm done with the last one, Jade. They can be sent to the hospital now." She turned back to Daniel. "Have a seat." She sterilized her hands and scanned him. There didn't seem to be any wounds on him, so she asked, "Where's your injury?" "The side of my abdomen." He lifted his shirt, revealing the bandage around his waist. Freya crouched before him, finding that the bandage had already been stained with blood. She removed it and looked at the stitches on the neat woundâit was a knife wound. He asked, "How have you been for the past two years?" "Not too bad." "I was on a mission abroad when your grandfather passed. I've only just returned." Freya faltered. Daniel was explaining why he had missed Neil's funeral. Her voice remained calm as she said, "I understand." They didn't speak anymore after that. Freya didn't ask about the wound, merely cleaning it and bandaging it again. She stood up and took off her gloves, throwing them into the medical waste bin. "You'll have to be careful with your wound for some time. It'll take longer for you to recover if you keep reopening it." "Thanks," he said. "You're welcome." Their conversation was polite and distant. "This is yours, right?" Daniel suddenly held out a sandalwood bracelet with an emerald pendant in the middle. Freya's face was carved on itâit didn't look much like her, though. It was a bracelet her father had made for her. "Yes, it is. Thanks." She reached out for it. Her fingers brushed against his palm as she took the bracelet from him, making her heart skip a beat. She immediately retracted her hand. "I'm leaving." Daniel stood up. He straightened his shirt and returned to his unit. Freya watched as the helicopter started up. The blades spun, lifting the aircraft into the air. Then, it flew away. "Let's go, Dr. Somner. We're taking a police car back," Jade called. Freya snapped to her senses. The helicopter was no longer in sight. All that was left was a vortex cloud left from its tail. She tightened her grip on the bracelet and packed everything up. Then, she ran to Jade with the first-aid kit and medical waste bag in hand. ⊠After the incident, Jason requested that she be placed under counseling and given a month off. Freya returned to work after only three days at home, though. "Go home and rest," he said. "I need to do something with my hands, Dr. Wood." Jason pressed a hand to his forehead and threw her a pair of gloves. "Go to the debridement room and change the dressing for the patients there. You're not allowed to go on house calls or dispatches in the future." "Why?" Freya didn't get it. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15224&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=15224&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/t39.35426-6/465177296_583272707382050_3697801936779761977_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kitqC4N2Q24Q7kNvgGKRtkT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5ls_n74gPLUHG1Gow4DnZC&oh=00_AYAx515oJDXp1jxKHSEgjE4H24pOCYE4QrOGMR3FXqWuLA&oe=675D5791 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 | Read next chapter | On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Fun Novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/ | 1,272 | 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=120213213031960604 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465965395_572171855320681_4558203513787799757_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b2t3NKfFcewQ7kNvgGH6HDT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACfVIF2INrCr9AloO4zOxL2&oh=00_AYCAojFs4UFjnnfWIl9ypQtyMrH-nHFTfpuG6ySytVTiRQ&oe=675D6A32 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fun Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | In Merika State, the two of them lay close together on the hotel bed. As their passion grew, Justin Yatesâs husky voice, filled with allure, murmured, âEm, how about having a child with me?â Caught up in the moment, Emily Yates replied without thinking. It wasnât until they were lying together afterward that she remembered what he had said. âA child?â she repeated, a trace of intimacy lingering in her eyes. The look stirred Justinâs 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. âAre you proposing to me?â she asked. âYes.â âCan I finally have your child now?â Justin asked, smiling. His eyes were warm, but there was no love in them, as if he were gazing past her, waiting for someone elseâs answer. âIâll give you plenty,â she replied, momentarily surprised. Proposing in bed wasnât exactly romantic or formal, but she didnât 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 didnât 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 Justinâs 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 didnât 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. âDonât touch my things,â 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. Wasnât 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. âWeâre going to be late for the art exhibit. If you rather stay here, I wouldnât mind going another round.â 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. âJustin, whatâs wrong?â 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 Justinâs waist. She sobbed uncontrollably, gasping for air. âJustin, I finally found you. You came looking for me, didnât you?â 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. âEmma? Is that really you?â Justinâs 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 womanâs tears with a tenderness so delicate, as if afraid of breaking something precious. âYes, itâs me,â 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 Justinâs 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 couldnât 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. Justinâs 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. âEmma Xander? Hasnât she... disappeared for the past four years?â 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, Justinâs voice seemed to echo from a distance as he gazed at the woman, now sound asleep after a sedative. âHow is she doing?â âSheâs malnourished, traumatized, and a bit disoriented, but otherwise fine. She just needs some time to recover.â 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. âHi, Miss Yates.â Emily nodded in acknowledgment. âDr. White, whatâs her name? And what is her relationship with Justin?â she asked bluntly, desperate to know who this woman was. Zac hesitated, uncertain how to explain that Emma was Justinâs long-lost first love. This was his friendâs 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. âDidnât I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?â Justinâs 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. âYou proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now youâre holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And youâre not even coming home? Staying out all night?â âStop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,â he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Seeing Justinâs 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. âItâs late. Let me arrange a car to take Miss Yates home,â Zac offered, trying to ease the tension. Emily, however, refused Zacâs offer. She wasnât leaving without answers. âYou think Iâm being unreasonable? Iâm your fiancĂ©e. 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? âIâll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, youâre coming home with me.â Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justinâs arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justinâs 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 couldnât be reached, he would search the whole city until he found her. But now, with this woman in the hospital room, he wouldnât even let her near him? âWhat do you mean by this?â Emilyâs voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didnât respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancĂ©e he had just proposed to. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. âDonât be childish.â 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? âIf you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!â Emilyâs heart ached, squeezing painfully in her chest. She knew it wasnât the right moment to bring this up, but she couldnât 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. âIf you donât want to get married, we can call it off. This isnât the place for your drama. William, have the driver take her home.â He didnât 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. âMiss Yates, please donât make this difficult for me. Itâs time for you to go home.â Zac looked at Emily with sympathy. âMiss Yates, itâs late. Maybe itâs best to talk things over with Justin another time.â But how could they ever discuss this again? Her fiancĂ© 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 wouldnât 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. âIâll walk you to the car,â Zac offered. Leaning against the wall, Emily took a moment to steady herself, then shook her head. âIâm fine. I can get back on my own.â 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. âShe left?â he asked, visibly more at ease now that she was no longer around. He didnât want her disturbing Emmaâs rest. âYes, sheâs gone,â Zac replied, hands in the pockets of his lab coat, nodding. With both of them standing there, Justin didnât bother asking how Emily had left. âIâm stepping out for a break,â he said. Chapter 3 âSo, Emma Xanderâs back. What are you going to do?â Zac asked, breaking the silence. He didnât mention Emily, but they both knew what he meant. One woman was the college sweetheart, the first love who had once saved Justinâs life. The other was the girlfriend who had been with him for three years, sharing his most intimate moments, and now, his fiancĂ©e. After a long pause, Justin replied, his voice cold and detached. âShe was just a stand-in. She could never compare to Emma.â He went on, his tone utterly indifferent, as if he hadnât been the one to propose to Emily in Merika State. âThe role of Mrs. Yates will never be hers. It can only belong to Emma.â 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 couldnât 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 Zacâs eyes, they had seemed genuinely happy together. On the other hand, considering how long Emma had been abroad, it wasnât hard to guess what she might have gone through. Zac didnât care about things like V-card or a womanâs past, but he had always found Emma to be somewhat pretentious. Even back in college, she often disregarded Justinâs 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 hadnât fully taken over the company and wasnât 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 grandfatherâs 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. âEmilyâs been with you for three years,â Zac said, trying to speak up for her. âSheâs an orphan, with no one else in the world. Isnât it a bit cruel to treat her like this?â âThen Iâll keep her around,â Justin replied casually, brushing it off like it was no big deal. âBut marriage? Thatâs not going to happen.â His tone was so offhanded, as if having another woman around didnât matter at all. He didnât 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 didnât leave the hospital right away. She sat on a bench behind the flower bed, letting the cold night air wash over her. She hadnât 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 âEm.â Whenever he whispered âEmâ 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 womanâs name all along. It dawned on her that the photo in Justinâs 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 fiancĂ©e to a hidden stand-in, a shadow. She had liked, maybe even loved Justin. But her pride couldnât accept that she had been someone elseâs 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 werenât married yet, and breaking up would be far easier than going through a divorce. For a moment, she felt grateful for Emmaâs sudden appearance. âMiss Yates, where are you?â the driver called, stepping out of the car after waiting a while. âIâm here.â Emily pulled herself from her thoughts, putting on her usual calm expression. âIs it just you? Whereâs Mr. Yates?â he asked. âHeâs not coming back.â 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, âEmily didnât leave?â So, she had heard everything they had said. Justinâs tone was just as indifferent, cold, and unfeeling. âGood. Let her hear it. She needs to know her place and avoid causing any more scenes like tonight.â 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. âYouâre back! It mustâve been tiring, traveling with Mr. Yates.â Emily nodded wearily, barely acknowledging her. âYes.â âWhereâs Mr. Yates?â Mrs. Zimmer glanced behind her, looking for Justin. âHe wonât be back tonight.â Emilyâs 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 Emilyâs suitcase and gently urged her to go get some rest in the bedroom. Once inside, Emily understood Mrs. Zimmerâs 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 Justinâs arrangement before their trip. Exhausted, Emily didnât 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 didnât care and hadnât 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 villaâs 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 Justinâs âcontract lover.â 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 wouldnât 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. âHow was your time in Merika State? When are you coming back?â Helen had attached a mischievous emoji with a smirk. âIâm already back.â âAlready? That was quick.â âI thought Justin looked strong. Guess he didnât last long? Not up to it?â âNot just ânot up to itâ. He canât even get started.â 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 wasnât too concerned as they had argued before. Couples fought, and it usually blew over. âPerfect timing then. Iâm heading to the TC Mall in a bit to stock up on some new clothes. Letâs hit the mall together and grab some food afterward. Get ready and meet me there.â âSounds good. Iâll see you at the mall.â Emily agreed readily. She had spent the past couple of days clearing out the sweet, youthful clothes she didnât 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. âMrs. Zimmer, Iâm meeting a friend to go shopping. Iâll have lunch out,â Emily said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. âAlright, Miss Yates. Will you be back for dinner?â Mrs. Zimmer, who was supervising the housekeeperâs cleaning, looked up to ask. Emily paused while slipping on her shoes, thinking about how unpredictable Helen could be and that they hadnât seen each other in a while. She might not be back for dinner. âNot sure yet. Iâll text you later if Iâll be back in time.â âUnderstood.â As Emily opened the door, she found Justinâs assistant, Sam Spencer, just about to knock. âHi, Sam,â she greeted him coolly, planning to step around him to leave. âHi, 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?â Samâs tone was respectful, as usual. Emily didnât move. âMrs. Zimmer, Justinâs going on a trip. Could you please help with his packing?â âMiss Yates, thisâŠ?â Samâs face showed confusion. âWhat? Before I came along, didnât Justin have someone to handle his luggage?â Her expression was calm, her tone light. âOf course. Youâre absolutely right, Miss Yates,â 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 Justinâs 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 hadnât picked up on. She had been utterly blind. But she wouldnât 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 itâs all packed? Should we check to make sure nothingâs missing?" he asked cautiously. Emily replied without emotion, âIsnât the flight at noon? If you keep dragging your feet, heâll miss it. Besides, anything he needs can be bought over there.â 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? âOf course, Miss Yates. Iâll head over to the office to pick up Mr. Yates,â 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, Justinâs bodyguard, William, started the car. But instead of heading to the airport, they were bound for Lichfield Hospital. âHow much longer until Emilyâs contract is up?â Justinâs 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. âLess than four months, Mr. Yates.â âDraft a new agreement and deliver it to her when the time comes,â Justin instructed. Keeping her around for three years had cost him little, and continuing to support her wasnât an issue. But he was done with her. He wouldnât touch her again or return to Villa One. Recalling the scene from the hospital hallway two nights ago, he added without hesitation, âInclude a clause that ensures she never shows up in front of Emma again.â Sam was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his professional composure. âUnderstood, Mr. Yates.â 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 wasnât 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. âBabe, switching things up?â Helen asked, watching as Emily picked up a long black dress with a slitted hem. It would look stunning on Emilyâs curves. Emily held the dress up to herself in the mirror, unfazed. âYep, time for a change. Do you think this would look better with a shawl or a jacket?â She turned to give Helen a look. âA shawl, definitely. Itâll highlight your figure beautifully,â Helen replied with her usual style advice. âThatâs what I thought too.â Helen eyed the dress. âThat dress is so feminine. Will your guy even let you wear it out? Doesnât Justin only let you wear those sweet, innocent schoolgirl outfits?â Helen couldnât help but mentally criticize Justinâs 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. âHis taste doesnât matter anymore. Itâs not something Iâm concerned about,â 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 didnât 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 Justinâs stand-in for his one true love. Now that his true love had returned, she was planning to leave him. âThat despicable man!â Helen burst out, her emotions flaring. âKeep it down.â Emily quickly covered Helenâs mouth and glanced around to see if anyone at nearby tables was paying attention to them. Helen lowered her voice but was still fuming. âJustin might look put-together, but heâs not even half a man. His first love disappears, so he goes and finds a stand-in? âWhy didnât he just get plastic surgery to look like her? Then he could see her every time he looked in the mirror. âGood 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!â 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. âThe contractâs up in four months. Iâm planning to buy a place.â âWhat for? Just stay with me. Iâve got a room for you.â âMy address is still tied to Justinâs place. Since Iâve decided to leave, I need a clean break. Iâll need my own place to change everything over,â Emily explained, outlining her plan. Her heart felt numb now, no longer as raw as it had been the night sheâd learned the truth in the hospital garden. âThen you can cancel your lease and move in with me! Weâll be family!" Emily suggested excitedly. Helen suppressed the impulse to tell Emily that they were already family. Given Emily's amnesia, she didnât want to overwhelm her with too much information all at once. Instead, she nodded. âAlright, Iâll move in with you. Iâll start looking around for a place for you. Actually the place I rent now is quite nice. The location and neighborhood are perfect. Iâll check if the landlordâs interested in selling, though itâs a resale property.â âI donât care if itâs new or used. As long as itâs clean and ready to go, Iâm good.â Emily didnât 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 hadnât bought much, just enough to last the next few months and to keep the move as hassle-free as possible. The womenâs 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 menâs side, packed with Justinâs clothes. Emily didnât 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. âHello, is this Miss Yates?â âYes, this is.â âIâm a nurse from Lichfield Hospital. Your health screening results are in. When would be a convenient time for you to come pick them up?â 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. âIâll come by tomorrow morning.â âVery well. Have a nice day.â The next day, Emily went to Lichfield Hospital. âPlan to have a baby?â âThatâs 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.â The doctor adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly. Emilyâs 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. âMiss Yates, Iâll prescribe you two boxes of folic acid and Vitamin B1. Be sure to take them regularly.â Emily interrupted him, finding an excuse to refuse. âThanks, doctor, but that wonât be necessary. Iâll get them on my own.â The doctor wasnât surprised. Wealthy women like her often had access to premium brands from various sources, so declining hospital-prescribed supplements wasnât 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 didnât want to give him one, either. It was easier to pretend she didnât know what the checkup had really been for. Meanwhile, in the hospitalâs garden, the spring sunlight was warm and gentle. Justin was pushing Emmaâs wheelchair, letting her enjoy the sunshine. âJustin, youâre busy with work. You donât have to be here with me all the time. I can manage on my own,â Emma said, her voice soft and considerate. âFocus on getting better. Donât worry about anything else.â Justin felt a deep guilt about Emmaâs 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 hadnât expected to see Justin at the hospital. Hadnât 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/t39.35426-6/464611692_886166930249424_1941613294849554701_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O4s_UA45y4cQ7kNvgGYMZ9Z&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Awy3FldhJSJqSWMhykW5XgS&oh=00_AYCd8DOqh0WnfyKWJF9EEkjPFVzd_dOpIRyS8D1J4Z5t-A&oe=675D7734 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing severe postpartum hemorrhage. Please, come and see her for the last time." The doctor anxiously pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone. But Juan Nichols's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from the eyes of the woman lying on the bed. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? ' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating Debra's vital signs had disappeared. In Debra's lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she died alone and tragically. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophieâs voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress she has never tried on before. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. ... In the evening, the auction venue was filled with celebrities, and Juan walked to the entrance with Shelia. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when his assistant Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise and praise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&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/t39.35426-6/462661789_1234587497739090_7609319522996207367_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Dqbb-QxNOSYQ7kNvgEUv2BO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZsGA-umUwjLHfIlaoFmXL6&oh=00_AYC6Z9VCTCLZYCUVv8gS7Oryh42-0x89MkvO5mw667KeWg&oe=675D7D18 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 21:03 | active | 1982 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicïŒđ | Liesel Sharp had just unlocked her phone while waiting for her IV drip to be done when she received a message from her best friend, Chelsea Walden. "Jacob's back." She faltered. She and Jacob Ford had barely spoken throughout their month-long cold war, so she had no idea he was back. Soon, she received another message. "He's brought a young woman back with him." A photo had been sent with the message. The young woman in the photo resembled Liesel a littleâshe was Natalie Sharp, Liesel's younger half-sister. She'd been raised in the countryside. Chelsea continued, "The Sharp family is throwing them a welcome-back party. Do you want to crash it, Lili?" She knew what Liesel was like. Liesel would give Jacob a taste of his own medicine if he dared to do anything to her. There was even a chance she would set the Sharp residence on fire. Liesel checked her IV bag. She'd had a high fever for three days now, and the back of her hand was swollen from the constant IV drips she'd been on. She wasn't in the mood for that nonsense. "No," she replied. Then, she shut her eyes to get some rest. It was close to 10:00 pm when she took a cab back to Viewpoint Residences. The fever had taken its toll on her, so she soon drifted into a restless sleep. Jacob returned at some point, which woke her up. "Did I wake you?" he asked while rolling up the sleeves of his ironed shirt. The dim light made his skin glow, adding a hint of iciness to his already cold demeanor. He looked down at her with an indifferent gaze. His voice was as alluring as always, though. "No." Liesel's voice was a little nasal because she'd just woken up. She explained lazily, "I wasn't sleeping too soundly after taking my meds." He frowned slightly. "Are you sick?" She chuckled softly. She'd been sick for a while now and had mentioned it in her texts to him when admitting defeat. Yet he looked like he'd only just noticed. She poured two glasses of water and handed one to him. "How are things at Norton City? I heard from Brook that there seemed to be some trouble with it. Youâ" Her throat felt dry and uncomfortable; she wasn't in the mood to chat. Still, someone had to back downâit had been nearly two months since they'd seen each other. However, Jacob cut her off. "Let's divorce." She stared at him and almost lost her grip on her glass. Her throat seemed to hurt more now. He didn't explain himself. All he said was, "You can ask for whatever you want. I won't shortchange you." Liesel's heart clenched, but she soon regained her composure. "We can discuss this if this is because you left to pick Natalie up two months ago." "It's not." He looked at her, his gaze aloof. "This is a loveless marriage, Liesel. There's no point in keeping it going." It was true that the marriage alliance between the Ford and Sharp families had never been the one Jacob had hoped for. Liesel was the eldest daughter of the Sharp family, but he'd never wanted to marry her. Their accidental encounter that night was the only thing that had made him choose to take responsibility for her. Liesel lowered her eyes and said slowly, "Alright. All I want is the house at Northview Garden, and I won't quit my job after the divorce." Her mother, Heather Mallone, had left the house for her. For whatever reason, it had ended up in the Ford family's hands and become one of her wedding gifts. As for her career, she'd worked hard and built a network within Ford Corporation. She couldn't allow the divorce to wipe her efforts away. Jacob didn't object. He looked at her and said, "Okay. Anything else?" "No." Liesel shook her head. "If it bothers you, I can move out tomorrow." He seemed surprised by how accommodating she was. He cautioned her calmly, "Make sure you've thought this through, Liesel. I don't want there to be anything between us after the divorce." "Don't worry about that." She smiled. He seemed to want to say something else, but his phone rang. He answered it and hung up shortly after. Then, he said, "I have something else to do. I'll get a lawyer to talk to you about the divorce." Soon after he left, Liesel saw a trending topic on him and Natalie showing up together somewhere. In hindsight, fate was such a twisted thing. Back then, Heather could not tolerate even the slightest flaw in her marriage. After learning about Natalie's existence, she forced her husband, Jeffrey Sharp, to send Natalie to the countryside so she could grow up there. Less than two years after Heather's death, Jeffrey had remarried, turning Liesel into a joke. Natalie had also been brought back from the countryside. Fate loved playing jokes on everyoneâno one would've expected Natalie to be the one who held Jacob's heart. ⊠Liesel only woke up the following noon. Her cold was much better now. A lawyer brought her the divorce agreement, making sure to go through the allocation of assets. Jacob truly hadn't shortchanged her. Aside from the house at Northview Garden, he'd also given her some other real estate. The lawyer said, "Sign here if you don't have any objection to the clauses, Ms. Sharp." Liesel nodded and signed the agreement without hesitation. The divorce would take some more time to finalize, though. Jacob was busy, so Liesel didn't get to see him at all. She reminded the lawyer, "Please tell Mr. Ford to expedite the finalization of the divorce if he's not too busy. Dragging this out won't do any of us favors." After settling the divorce, Liesel moved out of her and Jacob's marital home. Chelsea heard about this and invited her out for coffee. "You know about Natalie, right? She studied hard in the countryside after being banished by your mother and later got into a good university. Jacob ran into her at Alden University when he went there to give a talk." Chelsea snorted. She continued, "I heard Natalie was really in awe of him; it helped that she was so hardworking and optimistic. Your father was desperate to matchmake them, you know. But here's the questionâwhy would someone as wonderful as her not realize what a contemptible move it is to ruin someone's marriage?" Chelsea had always been defensive of people she counted as her own, and she scorned those who knowingly got involved with people who had significant others. The fact that Natalie was an illegitimate child only made Chelsea despise her more. Liesel looked unfazed, though. "It's all in the past now. Jacob and I are already divorced, so she's not really ruining the marriage." She chuckled. She had mixed feelings about the whole thing. "Besides, it's not like Jacob and I ever had feelings for each other." She lowered her gaze and suddenly remembered the first time she and Jacob had met. The year Heather had died, she'd caused one of Jeffrey's business deals to fall through. She'd been overjoyed and had dragged Chelsea out for a celebration. After the celebration, she'd refused to let go of a handsome man she'd latched onto. They'd both had too much to drink and had ended up in bed. It was only later that she'd learned he was Jacob Ford, her fiancĂ©. Rumor had it that he'd never wanted to marry her, but he'd looked at her the following morning and said, "I'm willing to take responsibility for this, Liesel. What about you?" He'd proposed marriage. Liesel had looked at him, and a rare moment of rashness had taken over her. She'd said, "Let's do it." To tell the truth, there wasn't anything bad about Jacob. He didn't love her but had never played the field or slept around with other women. He was also calm and level-headed, considerate and gentle. She didn't even have any complaints about their adventures in bed. But things had changed after he'd run into Natalie at Alden University two months ago. Chelsea looked at Liesel while feeling bitter. The latter hadn't said anything, but Chelsea knew how she felt. Judging from Liesel's personality, there was no way she would've settled for Jacob for so long if she didn't have feelings for him. "Maybe you should go back to Shifter Corporation, Lili. Why continue suffering at Ford Corporation? I feel nauseous at the thought of those two pieces of trash being there." Liesel had always been prideful and stubborn. After Heather's death, she'd used whatever she'd inherited to set up Shifter Corporation, wanting to compete with the Sharp family's company. However, she'd left it in the hands of Heather's friend, Jonathan Shifter. The outside world only knew it as Jonathan's company. "Marriage is marriage, and work is work," Liesel said. "I'm not going to give up on my career over a failed marriage." That was what she thoughtâit was also what Jacob had promised her. But when she headed to work the next day, she discovered she'd been transferred from her position as his secretary to the project department manager. Chapter 2 Liesel had taken a week of sick leave. She'd only learned about the transfer when returning to work. A colleague gossiped with her, sounding pointed as they said, "I bet you still don't know this, Ms. Sharp. We have a new secretary whose last name is also Sharp. It looks like there's something special about her." Liesel didn't expect to hear that. Had Jacob actually given Natalie a job by his side? Soon, Jacob summoned Liesel to the CEO's office. When she entered and stood before him, he looked at her indifferently. "Since you want to stay at the company, continuing to hold the position of my personal secretary isn't appropriate. "The project department manager was transferred to a branch company, leaving a vacancy there. The timing is just right." Liesel knew very well that Jacob had always been clear-headed. He would never allow her to cause Natalie any discomfort or disappointment. Rather than saying the transfer was his recognition of Liesel's abilities, it would be more accurate to say he merely didn't want Natalie to misunderstand. "Okay," Liesel said. He frowned slightly and said, "Natalie hasn't seen much of the world since she's just graduated. You should give her more guidance." Liesel didn't say no. Setting everything else aside, she did need to hand over the work she had in handâit was her responsibility as an employee. She headed downstairs, running into Natalie on her way. The latter was a rookie and a greenhorn, so some of the veterans had tricked her into buying them over a dozen cups of coffee. She hurried around with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, looking obedient yet silly. She faltered when she saw Liesel. "Lieâ" She seemed to think of something and stuck out her tongue. "Ms. Liesel." Liesel frowned at her and said, "You're here as Mr. Ford's secretary, not to run errands. Set the coffee aside and come with me." Natalie paled. Still, she did as told and followed Liesel. Everyone else in the department settled down. Liesel had no intention of picking on Natalie. After all, banishing the latter to the countryside again wouldn't bring Heather back to life. Besides, before her death, Heather had already lost interest in being mad at the Sharp family. "These are the most recently saved files. This is a list of things to pay attention to when working with Mr. Ford, and this is his latest schedule," Liesel said. "Avoid wearing too many accessories during work unless necessary for a gathering or business meeting. "As a secretary, what's more important is your ability to think on your feet and react to whatever that's happened." Natalie blinked as a light blush spread across her cheeks. "Is this one not allowed, too? Mr. Ford gave this to me, and I quite like it. Can't I wear it?" Liesel's gaze flitted past the necklace she wore. It took her aback for a split second. She'd like that particular necklace for some time. Once, Jacob had nonchalantly asked her, "Do all little ladies like accessories like that?" It turned out he was getting it for Natalie. "That's up to you." Liesel lowered her gaze to conceal the emotions in her eyes. Her tone remained calm as she continued, "It's fine as long as it doesn't affect your work." Natalie smiled sweetly without saying anything else. Liesel showed her the ropes and gave her a run-through of the overall workflow. When she was done, Natalie said, "I get the feeling that you don't really like me, Liesel. Is it because of Mr. Ford?" Liesel looked at her. She didn't avert her gaze. Instead, she just smiled and continued, "It's hard to tell who's wrong and right when it comes to matters of the heartâit was the same with my mother and our father. Whatever it is, I still want to be friends with youâŠ" "Natalie." Liesel stopped her there. "Morals and ethics still bind all matters of the heart. You wouldn't have been banished to the countryside if not for that. Do only what you must, and stop thinking everyone around you is a fool." Jeffrey had had an affair, which led to Natalie's birth. Even if Heather was already dead, Liesel didn't think she could shamelessly forgive Natalie's mother on Heather's behalf, let alone allow Natalie to do the forgiving. What right did Natalie have to talk about right or wrong? Liesel turned and left. She returned to her office and texted Jacob. "Do you have time to get the divorce settled today, Mr. Ford? Let's get that divorce certificate." He didn't stand her up. They met at the courthouse at 2:00 pm. Liesel signed whatever papers she needed to and looked at him. "It's all ready. Your turn to sign." She hadn't had time to change her outfit before leaving the office, so she still wore a professional-looking women's suit. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, which framed her aloof yet delicate face. She looked beautiful. Jacob watched her for a while before looking away. "You seem to be in quite a rush." "Hmm? No, I'm not," Liesel answered after a beat. "We've already signed the papers. There's no point in dragging this out." He didn't say anything else and quickly signed. After they got their divorce certificates and left the courthouse, Jacob looked at her. "All better now?" "Yep." She nodded. She was about to leave when he got in his car and rolled down the window. "I'll drop you back." Liesel hesitated. She was about to turn him down when a wave of nausea washed over her, making her retch. When she returned to her senses, she saw Jacob watching her with narrowed eyes. "Are you conceived?" Her heart sank. It had been a month since they'd last slept. He'd been rather rough that night and hadn't used any protection. But things couldn't be that coincidental, right? Could she have gotten conceived from that one time? She clenched her fists. "I can't be." He was about to say something else when his phone rang. He answered it. When he hung up, his brows were furrowed. "I have work to do." He looked at her pointedly. "We can't have children, Liesel. I hope this is just a coincidence." Liesel's heart clenched, but she didn't say anything. Throughout her and Jacob's three-year marriage, they'd always been careful with preventive measures. That time a month ago was the only time neither of them had done anything. But how could she have conceived so easily? She pushed the thought out of her mind and took a cab back to the company. When she arrived, she noticed the tension in the air. A colleague leaned close to her and whispered in trepidation, "There's been a problem with the products from Hardin Group. That new secretary signed the papers during the handover without checking the stock properly." Liesel frowned. She'd deliberately reminded Natalie to check everything before signing for them. It didn't help that Hardin Group was more cunning than others. This wasn't their first time trying to pull something like this. Shortly after, her assistant came and said, "Mr. Ford wants to see you, Ms. Sharp." Liesel pushed open the door to Jacob's office. Natalie stood inside. Her nose was red, and she was biting her lip. She looked pitiful yet adorable. Her words made Liesel frown, though. "I'm sorry, Jake. I had no idea I needed to check everything when accepting the stock. Ms. Liesel did tell me to check the items but didn't caution me that Hardin Group would be so cunning. It's all my faultâŠ" Jacob looked at Liesel coldly. "Nat's just graduated, so she knows nothing about these things. You know very well what Hardin Group is capable of. Why didn't you give her a heads-up?" Chapter 3 Liesel's heart twinged slightly, but she said calmly, "I reminded Ms. Natalie about the stock handover. The office has surveillance cameras. You can check the footage if you don't believe me, Mr. Ford." Natalie paled. Tears welled in her eyes, and she said pitifully, "I-I probably didn't hear you because my mind wandered. That's why I made such a mistake." Liesel ignored her. "We can't let Hardin Group manipulate us for stocks worth millions. I'll handle this, but the company also has rules to uphold. Natalie will need to be reprimanded accordingly." She turned and left the office to check on the stocks. Now that they'd already been accepted, from a legal perspective, Ford Corporation had no choice but to swallow its woes and live with the situation. Still, there was hope for this. Uriah Hardin, the third son of the Hardin family, managed Hardin Group. However, his brother, Elijah Hardin, was the second son and favored by his family. He also wanted to usurp Uriah's position. If she could turn this matter into a power play, she could turn the tables on Hardin Group. At 8:00 pm, Liesel and Elijah met at a restaurant. His roguish, flippant look landed on her. "Have you invited the wrong man, Ms. Sharp? I'm not the one who calls the shots at Hardin Group, nor am I interested in you." Liesel was beautiful but too boring in his eyes. He liked his women obedient and gentle. They were cuter that way. Liesel ignored his words and placed a document before him. "These are some of the tracks Mr. Uriah has left in the industry over the years, Mr. Elijah. I won't beat around the bushâI don't believe you're uninterested in Hardin Group. Take him down, and this deal with Ford Corporation will be yours." The flippant look in Elijah's eyes faded away. He narrowed his eyes and appraised her with interest. His mother wasn't his father, Richard Hardin's first wife, and Richard favored Uriah over him. But was there anyone in the Hardin family who didn't want to have something to do with the company? After a long silence, he drawled, "What's in it for you if I take him down?" "I need you to switch out the subpar products Hardin Group has just supplied to Ford Corporation. Cooperating with you is also good for us because you don't pull dirty tricks." Liesel didn't mind pulling a few tricks when doing business, but Uriah's methods were too lowbrow. She was scornful of him. Elijah looked at her. Then, he raised his glass and said meaningfully, "I hope things will work out the way you wish, Ms. Sharp." A few tables away, Jacob's assistant, Jesse Lane, noticed Liesel. In a low voice, he told Jacob, "Ms. Sharp is here, too, Mr. Ford." Jacob followed his line of sight and frowned slightly. Elijah had a reputation for being a dandyâwhat was Liesel doing with him? Liesel didn't notice Jacob. She and Elijah soon ended their discussion; Jesse approached her then. He said, "Mr. Ford is waiting for you, Ms. Sharp." Elijah glanced at him before turning back to Liesel. "You should consider joining Hardin Group if you ever get sick of being at Ford Corporation, Ms. Sharp. We always know a good thing when we see it." A woman with nothing but good looks would quickly become boring, but she would be a valuable resource if she were beautiful and brainy. Liesel didn't respond to Elijah's words. Instead, she politely bid him farewell before following Jesse to Jacob's car. It was 11:00 pm, and the night breeze was rather chilly. Liesel's lips were a little pale as she got into the car. She lowered her eyes, and her wrists were briefly exposed underneath her suit jacket. It made her seem rather weak and pitiful. Jacob frowned. He'd never noticed her being this skinny. "Have you settled the problem with Hardin Group?" She nodded, looking tired. "Yeah. Elijah is harder to deal with than Uriah, but he's already agreed to switch out the subpar products. We'll just need to send someone to handle the handover." Jacob's gaze flitted past her. "Natalie is young and naive. You can't completely blame her for this." Liesel paused before saying softly, "You're Ford Corporation's CEO. It's up to you how you want to handle her." Natalie was young, huh? She'd been even younger than Natalie when joining Ford Corporation, but Jacob had never cut her any slack. "I've yet to tell Grandpa about the divorce," he said, switching the subject. Vincent Ford had been recuperating at home these past years and couldn't be aggravated. Even if Liesel and Jacob had never been the most loving couple, Vincent probably still couldn't handle the news of their divorce. Liesel looked down. "Got it. I'll tell him about this when the time is right." Jacob didn't say anything else. Liesel had had a bit to drink without eating anything. After a while, she curled up in her seat and drifted off. Her face was pale. When Jacob noticed something was wrong with her, he frowned. He was about to instruct Jesse to take them to the hospital when she woke up. "Where are we?" she asked, her voice hoarse. He said, "I'm taking you to the hospital." Liesel's heart skipped a beat as she thought of something. However, she kept her tone nonchalant and said, "There's no need for that. My stomach just feels a little upset. I'll be fine after resting at home." Jacob looked at her. His gaze was deep and sharp. It was as if he could read her thoughts. After a while, he said, "Fine." She relaxed. Back home, she called Chelsea and said a little grimly, "Buy me a test." ⊠The following day, Liesel was supposed to attend a welcome-back party for Alex Stone, one of her and Jacob's mutual friends. Alex had called her before his return to invite her to the party. Perhaps it was because he'd heard about the divorce and wanted to help them reconcile. The party was already in full swing when Liesel arrived. She heard Alex's voice through the door. "Have you and Liesel really divorced? Was it because of Natalie?" Liesel faltered, her hand on the doorknob. After a pause, Jacob said, "It has nothing to do with Natalie. Liesel and I aren't a good match." "Tsk. How are you two not a good match?" Alex asked. "I think Liesel is fantastic. She's pretty, intelligent, and has won many people's recognition at Ford Corporation. Why are you so obsessed with Natalie? Don't forget that Liesel saved you in the past. Sometimes, some things are just too little, too late." He'd met Natalie before and could tell she was nothing but a young woman with a few tricks up her sleeve. She couldn't compare to Liesel. Liesel had managed to save Jacob from the hands of his abductors. How could someone like Natalie compare to her bravery and determination? Jacob would have much to regret if he and Liesel really were to divorce. This time, Jacob remained silent for a longer time. Then he said, "You can't force matters of the heart." Liesel lowered her eyes and slowly clenched her fists. Alex stopped trying to change Jacob's mind. Instead, he said, "You'd better think this through. You may not like her, but plenty of others do." Liesel didn't linger. She texted Alex on WhatsApp and told him she wasn't attending the party because she had to attend to something else. Then, she asked Chelsea out. Chelsea gave her the test and asked hesitantly, "You're not really conceived, are you, Lili?" Chapter 4 Liesel held the test tightly. "I'm not sure yet." Her period had yet to come this month, and the retching from before⊠She suspected something was up. "What are you going to do if you are?" Chelsea looked at her hesitantly. "Will Jacob accept it?" Liesel dropped her gaze. Jacob would never want a child she'd brought into the world. Besides, they were already divorcedâit was bad for them both if she were to keep the child⊠even if it was one she'd longed for in the past. After a long silence, she said, "No, he won't. There's no point in keeping lingering attachments or forcing someone to do something against their will. If I'm conceived, I'll lose the baby." She'd waited for a baby that hadn't come over the past three years. Now, it was long past the time for that. Liesel was in a bad mood, so she didn't do the test on the spot. Instead, she and Chelsea had some drinks. Well, she only had a sip or two of a drink with the lowest possible wine content. She only remembered the test when she arrived at the company the following day. She headed to the bathroom and did the test. Then, she was dumbstruck when she saw the two lines on it. She was conceived⊠with Jacob's child. Her face turned pale. Just then, someone entered the bathroom. In her panic, she threw the test into the trashcan and clenched her fists. Was she really going to lose her and Jacob's child? A pang of pain swept past her heart. Liesel was in a meeting but she was distracted. When it was over, a colleague leaned close to her, looking excited to share gossip. "Did you hear, Ms. Sharp? Someone from our department is conceived." The competition within Ford Corporation had always been intense, and carrying a baby was something that would easily affect one's career and ascension up the ladder. The colleague couldn't help saying gleefully, "I wonder who it is. They're being hush-hush about this, aren't they?" Liesel's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and happened to meet Jacob's cool, calm gaze. He said, "Come to my office, Ms. Sharp." She clenched her fists. When she entered Jacob's office, he said, "I'll have Jesse take you for an examination in a couple of days." Her heart stuttered, and she blurted out, "It's not me." "This is just to be safe. I'm sure you don't want any trouble to arise from this." Liesel couldn't stop him. She could only suppress her panic and say, "Okay." Natalie came her way when she left the office. The former bit her lip and said uneasily, "What happened last time was a misunderstanding, Ms. Liesel. You won't get mad at me for that, will you? I had no idea Hardin Group would pull such a dirty trick and try to stuff subpar products on us!" "That's none of my business," Liesel said indifferently. "The company has its system for rewards and punishments. You'll have to bear the consequences of your mistakes. It's as simple as that." She had nothing much to say to Natalie. Setting aside their relationship, she'd always drawn a clear line between her professional and private lives. There was no need to drag personal grudges into work. Natalie sighed in relief. "It's Dad's birthday next week, Liesel. He hasn't seen you for so long. How about you come home so we can celebrate as a family?" Jeffrey's birthday was a week after Heather's death anniversary. Liesel looked at Natalie and said, "I'm not in the mood to scheme and play mind games with you, Natalie. "If you're not a complete idiot, you'll understand what I mean when I say your father's birthday isn't a good day for me and my mother." Natalie faltered. Then, her face turned red, and she said, "I know it's only a week after Heather's death anniversary, but you can't revive the dead. We still have to celebrate Dad's birthday since he's alive, right? "I've never blamed Heather for banishing me to the countryside, so why do you have to keep holding a grudge against Dad?" "You know very well why my mother sent you to the countryside," Liesel said icily. "If I were to forgive the person who'd caused her death and even celebrate his birthday, it wouldn't prove that I'm generous enough to bury the hatchet. It would just show that I'm heartless." Natalie blanched. Her eyes turned red as tears welled in them. "I didn't mean anything else by this, Liesel. I justâ" "I don't care what you meant," Liesel interrupted. "When at work, we're nothing more than colleagues. You should focus on your work, Ms. Natalie." She turned and left, not wanting to play mind games with Natalie. She took the afternoon off to head to the hospital. It didn't even occur to her what Natalie thought of her words. Unfortunately, it seemed Natalie was more cowardly than she'd expected. The former had been so absent-minded while walking that she'd twisted her ankle. Jacob brought her to the hospital. "Congratulations. You're six weeks conceived." Liesel happened to run into Jacob, who was holding Natalie up, when she was leaving the hospital with her report. The doctor's words reverberated in her mind. "Your body cannot handle the surgery, Ms. Sharp. If you proceed with it, you might not be able to conceive in the future. I'd advise you to think this through." Liesel felt bitter. She was conceived with Jacob's child, which was something to be happy and expectant about. But would he allow her to keep it? Jacob noticed the look on her face while Natalie hesitantly called out to her. "LieâMs. Liesel." Jacob's gaze flitted past her. "What are you doing here?" She hid her report behind her and said softly, "I came for a follow-up check because my cold isn't completely gone yet." He narrowed his eyes at her. Natalie seemed to notice something and tugged his sleeve. She looked a little glum. "You should have something to discuss with Ms. Sharp, Mr. Ford. I'll head back first." Jacob frowned but didn't make her stay. "I'll have someone take you back." She nodded obediently. Liesel sighed in relief and stuffed the report into her bag. When she and Jacob were in his car, he glanced at her. "Are you that nervous to be around me? The more you act like this, the more I'll think you're conceived." She subconsciously wanted to deny it but forced herself to smile. She asked, "What will you do if I really am conceived, then?" "Make you lose it," he said without hesitation as he looked her in the eye. She knew it. A pang of pain swept past her heart, and she shook her head as she said bitterly, "It's just a cold." Jacob scrutinized her for a while before saying, "I heard you and Nat got into a small fight today, leading to her twisting her ankle while heading downstairs. "She's young and naive but is kind. She also doesn't get into arguments with others that easily. You should be nicer to her and be more accommodating if anything happens in the future." Liesel's bitterness bubbled up in her. No one in this world could avoid being more favorable to certain people. She said, "She's not a child, Mr. Ford. There's nothing for me to accommodate." Chapter 5 Liesel looked at Jacob. Her tone was calm as she said, "I don't owe Natalie anything, nor do I owe you. Work-wise, I'm only her senior. Regarding my personal life, my mother didn't owe her anything. "Natalie came knocking on our door when her mother chose to marry another. No woman can accept her husband's illegitimate daughter. She might have had Natalie sent to the countryside, but Natalie was also given more than enough money to survive there. "I don't owe her, whether professionally or personally. Why should I be more accommodating and tolerant of her? Why should I back down when facing off against her?" When she finished her speech, silence descended upon the car. Jacob looked at her. She wore a simple dress that clung to her curves, and her delicate features were arranged into her usual mask of aloofness. There was something cold and tenacious about her. She was so brilliant that one could almost neglect her beauty. His gaze flitted over her eyes. After a moment of silence, he said gently, "I'm sorry. I didn't handle this matter appropriately." Liesel didn't say anything. He looked her in the eye and said, "I shouldn't have made you suppress yourself and back down for Natalie's sake. You're a wonderful woman, Liesel. Even though we're divorced now, I still hope you'll live your own life." She clenched her fists and tried to keep her tears at bay. She couldn't deny that she really, really liked Jacob. However, certain things just couldn't be forced. ⊠Liesel headed home. She had someone ask around about the doctor Jacob was going to arrange to examine her. Meanwhile, Chelsea was worried. "Can't you just tell him the truth? He might not be that cruel. You two were together for three years, after all." "I'd rather not." Liesel caressed her belly. She was silent for a while before saying, "Since I can't lose the child, there's no need to let Jacob know about this. We're already divorced, and this child is part of my life now. I'll need your help dealing with the doctor." Whatever it was, she couldn't let Jacob find out about the baby. Chelsea didn't object. She seemed to think of something and said, "Natalie used to intern at Shifter Corporation. Do you think it's just a coincidence, or does she know something?" This came as a surprise to Liesel. Natalie had interned at Shifter Corporation? Did she know it belonged to Liesel, or⊠It piqued Liesel's suspicions, but she didn't dwell on the matter. "It's probably just a coincidence. She graduated from Alden University, and Shifter Corporation does campus recruitments there, too." Chelsea had only brought it up since it had occurred to her. She smiled and said, "Mr. Shifter and Neal should be back soon, right? I'm sure you'll feel more secure with them around." Neal Shifter was Jonathan's son, and the Shifter family had been managing Shifter Corporation on Liesel's behalf all these years. Since Heather's passing, the Shifters had become like family to Liesel. She smiled, and a rare hint of relief flashed in her eyes. ⊠The following day, news of Uriah's downfall broke out. Elijah looked like a dandy but had surprisingly ruthless methods. He'd gotten someone to leak information on the dirty tricks Uriah had pulled to the paparazzi. Coincidentally, Uriah had recently murdered someone while driving under the influence and had gotten a scapegoat to take the fall. Thanks to everything being lumped together, he was soon arrested. Elijah had proper quality stocks delivered to Ford Corporation in exchange for the subpar stocks. When Liesel went to handle the handover, he watched her with interest. "Don't you trust me, Ms. Sharp?" He raised an eyebrow and eyed the light sheen of sweat at her temples. His gaze turned pointed. She smiled and blinked at him. "I wouldn't put it that way. Better safe than sorry, right?" Her smile and rare moment of slyness made her glow. Her eyes were so bright. Elijah smirked at the sight. It looked like the rumors about her couldn't be trusted at all. She was much more interesting than those naive young women. Jacob and Natalie happened to see this. Natalie approached with a smile and said, "You and Ms. Liesel seem to get along very well, Mr. Hardin. It looks like this matter was a blessing in disguise." Her tone was light-hearted and lively, which carried a hint of a young woman's naivety and cheer. Her words made one's imagination wander, though. It was as if Liesel and Elijah were more involved than they seemed. Jacob's expression darkened when he took in the smile on Liesel's face. Then, he said coolly, "Sorry to have troubled you over this, Mr. Hardin." "Oh, it was no trouble at all." Elijah smiled meaningfully. "Nothing is considered troublesome when I have someone as gorgeous as Ms. Liesel attending to me." "Ms. Liesel has always drawn a clear line between work and pleasure. You might have gotten the wrong idea, Mr. Hardin." Jacob's gaze flitted over Liesel. Elijah's smile widened. "Drawing a clear line between work and pleasure isn't the same as being heartless. One has to be thick-skinned when pursuing a woman, right? Or are you interfering in your employee's personal life, Mr. Ford?" Jacob faltered. Then, he said, "I'll leave you to it, Mr. Hardin." He turned and left with Natalie in tow. Liesel watched them. Her gaze was aloof. However, Elijah saw the glumness deep inside. He said, "Your precious Mr. Ford isn't all that great. Why don't you consider other fish in the sea?" There was a hint of amorosity to his words. Liesel returned to her senses and chuckled. "I remember you saying that I'm not your type, Mr. Hardin. Have you changed your mind?" Elijah looked at her. If he had to be honest, she was too stubborn and inflexible for his tastes. She was indeed not his type. Yet she was pretty and intelligent enough to mask her inflexibility. "Not really." He leaned closer. "But I'll make an exception for you. You should really consider my proposal." Liesel didn't take his words to heart. She was just glad she'd managed to resolve the stock problem and prevent Ford Corporation from suffering any losses. Jacob punished Natalie by docking three months of her pay and bonuses. Then, he paid Liesel double her salary. The colleagues in Liesel's department were pleased when she returned. "I'll admit itâI can't stand those who got in here because of their connections. Anyone else would've been fired ages ago." "I know, right? She's supposed to have graduated from Alden University, yet she made such a huge mistake immediately after taking over as Mr. Ford's secretary. Even if we were to talk about looks alone, it's not like she can compare with Ms. Sharp! I wonder what Mr. Ford sees in herâŠ" Ford Corporation was one of the biggest in the industry, so it was harder for rookies to find their footing there compared to other companies. Their situation would only be worse if they didn't have the skills to back themselves up. It wasn't appropriate for Liesel to comment on the subject, but she knew it wasn't right to pick on Natalie like that. "Stop." She could feel a headache coming on as she stopped the gossip. "She's just a young woman who's new to this. You guys should focus on your work. I'll treat everyone to a nice meal in a couple of days, okay?" Only then did the crowd zip their lips and get back to work. Liesel needed to hand a contract to Jacob now that she was done with the matter with Hardin Corporation. She headed to his office and was about to knock when she heard Natalie's voice. Inside the room, Natalie bit her lip. Her eyes were red as she said, "I'm too useless, aren't I, Jake? Everyone says I can't compare to Ms. Liesel." Jacob frowned, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes. He wiped her tears and said, "What's the point of comparing yourself to her? You two aren't the same." Liesel faltered outside the door. She only pushed it open after a beat. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14615&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 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=14615&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465161618_1748227519283646_2470131720883063388_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AKQNARDdZS4Q7kNvgGF0UNq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Awy3FldhJSJqSWMhykW5XgS&oh=00_AYBcT3DCDBHfYAlTzuekE__k26pnVXtUhYHUjxqpUKRoxw&oe=675D5DE0 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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