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'{"alias":2623933}'
Yes 2024-12-09 21:03 active 1982 0 ๐Ÿ”žAttention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐Ÿ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herโ€”her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonโ€™t be a concubine. Sheโ€™ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheโ€™s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donโ€™t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeโ€™s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheโ€™s unlike any woman Iโ€™ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheโ€™s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateโ€™s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnโ€™t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheโ€™s different from any woman you know. As a general, sheโ€™s above household squabbles and wouldnโ€™t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatโ€™s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itโ€™s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iโ€™ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donโ€™t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. โ€œWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.โ€ โ€œOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?โ€ Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyโ€™s life respectable, and this was her reward. โ€œEnough,โ€ Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. โ€œIโ€™ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonโ€™t change anything.โ€ As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. โ€œMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!โ€ Lulu, Carissaโ€™s maid, said, wiping her tears. โ€œDonโ€™t call him that!โ€ Carissa gave her a stern look. โ€œWe never consummated the marriage. Heโ€™s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.โ€ โ€œWhy the dowry list?โ€ Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. โ€œSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.โ€ Lulu gasped. โ€œLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?โ€ Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered โ€” assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyโ€™s former glory seemed impossibleโ€”at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyโ€™s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. โ€œLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.โ€ ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaโ€™s arrival to the king three times. โ€œYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,โ€ he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. โ€œI canโ€™t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.โ€ โ€œThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheโ€™s been standing there for over an hour without moving.โ€ Salvador felt a pang of guilt. โ€œBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnโ€™t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.โ€ โ€œYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,โ€ Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. โ€œAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iโ€™ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,โ€ said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. โ€œAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!โ€ ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 323 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464395110_1010012677593759_4124840022101085159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OuNeE-BH_lQQ7kNvgGVwMaT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Awy3FldhJSJqSWMhykW5XgS&oh=00_AYBjvlCFd2u71cifvwtyDtz0rh8xr3Mfpfv_h7349tyzgw&oe=675D75F3 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-09 19:36 active 1981 0 ใ“ใ“ใ‚’ใ‚ฏใƒชใƒƒใ‚ฏใ—ใฆ็„กๆ–™ใงใŠ่ชญใฟใใ ใ•ใ„๏ผ ใ€Œใ„ใคๅฝผๅฅณใจ้›ขๅฉšใ™ใ‚‹ใฎ๏ผŸใ€ ๅ€‹ๅฎคใฎไธญใงใ€ๅฅณใฎๅญใฏๆ„›ๆƒ…ใซๆบ€ใกใŸ็žณใง็›ฎใฎๅ‰ใฎ็”ทๆ€งใ‚’่ฆ‹ใคใ‚ใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ ๅฐๆพ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏๅ€‹ๅฎคใฎๅค–ใซ็ซ‹ใฃใฆใ„ใฆใ€ๆ‰‹่ถณใŒๅ†ทใˆใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใ€‚ใใฎๅฅณใฎๅญใจๅŒใ˜ใใ€ๅฐๆพ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏ็”ทใฎ็พŽใ—ใๅŽณใ—ใ„้ก”ใ‚’่ฆ‹ใคใ‚ใ€้ก”่‰ฒใฏ้’ใ–ใ‚ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใ€‚ ็”ทใฏๅฝผๅฅณใฎๅคซใ€ไบŒๅฎฎ้›…ไน‹ใงใ‚ใ‚‹ใ€‚ ๅฃใŒใใ‘ใชใ„้›…ไน‹ใฏใ€ใ“ใฎใ‚ฏใƒฉใƒ–ใงใ‚ฆใ‚งใ‚คใ‚ฟใƒผใจใ—ใฆๅƒใ„ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใ€‚้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏไปŠๆ—ฅไป•ไบ‹ใ‚’็ต‚ใˆใฆไธ€็ท’ใซๅธฐใ‚‹ใŸใ‚ใซๆ—ฉใ‚ใซใ‚„ใฃใฆๆฅใŸใŒใ€ใ“ใ‚“ใชๅ ด้ขใซ้ญ้‡ใ™ใ‚‹ใจใฏไบˆๆƒณใ—ใฆใ„ใชใ‹ใฃใŸใ€‚ ็”ทใฏ่–„ใ„ๅ”‡ใ‚’่ปฝใ้–‹ใใ€ไฝŽใใฆๅฟƒๅœฐใ‚ˆใ„ๅฃฐใ‚’็™บใ—ใŸใ€‚ใ€Œใงใใ‚‹ใ ใ‘ๆ—ฉใๅฝผๅฅณใซ่ฉฑใ™ใ‚ˆใ€ ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏ็›ฎใ‚’้–‰ใ˜ใ€่ƒŒใ‚’ๅ‘ใ‘ใŸใ€‚ ่ฉฑใ›ใ‚‹ใ‚“ใ ใ€‚ ใ—ใ‹ใ‚‚ใ“ใ‚“ใช็ด ๆ•ตใชๅฃฐใ ใฃใŸใชใ‚“ใฆใ€‚ ใใ‚Œใซใ—ใฆใ‚‚ใ€ใ‚„ใฃใจ่žใ‘ใŸๅฝผใฎๆœ€ๅˆใฎ่จ€่‘‰ใŒ้›ขๅฉšใ ใฃใŸใชใ‚“ใฆใ€ไบˆๆƒณๅค–ใงใ—ใŸใ€‚ ไบบ้•ใ„ใ ใฃใŸใฎใ‹ใจ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏๅฐ‘ใ—่Œซ็„ถ่‡ชๅคฑใ—ใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ ใ‚ใฎไธŠๅ“ใงใ‚ฏใƒผใƒซใช็”ทๆ€งใŒใ€้›…ไน‹ใ ใชใ‚“ใฆใ€ใ‚ใ‚Šๅพ—ใชใ„ใ€‚ ้›…ไน‹ใŒ้›ขๅฉšใ‚’ๅˆ‡ใ‚Šๅ‡บใ™ใฏใšใŒใชใ„ใ€‚ ใ‚ฏใƒฉใƒ–ใ‚’ๅ‡บใŸใจใใ€ๅค–ใฏ้›จใŒ้™ใฃใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ใ™ใใซๆฟกใ‚Œใฆใ—ใพใ„ใ€้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏๆบๅธฏใ‚’ๅ–ใ‚Šๅ‡บใ—ใ€ๅคซใฎ็•ชๅทใซใƒ€ใ‚คใƒคใƒซใ—ใฆใฟใŸใ€‚ ๅ€‹ๅฎคใฎ็ช“ใพใงๆญฉใ„ใฆ่กŒใใ€้›จใงใ‹ใ™ใ‚“ใ ่ฆ–้‡Žใ‚’้€šใ—ใฆไธญใ‚’่ฆ—ใ„ใŸใ€‚ ้›…ไน‹ใฏ็œ‰ใ‚’ๅฏ„ใ›ใชใŒใ‚‰ๆบๅธฏใ‚’ๆ‰‹ใซๅ–ใ‚Šใ€็„ก่กจๆƒ…ใง้€š่ฉฑใ‚’ๅˆ‡ใฃใฆใ‹ใ‚‰ใ€ใƒกใƒƒใ‚ปใƒผใ‚ธใ‚’ๆ‰“ใกๅง‹ใ‚ใŸใ€‚ ใƒกใƒƒใ‚ปใƒผใ‚ธใŒใ™ใใซๅฑŠใ„ใŸใ€‚ ใ€Œใฉใ†ใ—ใฆ้›ป่ฉฑใ‚’ใ‹ใ‘ใฆใใŸใฎ๏ผŸๅƒ•ใŒ่ฉฑใ•ใชใ„ใ“ใจใ€ๅฟ˜ใ‚ŒใฆใŸใฎ๏ผŸใ€ ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏใƒกใƒƒใ‚ปใƒผใ‚ธใ‚’่ฆ‹ใคใ‚ใ€ใพใ‚‹ใงใƒŠใ‚คใƒ•ใงๅˆบใ•ใ‚ŒใŸใ‹ใฎใ‚ˆใ†ใซๅฟƒ่‡“ใŒ็—›ใใชใฃใฆใใŸใ€‚ ใชใœๅ˜˜ใ‚’ใคใ๏ผŸ ใ„ใคๅ–‹ใ‚Œใ‚‹ใ‚ˆใ†ใซใชใฃใŸใฎใ‹๏ผŸ ใ‚ใฎๅฅณใฎๅญใจใฏใ€ใ„ใค็Ÿฅใ‚ŠๅˆใฃใŸใ‚“ใ ใ‚ใ†๏ผŸ ใ„ใค้›ขๅฉšใ™ใ‚‹ใ“ใจใ‚’ๆฑบใ‚ใŸใ‚“ใ ใ‚ใ†๏ผŸ ่ƒธใซๆนงใ„ไธŠใŒใ‚‹็„กๆ•ฐใฎ็–‘ๅ•ใ‚’ไปŠใ™ใใถใกใพใ‘ใŸใ„ใจๆ€ใฃใŸใŒใ€ๅฝผใฎๅ†ทใŸใ„่กจๆƒ…ใซๆ€–ใ˜ใ‘ใฅใ„ใฆใ€ใงใใชใฃใŸใ€‚ 1ๅนดๅ‰ใ€่จ˜ๆ†ถๅ–ชๅคฑใงๅฃใŒใใ‘ใชใ„้›…ไน‹ใ‚’ๅฎถใซ้€ฃใ‚ŒใฆๅธฐใฃใŸๆ™‚ใ€ๅฝผใฏ่‡ชๅˆ†ใฎๅๅ‰ใฎๆ›ธใๆ–นใ ใ‘ใ‚’่ฆšใˆใฆใ„ใฆใ€ไป–ใฎใ™ในใฆใ‚’ๅฟ˜ใ‚Œใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ ใใ‚“ใช้›…ไน‹ใซ่ชญใฟๆ›ธใใ‹ใ‚‰ๆ‰‹่ฉฑใพใงไธ€ใ‹ใ‚‰ๆ•™ใˆใ€ใ•ใ‚‰ใซไบบใ‚’ๆ„›ใ™ใ‚‹ใ“ใจใ•ใˆๅญฆใฐใ›ใŸใฎใฏๅฐๆพ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใ ใฃใŸใ€‚ ใใฎๅพŒใ€ไบŒไบบใฏ็ตๅฉšใ—ใŸใ€‚ ็ฟ’ๆ…ฃใŒ่บซใซใคใใซใฏ21ๆ—ฅใ‹ใ‹ใ‚‹ใจ่จ€ใ‚ใ‚Œใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใŒใ€1ๅนด้–“ไธ€็ท’ใซใ„ใ‚‹ใจใ€้›…ไน‹ใจใ„ใ†็”ทใฎๅญ˜ๅœจใซใ‚‚ใ€่‡ชๅˆ†ใธใฎๅ„ชใ—ใ„็ฌ‘้ก”ใซใ‚‚ใ™ใฃใ‹ใ‚Šๆ…ฃใ‚ŒใฆใใŸใ€‚ ใ ใ‹ใ‚‰ใ“ใ‚Œใฏใใฃใจๅ˜˜ใซ้•ใ„ใชใ„ใ€้›…ไน‹ใฏ้›ขๅฉšใ‚’ๅˆ‡ใ‚Šๅ‡บใ™ใฏใšใŒใชใ„ใจไฟกใ˜ใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ ้›จใซๆฟกใ‚Œใฆๅฎถใซๅธฐใ‚‹ใจใ€้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏใŠ้ขจๅ‘‚ใซๅ…ฅใ‚Šใ€้›…ไน‹ใฎใŸใ‚ใซๆ–™็†ใ‚’็”จๆ„ใ—ใฆใ€้ฃŸๅ“ใง้™ใ‹ใซๅพ…ใฃใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ ๆ™‚่จˆใŒๅคœใฎ10ๆ™‚ใ‚’ๆŒ‡ใ—ใŸใจใใ€ใƒ‰ใ‚ขใŒ้–‹ใใ€ๅฏ’ๆฐ—ใ‚’ใพใจใฃใŸ้›…ไน‹ใŒๅฎถใซๅ…ฅใฃใฆใใŸใ€‚ ้›…ไน‹ใฏใ™ใงใซใ‚ฆใ‚งใ‚คใ‚ฟใƒผใฎๅˆถๆœใซ็€ๆ›ฟใˆใฆใ„ใŸใ€‚ ็†็”ฑใ‚‚ใชใๅฟƒใŒ็—›ใใชใฃใŸใ€‚ ๆ—ฅไธญใซ่ฆ‹ใŸ็”ทใฎๅงฟใŒๅนปใชใฎใ‹ใฉใ†ใ‹ใ‚ใ‹ใ‚‰ใชใ‹ใฃใŸใ€‚ ใ€Œ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใ€ใฉใ†ใ—ใŸใฎ๏ผŸใ€ ้ก”ใŒ้’ใ–ใ‚ใ€ใผใ‚“ใ‚„ใ‚Šใจใ—ใŸ่กจๆƒ…ใฎๅฆปใ‚’่ฆ‹ใŸ้›…ไน‹ใฏใ€ๅฟƒ้…ใใ†ใซๆ‰‹่ฉฑใงๅฐ‹ใญใŸใ€‚ ๅฝผใฎ็ซฏๆญฃใช้ก”็ซ‹ใกใซใฏไธๅฎ‰ใŒใซใ˜ใฟใ€ๆš—ใ„็žณใซใฏ็„ฆใ‚ŠใŒๅฎฟใฃใฆใ„ใŸใŒใ€ ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฎ้ ญใฎไธญใซๆตฎใ‹ใ‚“ใงใ„ใŸใฎใฏใ€ๅ†ทใŸใ„็›ฎใงใƒกใƒƒใ‚ปใƒผใ‚ธใ‚’ๆ‰“ใก่พผใฟใชใŒใ‚‰ใ€ๅˆฅใฎๅฅณๆ€งใจๆฅฝใ—ใใ†ใซไผš่ฉฑใ—ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ๅคซใฎๅงฟใ ใฃใŸใ€‚ ใชใ‚“ใฆ็šฎ่‚‰ใชใ‚‚ใฎใ ใ€‚ ใ€Œ้ฆ™ๆฐดใฎๅŒ‚ใ„ใŒใ™ใ‚‹ใ‚ˆใ€ไป–ใฎๅฅณๆ€งใฎใ€ ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏๅฝผใซ่งฆใ‚Œใ‚‰ใ‚Œใ‚‹ใฎใ‚’้ฟใ‘ใชใŒใ‚‰่จ€่‘‰ใ‚’็™บใ—ใŸใ€‚ ้›…ไน‹ใฎ้ก”่‰ฒใŒไธ€ๅค‰ใ—ใ€ๆ‰‹่ฉฑใง็ญ”ใˆใŸใ€‚ใ€ŒไปŠๆ—ฅใ€ๅ€‹ๅฎคใงๆŽฅๅฎขใ—ใŸ้š›ใ€ใŠๅฎขๆง˜ใฎ้ฆ™ๆฐดใฎๅŒ‚ใ„ใŒใคใ„ใŸใ‹ใ‚‚ใ—ใ‚Œใชใ„ใ€‚ใ™ใใซใ‚ทใƒฃใƒฏใƒผใ‚’ๆตดใณใฆใใ‚‹ใญใ€‚ใ€ ้›…ไน‹ใŒ็ซ‹ใกไธŠใŒใฃใฆใƒˆใ‚คใƒฌใซ่กŒใใจใ€ใ™ใใซๆฐดใฎๆตใ‚Œใ‚‹้ŸณใŒ่žใ“ใˆใฆใใŸใ€‚ ็ทŠๅผตใ—ใชใŒใ‚‰่ชฌๆ˜Žใ™ใ‚‹ๆง˜ๅญใฏใ€ๅ˜˜ใใ•ใ่ฆ‹ใˆใชใ‹ใฃใŸใ€‚ ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏ็ซ‹ใกไธŠใŒใ‚Šใ€ใใฎใพใพๆตดๅฎคใซๅ…ฅใฃใฆใ€ๆฟกใ‚ŒใŸ่บซไฝ“ใ‚’ๆฐ—ใซใ™ใ‚‹ใ“ใจใชใ้›…ไน‹ใ‚’ๆŠฑใใ—ใ‚ใ€็›ฎใ‚’้–‰ใ˜ใŸใ€‚ใ€ŒไปŠๆ—ฅใ€ใ‚ฏใƒฉใƒ–ใซ่กŒใฃใฆใใŸใฎใ€ ็”ทใฏๅ‹•ใใ‚’ๆญขใ‚ใ€ใ—ใฐใ‚‰ใใ—ใฆใ‹ใ‚‰ใ€Œใ‚‚ใ†ใ‚ใ‹ใฃใŸใ‚“ใ ใ‚ใ†ใ€ใจใŸใ‚ๆฏใ‚’ใคใ„ใŸใ€‚ ใ‚ใฎๆ™‚ใซ่žใ“ใˆใŸๅฝผใฎๅฃฐใฏใ€้Ÿณๆฅฝใจๆททใ–ใ‚Šๅˆใฃใฆใ„ใฆใ€ใใ‚Œใปใฉ้ฎฎๆ˜Žใงใฏใชใ‹ใฃใŸใ€‚ ใใ‚Œใชใฎใซใ€ไปŠใฎๅฝผใฎไฝŽใ„ๅฃฐใฏ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฎ้ ญใฎไธŠใง้ณดใ‚Š้Ÿฟใ„ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใ€‚ใใฎ้ฎฎๆ˜Žใงๅฟƒใซ้Ÿฟใๅฃฐใซใ€้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏๆฏใ‚’ๅ‘‘ใ‚€ใปใฉ่ƒธใŒ็—›ใ‚“ใ ใ€‚ ้›…ไน‹ใฏ่ฉฑใ›ใ‚‹ใ‚ˆใ†ใซใชใฃใŸใŒใ€ๅฝผใฏใ™ใใซใ“ใฎใ“ใจใ‚’ไผใˆใฆใใ‚Œใ‚‹ใฉใ“ใ‚ใ‹ใ€้›ขๅฉšใ‚’ๅˆ‡ใ‚Šๅ‡บใใ†ใจใ—ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใ€‚ ใใ‚Œใฏๆœฌๅฝ“ใชใฎใ ใ‚ใ†ใ‹ใ€‚ ใฉใ†ใ—ใฆ้›ขๅฉšใชใ‚“ใฆ่จ€ใ„ๅ‡บใ™ใฎ๏ผŸ ใใ†่ณชๅ•ใ—ใŸใ„ๆฐ—ๆŒใกใงใ„ใฃใฑใ„ใ ใฃใŸใŒใ€ๆˆ‘ๆ…ขใ—ใŸใ€‚ ใ“ใฎ1ๅนด้–“ใ€ๅฝผใซๅฏพใ—ใฆๆ‚ชใ„ใ“ใจใ‚’ใ—ใŸ่ฆšใˆใฏไธ€ๅบฆใ‚‚ใชใ„ใฎใซใ€้›ขๅฉšใ‚’ๅˆ‡ใ‚Šๅ‡บใ•ใ‚Œใ‚‹ใฎใชใ‚‰ใ€ใ›ใ‚ใฆ็†็”ฑใ‚’็Ÿฅใ‚ŠใŸใ„ใ€‚ ๅฟƒใฏๅ†ทใŸใๆ„Ÿใ˜ใ‚‹ใŒใ€ๅฝผใฎไฝ“ๆธฉใซๆ‹ใ—ใ„้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏใ€ใ‚‚ใฃใจๅผทใๅคซใฎไฝ“ใ‚’ๆŠฑใใ—ใ‚ใŸใ€‚ ใ€Œใˆใˆใ€่ชฐใ‹ใจ่ฉฑใ—ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ใฎใŒ่žใ“ใˆใŸใ‘ใฉใ€ไฝ•ใ‚’่ฉฑใ—ใฆใ„ใŸใ‹ใฏใ‚ใ‹ใ‚‰ใชใ‹ใฃใŸใ€‚ๆœฌๅฝ“ใซ็ด ๆ•ตใ ใฃใŸใ‚ˆใ€ใพใ•ใใ‚“ใฎๅฃฐใ€ ใใ†่จ€ใ„ใชใŒใ‚‰ใ€ๅฝผใฎ่ƒŒไธญใซใ‚ญใ‚นใ‚’ใ—ใŸใ€‚ ใพใ•ใใ‚“ใ€‚ ใใฎๅ‘ผใณๆ–นใฏใ€ไบŒไบบใ ใ‘ใฎใƒ—ใƒฉใ‚คใƒ™ใƒผใƒˆใชๆ™‚ใซไฝฟใ†็‰นๅˆฅใชใ‚‚ใฎใ ใ€‚ ใใ†ๅ‘ผใฐใ‚Œใ‚‹ใŸใณใซใ€้›…ไน‹ใฏใ•ใ‚‰ใซๆƒ…็†ฑ็š„ใซๅฟœใˆใฆใใ‚Œใ‚‹ใ€‚ ใ—ใ‹ใ—ใ€ไปŠๅคœใฏ้•ใฃใŸใ€‚้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏๆŠผใ—ๆˆปใ•ใ‚Œใฆใ—ใพใฃใŸใ€‚ ใ€Œ็–ฒใ‚ŒใŸใ€ใจ้›…ไน‹ใŒ่จ€ใฃใŸใ€‚ ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฏ้ก”ใ‚’้’ใ–ใ‚ใ€ๅคซใฎ็ซ‹ๆดพใช่ƒŒไธญใ‚’่ฆ‹ใคใ‚ใชใŒใ‚‰ใ€็ช็„ถๆ€’ใ‚ŠใŒๆนงใไธŠใŒใฃใฆใใŸใ€‚ใ€Œใ ใ‹ใ‚‰ๆฌฒใ—ใ„ใฃใฆ่จ€ใฃใฆใ‚‹ใฎใ€‚้›…ไน‹ใฏ็งใฎๅคซใงใ—ใ‚‡ใ†๏ผŸๅคซใจใ—ใฆใฎ่ฒฌไปปใ‚’ใกใ‚ƒใ‚“ใจๆžœใŸใ™ในใใ˜ใ‚ƒใชใ„ใฎ๏ผŸใ€ ็–ฒใ‚ŒใŸใจ่จ€ใฃใฆใ„ใŸใŒใ€ใพใ•ใ‹ไป–ใฎๅฅณใจๅฏใŸใ‹ใ‚‰ใงใฏใชใ„ใ ใ‚ใ†ใญ๏ผŸ ไปŠใ™ใ็ขบ่ชใ—ใชใ‘ใ‚Œใฐ๏ผ ็ช็„ถๅผทๆฐ—ใซใชใฃใŸ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใซ้ฉšใ„ใŸใฎใ‹ใ€้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฎๆŸ”ใ‚‰ใ‹ใ„ๆŒ‡ใŒไฝ“ไธญใ‚’้€™ใ†ใจใ€้›…ไน‹ใฎๆฏใฏใพใ™ใพใ™่’ใใชใฃใฆใ„ใฃใŸใ€‚ ไฝ“ใฏๆญฃ็›ดใชใ‚‚ใฎใงใ€ใ“ใฎ็”ทใฏใ„ใคใ‚‚้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฎ่ช˜ๆƒ‘ใซๅผฑใ„ใ€‚ ้ป’ใ„็žณใฎไธญใซๆš—ใ„่‰ฒใŒใกใ‚‰ใ‚Šใจๅ…‰ใ‚Šใ€้›…ไน‹ใฏ้‡Œ้ฆ™ใฎ้กŽใ‚’ใคใ‹ใฟใ€ๅ”‡ใ‚’ๅฅชใฃใŸโ€ฆ LEARN_MORE https://mmplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14806&ut ๅฅณใฎๅญใŒ่ชญใฟใŸใ„ๅฐ่ชฌใ‚’ๅคง็‰น้›† https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/ 118 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 mmplm.com DCO https://mmplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14806&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/t39.35426-6/465212100_897429978668628_9056086323662448835_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nFsvoNggE38Q7kNvgFw8B56&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A3ynZ9GvDxDdOijU8TXcGzv&oh=00_AYCF-cADw3-YqqqN2uDCeAergYJZjMf5dUC0JRkFpFJcxg&oe=675D80B9 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 ๅฅณใฎๅญใŒ่ชญใฟใŸใ„ๅฐ่ชฌใ‚’ๅคง็‰น้›† 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-12-09 21:03 active 1982 0 ๐Ÿ”žAttention! Do not read in public๏ผ๐Ÿ‘‰ 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 helplessly. Who would take away the all the blood they needed at the last moment? 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 still don't want 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. 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." Sophieโ€™s 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. But 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 had 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. "I'll wear this one," Debra made up her mind and 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 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 got a terrible taste, his wife is much prettier than the skinny woman he brought. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" he cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Meanwhile, 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/t39.35426-6/463956934_832516948956211_2350907764249594106_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0TtuweI15aQQ7kNvgEUNy2m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlmUtHPLNj2yPRSCH0AkxGV&oh=00_AYCgibmVaTh23346S-vS3WsUNdRGQ-JwTL_TwLc5XDtnZQ&oe=675D54E1 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-09 21:03 active 1982 0 Confident, kindergarten-ready kids in just 20 minutes a day Imagine having a Preschool curriculum that requires only 20 minutes a dayโ€ฆ And makes your child kindergarten-ready with confidence. ๐ŸŽ‰ No stressful planning, no frustrating prepโ€”just simple, engaging activities that build essential skills without feeling like "work" for you OR your littles. Sound too good to be true? Keep reading. ๐Ÿ‘‡ If youโ€™re like most parents preparing their child for kindergarten (Iโ€™ve been there), youโ€™ve probably been led to believe that hours of prep, tons of worksheets, and a rigorous, time-consuming schedule are the only way to ensure your child is ready. But what if the real key to kindergarten success is actually the opposite? Thereโ€™s a new and radically different way for you to prepare your preschooler for Kindergarten! In just 20 minutes a day, this curriculum engages, educates, and empowers young minds without the โ€œtraditionalโ€ hassle. Imagine an approach that actually makes learning feel like fun, doesnโ€™t require complicated preparation, and doesnโ€™t rely on rigid lessons or hours of planning and leaves time for natural play and bonding! ๐Ÿ™Œ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ โ€œVery good. I love that itโ€™s all 9 months! It is also very age appropriate, I am a preschool teacher for 3-4 year-olds and the material is at the right level for them.โ€ This Print-and-Go curriculum achieves Kindergarten readiness through hands-on, sensory-rich activities that donโ€™t involve repetitive worksheets or stressful planning. Instead, each short, play-based plan fits perfectly into your familyโ€™s day - just print and go! This curriculum is perfect if your child: โœ… Quickly loses interest in โ€œsit-downโ€ learning activities โœ… Is busy and curious and learns best through play โœ… Gets frustrated with worksheets or repetitive drills โœ… Needs an approach that fits within your daily schedule, not the other way around And hereโ€™s what it DOESNโ€™T involve: โŒ No hours of planning and prep time โŒ No boring and frustrating worksheets that feel like โ€œworkโ€ for little ones โŒ No wondering if your child is actually learning the right skills โŒ No need for strict lesson structures that donโ€™t fit a childโ€™s natural energy and attention spans In just a few short weeks, youโ€™ll notice your child recognizing letters, counting with ease, and expressing ideas confidentlyโ€”all while feeling the joy of discovery without the pressure of โ€œgetting it right.โ€ With this curriculum, your child will learn all about: โœจ Shapes โœจ Weather โœจ Seasons โœจ Days of the week โœจ Months of the year โœจ Life cycles โœจ Sequencing & graphing โœจ Observation skills โœจ Fine motor development ...and more. All you do is print the lessons/activities, and youโ€™re ready to go! โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ โ€œThe 9-month preschool curriculum is a fantastic resource for parents seeking an engaging and comprehensive approach to early learning. Emphasizing play and excitement, the curriculum offers a variety of activities, from coloring pages to tracing fun, ensuring that children learn through enjoyable experiences. The convenience of downloadable weekly lesson plans requires no prep, making it accessible for busy parents. A delightful and practical solution for early education at home.โ€ -A.M. Ready to discover a preschool curriculum that helps your child learn, laugh, and get Kindergarten-ready? Itโ€™s on sale right now! Click below to purchase: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://themomentsathome.com/preschool-curriculum/ LEARN_MORE https://themomentsathome.com/preschool-curriculum The Moments At Home https://www.facebook.com/themomentsathome/ 41,660 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 themomentsathome.com VIDEO https://themomentsathome.com/preschool-curriculum 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469622549_2000180687118372_4504507347478155101_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DPi0B6LXry4Q7kNvgHzRVzg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-ENbjn8TnK_rwrWf3oYgQT&oh=00_AYC0FMFtW7IrbLX7-Plkb4hjDtzWeJMNcNgt6CSr-WIkvg&oe=675D651E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 The Moments At Home 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-09 21:03 active 1982 0 Save Up To $100/wk on In-Person Summer Camps Get ready to level up with Camp Tech Revolution at Rice University! Our tech camp for ages 6-16 is the World's #1 Tech Camp. Your child will gain hands-on experience in coding, robotics, game design, and more, preparing them for a bright future in the tech industry. Don't miss out on the fun and the future, register now! LEARN_MORE https://www.lavnercampsandprograms.com/location/ho Lavner Education https://www.facebook.com/LavnerCamps/ 1,225 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 lavnercampsandprograms.com DCO Save BIG on Multi-Week Discounts. Plus, Refer Friends & Earn $50 Per New Student. They'll Save $50 Too! https://www.lavnercampsandprograms.com/location/houston-tx-summer-camps-tech-camps-rice-university/ 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469755550_1350141196367154_7036920147424935296_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mKKdudR9_XQQ7kNvgFL2aVp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_b5RCwi6KDfJZPkUQJO4R7&oh=00_AYC9ybsZOiL7l5380UXnaGVDXSIVMwipYJIDcGYuKxQZkA&oe=675D5E87 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Lavner Education 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-12-09 18:57 active 1980 0 ๐Ÿ”ฅ I Melted 47lbs at 64 With This New Water Formula... ๐Ÿ˜ข I used to cry myself to sleep at night. I was 168lbs at 64 years old with back and knee pains, shortness of breath, and no energy. I tried several diets, the gym, and even a crazy injection, and nothing worked. ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ Finally my Doctor said "Look Kelly, there's a new Water Formula out that has amazing results. Why don't you give it a try?" With nothing to lose I pulled the trigger. Thank God I did because I started shedding pounds week after week! ๐Ÿ”ฅ It triggered my metabolic hormones and my body began burning fat naturally, just like my Doctor said it would even at my age. ๐Ÿ’ช In a short period of time I dropped to 121! I look and feel better than I did when I was in my 30's. This Water Formula changed my whole life! No more huffing and puffing, no more back and knee pains, and I have lots of energy! So maybe this could help you too? Tap "Learn more" now to watch exactly how I did it and start your own transformation today! ๐Ÿ‘‡ LEARN_MORE https://nutrition-first.net/water-formula Nutrition First https://www.facebook.com/nutritionfirstfb2/ 11,076 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 nutrition-first.net DCO {{product.description}} https://nutrition-first.net/water-formula 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469611255_928337642574422_1355032226385508057_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9TnQaizAno8Q7kNvgFRndUF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8pNgAMGCWNJ1apAxJqCdcm&oh=00_AYC5_0jNMSr_PwSRYokjAytgw9C8Jl4GN46nryJJqgkRnA&oe=675D51CA PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Nutrition First 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-10 16:44 active 1985 0 Malibu Lounge and Package Store He's making his list, he's checking it twice, but we're gonna find out who's naughty or nice. $5 Drink & Drown!! Free Wells, Great Music and Christmas Pj's!!! Dj Ron Ricamora keeping the party going with all your favorite hits. We'll see you soon. CALL_NOW Malibu Lounge and Package Store https://www.facebook.com/MalibuLoungeandPackage/ 1,102 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Call now 0 IMAGE Full bar! Live Entertainment! Convenient Package Store! Amazing Service!! 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469864757_1118196660012401_348069767953963858_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UOvGszdOeosQ7kNvgGhKMJE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ApVweb-1XM9FZblM7pi-nsA&oh=00_AYDqi3jEQGpEAZY_0afhc-3Thk3hZN3HWIucFPKkUIwDZg&oe=675E997D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Malibu Lounge and Package Store 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-12-09 18:45 active 1979 0 Giveaway for 3 prize places: ๐Ÿฅ‡prize place - 3 visits for VIP full service ๐Ÿฅˆprize place - 2 visits for VIP full service ๐Ÿฅ‰prize place - 1 visit for VIP full service What you need to take part in giveaway: 1. Like this post + Be subscribed on @dima_thebarber and @barberomensgrooming 2. Repost this post to your instagram stories. 3. Tag a person in the comments who lives in Dallas (no more than 10 people) The winners will be selected randomly based on comments below the video in instagram Winner Generator on December 23. Wish you good luck for everyone. ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽ…๐ŸŽ„ VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/dima_thebarber dima_thebarber https://www.instagram.com/_u/dima_thebarber 0 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram profile 0 instagram.com VIDEO http://instagram.com/dima_thebarber 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/469735311_9594600203887457_6184463803943261102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=HlIYyU51VoUQ7kNvgFE69gx&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYClw9f2Ih_sqt2GRDMLToK-vmWsDmy5te3AVsAUuQOgvg&oe=675D7260 IG_ADS_IDENTITY 1 0 0 dima_thebarber 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-10 04:54 active 1984 0 Tanjiro Demon Slayer inlay! (He even has the hanafuda earrings!) This was so fun. I still plan to tweak the face and hair a bit, but Iโ€™m pleased so far. More to come. Also! Weโ€™re doing a big guitar giveaway! Click the link in my bio ๐Ÿ”—to enter. Buy some merch for you or your sweetie for extra entries! โœจ (No purchase necessary, void where prohibited, see official rules) . . . #demonslayer #custominlay #customguitar #fingerboard #custominlay #guitar #boutiqueguitars LEARN_MORE http://liggettguitars.myshopify.com/ Liggett Guitars https://www.facebook.com/Liggettguitars/ 1,487 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 liggettguitars.myshopify.com VIDEO http://liggettguitars.myshopify.com/ 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469860472_1309450383558876_8360614078420897068_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FU7LHP9X7PUQ7kNvgE0rjJv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8SRzpIXB6xsWg9lekXo7g2&oh=00_AYCj0bfXG0uoqKRNg7mOanOdPy0HI43d5zq3ktQwTOo3SA&oe=675DFB6E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Liggett Guitars 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 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=120213213413100604 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465991746_546693748150166_5752813022617156227_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zxgBo8DMvTYQ7kNvgFLOFyw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACfVIF2INrCr9AloO4zOxL2&oh=00_AYCmseNHx7xEW7cCM7SH6hXLojn71_44jiT8WqK64TRIyg&oe=675D7047 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Fun Novel 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-09 21:03 active 1982 0 En medio de la ruina econรณmica de su familia, ella renunciรณ a su preciado violรญn y se convirtiรณ en la dรณcil mascota de su esposo, solo para encontrarse con el desprecio de este. Afortunadamente, ella por fin despertรณ, se divorciรณ con valentรญa y reiniciรณ su carrera musical, alcanzando un gran รฉxito y provocando el remordimiento de su ex. ===== Joelle Miller examinรณ minuciosamente el feed de Twitter de Rebecca Lloyd, estudiando con mucha atenciรณn cada video, ansiosa por ver el rostro del novio de Rebecca. Rebecca, la protagonista de los videos, irradiaba ternura y delicadeza con su sencillo vestido blanco. Si bien no era tan bella, tenรญa una genuina sencillez y una sonrisa encantadora. Habรญa descubierto que, en los dรญas importantes, Nochebuena, San Valentรญn e incluso el cumpleaรฑos de Joelle, Rebecca estaba con Adrian Miller, su supuesto esposo, quien se habรญa ausentado de todos esos dรญas durante los รบltimos tres aรฑos. Esas alegres narraciones sobre su vida con su novio fueron mรกs que suficientes para hundirla en la tristeza. "ยฟLo ven? ร‰l siempre guarda para mรญ la parte mรกs jugosa de una sandรญa". "Incluso cuando llega tarde a casa, siempre me trae algo". "ยกY miren esta sorpresa! Recogiรณ de la iglesia un amuleto de bendiciรณn para mรญ". ...... El nombre de usuario era "Cuenta Regresiva Hacia la Muerte", la รบnica cuenta a la que Joelle seguรญa. Justo cuando reflexionaba sobre el siniestro nombre, la puerta del baรฑo se abriรณ. En la habitaciรณn poco iluminada apareciรณ Adrian. Gotas de agua caรญan de su cabello. A pesar de la tenue iluminaciรณn, sus atractivos rasgos permanecรญan intactos. Joelle cerrรณ instintivamente su celular y le dio una mirada reflexiva. Hacรญa mucho tiempo desde la รบltima vez que lo vio. Esa noche รฉl no estaba ahรญ por decisiรณn propia. Su abuela, Irene Miller, estaba enferma y, como querรญa un bisnieto con desesperaciรณn, lo obligรณ a regresar. De lo contrario, tal vez nunca hubiera venido. Durante sus tres aรฑos de matrimonio, Adrian pasaba la mayor parte del tiempo en Villas Oak, por lo que rara vez estaba en casa. Todos sabรญan que en realidad no amaba a Joelle. Estaba atrapada en un matrimonio por conveniencia. "Solo te voy a dar una oportunidad. El destino dirรก si quedas e**arazada o no", declarรณ Adrian con una voz resonante. ยฟQuรฉ querรญa decir? Antes de que Joelle pudiera seguir pensando, Adrian la agarrรณ del tobillo y la atrajo hacia รฉl. Joelle palideciรณ ante su crueldad, su cuerpo se tensรณ de miedo. "ยกAdrian! Basta, no quiero...". Empezรณ a luchar frenรฉticamente. Era una completa humillaciรณn verse obligada a vivir en esa situaciรณn con el hombre que amaba. Adrian hizo una mueca de desprecio. "Te atreviste a diseรฑo una vez, asรญ que debiste haberlo visto venir. Solo aguรกntalo". Ante esas duras palabras, los ojos de Joelle se llenaron de lรกgrimas y sus pestaรฑas bailaron como mariposas heridas. Mirando su rostro severo, dijo con voz temblorosa: "Las cosas no fueron lo que imaginabas..." Pero sus protestas fueron interrumpidas. Su resistencia se desvaneciรณ a medida que la desesperaciรณn se apoderaba de ella. "Has aprendido que hacerte la difรญcil es mucho mรกs interesante que quedarse tirada como un pez muerto", comentรณ con rencor. Despuรฉs de ducharse, se marchรณ sin mirar atrรกs, como si no quisiera quedarse mรกs tiempo ahรญ. Joelle no entendรญa quรฉ papel tenรญa en su vida. ยฟSolo era un juguete para su placer? ยฟO una herramienta para cumplir las expectativas de su familia de tener un heredero? La ventana estaba completamente abierta, por lo que entraba un gรฉlido y cortante viento. A Joelle se le erizaron los pelos de la nuca y se arropรณ mรกs con su manta. No solo temblaba de frรญo, sino que sentรญa su corazรณn desgarrado, ahora no conocรญa en absoluto al hombre que habรญa adorado durante casi ocho aรฑos. Tres aรฑos atrรกs, en un lujoso banquete organizado por la familia Miller, Joelle bebiรณ demasiado. Cuando se despertรณ, en la con Adrian. Antes de que pudiera asimilar lo que estaba pasando, su hermano y varios miembros de su familia irrumpieron. Ya no podรญa revertir lo sucedido. La abuela de Adrian tomรณ las riendas y organizรณ su matrimonio. Desde entonces, รฉl estaba convencido de que Joelle lo habรญa hecho a propรณsito. A ella le desconcertaba su profunda animosidad, por mรกs que creyera que lo habรญa d**gado. Despuรฉs de todo, habรญan crecido juntos. Pero ahora lo entendรญa todo. Para รฉl, ella no era mรกs que la nefasta mujer que habรญa saboteado su relaciรณn con Rebecca. A menudo pensaba en lo perfecto que รฉl se veรญa en los videos de Rebecca, siempre tan gentil y atento. Probablemente nunca le mostrarรญa esa misma ternura. No pudo contener mรกs las lรกgrimas y sucumbiรณ a un ataque de sollozos. Esa noche no pudo dormir bien. Tuvo sueรฑos sobre el pasado, cuando ella y Adrian no estaban en malos tรฉrminos. Debido a su angustia, Joelle se levantรณ inusualmente temprano. Despuรฉs de lavarse, se puso ropa de casa y bajรณ las escaleras. Leah Jenkins, la empleada domรฉstica con muchos aรฑos de servicio, la vio bajar y rรกpidamente puso la mesa con el desayuno, ya que conocรญa sus preferencias dietรฉticas. Joelle se tomรณ su tiempo para comer lentamente. "Seรฑora Miller, ยฟpor quรฉ anoche no convenciรณ a su esposo para que se quedara? No viene a casa a menudo", comentรณ Leah con simpatรญa. Habรญa sido sirvienta de la familia Miller durante muchos aรฑos, por lo que habรญa visto cรณmo los dos se convertรญan de amigos de la infancia a enemigos. Joelle se mostrรณ incรณmoda, pero lo ocultรณ con una sonrisa serena. "Lo intentรฉ, pero no quiso quedarse". Incluso si pudiera mantener a Adrian cerca, รฉl tenรญa el corazรณn en otra parte. Mรกs concretamente, en Villas Oak, el hogar de la mujer que realmente amaba. Leah dudรณ y agregรณ con cautela: "Tal vez sea porque el seรฑor Miller estรก muy ocupado con la empresa. Dirigir una compaรฑรญa tan grande requiere mucho tiempo". Tres aรฑos atrรกs, le habรญan reasignado para cuidar de Joelle, asรญ que entendรญa los entresijos de ese matrimonio mejor que nadie. Su perspicacia trajo consigo una sincera simpatรญa hacia ella. Las pestaรฑas de Joelle temblaron mientras mordisqueaba su tostada. Sus ojos se llenaron de lรกgrimas debido a la tensiรณn emocional. Sรญ, Adrian estaba muy ocupado, pero siempre tenรญa tiempo para Rebecca. Frecuentaba la Iglesia Redenciรณn en busca de un amuleto de bendiciรณn para ella. A pesar de su apretada agenda, siempre pasaba las vacaciones con ella. De repente, su celular rompiรณ el silencio. Cuando Leah saliรณ del comedor, Joelle agarrรณ el dispositivo y vio que era una llamada de su mejor amiga, Katherine Nash. "Katherine, quiero el divorcio", confesรณ con voz ronca. Capรญtulo 2 En declive Joelle habรญa tomado una decisiรณn: querรญa el divorcio. No tenรญa sentido seguir alargรกndolo. Tras un silencio atรณnito, Katherine soltรณ una estridente carcajada. "ยฟTe quedarรกs con la mitad de los bienes de Adrian? ยกOh, por Dios! ยกJoelle, te convertirรกs en una multimillonaria!". "No, no serรก asรญ". Joelle habรญa firmado un acuerdo cuando se casรณ con Adrian. Si se divorciaban, ella no recibirรญa nada. "Entonces, ยฟpor quรฉ te estรกs divorciando? ยกTienes que seguir siendo su esposa!". Joelle recordรณ la brutalidad de Adrian la noche anterior, asรญ como la humillaciรณn posterior. Habรญa sido muy ingenua al creer que su amor por รฉl la ayudarรญa a soportar cualquier dificultad. Pero ahora sabรญa que habรญa sido una completa tonta. ยฟEl sufrimiento hacรญa que Adrian la amara mรกs? Claro que no. Para empezar, un hombre que realmente la amara nunca le harรญa sufrir. Joelle se rio de sรญ misma y cambiรณ de tema: "Por cierto, ยฟrecuerdas el favor que te pedรญ?". "Sรญ, justo te iba a contar eso. Me pediste que estuviera atenta a un trabajo, y tengo algo para ti. Vas a enseรฑar a un estudiante a tocar el violรญn, aunque debo decir que serรก un desperdicio de tu talento". "Estรก bien", respondiรณ Joelle con una leve sonrisa. "No serรก un desperdicio en absoluto. Llevo tres aรฑos siendo ama de casa. Es suficiente con que alguien quiera contratarme". "ยฟCรณmo que no serรก un desperdicio? Casi formaste parte de una orquesta internacional. Si no fuera por el matrimonioโ€ฆ". Katherine se quedรณ en silencio, demasiado indignada por su amiga. Despuรฉs de su boda, a Joelle ni siquiera le permitieron trabajar. Las familias adineradas se aferraban a esas reglas obsoletas. Era bastante ridรญculo. Hacรญa tres aรฑos, la carrera de Joelle como violinista despegaba. Pero las estrictas tradiciones de la familia Miller le prohibรญan tocar en pรบblico. El primer dรญa de su matrimonio, la madre de Adrian le dijo: "No tienes que trabajar. Adrian te proveerรก en todo lo que necesites. Tu รบnico trabajo es tener bebรฉs y cuidar a tu esposo". Una vez que terminรณ su llamada con Katherine, Joelle subiรณ las escaleras y fue al estudio para agarrar su violรญn abandonado. Habรญa sido un regalo especial de su padre en su decimoctavo cumpleaรฑos. No obstante, poco despuรฉs de recibirlo, este sufriรณ un derrame cerebral y cayรณ en coma. Su hermano mayor terminรณ asumiendo la responsabilidad de sustentar a la familia, asรญ que la dejรณ perseguir su sueรฑo de tocar el violรญn. Mientras recordaba el pasado, Joelle moviรณ el arco sobre las cuerdas. Aรฑos atrรกs, un accidente le habรญa lesionado la muรฑeca y desde entonces no habรญa vuelto a tocar. A pesar del dolor agudo que sentรญa en esa zona mientras tocaba, no se detuvo y confiรณ en su memoria muscular para tocar una pieza corta. Al final, soltรณ una risa amarga. Sonaba horrible. De repente, escuchรณ la alegre voz de Leah en la puerta. "ยกSeรฑor, ha regresado!". Estaba secretamente aliviada de ver a Adrian, ya que eso tal vez significaba que todavรญa se preocupaba por Joelle. Quizรกs si ella le decรญa algo amable, su relaciรณn podrรญa mejorar. Por su parte, Joelle estaba sorprendida. Adrian rara vez venรญa a casa durante el dรญa. Apenas habรญa dejado el violรญn cuando se abriรณ la puerta. Ahรญ estaba la alta e imponente figura de su esposo. Sus ojos la recorrieron con el ceรฑo fruncido. Recordaba que Joelle habรญa aprendido a tocar el violรญn cuando era niรฑa y que un reconocido profesor la habรญa elogiado por su talento. Sin embargo, por alguna razรณn, habรญa dejado de tocar. Hacรญa un momento, la habรญa escuchado desde afuera y le pareciรณ una interpretaciรณn mediocre. ยฟCรณmo era posible que la elogiara por su talento? Joelle lo mirรณ y bajรณ la cabeza para volver a guardar el violรญn en su estuche. "ยฟQuรฉ te trae por aquรญ?", murmurรณ. "ยฟNecesitas algo?". "Vine a recoger algo y recordarte que maรฑana tenemos que visitar a la abuela", respondiรณ รฉl frรญamente. Era una regla familia visitar a su abuela al menos una vez al mes, y maรฑana era el dรญa. De no ser por esa obligaciรณn, Adrian no habrรญa regresado. Irene se enfadarรญa si no iban juntos. Joelle sonriรณ con amargura. Recordaba las normas de los Miller mejor que Adrian y siempre las cumplรญa. Ni siquiera Irene, tan estricta como siempre, podรญa encontrarle defectos. "No lo he olvidado, me alegra que tรบ tampoco lo hayas hecho", respondiรณ. Su tono acusatorio hizo que Adrian pusiera una mueca. Una ira latente empezรณ a hervir dentro de รฉl. Sin decir nada mรกs, se dirigiรณ al vestidor para buscar algo. Aunque รฉl no solรญa estar en casa, Joelle aseaba meticulosamente su guardarropa, por lo que tenรญa la ropa lavada, planchada y ordenada. Era como si su papel se redujera a realizar las tareas del hogar, algo que Leah tambiรฉn podรญa hacer. Su รบnica ventaja, tal vez, era ser mรกs joven y mรกs guapa que Leah. Sus ojos siguieron los movimientos de Adrian. Tenรญa el dedo anular desnudo, sin el anillo de bodas. Una punzada de dolor le atravesรณ el corazรณn. "Adrian, hay que divorciarnos", declarรณ con una voz tan suave como la brisa. Habรญa agotado todas sus fuerzas al pronunciar esas palabras, pero se sintiรณ extraรฑamente aliviada. Adrian se dio la vuelta y la mirรณ con una sonrisa burlona. "Tienes que pensar muy bien antes de hablar. La familia Watson estรก en declive. Sin mi apoyo, ยฟvas a dormir en la calle con tu hermano?". Desde la caรญda de la familia Watson, Joelle pasรณ de ser amada a quedar en ridรญculo. La familia Miller la despreciaba y la miraba por encima del hombro, como si ella y su hermano fueran sanguijuelas de las que no podรญan librarse. Incluso sus momentos รญntimos con Adrian la hacรญan sentir degradada. Joelle se mordiรณ el labio y se enderezรณ. "Ya he alquilado un apartamento. Incluso si terminara durmiendo en la calle, es asunto mรญo". Solo querรญa que su esposo la respetara, pero tres aรฑos de cautiverio la habรญan dejado sin orgullo ni dignidad. "ยฟY de dรณnde sacaste el dinero para alquilar un apartamento? Si tanto querรญas ser independiente, no deberรญas haber gastado ni un solo centavo de mi familia". De espaldas a ella, Adrian encontrรณ entre unos muebles el anillo de bodas perdido y lo sostuvo en la palma de su mano. Joelle no se dio cuenta. Las palabras de ese hombre la dejaron sin aliento. Sรญ, habรญa utilizado sus escasos ahorros para alquilar el apartamento. Pero como estaba casada con Adrian, ยฟlo que era suyo no era tambiรฉn de รฉl? Ademรกs, el apoyo financiero que Adrian les habรญa dado a los Watson durante todos esos aรฑos ascendรญa a una suma significativa. Joelle siempre habรญa despreciado la idea de deberle algo, pero su deuda con รฉl era infinita. Si se divorciaban, tal vez dejarรญa de darle apoyo financiero a la familia Watson. ยฟEstaba sugiriendo que ella debรญa salir del matrimonio con las manos vacรญas? Cuando Adrian se dio la vuelta para irse, Joelle dijo con una dignidad apenas intacta: "Tengo derecho legรญtimo a este matrimonio y a reclamar lo que supuestamente es mรญo. Pero no te preocupes, no pedirรฉ mucho, solo lo suficiente para ayudar al Grupo Watson a superar esta crisis". Adrian se quedรณ paralizado y su mirada se agudizรณ. Sus labios formaron una fina lรญnea mientras apretaba la mandรญbula. Eran claras seรฑales de su creciente furia. Aunque Joelle ya se habรญa preparado mentalmente, no podรญa soportar su intensidad. Cada segundo bajo su mirada severa la ponรญa mรกs ansiosa. De repente, sonรณ el celular de Adrian, quien lo sacรณ de su bolsillo y estuvo a punto de alejarse. "ยกAdrian!". Capรญtulo 3 Siempre mantendrรฉ la cabeza en alto La frustraciรณn de Adrian crepitaba como estรกtica. "Si tu hermano necesita dinero, dile que vaya al Grupo Miller". "ยกNo se trata de eso!", replicรณ Joelle. La habรญa malinterpretado por completo. Con el corazรณn latiendo con urgencia, corriรณ tras รฉl. "ยกAdrian, quiero el divorcio!". Adrian dejรณ de subir las escaleras y girรณ la cabeza. El celular en su mano habรญa dejado de sonar. Con un metro noventa de altura, se alzaba sobre ella. "Joelle, ยฟno se te ocurre un mejor juego que este interminable tira y afloja?", preguntรณ burlonamente con una mirada gรฉlida. "Si de verdad quieres divorciarte, ยฟpor quรฉ no se lo dices tรบ misma a la abuela? ยกNo quiero volver a escucharte pronunciar esa palabra!". La puerta se cerrรณ de golpe detrรกs de รฉl, haciendo eco a su irrevocable decisiรณn. Joelle se apoyรณ contra la pared y sus piernas cedieron hasta que se deslizรณ al suelo. Una risa amarga emergiรณ de sus labios. Irene habรญa organizado su matrimonio. Adrian se habรญa visto obligado a aceptar, y Joelle lo sabรญa muy bien. Si de verdad querรญa el divorcio, lo mรกs efectivo serรญa hablar con Irene. Sin embargo, una pequeรฑa y estรบpida parte de ella se habรญa aferrado a la esperanza de que ella y Adrian eran una verdadera pareja. Por eso se lo habรญa mencionado primero a รฉl, porque lo veรญa como su esposo. Sin embargo, olvidรณ un detalle crucial: Adrian nunca habรญa querido casarse con ella. Su reticencia habรญa sido evidente desde el principio, aunque ella habรญa intentado pasarla por alto. Sus รบltimas palabras no solo fueron despectivas, sino una orden. Si de verdad querรญa el divorcio, deberรญa enfrentarse a Irene. Joelle se dio una ducha, se puso ropa limpia y se preparรณ para visitar a la anciana. Irene era estricta, autoritaria y temida por toda la familia. Gobernaba con puรฑo de hierro y no toleraba la desobediencia. Pero Joelle tenรญa un vรญnculo muy especial con ella. En parte, habรญa aceptado casarse con Adrian para cumplir las expectativas de Irene. Querรญa cuidar de Adrian, construir un hogar y asegurarse de que la anciana falleciera sin remordimientos. Pero ahora ya no aguantaba mรกs. Ver a Adrian tan preocupado por otra mujer le llenaba de una amargura que parecรญa consumirla. Era consciente de que รฉl no la amaba. ยกNunca lo hizo y nunca lo harรญa! Estaba a punto de irse cuando sonรณ su celular. Era su hermano, Shawn Watson. "ยฟShawn? ยฟQuรฉ ocurre?". "ยกSeรฑora Miller!". Era el asistente de Shawn. Su voz sonaba muy asustada, algo que Joelle nunca habรญa escuchado. Se le helรณ la s**gre y agarrรณ el celular con mรกs fuerza mientras permanecรญa en la escalera. "ยฟDรณnde estรก mi hermano? ยฟQuรฉ le pasรณ?". "Anoche el seรฑor Watson asistiรณ a una reuniรณn de negocios, donde lo presionaron para que b*iera. Supuestamente volverรญa a casa, pero Erick Lloyd insistiรณ en llevarlo a unas aguas termales". Joelle se quedรณ congelada y la furia recorriรณ sus venas. "ยฟErick no sabรญa que eso podrรญa matarlo?". "ยกErick es un s**vergรผenza! Se jacta de su poder desde que su padre y su hermano se volvieron chรณferes de la familia Miller. ยกSeรฑora Miller, tiene que venir rรกpido! El seรฑor Watson estรก siendo operado y los mรฉdicos han emitido dos avisos de condiciรณn crรญtica. ยกNo pude aguantar mรกs, asรญ que la llamรฉ!". El asistente parecรญa estar al borde de las lรกgrimas. Joelle sabรญa que รฉl no se habrรญa puesto en contacto con ella a menos que la situaciรณn fuera bastante desesperada. Shawn siempre la habรญa protegido de las malas noticias, sin importar lo sombrรญas que fueran las circunstancias. Si su asistente estaba tan conmocionado, la vida de su hermano debรญa estar en peligro. Joelle sintiรณ como si el mundo se cerrara a su alrededor y un nudo se formรณ en su garganta. Al bajar del รบltimo escalรณn, tropezรณ y se cayรณ con fuerza, torciรฉndose bruscamente el tobillo. El dolor abrasador la devolviรณ a la realidad y las lรกgrimas brotaron de sus ojos. "ยกOh, no, seรฑora Miller, tenga mรกs cuidado cuando camina!". Leah corriรณ a ayudarla a levantarse. Joelle agarrรณ el brazo de Leah con la visiรณn borrosa a causa de las lรกgrimas. Intentรณ hablar, pero las palabras le salรญan entrecortadas porque estaba sollozando. "Mi hermano... ยกTengo que ir al hospital para verlo!". Leah sintiรณ su urgencia y respondiรณ sin dudar: "De acuerdo, no se preocupe. ยกLe pedirรฉ al conductor que la lleve de inmediato!". Leah era una criada experimentada y confiable que llevaba aรฑos al servicio de la familia Miller. Cinco minutos despuรฉs, el auto ya estaba aparcado delante de la villa. Joelle estaba a punto de subir cuando se volviรณ hacia Leah. "Por favor, no se lo cuentes a Irene. No quiero preocuparla". El corazรณn de la criada se ablandรณ. Incluso con el rostro pรกlido y surcado de lรกgrimas, Joelle se preocupaba por la salud de Irene. ยกQuรฉ muchacha tan rara y extraordinaria! "No se preocupe, seรฑora Miller. Yo sรฉ quรฉ hacer. Vaya a ver a su hermano". Cuando Joelle llegรณ al hospital, Shawn acababa de salir del quirรณfano. Al ver a su jefe conectado a tubos y cables, el asistente casi se desplomรณ. Joelle se acercรณ y lo encontrรณ arrodillado contra la pared, con los ojos hundidos e inyectados en s**gre. Tuvo que contener el impulso de regaรฑarlo por no haber protegido mejor a su hermano. Mรกs tarde habrรญa tiempo para eso. Cuando la condiciรณn de Shawn fue mรกs estable, Joelle llevรณ al asistente a un lado. "Cuรฉntamelo todo. ยฟCรณmo ocurriรณ esto?". El asistente vacilรณ, con el rostro desencajado. "Seรฑora Miller, el seรฑor Watson nos ordenรณ especรญficamente que no la involucremos en los asuntos comerciales". "Pero esto es una cuestiรณn de vida o muerte. ยฟPiensas que todavรญa es una opciรณn no decirme nada?". Ya sin paciencia, Joelle se dio la vuelta para alejarse. "Seรฑora Miller, eso no sirve de nada", respondiรณ el asistente desesperadamente. "Usted sabe que desde la muerte de su padre, el Grupo Watson ha dependido por completo de su hermano. Ha estado luchando para defender la dignidad de la familia, porque quiere que su vida con los Miller sea mรกs llevadera". Durante esos aรฑos, Shawn habรญa luchado valientemente para mantener a la familia a flote. No obstante, sin el apoyo financiero de Adrian, sus esfuerzos se habrรญan desvanecido hacรญa mucho tiempo. Su deseo mรกs profundo era que su hermana viviera cรณmodamente, pero a pesar de sus incansables esfuerzos, nunca pudo hacerle ganar el respeto que merecรญa por parte de su esposo. No importaba lo mucho que se sacrificara, ella seguirรญa siendo infravalorada en la familia Miller. Joelle estaba hirviendo de rabia, pero sabรญa que no podรญa cambiar su realidad. Entonces, inspirรณ profundamente y preguntรณ: "ยฟNo mencionaron mi relaciรณn con Adrian?" Esperaba que alinearse con los Miller pudiera ayudar a Shawn a mantenerse firme en sus actividades sociales. "El seรฑor Watson se niega a tocar ese tema, pues teme que eso le haga las cosas mรกs difรญciles a usted". Joelle soltรณ una risa amarga. Jamรกs habรญa estado en igualdad de condiciones con Adrian. No le extraรฑaba que la despreciara, ya que apenas podรญa soportarse a sรญ misma. Solo hacรญa una hora que le habรญa pedido el divorcio. Y ahora se aferraba al nombre de su esposo, desesperada por facilitarle la vida a su hermano. "Dile a Shawn que soy la esposa de Adrian Miller, Irene me eligiรณ personalmente. ยกMientras sea la seรฑora Miller, mantendrรฉ la cabeza en alto dentro de la familia!". De repente, escucharon unos pasos detrรกs de ella. Joelle se dio la vuelta y vio a Adrian, que tenรญa una sonrisa frรญa en su rostro. A su lado, se encontraba una muchacha de aspecto frรกgil, con grandes ojos inocentes, aferrada a รฉl. Adrian la miraba desdeรฑosamente, como si incluso le costara reconocer su presencia. Ya se habรญa dado cuenta de que ella realmente no querรญa el divorcio. La mujer que habรญa parecido tan decidida a irse, ahora estaba haciendo alarde de su tรญtulo como la seรฑora Miller. Su amenaza de divorcio no habรญa sido mรกs que una estrategia, como una pelea de amantes que terminaba en amenazas vacรญas. Era tan astuta que lo habรญa d**gado para obligarlo a casarse. Con tรกcticas tan engaรฑosas, ยฟcรณmo podrรญa irse tan fรกcilmente? Su matrimonio eran un salvavidas para las dificultades de su familia. Adrian le daba cien millones cada aรฑo al Grupo Watson. Joelle serรญa una tonta si se arriesgaba a perderlo divorciรกndose de รฉl. Capรญtulo 4 Por fin se dio cuenta Hacรญa mucho que Joelle se habรญa vuelto insensible ante la indiferencia de Adrian. Observรณ sin decir nada los brazos entrelazados de la pareja y recordรณ los dulces momentos capturados en los videos de Rebecca, que provocaban la envidia de mucha gente. ยกQuรฉ pareja tan perfecta! Ese pensamiento la golpeรณ. "ยกJoelle, por favor, no nos malinterpretes!", dijo Rebecca con urgencia mientras retiraba su mano del brazo de Adrian. "No me siento bien y no puedo caminar, asรญ que Adie simplemente tuvo la amabilidad de sostenerme". Joelle esbozรณ una leve sonrisa. "ยฟQuรฉ te trae al hospital?", preguntรณ mirando a Adrian, como si no hubiera escuchado la explicaciรณn de Rebecca. "Es por Erick", dijo Rebecca, con las manos entrelazadas como una niรฑa arrepentida. "Tambiรฉn vine a pedirte perdรณn, Joelle. Lamento que Erick haya sido tan descuidado para provocar que tu hermano terminara en el hospital". "ยฟDescuidado?", replicรณ ella. "Tu hermano casi m*ta al mรญo, ยฟy crees que una disculpa bastarรก para arreglarlo?". Rebecca se estremeciรณ y agarrรณ la manga de Adrian en busca de apoyo. "Ya es suficiente, Joelle", respondiรณ รฉl con una voz tan gรฉlida como el invierno. "No fue a propรณsito". Luego, se volviรณ hacia Rebecca y agregรณ suavemente: "Vamos, ยฟno viniste para ver a Erick?". Fue entonces cuando Joelle lo entendiรณ todo. Habรญa esperado ingenuamente que Adrian viniera para ver a Shawn. Pero no, habรญa venido con Rebecca para ver a Erick. Incluso si visitara a Shawn, serรญa por obligaciรณn, nada mรกs. Pero sabรญa que no debรญa esperar que รฉl la defendiera. "ยกRebecca, no olvidarรฉ lo que hizo Erick!", espetรณ. Rebecca doblรณ las piernas y se desplomรณ sobre el pecho de Adrian, quien la atrapรณ justo a tiempo y la abrazรณ con fuerza. "Joelle, Erick no tenรญa malas intenciones. ยกTambiรฉn estรก en el hospital!". "ยฟYa estรก muerto? ยกSi no, tendrรก que pagar por lo que hizo!". Joelle no solรญa arremeter, pero esta vez era diferente. Shawn era la รบnica familia que le quedaba. Su padre, incapacitado por un derrame cerebral, se encontraba en estado vegetativo con poca o ninguna esperanza de recuperaciรณn, y su madre habรญa fallecido en un accidente de trรกfico. Desde los dieciocho aรฑos, habรญan sido solo ella y Shawn, enfrentรกndose juntos a las dificultades del mundo. En sus momentos mรกs oscuros, Shawn llevรณ sola la carga para dejar que Joelle persiguiera su pasiรณn por el violรญn. Ahora la idea de perderlo tambiรฉn a รฉl era insoportable. Su รบnico deseo era que Erick muriera. "Joelle, ยฟcรณmo puedes decir eso?", sollozรณ Rebecca con incredulidad. Ya sin paciencia, Adrian fijรณ su frรญa mirada en Joelle. "ยฟQuรฉ deseas?". "Shawn recibiรณ dos avisos de condiciรณn crรญtica. ยฟQuรฉ hay de Erick?". Rebecca jadeรณ, su frรกgil cuerpo estaba temblando como una hoja en el viento. "ยกJoelle, por favor! Solo me queda un hermano. ยกPor favor, ten compasiรณn!". Se desmayรณ antes de que la otra mujer pudiera responder. Adrian la levantรณ en sus brazos y le dio una รบltima mirada de reproche a Joelle. Luego, se alejรณ y la dejรณ clavada en el mismo lugar, incapaz de moverse o incluso de pensar, lo que pareciรณ una eternidad. Antes de su matrimonio, habรญa sido una chica adinerada, pero luego se convirtiรณ en la sirvienta de Adrian. Ahora se daba cuenta de lo ingenua que habรญa sido. Ella solรญa ser una persona muy orgullosa, pero ahora soporta todo tipo de agravios sรณlo para complacer a su marido. ยกQuรฉ patรฉtico! Han pasado tres aรฑos, es hora de divorciarnos y comenzar una nueva vida... ...... ยฟQuรฉ sucederรก en adelante? Los capรญtulos disponibles son limitados aquรญ, haga click el botรณn abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mรกs contenidos maravillosos. 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Yes 2024-12-09 21:03 active 1982 0 ๐Ÿ˜Read the next chapters๐Ÿ‘‰ Chapter 1 "You'll have the test results in about an hour." The nurse's smile was gentle and reassuring as she took the vial of blood from Madeline Sanders. Madeline held a cotton swab to her arm and settled into a chair in the waiting area. She was a bit pale, but her eyes sparkled with hope. She had a hunch she was conceived, and that hospital visit was just to make sure. Three years ago, Trevon Gibson was involved in a terrible car crash that left him comatose, with doctors saying he would never wake up. Lydia Sanders, Trevon's high school sweetheart and Madeline's half-sister, did not waste any time and jetted off abroad for her studies. Somehow, Trevon's grandmotherโ€”Edith Gibsonโ€”figured that Madeline was Trevon's lucky charm and insisted she marry him. The Gibson family promised to care for Madeline's mother, who was lost in her own world of madness. Madeline felt trapped but agreed to the marriage. Little did everyone know that Madeline was secretly in love with Trevon for years. To everyone's surprise, Trevon woke up after the wedding. However, Madeline's joy was short-lived. Trevon's first words to her were icy and calculated. "Out of respect for my grandmother, I'll take you as Mrs. Gibson for three years. When Lydia returns in three years, I will marry her." Madeline had braced herself to play along with that deal, ready to step aside when the time came. However, life threw a curveball a month and a half ago. Trevon stumbled home after drowning his sorrows in wine that day, and Madeline single-handedly managed to drag him inside. Supporting a drunken Trevon was like moving a boulderโ€”each step a battle of strength. Madeline and Trevon could no longer keep themselves upright and crumpled to the floor just inside the front door. Their lips brushed together in the fall, an accidental kiss that sent Madeline's heart racing. Trevon was a notorious germaphobe, avoiding physical contact like the plague. However, that unexpected kiss seemed to unlock something in him, and he leaned in for another. Madeline was caught off guard, but she did not resist. Later, in the quiet aftermath, Madeline could not bear to stay in the bed they shared. She tiptoed around the sleeping Trevon, erasing any trace of what had happened between them. The hospital was a hive of activity, but Madeline felt alone in the crowd. With trembling hands, she opened the lab results. 'Early stage of conceive. Recommend a follow-up ultrasound.' Joy flickered across her face, quickly hidden behind her hand to muffle her giggles. Regardless of the state of her marriage, that baby was a precious gift. She was eager to tell Trevon, her fingers hovering over her phone. However, she hesitated. Trevon's germaphobia was not just about objectsโ€”it extended to people. She had seen him scrub his hands raw after a mere handshake. However, wine had loosened his inhibitions that one night. Would he believe the baby was his? Doubt clouded Madeline's mind, bringing a headache and a wave of nausea. She was jostled as a group of doctors in white coats rushed by, nearly sending her phone flying. "Emergency! Please step aside," a nurse said, flashing Madeline a quick, apologetic smile before dashing off. Madeline took a deep breath, watching the commotion unfold. Her gaze drifted to the emergency room doors without much thought. However, in a heartbeat, her eyes widened in shock. Trevon was there, shielding Lydia as they stepped down from the ambulance. He guided her gently onto a stretcher and, with a team around them, made a beeline for the VIP suite. A chilling shiver sliced through Madeline, her knees buckling as she clung to the nearby railing for support. Lydia was back. In the hospital room, the doctor briefed Trevon. "It seems like a mild concussion, but we'll need the test results to be sure." Trevon's expression was serious. "Speed it up. Use the VIP route." Lydia, stretched out on the gurney, smiled weakly at Trevon. "You're always so kind to me." Lydia pouted as she continued, "I wasn't paying attention. Who would've thought a bike bump could lead to a concussion? In Ameristan, people usually slow down on their own." Trevon gave her a fleeting, detached look. A flicker of worry crossed Lydia's face. "Trevon, with Skylandia's tight deadlines, isn't my accident going to set us back a lot?" Skylandia was the latest venture from Trevon's gaming empire, Xystos Tech, and Lydia had returned to lead the art on it. "I won't stay here. I have to get back to work," she declared, attempting to get out of bed. Trevon was quick to intervene, his hand on her shoulder easing her back down. "Don't be childish." As the tender scene unfolded, Madeline watched them outside the VIP room with gritted teeth. Trevon was notorious for his meticulous ways, but he did have a soft spot. He was not always distant. He just saved all his warmth for Lydia. Madeline felt a wave of emotion as she teared up. She touched her nose and fought the tears. Without really knowing why, she found herself pulling out her phone and calling Trevon. In the sterile silence of the hospital room, Trevon's face froze for a moment as he checked his phone, then casually handed it off to his assistant, Simon Taylors. "Tell her I'm tied up in a meeting." Madeline's heart clenched as Trevon's annoyed expression flickered across his face. Simon, moving to the side, answered Madeline's call softly. "Hello, Mrs. Gibson. Mr. Gibson is busy in a meeting. Is there something you need?" Madeline's lips twitched with a defeated smile. "No, it's nothing. I just hit the wrong button." Simon frowned. "Mr. Gibson's schedule is packed. Please be more careful in the future, Mrs. Gibson." The future? Was there even a future to speak of? Lydia, overhearing Simon, gave Trevon a subtle glance. She casually showed off the pink Hello Kitty bandage on her hand. Trevon's eyes snapped to it, his voice laced with a hint of longing. "You still haven't kicked that old habit, I see." Lydia forced a smile. "Well, you know I've always been fond of Hello Kitty." Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to soften. Madeline could not stand it any longer. Clutching her phone, she turned around and left. She thought one night could change things, but it was just wishful thinking. Despite the autumn season, Redenbaugh City was sweltering, and the hospital's air conditioning was cranked up, sending chills down her spine. She felt light-headed, as if she were floating on air. Suddenly, a little boy darted into her path, bumping into her. Madeline's face went pale as she caught the little boy, but in doing so, she lost her footing and tumbled to the ground. The fall sent a chill up her spine, and she held her belly, too afraid to move. The boy, however, started wailing, drawing curious glances from passersby. His mother rushed over and gave him a quick once-over. When she found him unscathed, she pulled him into a tight embrace before turning to Madeline with fury. "Can't you watch where you're going? You ran into my baby! How will you make this right?" Madeline, her mind on the baby she was carrying, bit back her pain and chose not to retaliate. Instead, she made her way to the maternity ward upstairs. The mother was not having it, yanking on Madeline's arm. "You think you can just hit someone and leave?" Madeline, nearly tripping over, turned slightly and offered calmly, "Should we review the security footage?" The woman, clutching her son, stormed off. Madeline felt her vision darken as she clutched her chest. She leaned against the railing, immobilized. In the VIP ward, Lydia gazed at Trevon longingly and leaned in for a kiss. Trevon, who was aloof, felt a wave of nausea as she got close. His vision blurred, and his chest tightened. He flinched and shoved Lydia away. Chapter 2 "Here's the divorce agreement. Take a look." Trevon, fresh from the hospital, confronted Madeline with a request for divorce. The image of Lydia's hurt look lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of resignation. His rejection was not just about his aversion to germs. It was also the sudden sickness and weakness that overtook him. He dismissed it as a one-off, which was not worth worrying about. However, faced with Madeline, the discomfort was undeniable. Madeline, still reeling from her hospital visit, was blindsided by the divorce papers laid out before her. It took a moment for her to find her voice, and when she did, it quivered. "Do we really have to end this?" "Yes." Madeline's grip tightened, and the question she could not suppress spilled out. "Is it because Lydia's back?" Trevon loosened his tie, his face turning to stone. "Didn't I make myself clear three years ago?" He had, and she had accepted it. Howeverโ€ฆ "If... Just if..." Madeline hesitated, biting her lip. Trevon was impatient. "Madeline, you can't always want more." She looked up sharply, disbelief etched on her face. Did he think she was haggling over the divorce terms? With several deliberate taps on the table, Trevon continued, "Indeed, you've done everything required of being a wife these past three years. There's a modest place near Johnsrud. It's yours now. That's the best I can do. Don't make me lose respect for you." Madeline's response was trapped in her throat as she smiled bitterly. Three years of marriage, and her reward was a house. Should she be thankful? He was determined to get the divorce over with, by any means necessary. There was no need to mention the baby. It would only complicate how he saw her. She did not need a man whose heart belonged to another. Madeline felt nauseous, feeling like she needed to purge immediately. She crouched down to clutch the bin and gagged, but nothing came up. Trevon watched, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Why did her sickness stir something in him? Was it a mere coincidence? Seeing her ashen face, it was clear she was unwell. Trevor gave Madeline a questioning look. "Are you sick? When did it start? What's wrong?" Madeline felt the urge to throw up but could not, which only intensified her discomfort. Clinging to the trash can seemed like the only thing she could do. At the sound of his question, her fingers tensed uncontrollably. She forced a casual response. "Maybe it's just a cold. No big deal." "Answer me!" His voice turned sharp, sending a jolt through Madeline, and she murmured almost without thinking. "This afternoon, when you wereโ€ฆ I'm just feeling a bit of chest tightness, weak limbs, and a touch of nausea. Typical cold symptoms." She did not bring up the hospital visit, quickly labeling it a cold to avoid any wild guesses. The timing and the symptoms lined up perfectly. 'So, it's because we caught a cold at the same time?' Trevon wondered. Madeline finally let go of her resistance. She deliberately avoided the divorce papers on the table and fetched the sour orange she had bought earlier from the fridge. Her mouth was unbearably uncomfortable, and she craved the relief of something sour. After all, she would need some strength in her hand to sign those papers. The moment she took out the sour orange, its tangy scent filled the room. Catching a glimpse of Trevon standing to the side, watching her with a frown, she hesitated before offering, "Want one?" Trevon looked away, clearly uninterested. Madeline chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You're not into sour stuff." However, as she sliced into the vibrant sour orange and its juicy interior burst with a potent tangy aroma, Trevon seemed unable to look away. Madeline was about to take a bite when she noticed Trevon approaching. His towering presence felt like a wall closing in, making the kitchen feel smaller by the second. Instinctively, Madeline stepped back. "If you don't like it, then I'll just..." Before she could finish, Trevon was at the sink, lathering up with soap, washing his hands with deliberate care three times before reaching for a piece of the sour orange. He scrunched his forehead, eyeing the orange for a long moment before popping it into his mouth. Madeline's jaw dropped in astonishment. However, Trevon did not spit it out. He chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before looking at her seriously. "Next time, make sure the knife's washed three times, okay?" The urge to bite into that tangy orange slice was irresistible. Sure enough, the sour kick seemed to soothe his queasy stomach. It was not just some bug. His nausea had kicked in right after Madeline's, as if he was only sick because she was. What was up with that? Trevon made a mental note to get to the bottom of it. Madeline gave a simple "Oh" in response. They finished the orange together, a moment of closeness they had not felt in three years. After washing her hands, Madeline looked up at Trevon. Sharing that sour fruit seemed to have bridged the gap between them, if only a little. However, their journey together was nearing its end. She murmured, "I'll sign the divorce papers." It was like cashing out after three years. A million and five hundred thousand, and a house to her name. She was coming out ahead. When she was about to sign, Trevon snatched the papers away. "We'll add another house to the deal. Wait for the lawyer's final draft." Madeline nodded, still in a daze. Suddenly, Trevon's phone buzzed and Lydia's whiny voice came through as he picked up the call. "Trevon, when are you coming? I'm bored." Madeline gripped her pen so hard her thumb whitened, nearly snapping it. Trevon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. Madeline stepped forward, her voice tinged with concern. "How am I supposed to explain this to Grandma?" "We'll talk when I'm back," Trevon replied before the door slammed shut behind him. The house, once filled with life, echoed with emptiness. Madeline chuckled at herself, shook off the silence, and went to the kitchen to whip up some noodles. After all, she had to think about the little one growing inside her. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Expecting Trevon, who might have forgotten something, she swung the door open only to be greeted by unwelcome faces. Madeline's warmth vanished. "What are you two doing here?" Cilix Sanders, her father, smiled and said, "You weren't picking up, so your mom and I thought we'd drop by." Her phone did show a string of missed calls. Ignoring their calls was nothing new, but their sudden visit was unexpected. "My mom's lost her mind, locked up in Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital. Did you forget to visit her, or did you forget she's there?" Skylar Lowe, Madeline's stepmother, stood beside Cilix in her flawless outfit. She looked nothing like someone who had toiled in the fields. However, her sharp and calculative eyes matched her biting tone. "Such disrespect! Where are your manners?" Madeline was furious. If she truly lacked manners, Skylar would have been long gone. It was Skylar's appearance, after all, that had tipped her mother over the edge. However, Madeline had been biding her time, collecting proof. They would all pay, eventually. Pushing down the bile, she asked coolly, "So, what brings you here?" "Let's talk inside," was all they said. Once they were in, Madeline poured water into two glasses, her hands steady as stone. Madeline's calm and compliant facade only fueled Skylar's ego. With an arrogant head tilt, she announced, "Your sister's back in town. It's time you end things with Trevon and give up your title as Mrs. Gibson to her!" Madeline fought the impulse to douse Skylar with water as she gripped the kettle firmly. "Give it up? I'm not following you." Madeline's gaze shifted to Cilix. "You told me when Trevon was in that coma, the company was strapped for cash. Marrying Trevon was the only way to afford my mom's medical bills. I married into the Gibson family for the sake of the Sanders family. How did Lydia end up taking my place as the daughter-in-law of the Gibson family?" Chapter 3 "I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water. "The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother." Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more. Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?" "That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied. Madeline saw right through their plot. She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards. After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's sharesโ€”the ones she's entitled to." Cilix instantly became furious. Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of unity. Cilix, who came from nothing, married Bella Zieglerโ€”Madeline's motherโ€”and quickly turned his fortune around with a garment factory. However, Bella paid a steep price, severing ties with her own family. It was not until Skylarโ€”previously 'Jolene', with her kids in towโ€”showed up that Bella realized the magnitude of her mistake. She battled depression for years, and the strain of the revelation only deepened her illness. That was when Cilix dropped the divorce bomb. He played the bankruptcy card during the split, claiming all assets were tied up. Bella was left with scraps. However, once the divorce papers were signed, Cilix's business miraculously bounced back. Ever the opportunist, Cilix kept footing Bella's medical bills, basking in the glow of his newfound reputation. Madeline only pieced it all together as she grew upโ€”her mother had been played. She had been nursing a plan to set things right ever since. The meeting ended with frosty treatment all around. Madeline shut the door behind them, collapsed onto the couch, and lost herself in the darkness outside the window. โ€ฆ Dawn's light crept into the room. Madeline shielded her eyes and took a moment to adjust before getting up reluctantly. Nausea washed over her in an unforgiving wave. Trevon had not come home all night. Madeline's emotions were a messโ€”resignation laced with a hint of disappointment. However, above all, there was relief. It was as if her decision to let go the day before had freed her from hope. Madeline sank back into the pillows. The click of the electronic lock signaled an arrival at the door. Madeline glanced up, and there was Lydia, swathed in designer elegance, striding in with a smile that could light up the room. "Madeline, it's been ages." Rising slowly, Madeline perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes a storm of loathing. "Who said you could come in? Leave!" Lydia's smile only grew. "Trevon sent me, of course. He spent last night at the hospital with me, then dashed off to work at dawn. He asked me to pick up a suit for him." A shadow crossed Madeline's face. So, Trevon was with Lydia last night. She had waited like a fool on that couch all night long, clinging to his promise. 'We'll talk when I get back.' "You're just like your mother, always the homewrecker," Madeline spat. Lydia's laughter rang out. "Who's the real homewrecker? It's the unloved one. Even the lock's code is my birthday. Trevon's heart is still with me. Madeline, you've been using my birthday to open this door for the past three years. That must sting, doesn't it?" Madeline's eyes flickered, her grip tightening on the blanket. She inhaled sharply before smiling mockingly. "Is technology that archaic where you come from? We've moved on to facial recognition, or fingerprints at the very least. Key codes are a thing of the past." Lydia's smile faltered, her composure slipping for a split second. "Outdated or not, Trevon's word is law." Madeline could not be bothered with petty squabble. Her nausea was getting worse. She gestured toward Trevon's bedroom. "His stuff's in there. Help yourself." With a smug grin, Lydia disappeared into the room and emerged moments later, a bundle of clothes in her arms. Before she took off, she sauntered over to Madeline, flashed her hand, and there it wasโ€”a dazzling diamond ring. There was also that cutesy pink bandage on her finger. "My mom says you're dragging your feet on the divorceโ€”kinda funny, don't you think? Trevon's put a ring on it, so why embarrass yourself? Time to get a clue." She leaned in, whispering to Madeline, "Face it, you've never been able to outdo me in anything since we were kids." Old memories came rushing back. Her favorite things, her mentors, her dad, her very homeโ€”Lydia had snatched them all away with just a few words. Madeline squinted and swiftly yanked the bandage off Lydia's hand. "You've always been into taking my stuff, huh?" She eyed Lydia's pristine hand and tossed the bandage into the bin with a look of disgust. "Bandages are disposable. Get a new one, and it's as good as ever. However, you know what's really scary about a guy who's been down the aisle twice?" Madeline rose to her feet, locking eyes with Lydia as she smiled slyly. "It's the lingering lessons from his ex. His style, habits, tastes, thoughtsโ€”they're all tinged with the ghost of the woman before you. Chew on that. Good luck." "Madeline!" Ignoring her, Madeline grabbed a bag of clothes and thrust it into Lydia's arms. "So long, no need for goodbyes!" Behind the wheel on her way to work, Lydia smacked the steering wheel, Madeline's parting shot replaying in her head. The phone buzzed. Lydia answered with a huff. "What's up with the wake-up call?" Wren Naylor, Lydia's assistant, hesitated before speaking up with caution. "Ms. Sanders, the planning team wants to add an illustrator to the project. They've already picked someone out." "They've what now? Since when does planning get to call the shots on art hires? They really need to stay in their lane." Wren stayed quiet. Lydia bit back her frustration. "Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll sort it out with them." Instead of going to her department when she arrived at the office, Lydia went to the top floor to drop off some clothes for Trevon. Trevon accepted the clothes, but his brow creased in confusion. Lydia felt a twinge of worry. "Something wrong with the clothes?" They were definitely not his usual brand. Madeline would not slip up like that. "Madeline wasn't there when you picked these up?" Realizing the brand mismatch, Lydia understood her mistake. Madeline's earlier words echoed in her head. Lydia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Madeline just handed me these and shooed me out when I arrived. You know she's never been fond of me." She sighed resignedly and continued, "Typical Madeline, knowing you're in a rush and still acting petty with me. Should I run to the store and grab you a new set?" Trevon cut her off. "Don't bother. You've got work to do." Lydia clammed up, stepping back into silence. Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault. Clothes are the least of our worries. We've got the Skylandia project to focus on." In just a week, Skylandia would unveil its magical realms to eager eyes, with artistry at its heart. Lydia, fresh from her hiatus, was steering that shipโ€”the crown jewel of the year for Xystos Tech. She knew the drill, but duty called, and she stepped out with a promise to return for lunch. Madeline, alone then, rinsed a handful of cherry tomatoes, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside her. She scrolled through her phone, the barrage of prenatal check-ups looming large and daunting. Midway through her meticulous note-taking, the doorbell chimed. She opened the door to find Simon pulling a long face. Chapter 4 "Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes." Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?" Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?" Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagleโ€”a woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness. Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought. "Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness. Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?" Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said? Simon rushed her along. Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily. "Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assistant needs. Why don't you take a page from Mr. Harris's book?" Trevon did have a star assistantโ€”Daniel Harrisโ€”who was so capable that he was sent overseas to handle big deals. That was when Simon got the call to step in. Simon's face went through a mixture of pale and flushed as he absorbed her criticism. Madeline, who was usually quiet, had just thrown shade in his face. He bit back his retort, finally huffing in annoyance and storming off. Madeline let out a soft laugh, brushing off the encounter. With visiting hours ticking closer, Madeline headed to Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital to see Bella. It was more of a wellness retreat than a hospital, nestled right next to Redenbaugh City's fanciest private clinic. Getting in was not easy, but thanks to the Gibson family pulling strings, Bella got a spot. Madeline wheeled her mom out into the courtyard, catching her up on the week's gossip and happenings. Bella was her usual selfโ€”unresponsive and staring off into space. Madeline sighed and took her mom's hand, resting it gently on her belly. "Mom, right here, there's a little one on the way. Even with Trevon talking about divorce, I'm keeping this baby. You've got to come back to us. Who will help me with this little one if you don't?" She nestled against Bella's legs, craving the comfort of her mother's presence. Unseen by Madeline, Bella's eyes flickeredโ€”a brief, almost missed flutter. "Madeline?" A voice, laced with surprise, called out for her. Madeline looked up to see a man in a lab coat looking her way. The sun was blinding, and Madeline squinted without recognizing the figure before her. There was something oddly familiar about the silhouette. It was not until he was close that she could see it was Caleb Jabs, her old college friend. With a warm smile, Caleb teased, "Madeline, can't you recognize an old friend after just three years?" He opened his arms for a hug, like nothing had changed. Madeline hesitated, then offered a hand for a handshake instead. Caleb's smile faltered, then returned. "Right, we're not on campus anymore." He shook her hand before releasing it, stealing a glance at the wedding ring on her finger. Through their chat, Madeline learned that he had just returned from overseas and that his uncle was running the local private hospital. Caleb nodded toward Bella with a slight smile. "And who is this?" Madeline's smile vanished. "My mom. She's been like this since she had a breakdown three years ago." A breakdown? It looked serious, as if she had lost all touch with the world. What could have caused it? Caleb pushed down his questions, his heart aching for Madeline. "These past three years must've been tough on you." Madeline seemed more grounded than in her college days, but her eyes were shadowed with concern. Madeline shook her head. "It's time for us to head back." She was not one to bare her soul to just anyone. As she rose to leave, she wobbled slightly. Caleb reached out to steady her. "You're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should get checked out." Madeline steadied herself and took a step back. "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine." Caleb watched Madeline sidestep with a calm smile, not the least bit ruffled. "Back in college, you were always dealing with low blood sugar. Still battling that, huh? Skipped breakfast today?" He was already taking the wheelchair's handles as he spoke, and Madeline allowed it. They got Bella settled and swapped numbers. Then, Caleb pressed a chocolate bar into her hand. "For your sugar levels, have a bite." Madeline's laughter bubbled up. "Caleb, you still keep chocolate on you after all this time?" "Just a habit," he said with a chuckle. That little piece of chocolate seemed to bridge the gap that had grown between them. "How about lunch? It's already noon." Madeline bit her lip, uncertain. However, Caleb was already tugging her along. "There's this great little place I know nearby. You'll love it." Trevon managed to swing by the hospital after his meeting wrapped up. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They suggested bringing Madeline in, thinking she might be the key to why he felt off. He left the hospital with that thought, only to see Madeline and Caleb, all smiles, heading into a cozy diner. Madeline's smile was something new, something he had never seen, and it stopped him in his tracks. He took a moment before climbing into his car. From the driver's seat, Simon caught Trevon in the mirror. "Mr. Gibson, wasn't that Mrs. Gibson? Should we pick her up?" Trevon watched them disappear into the diner, a place he would never dream of entering. "No, let's not," he murmured. Simon arched an eyebrow, shot a look of faint scorn at the diner, and sped off. Trevon was reclining in the back seat, eyes closed, soaking in a moment of peace. A few minutes in, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed. It took him a moment to realize that he was embodying Madeline's happiness. What could possibly be so special about that little shop to make her that cheerful? However, that sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles they served was exceptionalโ€”tangy and invigorating. It had been days since Madeline had enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. She even decided to get an extra serving to go. Caleb chuckled. "Noodles never taste as good reheated. Wait, didn't you love spicy food? What's with the switch?" Madeline smiled. "I haven't really switched. This is just that good." She was known for her love of spicy dishes, and even Trevon, the health nut, had found his tastes swayed by her. It was hard to argue with Madeline's culinary magic. Her cooking was irresistible to most. Back home, Madeline had barely set down her takeout when her phone rang. It was Yeneth Collins, her best friend. "Madeline, I've got some good and bad news." Feeling a bit worn out, Madeline sank into the couch. "Go on." "The good news is that you've been chosen to draw the new character for Skylandia. They've sent the contract over to you already." A spark of excitement flickered across Madeline's face as she reached for her laptop to check her email. "And the bad news?" Yeneth sighed heavily. "Lydia is the new art director for Skylandia. She just got the job today. I wouldn't have pushed you to take this gig if I'd known." Since marrying Trevon right after college, Madeline had not returned to the workforce, finding solace and passion in her art. Her style was distinctive, not exactly mainstream, with a focus on creating captivating illustrations. When Yeneth got involved with Skylandia, she thought Madeline's artwork was a perfect fit and put her name forward. Madeline smiled. "No way. The contract's terms are decent. Can't miss an opportunity of making money just because of her." She was always hustling for cash, especially with Bella's medical bills piling up. It meant biting her tongue whenever the Sanders family got tight-fisted. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" "Totally. I freelance under the name 'Lily Mora'. Who will connect the dots?" Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open as Trevon walked in. Chapter 5 Madeline's instinct was to snap her laptop shut. "Give me a second." She quickly ended the call and turned to face Trevon. "What's got you home at this hour?" Trevon eyed her hurried movements and washed his hands before replying, "Just needed to pick something up." Madeline responded with a noncommittal hum. His gaze landed on a nearby takeaway box. It was the sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles. It looked just like the one she had had for lunch. Was it really that tasty? A jolt of panic hit Madeline, and she blurted out, "It's for Yeneth, not me." Back when they were newlyweds, Madeline had grabbed some street sausages, and Trevon had gone into a tailspin, bombarding her with articles about the filth of street vendors and the dangers of eating out. Since then, she had avoided eating street food around him. However, she had slipped up and forgotten to stash the evidence. Trevon's chuckle was detached as his eyes drifted to a notebook on the table. Madeline's heart was pounding, and she pushed aside the wave of nausea to dash toward the notebookโ€”her secret journal of conceive appointments. The last thing she wanted was for Trevon to find out she was expecting. However, Trevon was quicker. He stretched out his arm and lifted the notebook from Madeline's reach. Without regard for her protests, he calmly flipped it open. The 'Prenatal Appointment Schedule' header stared back at him. He raised an eyebrow, his cool gaze landing on Madeline. Madeline felt her heart jump into her throat. "Is this for Yeneth, too?" Trevon asked. "Huh?" Caught off guard, Madeline quickly nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Yeneth's getting married, thinking about having kids, so I was helping her research." Trevon's suspicion did not wane. "So, why the panic?" Madeline's forehead creased. She let go of the notebook and looked away. "I didn't want you to think I was up to something." Madeline's beauty was marred by her recent illness. Her pale face was then tinged with the flush of sickness, making her look even more vulnerable. Trevon felt a twinge in his chest, and his annoyance grew. Her cold was messing with his work. He tossed the notebook back to Madeline. "I don't have time for this. You should be resting, not running around. If you show up to a divorce proceeding looking like this, people will think I'm the bad guy." Madeline silently clutched the notebook with her head bowed. โ€ฆ At the steakhouse, Lydia stared at her barely touched steak, her mood souring by the minute. When she heard Trevon returned to the Angelic Garden Residence, her annoyance turned to outright anger. "Madeline, that witch!" She whipped out her phone and dialed Skylar's number. Madeline had just reviewed the casting call from Skylandia, wrapped up her draft, and was stretching after a long day when Skylar's call came through. "Get over here tonight. If you don't show up, I'm tossing your mom's stuff." The line went dead. Madeline thought she had taken care of all Bella's things, so what could possibly be left at the Sanders' place? She could not risk it, so she hailed a cab and headed over. The Sanders' mansion was ablaze with lights, screaming new money from every gilded corner. Madeline stood at the entrance, taking in the garish display, and figured Skylar was behind it. Skylar greeted her with a grin, tugging her inside. "I just knew you'd come." Madeline jerked her hand away. "Cut the act, Skylar. There's no one else here. I did what you asked, so where's my mom's stuff?" Chapter 6 Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side. "Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!" It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster. He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off. Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!" Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed. Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table. "It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos." Skylar quickly dished some out for her. The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away. "I caught a cold and lost my appetite. I'm just here to grab a few things, and I'll be out." Cilix squinted, and Skylar, unable to contain herself, plopped down next to Madeline. "When are you planning on divorcing Trevon, huh? Your dad and I have already scoped out a new guy for you. He's ready to tie the knot and won't wait forever." A resigned feeling washed over Madeline. With a mocking smile, she murmured, "Really? Who's this wonderful match?" Skylar perked up and replied, "He's from a solid family. One of your dad's business partners. The guy owns a string of factories. Marry him, and you'll be the boss. They wouldn't even look twice at a divorcee if it wasn't for your dad's connections." She made it sound like a fairy tale. Madeline cut to the chase. "The owner of these factories? How old?" Skylar hesitated, then chuckled. "Not too old. He's just a bit over forty and in the prime of his life. It'll be your second marriage, so you can't afford to be choosy. Plus, they've promised to cut your dad a deal if you marry in. Consider it a tribute to your mom." Three years had passed, and Madeline's disdain for her family's ways was as strong as ever. She glared at Cilix. "Over forty? You're okay with this, being not much older yourself?" Cilix looked pained as he spoke, "Skylar's just trying to do what's best for you. Remarrying and bringing your mom into the mix, finding someone okay with that wasn't easy. Skylar really went out of her way for you." Skylar nodded earnestly. It had indeed been a challenge. Madeline needed to be married off and kept far away to avoid causing Lydia any more headaches. "Don't worry, the guy doesn't have kids. Everything in the future will be yours and your children's. It's a real stroke of luck." Madeline suddenly chimed in, "It's true. These kinds of terms are hard to come by. You've really outdone yourself, butโ€ฆ" Breaking from her usual composure, Madeline locked eyes with Cilix. "I was clear yesterday. I just want what my mom is entitled toโ€”her shares. Those shares are peanuts compared to being Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family." Cilix remained expressionless, but his eyes were calculative. "Your mom's shares?" Thinking she had swayed Cilix, Skylar piped up in a shrill tone. "What shares does her mother have? The Sanders family fortune is all thanks to me and Cilix. It's got nothing to do with your loony mom." Madeline's glare whipped towards Skylar, sharp enough to shut her up. "Apologize." "Why should I? Your mom's the crazy one." Without warning, a cup of scalding water splashed across Skylar's face, and she let out a scream. However, before Madeline could react, she was yanked back forcefully. A second later, she was punched in the face. "You owe her an apology!" Chapter 7 Each word Yale spat was accompanied by a punch landing on Madeline. Madeline shielded herself with her purse, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. Blinded by anger, she had not thought things through, never imagining Yale would actually hit her. Conceived had left her weak, and she could only dodge Yale's vicious blows in a clumsy dance of desperation. The Sanders family seemed petrified by the spectacle, each too scared to even twitch. Cilix wanted to speak, but Skylar cut him off. "What's Yale got, a little muscle? Let her take a hit. It might teach her to listen." Cilix's face darkened as he sat back down. She had written her dad off long ago, but the sting of disappointment was as sharp as ever. As Yale moved in again, Madeline knew she was on her own. With a swift kick, she toppled a chair and snatched a fruit knife from the table, aiming it straight at him. "One more step, and I swear I'll stab you!" Yale, thrown off by the chair, nearly slipped. He wiped his mouth and sneered. "You think you've got the guts?" Knife in hand, Madeline's face was ghostly, but her eyes blazed with defiance, "Try me. I'm still Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family. If I take you down, they'll make sure it never sees the light of day." Her gaze flicked to Cilix. "You think our dad's got the spine to cross the Gibsons for you?" Yale did not budge. Skylar stepped forward with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, we're family. Knives? Really? Madeline, put it down." Madeline looked at Skylar icily and aimed the knife at her. "Stay back." Skylar froze, then looked pleadingly at Cilix. Cilix broke the silence. "Madeline, what's going on?" Madeline stood there with a cold expression, ignoring the blood that had started to drip from the corner of her mouth. She bit her lip, refusing to say a word. The recent scuffle had taken a toll on her, leaving her with a heavy feeling in her chest. She was afraid she would throw up if she opened her mouth. However, she was determined not to let them see her weakness. Amid the tense moment, the nanny burst in with unexpected joy. "Mr. Gibson and Ms. Sanders have arrived!" The pair entered the room. Trevon's face was a mask of seriousness, his lips pressed into a thin line. Lydia, catching sight of the knife in Madeline's grip, let out a sharp cry. "Madeline! Why are you holding a knife? What are you planning to do?" Cilix rose swiftly to welcome Trevon. "Mr. Gibson, please come in. Let's sit and talk. Madeline, put that knife down now." With a glance at Trevon, Madeline reluctantly set the knife aside. Skylar exhaled in relief and grumbled, "This is all Madeline's doing, causing a scene for no reason. Since when do we bring knives into family disputes?" Madeline inhaled deeply, pushing down the wave of nausea, and retorted with a frosty laugh. "So, now it's all my fault, just like that? I'm trying to do the right thing here, and I'm still the one to blame?" "Is this enough for you?" Trevon's voice, frosty and laced with anger, cut through the room. He had been feeling sick to his stomach the whole way there. That sensation had become all too familiar in the last couple of days, and he did not need to guessโ€”it was Madeline's doing again. He had warned her just at lunchtime to take it easy, but what did she do? She ran off to her family's home to pick a fight, knife in hand. She might not be bothered by it, but he was fed up. The room fell silent. Madeline looked at him in disbelief. Was he really going to blame her without even asking why? Trevon had no interest in dragging out the conversation. He grabbed Madeline's hand and led her away with urgency. Madeline stumbled as he pulled her along, a sharp pain throbbing in her heart. Lydia tried to keep up, her voice tinged with concern. "Trevon, you haven't eaten yet." He barely paused, his voice dismissive. "Some other time." With that, he ushered Madeline into the car and shut the door behind her. LEARN_MORE https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&ut Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61560831098071/ 21 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=10922&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449437764_2559123607604310_3298283948021123177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-RMANnnLz1UQ7kNvgFISv80&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZsGA-umUwjLHfIlaoFmXL6&oh=00_AYCfWSOCQwVLY_2M6XqqvSrnc4NgNOsIGvx3ADPcOzOX0g&oe=675D889F PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-12-09 18:45 active 1979 0 ๐ŸŽ Holiday Giveaway! ๐ŸŽ Weโ€™re spreading holiday cheer with 15% off a future installation and a $200 Amazon gift card to help with holiday expenses! Hereโ€™s how to enter: 1๏ธโƒฃ Like this post 2๏ธโƒฃ Follow us @windowpro__mi 3๏ธโƒฃ Tag a friend with your favorite holiday emoji Bonus Entry: Share to your story for an extra entry! The giveaway will run until December 19th, and weโ€™ll announce the winner on December 20th! Donโ€™t miss your chance to upgrade your home - enter now! *T&C: Must be 18 years or older and reside in one of our service areas. Winner will be selected randomly and contacted via DMs from @windowpro__mi. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway closes on December 19th at 11:59 PM. VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/windowpro__mi windowpro__mi https://www.instagram.com/_u/windowpro__mi 0 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram profile 0 instagram.com IMAGE http://instagram.com/windowpro__mi 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/436333708_964446645305241_738678993765978999_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=rzFHqJ8lEbwQ7kNvgHtfbMZ&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCsIH3Hx4dEqYqE-mPtB3U2wqy5O4PnkJd1OTSSeA61ig&oe=675D5AAB IG_ADS_IDENTITY 1 0 0 windowpro__mi 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-09 18:45 active 1979 0 We've teamed up with @shannon.tarkey on 12 Days of G I V E A W A Y S ๐ŸŽ To enter to win today's prize a Canal Toys USA an Airbrush Plush Neon Paint Can just follow @canaltoysusa and @shannon.tarkey then comment on the video on @shannon.tarkey's page who you'd love to get one of these for ๐Ÿฅฐ Not sponsored by Instagram. ๐Ÿค https://ow.ly/4kLu50UnOIL #giveaway #prize #sweepstakes #CanalToys #AirbrushArt #ToysForKids #WinIt #HolidayGiveaway #CreativeKids #ArtSupplies #CraftyKids #KidsActivities LIKE_PAGE Canal Toys USA https://www.facebook.com/61555775564525/ 672 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Like Page 0 VIDEO 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469843719_1309299070258854_3674650092112500154_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JA6zrRX-PzEQ7kNvgHxh8-n&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AigRTP-Qeihf6qeCLXzz2Hx&oh=00_AYBewJwFLXq2n4QLZNOlbvM8yCvYLrku8o61DRfy7h7Hsg&oe=675D57A1 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Canal Toys USA 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-12-09 19:36 active 1981 0 Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e Good Story https://www.facebook.com/100090635329790/ 749 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_2-1025-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=638434121690371&rawadid=120217275146400091 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468324220_1667430207167790_1355274708717037359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LqSSqPsxywMQ7kNvgGAJENj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6FhZIeuPjR0-uzx_WDDnM5&oh=00_AYBhuqqzAV58l4ek2tGX4t9CgWMMV5gu-QVCuHpgieMu9Q&oe=675D78B5 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Good Story 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-10 16:48 active 1985 0 Ginger in the Morning (1974) | Official Limited Edition Trailer Film Masters Special anniversary edition of Ginger in the Morning comes to Limited Edition blu-ray this month! Complete with full-length commentary and a new Monte Markham interview, this feel good classic is definitely worth the watch! Here's our official trailer: https://youtu.be/7jP2exA7bms https://youtu.be/7jP2exA7bms Film Masters https://www.facebook.com/FilmMastersGroup/ 15,203 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 youtube.com IMAGE A free-spirited young hitchhiker befriends a middle-aged man in this lighthearted charmer. Sissy Spacek, in between her star turns in Badlands and Carrie, p... https://youtu.be/7jP2exA7bms 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/470045003_3113957685408695_172690462608504829_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iKRjIJsg380Q7kNvgGAFriw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AnoCfIYSQlEdXaWiP8WPn0d&oh=00_AYBg5BFBg4NXvmQvl7kHCZqc_DmqtC32fbKzK7PjSgBVdQ&oe=675E76E8 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Film Masters 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-12-09 18:45 active 1979 0 ๐—š๐—œ๐—ฉ๐—˜๐—”๐—ช๐—”๐—ฌ ๐˜ˆ๐˜ด ๐˜ข ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฌ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ข ๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜บ! ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜บ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ญ๐˜ถ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜ข ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฌ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜›๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ฃ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ @authorbrittaneenicole ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฌ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜๐˜ฏ ๐˜›๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ @authortrilinapucci . โœจ๐™ƒ๐™ค๐™ฌ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™š๐™ฃ๐™ฉ๐™š๐™งโœจ ๐ŸŽ๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ @authorbrittaneenicole ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ @authortrilinapucci ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜๐˜Ž. ๐ŸŽ๐˜“๐˜ช๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐ŸŽ๐˜Š๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜บ ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต โœจ๐™๐™ค๐™ง ๐™š๐™ญ๐™ฉ๐™ง๐™– ๐™š๐™ฃ๐™ฉ๐™ง๐™ž๐™š๐™จโœจ ๐ŸŽ๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜จ ๐˜ข ๐˜ง๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐ŸŽ๐˜š๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ด *๐—š๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐˜„๐—ถ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฎ/๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿณ. ๐—ช๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ฏ๐˜† ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฎ ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—ฐ๐—ฐ๐—ถ. ๐— ๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿด+ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฑ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€. ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ด๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜ ๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—œ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—บ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—จ๐—ฆ ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฑ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—น๐˜†.* #bookfyp #bookstagram #spicybooks #bookgiveaways #holidayromancebooks #whychooseromancebooks #hockeyromancebooks #brittaneenicole #trilinapucci VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/authortrilinapucci Trilina Pucci Books https://www.facebook.com/trilinapuccibooks/ 4,787 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram profile 0 instagram.com IMAGE http://instagram.com/authortrilinapucci 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469497549_1007506921186506_8601713946555795511_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EMBWkdwZE8UQ7kNvgEJBVE9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AEpDeo2MRasi4gahB9qlVkf&oh=00_AYBrhcdjx00BU6SXo8CUEQBYJpiMEFzW8YR6yZ92rQa7RQ&oe=675D63E9 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Trilina Pucci Books 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-12-10 16:44 active 1985 0 โœ…Successfully recover money in as little as 48 hours! ๐Ÿ“ณHow to quickly file a case after being defrauded? โš ๏ธHow to stop losses in time? โ“How to recover losses? โœ…As long as there is platform information, transaction records, and proof of fraud, you can 100% file a case to recover money โœ…Successfully recover money in as little as 48 hours! โœ…If the police report is fast enough, the police station will stop payment and freeze through the system platform โœ…Immediately consult related legal issues online โœ…Provide you with more advice and help for free MESSAGE_PAGE Xila information https://www.facebook.com/61569069419023/ 2 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Send message 0 IMAGE 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469844275_2885468321617380_4341964637643768386_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TWrO0dneYH8Q7kNvgFylLK_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AbD6u1ZVhK5VMDZZ21d-_ck&oh=00_AYDIqGv57IHyETiXBQ79ImBdVFZRALa0WZHkfXGFJKXx7g&oe=675E741E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Xila information 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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'{"alias":2619298}'
No 2024-12-09 18:45 active 1979 0 Signature Skin Care ๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ Day 2๏ธโƒฃ: Microneedling DAILY GIVEAWAY DETAILS BELOW โฌ‡๏ธโฌ‡๏ธโฌ‡๏ธ *Must be purchased by end of business day on Monday, December 9, 2024. Expires 6 months from purchase date. Didnโ€™t see our email or social media post โ€™til after hours? Leave us a message tonight and weโ€™ll honor the special tomorrow! . . โ€ผ๏ธ DAILY GIVEAWAY โ€ผ๏ธ 1 Syringe Restylane Contourโœจ For each daily special that you purchase, youโ€™ll receive one entry into that dayโ€™s giveaway. Want to increase your chances of winning? Purchase the daily specialย ANDย 1๏ธโƒฃ Like & share our post on Facebook, 2๏ธโƒฃ Like & share our post to your story on Instagram and 3๏ธโƒฃ Tag your friends on Facebook or Instagram to receive additional entries into the daily giveaway. Winner will be announced the following day via Facebook so be sure to follow along on social media! CALL_NOW Signature Skin Care https://www.facebook.com/signatureskincare/ 3,753 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Call now 0 IMAGE A Doctor's Care For a Better You. 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469596005_882111163907251_74530749453105526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w23OSI6_wfMQ7kNvgFAxrGd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOf4t7GJ-az9BVo4upyky17&oh=00_AYD5nQDFAiVYibLOrhvfv8hicfokwgvx-bYWn1_5cX2NPg&oe=675D720E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Signature Skin Care 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
'{"alias":2622070}'
No 2024-12-09 18:57 active 1980 0 Seats are flying! ๐ŸŽ‰ Ring in the New Year with Grace Kelly @ The Jazz Kitchen ๐Ÿฅณ Dec 31 - 7:30pm & 10:30pm ๐Ÿพ Celebrate w/ food, drinks & jazz SHOP_NOW https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction= The Jazz Kitchen https://www.facebook.com/indyjazzkitchen/ 32,803 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shop Now 0 instantseats.com DCO Secure yours now https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.event&eventID=8E78202D-F6A7-0D8A-FDB7A6066F552A4E 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469097886_1101848391287383_7713954038682441512_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ok84KfAI3mAQ7kNvgE21xxb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvtktmyWNvJZbozRElScGkd&oh=00_AYDiCwoEqUbbmljZIy-7jQ0mQL3A7FJU3E1mhB6uoKlMsA&oe=675D5CD9 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 The Jazz Kitchen 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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