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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | "Little wolf," Raven's voice was rough velvet in the candlelight. "just looking at you makes me hard. You're making it impossible for me to focus on dinner." His dark eyes traced my silhouette as he sat across our anniversary table, wine glass dangling forgotten from his fingers. I'd spent hours preparing for tonight. The black dress hugged every line of my body, the silk falling like water over the lace beneathâhis favorite. The neckline dipped just low enough to hint at promises for later, while the slit along the side flashed tempting glimpses of the thigh with each movement. Five years of marriage, and I still felt a thrill when he looked at me like thisâlike I was the only woman in his world. His Alpha pheromones filled our dining room, making my skin flush with heat. That unique scent of hisâpine needles and winter frostâgrew stronger with his desire, calling to my wolf. My breath caught as his eyes darkened to amber, a sign of his wolf rising to the surface. He tipped back his red wine glass, finishing it in one long swallow. The movement emphasized his strong throat, making my mouth go dry. "Let me fill that for you," I murmured, rising from my seat. I picked up the red wine bottle and bent to pour. I saw his eyes rest on the silver moon lily pendant at firstâhis gift from our first anniversary. Then his eyes moved to my chest under the pendant. His scent intensified, becoming sharp with need. Before I could straighten, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind. His breath was hot against my neck as he pulled me back against his chest. "Raven..." My voice trembled as his hot breath caressed my neck. Strong arms lifted me onto our dining room table, scattering the carefully arranged silverware. My black dress rode up my thighs as he pressed between them, his powerful hands skating up my sides with possessive intent. "Little wolf,â he growled against my ear, the sound pure Alpha dominance. âDo you know how irresistible you look tonight?âHis scent surrounded me, making my toes curl as his pheromones called to my wolf. The candlelight danced across crystal glasses, casting warm shadows through the deep red wine. He nuzzled my marking scar, sending shivers of pleasure through our mate bond. I arched into him, my fingers tangling in his silk shirt. "The dinner," I protested weakly as his lips traced a burning path down my throat. "I spent hours..." "Later," he promised, his voice rough with desire. My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively as he lifted me again. "Right now, I need to properly appreciate my mate on our anniversary." We barely reached our bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes behind. "I've missed you," I murmured against his neck, my fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw. "You've been so busy with pack business lately." Raven's skilled hands gripped my haunch, drawing a soft gasp from my lips. His eyes darkened with desire as he pulled me closer until I could feel every hard plane of his body against mine. The thin fabric of my anniversary dress did nothing to shield me from his heat. His kiss was deep, and passionate, making heat pool low in my belly as my toes curled with pleasure. "You know I'd rather be here with you, Sylvia." His breath was hot against my ear, followed by a gentle bite that made me gasp. "Only you, little wolf." Every brush of his fingers left fire trails on my skin, and I found myself arching into his touch, wanting more. The mate bond between us hummed with electricity as his hands roamed higher, each caress more demanding than the last. My wolf stirred within me, responding to his dominance despite her weakened state. When his lips found my neck, right over our mating mark, my toes curled with pleasure. "My beautiful little wolf," he growled, the sound vibrating through his chest. His touch grew more insistent, making my breath catch. "My perfect Luna." "Mine," he growled, and I arched into him, wanting desperately to believe it. Then his phone buzzed. At first, he ignored it, his lips trailing fire down my neck. But it buzzed again. And again. Raven tensed above me, his whole body going rigid. The phone buzzed again, insistent. Pack business - I recognized that specific ringtone and had heard it too many times before. "Don't," I pleaded, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Please. It's our anniversary." He hesitated, then reached for the phone. I saw the caller ID flashâBeta Marcusâbefore Raven answered. "This better be important," he snapped, but I could already feel him pulling away emotionally, if not yet physically. I watched his face as he listened, noting how his expression shifted from annoyed to concerned to... something else. Something I couldn't quite read. "I'll be right there," he said finally, already moving to get up. "Are you serious?" I sat up, clutching the sheet to my chest. "It's our anniversary, Raven. Our anniversary. Whatever it is, surely Marcus can handle it." He was already pulling on his clothes, and his movements rushed. "It's pack business. This needs the Alpha's attention. I'm sorry, little wolf." "Fine." I turned away, not wanting him to see the hurt in my eyes. "Go be Alpha. It's what you're best at anyway." He paused, then leaned down to press a kiss to my forehead. "I'll make it up to you. I promise." The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone with the cooling sheets and the ghost of his touch on my skin. I curled into his pillow, breathing in his scent and fighting back disappointment. This wasn't the first time pack business had interrupted our special moments, and it probably wouldn't be the last. "He's the Alpha," I whispered to myself, sitting up slowly. "The pack needs him." It has been five years since Raven became the Alpha of our pack. Five years ago, I lost my father forever. He was the powerful Alpha of Cold Moon Pack but had fallen defending our borders from Blood Moon Pack's ruthless expansion. I'd felt his death through our pack bondsâa searing pain that dropped every Cold Moon wolf to their knees. Our once-mighty pack fractured, vulnerable as newborn pups. Enemy packs circled our borders like vultures, waiting to claim our territory. It was then Raven found me during the Moon Goddess ceremony. The moment our eyes met, our wolves recognized each other. True matesâa blessing so rare it was almost a myth. Even then, my wolf was weaker than she should have been, but Raven didn't care. "You're mine," he'd said fiercely, right there in front of both packs. "Your strength, your weakness, your everythingâit's all mine to protect." The other Alphas had whispered, of course. A powerful wolf like Raven, choosing a mate who might never bear him pups? But he'd silenced them all by taking the Cold Moon Alpha position, merging our packs, and protecting my father's legacy. "He'll probably be hungry after handling pack business," I murmured, heading to the kitchen. Maybe I could salvage what remained of our anniversary with my mother's moon-blessed cookiesâRaven's favorite. The cookies would need some special decorations stored in the top cabinet. I dragged the wooden ladder from the pantry, positioning it carefully. My wolf whined softly - she'd been feeling so weak lately that even simple tasks seemed to drain me. "It's fine," I assured myself, starting to climb. "Just a few more steps." The world suddenly tilted. My wolf's usual grace failed me, and my ankle twisted sharply as I missed a step. I crashed to the floor, pain shooting up my leg. "Raven?" I called out instinctively, before remembering I was alone. Tears pricked at my eyes as I sat there on the cold kitchen floor, cradling my throbbing ankle. This wasn't the first time I'd needed him lately and found myself alone. Last week during the pack run, when I'd felt too weak to keep up. The council meeting where I'd nearly fainted, and he'd barely noticed. "Stop it," I scolded myself, wiping away a stray tear. "He's doing his job. The pack comes first." I managed to pull myself up using the counter, testing my weight gingerly on the injured ankle. It hurt, but I could walk. The moon-blessed cookies lay half-mixed on the counter, mocking my attempts at creating a perfect anniversary surprise. My phone chimed. "Maybe it's Raven," I thought hopefully, reaching for it. "Maybe he's finished early." The name on the screen made me pause: Astrid. "Thank you for being so understanding about Raven's 'pack duties.' He takes such good care of me." The attached photo loaded, and time seemed to stop. My mate - my Raven - his hands on another woman's haunch, his lips on her neck, their bodies pressed together in an intimate embrace that mirrored our own moments ago. "This is ridiculous," I whispered, my voice sounding strange in the empty kitchen. "Raven wouldn't..." But the timestamp glared up at me: ten minutes ago. I stared at the screen, unable to process what I was seeing. His scentâpine needles and winter frostâstill lingered on my skin from our intimate moments just before. The mark on my neck still tingled from his kisses. Is this what he called ... pack duties? Is he giving up our anniversary just for ... this kind of duty? Chapter 0002 Sylviaâs POV Sleep eluded me after last night's revelation. I spent hours staring at the cold, empty space beside me in our bed. Dawn found me in our kitchen, staring at Astrid's photo from last night. The intimacy in their embrace twisted my heart, even though I knew - rationally - that Raven wouldn't cross that line. Not with James's widow. Not with the woman carrying his dead Beta's child. But hadn't I said that every time before? When did he rush to her side during pack meetings? When he spent hours "comforting" her while I handled pack duties alone? Astrid - widow of James, Raven's former Beta who end life protecting him three months ago. I'd always encouraged Raven to look after her and had even defended him when others whispered about how much time he spent with her. "She's grieving," I'd say. "She needs support." I'd even brought her soup when morning sickness hit. This was different though. This wasn't just another missed dinner or forgotten appointment. This was our wedding anniversary. Moments before that photo was taken, he'd been in our bed, whispering words of love, our bodies joined as one. His marks were still fresh on my skin when he left me for her. "I need to talk to him," I whispered to myself, my wolf stirring weakly within me. "Calmly. Rationally. There has to be an explanation." "Get it together," I whispered to myself, my wolf stirring weakly within me. "The pack needs its Luna." The monthly safety inspection couldn't wait, even if my mate hadn't come home all night. I forced myself up, wincing at my still-throbbing ankle from last night's fall. My wolf's usual healing hadn't kicked in - another sign of her weakening strength that I couldn't afford to dwell on. The pack grounds were already busy when I arrived. Warriors training, pups playing, daily life continuing as if my world hadn't tilted on its axis hours before. I focused on my checklist, methodically checking each area's safety protocols. The accident happened near the training grounds. I was noting some loose boards that needed repair when a blur of motion caught my peripheral vision. A young wolf - clearly new to the pack from his unfamiliar scent - came tearing around the corner at full speed. He was looking back over his shoulder, laughing at something. "Watch out!" I called, but it was too late. He slammed into me hard, his momentum sending us both sprawling. My already weakened state meant I couldn't catch myself properly. Pain exploded through my forehead as it hit the edge of a training post. Warm blood immediately began trickling down my face. "Oh, goddess!" The boy scrambled up, shifting back to human form. His eyes went wide at the blood. "I... I didn't see you!" I pushed myself up slowly, fighting a wave of dizziness. "This is exactly why we have rules about running in the training areas. You could have seriously hurt someone." Instead of contrition, his expression shifted to defiance. "It was an accident! Why are you making such a big deal about it?" "A big deal?" I pressed my hand to my bleeding forehead, trying to stay calm. "You were running full-speed in a training zone without looking where you were going. What if I had been one of the younger pups? Or someone elderly?" "Whatever." He rolled his eyes. "Just wait until my sister's mate gets here. He'll show you how we handle stuck-up wolves who think they can boss everyone around." The surrounding pack members who had gathered gasped. I almost wanted to laugh at the bitter irony - this pup had no idea he was threatening his Luna. "Your sister's mate?" I kept my voice level, though blood was now dripping onto my collar. "And who might that be?" "You'll see." He smirked. "He's coming now. He'll scare you to death." Familiar footsteps approached from behind. My heart clenched as Raven's scent washed over me - mixed with Astrid's. Of course. Of course, she'd be with him. "What's happening here?" Raven's Alpha voice rang out. I turned slowly, dignity intact despite the blood on my face. And there they were - my mate with Astrid at his side, her hand resting delicately on his arm like she belonged there. "Your Luna was attacked," I said coolly, watching his face. "This pup shifted without warning and drew blood. He refuses to apologize." Raven's eyes narrowed at the blood on my face, but before he could speak, Tommy straightened up with a smirk. "You should see my sister and Alpha Raven together," he announced proudly, clearly emboldened by Astrid's presence. "They look like a real Alpha pair. Not like..." His eyes raked dismissively over me. "Tommy," Astrid's soft voice carried a gentle reproof. She pressed closer to Raven, her hand resting delicately on his arm. "You shouldn't say such things. Alpha Raven and I are just... close friends." But her eyes told a different story as she gazed up at him. "He's been so kind to me during this difficult time." Raven's arm moved automatically to support her waist. The gesture was small, but it spoke volumes. How many times had he held me like that? When had that protective instinct shifted to another woman? "She's weak!" Tommy continued, encouraged by Raven's silence. "Can't even dodge a playful jump. How can she be our Luna if she can't even have pups? Everyone can see who really belongs at our Alpha's sideâ" "Enough!" Raven's Alpha voice rang out, but I barely heard it over the roaring in my ears. Can't even have pups. The words struck like physical blows. my weakened wolf, my mate's growing distance - all my private shame laid bare before the pack. "Tommy." Raven's Alpha voice was cold with anger as he focused on the defiant pup. "You've not only broken pack safety protocols, but you've injured your Luna. This behaviorâ" "Raven," Astrid's soft voice interrupted, breathy with distress. Her hand tightened on his arm as she swayed dramatically. "Oh... I don't feel well..." She pressed her other hand to her stomach, her face going pale. I watched, heartbreaking, as my mate's attention immediately shifted to her. His arm went around her waist, all thoughts of pack discipline forgotten. "What's wrong?" "My stomach..." she whimpered, pressing against him. "The baby..." The baby. James's baby. The child my dead friend would never know, growing in the abdomen of a woman who used it as a weapon. "We need to get you to the healer," Raven said urgently, already turning away. He barely glanced at my bleeding forehead. "Tommy, we'll discuss your behavior later." "But Raven-" I started, my vision blurring slightly. "Later, Sylvia," he cut me off, leading Astrid away. "This needs immediate attention." I stood there, blood dripping onto my collar, watching my mate walk away with another woman. The whispers started immediately: "She's gotten so weak lately..." "The Alpha clearly prefers Astrid's company..." My wolf whimpered, too weak to even growl at the disrespect. The wound on my forehead throbbed in time with my pulse, each beat sending fresh pain through my skull. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision. "Luna?" One of the pack healers stepped forward hesitantly. "Let me help with that cut..." I backed away, somehow keeping my feet under me. "I'm fine. Everyone return to your duties. Tommy, report to my office tomorrow morning to discuss pack safety protocols." The walk back to my office was endless. Each step was a battle against dizziness and nausea. By the time I closed my door, my legs were shaking so badly I could barely stand. I slid down the wall, finally letting the tears fall. They mixed with the blood on my face, hot and bitter. My wolf curled up small and quiet within me, as broken as I was. Not because I thought Raven was sleeping with Astrid. Although my wolf was weak, she told me that he did not betray our physical bond. But what hurt worse was watching him choose her again and again. Every time she swayed, he caught her. Every time she called, he ran. Every time she needed him, he forgot about everyone elseâincluding his Luna, his mate, his wife. A knock at the door made me flinch. "Sylvia?" Raven's voice. "Let me in." I didn't move. "Please, little wolf. I brought medicine for your head." A laugh bubbled up in my throat - harsh and foreign. He'd left me bleeding to tend to Astrid's latest dramatic episode, and now he wanted to play caring mate? I opened the door. Raven stood there with a first aid kit and concern in his eyes. The same eyes that had looked at Astrid with such urgency minutes ago. "Let me help," he said softly, reaching for me. I stepped back, maintaining distance. "How is Astrid? And James's baby?" His face flickered at the deliberate mention of his dead Beta. "She's fine. Just stress." "Of course she is." The words came out bitter. "She's always fine after she gets what she wants." "Sylvia..." He sighed, setting down the first aid kit. "You know I have to look after her. After James..." "After James end life saving you, yes. I know." I pressed my hand to my throbbing head. "But when did looking after her start meaning abandoning your actual duties? Leaving your injured mate? Ignoring pack discipline?" "You're bleeding," he said instead of answering, reaching for me again. "Let me-" "Don't." I held up a hand. The look of hurt on his face almost made me take back my words. Almost. But I remembered the photo Astrid had sent, the way she clung to his arm, the countless times he'd chosen her needs over mine. "I love you," he said softly, reaching for me again. This time, I let him pull me into his arms, too tired to resist. "I love you more than anything, Sylvia. You're my mate, my Luna, my everything. I'm sorry I've made you doubt that." Chapter 0003 Sylviaâs POV "Just a bit further," Raven's warm hand pressed against my lower back, guiding me through the pack's shopping district. After yesterday's confrontation in my office, this sudden tenderness felt like a peace offering. "I want to show you something special." My wolf, still weak from whatever was affecting her, nonetheless purred at his touch. Despite everything - the photo, the injuries, the constant presence of Astrid - my traitorous heart still skipped when he looked at me like this, like I was his whole world. "Another apology gift?" I tried to keep my tone light, though the bandage on my forehead from yesterday's incident still stung. His fingers tightened slightly on my waist. "Not an apology. A reminder." He stopped in front of David's Jewelry, the pack's finest artisan shop. "A reminder of who we are together." The bell chimed softly as we entered. David, an elderly wolf with clever hands and kind eyes, looked up from his workbench. "Alpha, Luna! I have it ready." "Have what ready?" I turned to Raven, but he just smiled mysteriously. "Show us your finest pieces, David," Raven commanded, but his voice was warm. "Let my Luna choose what speaks to her heart." David brought out tray after tray of exquisite jewelry. Diamonds that caught the light like Starfire. Rubies deep as fresh blood. But it was a delicate silver necklace that caught my eye - moonstones arranged like a cascade of tears, or perhaps stars falling through a night sky. "This is beautiful." I couldnât help reaching for it. "Ah." David smiled. "A unique piece. I crafted it using moonstone from the sacred caves. There will never be another quite like it." Raven lifted the necklace gently. "Perfect for my Luna. Turn around, love." I swept my hair aside, shivering as his fingers brushed my neck. The metal felt cool against my skin, but Raven's breath was warm as he fastened the clasp. "Beautiful," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my shoulder. The bell chimed again. "Oh!" A familiar voice broke our moment. "What a gorgeous necklace." My muscles tensed as Astrid glided into the shop, one hand resting on her slightly swollen belly. After yesterday's confrontation and injury, I was in no mood for another of her performances. "Astrid." Raven straightened, but his hand stayed on my shoulder. "Shopping for the baby ceremony?" My grip tightened on the necklace. "Baby ceremony?" "Didn't Raven tell you?" Astrid's eyes widened with fake innocence. "He's helping me plan James's baby's naming ceremony. It's tradition for the Alpha to stand in when... when the father is gone." Something cold settled in my chest. "Is it?" "Sylvia," Raven stepped forward, his expression pleading. "As Alpha, it's my responsibility to look after James's family." "And as Luna, it's mine to organize pack ceremonies," I countered. "Yet this is the first I'm hearing of it." Astrid sniffled delicately. "The necklace just reminded me so much of the ones James used to give me... and with the ceremony coming up..." David cleared his throat. "As I mentioned, it's a unique piece. But I have other lovely-" "Please," Astrid's eyes filled with tears. "Seeing it... it's like a sign from James. Like he's telling me he's watching over his child." I felt Raven's fingers tighten on my shoulder. Felt the shift in his energy. I saw the moment Raven's resolve cracked. "Sylvia, love... maybe you could pick another necklace for your birthday? This one would mean so much to Astrid..." The shop went very quiet. "What?" My voice came out barely a whisper. "You have so many beautiful pieces," he continued, not meeting my eyes. "And Astrid has lost so much..." "Are you serious?" I looked between them - my mate of five years and the widow who'd slowly been taking my place. "This necklace was meant for your Luna, your mate, and you want to give it to another woman?" "Don't be selfish," Raven's voice hardened. "I've bought you countless jewels. One necklace won't hurt." "Selfish?" The word hit like a physical blow. "I've watched you slowly pull away from me. I've endured the pack's whispers about my weakening wolf. I stayed silent when you missed our anniversary for her. And I'm selfish?" "Please don't fight," Astrid whimpered. "I never meant... I just miss James so much..." Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Stop it!" I snapped. "Stop using James's memory to manipulate everyone! If you need help with the baby, we can hire a nanny. The pack has resources-" "No." Raven's voice cracked like thunder. "James end life saving my life. I owe him everything. I will personally ensure his child and mate are cared for." "What about my father?" The words escaped before I could stop them, years of buried pain erupting. "He end life defending this pack too. He end life in a war your father started, Raven. Where was this devotion then?" The room temperature seemed to drop. Raven's face went white, then dark with rage. "That's enough!" Raven's eyes flashed Alpha red. He stepped back, jaw clenched. "You've gone too far." "Have I?" My fingers found the necklace clasp. "Or have you just never gone far enough for me?" Astrid's tears had mysteriously dried. She stepped closer to Raven, placing a hand on his arm. "Perhaps I should go..." "No." Raven wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We'll go. You don't need this stress in your condition." I watched, numb, as my mate led another woman toward the door. Just before they left, Astrid turned back. Her eyes met mine over Raven's protective arm, and the mask slippedâjust for a moment, but it was enough. That smile. That calculated, victorious smile. My heart stopped as years of "coincidences" suddenly realigned in my mind. Every time she'd swooned during pack meetings, it had been when I was speaking. Every stomach pain had struck just as Raven and I were having a moment. Every "emergency" had interrupted our private time. All those times I'd defended her to others: "She's grieving," I'd said. But now, watching her triumphant smirk, I saw the truth. The door closed behind them with devastating finality. I walked out of the shop, the bell's cheerful chime a mockery of the moment we'd shared minutes ago. Through the window, I saw Raven helping Astrid try on my necklace and saw her lean into him with practiced vulnerability. My fingers found my phone, scrolling to Elena, my best friend since childhood. The only one who knew everything - about my father, about how I'd fallen for Raven despite our families' history, about how I'd given up my birthright to be his Luna. The phone rang twice before she answered. "Elena?" My voice cracked. "Can I come over?" "Always, love. What's wrong?" "Everything," I whispered, watching through the window as my mate adjusted the necklace on another woman's throat. Chapter 0004 Sylviaâs POV Dawn light crept through Elena's guest room window, painting shadows on unfamiliar walls. I hadn't slept, the events from the jewelry store playing on an endless loop in my mind. The necklace. Astrid's tears. Raven's betrayal. A soft knock echoed through the house. "Sylvia?" Elena's voice carried from downstairs. "Raven's here. He's... he's been sitting at the door all night." My wolf stirred weakly, responding to our mate's proximity despite everything. I moved to the window, and my breath caught. There he was - the powerful Alpha of the Silver Moon pack, sitting on Elena's doorstep like a penitent wolf. His usually immaculate clothes were wrinkled, and dark circles under his eyes matched mine. A bouquet of moon flowers - my favorites, so rare they only bloom at midnight - trembled slightly in his hands. "Go away, Raven," I called down, hating how my voice shook. He looked up, those dark eyes that had once held my whole world were now filled with desperation. "Please, little wolf. Just five minutes." "You gave up your right to call me that when you gave my necklace to another woman." "I was wrong." His voice cracked. "I was so wrong. Please, just let me explain." Elena appeared at my side. "Want me to chase him off? I may not be an Alpha, but I can still bite." I almost smiled. "No. I need to face this." The walk downstairs felt endless. Each step was a battle between my heart, which still ached for him, and my pride, which screamed to remember his betrayals. I opened the door. Raven immediately dropped to his knees, the mighty Alpha kneeling before me. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, my love." "Sorry for what?" My voice came out bitter. "For missing our anniversary? For abandoning me while I was bleeding? For giving my necklace to Astrid?" "All of it. Everything." He reached for my hand. I let him take it, watching as he pressed his forehead to my knuckles - a wolf's deepest gesture of submission. "I've been a fool. I let my guilt over James cloud my judgment. But I promise you, I've fixed it." "Fixed what?" He looked up, hope flickering in his eyes. "Everything. I've arranged for Astrid to move to one of the pack's remote properties. I've hired the nanny you suggested. I've deleted her number and removed her from pack meetings. She'll be cared for, but she won't come between us again." My heart stuttered. "You... you did?" "I should have done it months ago." He pulled something from his jacket - a velvet box. "And this... I spent all night searching every jewelry store in three territories." Inside lay a necklace almost identical to the one from yesterday. Almost, but not quite. "I don't want a copy," I said, even as tears threatened. "I don't want another woman's leftovers." "You're right. You deserve better." He set the box aside, still on his knees. "You've always deserved better. Do you remember when we first met? Not as adults, but as pups?" The memory rose unbidden. Me at six years old, lost in the forbidden woods between territories. Him at eight, found me crying under a silver moon. "You gave me your jacket," I whispered. "Led me home even though our packs were at war." "I knew even then." His thumb traced circles on my palm. "Knew you were meant to be mine. Through all the fighting, all the politics, all the tragedy - you were my constant star." "Until I wasn't." I pulled my hand away. "Until Astrid needed you more." "No," he caught my fingers again. "I lost my way, but you've always been my true north. Please, little wolf. Let me make this right. Let me prove myself again." "How?" "I'll do anything." He pressed something else into my palm - his phone. "Look. I've already deleted her contact. Check my messages and my calls. I'm an open book to you." I scrolled through, seeing he was telling the truth. "The baby ceremony..." I began. "Marcus will handle all preparations for the baby blessing ceremony," he said, hope blooming in his eyes. "I won't even attend. My place is with my Luna, celebrating our anniversary properly this time." He reached for my hand again. "Just us, little wolf. No interruptions, no pack business, no... distractions. I swear on the moon herself." My wolf whined softly, wanting to believe. Memories flooded back - countless moments of joy and love before Astrid entered our lives. The way he'd held me through my father's death. The way he'd defied his own pack to mate with me. "I need time," I said finally. "Take all you need." He stood slowly, relief evident in every line of his body. "I'll wait forever if I have to." I looked at the necklace again. It was beautiful, but... "I think I'll get you something too. Show you I'm willing to try." His smile - that rare, real smile that crinkled his eyes - made my heart ache. "I love you, little wolf. Never doubt that." I watched him leave, hope warring with caution in my chest. After he disappeared from view, I picked up the discarded necklace box, running my fingers over the velvet. The jewelry inside sparkled, catching the morning lightâbeautiful, but not quite the same as the original piece. "Maybe I'm being too harsh," I whispered, my wolf stirring with longing. The sight of our proud Alpha on his knees, the desperation in his eyes, the way he'd spent all night searching for a replacement necklace... "Hey." Elena squeezed my shoulder. "I know that look. You're already forgiving him, aren't you?" "Not forgiving exactly," I said slowly, closing the box. "But maybe... maybe willing to try? " I set the necklace box down carefully. "I think... I think I want to meet him halfway. Show him I'm willing to try too." Elena's eyes lit up. "Shopping trip? I know just the places for Alpha-worthy gifts." The mall was quieter than usual this early. Elena and I wandered, looking for something worthy of an Alpha, of the mate who'd just humbled himself to win me back. A familiar voice drifted from the luxury boutique ahead. "Oh yes, my husband is so generous." I froze. Astrid. "These are gorgeous pieces, madam," the saleswoman gushed. "Your husband has excellent taste." "He does spoil me." Astrid's laugh tinkled like snek. "Especially now, with the baby." I edged closer, staying out of sight. "Another piece for your collection?" The saleswoman was wrapping something in silk. "He insists. Says nothing's too good for his..." Astrid's voice dropped sweetly, "family." My eyes fixed on the credit card in her hand as she paid. Black metal with a familiar silver moon insignia - Raven's secondary pack card. Three months ago, he'd casually mentioned needing it back, something about pack accounting and consolidating expenses. "Have you seen my black pack card?" he'd asked then, barely looking up from his papers. "The backup one?" "It's in my wallet," I'd replied, already reaching for it. "Though I've barely used it." "Good. The council wants all secondary cards recalled. Something about tighter financial controls." I'd handed it over without a second thought. My mate is always so responsible with pack finances. Always so concerned about proper protocols. Now I watched that same cardâthe one that was supposedly canceled for pack securityâglinting in Astrid's manicured hands. The card he'd taken from me, his Luna, only to give to her. All those pretty words this morning about ending their connection, about putting our marriage first... while she still had access to pack funds, to his accounts, to his trust. "Your husband must really love you," the saleswoman smiled. "Oh yes." Astrid caught my eye in the mirror, her smile turning razor-sharp. "He does." The world tilted sideways. All his pretty words, his promises, his show of deleting her contact - worthless. He didn't need her number when he was still funding her shopping sprees, still letting her call him husband. My wolf, weak as she was, howled in agony. I stumbled back, memories taking on new, horrific meanings: "I've arranged for her to move..." - To a luxury property? "I've hired a nanny..." - While giving her his credit card? "She won't come between us..." - Because he'd hidden their connection better? My phone buzzed - Raven, sending a photo of dinner preparations for our makeup celebration. Another text arrived immediately after a receipt from the boutique, forwarded from his bank alert. Astrid's purchase was made seconds ago with his card. Chapter 0005 Sylviaâs POV "You manipulative fool!" Elena's voice cut through the pristine shopping atmosphere. Several customers turned to stare as she planted herself in front of Astrid. "Calling yourself his wife while wearing the jewelry you stole from his actual mate?" Astrid's practiced mask of innocence slipped into place as she pressed a protective hand to her belly. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just shopping with the allowance my... husband has given me." "Allowance?" Elena spat the word. "You mean the credit card you're flashing around? The one that belongs to my best friend's mate?" "Oh." Astrid's eyes flickered to me, still standing in the doorway. Her lips curved into a poisonous smile. "You're making such a fuss over nothing. No wonder Raven prefers my company. At least I don't suffocate him with jealousy and send my friends to fight my battles." The saleswoman shifted uncomfortably. "Perhaps we should-" "No." I found my voice, at last, stepping forward. "Let's have this out right here. Every penny you've spent is our pack's common property - my mate's money. You need to pay it back." Astrid laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Pay it back? With what money? My mate end life protecting your precious Alpha. The least you can do is let him take care of his friend's widow." She gestured at her shopping bags. "Besides, Raven gives it freely. Unlike you, I don't have to beg for his attention." "Using James's memory again?" Elena's eyes flashed gold. "Is that your only trick?" "At least I gave James pups before he end life." Astrid's voice dripped honey-coated venom. "Poor, barren Luna. Can't even give Raven one child. No wonder he-" The crack of my palm against her cheek echoed through the cafe. Silence fell. "How dare you?" I whispered, trembling with rage. "You use James's memory, manipulate everyone's guilt, play the grieving widow while spending pack money on luxury goods-" Astridâs wolf exploded out of her, fangs snapping at my throat. I barely managed to dodge, my weakened wolf struggling to respond. Elena shifted instantly, putting herself between us. Astrid's claws caught my thigh before Elena could block her, tearing through flesh and muscle. The pain was shockingâI'd forgotten how vulnerable I'd become. Blood soaked through my dress where her claws had shredded both fabric and skin. But instead of pressing her advantage, Astrid shifted back to human form, one hand protectively curved over her belly. Her eyes glittered with malicious triumph. "How dare you attack me?" she gasped, loud enough for the gathering crowd to hear. "I'm carrying a noble warrior's child! James's baby!" Her voice turned venomous as she lowered it for my ears alone. "If anything happens to this child because of your jealous attack, imagine how Raven will feel. Losing his best friend's baby because his mate couldn't control herself?" Elena snarled, still in wolf form, but we both knew we were trapped. Any move against Astrid now would make me look like the aggressorâthe Luna attacking a expecting a baby widow. "You manipulativeâ" Elena started to lunge forward, but I grabbed her with my good arm. "Don't," I whispered. "It's what she wants." The world spun slightly as blood continued to soak my dress. The mall's pristine floor now bore crimson droplets. But the physical pain was nothing compared to watching Astrid's smug smile as she wielded her expecting a baby like a weapon, knowing I couldn't fight back without looking like a monster. "Luna!" Sarah, our pack healer, pushed through the gathering crowd. Her eyes widened at the sight of my injury. "You're not healingâyou need treatment immediately." The world tilted dangerously as she examined the wound. "You need to come to the clinic immediately. You're not healing properly." Elena supported me as we hurried to Sarah's clinic, leaving behind the chaos of scattered shopping bags and shocked onlookers. Each step sent fresh pain through my thigh, a constant reminder of how vulnerable I'd become. "I don't understand," I whispered as Sarah cleaned the wounds. "I used to be one of the strongest wolves in the pack. Now I can barely shift." Sarah's hands stilled. Something flickered across her face. "Actually... I have your latest test results. The ones about your wolf's weakness and the... the fertility issues." My heart stopped. "And?" Elena gripped my good hand. Sarah's smile was radiant. "It's not permanent! Your wolf isn't naturally weak, Luna. And you're not barren. With proper treatment, you could be back to full strength within months." The words hit like a physical blow. All this time... all these years of thinking I was broken... "I can..." My voice cracked. "I can have pups?" "There's no reason you couldn't, once your wolf regains her strength. You and Alpha Raven could start your family within the year." Joy bubbled up through the pain, so intense it brought tears to my eyes. A family. The dream I'd thought forever out of reach. The one thing I'd wanted more than anything. "All those years," I whispered, remembering every disappointment, every pitying look, every whispered comment about the Luna who couldn't give the Alpha heirs. "I thought there was something wrong with me." Despite the pain in my thigh, despite the morning's confrontation, hope bloomed in my chest. Raven had sworn to make things right between us. With my condition treatable, with the possibility of pups in our future... "I have to tell him," I breathed, sliding off the examination table. "Elena, I have to" "Go." She hugged me carefully. "But be careful. " I barely felt my injuries as I rushed home, my heart lighter than it had been in months. A future stretched before me - one with strong pups playing in our yard, my wolf running freely under the moon, my mate's proud smile as our family grew... But... The sight of luggage in our driveway stopped me cold. Expensive suitcases. Designer bags. A small mountain of possessions was carried into my home by pack servants. "Ah, Sylvia." Raven appeared in the doorway, his expression grave. "We need to talk." "What's going on?" But I knew. Deep in my soul, I knew. "I heard about the fight." His voice held disappointment. Like I was a misbehaving pup. "Attacking a expecting a baby she-wolf? Causing her such stress in her condition?" "She attacked me! Her wolves-" "After you slapped her." He ran a hand through his hair. "Look, given the situation, Astrid doesn't feel safe in the remote property. She doesn't trust the nanny, not after this. She needs to be somewhere I can personally ensure her safety." "So you're moving her into our home?" The words tasted like ashes. "Just until she calms down. Until she feels secure again." He wouldn't meet my eyes. "It's the only way to protect James's child." The test results burned in my pocket. The hope of our own family turned to dust. "I'm your mate," I whispered. "Your Luna." "And she's carrying my best friend's baby." Finally, he looked at me. "A friend who end life for me. Please, Sylvia. Just until the baby comes." ohhh, her smile. All this time, I'd been playing a game I didn't even know the rules to. Every move I made pushed Raven further into her web. Every reaction gave her more power. And now she was moving into my home. My territory. My life. The joy of the test results crumbled to nothing as I watched another woman claim my space, my mate, my future. I felt like a fool. Chapter 0006 Sylviaâs POV "You can't just bring her into our home without even discussing it with me," I said, my voice trembling with suppressed emotion. We stood in our bedroom, where hours ago I'd been celebrating the possibility of having pups, of fixing our marriage. Now those dreams felt like ashes in my mouth. "What would you have me do, Sylvia?" Raven ran a hand through his dark hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "You attacked a expecting a baby she-wolf." "I slapped her," I cut in. "After she flaunted your credit card after she called herself your wife after she mocked our inability to have pups. One slap, Raven. And in return..." I yanked up my skirt, revealing the angry red gashes that scored my thigh. The wounds still hadn't healedâa testament to my wolf's weakened state. "Look at what your precious widow did to me, Raven. Look!" His eyes widened as he took in the wounds. For the first time since this mess began, I saw genuine shock cross his face. "She did this to you?" His fingers reached out but stopped short of touching the wounds. "Oh, Raven!" Astrid's voice cracked perfectly on his name as she appeared in our doorway. Her timing, as always, was impeccable. Tears sparkled in her wide eyes, one hand pressed to her belly while the other braced against the doorframe. The very picture of a distressed expecting a baby woman. "I was so scared," she whispered, those tears now sliding down her cheeks. "When she slapped me... all I could think about was the baby. James's baby." Her voice broke on his name. "I just... I reacted. My wolf... she only wanted to protect our pup." I watched my mate's face, seeing the conflict war across his features. The wounds on my leg spoke of violence, but Astrid's tears spoke of vulnerability. My strong, decisive Alphaâthe man who could command hundreds of wolves with a single wordâstood frozen between his mate and his supposed responsibility. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken accusations. Through our weakened bond, I felt his turmoil, his desire to protect both women before him. "Astrid," he said finally, his voice carrying that Alpha authority I used to love. "Regardless of provocation, you attacked my mate. The Luna of this pack. That cannot happen." Hope flared in my chest, bright and painful. Finally, he was seeing through her actâ "You're right!" Astrid's knees buckled as she sank to the floor, one hand still protectively curved over her belly. The movement was graceful despite her apparent distress. Everything about her was always so perfectly choreographed. "You're absolutely right, Alpha. Luna." She turned those tear-filled eyes to me. "I was wrong. So wrong. I should never have let my fear control me. Without James, I just feel so... so vulnerable. Every threat seems so much bigger." My wolf wanted to snarl, to expose her manipulation. But I'd played this game before. Every time I reacted to her provocations, I looked like the aggressor. Every time I called out her manipulation, I seemed paranoid. "Get up," I said coldly, watching her performance with new eyes. "Save your tears for someone who hasn't seen both your faces. The sweet, helpless widow you play for Raven, and the smirking manipulator who sent me that photo on our anniversary night." "Sylvia!" Raven's reproachful tone made my wolf whimper. "She's apologizing. She's carrying James's pupâ" "James's pup," I laughed, the sound harsh even to my own ears. "How convenient. The perfect shield, isn't it? Every time you want something, every time you overstep, you just need to mention James or pat your belly, and everyone falls in line." "Please," Astrid whispered, her voice small. "I know I've made mistakes, but I'm tryingâ" "Trying to take my place?" I stepped toward her, noting how she shrank back even as her eyes glittered with challenge. "Trying to move into my home? Trying to steal my mate?" "Enough!" Raven's Alpha voice resonated through the room. "Both of you need to calm down." I turned to him, really looked at him. My mate. My Alpha. The man I'd loved since we were pups ourselves. Five years of marriage, of building a life together, and he still couldn't see what was right in front of him. "No," I said quietly. "No more calming down. No more understanding. No more compromises." I met his eyes steadily. "One of us needs to leave this house, Raven. Your mate, or your... whatever she is to you. Choose." Astrid's soft sobs provided the perfect backdrop to our drama. Everything about her was perfectâher timing, her tears, her helpless widow act. And I was done competing with it. Raven straightened, his Alpha authority filling the room. "Astrid, please wait downstairs. I need to speak with my mate alone." She hesitated, her hand still pressed to her belly, but even she couldn't disobey a direct Alpha command. As she left, her scentâjasmine and honeyâlingered unpleasantly in our bedroom. I turned back to my closet, yanking clothes from hangers. "There's nothing to discuss. You've made your choice clear." "Stop." His hands caught mine from behind, stilling my frantic movements. His chest pressed against my back, his scentâpine needles and winter frostâsurrounding me, making my wolf stir with longing despite everything. "Just... stop, little wolf." "Don't call me that," I whispered, but didn't pull away. His warmth was achingly familiar, reminding me of countless intimate moments we'd shared in this room. "Let me at least tend to your wounds," he murmured, his breath warm against my neck. I hesitated... He guided me to sit on our bed, the same bed where just this morning I'd dreamed of having his pups. He knelt before me, gently examining the gashes on my thigh. Through our weakened bond, I felt his genuine distress at seeing me injured. "These should have healed by now," he said softly, reaching for the medicinal salve. His fingers were gentle as they spread the cooling substance over my wounds. "Your wolf's healing..." "Has been weak for months," I finished. "But you've been too busy with Astrid to notice." His hands stilled on my leg. Then they moved higher, past the wounds to uninjured skin. The mate bond hummed between us as his touch became less clinical, more intimate. "I've noticed everything about you," he murmured, his eyes darkening as they met mine. "Your scent changing. Your wolf's quietness. The way you pull away from me." His hands slid higher, making me gasp. "I've just been too much of a fool to do anything about it." "Raven..." I meant it as a warning, but it came out as a plea. His lips found mine, tasting of regret and desire. Each kiss felt like an apology, each touch a promise. The mate bond sparked between us, stronger than it had been in months, carrying echoes of his guilt, his love, his need. I should have stopped him. Should have maintained my anger, and my resolve. But five years of love don't end life easily, even when poisoned by betrayal. And right now, with his scent surrounding me, his hands erasing every memory of pain, I needed this connection. Chapter 0007 Sylviaâs POV The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow through the bedroom window. His tall frame casts a shadow over me. My breath catches in my throat as he reaches out, his fingers brushing my cheek. The touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine. We hadn't been this close in months. "I'm sorry," he finally said, his voice low. "I'm truly sorry, little wolf, forgive me." His apology was filled with regret and longing. I want to forgive him and let go of the sadness and anger that has consumed me for so long. But part of me is scared, scared that if I allow myself to feel again, it will only lead to more pain. "Don't, Raven," I said, pushing his hand away, but not firmly. "We both need time to calm down. "But Raven didn't care. He continued to kiss me "I don't want to calm down," he murmured, his breath rolling over my skin. "I want you, little wolf. Right now. " The intensity in his voice turned me and my wolf on, and my wolf let out a sound of pleasure in my head. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of his lips on mine, soft and insistent. It had been a long time since we had kissed like this, and a long time since I had felt the heat of his desire. He licked over the spot I'd marked and growled, his eyes were all over me now, "Baby, spread your legs." His voice got hotter, "Please baby, let me in." My body trembled with anticipation as I obeyed, opening up for him. Raven's hands were gentle but firm as he guided himself to fill me completely. The sensation was overwhelming, the mixture of pleasure and pain bringing tears to my eyes. "Look at me," he said with emotion in his voice. "Don't hide from me." I meet his gaze, my vision blurred by tears. He kisses my face, kisses away my tears, and begins to move inside me. I can feel the wolf inside him, its primal instincts driving him forward, demanding fulfillment. "That's it," Raven growled, his haunch shaking harder. "I love you, little wolf, believe me." For a moment, everything felt perfectâlike we'd finally found our way back to each other. The mate bond hummed between us, stronger than it had been in months, carrying echoes of his desire, his guilt, his need for forgiveness. Afterward, we lay tangled in the sheets, our scents mingled in the air. His hand traced lazy patterns on my skin as my wolf purred contentedly within me. Our knots of tension and mistrust had loosened, if not completely untied. I was in the crook of his arm, drifting off to sleep. But in the middle of the night, I woke to cold sheets beside me. Raven's warmth was gone, his scent fading. My weakened wolf stirred uneasily, the mate bond pulling me toward... Astrid's room. No. Not tonight. Not after we'd just... But my feet carried me forward anyway, drawn by an instinct I couldn't ignore. The hallway seemed endless as I approached her room, my heart pounding with each step. Through the doorway, I saw themâmy husband, who had been making love to me just hours ago, now holding Astrid in his arms as she cried. I pressed against the wall beside the door, my wolf straining to hear their words. "It's not fair," Astrid sobbed, her face pressed against his chest. "None of this is fair." "I know." Raven's voice was so gentle, so intimate. It made my stomach turn. "We had something real," she whispered. "Before the moon goddess interfered, before her destiny tore us apart..." My heart stopped. What? "Astrid..." Raven's voice held such history, such pain. "We can't change the past." "Can't we?" Her fingers clutched his shirtâthe same shirt I'd helped him remove hours ago. "Tell me you don't think about it. About us. About what we had before she came along." The silence that followed was deafening. Raven's hesitation spoke volumes. "My marriage to Sylvia..." he finally said, his words careful, measured. "It's not reluctant. I do care for her." Care. Not love. Never love. "But it's not the same," Astrid pressed. "What we had was real. The moon goddess might have chosen her for you, but your heart chose me first." My legs trembled as memories realigned in my mind. Every time he'd pulled away. Every time he'd chosen Astrid over me. Every time he'd made me feel like I was asking for too much by wanting my mate's full attention. "The child..." Astrid's voice dropped to a whisper, her hand moving to her belly. "Sometimes I wonder..." Raven cut her off quickly. "Don't. That path only leads to pain." I listened as Astrid continued, her voice breaking with practiced perfection as she detailed her struggles, her loneliness, and her fear. Each word was carefully chosen to twist the knife of guilt deeper into Raven's heart. My wolf whimpered within me, but for once, it wasn't from weakness. It was from heartbreak. All this time, I'd thought Astrid was trying to steal my mate. But she'd had him first. She'd loved him first. And some part of him had never stopped loving her. The Moon Goddess herself broke them up, forcing him to accept me as his mate. I was the Moon Goddess's choice, but not his heart's, and our union was never complete. I struggled with my emotions, torn between rage and devastation. Part of me sympathized with Astridâlosing the man she loved to another woman must have been painful. But then I remembered her calculated manipulations, her triumphant smirks, her deliberate interference in my marriage. My sympathy withered. "I know I should let you go," Astrid was saying, her voice thick with tears. "But seeing you with her... knowing what we once had..." Raven's silence was another knife in my heart. He should be denying this. Should be pushing her away. Should be honoring our mate bond, especially after the intimacy we'd just shared. Instead, he held her closer, offering comfort that wasn't his to give. The wolf inside meâmy proud, fierce wolf that had been growing mysteriously weakerâfinally stirred with purpose. She wanted to burst in there, to confront them both, to demand answers about all the lies and I needed to think. Needed to plan. This wasn't just about a widow seeking comfort anymore. This was about a woman who'd lost her lover to a mate bond, who'd married his best friend instead, and who was now using that friend's death and her expecting a baby to reclaim what she'd lost. And my mate... My Raven... he was letting her. I pushed away from the wall, my feet silent on the carpeted floor as I retreated. Their voices followed meâAstrid's perfectly timed sobs, Raven's gentle comforting words. Words that should have been mine. Comfort that belonged to his mate, not his former lover. In our bedroomâthe same room where he'd touched me so tenderly just hours agoâI sank onto the bed. His scent still clung to the sheets, but now it felt tainted. Every kiss, every touch, every whispered promise... had he been thinking of her? Wishing I was her? Chapter 0008 Sylvia's POV Morning light filtered through the windows as I stood outside Astrid's room, my resolve hardened by last night's revelations. No more games. No more manipulation. This had to end. I knocked sharply. "It's me, Sylvia. Astrid. We need to talk." She opened the door with that perfectly practiced innocent expression. "Oh, Luna! What a surprise..." "Save it." I pushed past her into the room, then stopped cold. I was surprised to see on her dresser sat my mother's silver urnâthe one thing I had left of her, the most precious possession in my entire home. "Oh, that?" Astrid smiled sweetly. "Such a lovely piece. Raven told me all about your mother... how she end life protecting your father, who then end life protecting his pack. So tragic." My wolf bristled at her casual handling of my family's pain. "This ends now, Astrid. I heard you last night. I know everythingâabout your relationship with Raven, about how the moon goddess separated you." "Finally figured it out, did you?" Her mask slipped, revealing the snake beneath. "Took you long enough. Five years of marriage, and you never wondered why he runs to me every chance he gets?" "You need to leave," I said firmly. "Find another pack, another life. Stop poisoning my marriage." She laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Your marriage? Do you mean the one forced on him by the moon goddess? The one that stole him from me?" "He's my mateâ" "He's my love!" She snatched up my mother's urn. "I had him first. We chose each other. You? You're just some cosmic joke forced on him by fate." "Put that down." My voice shook with barely contained rage. "Or what?" Her fingers loosened on the urn. "You'll attack a expecting a baby woman? Prove to everyone what a monster you really are?" "Astridâ" " "You know what's funny?" She started pacing, still holding my mother's ashes. "How easy it was to make him doubt you. A few tears here, a swoon there... He's so desperate to atone for his father's sins against your family that he never questions my motives." "This isn't about Raven anymore," I growled. "This is about you using my dead friend's child as a weapon. James deserved better than that." Her eyes flashed. "Don't you dare speak his name! James was a fool who end life for his precious Alpha, leaving me to play grieving widow. But it worked out perfectly, didn't it? Now I have the perfect excuse to stay close to Raven." "You're insane." I stepped toward her. "Give me my mother's urn." "Your mother?" She sneered. "Another weak wolf who end life for nothing. Like father, like daughterâalways playing the noble sacrifice. It's pathetic." Something snapped inside me. "Give. Me. The. Urn." "Come get it." And then, with a smile that showed her true nature, she let it slip from her fingers. Time slowed. I lunged forward, but my weakened wolf wasn't fast enough. The silver urn shattered on the hardwood floor, my mother's ashes scattering like gray snow. "Oops." Astrid's voice dripped false concern. "How clumsy of me." A sound escaped meâpart wolf, part human, pure anguish. My mother's ashes... all I had left of her... "What's wrong, Luna?" Astrid taunted. "Upset about a little spilled dust? Like mother, like daughterâboth of you just dirt on the ground." I moved without thinking, grief and rage propelling me forward. Astrid backpedaled toward the balcony doors, her hand on her stomach, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "Stay back!" she cried, a voice suddenly loud enough to carry. "Please! Think of the baby!" "You did this on purpose," I snarled. "Everythingâthe urn, backing toward the balconyâit's all another manipulation!" She smirked. "Yes, but no one will believe you, Luna. Poor Luna." Then, with the grace of a dancer, she let herself fall backward through the open doors. A normal wolf would have easily caught themselvesâthe drop was nothing to our kind. But Astrid didn't even try. She just fell, her scream piercing the morning air. "I promise I'll never go near Raven again!" she wailed as she fell. "Please don't hurt my baby!" "Sylvia!" Raven's roar came from below. Of course, he was there. Of course, she'd timed this perfectly. I rushed to the balcony, looking down to see Astrid sprawled dramatically on the ground, Raven already at her side. Pack members gathered, drawn by her scream. "What happened?" Raven demanded, though his eyes said he'd already decided. "Sheâshe attacked me," Astrid sobbed. "Said she was tired of me being around. When I told her I'd leave, she said it was too late. That she'd make sure there was nothing left to keep you tied to me..." "That's not true!" I called down. "She broke my mother's urnâ" "You want to know what she said, Raven?" Astrid's voice carried clearly. "She said her father was the true Alpha of the Cold Moon tribe. That you only have your position because of her family's sacrifice. She said she's always looked down on you, that she only tolerates you because of the mate bond." Raven's face darkened with each word. "Sylvia. Get down here." I descended the stairs, my legs shaking with fury. "She's lying. She deliberately broke my mother's urn to provoke meâ" "A high fall like that wouldn't hurt a wolf," I argued. "She didn't even try to land properly!" "I was scared!" Astrid wailed. "When she came at me, all I could think about was protecting the baby. I... I just panicked." She leaned into my husband's arms and gave me a provocative look. She thought I would come forward again in anger, she thought I would, but I didn't. I suddenly felt confused, their faces were in front of me, but so unreal. "Enough!" Raven's Alpha voice rang out. His eyes, when they met mine, were cold with fury. "I've seen enough. Heard enough." "Raven, pleaseâ" "You attacked expecting a baby woman. Used your father's name to undermine my authority. Threatened an innocent child." Each accusation felt like a physical blow. "I've been patient. Been understanding. But this? This is unforgivable." My wolf cowered at his tone, but I forced myself to stand tall. "If you'd just listenâ" "No more listening." His voice dropped to something terrible and final. "You want to act like a traitor? Fine. I'll treat you like one. Perhaps the Blood Moon pack needs a new slave. They know how to handle rebellious wolves." The world stopped. The Blood Moon pack. Known for their cruelty. For breaking wolves into mindless servants. My mateâthe man I'd loved since childhoodâwas threatening to send me there. He was going to hurt me, and in the crook of his arm, he was guarding another woman in a protective position. Something deep inside me shattered. Not just my heart, but every dream, every hope, and every bit of love I'd ever felt for him. "A slave?" My voice came out strange and cold. "That's what I am to you now? Not your mate? Not your Luna? Just a disobedient wolf to be sold off?" He faltered slightly at my tone. "Sylviaâ" "No." Power rose in meânot my weakened wolf, but something older. Something primal. I stood straight as I stared into his eyes, fearless. "I, Sylvia, the Luna of Cold Moon pack, now break the mate bond with you, Raven, the Alpha of... " | LEARN_MORE | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15909&u | Galaxy in the Story | https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/ | 1,609 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | befant.com | DCO | https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15909&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/t39.35426-6/468320331_1286055129255157_6112139950753879329_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NdyI7hvLyWQQ7kNvgF5fIhv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-gIF6CybdwOSqsPdIw3JPt&oh=00_AYBOV18aFbP4LSZ4PkIsx3X81FnBrWhqBOgDwjh7J4DHJQ&oe=675D53AD | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Galaxy in the Story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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LitRing - Connecting Authors, Readers, and Book Lovers | đ đ°đŠâđ¨ đđđŤđđđđđ đťđđđ! đ Give yourself the ultimate holiday treat! ⨠The đđ˘đđ đ¨đ đđđđđ˘đ§đ đđ˘đŻđđđ°đđ˛ kicks off today, bringing you the chance to discover amazing new authors AND win a $đąđŹ đđşđŽđđźđť đđśđłđ đđŽđżđą! đđ Follow your favorite authors, explore fresh stories, and earn entries for every author you follow. Itâs that easy! đ Visit đđ˘đđđ˘đ§đ .đđ¨đŚ now to join the fun and unwrap the joy of reading this season! Hurryâthe gift of reading is waiting for you! đ #LitRingGiveaway #GiftOfReading #FollowAuthors #ReadersUnite | LEARN_MORE | http://www.LitRing.com/ | LitRing | https://www.facebook.com/TheLitRing/ | 25,847 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | litring.com | IMAGE | LitRing is dedicated to bringing authors and readers together one chapter at a time. Join our community of book lovers today to get connected! | http://www.LitRing.com/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469813161_1989191421494845_8245780404575927361_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d4_7rtDbh5EQ7kNvgE2_1_j&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiH90qRnxvun7aScNBuf4wY&oh=00_AYCLOS1TnCHT-PkMeEHpGkpQJ8aiMUxD5fwPLkykM7zAhQ&oe=675D43A5 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | LitRing | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 | â¤ď¸đO que acontece a seguirđClique aqui para continuar lendođ | Cheguei em casa depois de um dia puxado e meus pais estavam me esperando na sala. - Catarina, senta aĂ que precisamos conversar. â Meu pai falou e parecia bem nervoso. - Pode falar, pai, o que aconteceu? â Perguntei ao meu pai cansado, eu tinha trabalhado o dia todo, ido pra faculdade Ă noite e, ao chegar em casa, a Ăşnica coisa que eu queria era tomar um banho e cair na cama. Mas nĂŁo foi possĂvel. - Catarina, chegou o convite de casamento da sua prima. â Minha mĂŁe falou. - Aquela mulherzinha nĂŁo ĂŠ minha prima! â Falei jĂĄ ficando nervosa. - Catarina, ela ĂŠ a sua prima. â Minha mĂŁe falou. â Ă melhor vocĂŞ parar com esse ataque de infantilidade. A Melissa jĂĄ bateu nela e fez um escândalo aqui em casa. Agora chega! Ela ĂŠ filha da minha irmĂŁ, portanto ĂŠ sua prima. - Me desculpa, mĂŁe, mas ela nĂŁo ĂŠ nada pra mim. â Tentei manter a calma. â Ela ficou com o meu namorado na minha cama, isso nĂŁo ĂŠ coisa que se faça. Eu namorava o ClĂĄudio hĂĄ quatro anos, ele foi meu primeiro namorado, e o encontrei na minha cama, no meu quarto, transando com a Kelly, minha prima! Eu fiquei em choque. Claro que a Melissa, minha melhor amiga, partiu pra cima deles. Desde entĂŁo as coisas ficaram tensas em minha casa, pois meus pais insistiam que era uma bobagem e que eu deveria agir como se nada tivesse acontecido e voltasse a conviver com a minha prima. - Errado foi ele, Catarina, que era seu namorado. â Minha mĂŁe argumentou. â A Kelly, coitada, foi seduzida, ele a desonrou, agora vai se casar com ela pra ela nĂŁo ficar mal falada na cidade. - Ah, mĂŁe! Me poupe e se poupe! A cidade inteira sabe que a Kelly ĂŠ uma vadia... â Perdi a paciĂŞncia. - Catarina, olha o vocabulĂĄrio! â Meu pai chamou a minha atenção. â Olha aqui, se vocĂŞ nĂŁo quer conviver com a Kelly tudo bem, mas vocĂŞ vai a esse casamento. E chega desse comportamento grosseiro. - Eu o quĂŞ? â Achei que eu tinha ouvido errado. - VocĂŞ vai ao casamento da sua prima, Catarina. Isso ĂŠ uma ordem! NĂłs somos os seus pais e vocĂŞ vai obedecer. â Minha mĂŁe falava brava comigo, como se eu fosse a errada nessa situação. - Sinto muito, mĂŁe, mas eu nĂŁo vou! Eu sigo as regras de vocĂŞs, eu sou uma boa filha, mas dessa vez nĂŁo vai dar. Eu fui a ofendida! Eu tenho todo o direito de nĂŁo querer ser a piada da famĂlia mais. â Falei jĂĄ chorando. - CHEGA, CATARINA! â Meu pai gritou e me assustou. â VocĂŞ vai a esse casamento e ponto final. - Mas, pai... - NĂŁo quero saber, Catarina! Ă importante pra sua mĂŁe manter a paz na famĂlia. EntĂŁo vocĂŞ vai e pronto. â Meu pai falou nĂŁo dando margem para questionamentos. Fui para o meu quarto e passei a noite chorando. No dia seguinte contei tudo para a Melissa, que nĂŁo perdeu tempo, arrumou os convites para um baile de mĂĄscaras, evento de gala, falando para os meus pais que seria importantĂssimo para a minha carreira, jĂĄ que os empresĂĄrios mais importantes da cidade estariam lĂĄ, eu faria contatos muito importantes e nossos professores haviam prometido nos apresentar a vĂĄrios empresĂĄrios que abririam portas para o nosso futuro profissional. Em princĂpio meus pais nĂŁo estavam muito convencidos, mas os pais da Melissa conversaram com eles e os convenceram de que seria uma excelente oportunidade para o meu futuro. EntĂŁo eles concordaram que eu deveria aproveitar a oportunidade. - Catarina, vocĂŞ nĂŁo pode me dizer nĂŁo! JĂĄ comprei os convites, as mĂĄscaras e jĂĄ atĂŠ convenci seus pais de que ĂŠ um evento importantĂssimo para o seu futuro profissional, o que me deu um trabalhĂŁo. Essa festa vai ser incrĂvel e vocĂŞ nĂŁo vai perder! â Melissa, falava e me olhava com os olhos de um cachorrinho abandonado, juntando as mĂŁos como se suplicando. Eu estava sentada em minha mesa no trabalho, no meio da tarde de uma quinta feira, entre anotar recados e fazer ligaçþes, e a Mel apareceu com cafĂŠ, bolinhos de chocolate e essa insistĂŞncia para eu aceitar ir no baile de mĂĄscaras que acontecia anualmente e era o maior evento em nossa cidade. - Ai, Mel, como ĂŠ que pode eu nĂŁo conseguir dizer nĂŁo pra vocĂŞ? EstĂĄ bem, eu vou! Eu concordei em ir ao baile, mas eu ainda nĂŁo tinha certeza. De qualquer forma eu iria dormir na casa da Mel para fugir do casamento, mas nĂŁo iria Ă festa, contudo, Melissa tanto fez que me convenceu a ir pra festa. No sĂĄbado nos arrumamos na casa dela. - QuĂŞ isso, hein, amiga! TĂĄ gata demais! â Ela me entregou uma mĂĄscara dourada, linda, toda trabalhada como se fosse uma renda, que cobria atĂŠ o nariz e eu a coloquei. Eu usava um vestido de cetim vermelho brilhante e a mĂĄscara combinou perfeitamente. â EntĂŁo, estamos prontas? - Sim estamos prontas. â Respondi e peguei minha bolsa. â Ih, esqueci meu perfume. - NĂŁo, tem problema, vocĂŞ vai usar o perfume novo da minha mĂŁe. Ela nĂŁo se importa. Quando o Fernando, namorado da Mel, nos viu sorriu, deu um beijo na Mel e disse: - Garotas, vocĂŞs estĂŁo lindĂssimas! Acho que vocĂŞ vai sair dessa festa com um namorado novo, Cat. - Sem namorado, Nando. Na verdade, eu acho que ĂŠ melhor eu ficar, eu nĂŁo estou no clima pra festa. Por favor, Mel, deixa eu ficar? CAPĂTULO 2: O grande baile, a tequila, os cosmopolitans e o estranho irresistĂvel NĂŁo teve jeito, minha amiga me arrastou para o baile. Logo que entramos a Mel nos arrastou para o bar e falou no meu ouvido: - A festa ĂŠ open bar, entĂŁo hoje vocĂŞ vai beber para afogar de vez a tristeza! âA Mel me entregou dois shots de tequila e com mais dois em suas mĂŁos me falou: - Vamos virar! â viramos a tequila e o Fernando jĂĄ entregava uma taça de cosmopolitan para cada uma. Melissa me arrastou para a pista de dança e atĂŠ que eu estava me divertindo. Começou uma mĂşsica lenta e o Nando e a Mel começaram a dançar agarradinhos, aproveitei a deixa e me encaminhei para o buffet, mas nĂŁo consegui chegar, senti uma mĂŁo puxando a minha e quando olhei para trĂĄs havia um homem com uma mĂĄscara preta sorrindo pra mim, e que sorriso! Ele beijou minha mĂŁo e me puxou para perto dizendo no meu ouvido com uma voz rouca: - A mulher mais linda do salĂŁo nĂŁo vai me negar uma dança, vai? - E por que nĂŁo? Vamos dançar. â Sorri pra ele. Era impossĂvel resistir aquela voz rouca sedutora e aquele sorriso lindo meio de lado! Ele era alto, ombros largos, um sorriso encantador e olhos azuis, tĂŁo azuis que eram quase violeta. Ele tinha uma boca que convidava ao pecado, cabelos castanhos, e quando me puxou pela cintura eu apoiei as mĂŁos em seu corpo e percebi que ele era uma parede de mĂşsculos bem definidos. Embora a mĂĄscara nĂŁo permitisse ver seu rosto, ele era muito charmoso e encantador. - Eu estava observando vocĂŞ desde que chegou. â Aquele homem, com ar misterioso, falou no meu ouvido. â VocĂŞ ĂŠ tĂŁo linda! - VocĂŞ ĂŠ gentil. Mas vocĂŞ nĂŁo ĂŠ da cidade, ĂŠ? â Ele tinha uma presença forte, emanava poder. - NĂŁo. Um amigo me convenceu a vir a essa festa. - Parece que temos algo em comum, meus amigos tambĂŠm me convenceram a vir. - Sorte minha! - E por que? â Sorri. - Porque eu fiquei fascinado quando te vi. VocĂŞ ĂŠ muito linda. â Enquanto ele falava no meu ouvido eu ia me arrepiando, sentindo meu rosto esquentar e o corpo formigar, ele realmente me encantou. - Mesmo com a mĂĄscara? - Mesmo com a mĂĄscara! VocĂŞ ĂŠ linda demais. - VocĂŞ ĂŠ um sedutor. - VocĂŞ me acha sedutor? - VocĂŞ sabe que ĂŠ. E lindo tambĂŠm. - Que bom que vocĂŞ gosta do que vĂŞ. â Eu me senti um pouco zonza, nĂŁo sei se pela bebida ou pelo perfume delicioso que aquele homem usava. Acabei tropeçando nos meus prĂłprios pĂŠs. - VocĂŞ estĂĄ bem? - Acho que preciso de um pouco de ar. - Vem comigo. - Ele me puxou para um corredor sem iluminação que dava para uma saĂda de emergĂŞncia e ficou assoprando o meu rosto. â Eu quero muito te beijar. Posso? â Eu fiz que sim com a cabeça. Ele olhou nos meus olhos, segurou a minha nuca e nossos lĂĄbios se encontraram, começou lento, mas foi se aprofundando, ele me encostou na parede e o beijo se intensificou ainda mais, quase nos roubando o fĂ´lego, quando ele interrompeu o beijo para respirarmos, nos olhamos nos olhos, foi como jogar gasolina no fogo, ele passou a mĂŁo pela minha cintura, desceu atĂŠ minha coxa e puxou minha perna para sua cintura. Eu jĂĄ estava completamente entregue nesse momento, sentindo seu corpo contra o meu, eu fiquei louca de tesĂŁo e o puxei para mais perto envolvendo sua cintura com minha perna. - VocĂŞ beija bem! â Sorri pra ele e senti meu corpo todo se arrepiar. â Ah, linda, vocĂŞ ĂŠ incrĂvel, eu quero muito vocĂŞ, aqui, agora! â ele disse entre beijos e enfiou a mĂŁo sob o meu vestido o puxando pra cima e chegando a minha calcinha. Eu estava em chamas quando ele enfiou a mĂŁo dentro da minha calcinha e gemeu. â Ah! Que delĂcia! TĂŁo quente, tĂŁo molhadinha! â Disse e me beijou com mais força, enquanto abria o zĂper da sua calça. Com um movimento rĂĄpido, de quem jĂĄ tinha feito aquilo antes, ele rasgou minha calcinha e acariciou minha entrada, como se pedisse permissĂŁo. Olhou nos meus olhos de novo e me perguntou: - O que vocĂŞ quer que eu faça? - Eu quero que vocĂŞ esteja dentro de mim agora! â Respondi sem nenhum pudor, eu jĂĄ estava arfando de tanto tesĂŁo. Eu nĂŁo resisti aqueles olhos e aquela voz rouca. Eu nunca fui assim, normalmente eu teria me desvencilhado dele no momento em que me puxou pela mĂŁo, mas aquela noite eu havia prometido a mim mesma que iria me divertir e se aparecesse alguĂŠm interessante eu viveria o momento. E era o que eu estava fazendo, vivendo aquele momento. Ao me ouvir, ele foi entrando em mim devagar, observando eu encostar minha cabeça na parede e aproveitar cada centĂmetro dele, e ele era enorme. Ele aproveitou para espalhar beijos pelo meu pescoço. Quando acabou de entrar ele parou e falou entre beijos no meu ouvido: - Agora eu vou me mexer. â E começou a sair, sĂł pra entrar de novo com toda força dessa vez, e foi uma delĂcia, eu estava completamente entregue e enlouquecida com os movimentos dele que entrava e saia de mim freneticamente. Nos descontrolamos e nos entregamos totalmente, como se nĂŁo tivesse nada ao nosso redor, eu senti uma nĂŠvoa em meus olhos e o climax começando a se formar e gemi baixinho no ouvido dele, nesse momento parece que ele enlouqueceu, puxou minha outra perna para sua cintura e eu o entrelacei. Me beijando intensamente ele entrava e saia com mais força ainda em mim, era o paraĂso na terra. Eu gozei gemendo na boca dele e foi um climax incrĂvel, mas ele continuou o movimento e logo outro climax se formou, e gozei novamente, um climax ainda maior que o anterior que me deixou sem fĂ´lego, enquanto eu gozava ele me disse baixinho que estava no limite me sentindo pulsar ao seu redor, logo eu senti o gozo dele quente dentro de mim. Ficamos ali encostados naquela parede, totalmente sem fĂ´lego, a testa dele encostada a minha. Enquanto me beijava, ele começou a sair de mim e eu estava completamente bem comida, como diria a Melissa. Eu sorri e ele me olhou, me deu um selinho e disse: - VocĂŞ ĂŠ realmente incrĂvel! Gentilmente ele baixou minhas pernas atĂŠ meus pĂŠs tocarem o chĂŁo, colocou o meu vestido em ordem, arrumou sua calça e me abraçou. Isso foi tĂŁo Ăntimo, tĂŁo afetuoso, apesar da loucura daquele encontro e da ferocidade com que nos entregamos, ele ainda era cuidadoso comigo. Eu nunca tinha tido uma relação tĂŁo maravilhosa, mas eu sĂł tinha transado com meu ex atĂŠ entĂŁo. E meu ex nunca tinha se preocupado em me abraçar depois, nem se preocupava com meu prazer, para ele a coisa se resumia a entrar e sair atĂŠ ele estar satisfeito, entĂŁo, o fato de um homem se preocupar comigo, com meu prazer, cuidar de mim, foi novidade, e uma novidade incrĂvel. Ele me deu um beijo no pescoço e perguntou no meu ouvido: - EntĂŁo, linda, eu ainda nĂŁo sei o seu nome. â Levei segundos para processar e finalmente me dar conta de que acabei de transar com um completo estranho e nem sei o nome dele. Quando eu ia abrir a boca pra falar, ele puxou o celular do bolso e me pediu um minuto para atender. Se afastou um pouco e sĂł pude ouvir ele elevando a voz e dizendo: - O que vocĂŞ disse? â Nesse momento aquele estranho saiu correndo como se tivesse se esquecido de mim, ou como se sĂł estivesse fugindo da rapariga que comeu rapidinho na festa. Mas e daĂ? Foda-se eu sĂł estava me divertindo tambĂŠm e eu nem sabia quem era o cara e ele nĂŁo sabia quem eu era. Tudo certo. Me recompus, procurei minha calcinha rasgada inutilmente, onde ele a teria jogado eu nĂŁo faço ideia, e saĂ daquele corredor. Voltei pra mesa e encontrei a Mel e o Nando se agarrando. Logo eles pararam e focaram em mim: - Mel, acho que encontrei o Lobo Mau! â Eu ri e ela riu comigo. - Quando chegarmos em casa quero saber tudo! - Claro que quer! â respondi com os olhos brilhando. - PrĂncipe, acho que jĂĄ podemos ir. O que acha, Cat? - Eu estou pronta quando vocĂŞs quiserem! â falei virando um copo de ĂĄgua. - EntĂŁo vamos, garotas! â Fernando falou e nos conduziu para a saĂda. Mal chegamos e a Mel jĂĄ foi me ordenando: - Conta tudo, quem ĂŠ, como foi, como nĂŁo foi, tudo. Eu ri e contei tudo pra ela, quando terminei de falar minha amiga me olhava de boca aberta e me perguntou: - VocĂŞs usaram camisinha, nĂŠ? Meu coração disparou! A gente nĂŁo usou preservativo. E eu balancei a cabeça em negativa para ela, eu estava em choque por me dar conta do quĂŁo descuidada eu fui. Ela jĂĄ foi logo me acalmando: - NĂŁo, Cat, calma. Com certeza nĂŁo vai dar nada. Mas vocĂŞ deve fazer uns exames para garantir que estĂĄ tudo bem. Vou na cozinha preparar um chĂĄ pra gente. NĂŁo surta! CAPĂTULO 3: Chegou a hora da verdade Na segunda, na hora do almoço, encontrei a Mel e ela me entregou uma sacolinha de uma loja chique. Olhei pra ela sem entender. - Minha mĂŁe mandou eu te entregar. Ela disse que ele ĂŠ perfeito para vocĂŞ e nĂŁo combina com ela. â A Mel falou com um grande sorriso. Abri a sacolinha e lĂĄ dentro estava o perfume que eu usei para ir ao baile. Eu abri um grande sorriso. Eu amei aquele perfume e ele era parte da melhor noite da minha vida. Liguei para o laboratĂłrio e fui informada que precisaria apresentar um pedido mĂŠdico para fazer os exames pelo plano de saĂşde. Graças a Deus a empresa pagava plano de saĂşde para os funcionĂĄrios, porque se nĂŁo, nĂŁo sei o que faria, meu salĂĄrio nĂŁo era alto e o pouco que sobrava depois de cobrir as despesas da faculdade eu ajudava em casa, jĂĄ que minha mĂŁe nĂŁo trabalhava fora e meu pai tambĂŠm nĂŁo ganhava muito como motorista. EntĂŁo marquei o mĂŠdico que sĂł tinha horĂĄrio para quinze dias depois e aguardei agoniada. Quanto mais os dias passavam mais nervosa eu estava, a Mel fazia de tudo para me acalmar. Na data marcada ela foi comigo ao mĂŠdico. Com a lista de exames nas mĂŁos ela mesma marcou o laboratĂłrio e fez questĂŁo de me acompanhar. JĂĄ tinham se passado trĂŞs semanas desde a festa quando eu finalmente consegui fazer os exames. Os resultados saĂram cinco dias depois e eu voltei ao mĂŠdico. Claro que a Mel estava comigo. O mĂŠdico verificou os resultados e me olhou nos olhos: - Srta. Catarina, sua saĂşde estĂĄ Ăłtima. VocĂŞ estĂĄ saudĂĄvel. Mas, daqui pra frente terĂĄ que se cuidar melhor. Eu respirei aliviada Ele continuou falando: - ParabĂŠns, vocĂŞ estĂĄ grĂĄvida! Vou encaminhĂĄ-la para um ginecologista obstetra para que vocĂŞ faça o prĂŠ natal.... Eu nĂŁo ouvi mais nada, sĂł o sangue pulsando em meus ouvidos. Eu nĂŁo podia acreditar nisso! GrĂĄvida? Como eu iria explicar? NĂŁo ĂŠ possĂvel. Na primeira vez que deixo a racionalidade de lado acabo grĂĄvida e nem sei quem ĂŠ o pai! A Mel segurava minha mĂŁo e repetia: - Calma, Cat, vai ficar tudo bem! Como ficaria tudo bem? Eu nem sabia quem era o pai. Eu teria que contar isso para os meus pais, sua Ăşnica filha acabaria com eles. Eles ficariam decepcionados, iriam me odiar, me colocariam pra fora de casa. Como eu ia explicar que nĂŁo sei nem como ĂŠ a cara do pai do meu filho? Eu jĂĄ estava hiperventilando. De repente, senti o mĂŠdico pegando minha mĂŁo e falando calmamente: - Filha, calma! A situação, pelo que percebo, nĂŁo ĂŠ a melhor, mas vocĂŞ nĂŁo pode ficar nervosa assim, isso farĂĄ mal para o seu bebĂŞ, agora vocĂŞ tem que se cuidar por ele. Tenho certeza que as pessoas que te amam vĂŁo te apoiar e ajudar. Mas vocĂŞ precisa se acalmar, porque sĂł vocĂŞ pode cuidar para que esse bebĂŞ se desenvolva saudĂĄvel e nasça forte. VocĂŞ me compreende? O mĂŠdico pediu a secretĂĄria para trazer um chĂĄ de camomila para mim e enquanto eu bebia o chĂĄ e tentava me acalmar ele passava todas as informaçþes para a Melissa que ouvia tudo atentamente. SaĂmos do consultĂłrio e a Melissa me levou para uma lanchonete dizendo que nĂłs precisĂĄvamos comer alguma coisa. Logo que me sentei senti as lĂĄgrimas caĂrem. Minha amiga me abraçou e me disse mais uma vez que eu nĂŁo estava sozinha. Olhei para ela e disse: - A Ăşnica certeza que tenho agora ĂŠ que quero vocĂŞ e o Nando como padrinhos do meu filho, porque sei que vocĂŞs vĂŁo apoiĂĄ-lo e dar a ele muito amor. Os olhos dela brilharam e ela explodiu em lĂĄgrimas e soluçando me respondeu: - Eu vou ser a melhor madrinha do mundo e vou estar sempre perto do nosso bebĂŞ! E tenho certeza que o Nando vai ficar muito feliz tambĂŠm! Ela garantiu que estaria ao meu lado sempre, deixou claro que eu nĂŁo passaria por nada sozinha e que estaria comigo quando eu fosse falar com meus pais. Meus pais... ai! Comecei a raciocinar e decidi que nĂŁo iria esconder deles nem por um dia, ia contar naquela noite mesmo, nĂŁo iria a faculdade, pois iria pra casa falar com eles. A Mel logo me apoiou e disse: - EntĂŁo vamos, eu estou com vocĂŞ! Quando chegamos em minha casa meus pais se assustaram e minha mĂŁe jĂĄ veio toda preocupada: - Meninas, vocĂŞs nĂŁo foram a aula hoje? EstĂĄ tudo bem? - NĂŁo muito, mĂŁe. Eu preciso falar com vocĂŞs. Meus pais perceberam logo que era algo muito sĂŠrio. Nos sentamos todos na sala e eu contei a eles o que estava acontecendo e que eu fui irresponsĂĄvel e fiquei com um estranho na festa, nĂŁo entrei em detalhes obviamente, mas deixei claro que nĂŁo poderia encontrar o pai do meu filho de novo. A decepção nos olhos deles era evidente. Minha mĂŁe soluçava de tanto chorar e dizia que eu estava arruinada. Meu pai atĂŠ entĂŁo nĂŁo havia dito nada. A Melissa vendo como minha mĂŁe estava nervosa foi logo na cozinha e voltou com um copo de ĂĄgua com açúcar para ela. Melissa sempre dĂĄ ĂĄgua com açúcar pra quem estĂĄ nervoso dizendo que acalma, eu nunca entendi isso. Por fim, meu pai falou: - VocĂŞ cometeu um erro muito grande e nĂŁo tem volta. Ouvir meu pai enfatizar que eu errei fez meu coração doer ainda mais. Eu comecei a chorar e fui falando: - Eu sei, pai, eu fui irresponsĂĄvel. Mas agora nĂŁo tem jeito. Eu vou deixar a faculdade para poder criar meu filho. E jĂĄ vou fazer minha mala... - Fazer a mala? VocĂŞ estĂĄ muito enganada se acha que vai sair dessa casa assim. VocĂŞ errou, nos decepcionou, mas nĂłs te amamos, vamos superar isso e vamos ajudar vocĂŞ. VocĂŞ nĂŁo estĂĄ sozinha, minha filha! E essa criança tambĂŠm nĂŁo! â Meu pai disse isso e meu coração se encheu de esperança. - Mas pai, eu envergonhei vocĂŞs... - VocĂŞ nĂŁo ĂŠ a primeira e nĂŁo serĂĄ a Ăşltima mĂŁe solteira nesse mundo. NĂłs gostarĂamos que as coisas fossem diferentes para vocĂŞ, que nĂŁo fossem tĂŁo difĂceis. VocĂŞ sempre foi tĂŁo responsĂĄvel! Mas, se ĂŠ assim, nĂłs vamos enfrentar isso. VocĂŞ nĂŁo vai deixar a faculdade, mais do que nunca vocĂŞ precisa crescer na vida para cuidar do seu filho, vocĂŞ vai ser mĂŁe solteira, sua responsabilidade ĂŠ muito grande. NĂłs vamos te ajudar e, mesmo que seja com dificuldade, vai dar tudo certo. A Melissa jĂĄ estava chorando e logo falou com os meus pais: - Sr. AntĂ´nio, Dona Celina, vocĂŞs contem comigo, vou ajudar em tudo! AtĂŠ porque eu sou a madrinha desse bebĂŞ, a Cat ĂŠ como uma irmĂŁ pra mim, e vou estar sempre por perto. Meus pais olharam para ela com gratidĂŁo. Eu olhei para aqueles trĂŞs me sentindo completamente abençoada por tĂŞ-los em minha vida, cheia de amor por eles e um sentimento totalmente novo por aquele serzinho que ainda crescia dentro de mim e que eu acabava de descobrir a existĂŞncia! Por mais difĂcil que fosse ser mĂŁe solteira, aquela noite no baile foi a melhor noite da minha vida. Eu nunca vou poder esquecer aqueles olhos azuis violeta me olhando com adoração durante nosso encontro furtivo e tudo o que meu corpo experimentou naquela noite. Eu sempre teria essa doce lembrança comigo. Os meses seguintes foram difĂceis. Guardei em uma caixa o vestido, os sapatos, a mĂĄscara e o perfume que a mĂŁe da Mel me deu. Em dias difĂceis eu abria aquela caixa e revivia em minha memĂłria aquela noite. Embora eu tenha tido uma gravidez tranquila, os comentĂĄrios e a maldade das pessoas era difĂcil suportar. Para piorar, depois que se casaram, meu ex e minha prima foram morar com os pais dela, que moravam na mesma rua que nĂłs, e eles faziam questĂŁo de me humilhar com comentĂĄrios maldosos sempre que me viam e espalharam no bairro inteiro que eu nĂŁo sabia quem era o pai do meu filho e que eu era uma perdida, por isso que o ClĂĄudio me deixou. Eu queria matĂĄ-los! A mĂŁe da Kelly, que era irmĂŁ da minha mĂŁe, tambĂŠm nĂŁo perdia a oportunidade de ir lĂĄ em casa nos atormentar, dizendo que ainda bem que a filha dela nĂŁo era como eu, que era uma boa moça, que tinha se casado com um homem decente. Parecia ter esquecido que aquela puta roubou meu namorado e transou com ele na minha cama. Mas eu engolia tudo, nĂŁo valia a pena bater boca com essa gente e eu nĂŁo queria transmitir sentimentos ruins ao meu filho. Quanto mais os dias passavam, mais eu amava aquele bebĂŞ, eu nĂŁo tinha ideia que poderia existir um amor assim. Tudo o que eu fazia, fazia por ele. Eu o protegeria de tudo, eu daria a minha vida por ele. E, por incrĂvel que pareça, com a gravidez parecia que todas as coisas fluĂam para o meu bem, tudo ia se encaminhando e dando certo. Descobri que eu teria um menino e decidi que se chamaria Pedro. E assim foi. Pedro nasceu saudĂĄvel, com um par de imensos olhos azuis violeta que nunca me deixariam esquecer da noite que mudou a minha vida, mas que foi a melhor noite que eu vivi! Eu nunca esqueceria aquele homem! CAPĂTULO 4: Depois da faculdade Quando eu me formei, Pedro jĂĄ estava com dois anos. A essa altura ele jĂĄ andava para todos os lados, sempre agarrado na vovĂł, que foi a primeira palavrinha que ele disse. Era um menino lindo, cabelinhos amigos bem lisinhos, pele clara, um nariz arrebitadinho e aqueles enormes olhos violeta que me faziam suspirar. Ele era o meu sol! E agora eu teria mais tempo pra ele. ApĂłs a formatura meu chefe me chamou para conversar, ele era um Ăłtimo chefe, disse que estava muito feliz comigo na empresa, mas sabia que eu merecia chegar muito longe, entĂŁo eu deveria procurar emprego na minha ĂĄrea, que ele compreenderia. Garantiu que meu emprego na construtora seria meu enquanto eu quisesse e que se eu saĂsse e nĂŁo desse certo eu teria para onde voltar. Mas que eu deveria buscar algo na minha ĂĄrea de formação, para dar um futuro muito melhor para o meu filho. Eu fiquei muito emocionada com isso e aceitei o seu bom conselho. Contei pra Melissa e ela logo me disse que ia falar com o pai dela para que ele acionasse alguns contatos. E nĂŁo demorou, o Sr. OtĂĄvio Lascuran, pai da Mel, me chamou no escritĂłrio dele e me entregou um cartĂŁo, me dizendo: - Catarina, sei que vocĂŞ ĂŠ uma Ăłtima garota e uma boa profissional. Falei com um amigo e ele conseguiu uma entrevista para vocĂŞ no Grupo Mellendez, ĂŠ para o cargo de assistente do CEO do grupo. Se vocĂŞ conseguir esse emprego vai exercer sua profissĂŁo em uma empresa global, ĂŠ um excelente cargo, mas nĂŁo ĂŠ aqui em CampanĂĄrio. VocĂŞ teria que se mudar para Porto ParaĂso. Eu sei que ĂŠ um passo enorme, mas acho que vocĂŞ deveria considerar, vai ser excelente para vocĂŞ. Enfim, envie um e-mail para o endereço eletrĂ´nico no cartĂŁo com a sua resposta desistindo da vaga ou aceitando a entrevista virtual. - Sr. Lascuran, eu nĂŁo tenho palavras para agradecer! VocĂŞs sempre foram tĂŁo bons comigo! O Grupo Mellendez ĂŠ um dos maiores conglomerados de empresas do paĂs! Trabalhar lĂĄ ĂŠ um sonho! Eu vou aceitar a entrevista sim, se tiver que me mudar eu vou, sei que serĂĄ uma grande oportunidade. â falei com convicção, pois nĂŁo seria ruim me afastar daquelas pessoas maldosas da minha famĂlia, principalmente agora que a ârainhaâ Kelly estava grĂĄvida e a mĂŁe dela resolveu pedir tudo que ĂŠ do Pedro pro rebento do casal canalha! Ainda bem que minha mĂŁe disse a ela que isso era um absurdo, mas que de qualquer forma seria impossĂvel, pois eu jĂĄ havia dado tudo que nĂŁo servia mais para o Pedro para uma conhecida que estava grĂĄvida. Minha mĂŁe andava muito chateada com a irmĂŁ, pois ela estava sempre se desfazendo do meu filho, sempre se referia a ele como o menino sem pai e isso magoou muito minha mĂŁe. Indo embora dessa cidade, sĂł vou lamentar em deixar meus pais e meus amigos, mas sei que eles vĂŁo me apoiar mais uma vez. Agradeci ao Sr. Lascuran e sai do escritĂłrio. Cheguei a minha mesa e falei com o meu chefe, outro Sr. Lascuran, mas ele nĂŁo gostava de ser chamado assim entĂŁo o chamava pelo nome: - Aldo, seu irmĂŁo conseguiu uma entrevista pra mim no Grupo Mellendez. Ele sorriu: - Eu sei, ele acabou de me ligar, acho que vocĂŞ deve agarrar a oportunidade, se nĂŁo der certo vocĂŞ volta. Sorri pra ele e fui logo enviar o e-mail para marcar a entrevista. Recebi rapidamente a confirmação de que a entrevista seria no dia seguinte Ă s dez horas da manhĂŁ, jĂĄ que eu jĂĄ havia tomado a iniciativa de enviar o meu currĂculo, a entrevista seria rĂĄpida. Naquela noite em casa falei com os meus pais que entenderam, mesmo se preocupando em como eu ia cuidar de uma criança sozinha em outra cidade e ficando chorosos porque ficariam longe do neto. Me apoiaram como sempre e ficaram felizes com a oportunidade que eu recebi. Pedi que eles nĂŁo contassem para ninguĂŠm. Quando a Mel chegou, ela ia todos os dias ver o afilhado, contei tudo e ela me ajudou a me preparar para o dia seguinte. Na hora da entrevista, fui para a sala de reuniĂľes do meu trabalho, meu chefe havia me liberado, me sentei e esperei a chamada. Fui entrevistada por uma senhora muito gentil e inteligente, Sra. Mariana Toledo. Foi muito agradĂĄvel, conversamos por duas horas, ela me passou todas as informaçþes do cargo, salĂĄrio e benefĂcios, no final ela me disse: - Catarina, vocĂŞ estĂĄ contratada! VocĂŞ vai me substituir, jĂĄ que eu estou indo para um cargo de diretoria na filial de Londres, entĂŁo vocĂŞ ocuparĂĄ meu cargo aqui. De modo que gostaria que vocĂŞ começasse o mais rĂĄpido possĂvel, pois eu viajo daqui a dez dias e gostaria de lhe passar tudo antes de ir. E tambĂŠm nĂŁo gostaria de reagendar a minha partida. Quando vocĂŞ pode começar? - Eu preciso apenas que meu chefe me libere, mas creio que posso estar aĂ na segunda. â JĂĄ era sexta, serĂĄ que o Aldo concordaria em me liberar ainda hoje? - Perfeito. VocĂŞ pode me enviar um e-mail confirmando depois de falar com ele. VocĂŞ tem alguma dĂşvida? - NĂŁo, senhora. EstĂĄ tudo claro. -Ătimo! Bem vinda ao Grupo Mellendez, tenho certeza que vocĂŞ vai se sair muito bem. Te espero na segunda. Ela encerrou a chamada e meu coração estava disparado, eu tinha conseguido. O emprego era Ăłtimo, o salĂĄrio melhor ainda e eu ainda teria chance de progredir. Era um sonho. Mas era hora de correr para resolver tudo. Fui imediatamente falar com meu chefe. Ele ficou feliz, ligou para a contabilidade e mandou fazer meu acerto imediatamente. ApĂłs o acerto ele me liberou, disse que eu teria sempre um lugar para voltar se precisasse, mas que sabia que eu iria me dar muito bem. O agradeci por tudo e saĂ. Mandei o e-mail de confirmação para a Sra. Mariana, dizendo que na segunda, Ă s oito da manhĂŁ, estaria na empresa, e fui logo falar com a Mel e o pai dela, tinha que agradecer. E aĂ foi a Mel quem me surpreendeu: - O que vocĂŞ achou, que ia levar meu afilhado embora assim? NĂŁo vai mesmo! Meu pai conseguiu uma entrevista para mim na Lince Mundi em Porto ParaĂso. Eu vou me mudar com vocĂŞ e vamos morar juntas. O que acha? Isso era perfeito! Fiquei muito feliz, mas logo perguntei: - Mel, mas e o Nando? - O Nando jĂĄ pediu na empresa a transferĂŞncia dele pra filial de Porto ParaĂso, lĂĄ ele terĂĄ mais oportunidades tambĂŠm. Ele vai daqui a quinze dias. Amiga, vida nova para nĂłs trĂŞs. Eu estava muito feliz. A Mel jĂĄ havia orquestrado tudo. O Nando ia nos levar e ela ficaria com o Pedro para eu trabalhar atĂŠ conseguirmos a creche. Ela jĂĄ tinha trĂŞs creches para visitar e o pai dela jĂĄ havia disponibilizado um apartamento mobiliado na cidade pra gente. Era bom demais, eu estava atĂŠ com medo. Percebendo, a Mel me cutucou e me disse: - Aprenda a aceitar as coisas boas que a vida te oferece! Eu sorri pra ela e fomos para a casa dos meus pais. Era hora de dar a notĂcia e nos despedir. Porto ParaĂso fica do outro lado do paĂs, entĂŁo ficarĂamos sem nos ver um tempo. Meus pais ficaram felizes, atĂŠ eu dizer que partiria na manhĂŁ seguinte, aĂ a despedida foi uma tristeza. Era difĂcil deixĂĄ-los para trĂĄs, mas era necessĂĄrio. Com o salĂĄrio que eu receberia, poderia ajudĂĄ-los agora. Isso era bom. Na manhĂŁ seguinte o Nando e a Mel chegaram pontualmente. O pai da Mel deu uma caminhonete de presente para ela, o que facilitou muito fazer nossa mudança. O Nando colocou tudo na caminhonete e lĂĄ fomos nĂłs, seria o dia todo na estrada. Chegamos a Porto ParaĂso jĂĄ era tarde da noite de sĂĄbado, Pedrinho estava muito cansado, se divertiu muito durante a viagem, era tudo novidade. Nos acomodamos, pedimos comida e depois de comer fomos dormir. No domingo percorremos a cidade reconhecendo tudo, Porto ParaĂso era uma cidade muito grande, cheia de indĂşstrias, muito moderna, ficava no litoral e o porto atraia muitos negĂłcios para a cidade, era um centro urbano de primeiro mundo. O apartamento em que irĂamos morar ficava perto de uma das creches que a Mel havia contactado, isso era Ăłtimo, e tambĂŠm nĂŁo ficava longe da empresa, de metrĂ´ eu chegaria em vinte minutos. Era lindo, decorado em estilo moderno e bem arejado e iluminado, com janelas enormes. Ă noite deixamos o Nando no aeroporto e de volta em casa fomos descansar, o dia seguinte seria um grande dia, eu começaria no emprego e a Mel faria sua entrevista virtual e marcaria com a diretora da creche perto do apartamento para irmos conhecer e conversar. Coloquei meu filho na cama, ele estava cansado de tanto que se divertiu hoje. Eu observei por um tempo seu soninho tranquilo e estava confiante de que aqui nĂłs terĂamos uma vida muito boa. Pedro agora tinha seu prĂłprio quarto, eu e a Mel combinamos de comprar umas coisinhas para deixar bem a nossa cara, dar um toque pessoal. Peguei a babĂĄ eletrĂ´nica e fui para o meu quarto. Abri uma das minhas caixas e comecei a arrumar tudo ali. Quando abri a Ăşltima caixa, tirei dela a caixa com minhas lembranças da noite do baile, a abri, passei a mĂŁo por aquele vestido lindo e suspirei mais uma vez. Peguei o perfume e pensei, âpor que nĂŁo?â, a partir de amanhĂŁ eu usaria esse perfume todos os dias, meu salĂĄrio era bom e quando esse acabasse eu poderia comprar outro. Guardei a caixa, deixei o perfume sobre a penteadeira e fui dormir cheia de expectativas com essa vida nova que se abria a minha frente. CAPĂTULO 5: Meu novo chefe ĂŠ muito estressado Me apresentei na empresa Ă s oito da manhĂŁ. Fui muito bem recebida pela Sra. Mariana, que me apresentou todo mundo e todos foram gentis. O chefe nĂŁo estava lĂĄ, estava viajando e chegaria no final da semana. O escritĂłrio era lindo, muito moderno, todo decorado em branco, aço inox e detalhes verdes, muito profissional e acolhedor ao mesmo tempo. Era elegante e eu gostei muito. Fiquei particularmente feliz por ter escolhido vestir um terno amigo, com uma blusa de cetim verde escuro por baixo e saltos amigos. Eu deveria estar elegante todos os dias agora, afinal ia trabalhar direto com o presidente da empresa. No meio da manhĂŁ recebi uma mensagem da Mel dizendo que conseguiu marcar com a diretora da creche prĂłxima ao nosso apartamento para a hora do almoço. Expliquei a situação a Sra. Mariana e perguntei se seria possĂvel me liberar no horĂĄrio, mas que eu estaria de volta a tempo. - EntĂŁo vocĂŞ tem um filho. Qual a idade dele? â ela me perguntou com um sorriso. - Ele tem dois anos. Ă um garotinho muito esperto. NĂŁo foi planejado, mas ĂŠ a razĂŁo da minha vida! - Qual o nome dele? - Pedro. - Pedro. Um nome forte. VocĂŞ nĂŁo ĂŠ casada, isso eu sei, mas e o pai do seu filho, vocĂŞs continuam juntos? â Meu coração despencou, como ĂŠ que eu explico pra ela que nĂŁo sei quem ĂŠ o pai? Mas eu nĂŁo minto, entĂŁo vamos enfrentar a verdade. Contei para ela que o pai do Pedro era um homem que eu conheci em uma festa e nunca mais vi, ela me olhava sĂŠria, nĂŁo havia julgamento nos olhos dela. EntĂŁo me disse: - VocĂŞ tem o meu respeito, Catarina, nĂŁo ĂŠ fĂĄcil ser mĂŁe solteira, e ĂŠ muito difĂcil contar verdades como essa que vocĂŞ sabe que vai despertar o julgamento dos outros. Obrigada pela confiança e honestidade. Vai lĂĄ resolver a creche para o seu filho, continuamos Ă tarde, nĂŁo precisa correr. Agradeci e me despedi dela indo encontrar a Mel e o Pedro. Minha admiração e respeito pela Sra. Mariana sĂł cresciam. Ela ĂŠ uma mulher de uns cinquenta e cinco anos, cabelos loiros bem claros e olhos azuis quase transparentes. Ă uma mulher bonita e elegante, mas principalmente ĂŠ muito acolhedora. NĂłs nos demos muito bem. Durante o resto da manhĂŁ ela me encheu de informaçþes sobre o trabalho e eu ia anotando tudo. Na hora do almoço eu saĂ do prĂŠdio e a Mel jĂĄ estava me esperando na porta com o Pedro. Entrei no carro e fomos almoçar antes de ir Ă creche. Eu e a Mel adoramos a creche e o Pedro jĂĄ estava enturmado correndo com os novos amiguinhos, ele ĂŠ um menino muito extrovertido. Isso me deixou muito feliz! Meu filho estava feliz! Desistimos de ver as outras creches, pois essa era Ăłtima e ficava muito perto de casa, a trĂŞs quarteirĂľes de distância. Fizemos a matrĂcula e acertamos todos os detalhes. A diretora sugeriu que deixĂĄssemos o Pedro atĂŠ o final do dia, jĂĄ que ele estava se divertindo e assim jĂĄ ia se adaptando. A Mel ficou de buscĂĄ-lo no fim do dia. A Mel me deixou na empresa novamente e me disse que voltaria pra casa para se preparar para a entrevista de trabalho que seria no meio da tarde. Voltei Ă minha sala e cheguei antes da Sra. Mariana. Sentei Ă mesa e fui repassando tudo o que ela jĂĄ havia me informado. O telefone sobre a mesa tocou e eu fiquei sem saber o que fazer, mas aquela seria minha mesa, entĂŁo atendi com a voz mais profissional possĂvel: - Grupo Mellendez, presidĂŞncia, boa tarde, em que posso ajudar? Ouvi do outro lado um silĂŞncio sepulcral seguido de um longo suspiro. AlguĂŠm vociferou do outro lado, com certa impaciĂŞncia e uma voz forte e meio rouca: - Passa para a Mariana. Levei um susto, mas me controlei e respondi: - Desculpe, senhor, mas a senhora Mariana ainda nĂŁo retornou do almoço. Posso ajudĂĄ-lo ou o senhor gostaria de deixar um recado? - Quem estĂĄ falando? â falou do outro lado ainda mais impaciente. - Meu nome ĂŠ Catarina, sou a nova assessora do Sr. Mellendez. - Mas eu nĂŁo te conheço. â Parecia que ele ficava mais impaciente a cada vez que falava. - Ă que hoje ĂŠ meu primeiro dia, senhor. O senhor gostaria de deixar um recado? - Diga a Mariana para me ligar assim que puser os pĂŠs no escritĂłrio. - Perfeitamente, senhor. E qual o seu nome? - Parece que eu sou o seu chefe! â falou rispidamente e desligou o telefone. Nossa, que homem estressado! Isso nĂŁo estava na descrição do cargo. Imediatamente minha garganta apertou, meu chefe e eu jĂĄ tinha causado mĂĄ impressĂŁo? Eu estava muito ferrada! Comecei a pensar que nĂŁo ia durar nesse emprego. Pouco depois a Sra. Mariana chegou e eu lhe transmiti o recado com uma cara de preocupação. Ela olhou pra mim sorrindo, como se entendesse meu receio, e perguntou: - Ele estava calmo? Eu olhei pra ela e nĂŁo aguentei: - Ele estava a ponto de ter um colapso nervoso. Certamente a jugular dele estava saltando no pescoço. Ela caiu na gargalhada e depois disse: - VocĂŞs dois vĂŁo se dar muito bem! VocĂŞ vai domar a fera, tenho certeza. Eu nĂŁo tinha essa certeza. Talvez eu nem devesse desfazer as malas, esse homem iria me engolir viva! | LEARN_MORE | https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&u | Casa dos livros | https://www.facebook.com/61558148557550/ | 17,786 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | hunled.com | VIDEO | đĽMais grandes romances aquiđĽ | https://hunled.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15216&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/t39.35426-6/469815991_1549675145665010_4229342593942104839_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GIr3tTK0i8sQ7kNvgEwLQCI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AmraKywqyMz8w9cKkRhY-so&oh=00_AYCWrlxE3De1j3LHQxWLcCokpc_IOrzO-XKkN7HC0MIBWg&oe=675D562C | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Casa dos livros | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:45 | active | 1979 | 0 |
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Santa, Face Painting, Free Gifts, Food! Our Annual Christmas Giveaway! đ đ | đ đ Free GIFTS! Come join us as we give away gifts back to you guys we appreciate so much! Santa, Face Paintings, Game Trucks, & FREE food! December 15th, Save the DATE! | LEARN_MORE | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-toy-giveawa | Men's Closet | https://www.facebook.com/MensCloset407/ | 5,156 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | eventbrite.com | DCO | RSVP now for our annual Christmas Giveaway! Come out and let the kids come and enjoy Santa, Free Gifts, Game Trucks, & much more. | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-toy-giveaway-tickets-1060210350699 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469457514_569301712352087_6473316477773933190_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VOKp27MePZ0Q7kNvgH_wqzW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=At80_uVm60QLiy9dWdWAfo3&oh=00_AYBPJRC0f4MHaausvpmVsbRt30rno_yTQsyj3sTDhXZi5g&oe=675D6329 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Men's Closet | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 04:54 | active | 1984 | 0 |
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Limited Time Giveaway | Enter the Giveaway đ¨đ WIN A SHAPERS! | SIGN_UP | https://cysm.com/pages/promo-free-shaper-giveaway- | CYSM Shapers | https://www.facebook.com/CYSMBodyShaper/ | 52,317 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign Up | 0 | cysm.com | DCO | Sign up for a chance to win an amazing CYSM Shaper! | https://cysm.com/pages/promo-free-shaper-giveaway-lead?utm_source=Paid&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign=GIVE&utm_content=Giveaway-IMG2 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469966651_1303999494127225_7772265093673620782_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EaDPStFhP-EQ7kNvgED09fK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aai9cZaVUiK-D_yusbBgIec&oh=00_AYBZ9R3Le7Yuxo92ohiHLdg3svis0pymKtIVeTCmztwydA&oe=675E0100 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | CYSM Shapers | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 04:54 | active | 1984 | 0 |
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Sleeping Giant Studio | Tis' the season for give-a-ways! đFourđdrawings. đFour đchances to win. How to enter: on this post like, share, and comment what your favorite winter activity is. First drawing will be in five days. Space treasure chest drawing 1: â¨Dan The Spaceman Goes To Zoomar paperback â¨Sketchbook â¨Markers â¨Crayons #sleepinggiantstudio #danthespaceman | LIKE_PAGE | https://facebook.com/enlowstudio | Sleeping Giant Studio | https://www.facebook.com/enlowstudio/ | 427 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Like Page | 0 | facebook.com | IMAGE | https://facebook.com/enlowstudio | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469221460_545201055152682_4526194322237670252_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MZhI8VgnpO0Q7kNvgFnl8g0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aecis8-ieFObeqLUuI-w5Vo&oh=00_AYDEXgOskV1HEumTWXlR13_f-H3iLnfDPF3EdJiPnpTQ6w&oe=675DF4E8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sleeping Giant Studio | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 |
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đĽđĽClick to read the next chapter for freeđ | "Where's the patient's husband? Why hasn't he come yet? If he doesn't sign soon, it'll be too late,â a doctor urged. "The patient's husband refuses to come. He said to let her fend for herself,â a nurse replied. "Fend for herself..." When Suzy Frost, battered and barely clinging to life on the operating table, heard those words, something inside her stirred. Summoning the last of her strength, she slowly raised her hand. "Give me my phone..." Seeing her condition, the nurse quickly handed her the phone. Enduring excruciating pain, Suzy redialed the number that was almost etched into her brain. Just as the call was about to disconnect automatically, it finally went through. "I already told you that her life or death is none of my business!" the man on the other end spoke, his voice full of displeasure and impatience. "Dylan..." With every word Suzy spoke, a searing pain shot through her body, "After you took Anne away, the kidnappers detonated the bomb, and I was hurt, badly..." "Heh..." Before she could finish, the man on the other end let out a cold, dismissive chuckle. "Suzy, your acting is really improving. That weak little voice almost sounds convincing." "...I'm not lying to you, I really am hurt." "Is that so?" His tone grew even more scornful. "Then I wish you a speedy journey to death!" Three days ago, Suzy and Anne had been kidnapped together. Knowing how important Anne was to him, and despite their rivalry, Suzy had fiercely protected her. For two days and nights, Suzy was tortured by the kidnappers, bearing injuries all over her body, while Anne only suffered minor superficial wounds. Finally, Dylan came... "I choose to save Anne. As for Suzy, do as you please..." He was not only unconcerned about Suzy but even suspected that the kidnapping was a drama she had orchestrated herself. He had never trusted her! "It's time to end this!" | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14871&ut | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 865 | 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=14871&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/t39.35426-6/463838510_3169305699879240_251659659452484488_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CU222uoA-yYQ7kNvgFvYxku&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A30NgBhZk9kHLypiS25qMEG&oh=00_AYDMs5XF8E1_eQ37HnMXoxtWnzPJGk7AjRlTtjWJht4pIg&oe=675D7CCA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 04:54 | active | 1984 | 0 |
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Ladies Night Out | Shop with 9 participating downtown retail stores and enter to win gift cards and merchandise worth over $250. Your shops will host in-store sales for the event, provide snacks, and special surprises. Participating Businesses: Seoul Sisters Boutique The Clothes Tree Oak Creek Collection The Golden Crane Plant Posse Heartland Humane Thrift Shop Honeycomb Salon Lady Luck Vintage Market Greenhouse Coffee + Plants | EVENT_RSVP | https://www.facebook.com/events/902289745344775/ | Seoul Sisters Boutique | https://www.facebook.com/seoulsistersboutique/ | 1,354 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | INTERESTED | 0 | Ladies Night Out | EVENT | Grab a gal pal or two and head downtown to shop with your downtown shops. 9 participating retail shops will host in-store sales for the event, provide snacks, special surprises, and a giveaway worth over $250. Participating Businesses: Seoul Sisters Boutique The Clothes Tree Oak Creek Collection The Golden Crane Plant Posse Heartland Humane Thrift Shop Honeycomb Salon Lady Luck Vintage Market | https://www.facebook.com/events/902289745344775/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469491538_468813369575359_4095879817939218933_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5c43X1X4RYIQ7kNvgFX2tGJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AbJQj4787bV6GiSn5Nvm51j&oh=00_AYComIejsJc6PHOE6WroeSCkqjQJBUojre95-bo_3O2i4g&oe=675E0646 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Seoul Sisters Boutique | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 |
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Kelly's Christmas Trees - tree lot | Fresh Fraser Firs Christmas Trees! 2 FT to 20 FT direct From North Carolina! Flocking also Available! We will be open our 34th season the weekend before Thanksgiving | LIKE_PAGE | https://facebook.com/100054502328835 | Kelly's Christmas Trees - tree lot | https://www.facebook.com/100054502328835/ | 965 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Like Page | 0 | facebook.com | IMAGE | https://facebook.com/100054502328835 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469532304_8320667661367809_4760373948733653311_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nMEM0IxDJecQ7kNvgF0fH77&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AmraKywqyMz8w9cKkRhY-so&oh=00_AYCJztds-zZIe-8ZtGYh-qDbQXBhu0NZVTNpIBEld7MmWw&oe=675D78ED | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Kelly's Christmas Trees - tree lot | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 04:54 | active | 1984 | 0 |
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â¤ď¸ Enter To Win! â¤ď¸ | Engaged Iowa Couples! â¤ď¸đ This is your chance to Win a Free Engagement Photo Session. đ¸ It's simple to Enter to Win. Just click the link to enter below đđđ Engagement photos are NOT JUST a chance to celebrate this amazing time with your fiancĂŠ. The photos also can be used for... â Save the Dates â Invitations â Printed photos for display at your wedding â And more... â¨This is your chance to get these photos for free! ⨠Iâm Alexis, the owner of A.West Photography + Design⌠I LOVE, LOVE! That's why I decided to do this giveaway for a few Amazing Couples. I am actually giving away 3 sessions! Each valued at $750, which you could win, totally for free. đ¤ All you need to do is... đ Click the link below to enter and Iâll send through more details! ⨠Giveaway ends soon ⨠Talk soon, -Alexis | LEARN_MORE | http://fb.me/ | A.West Photography & Design | https://www.facebook.com/aweststudios/ | 566 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fb.me | IMAGE | Free Engagement Session | http://fb.me/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469895584_599566392519424_2666035231926041471_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nxUJGkvoL2MQ7kNvgFpVdS5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ALtKQU9y4JXVJk5D89CU2lQ&oh=00_AYDoG5iOZ9XY4Smn9adYmSm-krblXq87eZXUe_OXJSuWng&oe=675DE589 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | A.West Photography & Design | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 21:03 | active | 1982 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | In Merika State, the two of them lay close together on the hotel bed. As their passion grew, Justin Yatesâs husky voice, filled with allure, murmured, âEm, how about having a child with me?â Caught up in the moment, Emily Yates replied without thinking. It wasnât until they were lying together afterward that she remembered what he had said. âA child?â she repeated, a trace of intimacy lingering in her eyes. The look stirred Justinâs desire again. She was a constant temptation to him. Pushing those thoughts aside, he pulled out a ring and slipped it onto her left hand. âAre you proposing to me?â she asked. âYes.â âCan I finally have your child now?â Justin asked, smiling. His eyes were warm, but there was no love in them, as if he were gazing past her, waiting for someone elseâs answer. âIâll give you plenty,â she replied, momentarily surprised. Proposing in bed wasnât exactly romantic or formal, but she didnât mind. She had waited three years for this moment, and it was worth it. Three years ago, she had been injured near the beach, hitting her head on a rock. When she woke up, she had no memory. Justin had saved her. The first thing she saw when she woke was his face, and one look left her captivated. Later, she learned that Justin had paid her hospital bills. She also learned of his identity. He was the CEO of RC Corporation. He proposed that she be his contract lover, and without hesitation, she agreed. They signed an agreement, defining their relationship, and he gave her the name Emily Yates. Yes, she was drawn to his looks. Despite their arrangement, the past three years felt like any other relationship. In the first year, she was a hidden lover. In the second, he introduced her as his girlfriend to his circle. Now, with three years approaching, he was proposing. Once she was part of his social circle, she heard whispers about a woman who had been his first love, someone he cherished deeply in college. She had disappeared without a trace, and he had been searching for her ever since. Over the years, Justin had lost hope she was still alive. That was why he finally proposed. Emily didnât mind. Everyone has a past. Looking at the diamond ring on her left ring finger, she felt like it had all been worth it. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Justin was showering. Calming down, Emily wrapped a towel around herself and got out of bed to pick up their scattered clothes. A soft *clink* echoed as something hit the floor. It was Justinâs cardholder. She bent down to pick it up, and a photo slipped out. It was old, with frayed edges, as if it had been looked at countless times. The woman in the photo looked like her but younger, just how she would have looked three years ago. Emily didnât remember ever taking this photo, but she had lost her memory. Maybe she had forgotten. She was just about to put the cardholder back when a large, slender hand appeared, taking it from her. Justin emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp and falling over his eyes, now tinged with a hint of displeasure. âDonât touch my things,â he said coldly, his tone a sharp contrast to the intimacy they had just shared. Turning away from her, he put the cardholder back in his briefcase, his whole demeanor suddenly distant and guarded. Emily froze. Was he really getting defensive over a photo? She looked at him, confused. Wasnât that her old picture? Before she could ask, Justin seemed to realize that his reaction had been out of line. He turned back and grasped her chin. With a playful glint in his eye, he ran his thumb over her still-swollen lips, toying with them. His voice was cool, devoid of warmth, but his words were deeply suggestive, clearly aiming to change the subject. âWeâre going to be late for the art exhibit. If you rather stay here, I wouldnât mind going another round.â Her cheeks flushed at his teasing, and she gently pushed him away. Her thoughts were scattered, and she quickly forgot about the photo. Justin had come to Merika State on business and had received an invitation to an art exhibition by Haley Quinn. He brought Emily along, planning to take her to the show once his work was done. Haley, a painter who had withdrawn from the public eye three years ago, rarely held exhibitions, making this one a rare event. Emily dressed quickly, while Justin had already changed into a fresh suit. The gallery was close to the hotel, so they walked there. Arm in arm, they strolled down the street, enjoying the perfect atmosphere. Just as Emily felt an overwhelming sense of happiness, Justin suddenly stopped. âJustin, whatâs wrong?â She followed his gaze. Across the street, a disheveled woman, her clothes too dirty to recognize their original color, was recklessly crossing the traffic, oblivious to the danger. The woman pushed Emily aside and wrapped her arms tightly around Justinâs waist. She sobbed uncontrollably, gasping for air. âJustin, I finally found you. You came looking for me, didnât you?â Emily stumbled from the shove, the bright sunlight momentarily blinding her. The woman looked eerily familiar. She resembled the one in the photo from the cardholder and, in a way, even looked like Emily herself. âEmma? Is that really you?â Justinâs voice trembled, his eyes locked onto the woman in his arms, as if afraid she might disappear again. Just moments ago, he had proposed to Emily. Now, right there in the street, he held another woman. He gently wiped away the womanâs tears with a tenderness so delicate, as if afraid of breaking something precious. âYes, itâs me,â the woman sobbed, nodding desperately. Frail as she was, she clung to him. Justin was known for his fastidiousness and love of cleanliness, but he now held her tightly. He was soothing her with gentle words, as if she were a lost treasure he had finally recovered. He was afraid that even the slightest rough movement might hurt her. They seemed oblivious to everything around them, including Emily. Justin seemed to have forgotten Emily was still there. The woman in his arms had cried herself into unconsciousness. He took off his expensive jacket and draped it over her. He then slipped his arms under her knees and held her tightly as he carried her back toward the hotel. Emily stood there, feeling like an outsider. Her arm still ached from where she had been shoved, and she could still feel the warmth of Justinâs touch lingering around her waist. Just minutes ago, he had been tangled up with her in bed, proposing marriage. Now, he was leaving her in the middle of the street, carrying a woman who seemed to come out of nowhere. He had tossed aside his usual grace, holding this woman, who looked like a beggar, and rushed back to the hotel. The people around them pointed and whispered, like they were watching some sort of spectacle. Emily wanted to follow him, but her first step faltered. She steadied herself against a nearby building, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the window. Her flawless makeup now showed a hint of disarray. Chapter 2 Tears had fallen without her noticing, smudging the fresh makeup around her eyes. Emily glanced down at the diamond ring on her left hand, a sense of foreboding spreading through her. The sudden appearance of this woman might shatter the happiness she had been waiting for. She couldnât just stand here. She had to know who this woman was. After a moment to gather herself, she headed back to the hotel. The plane flew from Merika State back to Haven State. At Lichfield Hospital, Emily stood at the door of a hospital room, arms crossed, trying to see inside through the window. Justinâs friend, Zac White, the director of Lichfield Hospital, along with other doctors, were examining the restless woman on the hospital bed. Two female nurses held her steady as they conducted their checks. On the plane, her face had already been cleaned, and she had been given fresh clothes. âEmma Xander? Hasnât she... disappeared for the past four years?â Zac was shocked. Where had Justin found her? The Yates and White families had pulled every string they could to find Emma, but after four years with no trace, they had finally given up. And now, here she was. After completing their examination, the doctors and nurses left the room. A heavy silence fell over the space. A moment later, Justinâs voice seemed to echo from a distance as he gazed at the woman, now sound asleep after a sedative. âHow is she doing?â âSheâs malnourished, traumatized, and a bit disoriented, but otherwise fine. She just needs some time to recover.â Justin stood by her bedside, clearly prepared to stay with her. Zac hesitated, wanting to say something, but thought better of it and left the room. He opened the door to find Emily waiting outside. Feeling awkward for his friend, Zac adjusted his silver-framed glasses and greeted her with a polite smile. âHi, Miss Yates.â Emily nodded in acknowledgment. âDr. White, whatâs her name? And what is her relationship with Justin?â she asked bluntly, desperate to know who this woman was. Zac hesitated, uncertain how to explain that Emma was Justinâs long-lost first love. This was his friendâs private matter, after all, and not his to reveal. Before he could find the words, Justin opened the door and saw them standing outside. He frowned, clearly displeased. âDidnât I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?â Justinâs voice dripped with disdain and impatience, as if his irritation had taken on a life of its own. Emily stood her ground, unafraid. She needed answers. âYou proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now youâre holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And youâre not even coming home? Staying out all night?â âStop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,â he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Seeing Justinâs dark expression, Zac stepped in, concerned that Emily might end up on the losing side of this argument. When Justin was angry, it rarely boded well for anyone. âItâs late. Let me arrange a car to take Miss Yates home,â Zac offered, trying to ease the tension. Emily, however, refused Zacâs offer. She wasnât leaving without answers. âYou think Iâm being unreasonable? Iâm your fiancĂŠe. You left me on the street in a foreign country to carry another woman away without a second thought. Did you ever consider how I felt? âIâll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, youâre coming home with me.â Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justinâs arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justinâs personal bodyguard, William Carter. Emily was stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing. It felt as though her heart was being torn in two. Justin had always been there for her, always caring, always the first to pick up her calls, no matter if he was in a meeting or on a business trip. If she ever needed him, he would show up immediately. If she couldnât be reached, he would search the whole city until he found her. But now, with this woman in the hospital room, he wouldnât even let her near him? âWhat do you mean by this?â Emilyâs voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didnât respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancĂŠe he had just proposed to. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. âDonât be childish.â Childish? Once, he had said he loved how she depended on him, how she claimed him for herself. And now he was calling her childish? âIf you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!â Emilyâs heart ached, squeezing painfully in her chest. She knew it wasnât the right moment to bring this up, but she couldnât accept the idea that her future husband would spend the night in the hospital with another woman. Zac stood nearby, listening in shock. Marriage? Had Justin really proposed to Emily? And what about Emma in the hospital room? Justin glanced over his shoulder, worried that the woman asleep in the hospital bed might hear them and wake up. Emily noticed the concern in his eyes. It was an expression she had seen many times when he had worried about her. But now, that look was for someone else. He turned back to Emily, his voice still icy. âIf you donât want to get married, we can call it off. This isnât the place for your drama. William, have the driver take her home.â He didnât like being threatened, especially when it came to his marriage. Without another glance at her, he opened the door to the hospital room and went back inside. William stepped forward, maintaining his respectful tone. âMiss Yates, please donât make this difficult for me. Itâs time for you to go home.â Zac looked at Emily with sympathy. âMiss Yates, itâs late. Maybe itâs best to talk things over with Justin another time.â But how could they ever discuss this again? Her fiancĂŠ had just left her humiliated, choosing to stay with another woman without a care for her dignity. The hospital hallway lights felt harsh, blinding her with their brightness. Realizing that staying there made her look like a fool, Emily decided she wouldnât let herself be a spectacle for others to watch. Clenching her purse tightly, Emily turned to leave. As she took a step, her vision blurred, and she nearly collapsed. Both Zac and William rushed to steady her, their grip gentlemanly but firm. âIâll walk you to the car,â Zac offered. Leaning against the wall, Emily took a moment to steady herself, then shook her head. âIâm fine. I can get back on my own.â Her footsteps wobbled as she walked down the hallway, but she managed to keep her head high until she was out of their sight. After returning to the hospital room, Justin glanced down at Emma, who lay pale and frail on the bed. A strange weight settled in his chest, and the pervasive smell of antiseptic only added to his irritation. He tugged at his shirt collar, unbuttoning the top two buttons, but the air still felt suffocating. He stepped back out into the hallway, finding Zac and William waiting there. Emily was gone. âShe left?â he asked, visibly more at ease now that she was no longer around. He didnât want her disturbing Emmaâs rest. âYes, sheâs gone,â Zac replied, hands in the pockets of his lab coat, nodding. With both of them standing there, Justin didnât bother asking how Emily had left. âIâm stepping out for a break,â he said. Chapter 3 âSo, Emma Xanderâs back. What are you going to do?â Zac asked, breaking the silence. He didnât mention Emily, but they both knew what he meant. One woman was the college sweetheart, the first love who had once saved Justinâs life. The other was the girlfriend who had been with him for three years, sharing his most intimate moments, and now, his fiancĂŠe. After a long pause, Justin replied, his voice cold and detached. âShe was just a stand-in. She could never compare to Emma.â He went on, his tone utterly indifferent, as if he hadnât been the one to propose to Emily in Merika State. âThe role of Mrs. Yates will never be hers. It can only belong to Emma.â In a way, Emily had saved him the trouble of saying it himself when she had brought up their marriage in the hallway. Zac and Justin had been close friends since childhood, both growing up in privileged families, each carrying a bit of that self-centered mindset typical of their social circle. But this time, Zac couldnât help feeling sorry for Emily. Emily, though an orphan with no family or wealth, was straightforward and honest. Over the past three years, she had complemented Justin perfectly, and in Zacâs eyes, they had seemed genuinely happy together. On the other hand, considering how long Emma had been abroad, it wasnât hard to guess what she might have gone through. Zac didnât care about things like V-card or a womanâs past, but he had always found Emma to be somewhat pretentious. Even back in college, she often disregarded Justinâs concerns, running off on her own without a second thought. After graduation, she mysteriously vanished during an overseas reunion party organized by a close group of alumni. Despite mobilizing every possible connection, they never found her. Even the police suggested they give up, implying that a young woman disappearing overseas was likely gone for good. At that time, Justin hadnât fully taken over the company and wasnât yet experienced in handling crises like these. Around the same time, his father, Henry Yates, was in a car accident and died despite emergency treatment. After the funeral, Justin was suddenly thrust into the dual responsibilities of inheriting the company and fending off his uncle, Harry Yates, who was trying to seize control. Thanks to his grandfatherâs intervention, Justin managed to stabilize the corporation. By then, the critical window to find Emma had long passed, and any chance of finding her had all but disappeared. Zac clearly remembered how Justin had been consumed with frustration and self-blame during those days. And then Emily had come into his life, bringing him some peace. For that, Zac was truly grateful to her. âEmilyâs been with you for three years,â Zac said, trying to speak up for her. âSheâs an orphan, with no one else in the world. Isnât it a bit cruel to treat her like this?â âThen Iâll keep her around,â Justin replied casually, brushing it off like it was no big deal. âBut marriage? Thatâs not going to happen.â His tone was so offhanded, as if having another woman around didnât matter at all. He didnât see a problem with it. Keep her around? Really? Was he expecting her to stay hidden away as his stand-in lover, someone he kept out of sight? A mistress? A side piece? Emily didnât leave the hospital right away. She sat on a bench behind the flower bed, letting the cold night air wash over her. She hadnât expected to find out the truth like this. It turned out she was only here because she happened to look almost exactly like his lost one true love. And since she had lost her memory, he saw the perfect opportunity to mold her into the image of the woman he truly missed, hiding the truth from her and using her as a substitute. All the affection and indulgence he had shown her, it was never really for her. It was for the woman he had lost. Emma Xander. So that was her name, the one he had loved all his life. That was why he named her Emily, a name that allowed him to keep calling out for the one he had always loved. Even in their most intimate moments, he would call her âEm.â Whenever he whispered âEmâ in that deep, seductive voice, full of passion, she would lose herself completely, sinking further into him. It turned out he was simply looking at her face and calling out another womanâs name all along. It dawned on her that the photo in Justinâs wallet must have been of Emma, not her. She had foolishly assumed the woman in that picture was herself. What a joke. From start to finish, Justin had shaped her into the image of his hidden love, his one true love. And she had naively believed that she had won him over, making him fall in love with her. In truth, she was nothing more than a piece in their story. Emily felt her heart plunge from a mountaintop to the depths of despair. She had gone from being a proud fiancĂŠe to a hidden stand-in, a shadow. She had liked, maybe even loved Justin. But her pride couldnât accept that she had been someone elseâs replacement all along, or that she was now the secret other woman. Resolved to leave, she felt a small sense of relief that Justin had only proposed. They werenât married yet, and breaking up would be far easier than going through a divorce. For a moment, she felt grateful for Emmaâs sudden appearance. âMiss Yates, where are you?â the driver called, stepping out of the car after waiting a while. âIâm here.â Emily pulled herself from her thoughts, putting on her usual calm expression. âIs it just you? Whereâs Mr. Yates?â he asked. âHeâs not coming back.â Emily rose from the bench by the flower bed and walked back to the car with the driver. She wore a cream-colored, knee-length dress in a sweet, innocent style. As an artist, she was open to trying any look, but it was Justin who had said he liked this style. So, for the past three years, she had dressed this way for him. The spring breeze brushed her bare calves, sending a chill through her. Zac looked a bit uncomfortable, âEmily didnât leave?â So, she had heard everything they had said. Justinâs tone was just as indifferent, cold, and unfeeling. âGood. Let her hear it. She needs to know her place and avoid causing any more scenes like tonight.â With that, he turned and walked away from the garden, completely unfazed by the fact that Emily had overheard him. Emily sat quietly during the ride back to Villa One. Mrs. Zimmer greeted her at the door, her face lighting up warmly after a few days apart. âYouâre back! It mustâve been tiring, traveling with Mr. Yates.â Emily nodded wearily, barely acknowledging her. âYes.â âWhereâs Mr. Yates?â Mrs. Zimmer glanced behind her, looking for Justin. âHe wonât be back tonight.â Emilyâs voice was detached, as if his return made no difference to her. Mrs. Zimmer looked slightly disappointed at first, but then her face lit up with a knowing smile, the kind that came from having seen a lot in life. She took Emilyâs suitcase and gently urged her to go get some rest in the bedroom. Once inside, Emily understood Mrs. Zimmerâs smile. The room was dimly lit, with candles arranged at various heights, casting a soft, romantic glow. Flowers and scented candles adorned the surfaces, and a bottle of champagne sat open on the table. Even the usual heavy gray curtains had been replaced with delicate lace, adding an air of intimacy. The bed was covered in thick rose petals, the entire room transformed into a romantic setting. Clearly, this had been Justinâs arrangement before their trip. Exhausted, Emily didnât have the energy to clean up, and it was too late to bother Mrs. Zimmer. Chapter 4 Emily found the remote to turn on the lights, then looked for something handy to snuff out each candle one by one. Afterward, she retrieved her nightgown from the closet and headed for a shower. As she walked into the bathroom, she noticed the ring still on her left hand. She slipped it off and tossed it into the corner of her jewelry box. When she returned to the bedroom, she brushed all the rose petals off the bed and settled under the covers, pulling them over her head. She instinctively lay on the left side of the bed, where she was used to sleeping. Justin would always hold her close, gradually shifting over to the left with her until they were practically glued together. Now, the right side of the bed was glaringly empty. To fill the space, she scooted to the center, tossing the extra pillow onto the floor, finally feeling comfortable. She turned off the lights and went to sleep. Two days passed without any word from Justin. He was likely at the hospital with Emma or busy with work. Emily didnât care and hadnât reached out, maintaining a complete radio silence. The morning sun was bright, and the spring breeze was warm as she lounged on a deck chair in the villaâs garden, enjoying a face mask. Her mind wandered to practical matters. She had spent some time reviewing the contract she signed three years ago to be Justinâs âcontract lover.â It was set to expire automatically after three years, which was now less than four months away. When it ended, she would receive a payout of twenty million. Between that, and the allowance and holiday bonuses he had given her over the years, she had saved nearly six million. She had barely spent any of it, so it was all tucked away. It seemed she would be in decent shape financially, and finding a job after leaving wouldnât be too hard. As for a place to live, she could buy a similarly sized home, and maybe invite Helen to move in as a roommate. It would be nice to have company. She did regret not being able to take Mrs. Zimmer with her. If she could, it would be perfect. The phone on the coffee table buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. Emily picked it up, unlocked it with her fingerprint, and a new message notification popped up at the top of the screen. She tapped to open it. It was from her friend, Helen Walker. They had met a year ago while shopping, when Helen insisted on becoming friends after seeing her just once. With no memory of any past friendships, Emily had found Helen easy to talk to, and they had gradually become close. âHow was your time in Merika State? When are you coming back?â Helen had attached a mischievous emoji with a smirk. âIâm already back.â âAlready? That was quick.â âI thought Justin looked strong. Guess he didnât last long? Not up to it?â âNot just ânot up to itâ. He canât even get started.â Emily replied, seizing the chance to curse him. On the other end, Helen raised an eyebrow. It looked like Justin had managed to tick off her friend. But she wasnât too concerned as they had argued before. Couples fought, and it usually blew over. âPerfect timing then. Iâm heading to the TC Mall in a bit to stock up on some new clothes. Letâs hit the mall together and grab some food afterward. Get ready and meet me there.â âSounds good. Iâll see you at the mall.â Emily agreed readily. She had spent the past couple of days clearing out the sweet, youthful clothes she didnât like. Her wardrobe could use a refresh. She put down the phone and washed off her face mask. Glancing at the nearly empty wardrobe, she picked out a casual athletic outfit and did a quick, simple makeup look. Fresh and tidy, she got ready to head out. âMrs. Zimmer, Iâm meeting a friend to go shopping. Iâll have lunch out,â Emily said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. âAlright, Miss Yates. Will you be back for dinner?â Mrs. Zimmer, who was supervising the housekeeperâs cleaning, looked up to ask. Emily paused while slipping on her shoes, thinking about how unpredictable Helen could be and that they hadnât seen each other in a while. She might not be back for dinner. âNot sure yet. Iâll text you later if Iâll be back in time.â âUnderstood.â As Emily opened the door, she found Justinâs assistant, Sam Spencer, just about to knock. âHi, Sam,â she greeted him coolly, planning to step around him to leave. âHi, Miss Yates. Mr. Yates has a flight out of town this afternoon for a business trip. Could I trouble you to help pack his things before you go?â Samâs tone was respectful, as usual. Emily didnât move. âMrs. Zimmer, Justinâs going on a trip. Could you please help with his packing?â âMiss Yates, thisâŚ?â Samâs face showed confusion. âWhat? Before I came along, didnât Justin have someone to handle his luggage?â Her expression was calm, her tone light. âOf course. Youâre absolutely right, Miss Yates,â Sam replied, beads of sweat forming as he carefully balanced his response, not daring to offend either side. In the past, Emily had always packed for Justinâs business trips. She had done it so many times that she knew exactly what he would need for any occasion. But now, she had no desire to continue. He had used her as a stand-in, and every time he watched her pack his bags, he must have thought she looked foolish. Three years. Now that she thought back, there had been plenty of strange looks and behaviors from Justin that she hadnât picked up on. She had been utterly blind. But she wouldnât be foolish anymore. Emily was ready to leave, but Sam was blocking the door, preventing her from going. She urged Mrs. Zimmer to hurry with the packing. Mrs. Zimmer quickly filled the suitcase and handed it to Sam, who was waiting in the living room. He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes had barely passed. That was fast. "Mrs. Zimmer, are you sure itâs all packed? Should we check to make sure nothingâs missing?" he asked cautiously. Emily replied without emotion, âIsnât the flight at noon? If you keep dragging your feet, heâll miss it. Besides, anything he needs can be bought over there.â She checked her watch, starting to feel a bit pressed for time. If she delayed much longer, Helen would end up waiting impatiently, and they would miss out on shopping before lunch. And who wanted to try on clothes with a full stomach? âOf course, Miss Yates. Iâll head over to the office to pick up Mr. Yates,â Sam said with a polite smile, making his way out. Emily nodded and headed down to the garage. She chose a white luxury car and drove off. Meanwhile, Sam took the suitcase to the sleek black car parked discreetly by the curb. He placed it in the trunk, then settled into the front passenger seat. The driver, Justinâs bodyguard, William, started the car. But instead of heading to the airport, they were bound for Lichfield Hospital. âHow much longer until Emilyâs contract is up?â Justinâs voice was calm and emotionless, as if he were discussing a routine business matter. Sam immediately understood that the question was directed at him. He quickly recalled the contract details. âLess than four months, Mr. Yates.â âDraft a new agreement and deliver it to her when the time comes,â Justin instructed. Keeping her around for three years had cost him little, and continuing to support her wasnât an issue. But he was done with her. He wouldnât touch her again or return to Villa One. Recalling the scene from the hospital hallway two nights ago, he added without hesitation, âInclude a clause that ensures she never shows up in front of Emma again.â Sam was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his professional composure. âUnderstood, Mr. Yates.â Chapter 5 People said billionaires were cold and indifferent in their personal lives, switching women as easily as they changed clothes. For the past three years, Mr. Yates had only been with Miss Yates, making him seem like a devoted man. But it looked like he could move on in an instant. Who knew how long Miss Xander would last by his side? Sam had joined the company three years ago, right when Justin took over RC Corporation, so he wasnât familiar with the complicated history between Emma and Justin. Inside TC Mall, Emily was browsing through clothes, each piece a far cry from her usual sweet and innocent style. âBabe, switching things up?â Helen asked, watching as Emily picked up a long black dress with a slitted hem. It would look stunning on Emilyâs curves. Emily held the dress up to herself in the mirror, unfazed. âYep, time for a change. Do you think this would look better with a shawl or a jacket?â She turned to give Helen a look. âA shawl, definitely. Itâll highlight your figure beautifully,â Helen replied with her usual style advice. âThatâs what I thought too.â Helen eyed the dress. âThat dress is so feminine. Will your guy even let you wear it out? Doesnât Justin only let you wear those sweet, innocent schoolgirl outfits?â Helen couldnât help but mentally criticize Justinâs taste. What kind of fashion sense did he have anyway? A multinational CEO, a man with a grip on the Haven State economy, yet he liked her to dress like a schoolgirl. âHis taste doesnât matter anymore. Itâs not something Iâm concerned about,â Emily replied casually, completely indifferent. She handed the dress to a fitting assistant with a similar build, having her try it on for her. High-end stores like this one often had staff who modeled the clothes for clients, so she didnât have to try them on herself. Emily picked out a few more items in different styles for the assistant to model. If she liked them, she would buy them. When she was satisfied with her choices, she scanned her card and paid, then filled out the delivery details for Villa One. The clothes would be sent straight there. After they had finished shopping, they went for lunch. With no one else around, Emily finally shared her situation with Helen that she had been Justinâs stand-in for his one true love. Now that his true love had returned, she was planning to leave him. âThat despicable man!â Helen burst out, her emotions flaring. âKeep it down.â Emily quickly covered Helenâs mouth and glanced around to see if anyone at nearby tables was paying attention to them. Helen lowered her voice but was still fuming. âJustin might look put-together, but heâs not even half a man. His first love disappears, so he goes and finds a stand-in? âWhy didnât he just get plastic surgery to look like her? Then he could see her every time he looked in the mirror. âGood for you for walking away. You should break up with him. No! Just breaking up is too good for that pompous human garbage! You need to dump him into the sewers!â LMAO, where did Helen even learn these insults from? Just then, the server brought out a tray with seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and a variety of salsas. Emily began assembling her own tacos, adding the toppings she liked best. âThe contractâs up in four months. Iâm planning to buy a place.â âWhat for? Just stay with me. Iâve got a room for you.â âMy address is still tied to Justinâs place. Since Iâve decided to leave, I need a clean break. Iâll need my own place to change everything over,â Emily explained, outlining her plan. Her heart felt numb now, no longer as raw as it had been the night sheâd learned the truth in the hospital garden. âThen you can cancel your lease and move in with me! Weâll be family!" Emily suggested excitedly. Helen suppressed the impulse to tell Emily that they were already family. Given Emily's amnesia, she didnât want to overwhelm her with too much information all at once. Instead, she nodded. âAlright, Iâll move in with you. Iâll start looking around for a place for you. Actually the place I rent now is quite nice. The location and neighborhood are perfect. Iâll check if the landlordâs interested in selling, though itâs a resale property.â âI donât care if itâs new or used. As long as itâs clean and ready to go, Iâm good.â Emily didnât need much. After leaving the cushy life she had been used to, she was perfectly fine doing things on her own. She found the independence kind of refreshing. After lunch, they picked up some accessories to go with the new outfits, light enough to carry back on her own. Emily said goodbye to Helen and drove back to Villa One. By the time she got back, the clothes she had bought that morning had already been delivered, ironed, and neatly hung in the walk-in closet by the house staff. She hadnât bought much, just enough to last the next few months and to keep the move as hassle-free as possible. The womenâs side of the closet was nearly empty, with only a few of her favorite pieces hanging. She grabbed a new loungewear set to change into and happened to glance over at the menâs side, packed with Justinâs clothes. Emily didnât linger. She strode past it without a second thought. As she was heading to the bathroom, her phone rang from the sofa. She put down the clothes and picked up the call. âHello, is this Miss Yates?â âYes, this is.â âIâm a nurse from Lichfield Hospital. Your health screening results are in. When would be a convenient time for you to come pick them up?â Emily remembered that Justin had taken her for a checkup just before their trip to Merika State. She had forgotten all about it until this call. âIâll come by tomorrow morning.â âVery well. Have a nice day.â The next day, Emily went to Lichfield Hospital. âPlan to have a baby?â âThatâs right. Mr. Yates specifically requested it during his screening. Your health is excellent, Miss Yates. Your ovulation cycle is regular, so we recommend folic acid, Vitamin B1, and plenty of protein. With the right timing and frequency, you should be expecting good news soon.â The doctor adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly. Emilyâs fingers tightened around the report, a heavy feeling settling in her chest. She had been trying hard not to think about Justin lately, but this report hit her unexpectedly hard. âMiss Yates, Iâll prescribe you two boxes of folic acid and Vitamin B1. Be sure to take them regularly.â Emily interrupted him, finding an excuse to refuse. âThanks, doctor, but that wonât be necessary. Iâll get them on my own.â The doctor wasnât surprised. Wealthy women like her often had access to premium brands from various sources, so declining hospital-prescribed supplements wasnât unusual. Emily left the hospital in a daze, only coming to her senses when she reached a sunny spot outside. She tossed the health report into the trash bin. With Emma back, Justin clearly had no intention of having children with her. And she certainly didnât want to give him one, either. It was easier to pretend she didnât know what the checkup had really been for. Meanwhile, in the hospitalâs garden, the spring sunlight was warm and gentle. Justin was pushing Emmaâs wheelchair, letting her enjoy the sunshine. âJustin, youâre busy with work. You donât have to be here with me all the time. I can manage on my own,â Emma said, her voice soft and considerate. âFocus on getting better. Donât worry about anything else.â Justin felt a deep guilt about Emmaâs disappearance, blaming himself for not protecting her better. He believed his negligence had allowed her to be taken and vanish without a trace. Over the past few days, he had tried to gather clues from her about what happened, but whenever he brought it up, she would break down, unable to share any details. Emily hadnât expected to see Justin at the hospital. Hadnât Sam said Justin was out of town on a business trip? | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464668396_838968851777178_6862484548457197291_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bqEbBhvrG6wQ7kNvgG8_a-p&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZsGA-umUwjLHfIlaoFmXL6&oh=00_AYCqRO3-QbJ5TvxPoAsqBkud3NorIjgDtUhPFfDAniTc4A&oe=675D6525 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FREE Toy Giveaway | âď¸ Tis the Season for FREE Family Fun & 5G Savings! âď¸ Join us for a FREE Winter Holiday Event at the Boost Mobile store at 3806 N Church St Ste B Greensboro, NC 27405 on 12/12/2024! đ The first 50 kids get a FREE TOY! đ Plus, discover amazing deals on the latest 5G smartphones and family plans. This event is FREE and open to everyone! Come celebrate the season with us. #HolidayCheer #FamilyFun #5GSavings #BoostMobile | EVENT_RSVP | https://www.facebook.com/events/1639886396963438/ | Boost Mobile - Local Events | https://www.facebook.com/oneboostnation/ | 5,997 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | INTERESTED | 0 | FREE Toy Giveaway | EVENT | âď¸ Tis the Season for FREE Family Fun & 5G Savings! âď¸ Join us for a FREE Winter Holiday Event at Boost Mobile! đ The first 50 kids get a FREE TOY! đ Plus, discover amazing deals on the latest 5G smartphones and family plans. This event is FREE and open to everyone! Come celebrate the season with us! #HolidayCheer #FamilyFun #5GSavings #BoostMobile | https://www.facebook.com/events/1639886396963438/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469102140_1348030386577036_4139058877266447424_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IlhtuJvpOiQQ7kNvgFtRIwt&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AjTau_UqI4f-N4uegVNGs-y&oh=00_AYCa_tfcXYdzIw0gVFEzsyNbUSgVxGU7GrUABqeoRXfNAw&oe=675DFE19 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Boost Mobile - Local Events | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 04:54 | active | 1984 | 0 |
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đĽENTER TO WIN - $15K IN PRIZES | đ LAKE PLEASANT đ ENTER TO WIN $15K WORTH OF MEMBERSHIP GIVEAWAY đ We are giving away an exclusive training program for Lake Pleasant people. â Unlimited all levels workouts - great for beginners â Customized Nutrition - Easy to follow (No diets involved) â Supportive community of like-minded people who will support you and help you crush your goals! Click the "SIGN UP" button below to enter (opportunity valid for non-members) | SIGN_UP | http://fb.me/ | Lake Pleasant Fit Body Boot Camp | https://www.facebook.com/LakePleasantFitBodyBootCamp/ | 1,506 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sign Up | 0 | https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/peoria-az/ | DCO | Limited spots available | http://fb.me/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469630503_1242072200430389_8144952022578600346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0o32mTT3G_sQ7kNvgHDo8uA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AGXr74iybuW0Xe5u8yGiBSS&oh=00_AYBonSsL_3gvChQN--GOIzjg2DvPgyn8R2VqmHhLaAUisw&oe=675DF525 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lake Pleasant Fit Body Boot Camp | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 21:03 | active | 1982 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 323 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464198210_1335425697867830_3839403089342624662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LbwvXEWIX6UQ7kNvgGE_Sd5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZsGA-umUwjLHfIlaoFmXL6&oh=00_AYB8fooNza1HR3STkDz15zN7sq1Sb3qpzcMtxcOP7m7zZg&oe=675D5D00 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 |
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2012 Dodge Journey Crew Sport Utility 4D | 2012 Dodge Journey Crew Sport Utility 4D - $4,500.00 Here we have a nice looking doge Journey 2012. 3rd row seat, Special Red exterior is really nice .touch screen radio, leather, backup camera, tires are like new, no check engine lights or any error . No physical damage on the body beside a litle rust above the wheel driver side . Interior is super clean with no tear in the seats . AC ice cold . Heat works great Someone took care of this one . Smells good on the inside. Come check it out if you like feel free to text or call us 5865two55009 Jimmy 586two449596 charbel special discount for cash payments, www.eheautosales.com We have over 80 vehicles for sale right now and we offer financing Facebook Marketplace | CONTACT_US | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/518318587625 | Ehe AutoSales | https://www.facebook.com/Ehe-AutoSales-101134603019127/ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Contact us | 0 | IMAGE | https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/518318587625670/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | REGULAR_PAGE | 1 | 0 | 0 | Ehe AutoSales | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,623,569 |
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'{"alias":2623509}'
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No | 2024-12-09 19:36 | active | 1981 | 0 |
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Nextlevel Translogistics LLC established in 2018 would love the opportunity to get to discuss your operation further, and see how I can help improve your transportation needs. Iâm always just a phone call away, so feel free to contact me at [6148864132]. We currently have a great roster of clients Feazel Roofing, MPW Industrial Services, Coughlin Chevrolet/ GMC, Tansky Toyota, Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Crown Alfa Romeo, Germain Hyundai, Germain Find Your Ride, Ricart Used Car Factory, Daytona Beach Hall Chevrolet/ GMC, Daytona Hyundai, Crestmont Cadillac, Crestmont Buick GMC , AMS PERFORMANCE, UP REV Bronco,Lucore Automotive, Premier Autosports, classic car, exotic collectors, snowbirds and daily driver clients. Let Me âDeliver Happinessâ To You and your clients. | MESSAGE_PAGE | Robert Porter Next Level Transport LLC | https://www.facebook.com/100046310966358/ | 891 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Send message | 0 | IMAGE | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469753690_1763048667851515_5124973503049466148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rIcLm9ZIoVcQ7kNvgHvXdyB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaacS6lHly6tNcJHPCQCTzL&oh=00_AYDkRElFRDn8nHBO5zl9UWWtHyNFC9MtoUPwzm9GmJ7lbA&oe=675D6CB9 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Robert Porter Next Level Transport LLC | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 18:57 | active | 1980 | 0 | SAVE UP TO 65% + FREE GIFTS đĽ | "Thought I was doing everything right with my old toothbrush, but then I learned about how many germs it might have. With Tao Cleanâs UMMA Diamond Sonic Toothbrush, it's a whole new level of clean. It's not just about brushing â it's about knowing that brush is germ-free every time it reaches my mouth. What a relief!" - Kelly B. âââââ | SHOP_NOW | https://www.taoclean.com/pages/reserve-toothbrush- | Discover Weekly | https://www.facebook.com/discoverweekly001/ | 1,537 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | www.taoclean.com | DCO | Last For A Lifetime | https://www.taoclean.com/pages/reserve-toothbrush-65-1 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469519509_615365614391113_3759486591506379830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ejNfjQMfZqgQ7kNvgEs_W1I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ad-qg9HwEDklf8L714uNHIG&oh=00_AYB5iEVZkNoYTETov6Xf6zmOz3tU1BuXGtHbTTOdVnMRvg&oe=675D5CE2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Discover Weekly | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-09 21:03 | active | 1982 | 0 |
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Calvary Chapel Schools | BOOK_TRAVEL | https://forms.gle/Wr78PsB1mcsut1Bv6 | Calvary Chapel Schools | https://www.facebook.com/calvarychapelschools/ | 562 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Book Now | 0 | docs.google.com | CAROUSEL | https://forms.gle/Wr78PsB1mcsut1Bv6 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469874154_1014316030463795_3992705401651648498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UC1cz7pDiqoQ7kNvgFAegCj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANNtKWVd434UApMX_mJBnmM&oh=00_AYAq52DS3qWzZYJelmPDXoX8xgF-rVg_apwCAMZDtgyq6w&oe=675D6952 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Calvary Chapel Schools | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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