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No | 2024-12-10 19:42 | active | 1988 | 0 | Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Good Story | https://www.facebook.com/100090635329790/ | 760 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1025-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=638434121690371&rawadid=120217380817140091 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468850286_1275091870309331_5941242001712262158_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H6MZ6q9HcqgQ7kNvgEvScKK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AWqcgq67WTgcz7-BhcUvYSz&oh=00_AYA1Znb0R5VQfLvjmpShbCPwhiH8tl6qyugSyQa5a7aQVg&oe=675EC3EC | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Good Story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 19:53 | active | 1987 | 0 | π₯π₯ Click to Read ππ»ππ» | I got a call from a detective late one night asking me to take my two children in. I had no idea I fathered another two children at all but was forced to prove that by providing a DNA sample. Dakota and Darcy are 3-year-old twins, they have been bounced around foster care homes since birth. Once everyone had looked at Dakota, I pulled up the photo of Darcy. My four sons gasped, they were not expecting to have a baby sister at all. "She is gorgeous and so tiny" Hunter stated. "Look at her button nose and those eyes" Jamie stated. "I bags cuddling her first" Eddie yelled. "We are in so much trouble, when she grows up, the boys will swarm" Mitchell grumbled causing all the boys to glare. They had not thought of that. I chuckled at his sons, they hadn't even met the kids and they were already so protective of their baby sister. "Anyway, Mitchell and I are heading to LA tonight and when the twins are released from hospital we will bring them home. "That's not fair. Why does he get to go?" Jamie whined. "I don't want to overwhelm the twins but I will need help to bring them home." ββββββββ Four years ago Daniel spent two months with a woman named Kelly who was appointed to help him on an extended tour in China for his business. She was his interpreter and guide. His parents looked after his four sons while he toured the factories checking how they were working and coping with the products his business imported to Australia. Kelly was an American girl who spoke fluent Mandarin. She was 13 years younger than Daniel but they spent every minute of every day together and things just happened in the last two weeks of Daniel's stay. Kelly knew it was just a quick fling and she was ok with that because she was going back home to America after Daniel left anyway. She was going to be married to her father's business associate to create a partnership. For her, it was a last chance to be reckless and she was. She didn't plan on it at all and thought they had been safe. When Kelly returned to America, she was pregnant but didn't know it until just before her wedding. Her father decided that the child would be put up for adoption and the wedding was pushed back. Kelly birthed twins on April 16th 2019 by herself. Her firstborn was a little boy she called Dakota Ray and her secondborn was a beautiful baby girl whom she named Darcy Celine. She held them for a full hour before her father rushed them away and dumped them into foster care with the one request that the children stay together. Kelly had named Daniel on the papers hoping that somehow her kids would end up with him and be loved like they deserved, she didn't want them in a family like hers. She hoped the foster care agency would search for Daniel but they didn't. She wanted her children to be free and happy unlike her and thought of them daily while in her loveless marriage until she took her own life one year after her children were born. Dakota and Darcy were bounced around from home to home. In their three years of life, they had never known love except for each other. Dakota was the protector of his sister and tried to shield her from the abuse they suffered at the different homes. Dakota was 95cm and a little underweight for his age and height due to the lack of food he had been given. Dakota had blonde hair and blue eyes but no one could tell because of how dirty he was. Darcy was small for her age. She was 88cm and barely 10 kilos when soaking wet. Darcy had been born with a full head of hair which was now down to her waist. It was blonde and curly when it wasn't matted and she had piercing blue eyes. Darcy was the opposite of Dakota, she was sweet and shy. She barely talked to anyone except for Kota as she called him. Darcy was known as Cc to her brother but no one else was allowed to call her that. The current foster home of the twins was bad. They were never allowed to bathe at all and had been in the same clothes since they arrived 7 weeks ago. They were only fed twice a week if they were good. Whatever food the twins got they would share. They slept holding onto each other, for Kota, it was so he could protect his sister and so Cc didn't have bad dreams. For Cc, it was to make sure that no one took Kota away from her. The twins slept in the laundry room on a dog bed with a baby's blanket they found in the bin. The twins spent most of their time either being locked out when the men with white powder came around or staying in the laundry room. When they went into the house, the scary man would hit them and throw things at them so they avoided it as much as possible. One night, the twins heard loud banging and shouting. There were flashing lights and dogs barking. Darcy was scared and shaking, she was crying and Dakota was trying to calm his sister down so no one would find them hidden next to the funny machine. He was holding her close and trying to cover her with a blanket. He would rather the bad man hit him than his baby sister. He was watching to make sure no one came through the door while he covered his sister with his body. The police were searching the house for drugs and had found it held thousands of dollars of cocaine and a dope lab was upstairs. The dogs were taken into each room searching each room and they were scratching on the laundry door. The officer kicked the door in causing Darcy to scream while Dakota tried to cover her mouth with his little hand scared of what the scary man would do to them for making noise. The dog bolted towards the children sniffing them before laying protectively in front of the children. "Get in here sarge" the dog handler called out causing several officers and a detective to come running. Darcy peeked out and saw the dog "Doggy" she squealed reaching for the dog. "Don't touch" the handler yelled out fearing the dog would harm the children. Darcy jumped causing the dog to growl at the new people entering the room. "Blue heel" the handler stated stopping the dog from growling. "Blue come" the handler called but the dog refused to leave the kids. As the detective inched closer to the kids, Blue the police dog put his body in front of the kids ready to defend them. "Blue's protecting the kids" the handler stated. "I see that but we need to get them checked. Call the dog off now" the detective stated. "Blue come" the handler called again but the dog just ignored him. "Blue seek" the handler stated opening the back door. Blue took off outside and the detective quickly shut the door. The detective walked over to the kids causing Dakota to jump up and stand in front of his sister glaring at the man in front of him. "I'm Detective Brown. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to check if you are ok?" The detective stated. "No touching Cc" Dakota stated putting his hands on his hips and glaring at the man. "Is CC your sister's name?" Detective Brown asked. "No call her that, she Darcy mister" Dakota stated causing Darcy to giggle. Detective Brown smiled "ok so what's your name then?" He asked. "Dakota" Dakota stated. "Ok Dakota, I just want to check on you and your sister and maybe get something to eat?" Detective Brown stated, he wanted them checked at the hospital and cleaned up but he would get them out of there first. "Kota I hungry," Darcy said. Both children seemed to have a conversation with each other speaking with words that didn't make sense and eventually agreed to go with the detective if he didn't touch them. --- Detective Brown had managed to get the twins into his car and took them to the hospital where they were cleaned up. The wounds on both children were being treated and they had been fed. Detective Brown couldn't believe the extent of the dirt on the children and how dehydrated and malnourished these kids were. Who could do that to a child? He made it his mission to find the children a proper home to live as no child should have to go through what they had. He was horrified by what he found in that house and the condition of the children. He contacted the social worker in charge of the twins. The woman told him to do the job himself if he didn't like what she had done so that was what he was doing. Detective Brown went through the file on the twins and saw they had been in 23 homes since birth. They were unable to be adopted as the mother and father hadn't signed the proper forms. He eventually found the twin's birth certificates listing both the mother and father and got to work on searching for them. He found the mother had committed suicide exactly one year after the children were born. He also found that the father was an Australian citizen and was listed on the birth certificate. He got to work searching for contact details on a Daniel Levi Toms. Detective Brown found his contact details in a letter at the bottom of the file and immediately called the number. Daniel was sound asleep, it was 3 am when his phone began to ring with a number from LA. "This better be good" he answered the phone. "Is this Mr Daniel Toms?" Detective Brown asked. "Who is asking?" Daniel replied. "Oh sorry, my name is Detective Brown. I am calling in regards to your children we found late last night in a dope raid" Detective Brown started. "I think you have the wrong number mate. My kids are here in Australia with me" Daniel replied getting angry. "No, you are Daniel Levi Toms correct?" Detective Brown asked" "Yes" Daniel replied. "Then I have the right number. You are listed on the birth certificate of Dakota and Darcy born 16th April 2019, mother Kelly Wright now deceased" Detective Brown continued. "Look mate, I'm not the kid's father. There has been a mistake" Daniel replied. "Well as you are listed you are the next of kin and I will need you to provide a DNA sample to get your name removed off the birth certificate or you will need to sign paperwork relinquishing your rights so the children can be placed up for adoption" Detective Brown fumed out. He was angry at this man for denying his children, especially after seeing them in the state they were in. Those kids deserved better than that. "Where can I go to provide the sample?" Daniel asked. After another 10 minutes on the phone organising for Daniel to provide a sample of DNA in the morning the detective and Daniel hung up. He was now wide awake and fuming with Kelly. Why would she put his name down? They had spent two weeks together but had parted ways after a mutually satisfying time together. There is no way he could have fathered children with her, he was sure they were careful. He was awake now so decided to do some work before going to the clinic at 8 am to get a DNA test done. At 7.30 am Daniel left a note for his sons saying he had an errand to run and headed to the clinic. He would then head to the office after the test was done. The detective said they would have the results in two days and then Daniel would be absolved of the responsibility of the children that Kelly claimed were his. He already had four children he had raised practically on his own that were grown, he didn't need to raise another two especially when he would be 50 in a few years. The twins had been admitted to hospital and would be spending about 10 days there. They had school sores all over them from how unclean they were. Darcy had a UTI from not being cleaned properly after going to the toilet. They both had insect bites all over them. Dakota had a skin infection and multiple bruises on his body. Darcy also had a middle ear infection. Both children slept a lot but neither would let go of each other. Dakota had to be held down while the doctors checked his sister because he kept kicking and biting the doctor. Each time the nurse would come to check the twin's vitals it took three of them, two to hold Dakota and one to check Darcy. Dakota had also taken out his IV several times so he could sleep with Darcy. The nurses had threatened to put the kids in different rooms unless he kept his IV in. Two days later Detective Brown got a call confirming that Daniel was the biological father of the twins. He immediately picked up the phone to call Daniel. "Daniel speaking" Daniel answered the phone quickly seeing the LA number. He assumed it was the start of getting his name off the kid's birthday certificate. "Daniel, this is Detective Brown. I am ringing to confirm you are the father of Dakota and Darcy. I have sent the paperwork through for you to see along with forms allowing the children to be placed up for adoption. As Ms Wright is now deceased, all we require is your signature and we can get the process started" Detective Brown stated. "Wait did you just say the kids are mine?" Daniel asked. "Yes sir, DNA confirms it" Detective Brown replied. "God" Daniel stated. "Wait two children? How?" Daniel asked. "They are twins, they are three years old and currently are in hospital. As I mentioned we found them in a dope raid and I don't want them going back into foster care, I'd rather they be placed up for adoption" Detective Brown stated. "No, wait. I didn't know about them. I'll take my kids. I'll be on the first flight out of Australia. Send me through the details" Daniel replied. "Yes sir, and sir you should know they show signs of abuse" Detective Brown stated they continued to talk with the detective passing on relevant information before hanging up. Daniel was horrified, how was he going to tell his sons? --- Daniel booked the first flight from Sydney to LA for himself and his eldest. He knew he would need help getting two children back especially when they had shown signs of abuse. He had forgotten to ask about the gender of his children, he assumed they were two boys. He didn't know what abuse the children had suffered but he knew they were in a dope raid. These are the things he would have to find out as well as getting the children back to Australia. He rang Mitchell and told him they both needed to get to LA immediately and to pack a bag for the both of them with at least 10 days worth of clothes. He would explain on the way to the airport. He called his other sons and told them he and Mitchell would be heading to LA for two weeks immediately for an emergency and to get home quickly so he could explain it all. Their flight was leaving at 7.30 pm and it was currently 1 pm. It would only take 20 minutes to drive to the airport from their house. He was worried about what his sons were going to say about having siblings. He got into a cab as he wanted to read the things that the detective had sent and his car would be fine in the work car park. As he read through the reports he realised he had a little boy and a little girl. Finally, he would have a little princess to spoil and he couldn't help but smile. As he walked into the house he was met with all his sons. "Dad, what's the emergency?" His eldest Mitchell asked. "A few days ago, I got a call from a detective in LA claiming I had fathered two children. Turns out he was right, I have the DNA results. Before anyone says anything, they are twins and are three. I am going to America to bring them back home. Their mum is deceased and we are all they have left" Daniel stated not leaving any room for arguing. "What? How?" Asked Eddie the youngest. "You see brother dear when a man and a woman" Hunter began. "Shut up, I meant how did we not know?" Eddie argued. "Their mother didn't let me know. I spent 2 weeks with her in China, she was my guide and translator. We both knew it was casual" Daniel replied. He wanted to be honest with his sons so they knew exactly what was going on, he always had been honest. "That's not all. The twins, Dakota and Darcy are currently in hospital. They are showing signs of abuse. The police picked them up during a dope raid" Daniel informed his sons. Everyone was quiet for a while, no one knew what to say at all. How could someone harm children? Why would someone want to do that? Eventually, Jamie spoke up "Do you have a photo of them?" He asked making Daniel smile. The detective had sent through a picture of the children with the file which could be used to get emergency passports to get the kids home to Australia. Daniel pulled up the photos and the boys gathered around the phone to look. First, they saw a photo of Dakota, there was no denying him, he was the spitting image of Mitchell. You would swear they were twins. Mitchell and Dakota shared the same blue eyes and blonde curly hair. They even had the same face shape although Dakota did not have the fullness in his cheeks. Once everyone had looked at Dakota, Daniel pulled up the photo of Darcy. The boys gasped, they were not expecting to have a baby sister at all. "She is gorgeous and so tiny" Hunter stated. "Look at her button nose and those eyes" Jamie stated. "I bags cuddling her first" Eddie yelled. "We are in so much trouble, when she grows up, the boys will swarm" Mitchell grumbled causing all the boys to glare. They had not thought of that. Daniel chuckled at his sons, they hadn't even met the kids and they were already so protective of their baby sister. "Anyway, Mitchell and I are heading to LA tonight and when the twins are released from hospital we will bring them home. "That's not fair. Why does he get to go?" Jamie whined. "I don't want to overwhelm the twins but I will need help to bring them home. You all are at uni and I don't want you taking the time off" Daniel replied earning groans from all of his sons besides Mitchell. Daniel spent the rest of the time organising emergency passports for the twins so they could return to Australia. He would pick them up from the Australian embassy in 5 days along with paperwork allowing the twins to be brought into the country. Mitchell checked them into the flight online so all they would have to do is drop their bags and head through security. He was extremely excited to meet the twins and couldn't wait to cuddle with both of them. He missed having younger siblings in the house. He had plans for what he would do with each of the twins. He would teach Dakota how to play football and ride a bike, he would also read to him and teach him how to protect his sister. He could not wait to teach Darcy to ride a bike and would cuddle with her to sleep. He would take her dancing and go watch every performance if she was interested. It was time to leave and they caught a cab to the airport ready to get to LA to see the twins. Mitchell and Daniel had been quiet since arriving at the airport waiting for their flight to be called. They were travelling first class so they would be able to sleep on the plane. Both were lost in their own thoughts after reading medical reports from the hospital. As they boarded the flight all Daniel could think of was how he was going to be able to help his children when they were showing signs of abuse. How would he be able to get them to trust him when he already had let them down? How could he make up for the time he had already missed with his children? But most of all he was worried the twins would not like him. | LEARN_MORE | https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzc0Mzk | ForFun-120 | https://www.facebook.com/61554751622817/ | 146 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | a.letsreadnovel.com | VIDEO | https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzc0MzkzLzIwMjQxMjA2MTM1OTE5L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469286315_1969486583572381_1329378180860169051_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tlKi5gCQ6JcQ7kNvgH8OEaq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6rZSr_X-yF5aaTdBhuDnBc&oh=00_AYDGVv0A_3TwJV_jOMs1jViPFRvlhsYMI3bggFZktp954Q&oe=675ECEBE | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | ForFun-120 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 20:43 | active | 1989 | 0 |
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πAttention! Do not read in publicοΌπ | "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Carissa Sinclair stared at the hypocritical man before her, his heartfelt promises still echoing in her ears. At the time of her husband's departure for battle, she used her dowry to support the household and care for her in-laws. In the end, however, she was met with betrayal; Barrett Warren used his military achievements to request the king's permission to take another legitimate wife, placing her on equal footing with him. She was the Marquis of Northwatch's daughter, and she herself was also highly skilled in martial arts. After her family was destroyed, she had no choice but to marry a good husband as her mother had wished, learning to be obedient and manage household affairs to put her mother at ease. But the man before her was no virtuous partner. Barrett's handsome face bore a hint of apology, yet his words were resolute, "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Despite feeling a mix of disgust and unwillingness, she still asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict. Besides, Aurora is straightforward, cheerful, and lovable. She visited my mother a while ago." They agreed? Hah... How ironic! All her sincere efforts over the past year turned out to be feeding a dog. "Carissa, when I married you, I didn't understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory." Talking about the woman he loved, his eyes softened and filled with deep affection. He turned back to Carissa and added, "She's unlike any woman I've ever met. I love her deeply. I hope you'll agree to this." Carissa curled her lips in a faint smile; beneath her seemingly teary eyes gleamed a sharp, fierce determination, "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need for that. Carissa, she's different from any woman you know. She's a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. She wouldn't want to meet you," Barrett refused instantly. Carissa retorted, "What kind of women do I know? What kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of a noble family. My father and my six brothers died on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That's them," Barrett interrupted. "But you're a delicate woman suited for the comforts of home. Aurora has no respect for such women. She's straightforward and unrestrained. If she meets you, she might say things you won't like. Why put yourself through that?" As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under the corner of her eye became more evident in the light. She calmly said, "It's fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I'll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. "Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you'll be in separate wings. She won't compete with you for control of the household. She doesn't care about those things." "Do you really think I'm attached to managing this household?" Carissa countered. Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett's mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligationsβall these things required money. This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running. And this was her reward. "Enough, I won't argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing," said Barrett, his patience wearing thin. Carissa watched him leave in a huff, feeling even more the irony in her heart. "My lady, my lord was too much!" said Lulu, Carissa's maid, wiping her tears away. "Don't call him that!" Carissa gave her a stern look. "We never consummated the marriage. He's not your lord." "Help me get ready; we're going to the royal palace." "What do we need to go to the royal palace for... Oh! Are you asking the king to revoke the decree?" Lulu asked innocently, tilting her head. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. "Silly girl, is it worth it for us to continue wasting our youth on someone like that?" Lulu covered her forehead and exclaimed, "Then why are we going to the palace?" "Of course, to seek a decree for divorce." Barrett Warren could leverage his achievements to request a marriage from the king, and she, Carissa Sinclair, could also use the military merits of the Marquis' family of Northwatch to request an edict for an amicable divorce. Since her husband's heart no longer belongs to her, why should she cling on? As for the substantial dowry she had given over the years, there's no reason to let this heartless family benefit from it for free. She will reclaim every single cent. With clear brows and resolute expression, Carissa Sinclair's gentle face radiated unwavering determination...... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 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/t39.35426-6/463979086_1249620329511298_7952432189440379201_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fn9H4s1irC8Q7kNvgEnINkZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6MRB9cug8CeCsyubloGSRM&oh=00_AYCCF5U28K1o6bLAre2bsa33OQY9hcjIvFcOVDqLyGgE5g&oe=675EDD06 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:42 | active | 1988 | 0 |
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Tiny House Concerts Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas | Stop in at Oak Tuesday December 17th at 7pm for a holiday jazz experience like no other. Inside middle room will be set up with the jazz stylings of Mike Luzecky, Dan Porter, and Connor Kent reimagining the timeless Christmas album by Vince Guaraldi entitled A Charlie Brown Christmas Free Show. Two sets between the hours of 7 & 9 Mike Luzecky-Bass Connor Kent-Drums Dan Porter-Piano One time only event. Youβll regret missing it. | EVENT_RSVP | https://www.facebook.com/events/448662391396530/ | Oak St. Drafthouse | https://www.facebook.com/Oakstdrafthouse/ | 21,611 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | INTERESTED | 0 | Tiny House Concerts Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas | EVENT | Stop in at Oak Tuesday December 17th at 7pm for a holiday jazz experience like no other. Inside middle room will be set up with the jazz stylings of Mike Luzecky, Dan Porter, and Connor Kent reimagining the timeless Christmas album by Vince Guaraldi entitled A Charlie Brown Christmas Free Show. Two sets between the hours of 7 & 9 Mike Luzecky-Bass Connor Kent-Drums Dan Porter-Piano One time only event. Youβll regret missing it. | https://www.facebook.com/events/448662391396530/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/470012192_592497013191796_5371301646435716819_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-Pfw4WHs2T0Q7kNvgGt1nso&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUBpxblSOrX2btu6c8rIXBU&oh=00_AYD4x7Rs6Y0MBN1b35Z3CSJrEGHaoacn_scluJ2-NRdcWA&oe=675EC832 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Oak St. Drafthouse | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 20:44 | active | 1989 | 0 |
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Sangria Social Wednesdays at Bar Vegan!!ππ» Join us for Albanyβs all-new mid-week dance socialβ¦ Sangria Social Wednesdays, your ultimate midweek destination to learn, dance, and socialize!!! Come experience the magic of Salsa and Bachata at our Beginner-Friendly Dance Social! π π Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 π Time: Doors open at 8PM π Highlights: β¨ 8:30PM: Beginner-Friendly Salsa/Bachata Dancing Workshop-No Partner Needed! β¨ 9:15PM-11:30PM: Open Social Dancing π§ Spinning the best Bachata and Salsa, mixed with Kizomba, Merengue, and Latin Top 40 to keep the dance floor alive! π₯πΆ πΊπWhether you're a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps, this event is designed for everyone to learn, dance, and socialize! Grab your friends and lets have fun dancing the night away! πΊπ ποΈ Cover $12 (pay at the door, includes dance lesson and social dancing) ποΈ Secure your spot now: Venmo: @RitmoAlbany Website: https://www.ritmoroom.com/booking-calendar/bachata-room-fridays?referral=service_list_widget Bar Vegan: Come enjoy this new beautiful venue, a modern tapas and cocktail bar, in downtown Albany. Bring your friends, have dinner, a few drinks and stay for a night of Latin dancing and performances with the region's best dance instructors and DJs!!! "A modern tapas and cocktail bar with a convivial environment for dates and good conversations. Our menu balance remarkable flavor profiles inspired by the season and the globe, unified with only the finest quality ingredients. Bar Vegan was established to creatively bring vegan dining to a fresh, new and delicious level. All our dishes and hand crafted cocktails are made in house, using locally sourced ingredients and spirits. We are dedicated to taking care of you, so please enjoy your experience." #GoodVibesOnly 21+ for dance lesson and dancing ποΈ Location: Bar Vegan 205 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210 *Everyone is welcome (21+ event). Join us at our other events and dance classes at Ritmo Room (173 Spruce Street, Albany, NY 12210) #BachataVibes #SalsaVibes #RitmoRoom #Ritmo #AlbanyNY #BachataRoom #Salsateca #bachata #salsa #kizomba #zouk #merengue #latintop40 | VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/bachataroomalbany | bachataroomalbany | https://www.instagram.com/_u/bachataroomalbany | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram profile | 0 | instagram.com | IMAGE | http://instagram.com/bachataroomalbany | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/378421433_1085248099132988_8356499298822513455_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=CxDCF7q6zD8Q7kNvgHG6Zea&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDs86aqZehFoJnkr-dVIAWUHc7n6nNpMSHR89ROonS13w&oe=675EBA38 | IG_ADS_IDENTITY | 1 | 0 | 0 | bachataroomalbany | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 18:48 | active | 1986 | 0 |
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Buffalo Island Coffee | πWe will be hosting our First Christmas Open-House on 12/12 from 6pm-8pm! Joining us to celebrate will be: πPermanent Jewelry π²Fat Boy Prints πFM World Frangrances π²Sillβs Art Studio πOur Neighbor, Mrs. Stout π²Be Esther FREE EVENT! βοΈ10% off drink purchase during 12/12! Door Prize Giveaway! Coffee Shop will be Open! Treats! Craft! Friends! Fellowship! #leachvillear #buffaloislandcoffee #openhouse #coffee #crafts #vendors #friends #christmas | GET_DIRECTIONS | https://facebook.com/61565975554770 | Buffalo Island Coffee | https://www.facebook.com/61565975554770/ | 365 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Get directions | 0 | IMAGE | https://facebook.com/61565975554770 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469818690_1252012839384396_5981607709878601810_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vJKZHNxPMYYQ7kNvgETLPs9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ayvw5yzfe9BDfG3zqHYxpPs&oh=00_AYCQKLZuPKVAM5YxQuam7PeE0okICPzOpSNU9ZV35oxhoQ&oe=675EA5EA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Buffalo Island Coffee | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 19:42 | active | 1988 | 0 |
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4 interest-free payments | β 60%off buy 1β£ get 1β£ πΉ Shine with jewelry this Christmas ππ Shop Nowπ:http://italojewelry.io/Cwo Free shipping & After Pay | SHOP_NOW | https://www.italojewelry.com/italo-twist-three-sto | Italo Fine Jewelry | https://www.facebook.com/italofinejewelry/ | 18,528 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | italojewelry.com | DPA | β ONE-YEAR Warranty & 60-DAY RETURN | https://www.italojewelry.com/italo-twist-three-stone-created-white-sapphire-3pc-wedding-set-231002.html | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469015522_481185937784397_7830861879119417072_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LIm2snwHieYQ7kNvgHEWNz4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AeyxiItuZU4X6MAED7J0vUA&oh=00_AYBQu4YbXBk5YkL9h6qNsVTWyTgkM6h1JzkolNeq8tYOxQ&oe=675ECC54 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Italo Fine Jewelry | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 20:43 | active | 1989 | 0 | En medio de la ruina econΓ³mica de su familia, ella renunciΓ³ a su preciado violΓn y se convirtiΓ³ en la dΓ³cil mascota de su esposo, solo para encontrarse con el desprecio de este. Afortunadamente, ella por fin despertΓ³, se divorciΓ³ con valentΓa y reiniciΓ³ su carrera musical, alcanzando un gran Γ©xito y provocando el remordimiento de su ex. ===== Joelle Miller examinΓ³ minuciosamente el feed de Twitter de Rebecca Lloyd, estudiando con mucha atenciΓ³n cada video, ansiosa por ver el rostro del novio de Rebecca. Rebecca, la protagonista de los videos, irradiaba ternura y delicadeza con su sencillo vestido blanco. Si bien no era tan bella, tenΓa una genuina sencillez y una sonrisa encantadora. HabΓa descubierto que, en los dΓas importantes, Nochebuena, San ValentΓn e incluso el cumpleaΓ±os de Joelle, Rebecca estaba con Adrian Miller, su supuesto esposo, quien se habΓa ausentado de todos esos dΓas durante los ΓΊltimos tres aΓ±os. Esas alegres narraciones sobre su vida con su novio fueron mΓ‘s que suficientes para hundirla en la tristeza. "ΒΏLo ven? Γl siempre guarda para mΓ la parte mΓ‘s jugosa de una sandΓa". "Incluso cuando llega tarde a casa, siempre me trae algo". "Β‘Y miren esta sorpresa! RecogiΓ³ de la iglesia un amuleto de bendiciΓ³n para mΓ". ...... El nombre de usuario era "Cuenta Regresiva Hacia la Muerte", la ΓΊnica cuenta a la que Joelle seguΓa. Justo cuando reflexionaba sobre el siniestro nombre, la puerta del baΓ±o se abriΓ³. En la habitaciΓ³n poco iluminada apareciΓ³ Adrian. Gotas de agua caΓan de su cabello. A pesar de la tenue iluminaciΓ³n, sus atractivos rasgos permanecΓan intactos. Joelle cerrΓ³ instintivamente su celular y le dio una mirada reflexiva. HacΓa mucho tiempo desde la ΓΊltima vez que lo vio. Esa noche Γ©l no estaba ahΓ por decisiΓ³n propia. Su abuela, Irene Miller, estaba enferma y, como querΓa un bisnieto con desesperaciΓ³n, lo obligΓ³ a regresar. De lo contrario, tal vez nunca hubiera venido. Durante sus tres aΓ±os de matrimonio, Adrian pasaba la mayor parte del tiempo en Villas Oak, por lo que rara vez estaba en casa. Todos sabΓan que en realidad no amaba a Joelle. Estaba atrapada en un matrimonio por conveniencia. "Solo te voy a dar una oportunidad. El destino dirΓ‘ si quedas e**arazada o no", declarΓ³ Adrian con una voz resonante. ΒΏQuΓ© querΓa decir? Antes de que Joelle pudiera seguir pensando, Adrian la agarrΓ³ del tobillo y la atrajo hacia Γ©l. Joelle palideciΓ³ ante su crueldad, su cuerpo se tensΓ³ de miedo. "Β‘Adrian! Basta, no quiero...". EmpezΓ³ a luchar frenΓ©ticamente. Era una completa humillaciΓ³n verse obligada a vivir en esa situaciΓ³n con el hombre que amaba. Adrian hizo una mueca de desprecio. "Te atreviste a diseΓ±o una vez, asΓ que debiste haberlo visto venir. Solo aguΓ‘ntalo". Ante esas duras palabras, los ojos de Joelle se llenaron de lΓ‘grimas y sus pestaΓ±as bailaron como mariposas heridas. Mirando su rostro severo, dijo con voz temblorosa: "Las cosas no fueron lo que imaginabas..." Pero sus protestas fueron interrumpidas. Su resistencia se desvaneciΓ³ a medida que la desesperaciΓ³n se apoderaba de ella. "Has aprendido que hacerte la difΓcil es mucho mΓ‘s interesante que quedarse tirada como un pez muerto", comentΓ³ con rencor. DespuΓ©s de ducharse, se marchΓ³ sin mirar atrΓ‘s, como si no quisiera quedarse mΓ‘s tiempo ahΓ. Joelle no entendΓa quΓ© papel tenΓa en su vida. ΒΏSolo era un juguete para su placer? ΒΏO una herramienta para cumplir las expectativas de su familia de tener un heredero? La ventana estaba completamente abierta, por lo que entraba un gΓ©lido y cortante viento. A Joelle se le erizaron los pelos de la nuca y se arropΓ³ mΓ‘s con su manta. No solo temblaba de frΓo, sino que sentΓa su corazΓ³n desgarrado, ahora no conocΓa en absoluto al hombre que habΓa adorado durante casi ocho aΓ±os. Tres aΓ±os atrΓ‘s, en un lujoso banquete organizado por la familia Miller, Joelle bebiΓ³ demasiado. Cuando se despertΓ³, en la con Adrian. Antes de que pudiera asimilar lo que estaba pasando, su hermano y varios miembros de su familia irrumpieron. Ya no podΓa revertir lo sucedido. La abuela de Adrian tomΓ³ las riendas y organizΓ³ su matrimonio. Desde entonces, Γ©l estaba convencido de que Joelle lo habΓa hecho a propΓ³sito. A ella le desconcertaba su profunda animosidad, por mΓ‘s que creyera que lo habΓa d**gado. DespuΓ©s de todo, habΓan crecido juntos. Pero ahora lo entendΓa todo. Para Γ©l, ella no era mΓ‘s que la nefasta mujer que habΓa saboteado su relaciΓ³n con Rebecca. A menudo pensaba en lo perfecto que Γ©l se veΓa en los videos de Rebecca, siempre tan gentil y atento. Probablemente nunca le mostrarΓa esa misma ternura. No pudo contener mΓ‘s las lΓ‘grimas y sucumbiΓ³ a un ataque de sollozos. Esa noche no pudo dormir bien. Tuvo sueΓ±os sobre el pasado, cuando ella y Adrian no estaban en malos tΓ©rminos. Debido a su angustia, Joelle se levantΓ³ inusualmente temprano. DespuΓ©s de lavarse, se puso ropa de casa y bajΓ³ las escaleras. Leah Jenkins, la empleada domΓ©stica con muchos aΓ±os de servicio, la vio bajar y rΓ‘pidamente puso la mesa con el desayuno, ya que conocΓa sus preferencias dietΓ©ticas. Joelle se tomΓ³ su tiempo para comer lentamente. "SeΓ±ora Miller, ΒΏpor quΓ© anoche no convenciΓ³ a su esposo para que se quedara? No viene a casa a menudo", comentΓ³ Leah con simpatΓa. HabΓa sido sirvienta de la familia Miller durante muchos aΓ±os, por lo que habΓa visto cΓ³mo los dos se convertΓan de amigos de la infancia a enemigos. Joelle se mostrΓ³ incΓ³moda, pero lo ocultΓ³ con una sonrisa serena. "Lo intentΓ©, pero no quiso quedarse". Incluso si pudiera mantener a Adrian cerca, Γ©l tenΓa el corazΓ³n en otra parte. MΓ‘s concretamente, en Villas Oak, el hogar de la mujer que realmente amaba. Leah dudΓ³ y agregΓ³ con cautela: "Tal vez sea porque el seΓ±or Miller estΓ‘ muy ocupado con la empresa. Dirigir una compaΓ±Γa tan grande requiere mucho tiempo". Tres aΓ±os atrΓ‘s, le habΓan reasignado para cuidar de Joelle, asΓ que entendΓa los entresijos de ese matrimonio mejor que nadie. Su perspicacia trajo consigo una sincera simpatΓa hacia ella. Las pestaΓ±as de Joelle temblaron mientras mordisqueaba su tostada. Sus ojos se llenaron de lΓ‘grimas debido a la tensiΓ³n emocional. SΓ, Adrian estaba muy ocupado, pero siempre tenΓa tiempo para Rebecca. Frecuentaba la Iglesia RedenciΓ³n en busca de un amuleto de bendiciΓ³n para ella. A pesar de su apretada agenda, siempre pasaba las vacaciones con ella. De repente, su celular rompiΓ³ el silencio. Cuando Leah saliΓ³ del comedor, Joelle agarrΓ³ el dispositivo y vio que era una llamada de su mejor amiga, Katherine Nash. "Katherine, quiero el divorcio", confesΓ³ con voz ronca. CapΓtulo 2 En declive Joelle habΓa tomado una decisiΓ³n: querΓa el divorcio. No tenΓa sentido seguir alargΓ‘ndolo. Tras un silencio atΓ³nito, Katherine soltΓ³ una estridente carcajada. "ΒΏTe quedarΓ‘s con la mitad de los bienes de Adrian? Β‘Oh, por Dios! Β‘Joelle, te convertirΓ‘s en una multimillonaria!". "No, no serΓ‘ asΓ". Joelle habΓa firmado un acuerdo cuando se casΓ³ con Adrian. Si se divorciaban, ella no recibirΓa nada. "Entonces, ΒΏpor quΓ© te estΓ‘s divorciando? Β‘Tienes que seguir siendo su esposa!". Joelle recordΓ³ la brutalidad de Adrian la noche anterior, asΓ como la humillaciΓ³n posterior. HabΓa sido muy ingenua al creer que su amor por Γ©l la ayudarΓa a soportar cualquier dificultad. Pero ahora sabΓa que habΓa sido una completa tonta. ΒΏEl sufrimiento hacΓa que Adrian la amara mΓ‘s? Claro que no. Para empezar, un hombre que realmente la amara nunca le harΓa sufrir. Joelle se rio de sΓ misma y cambiΓ³ de tema: "Por cierto, ΒΏrecuerdas el favor que te pedΓ?". "SΓ, justo te iba a contar eso. Me pediste que estuviera atenta a un trabajo, y tengo algo para ti. Vas a enseΓ±ar a un estudiante a tocar el violΓn, aunque debo decir que serΓ‘ un desperdicio de tu talento". "EstΓ‘ bien", respondiΓ³ Joelle con una leve sonrisa. "No serΓ‘ un desperdicio en absoluto. Llevo tres aΓ±os siendo ama de casa. Es suficiente con que alguien quiera contratarme". "ΒΏCΓ³mo que no serΓ‘ un desperdicio? Casi formaste parte de una orquesta internacional. Si no fuera por el matrimonioβ¦". Katherine se quedΓ³ en silencio, demasiado indignada por su amiga. DespuΓ©s de su boda, a Joelle ni siquiera le permitieron trabajar. Las familias adineradas se aferraban a esas reglas obsoletas. Era bastante ridΓculo. HacΓa tres aΓ±os, la carrera de Joelle como violinista despegaba. Pero las estrictas tradiciones de la familia Miller le prohibΓan tocar en pΓΊblico. El primer dΓa de su matrimonio, la madre de Adrian le dijo: "No tienes que trabajar. Adrian te proveerΓ‘ en todo lo que necesites. Tu ΓΊnico trabajo es tener bebΓ©s y cuidar a tu esposo". Una vez que terminΓ³ su llamada con Katherine, Joelle subiΓ³ las escaleras y fue al estudio para agarrar su violΓn abandonado. HabΓa sido un regalo especial de su padre en su decimoctavo cumpleaΓ±os. No obstante, poco despuΓ©s de recibirlo, este sufriΓ³ un derrame cerebral y cayΓ³ en coma. Su hermano mayor terminΓ³ asumiendo la responsabilidad de sustentar a la familia, asΓ que la dejΓ³ perseguir su sueΓ±o de tocar el violΓn. Mientras recordaba el pasado, Joelle moviΓ³ el arco sobre las cuerdas. AΓ±os atrΓ‘s, un accidente le habΓa lesionado la muΓ±eca y desde entonces no habΓa vuelto a tocar. A pesar del dolor agudo que sentΓa en esa zona mientras tocaba, no se detuvo y confiΓ³ en su memoria muscular para tocar una pieza corta. Al final, soltΓ³ una risa amarga. Sonaba horrible. De repente, escuchΓ³ la alegre voz de Leah en la puerta. "Β‘SeΓ±or, ha regresado!". Estaba secretamente aliviada de ver a Adrian, ya que eso tal vez significaba que todavΓa se preocupaba por Joelle. QuizΓ‘s si ella le decΓa algo amable, su relaciΓ³n podrΓa mejorar. Por su parte, Joelle estaba sorprendida. Adrian rara vez venΓa a casa durante el dΓa. Apenas habΓa dejado el violΓn cuando se abriΓ³ la puerta. AhΓ estaba la alta e imponente figura de su esposo. Sus ojos la recorrieron con el ceΓ±o fruncido. Recordaba que Joelle habΓa aprendido a tocar el violΓn cuando era niΓ±a y que un reconocido profesor la habΓa elogiado por su talento. Sin embargo, por alguna razΓ³n, habΓa dejado de tocar. HacΓa un momento, la habΓa escuchado desde afuera y le pareciΓ³ una interpretaciΓ³n mediocre. ΒΏCΓ³mo era posible que la elogiara por su talento? Joelle lo mirΓ³ y bajΓ³ la cabeza para volver a guardar el violΓn en su estuche. "ΒΏQuΓ© te trae por aquΓ?", murmurΓ³. "ΒΏNecesitas algo?". "Vine a recoger algo y recordarte que maΓ±ana tenemos que visitar a la abuela", respondiΓ³ Γ©l frΓamente. Era una regla familia visitar a su abuela al menos una vez al mes, y maΓ±ana era el dΓa. De no ser por esa obligaciΓ³n, Adrian no habrΓa regresado. Irene se enfadarΓa si no iban juntos. Joelle sonriΓ³ con amargura. Recordaba las normas de los Miller mejor que Adrian y siempre las cumplΓa. Ni siquiera Irene, tan estricta como siempre, podΓa encontrarle defectos. "No lo he olvidado, me alegra que tΓΊ tampoco lo hayas hecho", respondiΓ³. Su tono acusatorio hizo que Adrian pusiera una mueca. Una ira latente empezΓ³ a hervir dentro de Γ©l. Sin decir nada mΓ‘s, se dirigiΓ³ al vestidor para buscar algo. Aunque Γ©l no solΓa estar en casa, Joelle aseaba meticulosamente su guardarropa, por lo que tenΓa la ropa lavada, planchada y ordenada. Era como si su papel se redujera a realizar las tareas del hogar, algo que Leah tambiΓ©n podΓa hacer. Su ΓΊnica ventaja, tal vez, era ser mΓ‘s joven y mΓ‘s guapa que Leah. Sus ojos siguieron los movimientos de Adrian. TenΓa el dedo anular desnudo, sin el anillo de bodas. Una punzada de dolor le atravesΓ³ el corazΓ³n. "Adrian, hay que divorciarnos", declarΓ³ con una voz tan suave como la brisa. HabΓa agotado todas sus fuerzas al pronunciar esas palabras, pero se sintiΓ³ extraΓ±amente aliviada. Adrian se dio la vuelta y la mirΓ³ con una sonrisa burlona. "Tienes que pensar muy bien antes de hablar. La familia Watson estΓ‘ en declive. Sin mi apoyo, ΒΏvas a dormir en la calle con tu hermano?". Desde la caΓda de la familia Watson, Joelle pasΓ³ de ser amada a quedar en ridΓculo. La familia Miller la despreciaba y la miraba por encima del hombro, como si ella y su hermano fueran sanguijuelas de las que no podΓan librarse. Incluso sus momentos Γntimos con Adrian la hacΓan sentir degradada. Joelle se mordiΓ³ el labio y se enderezΓ³. "Ya he alquilado un apartamento. Incluso si terminara durmiendo en la calle, es asunto mΓo". Solo querΓa que su esposo la respetara, pero tres aΓ±os de cautiverio la habΓan dejado sin orgullo ni dignidad. "ΒΏY de dΓ³nde sacaste el dinero para alquilar un apartamento? Si tanto querΓas ser independiente, no deberΓas haber gastado ni un solo centavo de mi familia". De espaldas a ella, Adrian encontrΓ³ entre unos muebles el anillo de bodas perdido y lo sostuvo en la palma de su mano. Joelle no se dio cuenta. Las palabras de ese hombre la dejaron sin aliento. SΓ, habΓa utilizado sus escasos ahorros para alquilar el apartamento. Pero como estaba casada con Adrian, ΒΏlo que era suyo no era tambiΓ©n de Γ©l? AdemΓ‘s, el apoyo financiero que Adrian les habΓa dado a los Watson durante todos esos aΓ±os ascendΓa a una suma significativa. Joelle siempre habΓa despreciado la idea de deberle algo, pero su deuda con Γ©l era infinita. Si se divorciaban, tal vez dejarΓa de darle apoyo financiero a la familia Watson. ΒΏEstaba sugiriendo que ella debΓa salir del matrimonio con las manos vacΓas? Cuando Adrian se dio la vuelta para irse, Joelle dijo con una dignidad apenas intacta: "Tengo derecho legΓtimo a este matrimonio y a reclamar lo que supuestamente es mΓo. Pero no te preocupes, no pedirΓ© mucho, solo lo suficiente para ayudar al Grupo Watson a superar esta crisis". Adrian se quedΓ³ paralizado y su mirada se agudizΓ³. Sus labios formaron una fina lΓnea mientras apretaba la mandΓbula. Eran claras seΓ±ales de su creciente furia. Aunque Joelle ya se habΓa preparado mentalmente, no podΓa soportar su intensidad. Cada segundo bajo su mirada severa la ponΓa mΓ‘s ansiosa. De repente, sonΓ³ el celular de Adrian, quien lo sacΓ³ de su bolsillo y estuvo a punto de alejarse. "Β‘Adrian!". CapΓtulo 3 Siempre mantendrΓ© la cabeza en alto La frustraciΓ³n de Adrian crepitaba como estΓ‘tica. "Si tu hermano necesita dinero, dile que vaya al Grupo Miller". "Β‘No se trata de eso!", replicΓ³ Joelle. La habΓa malinterpretado por completo. Con el corazΓ³n latiendo con urgencia, corriΓ³ tras Γ©l. "Β‘Adrian, quiero el divorcio!". Adrian dejΓ³ de subir las escaleras y girΓ³ la cabeza. El celular en su mano habΓa dejado de sonar. Con un metro noventa de altura, se alzaba sobre ella. "Joelle, ΒΏno se te ocurre un mejor juego que este interminable tira y afloja?", preguntΓ³ burlonamente con una mirada gΓ©lida. "Si de verdad quieres divorciarte, ΒΏpor quΓ© no se lo dices tΓΊ misma a la abuela? Β‘No quiero volver a escucharte pronunciar esa palabra!". La puerta se cerrΓ³ de golpe detrΓ‘s de Γ©l, haciendo eco a su irrevocable decisiΓ³n. Joelle se apoyΓ³ contra la pared y sus piernas cedieron hasta que se deslizΓ³ al suelo. Una risa amarga emergiΓ³ de sus labios. Irene habΓa organizado su matrimonio. Adrian se habΓa visto obligado a aceptar, y Joelle lo sabΓa muy bien. Si de verdad querΓa el divorcio, lo mΓ‘s efectivo serΓa hablar con Irene. Sin embargo, una pequeΓ±a y estΓΊpida parte de ella se habΓa aferrado a la esperanza de que ella y Adrian eran una verdadera pareja. Por eso se lo habΓa mencionado primero a Γ©l, porque lo veΓa como su esposo. Sin embargo, olvidΓ³ un detalle crucial: Adrian nunca habΓa querido casarse con ella. Su reticencia habΓa sido evidente desde el principio, aunque ella habΓa intentado pasarla por alto. Sus ΓΊltimas palabras no solo fueron despectivas, sino una orden. Si de verdad querΓa el divorcio, deberΓa enfrentarse a Irene. Joelle se dio una ducha, se puso ropa limpia y se preparΓ³ para visitar a la anciana. Irene era estricta, autoritaria y temida por toda la familia. Gobernaba con puΓ±o de hierro y no toleraba la desobediencia. Pero Joelle tenΓa un vΓnculo muy especial con ella. En parte, habΓa aceptado casarse con Adrian para cumplir las expectativas de Irene. QuerΓa cuidar de Adrian, construir un hogar y asegurarse de que la anciana falleciera sin remordimientos. Pero ahora ya no aguantaba mΓ‘s. Ver a Adrian tan preocupado por otra mujer le llenaba de una amargura que parecΓa consumirla. Era consciente de que Γ©l no la amaba. Β‘Nunca lo hizo y nunca lo harΓa! Estaba a punto de irse cuando sonΓ³ su celular. Era su hermano, Shawn Watson. "ΒΏShawn? ΒΏQuΓ© ocurre?". "Β‘SeΓ±ora Miller!". Era el asistente de Shawn. Su voz sonaba muy asustada, algo que Joelle nunca habΓa escuchado. Se le helΓ³ la s**gre y agarrΓ³ el celular con mΓ‘s fuerza mientras permanecΓa en la escalera. "ΒΏDΓ³nde estΓ‘ mi hermano? ΒΏQuΓ© le pasΓ³?". "Anoche el seΓ±or Watson asistiΓ³ a una reuniΓ³n de negocios, donde lo presionaron para que b*iera. Supuestamente volverΓa a casa, pero Erick Lloyd insistiΓ³ en llevarlo a unas aguas termales". Joelle se quedΓ³ congelada y la furia recorriΓ³ sus venas. "ΒΏErick no sabΓa que eso podrΓa matarlo?". "Β‘Erick es un s**vergΓΌenza! Se jacta de su poder desde que su padre y su hermano se volvieron chΓ³feres de la familia Miller. Β‘SeΓ±ora Miller, tiene que venir rΓ‘pido! El seΓ±or Watson estΓ‘ siendo operado y los mΓ©dicos han emitido dos avisos de condiciΓ³n crΓtica. Β‘No pude aguantar mΓ‘s, asΓ que la llamΓ©!". El asistente parecΓa estar al borde de las lΓ‘grimas. Joelle sabΓa que Γ©l no se habrΓa puesto en contacto con ella a menos que la situaciΓ³n fuera bastante desesperada. Shawn siempre la habΓa protegido de las malas noticias, sin importar lo sombrΓas que fueran las circunstancias. Si su asistente estaba tan conmocionado, la vida de su hermano debΓa estar en peligro. Joelle sintiΓ³ como si el mundo se cerrara a su alrededor y un nudo se formΓ³ en su garganta. Al bajar del ΓΊltimo escalΓ³n, tropezΓ³ y se cayΓ³ con fuerza, torciΓ©ndose bruscamente el tobillo. El dolor abrasador la devolviΓ³ a la realidad y las lΓ‘grimas brotaron de sus ojos. "Β‘Oh, no, seΓ±ora Miller, tenga mΓ‘s cuidado cuando camina!". Leah corriΓ³ a ayudarla a levantarse. Joelle agarrΓ³ el brazo de Leah con la visiΓ³n borrosa a causa de las lΓ‘grimas. IntentΓ³ hablar, pero las palabras le salΓan entrecortadas porque estaba sollozando. "Mi hermano... Β‘Tengo que ir al hospital para verlo!". Leah sintiΓ³ su urgencia y respondiΓ³ sin dudar: "De acuerdo, no se preocupe. Β‘Le pedirΓ© al conductor que la lleve de inmediato!". Leah era una criada experimentada y confiable que llevaba aΓ±os al servicio de la familia Miller. Cinco minutos despuΓ©s, el auto ya estaba aparcado delante de la villa. Joelle estaba a punto de subir cuando se volviΓ³ hacia Leah. "Por favor, no se lo cuentes a Irene. No quiero preocuparla". El corazΓ³n de la criada se ablandΓ³. Incluso con el rostro pΓ‘lido y surcado de lΓ‘grimas, Joelle se preocupaba por la salud de Irene. Β‘QuΓ© muchacha tan rara y extraordinaria! "No se preocupe, seΓ±ora Miller. Yo sΓ© quΓ© hacer. Vaya a ver a su hermano". Cuando Joelle llegΓ³ al hospital, Shawn acababa de salir del quirΓ³fano. Al ver a su jefe conectado a tubos y cables, el asistente casi se desplomΓ³. Joelle se acercΓ³ y lo encontrΓ³ arrodillado contra la pared, con los ojos hundidos e inyectados en s**gre. Tuvo que contener el impulso de regaΓ±arlo por no haber protegido mejor a su hermano. MΓ‘s tarde habrΓa tiempo para eso. Cuando la condiciΓ³n de Shawn fue mΓ‘s estable, Joelle llevΓ³ al asistente a un lado. "CuΓ©ntamelo todo. ΒΏCΓ³mo ocurriΓ³ esto?". El asistente vacilΓ³, con el rostro desencajado. "SeΓ±ora Miller, el seΓ±or Watson nos ordenΓ³ especΓficamente que no la involucremos en los asuntos comerciales". "Pero esto es una cuestiΓ³n de vida o muerte. ΒΏPiensas que todavΓa es una opciΓ³n no decirme nada?". Ya sin paciencia, Joelle se dio la vuelta para alejarse. "SeΓ±ora Miller, eso no sirve de nada", respondiΓ³ el asistente desesperadamente. "Usted sabe que desde la muerte de su padre, el Grupo Watson ha dependido por completo de su hermano. Ha estado luchando para defender la dignidad de la familia, porque quiere que su vida con los Miller sea mΓ‘s llevadera". Durante esos aΓ±os, Shawn habΓa luchado valientemente para mantener a la familia a flote. No obstante, sin el apoyo financiero de Adrian, sus esfuerzos se habrΓan desvanecido hacΓa mucho tiempo. Su deseo mΓ‘s profundo era que su hermana viviera cΓ³modamente, pero a pesar de sus incansables esfuerzos, nunca pudo hacerle ganar el respeto que merecΓa por parte de su esposo. No importaba lo mucho que se sacrificara, ella seguirΓa siendo infravalorada en la familia Miller. Joelle estaba hirviendo de rabia, pero sabΓa que no podΓa cambiar su realidad. Entonces, inspirΓ³ profundamente y preguntΓ³: "ΒΏNo mencionaron mi relaciΓ³n con Adrian?" Esperaba que alinearse con los Miller pudiera ayudar a Shawn a mantenerse firme en sus actividades sociales. "El seΓ±or Watson se niega a tocar ese tema, pues teme que eso le haga las cosas mΓ‘s difΓciles a usted". Joelle soltΓ³ una risa amarga. JamΓ‘s habΓa estado en igualdad de condiciones con Adrian. No le extraΓ±aba que la despreciara, ya que apenas podΓa soportarse a sΓ misma. Solo hacΓa una hora que le habΓa pedido el divorcio. Y ahora se aferraba al nombre de su esposo, desesperada por facilitarle la vida a su hermano. "Dile a Shawn que soy la esposa de Adrian Miller, Irene me eligiΓ³ personalmente. Β‘Mientras sea la seΓ±ora Miller, mantendrΓ© la cabeza en alto dentro de la familia!". De repente, escucharon unos pasos detrΓ‘s de ella. Joelle se dio la vuelta y vio a Adrian, que tenΓa una sonrisa frΓa en su rostro. A su lado, se encontraba una muchacha de aspecto frΓ‘gil, con grandes ojos inocentes, aferrada a Γ©l. Adrian la miraba desdeΓ±osamente, como si incluso le costara reconocer su presencia. Ya se habΓa dado cuenta de que ella realmente no querΓa el divorcio. La mujer que habΓa parecido tan decidida a irse, ahora estaba haciendo alarde de su tΓtulo como la seΓ±ora Miller. Su amenaza de divorcio no habΓa sido mΓ‘s que una estrategia, como una pelea de amantes que terminaba en amenazas vacΓas. Era tan astuta que lo habΓa d**gado para obligarlo a casarse. Con tΓ‘cticas tan engaΓ±osas, ΒΏcΓ³mo podrΓa irse tan fΓ‘cilmente? Su matrimonio eran un salvavidas para las dificultades de su familia. Adrian le daba cien millones cada aΓ±o al Grupo Watson. Joelle serΓa una tonta si se arriesgaba a perderlo divorciΓ‘ndose de Γ©l. CapΓtulo 4 Por fin se dio cuenta HacΓa mucho que Joelle se habΓa vuelto insensible ante la indiferencia de Adrian. ObservΓ³ sin decir nada los brazos entrelazados de la pareja y recordΓ³ los dulces momentos capturados en los videos de Rebecca, que provocaban la envidia de mucha gente. Β‘QuΓ© pareja tan perfecta! Ese pensamiento la golpeΓ³. "Β‘Joelle, por favor, no nos malinterpretes!", dijo Rebecca con urgencia mientras retiraba su mano del brazo de Adrian. "No me siento bien y no puedo caminar, asΓ que Adie simplemente tuvo la amabilidad de sostenerme". Joelle esbozΓ³ una leve sonrisa. "ΒΏQuΓ© te trae al hospital?", preguntΓ³ mirando a Adrian, como si no hubiera escuchado la explicaciΓ³n de Rebecca. "Es por Erick", dijo Rebecca, con las manos entrelazadas como una niΓ±a arrepentida. "TambiΓ©n vine a pedirte perdΓ³n, Joelle. Lamento que Erick haya sido tan descuidado para provocar que tu hermano terminara en el hospital". "ΒΏDescuidado?", replicΓ³ ella. "Tu hermano casi m*ta al mΓo, ΒΏy crees que una disculpa bastarΓ‘ para arreglarlo?". Rebecca se estremeciΓ³ y agarrΓ³ la manga de Adrian en busca de apoyo. "Ya es suficiente, Joelle", respondiΓ³ Γ©l con una voz tan gΓ©lida como el invierno. "No fue a propΓ³sito". Luego, se volviΓ³ hacia Rebecca y agregΓ³ suavemente: "Vamos, ΒΏno viniste para ver a Erick?". Fue entonces cuando Joelle lo entendiΓ³ todo. HabΓa esperado ingenuamente que Adrian viniera para ver a Shawn. Pero no, habΓa venido con Rebecca para ver a Erick. Incluso si visitara a Shawn, serΓa por obligaciΓ³n, nada mΓ‘s. Pero sabΓa que no debΓa esperar que Γ©l la defendiera. "Β‘Rebecca, no olvidarΓ© lo que hizo Erick!", espetΓ³. Rebecca doblΓ³ las piernas y se desplomΓ³ sobre el pecho de Adrian, quien la atrapΓ³ justo a tiempo y la abrazΓ³ con fuerza. "Joelle, Erick no tenΓa malas intenciones. Β‘TambiΓ©n estΓ‘ en el hospital!". "ΒΏYa estΓ‘ muerto? Β‘Si no, tendrΓ‘ que pagar por lo que hizo!". Joelle no solΓa arremeter, pero esta vez era diferente. Shawn era la ΓΊnica familia que le quedaba. Su padre, incapacitado por un derrame cerebral, se encontraba en estado vegetativo con poca o ninguna esperanza de recuperaciΓ³n, y su madre habΓa fallecido en un accidente de trΓ‘fico. Desde los dieciocho aΓ±os, habΓan sido solo ella y Shawn, enfrentΓ‘ndose juntos a las dificultades del mundo. En sus momentos mΓ‘s oscuros, Shawn llevΓ³ sola la carga para dejar que Joelle persiguiera su pasiΓ³n por el violΓn. Ahora la idea de perderlo tambiΓ©n a Γ©l era insoportable. Su ΓΊnico deseo era que Erick muriera. "Joelle, ΒΏcΓ³mo puedes decir eso?", sollozΓ³ Rebecca con incredulidad. Ya sin paciencia, Adrian fijΓ³ su frΓa mirada en Joelle. "ΒΏQuΓ© deseas?". "Shawn recibiΓ³ dos avisos de condiciΓ³n crΓtica. ΒΏQuΓ© hay de Erick?". Rebecca jadeΓ³, su frΓ‘gil cuerpo estaba temblando como una hoja en el viento. "Β‘Joelle, por favor! Solo me queda un hermano. Β‘Por favor, ten compasiΓ³n!". Se desmayΓ³ antes de que la otra mujer pudiera responder. Adrian la levantΓ³ en sus brazos y le dio una ΓΊltima mirada de reproche a Joelle. Luego, se alejΓ³ y la dejΓ³ clavada en el mismo lugar, incapaz de moverse o incluso de pensar, lo que pareciΓ³ una eternidad. Antes de su matrimonio, habΓa sido una chica adinerada, pero luego se convirtiΓ³ en la sirvienta de Adrian. Ahora se daba cuenta de lo ingenua que habΓa sido. Ella solΓa ser una persona muy orgullosa, pero ahora soporta todo tipo de agravios sΓ³lo para complacer a su marido. Β‘QuΓ© patΓ©tico! Han pasado tres aΓ±os, es hora de divorciarnos y comenzar una nueva vida... ...... ΒΏQuΓ© sucederΓ‘ en adelante? Los capΓtulos disponibles son limitados aquΓ, haga click el botΓ³n abajo para instalar APP y disfrutar leyendo mΓ‘s contenidos maravillosos. (Al abrir el APP, directo accederΓ‘ a este libro) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14484375-fb_contact-spa | Online Reading | https://www.facebook.com/100083320248142/ | 43,971 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.manobook.com | VIDEO | https://fbweb.manobook.com/14484375-fb_contact-spa220_2-1023-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1164004058227180&rawadid=120214339762990186 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467470666_562382936439923_3635645833300342047_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w4nQ6utSGLwQ7kNvgGLO-OS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APqTf-8pDMts5b_9zj2AVWl&oh=00_AYB8bjq5BleWy9VErQvXGg9Yykle9X-gUkmnLPzXvZlDrA&oe=675EBDEA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Online Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 19:42 | active | 1988 | 0 | Read next chapter | For her, marrying her best friend and carrying his child was a dream come true. However, just at this joyful moment, the man's beloved returned... ===== "It's a good thing you're cautious. You could've lost your baby, Miss Monroe," the GYN told me seriously as she could see the shock in my eyes. Had I heard it right? I was pregnant? I was pregnant with a baby for Pierce--my best friend and my first crush! On the way out of the hospital, I couldn't wait to tell Pierce about our baby. I wondered what his reaction would be. Would he scream in happiness? God! I couldn't contain my happiness. I cupped my flushed face as I fantasized, but the moment I felt the cold of the simple ring on my finger, my wildly beating heart calmed down. I almost forgot that Pierce wasn't the type to be keen on having children, especially since our marriage was arranged by his family. Pierce was a complete gentleman, both as a friend and a husband. Every time we did intimate thing, he was considerate yet cautious, saying there was no need to add extra shackles when we weren't ready. This baby, in a way, was out of the plan. "Ma'am, is everything okay? Do you need to call the boss?" my private driver, Luke, asked worriedly as he noticed my frown. Luke was reliable, like family, but if I chose to share, I still wanted Pierce to be the first to know this news. He was my baby's father. "No," I shook my head, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "He's on a flight. I'll talk to him later myself." I wanted to sense his answer directly from his raw expressions. I was always good at that. I closed my eyes, recalling the first day we met. His bright smile in the sunlight was so dazzling; he was a Prince. Long before we became best friends, I fell in love with him at first sight. But it was only unrequited love; I knew that well. I slid down the car window to get some fresh air but accidentally caught a glimpse of our old high school. That bitter feeling filled my chest once again. Pierce was my first love, but I wasn't his. In high school, I was just a boring nerd in others' eyes while Pierce Anderson was the shining quarterback. Everyone was surprised that we could be friends. Though envy arose, I enjoyed being around him. I slowly realized that I didn't just want to be his friend. However, right when I was about to confess my feelings to him, another girl came into his life. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those sad memories. I gripped the cold wedding ring on my finger, telling myself the past was the past. Pierce said they were over, and I was his wife now. I was his wife who was carrying his baby. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and opened the door to our house. My heart calmed as I breathed in the scent of home. Our home. Pierce and I decorated it together with our own hands. We enjoyed it. Yes, I must have been overthinking. That woman had been out of our lives for a long time, and my marriage with Pierce had been as beautiful as a fairy tale for the past three years. I glanced at the clock on the wall. At this point, Pierce should have gotten off the plane. He had been traveling for over a month for the sake of our family's business. Pierce was the President of ADE, the leading fashion magazine company in Asia, and I was actually the Vice President. We were not only life partners but also good partners at work. I really missed him. I dialed his number immediately. I wanted to hear his voice now, to know when he would arrive home. I would prepare a good meal for him, and he would reward me with a sweet k*ss. Then we might do intimate thing... Oops, I almost forgot I was pregnant now. I needed to tell him this first before we could do anything else. I was happily envisioning our lovely reunion when my heart dropped as a woman's voice came over the line. [Hello?] I snapped the phone as just one word came out. My phone fell to the floor, and my body started shaking uncontrollably. NO! It couldn't be her! It couldn't be Lexi! She was already out of our lives! I must have misheard. I rushed to the fridge, attempting to calm myself with some al**hol. But the moment I was reminded of the doctor's words and my baby. I needed to be cautious for my baby's sake. I turned to grab a box of milk and walked toward the sofa. I didn't know what made me recognize that as Lexi's voice at that moment. I meant Lexi and I were never close. Lexi Gilbert was a typical blonde beauty that men would go crazy for. She was the popular cheerleader in high school while Pierce was the star quarterback. A better match than he and a nerd like me, right? It wasn't surprising that he had fallen for her. My pride couldn't stand watching the man I loved go crazy for another woman. So I had once tried to stay away from them silently, but Pierce refused to quit my life. Every time I drowned myself in a sea of books and studies to forget them, Pierce would appear at my doorstep asking me out. I couldn't say no to his charming smile; I couldn't refuse when he claimed it was his duty as my best friend to take me out to enjoy the real world. To avoid ruining our friendship, I could only hide my broken heart, silently playing the role of his best friend while watching his happy face as he pursued another girl. I finally mustered the courage to study abroad when I learned that Pierce was planning to propose to Lexi. However, I never expected Grams would call to beg me to return. I hurried back only to see a lifeless Pierce. His heart was shattered, thanks to Lexi. My beloved sunshine boy was nowhere to be seen, and my heart b*ed for him. I started to hate Lexi from that moment. I gave up my cherished man for her, and how dared she harm him so badly! Pierce didn't tell anyone what happened except that he was done with Lexi. Grams arranged our marriage. I didn't understand why he agreed until the day I heard him say that marrying anyone but Lexi would be the same for him. It hurt like hell, but I still walked into this marriage without a second thought. My cherished boy was broken, and I wanted to fix him, not caring if I ruined myself in the process. I fell asleep at home, feeling insecure and worried. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone caressing my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized I had fallen asleep in the living room. Someone lifted me from the couch. I immediately recognized his scent and touch as I looked at him with heavy-lidded eyes. "Pierce..." "Hmm," he hummed as he walked toward the stairs. "Why did you sleep on the couch?" I stared at his face as he gently placed me down on the bed. He caressed my hair and k*ssed my forehead. He was always so gentle, and that was why I loved him so much. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you," I said as I caressed his cheek. "Just met a friend. You said you were waiting for me; is it something urgent?" Looking at his gentle face, I suddenly didn't want to ruin the moment, so I closed my parted lips and swallowed the truth back down. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, I would have the courage to face all the puzzles. I shook my head and pouted, signaling that I was sleepy. He chuckled and carefully carried me to the bed. Just as he was about to leave me after giving me a goodnight k*ss, I panicked for some reason. I quickly grabbed him... I missed him. I wanted him. "Wait, Kels," he said, stopping me by pinning my hands to the bed. "I thought you said you were sleepy and needed to rest." "But I think I miss you more now." I looked at him with innocence and caught the d**ire flashing in his eyes, but I didn't know why it faded so quickly. He used to be happy when I took the initiative. As if noticing my confusion, he chuckled and playfully pinched my nose. "I'll just take a shower." I nodded and watched him as he walked toward the bathroom. But drowsiness struck again, so I closed my eyes to take a nap. However, it was already morning when I opened my eyes again, and Pierce was beside me, putting a tray of food on the bedside table. "Hey!" I greeted, smiling when I realized what he'd done. He had prepared breakfast for me. In bed. The sweetest. He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. "Good morning." I grinned as I sat up. He carried the tray and put it beside me. I shot an eyebrow up, tilting my head as I stared at his handsome face. His deep brown eyes and thick, black eyebrows complemented his striking features. "What is this? Is this a bribe? You stood me up last night, bad boy." He didn't laugh. Instead, he heaved a sigh, gently tucking my hair behind my ear before taking my hand and staring into my eyes. "I have something to tell you." My heart raced. I thought about our baby. He had something to say, and I did too. "W-What is it?" I asked, feeling my voice tremble. He took a deep breath. "You know you're important to me, right?" I slowly nodded, my lips parted. I couldn't speak; I was scared of what he was about to say. I had a bad feeling about this. "You were my best friend before we got married. You're one of the few people I treasure..." I hid my clenched fists under the sheets. I didn't understand why he was telling me this, but I felt tears pooling in the corner of my eyes already. "Kelly..." He paused, squeezing his eyes shut before looking into mine again. "I-I think it's time for us to divorce." "P-Pierce..." My heart clenched. He smiled sadly. "I know you don't have feelings for me either. You only married me because of my grandparents. You just did this because you love them. Now it's time for our real happiness, Kelly." I shook my head. "W-What are you talking about, Pierce?" "Lexi is back, Kelly. My first love is back." Chapter 2 Kelly's POV--It Never Rains but It Pours I got off the bed and tried to leave, but Pierce grabbed my hand. I quickly wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks before he could see them. He stood in front of me, searching my face as I struggled to look down and avoid his gaze. My heart felt like it was breaking into pieces. I thought... I thought I could make him fall in love with me during those three years together. I believed his feelings would deepen, that he would see me as a woman rather than just a best friend. I was foolish to hope and dream so high. I had failed. No matter how hard I tried, his heart belonged only to his first love, Lexi. "Kelly..." I sucked in a breath and swallowed the pain as I looked at him. I forced a smile. "I need to wash up before eating." He stared into my eyes, trying to figure out what I was thinking. I knew he understood me too well, so I made a concerted effort to hide my pain and smiled back at him. He sighed and let go of my hand. "Okay. I'll wait for you here. Let's eat and go to work together." Together? How cruel could he be? He still wanted us to get along as if he hadn't just asked for a divorce? He wanted us to stay the same right after telling me that his first love was back and he wanted to divorce me? Oh, Pierce, what's going on in your head? If I used to be able to force myself to remain in the role of his best friend, wishing him happiness, I no longer had that courage after the three years we'd shared. There was no way I could endure that kind of torture again, especially now that I was carrying his baby. The baby... I had thought it was good news for us, but now... it felt more like a burden to him, I guess. A burden that would prevent him from pursuing his true love and freedom. I knew how an unwanted child could grow up. My parents divorced even before my mother died, and my father's new family hated me. It hurt like hell. I didn't want my baby to experience that same pain. I needed to keep my child away from it. I forced another smile. "We can't. I need to visit the studio for the photoshoot of our new models..." "I'll go with you--" "No." I pushed his hand away. His eyes followed my hand before he looked up at me again. "You have some documents to sign. Our schedules are already organized, remember?" "But..." "I have a personal driver, Pierce. I'll be fine going alone." He sighed and slowly nodded. I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom. I immediately opened the shower and stood under the cold water. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I covered my mouth to suppress my sobs. My shoulders trembled violently, and when I thought about my baby, I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself down. I wiped my face and caressed my belly. I needed to be strong. I had to stay calm. I shouldn't put my baby's life at risk just because I got my heart broken. I had to handle this wisely. I took a deep breath and finished my shower. When I got out of the bathroom, I was shocked to see Pierce still there. He was struggling to fix his tie in front of the full-length mirror. I also noticed my pair of heels and dress on the bed. "Hey! I picked your dress for today." Since our marriage wasn't public, Pierce had said he would try to do little things for me as a husband. He did it well, and I used to enjoy these sweet moments, but now, they felt like d**gers to my heart. I grabbed the dress and went into the walk-in closet. I felt him following me. I put the white dress back and picked a red one. When I turned to face him, his forehead was creased. "I prefer red today. I'd feel beautiful in this dress." His eyes landed on the dress I was holding, and his face immediately relaxed. He nodded and walked toward me. "I see. Help me fix this first." I placed my dress on his arm and started adjusting his tie. I could feel his eyes staring intently and it was making my heart beat so fast. I took a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip as I struggled to fix the tie. My vision started to blur again. D**n! "Kelly..." I jumped in shock. "Hmm?" "Are you okay?" I looked at him and smiled. "Yeah." "I have something else to say." I finished fixing his tie, then immediately grabbed the dress from him. I glanced at him before walking past him and said, "Let's just talk some other time. I'm going to be late." I heard him sigh as he followed me again. He's silent the whole time as if he's thinking about something. "You should eat before you leave." I turned to him and nodded. "I will. You should go now." "Kelly, we're on the same page, right?" I stared at him. No, Pierce. We're never on the same page. All of this was just my stupid fantasy. I thought you had feelings for me, and I was so wrong. "If it's about the divorce, I understand everything, Pierce. I know what I have to do. Just give me some time because I'm really busy with the company. I won't run away." "Kelly, I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing this for you too. You've been caged with me ever since we got married. I know you're not happy because deep down, you want to find the man you deserve. Someone who will truly love you. Not me. Not someone who's half-hearted." "I understand what you're trying to say, Pierce," I said, trying to turn away, but he held me by the waist, keeping me in place. He did everything he could to capture my gaze, and he succeeded. He looked at me worriedly. "You are my best friend. I don't want to lose you, Kels. You're one of the few people I..." "I know," I said out of frustration. He looked shocked, so I took a breath to calm myself. "I-I know. You don't have to worry. I'm just stressed about work. It's not about our divorce." His lips parted, and he slowly nodded, as if he could finally breathe properly. He walked toward me, and I froze when he gently k*ssed my forehead... "Thank you, Kelly," he whispered. My heart clenched. It had been three years, but I was still such a coward. Why couldn't I just tell him that I loved him? He's my husband, and I'm carrying his baby! If I told him, he might change his mind! I swallowed hard, ready to speak, but his phone rang. I didn't miss the caller ID. Again, it was Lexi. "I gotta go." He scratched his head in apology, and I didn't miss the upturned corners of his mouth. "I called Luke, and he's waiting outside. Eat before you go, okay?" With that, he left our room. The tears I had managed to hold back burst forth again. Why did I think I could have a chance? He had made his choice the moment he asked for a divorce, hadn't he? Whenever it came to Lexi, I was always the one he would abandon. Chapter 3 Kelly's POV--Stiff Upper Lip I entered the studio wearing two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone turned to look as I walked down the hallway, greeting me with smiles, but my face remained stoic, not showing any emotions at all. The conversation with Pierce this morning lingered in my mind, but I couldn't let it affect my work. I couldn't fail my work after I had failed my marriage. I took a deep breath to steady myself. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos. "We can't! She's not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She'll be furious." "We can just tell her the truth. She's nice." "Not in this situation, Lily! She'll scold us--" "What's happening here?" I asked, stepping further into the room. The staff turned to me with worried expressions, and I knew then that something was wrong. "G-Good morning, Miss Monroe." Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurt. I stared at her blankly, "What? "W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model, has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we're changing the model, so...she doesn't want to come here. She's even threatening to file a case against us." She bowed her head, and I gritted my teeth, scanning the room. "Where's the marketing manager?" "S-She's still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe." I massaged my forehead, squeezing my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger, causing everyone around me to jump in shock. I g**aned, sucking in a breath before looking around. "Miss Monroe..." "What is this, Miss Hayley? You're the marketing manager. What's happening?" "Miss Monroe, I don't know how it happened, but Miss Chen heard that you're changing our model. She's about to file a case against us--" Changing the model? How had I not known about this? Miss Chen had always been a trusted partner, and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only create chaos for the company. I would never allow such a costly mistake. "I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her off to save the time, "Fix this mess, or I'll have to fire you!" "Miss Monroe... It's Mr. President who ordered the change." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He instructed us as soon as he returned from his business trip yesterday." The truth hit me hard. Pierce's order? Why hadn't he told me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first. "It shouldn't be..." Confusion clouded my mind. Pierce was not a clueless businessman; he maintained a clear distinction between work and personal matters, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret. "Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back. "M-Mr. President..." Hayley bowed in respect as the man suddenly appeared behind me. "I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I snapped as I turned to face him. He knew how much effort I had put into securing this project. I hadn't slept well for days, and Miss Chen was the perfect fit for us. He had agreed too. But now... he just changed the model as he liked without informing me in advance. It felt like a hard s**p in the face. "Go ahead with the work. I'll explain it to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger simmering in my eyes. "Answer me, Pierce! Why did you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't contain my fury. He touched my shoulder and whispered, "This isn't the place to talk. Let me explain in the car." I glanced around, noticing others sneaking glances at us. I shook off his hand and walked toward the parking lot, my heart growing heavier with each step. I had a sinking feeling I wouldn't like his explanation. "Now, say it," I blurted once we were seated in his car. He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again.; I couldn't bear his gaze. I couldn't withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to. He had no feelings for me and it hurt so much. "I-I..." he paused, sighing. "I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She's also a good fit, so I agreed--" "What?" I asked in disbelief. He pressed his lips together and looked away, ruffling his hair in frustration before shaking his head and holding my hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor, and I couldn't say no." I pulled my hand away, looking at him with a mix of pain and anger. "You can't say no to her, so you'd rather harm the company--our company. You've betrayed me, Pierce." "Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She's my first love." Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she was your first love. She's always the one you want, no matter the cost. As long as she frowns a bit, you turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You're so heartless, Pierce. "Well, you've made your decision. I don't have a say in this since you're the President. Just go. I'll be in the office." I said coldly, opening the car door to leave. "Kelly..." I looked him in the eyes. "Go home early. Let's talk about our divorce at home tonight." Chapter 4 Kelly's POV--Left High and Dry I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early, but he didn't come home at all. He wasn't even answering my calls. Well, now Lexi was back; this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore. My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby thing was out of his plan. I wiped away the tears collecting at the corners of my eyes and picked up the report. It was 5 a.m. already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but it was still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy staying with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he? I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, he didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear, and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost. Suddenly, a wave of nausea flooded my stomach, and I realized I hadn't eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I ran to the sink and puked. I spat yellowish liquid, and while I was washing my mouth, I felt a warm hand caressing my back. I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried expression was my husband, Pierce. I had always been thankful to have him as my best friend and husband, but now... I'm losing him. Hopelessly losing him. "Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? You should've told me." I stared at him through the mirror. "You didn't answer my calls." Guilt flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night." I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair. "Kels..." "I woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast." I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend, yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings. "Kels... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition..." "Kels, are we still okay?" I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? He's asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own, just because his first love is back. I couldn't believe him. I faked a smile. "I just don't feel well today, Pierce." He immediately squatted beside me, which was not surprising because I knew he truly cared. What surprised me was why he was still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart. "Are you okay?" He gently touched my forehead and neck. "Are you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels." "My feelings don't matter," I couldn't help but blurt out. He looked shocked by what I said. When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face was mirroring his anger now. He was completely lost his patience. "What's wrong with you, Kels? You've been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didn't come home last night?" I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier, but you just let me wait the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?" He clenched his jaws and shook his head. "Kels, I..." "Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today." "Kels!" He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. "Are you... in love with me?" I was taken aback. In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldn't fall for someone who had been protecting you ever since? But of course, I couldn't tell him. It would only complicate things more. I didn't even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. "Are you on d**gs? I'm not in love with you." I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I can't let my emotions affect me, but... why are my tears falling again? "You are so pathetic, Kelly! You can't even tell him how you truly feel," I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily. It took me almost an hour to bathe. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. He's been constantly abandoning me. I can't believe we've reached this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid. *** "Good morning, Miss Monroe..." "Good morning, Vice President..." I did not greet anyone back, just like how I used to greet them. I still felt pissed, and my mood seemed off. Irritation could easily take over me, and I couldn't control it. Probably because of Pierce's divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy. I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking. "Did you see her? I bet she's Mr. Anderson's girlfriend. They seemed close." My forehead creased. Pierce's girlfriend? "Ah! It's a waste that I didn't see her face, but I feel like it's Miss Lexi." "Lexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?" "Yes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together." "Come on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together." "Are you serious? They're best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. It's Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe." I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected. I took a deep breath and sat in my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierce's social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together, eating in a fancy restaurant. I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. See, Kelly? That's what happens when you step into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continued on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy... ...... ==== Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly's first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart, Lexi Gilbert. Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. What happens next? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-e | Romantic Novel City | https://www.facebook.com/100083790041265/ | 4,121 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/61818322-fb_contact-encp25_2-1103-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&rawadid=120213581584420597 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465913343_918852543504538_6476946590149501911_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zwxkjriVTUkQ7kNvgHcm1O5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcQjpiTocQKzjzQNGXgV9I8&oh=00_AYB4d5qBomSMdhgVzTTldCQCSFUNzCboy0tk5LyVDCIWzA&oe=675EBF8B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Romantic Novel City | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:53 | active | 1987 | 0 |
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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Finally Open Up About the Struggles in Their Relationship | Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Finally Reveal Relationship Difficulties | LEARN_MORE | https://ballercap.com/trending/kelly-mark-open-up- | Good Knows | https://www.facebook.com/61552336215478/ | 1,349 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | ballercap.com | DCO | Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Finally Open Up About the Struggles in Their Relationship | https://ballercap.com/trending/kelly-mark-open-up-syn/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=Kelly%20Mark%20Open%20Up%20Roh%200912%20Dynamic%20Nitido%20-%208954%20-%20Nitido%20Pubplus%2001%20a6fd%20-%20Unknown%20WW%20FB%20ACM&network_code=ACM&utm_term=content&v=1 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469640807_1362596761394981_2188304113455154335_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UJF4LauE5iUQ7kNvgFjDafA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ARC8hXibE73NKLuMACo3x9j&oh=00_AYDgAakuqn-bPPcJfR03xToCCpdvv2jmwGWUJzURoi2VuQ&oe=675EB625 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Good Knows | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:28 | active | 1986 | 0 | The Ultimate Fairytale Experience Giveaway! | π§Parents! Enter to WIN a Fairytale Experience from Bluebird Portraits!π§ Each week weβre drawing a handful of entrants to come into our studio to receive a complimentary Fairytale Experience! Those selected will receive: - A complimentary portrait session - Beautiful artwork for your home - Fun, adventure-themed portraits for both boys and girls - Wardrobe is provided - A dedicated βfairy godmotherβ to guide the entire session - Memories to last a lifetime! This is the perfect chance to capture precious childhood memories and let your child step into a world of imagination and wonder. If your child would LOVE to participate in this experience be sure to tap below to enter to win! Good luck! | LEARN_MORE | http://fb.me/ | Bluebird Portraits | https://www.facebook.com/61555057457910/ | 2,423 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fb.me | VIDEO | http://fb.me/ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469968564_609577648394793_2080241807811733463_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OXmo70cGVgYQ7kNvgFbZ6OS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ApDOjCggjIt6kFLBr2JBGMt&oh=00_AYD2o9TE55e5YSQpAUsiCgh4VXpdeg8nJK8hZM4YQGPOYQ&oe=675E973F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bluebird Portraits | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:51 | active | 1987 | 0 |
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VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/kindred___spirits___ | kindred___spirits___ | https://www.instagram.com/_u/kindred___spirits___ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram Profile | 0 | instagram.com | CAROUSEL | http://instagram.com/kindred___spirits___ | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/394728625_877580093522671_3190148556972474803_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=cALWgQ_mOYIQ7kNvgFx9CIb&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYBNm8pEd1LU5gxuYD80E5LII4ql6g7ofvGgaVTPtCDHJw&oe=675EA44C | IG_ADS_IDENTITY | 1 | 0 | 0 | kindred___spirits___ | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 20:43 | active | 1989 | 0 |
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π₯π₯Click to read the next chapter for freeπ | Chapter 0001 "Where's the patient's husband? Why hasn't he come yet? If he doesn't sign soon, it'll be too late,β a doctor urged. "The patient's husband refuses to come. He said to let her fend for herself,β 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!" "Dylan..." "Beep beep beep..." Undeterred, Suzy tried calling again. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable.β The doctor, no longer able to stand by in silence, spoke gently, "Miss Frost, your condition is very serious. If you have any other family members present, they're also authorized to sign on your behalf.β What other family did she have? In this world, he was the only one who could sign the consent form. No matter how much it hurt, Suzy fought back the tears that streamed down her pale cheeks and asked the doctor with a faint smile, "Can I sign for myself?" "...Yes!" With her last ounce of strength, Suzy signed the consent form for the surgery. The operation lasted four hours and was finally over, but her condition worsened two hours post-surgery, and Suzy was moved to the ICU. For 24 hours, Suzy lay in a coma, unable to open her eyes, but her mind was alert, and she could hear the nurses discussing as they changed her bandages. "Even if the marriage is struggling, a husband can't just ignore his seriously injured wife! You wouldn't believe itβI called him several more times, but it just kept going to voicemail. Doesn't he care even a little?" lamented the nurse. "Here's some juicy gossip for youβthe CEO of Wright Corporation, Dylan Wright, who's rumored to be disinterested in women and hasn't married even at thirty, actually has a girlfriend, and she's hospitalized right here in our hospital. Heβs taking care of her around the clock in the VVIP ward on the top floor." "Itβs strange how different men can beβone boyfriend is incredibly devoted, and another is worse than an animal!" Little did she know, Dylan was so close, merely an inquiry away from knowing that Suzy hadn't lied to him. Yet, he refused to waste a moment on her, simply because... she wasn't worth it! Her eyes, tightly shut, suddenly flew open, startling the nurse who was wiping her face. "You're awake!" Once awake, Suzy was immediately given a thorough check-up and, finding no serious injuries, was moved to a regular room. That night, deep in the silence, despite still being confined to her bed, Suzy removed her oxygen mask and dragged her injured left leg, wounded in the explosion, to the top floor. Outside the hospital room, through the glass, Suzy watched as Dylan tenderly fed Anne Wheeler fruits by her bedside. Her fists tightened, but the anguish in her chest, like a swarm of needles pricking at her heart, didnβt ease in the slightest. 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! The intimate scene in the hospital room turned Suzy's eyes, once filled with love, utterly cold. "It's time to end this!" The moment Suzy turned to leave, Dylan felt something stir and whirled around, just as Anne let out a pained cry. Dylan quickly asked, "What's wrong?" Anne glanced at the door and then gave Dylan a weak smile. "I accidentally pulled at my wound." "Do you need a doctor?" "I'm not that frail," Anne replied teasingly. "But Mr. Dylan, you should head back. You've been with me day and night; Suzy must be upset again..." She paused, "Mr. Dylan, honestly, Suzy isn't wrong. No matter what our relationship was in the past, you are now her husband. No woman could tolerate her husband being so kind to another woman, so whatever she does is understandable. Don't be angry with her, otherwise, Madam Grace might hear of it..." Dylan cut her off, "It's getting late, you should sleep." "Mr. Dylan..." "Listen to me!" "Alright then." As Anne closed her eyes, Dylan glanced once more towards the door. Was it really... He remembered the weak voice on the phone that day. His lips tightened, and he stood up. Just as he moved, Anne grabbed his hand. "Mr. Dylan, my wound still hurts a bit. Could you blow on it for me?" A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes before Dylan finally replied in a deep voice, "Alright." β¦ Suzy didn't return to her room but left the hospital directly. A taxi took her back to the villa where she had lived with Dylan for three years. As she walked inside from the front gate, memories of the past three years with Dylan flooded back like a tidal wave. It had been a blend of sour, bitter, and spicy moments in their life together, but sweetness was conspicuously absent. Dylan had always believed that Suzy married him as part of a calculated scheme. In truth, he wasn't entirely wrong; Suzy had indeed manipulated events to marry him, but her motives were never what he assumedβshe wasn't after his wealth or status; she was after the man himself. She had hoped that time would prove her true intentions, but three years had only intensified his disdain for her. She could never forget his cruel words, "Then I wish you a speedy journey to death!" "Dylan, you might not realize it, but I've actually been living in desperation all along. These past three years, I tried to climb out, to be normal, to be by your side, but you clearly didn't care. Since that's the case, I'll grant your wish." Taking what she needed and discarding what she didn't, Suzy left behind only the signed divorce papers and the keys to the villa. She walked away without a trace of longing, leaving nothing behind. Chapter 0002 The next morning, after spending yet another night at the hospital because Anne's pain had kept her from letting him leave, Dylan was finally on his way to the office. As they approached an intersection, he suddenly instructed the driver, "Take me to Bayview Heights." He had been wearing the same clothes for two days and needed a change. Otherwise, he wasnβt too keen on returning to that place. Upon arriving at the villa, instead of the warm welcome he might have expected, he was met with an eerie silence and a chilling sight on the living room tableβa divorce agreement! Dylanβs gaze lingered on the signed divorce papers and the keys resting on top. With an unreadable expression, he paused for a moment before turning and heading upstairs. This was his first time entering Suzy's room. They usually lived separate lives, like oil and water, never mixing. The room was as clean and orderly as he expected. Over the past three years, she had personally taken care of his every need. It was hard to deny that in some ways, she had been a competent wife... Realizing his thoughts, Dylanβs brows furrowed, and he stepped forward to open her wardrobe. Clothes and jewelry, everything related to the Wright family were still there. Just as she had written in the divorce papers, she had left without taking anything, leaving with nothing but the clothes on her back. So, her cries of impending death that day, were they all just an act? He sneered. βSuzy, Iβm curious to see what game youβre playing this time.β His phone rang. Pulling it from his pocket and seeing the caller ID, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyesβa feeling he might not have even noticed himself. βWhat is it?β On the other end, his assistant sounded particularly anxious, βSir, Miss Wheeler has had an accident!β His brow tightened immediately. βIβm on my way!β At the hospital, although bodyguards were posted at the entrance and surveillance revealed no suspicious individuals, Anne had somehow been poisoned and was in critical condition. Anne's primary doctor speculated, βMr. Wright, itβs highly likely that Miss Wheeler was poisoned before she even arrived at the hospitalβ¦β Anne cut off the doctor before he could finish, "Mr. Dylan, please don't blame Suzy. She was just trying to protect her marriage! If I had listened to her and left you as she suggested, none of this would have happened. So, this is all my own fault..." "At a time like this, you should be worried about yourself, not that ruthless woman," Dylan replied sharply. His eyes hardened as he pulled out his phone to call Suzy. "I'm sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable..." The fury in his eyes could have swallowed someone whole. He coldly ordered his assistant, who was standing by, "Search the entire city for Suzy!" Meanwhile, at Hillside Villa. "Ah-choo..." As soon as Suzy entered, she sneezed, causing Allen Wheeler, who followed her in, to become instantly anxious. "Boss, did you catch a cold?" Sniffling slightly, Suzy sneezed again. "It's nothing." "You've sneezed twice; you definitely have a cold!" Allen set down Suzy's luggage and hurried to the kitchen. "I need to make you some ginger tea right away." Watching Allenβs worried and hurried back, Suzy thought of Dylanβs cold words, "I already told you that her life or death is none of my business!" People who cared about her would worry over something as small as a sneeze. Those who didnβt wouldnβt have flinched even if they saw her hangingβtheyβd think she was just swinging. Three years ago, she had done everything to marry Dylan, to repay a perceived debt, she had toned down her personality, and humbled herself to the dust, working tirelessly. Thinking back, she realized she must have been out of her mind. Even if he had saved her three years ago, it was her first time, and he really wasnβt at a loss. The notion that she owed him anything was utterly absurd. Pushing down the pain in her heart, Suzy stopped Allen at the kitchen door. "Forget the ginger tea. However, the Goodwin family in North Avenue could use your help as a facilitator." "The Goodwin family?" Suzyβs eyes narrowed slightly. "The murderer who murdered my parents, and my own attacker three years ago, might both be connected to the Goodwin family." Upon hearing this, Allenβs eyebrows furrowed deeply. "The Goodwins are influential in politics, and it seems the player behind the scenes is bigger than we imagined. Martin Goodwin, the head of the Goodwin family, has been ill lately, searching for a renowned doctor. Iβll pass on the news that you are the miracle doctor to them soon." Ten minutes later, Allen told Suzy, "Boss, the Goodwin family needs you urgently; they want you to come as soon as possible, but your injuries..." In fact, the moment Allen saw Suzy, he wanted to ask about her injuries and where she had been these past three years. Since she was alive, why hadnβt she contacted them? But she never mentioned it, and knowing her temperament, he didnβt dare pry. Suzy knew Allen was worried about her, but she didnβt want to bring up anything related to Dylan with anyone. It was all over, and she would never contact him in the future; there was simply no need to let them know. Yet, saying nothing would certainly not ease his concerns. After a moment, she explained to Allen, "I took care of a dog for three years, but it never grew tame; it bit me instead." Allenβs anger flared immediately. "Where is that beast? I'll knock his teeth out." No one could harm his boss and get away with it! "Heβs dead!" Dead in her heart. "Tell the Goodwin family that Iβll be there two days from now, four in the afternoon!" Two days passed in a blink. At Wright Corporation, in the CEO's office. Dylan looked up as his assistant, Desmond Hill, entered. "Didnβt find her?" βThere isnβt a doctor who knows how to treat the poisoning,β Desmond said hesitantly, then added, βAs for Mrs. Wright, sheβs an orphan with no family. Everything sheβs done over the past three years has been connected to you, and nothing suspicious has come upβ¦ so we havenβt been able to locate her either.β "It had been two days..." Was she intentionally hiding, or could she have... Realizing he was actually worried about her, Dylan's brows knitted together. "Intensify the search!" "Yes!" Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Dylan gazed into the distance, his eyes flickering with a complexity even he hadnβt noticed. "Suzy, you better pray you can hide forever.β "Sir..." Desmond, who had left just a minute earlier, hurried back in without even knocking, breathless with urgency. "Look at this!" Dylan, thinking there might be news of Suzy, took the phone and saw... "Red Falcon?" "A miracle doctor in the alternative medicine world!" Desmond exclaimed, excitedly. "Sheβs renowned for curing all kinds of poisons and diseases. People call her 'The Healer of Legends,' known for treating even the most severe injuries. She disappeared three years ago, and everyone thought she was gone for good, but now sheβs reappeared. βI've just received reliable information that today at four in the afternoon, she'll be visiting the Goodwin family in North Avenue to treat Mr. Martin. Sir, perhaps Miss Wheeler could try her treatment?" "The Goodwin family at North Avenue.." The fact that the Goodwins had called upon her was proof enough of her skill. "Go invite her!" After a pause, Dylan stopped Desmond at the door. "I'll go myself." Chapter 0003 North Avenue was an hour and a half drive from South Avenue. Suzy arrived at the Goodwin familyβs estate as promised in disguise. Using the pretense of treating an illness, she took the opportunity to hypnotize Martin. Unfortunately, she didnβt manage to extract any useful information. As she left, deep in thought, a sudden pain shot through her forehead as she bumped into someone... βSorryβ¦β The apology got stuck in her throat the moment she recognized the face. Dylan? What was he doing here? It was truly a case of enemies crossing paths in the most unexpected of places! In less than two seconds, Suzy tore her gaze away and walked off, her expression completely indifferent. Dylan stood there, confused. She was about to apologize to him, so why did her attitude change the moment she saw him? Especially how she suddenly looked at himβit was as if they were mortal enemies. Dylan turned, watching the direction she went, his eyes narrowing. That figure looked just like Suzyβ¦ βMr. Wright, weβre so honored by your presence. Iβm sorry for not greeting you properlyβ¦β The voice of the Goodwin familyβs butler snapped Dylan out of his thoughts. By the time he glanced back, the woman had disappeared. Following the butler to see Martin, Dylan found the old man looking healthy, his complexion rosy, as if fully recovered from his illness. Dylan wasted no time and stated his reason for coming. But the reply was unexpected: the miracle doctor had just left, barely moments ago. Dylan was speechless. The woman he had run into earlier, the one with freckles all over her faceβwas she the miracle doctor? Knowing it was already too late to chase after her, Dylan quickly bid farewell to Martin. To his surprise, the woman hadnβt left yet. Seeing her car just start to pull away, Dylan hurried over, βWait a secβ" But his words were drowned out by the roar of the engine. Now he was almost certainβthis woman had something against him. He quickly got into his car and chased after her. As soon as Suzy saw the black luxurious car speeding after her in the rearview mirror, her brow furrowed. Did he recognize her? She wasnβt bragging, but her disguise was so flawless that not even her parents, if they were alive, would be able to recognize her. And Dylan? After three years of marriage, he had barely ever looked at her properly. So why was he chasing her so relentlessly? Just because she hadnβt apologized earlier? With a cold smirk tugging at her lips, Suzy floored the gas pedal. "You owe me a lot more than I owe you!" The red car shot forward like a bolt of lightning. "Interesting." Dylanβs eyes narrowed as he accelerated. The red car and the black one sped through the winding mountain roads, like two fierce predators locked in a relentless chase. At first, Dylan was confident in his driving skillsβhe was a man, after all. How could he not catch up to a woman? But in the final stretch, the woman suddenly did a sharp U-turn and drove straight toward him. He quickly jerked the steering wheel to the right, barely avoiding a collision. However, the speed was too fast, and his car skidded into the mountainside. Though he wasnβt hurt, his car stalled out. Through the windshield, his eyes met hers. She flashed him a playful smile, then gave him a thumbs-down, taunting him with a level of arrogance that sent his blood boiling. Moments later, she reversed her car with impressive speed, leaving him in the dust. "Red Falconβ¦" She wasnβt just a miracle doctor; she was also an ace racer. Although she wasnβt good-looking, her talents were undeniable. But why did she harbor such animosity toward him? Back at the office, the first thing Dylan did was instruct Desmond, "Dig into everything you can find on Red Falconβleave no detail out." He had to find out what heβd done to make her so mad at him. Half an hour later, Desmond returned with a defeated expression. "Sir, all the information on Red Falcon is locked behind a heavily encrypted firewall. Weβve switched through several tech experts, but none of them have been able to break in." "...Send me the link." β¦ "Boss, someoneβs digging into your files!" Allen handed his laptop to Suzy, who was lounging on the couch watching a show. "It started about half an hour ago. Theyβve cycled through a few people, and the latest one is pretty skilled. Iβm having a hard time keeping them at bay." "Is that so?" Suzy's eyes narrowed, and she sat up. "Let me handle this." Her fingers flew across the keyboard, lines of code flashing rapidly on the screen. Within minutes, she closed the laptop and tossed it back onto the couch, stretching lazily. "Letβs go grab something to eat." Meanwhile, back at his desk, Dylan stared at the screen in disbelief as the code on his computer spelled out one wordβ LOSER! He nearly smashed the computer in frustration. Watching the taunting word flash on the screen and feeling the stormy tension building around Dylan, Desmond didnβt dare breathe too loudly. Their bossβ hacking skills were top-tier, not just in South Avenue but globally, so how could this happen? Noticing Dylanβs darkening expression, Desmond hesitated for a moment before offering a timid suggestion. "Sir, they probably donβt know itβs you, so Iβm sure they didnβt mean it personally..." "Get out!" "Yes, sir!" "Wait." Dylan stopped Desmond as he was about to leave. "Use the contact information the Goodwins provided. Offer her ten million for the treatment." The main goal was to get her to cure Anneβs poisoningβeverything else was secondary. A shadow flickered in Dylanβs eyes as he quickly formulated his next move. β¦ Just as the food was being placed on the table, Allenβs phone rang. It was from an unfamiliar number. He glanced across the table at Suzy, who nodded, signaling him to answer. He pressed the speakerphone button as he picked up. "Is this the miracle doctor, Red Falcon?" It was Desmond! Suzyβs hand froze mid-motion as she was about to pick up her fork. Was Dylan really that determined to get an apology from her? Naturally, Dylan, who had never tasted defeat, couldnβt swallow his pride after being repeatedly taunted by her. Not wanting to get further entangled with him, Suzy motioned for Allen to hang up. "Iβm sorry, youβve got the wrong person." Just as Allen was about to end the call, Desmond quickly interjected, "Wait, please! I have a patient who desperately needs the miracle doctorβs help. Weβre willing to offer ten million as payment for the treatment!" Suzy paused, her expression unreadable. So that was the real reason behind Dylanβs relentless pursuit? Their encounter at the Goodwin family estate hadnβt been a coincidence after all? For Dylan to personally reach out and offer such a high fee... Concerned that it might involve Grace Lawson, Dylanβs grandmother, who had always been kind to her, Suzy used lip movements to instruct Allen to ask for more details. Allen asked, "Can you provide some basic information about the patient? You can send it to my phone." Hearing some progress, Desmond eagerly replied, "Of course, Iβll send it right away." As soon as the call ended, Desmond sent over all the relevant details. The moment Suzy saw that the patient was Anne, she casually tossed the phone back to Allen. "Tell them I donβt treat for money. I believe in destiny, and this patient is not fated to meet me.β Allen blinked in confusion and thought, "Since when do you have such rules?" Though Allen sensed something off about Suzyβs expression, he didnβt ask any questions. Instead, he simply relayed her message to Desmond. Upon receiving the response, Desmond immediately reported Suzyβs message to Dylan. Dylanβs eyes narrowed slightly. "Add another ten million!" He couldn't believe she'd turn down that much money. Suzy sneered. "Twenty million?" A twisted urge suddenly gripped herβshe wanted to test just how much Dylan truly valued Anne. Her eyes narrowed slyly. "Tell them Iβll make a house call for two hundred million. Not a penny less." Chapter 0004 "Two hundred million?" Dylan barely hesitated. "Deal!" Three years ago, after being drugged during an ambush, a girl saved his life despite being seriously injured herself. After a night together, the girl disappeared by morning. It had been too dark that night to see her face clearly, but he vaguely remembered a faint, distinctive scent on her, like some kind of herbal remedy. After investigating, he traced it back to the Wheeler family. Anne had been frail and sickly since childhood and had relied on natural remedies for years. According to her, on the day he was attacked, she was kidnapped and managed to escape. Along the way, she encountered him. Ignoring her own safety, she dragged her wounded body and gave herself to him to save his life. At the time, she was only eighteen. Anne saved his life, and he promised her marriage. Even though his grandmother, Grace, disapproved, he vowed never to marry anyone else. Yet out of nowhere, Suzy showed up. She orchestrated a heroic act, earning Graceβs favor, and step by step, manipulated Grace into forcing him to marry her. With her goal achieved, Suzy saw Anne as a thorn in her side, constantly picking fights. Lately, things had escalated β first, a kidnapping, and now poisoning... Two hundred million, or even more β as long as someone was willing to help save Anne, heβd pay any price. He owed Anne too much. β¦ Meanwhile, Allen immediately informed Suzy after receiving a response. "Boss, they've agreed." He agreedβ¦ It was impossible not to feel something. After all, she had loved Dylan for so many years. She couldnβt help but wonder, if it were her who was poisoned, would he do the same? No, he wouldnβt! Heβd wish for her death as soon as possible. That way, no one would stand in the way of him and Anne ever again. Suzy clenched her fists, suppressing the aching pain in her heart. "Deal!" It was two hundred million β since he was foolish and rich, why shouldnβt she take advantage of it? But... Who exactly poisoned Anne? What was the motive? And as for the previous kidnapping, after investigating all this while, there was still no answer. There must be a connection somewhere. It seemed a visit to the hospital tonight was necessary, to first determine the exact poison in Anne's system before following the clues. That night, when all was quiet, Suzy, dressed in a nurse uniform prepared by Allen, sneaked into Anneβs hospital room. The girl on the bed had a ghostly pale face and weak breathing. Dylan would probably be heartbroken seeing her like this. It was said that Anne had once saved Dylan, which was why he held her dear. In fact, they were quite similar; Suzy also fell in love with Dylan on the night he saved her. A self-mocking smile curled her lips. Suzy had schemed to marry him, thinking he was single. After all, rumors had it that he was indifferent to women and devoted only to his work, to the extent that his grandmother who raised him suspected he was gay! It was only after marriage that Suzy found out he had a girl he liked; it was just that Grace did not approve of Anne, so she never mentioned Anne in front of Suzy. Three years ago, while Suzy thought she was using Grace, wasnβt Grace actually using her too? Remembering that shrewd old lady, Suzy chuckled softly. "Age certainly does sharpen the wit!" Not wanting to waste more time, Suzy reached out to check Anneβs condition. Her brows furrowed instantly; her condition appeared to beβ¦ Indeed it was! Her expression suddenly changed. Suzy pulled out a syringe from her pocket, aimed the needle at a vein in Anne's left arm, and was about to insert it when her hand was suddenly grabbed. Using all her strength, Anne clutched the intruder's wrist. "Who sent you?" The medical staff in and out of this hospital room were carefully selected, and Anne knew each one well. The moment she saw the person in front of her, she knew something was off. Unimpressed by Anneβs awakening, Suzy shook off her hand and continued her previous action. As the sharp needle tip was about to pierce into her arm, Anne suddenly pushed Suzy and quickly sat up from the bed, reaching for the call button by the bedside. However, before she could touch it, her arm was pinned against the wall. Though most of the intruder's face was hidden by a mask, the chilling glare from her eyes was like a sword laced with murderous intent. Anne became even more panicked. βI am Dylanβs most beloved woman. If you dare hurt me, he will never forgive youβ¦β βSlap!β After slapping Anne, Suzy grabbed her chin. "If you donβt want to die, keep quiet!" Her face stung from the slap, and her jaw felt like it was about to be crushed. However, from the intruder's words, it seemed she wasnβt here to murder her. Anneβs fear slightly subsided, and she stopped struggling. Seeing her finally quiet down, Suzy released her chin. After drawing the blood with the needle and finishing her task, Suzy removed the needle and left, not caring about the still bleeding puncture site. Having suffered such a grievance, Anne was not about to let it go. She quickly pressed the call button, βSomeone is trying to murderβ¦β Before she could finish, her throat was grabbed. The woman's speed was alarmingly fast, shocking Anne. βI didnβt want to murder youβ¦β Suzyβs fingers tightened inch by inch around her neck. βBut since you seem tired of living, Iβll grant your wish!β This wasnβt just a threat; Suzy genuinely intended to murder Anne. Indeed, Anne was no saint; she was quite skilled in manipulating situations. Over the past three years, she had framed others multiple times. Suzy had been patient only because Anne was Dylanβs favorite. Now... She didnβt care about who he loved. Furthermore, Anne owed Suzy that much. If it hadnβt been for her protection, Anne wouldnβt have survived long enough for Dylan to rescue her from the kidnappers. Seeing Anne's face turn red with difficulty breathing and veins popping on her forehead, the murderous intent in Suzy's eyes deepened. Just a bit more pressure and Anneβs life would be over! Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached. They were distant, inaudible to most, but Suzy, with her exceptional hearing, could hear them clearly. It was Dylan! She felt a bit disgusted by how familiar she was with his steps. As the footsteps grew closer, Suzyβs gaze hardened, and with a swift motion, she knocked Anne unconscious with a sharp blow to the neck. After all, Anne was worth two hundred millionβthere was no reason to turn down that kind of money. Shifting her gaze slightly, Suzy quickly opened the door to the balcony and then slipped into the bathroom. The next second, the door was pushed open. Dylan entered, his eyes falling on the open sliding door to the balcony. His brows furrowed as he instructed Desmond, who followed behind him. "Close the door..." His words were cut off by a startled cry. "Ah..." Anne, who had thought she was doomed, suddenly opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling, gasping for air in terror. "Did I wake you? I've been too busy these last few days to visit. How are you feeling?" Dylan walked to the bedside, noticing her distressed expression. "Did you have a nightmare?" Turning and seeing Dylan, Anne immediately threw herself into his arms, showing him the marks on her neck and the needle mark on her arm, "Mr. Dylan, just now, a woman disguised as a nurse drew my blood and then tried to strangle me." Chapter 0005 Dylanβs eyes shifted back to the balcony, giving Desmond a subtle look. Desmond searched the area and reported, βSir, thereβs no one here.β βCall the doctor.β Dylanβs gaze turned cold. "And tell the hospital to lock down all exits. Not a soul steps foot inside or out without my explicit authorization." βYes, sir!β After the doctorβs examination confirmed that only blood had been drawn and nothing else had been done to her, Anne finally let out a sigh of relief. The attackerβs identity was still a mystery, and with her current vulnerable condition, it was hard not to feel afraid. But what puzzled her was why someone would go through so much effort just to draw her blood. However... With a shift in her gaze, Anneβs eyes welled up with tears. "Mr. Dylan, thereβs something Iβve hesitated to say, but sheβs really gone too far this time." It was a perfect opportunity to throw dirt on Suzyβs name, and Anne couldnβt let it slip by. Gripping his hand, her tears flowed even harder. "Iβm already half-dead from the poisonβwhy wonβt she leave me alone? Does she think Iβm not dying fast enough, so she sends someone in the middle of the night to drain my blood?" Dylan's expression darkened, but he didnβt respond directly. He simply said, "Weβve already found someone who can cure you with an antidote.β Anneβs eyes flashed briefly with surprise, though she quickly masked it. "But... I was told that this poison has no cure.β βThereβs always someone better who can treat you. Weβve arranged everything with a miracle doctor named Red Falcon, who will help detoxify you. Youβll be cured soon.β βRed Falcon?β Anne questioned, trying to hide her unease. βIs she really that skilled?β βYes, Mr. Martin from the North Avenue had a terminal illness, and thanks to her treatment, he made a full recovery.β Dylanβs voice softened. βDonβt worry, Iβll handle everything.β For Anne, it was always βIβll handle everythingβ¦β For Suzy, it was always βThis doesnβt concern meβ¦β Listening from her hiding spot in the bathroom, Suzy had convinced herself she'd be numb to Dylan's tenderness toward Anne. Yet, as his gentle tone drifted through the door, she felt an unexpected pang. Despite everything, it still stung. Tired of eavesdropping, Suzy silently opened the window and leaped out. Like a bat in the night, she vanished without a traceβso swiftly, no one would ever know. At the hospital entrance. Growing anxious from waiting, Allen was just about to go in and help when he finally spotted Suzy emerging. He hurried out of the car and rushed over, giving her a quick once-over. βBoss, are you okay?β βIβm fine.β Suzy kept walking without stopping. βStop worrying about nothing.β However, Allen sensed something was off. Logically, with the kind of influence Suzy had, Allen knew he shouldnβt be worried. But the ambush three years ago had left him deeply scarred. He could never forget the moment he saw her fall off that cliff with his own eyes. For three years, Allen had hated himself for not protecting Suzy, failing in his duty as her subordinate. So, when Suzy called to inform him she was still alive, Allen swore that, this time, he would give up his life if necessary to keep her from getting hurt again. He wanted to handle this mission for her, but she wouldnβt allow it. From the rearview mirror, Allen glanced at Suzy, who had been silent since getting into the car. He couldnβt shake the feeling that there was something complicated between her and Anne. Allen realized he needed to find someone to discreetly investigate the matter. His gaze hadnβt fully returned to the road when Suzy caught him staring. He cleared his throat awkwardly. βBoss, did you find out what kind of poison it was?β Suzy paused briefly. βItβs Scarlet Veil.β βScreechβ¦β The brakes squealed as Allen slammed on them in shock. βScarlet Veil? But that was your masterpiece! Didnβt you destroy it along with the formula three years ago?β βThereβs one last doseβ¦ with the Harlow family.β βClaude Harlow?β Allenβs eyes widened. βWhat kind of grudge could he possibly have against a young girl to go this far? Everyone knows that poison starts off mild, but once it hits againβ¦ sheβll be no better than a dog in heatβ¦β Suzy had created the sinister poison to deal with a monster in the past. Even she was confused. The Harlows and Wrights had no bad blood between them. In fact, the Harlows even had business dealings with the Wheeler family. If Claude was behind the poisoning, sheβd rule him out as a suspect in the earlier kidnapping. That much was certain. There was no way Claude would have, or could have, let Suzy come so close to dying in that explosion. No matter who it was, she was determined to find them. It wasnβt about proving her innocence to Dylan. She simply wouldnβt swallow that humiliation! Whether it was the kidnapping, the ambush from three years ago, or the one responsible for murdering her familyβshe wasnβt going to let any of them off the hook. Her eyes burned with hatred when Allen suddenly handed her the phone. "Boss, Dylan sent a message. He wants to arrange the treatment as soon as possible." Thinking of that deceitful man and his tenderness, she said, "Tell him the dealβs off." Earning two hundred million was tempting, but what intrigued her more was seeing what would happen to Anne after the second wave of poisoning hit her. β¦ In the corridor outside Anne's hospital room. Though Dylanβs face remained expressionless, his eyes were as cold as ice. "What did you just say? Repeat it." Desmond, bracing himself, repeated, "Red Falcon said the deal is off." He regretted it now. He never should have mentioned Red Falcon to Dylan that day. This Red Falconβfirst she demanded an outrageous sum, and now she was backing out. Didnβt she know just how bad Dylanβs temper was? Suppressing his rage, Dylan growled. "Give me the phone." Desmond quickly handed it over. Dylan dialed the number. It rang but went unanswered. Once, twice, and again, until his patience wore thin. Finally, a soft voice came through, "Sorry, I was busy." Desmond quickly wiped the sweat that had started to drip down his forehead. Thank goodness the call got answeredβotherwise, his phone wouldβve met a tragic end. The phone itself wasnβt worth much, but the data stored inside was priceless to him. βIβm looking for Red Falcon,β Dylan said bluntly. βSheβs not available. If thereβs something you need, you can tell me, and Iβll pass it along.β Dylanβs eyes narrowed. βThe price was already agreed upon. Why cancel now?β βPlease, Mr. Wright, stay calm. Itβs true that canceling the arrangement on our side is a bit abrupt, and we apologize. But we have our reasons. Do you think weβd walk away from two hundred million so easily if we didnβt have a reason to?β βWhatβs the reason?β βThatβs not something we can share with you, Mr. Wright. I suggest you find someone else quickly before Miss Anne misses the best window for treatment.β Without waiting for a response, Allen hung up the phone. The next secondβ¦ Smash! Desmond watched in despair as yet another phone met its fate. His heart shattered even more than the phone. βFind her!β Dylan ordered, his voice cold. He was determined to see what kind of game she was playing now. Desmond wanted to say, βEasier said than done.β Not just Red Falcon, but also Suzy, who had been missing without a trace for so long. Why did it seem like every woman around him enjoyed playing hide and seek? Inside the hospital room, Anne had been listening to the commotion outside. Once she heard Dylan and Desmond leave, she quickly locked the door and pulled out another phone hidden under her pillow. βDylan found someone to help me get an antidote, but I overheard that they backed out.β Anne sneered. βHe keeps saying how great this Red Falcon is, but it seems sheβs all talk. She mustβve realized she couldnβt actually cure me, so she ran at the last minute.β βIf she created the poison, she definitely knows how to cure it.β βSo, you know her? If she made the poison, why would she suddenly refuse to help? I overheard Dylan offering two hundred million for her treatment!β Since Dylan was willing to spend that much money on her, Anne could tell just how important she was to Dylan. The truth didnβt matter. Once she solidified her place as Dylanβs wife, even if he discovered she wasn't his true savior, his feelings for her would shield her from consequences. There was a long pause on the other end of the line before the person finally responded, βIsnβt this exactly what you wanted? Youβll soon face the second wave of the poison. I hope all your wishes come true.β βThanks for the good wishes. Once Iβve secured Dylan, thereβll be plenty of rewards for you.β β¦ The quickest way to find out if Claude was behind the poisoning was to ask him directly. Even though it seemed unlikely, Suzy decided she needed to meet with him. After all, they hadnβt seen each other in three years. So, the first thing she did upon returning to Hillside Villa was to ask Allen to look into Claudeβs whereabouts. Before she could finish eating an apple, Allen had the information ready. βClaudeβs on a business trip to Montara.β βBook a flight.β The next morning, Suzy boarded a plane bound for Montara. Allen wanted to accompany Suzy, but she refused, assigning him other tasks to handle. It had been three years since sheβd been on a plane, and as she gazed at the clouds outside the window, Suzy felt a sense of freedom, like a bird returning to the sky. For those three years, her life had revolved entirely around Dylan. In her attempt to be the perfect wife, she barely left the house and spent her days thinking about how to take better care of him. Every morning at five, she got up to make him breakfast. She hand-washed all his clothes, even his socks and underwear. While he was at work, she counted the minutes, waiting like a lovesick fool for his return. Looking back now, she couldnβt believe she had lived like that for three years. What on earth had she been thinking? After landing, she went straight to Claudeβs hotel, only to be told, βMr. Claude checked out early this morning.β Suzy was speechless. She had planned on surprising him. Oh well, since she was already here, she might as well treat it like a vacation. Suzy spent the day shopping, buying plenty of things before catching her flight back home. She had to admit that being single has its perks! The farther away men were, the better. At the airport, Suzy spotted Allen waiting from a distance. βOver hereβ¦β Her smile froze instantly. Dylan? Surrounded by a crowd, Dylan was heading straight in her direction. Suzy quickly turned her back and thought, βAnother unlucky day.β It wasnβt that she feared him; she just didnβt want to see him. And she was pretty sure he didnβt want to see her either. To avoid mutual disdain, Suzy slipped into the restroom. Dylan scanned the area, but there was no sign of Suzy. βAre you sure she was on this flight?β Desmond, sweating profusely, stammered, βIβve double-checked several times. Mrs. Wright was definitely on this flight from Montara.β Desmond could hardly contain his excitement when he first got the news. Suzyβs disappearance, Red Falconβs cancellation, and the woman who had infiltrated Anneβs hospital room only to escape under full lockdownβthose three women had pushed Dylan to the brink of an explosion. Thank goodness there was finally news about Suzy. Otherwise, if Dylan exploded, Desmond would be the first casualty. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Desmond said, "Iβve got people stationed at every exit. We should be able to find her soon." Half an hour later... Dylanβs voice turned icy. βWhere is she?β Desmond wished he could cut out his own tongue. Sometimes, it was best not to speak too soon! He couldnβt understand how Suzy, an ordinary person, was so good at slipping away. βDesmond, your performance is really slipping. If this keeps up, I think it might be time to send you to South Allica for some additional training,β Dylan said coldly before walking off. It had been half an hour, and Suzy had probably already made her escape. The fact that she could disappear under these circumstances made it clear that he had seriously underestimated her abilities. Outside the airport, a line of sleek black cars was parked, with the leading one looking particularly impressive. Desmond jogged ahead, opening the door for Dylan, who was just about to step into the car when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted somethingβ¦ In an instant, Dylan turned, took several swift strides, and grabbed the shoulder of a woman standing nearby. hapter 0006 When Dylan spun the woman around to face him, his expression darkened instantly, like a shadow passing over his features. From behind, she had looked strikingly similar to Suzy, but her front was a different story. Her appearance was plain, a far cry from Suzyβs striking beauty. The fact that heβd even momentarily considered Suzy attractive only made Dylan's scowl deepen. "Hey, handsome, your approach is pretty unique. I like it," the woman said with a playful smile, leaning toward him. "I live close by. How about we..." "Iβve got the wrong person," Dylan cut her off. As he stepped back, the woman nearly stumbled but wasnβt discouraged. She moved closer again. "Donβt be shy. Weβre both adults here. Whatβs there to hold back?" With a sharp glare, Dylan signaled to Desmond, who quickly stepped in to handle the situation. Once the two of them had driven off, Suzy slipped into Allenβs car, slowly peeling off the human-skin mask from her face. She had thought their encounter was a coincidence, but it turned out Dylan had deliberately come looking for her. But why? After all the commotion, what was he trying to achieve? She had already stepped aside. What more could he possibly want? Allen seemed equally puzzled. His curiosity finally got the better of him, and he couldnβt help but ask, βBoss, I just found out... Dylan wasnβt looking for Red Falcon. Heβs been trying to find his missing wifeβ¦β "Yeah, thatβs me," Suzy said calmly. There was no point in hiding it anymore. "...Youβre married?" Allen was visibly stunned. "Was. I got married, then divorced." "Was it because of Anne?" Allenβs tone was laced with frustration. The fact that Dylan was willing to spend two hundred million on Anne was a clear sign of their deep connection. Unable to hold back, Allen muttered a curse under his breath. "Like mother, like daughter. Sheβs just as rotten as her mom." Suzy immediately caught the significance of his words. "You and the Wheeler family..." "I have nothing to do with the Wheelers," Allen said sharply, gripping the steering wheel. It was a painful chapter of Allenβs life, one he had never shared with Suzy. He had always planned to take his revenge quietly, without burdening her with his past. After all, Suzy had her own scores to settle. Anneβs mother, Helena Fox, and his own were cousins. An unexpected tragedy left her an orphan, and his grandmother, moved by sympathy, took Helena in. Little did she know, she was nurturing a wolf in sheepβs clothing. On the surface, Helena seemed sweet and caring, but beneath that facade, she was as cold and calculating. When Allen was eight, he walked in on his father, William Wheeler, having an affair with Helena while his mother was away on a business trip β and in his mother's own bed, no less. Not long after, they drove his mother to her death and tried to burn him alive. He suffered severe burns across most of his body. If it hadnβt been for Suzy saving him while he was trying to escape, he wouldnβt even be alive today. She nursed him back to health, gave him a new face, and turned him into the person he was now β someone William wouldnβt recognize, even if they stood face to face. Suzy could tell at a glance that Allen was lying. Since he didnβt want to delve deeper into the subject, she didnβt push him further. Everyone has their own secrets. She shifted the conversation. "Did you take care of what I asked before I left?" Allen opened the glove compartment and pulled out a blue folder. "The investigation confirms that thereβs never been any conflict between the Goodwin family and the Turner family, not now or three years ago. And there's no way the Goodwins could learn about your real identity." Suzy had once been the heiress of the Frosts, the wealthiest family. Years ago, a brutal assassination wiped out her entire family in a single night, from relatives to servantsβa total of thirty lives, all murdered. The murderers were beyond cruel. Everyone believed that no one from the Frost family survived, unaware that someone had risked their life to save Suzy. For years, she had kept her identity hidden. Apart from Allen, Raven Murray, and Riley White, no one else knew who she really was. And none of them would ever betray her. Suzy opened the folder, flipping through the pages. She found nothing out of the ordinary; everything seemed in order. Yet, three years ago, she distinctly remembered the kidnappers mentioning the Goodwin family. Closing the folder, she tossed it aside casually. "You can dodge the first blow, but not the second." "Yes, if the Goodwin family is really involved, no matter how powerful they are, theyβll pay the price in full," Allen said before asking, "What about Claude?" Suzy leaned back in her chair, her eyes half-closed. "He returned early. I didnβt get a chance to see him." "So, are we heading to the Harlow family next?" "Weβll see." After all the running around, Suzy was feeling tired. Sheβd head home for some rest first. Besides, Anneβs second wave of poisoning was set for tonight. Suzy needed to be well-rested to fully enjoy what was about to unfold. β¦ That night, at the hospital. Anne had been unusually thirsty since dinner. She drank plenty of water, yet the discomfort only worsened. She knew it was timeβthe second wave of the poison was hitting. In a panic, she called Dylan. "Mr. Dylan, where are you? I feel so awful..." she moaned as soon as the line connected, not waiting for a response. But it wasnβt Dylan who answeredβit was his sister, Diana Wright. "Feeling awful? Call a doctor. Whatβs the point of calling my brother?" Diana had always disliked Anne. "And this is my final warning. My brother is married. Whether itβs me or my grandmother, weβve both accepted his wife as family. Youβd better stay far away from him." Anne wasnβt fond of Diana either. "Oh really? You probably donβt know that theyβre divorced, do you? And it was Suzy who initiated it." "You're lying!" Diana snapped, not believing a word. "My sister-in-law loves my brother. Thereβs no way she would ever ask for a divorce." "If you don't believe me, go ask your brother. And by the way, your dear sister-in-law has run off with some random guy and hasnβt been seen since!" "You witch! Say one more bad word about her, and I'll rip your mouth apart..." Diana was in the middle of her furious rant when the phone was snatched away by Dylan. She looked up. "Brother, that witch Anne just said that your wife wants a divorce!" Dylanβs face was cold. "Watch your manners." "My manners? I rather show some manners to a dog than her! Now tell meβis Suzy divorcing you or not?" "Thatβs none of your business," he said, his dark eyes narrowing. "What you should be focused on is your exam tomorrow." With that, he turned to leave. Diana chased after him. "How can it not concern me? She saved Grandmaβs life! If it werenβt for her, weβd both be orphans by now. You canβt be so heartless..." No matter what she said, Dylan kept walking without a word. Frustrated, Diana stomped her foot. "Iβm calling Grandma!" Dylan knew Diana would go straight to Grace to complain. He couldnβt figure out what spell Suzy had cast over both his grandmother and his sister. They adored her to the point of obsession. The only reason he hadnβt launched a full search for Suzy was to avoid alarming Grace, who was currently enjoying her vacation overseas. But now it seemed the secret was out. With that thought, he redialed Anneβs number to find out how she knew about the divorce. "Mr. Dylan, Mr. Dylan..." The moment the call connected, Anneβs pained voice came through. "Whatβs wrong?" Dylan asked. "I feel terrible, I really feel like Iβm dying. Please come and save me!" "Donβt panic. Iβm on my way." Chapter 0007 At the hospital. The moment Dylan stepped through the door, Anne threw herself into his arms. She clung to him like a rag doll, trembling against him. "Dylan, I feel awful... I feel so terrible..." βWhere does it hurt?β Dylan tried to push her away, but instead of letting go, she only clung tighter. "Everywhere..." Anne moaned, placing his hand on her front. "Especially here, it feels like bugs crawling under my skinβitching, unbearable. Mr. Dylan, please help me!" Her behavior was clearly not normal. βIβll call the doctor.β βNo, I donβt want a doctor. I want you.β Anne clung to him like a vine, her hands restlessly undoing his shirt buttons. βPlease, Mr. Dylan, help me, I feel like Iβm dying. If you donβt help me, I really will die...β As her fingers worked to undo the buttons, Dylan grabbed her wrists. βAnne, calm down...β βI canβt calm down...β She leaned in, trying to kiss him, whispering his name over and over, βMr. Dylan, Mr. Dylan...β Just as she was about to succeed, Dylan forcefully pushed her away, sending her sprawling to the floor. His resistance spoke volumes, even if he hadnβt said a word. A flicker of coldness flashed in Anneβs eyes, but when she looked up again, only sadness remained. βMr. Dylan, do you hate me?β Dylan didnβt respond, nor did he help her up. Instead, he turned away. βIβm calling a doctor.β Anne wasnβt about to let him leave. She scrambled to her feet and wrapped herself around him from behind. βI told you, I donβt want a doctor. I want you! Please, Mr. Dylan, take me...β βAnne, something is clearly wrong with you,β Dylan said, his lips pressed into a thin line. βYou need to see a doctor.β βNo doctor can help me. Only you can save me.β As she spoke, Anne began stripping off her own clothes. βPlease, save me. Iβm begging you.β Just when Anne thought she had succeeded, a sharp pain shot through the back of her head, and everything went black as she crumpled to the floor. Watching Anne fall unconscious, Suzy, who had been hiding in the wardrobe, retracted the silver needle that she had prepared to throw. It wasnβt about helping Dylanβit was simply that she couldnβt bear to watch the scene unfold. It was the kind of thing that could make her eyes bleed. What she didnβt expect was that Dylan would actually... Anne was supposed to be the woman he loved most. Suzy couldnβt quite understand why he knocked her out. Dylan scooped Anne up in his arms and laid her back on the hospital bed before pressing the call button for the doctor. When the doctor arrived, Dylan briefly explained what had just happened. βIs this related to the poison in her system?β After a quick examination, the doctor nodded. βYes, youβre right. The poison in Miss Anneβs body is highly unusual. The last time the poison flared up, nothing like this happened. Now, itβs suddenly escalated, and who knows what could happen next. We need to detox her as soon as possible.β Dylan frowned and thought about what the doctor said. There had been no word from Red Falcon. Forget about tracking her downβshe hadnβt even answered a single phone call. Desmond had been trying for days, but every attempt had gone unanswered. Detoxing Anne was proving to be no simple task. For the first time, he found himself played by a woman who had him in the palm of her hand. With his jaw tight, Dylan commanded, βFor now, find a way to alleviate her symptoms.β βThatβs going to be difficult...β the doctor began. βThis poison is something Iβve never encountered before, and I know nothing about it. Iβm concerned that if we administer the wrong medication, it could worsen her condition instead of easing it. So...β The doctor pressed his lips together before continuing, βAt this point, the safest way to relieve her symptoms might be for you, Mr. Wright, to help Miss Anne personally.β βAbsolutely not!β Dylan didnβt hesitate. βIf it comes to that, weβll use sedatives.β βBut that might not be safe eitherβ¦β βAt least that way, sheβll maintain her dignity,β Dylan muttered, his voice low as he looked at Anne lying unconscious. βI canβt let her lose her honor.β So, it wasnβt that he wouldnβt touch herβhe just didnβt want her to be ridiculed. Suzyβs mind flashed back to a day when she had gone to his office to deliver some documents he had left behind at home. His employees had mistaken her for the maid, and from start to finish, he hadnβt said a single word to correct them. They had been married for three years, and not once had he shown her the respect a wife deserved. Yet, when it came to Anne, he shielded her at every turn... Suzy didnβt want to compare, but moments like this always brought it to the surface, no matter how hard she tried. Why was she even watching this pathetic drama? She really should find a way to slip out of here. And as luck would have it, the opportunity presented itself. The doctor left, and moments later, Dylanβs phone rang. Probably to avoid waking Anne, he stepped out of the room with his phone. Seizing her chance, Suzy quietly slipped out of the wardrobe. But just as she thought sheβd made her escape, Dylan walked back in. Their eyes locked. The air between them went dead silent. Suzy reacted quickly, darting toward the balcony. Dylan was just as fast, his long strides closing the distance. Just as she was about to leap off the balcony, his hand caught her shoulder, yanking her back. "Speak. Who sent you?" Suzy let out a cold laugh. "The hospital is a public place. Iβm allowed to come and go as I please. Do I need your permission now?" She wasnβt worried at all about Dylan recognizing her voice. Before going out, she always used a voice-altering agentβnot to hide from him specifically, but out of long-standing habit. Keeping her true identity hidden was a necessity. Though she hadnβt gone so far as to disguise herself today, just a simple mask, there was no way Dylan would figure it out. She wouldnβt give him the chance. "So, you think you can just come and go as you please, huh..." Dylan's grip on her shoulder tightened, his voice growing colder. "Since you're here, why don't you stay for a while?" "The windβs pretty strong tonightβcareful you donβt bite your tongue!" Suzy swiftly dodged his grip, twisting out of his hold, and in one fluid motion, threw a sharp punch directly at him. But Dylan wasnβt easy prey either, effortlessly dodging her attack. The two were locked in a fierce exchange, trading blow after blow, kick after kick. After dozens of moves, neither had the upper hand. Dylan chuckled, "Not bad." Suzy smirked. "You're not too shabby yourself, Mr. Wright." But then, his eyes flashed dangerously, and he switched tactics, aiming a series of strikes at her abdomen. Realizing his intent, Suzy shifted her defenses to protect her midsection, but in an unexpected move, Dylan suddenly diverted his hand, reaching for her mask instead. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14871&ut | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 866 | 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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463603676_1575537693071797_6068888192638989593_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ckZexQ_58PgQ7kNvgGJ3W_F&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFD6Ak-mu7Ekr2g2u7OYVgz&oh=00_AYBE62K8ocPrBbs72thzB9hOlXwyg4JM_aMol5FpWemiGw&oe=675EB8CA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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π₯π₯Click to read the next chapter for freeπ | Chapter 0001 "Where's the patient's husband? Why hasn't he come yet? If he doesn't sign soon, it'll be too late,β a doctor urged. "The patient's husband refuses to come. He said to let her fend for herself,β 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!" "Dylan..." "Beep beep beep..." Undeterred, Suzy tried calling again. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable.β The doctor, no longer able to stand by in silence, spoke gently, "Miss Frost, your condition is very serious. If you have any other family members present, they're also authorized to sign on your behalf.β What other family did she have? In this world, he was the only one who could sign the consent form. No matter how much it hurt, Suzy fought back the tears that streamed down her pale cheeks and asked the doctor with a faint smile, "Can I sign for myself?" "...Yes!" With her last ounce of strength, Suzy signed the consent form for the surgery. The operation lasted four hours and was finally over, but her condition worsened two hours post-surgery, and Suzy was moved to the ICU. For 24 hours, Suzy lay in a coma, unable to open her eyes, but her mind was alert, and she could hear the nurses discussing as they changed her bandages. "Even if the marriage is struggling, a husband can't just ignore his seriously injured wife! You wouldn't believe itβI called him several more times, but it just kept going to voicemail. Doesn't he care even a little?" lamented the nurse. "Here's some juicy gossip for youβthe CEO of Wright Corporation, Dylan Wright, who's rumored to be disinterested in women and hasn't married even at thirty, actually has a girlfriend, and she's hospitalized right here in our hospital. Heβs taking care of her around the clock in the VVIP ward on the top floor." "Itβs strange how different men can beβone boyfriend is incredibly devoted, and another is worse than an animal!" Little did she know, Dylan was so close, merely an inquiry away from knowing that Suzy hadn't lied to him. Yet, he refused to waste a moment on her, simply because... she wasn't worth it! Her eyes, tightly shut, suddenly flew open, startling the nurse who was wiping her face. "You're awake!" Once awake, Suzy was immediately given a thorough check-up and, finding no serious injuries, was moved to a regular room. That night, deep in the silence, despite still being confined to her bed, Suzy removed her oxygen mask and dragged her injured left leg, wounded in the explosion, to the top floor. Outside the hospital room, through the glass, Suzy watched as Dylan tenderly fed Anne Wheeler fruits by her bedside. Her fists tightened, but the anguish in her chest, like a swarm of needles pricking at her heart, didnβt ease in the slightest. 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! The intimate scene in the hospital room turned Suzy's eyes, once filled with love, utterly cold. "It's time to end this!" The moment Suzy turned to leave, Dylan felt something stir and whirled around, just as Anne let out a pained cry. Dylan quickly asked, "What's wrong?" Anne glanced at the door and then gave Dylan a weak smile. "I accidentally pulled at my wound." "Do you need a doctor?" "I'm not that frail," Anne replied teasingly. "But Mr. Dylan, you should head back. You've been with me day and night; Suzy must be upset again..." She paused, "Mr. Dylan, honestly, Suzy isn't wrong. No matter what our relationship was in the past, you are now her husband. No woman could tolerate her husband being so kind to another woman, so whatever she does is understandable. Don't be angry with her, otherwise, Madam Grace might hear of it..." Dylan cut her off, "It's getting late, you should sleep." "Mr. Dylan..." "Listen to me!" "Alright then." As Anne closed her eyes, Dylan glanced once more towards the door. Was it really... He remembered the weak voice on the phone that day. His lips tightened, and he stood up. Just as he moved, Anne grabbed his hand. "Mr. Dylan, my wound still hurts a bit. Could you blow on it for me?" A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes before Dylan finally replied in a deep voice, "Alright." β¦ Suzy didn't return to her room but left the hospital directly. A taxi took her back to the villa where she had lived with Dylan for three years. As she walked inside from the front gate, memories of the past three years with Dylan flooded back like a tidal wave. It had been a blend of sour, bitter, and spicy moments in their life together, but sweetness was conspicuously absent. Dylan had always believed that Suzy married him as part of a calculated scheme. In truth, he wasn't entirely wrong; Suzy had indeed manipulated events to marry him, but her motives were never what he assumedβshe wasn't after his wealth or status; she was after the man himself. She had hoped that time would prove her true intentions, but three years had only intensified his disdain for her. She could never forget his cruel words, "Then I wish you a speedy journey to death!" "Dylan, you might not realize it, but I've actually been living in desperation all along. These past three years, I tried to climb out, to be normal, to be by your side, but you clearly didn't care. Since that's the case, I'll grant your wish." Taking what she needed and discarding what she didn't, Suzy left behind only the signed divorce papers and the keys to the villa. She walked away without a trace of longing, leaving nothing behind. Chapter 0002 The next morning, after spending yet another night at the hospital because Anne's pain had kept her from letting him leave, Dylan was finally on his way to the office. As they approached an intersection, he suddenly instructed the driver, "Take me to Bayview Heights." He had been wearing the same clothes for two days and needed a change. Otherwise, he wasnβt too keen on returning to that place. Upon arriving at the villa, instead of the warm welcome he might have expected, he was met with an eerie silence and a chilling sight on the living room tableβa divorce agreement! Dylanβs gaze lingered on the signed divorce papers and the keys resting on top. With an unreadable expression, he paused for a moment before turning and heading upstairs. This was his first time entering Suzy's room. They usually lived separate lives, like oil and water, never mixing. The room was as clean and orderly as he expected. Over the past three years, she had personally taken care of his every need. It was hard to deny that in some ways, she had been a competent wife... Realizing his thoughts, Dylanβs brows furrowed, and he stepped forward to open her wardrobe. Clothes and jewelry, everything related to the Wright family were still there. Just as she had written in the divorce papers, she had left without taking anything, leaving with nothing but the clothes on her back. So, her cries of impending death that day, were they all just an act? He sneered. βSuzy, Iβm curious to see what game youβre playing this time.β His phone rang. Pulling it from his pocket and seeing the caller ID, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyesβa feeling he might not have even noticed himself. βWhat is it?β On the other end, his assistant sounded particularly anxious, βSir, Miss Wheeler has had an accident!β His brow tightened immediately. βIβm on my way!β At the hospital, although bodyguards were posted at the entrance and surveillance revealed no suspicious individuals, Anne had somehow been poisoned and was in critical condition. Anne's primary doctor speculated, βMr. Wright, itβs highly likely that Miss Wheeler was poisoned before she even arrived at the hospitalβ¦β Anne cut off the doctor before he could finish, "Mr. Dylan, please don't blame Suzy. She was just trying to protect her marriage! If I had listened to her and left you as she suggested, none of this would have happened. So, this is all my own fault..." "At a time like this, you should be worried about yourself, not that ruthless woman," Dylan replied sharply. His eyes hardened as he pulled out his phone to call Suzy. "I'm sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable..." The fury in his eyes could have swallowed someone whole. He coldly ordered his assistant, who was standing by, "Search the entire city for Suzy!" Meanwhile, at Hillside Villa. "Ah-choo..." As soon as Suzy entered, she sneezed, causing Allen Wheeler, who followed her in, to become instantly anxious. "Boss, did you catch a cold?" Sniffling slightly, Suzy sneezed again. "It's nothing." "You've sneezed twice; you definitely have a cold!" Allen set down Suzy's luggage and hurried to the kitchen. "I need to make you some ginger tea right away." Watching Allenβs worried and hurried back, Suzy thought of Dylanβs cold words, "I already told you that her life or death is none of my business!" People who cared about her would worry over something as small as a sneeze. Those who didnβt wouldnβt have flinched even if they saw her hangingβtheyβd think she was just swinging. Three years ago, she had done everything to marry Dylan, to repay a perceived debt, she had toned down her personality, and humbled herself to the dust, working tirelessly. Thinking back, she realized she must have been out of her mind. Even if he had saved her three years ago, it was her first time, and he really wasnβt at a loss. The notion that she owed him anything was utterly absurd. Pushing down the pain in her heart, Suzy stopped Allen at the kitchen door. "Forget the ginger tea. However, the Goodwin family in North Avenue could use your help as a facilitator." "The Goodwin family?" Suzyβs eyes narrowed slightly. "The murderer who murdered my parents, and my own attacker three years ago, might both be connected to the Goodwin family." Upon hearing this, Allenβs eyebrows furrowed deeply. "The Goodwins are influential in politics, and it seems the player behind the scenes is bigger than we imagined. Martin Goodwin, the head of the Goodwin family, has been ill lately, searching for a renowned doctor. Iβll pass on the news that you are the miracle doctor to them soon." Ten minutes later, Allen told Suzy, "Boss, the Goodwin family needs you urgently; they want you to come as soon as possible, but your injuries..." In fact, the moment Allen saw Suzy, he wanted to ask about her injuries and where she had been these past three years. Since she was alive, why hadnβt she contacted them? But she never mentioned it, and knowing her temperament, he didnβt dare pry. Suzy knew Allen was worried about her, but she didnβt want to bring up anything related to Dylan with anyone. It was all over, and she would never contact him in the future; there was simply no need to let them know. Yet, saying nothing would certainly not ease his concerns. After a moment, she explained to Allen, "I took care of a dog for three years, but it never grew tame; it bit me instead." Allenβs anger flared immediately. "Where is that beast? I'll knock his teeth out." No one could harm his boss and get away with it! "Heβs dead!" Dead in her heart. "Tell the Goodwin family that Iβll be there two days from now, four in the afternoon!" Two days passed in a blink. At Wright Corporation, in the CEO's office. Dylan looked up as his assistant, Desmond Hill, entered. "Didnβt find her?" βThere isnβt a doctor who knows how to treat the poisoning,β Desmond said hesitantly, then added, βAs for Mrs. Wright, sheβs an orphan with no family. Everything sheβs done over the past three years has been connected to you, and nothing suspicious has come upβ¦ so we havenβt been able to locate her either.β "It had been two days..." Was she intentionally hiding, or could she have... Realizing he was actually worried about her, Dylan's brows knitted together. "Intensify the search!" "Yes!" Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Dylan gazed into the distance, his eyes flickering with a complexity even he hadnβt noticed. "Suzy, you better pray you can hide forever.β "Sir..." Desmond, who had left just a minute earlier, hurried back in without even knocking, breathless with urgency. "Look at this!" Dylan, thinking there might be news of Suzy, took the phone and saw... "Red Falcon?" "A miracle doctor in the alternative medicine world!" Desmond exclaimed, excitedly. "Sheβs renowned for curing all kinds of poisons and diseases. People call her 'The Healer of Legends,' known for treating even the most severe injuries. She disappeared three years ago, and everyone thought she was gone for good, but now sheβs reappeared. βI've just received reliable information that today at four in the afternoon, she'll be visiting the Goodwin family in North Avenue to treat Mr. Martin. Sir, perhaps Miss Wheeler could try her treatment?" "The Goodwin family at North Avenue.." The fact that the Goodwins had called upon her was proof enough of her skill. "Go invite her!" After a pause, Dylan stopped Desmond at the door. "I'll go myself." Chapter 0003 North Avenue was an hour and a half drive from South Avenue. Suzy arrived at the Goodwin familyβs estate as promised in disguise. Using the pretense of treating an illness, she took the opportunity to hypnotize Martin. Unfortunately, she didnβt manage to extract any useful information. As she left, deep in thought, a sudden pain shot through her forehead as she bumped into someone... βSorryβ¦β The apology got stuck in her throat the moment she recognized the face. Dylan? What was he doing here? It was truly a case of enemies crossing paths in the most unexpected of places! In less than two seconds, Suzy tore her gaze away and walked off, her expression completely indifferent. Dylan stood there, confused. She was about to apologize to him, so why did her attitude change the moment she saw him? Especially how she suddenly looked at himβit was as if they were mortal enemies. Dylan turned, watching the direction she went, his eyes narrowing. That figure looked just like Suzyβ¦ βMr. Wright, weβre so honored by your presence. Iβm sorry for not greeting you properlyβ¦β The voice of the Goodwin familyβs butler snapped Dylan out of his thoughts. By the time he glanced back, the woman had disappeared. Following the butler to see Martin, Dylan found the old man looking healthy, his complexion rosy, as if fully recovered from his illness. Dylan wasted no time and stated his reason for coming. But the reply was unexpected: the miracle doctor had just left, barely moments ago. Dylan was speechless. The woman he had run into earlier, the one with freckles all over her faceβwas she the miracle doctor? Knowing it was already too late to chase after her, Dylan quickly bid farewell to Martin. To his surprise, the woman hadnβt left yet. Seeing her car just start to pull away, Dylan hurried over, βWait a secβ" But his words were drowned out by the roar of the engine. Now he was almost certainβthis woman had something against him. He quickly got into his car and chased after her. As soon as Suzy saw the black luxurious car speeding after her in the rearview mirror, her brow furrowed. Did he recognize her? She wasnβt bragging, but her disguise was so flawless that not even her parents, if they were alive, would be able to recognize her. And Dylan? After three years of marriage, he had barely ever looked at her properly. So why was he chasing her so relentlessly? Just because she hadnβt apologized earlier? With a cold smirk tugging at her lips, Suzy floored the gas pedal. "You owe me a lot more than I owe you!" The red car shot forward like a bolt of lightning. "Interesting." Dylanβs eyes narrowed as he accelerated. The red car and the black one sped through the winding mountain roads, like two fierce predators locked in a relentless chase. At first, Dylan was confident in his driving skillsβhe was a man, after all. How could he not catch up to a woman? But in the final stretch, the woman suddenly did a sharp U-turn and drove straight toward him. He quickly jerked the steering wheel to the right, barely avoiding a collision. However, the speed was too fast, and his car skidded into the mountainside. Though he wasnβt hurt, his car stalled out. Through the windshield, his eyes met hers. She flashed him a playful smile, then gave him a thumbs-down, taunting him with a level of arrogance that sent his blood boiling. Moments later, she reversed her car with impressive speed, leaving him in the dust. "Red Falconβ¦" She wasnβt just a miracle doctor; she was also an ace racer. Although she wasnβt good-looking, her talents were undeniable. But why did she harbor such animosity toward him? Back at the office, the first thing Dylan did was instruct Desmond, "Dig into everything you can find on Red Falconβleave no detail out." He had to find out what heβd done to make her so mad at him. Half an hour later, Desmond returned with a defeated expression. "Sir, all the information on Red Falcon is locked behind a heavily encrypted firewall. Weβve switched through several tech experts, but none of them have been able to break in." "...Send me the link." β¦ "Boss, someoneβs digging into your files!" Allen handed his laptop to Suzy, who was lounging on the couch watching a show. "It started about half an hour ago. Theyβve cycled through a few people, and the latest one is pretty skilled. Iβm having a hard time keeping them at bay." "Is that so?" Suzy's eyes narrowed, and she sat up. "Let me handle this." Her fingers flew across the keyboard, lines of code flashing rapidly on the screen. Within minutes, she closed the laptop and tossed it back onto the couch, stretching lazily. "Letβs go grab something to eat." Meanwhile, back at his desk, Dylan stared at the screen in disbelief as the code on his computer spelled out one wordβ LOSER! He nearly smashed the computer in frustration. Watching the taunting word flash on the screen and feeling the stormy tension building around Dylan, Desmond didnβt dare breathe too loudly. Their bossβ hacking skills were top-tier, not just in South Avenue but globally, so how could this happen? Noticing Dylanβs darkening expression, Desmond hesitated for a moment before offering a timid suggestion. "Sir, they probably donβt know itβs you, so Iβm sure they didnβt mean it personally..." "Get out!" "Yes, sir!" "Wait." Dylan stopped Desmond as he was about to leave. "Use the contact information the Goodwins provided. Offer her ten million for the treatment." The main goal was to get her to cure Anneβs poisoningβeverything else was secondary. A shadow flickered in Dylanβs eyes as he quickly formulated his next move. β¦ Just as the food was being placed on the table, Allenβs phone rang. It was from an unfamiliar number. He glanced across the table at Suzy, who nodded, signaling him to answer. He pressed the speakerphone button as he picked up. "Is this the miracle doctor, Red Falcon?" It was Desmond! Suzyβs hand froze mid-motion as she was about to pick up her fork. Was Dylan really that determined to get an apology from her? Naturally, Dylan, who had never tasted defeat, couldnβt swallow his pride after being repeatedly taunted by her. Not wanting to get further entangled with him, Suzy motioned for Allen to hang up. "Iβm sorry, youβve got the wrong person." Just as Allen was about to end the call, Desmond quickly interjected, "Wait, please! I have a patient who desperately needs the miracle doctorβs help. Weβre willing to offer ten million as payment for the treatment!" Suzy paused, her expression unreadable. So that was the real reason behind Dylanβs relentless pursuit? Their encounter at the Goodwin family estate hadnβt been a coincidence after all? For Dylan to personally reach out and offer such a high fee... Concerned that it might involve Grace Lawson, Dylanβs grandmother, who had always been kind to her, Suzy used lip movements to instruct Allen to ask for more details. Allen asked, "Can you provide some basic information about the patient? You can send it to my phone." Hearing some progress, Desmond eagerly replied, "Of course, Iβll send it right away." As soon as the call ended, Desmond sent over all the relevant details. The moment Suzy saw that the patient was Anne, she casually tossed the phone back to Allen. "Tell them I donβt treat for money. I believe in destiny, and this patient is not fated to meet me.β Allen blinked in confusion and thought, "Since when do you have such rules?" Though Allen sensed something off about Suzyβs expression, he didnβt ask any questions. Instead, he simply relayed her message to Desmond. Upon receiving the response, Desmond immediately reported Suzyβs message to Dylan. Dylanβs eyes narrowed slightly. "Add another ten million!" He couldn't believe she'd turn down that much money. Suzy sneered. "Twenty million?" A twisted urge suddenly gripped herβshe wanted to test just how much Dylan truly valued Anne. Her eyes narrowed slyly. "Tell them Iβll make a house call for two hundred million. Not a penny less." Chapter 0004 "Two hundred million?" Dylan barely hesitated. "Deal!" Three years ago, after being drugged during an ambush, a girl saved his life despite being seriously injured herself. After a night together, the girl disappeared by morning. It had been too dark that night to see her face clearly, but he vaguely remembered a faint, distinctive scent on her, like some kind of herbal remedy. After investigating, he traced it back to the Wheeler family. Anne had been frail and sickly since childhood and had relied on natural remedies for years. According to her, on the day he was attacked, she was kidnapped and managed to escape. Along the way, she encountered him. Ignoring her own safety, she dragged her wounded body and gave herself to him to save his life. At the time, she was only eighteen. Anne saved his life, and he promised her marriage. Even though his grandmother, Grace, disapproved, he vowed never to marry anyone else. Yet out of nowhere, Suzy showed up. She orchestrated a heroic act, earning Graceβs favor, and step by step, manipulated Grace into forcing him to marry her. With her goal achieved, Suzy saw Anne as a thorn in her side, constantly picking fights. Lately, things had escalated β first, a kidnapping, and now poisoning... Two hundred million, or even more β as long as someone was willing to help save Anne, heβd pay any price. He owed Anne too much. β¦ Meanwhile, Allen immediately informed Suzy after receiving a response. "Boss, they've agreed." He agreedβ¦ It was impossible not to feel something. After all, she had loved Dylan for so many years. She couldnβt help but wonder, if it were her who was poisoned, would he do the same? No, he wouldnβt! Heβd wish for her death as soon as possible. That way, no one would stand in the way of him and Anne ever again. Suzy clenched her fists, suppressing the aching pain in her heart. "Deal!" It was two hundred million β since he was foolish and rich, why shouldnβt she take advantage of it? But... Who exactly poisoned Anne? What was the motive? And as for the previous kidnapping, after investigating all this while, there was still no answer. There must be a connection somewhere. It seemed a visit to the hospital tonight was necessary, to first determine the exact poison in Anne's system before following the clues. That night, when all was quiet, Suzy, dressed in a nurse uniform prepared by Allen, sneaked into Anneβs hospital room. The girl on the bed had a ghostly pale face and weak breathing. Dylan would probably be heartbroken seeing her like this. It was said that Anne had once saved Dylan, which was why he held her dear. In fact, they were quite similar; Suzy also fell in love with Dylan on the night he saved her. A self-mocking smile curled her lips. Suzy had schemed to marry him, thinking he was single. After all, rumors had it that he was indifferent to women and devoted only to his work, to the extent that his grandmother who raised him suspected he was gay! It was only after marriage that Suzy found out he had a girl he liked; it was just that Grace did not approve of Anne, so she never mentioned Anne in front of Suzy. Three years ago, while Suzy thought she was using Grace, wasnβt Grace actually using her too? Remembering that shrewd old lady, Suzy chuckled softly. "Age certainly does sharpen the wit!" Not wanting to waste more time, Suzy reached out to check Anneβs condition. Her brows furrowed instantly; her condition appeared to beβ¦ Indeed it was! Her expression suddenly changed. Suzy pulled out a syringe from her pocket, aimed the needle at a vein in Anne's left arm, and was about to insert it when her hand was suddenly grabbed. Using all her strength, Anne clutched the intruder's wrist. "Who sent you?" The medical staff in and out of this hospital room were carefully selected, and Anne knew each one well. The moment she saw the person in front of her, she knew something was off. Unimpressed by Anneβs awakening, Suzy shook off her hand and continued her previous action. As the sharp needle tip was about to pierce into her arm, Anne suddenly pushed Suzy and quickly sat up from the bed, reaching for the call button by the bedside. However, before she could touch it, her arm was pinned against the wall. Though most of the intruder's face was hidden by a mask, the chilling glare from her eyes was like a sword laced with murderous intent. Anne became even more panicked. βI am Dylanβs most beloved woman. If you dare hurt me, he will never forgive youβ¦β βSlap!β After slapping Anne, Suzy grabbed her chin. "If you donβt want to die, keep quiet!" Her face stung from the slap, and her jaw felt like it was about to be crushed. However, from the intruder's words, it seemed she wasnβt here to murder her. Anneβs fear slightly subsided, and she stopped struggling. Seeing her finally quiet down, Suzy released her chin. After drawing the blood with the needle and finishing her task, Suzy removed the needle and left, not caring about the still bleeding puncture site. Having suffered such a grievance, Anne was not about to let it go. She quickly pressed the call button, βSomeone is trying to murderβ¦β Before she could finish, her throat was grabbed. The woman's speed was alarmingly fast, shocking Anne. βI didnβt want to murder youβ¦β Suzyβs fingers tightened inch by inch around her neck. βBut since you seem tired of living, Iβll grant your wish!β This wasnβt just a threat; Suzy genuinely intended to murder Anne. Indeed, Anne was no saint; she was quite skilled in manipulating situations. Over the past three years, she had framed others multiple times. Suzy had been patient only because Anne was Dylanβs favorite. Now... She didnβt care about who he loved. Furthermore, Anne owed Suzy that much. If it hadnβt been for her protection, Anne wouldnβt have survived long enough for Dylan to rescue her from the kidnappers. Seeing Anne's face turn red with difficulty breathing and veins popping on her forehead, the murderous intent in Suzy's eyes deepened. Just a bit more pressure and Anneβs life would be over! Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached. They were distant, inaudible to most, but Suzy, with her exceptional hearing, could hear them clearly. It was Dylan! She felt a bit disgusted by how familiar she was with his steps. As the footsteps grew closer, Suzyβs gaze hardened, and with a swift motion, she knocked Anne unconscious with a sharp blow to the neck. After all, Anne was worth two hundred millionβthere was no reason to turn down that kind of money. Shifting her gaze slightly, Suzy quickly opened the door to the balcony and then slipped into the bathroom. The next second, the door was pushed open. Dylan entered, his eyes falling on the open sliding door to the balcony. His brows furrowed as he instructed Desmond, who followed behind him. "Close the door..." His words were cut off by a startled cry. "Ah..." Anne, who had thought she was doomed, suddenly opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling, gasping for air in terror. "Did I wake you? I've been too busy these last few days to visit. How are you feeling?" Dylan walked to the bedside, noticing her distressed expression. "Did you have a nightmare?" Turning and seeing Dylan, Anne immediately threw herself into his arms, showing him the marks on her neck and the needle mark on her arm, "Mr. Dylan, just now, a woman disguised as a nurse drew my blood and then tried to strangle me." Chapter 0005 Dylanβs eyes shifted back to the balcony, giving Desmond a subtle look. Desmond searched the area and reported, βSir, thereβs no one here.β βCall the doctor.β Dylanβs gaze turned cold. "And tell the hospital to lock down all exits. Not a soul steps foot inside or out without my explicit authorization." βYes, sir!β After the doctorβs examination confirmed that only blood had been drawn and nothing else had been done to her, Anne finally let out a sigh of relief. The attackerβs identity was still a mystery, and with her current vulnerable condition, it was hard not to feel afraid. But what puzzled her was why someone would go through so much effort just to draw her blood. However... With a shift in her gaze, Anneβs eyes welled up with tears. "Mr. Dylan, thereβs something Iβve hesitated to say, but sheβs really gone too far this time." It was a perfect opportunity to throw dirt on Suzyβs name, and Anne couldnβt let it slip by. Gripping his hand, her tears flowed even harder. "Iβm already half-dead from the poisonβwhy wonβt she leave me alone? Does she think Iβm not dying fast enough, so she sends someone in the middle of the night to drain my blood?" Dylan's expression darkened, but he didnβt respond directly. He simply said, "Weβve already found someone who can cure you with an antidote.β Anneβs eyes flashed briefly with surprise, though she quickly masked it. "But... I was told that this poison has no cure.β βThereβs always someone better who can treat you. Weβve arranged everything with a miracle doctor named Red Falcon, who will help detoxify you. Youβll be cured soon.β βRed Falcon?β Anne questioned, trying to hide her unease. βIs she really that skilled?β βYes, Mr. Martin from the North Avenue had a terminal illness, and thanks to her treatment, he made a full recovery.β Dylanβs voice softened. βDonβt worry, Iβll handle everything.β For Anne, it was always βIβll handle everythingβ¦β For Suzy, it was always βThis doesnβt concern meβ¦β Listening from her hiding spot in the bathroom, Suzy had convinced herself she'd be numb to Dylan's tenderness toward Anne. Yet, as his gentle tone drifted through the door, she felt an unexpected pang. Despite everything, it still stung. Tired of eavesdropping, Suzy silently opened the window and leaped out. Like a bat in the night, she vanished without a traceβso swiftly, no one would ever know. At the hospital entrance. Growing anxious from waiting, Allen was just about to go in and help when he finally spotted Suzy emerging. He hurried out of the car and rushed over, giving her a quick once-over. βBoss, are you okay?β βIβm fine.β Suzy kept walking without stopping. βStop worrying about nothing.β However, Allen sensed something was off. Logically, with the kind of influence Suzy had, Allen knew he shouldnβt be worried. But the ambush three years ago had left him deeply scarred. He could never forget the moment he saw her fall off that cliff with his own eyes. For three years, Allen had hated himself for not protecting Suzy, failing in his duty as her subordinate. So, when Suzy called to inform him she was still alive, Allen swore that, this time, he would give up his life if necessary to keep her from getting hurt again. He wanted to handle this mission for her, but she wouldnβt allow it. From the rearview mirror, Allen glanced at Suzy, who had been silent since getting into the car. He couldnβt shake the feeling that there was something complicated between her and Anne. Allen realized he needed to find someone to discreetly investigate the matter. His gaze hadnβt fully returned to the road when Suzy caught him staring. He cleared his throat awkwardly. βBoss, did you find out what kind of poison it was?β Suzy paused briefly. βItβs Scarlet Veil.β βScreechβ¦β The brakes squealed as Allen slammed on them in shock. βScarlet Veil? But that was your masterpiece! Didnβt you destroy it along with the formula three years ago?β βThereβs one last doseβ¦ with the Harlow family.β βClaude Harlow?β Allenβs eyes widened. βWhat kind of grudge could he possibly have against a young girl to go this far? Everyone knows that poison starts off mild, but once it hits againβ¦ sheβll be no better than a dog in heatβ¦β Suzy had created the sinister poison to deal with a monster in the past. Even she was confused. The Harlows and Wrights had no bad blood between them. In fact, the Harlows even had business dealings with the Wheeler family. If Claude was behind the poisoning, sheβd rule him out as a suspect in the earlier kidnapping. That much was certain. There was no way Claude would have, or could have, let Suzy come so close to dying in that explosion. No matter who it was, she was determined to find them. It wasnβt about proving her innocence to Dylan. She simply wouldnβt swallow that humiliation! Whether it was the kidnapping, the ambush from three years ago, or the one responsible for murdering her familyβshe wasnβt going to let any of them off the hook. Her eyes burned with hatred when Allen suddenly handed her the phone. "Boss, Dylan sent a message. He wants to arrange the treatment as soon as possible." Thinking of that deceitful man and his tenderness, she said, "Tell him the dealβs off." Earning two hundred million was tempting, but what intrigued her more was seeing what would happen to Anne after the second wave of poisoning hit her. β¦ In the corridor outside Anne's hospital room. Though Dylanβs face remained expressionless, his eyes were as cold as ice. "What did you just say? Repeat it." Desmond, bracing himself, repeated, "Red Falcon said the deal is off." He regretted it now. He never should have mentioned Red Falcon to Dylan that day. This Red Falconβfirst she demanded an outrageous sum, and now she was backing out. Didnβt she know just how bad Dylanβs temper was? Suppressing his rage, Dylan growled. "Give me the phone." Desmond quickly handed it over. Dylan dialed the number. It rang but went unanswered. Once, twice, and again, until his patience wore thin. Finally, a soft voice came through, "Sorry, I was busy." Desmond quickly wiped the sweat that had started to drip down his forehead. Thank goodness the call got answeredβotherwise, his phone wouldβve met a tragic end. The phone itself wasnβt worth much, but the data stored inside was priceless to him. βIβm looking for Red Falcon,β Dylan said bluntly. βSheβs not available. If thereβs something you need, you can tell me, and Iβll pass it along.β Dylanβs eyes narrowed. βThe price was already agreed upon. Why cancel now?β βPlease, Mr. Wright, stay calm. Itβs true that canceling the arrangement on our side is a bit abrupt, and we apologize. But we have our reasons. Do you think weβd walk away from two hundred million so easily if we didnβt have a reason to?β βWhatβs the reason?β βThatβs not something we can share with you, Mr. Wright. I suggest you find someone else quickly before Miss Anne misses the best window for treatment.β Without waiting for a response, Allen hung up the phone. The next secondβ¦ Smash! Desmond watched in despair as yet another phone met its fate. His heart shattered even more than the phone. βFind her!β Dylan ordered, his voice cold. He was determined to see what kind of game she was playing now. Desmond wanted to say, βEasier said than done.β Not just Red Falcon, but also Suzy, who had been missing without a trace for so long. Why did it seem like every woman around him enjoyed playing hide and seek? Inside the hospital room, Anne had been listening to the commotion outside. Once she heard Dylan and Desmond leave, she quickly locked the door and pulled out another phone hidden under her pillow. βDylan found someone to help me get an antidote, but I overheard that they backed out.β Anne sneered. βHe keeps saying how great this Red Falcon is, but it seems sheβs all talk. She mustβve realized she couldnβt actually cure me, so she ran at the last minute.β βIf she created the poison, she definitely knows how to cure it.β βSo, you know her? If she made the poison, why would she suddenly refuse to help? I overheard Dylan offering two hundred million for her treatment!β Since Dylan was willing to spend that much money on her, Anne could tell just how important she was to Dylan. The truth didnβt matter. Once she solidified her place as Dylanβs wife, even if he discovered she wasn't his true savior, his feelings for her would shield her from consequences. There was a long pause on the other end of the line before the person finally responded, βIsnβt this exactly what you wanted? Youβll soon face the second wave of the poison. I hope all your wishes come true.β βThanks for the good wishes. Once Iβve secured Dylan, thereβll be plenty of rewards for you.β β¦ The quickest way to find out if Claude was behind the poisoning was to ask him directly. Even though it seemed unlikely, Suzy decided she needed to meet with him. After all, they hadnβt seen each other in three years. So, the first thing she did upon returning to Hillside Villa was to ask Allen to look into Claudeβs whereabouts. Before she could finish eating an apple, Allen had the information ready. βClaudeβs on a business trip to Montara.β βBook a flight.β The next morning, Suzy boarded a plane bound for Montara. Allen wanted to accompany Suzy, but she refused, assigning him other tasks to handle. It had been three years since sheβd been on a plane, and as she gazed at the clouds outside the window, Suzy felt a sense of freedom, like a bird returning to the sky. For those three years, her life had revolved entirely around Dylan. In her attempt to be the perfect wife, she barely left the house and spent her days thinking about how to take better care of him. Every morning at five, she got up to make him breakfast. She hand-washed all his clothes, even his socks and underwear. While he was at work, she counted the minutes, waiting like a lovesick fool for his return. Looking back now, she couldnβt believe she had lived like that for three years. What on earth had she been thinking? After landing, she went straight to Claudeβs hotel, only to be told, βMr. Claude checked out early this morning.β Suzy was speechless. She had planned on surprising him. Oh well, since she was already here, she might as well treat it like a vacation. Suzy spent the day shopping, buying plenty of things before catching her flight back home. She had to admit that being single has its perks! The farther away men were, the better. At the airport, Suzy spotted Allen waiting from a distance. βOver hereβ¦β Her smile froze instantly. Dylan? Surrounded by a crowd, Dylan was heading straight in her direction. Suzy quickly turned her back and thought, βAnother unlucky day.β It wasnβt that she feared him; she just didnβt want to see him. And she was pretty sure he didnβt want to see her either. To avoid mutual disdain, Suzy slipped into the restroom. Dylan scanned the area, but there was no sign of Suzy. βAre you sure she was on this flight?β Desmond, sweating profusely, stammered, βIβve double-checked several times. Mrs. Wright was definitely on this flight from Montara.β Desmond could hardly contain his excitement when he first got the news. Suzyβs disappearance, Red Falconβs cancellation, and the woman who had infiltrated Anneβs hospital room only to escape under full lockdownβthose three women had pushed Dylan to the brink of an explosion. Thank goodness there was finally news about Suzy. Otherwise, if Dylan exploded, Desmond would be the first casualty. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Desmond said, "Iβve got people stationed at every exit. We should be able to find her soon." Half an hour later... Dylanβs voice turned icy. βWhere is she?β Desmond wished he could cut out his own tongue. Sometimes, it was best not to speak too soon! He couldnβt understand how Suzy, an ordinary person, was so good at slipping away. βDesmond, your performance is really slipping. If this keeps up, I think it might be time to send you to South Allica for some additional training,β Dylan said coldly before walking off. It had been half an hour, and Suzy had probably already made her escape. The fact that she could disappear under these circumstances made it clear that he had seriously underestimated her abilities. Outside the airport, a line of sleek black cars was parked, with the leading one looking particularly impressive. Desmond jogged ahead, opening the door for Dylan, who was just about to step into the car when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted somethingβ¦ In an instant, Dylan turned, took several swift strides, and grabbed the shoulder of a woman standing nearby. hapter 0006 When Dylan spun the woman around to face him, his expression darkened instantly, like a shadow passing over his features. From behind, she had looked strikingly similar to Suzy, but her front was a different story. Her appearance was plain, a far cry from Suzyβs striking beauty. The fact that heβd even momentarily considered Suzy attractive only made Dylan's scowl deepen. "Hey, handsome, your approach is pretty unique. I like it," the woman said with a playful smile, leaning toward him. "I live close by. How about we..." "Iβve got the wrong person," Dylan cut her off. As he stepped back, the woman nearly stumbled but wasnβt discouraged. She moved closer again. "Donβt be shy. Weβre both adults here. Whatβs there to hold back?" With a sharp glare, Dylan signaled to Desmond, who quickly stepped in to handle the situation. Once the two of them had driven off, Suzy slipped into Allenβs car, slowly peeling off the human-skin mask from her face. She had thought their encounter was a coincidence, but it turned out Dylan had deliberately come looking for her. But why? After all the commotion, what was he trying to achieve? She had already stepped aside. What more could he possibly want? Allen seemed equally puzzled. His curiosity finally got the better of him, and he couldnβt help but ask, βBoss, I just found out... Dylan wasnβt looking for Red Falcon. Heβs been trying to find his missing wifeβ¦β "Yeah, thatβs me," Suzy said calmly. There was no point in hiding it anymore. "...Youβre married?" Allen was visibly stunned. "Was. I got married, then divorced." "Was it because of Anne?" Allenβs tone was laced with frustration. The fact that Dylan was willing to spend two hundred million on Anne was a clear sign of their deep connection. Unable to hold back, Allen muttered a curse under his breath. "Like mother, like daughter. Sheβs just as rotten as her mom." Suzy immediately caught the significance of his words. "You and the Wheeler family..." "I have nothing to do with the Wheelers," Allen said sharply, gripping the steering wheel. It was a painful chapter of Allenβs life, one he had never shared with Suzy. He had always planned to take his revenge quietly, without burdening her with his past. After all, Suzy had her own scores to settle. Anneβs mother, Helena Fox, and his own were cousins. An unexpected tragedy left her an orphan, and his grandmother, moved by sympathy, took Helena in. Little did she know, she was nurturing a wolf in sheepβs clothing. On the surface, Helena seemed sweet and caring, but beneath that facade, she was as cold and calculating. When Allen was eight, he walked in on his father, William Wheeler, having an affair with Helena while his mother was away on a business trip β and in his mother's own bed, no less. Not long after, they drove his mother to her death and tried to burn him alive. He suffered severe burns across most of his body. If it hadnβt been for Suzy saving him while he was trying to escape, he wouldnβt even be alive today. She nursed him back to health, gave him a new face, and turned him into the person he was now β someone William wouldnβt recognize, even if they stood face to face. Suzy could tell at a glance that Allen was lying. Since he didnβt want to delve deeper into the subject, she didnβt push him further. Everyone has their own secrets. She shifted the conversation. "Did you take care of what I asked before I left?" Allen opened the glove compartment and pulled out a blue folder. "The investigation confirms that thereβs never been any conflict between the Goodwin family and the Turner family, not now or three years ago. And there's no way the Goodwins could learn about your real identity." Suzy had once been the heiress of the Frosts, the wealthiest family. Years ago, a brutal assassination wiped out her entire family in a single night, from relatives to servantsβa total of thirty lives, all murdered. The murderers were beyond cruel. Everyone believed that no one from the Frost family survived, unaware that someone had risked their life to save Suzy. For years, she had kept her identity hidden. Apart from Allen, Raven Murray, and Riley White, no one else knew who she really was. And none of them would ever betray her. Suzy opened the folder, flipping through the pages. She found nothing out of the ordinary; everything seemed in order. Yet, three years ago, she distinctly remembered the kidnappers mentioning the Goodwin family. Closing the folder, she tossed it aside casually. "You can dodge the first blow, but not the second." "Yes, if the Goodwin family is really involved, no matter how powerful they are, theyβll pay the price in full," Allen said before asking, "What about Claude?" Suzy leaned back in her chair, her eyes half-closed. "He returned early. I didnβt get a chance to see him." "So, are we heading to the Harlow family next?" "Weβll see." After all the running around, Suzy was feeling tired. Sheβd head home for some rest first. Besides, Anneβs second wave of poisoning was set for tonight. Suzy needed to be well-rested to fully enjoy what was about to unfold. β¦ That night, at the hospital. Anne had been unusually thirsty since dinner. She drank plenty of water, yet the discomfort only worsened. She knew it was timeβthe second wave of the poison was hitting. In a panic, she called Dylan. "Mr. Dylan, where are you? I feel so awful..." she moaned as soon as the line connected, not waiting for a response. But it wasnβt Dylan who answeredβit was his sister, Diana Wright. "Feeling awful? Call a doctor. Whatβs the point of calling my brother?" Diana had always disliked Anne. "And this is my final warning. My brother is married. Whether itβs me or my grandmother, weβve both accepted his wife as family. Youβd better stay far away from him." Anne wasnβt fond of Diana either. "Oh really? You probably donβt know that theyβre divorced, do you? And it was Suzy who initiated it." "You're lying!" Diana snapped, not believing a word. "My sister-in-law loves my brother. Thereβs no way she would ever ask for a divorce." "If you don't believe me, go ask your brother. And by the way, your dear sister-in-law has run off with some random guy and hasnβt been seen since!" "You witch! Say one more bad word about her, and I'll rip your mouth apart..." Diana was in the middle of her furious rant when the phone was snatched away by Dylan. She looked up. "Brother, that witch Anne just said that your wife wants a divorce!" Dylanβs face was cold. "Watch your manners." "My manners? I rather show some manners to a dog than her! Now tell meβis Suzy divorcing you or not?" "Thatβs none of your business," he said, his dark eyes narrowing. "What you should be focused on is your exam tomorrow." With that, he turned to leave. Diana chased after him. "How can it not concern me? She saved Grandmaβs life! If it werenβt for her, weβd both be orphans by now. You canβt be so heartless..." No matter what she said, Dylan kept walking without a word. Frustrated, Diana stomped her foot. "Iβm calling Grandma!" Dylan knew Diana would go straight to Grace to complain. He couldnβt figure out what spell Suzy had cast over both his grandmother and his sister. They adored her to the point of obsession. The only reason he hadnβt launched a full search for Suzy was to avoid alarming Grace, who was currently enjoying her vacation overseas. But now it seemed the secret was out. With that thought, he redialed Anneβs number to find out how she knew about the divorce. "Mr. Dylan, Mr. Dylan..." The moment the call connected, Anneβs pained voice came through. "Whatβs wrong?" Dylan asked. "I feel terrible, I really feel like Iβm dying. Please come and save me!" "Donβt panic. Iβm on my way." Chapter 0007 At the hospital. The moment Dylan stepped through the door, Anne threw herself into his arms. She clung to him like a rag doll, trembling against him. "Dylan, I feel awful... I feel so terrible..." βWhere does it hurt?β Dylan tried to push her away, but instead of letting go, she only clung tighter. "Everywhere..." Anne moaned, placing his hand on her front. "Especially here, it feels like bugs crawling under my skinβitching, unbearable. Mr. Dylan, please help me!" Her behavior was clearly not normal. βIβll call the doctor.β βNo, I donβt want a doctor. I want you.β Anne clung to him like a vine, her hands restlessly undoing his shirt buttons. βPlease, Mr. Dylan, help me, I feel like Iβm dying. If you donβt help me, I really will die...β As her fingers worked to undo the buttons, Dylan grabbed her wrists. βAnne, calm down...β βI canβt calm down...β She leaned in, trying to kiss him, whispering his name over and over, βMr. Dylan, Mr. Dylan...β Just as she was about to succeed, Dylan forcefully pushed her away, sending her sprawling to the floor. His resistance spoke volumes, even if he hadnβt said a word. A flicker of coldness flashed in Anneβs eyes, but when she looked up again, only sadness remained. βMr. Dylan, do you hate me?β Dylan didnβt respond, nor did he help her up. Instead, he turned away. βIβm calling a doctor.β Anne wasnβt about to let him leave. She scrambled to her feet and wrapped herself around him from behind. βI told you, I donβt want a doctor. I want you! Please, Mr. Dylan, take me...β βAnne, something is clearly wrong with you,β Dylan said, his lips pressed into a thin line. βYou need to see a doctor.β βNo doctor can help me. Only you can save me.β As she spoke, Anne began stripping off her own clothes. βPlease, save me. Iβm begging you.β Just when Anne thought she had succeeded, a sharp pain shot through the back of her head, and everything went black as she crumpled to the floor. Watching Anne fall unconscious, Suzy, who had been hiding in the wardrobe, retracted the silver needle that she had prepared to throw. It wasnβt about helping Dylanβit was simply that she couldnβt bear to watch the scene unfold. It was the kind of thing that could make her eyes bleed. What she didnβt expect was that Dylan would actually... Anne was supposed to be the woman he loved most. Suzy couldnβt quite understand why he knocked her out. Dylan scooped Anne up in his arms and laid her back on the hospital bed before pressing the call button for the doctor. When the doctor arrived, Dylan briefly explained what had just happened. βIs this related to the poison in her system?β After a quick examination, the doctor nodded. βYes, youβre right. The poison in Miss Anneβs body is highly unusual. The last time the poison flared up, nothing like this happened. Now, itβs suddenly escalated, and who knows what could happen next. We need to detox her as soon as possible.β Dylan frowned and thought about what the doctor said. There had been no word from Red Falcon. Forget about tracking her downβshe hadnβt even answered a single phone call. Desmond had been trying for days, but every attempt had gone unanswered. Detoxing Anne was proving to be no simple task. For the first time, he found himself played by a woman who had him in the palm of her hand. With his jaw tight, Dylan commanded, βFor now, find a way to alleviate her symptoms.β βThatβs going to be difficult...β the doctor began. βThis poison is something Iβve never encountered before, and I know nothing about it. Iβm concerned that if we administer the wrong medication, it could worsen her condition instead of easing it. So...β The doctor pressed his lips together before continuing, βAt this point, the safest way to relieve her symptoms might be for you, Mr. Wright, to help Miss Anne personally.β βAbsolutely not!β Dylan didnβt hesitate. βIf it comes to that, weβll use sedatives.β βBut that might not be safe eitherβ¦β βAt least that way, sheβll maintain her dignity,β Dylan muttered, his voice low as he looked at Anne lying unconscious. βI canβt let her lose her honor.β So, it wasnβt that he wouldnβt touch herβhe just didnβt want her to be ridiculed. Suzyβs mind flashed back to a day when she had gone to his office to deliver some documents he had left behind at home. His employees had mistaken her for the maid, and from start to finish, he hadnβt said a single word to correct them. They had been married for three years, and not once had he shown her the respect a wife deserved. Yet, when it came to Anne, he shielded her at every turn... Suzy didnβt want to compare, but moments like this always brought it to the surface, no matter how hard she tried. Why was she even watching this pathetic drama? She really should find a way to slip out of here. And as luck would have it, the opportunity presented itself. The doctor left, and moments later, Dylanβs phone rang. Probably to avoid waking Anne, he stepped out of the room with his phone. Seizing her chance, Suzy quietly slipped out of the wardrobe. But just as she thought sheβd made her escape, Dylan walked back in. Their eyes locked. The air between them went dead silent. Suzy reacted quickly, darting toward the balcony. Dylan was just as fast, his long strides closing the distance. Just as she was about to leap off the balcony, his hand caught her shoulder, yanking her back. "Speak. Who sent you?" Suzy let out a cold laugh. "The hospital is a public place. Iβm allowed to come and go as I please. Do I need your permission now?" She wasnβt worried at all about Dylan recognizing her voice. Before going out, she always used a voice-altering agentβnot to hide from him specifically, but out of long-standing habit. Keeping her true identity hidden was a necessity. Though she hadnβt gone so far as to disguise herself today, just a simple mask, there was no way Dylan would figure it out. She wouldnβt give him the chance. "So, you think you can just come and go as you please, huh..." Dylan's grip on her shoulder tightened, his voice growing colder. "Since you're here, why don't you stay for a while?" "The windβs pretty strong tonightβcareful you donβt bite your tongue!" Suzy swiftly dodged his grip, twisting out of his hold, and in one fluid motion, threw a sharp punch directly at him. But Dylan wasnβt easy prey either, effortlessly dodging her attack. The two were locked in a fierce exchange, trading blow after blow, kick after kick. After dozens of moves, neither had the upper hand. Dylan chuckled, "Not bad." Suzy smirked. "You're not too shabby yourself, Mr. Wright." But then, his eyes flashed dangerously, and he switched tactics, aiming a series of strikes at her abdomen. Realizing his intent, Suzy shifted her defenses to protect her midsection, but in an unexpected move, Dylan suddenly diverted his hand, reaching for her mask instead. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14871&ut | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 866 | 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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463603676_1575537693071797_6068888192638989593_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ckZexQ_58PgQ7kNvgGJ3W_F&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A24TR1bsAZhyRnn-NPkKq5L&oh=00_AYDDD6IQS35Hw0YXd0c_19OrjCgk366nuvLZfn0R2Eu-Cw&oe=675EB8CA | 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 19:51 | active | 1987 | 0 |
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VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE | http://instagram.com/pimentaantonietaboutique | Kelly Pimenta | https://www.facebook.com/pimentaantonietaboutique/ | 2,272 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visit Instagram Profile | 0 | instagram.com | CAROUSEL | http://instagram.com/pimentaantonietaboutique | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469689391_3733374040325544_3386649962395728987_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=24HI1DTk4moQ7kNvgFmbUkz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ayj7wzALckVG6UrLWNk6RnJ&oh=00_AYCiWnncOJjOQ7Cwr8F6TRN1sM2ZiFrLL7_79kkh9cV-HA&oe=675EB151 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Kelly Pimenta | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:52 | active | 1987 | 0 |
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Online bidding is available now through December 21st 6pm Central! The Sheesley Collection offers a nice variety of late model semis and even motor coaches! Also take a look at the great selection of transportation memorabilia, tools and more! Open House viewing of all items selling will take place December 14th 9am - 1pm. All items are located at 1313 N 25th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85001. Hauling and pickup options are available. For bidding information and complete online listing of items selling visit: https://bids.aumannauctions.com/auctions/40500-sheesley-late-model-truck-collection | Aumann Vintage Power | https://www.facebook.com/aumannvintagepower/ | 42,648 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | MULTI_IMAGES | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469867127_495695339558570_4743053398343222732_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nmAN9i193gsQ7kNvgEvJU7A&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyQSfa1bLDVpQ8xuZKj6O4R&oh=00_AYDQwvcqs9nyrbHLuHif6YjPmLXibavYPOebzNTat2MLsA&oe=675EBFF2 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Aumann Vintage Power | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:42 | active | 1988 | 0 | Read next chapter | On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e | Fun Novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/ | 1,272 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1019-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213212966640604 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465934012_903899425024785_2653237794714816132_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V1nJY5g5q0QQ7kNvgFmFr61&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ApO8QKsYuz6fUxiL5IZW4Jm&oh=00_AYBi1jX6mM4Fg5H1Y-3dVQLlGN3PoltsseHzXTaz6TvTrw&oe=675ECA2F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fun Novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-12-10 19:52 | active | 1987 | 0 |
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The Last Kids on Earth: The Graphic Novel | SHOP_NOW | https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721802/th | Penguin Kids | https://www.facebook.com/penguinkidsbooks/ | 209,022 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shop Now | 0 | penguinrandomhouse.com | CAROUSEL | https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721802/the-last-kids-on-earth-the-graphic-novel-by-max-brallier-illustrated-by-brian-churilla/9780593622179/?ref=PRHD4574E52CD8D&aid=7619&linkid=PRHD4574E52CD8D | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469607474_927315818985592_8234149228102663902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6dHIn-WJTpEQ7kNvgEWx4eE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9aMCCi3whs8atJZK94exbL&oh=00_AYCOMx3Zzl01lXgkc7tcYbHYzuoOh-JV9vnm3134D9FojA&oe=675EAC9C | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Penguin Kids | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-12-10 19:42 | active | 1988 | 0 |
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Yes | 2024-12-10 20:44 | active | 1989 | 0 |
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