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Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Page Is Profile Page	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,663,656	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663630}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255			LEARN_MORE	https://synicalglobal.com/	Synical	https://www.facebook.com/100063891319350/	162	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	synicalglobal.com	CAROUSEL		https://synicalglobal.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473415863_2019287165202632_5934372111870585727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DsD2A4aU6b4Q7kNvgFvOKwj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ag2nfTU7lNsYTAmgUwb4EhA&oh=00_AYB6U-ioZY2gFdtUx8XRkRfRdt30fTXCu201_ZaiHQgRUQ&oe=678B7A36	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Synical	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,690	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		Kick 2025 into gear, because KSL Cars is giving away tickets to the Auto Expo! You can get an under-the-hood view of what makes these unique rides so special. We’re giving away four tickets to the Auto Expo at the Mountain America Expo Center, which takes January 17-20. To enter this giveaway, you must: - Follow @kslcarsofficial - Like this post - Tag three people in the comments you’d take with you This giveaway closes on Thursday January 16 at 11:59 am, and the winner will be contacted soon after via DM’s. Any questions and all info about the Auto Expo can be found at the link in our bio.	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/kslcarsofficial	KSL Cars	https://www.facebook.com/KSLCarsOfficial/	3,359	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	IMAGE		http://instagram.com/kslcarsofficial	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473533381_1152757449760071_295367787571689656_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HjGukN7QHE0Q7kNvgHOFHOn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AykLGQRIwJIwnsuUzRD0b45&oh=00_AYAx6AzlOwmSGp5PmAcqfucPz24n_tBU0ynRW0dvEWlszg&oe=678B96F3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	KSL Cars	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,956	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	After a monthlong cold war, Liesel Sharp is in the hospital when she receives word of her husband throwing a welcome-back party for his true love. When she returns home, Jacob Ford hands her a divorce agreement. "She's back, so let's divorce." "Alright." The past three years have been nothing but a farce. This time, Liesel is really out of hope for him. Liesel Sharp had just unlocked her phone while waiting for her IV drip to be done when she received a message from her best friend, Chelsea Walden. "Jacob's back." She faltered. She and Jacob Ford had barely spoken throughout their month-long cold war, so she had no idea he was back. Soon, she received another message. "He's brought a young woman back with him." A photo had been sent with the message. The young woman in the photo resembled Liesel a little—she was Natalie Sharp, Liesel's younger half-sister. She'd been raised in the countryside. Chelsea continued, "The Sharp family is throwing them a welcome-back party. Do you want to crash it, Lili?" She knew what Liesel was like. Liesel would give Jacob a taste of his own medicine if he dared to do anything to her. There was even a chance she would set the Sharp residence on fire. Liesel checked her IV bag. She'd had a high fever for three days now, and the back of her hand was swollen from the constant IV drips she'd been on. She wasn't in the mood for that nonsense. "No," she replied. Then, she shut her eyes to get some rest. It was close to 10:00 pm when she took a cab back to Viewpoint Residences. The fever had taken its toll on her, so she soon drifted into a restless sleep. Jacob returned at some point, which woke her up. "Did I wake you?" he asked while rolling up the sleeves of his ironed shirt. The dim light made his skin glow, adding a hint of iciness to his already cold demeanor. He looked down at her with an indifferent gaze. His voice was as alluring as always, though. "No." Liesel's voice was a little nasal because she'd just woken up. She explained lazily, "I wasn't sleeping too soundly after taking my meds." He frowned slightly. "Are you sick?" She chuckled softly. She'd been sick for a while now and had mentioned it in her texts to him when admitting defeat. Yet he looked like he'd only just noticed. She poured two glasses of water and handed one to him. "How are things at Norton City? I heard from Brook that there seemed to be some trouble with it. You—" Her throat felt dry and uncomfortable; she wasn't in the mood to chat. Still, someone had to back down—it had been nearly two months since they'd seen each other. However, Jacob cut her off. "Let's divorce." She stared at him and almost lost her grip on her glass. Her throat seemed to hurt more now. He didn't explain himself. All he said was, "You can ask for whatever you want. I won't shortchange you." Liesel's heart clenched, but she soon regained her composure. "We can discuss this if this is because you left to pick Natalie up two months ago." "It's not." He looked at her, his gaze aloof. "This is a loveless marriage, Liesel. There's no point in keeping it going." It was true that the marriage alliance between the Ford and Sharp families had never been the one Jacob had hoped for. Liesel was the eldest daughter of the Sharp family, but he'd never wanted to marry her. Their accidental encounter that night was the only thing that had made him choose to take responsibility for her. Liesel lowered her eyes and said slowly, "Alright. All I want is the house at Northview Garden, and I won't quit my job after the divorce." Her mother, Heather Mallone, had left the house for her. For whatever reason, it had ended up in the Ford family's hands and become one of her wedding gifts. As for her career, she'd worked hard and built a network within Ford Corporation. She couldn't allow the divorce to wipe her efforts away. Jacob didn't object. He looked at her and said, "Okay. Anything else?" "No." Liesel shook her head. "If it bothers you, I can move out tomorrow." He seemed surprised by how accommodating she was. He cautioned her calmly, "Make sure you've thought this through, Liesel. I don't want there to be anything between us after the divorce." "Don't worry about that." She smiled. He seemed to want to say something else, but his phone rang. He answered it and hung up shortly after. Then, he said, "I have something else to do. I'll get a lawyer to talk to you about the divorce." Soon after he left, Liesel saw a trending topic on him and Natalie showing up together somewhere. In hindsight, fate was such a twisted thing. Back then, Heather could not tolerate even the slightest flaw in her marriage. After learning about Natalie's existence, she forced her husband, Jeffrey Sharp, to send Natalie to the countryside so she could grow up there. Less than two years after Heather's death, Jeffrey had remarried, turning Liesel into a joke. Natalie had also been brought back from the countryside. Fate loved playing jokes on everyone—no one would've expected Natalie to be the one who held Jacob's heart. … Liesel only woke up the following noon. Her cold was much better now. A lawyer brought her the divorce agreement, making sure to go through the allocation of assets. Jacob truly hadn't shortchanged her. Aside from the house at Northview Garden, he'd also given her some other real estate. The lawyer said, "Sign here if you don't have any objection to the clauses, Ms. Sharp." Liesel nodded and signed the agreement without hesitation. The divorce would take some more time to finalize, though. Jacob was busy, so Liesel didn't get to see him at all. She reminded the lawyer, "Please tell Mr. Ford to expedite the finalization of the divorce if he's not too busy. Dragging this out won't do any of us favors." After settling the divorce, Liesel moved out of her and Jacob's marital home. Chelsea heard about this and invited her out for coffee. "You know about Natalie, right? She studied hard in the countryside after being banished by your mother and later got into a good university. Jacob ran into her at Alden University when he went there to give a talk." Chelsea snorted. She continued, "I heard Natalie was really in awe of him; it helped that she was so hardworking and optimistic. Your father was desperate to matchmake them, you know. But here's the question—why would someone as wonderful as her not realize what a contemptible move it is to ruin someone's marriage?" z Chelsea had always been defensive of people she counted as her own, and she scorned those who knowingly got involved with people who had significant others. The fact that Natalie was an illegitimate child only made Chelsea despise her more. Liesel looked unfazed, though. "It's all in the past now. Jacob and I are already divorced, so she's not really ruining the marriage." She chuckled. She had mixed feelings about the whole thing. "Besides, it's not like Jacob and I ever had feelings for each other." She lowered her gaze and suddenly remembered the first time she and Jacob had met. The year Heather had died, she'd caused one of Jeffrey's business deals to fall through. She'd been overjoyed and had dragged Chelsea out for a celebration. After the celebration, she'd refused to let go of a handsome man she'd latched onto. They'd both had too much to drink and had ended up in bed. It was only later that she'd learned he was Jacob Ford, her fiancé. Rumor had it that he'd never wanted to marry her, but he'd looked at her the following morning and said, "I'm willing to take responsibility for this, Liesel. What about you?" He'd proposed marriage. Liesel had looked at him, and a rare moment of rashness had taken over her. She'd said, "Let's do it." To tell the truth, there wasn't anything bad about Jacob. He didn't love her but had never played the field or slept around with other women. He was also calm and level-headed, considerate and gentle. She didn't even have any complaints about their adventures in bed. But after he'd run into Natalie at Alden University two months ago, everything had changed...	LEARN_MORE	https://mn.ikkly.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16869	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	336	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	mn.ikkly.com	VIDEO		https://mn.ikkly.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16869&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/t39.35426-6/472387734_569340169059167_7522749053576498469_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LbR8q2yYp0sQ7kNvgFJZe6C&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVZpEncxRp3qz6tSXImLKwG&oh=00_AYBRpoVuNJwQdXQGNuTE-6mlWTAYsdAKfhdBIED4Qn8aGQ&oe=678B823F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,698	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		⚡️WIN: 2 FREE Coachella tickets and a year of SPARKLING PLANT PROTEIN! 🎧 HOW TO ENTER: ❤️ LIKE + SAVE this post 🖇️ FOLLOW @drinkvuum + TAG your bestie that you want to go to Coachella with in the comments and SHARE it with them (multiple comments/shares allowed) We're kicking off the holiday season to bring you a prize package packed with health and fun in the New Year. BONUS entry if you like, save, share and comment on our last 3 posts. Follow us on TikTok for more chances to win! Good luck! ❤️🎵 VUUM + Coachella Giveaway: No purchase is necessary. Open to legal residents of US, age of majority at entry. Void where prohibited. Estimated value is approximately $1,500USD. Contest ends 11:59pm EST on 1/20/2025. One (1) winner will be chosen at random and notified via direct message from @drinkvuum within a week following the end of the giveaway. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Instagram or Coachella.	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/drinkvuum	VUUM	https://www.facebook.com/61555721175529/	62	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/drinkvuum	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473604484_1119439316438954_7106057809915213624_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BnRDx1x5ZgMQ7kNvgHAfbO1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AykLGQRIwJIwnsuUzRD0b45&oh=00_AYDEiXDocrtyJ9dp7cDs17qbB5gvXc3JKLPnbbih54hrFA&oe=678B71B7	PERSON_PROFILE	0	VUUM	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,882	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663871}'	No	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	Chronic Overthinking Test 👉	✨️️️️️️️ Stop overthinking and start living today ✨️️️️️️️ 🎯 Boost confidence: Develop strategies for better decision making and self-esteem 💫 Eliminate negative thoughts: Learn how to identify and reduce toxic thought patterns ⌛ Live in the present moment: Become calm, happy, and trust your intuition	LEARN_MORE	https://mindway.app/start?qz=mw1	Mindway	https://www.facebook.com/61555945144541/	19,555	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	mindway.app	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://mindway.app/start?qz=mw1	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433019396_923201436210067_5858777528543955254_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A5MCATGLHlMQ7kNvgFwe7JD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZlFjphZND6AuIRzUHh_s0T&oh=00_AYBIeFRvoEf0osbI3TLMDefciBb6SQ_pzi671aVWCTUrwg&oe=678B635D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Mindway	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,539	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663530}'	No	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		Here’s to all of our Pizza lovers! Enter a chance to win a $75 Gift Card to Pizza Village, plus a Butcher Air Conditioning shirt and hat! To enter just LIKE this post, SHARE it with your friends, and COMMENT below. One lucky winner will be announced on January 31st. Good luck, and thank you for being a part of the Butcher Air Conditioning family! IMPORTANT NOTE: If you receive a message about being the contest winner before Jan 31, it is a scam. We will never send a link to claim a prize, so please DO NOT ever click on a link. We will publicly announce and directly message the winner from our Butcher Air Conditioning Facebook account on Jan 31.	NO_BUTTON		Butcher Air Conditioning	https://www.facebook.com/100063765834248/	6,967	1969-12-31 18:00	No button		IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473435696_1822985205119905_6302275722424634662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ghfo_tjVwjkQ7kNvgGjyG9t&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A41mUgaIHgjTeGgn_vDQdKD&oh=00_AYBv_6FAfa6BwqWxym9G6hza3SQnPSq1u9lwQzIPl1OiJA&oe=678B801D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Butcher Air Conditioning	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,766	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663765}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256		The dream felt so real. I could feel his hands on me. His li-ps traced the tender spots on my neck. His touch sent shivers down my spine. I closed my eyes. I hoped it would never end. But then, his voice cut through the air. "Never." I gasped. My eyes flew open. The room was empty. It had been two years since I married Adrian Miller. He was the future alpha of the Crystal Blood Pack. Two years of trying to get his affection. Two years of failing. I tried to prove I was worth his love. I tried to show I was worth being his true mate. But he never marked me. In the world of werewolves, that was everything. The mark meant connection. It meant devotion. It meant belonging. But I never received it, even though I was his wife. He wasn’t home most of the time. I longed for his touch. I sighed heavily. I sat up and yawned. My eyes landed on the clock. My stomach dropped. "Shiit! I’m going to be late." I rushed through the morning routine. I was desperate to make it to my checkup with Dr. Harold Reid at the pack hospital. As I hurried down the stairs and out the door, my mind wandered. Maybe, just maybe, this time I’d be pre-gnant. A child could change things. It could bring Adrian home more often. It could make him see me. It could make him really see me. I arrived at the hospital. My nerves tightened with every passing second. Dr. Harold’s face was kind. The process was clinical. He drew blood and took his time. He promised to return soon. As I waited, my mind returned to Adrian. To our marriage. If I wasn’t pragnant, I would finally end it. I needed peace. I needed my sanity. When Dr. Harold returned, his smile made my heart race. "Congratulations!" he said, his eyes shining. My heart leapt. "Really?" I couldn’t help but smile. I placed a hand on my stomach. "There’s a baby?" “Babies,” he corrected gently. I blinked, stunned. "Twins?" His smile widened. “Triplets.” I froze. I blinked again to make sure I had heard him correctly. “Triplets?” "Yes, you’re having triplets," he confirmed. His tone was warm but serious. A rush of joy filled me. Then, I became aware of the delicate nature of my pregnanc-y. The doctor’s next words sobered me. “Your uterine walls are very thin,” he warned. “Be careful.” I nodded quickly. I tried to push down the growing fear for the three little lives growing inside me. "I’ll take care of myself. Thank you, Dr. Harold," I said. I left the hospital, my joy clouded by concern. When I came home, my joy turned to ash. Adrian was sitting on the couch. His arm was draped around Lynda, my husband's childhood friend, was sitting there looking all innocent and wronged. He was comforting her gently. The sight of him, so tender, so attentive to her, while I had been nothing but an afterthought, was like a knife to my heart. He looked at me. His eyes were cold, full of venom. "How dare you come back? How dare you bullied Lynda?" he spat. I froze. Confusion and hurt flooded me. "What... what are you talking about?" His face twisted with disgust. "Oh, please. You make me sick. You put something in Lynda's medicine? She suddenly had a stomachache today!" What? I am the healer of the pack. I often write prescriptions to help pack members maintain their health. I replied, "She isn't sick at all. The prescription I gave her was just for calming her nerves. It has no side effects whatsoever!" "Then why is she like this? You really disappoint me. You must apologize to Lynda today!" Honestly, I was so tired of this. Ever since Lynda came back from the neighboring pack a few months ago, she’s been making it her mission to cause trouble for me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned and hurried to our bedroom. I locked the door behind me. I had hoped, foolishly, that our marriage could be salvaged. I thought that if we have babies, things would change. But I had been wrong. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Just then, I heard the door to the bedroom fly open. Adrian stood there. His expression was fierce. "Adrian, I won't apologize to Lynda—" Before I could finish my sentence, he slammed the door shut behind him. His eyes were dark with fury. "I know what you’re up to," he spat. His gaze was colder than I had ever seen it. "You’ve been plotting all along. Trying to trap me. Trying to make me feel obligated. But I won’t be your fool anymore. I’m done." I felt my heart drop into my stomach. "Adrian..." He stepped closer. His face was just inches from mine. "You’ve humiliated me enough. I should’ve done this a long time ago. This marriage is over." His words cut through me like a blade. He wasn’t just rejecting me. He was rejecting everything. All the hopes. All the dreams. All the promises I had held onto so desperately. "Adrian," I whispered. My voice was breaking. "Please don’t do this." He looked at me with cold, emotionless eyes. "It’s already done. You and I... we’re finished. I want a divorce!" The weight of his words hit me. Adrian was walking away. I managed to choke out, "But... I’m carring your bab-" He froze. He turned back toward me slowly. His expression flickered for just a moment—surprise, maybe even confusion—but then his gaze hardened once more. "I don’t want the child you're carrying. Get rid of it!" he said. His voice was flat. "You are not good enough to be my children's mother!" I collapsed onto the bed. I clutched my stomach. My body trembled. My heart was broken in ways I never thought possible. I’m carrying three little lives, Adrian. And you’ll never know them. “Okay. Then let’s divorce,” I said calmly. Chapter 2 "You really impressed me," he sneered. "Do you even know what you’re saying?" He released his grip on my hands, letting them fall to my sides. He stared at me, waiting for my answer, but there was no answer to give. I had expected this, yet it still hurt. It hurt that he didn’t even try to understand me. I fell in love with Adrian at first sight when I was in high school. I was just 16 at the time and I had been bullied by my classmates, taunted and locked in a bathroom, helpless and alone. I was so scared. Then, Adrian passed by. He stepped inside and helped me. Flashback: The girls locked me in the restroom and they were taunting me. I didn't understand why they hated me so fvcking much, maybe just because my identity of an orphan. I just cried and cried... until someone broke in. Adrian. "A...Adrian, What are you doing here? This is the girls' room," Hannah, as their lead said, trying not to show how scared she was. "Well, I can go anywhere in this pack. Got a problem with that? What are you guys doing? Bullying a girl?" he said and smiled in such a way, the girls cowered and quickly ran with fear. "Thank you, Adrian. You should leave here soon, or else people will start talking." I whispered. I really didn't want him to get in trouble because of me. “Fine.” He left looking completely unconcerned, as if helping me was just something he did effortlessly. But it meant a lot to me; he felt like my hero. I still remember the way he looked at me—like I was worth saving. But he never remembered it now. He had no idea how much that one act of kindness meant to me. I continued to love him silently from that day forward, hoping that one day, he would notice me as more than just another face in the pack. But he never did. As I grew older, I realized that Adrian’s heart had always belonged to someone else—Lynda, his childhood friend. I searched his face for any sign of regret, any crack in the armor of indifference, but there was nothing. He was Adrian Miller—the alpha of the Crystal Blood Pack—and this divorce was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He would go on with his life as if I had never existed. Adrian’s hand suddenly grabbed my neck, the pressure tightening with every passing second. His gaze burned with fury as he glared at me through clenched teeth. “I hope you mean what you say.” I struggled to breathe, my pulse racing as the tension between us thickened. “I will leave the Crystal Blood Pack,” I said, my voice breaking. “I’ll leave, and never come back.” His hand moved from my neck to my jaw, and his li-ps twisted into a devilish smirk. “Can’t wait to that” His voice dripped with scorn. “I am just curious where would a wolfless werewolf like you go? ” I looked into his hate-filled eyes. I had been nothing to him—an object, a means to an end. He had no love for me. I was just another thing to discard once he was finished with me. "By the way, if you really want to leave, give me back my bank card. You must have spent a lot of my money over the years, you're such a gold digger," he said, slamming the door as he left. My eyes filled with tears. He was wrong. I haven't spent a single penny of his. I didn’t shop often and live off my savings and the hard-earned money I make from treating patients at the hospital. I became a healer since I found I have super healing strength, hoping to cure Adrian’s bipolar disorder someday. Yes, Adrian needed to take medication long-term to help stabilize his emotions, this was a open secret in the pack. However, since my adoptive father, aka the Gamma of the pack, refused to pay for my tuition, I had to work at the pack hotel to support myself. One night, after holding a big event, I ended up in bed with a dru-gged Adrian in one of the hotel room. I couldn’t remember the details, but we got married after that. I knew it wasn’t out of love—it was out of duty and a mistake. Three years passed. I had tried to force a connection that never existed. Now, it was time to leave. I would do it on my terms, for my future, and for my children. I had carried the secret for too long—Adrian never marked me, never accepted me as his true mate. But now, I had something more precious than his love: I was having triplets with me, and I would protect them with all my heart. I wiped my tears and opened my computer and began looking up the pack regulations. Found it! “The son of an Alpha needs the Alpha’s approval to get a divorce. “ Alright, I’ll go to see the Alpha tomorrow to bring this up. I hope I can get divorced from Adrian as soon as possible.. I wiped the tears from my eyes, knowing that I couldn’t stay here anymore. I couldn’t stay in this place that had never been my home. I was done. Chapter 3 “Ring, Ring, Ring” The phone call from my adoptive father, Jeremy Pierce, Gamma of the pack, jolted me back to the present. My hands trembled as I answered the call. "Why do you always embarrass me, you silly bi-tch?" His voice rasped on the other end. "You set Lynda up!" I clenched my jaw. The accusation was ludicrous. "I didn’t poison her, dad!" I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady. "Why would I do that?" But my father wasn’t listening. His anger surged, unchecked. "By the way, why haven't you paid me this month? How ungrateful! Have you forgotten that if I hadn’t raised you, you’d be an orphan?" The words cut deeper than he could ever imagine. I had never forgotten what he had done for me, raising me after my parents died, but that didn't mean I owed him everything. Still, I fought back the urge to scream. I wouldn’t let him control me anymore. "Don't ever call me again, if you keep gambling I will tell Alpha Lucas!" I said, my voice hardening with each word. It was the first time I’d ever spoken to him with such disrespect. The freedom that came with it was so danm good. Without waiting for a response, I hung up. I stood there for a moment, letting the finality of it all settle in. For the first time in years, I felt… fr-ee. # I glanced around the bedroom I had shared with Adrian. The life I had been trying to build here, the life I had been trying to force, felt like a distant memory now. I grabbed the nearest suitcase and started packing. My belongings were few—just some clothes, books, and the small trinkets I had kept over the years. After a couple of hours, just as I was zipping up my suitcase, I heard the front door open. Adrian had come home. He stood in the doorway, his arms crossed over his che-st, his mouth twisted in that familiar sneer. "Are you waiting for me to come home this late?" he taunted. I didn't even look at him, not wanting to waste any time on him now. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself?" Adrian's voice, laced with sarcasm, broke through the silence. He stepped into the living room, glaring at me. "No apology? No explanation?" I stayed silent, not giving him the satisfaction of a response. He wasn’t worth it. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he finally spoke again, though it was more of a command than a question. "I want you to accompany me to the pack's party tomorrow night." His voice was cold, indifferent. "You can't avoid it forever. You are going to apologize to Lynda at there." I turned to face him, trying not to let my emotions show. "I don’t want to go..." Adrian’s expression darkened. "Too bad," he said, his li-ps curling in a mocking smile. "You’ll be there, whether you like it or not." I stood my ground, not flinching at his words. But inside, I felt a quiet resolve building. "Fine," I said, forcing the words through clenched teeth. "I’ll go. But it’s the last time." Adrian’s eyes flickered with triumph. I knew that he didn’t understand the weight of my decision. I was leaving. I had to. Just when I thought Adrian was about to leave, he suddenly asked, "What are you standing there for? Take off your clothes." "What?" I froze. Over the years, we rarely had any intimate moments. It always seemed like he was only doing it out of obligation. "I'm not in the mood today," I replied. "Heh, hope so," he said with a smirk. "Don’t come begging me to sleep with you later." Then he left. I guess he went to the study. We've been married for three years, but 90% of the nights, we sleep in separate rooms. He'd rather sleep in the study than share a bed with me. As Adrian turned to leave, a twinge of regret hit me. The secret I’d kept for so long would soon be out. Adrian would never mark me, never truly claim me as his mate. But I was carrying triplets. My triplets. He would never knew that, I promise to myself. I finished packing and grabbed my last things. As I reached the door, my phone rang again. Gamma’s name flashed on the screen. Without hesitation, I cut the call and turned off the phone. No more calls. No more guilt. No more Adrian... Chapter 4 The Next Day. I was awake early and went to the kitchen, making myself a simple breakfast: toast and eggs, nothing fancy. In the past, I would have spent time preparing a hearty meal for Adrian, making sure everything was just right for his sensitive stomach. But today, I wasn’t in the mood to help him. As I sat down to eat, I heard footsteps descending the stairs. Adrian appeared, he glanced at my breakfast and raised an eyebrow. “Where’s my breakfast?” he asked, his voice cold. I didn’t even look up. “I didn’t cook yours. You can ask one of the maids to prepare it.” His eyes narrowed. “Oh, I see. Is this your new way of getting my attention?” He sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. I forced humorless smile. “Say whatever you want. We’re getting a divorce anyway.” The words stung more than I wanted to admit. It wasn’t the way I had imagined ending things, but here they were. I didn’t need to explain myself to him any more. Adrian’s frown deepened, and for a moment, I thought he might say something—but his phone rang at the moment. He glanced at the screen, and his entire demeanor shifted. “What? You sprained your ankle? I’ll be right there.” He looked back at me, “Lynda broke her ankle, I’m going to take her to the hospital. You’ll help Lynda with her treatment! Be there in an hour.” I felt a sickening twist in my stomach, but I couldn’t say no to him since if I didn’t do what Adrian asked, the storm would only intensify. With a sharp sigh, I started clearing the table. As the wife of the alpha’s son, I didn’t even have a maid. I needed to do all housework by myself and I used to that already. ^^^^^^ I arrived at the hospital a little later. "Excuse me, do you know where room is Adrian in?" I asked politely at the front desk. "Oh, you must mean Miss Lynda's room. Adrian is with her in Room 407." "Alright, thank you," I said with a bitter smile. It was well-known in the pack where Adrian could always be found—he was constantly by Lynda’s side. Lynda had gone to college in another pack, only returning this year. And for the entire year, Adrian had been with her, traveling and sightseeing. As I walked into room 407, the sight of Adrian caught my eye. He was sitting beside Lynda, and his arm around her shoulders. When Adrian’s eyes met mine, and his voice rang out before I could even process what was happening. “You are late! Why are you just standing there like a dull?” he called. “Aren’t you a doctor? Go check on her.” I really wanted to tell him that I was more than just a healer for Lynda—more than the woman who had been forced to stand on the sidelines while he showered attention on his childhood friend. But I said nothing. Instead, I walked over to the bed. As soon as I touched her leg, Lynda screamed, "You're hurting me!" Adrian immediately pulled me aside and asked, "What are you doing?" I forced a bitter smile and said, "I'm just doing a normal checkup. Please don't question me, alright?" Lynda unfazed. “Don’t be so dramatic, Natalia. Just help me, okay?” Her tone was sweet, but there was something biting underneath. I held back a sigh. This was her life now. This was what she’d become: a quiet observer to Adrian and Lynda’s constant performance. I turned my attention to Lynda’s ankle, carefully feeling for any swelling or bruising. The injury wasn’t severe, but it was enough to make her uncomfortable. “You’ll be fine. Just rest for a few days.” Adrian, sitting on the other side of the bed, watched her closely, his eyes narrowing. “See? I told you she’d take care of you. Always the responsible one.” His words were laced with a sharpness. Lynda smiled sweetly at him. “You’re so good to me, Adrian.” Adrian’s eyes softened, and he leaned in, brushing hair from her face. “Anything for you.” I couldn’t watch it anymore. The words they exchanged, the way they looked at each other—it was like I wasn’t even there. I quickly stood up, making my way toward the door. Adrian didn’t even look at me and commanded. “Wait for me in the car. We’re leaving soon.” But I didn’t want to listen to his words this time. I walked out, heading toward the exit without a second glance. At that moment, my phone suddenly rang. When I pick up, Adrian’s voice appeared "Don't forget about the gathering tonight, 8 PM at Raven's. Be ready to apologize to Lynda in front of everyone." Chapter 5 When I got home, I couldn’t wait to call Kelly, my only friend. I picked up my phone and dialed her number. My heart pounded as it rang. She was my rock, the one person who always had my back. “Hey, what’s up?” Kelly’s voice came through, warm and familiar. “Kelly, I’ve decided to divorce him,” I said, my voice cracking. I wasn’t sure if it was fear or sadness, maybe a little of both. There was a pause. Then, Kelly said, “What? Why? Is it because of Lynda? That girl is pure trouble! I’ve heard things about her.” I shook my head even though she couldn’t see me. “No, not just because of her. Adrian brought it up, and I agreed.” Another long silence. I could feel Kelly processing it all. “Wait, are you serious?” I took a deep breath. “Yes. I’m done. I’ve made up my mind.” Kelly didn’t hesitate. “What now? After the divorce, where will you go? You can come stay with me. My pack would welcome you.” Her offer was so kind. It made my eyes sting, but I didn’t cry. “You’re too good to me,” I said softly. “Let me get out of here first. Then, I’ll come to you. I just need to make sure everything’s in place.” “I’m here for you, Natalia. Whenever you’re ready, I’m waiting.” I hung up, feeling a little lighter. The decision was made. It was time to leave. *** I grabbed my keys and headed for my car. It was old and beat-up, barely running, but it was mine. I bought it with my own money, not Adrian’s or anyone else’s. That small victory made me feel proud as I slid into the driver’s seat. The drive to Raven, the pack’s most exclusive restaurant, wasn’t far, but the nerves gnawed at me. Adrian and I had spent so many nights here, pretending to be the perfect couple. Tonight, though, I wasn’t just another wife. I was going to make my own mark. When I arrived, the place was as impressive as always. I parked and made my way inside, my heels clicking on the marble floors. Each step felt more confident than the last. I wasn’t the same woman years ago. That woman was gone. I walked toward the biggest VVIP room, where Adrian and his friends would be. As I reached the door, I overheard their conversation. “So, when are you planning to marry Lynda, our future Alpha?” It was Mike, one of Adrian’s closest friends. I froze for a second, my hand on the door handle. Another voice chimed in, “Don’t forget, our future Alpha still has a wife.” I could feel my blood begin to boil. Mike laughed, his voice dripping with mockery. “Who doesn’t know that woman doesn’t deserve Adrian? He should’ve divorced her a long time ago.” That was it. My patience shattered. Without thinking, I pushed open the door, stepping into the room with a calm smile. “I’m here. Who’s been talking about me?” I said, keeping my voice cool. The room went dead silent. Every single person turned to look at me. I could feel their stares like weight on my shoulders. Adrian looked at me, his expression cold. “So, you finally showed up. Now, apologize to Lynda. She’s been sick for days after you poisoned her.” Lynda feigned innocence. “It’s okay. I’m fine. Really, you don’t need to apologize.” Adrian frowned. “Let her off? Not a chance. She’s been bullying you for so long. Today, I’m making sure she learns her lesson.” I couldn’t take it anymore. It was just an apology, right? Apologizing for something I didn’t even do? Fine, I could do that. “Miss Lynda, I’m sorry…” Lynda suddenly stood up and grabbed my hand, putting on her sickly sweet smile. “It’s okay, I forgive you. But you’ll need to take better care of me from now on, alright?” I forced a smile. “Of course.” But inside, I was thinking, I’m leaving. Far away from you both. I started to turn to leave, but someone grabbed my hand. I looked back, and it was Lynda. What did she want now? I gave her a wary look. “Aren’t you leaving too soon? The show’s just beginning,” she said, her voice dripping with provocation. “What do you mean by that?” I asked, my heart pounding. Before she could answer, two men in black rushed toward us. One of them knocked me to the ground, and I hit my head against the wall. Pain exploded through my skull. Blood started pouring from the wound, and I felt dizzy, struggling to stay conscious. Adrian and his group came running out. But as I tried to cry out for help, Lynda’s voice cut through first. “Adrian! Help me, it hurts so much!” I watched helplessly as Adrian ran to her, picked her up, and started to leave. He paused, glanced back at me. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, but there was no warmth in them. “I’ll have my Beta come for you. Wait here,” he said flatly, before turning his back and walking away. I felt crushed. My body wouldn’t move. Then, an agonizing pain stabbed through my belly. The babies. I grabbed my phone with shaking hands. “Doctor Harold, help! I’m hurt... at Raven...” Before I could finish, everything went black. Chapter 6 When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a hospital cabin. The last thing I recalled was a discomfort in my stomach. Panicked, I sat up and put my hand on my belly. “Don’t worry.” Dr. Harold’s voice met my years. “Your babies are totally fine. But...” "What is that?" I frowned and asked. "One of the embryos died, so now you still have two babies in your womb." Hearing his words, my heart sank. I recalled the scene earlier—Adrian didn’t save me. If he had saved me instead of Lynda, I might not have lost that child! I cried silently. As I turned my head to see him scanning what looked like reports. “Where is Adrian?” I inquired about him. He placed the papers on the tiny table that was located close to the bed, then turned to approach me. “He’s at the other room with...Lynda...” Disappointed again. It turned out he had been staying with Lynda all along and couldn't even be bothered to glance at me. “Does he know about my pregant?” I asked, trying not to let terror come through in my voice. “Not if you didn’t tell him.” I exhaled, and my body relaxed. However, at that moment, a thought occurred to me. Doctor Ried was the chief physician at the pack hospital. So, he was close to Adrian in some way. In the future, he would be likely to share the news of my children with Adrian at some point. “Dr. Ried, can I request something of you?” “Of course.” “Please, don’t tell Adrian about my babies.” His eyebrows lifted. “You haven’t said anything to him yet?” “No, and I will never will.” “But, Natalia, they’re Adrian’s heirs. The future of this pa—” “No. He’ll never accept them, which means I need to shield them from him. I’m begging you, if you want to keep them safe, please don’t tell him.” He remained silent for a long, unsettling moment, and I couldn’t read his expression. But then he nodded with a furrowed brow, looking worried for me. “All right,” he said. “But he’s bound to learn about them one day.” I shook my head. “I’m going to leave the pack.” His eyes widened before he reigned in his shock. “But that means you’ll turn into a rogue. That’s risky to do so.” “Yes, but I have no choice.” He shook his head. “Natalia, given the current circumstances, you must proceed with extreme caution.” “I know. But it’s better than being here in danger and pain.” Shortly after my discussion with Dr. Ried, I left the pack hospital. Since Adrian was the one who brought me there, I looked for his car. He’d given it to me to use over the years. But I couldn’t locate it. I was also unable to call a cab without my phone. Thankfully, I eventually spotted one and hailed it immediately. When I instructed the driver to take me to the pack house, I noticed a hint of fear shone in his eyes. “Pack house?” he questioned skeptically, obviously uncertain about anyone being allowed there. Undeterred, I politely reiterated my request. When the cab arrived at the pack house’s central gate, the security guards halted the vehicle and started inspecting it. To my surprise, they bowed upon realizing it was me. The cabbie was taken aback as well. A moment later, they opened the central gate. With excitement in his eyes, the cabbie drove inside the long driveway to the palace-like pack house that belonged to Alpha Adrian’s parents. I knew how he felt. Early on, I had felt that way as well. It was a dream come true for every member of the pack to visit the palace-like pack house at least once. I couldn’t believe I’d be leaving that dream location soon. After the cab stopped, security guards who were standing there hurried to the entrance to open the car door for me. It wasn’t until then that I realized I had no money. One of the guards settled the fare, and I expressed my gratitude before proceeding into the house. Inside, the servants inside looked at me and bowed, then offered me a seat in the living room. “Where is Alpha Adrian?” I asked. “Please call him and tell him I need to talk with him. It’s urgent.” She went upstairs to call Alpha. As I waited, Alpha Adrian’s father, Alpha Lucas Miller, confidently descended the stairs. A strapping man in his late forties, he looked strong enough to run this pack for the next ten years. I stood up and bowed. “Alpha.” He was none other than Alpha Lucas Miller. I stood in front of Alpha Lucas, my heart racing. “Alpha Lucas, I want to leave the Crystal Blood Pack,” I said. He sighed, clearly reluctant. "Do you really want to divorce Adrian? I know it's selfish of me to say this, but he doesn’t actually know that you've been the one taking care of his health all these years. I think you shouldn't give up. With your help, his anxiety disorder will heal soon." I shook my head. "I'll leave the prescription with the maid, so you don't have to worry." I stayed firm looking at him. Finally, Lucas spoke. “Okay. I, Alpha Lucas, reject you from the Crystal Blood Pack.” The pain hit me instantly, like my body was being tor-n apart. I gasped but stayed on my feet. Through the pain, one thought came to me: I’m finally frree. I am a rogue now. Chapter 7 Biting wind beat against my face, and whipped at the folds of my long white dress. I wrapped my arms around myself as I walked, wishing the dress had long sleeves. But it wasn’t just the weather that sent shivers down my spine. No, something deeper and far colder, that resided within me. It was as if my heart had turned to ice, frozen and unyielding. Yet, a heavy pain weighed upon my heart with an unbearable intensity as well. With every step, I could remind of Adrain’s face. He might know by now that I'm gone. Was he finally satisfied with me? The driver of a passing vehicle yelled at me, and I realized I’d wandered into the middle of a road. With no specific destination, emptiness filled me. A route through the forest grabbed my attention and became my destination, at least for the moment. As I ran into the woods, the sky began to darken, so I didn’t waste any time resting. Though I wasn’t sure where I would end up, I kept pressing onward. After a long time, my legs grew tired, and I slowed. Then a thorn pierced my foot. “Ahh!” I exclaimed and then dropped to the ground. As I removed the thorn, I could no longer contain my feelings. Tears welled and then flowed from my eyes. I dropped my head into my hands, feeling so lost and alone. A branch cracked behind me. Then a series of a sudden, I heard growls sounded. “Look at her,” said a man’s voice. “She looks like a young who-re. What’s she doing here?” I heard a man’s voice. I whipped my head around to find several rogues approaching. They were rogues! “Fck! She is a beautiful one. “Catch her!” Panic flooded me. I jumped to my feet and ran, hearing them scramble to catch up to me. I cried out, then increased my pace to widen the gap between me and those dirty men. As I ran, I prayed for my children. Their intention was clear. They wanted to rap-e me. ‘Where will I go now? How could I save them? No time to think. I had to keep going. Branches and thorns assaulted my arms and legs as I fled. I hissed in pain as spots of blood stained my white dress. But then the boundary of another pack appeared ahead. At that moment, it wasn’t just a border, but a hope. I launched myself into a mad dash, hearing the men’s footfalls grow louder. A quick glance behind me told me three of the five men had shifted into wolves shift to catch me. The two still in human form, halted the others. Then one spoke to me. “Come back to us. Don’t cross that border. There’s a dangerous pack over there. You will die.” As if I would believe them? Besides, what choice did I have? The entire world was full of beasts. A lone woman wasn’t safe anywhere. But I was safer across the border than I was allowing those men to catch me. I turned and continued to bolt, hastily crossing the boundary into the other packs’ territory. Another quick glance told me my pursuers hadn’t followed. I finally relaxed and took a breath. Then I pressed on with , my stomach growling, my muscles aching, and my body’s strength waning. If that weren’t enough, my head began to ache, as well. I clutched my dress over my belly, reminding myself that I’d done this for my children. Crunching sounds met my ears. The border guards must have noticed me and begun their pursuit. As I started to run again, my head spun. A moment later, I collapsed. A pair of brown boots came to a stop in front of me as the world around me faded into darkness. *** When I came to, I saw that I was in what appeared to be a hospital room, one I didn’t recognize. Terror engulfed me, and I bolted upright, only to see a handsome man sitting on a stool next to me. “Who are you? Where am I? How are my children?” “Your children are fine,” he said. “No need to worry. But how do you feel?” “No. First, tell me, who you are and where I am.” Placing his hand over mine, he smiled at me and said, “You’re in the confines of the Blue Blood Pack, and I’m Jason Hansley, the pack's future alpha… and you are my sister.”	LEARN_MORE	https://theiwuehgbs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13	NReading	https://www.facebook.com/61558966527250/	565	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	theiwuehgbs.com	VIDEO		https://theiwuehgbs.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13107&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473523833_1288759992464380_8580018554672366818_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8DEfxVqBpCcQ7kNvgGBlxBr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A8TgAh3ZlgmseAJxCKoXEbi&oh=00_AYDFV5_Vn2gsYsTdYLeld3qQ4ISHzlQdeFMORP01IYZ24g&oe=678B87BE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	NReading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,940	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663871}'	No	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	Chronic Overthinking Test 👉	✨️️️️️️️ Stop overthinking and start living today ✨️️️️️️️ 🎯 Boost confidence: Develop strategies for better decision making and self-esteem 💫 Eliminate negative thoughts: Learn how to identify and reduce toxic thought patterns ⌛ Live in the present moment: Become calm, happy, and trust your intuition	LEARN_MORE	https://mindway.app/start?qz=mw1	Your Personal Coach Sophia	https://www.facebook.com/61555143686071/	1,556	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	mindway.app	VIDEO		https://mindway.app/start?qz=mw1	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460430401_494672633382149_4759260890587632284_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vHLAkhgz-GoQ7kNvgFM_5SG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ArmEOiHFQCw8f23IL_3R7Pp&oh=00_AYCmLI0nWUG_Ax3blvYMrssn9XO1k1wSQttOIdushDQb6Q&oe=678B6E1F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Your Personal Coach Sophia	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,189	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2664182}'	No	2025-01-13 18:27	active	2258	ここをクリックして無料でお読みください！	その日、優子が末期がんと診断された。その頃、夫は彼の初恋相手と一緒に「忙しかった」。 …… 「手術が成功すれば、生存率は15%から30%になる。」優子の青ざめた小さな顔に深い陰りを浮かべていた。「もし手術を受けなければ、どのくらい生きられるの？」「半年から1年ぐらいだ。すぐに入院手続きをするよ。」「そんな必要ないわ。治療を受けるつもりはない。」実家はすでに破産しており、優子は父親の医療費を工面するだけでも精一杯だった。夫である峻介は何の手伝いもくれなかった。父親の治療が始まってからの2年間、彼は一度も姿を見せたことがなかった。彼女が倒れて通行人に病院へ運ばれた時でさえもだ。かつては峻介も優子を大切にしていた。だが、初恋の相手である里美が妊娠した状態で帰国してから、すべてが変わった。優子もかつて妊娠していたことがあった。ある日、湖で里美とともに落水した時、必死にもがきながら、彼が里美に向かって泳いでいく姿を見た。その後、里美は無事に子どもを産んだ。でも優子は――母親になる機会を奪われた。 7日後、峻介は離婚を求めたが、彼女は拒否した。だが、病気のことを知った今、もう拒否することはできなかった。彼女は震える手で電話をかけた。 3回目のコールでつながると、彼の冷たい声が聞こえてきた。「離婚以外の話なら、お前に会う気はない。」優子は涙をこらえながら、がんの話を切り出すことができなかった。すると電話の向こうから里美の声が聞こえてきた。「峻介君、今は私たちの時間よ。」その瞬間、こらえていた涙が一気に溢れ出した。優子の家族を壊した彼が、今では里美と新しい家庭を築こうとしている。すべてを終わらせる時が来たのだ。優子は震える声で、絞り出すようにぽつりと呟いた。「峻介……もう、離婚しよう。」峻介は一瞬、驚いたようだったが、冷笑して言った。「今度はどんな手を使うつもりだ？」「家で待ってるから。」そう言うと、全力で電話を切った彼女は壁にもたれかかるように座り込み、袖を噛んで声を上げずに泣いた。峻介は、電話が突然切られた後、呆然とスマホを見つめていた。一年間、どんなに離婚を迫っても拒否し続けてきた優子が、なぜ今日に限って急に同意したのだろう？それに、彼女の声には涙の気配があった。窓の外、大雨が叩きつけるのを見ながら、峻介は彼女に会いに行くことを決めた。「峻介、どこに行くのよ？」里美が追いかけてきた。しかし、彼は何も言わず立ち去り、説明する気配もなかった。その瞬間、里美の優しい表情はみるみるうちに恐ろしいほど暗くなった。あの女……また何か仕掛けてきたわね！玄関のドアが開いたとき、優子はテーブルのそばに立っているスーツを着た背が高い男性を見た。彼の整った顔立ちは氷のように冷たく、その暗い瞳には優子への軽蔑が浮かんでいた。「どこに行ってたんだ？」峻介が冷たく尋ねた。かつて輝いていた優子の瞳は、その時は虚ろだった。「そんなことはいつから気にするの？」「お前にはまだ離婚届にサインしてくれる必要がある。」その言葉は鋭い針のように彼女の心を刺した。カバンから書類を静かに取り出した。「心配する必要がない。もうサイン済みだ。」彼女が書類をテーブルの上に置いたとき、峻介は「離婚」という二文字がこれほどまでに不愉快に思えたことはなかった。優子が唯一要求したのは、2億円の慰謝料だった。「どうして急に同意したのかと思ったら、結局金のためか。」嘲笑を浮かべた彼の顔が、優子の視界を覆った。かつての優子なら、自分を弁護するかもしれない。でも、今の優子はただ静かに言った。「本来なら、佐藤さんの資産の半分を請求する権利があるわ。でも、私は2億円しか要求しなかった。」峻介は一歩前に進み、長い影が優子を覆った。彼は彼女の顎を細長い指で掴み、冷たい声で言った。「今、何て呼んだ？」「佐藤さん、もしこの呼び方が嫌なら、元夫と呼び直してもいいわよ。さあ、書類にサインして帰ってもらっていい？」彼は不愉快そうな顔をした。「ここは俺の家だ。出て行けと言う権利はお前にはあるかい。」優子は皮肉げに微笑み、言った。「確かに、その権利はないわ。でも、安心して、佐藤さん。離婚証明書を受け取ったら、すぐに出て行く。」また、彼の手を振り払い、冷たい目で彼を見つめた。「明日の朝9時、市役所で書類を持ってきてください。」翌朝、日の出前には優子がすでに身支度を整えて出発しようとした時、病院から電話がかかってきた。「お父さんが心臓発作を起こしました。」「えっ！？すぐ向かいます！」到着すると、手術はまだ続いていた。手術室の前で両手を組み、祈るように待ち続ける。彼女の唯一の希望は父が健康で生き続けることだけだった。看護師が手術費用の請求書を手渡してきた。明細を見ると、総額は300万円以上。以前支払った入院費で残金はたったの10万円。どうしても足りなかった。仕方なく、彼女は峻介に電話をかけた。冷たい声が聞こえる。「どこだ？もう30分待っている。」「急なことがあって――」「優子、これでおもしろい？」峻介が鼻で笑う。「突然離婚に応じるなんて妙だと思ったが、どうせまた嘘をついているんだろう？」優子は必死に説明した。「嘘なんかじゃない！父が心臓発作を起こして手術が必要なの！――」「で、死んだのか？」峻介が遮った。優子は耳を疑った。そんな言い方をする人がいるのか！？「いいえ！峻介、手術費が300万円以上かかるの。だから慰謝料を先に振り込んでくれない？必ず離婚するから！」「優子、俺が誰よりも君の父親の死を望んでいることを理解しているよな。金を渡すのはいいだろう、でも手続きが終わった後に。」それだけ言うと、電話は切られた。優子の顔には困惑が浮かんでいた。かつて彼は父に対して敬意を払っていたはずだった。しかし、今の彼の声には本気の憎しみが滲んでいた。なぜだろう？優子は考え込む余裕もなく、今は父の治療費を何とかするのが最優先だった。手術室の扉が開いた。「先生？」「心配しないで、お父様はなんとか持ちこたえました。」「ありがとうございます！」優子はようやく胸を撫で下ろし、介護人に父を任せた。お金のために市役所に急いだが、峻介の姿はどこにもなかった。焦る気持ちで電話をかけた。「市役所に着いたわ。どこにいるの？」「事務室だ。」「峻介、今すぐ離婚手続きに来てくれない？」峻介は薄く笑って言った。「数億円の契約とお前、どっちが大事だと思う？」「終わるまで待っているから……お願い、父のためにお金が必要なの。」「もし死んだら、葬式代を出してやるよ。」彼は電話を切った。再び電話をかけたが、すでに電源が切られた。雨は容赦なく降り注ぎ、バス停の標識の下でしゃがみ込む優子は、息が詰まるような感覚に襲われた。家族の突然の破産が、いつも彼女を深く愛してくれた峻介を変えてしまうなんて… 彼女はあっという間に全てを失ってしまった。今、優子が持っている唯一の価値あるものは、結婚指輪だけだった。彼女は指輪を外し、高級宝飾店に足を踏み入れた。「いらっしゃいませ。この指輪ですね。お客様、購入時の領収書と証明書はお持ちですか？」「あります。」優子は急いで書類を差し出した。「ありがとうございます。指輪は検査に出す必要がありますので、明日またご連絡させていただけますか。」優子は乾いた唇を舐め、切迫した声で言った。「急いでいるんです。今日中にお願いします。」「はい。」店員が指輪を持ち去ろうとしたその時、ある白くて繊細な手が指輪ケースを押さえた。「この指輪、とても素敵ね。私が買うわ。」顔を上げた優子の目に飛び込んできたのは、彼女がこの世で最も憎んでいる人――里美だった。	LEARN_MORE	https://heplk.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13074&ut	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/	131	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	heplk.com	IMAGE		https://heplk.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13074&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/t39.35426-6/470195820_648791847503747_4400630868748044853_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZHQshqc_kfsQ7kNvgE2iKdN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Al-BgLHW88QiakSkDEYKmPL&oh=00_AYDASBYjOI25X_NJVpe6pxmAm-P8iAnQZVLVCSD_VqwfIA&oe=678B9BD1	PERSON_PROFILE	0	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,756	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256	Mid Century Credenzas and Sideboards	Mid Century Credenzas and Sideboards - $1,234.00 Follow us on Instagram @RefindModern We are open daily 10-5 Located at: 5680 Post Rd Charlestown, RI 02813 Message for dimensions, price and more photos. Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/134014682048	Colin Kelly	https://www.facebook.com/Colin-Kelly-1138591423008195/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1340146820480039/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Colin Kelly	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,695	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255	RedWater Fitness Membership	💥 NEW YEAR GIVEAWAY! 💥 Ready to kickstart your 2025 fitness journey? One lucky winner will receive 1 month FREE, waived access fees, and a RedWater Yeti Water Bottle ($90 value)! HOW TO ENTER: 💪 Follow/Like our page RedWater Fitness Watermark 💪 Tag a friend you’d love to bring along on your fitness adventure in the comments! This giveaway is for new members only, so if you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the perfect time! Don’t wait—enter by 1/20/25. The lucky winner will be notified via private message and will have one week to claim their prize!	SIGN_UP	https://www.redwaterfitness.com/membership	RedWater Fitness Watermark	https://www.facebook.com/100094391858314/	11	1969-12-31 18:00	Sign up	redwaterfitness.com	IMAGE	If you are interested in joining RedWater Fitness, use the "Become a Member" box below to view membership options and sign up. Already a member? Download the GymMaster Member app on iOS or Android for 24/7 door access, easy payment options, and more.	https://www.redwaterfitness.com/membership	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473184939_1144667800549496_3640054242049775473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AnieORaMuLAQ7kNvgECtKeE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AykLGQRIwJIwnsuUzRD0b45&oh=00_AYDmQLnnSejl4rLGChwNfrODuBZec6CAbvGyS0SzZAHI1w&oe=678B8FA0	PERSON_PROFILE	0	RedWater Fitness Watermark	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,558	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663530}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		Want to win this epic death star ambiance light? We are running a giveaway until January 26 and all you have to do it this.... 1. Like PrintPerfect Studios 2. Share this post! 3. Many any purchase at Printperfectstudios.com 4. Comment done when you are complete!			PrintPerfect Studios	https://www.facebook.com/61553596152485/	291	1969-12-31 18:00			MULTI_IMAGES			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473535181_1316847319563174_767765492033726495_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3PoydGjfBfsQ7kNvgHYs-Iz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A41mUgaIHgjTeGgn_vDQdKD&oh=00_AYB2vIb9cUVUSMhAbG-0Z5StXGODqMCswD8O2HpF1dbrCw&oe=678B8CD7	PERSON_PROFILE	0	PrintPerfect Studios	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,577	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		✨ GIVEAWAY ALERT ✨ We’re giving one lucky winner the chance to experience three months of our complete line of products AND $500 cash! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow us @uthfl_skin 2️⃣Save or share our giveaway reel THEN For every $5 you spend, you’ll earn ONE entry toward this life-changing prize! Uthfl is designed to: ✨ Reduce and prevent fine lines ✨ Boost collagen and elastin production ✨ Restore hydration and radiance With powerful ingredients like Truelastin (tropoelastin), Matrixyl, Argireline, Hyaluronic acid, and more you’ll wake up to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. 💖 Giveaway ends January 31, 2025. Winner will be announced February 2, 2025 🌟 Tap the link in bio to shop to enter the giveaway now! #BeautySleepRedefined #NighttimeSkincare #Giveaway #BeautySleepRedefined #NighttimeSkincare”	LEARN_MORE	http://uthfl.com/	UTHFL	https://www.facebook.com/61563459999214/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	uthfl.com	VIDEO		http://uthfl.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473190876_482135541253445_7940509989045592085_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fdL1uoze3rQQ7kNvgHHXn3N&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A41mUgaIHgjTeGgn_vDQdKD&oh=00_AYCeG1edtnzV4RZ0fUlcaE6Z3z07FU4OPsAXVvd1IlwZPA&oe=678B6DD2	PERSON_PROFILE	0	UTHFL	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,978	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	Read next chapter	Dressed up for her wedding day, she was unwittingly drugged by her husband's mistress. She spent the night with a stranger, unaware that he was her husband's half-brother and his formidable business adversary! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the dug'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 dug-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. Pgnant? 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 bld 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 sap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &7&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb-ena265_2-	Romance Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100083771162998/	48,295	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb-ena265_2-1224-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=934080944896999&exdata=6A8B0BF850DF8E755FF80351F3BBA78DA711E2487055823A	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473067427_904455331890692_4155808839572699140_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lGMuOgVl3W4Q7kNvgErFxV_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AX7rEtSBXXsfNlYCJInhCwX&oh=00_AYA9gy-xP4imJt4UNJEwuJ4rnKsAtPErxBWcBcAQZRHDlA&oe=678B8A6D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Romance Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,161	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2664182}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:27	active	2258	ここをクリックして無料でお読みください！	高橋優子が末期癌と診断されたその日、夫の佐藤峻介は、初恋の相手の子供の世話をしていた。 ... 病院で、中村悠斗が渋い顔で言った。「優子さん、手術が成功すれば、生存率は15%から30%になる。」優子はかばんのひもを細い指でぎゅっと握りしめ、青ざめた小さな顔に深い陰りを浮かべていた。「先輩、もし手術を受けなければ、どのくらい生きられるの？」「半年から1年ぐらい。」優子は唇をぎゅっと噛みしめ、やっと言葉を吐き出した。「先輩、このことは秘密にしてちょうだい。家族を心配させたくないの。」高橋家はすでに破産しており、優子は父親の医療費を工面するだけでも精一杯だった。悠斗は諦めたように言った。「口外しないよ。でも、結婚していると聞いた。旦那さん――」「お父さんのことはお願いね。もう行かないと。」優子は夫の話題を避けるように、早々にその場を立ち去った。父親の治療が始まってからの2年間、夫である佐藤峻介は一度も姿を見せたことがなかった。彼女が倒れて通行人に病院へ運ばれた時でさえもだ。かつては彼も優子を大切にしていた。だが、初恋の相手である松本里美が妊娠した状態で帰国してから、すべてが変わった。優子もかつて妊娠していたことがあった。ある日、湖で松本里美とともに落水した時、必死にもがきながら、彼が里美に向かって泳いでいく姿を見た。後、里美は無事に子どもを産んだ。でも優子は母親になる機会を奪われた。 7日後、峻介は離婚を求めたが、彼女は拒否した。だが、病気のことを知った今、彼女は震える手で彼の電話をかけた。 3回目のコールでつながると、彼の冷たい声が聞こえてきた。「離婚以外の用件なら、お前に会う気はない。」優子は涙をこらえ、癌の話を切り出すことができなかった。すると電話の向こうから里美の声が聞こえてきた。「峻介君、そろそろ赤ちゃんの定期検査よ。」その瞬間、こらえていた涙が一気に溢れ出した。すべてを終わらせる時が来たのだ。優子はこ震える声で、絞り出すようにぽつりと呟いた。「峻介……もう、離婚しよう。」峻介は一瞬、驚いたようだったが、冷笑して言った。「優子、今度はどんな手を使うつもりだ？」「家で待ってるから。」峻介は、電話が突然切られた後、呆然とスマホを見つめていた。一年間拒否し続けてきた優子が、なぜ今急に同意したのだろう？彼女に会いに行くことを決めた。「峻介、どこに行くのよ？」里美が子どもを抱えながら追いかけてきた。しかし、彼は何も言わず立ち去った。その瞬間、里美の優しい表情はみるみるうちに恐ろしいほど暗くなった。あの女……また何か仕掛けてきたわね！玄関のドアが開いたとき、優子はテーブルのそばに立っているスーツを着た背が高い男性を見た。整った顔立ちは氷のように冷たく、その暗い瞳には優子への軽蔑が浮かんでいた。「どこに行ってたんだ？」峻介が冷たく尋ねた。「そんなことはいつから気にするの？」「離婚届にサインしてもらう必要がある。」その言葉は鋭い針のように彼女の心を刺した。濡れた体を引きずりながら、彼女はカバンから書類を静かに取り出した。「心配する必要がない。もうサイン済みだ。」彼女が書類をテーブルの上に置いたとき、峻介は「離婚」という二文字がこれほどまでに不愉快に思えたことはなかった。優子が唯一要求したのは、2億円の慰謝料だった。「どうして急に同意したのかと思ったら、結局金のためか。」彼の顔が嘲笑を浮かべた。かつてなら、自分を弁護するかもしれない。でも、今彼女はただ静かに言った。「本来なら、佐藤さんの資産の半分を請求する権利があるわ。でも、私は2億円しか要求しなかった。これでも、まだ情けをかけてるつもりよ。」峻介は一歩前に進み、長い影が優子を覆った。彼は彼女の顎を細長い指で掴み、冷たい声で言った。「今、何て呼んだ？」「佐藤さん、もしこの呼び方が嫌なら、元夫と呼び直してもいいわよ。さあ、書類にサインして帰ってもらっていい？」彼は不愉快そうな顔をした。「ここは俺の家だ。出て行けと言う権利はお前にはあるかい。」優子は皮肉げに微笑み、言った。「確かに、その権利はないわ。でも、安心して、佐藤さん。離婚証明書を受け取ったら、すぐに出て行く。」また、彼の手を振り払い、冷たい目で彼を見つめた。「明日の朝9時、市役所で書類を持ってきてください。」翌朝、日の出前には優子は出発しようとした時、病院から電話がかかってきた。「高橋さん、お父さんが心臓発作を起こしました。」「えっ？すぐ向かいます！」病院に到着すると、手術はまだ続いていた。今、唯一の希望は父が健康で生き続けることだけだった。看護師が手術費用の請求書を手渡してきた。総額は300万円以上。でも、以前支払った入院費で残金はたったの10万円。どうしても足りなかった。仕方なく、峻介に電話をかけた。冷たい声が聞こえる。「どこだ？もう30分待っている。」「急なことがあって――」「優子、これでおもしろい？」峻介が鼻で笑う。「どうせまた嘘をついているんだろう？」そんな！「嘘じゃない！父が心臓発作を起こして手術が必要なの！――」「それで、死んだのか？」峻介が遮った。その言葉に、優子は耳を疑った。そんな言い方する人がいるのか？「いいえ！峻介、手術費が300万円以上かかるの。だから慰謝料を先に振り込んでくれない？必ず離婚するから！」「優子、俺が誰よりも君の父親の死を望んでいることを理解しているよな。金を渡すのはいいだろう、でも手続きが終わった後にだ。」それだけ言うと、電話は切られた。優子の顔には困惑が浮かんでいた。かつて彼は父に対して敬意を払っていたはずだった。しかし、今の彼の声には本気の憎しみが滲んでいた。なぜだ？ 2年前の高橋家の破産と結びつけて考えると、偶然の出来事とは思えなくなってきた。もうしかして、峻介が裏で何かを仕掛けたのだ。しかし、実家は一体どうやって彼を怒らせてしまったのだろう？今、考え込む余裕もなく、父の治療費を何とかするのが最優先だった。手術室の扉が開いた。「先生？」「髙橋さん、お父様はなんとか持ちこたえました。」優子はようやく胸を撫で下ろした。介護人に父を任せ、市役所に急いだが、峻介はどこにもなかった。焦て電話をかける。「市役所に着いたわ。どこにいるの？」「事務室だ。」「今すぐ離婚手続きを済ませに来てくれない？」峻介は薄く笑って言った。「数億円の契約とお前、どっちが大事だと思う？」「終わるまで待つから……峻介、お願い、今父はお金が必要なの。」「もし死んだら、葬式代を出してやるよ。」それだけ言うと、彼は電話を切った。再び電話をかけたが、すでに電源が切られた。優子は息が詰まるような感覚に襲われた。彼女はあっという間に全てを失ってしまった。今、優子が持っている唯一の価値あるものは、結婚指輪だけだった。彼女は指輪を外し、高級宝飾店に足を踏み入れた。「お客様、購入時の領収書と証明書はお持ちですか？」「はい。」優子は急いで書類を差し出した。「ありがとうございます。指輪は検査に出す必要があるので、明日またご連絡させていただけますか。」優子は切迫した声で言った。「急いでいるんです。今日中にお願いします。」「はい。」店員が指輪を持ち去ろうとしたその時、ある白くて繊細な手が指輪ケースを押さえた。「この指輪、とても素敵ね。私が買うわ。」顔を上げた優子の目に飛び込んできたのは、彼女がこの世で最も憎んでいる人物――松本里美だった	LEARN_MORE	https://heplk.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13074&ut	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	https://www.facebook.com/61559954921868/	131	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	heplk.com	VIDEO		https://heplk.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13074&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/t39.35426-6/471409999_1574602443196496_1694745847667373680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UiHEqVWUUJsQ7kNvgGE3NNo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AtQ23ouK47Om0vQ51H86oMr&oh=00_AYCB4FSrs6HZmzYp8eowyKDvZrO1BN_3dgPi86ADc3zHxg&oe=678B8A0F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	女の子が読みたい小説を大特集	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,795	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663793}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256	GET YOUR $500 CARD 👉	"I'll never forget the smile on my daughter's face when she saw the table full of food." I'm a mother of two, and for the past few months, every day was a challenge. Grocery prices kept rising, and I did my best to put something nutritious on the table. But every week, it became harder and harder. I reached the point where I started preparing smaller portions to make the food last longer. Sometimes, I would eat just a few bites to make sure my kids had enough. It's a feeling I wouldn't wish on anyone: looking at your children and knowing you can't give them what they need. Then, one day, a neighbor told me about a program that offers a $500 benefit card for food, gas, and other essential expenses. At first, I was skeptical, as anyone would be. I couldn't believe such a straightforward and helpful resource could exist. But the truth is, I had nothing to lose. I registered online. The form was simple: a few minutes, and it was done. They didn’t ask for complicated explanations or documents I didn’t already have. After submitting my application, I thought, “This will never happen.” But three days later, I found a letter in my mailbox. Inside was my $500 card. I sat down and cried. It was real. With that money, I immediately went to the grocery store and filled my cart like I hadn’t done in months. Pasta, meat, fresh vegetables, milk, eggs, and yes, even some sweets for my kids. I bought everything I needed to cook their favorite meals. That evening, the table was full. My youngest son looked at me and said, “Mom, it feels like a party!” And he was right. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a moment of shared joy. We ate, we laughed, and for a moment, we forgot all the struggles. The image of that full table will stay in my mind forever. Suggested Image: A beautifully laid table with simple but inviting dishes: a steaming tray of pasta, fresh bread, a bowl of colorful vegetables, and homemade desserts in the center. "But this card didn’t just fill my fridge—it changed my perspective." With the card, I was also able to cover other essential expenses. I put gas in my car, which allowed me to attend job interviews without worrying. I paid off some overdue bills, lifting an enormous weight off my shoulders. This small help gave me the strength and motivation to get back on my feet. After weeks of searching, I finally found a part-time job. It’s not enough to cover everything yet, but it’s a start. And it all began with that card. "A simple but powerful program." I’m not asking you to take my word for it. I just want you to try. If you’re struggling, as I was, this program can make a huge difference in your life. It’s free, fast, and easy to apply for. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. That small decision to fill out the form could change everything. Click below to get started. Don’t wait. Every day is an opportunity to transform your life.	APPLY_NOW	https://track.healthplanx.com/6638b784a238600001a0	Kelly Franklin	https://www.facebook.com/61566412047623/	704	1969-12-31 18:00	Apply now	track.healthplanx.com	VIDEO	Financial Relief ✅	https://track.healthplanx.com/6638b784a238600001a0bd6c?sub1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&sub2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&sub3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&sub4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&sub5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&sub6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&sub7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&sub8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473222890_576631792041914_7350352526222484057_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DMgYyj8BYAEQ7kNvgFTQOH0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvF-3Zn4HuBI4F3Yfuesabh&oh=00_AYDalCq0cU0v9v37HiFKVl5grDZXzNfM8fgItx7icDq19A&oe=678B90E2	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly Franklin	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,951	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663949}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey is expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, withdrawing his hands reluctantly. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I'd better leave. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits. I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's, he seemed to dress more casually, and his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims. "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, my brother slams a hand into my stomach. "What the heck did you say to him?" "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "It's none of your business!" Alpha Trey sputters. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? I was a nobody, no one special. "Deal." After a little more thinking, Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,782	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	wwwedb.com	IMAGE		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&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/t39.35426-6/472115080_475364321923159_9205442978486022437_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JXVNQTqNt3AQ7kNvgFJvLWx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVZpEncxRp3qz6tSXImLKwG&oh=00_AYDSzgb5AS4af7dKTCwnprtc-R63HpF_LFv9s_FKGKr5cw&oe=678B6C14	PERSON_PROFILE	0	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,900	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663888}'	No	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	😍Read the next chapters👉	I forced myself to look at the book in my hand. Seeing Elijah recently at Urban Next Design Studio had stirred up unexpected emotions within me. We’re already divorced. Because he never stopped loving his first love, Serena. He didn’t care about me at all, not even when I was carrying our baby. I left that heartbreaking place behind and came to France to pursue my dreams. I thought I could finally start over, but I never expected Elijah to follow me here, trying to win me back. Luckily, I wasn’t fooled by his lies. He came to France with Serena, his new flame. I shouldn’t think about him anymore. A bitter smile tugged at my lips. But I can’t deny it—when I saw him in France, my heart still skipped a beat. My phone rang then. When I saw Serena’s name on the screen, I groaned loudly. “What do you want this time?” I straightened up and answered casually. “Hello.” “Hi, Sophia!” As always, she had that fake sugary-sweet voice on. “How’ve you been? I was hoping we could meet today at that cafe across your campus where Elijah and I saw you before?” “Why?” I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously. “I know that he’s still hanging around you, maybe trying to catch you or talk to you… I know of a way for him to stop harassing you, Sophia.” I couldn’t understand why Serena wouldn’t just leave me alone and go on with her life. But my curiosity got the best of me. “How?” I asked. “I’ll see you in fifteen minutes, then you can find out.” She put the phone down, leaving me no choice but to get ready and meet her in that cafe. It wasn’t long before we were sitting across from each other. Serena didn’t waste any time with pleasantries. A small smile was playing on her lips. An evil smile, I would say. She was probably up to no good, but I still stayed and listened, anyway. “Have you heard of Sabrina Baker?” she asked directly. “No.” She seemed quite happy. “Well, Sabrina is Elijah’s long-lost childhood best friend and the first love of his life. She went missing when they were about ten years old, and Elijah was never the same since then. He spent years looking for her and only stopped when he met you…” “Huh?” I was bewildered by this news, but I didn’t want to show her. “So what? It has nothing to do with me. We’re divorced.” “You’re connected to Sabrina, in a way,” Serena went on. “That’s because you reminded Elijah of her. That’s why he pursued you in college.” My heart began to thump hard. “Is that your painting?” he’d asked me upon approaching me after class way back during our college days. His eyes were glimmering as he glanced at the Eiffel Tower artwork that peeked out from the folder I was holding. “Uh, yes.” “Have you been to Paris?” I shook my head. “Not yet, but I would love to visit someday. Or perhaps even study and work there.” “I know a coffee shop nearby that has a beautiful mural of Paris…” he’d said. And that afternoon, the two of us got to know each other for the first time. And that was when I first told him that I was allergic to coffee, so he bought a chocolate drink for me instead. But he gave me a coffee when I first went to his company and found him with Serena before we got divorced. I didn’t like where the conversation with Serena was going. “Who knows? Maybe he even got you were carrying a baby on purpose, so you’d want to marry him,” Serena continued, her tone mocking. “If you weren’t similar to his dearest Sabrina, he wouldn’t have bothered spending any time with you, you know. And it’s the real reason that he married you! He told me so himself!” Serena’s devilish smile grew bigger. “You know why he was so cold and distant when you were together? Because he realized that you weren’t like Sabrina, after all! But out of duty, he decided to stay with you because you were carrying his baby. And so when you had lost the baby, he became more out of reach and he didn’t treat you like a real wife…” Her words pierced my heart like a sharp knife. But still I held my composure, not wanting her to see that she was getting to me and that this revelation was having a huge impact. “And now it’s the same,” Serena went on mockingly. “It’s about the baby again. He’s pretty sure it’s his so he feels responsible. He can’t bear the thought of just leaving without a care. That’s why he’s been trying to reconcile with you, Sophia.” My eyes widened, but I knew she was telling the truth. She’s right, I realized bitterly. “You’re smart, aren’t you? Then you ought to know what I mean.” I stared at her silently, not knowing what to make of it. I knew what she was saying, but it was difficult to process it at the moment. “Think hard about it, Sophia,” Serena said before getting up and leaving. I was left dumbfounded, staring into the caffeine-free drink that Serena had ordered for me before I arrived. Serena is well aware that I’m allergic to caffeine, and I don’t even know her well. But Elijah whom I’d been married to for two years had easily forgotten. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. All this time, I had believed that Elijah genuinely liked me, that our relationship was built on something real. But now, as I sat in the café, I couldn't shake the feeling of devastation. It became clear to me that Elijah never really cared about me. I was just a stand-in, a substitute for someone else. I was a mere reminder of this Sabrina, whoever she was, and it was because of her that Elijah had decided to pursue me. The thought was crushing. I had let myself believe in something that was never real, and the realization left me feeling hollow inside. How could I have been so blind? So naive? The pain of the truth threatened to overwhelm me, and I struggled to hold back tears. After a while, I tried to gather my wits despite the rattling nerves. Still greatly confused, I returned home. And the one who were waiting for me outside my apartment building is… Elijah. When he saw me and began to approach, I held up my palm and shook my head. I didn’t want to see him or talk to him. I was just too exhausted and confused to deal with him right now. “Sophia, wait!” He called after me. I could hear his footsteps quickening behind me as I went to the direction of the elevator. “Sophia!” I turned around with an exasperated expression on my face. “Have you…” He hesitated before continuing. “Have you ever… gone missing when you were a child?” I felt myself turning pale. My heartbeat went into overdrive. “What do you mean?” I saw his nose twitching, which meant that he was somehow uncertain or embarrassed. I waited for him to go on. “Sophia, please be honest with me,” he pleaded. “Just answer my question truthfully because this is really very important to me.” I couldn’t help scoffing. “It’s important because it involves Sabrina, right?” I asked him mockingly. Elijah froze, his face registering shock.	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16733&u	Happyday	https://www.facebook.com/61558228850235/	1,527	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	redtgb.com	VIDEO		https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16733&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/t39.35426-6/470804931_2344715502560163_4896168022408925535_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FzhS8xkICFoQ7kNvgEjPweu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7fJWWhnQ282lNJi9vsMDLG&oh=00_AYBcpVJW1xEeUibFEHHjGvi1rII-0_tHc6XnDBejQAjudA&oe=678B6944	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Happyday	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,010	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2664006}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	I was planning to tell my husband Conrad that I’m expecting on my birthday. Conrad promised me a surprise, and I’m guessing it’s the painting he’s hidden in the study. I stumbled upon it by accident. The painting is of my silhouette, and it’s beautifully done; he must have spent months on it. Given the effort he put into it, I’ve decided to pretend I didn’t see it and wait for him to give it to me himself. I was going upstairs to take my pregnancy report. But when I opened the bedroom door, there was a woman on my bed. It was my widowed sister-in-law, Susanna. She was wearing a revealing silk nightgown, casually spreading my jewelry and clothes across the bed, with my report in her hand. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “Why are you messing with my stuff?” “Oh, it’s you,” she gave me a dirty look. “Don’t talk to me like that. This is my room now.” It’s ridiculous. I could feel my anger rising."This is mine and my husband’s room, how could it become yours?!" She smiled and said, "I wanted it, so Conrad gave it to me." Conrad just wanted to take care of his brother’s wife, that’s what he told me. We’ve been taking care of her really carefully in this difficult time. I didn’t expect her to be grateful, but she’s gone too far. She’s always asking for more; my time, my jewelry, I’ve given her all that. And now, my bedroom? Before I replied, Conrad appeared in the doorway, his expression full of happiness as he looked at Susanna. “You’re. This is a gift for you.” he exclaimed, stepping into the room. I stood to the side, frozen. Shock flooded my system as I watched him pull out the painting and roses from behind his back. There was also a cute little card on the roses. I couldn’t make out the message clearly, but I knew it said, "My eternal love, my forever beauty." It felt like I was watching a scene unfold from a play that I had no role in. Conrad knelt before Susanna, “You're my one and only.” Susanna hugged him and smiled, saying, "Thank you so much! I have some good news to tell you, I'm expecting!" It wasn’t until I fell to the ground that my husband noticed I was here. I'm just my sister-in-law's substitute.	LEARN_MORE	https://nvwibcnshop.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	336	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	nvwibcnshop.com	VIDEO		https://nvwibcnshop.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17313&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/t39.35426-6/473046363_610863811485920_4957307814589450381_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0bmpr1PhPXcQ7kNvgFYmolJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AX7rEtSBXXsfNlYCJInhCwX&oh=00_AYD5AxOp5I4aRK2eC9wGuoskjGn0CviRREqezdy9TmHtdQ&oe=678B729A	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,527	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663516}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	https://www.instagram.com/_u/platosclosetbowlinggr	Plato's Closet - Bowling Green, KY	https://www.facebook.com/Platosclosetbg/	4,998	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.instagram.com/_u/platosclosetbowlinggreen	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473266030_1308009643662316_6208274981471199234_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Krt4rCGOuu4Q7kNvgHF-QWq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Agf1-022i-AMIhyEaAygBYr&oh=00_AYDb6KSKvEph42tsYRnOMYEYp15xvstyoJm1_AZVt5lEzg&oe=678B7C31	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Plato's Closet - Bowling Green, KY	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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