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Ads for Sweeps on 2025-01-13

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	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,663,726	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663862}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256	Get price, location & more photos	🏠New Listing for sale in Anna, Texas, 0 Bed & 0 Bath Click below to get price, location & more photos 🌟 Endless Potential in Anna, TX! 🌟 Don’t miss this rare Investment Opportunity to own 2.49 acres in one of North Texas' fastest-developing areas! Why this property? ✅ No zoning restrictions – located in the ETJ ✅ Perfect for commercial development ✅ Surrounded by booming growth and new opportunities 💵 Value is in the Land not the Residence 💡 Opportunities like this don’t last long!	LEARN_MORE		Kelly Reber - Real Estate	https://www.facebook.com/KellyReberRealEstate/	116	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more		VIDEO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473319107_579779911498814_6382379095644674783_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OqZxoBRl01IQ7kNvgE0DYg5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AsY4W07fGfH9BEuAmji8W3T&oh=00_AYCSo1uRD6fwtiLw_qXtqMtT5K7eMRt9sXyHFQQOciKDJA&oe=678B99B2	PERSON_PROFILE	Kelly Reber - Real Estate	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,532	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663530}'	No	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		Premier Card Shows presents the Windy City Bulls Card Show this Saturday, January 18th from 4 to 9 pm at the NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192. Admission is $25 and gives access to both the card show as well as the Windy City Bulls game, and the first 1500 fans receive an Ayo Dosunmu Bobblehead. Stop by the Baseball Card Haven tables for the BCW supplies you need for your growing collection. You can find more info, and buy tickets, by visiting https://www.premiercardshows.com/copy-of-kane-county			BCW Sports Supplies	https://www.facebook.com/BCWSportsSupplies/	1,506	1969-12-31 18:00			IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473435169_583556194558471_8497321830299218686_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LcfT1Az2adEQ7kNvgHw1ObT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Agf1-022i-AMIhyEaAygBYr&oh=00_AYCDzQ8krcHAOQs56wL1K24B_eeDBZqVcwCkbxuVdeWdHQ&oe=678B75D8	PERSON_PROFILE	BCW Sports Supplies	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,768	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663862}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256		Áo dài tết thiết kế hồng sen #viralreelsシ #trendingvideo #trendingreels #fypシ #aodaicachtan #aodaivietnam #aodaicachtan #Goodbye2024	MESSAGE_PAGE		Kelly Ying Boutique	https://www.facebook.com/kellyyingboutique/	20,621	1969-12-31 18:00	Send message		VIDEO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473271321_3941236296088095_4975332934338994795_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=myxfAJ55rOYQ7kNvgEmpDwW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A8TgAh3ZlgmseAJxCKoXEbi&oh=00_AYD3krD2mzJwJC7Vj8e6qu9XQtHvUBpBQDaZmqNIz_YS7Q&oe=678B8AED	PERSON_PROFILE	Kelly Ying Boutique	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,717	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663718}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256	20% off and Free Shipping		SHOP_NOW	https://rouxdolphandco.etsy.com/	Roux-Dolph & Co.	https://www.facebook.com/rouxdolph/	808	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	etsy.com	CAROUSEL		https://rouxdolphandco.etsy.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473666911_584044701036001_6677213150664852414_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W4sL3LxGXAoQ7kNvgHwePIl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AsY4W07fGfH9BEuAmji8W3T&oh=00_AYDPvqSMPzRz_1Zo9svJ6cUFeqaYsQY1npwJHMQvNxMWtw&oe=678B7563	PERSON_PROFILE	Roux-Dolph & Co.	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,613	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		Brides-to Be??...Newly Engaged?? Planning a wedding & don't know where to start?? Come join us for an afternoon designed to ease the stress of planning a wedding while providing you with some of the best vendors in the industry! $1000 GIVEAWAY... Gift card to Ocala Travel for you to choose your dream destination! 🤍Register TODAY! @ www.ClarkPlantation.com🤍	LEARN_MORE	http://Clarkplantation.com/	Clark Plantation Event Venue	https://www.facebook.com/ClarkPlantationEventVenue/	4,288	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	Clarkplantation.com	VIDEO		http://Clarkplantation.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473569151_797599159217496_5647380441156404590_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tu8isfQYKwoQ7kNvgE21oA2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0bSEyHgQikkTm_PwBrffUJ&oh=00_AYAqJ6UfOEwoQv9F3djrIPODv6E2P0iyCKqRaD89RSMi3A&oe=678B8406	PERSON_PROFILE	Clark Plantation Event Venue	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,000	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663996}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	🔞HOT! HOT!Do not read in public！👉	My husband and mate, Elijah, is the Alpha of one of the most powerful packs in Fenrisa, the Iron Claw Pack. I am his wife and his mate. One would think that due to being fated, our relationship would be a good one. But that’s far from the truth. The truth is, I am his second chance mate. “Verena, I want to reject our bond and get separated,” Elijah’s voice doesn't hold an ounce of emotion as he sits across from me in the dim living room. I'd been waiting for him to celebrate our third wedding anniversary together. But when he arrived, there was this coldness about him. I figured he was just tired from work, but then he asked me to sit down and dropped a bombshell on me. "Why?" I blink in disbelief. He must be joking, right? But the intensity of his gaze chips away at my doubt, replacing it with a growing sense of worry. I know the reason. The one I've feared the most for so long. His mate has returned to the pack. Elijah’s first mate had left him just before the mating ceremony. The reason was unknown, but everyone assumed that she didn’t want a relationship with her mate and loved someone else. On the same day of their separation, Elijah found me and realized that I am his second chance mate. Second chance mates are rare, and it can be called a miracle that the Goddess gives Elijah a second chance in love by mating us. He hasn’t rejected his first mate, but one can find a second mate irrespective of rejecting their first mate. It's complicated and goes against the laws of the mate bond. Yet it's a blessing to the ones whose first mate dies or leaves them. Elijah sighs, “You know about Nixie. She wants to be back with me.” I clench my fist. “And you want to get back with her?” My lips quiver, and I struggle to stop my body from trembling, but it's futile. Despite being Elijah’s second chance, he’s my first. My first mate, the only love of my life. No matter who your second chance is, the bond with the first mate is stronger, like the first love that you can’t move on from. Elijah feels the same towards Nixie, I know, but can I simply accept it? His face remains aloof, “Nixie needs me, Verena. She is my mate and my wolf needs her.” His first mate returned a week ago, claiming that she was kidnapped by our enemy pack and taken hostage for three years. The pack that captured her was destroyed due to a pack war, and the hostages were released. That’s how Nixie escaped and returned to our pack. "I can’t have two mates at the same time. Having you both is putting a lot of pressure and weakening my wolf. Over time, it’ll get worse. So, I’ll have to reject one," he adds in a calm voice, while a storm is rising in my chest. "And you choose her," I reply, tears brimming in my eyes. I knew that Elijah hadn’t moved on from his first mate when I entered his life. But I had believed that I could heal him and show him that I can love him more. I did everything in my power to make him happy when we got married. Yet, she’s the one he chooses. What about us? The relationship we built for all these years, does it mean nothing to him? When I walked into his life, he was emotionally unavailable and rude to me. But I stayed patient and he gradually started to warm up to me. Since then we had worked together on everything and he promised to stay beside me forever. I know that I won’t be able to bear him a healthy child because I did not shift after I turned eighteen and it's been five years since I have been wolf-less. But I felt the mate bond when I saw Elijah at the Mating Ball. He also agreed to marry me because his pack needed a Luna and it was better to have a second chance mate than have no mate at all. “You said you'd never leave me. You promised me,” I remind him. “How can you break it because of someone who left you years ago?” His icy presence sends a chill through the room. "Rena, watch your words. Remember who you're speaking to," he warns, his tone sharp like a blade. "And do you expect me to overlook the fact that you intentionally drove Nixie away because you wanted to be with me?" My brows raise, “What are you talking about?” He stands from the couch, “You think I don’t know? Nixie returned to this pack just one year after our marriage and wanted to meet me. But you met her first and threatened her to not come close to me and disappear from the pack.” A shadow falls on his chiseled face, making him look deadly and dangerous. I have always admired his ruthless side, especially when he makes sure to punish anyone who tries to hurt me. But today, he’s giving me this look as if he’s disgusted by me. “Because of you, Nixie could not contact me and tell me what happened to her. I couldn’t be there for her when she needed me. Just because of you.” He accuses me, and I feel like I have been stabbed in the chest. “I did not!” I say and he tilts his head as if he did not expect that response from me. As much as I want Elijah all to myself, I know that he feels empty without Nixie. So I would have accepted them being together, just for the sake of Elijah’s happiness. He raises a brow, “So you are not going to admit it?” “Admit what? I have no idea what you are talking about.” I protest. "Fine, I'll call him then," Elijah's obsidian eyes glaze over as he connects through the mind-link. Seconds later, the door swings open and Joshua walks inside. “What’s the matter?” He asks as he looks at both of us. He is Elijah’s Beta. “Rena denies that she had not tried to kick Nixie out of the pack when she returned two years ago. Is that true?” I look at Joshua expectantly. He will tell Elijah the truth. I relax a little, waiting for the truth to come out. But why do I have this bad feeling? “No, I saw her two years ago with the Luna,” Joshua replies calmly, with a subtle smile on his face. “The Luna did threaten her and tell her to leave the pack.” What?! “Joshua, what the hell are you saying?! I didn't even meet Nixie!” I rise from my seat in shock and look at him in disbelief. “Keep your voice low, Rena. Joshua is saying what he saw and I am surprised that you believed he’d lie for you. After all, he’s the one who showed me pictures of your encounter with my mate.” Elijah throws the pictures on the table and it feels like someone has pulled the rug off my feet. These are from a different time. They are manipulated. I look at the Beta who gives me a smirk. He betrayed me. I thought we were good friends but… My shoulders slump as I look at the floor. This can’t be happening. “Do you have any evidence that the Beta is lying?” Elijah asks. I don’t have an answer. My head spins, trying to process everything that has happened. “No,” I whisper. If I had known that he’ll betray me like this, I would have been more cautious. But why would he do this? For a few minutes, silence hangs heavy in the air until Elijah gently grasps my chin, coaxing me to meet his gaze. His inky black hair falls messily across his face, reminding me of its softness when I touched it before. “It's over, Rena. You knew how much I loved Nixie, yet you pushed her away from me. Then you pretended to love me when all you wanted was the power and wealth that comes with being my wife. I can’t let any of this slip away.” he says, his voice gentle but deep and chilling. Pretend to love him? After all these years, he thinks it was an act. I know I don’t have any evidence to prove my innocence, but won’t he try to believe me for once? I can’t help but wonder if he would have believed Nixie if she was in my shoes. He would have probably forgiven her, because mates tend to be possessive of their partners. But he won’t treat me like that, because according to him, I am just his second chance. I am nothing compared to his first true mate, his first love. Tears glisten in my eyes as pain grips my heart. "Elijah, I mean it. I don't care about the position. I just want you." He growls, baring his canines and his eyes flash, “I had enough. You should be grateful that I am not imprisoning you for doing something like this. So if you don’t want to live in the cells, I advise you to accept the divorce and the rejection.” He lets go of my chin and retrieves the divorce agreement. He slaps it onto the coffee table, making me flinch. "Sign it.” I stare at the papers with a bleeding heart. All the good memories I had with him flash in my head. What did all of those moments mean? Was it a lie when he said that I make him smile? That I am special to him? That our bond is no lesser than a first mate bond? I slowly bend forward, and grab the pen. I sign the paper while holding back my tears.“Here, it's done,” I whisper while holding the divorce agreement. For a brief moment, the iciness in his gaze melts, replaced by shock and hurt. But he swiftly regains his composure and accepts the paper from me. A sad smile curves my lips. So he would have gotten separated from me anyway. It did not matter what I did, he just needed a reason to reject me and have his mate back. “When is the rejection ceremony going to take place?” I ask while looking down at my trembling arms. If I see his face, I’m afraid I’ll break down completely. “Tomorrow. I expect you to be present at the training ground at eight in the morning. Once the rejection is over, you can stay at the packhouse. Though I’d prefer if you don’t come close to my mate. I don’t want you to cause a scene.” he replied and it hurts how he calls Nixie ‘my mate’. I rise from my seat and turn around, “Don’t worry, you won’t find me anywhere near you or Nixie after the rejection is over. That’ll be my gift to you. Happy Marriage Anniversary, Alpha Elijah.” Chapter 2 : Her, Nixie Verena It's alright. Things will get better. Elijah will change his mind, after all he loves me—- My trembling hand freezes halfway as I reach for the plate on the dining table. Tear droplets splatter on the polished darkwood, and the sight of our signatures on the divorce agreement brings me crashing back to reality. We're divorced, and tomorrow he will reject me. Not being able to pretend anymore, I break down into sobs. My fingers curl on the edge of the table while I look at the hardwood floor with tears streaming down my eyes. He really divorced me. My relationship with Elijah hasn’t been a bed of roses. When we married, he was cold and distant. But I started to witness the softer, emotional side of him that he tried to hide from the rest of the world. I made his pain my own, and tried my best to keep him happy. He was gradually warming up to me. But then Nixie returned and he pushed me away like those years of our relationship meant nothing to him. My chest squeezes painfully at the thought of it. I just can’t accept that he doesn't want me anymore. But the untouched food on the table, and the red velvet cake with Happy Third Marriage Anniversary written on it is a reminder that it's true. It took me almost four hours to bake this cake, in high hopes of seeing a smile on Elijah’s face when he returns. “Are you finished with your nonsense?” Maya, my maid’s voice, draws my attention to the door. She stands there with an annoyed expression, gesturing towards the wall. “Unlike you, I actually have work to do, like cleaning up this mess.” I wipe my face, and take a step back, “Yes, go ahead.” My voice sounds dry. Maya rolls her eyes, her lips curl in disapproval as she walks over and eyes the table. “Such a headache,” she mutters while shaking her head. Despite being Luna, I am not liked in the packhouse. It's because I am an orphan who did not shift. Even an omega has a wolf, so it makes me appear way beneath in rank. So the people don’t approve of me as their Queen. Someone without a wolf can’t lead a pack of wolves. That’s what I have always been told. I have learned to live with it because that is how I have always been treated. And forcing people to like me through fear of my position goes beyond my values, so I try to make up for my weakness by putting my best efforts. But Elijah has punished anyone who has tried to misbehave with me, always taking my side when things went down. He was very protective of me. Was. I wonder if he believes now Nixie will be a better Luna than me because of having a wolf. She comes from a family of Gammas, so she has a strong wolf and anyone will choose her over me. Rip! My body jolts at the sudden sound of something being torn off, and I notice Maya ruthlessly tearing the fairy lights and red balloons off the wall behind the table. With each delicate adornment being stripped away, I feel a prick in my chest. My friends Dory and Drake helped me set up the decorations last night, and we were so proud of it. Maya does not hold back on the food either, and I flinch at the way she just dumps the cake into the dustbin. I feel like that cake, dumped into trash. My head feels dizzy at the overwhelming emotions. I need a shower. I walk out of the dining hall, and my legs feel heavy for some reason. Now that I think about it, I've been feeling quite sick since this morning. My throat itches, I feel nauseous, and I've been unusually tired lately. Maybe it's because of Elijah. Not paying any attention to my surroundings, my hand subconsciously reaches to open the door to the bedroom. But the moment the door swings back, a pleasant musky scent hits my nose. There’s another scent with it that makes my nose crinkle. My body freezes in place when I notice Elijah sitting on the bed. With Nixie on his lap. With brown hair that brushes her shoulders in curls and a floral print mini skirt riding up her slender, milky white thighs, Nixie looks like any man’s wet dream. Compared to her, I look basic in my plain blue dress and straight midnight blue hair. They seem to be having a moment as her arms are wrapped around his neck, while his hand is on her slim waist. Elijah notices my presence, “Rena,” he takes my name with his deep, velvety voice that tugs at my heart and lets go of Nixie’s waist. Nixie gets off his lap and stands beside him, fixing her skirt. “Oh my Goddess, Rena. I-I didn’t know you would be coming,” her pale skin turns red as if she’s embarrassed. Even when I don’t have a wolf, I can still feel the sting of their intimacy. My heart pounds painfully in my chest. “Rena, why are you here?” Elijah asks, staring at me with his cold obsidian eyes. I can’t tell what he is thinking. Chapter 3 : He, with Her Verena “I…um…” the words feel stuck in my throat. My legs feel weak. I can’t believe he started to get so intimate with her after a few hours of our divorce. If he’s this affectionate with her, then it means that he has already moved on. Though maybe he did not need to move on in the first place. “Rena?” He takes my name again, and I regain my composure. I need to get a hold on myself. He’s no longer my husband, and soon he’ll reject me from the mate bond. So I shouldn’t be feeling anything. “Did I interrupt something?” I ask, my gaze sliding to Nixie who stares at me with her big doe green eyes. Anyone would fall for the innocence those eyes portray, but I can see the malice behind it. Elijah narrows his gaze, and places a hand over his mouth. He does that when he’s curious, and annoyed. “You did,” he replies sharply, and I'm struck by his words. “I–” “Rena, you should remember that you need to ask for the Alpha’s permission before entering his room.” My lips part in shock, and my brows lift. “What?” “You heard me. Still, I’d let this go because we aren’t officially rejected and you are my mate.” His voice puts me in an icy chokehold. Just a few hours, and our relationship has completely changed. Where is the man who waited for me every single night in bed to fall asleep together? Who is he? “Wow, I did not know that it was your room now, Alpha. The same room we shared for three years,” I retort, crossing my arms. My eyes flit to the bed where he was sitting with Nixie on his lap. His jaw clenches at my words. “We are divorced now. So isn’t it obvious that we won’t be sharing the same room anymore?” He tilts his head, gauging my reaction. I smirk, “Sure. I mean, you won’t like me barging into your ‘room’ while you spend some quality time with your mate,” I emphasize the last word and my gaze shifts to Nixie. “Rena, before you say something to insult Nixie, I’ll warn you. I have been lenient with you, but I won’t this time. So choose your words wisely.” He speaks in a low, commanding voice, reminding me of who’s in charge. His words crush my soul. It's as if I am the problem in his life. “Elijah, it's alright,” Nixie moves closer to him, and slides her hand over his shoulder. “I can understand that she’s hurt so I am fine with it.” A growl leaves my lips as I stare at her hand placement. Elijah raises a brow, and I realize what I have done. He’s still my mate, and it's not easy for me to watch someone else touch him, even if that person is his first mate. “I–I am sorry if I made you upset, Rena,” Nixie looks at me with quivering lips, “But you have to understand that I love him and can’t stay away from him.” Tears fill her eyes, and she starts to sob. “Nixie, don’t cry. It's not your fault,” Elijah gets up, and wraps an arm around her. My insides scream at that sight, but I don’t let a word out of my mouth. I silently watch him comfort her when I am the one in need of comfort. “Rena and I have come to a mutual agreement, so it's our decision.” I scowl. It was never my decision to get separated from him. Elijah looks at me with a pointed look, “You did not tell me why you are here.” His voice is gentle as always, but I can tell that he does not want me here. He feels that I will sabotage his relationship with Nixie. My jaw trembles, “It's nothing. I am sorry for interrupting whatever you both were doing,” I storm out of the door while the tears trickle down my eyes. The paintings and furniture on the hallway start to look unfamiliar as I rush past them. Why? Why do I have to go through this? My head starts to throb, and I stop in my steps. I feel dizzy. The nausea grows, crawling up my chest and through my blurry vision, I see two figures on the other side of the hall. They look concerned as they walk towards me. “Luna, are you alright?” I recognize the voice. It's Dory, “You look no well—” I don’t hear the rest of her sentence as the air shifts, and I grace the floor. Shadows dance in my vision before everything turns dark. Beep. Beep. My eyes flutter open on hearing a sound, and I find myself in a hospital bed. A dull ache throbs in my head. “She’s awake,” I feel Dory’s warm hand on my back as I slowly get up. She helps me sit. “Thank Goddess!” Drake exclaims as he stands beside her. They are twins, and work for me in the pack. I groan, feeling the same throbbing sensation. “I passed out?” “Yeah. We brought you to the hospital as soon as possible. Are you okay now?” Drake asks. I nod, “Yeah.” The door opens, and a woman walks in wearing a white coat and holding a clipboard. "Oh, you're awake. That's good," she says with a smile as she approaches me. My gaze falls onto the tag on her coat. Dr. Shalini, Senior Gynaecologist. “Is it an infection?” I ask. Her smile widens, “No, Luna. I have good news for you. I hope that the Alpha throws us a party after this.” she says and my frown deepens. My gaze shifts to Drake and Dory. Drake shrugs while Dory shakes her head. “I don’t understand,” I say. “Congratulations, my Luna. You are going to be a mother.” she replies. Chapter 4 : A Baby? Verena The world seems to stop as I hear what she said. I am…carrying a baby now? “What?” I gasp. The woman nods, her eyes glinting with excitement. “Yes, Luna. I ran a USG scan, and it shows the pregnancy.” Dory shrieks, “Oh my Goddess! That's wonderful news.” She grins at me, and hugs Drake, who is taken aback by her sister’s excitement. The doctor looks at my confused expression and asks, “Is everything alright?” I stare at my lap. How can I be? Drake senses my confusion and turns to the doctor, “Can we have some time alone with her? We’ll call you if we need anything. Thank you for the news, doc.” “Um, alright,” she says hesitantly, giving me one last glance before walking out of the room. Dory senses the change in mood and asks me, “What’s wrong, Luna?” “I think I understand why she is confused,” Drake answers, and Dory looks at him. “We all know that Luna does not have a wolf.” Dory’s brows shoot up in realization. “Oh my, that’s right. Then, how?” She looks at me, the colors of excitement on her face completely gone. A she-wolf who did not shift can’t bear another male wolf’s child, let alone that of an Alpha’s child. Our genetics act like one of a normal human, and we are not compatible with carrying a shifter’s child. So how can I having a baby? “We should get the report checked or tell them to run another test on you. The report can be wrong,” Drake says in a calm voice. He is always calm in these situations and looks at every problem through a logical perspective. As advised by Drake, I undergo another USG scan to confirm if the report is accurate or not. Dory insists that I get some rest, so I return to the packhouse after the test is over. She promises to bring me the test report, so I anxiously wait for her in one of my spare rooms. When the second test report arrives, my eyes stay glued to the report file, my hands trembling. Test result—positive. Sweet tears blur my vision. I can’t believe this. “It's really true, Luna. You are with child,” Dory remarks with a huge smile plastered on her face. My hand reaches to my belly. There is a life growing inside me. When I had not shifted after my 18th birthday, I had lost all hope of conceiving. Elijah was unhappy about my barren state, and it was another reason for him to act cold towards me in the initial stages of our marriage. An Alpha needs an heir, and I was incapable of providing one. “But how is this possible? I never shifted,” I mutter. “I have a theory in my mind,” Dory replies as she stands before me with her hands crossed. I look up from the file, and a thoughtful look darkens her eyes, “There have been a few cases where the shifter did not transform at the right age because their wolf was still in a developmental phase.” I raise a brow, “Developmental phase?” She hums, “Most wolves start to develop in our bodies from the time of our birth. The average age for any healthy transformation is from eighteen to nineteen. Usually, after that time, no shifter ever transforms, meaning their wolf could not grow properly because of the lack of strength in the person’s body. But there was this one case study in the Moonlight Pack where the Alpha got his wolf at the age of twenty-six. Rumor has it that his predecessors also got their wolves late.” “So it's in the bloodline?” I ask, rubbing my belly, “Isn’t the Moonlight Pack Alpha a powerful one who has magical powers?” She nods, “That’s what everyone says. But recently, no one has seen the Alpha around, and some say that it's just baseless rumors. If he truly had magical powers, then he would have shown them, but there’s no incident as such. He’s been a mystery for the last ten years.” I hum in agreement. It's hard to tell what my condition is, but I don’t care. If Elijah learns about this, I am sure he’ll annul the divorce. He can’t reject me after knowing that I have his baby. It will put the child’s life at risk. I need to tell him. He has to change his mind after this. He can’t get separated from me if he knows that I am carrying his future heir. I get up from the bed and tell Dory, “I’ll show this to the Alpha.” Not wasting another second, I am rushing out of the guestroom. Thank Selene! She has blessed me with a child. She believes that Elijah and I are meant to be together. A smile curves my lips. The moment I reach his office, I knock the door twice with my knuckles while excitement bubbles through me. I hear his deep voice through the door, “Come in.” I step in, feeling a little nervous as I find him sitting on his office chair, wearing his blue-light glasses with a white rim. They frame his obsidian eyes that scrutinize me. He looks so handsome in them. But then my gaze falls on Nixie, whose arm rests on his shoulder. She is way too close to him, and frowns when she notices me. It's not hard to see the malicious look in her eyes. Once I settle things with Elijah, I’ll make sure she never gets a chance to come close to him. “What brings you here, Rena?” Elijah asks, shifting his gaze to his computer screen. I am about to respond when he says, “I hope it's not ‘nothing’ like last time. You should know that I am a busy person, and my time has value." He speaks in a frosty demeanor that reminds me of winter. “I am carrying your baby, Elijah,” I say, hoping that the news will shock him. He has always been looking forward to having an heir. Now his wish has come true. Chapter 5: Will He Be Back? Verena His gaze lifts from the display screen and darkens with disappointment, “Is this your new trick to get me back?” he retorts, and the corner of Nixie’s lips curls into a smirk. I blink in confusion. Trick? “Why–why would I trick you with something like this?” His jaw clenches, and the air turns cold with his icy gaze, “You tell me, Rena. You want me to believe that without having a wolf, you can carry the child of an Alpha?” I flinch at his words. I am not proud of my condition. But it's out of my control. “I know it's hard to believe. I did not believe it either. That’s why I ran two tests to confirm the report. I am really carrying a baby.” I take a step towards his desk and hand him the file. He flips through it, his eyes going over the report. Nixie leans in to also check, and her face turns pale. It makes me a little happy. This child will be the one to save our relationship and this pack. “I get it now,” he says, staring at the table in thought, and I breathe in relief. “You went to Shadow Den after the divorce for this reason. To create a fake pregnancy report.” He adds, and suddenly it feels like I have been punched in the gut. “What?! What are you talking about?” I ask, my eyes wide in horror. Shadow Den is a shady place at the borders of the pack where all kinds of illegal activities take place, including creating fake documents. A dignified lady will never step into that place because it reeks of crime and rogue trafficking. “I told my men to keep an eye on you, and they reported that you went to Shadow Den. At first, I couldn’t believe it and punished them for lying to me. But now it seems that they were telling me the truth.” The look Elijah gives me completely shatters my soul. It feels like the respect he had for me is broken now. I shake my head frantically, “No! I did not go there, Elijah. Please trust me!” He scoffs, his eyes swirling with hurt. “How can I trust you when you are doing things behind my back? You know how much I have desired a child. It pains me to think you have gone this far.” “That’s not true. I will never do something like this, you know that,” The corner of my eyes prick. How can he believe that I will fake childbirth? “I can prove myself this time. Call the hospital and ask if I had done a test there or not.” I raise my voice, holding my ground as much as I can. Elijah dials the number on his phone. He puts it on the loudspeaker and places it on the desk for me to hear. With each ring, my heart beats with anticipation. This has to work. The clinic keeps records of their patients. “Larsen's Clinic speaking. How may I help you, Alpha?” The female receptionist’s voice comes from the receiving end. Elijah places his hands on the desk and asks, “Is there any record of my wife Verena Donovan getting a USG test done today at your clinic?” “Give me a second please, Alpha,” the receptionist answers politely. Patient records are confidential, but since it's the Alpha asking for information, the hospital has to obey his orders. I fidget, waiting for her to confirm it. Each second feels like an hour, making me grow nervous. Her voice finally comes through, “There’s no record of her checking in our clinic today, Alpha.” My heart drops, and for a second I forget how to breathe. No, this can’t be possible. I was there. They saw me. Then, why? Elijah hangs up the phone. Nixie’s eyes glint with victory as she stares at me. The walls around the office feel like they are closing in on me. Why did the clinic lie? Is someone else behind this? My gaze shifts to Nixie, who has a smug look on her face. It is strange how she has been so silent and did not try to stop me from showing the reports. He sighs and takes off his glasses. “Rena, look. Your excuses are not going to work on me. This rejection is going to happen because as an Alpha, I have to be with my rightful mate.” He rises from the chair and approaches me. Standing close to me, he adds “And I am letting you stay here. I won’t banish you from the pack, so you don’t have to use these cheap tricks.” Cheap tricks? My hand goes to my belly. The man I have spent my life with for three years did not try to believe me for once. This proves that he never trusted me in all these years, and I thought that we had a good relationship—one that was built out of mutual love and respect. It was all in my head. “This is the extent of my kindness, Rena,” Elijah adds, “Don’t test my patience any further.” I don’t need his kindness. The only thing I wanted from him was to take my side, to have faith in me. But he pushed it all away. I decide to leave silently and walk towards the door. When I grab the handle with my shaking hand, his voice stops me. “Rena.” I look over my shoulder and find him staring at me. There is something in his gaze. “I hope you remember the time of the rejection ceremony tomorrow. Don’t try to bail on me because then I’ll have to force you to join me at the training grounds.” My chest tightens at the lack of empathy in his voice. “I won’t,” I hold back the tears that threaten to fall by clenching the doorknob tightly. He wants to get rid of me so badly. But I am worried about my child. I can only pray to have the strength to protect my baby from his rejection. Chapter 6 : Love’s Not Enough Verena “So, when is the Alpha throwing us a party?” Dory asks as she walks into my room with a cheerful smile. She does not know. The only thing she knows is that I went to Elijah to tell him the good news. “You definitely have to tell me the names you are deciding on, especially if it's a girl. I don’t want our princess to have a terrible name like mine. Also I–” “We are going to have a rejection ceremony today,” I say with a grim expression. Dory blinks a few times, “What? That’s such a bad joke.” My lips curve in a sad smile while I sit on the armchair, “It's not.” The girl’s smile drops, “No, that’s not possible.” My gaze dips to the jar she’s holding in her hand, “Did you bring the herbs I asked you to?” Her brows pucker, “Yeah, I did. But the herbs you asked for are used to protect an unborn from any strong supernatural forces. Why would you ask for something like—” her lips stop moving as her eyes light up with realization. There are certain herbs that protect an unborn child in the womb of a mother who gets rejected from her mate. I told her to bring one of those so that no harm comes to my baby. She stays still for a few seconds, “What? I– Are you really getting rejected?” I answer her with my silence. She stands still, as if processing everything. “The Alpha...he’s behind this, isn’t he?” she grits her teeth. “I should have known it. Something felt off about you staying in this room, and looking so pale.” She clenches her fist. I slowly rise from my armchair, “Dory, calm down.” “No for this case!” she slams the jar into the bedside, and stomps out of the room. Crap! I run up to her. She’s going to argue with Elijah. Stepping out of the room, I get hold of her wrist, and stop her, “Stop! Don’t do it.” She whips her head at me, rage burning like coal in her eyes, “Luna, I respect you. But I can’t accept this. How can he do this to you? I’ll go and knock some sense into him!” “No, no, no.” I pull her back. She is acting like a dog who has gone feral, and needs to be kept on a leash. Most of the time she is calm and rational. But when it comes to the people she cares for, she becomes hot-headed and does something regretful. If she talks back to Elijah, she can be put into the cells or even banished. “Calm down. This decision is mutual,” I say, and she freezes. She turns to me with a face as if lightning has struck her. “What about the child? How can you get separated when the future heir of this pack is growing inside you?” She points at my belly and I place my palm on it. Despite what the clinic said, I believe that a life is growing inside me. I can feel it in my bones. But I don’t want to tell Dory everything. She does not need to be involved in my problems. "It's because of the new girl who joined the pack, isn’t it?” Dory asks suddenly, and I jerk my head up at her, my heart skipping a beat. I did not expect her to catch on to it so quickly. She notices my face, “You don’t need to worry about her, Luna. I’ll teach her a lesson that she’ll run out of the borders of this pack and never look back,” she says with determination. I sigh. This girl has no sense of danger. “You’ll do nothing like that. Promise me.” She frowns, “But—” “I said what I said. Don’t argue with your Luna,” I will be ex-Luna soon but there is time left for the rejection ceremony. So I will use my authority to make sure Dory does not put herself in danger. Her shoulders sag, and she reluctantly nods. “But why are you not doing anything? Will you let another girl just take everything from you?” Her words prick me. I did try, but when Elijah wants me to step out of his life, then there is nothing I can do. Even our child could not save our relationship because he does not even believe in its existence. “It's pointless. Also, it's better to end things. Our marriage was like an agreement and since he has no use for me now, the agreement has ended.” It was a mistake. If I had known that I would be treated like this after the return of his fated mate, I would have never agreed to this marriage. Second chance mates after all are…second choice, not first. “But Luna…” She steps closer to me, her brown eyes staring at me, “You love him, more than your own life. I know you.” Her words squeeze my chest tightly and warm tears cover my vision. She has seen how much dedicated I have been to Elijah. I blink to push my tears back, and amidst the silence of the gloomy morning my words come out like a sad symphony, “My love is not enough.” A tear slips down my left eye. Dory's eyes glisten with pain as she wraps her arms around me in a gentle embrace. The warmth of her act stirs something inside me, and I break down into sobs. Now that she's here, I realize how much I needed someone's presence to share my sorrow. With no parents or many friends whom I can trust to open up to, given my focus on work and Elijah, her presence feels like a cool shade after hours of walking in scorching heat. "I am so sorry this is happening to you. If the Alpha can't see how much you have sacrificed for him, then he does not deserve you!" she cries, and I hug her tighter. It brings me some relief knowing that there's someone for me. "Don't worry sweetheart, it's okay. I can make it." I pat Dory on the back. "Later I'll go to Elijah's room and get my stuff back, they must not want to see me in this house, and neither do I.” Chapter 7: Shattered Expectations An hour later, I step inside Elijah’s bedroom to get all my stuff. The walls of the room make me suffocated as it reminds me of the times we have spent here. Brushing those thoughts away, I focus on my task at hand. There is no point in staying in this packhouse so I’ll pack my things and leave. The money I have saved from my stock investments will get me to stay for six months in a five-star hotel. I will use that time to find a job. Since I have always been focused on my duties as the Luna of this pack, I never got the time to pursue anything else, especially my dream to open a bakery. Now that I no longer have any duties towards the pack, I can focus on my dream and have a bakery shop of my own. Feeling a little energetic from the idea, I start to pull out all my accessories from the drawer when my eyes fall on a photo frame. Bright blue sky, palm trees and sand fill the background before which stands a couple smiling at me. The lady’s cheeks are pink, and the shine in her eyes is unavoidable as her man has his arm wrapped around her waist. “Haha! You can’t catch me!” I scream as I run across the sand, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the cool breeze tangling my hair. Elijah has a challenging look on his face as he chases me, but there’s a subtle smile on his handsome sun-kissed face. Before I know it, his strong arms grab me from behind, “Looks like I won,” I gasp as he gently lifts me off my feet, my heart fluttering in my chest. With a playful smile, he swings me around. Our laughter mixes and rings in the air, the world fading away as we get lost into the moment. My hand trembles as I run my palm over the picture in the photo frame. Those were some of our best moments, filled with joy and sweetness. Our relationship wasn’t one of love, but he was slowly warming up to me. "Oh, looks like there is a thief in here," Nixie's voice startles me as I find her standing inside the room. "How dare you try to steal my things?" she accuses me with her arms crossed. I look at the clothes that I am holding. "These are my things." She scoffs, "No more. Whatever you had before, it all belongs to me now. Including Elijah." Her words cut deep, and she smiles in satisfaction, enjoying the effect her words have on me. Her eyes lower to my hand, zeroing in on the ring I am wearing. I look at the diamond ring. It's a very special ring to me as Elijah gifted it to me on my birthday. "This ring will protect you from everything and my heart is in it. I give it to you," He said when he slid it onto my index finger. It's a rare diamond that can't be bought with money. "Hand over that ring right now," Nixie says, her eyes beaming with greed. I take a step back, holding my hand. "No." This ring means a lot to me. Even if I am separated from Elijah, I still want to keep a part of him with me forever. “I won’t say it again. Give it to me; it's my order! Your Luna’s order,” she shouts. “You'll never be my Luna. And I'm not giving this to you,” I reply confidently. “How dare you!” she grabs my wrist forcefully, and I yelp as a sharp pain shoots through my finger to my spine as she pulls the ring out of me forcefully. “Give it to me or I’ll cut your fingers off, you useless lowly beast!” she yells. Instinctively, I push her away with my other hand, and she stumbles back onto someone’s chest. My eyes go round when I see Elijah holding her from behind. His eyes are as cold as the Arctic, freezing me in my spot. “What is happening here?” “E-elijah,” Nixie starts crying, and wraps her arms around his neck, “I–” she sniffs, “I was only asking her how costly the ring is and she pushed me away.” She sobs like a baby. “That’s not true. She was trying to take the ring from me!” I protest. “So what if she did?” he asks, his face like a carved stone with no emotions. I stare at him, trying to process what he said for a moment. “I told her that she can have the ring when she asked me about it.” My eyes widen in disbelief, unblinking as they stare at him. Time stands still. I can’t believe what he is saying. “Hand over the ring to her, Rena,” he demands in a frosty voice. My feet feel glued to the floor. Nixie’s lips curl in a smile as she watches me in despair. The room closes around me, suffocating me with the weight of its shattered expectations. My lips curve upwards, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. It's devoid of any joy and is a mask to hide the emptiness within. Why did I even hope that he’ll care for me? Stupid, stupid me. I walk towards them and pull out the ring from my finger. “Here, take it,” I say while the smile remains intact. “You can have everything else here too. I don’t want it anymore.” It's exhausting to keep hoping that things will change, that he’ll take me back. Those are my last words, and I walk out of the room, accepting my defeat. Nixie wins, I lose. Suddenly, I feel a hand grab my wrist from behind and hear Elijah’s voice, “Rena.” I freeze. His voice is so gentle. My heart pounds in my chest, and I look past my shoulder to meet his black eyes. “The rejection ceremony is going to start soon. I’ll wait for you at the training grounds.” Chapter 8 : The Rejection Verena I smile, while my heart breaks in pain. He is so good at crushing my heart, like it's an object. “I will be there in time.” Saying that, I pull my hand away from him, engraving his touch for the last time in my head. A while later, I look at my reflection in the mirror. Dark eye bags hang under my green eyes, like someone has sucked the soul out of me. Only half an hour left before the ceremony begins, and after that, I will be separated from Elijah completely. I have mentally prepared myself for it, but physically, I am in a mess. Nixie took all my clothes and accessories, even the ones I bought myself. I am not that interested in fashion, so most of my clothes and jewelry were gifted by Elijah. So now, I have nothing to wear except this dress that I have on. My hands tremble a little in concern. Without anything, it will be hard for me to survive. But then I remind myself that I will be a mother soon. Stress is not good for the baby. I rub my belly, “Mamma promises to be strong from now on. You hang in there, pup.” I will need to dip into some of my savings to purchase new clothes and other necessities. But first, I must find a good hotel to stay in. My thoughts are interrupted by the loud sound of footsteps, and my face sours when I see Nixie walk in through the door, looking very chirpy. Now, what does she want? "Why are you here?" I ask in frustration, deciding not to turn around and act as though I am busy. Searching for hotels will be a better use of my time. I feel her close in, and she waves her hand before my face from behind. My gaze falls on the diamond ring on her finger, the ring I thought Elijah had gifted me as a sign of his love. My heart crumbles at the sight of it. "It suits me more than you, doesn't it? Elijah said that it looks better on me," she giggles, adding salt to my wound. I intentionally stay silent and focus on scrolling through a site that shows the various hotels available with their ratings and reviews. "Hello? I am talking to you!" she waves her hand again, clearly annoyed by not receiving her expected response. I refuse to give her the satisfaction of seeing me in pain, so I continue to avoid her. There's a groan from behind before she slaps my phone away, causing it to hit the hard, hardwood floor. I gasp at its state and immediately pick it up. The screen has cracked. "Now, that's a proper reaction," she says, smirking. Clenching my jaw, I face her. "What’s your problem, you mad woman?! I have divorced Elijah, and we are rejecting each other. That should be more than enough for you!" She sneers at me. "Don't act like you're doing me a favor. Actually, I'll do you a favor. Once you're rejected, I'll make sure you get banished after that." My face drains of all colors. Banishment? No! If I'm banished, I'll become a rogue with nowhere to live and no means to survive. That's assuming I don't get hurt by the dangerous creatures outside the borders or get captured by rogue traffickers who might sell me to some nasty, old Alpha as a slave first. I can't let my child be born in those circumstances. "Why? I'll leave this packhouse after rejection, so I won't be a threat to you anymore," I protest. She scowls. "Of course you are. I don't know what Elijah saw in you, but he seems to still care about you. He was telling me to return your clothes since he gave them to you," she rolls her eyes, "And he won't allow me to turn you into a slave for this packhouse either. So it means you're a threat to my position." I gulp, feeling a little relieved knowing that Elijah said that. But it's quickly replaced by Nixie's warning. "Be prepared to be kicked out. See you in the training grounds," she waves her hand and walks away humming a tune. My legs give out, and I collapse to the floor. My fingers curl around the bedsheet for support as I try to calm the crumbling anxiety inside me. What do I do now? I can't become a rogue. Dory walks in, her eyes falling on me. "Luna, are you okay?" she rushes up to me and helps me stand. She touches my forehead. "You're burning up. Did something happen?" I shake my head. "I'm fine. Is it time?" Her face falls, and she nods once. Taking a deep breath, I gather some courage. "Alright, let's go." Chapter 9 : Rejection I have to fight this. If Nixie wins, my pup will be in danger. I won't let that happen. We walk down the stairs and step outside. The sky is filled with gray clouds. On the large training grounds where the air usually buzzes with excitement and the energy of warriors, there's a damp, silent atmosphere among the people who came to watch the ceremony. None of them seem sad to watch me get rejected. They've never wanted me as their Luna because I'm an orphan. I take my place in the center of the ground. The people on the left clear a path for Elijah to walk through by standing in two rows, and he stops before the space created for the ceremony. Our eyes meet for a few seconds before he turns to the crowd. “I won’t waste time on explaining what’s happening here as most of you present are already aware. But know that I won’t tolerate anyone breaking the rules. If anyone dares to say a bad word to Verena or insults her in any way, I will have your head. Rejected or not, she is still a respected member of our family and this pack. So you all are expected to treat her fairly. Is that clear?” The people nod in unison, fearing Elijah’s wrath. A part of me is glad that he is rejecting me in a respectful manner. It would have hurt a lot more if he just allowed anyone to publicly berate me, especially when I go through the rejection. Elijah walks closer to me, and looks into my eyes. I feel his breathing was a little erratic and his face didn't look quite right.. Is he drunk? "I, Elijah Donovan, Alpha of the Iron Claw Pack, reject you, Verena, as my fated mate and my Luna," he declares. I close my eyes, attempting to block out the pain threatening to consume me. But even in the darkness behind my eyelids, I feel the strength of the rejection, as it threatens to tear my body apart. The pain rattles through my bones, clogging my nostrils and leaving me breathless. Elijah extends his arm to help me, but I take a step back. I will endure this pain alone. "I, Verena, current Luna of the Iron Claw Pack, accept your rejection, Alpha Elijah," I declare. My legs wobble beneath my dress as the ache in my chest intensifies. I feel a strong convulsion in my belly, causing me to lose my balance and drop to the ground, clutching my stomach. My baby! "Rena, are you alright?" Elijah inquires, but I know better than to believe that he actually cares for me. Gradually, the pain subsides, and I feel the herbs taking action to protect my baby from the effects of the rejection. "I am fine," I manage to say, wiping my tear-soaked face. "You accepted it," he mutters under his breath. Was he not expecting it? I don’t even understand him at this point. My limbs feel weak, so I remain in my place, trying to prevent myself from passing out. Just as I begin to feel like I have regained some control over my body, a strong scent hits my nose. It smells like lemons and grass, reminiscent of summer. I glance in the direction from which it's coming and spot a man walking into the crowd, looking around anxiously. He’s as tall as Elijah, broad and well-built, with spiky light-blond hair, deep blue eyes, and a tattoo running down his left arm. His aura is powerful, like that of an Alpha. The moment his eyes land on me, he growls ferociously, his wolf showing in his eyes, "Mine!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16560&u	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,782	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16560&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/t39.35426-6/470237291_1265292398062052_3318296055901822157_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SfyTKrhJW7AQ7kNvgEcf3GD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AX7rEtSBXXsfNlYCJInhCwX&oh=00_AYDWN--O6kyx4AN9Dkrh-NBX3xyVTjkQAh1Hc5kDbVPPHQ&oe=678B98D2	PERSON_PROFILE	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,744	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663862}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256		New Episode of Laughing with Letta featuring SendOff! 🎉 In this episode, Letta chats with Kelly Roberts to explore the mission behind SendOff and how we're reimagining the funeral experience. 🌟 Letta's SendOff plan is truly inspiring, and we're sure you'll feel motivated after listening. What do you envision for your own SendOff? Share your thoughts in the comments! Full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/putting-fun-in-funerals/id1506050681?i=1000683334484			SendOff - Funerals Reimagined	https://www.facebook.com/sendoffmn/	293	1969-12-31 18:00			VIDEO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473622441_579493371513426_8477762834043990916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fBbvGGz3xvoQ7kNvgHgNy2c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AX9UqfF4zP4xspRVgz0HrL2&oh=00_AYB9ka5b4yczQ4YOrA_Sb3UHWZ3x7mJw21jcouCOBQzMzg&oe=678B6EA3	PERSON_PROFILE	SendOff - Funerals Reimagined	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,725	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256	Enter your address; Receive your home's value.	What's your home really worth?	LEARN_MORE	https://streettext.com/web/413403/19020383?utm_sou	Kelly Reber - Real Estate	https://www.facebook.com/KellyReberRealEstate/	116	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	streettext.com	IMAGE	Find out in three easy steps. Guaranteed fast, free and accurate.	https://streettext.com/web/413403/19020383?utm_source=facebook&utm_ida=12318783&utm_idf=2217163	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473537806_575985098609259_285735788940963240_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pY6ToIP5xIYQ7kNvgGj6wBq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AsY4W07fGfH9BEuAmji8W3T&oh=00_AYARXP2HsHR0VV2X6CqYqlydVl8ecQCc5VrqKsOTRu9eOA&oe=678B8CB9	PERSON_PROFILE	Kelly Reber - Real Estate	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,765	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663766}'	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/t39.35426-6/473338165_1324733428444871_164903579379100683_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gbC6Xi4UfEEQ7kNvgG5iv5P&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A8TgAh3ZlgmseAJxCKoXEbi&oh=00_AYD6Z0bqq8IQhDp-kBBImIFLHV0uOJQPArXM-7FYwZTrpg&oe=678B72B0	PERSON_PROFILE	NReading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,226	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2664219}'	No	2025-01-13 18:27	active	2258	He drunkenly hugged her “Call me husband again ......”	💔Nyla Jayston was in her third month of trying to conceive when she saw a message on her husband Clark Sumner's phone from a contact named "Jordyn Cheatham". Jordyn: [I think my new nightgown is a bit tight. Why don't you come over and check if it fits?] Attached was a selfie of a woman in a deep V-neck red slip dress, her body partly exposed, exuding seduction. Nyla's grip on the phone tightened. She scrolled up and found Clark and Jordyn's previous exchanges to be strictly work-related, which made her frown. 'Was the text sent by mistake? Or…' A hand wrapped around Nyla's waist from behind, breaking her thoughts. Clark pressed his warm body against hers and gently nibbled her earlobe. "Honey, I'm all cleaned up. Do you want to do it on the couch or the bed?" Before Nyla could respond, Clark picked her up and laid her on the couch, his tall frame looming over her. "Since you're not saying anything, I'll choose. Let's do it on the couch," Clark said, his voice husky and his eyes filled with a flicker of fire that made Nyla blush instantly. Nyla was already beautiful, and the slight flush on her cheeks made her look like a tempting, ripe, juicy peach under the light. Clark's gaze grew darker. He leaned in to kiss Nyla, but she suddenly turned her head away. Sensing her resistance, he looked at her with confusion. "Honey, what's wrong?" Clark, usually assertive at work, now looked at Nyla with a mix of confusion and hurt, which softened her heart momentarily. Despite that, she hadn't forgotten the explicit selfie she had just seen. She stopped him with one hand on his chest and held up his phone with the other, showing him the screen. "Explain this first." Clark glanced at the screen and immediately frowned, grabbing the phone to make a call. It was quickly answered. "Mr. Sumner, what can I do for you?" Clark glowered, and his voice turned icy. "I didn’t know my secretary started soliciting clients." There was a moment of silence before Jordyn's panicked voice came through. "M-Mr. Sumner, I'm sorry. That message was meant for my boyfriend. I must have sent it to you by mistake..." "Next time it happens, pack your things and leave!" Clark hung up and looked back at Nyla, his expression softening, even showing a hint of grievance. "Honey, she sent it by mistake. If you're still upset, I'll fire her tomorrow. It's late now, so let’s not waste time on someone unworthy. We haven't seen each other in a week. You need to make it up to me tonight." Clark pulled Nyla in for a kiss, but her mood was ruined despite the issue being cleared up. She wasn't in the mood anymore and pushed him away. "I'm tired tonight. Let's continue tomorrow." A flash of disappointment crossed Clark's eyes, but he didn't pressure her. "Alright, you sleep first. I'm not tired yet, so I'll go to the study to handle some work." "Okay." … It started raining heavily in the middle of the night. The sound woke Nyla, and she reached out only to feel the cold space beside her. She glanced at the clock—3:16 a.m. Nyla wondered whether Clark was still working. She got up, put on a robe, and went to the study, but it was dark and empty. Her grip on the doorknob tightened, and her heart sank. Nyla’s phone suddenly chimed, startling her in the quiet night. Seeing that it was a text from a stranger, she had a gut feeling that reading it would mean no turning back for her and Clark. A thunderclap boomed outside, startling her into accidentally pressing it. [Still awake? Because your husband isn't with you?] [I was scared because of the thunder and power outage, and he came to comfort me.] [Don't you want to know where your husband is?] As Nyla read the messages and the boastful tone, her hands trembled uncontrollably. After a long while, another text came in with an address and a series of digits. Nyla bit her lip, grabbed her car keys, and drove straight there. By the time she reached the villa, it was past 4:00 a.m. She entered the code, and the door unlocked. The living room lights were on. From the entrance to the bedroom door, a man's suit and a woman's lingerie were strewn about, revealing the urgency of their actions. Seeing the torn red nightgown at the bedroom door, Nyla felt a sense of absurdity. Although the distance from the entrance to the bedroom was only a few meters, it felt like an eternity to Nyla. Standing at the bedroom door, she felt light-headed and dizzy. She reached out, trembling, and slowly pushed the slightly open door. The sight of the messy bed and the bared couple entwined—their heavy breathing filling the room—pierced Nyla's heart. The couple was so engrossed that they didn't notice her standing there. Nyla's hand on the door frame turned white from gripping it too hard, leaving red marks on her palm. She had been with Clark for eight years, from school days to marriage, envied by everyone around them. Until today, she had never imagined betrayal between them. Now, reality dealt her a cruel blow. Even the most sincere wedding vows couldn't withstand a fickle heart. Unable to bear the sight, Nyla turned and stumbled out, driving away. She stopped by a bar on the way and decided to go in. … By the time Valarie Weir arrived, Nyla had already downed two bottles of whiskey, her gaze slightly unfocused. "Valarie, you're here..." Seeing Nyla surrounded by several men, Valarie frowned. "All of you, leave!" "No, they're fine here—" "I said, leave!" After driving the men away, Valarie sat next to Nyla. "What happened? Did Clark really cheat on you?" Valarie was Nyla's university roommate and had witnessed Nyla and Clark’s journey from school to marriage. She had seen Clark treat Nyla well all these years, so she couldn't believe he would cheat. Upon hearing Clark’s name, Nyla's gaze dimmed, and the heart-wrenching pain came rushing back. "I don't want to hear that name right now." Chapter 2 Nyla downed her drink in one gulp. She had never imagined Clark would betray her. Seeing him in bed with another woman felt like a dagger through her heart. "I just can't believe it. He loved you so much. He didn't seem like the type to cheat. Maybe there's a misunderstanding," Valarie suggested. Nyla let out a cold laugh. "I saw it with my own eyes. How could that be a misunderstanding?" The room fell silent. Watching Nyla drink like there was no tomorrow, Valarie grabbed the glass from her hand. "Even if he cheated, you shouldn't punish yourself by getting drunk. What are you going to do now?" "I'm getting a divorce. Just thinking about him with that woman makes me sick." Upon seeing the defiance in Nyla’s red eyes, Valarie's heart ached. "Don't think about it now. You need to rest. Decide what to do next once you’re calm. I'll take you home." Nyla shook her head. "No... I don't want to go back." Returning to that house would only bring back the sickening images of Clark’s betrayal. Each recollection made her feel nauseous. Seeing Nyla’s reluctance, Valarie didn't insist. "I'll book you a hotel room then." … After booking a room, Valarie took Nyla to the hotel entrance. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you up?" Nyla shook her head. "No, you go rest. I'll be fine." She waved with the room card and walked into the hotel. Seeing Nyla walk steadily, Valarie finally breathed a sigh of relief and drove away once Nyla was inside the hotel. What she didn't know was that Nyla, when drunk, appeared sober but was actually a mess inside. Nyla entered the elevator, scanned her card, and the elevator began to ascend. Soon, the doors opened with a ding. As Nyla stepped out onto the carpet, her legs almost gave out. She steadied herself against the wall, massaging her aching temples while searching for her room number. The wine was taking its toll, and her vision blurred. She found Room 8919 and tried the card on the door. Hearing no beep, she frowned and was about to push the door when it suddenly opened. Nyla froze. Before she could react, a large hand yanked her into the dark room. The door slammed shut, cutting off the light from the hallway. She was pressed against the door, a man's breath hot against her ear, making her shiver. The familiar scent of pine filled her senses, but before she could place it, she felt the warmth of his lips on hers. "Mmph!" Realizing what was happening, Nyla struggled. Damon was strong, and with the wine dulling her strength, her hands felt weak, almost inviting as she pushed against his chest. Damon’s hands roamed her body, leaving a trail of fire, and her body grew more responsive under his touch. Nyla tried to push him away, but he easily caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Let— Mmph! Let me go…" He stopped kissing her and chuckled. "No need to play hard to get." His fingers traced her collar, the cool touch making her shudder. His body heat seemed to melt her, and her legs grew weak. In the dark, Nyla’s senses heightened. She felt Damon unbuttoning her clothes, her mouth dry, her last bit of rationality warning her that this was going too far. "Let me go!" She mustered all her strength to push him, but he simply picked her up and threw her onto the bed. The bed was soft, so Nyla didn’t feel pain, but the impact made her head spin. She tried to get up, but Damon pinned her down. Soon, her clothes were gone, and they were both nearly bared. He pressed against her, ready. His dominating presence made her tremble. She pushed against his chest, biting her lip to stay calm and clear-headed. "Mister, I think I entered the wrong room. Please let me go…" Nyla’s voice shook with tension. "Tsk!" Damon's voice was impatient, his tone cold. "Still playing?" He was about to get up and kick Nyla out when the room light suddenly came on. Nyla had accidentally hit the light switch in her struggle. The sudden light made Damon squint. He was shocked when he saw the terrified woman beneath him. Nyla, recognizing Damon, felt the blood drain from her face. The fear sobered her instantly. She couldn’t believe it—the man who almost violated her was Clark’s uncle, Damon Summer! "Uncle Damon…" Nyla had always been wary of Damon. He was the youngest son of Richard Sumner and Marie Thorne, doted on by them and known for his unpredictable, cold nature. Even outsiders avoided crossing him. When she married Clark, he had warned her to steer clear of Damon. "Shut up!" Damon's face was dark, his gaze icy, as he contemplated whether to silence her for good. Then, his eyes shifted to her bare body, darkening further. He turned away, getting off the bed. "Get dressed and get out!" As Damon moved, Nyla caught a glimpse of him where she shouldn't, and her face turned red with embarrassment. Upon seeing her flushed face, Damon's expression soured even more. "Still not leaving?" Nyla could not care less about her embarrassment as she hastily dressed and left without looking back. Once outside, she checked the room number and realized her mistake—it wasn’t Room 8919, but Room 8916! She had entered the wrong room and almost slept with her husband’s uncle. The thought made her headache worse. She should have let Valarie take her up. Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets now. After Nyla left, Damon dialed a number with a glower on his face. "Delete all surveillance footage from the Empire Skyview Hotel tonight!" Upon hanging up, he looked at the messy bed and sheets, his irritation growing. He had almost slept with his nephew’s wife... What a mess! Chapter 3 On Nyla's way back, she hesitated for a long time before finally messaging Damon, someone whose contact she had had for three years but had never contacted. Nyla: [Uncle Damon... Can we pretend tonight never happened? I was really drunk and went to the wrong room.] She waited for a long time, but there was no response from Damon. Frowning, she sent another message. Nyla: [?] As soon as she sent it, a red exclamation mark appeared: [You are no longer friends with this user. Please send a friend request to continue chatting.] Nyla bit her lip. Damon had deleted her. He must not want to bring this up again. Relieved, she finally felt a bit of peace. … When Nyla got home, it was already past 6:00 a.m. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Clark sitting on the sofa. He turned sharply at the sound of the door, his eyes bloodshot from a sleepless night. "Where were you last night? I called you dozens of times. Why didn’t you answer?" Clark stood up and walked quickly toward her, reaching out to grab her hand, but she pulled away. He froze, about to speak, but she spoke first, her tone icy. "You can stay out all night, but I can't?" Nyla had always been gentle. In their eight years together, they had hardly ever argued. This was the first time she had spoken to him so coldly. Clark sensed something was wrong and noticed her red, swollen eyes. His expression changed, and his hand clenched at his side. "You know, don't you?" His voice was calm, without a trace of guilt or panic, as if he had expected this day to come. Upon seeing his unapologetic demeanor, Nyla's long-suppressed emotions finally exploded. She swung her bag at him, her eyes red with fury, like a madwoman. All the good times they had shared, all the happy moments, were shattered the moment she saw him in bed with another woman. They could never be pieced together again. "Clark Sumner, how could you do something so disgusting?! If you didn’t love me anymore, you could have divorced me. Why did you have to hurt me like this?" Nyla had assumed that no third party could ever come between them. Unfortunately, reality gave her a harsh slap, waking her from the lies he had woven and turning her love for him into a joke. Seeing her red, tear-filled eyes, Clark felt a pang in his chest. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Nyla, I’m sorry..." Nyla shoved him away, wanting to laugh but only tears came. "Don’t touch me with your filthy hands! "Is it that hard to stay faithful? "Since we got married, I’ve met many excellent men, and some have shown interest in me. But I’ve never crossed the line. If I can do it, why can’t you?!" Clark clenched his fists when he saw the disappointment and anger in her eyes. "Nyla, you’re the only one I love… It was just an accident with her…" His explanation sounded so weak that Nyla found it both laughable and nauseating. "So you’re saying I could sleep with another man and then tell you it was an accident? That I may have betrayed you physically, but my heart still belongs to you?" A flash of ruthlessness crossed Clark's eyes. "If you dare, I’ll end you and that man together in bed." Seeing his icy gaze, Nyla felt a chill in her heart. If he knew betrayal was unforgivable, why would he still betray her? She took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Do you remember what I told you when you proposed?" She had said that if he ever betrayed her, she would not forgive him but leave him. Clark’s expression changed. "I will not let you leave!" Nyla wiped her tears, her expression a mixture of ridicule and hatred. "Whether you agree or not, I’ve made up my mind. I’m divorcing you. You don’t deserve my forgiveness." With that, she ignored his reaction and went upstairs. Clark stared at her back, his gaze dark. … Back in the bedroom, Nyla went straight to the bathroom to shower, unable to stand the smell of wine on herself. While applying body wash, she noticed red marks on her chest and paused. The image of Damon’s hands roaming her body flashed through her mind, making her frown. She scrubbed the marks hard until the skin around them turned red, trying to erase his touch. After her shower, she saw Clark sitting on the bed with his head down, lost in thought. She frowned and decided to ignore him. They would be divorced soon anyway. Clark looked up and saw Nyla coming out in just a towel. Her damp hair dripped water, her freshly washed face flushed like a blooming rose with an enticing fragrance. The towel barely covered her behinds, revealing her long, fair legs. His breath hitched, his gaze glued on her. Nyla didn’t notice Clark's reaction. She walked to the wardrobe to grab her pajamas when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind. "Nyla..." Clark's voice was husky, filled with undisguised desire. Clark had been thinking about how to win her back downstairs after she left. The only way he could think of was to have a child with her. He had come upstairs to discuss this with her, planning to take it slow. However, he lost control upon seeing her just out of the shower. In the past, such behavior would have stirred Nyla's feelings, but all she felt now was disgust. She turned and pushed him away, her gaze full of revulsion. "Don’t touch me. I feel dirty." Hurt flashed in Clark's eyes. He grabbed her hands, his expression earnest. "Didn’t you always want a child? Let’s have one now, okay?" Nyla shook him off at his matter-of-fact attitude. "That was before. I might have a child in the future, but it won’t be yours." Her words enraged Clark. He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed, pinning her down. "Say that again!" His eyes were full of anger, but Nyla didn’t care. "It doesn’t matter how many times I say it. I’m disgusted by you. I’d rather die than have your child." As soon as she finished speaking, Clark kissed her fiercely. Chapter 4 Nyla froze for a moment, then struggled desperately. Just the thought of Clark kissing another woman the night before filled her with disgust and rage. "Let go!" Her struggles were futile against Clark, who only tightened his grip around her waist. As she fought, her towel loosened, revealing her body. His gaze darkened, and he felt a rush of desire. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, and Nyla quickly noticed the change in Clark. Furious, she bit him hard, tasting blood in their mouths. Instead of letting go, Clark's other hand slipped under Nyla's towel. She had nothing on underneath, having just come out of the shower. She stiffened and struggled even more fiercely. "Clark, get off me!" Clark ignored Nyla, his fingers teasing her sensitive spots. "Nyla, you need me too, don't you?" Nyla’s struggles were in vain, and she grew increasingly desperate. As Clark positioned himself, she closed her eyes in despair. "Clark, don't make me hate you." Clark halted abruptly. Seeing Nyla filled with despair and pain, like a fragile porcelain doll about to shatter, made him pause. He wanted her desperately, but a voice in his head warned that if he took her now, it would be the end of them. He stared at her, his hand tightening around her waist. After several tense seconds, he suddenly let go and got off the bed, leaving the room quickly. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, making Nyla flinch. She clutched the blanket tightly. … For the next few days, Clark didn't come home. Nyla called him several times to discuss the divorce, but he didn't respond. … The weekend arrived. Nyla was in the living room, sending out job applications when she heard the front door open. Clark walked in, looking haggard. They stared at each other in silence until Nyla broke it, closing her laptop and standing up calmly. "Since you're back, let's talk about the divorce." Clark frowned. "I told you, I won't divorce you. I'm here to remind you that we have to go to the family dinner tonight." The Sumners held a monthly dinner, and ever since their wedding, Clark and Nyla had attended together. The family wasn't kind to Nyla, often treating her poorly. She endured it because she believed Clark loved her. After seeing him with another woman, however, she couldn't lie to herself anymore. "I don't want to go. Go by yourself." Clark’s expression turned impatient. "Nyla, how long are you going to keep this up?" He had ignored her calls and messages, hoping she would calm down, but she was still the same. "I'm not keeping anything up. I just want a divorce." Upon hearing the word "divorce", Clark's patience wore thin. He looked at Nyla as if she were unreasonable. "Divorce? You haven't worked since we got married. How will you support yourself? Which company would hire you? And what about your father's exorbitant medical bills? Can you afford those? "Nyla, you're not a teenager anymore. You're 28. It's time to grow up. "I'm the CEO of the Sumner Group. I face temptations all the time. Sometimes, it's hard to resist, but those women will never take your place as my wife. What more do you want?" Clark couldn't understand why Nyla didn't see that he still loved her, even if he couldn't commit to being with her forever. Seeing Clark’s arrogant demeanor, Nyla couldn't reconcile this man with the shy boy who had once blushed while confessing his love and promising never to hurt her. Maybe this was his true self—selfish, proud, and condescending. "If being mature means tolerating your infidelity, then I'm sorry, I can't do that. Find someone else. Here are the divorce papers I've had drafted. Sign them when you have time." Clark glanced at the documents, sneering when he saw the section on asset division. "Quite the appetite you have, asking for half my assets. Do you really think that's possible?" "I deserve it. Why not?" Clark chuckled, his tone mocking. "Look around this house. Did you buy anything here? I've been covering your father's medical expenses for years. If we tally things up, you should be paying me. Should I have my lawyer do the math?" As Nyla watched his bitter expression, she couldn't believe she had once loved this man. He had hidden his true self so well that, until she caught him cheating, she had thought he was a great guy. "Don't forget, if it weren't for me giving you that patent, you wouldn't be the Sumner Group's CEO. And you were the one who told me to stay home after we got married. If I had continued my research, I would have earned far more than what you've given me." Unfazed, Clark replied, "Who would believe you about the patent now? "I don't want to argue about money, but if you insist on a divorce, we'll have to settle accounts. Nyla, as long as you drop the divorce idea, my money is still yours to use." "Clark, you're despicable!" Since he refused to divorce, she'd have to sue. She turned to leave, but he blocked her. "Change your clothes. We're going to the family dinner." "I said I'm not going. Tell them I'm not feeling well." Clark grabbed her wrist. "Nyla, I'm running out of patience. Don't force me to cut off your father's medical expenses." "You wouldn't dare!" Clark took out his phone and called his secretary. "Cancel my father-in-law's medical payment for next month—" Furious, Nyla grabbed his phone and ended the call. "You're crossing a line, Clark." "Crossing a line?" Clark's gaze was full of contempt as he yanked her closer. "Everything you have is because of me. Don't you think you're the one crossing the line? Change your clothes, or I have numerous ways to make you comply." Chapter 5 Seeing the coldness in Clark's eyes, Nyla realized how blind she had been to fall in love with such a man. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she refused to show any vulnerability in front of him. She yanked her hand away, took a deep breath, and headed upstairs. The only thought in her mind was to find a job quickly so she could move out and divorce Clark. She grabbed a random outfit, tied her hair up with a hairpin, and went back downstairs. She was never one to fuss over her appearance. In the past, she had dressed up for the Sumners' gatherings to make a good impression. Now, she couldn't care less. Hearing her footsteps, Clark looked up. Nyla wore a fitted white dress, her waist so slender it seemed it could be encircled with one hand. Her hair was secured with a jade hairpin, revealing her delicate neck. She was breathtakingly beautiful. The grace she exuded was just like when they first met. However, the look in her eyes now was devoid of any warmth. "Let’s go," she said. They drove to the Sumner residence in silence. As they arrived and were about to get out of the car, a black Range Rover sped up and stopped abruptly in front of them. Upon recognizing the car, Clark's expression darkened. It was Damon's car, someone he both feared and disliked. Damon was known for his reckless and unpredictable behavior. He had refused to take over the Sumner Group when Richard wanted him to run the company, choosing to start his own business instead. Everyone had expected him to fail, but within five years, his company had grown to be worth several times more than the Sumner Group. Clark couldn't stand Damon, partly out of jealousy. Once, a comment Clark made about Damon reached Damon's ears, and in retaliation, Damon refused to collaborate with the Sumner Group, costing them millions. Damon rarely attended family dinners, and Clark had hoped to avoid him. Luck wasn’t on his side today—they met at the door. He didn’t notice Nyla’s stiffened expression when she saw Damon get out of his car. Clark opened the car door and greeted, "Uncle Damon." Damon glanced at him indifferently, his gaze briefly landing on the passenger seat before he nodded and walked into the house. Nyla let out a deep breath. When Damon looked her way, she had forgotten to breathe, fearing he might say something outrageous. He was known for his unpredictable nature, always doing whatever he pleased. Fortunately, he said nothing. She decided she needed to talk to him privately later. As Clark and Nyla walked into the living room, they saw it was already filled with people. Richard and Marie, the family heads, were chatting with Damon. He was the kind of person who naturally stood out in a crowd. Noticing Nyla’s gaze on Damon, Clark frowned. "Why are you staring at my uncle?" Nyla withdrew her gaze and replied coolly, "None of your business." Her coldness irritated Clark. "Nyla, you know I don’t like you paying attention to other men." Ever since they got together, Clark had been extremely controlling, not allowing Nyla to interact with other men. She used to think this was a sign of his love, but now it seemed laughable. She sneered. "And I don’t like you sleeping with other women, but you seem to enjoy it just fine." Clark said through gritted teeth, "This is a family dinner. We’ll deal with this later." "If you don’t want me to bring it up, then stay out of my business," she retorted. Clark didn’t want to cause a scene now because it might affect the Sumner Group and his standing with Richard, who still held all the company’s shares. As they talked, Marie called out, "Nyla, Clark, you’re here! Come sit down!" Nyla took a deep breath, forcing a smile as she approached. She might not like the Sumners, but she maintained basic manners. "Hello, Grandpa, Grandma," she greeted with a smile. Marie, who had been urging Damon to settle down and get married, looked pleased to see the couple. "Come, sit down." She turned to Damon with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Look at Clark. He manages the company well and has a beautiful wife. They might have children soon. And you? Almost 30 and still single. If you don’t bring a girlfriend next time, don’t bother coming!" Damon glanced at the couple with a smirk. "She is indeed beautiful." He just wondered how that petite frame would suffer if she were to have children. Nyla frowned, feeling uncomfortable with Damon’s gaze. Clark also noticed the inappropriate way Damon looked at Nyla. It wasn’t the look of an elder but more like a man admiring a woman. His hand clenched into a fist, and his body tensed. Marie sighed. "My point is, when will you bring me a daughter-in-law?" "Depends. If I meet someone I like, maybe I’ll bring her back tomorrow," Damon replied nonchalantly. "You’re too picky! I’ve arranged a good match for you. Date's tomorrow, don’t ruin it." "Then you’ll probably have to apologize to another old friend tomorrow." Frustrated, Marie snapped, “You’re going to drive me crazy!” Damon glanced at Clark. “Clark's been married for years. Instead of pushing me, why don’t you encourage him to have kids?” Marie nodded, realizing Damon wouldn’t listen to her. She turned to Nyla and Clark, her expression softening. “Nyla, you and Clark have been married for a few years now. When are you planning to have children?” Chapter 6 Nyla lifted her head to speak, but Clark grabbed her hand and smiled. "Grandma, we're working on it!" Nyla tried to pull her hand away, but Clark's grip was too tight. If he wouldn't let her be, she wouldn't make it easy for him either. She turned to Marie. "Grandma, I'm looking for a job right now, so having children might have to wait." The room fell silent. Clark's grip on Nyla's hand tightened painfully, and she winced. Damon glanced at Clark's hand on Nyla, noticing the bulging veins, then looked away indifferently. Clark’s aunt, Anne Sumner, sneered. "Nyla, don't blame me for being blunt. You've been married for years. How can you not have a child yet? If it weren't for Clark insisting on marrying you, do you think your family could have ever married into the Sumners? "You should be grateful. If you don't want to have Clark's child, there are plenty of women who do. If someone else steps in, you’ll be the one looking silly." Besides, Anne thought, "Who knows if Nyla is fertile?" She sounded like she meant well, but her gaze at Nyla was filled with an air of superiority. Marie frowned at Anne, disapproving. "Anne, enough." Anne pursed her lips but stayed silent. Marie turned back to Nyla with a kind smile. "Nyla, you and Clark are still young. If you don't want children yet, that's fine. Just don't overwork yourself. Our family isn't short on money. You can work if you want, but take it easy." Nyla nodded. "I understand, Grandma." With that, the awkward moment passed, and the room returned to its previous warmth. Seeing the attention shift away, Clark pulled Nyla out of the living room. Once they reached the gazebo in the backyard, he released her. "Nyla, have you lost your mind? Do you want everyone to know about our fight?" Nyla rubbed her sore hand and said, "I was just being honest." "Honest?" Clark scowled. "Should I call your father then?" Harrison Jayston was ill and couldn't handle stress. Nyla planned to divorce Clark before breaking the news to him gently. She glared at Clark. "You wouldn’t dare! You were the one who cheated. What right do you have to be so self-righteous?" Clark clenched his hands, a flicker of guilt crossing his face before it was replaced by impatience. "I promised it wouldn’t happen again. If you don't want to see Jordyn, I'll fire her. What more do you want?" Nyla felt like there was a communication breakdown between them and turned away. "I don't want to argue with you here." When Clark saw her red-rimmed eyes, he softened. "Nyla, I truly know I was wrong. Just don't mention divorce, and I'll make it up to you. I love you. I can't let you go." Nyla found it laughable. How could he claim to love her while being with another woman? Just thinking about him with someone else made her sick. "I will never forgive you." Betrayal was her bottom line. She couldn’t pretend nothing had happened or reconcile with him. Clark knew Nyla well enough to understand that he had to be patient. He believed she still had feelings for him. Otherwise, she would have made a bigger scene when she found out. As long as he refused to divorce her, she would eventually forgive him. "Fine, we won't talk about it now. If you don't want kids yet, we’ll postpone it to two years later. Since you want to work, I'll have my secretary find you a position at the Sumner Group." Nyla laughed at his arrangement, a mocking look in her eyes. "Clark, do you see me as a puppet you can control?" Hurt by her gaze, Clark frowned. "How am I controlling you? You don't want kids now, so I agreed to wait two years. You want to work, so I'll arrange it. What more do you want?" "Stop pretending. I don't want kids because I want a divorce. I want to work to sever ties with you." Clark looked at Nyla's stubborn face, displeased. Since their wedding, she had been like a canary in his cage. He couldn't let her go. "As long as I don't agree, this marriage won't end. Even if you tell a lawyer I cheated, do you have proof?" Clark's confident tone and controlling demeanor made Nyla step back, trembling with anger. She finally saw how selfish and disgusting he was. She had wasted eight years—the best years of her life, from 18 to 26—loving this man. "You make me sick, Clark!" Seeing the undisguised disgust in Nyla's eyes, Clar	LEARN_MORE	https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	988	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	findedc.com	DCO		https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&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/t39.35426-6/468488068_484333964060835_7423614745601675335_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5cmaqKshlcwQ7kNvgENnxeo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Al-BgLHW88QiakSkDEYKmPL&oh=00_AYDiw7-D6UMqCnPSUIEbxnCbMmodpYo154gRxNebtKv8gg&oe=678B79AE	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,831	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663814}'	No	2025-01-13 18:15	active	2256	👀Don’t stop! The follow-up is more exciting!👉👉	🆕🔥2025's super popular counterattack time-travel short drama!🎬--💪Super Kelly's Counterattack💫 😍A beautiful lawyer accidentally traveled through time and space and becaame a disfavored wife.💔 😈The original owner of her body gave everything tothe general to bear children. 🤱However, the man disliked her ugly appearaance and married someone else.💔😭 💅💪This time, she has to rely on her real abilty to win the favor of thousands of people!👀💃	LEARN_MORE	https://w2a.shorttv.live/v4/fb02.html?shorttv_adid	SHORT TV	https://www.facebook.com/61551042265812/	1,320,343	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	w2a.shorttv.live	VIDEO		https://w2a.shorttv.live/v4/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45773&language=en&timestamp=1736613712069&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&utm_id=101636	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473440524_1161181578683147_8378471690875037340_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rCOh_agMC0AQ7kNvgHfBNWG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQthIW4ePN6h1TxVn9agArk&oh=00_AYBaDU_gBEEbkwO5KzqdHViQBBw0rMYfoqjLn6yKtGeX1w&oe=678B7C53	PERSON_PROFILE	SHORT TV	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,656	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2663630}'	No	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	Synical	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,663,582	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		💎💫$100 Store Credit Giveaway! 💫💎 After all the hype from our last giveaway, we’re back with another one! This time, we’re giving you the chance to win $100 store credit to shop our stunning collection at gline.com – where every piece is crafted with solid gold and lab-grown colorless gemstones ✨ Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow us @GlamLineGems 2️⃣ Like this post and share on your story 3️⃣ Tag 3 friends who love jewelry as much as you do 💖 (every extra tag is an extra entry) The giveaway ends Jan 22nd, and the lucky winner will be announced on Jan 23rd! Affordable luxury, sustainable sparkle – don’t miss your chance! #GlamLineGems #GlamLineGiveaway #SolidGoldJewelry #LabGrownGemstones #LuxuryThatMakesSense	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/glamlinegems	Glam Line	https://www.facebook.com/61568005628534/	5	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/glamlinegems	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473591479_584987694150148_4989415097582242693_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OoPliK8DtN0Q7kNvgHcUsDG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A41mUgaIHgjTeGgn_vDQdKD&oh=00_AYAe9J8dJSuZCMunf5-1izZS7woU1Lyzldpis-9slDGwlg&oe=678B98CA	PERSON_PROFILE	Glam Line	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,663,540	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-01-13 18:12	active	2255		Giveaway Alert‼️ We’re so excited to partner with the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive to give YOU a chance to join us on the docks next week! ✨One lucky winner will receive 4 tickets to the show, $100 for food and beverage, and a 2 hour sunset dolphin cruise on our @jeanneauamerica 795 🛥️🌊 Here’s how to enter: ✅ Like this post ✅ Follow @stpeteboatshow, @tiaonthegulf, & @fishinganonymous ✅ Tag the person you’d bring with you in the comments (1 tag = 1 entry, so tag away!) The show runs January 16–19, and it’s packed with hundreds of boats, amazing exhibitors, and so much more. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎟 1 winner will be announced on 1/14, Good luck! 🍀 #stpeteboatshow #dtsp #stpetersburg #stpetebeach #gulfcoast #tampabay #seeyouthere	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	https://www.instagram.com/_u/tiaonthegulf	TiaTravel	https://www.facebook.com/61558573692707/	1	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	www.instagram.com	VIDEO		https://www.instagram.com/_u/tiaonthegulf	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473227974_3688459791288587_3796108063798916048_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7jprbWTBkyUQ7kNvgE8GyIc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A41mUgaIHgjTeGgn_vDQdKD&oh=00_AYBY7lDSw_X8-ruGC3AMrgepPM_7MbvpjB0X7K-5msJBPA&oe=678B8BCD	PERSON_PROFILE	TiaTravel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,074	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2664219}'	No	2025-01-13 18:27	active	2258	He drunkenly hugged her “Call me husband again ......”	💔Nyla Jayston was in her third month of trying to conceive when she saw a message on her husband Clark Sumner's phone from a contact named "Jordyn Cheatham". Jordyn: [I think my new nightgown is a bit tight. Why don't you come over and check if it fits?] Attached was a selfie of a woman in a deep V-neck red slip dress, her body partly exposed, exuding seduction. Nyla's grip on the phone tightened. She scrolled up and found Clark and Jordyn's previous exchanges to be strictly work-related, which made her frown. 'Was the text sent by mistake? Or…' A hand wrapped around Nyla's waist from behind, breaking her thoughts. Clark pressed his warm body against hers and gently nibbled her earlobe. "Honey, I'm all cleaned up. Do you want to do it on the couch or the bed?" Before Nyla could respond, Clark picked her up and laid her on the couch, his tall frame looming over her. "Since you're not saying anything, I'll choose. Let's do it on the couch," Clark said, his voice husky and his eyes filled with a flicker of fire that made Nyla blush instantly. Nyla was already beautiful, and the slight flush on her cheeks made her look like a tempting, ripe, juicy peach under the light. Clark's gaze grew darker. He leaned in to kiss Nyla, but she suddenly turned her head away. Sensing her resistance, he looked at her with confusion. "Honey, what's wrong?" Clark, usually assertive at work, now looked at Nyla with a mix of confusion and hurt, which softened her heart momentarily. Despite that, she hadn't forgotten the explicit selfie she had just seen. She stopped him with one hand on his chest and held up his phone with the other, showing him the screen. "Explain this first." Clark glanced at the screen and immediately frowned, grabbing the phone to make a call. It was quickly answered. "Mr. Sumner, what can I do for you?" Clark glowered, and his voice turned icy. "I didn’t know my secretary started soliciting clients." There was a moment of silence before Jordyn's panicked voice came through. "M-Mr. Sumner, I'm sorry. That message was meant for my boyfriend. I must have sent it to you by mistake..." "Next time it happens, pack your things and leave!" Clark hung up and looked back at Nyla, his expression softening, even showing a hint of grievance. "Honey, she sent it by mistake. If you're still upset, I'll fire her tomorrow. It's late now, so let’s not waste time on someone unworthy. We haven't seen each other in a week. You need to make it up to me tonight." Clark pulled Nyla in for a kiss, but her mood was ruined despite the issue being cleared up. She wasn't in the mood anymore and pushed him away. "I'm tired tonight. Let's continue tomorrow." A flash of disappointment crossed Clark's eyes, but he didn't pressure her. "Alright, you sleep first. I'm not tired yet, so I'll go to the study to handle some work." "Okay." … It started raining heavily in the middle of the night. The sound woke Nyla, and she reached out only to feel the cold space beside her. She glanced at the clock—3:16 a.m. Nyla wondered whether Clark was still working. She got up, put on a robe, and went to the study, but it was dark and empty. Her grip on the doorknob tightened, and her heart sank. Nyla’s phone suddenly chimed, startling her in the quiet night. Seeing that it was a text from a stranger, she had a gut feeling that reading it would mean no turning back for her and Clark. A thunderclap boomed outside, startling her into accidentally pressing it. [Still awake? Because your husband isn't with you?] [I was scared because of the thunder and power outage, and he came to comfort me.] [Don't you want to know where your husband is?] As Nyla read the messages and the boastful tone, her hands trembled uncontrollably. After a long while, another text came in with an address and a series of digits. Nyla bit her lip, grabbed her car keys, and drove straight there. By the time she reached the villa, it was past 4:00 a.m. She entered the code, and the door unlocked. The living room lights were on. From the entrance to the bedroom door, a man's suit and a woman's lingerie were strewn about, revealing the urgency of their actions. Seeing the torn red nightgown at the bedroom door, Nyla felt a sense of absurdity. Although the distance from the entrance to the bedroom was only a few meters, it felt like an eternity to Nyla. Standing at the bedroom door, she felt light-headed and dizzy. She reached out, trembling, and slowly pushed the slightly open door. The sight of the messy bed and the bared couple entwined—their heavy breathing filling the room—pierced Nyla's heart. The couple was so engrossed that they didn't notice her standing there. Nyla's hand on the door frame turned white from gripping it too hard, leaving red marks on her palm. She had been with Clark for eight years, from school days to marriage, envied by everyone around them. Until today, she had never imagined betrayal between them. Now, reality dealt her a cruel blow. Even the most sincere wedding vows couldn't withstand a fickle heart. Unable to bear the sight, Nyla turned and stumbled out, driving away. She stopped by a bar on the way and decided to go in. … By the time Valarie Weir arrived, Nyla had already downed two bottles of whiskey, her gaze slightly unfocused. "Valarie, you're here..." Seeing Nyla surrounded by several men, Valarie frowned. "All of you, leave!" "No, they're fine here—" "I said, leave!" After driving the men away, Valarie sat next to Nyla. "What happened? Did Clark really cheat on you?" Valarie was Nyla's university roommate and had witnessed Nyla and Clark’s journey from school to marriage. She had seen Clark treat Nyla well all these years, so she couldn't believe he would cheat. Upon hearing Clark’s name, Nyla's gaze dimmed, and the heart-wrenching pain came rushing back. "I don't want to hear that name right now." Chapter 2 Nyla downed her drink in one gulp. She had never imagined Clark would betray her. Seeing him in bed with another woman felt like a dagger through her heart. "I just can't believe it. He loved you so much. He didn't seem like the type to cheat. Maybe there's a misunderstanding," Valarie suggested. Nyla let out a cold laugh. "I saw it with my own eyes. How could that be a misunderstanding?" The room fell silent. Watching Nyla drink like there was no tomorrow, Valarie grabbed the glass from her hand. "Even if he cheated, you shouldn't punish yourself by getting drunk. What are you going to do now?" "I'm getting a divorce. Just thinking about him with that woman makes me sick." Upon seeing the defiance in Nyla’s red eyes, Valarie's heart ached. "Don't think about it now. You need to rest. Decide what to do next once you’re calm. I'll take you home." Nyla shook her head. "No... I don't want to go back." Returning to that house would only bring back the sickening images of Clark’s betrayal. Each recollection made her feel nauseous. Seeing Nyla’s reluctance, Valarie didn't insist. "I'll book you a hotel room then." … After booking a room, Valarie took Nyla to the hotel entrance. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you up?" Nyla shook her head. "No, you go rest. I'll be fine." She waved with the room card and walked into the hotel. Seeing Nyla walk steadily, Valarie finally breathed a sigh of relief and drove away once Nyla was inside the hotel. What she didn't know was that Nyla, when drunk, appeared sober but was actually a mess inside. Nyla entered the elevator, scanned her card, and the elevator began to ascend. Soon, the doors opened with a ding. As Nyla stepped out onto the carpet, her legs almost gave out. She steadied herself against the wall, massaging her aching temples while searching for her room number. The wine was taking its toll, and her vision blurred. She found Room 8919 and tried the card on the door. Hearing no beep, she frowned and was about to push the door when it suddenly opened. Nyla froze. Before she could react, a large hand yanked her into the dark room. The door slammed shut, cutting off the light from the hallway. She was pressed against the door, a man's breath hot against her ear, making her shiver. The familiar scent of pine filled her senses, but before she could place it, she felt the warmth of his lips on hers. "Mmph!" Realizing what was happening, Nyla struggled. Damon was strong, and with the wine dulling her strength, her hands felt weak, almost inviting as she pushed against his chest. Damon’s hands roamed her body, leaving a trail of fire, and her body grew more responsive under his touch. Nyla tried to push him away, but he easily caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Let— Mmph! Let me go…" He stopped kissing her and chuckled. "No need to play hard to get." His fingers traced her collar, the cool touch making her shudder. His body heat seemed to melt her, and her legs grew weak. In the dark, Nyla’s senses heightened. She felt Damon unbuttoning her clothes, her mouth dry, her last bit of rationality warning her that this was going too far. "Let me go!" She mustered all her strength to push him, but he simply picked her up and threw her onto the bed. The bed was soft, so Nyla didn’t feel pain, but the impact made her head spin. She tried to get up, but Damon pinned her down. Soon, her clothes were gone, and they were both nearly bared. He pressed against her, ready. His dominating presence made her tremble. She pushed against his chest, biting her lip to stay calm and clear-headed. "Mister, I think I entered the wrong room. Please let me go…" Nyla’s voice shook with tension. "Tsk!" Damon's voice was impatient, his tone cold. "Still playing?" He was about to get up and kick Nyla out when the room light suddenly came on. Nyla had accidentally hit the light switch in her struggle. The sudden light made Damon squint. He was shocked when he saw the terrified woman beneath him. Nyla, recognizing Damon, felt the blood drain from her face. The fear sobered her instantly. She couldn’t believe it—the man who almost violated her was Clark’s uncle, Damon Summer! "Uncle Damon…" Nyla had always been wary of Damon. He was the youngest son of Richard Sumner and Marie Thorne, doted on by them and known for his unpredictable, cold nature. Even outsiders avoided crossing him. When she married Clark, he had warned her to steer clear of Damon. "Shut up!" Damon's face was dark, his gaze icy, as he contemplated whether to silence her for good. Then, his eyes shifted to her bare body, darkening further. He turned away, getting off the bed. "Get dressed and get out!" As Damon moved, Nyla caught a glimpse of him where she shouldn't, and her face turned red with embarrassment. Upon seeing her flushed face, Damon's expression soured even more. "Still not leaving?" Nyla could not care less about her embarrassment as she hastily dressed and left without looking back. Once outside, she checked the room number and realized her mistake—it wasn’t Room 8919, but Room 8916! She had entered the wrong room and almost slept with her husband’s uncle. The thought made her headache worse. She should have let Valarie take her up. Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets now. After Nyla left, Damon dialed a number with a glower on his face. "Delete all surveillance footage from the Empire Skyview Hotel tonight!" Upon hanging up, he looked at the messy bed and sheets, his irritation growing. He had almost slept with his nephew’s wife... What a mess! Chapter 3 On Nyla's way back, she hesitated for a long time before finally messaging Damon, someone whose contact she had had for three years but had never contacted. Nyla: [Uncle Damon... Can we pretend tonight never happened? I was really drunk and went to the wrong room.] She waited for a long time, but there was no response from Damon. Frowning, she sent another message. Nyla: [?] As soon as she sent it, a red exclamation mark appeared: [You are no longer friends with this user. Please send a friend request to continue chatting.] Nyla bit her lip. Damon had deleted her. He must not want to bring this up again. Relieved, she finally felt a bit of peace. … When Nyla got home, it was already past 6:00 a.m. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Clark sitting on the sofa. He turned sharply at the sound of the door, his eyes bloodshot from a sleepless night. "Where were you last night? I called you dozens of times. Why didn’t you answer?" Clark stood up and walked quickly toward her, reaching out to grab her hand, but she pulled away. He froze, about to speak, but she spoke first, her tone icy. "You can stay out all night, but I can't?" Nyla had always been gentle. In their eight years together, they had hardly ever argued. This was the first time she had spoken to him so coldly. Clark sensed something was wrong and noticed her red, swollen eyes. His expression changed, and his hand clenched at his side. "You know, don't you?" His voice was calm, without a trace of guilt or panic, as if he had expected this day to come. Upon seeing his unapologetic demeanor, Nyla's long-suppressed emotions finally exploded. She swung her bag at him, her eyes red with fury, like a madwoman. All the good times they had shared, all the happy moments, were shattered the moment she saw him in bed with another woman. They could never be pieced together again. "Clark Sumner, how could you do something so disgusting?! If you didn’t love me anymore, you could have divorced me. Why did you have to hurt me like this?" Nyla had assumed that no third party could ever come between them. Unfortunately, reality gave her a harsh slap, waking her from the lies he had woven and turning her love for him into a joke. Seeing her red, tear-filled eyes, Clark felt a pang in his chest. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Nyla, I’m sorry..." Nyla shoved him away, wanting to laugh but only tears came. "Don’t touch me with your filthy hands! "Is it that hard to stay faithful? "Since we got married, I’ve met many excellent men, and some have shown interest in me. But I’ve never crossed the line. If I can do it, why can’t you?!" Clark clenched his fists when he saw the disappointment and anger in her eyes. "Nyla, you’re the only one I love… It was just an accident with her…" His explanation sounded so weak that Nyla found it both laughable and nauseating. "So you’re saying I could sleep with another man and then tell you it was an accident? That I may have betrayed you physically, but my heart still belongs to you?" A flash of ruthlessness crossed Clark's eyes. "If you dare, I’ll end you and that man together in bed." Seeing his icy gaze, Nyla felt a chill in her heart. If he knew betrayal was unforgivable, why would he still betray her? She took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Do you remember what I told you when you proposed?" She had said that if he ever betrayed her, she would not forgive him but leave him. Clark’s expression changed. "I will not let you leave!" Nyla wiped her tears, her expression a mixture of ridicule and hatred. "Whether you agree or not, I’ve made up my mind. I’m divorcing you. You don’t deserve my forgiveness." With that, she ignored his reaction and went upstairs. Clark stared at her back, his gaze dark. … Back in the bedroom, Nyla went straight to the bathroom to shower, unable to stand the smell of wine on herself. While applying body wash, she noticed red marks on her chest and paused. The image of Damon’s hands roaming her body flashed through her mind, making her frown. She scrubbed the marks hard until the skin around them turned red, trying to erase his touch. After her shower, she saw Clark sitting on the bed with his head down, lost in thought. She frowned and decided to ignore him. They would be divorced soon anyway. Clark looked up and saw Nyla coming out in just a towel. Her damp hair dripped water, her freshly washed face flushed like a blooming rose with an enticing fragrance. The towel barely covered her behinds, revealing her long, fair legs. His breath hitched, his gaze glued on her. Nyla didn’t notice Clark's reaction. She walked to the wardrobe to grab her pajamas when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind. "Nyla..." Clark's voice was husky, filled with undisguised desire. Clark had been thinking about how to win her back downstairs after she left. The only way he could think of was to have a child with her. He had come upstairs to discuss this with her, planning to take it slow. However, he lost control upon seeing her just out of the shower. In the past, such behavior would have stirred Nyla's feelings, but all she felt now was disgust. She turned and pushed him away, her gaze full of revulsion. "Don’t touch me. I feel dirty." Hurt flashed in Clark's eyes. He grabbed her hands, his expression earnest. "Didn’t you always want a child? Let’s have one now, okay?" Nyla shook him off at his matter-of-fact attitude. "That was before. I might have a child in the future, but it won’t be yours." Her words enraged Clark. He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed, pinning her down. "Say that again!" His eyes were full of anger, but Nyla didn’t care. "It doesn’t matter how many times I say it. I’m disgusted by you. I’d rather die than have your child." As soon as she finished speaking, Clark kissed her fiercely. Chapter 4 Nyla froze for a moment, then struggled desperately. Just the thought of Clark kissing another woman the night before filled her with disgust and rage. "Let go!" Her struggles were futile against Clark, who only tightened his grip around her waist. As she fought, her towel loosened, revealing her body. His gaze darkened, and he felt a rush of desire. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, and Nyla quickly noticed the change in Clark. Furious, she bit him hard, tasting blood in their mouths. Instead of letting go, Clark's other hand slipped under Nyla's towel. She had nothing on underneath, having just come out of the shower. She stiffened and struggled even more fiercely. "Clark, get off me!" Clark ignored Nyla, his fingers teasing her sensitive spots. "Nyla, you need me too, don't you?" Nyla’s struggles were in vain, and she grew increasingly desperate. As Clark positioned himself, she closed her eyes in despair. "Clark, don't make me hate you." Clark halted abruptly. Seeing Nyla filled with despair and pain, like a fragile porcelain doll about to shatter, made him pause. He wanted her desperately, but a voice in his head warned that if he took her now, it would be the end of them. He stared at her, his hand tightening around her waist. After several tense seconds, he suddenly let go and got off the bed, leaving the room quickly. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, making Nyla flinch. She clutched the blanket tightly. … For the next few days, Clark didn't come home. Nyla called him several times to discuss the divorce, but he didn't respond. … The weekend arrived. Nyla was in the living room, sending out job applications when she heard the front door open. Clark walked in, looking haggard. They stared at each other in silence until Nyla broke it, closing her laptop and standing up calmly. "Since you're back, let's talk about the divorce." Clark frowned. "I told you, I won't divorce you. I'm here to remind you that we have to go to the family dinner tonight." The Sumners held a monthly dinner, and ever since their wedding, Clark and Nyla had attended together. The family wasn't kind to Nyla, often treating her poorly. She endured it because she believed Clark loved her. After seeing him with another woman, however, she couldn't lie to herself anymore. "I don't want to go. Go by yourself." Clark’s expression turned impatient. "Nyla, how long are you going to keep this up?" He had ignored her calls and messages, hoping she would calm down, but she was still the same. "I'm not keeping anything up. I just want a divorce." Upon hearing the word "divorce", Clark's patience wore thin. He looked at Nyla as if she were unreasonable. "Divorce? You haven't worked since we got married. How will you support yourself? Which company would hire you? And what about your father's exorbitant medical bills? Can you afford those? "Nyla, you're not a teenager anymore. You're 28. It's time to grow up. "I'm the CEO of the Sumner Group. I face temptations all the time. Sometimes, it's hard to resist, but those women will never take your place as my wife. What more do you want?" Clark couldn't understand why Nyla didn't see that he still loved her, even if he couldn't commit to being with her forever. Seeing Clark’s arrogant demeanor, Nyla couldn't reconcile this man with the shy boy who had once blushed while confessing his love and promising never to hurt her. Maybe this was his true self—selfish, proud, and condescending. "If being mature means tolerating your infidelity, then I'm sorry, I can't do that. Find someone else. Here are the divorce papers I've had drafted. Sign them when you have time." Clark glanced at the documents, sneering when he saw the section on asset division. "Quite the appetite you have, asking for half my assets. Do you really think that's possible?" "I deserve it. Why not?" Clark chuckled, his tone mocking. "Look around this house. Did you buy anything here? I've been covering your father's medical expenses for years. If we tally things up, you should be paying me. Should I have my lawyer do the math?" As Nyla watched his bitter expression, she couldn't believe she had once loved this man. He had hidden his true self so well that, until she caught him cheating, she had thought he was a great guy. "Don't forget, if it weren't for me giving you that patent, you wouldn't be the Sumner Group's CEO. And you were the one who told me to stay home after we got married. If I had continued my research, I would have earned far more than what you've given me." Unfazed, Clark replied, "Who would believe you about the patent now? "I don't want to argue about money, but if you insist on a divorce, we'll have to settle accounts. Nyla, as long as you drop the divorce idea, my money is still yours to use." "Clark, you're despicable!" Since he refused to divorce, she'd have to sue. She turned to leave, but he blocked her. "Change your clothes. We're going to the family dinner." "I said I'm not going. Tell them I'm not feeling well." Clark grabbed her wrist. "Nyla, I'm running out of patience. Don't force me to cut off your father's medical expenses." "You wouldn't dare!" Clark took out his phone and called his secretary. "Cancel my father-in-law's medical payment for next month—" Furious, Nyla grabbed his phone and ended the call. "You're crossing a line, Clark." "Crossing a line?" Clark's gaze was full of contempt as he yanked her closer. "Everything you have is because of me. Don't you think you're the one crossing the line? Change your clothes, or I have numerous ways to make you comply." Chapter 5 Seeing the coldness in Clark's eyes, Nyla realized how blind she had been to fall in love with such a man. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she refused to show any vulnerability in front of him. She yanked her hand away, took a deep breath, and headed upstairs. The only thought in her mind was to find a job quickly so she could move out and divorce Clark. She grabbed a random outfit, tied her hair up with a hairpin, and went back downstairs. She was never one to fuss over her appearance. In the past, she had dressed up for the Sumners' gatherings to make a good impression. Now, she couldn't care less. Hearing her footsteps, Clark looked up. Nyla wore a fitted white dress, her waist so slender it seemed it could be encircled with one hand. Her hair was secured with a jade hairpin, revealing her delicate neck. She was breathtakingly beautiful. The grace she exuded was just like when they first met. However, the look in her eyes now was devoid of any warmth. "Let’s go," she said. They drove to the Sumner residence in silence. As they arrived and were about to get out of the car, a black Range Rover sped up and stopped abruptly in front of them. Upon recognizing the car, Clark's expression darkened. It was Damon's car, someone he both feared and disliked. Damon was known for his reckless and unpredictable behavior. He had refused to take over the Sumner Group when Richard wanted him to run the company, choosing to start his own business instead. Everyone had expected him to fail, but within five years, his company had grown to be worth several times more than the Sumner Group. Clark couldn't stand Damon, partly out of jealousy. Once, a comment Clark made about Damon reached Damon's ears, and in retaliation, Damon refused to collaborate with the Sumner Group, costing them millions. Damon rarely attended family dinners, and Clark had hoped to avoid him. Luck wasn’t on his side today—they met at the door. He didn’t notice Nyla’s stiffened expression when she saw Damon get out of his car. Clark opened the car door and greeted, "Uncle Damon." Damon glanced at him indifferently, his gaze briefly landing on the passenger seat before he nodded and walked into the house. Nyla let out a deep breath. When Damon looked her way, she had forgotten to breathe, fearing he might say something outrageous. He was known for his unpredictable nature, always doing whatever he pleased. Fortunately, he said nothing. She decided she needed to talk to him privately later. As Clark and Nyla walked into the living room, they saw it was already filled with people. Richard and Marie, the family heads, were chatting with Damon. He was the kind of person who naturally stood out in a crowd. Noticing Nyla’s gaze on Damon, Clark frowned. "Why are you staring at my uncle?" Nyla withdrew her gaze and replied coolly, "None of your business." Her coldness irritated Clark. "Nyla, you know I don’t like you paying attention to other men." Ever since they got together, Clark had been extremely controlling, not allowing Nyla to interact with other men. She used to think this was a sign of his love, but now it seemed laughable. She sneered. "And I don’t like you sleeping with other women, but you seem to enjoy it just fine." Clark said through gritted teeth, "This is a family dinner. We’ll deal with this later." "If you don’t want me to bring it up, then stay out of my business," she retorted. Clark didn’t want to cause a scene now because it might affect the Sumner Group and his standing with Richard, who still held all the company’s shares. As they talked, Marie called out, "Nyla, Clark, you’re here! Come sit down!" Nyla took a deep breath, forcing a smile as she approached. She might not like the Sumners, but she maintained basic manners. "Hello, Grandpa, Grandma," she greeted with a smile. Marie, who had been urging Damon to settle down and get married, looked pleased to see the couple. "Come, sit down." She turned to Damon with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Look at Clark. He manages the company well and has a beautiful wife. They might have children soon. And you? Almost 30 and still single. If you don’t bring a girlfriend next time, don’t bother coming!" Damon glanced at the couple with a smirk. "She is indeed beautiful." He just wondered how that petite frame would suffer if she were to have children. Nyla frowned, feeling uncomfortable with Damon’s gaze. Clark also noticed the inappropriate way Damon looked at Nyla. It wasn’t the look of an elder but more like a man admiring a woman. His hand clenched into a fist, and his body tensed. Marie sighed. "My point is, when will you bring me a daughter-in-law?" "Depends. If I meet someone I like, maybe I’ll bring her back tomorrow," Damon replied nonchalantly. "You’re too picky! I’ve arranged a good match for you. Date's tomorrow, don’t ruin it." "Then you’ll probably have to apologize to another old friend tomorrow." Frustrated, Marie snapped, “You’re going to drive me crazy!” Damon glanced at Clark. “Clark's been married for years. Instead of pushing me, why don’t you encourage him to have kids?” Marie nodded, realizing Damon wouldn’t listen to her. She turned to Nyla and Clark, her expression softening. “Nyla, you and Clark have been married for a few years now. When are you planning to have children?” Chapter 6 Nyla lifted her head to speak, but Clark grabbed her hand and smiled. "Grandma, we're working on it!" Nyla tried to pull her hand away, but Clark's grip was too tight. If he wouldn't let her be, she wouldn't make it easy for him either. She turned to Marie. "Grandma, I'm looking for a job right now, so having children might have to wait." The room fell silent. Clark's grip on Nyla's hand tightened painfully, and she winced. Damon glanced at Clark's hand on Nyla, noticing the bulging veins, then looked away indifferently. Clark’s aunt, Anne Sumner, sneered. "Nyla, don't blame me for being blunt. You've been married for years. How can you not have a child yet? If it weren't for Clark insisting on marrying you, do you think your family could have ever married into the Sumners? "You should be grateful. If you don't want to have Clark's child, there are plenty of women who do. If someone else steps in, you’ll be the one looking silly." Besides, Anne thought, "Who knows if Nyla is fertile?" She sounded like she meant well, but her gaze at Nyla was filled with an air of superiority. Marie frowned at Anne, disapproving. "Anne, enough." Anne pursed her lips but stayed silent. Marie turned back to Nyla with a kind smile. "Nyla, you and Clark are still young. If you don't want children yet, that's fine. Just don't overwork yourself. Our family isn't short on money. You can work if you want, but take it easy." Nyla nodded. "I understand, Grandma." With that, the awkward moment passed, and the room returned to its previous warmth. Seeing the attention shift away, Clark pulled Nyla out of the living room. Once they reached the gazebo in the backyard, he released her. "Nyla, have you lost your mind? Do you want everyone to know about our fight?" Nyla rubbed her sore hand and said, "I was just being honest." "Honest?" Clark scowled. "Should I call your father then?" Harrison Jayston was ill and couldn't handle stress. Nyla planned to divorce Clark before breaking the news to him gently. She glared at Clark. "You wouldn’t dare! You were the one who cheated. What right do you have to be so self-righteous?" Clark clenched his hands, a flicker of guilt crossing his face before it was replaced by impatience. "I promised it wouldn’t happen again. If you don't want to see Jordyn, I'll fire her. What more do you want?" Nyla felt like there was a communication breakdown between them and turned away. "I don't want to argue with you here." When Clark saw her red-rimmed eyes, he softened. "Nyla, I truly know I was wrong. Just don't mention divorce, and I'll make it up to you. I love you. I can't let you go." Nyla found it laughable. How could he claim to love her while being with another woman? Just thinking about him with someone else made her sick. "I will never forgive you." Betrayal was her bottom line. She couldn’t pretend nothing had happened or reconcile with him. Clark knew Nyla well enough to understand that he had to be patient. He believed she still had feelings for him. Otherwise, she would have made a bigger scene when she found out. As long as he refused to divorce her, she would eventually forgive him. "Fine, we won't talk about it now. If you don't want kids yet, we’ll postpone it to two years later. Since you want to work, I'll have my secretary find you a position at the Sumner Group." Nyla laughed at his arrangement, a mocking look in her eyes. "Clark, do you see me as a puppet you can control?" Hurt by her gaze, Clark frowned. "How am I controlling you? You don't want kids now, so I agreed to wait two years. You want to work, so I'll arrange it. What more do you want?" "Stop pretending. I don't want kids because I want a divorce. I want to work to sever ties with you." Clark looked at Nyla's stubborn face, displeased. Since their wedding, she had been like a canary in his cage. He couldn't let her go. "As long as I don't agree, this marriage won't end. Even if you tell a lawyer I cheated, do you have proof?" Clark's confident tone and controlling demeanor made Nyla step back, trembling with anger. She finally saw how selfish and disgusting he was. She had wasted eight years—the best years of her life, from 18 to 26—loving this man. "You make me sick, Clark!" Seeing the undisguised disgust in Nyla's eyes, Clar	LEARN_MORE	https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	988	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	findedc.com	DCO		https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&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/t39.35426-6/468455042_1262834138099234_1389968434765802098_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WE3kUIHYboMQ7kNvgFHMCRw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AtQ23ouK47Om0vQ51H86oMr&oh=00_AYAw5uwcr1d4OH9oJRpf1QR3TXJsIcbpeeJkaTJ2Dm--_w&oe=678B7887	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,664,072	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2664219}'	Yes	2025-01-13 18:27	active	2258	He drunkenly hugged her “Call me husband again ......”	💔Nyla Jayston was in her third month of trying to conceive when she saw a message on her husband Clark Sumner's phone from a contact named "Jordyn Cheatham". Jordyn: [I think my new nightgown is a bit tight. Why don't you come over and check if it fits?] Attached was a selfie of a woman in a deep V-neck red slip dress, her body partly exposed, exuding seduction. Nyla's grip on the phone tightened. She scrolled up and found Clark and Jordyn's previous exchanges to be strictly work-related, which made her frown. 'Was the text sent by mistake? Or…' A hand wrapped around Nyla's waist from behind, breaking her thoughts. Clark pressed his warm body against hers and gently nibbled her earlobe. "Honey, I'm all cleaned up. Do you want to do it on the couch or the bed?" Before Nyla could respond, Clark picked her up and laid her on the couch, his tall frame looming over her. "Since you're not saying anything, I'll choose. Let's do it on the couch," Clark said, his voice husky and his eyes filled with a flicker of fire that made Nyla blush instantly. Nyla was already beautiful, and the slight flush on her cheeks made her look like a tempting, ripe, juicy peach under the light. Clark's gaze grew darker. He leaned in to kiss Nyla, but she suddenly turned her head away. Sensing her resistance, he looked at her with confusion. "Honey, what's wrong?" Clark, usually assertive at work, now looked at Nyla with a mix of confusion and hurt, which softened her heart momentarily. Despite that, she hadn't forgotten the explicit selfie she had just seen. She stopped him with one hand on his chest and held up his phone with the other, showing him the screen. "Explain this first." Clark glanced at the screen and immediately frowned, grabbing the phone to make a call. It was quickly answered. "Mr. Sumner, what can I do for you?" Clark glowered, and his voice turned icy. "I didn’t know my secretary started soliciting clients." There was a moment of silence before Jordyn's panicked voice came through. "M-Mr. Sumner, I'm sorry. That message was meant for my boyfriend. I must have sent it to you by mistake..." "Next time it happens, pack your things and leave!" Clark hung up and looked back at Nyla, his expression softening, even showing a hint of grievance. "Honey, she sent it by mistake. If you're still upset, I'll fire her tomorrow. It's late now, so let’s not waste time on someone unworthy. We haven't seen each other in a week. You need to make it up to me tonight." Clark pulled Nyla in for a kiss, but her mood was ruined despite the issue being cleared up. She wasn't in the mood anymore and pushed him away. "I'm tired tonight. Let's continue tomorrow." A flash of disappointment crossed Clark's eyes, but he didn't pressure her. "Alright, you sleep first. I'm not tired yet, so I'll go to the study to handle some work." "Okay." … It started raining heavily in the middle of the night. The sound woke Nyla, and she reached out only to feel the cold space beside her. She glanced at the clock—3:16 a.m. Nyla wondered whether Clark was still working. She got up, put on a robe, and went to the study, but it was dark and empty. Her grip on the doorknob tightened, and her heart sank. Nyla’s phone suddenly chimed, startling her in the quiet night. Seeing that it was a text from a stranger, she had a gut feeling that reading it would mean no turning back for her and Clark. A thunderclap boomed outside, startling her into accidentally pressing it. [Still awake? Because your husband isn't with you?] [I was scared because of the thunder and power outage, and he came to comfort me.] [Don't you want to know where your husband is?] As Nyla read the messages and the boastful tone, her hands trembled uncontrollably. After a long while, another text came in with an address and a series of digits. Nyla bit her lip, grabbed her car keys, and drove straight there. By the time she reached the villa, it was past 4:00 a.m. She entered the code, and the door unlocked. The living room lights were on. From the entrance to the bedroom door, a man's suit and a woman's lingerie were strewn about, revealing the urgency of their actions. Seeing the torn red nightgown at the bedroom door, Nyla felt a sense of absurdity. Although the distance from the entrance to the bedroom was only a few meters, it felt like an eternity to Nyla. Standing at the bedroom door, she felt light-headed and dizzy. She reached out, trembling, and slowly pushed the slightly open door. The sight of the messy bed and the bared couple entwined—their heavy breathing filling the room—pierced Nyla's heart. The couple was so engrossed that they didn't notice her standing there. Nyla's hand on the door frame turned white from gripping it too hard, leaving red marks on her palm. She had been with Clark for eight years, from school days to marriage, envied by everyone around them. Until today, she had never imagined betrayal between them. Now, reality dealt her a cruel blow. Even the most sincere wedding vows couldn't withstand a fickle heart. Unable to bear the sight, Nyla turned and stumbled out, driving away. She stopped by a bar on the way and decided to go in. … By the time Valarie Weir arrived, Nyla had already downed two bottles of whiskey, her gaze slightly unfocused. "Valarie, you're here..." Seeing Nyla surrounded by several men, Valarie frowned. "All of you, leave!" "No, they're fine here—" "I said, leave!" After driving the men away, Valarie sat next to Nyla. "What happened? Did Clark really cheat on you?" Valarie was Nyla's university roommate and had witnessed Nyla and Clark’s journey from school to marriage. She had seen Clark treat Nyla well all these years, so she couldn't believe he would cheat. Upon hearing Clark’s name, Nyla's gaze dimmed, and the heart-wrenching pain came rushing back. "I don't want to hear that name right now." Chapter 2 Nyla downed her drink in one gulp. She had never imagined Clark would betray her. Seeing him in bed with another woman felt like a dagger through her heart. "I just can't believe it. He loved you so much. He didn't seem like the type to cheat. Maybe there's a misunderstanding," Valarie suggested. Nyla let out a cold laugh. "I saw it with my own eyes. How could that be a misunderstanding?" The room fell silent. Watching Nyla drink like there was no tomorrow, Valarie grabbed the glass from her hand. "Even if he cheated, you shouldn't punish yourself by getting drunk. What are you going to do now?" "I'm getting a divorce. Just thinking about him with that woman makes me sick." Upon seeing the defiance in Nyla’s red eyes, Valarie's heart ached. "Don't think about it now. You need to rest. Decide what to do next once you’re calm. I'll take you home." Nyla shook her head. "No... I don't want to go back." Returning to that house would only bring back the sickening images of Clark’s betrayal. Each recollection made her feel nauseous. Seeing Nyla’s reluctance, Valarie didn't insist. "I'll book you a hotel room then." … After booking a room, Valarie took Nyla to the hotel entrance. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you up?" Nyla shook her head. "No, you go rest. I'll be fine." She waved with the room card and walked into the hotel. Seeing Nyla walk steadily, Valarie finally breathed a sigh of relief and drove away once Nyla was inside the hotel. What she didn't know was that Nyla, when drunk, appeared sober but was actually a mess inside. Nyla entered the elevator, scanned her card, and the elevator began to ascend. Soon, the doors opened with a ding. As Nyla stepped out onto the carpet, her legs almost gave out. She steadied herself against the wall, massaging her aching temples while searching for her room number. The wine was taking its toll, and her vision blurred. She found Room 8919 and tried the card on the door. Hearing no beep, she frowned and was about to push the door when it suddenly opened. Nyla froze. Before she could react, a large hand yanked her into the dark room. The door slammed shut, cutting off the light from the hallway. She was pressed against the door, a man's breath hot against her ear, making her shiver. The familiar scent of pine filled her senses, but before she could place it, she felt the warmth of his lips on hers. "Mmph!" Realizing what was happening, Nyla struggled. Damon was strong, and with the wine dulling her strength, her hands felt weak, almost inviting as she pushed against his chest. Damon’s hands roamed her body, leaving a trail of fire, and her body grew more responsive under his touch. Nyla tried to push him away, but he easily caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Let— Mmph! Let me go…" He stopped kissing her and chuckled. "No need to play hard to get." His fingers traced her collar, the cool touch making her shudder. His body heat seemed to melt her, and her legs grew weak. In the dark, Nyla’s senses heightened. She felt Damon unbuttoning her clothes, her mouth dry, her last bit of rationality warning her that this was going too far. "Let me go!" She mustered all her strength to push him, but he simply picked her up and threw her onto the bed. The bed was soft, so Nyla didn’t feel pain, but the impact made her head spin. She tried to get up, but Damon pinned her down. Soon, her clothes were gone, and they were both nearly bared. He pressed against her, ready. His dominating presence made her tremble. She pushed against his chest, biting her lip to stay calm and clear-headed. "Mister, I think I entered the wrong room. Please let me go…" Nyla’s voice shook with tension. "Tsk!" Damon's voice was impatient, his tone cold. "Still playing?" He was about to get up and kick Nyla out when the room light suddenly came on. Nyla had accidentally hit the light switch in her struggle. The sudden light made Damon squint. He was shocked when he saw the terrified woman beneath him. Nyla, recognizing Damon, felt the blood drain from her face. The fear sobered her instantly. She couldn’t believe it—the man who almost violated her was Clark’s uncle, Damon Summer! "Uncle Damon…" Nyla had always been wary of Damon. He was the youngest son of Richard Sumner and Marie Thorne, doted on by them and known for his unpredictable, cold nature. Even outsiders avoided crossing him. When she married Clark, he had warned her to steer clear of Damon. "Shut up!" Damon's face was dark, his gaze icy, as he contemplated whether to silence her for good. Then, his eyes shifted to her bare body, darkening further. He turned away, getting off the bed. "Get dressed and get out!" As Damon moved, Nyla caught a glimpse of him where she shouldn't, and her face turned red with embarrassment. Upon seeing her flushed face, Damon's expression soured even more. "Still not leaving?" Nyla could not care less about her embarrassment as she hastily dressed and left without looking back. Once outside, she checked the room number and realized her mistake—it wasn’t Room 8919, but Room 8916! She had entered the wrong room and almost slept with her husband’s uncle. The thought made her headache worse. She should have let Valarie take her up. Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets now. After Nyla left, Damon dialed a number with a glower on his face. "Delete all surveillance footage from the Empire Skyview Hotel tonight!" Upon hanging up, he looked at the messy bed and sheets, his irritation growing. He had almost slept with his nephew’s wife... What a mess! Chapter 3 On Nyla's way back, she hesitated for a long time before finally messaging Damon, someone whose contact she had had for three years but had never contacted. Nyla: [Uncle Damon... Can we pretend tonight never happened? I was really drunk and went to the wrong room.] She waited for a long time, but there was no response from Damon. Frowning, she sent another message. Nyla: [?] As soon as she sent it, a red exclamation mark appeared: [You are no longer friends with this user. Please send a friend request to continue chatting.] Nyla bit her lip. Damon had deleted her. He must not want to bring this up again. Relieved, she finally felt a bit of peace. … When Nyla got home, it was already past 6:00 a.m. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Clark sitting on the sofa. He turned sharply at the sound of the door, his eyes bloodshot from a sleepless night. "Where were you last night? I called you dozens of times. Why didn’t you answer?" Clark stood up and walked quickly toward her, reaching out to grab her hand, but she pulled away. He froze, about to speak, but she spoke first, her tone icy. "You can stay out all night, but I can't?" Nyla had always been gentle. In their eight years together, they had hardly ever argued. This was the first time she had spoken to him so coldly. Clark sensed something was wrong and noticed her red, swollen eyes. His expression changed, and his hand clenched at his side. "You know, don't you?" His voice was calm, without a trace of guilt or panic, as if he had expected this day to come. Upon seeing his unapologetic demeanor, Nyla's long-suppressed emotions finally exploded. She swung her bag at him, her eyes red with fury, like a madwoman. All the good times they had shared, all the happy moments, were shattered the moment she saw him in bed with another woman. They could never be pieced together again. "Clark Sumner, how could you do something so disgusting?! If you didn’t love me anymore, you could have divorced me. Why did you have to hurt me like this?" Nyla had assumed that no third party could ever come between them. Unfortunately, reality gave her a harsh slap, waking her from the lies he had woven and turning her love for him into a joke. Seeing her red, tear-filled eyes, Clark felt a pang in his chest. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Nyla, I’m sorry..." Nyla shoved him away, wanting to laugh but only tears came. "Don’t touch me with your filthy hands! "Is it that hard to stay faithful? "Since we got married, I’ve met many excellent men, and some have shown interest in me. But I’ve never crossed the line. If I can do it, why can’t you?!" Clark clenched his fists when he saw the disappointment and anger in her eyes. "Nyla, you’re the only one I love… It was just an accident with her…" His explanation sounded so weak that Nyla found it both laughable and nauseating. "So you’re saying I could sleep with another man and then tell you it was an accident? That I may have betrayed you physically, but my heart still belongs to you?" A flash of ruthlessness crossed Clark's eyes. "If you dare, I’ll end you and that man together in bed." Seeing his icy gaze, Nyla felt a chill in her heart. If he knew betrayal was unforgivable, why would he still betray her? She took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Do you remember what I told you when you proposed?" She had said that if he ever betrayed her, she would not forgive him but leave him. Clark’s expression changed. "I will not let you leave!" Nyla wiped her tears, her expression a mixture of ridicule and hatred. "Whether you agree or not, I’ve made up my mind. I’m divorcing you. You don’t deserve my forgiveness." With that, she ignored his reaction and went upstairs. Clark stared at her back, his gaze dark. … Back in the bedroom, Nyla went straight to the bathroom to shower, unable to stand the smell of wine on herself. While applying body wash, she noticed red marks on her chest and paused. The image of Damon’s hands roaming her body flashed through her mind, making her frown. She scrubbed the marks hard until the skin around them turned red, trying to erase his touch. After her shower, she saw Clark sitting on the bed with his head down, lost in thought. She frowned and decided to ignore him. They would be divorced soon anyway. Clark looked up and saw Nyla coming out in just a towel. Her damp hair dripped water, her freshly washed face flushed like a blooming rose with an enticing fragrance. The towel barely covered her behinds, revealing her long, fair legs. His breath hitched, his gaze glued on her. Nyla didn’t notice Clark's reaction. She walked to the wardrobe to grab her pajamas when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind. "Nyla..." Clark's voice was husky, filled with undisguised desire. Clark had been thinking about how to win her back downstairs after she left. The only way he could think of was to have a child with her. He had come upstairs to discuss this with her, planning to take it slow. However, he lost control upon seeing her just out of the shower. In the past, such behavior would have stirred Nyla's feelings, but all she felt now was disgust. She turned and pushed him away, her gaze full of revulsion. "Don’t touch me. I feel dirty." Hurt flashed in Clark's eyes. He grabbed her hands, his expression earnest. "Didn’t you always want a child? Let’s have one now, okay?" Nyla shook him off at his matter-of-fact attitude. "That was before. I might have a child in the future, but it won’t be yours." Her words enraged Clark. He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed, pinning her down. "Say that again!" His eyes were full of anger, but Nyla didn’t care. "It doesn’t matter how many times I say it. I’m disgusted by you. I’d rather die than have your child." As soon as she finished speaking, Clark kissed her fiercely. Chapter 4 Nyla froze for a moment, then struggled desperately. Just the thought of Clark kissing another woman the night before filled her with disgust and rage. "Let go!" Her struggles were futile against Clark, who only tightened his grip around her waist. As she fought, her towel loosened, revealing her body. His gaze darkened, and he felt a rush of desire. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, and Nyla quickly noticed the change in Clark. Furious, she bit him hard, tasting blood in their mouths. Instead of letting go, Clark's other hand slipped under Nyla's towel. She had nothing on underneath, having just come out of the shower. She stiffened and struggled even more fiercely. "Clark, get off me!" Clark ignored Nyla, his fingers teasing her sensitive spots. "Nyla, you need me too, don't you?" Nyla’s struggles were in vain, and she grew increasingly desperate. As Clark positioned himself, she closed her eyes in despair. "Clark, don't make me hate you." Clark halted abruptly. Seeing Nyla filled with despair and pain, like a fragile porcelain doll about to shatter, made him pause. He wanted her desperately, but a voice in his head warned that if he took her now, it would be the end of them. He stared at her, his hand tightening around her waist. After several tense seconds, he suddenly let go and got off the bed, leaving the room quickly. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, making Nyla flinch. She clutched the blanket tightly. … For the next few days, Clark didn't come home. Nyla called him several times to discuss the divorce, but he didn't respond. … The weekend arrived. Nyla was in the living room, sending out job applications when she heard the front door open. Clark walked in, looking haggard. They stared at each other in silence until Nyla broke it, closing her laptop and standing up calmly. "Since you're back, let's talk about the divorce." Clark frowned. "I told you, I won't divorce you. I'm here to remind you that we have to go to the family dinner tonight." The Sumners held a monthly dinner, and ever since their wedding, Clark and Nyla had attended together. The family wasn't kind to Nyla, often treating her poorly. She endured it because she believed Clark loved her. After seeing him with another woman, however, she couldn't lie to herself anymore. "I don't want to go. Go by yourself." Clark’s expression turned impatient. "Nyla, how long are you going to keep this up?" He had ignored her calls and messages, hoping she would calm down, but she was still the same. "I'm not keeping anything up. I just want a divorce." Upon hearing the word "divorce", Clark's patience wore thin. He looked at Nyla as if she were unreasonable. "Divorce? You haven't worked since we got married. How will you support yourself? Which company would hire you? And what about your father's exorbitant medical bills? Can you afford those? "Nyla, you're not a teenager anymore. You're 28. It's time to grow up. "I'm the CEO of the Sumner Group. I face temptations all the time. Sometimes, it's hard to resist, but those women will never take your place as my wife. What more do you want?" Clark couldn't understand why Nyla didn't see that he still loved her, even if he couldn't commit to being with her forever. Seeing Clark’s arrogant demeanor, Nyla couldn't reconcile this man with the shy boy who had once blushed while confessing his love and promising never to hurt her. Maybe this was his true self—selfish, proud, and condescending. "If being mature means tolerating your infidelity, then I'm sorry, I can't do that. Find someone else. Here are the divorce papers I've had drafted. Sign them when you have time." Clark glanced at the documents, sneering when he saw the section on asset division. "Quite the appetite you have, asking for half my assets. Do you really think that's possible?" "I deserve it. Why not?" Clark chuckled, his tone mocking. "Look around this house. Did you buy anything here? I've been covering your father's medical expenses for years. If we tally things up, you should be paying me. Should I have my lawyer do the math?" As Nyla watched his bitter expression, she couldn't believe she had once loved this man. He had hidden his true self so well that, until she caught him cheating, she had thought he was a great guy. "Don't forget, if it weren't for me giving you that patent, you wouldn't be the Sumner Group's CEO. And you were the one who told me to stay home after we got married. If I had continued my research, I would have earned far more than what you've given me." Unfazed, Clark replied, "Who would believe you about the patent now? "I don't want to argue about money, but if you insist on a divorce, we'll have to settle accounts. Nyla, as long as you drop the divorce idea, my money is still yours to use." "Clark, you're despicable!" Since he refused to divorce, she'd have to sue. She turned to leave, but he blocked her. "Change your clothes. We're going to the family dinner." "I said I'm not going. Tell them I'm not feeling well." Clark grabbed her wrist. "Nyla, I'm running out of patience. Don't force me to cut off your father's medical expenses." "You wouldn't dare!" Clark took out his phone and called his secretary. "Cancel my father-in-law's medical payment for next month—" Furious, Nyla grabbed his phone and ended the call. "You're crossing a line, Clark." "Crossing a line?" Clark's gaze was full of contempt as he yanked her closer. "Everything you have is because of me. Don't you think you're the one crossing the line? Change your clothes, or I have numerous ways to make you comply." Chapter 5 Seeing the coldness in Clark's eyes, Nyla realized how blind she had been to fall in love with such a man. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she refused to show any vulnerability in front of him. She yanked her hand away, took a deep breath, and headed upstairs. The only thought in her mind was to find a job quickly so she could move out and divorce Clark. She grabbed a random outfit, tied her hair up with a hairpin, and went back downstairs. She was never one to fuss over her appearance. In the past, she had dressed up for the Sumners' gatherings to make a good impression. Now, she couldn't care less. Hearing her footsteps, Clark looked up. Nyla wore a fitted white dress, her waist so slender it seemed it could be encircled with one hand. Her hair was secured with a jade hairpin, revealing her delicate neck. She was breathtakingly beautiful. The grace she exuded was just like when they first met. However, the look in her eyes now was devoid of any warmth. "Let’s go," she said. They drove to the Sumner residence in silence. As they arrived and were about to get out of the car, a black Range Rover sped up and stopped abruptly in front of them. Upon recognizing the car, Clark's expression darkened. It was Damon's car, someone he both feared and disliked. Damon was known for his reckless and unpredictable behavior. He had refused to take over the Sumner Group when Richard wanted him to run the company, choosing to start his own business instead. Everyone had expected him to fail, but within five years, his company had grown to be worth several times more than the Sumner Group. Clark couldn't stand Damon, partly out of jealousy. Once, a comment Clark made about Damon reached Damon's ears, and in retaliation, Damon refused to collaborate with the Sumner Group, costing them millions. Damon rarely attended family dinners, and Clark had hoped to avoid him. Luck wasn’t on his side today—they met at the door. He didn’t notice Nyla’s stiffened expression when she saw Damon get out of his car. Clark opened the car door and greeted, "Uncle Damon." Damon glanced at him indifferently, his gaze briefly landing on the passenger seat before he nodded and walked into the house. Nyla let out a deep breath. When Damon looked her way, she had forgotten to breathe, fearing he might say something outrageous. He was known for his unpredictable nature, always doing whatever he pleased. Fortunately, he said nothing. She decided she needed to talk to him privately later. As Clark and Nyla walked into the living room, they saw it was already filled with people. Richard and Marie, the family heads, were chatting with Damon. He was the kind of person who naturally stood out in a crowd. Noticing Nyla’s gaze on Damon, Clark frowned. "Why are you staring at my uncle?" Nyla withdrew her gaze and replied coolly, "None of your business." Her coldness irritated Clark. "Nyla, you know I don’t like you paying attention to other men." Ever since they got together, Clark had been extremely controlling, not allowing Nyla to interact with other men. She used to think this was a sign of his love, but now it seemed laughable. She sneered. "And I don’t like you sleeping with other women, but you seem to enjoy it just fine." Clark said through gritted teeth, "This is a family dinner. We’ll deal with this later." "If you don’t want me to bring it up, then stay out of my business," she retorted. Clark didn’t want to cause a scene now because it might affect the Sumner Group and his standing with Richard, who still held all the company’s shares. As they talked, Marie called out, "Nyla, Clark, you’re here! Come sit down!" Nyla took a deep breath, forcing a smile as she approached. She might not like the Sumners, but she maintained basic manners. "Hello, Grandpa, Grandma," she greeted with a smile. Marie, who had been urging Damon to settle down and get married, looked pleased to see the couple. "Come, sit down." She turned to Damon with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Look at Clark. He manages the company well and has a beautiful wife. They might have children soon. And you? Almost 30 and still single. If you don’t bring a girlfriend next time, don’t bother coming!" Damon glanced at the couple with a smirk. "She is indeed beautiful." He just wondered how that petite frame would suffer if she were to have children. Nyla frowned, feeling uncomfortable with Damon’s gaze. Clark also noticed the inappropriate way Damon looked at Nyla. It wasn’t the look of an elder but more like a man admiring a woman. His hand clenched into a fist, and his body tensed. Marie sighed. "My point is, when will you bring me a daughter-in-law?" "Depends. If I meet someone I like, maybe I’ll bring her back tomorrow," Damon replied nonchalantly. "You’re too picky! I’ve arranged a good match for you. Date's tomorrow, don’t ruin it." "Then you’ll probably have to apologize to another old friend tomorrow." Frustrated, Marie snapped, “You’re going to drive me crazy!” Damon glanced at Clark. “Clark's been married for years. Instead of pushing me, why don’t you encourage him to have kids?” Marie nodded, realizing Damon wouldn’t listen to her. She turned to Nyla and Clark, her expression softening. “Nyla, you and Clark have been married for a few years now. When are you planning to have children?” Chapter 6 Nyla lifted her head to speak, but Clark grabbed her hand and smiled. "Grandma, we're working on it!" Nyla tried to pull her hand away, but Clark's grip was too tight. If he wouldn't let her be, she wouldn't make it easy for him either. She turned to Marie. "Grandma, I'm looking for a job right now, so having children might have to wait." The room fell silent. Clark's grip on Nyla's hand tightened painfully, and she winced. Damon glanced at Clark's hand on Nyla, noticing the bulging veins, then looked away indifferently. Clark’s aunt, Anne Sumner, sneered. "Nyla, don't blame me for being blunt. You've been married for years. How can you not have a child yet? If it weren't for Clark insisting on marrying you, do you think your family could have ever married into the Sumners? "You should be grateful. If you don't want to have Clark's child, there are plenty of women who do. If someone else steps in, you’ll be the one looking silly." Besides, Anne thought, "Who knows if Nyla is fertile?" She sounded like she meant well, but her gaze at Nyla was filled with an air of superiority. Marie frowned at Anne, disapproving. "Anne, enough." Anne pursed her lips but stayed silent. Marie turned back to Nyla with a kind smile. "Nyla, you and Clark are still young. If you don't want children yet, that's fine. Just don't overwork yourself. Our family isn't short on money. You can work if you want, but take it easy." Nyla nodded. "I understand, Grandma." With that, the awkward moment passed, and the room returned to its previous warmth. Seeing the attention shift away, Clark pulled Nyla out of the living room. Once they reached the gazebo in the backyard, he released her. "Nyla, have you lost your mind? Do you want everyone to know about our fight?" Nyla rubbed her sore hand and said, "I was just being honest." "Honest?" Clark scowled. "Should I call your father then?" Harrison Jayston was ill and couldn't handle stress. Nyla planned to divorce Clark before breaking the news to him gently. She glared at Clark. "You wouldn’t dare! You were the one who cheated. What right do you have to be so self-righteous?" Clark clenched his hands, a flicker of guilt crossing his face before it was replaced by impatience. "I promised it wouldn’t happen again. If you don't want to see Jordyn, I'll fire her. What more do you want?" Nyla felt like there was a communication breakdown between them and turned away. "I don't want to argue with you here." When Clark saw her red-rimmed eyes, he softened. "Nyla, I truly know I was wrong. Just don't mention divorce, and I'll make it up to you. I love you. I can't let you go." Nyla found it laughable. How could he claim to love her while being with another woman? Just thinking about him with someone else made her sick. "I will never forgive you." Betrayal was her bottom line. She couldn’t pretend nothing had happened or reconcile with him. Clark knew Nyla well enough to understand that he had to be patient. He believed she still had feelings for him. Otherwise, she would have made a bigger scene when she found out. As long as he refused to divorce her, she would eventually forgive him. "Fine, we won't talk about it now. If you don't want kids yet, we’ll postpone it to two years later. Since you want to work, I'll have my secretary find you a position at the Sumner Group." Nyla laughed at his arrangement, a mocking look in her eyes. "Clark, do you see me as a puppet you can control?" Hurt by her gaze, Clark frowned. "How am I controlling you? You don't want kids now, so I agreed to wait two years. You want to work, so I'll arrange it. What more do you want?" "Stop pretending. I don't want kids because I want a divorce. I want to work to sever ties with you." Clark looked at Nyla's stubborn face, displeased. Since their wedding, she had been like a canary in his cage. He couldn't let her go. "As long as I don't agree, this marriage won't end. Even if you tell a lawyer I cheated, do you have proof?" Clark's confident tone and controlling demeanor made Nyla step back, trembling with anger. She finally saw how selfish and disgusting he was. She had wasted eight years—the best years of her life, from 18 to 26—loving this man. "You make me sick, Clark!" Seeing the undisguised disgust in Nyla's eyes, Clar	LEARN_MORE	https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	988	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	findedc.com	DCO		https://findedc.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15692&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/t39.35426-6/468455042_1262834138099234_1389968434765802098_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WE3kUIHYboMQ7kNvgFHMCRw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AtQ23ouK47Om0vQ51H86oMr&oh=00_AYAw5uwcr1d4OH9oJRpf1QR3TXJsIcbpeeJkaTJ2Dm--_w&oe=678B7887	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,663,982	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-01-13 18:21	active	2257	Read next chapter	After being publicly rejected by her mate, she refused to accept it and resolved to use the bond between mates to punish him. However, when another Alpha began to court her, he lost it. "You belong only to me!" ===== "I, Jacob Carter of the Blood Moon Pack, reject you, Sophia Addison of the Crescent Moon Pack, as my Luna-to-be," he announced with his full voice. I can hear loud gasps and whispers throughout the place. They cannot believe that their goody two shoes of a senior-year president are making this claim in front of everybody. What goody two shoes? More like a two-faced jk! I cannot believe they failed to see his facade all these years. For a second, I feel sorry for them, as they were deceived by this tall, dark, handsome, and well-built...Argh nevermind. He had always been so stoic and secretly arrogant that only I could notice. My poor schoolmates were too blinded by his beauty to see past his pretentious attitude. But there is no way he could have fooled me with those! Even if he was doing a damn great job to maintain his act. "He is rejecting us! Mate doesn't want us, Sophia! What will we do!?" Lia, my wolf, hysterically panicked and sadly whimpered within me. She was deeply hurt, and I was too. Who wouldn't be? My destined mate rejected us. He made it clear he doesn't want anywhere near us. Why is he suddenly being like this to us, though? Rejecting and embarrassing a she-wolf in public! Not to mention, his very mate! How could he be less than his prestigious title!?! We are not close or anything, but at the same time, I could not recall a moment where I could have offended him. He is just being simply absurd for no reason! I blew out a sharp breath so that I would not burst out in anger. It could only make me look pathetic and weak. And that is the last thing I would want out of this grand and majestic plot of his. "Calm down, Lia; we would not let that happen." I calmly soothe my wolf, unsure of myself if I can do anything to stop this mess. But I should still try. "Luke is against this! He is fighting Jacob for control!" she whined. Luke is Jacob's wolf and a much more reasonable being than he is. I can understand Lia's worries. He even rejected me in front of the school gym, at a podium, no less, where there were lots of students as witnesses. This psychopath! It's like he is turning the rejection into some sort of school play. That made Lia think that this rejection is quite serious, unlike any other rejections that we have only heard stories about, in which the she-wolf is rejected in private. Not like this! In public and in front of everyone! Oh, and mind you, our parents are also here to see, and a couple of other wolves' parents as well, because it is literally the opening ceremony of the starting school year, which ended just a few minutes ago. He wanted to start our last year of school like this. A hot issue for the other students to gossip about. If any of you might be wondering, we did the election of officers in our junior year so that they could prepare for their duties in advance, since some of them, like this stoneface Jacob, are future Alphas and have lots of responsibilities for the pack aside from school duties. Even nowadays, it is indeed, no doubt, a much safer place to live, but there are still rogue wolves everywhere, and the issue with other cities needs time, effort, and attention to avoid an all-out war. I clicked my tongue in annoyance, we should have just elected the officers this year. In that way, they would see this scene unfold in front of their very eyes! But I doubt they would change their minds, especially the she-wolves, who almost glorify him. They couldn't be more than happy to see their crush as available and single. Hmmm. That sounds unfair. We couldn't just let them be happy now, couldn't we? I saw my older twin brothers growl, and my father was ready to attack Jacob, but Mom sneered to stop them. Well, only a Luna can stop her Alpha and the twins. But I swear, even if I did not see it, Mom was grinning. Waiting for me to make my move. "What the fk are you doing?" I angrily whispered to him, full of concern for both of our wolves' feelings. He just stared at me with a blank face, showing no empathy for our wolves. "Mom, can I smack him just once?" I asked Mom about our mindlink. And I heard her laugh through it. Mom was also once rejected by my Dad. But that was when they were in primary school! This one's different, Mom! I annoyingly thought to myself because I knew Mom would lay that plate on me. "As much as I want to see that baby, the answer is no. He is the future Alpha of one of the big three, after all," Mom defeatedly said in a teasing voice. She knows how to piss me off. Do not take it the wrong way, though; Mom and I are close like that. We love to tease and piss each other off, but at life-or-death Moments, we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for our family. "Does it hurt the Queen Bee's pride to let all her lemmings witness the rejection of her mate?" Jacob whispered and smirked. I can see him tightening up his jaw as if holding himself back from growling at me since that could damage his reputation and popularity as well. I smiled sarcastically at him to aggravate him even further, as I was trying so hard to stop myself from slapping him. "Don't slap, mate," Lia begged. "That is why I am trying to stop myself." I sighed. Lia is right; I will be hurt more if I slap that annoyingly handsome face of his. Future Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, Sophia, please remember. I chanted as I held myself back again and again. "Why would I be? You are also dirtying your precious popularity as well, Mr. Goody two shoes." I hissed back at him. He snarled, and in the next split second, the color of his eyes flickered as they changed from his usual daunting black to glistening gold. "Lia." Luke was in control for a Moment, and Lia scurried back and forth excitedly. "Luke!" Lia's words escaped from my mouth, and for a moment he smiled, and the next split second his eyes reverted back to black. He sighed in annoyance, and I just knew he was fighting with Luke right now. "Sophia Addison, your answer?" he spat. I could feel the people's anticipation, and I even saw his Dad's hands on his face and massaging his head while his Luna comforted him and glared at Jacob's back. "This boy will surely regret his decision sooner or later." I heard her Mom whisper with my enhanced wolf hearing, unlike any other normal wolf. I smiled and smirked. Of course, he will regret it, Aunt Mia. "I, Sophia Addison of the Crescent Moon Pack, deny your rejection, Jacob Carter." I smiled triumphantly at him, and he just glared at me. I looked away and turned my back on him, ready to go to where my family was, but as I was about to take a step, he grabbed my arm. He wants to say something; I can feel it through our stupid special bond, but before he can breathe a word, my family jumps in front of me with my mother by my side and the twins in front of us, shielding us with their arms forward and Dad at the forefront. At the same time, his parents immediately ran to him and grabbed his arm. "Frank," Dad said in a warning tone. "You may have been my best friend since we were little runts, but I cannot accept this humiliation," he sneered. Uncle Frank just sighed and nodded in agreement. "I know Daniel; for this, I am very sorry." He apologized and held Jacob's shoulders too tightly. I stared at his hand. "I will be sure to punish and discipline him later," he sternly stated, and his grip on him became much tighter, causing the young Carter to wince in pain. "NO!" I unconsciously yelled and whimpered. "He is hurting mate!" Lia growled in my head, absolutely furious and ready to fight, even if it was one of the Alphas of the Big Three. "Frank, be sensitive; the bond." Aunt Mia reminded Uncle Frank, and he loosened his grip on his son. I can finally breathe well again; this stupid bond is causing me pain whenever that jerk Carter is hurt. He looked at me, causing me to look away. "Mom, let's go," I said to my Mom, and she worringly nodded. "Mia! We will be going first! Let's hang out next time!" Mom shouted so that Aunt Mia could hear. "It is indeed a pity, Anna, because this happened. I really am sorry. Let us see each other next week!" Aunt Mia shouted back and waved. The two alphas just nodded to each other; I think they had some sort of agreement through the mindlink, and with a swift movement, all of us went our separate ways. With no one else around that could see me and our windows tinted, I sobbed and cried like an annoying baby. Chapter 2 Sophia's POV--Attacked "That pck!" Dad was about to get out of the car, but I stopped him. "Dad, please, let's just go home for now," I pleaded. He glanced at me, debating what to do, and then he defeatedly sighed. "Only you and your mother can make me do things against my will, sweetie." He softly laughed, and Mom giggled, but soon her emotions changed like a switch. "Of course! Who else would dare!?" Mom angrily huffed and glared at Dad. "No one else, my Luna." Dad softly chuckled and tenderly looked at my Mom and held her palm with his free hand while the other was holding the steering wheel. "Hey Dad! You forgot when we bought fast food! That was against your will!" Jayden childishly protested. "That doesn't count, Jayden; stop embarrassing yourself with that face of mine!" Aidan sighed and tried to reach out to Jayden to smack him off, but to no avail. "I can't help it, bro, we're twins!" Jayden smirked. "Then please, in Goddess's name, at least stop telling people you're me!" Aidan facepalmed, as he was really pissed off. "Where's the fun in that?" Jayden laughed. Mom and Dad just shook their heads and watched them bicker for minutes until their mouths grew tired. My two brothers are by my side, with me in the middle. That is why I am smushed with their bickering and petty fights almost all the time. This has been our seating place wherever we go, since all of them, especially my two twins older brothers, are annoyingly overprotective of me despite their bickering. Since they both surprisingly agree and understand one another when it comes to our family, with me. I just watched from the window as the scenery changed from Woodhill University to the familiar sight of our pack's forest. My Dad is the Alpha of our pack, and these two iots are both the successors in the future once they find their mate and when they are all ready to inherit the pack. Since they are twins, they both have the same mate, and I can't wait to meet her so that their attention and all of their clinginess will finally fall on her. Oh Goddess, I pity her now, even though we haven't met her yet. These two will surely be more protective of her than me because of the mate bond. I let out small evil laughs, and they all looked at me; even Dad took a peek. "Mom, Sophie's being so scary," Jayden blurted out while slowly backing away from me as if being truly scared. I frowned and told Mom. "Jayden, stop teasing your little sister, or else I will really show you what scary is." Mom warned Jayden and threw her compressed powder at him. "Yeah, right, Mom, and you are the one who always teases Sophie," Aidan remarked, and we all laughed because Aidan makes jokes with his serious face, and it is always hilarious, especially sometimes when he really means it and not as a joke. That innocent and stern expression of his never fails to make our day, which is why Jayden always teases and makes fun of his own twin brother. I felt relieved now that we were coming back at our pack as we all continued to laugh at Jayden's and Aidan's bickering, but not too long when someone threw sharp objects at the tires and we crashed into a big tree, totally destroying our ride. We were caught off guard when someone tried to pull Mom's hair. Dad immediately growled, and with no second to waste, he released his Alpha pheromones, which made the intruder instantly back out. Maybe it was just a lowly wolf since a simple pheromone made him back away at once. At the same time, while Dad was busy protecting Mom, someone tried to pry open the roof of our car and was successful. It opened instantly and grabbed me by the hair, but Jayden and Aidan shifted to protect me. Jayden viciously bit the other intruder's hand that grabbed my hair, and Aidan ran outside to capture the one who grabbed Mom's hair since he was nearer than Dad, but that was after he held me down to prevent the intruder from pulling me up. All of it happened so fast; it's like a reflex. Jayden was able to rip off the arm of the one who attacked me, but it escaped. While Aidan triumphantly caught the one who pulled Mom's hair and rendered him unconscious. Oh, Goddess, this will be good. I was super ecstatic and can't wait to see what will unravel. I jumped out of the car and sat on the ripped-off roof, wiggling my legs. Dad was truly infuriated as it attacked his precious Luna and released such strong pheromones that the intruder almost ran out of breath. Mom instantly released her pheromones from the car to calm Dad down. "Daniel, for goodness sake, we need him alive. Calm your wits down! The kids can't breathe!" Mom growled and surrounded us with her sweet and loving pheromones as Dad truly was making us suffocate. He seemed to snap out of his anger and immediately ran to Mom just to feel and caress her cheeks. "Are you okay?" He managed those words to escape from his lips under pressure as he was still catching his breath out of fear for Mom's safety. Mom genuinely nodded and kissed Dad. Geez, does anyone remember that I was just rejected hours ago? I cannot stand their public display of affection. "Dad, I'm not! Look what it did to my hair!" I childishly ranted out like some spoiled 7-year-old, jumped down from the roof, and grimaced at their gross kissing scene. Mom laughed, and Dad scoffed and patted my head. The Moment he pulled his hand back, all three of the men panicked. Mom instantly got out of the car and held my face. There was lots of bld, and it didn't hurt until now that I saw some of it drip from Dad's hand. "Baby, are you okay?" Mom's voice was slowly fading away as my vision got blurry with each split second that passed. "Sophia." Lia's voice felt like it was slowly melting away, but I could grasp that she was reaching out to me, telling me to grab hold of her. With no delay, I tried to seize her paws, and she purred as I calmed her down in my head. I heard my Dad violently curse out and lift me up. I think I saw Aidan breaking the limbs of the prey he caught just enough that it didn't die. I felt Jayden pick something from the car, but I didn't have much energy to be able to sense what it was, and I couldn't move my lips to ask. My eyes were getting heavy, and I then slowly drifted myself into slumber. ---- After what seemed like years of sleeping, I found myself in a familiar place. In my room at the packhouse, I felt someone waking up beside me, and when I turned my head to see who it was, it was Aidan. "Sophie! Are you okay?! Goddess, we are fking worried sick about you! You were suddenly unconscious!" he exclaimed, and not too long after that, I sensed the big strides of someone. The door pried open, and it popped out a disheveled Jayden. "Sophia!" He jumped on me and hugged me tight. "Jayden, I can't.. Breathe.." I tapped him, and suddenly he was at the door again because Aidan pulled him away from me with force. "Hey, stupid, you are killing our sister!" Aidan snapped, and I just noticed that both of their eyes were puffy and red. "That's overdramatic; I just felt sleepy, that's all." I giggled and teased them if they were crying; they looked away, of course, and shamelessly denied it. I asked where Mom and Dad were, and they said that both of them were interrogating the intruder. They then later said that the wolf was a rogue one from the neighboring city, in which we are currently walking on eggshells, or else a full-out war may break out. A war that all of the pack from our city is trying hard to prevent. I then wondered why on earth they attacked us, but that thought soon vanished right away when I was caught in surprise by Mom and Dad licking me. They are in their wolf forms, full of bld, and they really stink for real. I tried to push their heads away but was hopeless, and with no other choice, I just let them lick and cuddle me to their hearts' content. Lia was extremely happy with it. When they finally settled down, I frowned at them, with hands on my waist, as I was standing up full of their saliva. Jayden and Aidan were running out of breath, laughing. "So, happy now?" I sighed, and they just pranced around me, smelling and ensuring that I was fine. I cuddled both of them after I wolfed out for a Moment and shrugged all their saliva off of me. We then shifted back, butt ned, because we were the only ones in my room and we were quite used to it. Actually, being naked is not a big deal at all, as it is our nature as wolves. But of course, both of them immediately covered each other up. I chuckled as I was reminded that Alphas and Lunas are really protective of each other and of their pups. I suddenly felt Lia being so restless, and she won't tell me why, but when a tall, dark, and well-built man appeared in front of me like magic, covering my ned body with his from my parents and brothers, I was stunned and froze in place. His sweet and inebriating scent filled my nose. With a deep breath, I yelled. "What the fk are you doing here, Carter?" I reveled and indulged myself with his sweet smell. So so tantalizingly delicious... I clenched my fist to stop myself from pouncing on him... ...... 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) &5&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65327322-fb_contact-e	Good Story	https://www.facebook.com/100090635329790/	817	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65327322-fb_contact-eny8297_2-1229-a-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=638434121690371&rawadid=120218149913180091	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472106909_574908465470778_5581861010620883306_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vtBfZBwAWlEQ7kNvgFUCgU6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AX7rEtSBXXsfNlYCJInhCwX&oh=00_AYDvST0iyhfblnnDYJyGaLUA9EUn9zPEhNIPD2W5MSaDjQ&oe=678B897E	PERSON_PROFILE	Good Story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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