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2,679,565	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679725}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Need a Change? Try 3 Classes, $3!	Hinsdale & Western Springs: Time for a Change? 💪 Feeling stuck in a fitness rut? At F45, we’re here to help you break free with fast, fun, and results-driven workouts that leave you feeling stronger, energized, and ready to conquer your day. 🔥 Start now with 3 classes for just $3! But hurry, this limited-time offer ends soon. Here’s what’s waiting for you at F45: 💥 45 Minutes, Big Impact: Quick, fat-burning workouts that fit your busy life. 🎯 Guided Coaching, Real Results: Coaches who’ve got your back, so you can focus on showing up. 🎉 Exciting, Fresh Workouts: No boring routines—every day brings something new. 🤝 A Community That Inspires: Train alongside supportive teammates who keep you motivated. ⏳ Act fast—spots are filling up, and you’ll need to complete your 3 classes within 7 days of starting! 👉 Click “Learn More” to grab your 3 classes for $3 and get ready to feel your best.	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	F45 Training Hinsdale	https://www.facebook.com/F45Hinsdale/	845	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fb.me	IMAGE		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473441461_3364347633696761_702637993296159274_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2QRFlMMj6rwQ7kNvgE_wsbG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ahwzl0UTsLfgbAPqFjVPpJI&oh=00_AYBd4OvYkb_pctQYRC7Oz3754i5nViqF76cuA6l1W9WnuA&oe=67A641A3	PERSON_PROFILE	F45 Training Hinsdale	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,677	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Read next chapter	Her fiancé cheated with her stepsister but still wanted to marry her. With a mocking smile, she called off the engagement. When the scmbag cornered her at her door, the elite tycoon appeared behind her--wrapped in nothing but a towel... ===== "Are you seeing someone? Spend a night with me, and I'll forget about the damage to my car," Charlee Sullivan suggested boldly. Charlee leaned casually against a gleaming crimson sports car, her fitted scarlet dress emphasizing her striking silhouette. Her delicate face, framed by soft waves of auburn hair, radiated sophistication. Her usually vibrant eyes now carried an icy detachment. She wasn't one to forgive easily; after discovering that Liam Todd, her fiance, dared to cheat on her, she craved a way to retaliate. The man, crouched over his battered motorcycle, straightened up at her words. Under the streetlight's glow, his rugged, undeniably magnetic features radiated an air of untamed charisma. "I'm single," he replied, his deep baritone carrying an irresistible allure. Charlee smirked, leaning in slightly. Her curls tumbled forward, dusted with vibrant remnants of party streamers. And this man--his sharp jawline, commanding presence, and effortless charm--was everything Liam wasn't. Liam, she mused, paled in comparison to this stranger, who seemed more than capable of meeting her every desire. "So did you agree?" The man's gaze flitted between the dented luxury vehicle and his wrecked motorcycle, a flicker of amusement in his expression. Her prized car, he thought, wasn't even worth the cost of his bike's handlebars. With a sly grin, he pulled her into his embrace, his tone teasing but firm. "Deal. I can't pay for your car repairs anyway. But don't complain later, little firecracker." With that, he swept her off her feet, carrying her with ease toward a nearby htel... When he said a whole night, he wasn't exaggerating. Charlee lost track of the moments she blacked out. Hours later, as she slipped back into her outfit, she couldn't summon the courage to meet his gaze. Her hoarse voice trembled with a warning as she said, "I have the crash footage. The moment I step out, we're nothing to each other. Stay silent." From behind her, his voice dripped with amusement, lazy yet sharp. "Interesting. I've kept a copy of that clip, too." Not catching his implication, Charlee grabbed her belongings and headed for the exit. Her shaky legs almost betrayed her, threatening to collapse beneath her. His deep chuckle echoed. "Sure you don't need more time to recover?" What a smug b*tard! She slammed the door behind her with every ounce of strength, nearly tempted to hit him with it. She missed the possessive glint in his eyes as he watched her leave. In the hotel lobby, the glowing screen of a television displayed breaking headlines. "A shocking revelation today--two elite families in Jurgh, set to unite through marriage, have faced public embarrassment. Sources claim the Todd heir stormed out of the ceremony, leaving the Sullivan heiress humiliated." A bystander muttered, "Rumor has it the groom's quite fond of his fiancee's half-sister. Now that her parents have rekindled their relationship, who knows? Maybe he'll end up with the other sibling." On the screen, Charlee appeared in a crimson gown, her hair dotted with celebratory confetti. The camera lingered on her frozen smile, magnifying the heartbreak behind it. Surprisingly, after her intense encounter, Charlee realized the pain from the breakup wasn't as sharp anymore. She had clung too tightly to Liam, convinced their years-long relationship was indestructible. She had let him take her affection for granted. But he was never irreplaceable. Someone else had managed to fill the void effortlessly. The stranger from last night, for instance, who possessed boundless endurance. Chapter 2 Obsession Charlee said, "Hello. I'd like to check out." Distracted by a heated debate over the latest news on TV, the receptionists glanced up from their conversation. Their eyes widened as they recognized the woman from the video, forcing a slightly awkward smile. One receptionist looked back at the screen and then at Charlee, clearly captivated by the latter's striking appearance. Her eyes flicked briefly to Charlee's neck as she processed the latter's check-out. As Charlee drove home, she reflected on the curious glances she received from the receptionists. Curious, she pulled out a mirror. The hikeys on her neck were hard to miss. She reached for her foundation, carefully covering the marks. Most of them were still visible, though. That man's stamina was truly remarkable. Their meeting had begun with a car accident and quickly turned into a night of carefree fun. The memory brought a soft laugh to her lips. Thirty minutes later, she steered her sports car into the driveway of the Sullivans' grand villa. At the same moment, a black Cayenne rolled in beside her. As the car door swung open, Liam gently assisted Stacey Sullivan out, treating her with utmost care. His gaze turned cold when he spotted Charlee. "Keep your troubles away from Stacey. We'll talk later." His composed manner brought back memories of him setting boundaries, like prohibiting her from eating ice cream during her periods or wearing skirts to school. There was a time she almost adored this aspect of Liam. Now, it only disgusted her. Facing him, she said, "This is good timing. I'm calling off our engagement." Under the sunlight, she rose elegantly, her perfect skin radiating, her beautiful face emitting a captivating charm. Liam was caught off guard and then noticed the marks on her neck; his eyes filled with anger immediately. Releasing Stacey's arm, he strode toward Charlee and seized her wrist with a grip that almost broke it. "Where were you last night? Who is responsible for this?" He resembled a husband who felt deceived. Oh, the irony. "Let go," Charlee said, her eyes cold. "All this time, I've treated you well, yet you've acted shamelessly. To think you'd let another man's lps on your neck!" Liam refused to believe Charlee could betray him like this. He was convinced she'd asked someone to make those marks just to agitate him. Trapped in his grasp, Charlee flashed a mischievous smile. "Oh, it wasn't just my neck. His ksses covered me completely." Realizing Charlee had seen the video, Liam's hold inadvertently weakened. "There's a reason for this. Please, don't let this hurt Stacey." He was aware of the video then. He certainly knew how to keep the excitement alive in the bdroom. Charlee could no longer hold back her frustration and slpped him. "Charlee, what's going on?" Stacey cried out as she dashed forward, encircling Charlee's waist with her arms and forcibly pulling the latter back. "Liam means the world to me, blame me if you must. He treats you so well. How could you slp him?" Stacey's tearful plea was followed by a low, sinister chuckle. Stacey whispered, "So, what is it like to be left alone at your own engagement? I merely scratched my wrist, and Liam couldn't stop comforting me." A cold dread crept over Charlee, feeling like she was trapped by a venomous snake, urging her to shove Stacey away. The moment she touched Stacey's arm, Stacey screamed and tumbled to the ground, her wrist blding through the bandage. "Charlee!" Liam, seething with anger, rushed to Stacey's aid. "You owe Stacey an apology, now!" "Don't be so harsh, Liam," Stacey said softly, holding onto Liam's hand as he pointed at Charlee, her voice tender yet pitiful. "This is on me; I shouldn't have let my feelings for you go so far. She's supposed to be your bride. It's natural for Charlee to be upset. I accept whatever comes." Her act of pity managed to melt Liam's heart. "Please, don't cry, Stacey," he said. Chapter 3 Totally Disappointed Charlee's gaze lingered on Liam and Stacey's display of affection, her tone biting as she sneered, "You do realize this is on you, right?" Liam's eyes darkened with fury, cutting toward her like a blde. "You've crossed a line, Charlee. Stacey is your sister. She almost died, and you still feel the need to antagonize her?" "Sister?" Charlee's laugh was as icy as her stare. "You mean the one who sduced her sister's fiance?" "You..." Liam's anger simmered as he steadied Stacey, leading her toward the Sullivan estate. As they neared Charlee, he turned sharply and barked, "Wait for me at the door." He spoke with the authority of someone who expected to be obeyed, confident in her usual compliance. But instead, Charlee strode past him without a second glance, her red dress flowing behind her. With her sleek black heels clicking against the pavement and her crimson lips curved in disdain, she exuded an untamed elegance, like a predator that couldn't be tamed. "This is my house," she said coolly, throwing the words over her shoulder. "You don't get to dictate what I do." Liam froze, startled by her defiance, his eyes glued to her retreating figure. Something about her felt different--unfamiliar. "Liam..." Stacey's soft, delicate voice rang out beside him, pulling him back to reality. His voice grew gentler. "That's just her way. Don't mind her. I'll handle it later and make sure she doesn't trouble you again. Let's get you back to rest." Stacey's eyes welled up as she gripped his arm tightly, unwilling to let go. "You said you'd stay with me, Liam," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Her plea struck a chord deep within him. He replied softly, "Of course, I will. You did all that because you cared so much for me. I'll stay by your side until you're well again." Meanwhile, Charlee went upstairs, took a long shower, and changed before coming back to see Liam and Stacey finally entering the house together. Standing on the balcony, she nearly choked at the sight of them embracing, their affection on full display near the doorway. "Had enough of that yet?" she asked dryly, lounging on the sleek leather sofa, her legs elegantly crossed, exuding the air of a prowling feline. Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out from above. "What's your problem, Charlee? You're becoming impossible!" Her father, Keith Sullivan's stern expression darkened as he descended the stairs, trailed by Hannah Sullivan, his former wife. Hannah had settled in here, officially taking the title of Mrs. Sullivan in the eyes of others. Though dressed to impress, her harsh and hostile demeanor was impossible to miss. To Charlee, it was clear as day that, like Stacey, she was utterly hypocritical. Charlee didn't bother with an argument. Instead, she pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and projected footage from the security camera onto the massive living room TV. The screen revealed Stacey and Liam locked in an intimate ebrace, their lps pressed together with a level of closeness that left nothing to the imagination. "Why would you do this, Charlee?" Stacey wailed, covering her face as though humiliated, then dashed upstairs, her sobs echoing through the halls. Anyone unaware of the full story might think Charlee had wronged her instead of exposing her. "Stacey, don't do anything reckless!" Hannah shouted, quickly following after her in a show of concern, making sure everyone remembered that Stacey was delicate and must not be upset. As expected, Keith lost his temper and stormed over to yank the TV's plug from the wall. "Charlee, are you determined to destroy this household?" Keith barked furiously. "Perhaps you should be asking Stacey that question," Charlee retorted, her disappointment cutting through her cold tone. She fixed him with an unyielding stare--one filled with bitterness, entirely void of warmth. Since losing her mother, she had come to understand just how fragile family bonds could be. For sixteen years, her mother had sacrificed everything to stand by Keith's side. Yet within a week of her passing, he had welcomed Hannah and Stacey into their home. How could he be so cruel? Chapter 4 Her Cruel Father Charlee's accusations deepened the anger etched on Keith's face. In a sharp tone, he said, "Stacey is your sister, and this is her home, too. She's bottled up her emotions, staying out of your way when it comes to Liam. She's reached a point of despair so profound it drove her to attempt to end her life. Yet, here you are, devoid of compassion and consumed by hostility. How can you be so unfeeling?" Liam, having shaken off the earlier awkwardness, finally spoke. "Mr. Sullivan, perhaps you should check on Stacey. I'll handle things with Charlee." Even now, Liam shielded Charlee, seemingly treating her with the same patience and indulgence as always. But his actions felt like repeated blows, each one more painful than the last. Charlee rose to her feet, her gaze icy and expression unreadable. "There's nothing left to discuss. The engagement is over." Liam countered, "Charlee, we've been together for years, and you've refused to get closer to me. I'm only human--I have needs too." His justification was absurd. Agreeing to share intimacy only after their engagement had somehow morphed into his excuse for betrayal. "So this is why you turned to Stacey?" A moment of silence followed. She couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "If you're shameless enough to do this, at least have the decency to announce your plans to marry her. Stop skulking around like a coward. You're pathetic." Turning to leave, she felt Liam seize her wrist. "Are you insane?" He couldn't believe she had just called him a coward. She had never belittled him like this before. Charlee exhaled slowly before driving her foot into his shin. His pained cry echoed as she wrenched her hand free. "Try me, and you'll regret it," she warned, voice steady but threatening. At eighteen, Charlee had survived a harrowing kidnapping and near-rpe attempt. The trauma had driven her to secretly train in kickboxing for four years. After winning a local championship, she had once jokingly told Liam she'd protect him as his personal bodyguard. Who would have thought he'd one day be the recipient of those skills? The irony was overwhelming. "You brt! Get back here!" Keith stormed into the room, catching the tail end of their argument, his voice booming with fury. But Charlee didn't falter. She walked away with poise, not sparing him a glance. Now that the pretense was shattered, she was ready to move forward with her long-delayed plans. Liam clenched his jaw, suppressing the pain, waiting before attempting to stand. Keith waited for him to recover and then spoke. "Liam, I've indulged Charlee too much. About the marriage..." His meaning was unmistakable. He wanted to cancel the marriage arrangement between Charlee and Liam. Without the Todd family, Charlee would become obedient. And if he married Stacey to Liam, the Todd family would be his aide completely. Liam's frustration was evident. "Delay it. Stacey's health is fragile. Once she's better, I'll marry Charlee." Though Charlee had ended things, Liam didn't take her words seriously. At sixteen, she had hit rock bottom, relying entirely on him to pull her through. Her years of unwavering devotion were proof enough that she'd never truly leave him. …… In the Sullivan Group's project department, Charlee sat in her office, focused on compiling reports. Keith hadn't stripped her of authority due to the family's partnership with the Todds. But now that she had called off the engagement, she needed to secure her position. At three in the afternoon, her assistant, Alexia Jenkins, burst into the office, knocking hastily before stepping inside, her face visibly drained of color. Trailing behind her, Stacey entered clad in a tailored light-gray suit, radiating an air of confidence and control. The meekness she displayed in front of Liam had vanished, replaced by an unrestrained sense of triumph. "Charlee, the board has voted to relieve you of your duties as project director. Starting today, I'll be stepping in to take over. All incomplete projects under your supervision will now fall to me. As for your reassignment..." Stacey's lips curled into a mocking smile as she tossed a blue folder onto the desk. "The newly established Green Biopharmaceuticals in the eastern suburbs needs someone to manage it. The tech is fully patented, and the production lines run seamlessly--your job will just be signing papers and killing time. See? Dad hasn't forgotten about you entirely." Chapter 5 Green Biopharmaceuticals The Sullivan Group owned four branches, and Green Biopharmaceuticals was the least promising of them all. Despite its grandiose name, it was nothing more than a basic contract manufacturing facility. Devoid of innovation or proprietary patents, it functioned solely as a production line, lacking any semblance of independence. Still, this company marked the genesis of the Sullivan Group's wealth, the hard-won achievement of Charlee's mother during her initial ventures into the industry. Charlee tapped her finger lightly on the document. "I'm the project director. Do you really think you can demote me to manage some rundown company? Dream on." Stacey remained composed, as though she had expected Charlee's resistance. "Dad said if you're unwilling to leave, you can stay in the project department, but under me as your supervisor. You'll have to take my orders." Charlee let out a sharp, derisive laugh. Her disdain was written all over her elegant face. "Mr. Sullivan knows you're useless, so he's forcing me to stay and clean up after you. How pathetic." The office door stood wide open, intentionally so. Stacey had planned for the entire project team to witness Charlee's humiliation. Yet, the plan backfired. With an air of confidence, Stacey squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. "I was appointed as director by the board. It was a unanimous decision. At the year-end meeting, I'll lead this team in collecting our accolades. Just wait." Charlee clicked her tongue dismissively. "Stop puffing yourself up." Without another word, she made a call and put it on speaker. After a few rings, Keith answered, his authoritative tone filling the room. "With the tension between you and Liam, I have to make a decision. Sign the papers and head to the company. Don't stir up trouble. I have a strategy in mind." His tone was firm yet sounded almost considerate. Charlee's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Mr. Sullivan, I own eight percent of the shares. Don't I qualify as a stakeholder?" Keith was silent for a moment before replying begrudgingly, "If two-thirds of the shareholders agree, it's out of your hands." His message was clear... Charlee's voice didn't matter. Charlee arched an eyebrow and glanced at Stacey with a smirk. "Unanimous, you said?" Stacey flushed crimson, while whispers spread among the onlookers outside the office. Stacey's credibility was already in tatters before she even assumed her new role. Before Stacey could recover and respond, Charlee's tone turned icy. "I want ownership of the pharmaceutical plant. Draft a revised agreement and send it to me. Then I'll sign and step aside. Otherwise... I don't mind dragging us all down." Before Keith could protest, Charlee hung up. She understood Stacey's ambitions all too well, but after three years as project director, Charlee wasn't about to surrender without a fight. Besides, she was never a pushover. Keith couldn't afford to gamble with everything at stake. Thirty minutes later, the company transfer papers were delivered to her desk. Charlee reviewed them meticulously before signing without hesitation. As she prepared to leave, Stacey, now firmly seated in the director's chair, issued orders. "Other than personal belongings, you're not to take a single thing from this office. Alexia, check her items." Alexia, who owed her position to Charlee, hesitated. Her contract, however, was with the Sullivan Group. Sparing her the dilemma, Charlee opened her own bag and box. She turned to Stacey, holding up a small jewelry case, her strikingly clear eyes fixed on her rival. "These are the ring and bracelet Liam had custom-made for me. One of a kind. Want them?" Seeing Stacey's enraged expression, Charlee tossed the jewelry box into the trash with a casual motion and dusted off her hands. "Getting rid of jnk feels amazing." As she exited, the sound of shattering cups erupted behind her. Charlee smiled to herself. Was Stacey already cracking? She'd need to hold out until those projects were under her control. That was when the real battle would begin. Charlee had underestimated Stacey's and Keith's pettiness. When she attempted to drive away, security halted her vehicle, asserting it was property of the Sullivan Group. Now acting as director of the pharmaceutical company, Charlee had lost her privilege to use this car since the company's split from the Sullivan Group. Exiting her sports car, she slipped on her sunglasses and glanced toward her office building. Despite the distance, she could distinctly make out Stacey on the floor of her office, gracefully enjoying a cup of coffee. In a daring move, Charlee gave Stacey the finger, then turned on her heel and walked off with her belongings to hail a nearby taxi. As she waited, a sleek black Maybach rolled to a stop before her. The door swung open automatically, revealing a man lounging comfortably, an amused expression playing across his refined features. "What a coincidence." ...... 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/69002322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novels	https://www.facebook.com/61563251196448/	2,467	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/69002322-fb_contact-ena295_2-0131-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=7929461117168105&exdata=B7502C52902DDDD979F65FA86A893C4A2805D666888DBDD8	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475387605_575604485307556_7443337153874431754_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e2zn432kSQgQ7kNvgE1Ccig&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=AhUOggNEOWtgRi1D-dTdaSJ&oh=00_AYCxrRDQoL3bBVihgjhlgtM7Ys8p4wIlpL_Aq_K0NgJAtA&oe=67A65588	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novels	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,644	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679650}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	💓Mga Anak ng Bilyonaryo💓	Madiing tinali ni Lorelei ang sintas ng luma niyang sapatos. Kalahating oras na lang ay magsisimula na ang klase niya ngunit hinihintay niya pa ang perang ibibigay ng kanyang Tita Agnes. Pang-huling taon na niya sa kolehiyo sa kursong business management. Gusto niya ay siya na ang mag-manage sa maliit na restaurant na iniwan ng yumao niyang ina na hawak ng Tita niya. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at napasandal sa lumang sofa matapos marinig ang halinghing ng Tita niya mula sa kwarto. Sigurado siyang naroon na naman ang kinakasama nitong lalaki na si Richard. "Idiin mo, Richard!" dinig pa niyang sigaw ng Tita niya. Naiiling siyang pumikit. Maya-maya pa matatapos ang mga ito kaya naman tumayo na siya at kumatok sa pinto ng kwarto. "Tita, aalis na po ako." "Oh! Ode umalis ka—Richard!" muling hiyaw pa nito. "Iyong pera ko po," paalala niya pa rito ngunit daing at halinghing ang sagot nito. Paulit-ulit niyang kinatok ang pinto. Ang huling bigay nito ay limangdaan na pinagkasya niya ng isang linggo. Ayaw naman niyang basagin ang alkansyang baboy niya na mamiso lang ang laman. Nabitin sa ere ang pagkatok niya noong bumukas ang pinto. Niluwa no'n si Richard na pawisin, tanging basketball short ang suot, may hawak din itong libo-libong pera sa kamay. Namumutok ang mga braso nito at halos masakop ang pinto sa laki ng katawan. Mukha pa itong aburido noong tumingin sa kanya kaya napaatras siya. "Istorbo," parinig pa nito bago siya lagpasan. Napamaang siya at agad na pumasok sa kwarto. Huli niya pang nagsusuot pa lang ng t-shirt ang Tita niya. "Pera lang ang habol sa'yo ni Richard, Tita. Hiwalayan mo na iyon. Ang laki ng katawan no'n at kaya no'n ang magtrabaho—" "Huwag kang makialam sa desisyon ko at hindi naman kita anak. Ikaw ang lumayas kung gusto mo. Bukas makalawa ay dito na titira si Richard. Mas maganda siguro kung humanap ka na ng ibang matitirahan at baka maging kaagaw pa kita sa kanya. Malaki ka na, kaya mo na ang sarili mo," pinal nitong sambit bago nagsuot ng underwear. Nag-init ang sulok ng mga mata niya, "Ginagatasan ka lang ng pera ni Richard, Tita—" "Oh ayan, dalawang libo para matikom iyang bibig mo. Huling baon mo na iyan. Gagamitin ni Richard ang pera at magtatayo siya ng talyer." Mas lalo siyang nanlumo, "Hindi po pwede iyon. Pera ni Mama ang mga iyan. Kita sa restaurant niya, Tita. Huwag naman po kayong magpabilog kay Richard!" hindi niya mapigilang ilakas ang boses niya. Napalunok pa siya at natakot noong tumayo ito at lumapit sa kanya. Matalim na ang tingin nito. "Aba! Ano'ng pera ng Mama mo? Ilagay mo sa kokote mong matagal ng patay ang Mama mo at akin na ang restaurant na iyon. Pinag-aral at pinakain na kita. Nasa tamang edad ka na at kaya mo ng magtrabaho." Ilang beses pa nitong tinulak-tulak ang noo niya. "Hala sige, layas!" galit pa nitong sigaw bago siya itulak palabas ng pinto. Pinigil niya ang mga luha. Bandang huli ay hindi niya nakuha ang dalawang libong bigay nito. Nanghiram pa tuloy siya ng pera kay Nica. "Paano ang OJT mo? Titigil ka kailan huling taon na, Lei?" Nasapo niya ang noo at napasubsob sa mesa. Simula noong maging boyfriend ng Tita niya si Richard ay naging ganoon na ang Tita niya. "Ewan ko. Hindi ko na alam, Nica." Bumikig ang lalamunan niya sa badyang pag-iyak. Ni hindi niya pinansin ang grupong lumapit sa kanila. "Si Alicia," bulong pa sa kanya ni Nica. Si Alicia ang pinakasikat sa university nila. Mayaman, makinis, at madaming kakilala. Napasilip pa siya rito. Malaki ang ngiti nito, litaw ang naka-braces na ngipin. Ni hindi gumagalaw ang kulot na buhok na kulay blonde. Napaayos siya ng upo noong maglapag ito ng papel. "We're recruiting members for our sorority. You might want to join. Tonight is the initiation," magiliw nitong saad. Nangunot ang noo niya. Alam niyang hindi magandang sumali sa sorority ngunit noong mabasa niya ang mga benefits sa papel ay napalunok siya. "Free education and free allowance. Mayayaman lahat ng kasali at mga iilang negosyante. Nagpaparami lang kami ng miyembro. No fees, all free. Don't worry about the initiation, hindi naman iyon masakit. I would love to see both of you tonight." Kumindat pa ito bago umalis kasama ang dalawa pang alagad nito. "Maganda ang benefits nila, Lei. Solve ang problema mo kapag sumali tayo." Dumukwang ito at nilapit ang tainga sa kanya, "Tsaka alam mo ba, balita ko may kasapi silang Fraternity na puro gwapo," dagdag na bulong nito bago humagikhik. Wala siyang pakialam sa mga gwapo. Ang kagustuhan niyang makatapos ng kolehiyo ang nagtulak sa kanyang sumali. Makailang beses niya pang sinuklay ang malambot, tuwid, at maitim na hanggang balikat niyang buhok. Ginamit niya rin ang lipbalm upang malambot tingnan ang mga labi niya. Kaunting polbo lang ay sinuot na niya ang puting lumang bestida niyang abot hanggang tuhod at sandalyas na naging dirty white na. Kabado pa siya noong makarating sa hideout ng mga ito. Nasa pila na rin si Nica na agad kumaway sa kanya. Mabilis siyang lumapit. "Piliin raw natin iyong sarap sabi ni Alicia. Lahat kasi ng pumili ng hirap ay dinadala sa kabila at nakakatanggap ng hampas at palo," bulong nito. "Huh? Akala ko ba hindi masakit ang initiation nila?" "Hindi nga kapag sarap ang pinili mo. Basta, doon tayo sa turo ni Alicia. Ayokong magkapeklat, Lei." Napalunok siya at hindi mawari ang kaba sa dibdib niya. Makailang beses niya pang pinisil ang mga kamay. "Nica Fernandez!" sigaw ng lalaking tingin niya ay bouncer. Nagtaas ng kamay ang kaibigan niya bago humarap sa kanya. "Tandaan mo ang pipiliin mo, Lei. Iyon ang pipiliin ko. Magkita na lang tayo ulit bukas. Para sa pangarap, Lei!" pagpapasigla pa nito ngunit hindi niya masuklian ng ngiti. Siya na ang kasunod pagkatapos nito ngunit hindi na siya mapakali. May tatlo pang babae sa likod niya at dinig niyang pipiliin din ng mga ito ang pinapapili sa kanya ni Nica. "Lorelei Carpio!" Napaigtad siya sa malakas na sigaw ng bouncer. Muntik pa siyang madapa sa pagkataranta para lang makalapit. Tumuwid siya ng tayo. Pinasadahan siya nito ng tingin. Nangunot ang noo nito ngunit hindi nagkomento. Baka iniisip nitong bata siya sa height niyang 5'5 at balingkinitang katawan. "Sarap o hirap, Miss?" hindi nakangiting tanong nito. Napalunok siya at naumid yata ang dila pero kailangan niyang sumagot. Malaking benepisyo ang makukuha niya kapag natanggap siya sa sorority ni Alicia. "S-arap po," pikit-matang sagot niya. Inangat nito ang palad at agad na lumapit ang isa pang bouncer. "Nandiyan na ba si Phoenix?" tanong nito sa tinawag. "Kadarating lang pero nasa kwarto na." "Good. Ibigay mo 'yan sa kanya at ipaalala mong birhen 'yan," utos pa nito sa lalaki. Nangunot ang noo niya ngunit napapikit noong basta na lang siya lagyan ng blindfold sa mga mata. "B-akit po may blindfold?" kabadong tanong niya. "Hindi mo pwedeng makita ang makakasama mo. Bawal mong silipin o tanungin ang pangalan niya. Kapag ginawa mo iyon, madi-disqualify ka at hindi ka tatanggapin sa grupo," paalala pa ng bouncer na lumapit. Tinatak niya sa isip ang mga sinabi nito. Napasunod siya noong hilahin siya nito sa kung saan. Narinig niya rin ang tunog ng doorknob. Marahan pa siya nitong tinulak sa loob. Sumalubong sa kanya ang mabangong amoy ng lemon. Hindi niya mawari kung air freshener iyon o pabango. "New recruit?" tanong ng mababa at tila namamaos na boses. Nanindig pa ang mga balahibo niya sa bahagyang lamig sa boses nito. "Birhen 'yan. Ingatan mo." Nahigit niya ang hininga at kinabahan noong bitiwan na siya ng lalaki. Ramdam niya bigla ang tensyon sa paligid, maging ang mariing titig sa kanya. "I'm not gonna educate you. I hope you know why you are here and why you came here... willingly," seryosong sambit pa nito gamit ang namamaos nitong boses. Mabilis siyang tumango. Ang sabi sa kanya ay mabilis lang ang initiation kaya baka tanong nga lang iyon. "Uhm, I w-ant to finish my studies; that's why I came here," kabadong sagot niya ngunit malutong pagmumura ang narinig niya mula dito. Kasunod ay ang pagbukas ng pinto, "Inosente itong ni-recruit niyo! Get her outta here!" biglang sigaw nito sa labas. "You can't back out, Phoenix. Alam mo ang mangyayari sa kanya kapag pinaalis mo siya ngayon," madiing sagot ng kung sino. Marahas na buntong hininga ang narinig niya at malakas ding sinara ang pinto. Nagtaasan muli ang mga balahibo niya sa gulat noong humawak ang may kagaspangan nitong palad sa braso niya. "I hope you won't regret coming here," mabigat nitong bulong. Nanlamig siya noong umikot ang malaking braso nito sa bewang niya. Sa tantiya niya ay malaki din ang katawan nito lalo na noong lumapat ang balikat niya sa malapad nitong dibdib. Napaatras pa siya noong maramdaman ang daliri nitong binababa ang strap ng kanyang bestida. "A-nong gagawin mo?" Humakbang ito na kinaatras niya. Mahina siyang napasigaw sa pagbagsak niya sa kama. Gulat pa siya sa malaking katawan na biglang umibabaw sa kanya. Kumalabog ng husto ang puso nita. Sakop na sakop ng malaking katawan nito ang katawan niya. "S-andali!" Sinubukan niyang pigilan ang dibdib nito kahit hindi niya nakikita ngunit hinuli nito ang mga kamay niya at parehong pininid sa kama gamit ang isang palad nito. Bumigat ang paghinga niya lalo na noong sumiksik sa looban ng bestida niya ang malaking palad nito. "You should not have come here, Miss. Now you left me no choice but to take you," mabigat na bulong nito bago lumapat ang mga basang labi sa kanyang leeg. Lalo siyang nanlamig matapos matanto ang nangyayari. Hindi siya nakakilos. Ang naglalakabay nitong mainit na palad at ang malaking katawan nito sa itaas niya ay sapat na upang mangilid ang mga luha niya. "H-uwag po," nanginig pa ang boses niya. Marahas na bumuntong hininga ang lalaki, "You chose this. I tried my best to help you. The least thing I can do... is to be gentle," tila nahihirapang bulong nito. Napalunok siya kahit pa unti-unti nitong naalis ang mga saplot niya. Niyakap siya ng lamig ng aircon ngunit natakpan sa init ng malaking katawan nitong nasa itaas niya. Ang kabog ng dibdib niya ay walang kasing lakas sa pinaghalong kaba at kung ano man ang pinaparamdam nito sa kanya lalo noong dumausdos ito pababa... sa pagitan ng mga hita niya. Nanginig ang mga hita niya noong maramdaman ang mainit nitong paghinga't bibig nitong dumampi doon. Pinagpawisan siya nang malagkit kasabay ng kaba. Tanging impit na ungol at daing ang naibulalas niya. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang bibig nito doon. Napapabalikwas ang bewang niya ngunit hindi ito masipa. Para siyang na-estatwa noong magtagal ito doon hanggang sa mahabang ungol ang kumawala sa mga labi niya. Hinihingal pa siya sa paggapang nito muli sa itaas niya, pinaghiwalay ang mga hita niya, at pinwesto ang malaking katawan doon. Hindi siya nakaprotesta, naumid ang dila niya at hindi mahanap ang boses niya. Sunod na lang niyang namalayan ay ang pagtulo ng luha niya sa hapdi matapos mag-isa ang katawan nila. Namilipit siya sa sakit sa bawat galaw nito. Tila napunit na nito lahat ng nasa loob niya at kahit bagalan pa nito ay hiyaw ang kumakawala sa bibig niya. Pinirmi pa nito ang bewang niya. Nawalan na rin ng lakas ang mga kamay niya na kahit binitiwan nito ay hindi siya nakakilos para itulak ito. Namimigat ang paghinga niya at napapa-igik sa bawat madiing galaw nito sa loob niya. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang malaking katawan nitong gumagalaw sa kanyang itaas. Ni hindi niya alam kung paanong natapos ang pangyayaring iyon. Ang alam niya lang ay nakuha ng isang estrangherong lalaki ang puri niya. Paggising niya ay nananakit ang katawan niya. Takot pa siyang alisin ang blindfold ngunit kusa iyong nalaglag. Namulatan niya ang tahimik na kwarto, walang bakas na may nakasama siya ngunit ang dugo sa kobre kama ay patunay na wala na sa kanya ang iniingatan niya. Napasubsob siya sa kanyang tuhod at napahagulhol. Masyado siyang nagpadalos-dalos sa desisyon niya! Dapat ay inalam niya muna kung ano'ng klaseng sarap ang sinasabi ng mga ito! Kahit hirap maglakad ay pinilit niya ang sariling magbihis at umalis sa lugar na iyon. Wala na rin naman ang mga bouncer. Kahit si Nica ay hindi niya mahagilap. Sa sobrang pagod niya ay hindi na niya pinansin ang boyfriend ng Tita niya na nasa sala. Diretso siyang kwarto at binagsak ang katawan doon. Ang masama, nilagnat pa siya at napanaginipan ng ilang beses ang nangyari! Tatlong araw din siyang hindi nakapasok. Para siyang lutang na naglalakad noong pumasok na sa eskwela. Natulala pa siya sa nakangiti niyang kaibigan. "Bayad na ang tuition fee nating dalawa. Ang galing! May allowance pa, Lei!" Hagikhik nito bago pinakita ang cheque na may malaking halagang nakasulat. Napalunok siya. Ito na iyon. Ito na ang kapalit ng pagsali nila sa Sorority. Dapat bang kalimutan na lang niya ang nangyari sa kanila ng lalaki? "Ang balita ko ay mga Fraternity leader ang mga lalaking iyon, Lei. Hindi ko rin nakilala ang sa'kin," kwento pa ni Nica sa kanya. "H-indi ka ba umiyak? O nasaktan? Ako kasi pakiramdam ko nahati ang katawan ko," mahinang sambit niya. Namula ang mga pisngi nito, "Hindi ko una iyon kaya... sakto lang ang sakit." Napaawang ang mga labi niya sa kaibigan. Hindi pa mag-sink in sa kanya iyon. Wala naman siyang karapatan na husgahan ito kaya tumango na lang siya. "Wala bang meeting ang Sorority ngayon? Gusto kong magtanong kay Alicia. Baka pwede ko ng makita man lang iyong Phoenix na nakasama ko," imbis ay liko niya sa usapan. "Hindi tayo natanggap doon, Lei." "A-no? P-aanong hindi? Pero bayad na ang tuition fee base na rin sa benefits nila." Umiling ito, "Bayad iyon sa'tin, Lei. Hindi tayo kasapi ng grupo nila. Hindi tayo tinanggap." Para siyang nabingi sa narinig. Kumuyom ang kamao niya. Ang ibig sabihin ay inalay lang sila sa mga Fraternity leader na iyon. Gusto niyang magdamdam at ibalik ang perang natanggap ngunit hindi niya magawa lalo na noong mas maghigpit sa pera ang Tita Agnes niya. Naka-survive siya ng halos dalawang buwan sa allowance na bigay ng grupo. May natira pa ngunit hindi sasapat iyon kaya muli siyang kumakatok sa kwarto ng Tita niya. "Tita, hihingi po sana ako ng allowance—" Nabitin sa ere ang kamay niya at napatingala kay Richard noong buksan nito ang kwarto. Sumandal pa ito at humalukipkip. Napaatras siya noong bigla siya nitong pasadahan ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. Nagtagal pa ang mga titig nito sa mga dibdib niya kaya nayakap niya ang sarili. "B-akit ka nandito? N-asaan si Tita Agnes?" Ngumisi ito at mas niluwangan ang pinto, "Dito na ako nakatira. May binili lang ang Tita mo. Kalahating oras pa iyon sa bayan. Baka gusto mong paligayahin muna kita." Napasinghap siya sa takot at umatras "Manyak!" galit niyang sigaw dito ngunit pilit nitong inabot ang siko niya at hinihila siya papasok sa kwarto. "Mabilis lang, Lei. Hindi malalaman ng Tita mo. Tayong dalawa lang—" "Bitiwan mo ko! Ayoko sa'yo!" Malakas niya itong sinampal. Nabitiwan siya nito at sinalo ang pisnging sinampal niya. "Punyeta ka, Lorelei! Bakit mo sinampal si Richard?!" biglang sigaw ng Tita niya mula sa likod kaya natulos siya sa kinatatayuan.p Nanginig siya sa kaba lalo na sa nanlilisik na tingin ng Tita niya. "T-ita, kasi—" "Lumayas kang Punyeta ka! Palamunin ka na nga lang hindi ka pa marunong rumespeto!" Namilog ang mga mata niya noong bigla na lang siya nitong hilahin sa buhok at kaladkarin sa labas ng bahay. "T-ita, nagkakamali kayo! Sinubukan niya akong dalhin sa kwarto—" "Wala akong pakialam! Napakalandi mo at pati boyfriend ko inaakit mo!" sigaw nito bago siya tinulak sa labas ng pinto. Muntik na siyang sumubsob sa lupa kun'di siya nakabalanse. Malakas pa nitong sinarado ang pinto ngunit bumalik para lang itapon sa pagmumukha niya ang iilang damit. "Lumayas ka at huwag kang babalik dito! Hindi ko kailangan ng malanding pamangkin!" sobrang lakas na sigaw nito na nakapagpalabas sa mga kapitbahay nila. Hiyang-hiya siya noong magbulungan ang mga iyon. Nayakap na lang niya ang mga damit at ang alkansyang baboy niyang tinapon nito sa kanyang paanan. Nagbagsakan ang mga luha niya. Gusto niyang ipaglaban na bahay iyon ng Mama niya ngunit alam niyang hindi na makikinig ang tiyahin niya. Tinago na lang niya ang mukha sa mga damit na hawak at mabilis na nagtawag ng tricycle. Nagpunta siya kila Nica at maging ito ay gigil na gigil sa tiyahin niya at kay Richard matapos niyang magkwento. "Ipabarangay mo, Lei. Wala siyang karapatan sa bahay na iyon. Sa'yo iyon! Pati ang negosyo ng Mama mo, sa'yo iyon! Pinagkaitan ka niya, lahat ng pera ng Mama mo siya ang nagwaldas. Hmp! Kumukulo ang dugo ko sa Tita Agnes mo!" Umakto pa itong manunugod ngunit pinigilan niya sa siko at umiling dito. "H-uwag na, Nica. Hindi ko na rin naman gugustuhing bumalik doon lalo na kung naroon si Richard." "Pero paano ka? Saan ka titira? Paano ang pag-aaral mo? Patapos na tayo, Lei. Bayad na rin ang tuition fee mo." Bumagsak ang tingin niya sa sahig at nanlabo ang mga mata. Hindi niya rin alam kung paano malalagpasan iyon pero pinilit niyang maghanap ng trabaho at apartment na maliit. Sakto lang sa kanya ngunit pagod na pagod nga lang siya bilang waitress ng eatery. Makailang beses tuloy siyang nakatulog sa klase at ang huli ay nahuli pa siya ng lalaking matandang professor niya. "Miss Carpio, alam mong bawal matulog sa klase ko." Napalunok siya at hindi mapigilan ang mga pumipikit na mga mata, "S-orry, Sir. Hindi na po mauulit." Umismid ito at lumayo ngunit noong makita siya na muling pumikit ay galit na siya nitong pinalabas. Nanghihina tuloy siyang napakapit sa pader ng hallway. Naghabol ng paghinga at pakiramdam niya ay umiikot ang paligid niya. Isang hakbang pa ay alam niyang sinakop na siya ng dilim. Noong magising ay nasa tabi na niya si Nica na mukhang kinabahan. Mabilis pa itong umalalay noong pilitin niyang umupo. "Ano'ng nangyari? Tsaka bakit ako nasa clinic, Nica?" Natameme ito ngunit nangilid ang luha sa gilid ng mga mata. Binugso tuloy siya ng kaba at napatitig dito. "B-akit, Nica?" Suminghot ito, "B-untis ka, Lei." Tila nawalan siya ng paghinga sa narinig mula dito. Napalunok siya at nag-init ang sulok ng mga mata. "Hindi gumamit ng proteksyon ang nakasama mo sa initiation, Lei. Binuntis ka niya," sobrang hinang sambit nito. Bumagsak ang luha niya at nanginginig ang kamay na dumapo sa impis niyang tiyan. "Patakaran ng Fraternity nila na gumamit ng proteksyon, pero dahil buntis ka... sigurado akong hindi siya gumamit no'n," patuloy pa nitong paliwanag ngunit naba-blangko na ang isip niya lalo't hindi na niya alam ang sunod na gagawin sa buhay niya. "P-aano ko siya mahahanap, Nica? Paano na ako? Hindi ko pa kaya." Tuloy - tuloy na naglandas ang mga luha niya habang inaalala ang pangalan ng lalaki. "Phoenix. Tama, Phoenix ang pangalan niya, Nica. Hanapin na'tin. Itanong na'tin kay Alicia," pagsusumamo niya sa kaibigan ngunit umiling ito. "Phoenix is just a code name, Lei. Sigurado akong hindi rin siya kilala ni Alicia lalo na kung isa siya sa mga leader," sagot nito na nagpabagsak sa mga balikat niya. "Tingin ko, sinadya niyang buntisin ka," muling sambit nito na nagpakuyom sa kamao niya. FIVE YEARS LATER Para siyang pinutulan ng pakpak dahil sa nangyaring iyon sa buhay niya. Wala siyang choice noon kun'di tumigil sa pag-aaral at magpokus sa trabaho para may pera pagkapanganak niya. Sinubukan naman niyang hanapin ang lalaki, pati nga si Alicia ay ginulo niya ngunit bigla na lang itong naglaho na parang bula. Pati ang kaibigan niyang si Nica ay bigla ring nawala at hindi alam kung saan napunta kaya natakot siyang maghaluglog pa ng impormasyon. Ang tanging nalaman niya ay leader ng Alpha Omega Fraternity ang lalaking nakakuha sa pagkabirhen niya. Limang taon na ang lumipas ngunit hindi niya talaga makakalimutan ang nangyaring iyon lalo't dalawang supling ang pabaon sa kanya ng lalaki. "Mama, wait ka namin mamaya. Promise mo bibili po tayo ng toys?" Kumurap-kurap pa sa kanya ang biluging mga mata ng anak niyang babaeng si Odessy. Marahan siyang lumuhod at inayos ang pagkaka-pigtail ng buhok nito. "Promise! Huwag kang lalayo kay Achi ah? Makinig kay teacher," habilin niya dito bago marahang hinila din palapit ang anak niyang lalaking si Achilles. "Mama, iyong book. Isa na lang bilhin mo po, share na lang kami ni Ody," marahang paalala sa kanya ni Achilles. Pilit siyang ngumiti sa mga ito. Parehong nasa daycare ang dalawa. Pinipilit niyang maibigay lahat ng pangangailangan nila pero sobrang hirap lalo't hindi siya tapos ng kolehiyo at hindi makahanap ng trabahong mataas ang pasahod. "Hindi pwede, Achi. Kailangan tig-isa kayo. Doon kayo sasagot. Ako ng bahala. Bantayan mo ang kapatid mo. Baka makipag-away." Ginulo niya pa ang buhok ito at marahang kinurot ang hindi kalakihang pisngi. "Pwede naman ako sa papel lang sasagot, Mama," pilit nito na inilingan niya. Ayaw niya ng ganoon. Hindi niya ipagkakait ang magandang edukasyon sa mga anak niya. Hindi hangga't nabubuhay siya. "Si Mama na bahala. Ubusin niyo baon niyo. Okii?" Malawak na ngumiti si Ody sa kanya at humawak sa braso ng kapatid. Si Achi man ay pilit na ngumiti. "Mama, ingat!" sabay pang sigaw ng dalawa bago maglakad papasok sa classroom. Pinigilan niya ang naninikip na dibdib matapos tumama sa liwanag ng araw ang mga mata ng mga ito at masilayan kung paanong naging kayumanggi ang mga itim na mga mata ng mga ito. Ilang beses na niyang hinanap sa mga lalaki ang ganoong klase ng mata. Maitim kapag walang araw ngunit kulay kayumanggi kapag nasinagan. Hindi ganoon ang mga mata niya kaya sigurado siyang namana ng dalawa iyon sa mga ama ng mga ito. Hindi rin siya naniniwalang sinadya siyang buntisin ng lalaking iyon dahil hanggang ngayon, walang nagpapakilala para akuin ang mga anak niya. Bumuga siya ng hangin at agad na nagtungo sa opisina ng abogadong amo niya. Ngunit masamang balita ang bumungad sa kanya. "I'm really sorry, Lei. Ipapasara na ang firm. Sa bahay na muna magtatrabaho ang asawa ko at ako na muna ang sekretarya niya. Pasensya ka na. Huling sahod mo na 'to." Nilapit pa ni Misis Alvarez ang sobre sa kanya. Napalunok siya at napatitig doon. Dalawang taon na siyang sekretarya ni Mr. Alvarez at hindi naman lingid sa kaalamam niyang pabagsak na ang firm nito. Nilunok na lang niya ang bikig sa lalamunan niya. Sigurado siyang mahihirapan na naman siyang maghanap ng trabaho. Nakagat niya ang ibabang labi. Umikot na rin sa isip niya ang mga bayarin niya. Simula sa renta sa bahay, sa kuryente, allowance ng kambal, at mga bayarin sa eskwela. "W-ala po ba kayong kilala na... pwede kong lipatan, Misis Alvarez?" Bumuntong hininga ang Ginang, "Tatawagan ko ang kakilala ko, Hija. Itatanong ko kung may alam siyang naghahanap ng sekretarya pero hindi ako nangangako. Tatawagan na lang kita." Bagsak ang balikat na umalis siya doon. Halos hindi siya makalunok matapos bilangin ang iilang libong sahod niya para sa buwan na iyon. Tubig nga lang ang binili niya sa convenience store habang nagtitingin - tingin sa diyaryo. Kahit ano'ng trabaho papatusin na niya kaysa walang trabaho sa loob ng ilang buwan. "Tanggal na naman?! Pang ilan na 'yan ngayong buwan. Ano bang gusto niya? Single? Walang single na babae ang papatol sa gusto ni Mr. Montanier —Fine, Eman. Ako na ang maghahanap ng bago niyang sekretarya. Kainis!" Nagpantig ang tainga niya sa narinig at mabilis na napaangat ng tingin sa Ginang na aburidong binaba ang hawak na cellphone. Mabilis siyang tumayo noong akma itong lalabas sa convenience store. Nagulat ito noong pigilan niya sa braso. "Bakit, Hija?" Kumunot ang noo nito sa kanya. Sa tantiya niya ay nasa edad forty-five na ito base na rin sa iilang litaw na puting buhok. "N-aghahanap po kayo ng sekretarya?" kabadong tanong niya. Literal na pinasadahan siya nito ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. Sa kaba niya ay nabitiwan niya ang braso nito. "May asawa ka?" Mabilis siyang umiling, "Wala po!" Tumango ito at nilahad ang kamay kaya mabilis niyang nilagay doon ang resume niya. Mabilis nitong pinasadahan ang papel bago pinasok sa bag nito. "Tanggap ka na. Sumama ka sa'kin." Walang pagdadalawang isip siyang sumama sa Ginang. Imbis na sa kumpanya ay sa malaki at modernong bahay siya dinala. Sa isang exclusive subdivision iyon. Babasagin ang dingding at kumikinang ang mga mamahaling mwebles ng bahay. Kulay abo at puti ang bahay kaya sigurado siyang lalaki ang magiging amo niya. "Ako si Melia, Hija. Pinaka-sekretarya ni Sir Hector. Bukod sa'kin, may isa pa siyang sekretarya, si Eman. Pareho kaming sa kumpanya at kailangan pa ng isa pang sekretarya ni Sir Hector. On-call at kung pwede ay stay-in." Natigilan siya sa sinabi nito, "Stay-in po?" Hindi pwede sa kanya ang trabahong ganoon lalo na kung hindi pwedeng dalhin ang mga anak niya. "Bawal ba, Hija? Kaya tinanong kita kung may asawa ka. Madalas na magtrabaho sa bahay si Hector. Workholic at umaabot ng madaling araw. Kailangan na may magremind sa kanya sa schedule at dapat niyang pirmahan. Hindi naman madalas na stay-in pero paglalaanan na kita ng kwarto dito. Wala ka naman din sigurong anak di ba? Gusto niya ay single, walang extra baggage at kaya ang trabaho. Sana naman ikaw na ang huli at magtatagal dito sa bahay niya," patuloy na paliwanag nito. Nakagat niya ang ibabang labi. Kung ganoon hindi niya pwedeng sabihin na may kambal siyang anak. "Maglipat ka na ng iilang gamit mo. Pwede kang bumalik bukas ng umaga para pag-usapan ang sahod mo. Nasa event pa si Sir Hector at madaling araw pa babalik. Lahat ng gamit dito pwede mong gamitin. Kung masipag ka, linisin mo na rin, may dagdag sahod naman. Isabay mo na rin ang kwarto niya." "Hindi po ba nakakatakot si Sir Hector?" Natigil ito sa tanong niya. Pagkaraan ay tinuro ang malaking portrait sa sala. Sinundan niya iyon ng tingin. Nagtaasaan ang mga balahibo niya sa klase ng tingin nito sa camera. Galit maging ang magkasalubong nitong makapal na kilay. Walang ngiti ang manipis na labi at mabalbas na panga. Halata ring matigas ang panga nito. At ang ilong, sobrang tangos! Maging ang buhok nitong nakasuklay palikod ay kumikinang sa larawan. Higit sa lahat, litaw ang matipunong dibdib nitong may makapal na balahibo. Sa larawan ay seryoso itong nag-aayos sa relong pambisig. "He's Hector Montanier and he's a perfectionist. So please, beware. Huwag kang gumawa ng bagay na ikakagalit niya kung ayaw mong mawalan agad ng trabaho, Hija," madiing paalala nito kaya napalunok siya. Kaya niya ba? Kaya niya bang pagsilbihan ang lalaking sa larawan pa lang ay mukhang papatay na? Paano pa sa personal? Baka hindi na siya makahinga kapag nakaharap ito. "Gusto ka niyang makausap." Gulat pa siya noong ilahad ni Miss Melia ang cellphone sa kanya. Nanginginig ang kamay niyang tinanggap iyon at nilagay sa tainga niya. Dinig niya ang mahinang musika sa background ngunit mas dinig niya ang mabibigat nitong paghinga. "Your name?" swabe at malamig ang boses nito kaya nahigit niya ang paghinga. "L-orelei Carpio po, Sir." Mahina ngunit marahas na paghinga ang narinig niya mula dito. "Lorelei, hmm," namamaos na sambit nito sa pangalan niya at hindi niya alam kung bakit naghatid iyon ng kakaibang init sa kaibuturan niya. Mabilis niyang binalik ang cellphone kay Miss Melia. Tumatahip ang dibdib niya at hindi kayang kausapin ang bagong boss niya. "B-abalik na lang po ako bukas," tarantang paalam niya. Kahit hindi pa ito um-oo ay lumabas na siya ng bahay na iyon. May mali sa pakiramdam niya. Bakit ganoon? Bakit pakiramdam niya buong boses nito ang humagod sa katawan niya? Iniisip niya pa kung narinig na ba niya iyon noon, pamilyar ngunit hindi niya maalala. "Lorelei, hmm." Muling umulit sa isipan niya ang pagtawag nito sa kanya. Naipagdikit niya ang mga hita lalo't tila namasa ang nasa pagitan ng mga iyon. Bumigat ang paghinga niya. Parang ayaw na niyang tanggapin ang trabaho lalo na kung araw - araw niyang makakasalamuha si Hector Montanier. Tulala tuloy siya noong sunduin ang kambal. Dinala niya pa sa malapit na bilihan ng laruan para na rin makalimutan niya ang pagtawag ni Sir Hector sa kanya. "Itong teddy bear na lang, Mama. Kapag barbie, ako lang ang maglalaro, kapag car naman, si Achi lang. Pero itong bear, pwede kaming share, Mama!" Masiglang tinaas pa ni Ody ang maliit na puting teddy bear. Nahabag siya sa mga ito. Hindi man lang niya maibili ng kahit tig-isang laruan. Hindi man lang niya mapakain sa sikat na fastfood ang mga anak. Mabilis siyang tumango ngunit umiwas ng tingin noong mapansin ang paninitig ni Achi sa kanya. Binayaran na lang niya ang teddy bear para makauwi na sila. Akala niya ay nakaligtas na siya sa mapanuring titig ng anak ngunit hindi. "Mama, iyong book. Kailangan na raw bilhin. Isa na lang, Mama. Kay Ody na lang. Kung hindi pwede, sa susunod na lang po ako mag-aral," kalmadong pagkausap ni Achi sa kanya. Parang pinilipit ang puso niya. Hindi niya hahayaan na mangyari iyon! Hindi deserve ng mga anak niya na maranasan ang nangyari sa kanya. "Hindi, Achi. Bibilhin natin bukas iyon. May bago na akong trabaho." Pinisil niya pa muli ang pisngi nito. Namula nga iyon lalo na't sobrang puti ng dalawa. Ang balak tuloy niyang pagtanggi na sa trabaho ay naudlot. Mas kailangan niya pala iyon. Bahala na kung ano'ng klaseng tao si Sir Hector, basta siya, trabaho lang ang gusto niya. Kinabukasan ay kinausap niya ang mga ito na gagabihin siya. Ayaw niyang iwanan pero hindi niya pwedeng isama. Kung malaki ang sahod niya ay kukuha siya ng bantay para sa mga ito. Kabado siyang bumalik sa malaking bahay. Sa harap pa lang ng pinto ay kumakalabog na ang dibdib niya. Kita na niya roon ang mamahaling sport car na wala kahapon. Nanginginig tuloy ang kamay niyang i-input ang code na pinadala pa sa mensahe ni Miss Melia upang mabuksan niya ang pinto. Pagbukas ay tumambad sa kanya ang pares ng mamahaling itim na sapatos. Pinulot niya iyon upang maitabi. Ngunit nabaling ang atensyon niya sa mahinang hilik sa sala. Kinakabahan siyang lumapit. Tumingkayad para lang masilip ang bagong boss niyang mahimbing ang tulog sa sofa. Halos hindi nga ito magkasya doon sa laki ng katawan. Ang isang binti nito ay nasa sahig habang ang isa ay nasa arm rest. Unan nito ang namumutok na braso at higit sa lahat ay bukas ang suot nitong puting longsleeve kaya't malaya niyang nasilayan ang makapal na balahibo sa matipuno nitong dibdib. Napalunok siya at imbis na lumiko ay umakyat ang tingin niya sa awang nitong mga labi. Namumula at nakasilip pa ang pantay-pantay na puting ngipin nito. Sa totoo lang, para itong modelo ng brief at toothpaste na lumabas sa magazine. Pati panga ay naninigas at sigurado siyang hindi basta-basta ang alaga nito sa ibaba. Ano bang pinag-iisip niya?! "Are you done checking me out, Miss?" namamaos pang bigkas nito bigla kaya napasinghap siya. Nabitin sa ere ang paghinga niya at namilog ang mga mata noong magkatitigan sila. Inaantok pa ang itim nitong mga mata at sobrang haba ng mga pilikmata kaya lalo siyang hindi nakapagsalita. "Close your mouth. Your lips look so delectable," inaantok nitong bigkas muli ngunit iba ang dating ng boses sa kanya kaya nag-init ang mga pisngi niya. Ang boses nito ay parang kagagaling sa nakakapagod na ehersisyo sa kama. Magaspang na namamaos. "Close them... please. I might kiss you if you keep drooling on me. Do you want me... to take you here?" biglang tanong nito kaya namula lalo ang mga pisngi niya. Para siyang naeskandalo at hindi na makatingin dito ngunit nahuli niya ang pag-angat ng gilid ng labi nito. Hindi iyon ngiti kun'di maliit na ngisi. Lumitaw pa sa kanang gilid ng labi nito ang hindi kalalimang dimple. "Just kidding. Let's talk inside my office," bawi nito bago biglang bumangon. Mabilis siyang umiwas at napayuko noong basta na lang ito nag-alis ng butones ng longsleeve nito at swabe iyong hinubad. "Do I smell liquor?" mabigat na tanong nito kaya lang ay ayaw niyang lumingon dito kaya nanatili ang titig niya sa sahig. "I'm asking you. Amoy alak ba ako, Lorelei?" halos paos na naman ang boses nito kaya napapikit siya nang mariin. Iba talaga ang hagod ng boses nito sa katawan niya. Lahat ng balahibo niya ay nagtataasan at pati puson niya ay nakikiliti. Napalunok siya noong maramdaman ang paglapit nito. Pagmulat pa niya ay mabalahibong paa ang nakita niya sa harap ng mga paa niya. "N-o, Sir. H-indi po kayo amoy alak," kabadong sagot niya noong akma siya nitong hahawakan. Pag-angat ng tingin niya ay seryoso itong naninitig sa kanya. Salubong ang kilay. Hindi niya nga maitutok ang tingin sa mukha nito lalo't nakabalandra sa harap niya ang hubad nitong katawan. Bumigat ang paghinga niya at gusto na lang pindutin ang matitigas nitong muscles. "In my office," may awtoridad na nitong utos bago tumalikod. Napabuga siya ng hangin. Napapaypay sa sarili at hindi maiwasang manghina. Parang naubos ang lakas niya dito. Sinulyapan niya na lang ang matipuno nitong likod na pumasok sa isang pinto. Huminga siya nang malalim nang ilang beses at binalik ang mga sapatos sa sahig bago sumunod. Nakasandal na ito sa swivel chair at mukhang hinihintay siya. Nahuli niya agad ang mariing titig nito. "Here, Lorelei," malalim na sambit nito at marahang tinipa ang daliri nito sa mesa. Tahimik siyang lumapit kahit nahihiya. Na-conscious siya sa paninitig nito at pakiramdam niya ay hubad na siya sa isip nito. "I might require you to work 24/7, so make sure you don't have any extra baggage to attend to. Don't worry, I'll pay you triple or name your price," seryosong saad nito matapos iabot sa kanya ang blankong cheque na may pirma na nito. Napatitig siya doon ngunit hindi inasahan ang pagtayo nito at paglapit sa likod niya. Muli siyang naestatwa matapos maramdaman ang init ng paghinga nito sa bandang tainga at leeg niya. Hindi pa siya nakakilos noong lumapat sa bewang niya ang mainit at malaking palad nito. "S-ir," kabado niyang bigkas. "Single?" imbis ay tanong nito kaya mabilis siyang tumango. "Good. Birhen?" sunod na tanong nito kaya nanlaki ang mga mata niya. Hindi siya makasagot. Sasabihin ba niyang may anak na siya at kambal pa? Baka hindi siya nito tanggapin! "Y-es, Sir," pagsisinungaling niya. Marahas itong huminga na tila nahihirapan at nagpipigil. Napaangat nang bahagya ang balikat niya noong tumama doon ang matangos nitong ilong na tila inaamoy siya. Nakiliti pa siya sa mabalbas nitong pangang na humagod sa balat niya. "Perfect for me," halos dumikit pa ang labi nito sa paos nitong bulong kasabay ng pagdiin ng palad nito sa kanyang bewang na tila gusto na siyang sunggaban. Hindi niya alam na kanina pa niya pigil ang paghinga kung hindi lang ito lumayo. "Ikukuha kita ng dress. We'll attend an event," pinal na sambit nito kaya namilog ang mga mata niya. "Po? Sir, hindi po pwede—" Mas namilog ang mga niya noong tumama sa mga labi niya ang hintuturo nito upang patigilan siya. "Shhh. Sasama ka. You're now my secretary. Kung nasaan ako, doon ka." madiing sagot nito na akala mo ay hindi iyon big deal. Hindi siya makareklamo. Paglabas ng opisina nito ay gusto niyang ibalik ang cheque. Tinawagan niya rin si Miss Melia. "Hindi ka pwedeng umatras, Lorelei. Lagyan mo limang milyon iyang cheque niya para makabawi ka kung gusto mo. Kumpara sa mga nauna sa'yo, mas pabor si Sir Hector sa'yo. Mag-enjoy ka na lang sa event, Hija." Napirmi ang mga labi niya. Dapat pala pinag-isipan niyang mabuti. Napilitan tuloy siyang mag-ayos. Hindi pa siya kumportable sa baby blue cocktail dress na inorder nito. Yukong-yuko siya noong titigan nito. Nag-init ang mga pisngi niya matapos masulyapan ang madiing titig nito. Para tuloy siyang hindi makahinga sa paninitig nito. Pakiramdam niya ay hinuhubaran na siya nito sa isip pa lang. "Chin up. You look... gorgeous," mahinang papuri nito. Sinubukan nitong hawakan ang bewang niya ngunit umiwas siya. Hilaw siyang ngumiti. "Alis na po tayo para agad makabalik, Sir." Nauna pa siya sa harap ng sasakyan nito. Nanliliit ang tingin nito noong pagbuksan siya ng pinto. Mali ba na umiwas dito? Boss niya ito at mali na magustuhan siya nito. Umikot ito sa driver seat noong makaupo na siya. Namroblema pa siya paano aayusin ang seatbelt ngunit nahigit niya ang hininga noong ito mismo ang umagaw sa seatbelt niya at nag-ayos no'n. Nasamyo niya tuloy ang matapang nitong pabango na may halong lemon. Akala pa niya ay ang air freshener pero hindi, amoy lemon talaga ito at masarap sa ilong. Maliit itong nangunguso noong paandarin ang sasakyan. Umiiwas siya ng tingin dito. Kumakalabog ang dibdib niya ngayong nasa isang sasakyan lang sila. Kinipkip niya pa ang bag sa mga hantad niyang hita. "How old are you, Lorelei?" biglang tanong nito na muntik magpatalon sa kanya sa upuan. "T-wenty five, Sir." "Hm. Never been touched? Never been kissed? And of course, never... Am I right?" senswal at bulgar nitong tanong. Tumiim bagang siya. Alam na niya ang kalibre nito kung bakit gusto nito ng Birhen. Sigurado siyang marami na rin itong naikama at delikado siya kung hindi siya mag-iingat. "I'm not comfortable with tbose questions, Sir," pag-amin niya. Hindi ito kumibo. Nasilip niya ang pagsasalubong ng kilay nito. Nakasandal na nga ang siko nito sa bintana at pinaglalaruan ng mga daliri nito ang ibabang labi nito. Isang kamay lang ang gamit nitong pagdrive. Nakarolyo ang asul na manggas ng longsleeve at ang lakas manampal ng kayamanan ng mamahaling relo nito. "Would you like to pretend to be my girlfriend?" biglang tanong nito sa kawalan. "Po?" Umigting ang panga nito, "My ex will be there with her new boytoy. Ayoko talagang magpunta na mag-isa, but I have to show up. It's business related. Ipapakilala kitang bagong girlfriend ko. Don't worry, I'll pay you for this," paliwanag nito. "Pero, Sir—" "Just this once, Kitty. After this, you can be just my plain secretary." Napakurap siya at napalinga pa sa backseat kung sino ang tinawag nitong Kitty. "Cute, Kitten," nangingising sambit nito sa reaksyon niya. Nag-init ang mga pisngi niya. Walanghiya! Siya pala ang pusa! Wala rin siyang nagawa noong pagdating nila sa event ay ito mismo ang nag-ayos sa braso niya pakapit sa braso nito. "Just stay beside me, Kitty. Smile as if you are head over heels for me," nakangising paalala nito. Sa dami ng mga bigating tao ay naging peke ang ngiti niya. Sa isang pabilog silang mesa napunta at naupo. Ramdam niya agad ang titig ng isang babae sa kanya na tila gusto siyang patumbahin. "Oh gosh, you got a new girl, Hector. I'm happy for you, Hijo. Hindi sana magloko katulad ng nauna," ani ng isang Ginang na bobo kay Sir Hector. Tumabingi ang ngiti niya habang ang babaeng nakatitig sa kanya ay umirap. Humilig pa ito sa braso ng lalaking katabi. "We should go home early, Babe. Bawal magpuyat ang buntis," dinig niyang bulong nito sa lalaki. Ramdam niya ang paninigas ng katawan ni Hector at kahit nakangiti ito sa mga kausap ay pansin naman niya ang panaka-nakang pag-igting ng panga nito. "Alejandro and I are having a baby boy, Mrs. Sarmiento," dinig niyang sagot ng babae matapos itong tanungin sa pinagbubuntis. Hindi na nga niya ito nilingon bagkus ay natutok ang titig niya kay Hector na naging sunod-sunod ang inom ng alak. Hindi siya nakatiis at inagaw ang brandy na hawak nito at ininom iyon. "What are you doing?" bulong na tanong nito. "Hindi ka pwedeng malasing. Magda-drive ka pa," madiing bulong niya pabalik. Lumapit ito at nagtaasan ang mga balahibo niya noong dumikit ang ilong nito sa leeg niya. "My Kitty is concern," namamaos nitong bulong kasabay pa ng pagdapo ng mainit nitong palad sa hita niya. Ginalaw niya ang hita ngunit dumiin ang kapit nito. Wala tuloy sa sariling napainom siya ng alak. "Crizaa, come back here!" Nabaling ang atensyon niya sa lalaking Alejandro yata ang pangalan. Tinatawag nito ang babaeng masama ang titig sa kanya na nag-walk out ngayon lang. Doon lang nawala sa hita niya ang palad ni Hector. Lumagok pa ito ng alak bago tumayo. "Comfort room," paalam nito pero ang titig ay nasa babaeng papalayo. Hindi niya alam kung bakit nadismaya siyang sinundan nito ang babae. Umiwas na lang siya ng tingin at tahimik na uminom. "Ngayon lang kita nakita, Hija. Gaano na kayo katagal ni Hector? Anim na buwan pa lang naman kasi silang hiwalay ni Crizaa," baling sa kanya ng Ginang kanina. Hilaw siyang napangiti, "Three months po," pagsisinungaling niya. Napatango ito. Mabuti na lang at hindi na ito nagtanong muli dahil hindi na niya alam ang isasagot. Nakuha niyang makaubos ng alak ay hindi na bumalik si Hector. Nahihilo na nga siya noong magpunta sa parking lot para doon ito hintayin. Saktong kapapadala niya ng mensahe sa kapitbahay niyang si Ria para tingnan ang kambal noong mamataan si Hector. Napatuwid siya ng tayo noong makita na itong papalapit. Halatang galit kaya hindi na siya nagtanong. Agad na lang siyang pumasok sa sasakyan noong patunugin nito. Maging sa biyahe ay ramdam niya ang galit nito sa hindi malamang dahilan. Madiin ang hawak nito sa manibela. Isa lang ang sigurado niya. Nakausap nito si Crizaa at tiyak na nabigo ito lalo't noong pagdating nila sa bahay nito ay kitang-kita niya ang bumagsak na luha sa gilid ng mga mata nito. Nahabag siya dito, "Sir—" "Go home, or if you want, you can sleep in one of the guestrooms. Thank you for today, Lorelei," pagtataboy nito sa kanya. Hindi niya alam kung dahil lang sa kalasingan kaya hindi niya ito maiwan. Naaawa siya rito. Agad siyang kumuha ng tissue, lumuhod sa upuan at inabot ang pisngi nito. Pareho pa silang natigilan noong hawakan nito ang kamay niya. "Don't. I'm not weak," pamimilit nito. Naamoy niya ang brandy sa hininga nito at sa malamang ay pareho lang silang may tama ng alak. Napalunok siya noong matitigan ang mga mata nitong dumilim. Balewala niyang pinunasan muli ang pisngi nito ngunit muli nitong pinigilan ang kamay niya. "S-ir—" "If you keep doing that, sa kama tayo babagsak. Umuwi ka bago pa magbago ang isip ko at ipinid ka sa kama," pagbabanta nito. May choice siya, pinapatakas siya nito pero ang katawan niya ay ayaw kumilos. Baka dahil lasing siya. "Pagbilang ko ng lima, lumabas ka na ng sasakyan. I have no mercy when it comes to bed, Kitten," mabigat na bulong nito. Nanuyo ang lalamunan niya at mas lalong hindi nakakilos. "One," pagsisimula nito, nagsimula rin ang mainit nitong palad na umakyat sa hita niya. "Two, get out, Kitty," sobrang paos na sambit na nito habang ang kamay ay nahanap ang garter ng underwear niya. "P-ero, Sir—" "Five. Pagmumura pa nito bago hatakin ang bewang niya at siilin siya ng halik. Mabilis nitong hinila ang bewang niya at pinaupo siya sa kandungan nito. Nahatak niya ang longsleeve nito matapos nitong ipasok ang dila sa bibig niya habang ang palad nito ay nahatak paalis ang underwear niya. Nahanap ng palad nito ang pagkababae niya at diniin ang daliri doon na kinasinghap niya. Hindi siya makasabay sa halik nito. Naliliyo siya maging sa paghagod ng mga daliri nito sa pagkababae niya. Nanigas ang mga tuhod niya sa kiliti sa puson niya at pamamasa. Hindi siya makahinga nang maayos. Inayos ng isang palad nito ang mga hita niya at pinwesto sa bawat gilid nito. Marahan itong dumukwang at halos isandal siya sa manibela masiil lang siya ng halik muli. Tuluyan na siyang hindi nakasagot ng halik matapos naging mabilis ang hagod ng mga daliri nito sa kanyang ibaba. Napapasinghap siya at ang maiksing katinuhan sa utak niya ay nasakop na ng impluwensya ng alak. "Ahh!" mahinang halinghing niya noong bumaba ang mga labi nito sa panga niya. "I'm giving you another chance to run. Run, Lorelei," udyok na bulong nito kahit pa binababa na nito ang zipper ng dress na suot niya. Napapikit siya. Tumatahip ang dibdib niya sa sobrang init. Bumakas sa mukha niya ang bahagyang ngiwi noong dumausdos papasok ang isang daliri nito. "Not running away? Baka di ka na makalakad bukas. I'm telling you, I'm big," paos at mabigat muli nitong bulong na tila nagtitimpi. Hindi niya alam ngunit lalo siyang namasa sa boses nito. Doon nga lang nag-sink sa kanya na kapag natuloy sila, malalaman nitong hindi na siya Birhen. Mabilis siyang napamulat sa naisip. Balak niya sana itong itulak ngunit paghigit sa damit nito ang nagawa niya noong dumagdag ang daliri nito sa loob niya at sunod-sunod na umulos. "Lintik" hingal niyang pagmumura. Paano pa siya tatakbo kung ang titig nito sa kanya ay nanlalapa? Maalab at alam niyang hindi na ito mapipigilan. Nagawa nitong alisin ang bestida niya. Nailiyad niya pa ang dibdib ngunit agad na sinakop ng mainit nitong bibig ang isa at halos ubusin nito. Nahatak niya ang braso nito upang doon kumuha ng balanse. hubad na siya lahat habang ito ay kumpleto pa ang suot. Pati ang relo sa bisig nito ay naroon pa. "Uhhhh, S-ir!" hiyaw niya noong lalong bumilis ang mga daliri nito sa loob niya. Hindi niya una iyon pero may hapdi pa rin sa kabila ng sensasyong nararamdaman niya. Bumalik tuloy ang alaala niya kung paano nabuo ang kambal niyang anak. Kagaya ni Sir Hector ang lalaki, may kalakihan ang katawan. Ang pinagkaiba lang ay may rahas ang kilos ni Sir Hector. Naitaas niya ang tuhod noong mamilipit sa sarap ang puson niya. Mahabang ungol ang kumawala sa bibig niya matapos maramdaman ang pag-abot niya sa rurok. Hindi tumigil ang mga daliri nito sa pag-ulos ngunit pinakawalan ng bibig nito ang dibdib niya. Naghahabol siya ng hininga noong nilayuan nito ang leeg niya at dibdib. Wala sa sariling nakagat niya pa ang ibabang labi sa paghugot nito sa mga daliri nito. Gulantang nga lang siyang makitang sisubo nito ang mga iyon. "Sir!" pigil niya dito ngunit wala na, napapikit na ito sa pagsubo no'n. Agad pang ngumisi at bahagyang pumasada ang dila sa ibabang labi nito na tila hindi pa ito kuntento. "Addictive," sobrang paos na sambit nito. Nag-init ang mga pisngi niya. Alam niyang may tama rin ito sa alak kaya nasabi iyon pero hiyang-hiya siya! Hindi pa siya nakababawi noong marinig ang pagbukas nito sa pinto. Napalunok siya at napakapit sa mga balikat nito noong buhatin siya sa ganoong ayos. Inikot pa nito ang mga hita niya sa bewang nito. "You're Birhen. This will hurt. Hindi pwede sa sasakyan. Saka na... kapag sanay ka na," namimigat nitong bulong na nagpatigil sa paghinga niya. Kumalabog ang dibdib niya. Dumiin ang kapit sa balikat nito noong pumasok ito sa bahay at iakyat siya sa kwarto. Marahan pa siya nitong binagsak sa kama ngunit mabilis na lumuhod sa sahig. Sumisinghap pa lang siya ng paghinga ay pinag-hiwalay na nito ang mga hita niya at agad na sinubsob ang bibig nito sa pagkababae niya. "Sir! Uh—ohh!" Pinatigas agad nito ang dila at tinukso-tukso siya. Alam na alam nito ang gagawin. Nawala na nga sa isip niyang hindi pa siya nakapag-shave pero kung hagurin ng dila nito ang ibaba niya ay tila paboritong pagkain nito iyon. "Ahh!" Nailiyad niya ang katawan at naitaas ang bewang na mabilis nitong hinila upang mas maidiin ang bibig nito doon. Ang ngipin nito ay sumasabay kaya halos mahila na niya nang buo ang bedsheet sa nararamdamang init. Pinagpawisan na siya kahit pa malakas ang aircon sa kwarto nito. Hindi yata ito tumigil hangga't hindi naririnig ang mahabang ungol niya, senyales na muli niyang naabot ang langit. Hindi niya maisara ang bibig sa pagsimot nito doon. Kahit noong tumayo na ito ay nanghihina siya at hindi maisara ang mga hita niya. Maliit niyang minulat ang mga mata. Huli niya ang mainit nitong titig sa katawan niya habang nagtatanggal ng kasuotan. Pati mamahaling relo nito ay basta lang nito tinapon sa sofa. Ora mimso noong mahubad nito ang mamahaling boxer short ay gumapang ito sa itaas niya. "Ibuka ang iyong mga binti nang mas malawak, Kitty," senswal nitong utos. Kumakalabog lalo ang dibdib niya at nanunuyo ang lalamunan kahit pa sa hita pa lang niya dumikit ang naghuhumigting nitong sandata. Palad na mismo nito ang humagod sa mga hita niya at mas pinaghiwalay ang mga iyon. Napapikit siya noong tuluyang tumama ang sandata nito sa kaselanan niya. Paulit-ulit na humagod na tila tinutukso siya. Pati ang ilong at bibig nito ay panaka-nakang humalik sa leeg at panga niya na tila dinidistract siya nito. "Sir~" hirap niyang bulong at napakapit sa matigas nitong braso noong maramdaman ang dulo ng sandata nito. Tama ito! Malaki ito at duda siyang kakasya sa kanya. Baka muli lang siyang mapunit nito! Ang balak niyang pagtulak sana dito ay nauwi sa pagkapit sa braso nito noong pilitin nito ang pagpasok. Sumigid ang sakit sa kanya at halos magdugo ang labi sa pagkagat niya. Iyon ang pangalawang beses niya pero sa tagal na siguro ng panahon ay pakiramdam niya, unang beses pa lang niya iyon. Kita niyang umigting ang panga nito at tumalim ang tingin. Kinabahan siyang baka nahuli na siya nito pero nahanap nito ang mga palad niya at parehong pininid sa itaas ng ulo niya. Pinagsalikop nito ang mga kamay nila bago sinagad ang pagpasok na kinahiyaw niya. "Ahh!" Hindi niya ito mapalo, hindi niya mabawi ang mga nakapinid na kamay. Pinuno naman nito ng halik ang mukha niya. "Soon, the pain will fade away, Kitty," panunuyong bulong nito. Hindi na niya makilala ang sariling paghinga. Hinayaan siya nitong kumalma ngunit hindi rin ito nakatiis at nagsimulang umulos nang mabagal. Dinidiinan na lang niya ang kapit sa mga kamay nito kapag sinasagad nito nang buo sa loob niya. Dinig niya ang magaspang nitong ungol at tila nahihirapan ding bumayo sa loob niya. Para itong nagtitimpi sa mabagal na paggalaw. "H-indi ka gumamit ng goma, Sir," wala sa sariling sambit niya. "Doesn't matter. I will do withdrawal, don't worry," pagpapakalma nito. Ilang beses siyang lumunok. Ang balakang niya ay napapataas noong bumilis nang bahagya ang galaw nito. Malinaw sa pandinig niya ang pagsusumpungan ng mga kaselanan nila. Nangangalay ang mga hita niya sa pagkakahiwalay at halos lumubog sa kama sa laki ng katawan nito. "Ow!" malakas niyang hiyaw na hindi niya alam kung ilang beses niya naisigaw noong dumoble ang bilis nito. Para itomg may hinahabol at hindi magkamayaw. Ang kama nito ay tumutunog kasabay ng tunog ng kanilang mga katawan. Para itong nawala sa sarili at nagsunod-sunod ang pagbayo sa loob niya. Naghalo ang pawis nila at maging mga ungol. Napuno ang kwarto ng mga hiyaw niya. Nanghihina na siya noong maramdamang malapit na siya. Nagmadali rin ito at sunod sunod ang ulos hanggang sa magkapanabay silang mapaungol. Pinakawalan nito ang mga kamay niya kasabay ng mainit na likidong bumuhos sa loob niya. Parang tumigil ang tibok ng puso niya. Sa loob nito pinutok! Kinabahan siya. Hinihingal itong bumagsak sa itaas niya. "Sleep, Kitty," inaantok pa nitong bulong. Nataranta siya at gusto itong itulak ngunit napakalaki nito. Sumiksik pa ito sa dibdib niya at wala yatang pakialam kahit nasa loob pa niya ang sandata nito! "Sir, uuwi po ako," pilit niyang gising at tulak dito ngunit humigpit ang yakap nito sa bewang niya. "Later, stay still. Huwag kang gagalaw. Huwag mong gisingin," halos bulong na lang na sambit nito. Nanlamig siya sa tinutukoy nito. Pati tuloy paghinga niya ay napigilan niya huwag lang magising ang sandata nito. Para siyang timang na naghintay na humiwalay ito ngunit hindi niya rin namalayang nakatulog na siya. Paggising ay sikat ng araw ang tumama sa mga mata niya. Nasilaw siya at nahirapang magmulat ng mga mata. Masakit ang katawan niya, partikular ang pagkababae niya at mga hita. Doon nga lang din rumehistro sa kanya ang nangyari kagabi. "Punyeta!" napamura siya matapos matantong umaga na pero naroon pa rin siya sa kwarto ni Sir Hector. Mabilis niyang nilingon ang katabi ngunit wala na ito doon. Hindi na nga niya maalala kung ano'ng oras ito umalis sa itaas niya. Hihinga na sana siya nang maluwag kung hindi lang naramdaman ang madiing titig sa kanya na tumatagos sa balat niya. Napalunok siya at unti-unting napatingin sa harap niya. Sumikdo ang dibdib niya at nahila ang kumot. Naroon sa paanan niya si Sir Hector, nakaayos na ng business suit, nakapamulsa habang may hawak na baso ng brandy. Pinaghalong madiin at malamig na titig ang natanggap niya dito at noong liningon nito ang kama na walang bahid ng dugo, alam na niya agad ang nasa isip nito. "S-ir, m-agpapaliwanag po ako," sobrang kabang sambit niya lalo't tumalim ang titig nito at umigting ang panga.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.cdnjkfiw.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1	Philip Spicy Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61561349855790/	83,301	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	cdnjkfiw.com	IMAGE		https://www.cdnjkfiw.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=17755&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.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475030415_932702375670177_3562200665803436683_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EFOSwuU0GSUQ7kNvgGAAvBS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=Aqw6wxbKep6zoawjqele523&oh=00_AYBaHfMeMErE2bFNCoz_MEm58DswPOU3oMCZEvpjMfmGaA&oe=67A62B4F	PERSON_PROFILE	Philip Spicy Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,720	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679721}'	No	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	💪Transform Your Face & Body with Our Rejuvenation Treatments	📣 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙒𝙖𝙮𝙣𝙚 & 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨! 🎉 Say goodbye to saggy skin and hello to a more youthful look! 🙌 ✅ Our personalized treatments can lift, tighten, and enhance the face and body, all while being safe and non-invasive! 💆‍♀️ 💰 For a limited time only, claim a 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 & 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 + 𝗨𝗽 𝗧𝗼 $𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗩𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 good towards our most popular 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 & 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 treatment packages, including: 👉 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 ($𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗢𝗳𝗳): Non-surgical treatments that firm and tighten excess skin caused by aging or weight loss on the face and body! 👉 𝗙𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ($𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗢𝗳𝗳): Reduce stubborn fat without the risks and downtime of surgery! 👉 𝗥𝗙 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 ($𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗢𝗳𝗳): Counteracts years of sun damage, acne scarring, stretch marks and large pores as it visibly removes fine lines! Safe for all skin tones, treats all areas with minimal downtime! 👉 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 ($𝟱𝟬 𝗢𝗳𝗳): Gently & permanently reduce or remove hair from any area of the body! 👉 𝗘𝗺𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 ($𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗢𝗳𝗳): First device of its kind that is FDA-cleared to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve bladder control & enhance intimacy for both men and women! 👩‍⚕️ Here at 𝗡𝗼𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗲 Our experienced team works to create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's unique needs and budget. Don't wait!! Request a 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 & 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 + 𝗨𝗽 𝗧𝗼 $𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗩𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 now and take the first step towards a more confident you! 💯 Click [LEARN MORE] to claim the offer! 😍	LEARN_MORE	https://www.medicalspapromos.com/nosweat-fort-wayn	NoSweat Fort Wayne IN	https://www.facebook.com/61571194635654/	19	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.medicalspapromos.com	VIDEO		https://www.medicalspapromos.com/nosweat-fort-wayne-04-optin	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/474632310_586790343943217_7392540755483093521_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0_V73uMHgMUQ7kNvgFk4PZQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A8H35E_EYNFn3WspLX65ljl&oh=00_AYD4MrQQ7aeDVCvwnqowIJ_f2-IaHf1gb-FtzewcMspguw&oe=67A64268	PERSON_PROFILE	NoSweat Fort Wayne IN	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,766	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679725}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Plumbing Repairs: Starting at $59	👋 Hi there, I'm Raymundo, owner of High Mile Plumber! Do you really want to mess with your plumbing? No! leave it to the professionals. 👨‍🔧 💯 Contact us ASAP if you have the following: ⚠️ Water Stains/Damage 🤮 Foul Odors Near Drains 🚨Unusual Noises in Pipes 🪠 Slow Draining or Clogs 🏠 As a local business with over 15 years in the community, we're dedicated to ensuring everything flows smoothly for our neighbors. That's why we're offering plumbing services starting as low as $59! 💰🤑 Contact us to get your free quote! 📍 Proudly Serving Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster & nearby areas.	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	Voolt Certified Service Provider	https://www.facebook.com/61571038885556/	69	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	fb.me	VIDEO	Locally Owned	http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/474479183_500823543051316_4067288259421313220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RO8mG-KX7IAQ7kNvgFRpO3c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A_PLOVjPLwIDgJMtVuAUWeR&oh=00_AYBbH_I-NKWemva-hFaoeIhqt-PyYQN7w_HyfJCikCWmEA&oe=67A6338C	PERSON_PROFILE	Voolt Certified Service Provider	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,549	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679583}'	No	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Overcome Procrastination Naturally	Overcoming procrastination doesn’t have to be hard! Created by a team of psychologists and behavioral change experts, Brainway is designed to: 1️⃣ Identify your unique “Procrastination Type” 2️⃣ Reveal the unique “Trigger Point” that makes you procrastinate 3️⃣ Provide personalized, simple, and effective strategies to help you stop putting things off 🏆 And let you join thousands of people enjoying 100% stress-free productivity with Brainway! 🔥 Take a short quiz and see how Brainway can help you break free from procrastination & embrace your natural productivity today!👇	LEARN_MORE	https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	Brainway App	https://www.facebook.com/61551442591062/	23,369	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	brainway.app	VIDEO		https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465787963_1278749433032612_1905073517952391227_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p1Y9ep-kdjEQ7kNvgEfdXUr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=Ahwzl0UTsLfgbAPqFjVPpJI&oh=00_AYDcq5DL8k0jI23plViXz18exQh1z4N2siWAqWWBKCy6hA&oe=67A65898	PERSON_PROFILE	Brainway App	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,544	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679583}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Overcome Procrastination Naturally	Overcoming procrastination doesn’t have to be hard! Created by a team of psychologists and behavioral change experts, Brainway is designed to: 1️⃣ Identify your unique “Procrastination Type” 2️⃣ Reveal the unique “Trigger Point” that makes you procrastinate 3️⃣ Provide personalized, simple, and effective strategies to help you stop putting things off 🏆 And let you join thousands of people enjoying 100% stress-free productivity with Brainway! 🔥 Take a short quiz and see how Brainway can help you break free from procrastination & embrace your natural productivity today!👇	LEARN_MORE	https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	Brainway App	https://www.facebook.com/61551442591062/	23,369	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	brainway.app	VIDEO		https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465847489_1723783638193337_5368992631162817757_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gRxjV2JvtbUQ7kNvgGeaa2G&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=Ahwzl0UTsLfgbAPqFjVPpJI&oh=00_AYBEFSUQerAI7ajILAX6B81vwyIbgu6IbLJ0n3_McaFlcA&oe=67A631CB	PERSON_PROFILE	Brainway App	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,557	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679583}'	No	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Overcome Procrastination Naturally	Overcoming procrastination doesn’t have to be hard! Created by a team of psychologists and behavioral change experts, Brainway is designed to: 1️⃣ Identify your unique “Procrastination Type” 2️⃣ Reveal the unique “Trigger Point” that makes you procrastinate 3️⃣ Provide personalized, simple, and effective strategies to help you stop putting things off 🏆 And let you join thousands of people enjoying 100% stress-free productivity with Brainway! 🔥 Take a short quiz and see how Brainway can help you break free from procrastination & embrace your natural productivity today!👇	LEARN_MORE	https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	Brainway App	https://www.facebook.com/61551442591062/	23,369	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	brainway.app	VIDEO		https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465572954_1067244724693655_6969392312662757206_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZJUIQzmCHocQ7kNvgF9YI3T&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ahwzl0UTsLfgbAPqFjVPpJI&oh=00_AYCb-w96VQhCHB9salTXNTwtRTPggpGfsT4Llx0qP_MwPQ&oe=67A63E6F	PERSON_PROFILE	Brainway App	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,592	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679590}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,796	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	wwwedb.com	VIDEO	At six years old, I accidentally killed my parents. For the punishment I, an alpha female, became a slave in my own house.. My wolf's abilities were bounded, twice—a crippling blow that left me vulnerable. As if I were nothing more than property, my brother sold me to a ruthless alpha as part of some clan contract. The rumour I've heard about him that nine fiancee has been killed by him. Then, I discovered that this ruthless alpha, the one who now owned me, was my mate ...	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475320200_1116298026710139_3366114778382529830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PZWozt-6RpMQ7kNvgF3WTCx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=AhvCg_DRxLxyO9n49mbzrUN&oh=00_AYBor8qWFXztxPAtZD6N_kOmiOk39lltMnOd5N5r86AwOg&oe=67A62A52	PERSON_PROFILE	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,585	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679583}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Overcome Procrastination Naturally	Overcoming procrastination doesn’t have to be hard! Created by a team of psychologists and behavioral change experts, Brainway is designed to: 1️⃣ Identify your unique “Procrastination Type” 2️⃣ Reveal the unique “Trigger Point” that makes you procrastinate 3️⃣ Provide personalized, simple, and effective strategies to help you stop putting things off 🏆 And let you join thousands of people enjoying 100% stress-free productivity with Brainway! 🔥 Take a short quiz and see how Brainway can help you break free from procrastination & embrace your natural productivity today!👇	LEARN_MORE	https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	Brainway App	https://www.facebook.com/61551442591062/	23,369	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	brainway.app	VIDEO		https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465787963_1278749433032612_1905073517952391227_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p1Y9ep-kdjEQ7kNvgEfdXUr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=AhvCg_DRxLxyO9n49mbzrUN&oh=00_AYAXZHyE5Nb2WIDq7w9cQFkpV1g64NrYAVmZ0fWYtWtERQ&oe=67A65898	PERSON_PROFILE	Brainway App	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,579	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679583}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Overcome Procrastination Naturally	Overcoming procrastination doesn’t have to be hard! Created by a team of psychologists and behavioral change experts, Brainway is designed to: 1️⃣ Identify your unique “Procrastination Type” 2️⃣ Reveal the unique “Trigger Point” that makes you procrastinate 3️⃣ Provide personalized, simple, and effective strategies to help you stop putting things off 🏆 And let you join thousands of people enjoying 100% stress-free productivity with Brainway! 🔥 Take a short quiz and see how Brainway can help you break free from procrastination & embrace your natural productivity today!👇	LEARN_MORE	https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	Brainway App	https://www.facebook.com/61551442591062/	23,369	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	brainway.app	VIDEO		https://brainway.app/start?qz=pro1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465619534_864633605744352_3259129062398297795_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v8I77oQSpygQ7kNvgHR8qPv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=AhvCg_DRxLxyO9n49mbzrUN&oh=00_AYCnxVJomXW5nl7OIliny1AvWXTl4j5bUjFVPk-yatxLtw&oe=67A63712	PERSON_PROFILE	Brainway App	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,798	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679725}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Plumbing Repairs: Starting at $59	👋 Hi there, I'm James, owner of JW Plumbing! Do you really want to mess with your plumbing? No! leave it to the professionals. 👨‍🔧 💯 Contact us ASAP if you have the following: ⚠️ Water Stains/Damage 🤮 Foul Odors Near Drains 🚨Unusual Noises in Pipes 🪠 Slow Draining or Clogs 🏠 As a local business with over 15 years in the community, we're dedicated to ensuring everything flows smoothly for our neighbors. That's why we're offering plumbing services starting as low as $59! 💰🤑 Contact us to get your free quote! 📍 Proudly Serving Capitol Heights, Washington, Arlington, Alexandria, Columbia & nearby areas.	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	Voolt Certified Service Provider	https://www.facebook.com/61571038885556/	69	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	fb.me	VIDEO	Locally Owned	http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/474012149_8823679744411504_4519901356374835232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cx-87Gde2oAQ7kNvgH6hsXF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A0UizQVYq1N1J-GrtojRtHK&oh=00_AYBU9cVTZZ3IolmWb_a68XyOYZmESa3zNYdmXiJ64ALPkw&oe=67A64374	PERSON_PROFILE	Voolt Certified Service Provider	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,624	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679725}'	No	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Wood Fence Installation: Starting at $749	👋 Hi, I'm Juan, founder of locally owned company Titan Wood Fence Installation! ❓ Everyone always asks me, "How much does a new wood fence cost?" Well…Each project is unique! 🏠 After you answer a few simple questions about your needs, we'll provide a FREE, INSTANT quote. 👆 Click 'GET QUOTE' below & fill out the form! 🏡 Deeply rooted in the community, we're passionate about enhancing the security & curb appeal of our homes. That's why we're offering your New Fence for as low as $749! Proudly serving Anderson, Fishers, Muncie, Noblesville, Yorktown & Surrounding Areas!	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	VooltPro Certified Contractors	https://www.facebook.com/61567454793871/	45	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	fb.me	IMAGE		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472888405_571906819004901_5047879075621923334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v_Q_w6no0HYQ7kNvgHNsup3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=Aqw6wxbKep6zoawjqele523&oh=00_AYCgBKv7QtzIiZQV7m6KQ_0OX5_PZnc-_KriSR5jzKSlKA&oe=67A62572	PERSON_PROFILE	VooltPro Certified Contractors	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,724	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679733}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Tree Removal: Starting at $249	👋 Hi, I'm Wayne, owner of Webb’s Tree Removal. 🚨 Dead, Dying or Oversized Trees can be extremely dangerous due to the high risk of branches - or the tree itself - falling. Sometimes trees obstruct views or prevent construction. 💪 My team of technicians is here to assess your property, then safely remove unwanted trees. 🌎 We're locally owned & dedicated to our community which is why we're offering tree removal for as low as $249. 🛠 Proudly serving Tallahassee, Crawfordville, Midway, Woodville, Panacea & surrounding areas. Book your free quote!	GET_QUOTE	https://yourwebsite.com/	Voolt Certified Service Provider	https://www.facebook.com/61571038885556/	69	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	yourwebsite.com	IMAGE		https://yourwebsite.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/474465211_984528673736096_3519543039578861413_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Op1N9h9ugb8Q7kNvgHctIuG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A_PLOVjPLwIDgJMtVuAUWeR&oh=00_AYCBcxrKud3QuLnOgZ2xLKDjnJ438u0DhNB0MnJrnS6tgw&oe=67A62A1A	PERSON_PROFILE	Voolt Certified Service Provider	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,813	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2679725}'	Yes	2025-02-03 01:27	active	2451	Tree Removal: Starting at $249	👋 Hi, I'm Douglas, owner of Royal Tree Removal. 🚨 Dead, Dying or Oversized Trees can be extremely dangerous due to the high risk of branches - or the tree itself - falling. Sometimes trees obstruct views or prevent construction. 💪 My team of technicians is here to assess your property, then safely remove unwanted trees. 🌎 We're locally owned & dedicated to our community which is why we're offering tree removal for as low as $249. 🛠 Proudly serving Las Vegas, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Enterprise & surrounding areas. Book your free quote!	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	Voolt Certified Service Provider	https://www.facebook.com/61571038885556/	69	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	fb.me	VIDEO		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472950935_962784249081050_4965336032906315446_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A6RufbMr06cQ7kNvgFaxrDc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=A0UizQVYq1N1J-GrtojRtHK&oh=00_AYDbj8Yarz0YmDlib-EqeW_G4O8OoHtwDr__z0hHoNdPLQ&oe=67A65B6D	PERSON_PROFILE	Voolt Certified Service Provider	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,851	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-03 01:30	active	2452	Read next chapter	It was a contractual marriage for both of them to get what they wanted, yet she fell in love first. But when she was in a life-threatening situation during a fire and needed him the most, he chose to stay by the side of his first love instead. She finally let it go, divorced him, and made a grand comeback as a great screenwriter. ===== "Saved! They've been saved." Firefighters emerged from the smoldering inferno, carrying Carrie Campbell to safety at the roadside. Her features, usually refined and expressive, were now smeared with soot; her sparkling eyes dimmed to a vacant gaze, hollow and lost. As reality seeped back into her consciousness, Carrie felt a rush of gratitude overpower her usual composure. Her voice, hoarse and weak, conveyed a profound "thank you" to her rescuers. Shaking, she fumbled for her phone, her fingertips quivering as they found the familiar number. "Hello, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later..." The automated message played after a few rings, leaving her with a lump in her throat, her unvoiced frustrations and sorrow welling up inside her. Bang! With a deafening roar, the explosion abruptly silenced the cold, mechanical voice echoing through the line. Carrie's head snapped upwards, shock painted on her face as she witnessed the apartment she had just exited erupt into flames. Chunks of debris were hurled into the air by the force of the blast, scattering across the sky. Panic engulfed the crowd as survivors, freshly rescued, screamed in terror. They huddled together, seeking solace in each other's arms, their cries piercing the tumultuous scene. In stark contrast, Carrie lay alone on a stretcher, her isolation magnified amidst the chaos. "Kristopher..." Fighting the dread creeping up her spine, Carrie pressed her lips together tightly and dialed her husband's number again, her resolve unwavering. Yet, the call disconnected after a few short rings, leaving her with a haunting silence. Just then, a Twitter notification flickered on her phone screen. The gossip feed was alive with the latest gossip: #LiseNash #MysteriouBoyfriend. According to the tweet, a producer from a well-known variety show had invited the renowned star Lise Nash to a dinner, which had quickly soured when she declined to partake in a toast. This act of defiance had sparked a confrontation, only to be interrupted by Lise's domineering boyfriend. He stormed into the private dining room, dismissing the producer with a dismissive wave and escorting Lise away. The tweet described the scene vividly, painting a picture of a powerful man defending his beloved partner. Yet, perhaps due to his prominence, only the back of the man was visible in the accompanying photos, preserving his anonymity. Meanwhile, Lise, donning an oversized suit jacket, beamed a smile, reaching out to clasp his hand as they departed together. Carrie's eyes were glued to the screen, her stare intense and unblinking as she absorbed the image before her. There he was--Kristopher Norris! The suit jacket draped carelessly over Lise was a dead giveaway. Every piece of clothing Kristopher owned had been meticulously tailored by a master craftsman abroad, a detail Carrie knew all too well. Her grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles blanching to a stark white, as if her very soul were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain sharp and acid-like in its intensity. In her most desperate moment, Kristopher had coldly disconnected their call, choosing instead to be at Lise's side. What was the worth of their two-year marriage? The tears she had been holding back now overwhelmed her, streaming down her face. Even as she tilted her head back in a futile attempt to stem the flow, the tears continued to escape. Lise had always been Kristopher's first love, a fact whispered and gossiped about among their circles. The Norris family had never approved of Lise, seeing her ordinary background as unfitting. Forced apart by family pressures, it had been Lise who ended things, but the past, it seemed, was not easily left behind. Kristopher had diligently pursued the leadership of the Norris family, harboring dreams of finally being with Lise. Yet, when he reached his goal, he discovered that Lise had already chosen another. In defiance of his family's expectations and perhaps out of bitterness, Kristopher turned to Carrie, a woman equally devoid of wealth or status, to become Mrs. Norris, thereby blocking any matchmaking attempts by his relatives. At that time, Carrie faced immense pressure from her father, Tristan Campbell, who was pushing her towards a marriage with a playboy, the son of a business associate, to cover her grandmother's steep medical expenses. Both Kristopher and Carrie, driven by their personal motives, consented to a marriage of convenience. Originally set for just one year, their contractual marriage stretched beyond its term, sustained by a shared understanding between them. Over time, Carrie began to believe in the authenticity of their union, never suspecting that it was merely an extension of her hopes. Just moments ago, a fire had nearly claimed Carrie's life. In that critical moment, she reached out to Kristopher, only to be twice rebuffed as he spent his time with Lise. This harsh reality shattered Carrie's illusions, revealing that her perceived transition from pretense to genuine relationship was nothing but a facade maintained by her own desires. Carrie wasn't even a temporary substitute in Kristopher's life but merely a pawn used to spite his family. After a poignant pause, tears welled up in Carrie's eyes, unstoppable and poignant. It might be time for her to release herself from the shackles of her own hopeful delusions--to stop deceiving herself. Chapter 2 Trending Topics The overwhelming number of injuries from the fire was staggering, straining the already frantic doctors and nurses as they tried to provide aid. Carrie had been merely grazed by a splintered clothes rack, which left a deep, jagged wound on her calf. In comparison to the chaos around her, her wounds seemed almost negligible. She managed to get basic care--a brisk cleaning and a quick wrap of bandages--at a local hospital before catching a cab back to her house. Bayview Villa, a grand property under Kristopher's name, was technically their matrimonial residence. Living alone had become the norm for Carrie, as Kristopher was hardly ever around. She had bid farewell to the housekeeper, discovering that her life could be quite adequately maintained with just takeout, deliveries, and the occasional visit from a part-time cleaner. Now, she found herself the sole occupant of the sprawling living room, sinking into the sofa, her gaze drifting across the empty space. The stark, monochrome decor did nothing to imbue warmth into the atmosphere. A chilling realization crept up on her: this vast, elegant space felt more like a colossal tomb, a silent grave for her lost years of youth and a love that had quietly slipped away. In this cold, echoing house, would anyone even notice if her breath ceased one day? Carrie exhaled a weary sigh, her frame heavy as she leaned against the cold wall for support, struggling up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor. Each step was a battle, sending stabbing pains shooting through her from the surface of her skin down to her aching bones. The house, stark and hollow, echoed even the smallest sounds, magnifying her sense of isolation. It was today, amidst this profound silence, that Carrie truly grasped the all-encompassing nature of her loneliness--it was almost tangible, enveloping her senses with its texture and mournful whispers, tightening around her heart like a vice, producing a dull, relentless ache. Upon reaching the sanctuary of her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, the very embodiment of exhaustion, feeling it both physically and spiritually. Just as she surrendered to this weariness, the sharp ring of the phone pierced the silence. "You reached out to me earlier. What do you need?" Kristopher's voice cut through the line, cold and distant as ever. Carrie was caught off guard by his unexpected call. Words failed her as she parted her lips to respond, but before she could collect her thoughts, a soft, feminine voice floated through from the other end. "Kristopher, will you join me to..." A surge of emotions tightened Carrie's grip on the phone, her heart thumping louder with each second. Overwhelmed and unable to contain her rising panic, she demanded, "Who's there with you?" Kristopher gave no answer, merely stating in a flat, disinterested voice, "If there's something you need, let's catch up when I'm back. I have pressing engagements right now, so I must disconnect." He promptly ended the call, cutting off any chance for Carrie to reply. As the harsh beep of the disconnected line filled her ears, Carrie's lips twisted into a rueful grin. How utterly foolish she felt! Deep down, she knew his response all too well, yet she had clung to the hope of hearing his voice confirm it. With a sense of self-inflicted irony, Carrie activated her tablet and scrolled through the day's hot topics. One headline caught her eye: "A female star shielded from harassment at a dinner by her formidable partner." A wry smile twisted her lips. Carrie knew all too well what it was like to face harassment at those kinds of dinners. She vividly remembered her first major audition after her entering the showbiz; her agent had escorted her to a dinner with the influential director and producer of the drama series "Serene Sighs." As a novice in the dizzying world of showbiz, Carrie had felt incredibly vulnerable, uncertain of how to navigate the murky waters of such gatherings. The producer had eyed her shamelessly, sneering as he asked, "Is this the new talent you're introducing? She appears presentable, but I'm curious to see how she fares with a drink. Here's the deal, if you can gulp down this bottle in one go, I'll secure you an audition for the lead role." Carrie was inclined to decline, but under the relentless pressure from her agent, she found herself compelled to consume the entire bottle. As the evening wore on, she was hurriedly taken to the hospital suffering from a severe stomach ailment. Her agent, fretful about the prospect of the role slipping away to another, quickly settled the hospital charges and departed. At that time, Carrie found herself isolated in a hospital bed for several long days. Yet, even before Carrie could be released from the hospital, the media was abuzz with the announcement that Lise had secured the lead role in "Serene Sighs." Subsequently, her agent rebuked Carrie for her lack of ambition, complaining, "You are more appealing than Lise, so why can't you show more drive? She cozied up to Mr. Norris and hardly had to make an effort. She's surrounded by people eager to cater to her every need. I've heard that Mr. Norris personally orchestrated her landing the lead role in this production!" When the show premiered, Lise was catapulted into stardom, swiftly ascending to the elite echelons of the acting world. From that moment forward, Carrie let her acting aspirations wane and chose instead to devote herself entirely to supporting her husband, Kristopher. After all, no matter her efforts, she could never get the same career opportunities that Lise seemed to receive effortlessly with Kristopher's offhand remarks. At that time, Carrie had believed she was filling the role that was meant to be Lise's as Mrs. Norris, which meant she owed Lise. By giving up the career opportunities to Lise, Carrie thought they would settle their unspoken debt. However, Carrie hadn't foreseen that Lise would claim both the coveted career and Kristopher's affections. As Lise's professional and love life blossomed, Carrie came to the painful realization that she had been overly consumed with her romantic pursuits, at the expense of her career, and now, she found herself bereft of both love and professional fulfillment. With tears streaming down her face, Carrie viewed her past two years as tragically misguided. Given another opportunity, she resolved she wouldn't be so unguarded, letting her heart recklessly fall captive to Kristopher's charm. "Ms. Spencer, the new copyright contract is prepared. Please review it for any discrepancies." Her phone buzzed with the alert, snapping Carrie out of her reverie. She gazed at the PDF file attached in the message, her mind briefly overwhelmed. Under the pseudonym Katrina Spencer, Carrie had once made a name for herself as a budding screenwriter, selling numerous scripts in her early days. During her early career as Katrina, Carrie often sold her work for a pittance, compelled by her urgent need for immediate cash. Over the years, these scripts transformed into blockbuster films and hit series, catapulting Katrina's reputation to new heights. By this time, Carrie had married Kristopher and was no longer plagued by the financial woes that had once driven her to desperation--her grandmother's hefty medical bills were a thing of the past. With her financial crises resolved, Carrie's life had pivoted to domestic responsibilities, striving to be an exemplary wife to Kristopher. Amidst these changes, her pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, gradually receded into the background. However, her past as Katrina wasn't ready to be shelved just yet. Recently, an interested buyer had come forward, ready to pay a handsome sum for one of her old scripts. Carrie, however, was hesitant to sell. She raised several concerns about the contract presented to her, and to her astonishment, the buyer was genuine enough to revise it accordingly. Holding the revised contract in her hands, Carrie inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening. She seemed to have reached a crucial decision. Her fingers danced over her phone's keyboard with swift precision, typing out a firm command. "Create a divorce agreement following my terms and ensure it reaches Kristopher Norris at the Norris Group." Without pausing for a response, she placed her phone aside and limped toward the bathroom, each step echoing a blend of determination and newfound independence. Chapter 3 Exchange Of Conveniences Thirty minutes had passed, Carrie finally heaved herself up from the bathtub, her limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative. As she lifted her gaze, her own image in the mirror halted her movements--her skin appeared as smooth and impeccable as fine porcelain, glowing with an unblemished radiance. Her eyes, deep pools of allure, sparkled with an enchanting, soft warmth, inviting anyone who dared meet her gaze. Despite edging into her late twenties at twenty-five, she reveled in the fact that time had yet to etch its marks upon her flawless complexion. Surely, a woman with such a visage had no place for self-pity. Absorbed in her contemplation, Carrie carelessly extended her right leg onto the cold floor, forgetting it was the very limb she had injured. Wrapped excessively in cling film to shield it from moisture, the tight encasement had stifled her circulation, rendering her leg eerily numb. As her foot touched down, it betrayed her, slipping forward unexpectedly. "Ah!" Carrie gasped, her arms flailing in a frantic ballet, searching for a lifeline in the void. Just as she teetered on the brink of a painful rendezvous with the floor, the bathroom door burst open. Kristopher stood at the entrance, his suit immaculately tailored, creating a striking figure. As their eyes locked, he paused, visibly taken aback, then quickly closed the distance with brisk strides. Carrie's breath caught as Kristopher swept her up in a graceful bridal style, an unexpected tightness wrapping around her waist. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Carrie realized with a jolt that she was completely bre. A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chst. This was their first moment of such intimacy since their wedding, and the discomfort made her toes curl inward, her skin blushing a delicate shade of pink. Kristopher looked down at her with a mischievous grin. "Let's be honest, there's not much to see," he teased gently. Feeling both mortified and slightly irritated, Carrie snapped back, "Oh, Mr. Norris, after all you've seen, I suppose nothing can impress you anymore." She carried her C-cup curves with understated charm, a touch of sen*ality that outshone Lise's painfully flat, almost awkwardly rigid build. Yet Carrie knew well that without love, even the most perfect physique paled in comparison to the charm of one dearly cherished. Nonchalantly, Kristopher reached for a bathrobe hanging behind the door and draped it over her. His frown deepened at her comment. "What are you talking about, Carrie?" A thought seemed to strike him, and his expression grew even more impatient. "Tell me, did you send those divorce papers in the dead of night just to lure me back here--to catch you completely bre?" His tone was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "I told you I was swamped with work. Was this dramatic display really necessary?" Carrie's temper flared at his accusatory tone, reigniting the tension between them. He was always so quick to lose patience with her. She wasn't the type to throw around words like divorce or breakups lightly. In fact, this was the first time she'd ever mentioned divorce in their two-year marriage, yet he seemed indifferent to her turmoil. He simply dismissed her concerns as if she were overreacting about trivial matters. Despite the throbbing pain in her leg, Carrie mustered her strength and said, "Put me down." Kristopher, however, paid no heed, his eyes scanning her leg swathed in bandages. His brow furrowed slightly. "What happened to your leg? Is this some elaborate ploy to lure me back?" At his words, a bitter laugh escaped Carrie. It seemed he viewed her as merely seeking attention, and in failing to capture it, she had likely concocted a story to draw him back, allowing her to dramatize her plight in his presence. With a blank face, she replied untruthfully, "It's a beauty treatment that shouldn't get wet." "Why did you suddenly decide to undergo such a treatment?" Kristopher inquired, his tone casual as he carried her outside, not pressing the issue further. His frame was large, and through his thin shirt, she could distinctly feel the warmth of his body and the defined shape of his chst muscles. The closeness created an uncomfortable tension for Carrie, who had resolved to end things once and for all. Her voice climbed involuntarily, sharper this time. "Oh, since when have you been concerned with such minor things, Mr. Norris?" For the first time, Kristopher witnessed her using biting sarcasm; it struck him as peculiarly amusing. With a calm demeanor, he responded, "You're my wife, it's only natural I'd be concerned about your well-being." "Really?" There was a somber note in Carrie's voice now. "It seems like you've never really regarded me as your wife. I'm scared that if I were to die, you wouldn't even know until much later." After all, at that very moment, Kristopher had been distracted, lost in moments with his first love, too consumed to lend an ear to her desperate pleas. Caught off guard by her accusation, Kristopher's eyes widened with surprise before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Carrie, what's brought on this sudden outburst of anger? Just because I was tied up this afternoon and missed your call? Perhaps I've been too indulgent with you lately, and it's made you a bit too presumptuous?" Carrie froze, startled. Was he accusing her of being too presumptuous? She realized their marriage had always been lopsided. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a transactional partner, a woman who had bartered her freedom for financial security. Their union was meant to be a mere exchange of conveniences, yet she had, quite foolishly, fallen deeply in love with him. In the tricky terrain of romance, the one who fell first invariably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Kristopher's dismissive reaction left Carrie reeling, her emotions dismissed as trifles, a tight knot of suffocation rising in her chest. "I said to put me down this instant!" Carrie exclaimed, jerking her head to the side, her voice laced with a sharp edge of impatience. Kristopher remained mute, effortlessly carrying her towards the bed before suddenly releasing his hold. Carrie felt a jolt as the support vanished, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively grasped for him. Their bodies collided on the bed, her bathrobe teetering on the brink of decency, threatening to unravel with any minor shift. Propped on one elbow, Kristopher gazed down at her, his lips curled into a sly, teasing grin. "You wanted to be let go, didn't you? So why cling to me now?" His eyes, deep and sparkling like a midnight lake speckled with stars, captivated her. In those celestial depths, Carrie caught a glimpse of her own reflection. At times like this, she was misled into believing he harbored a deep affection. Sadly, his heart was a fortress reserved for Lise, and all Carrie had left were empty fantasies. "Boring!" she exclaimed, her voice devoid of any enthusiasm as she attempted to rise, her hand inadvertently brushing against something unexpected. "Don't move, or I can't promise what might happen next," he warned in a deep, gravelly voice. With a frown, Carrie internally cursed upon hearing the statement. It was an undeniable fact. Primal instincts steered the actions of men. Absence of affection didn't quell their basic dires. Yet, she dared not agitate Kristopher. Angling her face away, her body remained rigid, frozen in place. Carrie, feeling irked, shot back. "Didn't you say there's nothing here to see? What's with the reaction now, Mr. Norris? Are you really that easy to impress?" No sooner had her words flown than she grasped the potential repercussions of her sharp tongue. A wave of regret surged through Carrie, but instead of anger, Kristopher responded with a chuckle, "You are my wife, after all. Since that's something I can't alter, I might as well embrace it. Besides, it's been years since we became husband and wife--it would be a shame to neglect you completely." Chapter 4 Are You Out Of Your Mind? Kristopher leaned in close to Carrie. The fabric of his suit brushed lightly against Carrie's cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty twist of lemon. It was unmistakably Jo Malone's Blue Agava and Cacao--Lise's signature scent. A surge of nausea overwhelmed Carrie at the realization. Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a bright scarlet as indignation took hold. Without thinking, her hand flew up and delivered a stinging slap across Kristopher's face. All her suppressed grievances from the day ignited in that swift motion. The impact of her slp had left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher's cheek, marking him with her outrage. His eyes, wide with disbelief, met hers. "Carrie, are you out of your mind?" Out of her mind? Yes, she was clearly insane to ever fall for him in the first place. Carrie fumed silently, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, the sharp buzz of the phone on the table cut through the mounting tension, its vibration bringing a brief respite from their standoff. Kristopher cast a fleeting glance at the message, shut off the phone with a snap, and strode towards the door, his back rigid with tension. Her voice, firm and unwavering, chased after him. "We're getting a divorce! Make sure you sign those papers before you walk out that door!" Kristopher paused briefly and said sharply, "I have something to do now. When I return, do whatever pleases you." With that, he forcefully shut the door. Carrie's eyes followed his unwavering exit, feeling an oppressive weight compressing her chest once again. She disregarded the sharp sting in her leg and hobbled determinedly toward her tablet. Fingers trembling, she hastily navigated to Lise's Twitter page. Lise had just uploaded a new tweet. The photo showed her lying down with a fever patch adhered to her forehead, still enveloped in Kristopher's familiar jacket. The caption read, "Being sick makes me extra clingy. Wishing I had someone here. Stay cozy and take care, everyone!" The simultaneous timing of these two events made it almost impossible for Carrie not to suspect that Kristopher had dashed off to tend to Lise. Carrie's instincts loudly proclaimed that this was no accident; Lise had deliberately sought to tug at Kristopher's heartstrings. It appeared her tactics were effective. Not even Carrie's stark threat of divorce could overshadow Lise's theatrical display of vulnerability. Lise didn't have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption. Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm. She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, dreams crumbled, utterly alone. It was time for her to pursue her acting career and give it her all... ...... ==== It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to 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) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-e	Hello Read	https://www.facebook.com/61550873765205/	1,008	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-enp26_6-1226-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&exdata=5B30EB5146204E84E357EC99A2A6CC23E7E95FB2A9CFB87C	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472489561_9060025910751158_5232641110256319600_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gg5u5aoNsSkQ7kNvgHT5ORJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A9ExbjrRAkT8i9N7jBt0AcM&oh=00_AYBqT0L8yE7wSJQ1ilUMShCoPMfKWr3BWB8cT8p0-4BE9w&oe=67A642EB	PERSON_PROFILE	Hello Read	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,835	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-03 01:30	active	2452	Read next chapter	It was a contractual marriage for both of them to get what they wanted, yet she fell in love first. But when she was in a life-threatening situation during a fire and needed him the most, he chose to stay by the side of his first love instead. She finally let it go, divorced him, and made a grand comeback as a great screenwriter. ===== "Saved! They've been saved." Firefighters emerged from the smoldering inferno, carrying Carrie Campbell to safety at the roadside. Her features, usually refined and expressive, were now smeared with soot; her sparkling eyes dimmed to a vacant gaze, hollow and lost. As reality seeped back into her consciousness, Carrie felt a rush of gratitude overpower her usual composure. Her voice, hoarse and weak, conveyed a profound "thank you" to her rescuers. Shaking, she fumbled for her phone, her fingertips quivering as they found the familiar number. "Hello, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later..." The automated message played after a few rings, leaving her with a lump in her throat, her unvoiced frustrations and sorrow welling up inside her. Bang! With a deafening roar, the explosion abruptly silenced the cold, mechanical voice echoing through the line. Carrie's head snapped upwards, shock painted on her face as she witnessed the apartment she had just exited erupt into flames. Chunks of debris were hurled into the air by the force of the blast, scattering across the sky. Panic engulfed the crowd as survivors, freshly rescued, screamed in terror. They huddled together, seeking solace in each other's arms, their cries piercing the tumultuous scene. In stark contrast, Carrie lay alone on a stretcher, her isolation magnified amidst the chaos. "Kristopher..." Fighting the dread creeping up her spine, Carrie pressed her lips together tightly and dialed her husband's number again, her resolve unwavering. Yet, the call disconnected after a few short rings, leaving her with a haunting silence. Just then, a Twitter notification flickered on her phone screen. The gossip feed was alive with the latest gossip: #LiseNash #MysteriouBoyfriend. According to the tweet, a producer from a well-known variety show had invited the renowned star Lise Nash to a dinner, which had quickly soured when she declined to partake in a toast. This act of defiance had sparked a confrontation, only to be interrupted by Lise's domineering boyfriend. He stormed into the private dining room, dismissing the producer with a dismissive wave and escorting Lise away. The tweet described the scene vividly, painting a picture of a powerful man defending his beloved partner. Yet, perhaps due to his prominence, only the back of the man was visible in the accompanying photos, preserving his anonymity. Meanwhile, Lise, donning an oversized suit jacket, beamed a smile, reaching out to clasp his hand as they departed together. Carrie's eyes were glued to the screen, her stare intense and unblinking as she absorbed the image before her. There he was--Kristopher Norris! The suit jacket draped carelessly over Lise was a dead giveaway. Every piece of clothing Kristopher owned had been meticulously tailored by a master craftsman abroad, a detail Carrie knew all too well. Her grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles blanching to a stark white, as if her very soul were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain sharp and acid-like in its intensity. In her most desperate moment, Kristopher had coldly disconnected their call, choosing instead to be at Lise's side. What was the worth of their two-year marriage? The tears she had been holding back now overwhelmed her, streaming down her face. Even as she tilted her head back in a futile attempt to stem the flow, the tears continued to escape. Lise had always been Kristopher's first love, a fact whispered and gossiped about among their circles. The Norris family had never approved of Lise, seeing her ordinary background as unfitting. Forced apart by family pressures, it had been Lise who ended things, but the past, it seemed, was not easily left behind. Kristopher had diligently pursued the leadership of the Norris family, harboring dreams of finally being with Lise. Yet, when he reached his goal, he discovered that Lise had already chosen another. In defiance of his family's expectations and perhaps out of bitterness, Kristopher turned to Carrie, a woman equally devoid of wealth or status, to become Mrs. Norris, thereby blocking any matchmaking attempts by his relatives. At that time, Carrie faced immense pressure from her father, Tristan Campbell, who was pushing her towards a marriage with a playboy, the son of a business associate, to cover her grandmother's steep medical expenses. Both Kristopher and Carrie, driven by their personal motives, consented to a marriage of convenience. Originally set for just one year, their contractual marriage stretched beyond its term, sustained by a shared understanding between them. Over time, Carrie began to believe in the authenticity of their union, never suspecting that it was merely an extension of her hopes. Just moments ago, a fire had nearly claimed Carrie's life. In that critical moment, she reached out to Kristopher, only to be twice rebuffed as he spent his time with Lise. This harsh reality shattered Carrie's illusions, revealing that her perceived transition from pretense to genuine relationship was nothing but a facade maintained by her own desires. Carrie wasn't even a temporary substitute in Kristopher's life but merely a pawn used to spite his family. After a poignant pause, tears welled up in Carrie's eyes, unstoppable and poignant. It might be time for her to release herself from the shackles of her own hopeful delusions--to stop deceiving herself. Chapter 2 Trending Topics The overwhelming number of injuries from the fire was staggering, straining the already frantic doctors and nurses as they tried to provide aid. Carrie had been merely grazed by a splintered clothes rack, which left a deep, jagged wound on her calf. In comparison to the chaos around her, her wounds seemed almost negligible. She managed to get basic care--a brisk cleaning and a quick wrap of bandages--at a local hospital before catching a cab back to her house. Bayview Villa, a grand property under Kristopher's name, was technically their matrimonial residence. Living alone had become the norm for Carrie, as Kristopher was hardly ever around. She had bid farewell to the housekeeper, discovering that her life could be quite adequately maintained with just takeout, deliveries, and the occasional visit from a part-time cleaner. Now, she found herself the sole occupant of the sprawling living room, sinking into the sofa, her gaze drifting across the empty space. The stark, monochrome decor did nothing to imbue warmth into the atmosphere. A chilling realization crept up on her: this vast, elegant space felt more like a colossal tomb, a silent grave for her lost years of youth and a love that had quietly slipped away. In this cold, echoing house, would anyone even notice if her breath ceased one day? Carrie exhaled a weary sigh, her frame heavy as she leaned against the cold wall for support, struggling up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor. Each step was a battle, sending stabbing pains shooting through her from the surface of her skin down to her aching bones. The house, stark and hollow, echoed even the smallest sounds, magnifying her sense of isolation. It was today, amidst this profound silence, that Carrie truly grasped the all-encompassing nature of her loneliness--it was almost tangible, enveloping her senses with its texture and mournful whispers, tightening around her heart like a vice, producing a dull, relentless ache. Upon reaching the sanctuary of her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, the very embodiment of exhaustion, feeling it both physically and spiritually. Just as she surrendered to this weariness, the sharp ring of the phone pierced the silence. "You reached out to me earlier. What do you need?" Kristopher's voice cut through the line, cold and distant as ever. Carrie was caught off guard by his unexpected call. Words failed her as she parted her lips to respond, but before she could collect her thoughts, a soft, feminine voice floated through from the other end. "Kristopher, will you join me to..." A surge of emotions tightened Carrie's grip on the phone, her heart thumping louder with each second. Overwhelmed and unable to contain her rising panic, she demanded, "Who's there with you?" Kristopher gave no answer, merely stating in a flat, disinterested voice, "If there's something you need, let's catch up when I'm back. I have pressing engagements right now, so I must disconnect." He promptly ended the call, cutting off any chance for Carrie to reply. As the harsh beep of the disconnected line filled her ears, Carrie's lips twisted into a rueful grin. How utterly foolish she felt! Deep down, she knew his response all too well, yet she had clung to the hope of hearing his voice confirm it. With a sense of self-inflicted irony, Carrie activated her tablet and scrolled through the day's hot topics. One headline caught her eye: "A female star shielded from harassment at a dinner by her formidable partner." A wry smile twisted her lips. Carrie knew all too well what it was like to face harassment at those kinds of dinners. She vividly remembered her first major audition after her entering the showbiz; her agent had escorted her to a dinner with the influential director and producer of the drama series "Serene Sighs." As a novice in the dizzying world of showbiz, Carrie had felt incredibly vulnerable, uncertain of how to navigate the murky waters of such gatherings. The producer had eyed her shamelessly, sneering as he asked, "Is this the new talent you're introducing? She appears presentable, but I'm curious to see how she fares with a drink. Here's the deal, if you can gulp down this bottle in one go, I'll secure you an audition for the lead role." Carrie was inclined to decline, but under the relentless pressure from her agent, she found herself compelled to consume the entire bottle. As the evening wore on, she was hurriedly taken to the hospital suffering from a severe stomach ailment. Her agent, fretful about the prospect of the role slipping away to another, quickly settled the hospital charges and departed. At that time, Carrie found herself isolated in a hospital bed for several long days. Yet, even before Carrie could be released from the hospital, the media was abuzz with the announcement that Lise had secured the lead role in "Serene Sighs." Subsequently, her agent rebuked Carrie for her lack of ambition, complaining, "You are more appealing than Lise, so why can't you show more drive? She cozied up to Mr. Norris and hardly had to make an effort. She's surrounded by people eager to cater to her every need. I've heard that Mr. Norris personally orchestrated her landing the lead role in this production!" When the show premiered, Lise was catapulted into stardom, swiftly ascending to the elite echelons of the acting world. From that moment forward, Carrie let her acting aspirations wane and chose instead to devote herself entirely to supporting her husband, Kristopher. After all, no matter her efforts, she could never get the same career opportunities that Lise seemed to receive effortlessly with Kristopher's offhand remarks. At that time, Carrie had believed she was filling the role that was meant to be Lise's as Mrs. Norris, which meant she owed Lise. By giving up the career opportunities to Lise, Carrie thought they would settle their unspoken debt. However, Carrie hadn't foreseen that Lise would claim both the coveted career and Kristopher's affections. As Lise's professional and love life blossomed, Carrie came to the painful realization that she had been overly consumed with her romantic pursuits, at the expense of her career, and now, she found herself bereft of both love and professional fulfillment. With tears streaming down her face, Carrie viewed her past two years as tragically misguided. Given another opportunity, she resolved she wouldn't be so unguarded, letting her heart recklessly fall captive to Kristopher's charm. "Ms. Spencer, the new copyright contract is prepared. Please review it for any discrepancies." Her phone buzzed with the alert, snapping Carrie out of her reverie. She gazed at the PDF file attached in the message, her mind briefly overwhelmed. Under the pseudonym Katrina Spencer, Carrie had once made a name for herself as a budding screenwriter, selling numerous scripts in her early days. During her early career as Katrina, Carrie often sold her work for a pittance, compelled by her urgent need for immediate cash. Over the years, these scripts transformed into blockbuster films and hit series, catapulting Katrina's reputation to new heights. By this time, Carrie had married Kristopher and was no longer plagued by the financial woes that had once driven her to desperation--her grandmother's hefty medical bills were a thing of the past. With her financial crises resolved, Carrie's life had pivoted to domestic responsibilities, striving to be an exemplary wife to Kristopher. Amidst these changes, her pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, gradually receded into the background. However, her past as Katrina wasn't ready to be shelved just yet. Recently, an interested buyer had come forward, ready to pay a handsome sum for one of her old scripts. Carrie, however, was hesitant to sell. She raised several concerns about the contract presented to her, and to her astonishment, the buyer was genuine enough to revise it accordingly. Holding the revised contract in her hands, Carrie inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening. She seemed to have reached a crucial decision. Her fingers danced over her phone's keyboard with swift precision, typing out a firm command. "Create a divorce agreement following my terms and ensure it reaches Kristopher Norris at the Norris Group." Without pausing for a response, she placed her phone aside and limped toward the bathroom, each step echoing a blend of determination and newfound independence. Chapter 3 Exchange Of Conveniences Thirty minutes had passed, Carrie finally heaved herself up from the bathtub, her limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative. As she lifted her gaze, her own image in the mirror halted her movements--her skin appeared as smooth and impeccable as fine porcelain, glowing with an unblemished radiance. Her eyes, deep pools of allure, sparkled with an enchanting, soft warmth, inviting anyone who dared meet her gaze. Despite edging into her late twenties at twenty-five, she reveled in the fact that time had yet to etch its marks upon her flawless complexion. Surely, a woman with such a visage had no place for self-pity. Absorbed in her contemplation, Carrie carelessly extended her right leg onto the cold floor, forgetting it was the very limb she had injured. Wrapped excessively in cling film to shield it from moisture, the tight encasement had stifled her circulation, rendering her leg eerily numb. As her foot touched down, it betrayed her, slipping forward unexpectedly. "Ah!" Carrie gasped, her arms flailing in a frantic ballet, searching for a lifeline in the void. Just as she teetered on the brink of a painful rendezvous with the floor, the bathroom door burst open. Kristopher stood at the entrance, his suit immaculately tailored, creating a striking figure. As their eyes locked, he paused, visibly taken aback, then quickly closed the distance with brisk strides. Carrie's breath caught as Kristopher swept her up in a graceful bridal style, an unexpected tightness wrapping around her waist. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Carrie realized with a jolt that she was completely bre. A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chst. This was their first moment of such intimacy since their wedding, and the discomfort made her toes curl inward, her skin blushing a delicate shade of pink. Kristopher looked down at her with a mischievous grin. "Let's be honest, there's not much to see," he teased gently. Feeling both mortified and slightly irritated, Carrie snapped back, "Oh, Mr. Norris, after all you've seen, I suppose nothing can impress you anymore." She carried her C-cup curves with understated charm, a touch of sen*ality that outshone Lise's painfully flat, almost awkwardly rigid build. Yet Carrie knew well that without love, even the most perfect physique paled in comparison to the charm of one dearly cherished. Nonchalantly, Kristopher reached for a bathrobe hanging behind the door and draped it over her. His frown deepened at her comment. "What are you talking about, Carrie?" A thought seemed to strike him, and his expression grew even more impatient. "Tell me, did you send those divorce papers in the dead of night just to lure me back here--to catch you completely bre?" His tone was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "I told you I was swamped with work. Was this dramatic display really necessary?" Carrie's temper flared at his accusatory tone, reigniting the tension between them. He was always so quick to lose patience with her. She wasn't the type to throw around words like divorce or breakups lightly. In fact, this was the first time she'd ever mentioned divorce in their two-year marriage, yet he seemed indifferent to her turmoil. He simply dismissed her concerns as if she were overreacting about trivial matters. Despite the throbbing pain in her leg, Carrie mustered her strength and said, "Put me down." Kristopher, however, paid no heed, his eyes scanning her leg swathed in bandages. His brow furrowed slightly. "What happened to your leg? Is this some elaborate ploy to lure me back?" At his words, a bitter laugh escaped Carrie. It seemed he viewed her as merely seeking attention, and in failing to capture it, she had likely concocted a story to draw him back, allowing her to dramatize her plight in his presence. With a blank face, she replied untruthfully, "It's a beauty treatment that shouldn't get wet." "Why did you suddenly decide to undergo such a treatment?" Kristopher inquired, his tone casual as he carried her outside, not pressing the issue further. His frame was large, and through his thin shirt, she could distinctly feel the warmth of his body and the defined shape of his chst muscles. The closeness created an uncomfortable tension for Carrie, who had resolved to end things once and for all. Her voice climbed involuntarily, sharper this time. "Oh, since when have you been concerned with such minor things, Mr. Norris?" For the first time, Kristopher witnessed her using biting sarcasm; it struck him as peculiarly amusing. With a calm demeanor, he responded, "You're my wife, it's only natural I'd be concerned about your well-being." "Really?" There was a somber note in Carrie's voice now. "It seems like you've never really regarded me as your wife. I'm scared that if I were to die, you wouldn't even know until much later." After all, at that very moment, Kristopher had been distracted, lost in moments with his first love, too consumed to lend an ear to her desperate pleas. Caught off guard by her accusation, Kristopher's eyes widened with surprise before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Carrie, what's brought on this sudden outburst of anger? Just because I was tied up this afternoon and missed your call? Perhaps I've been too indulgent with you lately, and it's made you a bit too presumptuous?" Carrie froze, startled. Was he accusing her of being too presumptuous? She realized their marriage had always been lopsided. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a transactional partner, a woman who had bartered her freedom for financial security. Their union was meant to be a mere exchange of conveniences, yet she had, quite foolishly, fallen deeply in love with him. In the tricky terrain of romance, the one who fell first invariably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Kristopher's dismissive reaction left Carrie reeling, her emotions dismissed as trifles, a tight knot of suffocation rising in her chest. "I said to put me down this instant!" Carrie exclaimed, jerking her head to the side, her voice laced with a sharp edge of impatience. Kristopher remained mute, effortlessly carrying her towards the bed before suddenly releasing his hold. Carrie felt a jolt as the support vanished, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively grasped for him. Their bodies collided on the bed, her bathrobe teetering on the brink of decency, threatening to unravel with any minor shift. Propped on one elbow, Kristopher gazed down at her, his lips curled into a sly, teasing grin. "You wanted to be let go, didn't you? So why cling to me now?" His eyes, deep and sparkling like a midnight lake speckled with stars, captivated her. In those celestial depths, Carrie caught a glimpse of her own reflection. At times like this, she was misled into believing he harbored a deep affection. Sadly, his heart was a fortress reserved for Lise, and all Carrie had left were empty fantasies. "Boring!" she exclaimed, her voice devoid of any enthusiasm as she attempted to rise, her hand inadvertently brushing against something unexpected. "Don't move, or I can't promise what might happen next," he warned in a deep, gravelly voice. With a frown, Carrie internally cursed upon hearing the statement. It was an undeniable fact. Primal instincts steered the actions of men. Absence of affection didn't quell their basic dires. Yet, she dared not agitate Kristopher. Angling her face away, her body remained rigid, frozen in place. Carrie, feeling irked, shot back. "Didn't you say there's nothing here to see? What's with the reaction now, Mr. Norris? Are you really that easy to impress?" No sooner had her words flown than she grasped the potential repercussions of her sharp tongue. A wave of regret surged through Carrie, but instead of anger, Kristopher responded with a chuckle, "You are my wife, after all. Since that's something I can't alter, I might as well embrace it. Besides, it's been years since we became husband and wife--it would be a shame to neglect you completely." Chapter 4 Are You Out Of Your Mind? Kristopher leaned in close to Carrie. The fabric of his suit brushed lightly against Carrie's cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty twist of lemon. It was unmistakably Jo Malone's Blue Agava and Cacao--Lise's signature scent. A surge of nausea overwhelmed Carrie at the realization. Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a bright scarlet as indignation took hold. Without thinking, her hand flew up and delivered a stinging slap across Kristopher's face. All her suppressed grievances from the day ignited in that swift motion. The impact of her slp had left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher's cheek, marking him with her outrage. His eyes, wide with disbelief, met hers. "Carrie, are you out of your mind?" Out of her mind? Yes, she was clearly insane to ever fall for him in the first place. Carrie fumed silently, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, the sharp buzz of the phone on the table cut through the mounting tension, its vibration bringing a brief respite from their standoff. Kristopher cast a fleeting glance at the message, shut off the phone with a snap, and strode towards the door, his back rigid with tension. Her voice, firm and unwavering, chased after him. "We're getting a divorce! Make sure you sign those papers before you walk out that door!" Kristopher paused briefly and said sharply, "I have something to do now. When I return, do whatever pleases you." With that, he forcefully shut the door. Carrie's eyes followed his unwavering exit, feeling an oppressive weight compressing her chest once again. She disregarded the sharp sting in her leg and hobbled determinedly toward her tablet. Fingers trembling, she hastily navigated to Lise's Twitter page. Lise had just uploaded a new tweet. The photo showed her lying down with a fever patch adhered to her forehead, still enveloped in Kristopher's familiar jacket. The caption read, "Being sick makes me extra clingy. Wishing I had someone here. Stay cozy and take care, everyone!" The simultaneous timing of these two events made it almost impossible for Carrie not to suspect that Kristopher had dashed off to tend to Lise. Carrie's instincts loudly proclaimed that this was no accident; Lise had deliberately sought to tug at Kristopher's heartstrings. It appeared her tactics were effective. Not even Carrie's stark threat of divorce could overshadow Lise's theatrical display of vulnerability. Lise didn't have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption. Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm. She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, dreams crumbled, utterly alone. It was time for her to pursue her acting career and give it her all... ...... ==== It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to 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) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-e	Hello Read	https://www.facebook.com/61550873765205/	1,008	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-enp26_6-1226-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&exdata=5B30EB5146204E842D87B03418B02CBBD4E1E7E6E9A79EE8	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472227666_385492401287523_5751140080331349430_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MiWkqEQvdiwQ7kNvgG7CO_w&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A9ExbjrRAkT8i9N7jBt0AcM&oh=00_AYC29uc5J_YzEqfX3n1_UmLpUsP5xHmwFGK-OJGHr6UFzg&oe=67A627E7	PERSON_PROFILE	Hello Read	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,848	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-03 01:30	active	2452	Read next chapter	It was a contractual marriage for both of them to get what they wanted, yet she fell in love first. But when she was in a life-threatening situation during a fire and needed him the most, he chose to stay by the side of his first love instead. She finally let it go, divorced him, and made a grand comeback as a great screenwriter. ===== "Saved! They've been saved." Firefighters emerged from the smoldering inferno, carrying Carrie Campbell to safety at the roadside. Her features, usually refined and expressive, were now smeared with soot; her sparkling eyes dimmed to a vacant gaze, hollow and lost. As reality seeped back into her consciousness, Carrie felt a rush of gratitude overpower her usual composure. Her voice, hoarse and weak, conveyed a profound "thank you" to her rescuers. Shaking, she fumbled for her phone, her fingertips quivering as they found the familiar number. "Hello, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later..." The automated message played after a few rings, leaving her with a lump in her throat, her unvoiced frustrations and sorrow welling up inside her. Bang! With a deafening roar, the explosion abruptly silenced the cold, mechanical voice echoing through the line. Carrie's head snapped upwards, shock painted on her face as she witnessed the apartment she had just exited erupt into flames. Chunks of debris were hurled into the air by the force of the blast, scattering across the sky. Panic engulfed the crowd as survivors, freshly rescued, screamed in terror. They huddled together, seeking solace in each other's arms, their cries piercing the tumultuous scene. In stark contrast, Carrie lay alone on a stretcher, her isolation magnified amidst the chaos. "Kristopher..." Fighting the dread creeping up her spine, Carrie pressed her lips together tightly and dialed her husband's number again, her resolve unwavering. Yet, the call disconnected after a few short rings, leaving her with a haunting silence. Just then, a Twitter notification flickered on her phone screen. The gossip feed was alive with the latest gossip: #LiseNash #MysteriouBoyfriend. According to the tweet, a producer from a well-known variety show had invited the renowned star Lise Nash to a dinner, which had quickly soured when she declined to partake in a toast. This act of defiance had sparked a confrontation, only to be interrupted by Lise's domineering boyfriend. He stormed into the private dining room, dismissing the producer with a dismissive wave and escorting Lise away. The tweet described the scene vividly, painting a picture of a powerful man defending his beloved partner. Yet, perhaps due to his prominence, only the back of the man was visible in the accompanying photos, preserving his anonymity. Meanwhile, Lise, donning an oversized suit jacket, beamed a smile, reaching out to clasp his hand as they departed together. Carrie's eyes were glued to the screen, her stare intense and unblinking as she absorbed the image before her. There he was--Kristopher Norris! The suit jacket draped carelessly over Lise was a dead giveaway. Every piece of clothing Kristopher owned had been meticulously tailored by a master craftsman abroad, a detail Carrie knew all too well. Her grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles blanching to a stark white, as if her very soul were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain sharp and acid-like in its intensity. In her most desperate moment, Kristopher had coldly disconnected their call, choosing instead to be at Lise's side. What was the worth of their two-year marriage? The tears she had been holding back now overwhelmed her, streaming down her face. Even as she tilted her head back in a futile attempt to stem the flow, the tears continued to escape. Lise had always been Kristopher's first love, a fact whispered and gossiped about among their circles. The Norris family had never approved of Lise, seeing her ordinary background as unfitting. Forced apart by family pressures, it had been Lise who ended things, but the past, it seemed, was not easily left behind. Kristopher had diligently pursued the leadership of the Norris family, harboring dreams of finally being with Lise. Yet, when he reached his goal, he discovered that Lise had already chosen another. In defiance of his family's expectations and perhaps out of bitterness, Kristopher turned to Carrie, a woman equally devoid of wealth or status, to become Mrs. Norris, thereby blocking any matchmaking attempts by his relatives. At that time, Carrie faced immense pressure from her father, Tristan Campbell, who was pushing her towards a marriage with a playboy, the son of a business associate, to cover her grandmother's steep medical expenses. Both Kristopher and Carrie, driven by their personal motives, consented to a marriage of convenience. Originally set for just one year, their contractual marriage stretched beyond its term, sustained by a shared understanding between them. Over time, Carrie began to believe in the authenticity of their union, never suspecting that it was merely an extension of her hopes. Just moments ago, a fire had nearly claimed Carrie's life. In that critical moment, she reached out to Kristopher, only to be twice rebuffed as he spent his time with Lise. This harsh reality shattered Carrie's illusions, revealing that her perceived transition from pretense to genuine relationship was nothing but a facade maintained by her own desires. Carrie wasn't even a temporary substitute in Kristopher's life but merely a pawn used to spite his family. After a poignant pause, tears welled up in Carrie's eyes, unstoppable and poignant. It might be time for her to release herself from the shackles of her own hopeful delusions--to stop deceiving herself. Chapter 2 Trending Topics The overwhelming number of injuries from the fire was staggering, straining the already frantic doctors and nurses as they tried to provide aid. Carrie had been merely grazed by a splintered clothes rack, which left a deep, jagged wound on her calf. In comparison to the chaos around her, her wounds seemed almost negligible. She managed to get basic care--a brisk cleaning and a quick wrap of bandages--at a local hospital before catching a cab back to her house. Bayview Villa, a grand property under Kristopher's name, was technically their matrimonial residence. Living alone had become the norm for Carrie, as Kristopher was hardly ever around. She had bid farewell to the housekeeper, discovering that her life could be quite adequately maintained with just takeout, deliveries, and the occasional visit from a part-time cleaner. Now, she found herself the sole occupant of the sprawling living room, sinking into the sofa, her gaze drifting across the empty space. The stark, monochrome decor did nothing to imbue warmth into the atmosphere. A chilling realization crept up on her: this vast, elegant space felt more like a colossal tomb, a silent grave for her lost years of youth and a love that had quietly slipped away. In this cold, echoing house, would anyone even notice if her breath ceased one day? Carrie exhaled a weary sigh, her frame heavy as she leaned against the cold wall for support, struggling up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor. Each step was a battle, sending stabbing pains shooting through her from the surface of her skin down to her aching bones. The house, stark and hollow, echoed even the smallest sounds, magnifying her sense of isolation. It was today, amidst this profound silence, that Carrie truly grasped the all-encompassing nature of her loneliness--it was almost tangible, enveloping her senses with its texture and mournful whispers, tightening around her heart like a vice, producing a dull, relentless ache. Upon reaching the sanctuary of her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, the very embodiment of exhaustion, feeling it both physically and spiritually. Just as she surrendered to this weariness, the sharp ring of the phone pierced the silence. "You reached out to me earlier. What do you need?" Kristopher's voice cut through the line, cold and distant as ever. Carrie was caught off guard by his unexpected call. Words failed her as she parted her lips to respond, but before she could collect her thoughts, a soft, feminine voice floated through from the other end. "Kristopher, will you join me to..." A surge of emotions tightened Carrie's grip on the phone, her heart thumping louder with each second. Overwhelmed and unable to contain her rising panic, she demanded, "Who's there with you?" Kristopher gave no answer, merely stating in a flat, disinterested voice, "If there's something you need, let's catch up when I'm back. I have pressing engagements right now, so I must disconnect." He promptly ended the call, cutting off any chance for Carrie to reply. As the harsh beep of the disconnected line filled her ears, Carrie's lips twisted into a rueful grin. How utterly foolish she felt! Deep down, she knew his response all too well, yet she had clung to the hope of hearing his voice confirm it. With a sense of self-inflicted irony, Carrie activated her tablet and scrolled through the day's hot topics. One headline caught her eye: "A female star shielded from harassment at a dinner by her formidable partner." A wry smile twisted her lips. Carrie knew all too well what it was like to face harassment at those kinds of dinners. She vividly remembered her first major audition after her entering the showbiz; her agent had escorted her to a dinner with the influential director and producer of the drama series "Serene Sighs." As a novice in the dizzying world of showbiz, Carrie had felt incredibly vulnerable, uncertain of how to navigate the murky waters of such gatherings. The producer had eyed her shamelessly, sneering as he asked, "Is this the new talent you're introducing? She appears presentable, but I'm curious to see how she fares with a drink. Here's the deal, if you can gulp down this bottle in one go, I'll secure you an audition for the lead role." Carrie was inclined to decline, but under the relentless pressure from her agent, she found herself compelled to consume the entire bottle. As the evening wore on, she was hurriedly taken to the hospital suffering from a severe stomach ailment. Her agent, fretful about the prospect of the role slipping away to another, quickly settled the hospital charges and departed. At that time, Carrie found herself isolated in a hospital bed for several long days. Yet, even before Carrie could be released from the hospital, the media was abuzz with the announcement that Lise had secured the lead role in "Serene Sighs." Subsequently, her agent rebuked Carrie for her lack of ambition, complaining, "You are more appealing than Lise, so why can't you show more drive? She cozied up to Mr. Norris and hardly had to make an effort. She's surrounded by people eager to cater to her every need. I've heard that Mr. Norris personally orchestrated her landing the lead role in this production!" When the show premiered, Lise was catapulted into stardom, swiftly ascending to the elite echelons of the acting world. From that moment forward, Carrie let her acting aspirations wane and chose instead to devote herself entirely to supporting her husband, Kristopher. After all, no matter her efforts, she could never get the same career opportunities that Lise seemed to receive effortlessly with Kristopher's offhand remarks. At that time, Carrie had believed she was filling the role that was meant to be Lise's as Mrs. Norris, which meant she owed Lise. By giving up the career opportunities to Lise, Carrie thought they would settle their unspoken debt. However, Carrie hadn't foreseen that Lise would claim both the coveted career and Kristopher's affections. As Lise's professional and love life blossomed, Carrie came to the painful realization that she had been overly consumed with her romantic pursuits, at the expense of her career, and now, she found herself bereft of both love and professional fulfillment. With tears streaming down her face, Carrie viewed her past two years as tragically misguided. Given another opportunity, she resolved she wouldn't be so unguarded, letting her heart recklessly fall captive to Kristopher's charm. "Ms. Spencer, the new copyright contract is prepared. Please review it for any discrepancies." Her phone buzzed with the alert, snapping Carrie out of her reverie. She gazed at the PDF file attached in the message, her mind briefly overwhelmed. Under the pseudonym Katrina Spencer, Carrie had once made a name for herself as a budding screenwriter, selling numerous scripts in her early days. During her early career as Katrina, Carrie often sold her work for a pittance, compelled by her urgent need for immediate cash. Over the years, these scripts transformed into blockbuster films and hit series, catapulting Katrina's reputation to new heights. By this time, Carrie had married Kristopher and was no longer plagued by the financial woes that had once driven her to desperation--her grandmother's hefty medical bills were a thing of the past. With her financial crises resolved, Carrie's life had pivoted to domestic responsibilities, striving to be an exemplary wife to Kristopher. Amidst these changes, her pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, gradually receded into the background. However, her past as Katrina wasn't ready to be shelved just yet. Recently, an interested buyer had come forward, ready to pay a handsome sum for one of her old scripts. Carrie, however, was hesitant to sell. She raised several concerns about the contract presented to her, and to her astonishment, the buyer was genuine enough to revise it accordingly. Holding the revised contract in her hands, Carrie inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening. She seemed to have reached a crucial decision. Her fingers danced over her phone's keyboard with swift precision, typing out a firm command. "Create a divorce agreement following my terms and ensure it reaches Kristopher Norris at the Norris Group." Without pausing for a response, she placed her phone aside and limped toward the bathroom, each step echoing a blend of determination and newfound independence. Chapter 3 Exchange Of Conveniences Thirty minutes had passed, Carrie finally heaved herself up from the bathtub, her limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative. As she lifted her gaze, her own image in the mirror halted her movements--her skin appeared as smooth and impeccable as fine porcelain, glowing with an unblemished radiance. Her eyes, deep pools of allure, sparkled with an enchanting, soft warmth, inviting anyone who dared meet her gaze. Despite edging into her late twenties at twenty-five, she reveled in the fact that time had yet to etch its marks upon her flawless complexion. Surely, a woman with such a visage had no place for self-pity. Absorbed in her contemplation, Carrie carelessly extended her right leg onto the cold floor, forgetting it was the very limb she had injured. Wrapped excessively in cling film to shield it from moisture, the tight encasement had stifled her circulation, rendering her leg eerily numb. As her foot touched down, it betrayed her, slipping forward unexpectedly. "Ah!" Carrie gasped, her arms flailing in a frantic ballet, searching for a lifeline in the void. Just as she teetered on the brink of a painful rendezvous with the floor, the bathroom door burst open. Kristopher stood at the entrance, his suit immaculately tailored, creating a striking figure. As their eyes locked, he paused, visibly taken aback, then quickly closed the distance with brisk strides. Carrie's breath caught as Kristopher swept her up in a graceful bridal style, an unexpected tightness wrapping around her waist. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Carrie realized with a jolt that she was completely bre. A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chst. This was their first moment of such intimacy since their wedding, and the discomfort made her toes curl inward, her skin blushing a delicate shade of pink. Kristopher looked down at her with a mischievous grin. "Let's be honest, there's not much to see," he teased gently. Feeling both mortified and slightly irritated, Carrie snapped back, "Oh, Mr. Norris, after all you've seen, I suppose nothing can impress you anymore." She carried her C-cup curves with understated charm, a touch of sen*ality that outshone Lise's painfully flat, almost awkwardly rigid build. Yet Carrie knew well that without love, even the most perfect physique paled in comparison to the charm of one dearly cherished. Nonchalantly, Kristopher reached for a bathrobe hanging behind the door and draped it over her. His frown deepened at her comment. "What are you talking about, Carrie?" A thought seemed to strike him, and his expression grew even more impatient. "Tell me, did you send those divorce papers in the dead of night just to lure me back here--to catch you completely bre?" His tone was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "I told you I was swamped with work. Was this dramatic display really necessary?" Carrie's temper flared at his accusatory tone, reigniting the tension between them. He was always so quick to lose patience with her. She wasn't the type to throw around words like divorce or breakups lightly. In fact, this was the first time she'd ever mentioned divorce in their two-year marriage, yet he seemed indifferent to her turmoil. He simply dismissed her concerns as if she were overreacting about trivial matters. Despite the throbbing pain in her leg, Carrie mustered her strength and said, "Put me down." Kristopher, however, paid no heed, his eyes scanning her leg swathed in bandages. His brow furrowed slightly. "What happened to your leg? Is this some elaborate ploy to lure me back?" At his words, a bitter laugh escaped Carrie. It seemed he viewed her as merely seeking attention, and in failing to capture it, she had likely concocted a story to draw him back, allowing her to dramatize her plight in his presence. With a blank face, she replied untruthfully, "It's a beauty treatment that shouldn't get wet." "Why did you suddenly decide to undergo such a treatment?" Kristopher inquired, his tone casual as he carried her outside, not pressing the issue further. His frame was large, and through his thin shirt, she could distinctly feel the warmth of his body and the defined shape of his chst muscles. The closeness created an uncomfortable tension for Carrie, who had resolved to end things once and for all. Her voice climbed involuntarily, sharper this time. "Oh, since when have you been concerned with such minor things, Mr. Norris?" For the first time, Kristopher witnessed her using biting sarcasm; it struck him as peculiarly amusing. With a calm demeanor, he responded, "You're my wife, it's only natural I'd be concerned about your well-being." "Really?" There was a somber note in Carrie's voice now. "It seems like you've never really regarded me as your wife. I'm scared that if I were to die, you wouldn't even know until much later." After all, at that very moment, Kristopher had been distracted, lost in moments with his first love, too consumed to lend an ear to her desperate pleas. Caught off guard by her accusation, Kristopher's eyes widened with surprise before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Carrie, what's brought on this sudden outburst of anger? Just because I was tied up this afternoon and missed your call? Perhaps I've been too indulgent with you lately, and it's made you a bit too presumptuous?" Carrie froze, startled. Was he accusing her of being too presumptuous? She realized their marriage had always been lopsided. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a transactional partner, a woman who had bartered her freedom for financial security. Their union was meant to be a mere exchange of conveniences, yet she had, quite foolishly, fallen deeply in love with him. In the tricky terrain of romance, the one who fell first invariably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Kristopher's dismissive reaction left Carrie reeling, her emotions dismissed as trifles, a tight knot of suffocation rising in her chest. "I said to put me down this instant!" Carrie exclaimed, jerking her head to the side, her voice laced with a sharp edge of impatience. Kristopher remained mute, effortlessly carrying her towards the bed before suddenly releasing his hold. Carrie felt a jolt as the support vanished, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively grasped for him. Their bodies collided on the bed, her bathrobe teetering on the brink of decency, threatening to unravel with any minor shift. Propped on one elbow, Kristopher gazed down at her, his lips curled into a sly, teasing grin. "You wanted to be let go, didn't you? So why cling to me now?" His eyes, deep and sparkling like a midnight lake speckled with stars, captivated her. In those celestial depths, Carrie caught a glimpse of her own reflection. At times like this, she was misled into believing he harbored a deep affection. Sadly, his heart was a fortress reserved for Lise, and all Carrie had left were empty fantasies. "Boring!" she exclaimed, her voice devoid of any enthusiasm as she attempted to rise, her hand inadvertently brushing against something unexpected. "Don't move, or I can't promise what might happen next," he warned in a deep, gravelly voice. With a frown, Carrie internally cursed upon hearing the statement. It was an undeniable fact. Primal instincts steered the actions of men. Absence of affection didn't quell their basic dires. Yet, she dared not agitate Kristopher. Angling her face away, her body remained rigid, frozen in place. Carrie, feeling irked, shot back. "Didn't you say there's nothing here to see? What's with the reaction now, Mr. Norris? Are you really that easy to impress?" No sooner had her words flown than she grasped the potential repercussions of her sharp tongue. A wave of regret surged through Carrie, but instead of anger, Kristopher responded with a chuckle, "You are my wife, after all. Since that's something I can't alter, I might as well embrace it. Besides, it's been years since we became husband and wife--it would be a shame to neglect you completely." Chapter 4 Are You Out Of Your Mind? Kristopher leaned in close to Carrie. The fabric of his suit brushed lightly against Carrie's cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty twist of lemon. It was unmistakably Jo Malone's Blue Agava and Cacao--Lise's signature scent. A surge of nausea overwhelmed Carrie at the realization. Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a bright scarlet as indignation took hold. Without thinking, her hand flew up and delivered a stinging slap across Kristopher's face. All her suppressed grievances from the day ignited in that swift motion. The impact of her slp had left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher's cheek, marking him with her outrage. His eyes, wide with disbelief, met hers. "Carrie, are you out of your mind?" Out of her mind? Yes, she was clearly insane to ever fall for him in the first place. Carrie fumed silently, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, the sharp buzz of the phone on the table cut through the mounting tension, its vibration bringing a brief respite from their standoff. Kristopher cast a fleeting glance at the message, shut off the phone with a snap, and strode towards the door, his back rigid with tension. Her voice, firm and unwavering, chased after him. "We're getting a divorce! Make sure you sign those papers before you walk out that door!" Kristopher paused briefly and said sharply, "I have something to do now. When I return, do whatever pleases you." With that, he forcefully shut the door. Carrie's eyes followed his unwavering exit, feeling an oppressive weight compressing her chest once again. She disregarded the sharp sting in her leg and hobbled determinedly toward her tablet. Fingers trembling, she hastily navigated to Lise's Twitter page. Lise had just uploaded a new tweet. The photo showed her lying down with a fever patch adhered to her forehead, still enveloped in Kristopher's familiar jacket. The caption read, "Being sick makes me extra clingy. Wishing I had someone here. Stay cozy and take care, everyone!" The simultaneous timing of these two events made it almost impossible for Carrie not to suspect that Kristopher had dashed off to tend to Lise. Carrie's instincts loudly proclaimed that this was no accident; Lise had deliberately sought to tug at Kristopher's heartstrings. It appeared her tactics were effective. Not even Carrie's stark threat of divorce could overshadow Lise's theatrical display of vulnerability. Lise didn't have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption. Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm. She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, dreams crumbled, utterly alone. It was time for her to pursue her acting career and give it her all... ...... ==== It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to 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) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	1,341	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-enp26_6-1226-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1435595577085911&exdata=5B30EB5146204E844D3BA644CA4B550D90E7B3D00BE53C14	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472280701_576088771895854_8207592456692079931_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l_AZoCn77rgQ7kNvgEjCuyz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A9ExbjrRAkT8i9N7jBt0AcM&oh=00_AYCTF31snBFwr4F1C2vv3E3SrCdT-CpF3mGS4qrZ4e9ong&oe=67A64627	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,827	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2025-02-03 01:30	active	2452	Read next chapter	It was a contractual marriage for both of them to get what they wanted, yet she fell in love first. But when she was in a life-threatening situation during a fire and needed him the most, he chose to stay by the side of his first love instead. She finally let it go, divorced him, and made a grand comeback as a great screenwriter. ===== "Saved! They've been saved." Firefighters emerged from the smoldering inferno, carrying Carrie Campbell to safety at the roadside. Her features, usually refined and expressive, were now smeared with soot; her sparkling eyes dimmed to a vacant gaze, hollow and lost. As reality seeped back into her consciousness, Carrie felt a rush of gratitude overpower her usual composure. Her voice, hoarse and weak, conveyed a profound "thank you" to her rescuers. Shaking, she fumbled for her phone, her fingertips quivering as they found the familiar number. "Hello, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later..." The automated message played after a few rings, leaving her with a lump in her throat, her unvoiced frustrations and sorrow welling up inside her. Bang! With a deafening roar, the explosion abruptly silenced the cold, mechanical voice echoing through the line. Carrie's head snapped upwards, shock painted on her face as she witnessed the apartment she had just exited erupt into flames. Chunks of debris were hurled into the air by the force of the blast, scattering across the sky. Panic engulfed the crowd as survivors, freshly rescued, screamed in terror. They huddled together, seeking solace in each other's arms, their cries piercing the tumultuous scene. In stark contrast, Carrie lay alone on a stretcher, her isolation magnified amidst the chaos. "Kristopher..." Fighting the dread creeping up her spine, Carrie pressed her lips together tightly and dialed her husband's number again, her resolve unwavering. Yet, the call disconnected after a few short rings, leaving her with a haunting silence. Just then, a Twitter notification flickered on her phone screen. The gossip feed was alive with the latest gossip: #LiseNash #MysteriouBoyfriend. According to the tweet, a producer from a well-known variety show had invited the renowned star Lise Nash to a dinner, which had quickly soured when she declined to partake in a toast. This act of defiance had sparked a confrontation, only to be interrupted by Lise's domineering boyfriend. He stormed into the private dining room, dismissing the producer with a dismissive wave and escorting Lise away. The tweet described the scene vividly, painting a picture of a powerful man defending his beloved partner. Yet, perhaps due to his prominence, only the back of the man was visible in the accompanying photos, preserving his anonymity. Meanwhile, Lise, donning an oversized suit jacket, beamed a smile, reaching out to clasp his hand as they departed together. Carrie's eyes were glued to the screen, her stare intense and unblinking as she absorbed the image before her. There he was--Kristopher Norris! The suit jacket draped carelessly over Lise was a dead giveaway. Every piece of clothing Kristopher owned had been meticulously tailored by a master craftsman abroad, a detail Carrie knew all too well. Her grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles blanching to a stark white, as if her very soul were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain sharp and acid-like in its intensity. In her most desperate moment, Kristopher had coldly disconnected their call, choosing instead to be at Lise's side. What was the worth of their two-year marriage? The tears she had been holding back now overwhelmed her, streaming down her face. Even as she tilted her head back in a futile attempt to stem the flow, the tears continued to escape. Lise had always been Kristopher's first love, a fact whispered and gossiped about among their circles. The Norris family had never approved of Lise, seeing her ordinary background as unfitting. Forced apart by family pressures, it had been Lise who ended things, but the past, it seemed, was not easily left behind. Kristopher had diligently pursued the leadership of the Norris family, harboring dreams of finally being with Lise. Yet, when he reached his goal, he discovered that Lise had already chosen another. In defiance of his family's expectations and perhaps out of bitterness, Kristopher turned to Carrie, a woman equally devoid of wealth or status, to become Mrs. Norris, thereby blocking any matchmaking attempts by his relatives. At that time, Carrie faced immense pressure from her father, Tristan Campbell, who was pushing her towards a marriage with a playboy, the son of a business associate, to cover her grandmother's steep medical expenses. Both Kristopher and Carrie, driven by their personal motives, consented to a marriage of convenience. Originally set for just one year, their contractual marriage stretched beyond its term, sustained by a shared understanding between them. Over time, Carrie began to believe in the authenticity of their union, never suspecting that it was merely an extension of her hopes. Just moments ago, a fire had nearly claimed Carrie's life. In that critical moment, she reached out to Kristopher, only to be twice rebuffed as he spent his time with Lise. This harsh reality shattered Carrie's illusions, revealing that her perceived transition from pretense to genuine relationship was nothing but a facade maintained by her own desires. Carrie wasn't even a temporary substitute in Kristopher's life but merely a pawn used to spite his family. After a poignant pause, tears welled up in Carrie's eyes, unstoppable and poignant. It might be time for her to release herself from the shackles of her own hopeful delusions--to stop deceiving herself. Chapter 2 Trending Topics The overwhelming number of injuries from the fire was staggering, straining the already frantic doctors and nurses as they tried to provide aid. Carrie had been merely grazed by a splintered clothes rack, which left a deep, jagged wound on her calf. In comparison to the chaos around her, her wounds seemed almost negligible. She managed to get basic care--a brisk cleaning and a quick wrap of bandages--at a local hospital before catching a cab back to her house. Bayview Villa, a grand property under Kristopher's name, was technically their matrimonial residence. Living alone had become the norm for Carrie, as Kristopher was hardly ever around. She had bid farewell to the housekeeper, discovering that her life could be quite adequately maintained with just takeout, deliveries, and the occasional visit from a part-time cleaner. Now, she found herself the sole occupant of the sprawling living room, sinking into the sofa, her gaze drifting across the empty space. The stark, monochrome decor did nothing to imbue warmth into the atmosphere. A chilling realization crept up on her: this vast, elegant space felt more like a colossal tomb, a silent grave for her lost years of youth and a love that had quietly slipped away. In this cold, echoing house, would anyone even notice if her breath ceased one day? Carrie exhaled a weary sigh, her frame heavy as she leaned against the cold wall for support, struggling up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor. Each step was a battle, sending stabbing pains shooting through her from the surface of her skin down to her aching bones. The house, stark and hollow, echoed even the smallest sounds, magnifying her sense of isolation. It was today, amidst this profound silence, that Carrie truly grasped the all-encompassing nature of her loneliness--it was almost tangible, enveloping her senses with its texture and mournful whispers, tightening around her heart like a vice, producing a dull, relentless ache. Upon reaching the sanctuary of her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, the very embodiment of exhaustion, feeling it both physically and spiritually. Just as she surrendered to this weariness, the sharp ring of the phone pierced the silence. "You reached out to me earlier. What do you need?" Kristopher's voice cut through the line, cold and distant as ever. Carrie was caught off guard by his unexpected call. Words failed her as she parted her lips to respond, but before she could collect her thoughts, a soft, feminine voice floated through from the other end. "Kristopher, will you join me to..." A surge of emotions tightened Carrie's grip on the phone, her heart thumping louder with each second. Overwhelmed and unable to contain her rising panic, she demanded, "Who's there with you?" Kristopher gave no answer, merely stating in a flat, disinterested voice, "If there's something you need, let's catch up when I'm back. I have pressing engagements right now, so I must disconnect." He promptly ended the call, cutting off any chance for Carrie to reply. As the harsh beep of the disconnected line filled her ears, Carrie's lips twisted into a rueful grin. How utterly foolish she felt! Deep down, she knew his response all too well, yet she had clung to the hope of hearing his voice confirm it. With a sense of self-inflicted irony, Carrie activated her tablet and scrolled through the day's hot topics. One headline caught her eye: "A female star shielded from harassment at a dinner by her formidable partner." A wry smile twisted her lips. Carrie knew all too well what it was like to face harassment at those kinds of dinners. She vividly remembered her first major audition after her entering the showbiz; her agent had escorted her to a dinner with the influential director and producer of the drama series "Serene Sighs." As a novice in the dizzying world of showbiz, Carrie had felt incredibly vulnerable, uncertain of how to navigate the murky waters of such gatherings. The producer had eyed her shamelessly, sneering as he asked, "Is this the new talent you're introducing? She appears presentable, but I'm curious to see how she fares with a drink. Here's the deal, if you can gulp down this bottle in one go, I'll secure you an audition for the lead role." Carrie was inclined to decline, but under the relentless pressure from her agent, she found herself compelled to consume the entire bottle. As the evening wore on, she was hurriedly taken to the hospital suffering from a severe stomach ailment. Her agent, fretful about the prospect of the role slipping away to another, quickly settled the hospital charges and departed. At that time, Carrie found herself isolated in a hospital bed for several long days. Yet, even before Carrie could be released from the hospital, the media was abuzz with the announcement that Lise had secured the lead role in "Serene Sighs." Subsequently, her agent rebuked Carrie for her lack of ambition, complaining, "You are more appealing than Lise, so why can't you show more drive? She cozied up to Mr. Norris and hardly had to make an effort. She's surrounded by people eager to cater to her every need. I've heard that Mr. Norris personally orchestrated her landing the lead role in this production!" When the show premiered, Lise was catapulted into stardom, swiftly ascending to the elite echelons of the acting world. From that moment forward, Carrie let her acting aspirations wane and chose instead to devote herself entirely to supporting her husband, Kristopher. After all, no matter her efforts, she could never get the same career opportunities that Lise seemed to receive effortlessly with Kristopher's offhand remarks. At that time, Carrie had believed she was filling the role that was meant to be Lise's as Mrs. Norris, which meant she owed Lise. By giving up the career opportunities to Lise, Carrie thought they would settle their unspoken debt. However, Carrie hadn't foreseen that Lise would claim both the coveted career and Kristopher's affections. As Lise's professional and love life blossomed, Carrie came to the painful realization that she had been overly consumed with her romantic pursuits, at the expense of her career, and now, she found herself bereft of both love and professional fulfillment. With tears streaming down her face, Carrie viewed her past two years as tragically misguided. Given another opportunity, she resolved she wouldn't be so unguarded, letting her heart recklessly fall captive to Kristopher's charm. "Ms. Spencer, the new copyright contract is prepared. Please review it for any discrepancies." Her phone buzzed with the alert, snapping Carrie out of her reverie. She gazed at the PDF file attached in the message, her mind briefly overwhelmed. Under the pseudonym Katrina Spencer, Carrie had once made a name for herself as a budding screenwriter, selling numerous scripts in her early days. During her early career as Katrina, Carrie often sold her work for a pittance, compelled by her urgent need for immediate cash. Over the years, these scripts transformed into blockbuster films and hit series, catapulting Katrina's reputation to new heights. By this time, Carrie had married Kristopher and was no longer plagued by the financial woes that had once driven her to desperation--her grandmother's hefty medical bills were a thing of the past. With her financial crises resolved, Carrie's life had pivoted to domestic responsibilities, striving to be an exemplary wife to Kristopher. Amidst these changes, her pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, gradually receded into the background. However, her past as Katrina wasn't ready to be shelved just yet. Recently, an interested buyer had come forward, ready to pay a handsome sum for one of her old scripts. Carrie, however, was hesitant to sell. She raised several concerns about the contract presented to her, and to her astonishment, the buyer was genuine enough to revise it accordingly. Holding the revised contract in her hands, Carrie inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening. She seemed to have reached a crucial decision. Her fingers danced over her phone's keyboard with swift precision, typing out a firm command. "Create a divorce agreement following my terms and ensure it reaches Kristopher Norris at the Norris Group." Without pausing for a response, she placed her phone aside and limped toward the bathroom, each step echoing a blend of determination and newfound independence. Chapter 3 Exchange Of Conveniences Thirty minutes had passed, Carrie finally heaved herself up from the bathtub, her limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative. As she lifted her gaze, her own image in the mirror halted her movements--her skin appeared as smooth and impeccable as fine porcelain, glowing with an unblemished radiance. Her eyes, deep pools of allure, sparkled with an enchanting, soft warmth, inviting anyone who dared meet her gaze. Despite edging into her late twenties at twenty-five, she reveled in the fact that time had yet to etch its marks upon her flawless complexion. Surely, a woman with such a visage had no place for self-pity. Absorbed in her contemplation, Carrie carelessly extended her right leg onto the cold floor, forgetting it was the very limb she had injured. Wrapped excessively in cling film to shield it from moisture, the tight encasement had stifled her circulation, rendering her leg eerily numb. As her foot touched down, it betrayed her, slipping forward unexpectedly. "Ah!" Carrie gasped, her arms flailing in a frantic ballet, searching for a lifeline in the void. Just as she teetered on the brink of a painful rendezvous with the floor, the bathroom door burst open. Kristopher stood at the entrance, his suit immaculately tailored, creating a striking figure. As their eyes locked, he paused, visibly taken aback, then quickly closed the distance with brisk strides. Carrie's breath caught as Kristopher swept her up in a graceful bridal style, an unexpected tightness wrapping around her waist. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Carrie realized with a jolt that she was completely bre. A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chst. This was their first moment of such intimacy since their wedding, and the discomfort made her toes curl inward, her skin blushing a delicate shade of pink. Kristopher looked down at her with a mischievous grin. "Let's be honest, there's not much to see," he teased gently. Feeling both mortified and slightly irritated, Carrie snapped back, "Oh, Mr. Norris, after all you've seen, I suppose nothing can impress you anymore." She carried her C-cup curves with understated charm, a touch of sen*ality that outshone Lise's painfully flat, almost awkwardly rigid build. Yet Carrie knew well that without love, even the most perfect physique paled in comparison to the charm of one dearly cherished. Nonchalantly, Kristopher reached for a bathrobe hanging behind the door and draped it over her. His frown deepened at her comment. "What are you talking about, Carrie?" A thought seemed to strike him, and his expression grew even more impatient. "Tell me, did you send those divorce papers in the dead of night just to lure me back here--to catch you completely bre?" His tone was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "I told you I was swamped with work. Was this dramatic display really necessary?" Carrie's temper flared at his accusatory tone, reigniting the tension between them. He was always so quick to lose patience with her. She wasn't the type to throw around words like divorce or breakups lightly. In fact, this was the first time she'd ever mentioned divorce in their two-year marriage, yet he seemed indifferent to her turmoil. He simply dismissed her concerns as if she were overreacting about trivial matters. Despite the throbbing pain in her leg, Carrie mustered her strength and said, "Put me down." Kristopher, however, paid no heed, his eyes scanning her leg swathed in bandages. His brow furrowed slightly. "What happened to your leg? Is this some elaborate ploy to lure me back?" At his words, a bitter laugh escaped Carrie. It seemed he viewed her as merely seeking attention, and in failing to capture it, she had likely concocted a story to draw him back, allowing her to dramatize her plight in his presence. With a blank face, she replied untruthfully, "It's a beauty treatment that shouldn't get wet." "Why did you suddenly decide to undergo such a treatment?" Kristopher inquired, his tone casual as he carried her outside, not pressing the issue further. His frame was large, and through his thin shirt, she could distinctly feel the warmth of his body and the defined shape of his chst muscles. The closeness created an uncomfortable tension for Carrie, who had resolved to end things once and for all. Her voice climbed involuntarily, sharper this time. "Oh, since when have you been concerned with such minor things, Mr. Norris?" For the first time, Kristopher witnessed her using biting sarcasm; it struck him as peculiarly amusing. With a calm demeanor, he responded, "You're my wife, it's only natural I'd be concerned about your well-being." "Really?" There was a somber note in Carrie's voice now. "It seems like you've never really regarded me as your wife. I'm scared that if I were to die, you wouldn't even know until much later." After all, at that very moment, Kristopher had been distracted, lost in moments with his first love, too consumed to lend an ear to her desperate pleas. Caught off guard by her accusation, Kristopher's eyes widened with surprise before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Carrie, what's brought on this sudden outburst of anger? Just because I was tied up this afternoon and missed your call? Perhaps I've been too indulgent with you lately, and it's made you a bit too presumptuous?" Carrie froze, startled. Was he accusing her of being too presumptuous? She realized their marriage had always been lopsided. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a transactional partner, a woman who had bartered her freedom for financial security. Their union was meant to be a mere exchange of conveniences, yet she had, quite foolishly, fallen deeply in love with him. In the tricky terrain of romance, the one who fell first invariably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Kristopher's dismissive reaction left Carrie reeling, her emotions dismissed as trifles, a tight knot of suffocation rising in her chest. "I said to put me down this instant!" Carrie exclaimed, jerking her head to the side, her voice laced with a sharp edge of impatience. Kristopher remained mute, effortlessly carrying her towards the bed before suddenly releasing his hold. Carrie felt a jolt as the support vanished, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively grasped for him. Their bodies collided on the bed, her bathrobe teetering on the brink of decency, threatening to unravel with any minor shift. Propped on one elbow, Kristopher gazed down at her, his lips curled into a sly, teasing grin. "You wanted to be let go, didn't you? So why cling to me now?" His eyes, deep and sparkling like a midnight lake speckled with stars, captivated her. In those celestial depths, Carrie caught a glimpse of her own reflection. At times like this, she was misled into believing he harbored a deep affection. Sadly, his heart was a fortress reserved for Lise, and all Carrie had left were empty fantasies. "Boring!" she exclaimed, her voice devoid of any enthusiasm as she attempted to rise, her hand inadvertently brushing against something unexpected. "Don't move, or I can't promise what might happen next," he warned in a deep, gravelly voice. With a frown, Carrie internally cursed upon hearing the statement. It was an undeniable fact. Primal instincts steered the actions of men. Absence of affection didn't quell their basic dires. Yet, she dared not agitate Kristopher. Angling her face away, her body remained rigid, frozen in place. Carrie, feeling irked, shot back. "Didn't you say there's nothing here to see? What's with the reaction now, Mr. Norris? Are you really that easy to impress?" No sooner had her words flown than she grasped the potential repercussions of her sharp tongue. A wave of regret surged through Carrie, but instead of anger, Kristopher responded with a chuckle, "You are my wife, after all. Since that's something I can't alter, I might as well embrace it. Besides, it's been years since we became husband and wife--it would be a shame to neglect you completely." Chapter 4 Are You Out Of Your Mind? Kristopher leaned in close to Carrie. The fabric of his suit brushed lightly against Carrie's cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty twist of lemon. It was unmistakably Jo Malone's Blue Agava and Cacao--Lise's signature scent. A surge of nausea overwhelmed Carrie at the realization. Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a bright scarlet as indignation took hold. Without thinking, her hand flew up and delivered a stinging slap across Kristopher's face. All her suppressed grievances from the day ignited in that swift motion. The impact of her slp had left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher's cheek, marking him with her outrage. His eyes, wide with disbelief, met hers. "Carrie, are you out of your mind?" Out of her mind? Yes, she was clearly insane to ever fall for him in the first place. Carrie fumed silently, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, the sharp buzz of the phone on the table cut through the mounting tension, its vibration bringing a brief respite from their standoff. Kristopher cast a fleeting glance at the message, shut off the phone with a snap, and strode towards the door, his back rigid with tension. Her voice, firm and unwavering, chased after him. "We're getting a divorce! Make sure you sign those papers before you walk out that door!" Kristopher paused briefly and said sharply, "I have something to do now. When I return, do whatever pleases you." With that, he forcefully shut the door. Carrie's eyes followed his unwavering exit, feeling an oppressive weight compressing her chest once again. She disregarded the sharp sting in her leg and hobbled determinedly toward her tablet. Fingers trembling, she hastily navigated to Lise's Twitter page. Lise had just uploaded a new tweet. The photo showed her lying down with a fever patch adhered to her forehead, still enveloped in Kristopher's familiar jacket. The caption read, "Being sick makes me extra clingy. Wishing I had someone here. Stay cozy and take care, everyone!" The simultaneous timing of these two events made it almost impossible for Carrie not to suspect that Kristopher had dashed off to tend to Lise. Carrie's instincts loudly proclaimed that this was no accident; Lise had deliberately sought to tug at Kristopher's heartstrings. It appeared her tactics were effective. Not even Carrie's stark threat of divorce could overshadow Lise's theatrical display of vulnerability. Lise didn't have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption. Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm. She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, dreams crumbled, utterly alone. It was time for her to pursue her acting career and give it her all... ...... ==== It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to 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) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	1,341	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-enp26_6-1226-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1435595577085911&exdata=3B6BDC606D33F8338C0EFE83E40471819BC334EBCB1022B3	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472740369_908208041440057_5693889062833945178_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xGN4AzznYWkQ7kNvgHjBPEK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&_nc_gid=A9ExbjrRAkT8i9N7jBt0AcM&oh=00_AYD602xfWO8K4E6B-3c454naZF_GcDzUu9JhyBs9yQncvw&oe=67A62ED8	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,679,841	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-03 01:30	active	2452	Read next chapter	It was a contractual marriage for both of them to get what they wanted, yet she fell in love first. But when she was in a life-threatening situation during a fire and needed him the most, he chose to stay by the side of his first love instead. She finally let it go, divorced him, and made a grand comeback as a great screenwriter. ===== "Saved! They've been saved." Firefighters emerged from the smoldering inferno, carrying Carrie Campbell to safety at the roadside. Her features, usually refined and expressive, were now smeared with soot; her sparkling eyes dimmed to a vacant gaze, hollow and lost. As reality seeped back into her consciousness, Carrie felt a rush of gratitude overpower her usual composure. Her voice, hoarse and weak, conveyed a profound "thank you" to her rescuers. Shaking, she fumbled for her phone, her fingertips quivering as they found the familiar number. "Hello, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later..." The automated message played after a few rings, leaving her with a lump in her throat, her unvoiced frustrations and sorrow welling up inside her. Bang! With a deafening roar, the explosion abruptly silenced the cold, mechanical voice echoing through the line. Carrie's head snapped upwards, shock painted on her face as she witnessed the apartment she had just exited erupt into flames. Chunks of debris were hurled into the air by the force of the blast, scattering across the sky. Panic engulfed the crowd as survivors, freshly rescued, screamed in terror. They huddled together, seeking solace in each other's arms, their cries piercing the tumultuous scene. In stark contrast, Carrie lay alone on a stretcher, her isolation magnified amidst the chaos. "Kristopher..." Fighting the dread creeping up her spine, Carrie pressed her lips together tightly and dialed her husband's number again, her resolve unwavering. Yet, the call disconnected after a few short rings, leaving her with a haunting silence. Just then, a Twitter notification flickered on her phone screen. The gossip feed was alive with the latest gossip: #LiseNash #MysteriouBoyfriend. According to the tweet, a producer from a well-known variety show had invited the renowned star Lise Nash to a dinner, which had quickly soured when she declined to partake in a toast. This act of defiance had sparked a confrontation, only to be interrupted by Lise's domineering boyfriend. He stormed into the private dining room, dismissing the producer with a dismissive wave and escorting Lise away. The tweet described the scene vividly, painting a picture of a powerful man defending his beloved partner. Yet, perhaps due to his prominence, only the back of the man was visible in the accompanying photos, preserving his anonymity. Meanwhile, Lise, donning an oversized suit jacket, beamed a smile, reaching out to clasp his hand as they departed together. Carrie's eyes were glued to the screen, her stare intense and unblinking as she absorbed the image before her. There he was--Kristopher Norris! The suit jacket draped carelessly over Lise was a dead giveaway. Every piece of clothing Kristopher owned had been meticulously tailored by a master craftsman abroad, a detail Carrie knew all too well. Her grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles blanching to a stark white, as if her very soul were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain sharp and acid-like in its intensity. In her most desperate moment, Kristopher had coldly disconnected their call, choosing instead to be at Lise's side. What was the worth of their two-year marriage? The tears she had been holding back now overwhelmed her, streaming down her face. Even as she tilted her head back in a futile attempt to stem the flow, the tears continued to escape. Lise had always been Kristopher's first love, a fact whispered and gossiped about among their circles. The Norris family had never approved of Lise, seeing her ordinary background as unfitting. Forced apart by family pressures, it had been Lise who ended things, but the past, it seemed, was not easily left behind. Kristopher had diligently pursued the leadership of the Norris family, harboring dreams of finally being with Lise. Yet, when he reached his goal, he discovered that Lise had already chosen another. In defiance of his family's expectations and perhaps out of bitterness, Kristopher turned to Carrie, a woman equally devoid of wealth or status, to become Mrs. Norris, thereby blocking any matchmaking attempts by his relatives. At that time, Carrie faced immense pressure from her father, Tristan Campbell, who was pushing her towards a marriage with a playboy, the son of a business associate, to cover her grandmother's steep medical expenses. Both Kristopher and Carrie, driven by their personal motives, consented to a marriage of convenience. Originally set for just one year, their contractual marriage stretched beyond its term, sustained by a shared understanding between them. Over time, Carrie began to believe in the authenticity of their union, never suspecting that it was merely an extension of her hopes. Just moments ago, a fire had nearly claimed Carrie's life. In that critical moment, she reached out to Kristopher, only to be twice rebuffed as he spent his time with Lise. This harsh reality shattered Carrie's illusions, revealing that her perceived transition from pretense to genuine relationship was nothing but a facade maintained by her own desires. Carrie wasn't even a temporary substitute in Kristopher's life but merely a pawn used to spite his family. After a poignant pause, tears welled up in Carrie's eyes, unstoppable and poignant. It might be time for her to release herself from the shackles of her own hopeful delusions--to stop deceiving herself. Chapter 2 Trending Topics The overwhelming number of injuries from the fire was staggering, straining the already frantic doctors and nurses as they tried to provide aid. Carrie had been merely grazed by a splintered clothes rack, which left a deep, jagged wound on her calf. In comparison to the chaos around her, her wounds seemed almost negligible. She managed to get basic care--a brisk cleaning and a quick wrap of bandages--at a local hospital before catching a cab back to her house. Bayview Villa, a grand property under Kristopher's name, was technically their matrimonial residence. Living alone had become the norm for Carrie, as Kristopher was hardly ever around. She had bid farewell to the housekeeper, discovering that her life could be quite adequately maintained with just takeout, deliveries, and the occasional visit from a part-time cleaner. Now, she found herself the sole occupant of the sprawling living room, sinking into the sofa, her gaze drifting across the empty space. The stark, monochrome decor did nothing to imbue warmth into the atmosphere. A chilling realization crept up on her: this vast, elegant space felt more like a colossal tomb, a silent grave for her lost years of youth and a love that had quietly slipped away. In this cold, echoing house, would anyone even notice if her breath ceased one day? Carrie exhaled a weary sigh, her frame heavy as she leaned against the cold wall for support, struggling up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor. Each step was a battle, sending stabbing pains shooting through her from the surface of her skin down to her aching bones. The house, stark and hollow, echoed even the smallest sounds, magnifying her sense of isolation. It was today, amidst this profound silence, that Carrie truly grasped the all-encompassing nature of her loneliness--it was almost tangible, enveloping her senses with its texture and mournful whispers, tightening around her heart like a vice, producing a dull, relentless ache. Upon reaching the sanctuary of her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, the very embodiment of exhaustion, feeling it both physically and spiritually. Just as she surrendered to this weariness, the sharp ring of the phone pierced the silence. "You reached out to me earlier. What do you need?" Kristopher's voice cut through the line, cold and distant as ever. Carrie was caught off guard by his unexpected call. Words failed her as she parted her lips to respond, but before she could collect her thoughts, a soft, feminine voice floated through from the other end. "Kristopher, will you join me to..." A surge of emotions tightened Carrie's grip on the phone, her heart thumping louder with each second. Overwhelmed and unable to contain her rising panic, she demanded, "Who's there with you?" Kristopher gave no answer, merely stating in a flat, disinterested voice, "If there's something you need, let's catch up when I'm back. I have pressing engagements right now, so I must disconnect." He promptly ended the call, cutting off any chance for Carrie to reply. As the harsh beep of the disconnected line filled her ears, Carrie's lips twisted into a rueful grin. How utterly foolish she felt! Deep down, she knew his response all too well, yet she had clung to the hope of hearing his voice confirm it. With a sense of self-inflicted irony, Carrie activated her tablet and scrolled through the day's hot topics. One headline caught her eye: "A female star shielded from harassment at a dinner by her formidable partner." A wry smile twisted her lips. Carrie knew all too well what it was like to face harassment at those kinds of dinners. She vividly remembered her first major audition after her entering the showbiz; her agent had escorted her to a dinner with the influential director and producer of the drama series "Serene Sighs." As a novice in the dizzying world of showbiz, Carrie had felt incredibly vulnerable, uncertain of how to navigate the murky waters of such gatherings. The producer had eyed her shamelessly, sneering as he asked, "Is this the new talent you're introducing? She appears presentable, but I'm curious to see how she fares with a drink. Here's the deal, if you can gulp down this bottle in one go, I'll secure you an audition for the lead role." Carrie was inclined to decline, but under the relentless pressure from her agent, she found herself compelled to consume the entire bottle. As the evening wore on, she was hurriedly taken to the hospital suffering from a severe stomach ailment. Her agent, fretful about the prospect of the role slipping away to another, quickly settled the hospital charges and departed. At that time, Carrie found herself isolated in a hospital bed for several long days. Yet, even before Carrie could be released from the hospital, the media was abuzz with the announcement that Lise had secured the lead role in "Serene Sighs." Subsequently, her agent rebuked Carrie for her lack of ambition, complaining, "You are more appealing than Lise, so why can't you show more drive? She cozied up to Mr. Norris and hardly had to make an effort. She's surrounded by people eager to cater to her every need. I've heard that Mr. Norris personally orchestrated her landing the lead role in this production!" When the show premiered, Lise was catapulted into stardom, swiftly ascending to the elite echelons of the acting world. From that moment forward, Carrie let her acting aspirations wane and chose instead to devote herself entirely to supporting her husband, Kristopher. After all, no matter her efforts, she could never get the same career opportunities that Lise seemed to receive effortlessly with Kristopher's offhand remarks. At that time, Carrie had believed she was filling the role that was meant to be Lise's as Mrs. Norris, which meant she owed Lise. By giving up the career opportunities to Lise, Carrie thought they would settle their unspoken debt. However, Carrie hadn't foreseen that Lise would claim both the coveted career and Kristopher's affections. As Lise's professional and love life blossomed, Carrie came to the painful realization that she had been overly consumed with her romantic pursuits, at the expense of her career, and now, she found herself bereft of both love and professional fulfillment. With tears streaming down her face, Carrie viewed her past two years as tragically misguided. Given another opportunity, she resolved she wouldn't be so unguarded, letting her heart recklessly fall captive to Kristopher's charm. "Ms. Spencer, the new copyright contract is prepared. Please review it for any discrepancies." Her phone buzzed with the alert, snapping Carrie out of her reverie. She gazed at the PDF file attached in the message, her mind briefly overwhelmed. Under the pseudonym Katrina Spencer, Carrie had once made a name for herself as a budding screenwriter, selling numerous scripts in her early days. During her early career as Katrina, Carrie often sold her work for a pittance, compelled by her urgent need for immediate cash. Over the years, these scripts transformed into blockbuster films and hit series, catapulting Katrina's reputation to new heights. By this time, Carrie had married Kristopher and was no longer plagued by the financial woes that had once driven her to desperation--her grandmother's hefty medical bills were a thing of the past. With her financial crises resolved, Carrie's life had pivoted to domestic responsibilities, striving to be an exemplary wife to Kristopher. Amidst these changes, her pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, gradually receded into the background. However, her past as Katrina wasn't ready to be shelved just yet. Recently, an interested buyer had come forward, ready to pay a handsome sum for one of her old scripts. Carrie, however, was hesitant to sell. She raised several concerns about the contract presented to her, and to her astonishment, the buyer was genuine enough to revise it accordingly. Holding the revised contract in her hands, Carrie inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening. She seemed to have reached a crucial decision. Her fingers danced over her phone's keyboard with swift precision, typing out a firm command. "Create a divorce agreement following my terms and ensure it reaches Kristopher Norris at the Norris Group." Without pausing for a response, she placed her phone aside and limped toward the bathroom, each step echoing a blend of determination and newfound independence. Chapter 3 Exchange Of Conveniences Thirty minutes had passed, Carrie finally heaved herself up from the bathtub, her limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative. As she lifted her gaze, her own image in the mirror halted her movements--her skin appeared as smooth and impeccable as fine porcelain, glowing with an unblemished radiance. Her eyes, deep pools of allure, sparkled with an enchanting, soft warmth, inviting anyone who dared meet her gaze. Despite edging into her late twenties at twenty-five, she reveled in the fact that time had yet to etch its marks upon her flawless complexion. Surely, a woman with such a visage had no place for self-pity. Absorbed in her contemplation, Carrie carelessly extended her right leg onto the cold floor, forgetting it was the very limb she had injured. Wrapped excessively in cling film to shield it from moisture, the tight encasement had stifled her circulation, rendering her leg eerily numb. As her foot touched down, it betrayed her, slipping forward unexpectedly. "Ah!" Carrie gasped, her arms flailing in a frantic ballet, searching for a lifeline in the void. Just as she teetered on the brink of a painful rendezvous with the floor, the bathroom door burst open. Kristopher stood at the entrance, his suit immaculately tailored, creating a striking figure. As their eyes locked, he paused, visibly taken aback, then quickly closed the distance with brisk strides. Carrie's breath caught as Kristopher swept her up in a graceful bridal style, an unexpected tightness wrapping around her waist. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Carrie realized with a jolt that she was completely bre. A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chst. This was their first moment of such intimacy since their wedding, and the discomfort made her toes curl inward, her skin blushing a delicate shade of pink. Kristopher looked down at her with a mischievous grin. "Let's be honest, there's not much to see," he teased gently. Feeling both mortified and slightly irritated, Carrie snapped back, "Oh, Mr. Norris, after all you've seen, I suppose nothing can impress you anymore." She carried her C-cup curves with understated charm, a touch of sen*ality that outshone Lise's painfully flat, almost awkwardly rigid build. Yet Carrie knew well that without love, even the most perfect physique paled in comparison to the charm of one dearly cherished. Nonchalantly, Kristopher reached for a bathrobe hanging behind the door and draped it over her. His frown deepened at her comment. "What are you talking about, Carrie?" A thought seemed to strike him, and his expression grew even more impatient. "Tell me, did you send those divorce papers in the dead of night just to lure me back here--to catch you completely bre?" His tone was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "I told you I was swamped with work. Was this dramatic display really necessary?" Carrie's temper flared at his accusatory tone, reigniting the tension between them. He was always so quick to lose patience with her. She wasn't the type to throw around words like divorce or breakups lightly. In fact, this was the first time she'd ever mentioned divorce in their two-year marriage, yet he seemed indifferent to her turmoil. He simply dismissed her concerns as if she were overreacting about trivial matters. Despite the throbbing pain in her leg, Carrie mustered her strength and said, "Put me down." Kristopher, however, paid no heed, his eyes scanning her leg swathed in bandages. His brow furrowed slightly. "What happened to your leg? Is this some elaborate ploy to lure me back?" At his words, a bitter laugh escaped Carrie. It seemed he viewed her as merely seeking attention, and in failing to capture it, she had likely concocted a story to draw him back, allowing her to dramatize her plight in his presence. With a blank face, she replied untruthfully, "It's a beauty treatment that shouldn't get wet." "Why did you suddenly decide to undergo such a treatment?" Kristopher inquired, his tone casual as he carried her outside, not pressing the issue further. His frame was large, and through his thin shirt, she could distinctly feel the warmth of his body and the defined shape of his chst muscles. The closeness created an uncomfortable tension for Carrie, who had resolved to end things once and for all. Her voice climbed involuntarily, sharper this time. "Oh, since when have you been concerned with such minor things, Mr. Norris?" For the first time, Kristopher witnessed her using biting sarcasm; it struck him as peculiarly amusing. With a calm demeanor, he responded, "You're my wife, it's only natural I'd be concerned about your well-being." "Really?" There was a somber note in Carrie's voice now. "It seems like you've never really regarded me as your wife. I'm scared that if I were to die, you wouldn't even know until much later." After all, at that very moment, Kristopher had been distracted, lost in moments with his first love, too consumed to lend an ear to her desperate pleas. Caught off guard by her accusation, Kristopher's eyes widened with surprise before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Carrie, what's brought on this sudden outburst of anger? Just because I was tied up this afternoon and missed your call? Perhaps I've been too indulgent with you lately, and it's made you a bit too presumptuous?" Carrie froze, startled. Was he accusing her of being too presumptuous? She realized their marriage had always been lopsided. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a transactional partner, a woman who had bartered her freedom for financial security. Their union was meant to be a mere exchange of conveniences, yet she had, quite foolishly, fallen deeply in love with him. In the tricky terrain of romance, the one who fell first invariably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Kristopher's dismissive reaction left Carrie reeling, her emotions dismissed as trifles, a tight knot of suffocation rising in her chest. "I said to put me down this instant!" Carrie exclaimed, jerking her head to the side, her voice laced with a sharp edge of impatience. Kristopher remained mute, effortlessly carrying her towards the bed before suddenly releasing his hold. Carrie felt a jolt as the support vanished, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively grasped for him. Their bodies collided on the bed, her bathrobe teetering on the brink of decency, threatening to unravel with any minor shift. Propped on one elbow, Kristopher gazed down at her, his lips curled into a sly, teasing grin. "You wanted to be let go, didn't you? So why cling to me now?" His eyes, deep and sparkling like a midnight lake speckled with stars, captivated her. In those celestial depths, Carrie caught a glimpse of her own reflection. At times like this, she was misled into believing he harbored a deep affection. Sadly, his heart was a fortress reserved for Lise, and all Carrie had left were empty fantasies. "Boring!" she exclaimed, her voice devoid of any enthusiasm as she attempted to rise, her hand inadvertently brushing against something unexpected. "Don't move, or I can't promise what might happen next," he warned in a deep, gravelly voice. With a frown, Carrie internally cursed upon hearing the statement. It was an undeniable fact. Primal instincts steered the actions of men. Absence of affection didn't quell their basic dires. Yet, she dared not agitate Kristopher. Angling her face away, her body remained rigid, frozen in place. Carrie, feeling irked, shot back. "Didn't you say there's nothing here to see? What's with the reaction now, Mr. Norris? Are you really that easy to impress?" No sooner had her words flown than she grasped the potential repercussions of her sharp tongue. A wave of regret surged through Carrie, but instead of anger, Kristopher responded with a chuckle, "You are my wife, after all. Since that's something I can't alter, I might as well embrace it. Besides, it's been years since we became husband and wife--it would be a shame to neglect you completely." Chapter 4 Are You Out Of Your Mind? Kristopher leaned in close to Carrie. The fabric of his suit brushed lightly against Carrie's cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty twist of lemon. It was unmistakably Jo Malone's Blue Agava and Cacao--Lise's signature scent. A surge of nausea overwhelmed Carrie at the realization. Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a bright scarlet as indignation took hold. Without thinking, her hand flew up and delivered a stinging slap across Kristopher's face. All her suppressed grievances from the day ignited in that swift motion. The impact of her slp had left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher's cheek, marking him with her outrage. His eyes, wide with disbelief, met hers. "Carrie, are you out of your mind?" Out of her mind? Yes, she was clearly insane to ever fall for him in the first place. Carrie fumed silently, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, the sharp buzz of the phone on the table cut through the mounting tension, its vibration bringing a brief respite from their standoff. Kristopher cast a fleeting glance at the message, shut off the phone with a snap, and strode towards the door, his back rigid with tension. Her voice, firm and unwavering, chased after him. "We're getting a divorce! Make sure you sign those papers before you walk out that door!" Kristopher paused briefly and said sharply, "I have something to do now. When I return, do whatever pleases you." With that, he forcefully shut the door. Carrie's eyes followed his unwavering exit, feeling an oppressive weight compressing her chest once again. She disregarded the sharp sting in her leg and hobbled determinedly toward her tablet. Fingers trembling, she hastily navigated to Lise's Twitter page. Lise had just uploaded a new tweet. The photo showed her lying down with a fever patch adhered to her forehead, still enveloped in Kristopher's familiar jacket. The caption read, "Being sick makes me extra clingy. Wishing I had someone here. Stay cozy and take care, everyone!" The simultaneous timing of these two events made it almost impossible for Carrie not to suspect that Kristopher had dashed off to tend to Lise. Carrie's instincts loudly proclaimed that this was no accident; Lise had deliberately sought to tug at Kristopher's heartstrings. It appeared her tactics were effective. Not even Carrie's stark threat of divorce could overshadow Lise's theatrical display of vulnerability. Lise didn't have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption. Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm. She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, dreams crumbled, utterly alone. It was time for her to pursue her acting career and give it her all... ...... ==== It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to 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) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	1,341	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-enp26_6-1226-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1435595577085911&exdata=3B6BDC606D33F8333DCF1D7B75E9759019D0A024093233F6	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472283924_1327826641743867_4702843887536503517_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5KSxLZRr6P0Q7kNvgGF9XSZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=A9ExbjrRAkT8i9N7jBt0AcM&oh=00_AYDaAqngTwL-hFw5RGQb_dwS7tIcQS9EML07Q12ge1topA&oe=67A63601	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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