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2,726,521	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:06	active	2673	Read next chapter👉	He divorced her because of cheating. She left a message: "You will regret it." 4 years later, he saw her on TV and introduced her as a top 100 female CEO, but she shone and attracted everyone's attention. He was frustrated and begged to win her back! ===== In the bustling, weathered heart of Orkset, flames erupted violently within an ancient apartment building. Propelled by gusts of wind, the fire devoured the structure, belching dense smoke and bright, searing tongues of flame. "Saved! They've been saved." The words echoed amidst the chaos. 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 bare. A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chest. 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 sensuality 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 bare?" 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 chest 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. The following moment brought a noticeable shift in his cock pressing against her stomach. "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 desires. 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 slipped his hand beneath the folds of her bathrobe, his touch tracing the curve of Carrie's skin, as smooth and delicate as silk. He encircled her slender waist, drawing her closer with a gentle yet firm grip. Her face, a captivating canvas of defiance and visible irritation, ignited in him an uncontrollable urge to claim victory over her resistance. His breathing grew heavy, yet he remained composed, slowly removing his tailored suit. 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. As Kristopher's eyes, now shaded with a stormy intensity, drew nearer to hers, the proximity conjured unwelcome visions of him with Lise. Her stomach churned violently, and with a sudden movement, she pushed him away, propping herself up with a jolt and a dry retch. "Ugh..." Her stomach had been empty all day, leaving her with nothing to bring up. The desire in Kristopher's gaze flickered out, replaced by a cold, detached expression as he withdrew slightly. Observing the genuine distress and the reddening of Carrie's eyes, Kristopher perceived her reaction for outright disgust at their closeness. He paused, fingers adjusting his shirt cuffs, his voice cold as he confronted her. "Carrie, is this reaction reserved only for me, or is it how you respond to all men?" The air in the room turned frosty, thick with tension. Carrie swallowed the sharp sting in her throat, her eyes widening in shock as she stared up at him. Ever since their marriage, she had cut ties with nearly all her male friends, yet here was Kristopher, casually tossing out comments sharp enough to cut glass. The years of love she had poured into their relationship now seemed utterly futile. 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. Her bathrobe, loosened in the heat of the moment, slipped from her shoulders. Ignoring the flush of exposure, she swiftly gathered the fabric and draped it around herself, her movements quick and firm. The impact of her slap 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. Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm. She steeled herself against the heartache, forcefully ripping the plastic wrap from her aching leg. After her lengthy soak, the bath's lingering moisture had infiltrated her skin, inflaming the wound until it was a vivid, angry red and painfully swollen. She, too, could be clingy. Even in the harshest times back in the county, she had shown vulnerability, breaking down into soft sobs within the comforting arms of her grandmother, especially that one time she got burned by the scalding kettle. But such vulnerability had its time and place, and it wasn't now. The stark reality of Kristopher's exit forced Carrie to confront her need for self-reliance. Biting down hard on her lip, Carrie cleaned the throbbing wound with a practiced hand before securely wrapping it anew. She rose with a newfound resolve and yanked a black suitcase from the far end of her expansive walk-in closet--it held all the belongings she'd brought into this house as a hopeful bride. She grabbed a fresh set of clothes to slip into and left a bank card neatly on the bedside table. She had transferred every penny she'd earned over the past year onto that card, effectively settling her financial entanglements with Kristopher over the last two years and cutting him out of her life for good. Dragging the heavy suitcase behind her, she limped painfully out of the opulent villa. As she passed through the gate, she wrapped her baseball jacket more tightly around her slight figure, her silhouette hauntingly solitary in the enveloping darkness. The night air of early spring was bitingly cold, devoid of any trace of warmth, a chill that seemed almost faint compared to the ice forming in Carrie's shattered heart. She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, dreams crumbled, utterly alone. A bitter laugh slipped through her lips. If only she hadn't fallen so hard for him, if only she'd proposed an amicable separation at the end of their agreed year, maybe she wouldn't be wandering now, a lost soul in the shadow of her former self. Lise didn't have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption. Chapter 5 A Gathering Meanwhile, in the Oasis Club, renowned as the priciest spot in Orkset, the air within the VIP room crackled with excitement. Under the spell of bright lights and thumping music, a diverse group of men and women lounged together, basking in the exclusivity of the setting. Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing Kristopher in the doorway. The karaoke session halted abruptly as the crowd turned to greet him in unison, voices mingling. "Kristopher..." Before they could utter another word, a woman cloaked from head to toe stepped out from behind him. Lise, with a fluid motion, removed her mask and slid her arm through Kristopher's. She addressed the room with a poised charm. "My assistant took a sudden leave, and I found myself without company. Not keen on spending the evening alone, I invited Kristopher to join me. I trust that's alright?" Lise's beauty was without question. Her face was a delicate composition of cherry lips and a sculpted nose, framed by eyes that shimmered with a vulnerable allure, commanding a protective fervor from those around her--her presence, ethereal. In contrast, Carrie's features were more pronounced, her beauty vivid and striking. Lise, by comparison, carried a softer, more understated elegance. Yet, as it often goes, matters of the heart followed no simple paths. While Kristopher and Carrie were married, it was in name only; Kristopher seemed detached and seldom included her in private social events. The group didn't have much of a relationship with Carrie, leading them to feel no obligation to defend her. Upon hearing Lise's comment, a moment of discomfort rippled through the air. Nonetheless, they quickly recovered, offering a congenial smile as they said, "We're all friends here; let's not bother with formalities." Lise offered a subtle, knowing smile, as she gracefully accompanied Kristopher into the bustling room. The event that evening had been meticulously planned to express appreciation for Kristopher's contributions. As they stepped into the room, the crowd parted like the sea, making way for them to proceed to the seats of honor. The group's leader handed Kristopher a glass of wine with a flourish, proclaiming with a broad grin, "We truly owe you a debt of gratitude, Mr. Norris! Your exceptional talents are the talk of the town, and witnessing them firsthand today only confirms it. Without your expertise, securing this contract would have been a fantasy!" Their gathering marked the launch of a novel shopping platform, one that had been in negotiation with numerous local brands in Orkset. But the scenario changed dramatically when the tech giant JoyBuy dramatically entered the scene, stirring up the competitive landscape. Competing with JoyBuy was akin to the classic David versus Goliath tale--hopelessly daunting. In a surge of desperation, they turned to Kristopher, reaching out through a network of connections for his renowned strategic prowess. With his characteristic swiftness, Kristopher hatched an ingenious plan and swiftly secured the deal, snatching it from the clutches of JoyBuy right before the business association could ink their agreement--a masterful coup that reverberated success. This remarkable turnaround only intensified the already deep respect everyone held for Kristopher. Albin Murray, beaming with pride, couldn't help but boast, "Ah, just look at the caliber of his friends! They thought they could steal deals right under our noses, obviously underestimating Kristopher's clout!" Albin, born into the wealthy Murray family, counted himself among Kristopher's closest friends. He was renowned for his sprawling social web--a network through which the desperate plea for help was channeled to Kristopher. Meanwhile, Kristopher himself, the focus of all their discussions, reclined nonchalantly on the couch, bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights. He was well-versed in the art of receiving compliments; thus, his expression stayed calm and detached. The ambient light sculpted his angular features, casting dramatic shadows that emphasized his high nose bridge and sharply cut jawline, as though he were a living masterpiece. His natural grace and detachment eclipsed any terrestrial magnificence. Following a sequence of celebratory toasts, when it became apparent that Kristopher merely touched his glass without truly drinking, the rest of the company toned down their conversation, allowing him a moment of repose with his eyes gently shut. Lise, slightly feverish, opted not to indulge in the spirits, choosing instead to sit in serene silence next to Kristopher, her eyes lingering on him with a look of deep, unmistakable adoration. Albin, captivated by the seemingly perfect pair, pondered the whims of destiny. He discreetly captured their image with his smartphone and nonchalantly shared it across his social networks. As the evening progressed and the liquor dwindled, the room's door swung open anew. Kristopher's personal assistant, Oliver Brooks, made his entrance, acknowledging the gathering with a courteous nod that bordered on respect but avoided groveling, swiftly positioning himself in front of Kristopher. Silence hung in the air, yet Lise, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned in and whispered, "What's going on?" Oliver, maintaining his focus on Kristopher, chose not to respond directly to her. A flush of embarrassment tinted Lise's cheeks as she turned towards Kristopher, hesitatingly inquiring, "Should I leave?" Kristopher adjusted his posture, his voice low and calm as he instructed, "Go ahead, speak." A shiver of apprehension coursed through Oliver as he tentatively began, "Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris has departed from Bayview Villa, and..." &10&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-e	Lime novel-E	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	357	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=124213&accid=2030515880733998&exdata=17416BFFD58DEE633C9790CEF528FBE1828564C7319E7F32	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480911160_946333044252375_7352899685825110616_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X9ekikb7E4QQ7kNvgEsjJ7x&_nc_oc=AdiMDaXmydeDiYVxh5QeqQUQ9t_5nyBmqUAs1sH80VlnkuZ7p4-pKNIn0HGTsGfJK2Fd3H54lRAIsTkEig-71Pjf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH4rJfNCTM1H367HY9ExyBx&oh=00_AYDz16PguPi6KYsSDaBk68jE2zZhadG0ZmnIp_WNsD_6cg&oe=67C9D2CD	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lime novel-E	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,724,532	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 01:30	active	2671	"Superbly written period thriller"	"FIVE STARS - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" "It holds you after you close the book."	LEARN_MORE	https://www.amazon.com/THESE-SACRED-LANDS-Soldier-	Jharoldkellystories	https://www.facebook.com/61567200353827/	6	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	amazon.com	IMAGE	The author captures the angst anger, and helplessness of the Lakota people and settlers.	https://www.amazon.com/THESE-SACRED-LANDS-Soldier-Always/dp/B0B1B1N41N?maas=maas_adg_84052D7859E25EA8521ABA689B9C873C_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480950659_1152775563164410_1357632545459561608_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ha2Nbh_Ed_QQ7kNvgEcuWvw&_nc_oc=AdgqfXVcE4morp5CTep5JNICw5vsUiCWcuYJf8nyDzXg3hBuQ9YpeNO4o1MlJhIkwQ41rCQrVHRoduiuywuZxQdT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A8TEMNX7zjfDAEj6Ez7euH8&oh=00_AYBy4_1u6ec7xEEvtdrLm05WwrmOHJleN9jbkDF0koozHA&oe=67C9CA78	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Jharoldkellystories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,720,447	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2720434}'	No	2025-03-02 00:15	active	2667	“I ❤️ These Guilt-Free Gummies!!!!”	🍬Been in a toxic relationship with your sweet tooth? We got you!🤝 Introducing Shameless Snacks: The gummies you can confidently bring home to your family😍 These guilt-free gummies are everything you could wish for in a healthy relationship with sweets!🫶 Lip-smacking, natural fruity flavors! 3g sugar, 3g net carbs per bag 70 calories per bag Gluten Free Keto-friendly + Vegan ✨ Just pure, guilt-free snacking bliss without the excess sugar or calories🙌 Get yours before everyone else discovers your new snacking soulmate!😭	SHOP_NOW	https://snacks.eatshameless.com/gummies/meta/lp1/?	Shameless Snacks	https://www.facebook.com/eatshameless/	5,554	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	snacks.eatshameless.com	DCO		https://snacks.eatshameless.com/gummies/meta/lp1/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/477657834_1394773851513303_2193919171777188235_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LdkDTDcwADAQ7kNvgExabof&_nc_oc=Adj0St7dpmlJapME3yhYBs2W3mhcw5GZCCVhRWgsj_eAxCGzlf0YdDqp8AoW0ItCZOE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ai0RQ029L9M2drIFsa_wizF&oh=00_AYDR2pZPU96AJbmvIhgtcDdHQ34KOeBr-8LznHSCcvnSNA&oe=67C9BBDE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Shameless Snacks	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,762	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728664}'	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	FREE TRIAL CLASS ONLINE	FREE Piano Class for Kids 🎤🎸🎹 1 on 1 live session. 💻 BOOK NOW. ✅ Online Classes For Kids & Adults Can Also Join! ✅ 100% Live-Online Interactive Classes With Dedicated Certified Trainer ❌ No Boring Pre-recorded Sessions Classes For: ✅ Indian Classical Music ✅ Western Vocals ✅ Carnatic Vocals ✅ Guitar ✅ Piano & Keyboard ✅ Tabla ✅ Flute Request your FREE Demo Class Today! 🇮🇳 🇺🇸	BOOK_TRAVEL	http://fb.me/	Spardha School of Music Global	https://www.facebook.com/spardhaonline/	8,586	1969-12-31 18:00	Book now	fb.me	VIDEO	Join 10,000+ Students	http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480686282_1291451138740927_8270134561833836843_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SUSlNlKCxQkQ7kNvgF5VKd6&_nc_oc=AdjNGkieGNNx5wDeQ3YYpgjpvbb-BsHvgnInlysZyOZ6jBjaIcZi6Q4QruOIWL6FvOrWSodj4rkN3i1wiLzElKGp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5gcqAAVjmPcxCyseX8TAle&oh=00_AYCg9ZUfvc6Ms-SdOZkbFjnw2Y0Mbi6P6BEJgG-Rj8O3KQ&oe=67C9D651	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Spardha School of Music Global	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,724,350	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 01:30	active	2671	2013 Mazda CX-9 · Grand Touring Sport Utility 4D	2008 Ford Escape · Hybrid Sport Utility 4D - $5,495.00 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid - Clean and well maintained - Hybrid - Gets over 30 miles per gallon - Runs and drives great with no issues - Alloy wheels with nice tires - Cruise control - Clean interior with no damage - No dents or large dings - Clean title - Bluetooth - Dependable and safe vehicle Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/876968065646	Jeff Kelly	https://www.facebook.com/Jeff-Kelly-103810495960248/	7	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/8769680656466313/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Jeff Kelly	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,727,147	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-02 02:06	active	2673	[LIMITED] Only $97	Offer for West Metro Moms with Double Chins! 📸Snatch Your Jawline Permanently📸 Normally: $1,100😭 Now: $97🥰 Our Lipo Dissolving remedy is: ✅ Safe ✅ Effective ✅ Non-invasive ✅ No Downtime ✨ Our advanced procedure uses a "Dissolver Shot," which targets and transforms your neck and jawline, giving you a more contoured and defined look. 🌟 This groundbreaking "remedy" eliminates stubborn fat under the chin, reducing the appearance of a double chin and creating a sleeker profile. Best part? 🔥 Results are FAST ACTING 🔥 100% Non Surgical 🔥 Absolutely LOW downtime Here's everything you'd get... ➡️ Permanent Jawline Analysis (Reg. $100) ➡️ 1 Double Chin Dissolver Shot (Reg. $900) ➡️ 2 Lipo Burner Shots (Reg. $100) 🤯 All of that for only $97 🤯 (That’s 91% Off!) 🌟 Get the jawline you've always wanted in 2024! Don't miss this chance to enhance your beauty! Ready to get started? ⬇️ Click "Learn More" to Claim this Exclusive New Years Giveaway! ⬇️ BTW, for the next 5 people to sign up, we’re even throwing in a “55% off Permanent Jawline Package” gift card. Disclaimer** Spots for this offer are VERY limited - so grab it while you can (if you’re still reading this, that means we may still have a spot available!) Let's get ready for the new years! 📍 10700 Highway 55, Plymouth, MN	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	BellaBlissspas	https://www.facebook.com/61558476418161/	2,883	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fb.me	VIDEO	Apply here 👉 👉 👉	http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480228055_970570251326434_672340442203233119_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hz3xfEaUyBgQ7kNvgFBd9ur&_nc_oc=Adh1hzJddujKjjFy4tWwtSvQFVvvjxEe3AxYSgGR9g1qhXF7aalZiKp7H_oeLg09FKwAVUyCOlVYlZDzm90XrhIe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Af-dXxkmxdUV5SQ1eiBnPfk&oh=00_AYA9GPNFuvDB0UCBGycQ9QHz_0V7c8afx7m8GAbGqVe5iQ&oe=67C9F66F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	BellaBlissspas	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,723,012	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2723010}'	No	2025-03-02 00:48	active	2669		Give your iPhone a makeover. Only available at Uniqfind. ✨ 5000+ 5-Star Reviews ✨ Premium Materials ✨ Choose over 50+ Styles and Colors ✨ Featured in GQ, Business Insider, and Refinery29	SHOP_NOW	https://www.uniqfind.com/	Uniqfind	https://www.facebook.com/uniqfind/	27,439	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	uniqfind.com	DCO		https://www.uniqfind.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/455631861_858743405755398_9116995627184855904_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YRyYtkow1RcQ7kNvgGRDJ6K&_nc_oc=Adh4Ay-oG4JLxNzsljDRrQN6qNGaQr642GH550MqidT9vYQzlAx9UL5Sa52cgl_xdzc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ArLS7-Xk56bP4mP879Kj_Jj&oh=00_AYC4sdtWkeoDiDs40P4JBL4jx13cZJD4H_WsUQAacKEqUw&oe=67C9B45F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Uniqfind	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,275	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	SAVE UP TO 45% + 4 FREE GIFTS! (WORTH $110)	Get Clinical Beauty Filler today and save up to 45% + 4 FREE Gifts worth $110! ✅ The BEST micro-infusion system in the market right now ✅ Premium anti-aging formula made with clinically proven ingredients ✅ Over 7,800 Positive Trust Pilot Reviews 👉 Learn more here: https://try.cocunat.com/cbf-lp1/	SHOP_NOW	https://try.cocunat.com/cbf-lp1	BeautyDerma	https://www.facebook.com/61559072970815/	24	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	try.cocunat.com	DCO		https://try.cocunat.com/cbf-lp1	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480795886_650521340977688_7976137570363343795_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qYiqIVTfdtUQ7kNvgE_N-ta&_nc_oc=AdigeoXuCisEUoP3Ru3eCpZPyV8pAcOztBUOpMrDZ1IqDuxiTeYi7OgqTe7nHJ7kRMMbuodNX4TO6gzY-MlxQEAG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWVxXjvEHs4JBq3QHNbTSAB&oh=00_AYAasMmNpUa0iQYH9WcXAcSiAzuFePoNjfJ6sTZ4Hisw-Q&oe=67C9D0CE	PERSON_PROFILE	0	BeautyDerma	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,726,570	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:06	active	2673	Love & Romance Bridal Show	This is a wedding vendor event for upcoming brides!! Over 30 vendors will be at the show to help make your wedding the perfect day! There will be dresses, tuxedos rentals, venues, photographers, videographers, DJS, florists, catering, travel services, make up professionals, bartending services, rental services and much more!! Over $1,500 in prizes and a honeymoon giveaway! Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Rental Land Special Events. Tickets are $8.	EVENT_RSVP	https://www.facebook.com/events/1570247043686856/	Love and Romance Bridal Show	https://www.facebook.com/loveandromancebridalshow/	835	1969-12-31 18:00	INTERESTED	Love & Romance Bridal Show	EVENT	This is a wedding vendor event for upcoming brides!! Over 30 vendors will be at the show to help make your wedding the perfect day! There will be dresses, tuxedos rentals, venues, photographers, videographers, DJS, florists, catering, travel services, make up professionals, bartending services, rental services and much more!! Over $1,500 in prizes and a honeymoon giveaway! Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Rental Land Special Events. Tickets are $8.	https://www.facebook.com/events/1570247043686856/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481904971_1560720097880966_5477478644024840347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ChvB_D3CnWIQ7kNvgEVNAf7&_nc_oc=Adj8c4xJgl_FTXMKbY0jixnPGNYL3Bkba8uK9hKx9Vo4kDRI9dSQdQAZyQFTjxZvHs1J--hTB048K_7-hqoAU_MQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUjSiYm-tHN-L4ptkbmdxgV&oh=00_AYD726gqwfN_EVEdUYk5WtEWVi6Ko26gvnsfUF0m1DI_Sg&oe=67C9EBDC	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Love and Romance Bridal Show	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,721,519	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 00:33	active	2668		Tras descubrir la infidelidad de su marido Trevor, Joanna se divorció de inmediato. Decidida a heredar la fortuna de su familia y a tener un hijo, buscó a un gigoló para que fuera el padre de su bebé. Vincent, el CEO del Grupo Riley, que llevaba años amando en secreto a Joanna, fingió ser un gigoló y fue elegido por ella. Durante su encuentro íntimo, Vincent insistió en llevar una máscara para ocultar su identidad, sabiendo que Joanna ha jurado no volver a casarse con alguien rico. Sin embargo, Trevor seguía acosando a Joanna, por lo que Vincent intervino para protegerla mientras se hacía pasar por gigoló. Finalmente, descubrieron su verdadera identidad. Enfurecido, Trevor intentó separarlos. Al enterarse de la verdad, Joanna decidió poner fin a su relación con Vincent, sólo para darse cuenta de que fue él, y no Trevor, quien le salvó la vida en el baile.	WATCH_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-01	Mo-TV	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	4,819	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	fbweb.moboreels.com	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-0103-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=223704&jump=0&exdata=A1592F1010431F0C5756F7E31708776EECD8368259F12CDD	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480796738_3812180942427443_3005899194265484434_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fss0PprICzgQ7kNvgFJwTOv&_nc_oc=AdhNEhtmgcBrB2sGkdlsVqrRR5-XcnStJRhI1xZWZOP_iiUldpFKfcGyFkFy1x6SddA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AkS1MBljQSZIttsL11UOSJe&oh=00_AYCOCRTTGkXcU5AONOI8E5P8X4akhK_smFDiF5ZdIUKbMA&oe=67C9C624	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Mo-TV	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,726,624	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:06	active	2673		$1,500 GIVEAWAY!!! Details⬇️ PLEASE READ SURPRISE! We are partnering with @chaatwalachicago for our 500 followers GIVEAWAY and there will be FOUR lucky winners announced on March 16th!! 🔺GIVEAWAY RULES🔺 How to enter: 1. Must FOLLOW both @smackdonuts and @chaatwalachicago 2. LIKE this post, TAG 3 friends and COMMENT which prize you’d like to win from below: •“SMACK500” : $500 event credit (min. 200 servings) •“SMACK250” : $250 event credit (min. 50 servings) •“CHAAT500” : $500 event credit (min. 2 hour booking) •“CHAAT250” : $250 event credit (min. 1 hour booking) 3. SHARE this post to your story and make sure you tag both accounts: @smackdonuts and @chaatwalachicago ———————————— Multiple entries allowed Event credit can be applied to existing or new bookings If all steps are not followed properly, you will not be considered as eligible in this giveaway This giveaway will end on March 15th at 11:59pm THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for the support this past month since we have launched 💗 Good Luck!!	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/smackdonuts	smackdonuts	https://www.instagram.com/_u/smackdonuts	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	IMAGE		http://instagram.com/smackdonuts	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/474065570_587005754243804_4533150824741772509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=AzN4f5EpZtsQ7kNvgHZ0KrF&_nc_oc=AdirK-TIj7yT_hHvcdqOfuwa32H2YBQzGpKX_eVE468Q2DTvpUttuaVr2TDnWUic12ItrWfhFlrYKoc9EKR6mmNt&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYBi4wWBs0jU_yl3JXOJQ93L7QLbyVeu_1AOxhF-vzr6VQ&oe=67C9C6CC	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	smackdonuts	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,727,360	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:06	active	2673		🎉 MINISO Westfield Stratford City Turns 1! 🎉🎈 Looking for fun things to do in London this weekend? Head to MINISO Westfield Stratford City from 28 FEB - 2 MAR for an EPIC BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION filled with freebies, giveaways & kawaii galore! 🛍✨ @miniso_uk [PR Invite] 📍 Where? MINISO, Westfield Stratford City 📅 When? 28th February - 2nd March 🎁 What’s happening? ✅ FREE GOODY BAG (worth £25) when you spend £15+ (first 200 customers daily!) ✅ SPIN TO WIN when you spend £20+ (Prizes to be won!) ✅ FREE SNACK GIVEAWAY – Yum! 🍪🍫 💖 Whether you're a Sanrio superstar, a Disney fan, or a Harry Potter collector, MINISO has the cutest Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pompompurin, and Pokémon goodies waiting for you! Plus, don’t miss out on their affordable beauty & skincare finds. ✨ Forget the Disney Store—MINISO is THE place to be! Bring your friends, family & fellow collectors and stock up on the cutest merch at affordable prices! 💬 Tag your shopping squad & don't miss out! 🎀🛍 #ThingsToDoInLondon #LondonEvents #MinisoUK #WestfieldStratford #SanrioLover #KawaiiMerch #FamilyDaysOutLondon #MinisoBirthday #KawaiiLondon #DisneyMerch #HarryPotterFans #LondonShopping #HelloKittyFans #PokemonCollectors #LondonThingsToDo	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/lifewithtraceyandethan.kobi	lifewithtraceyandethan.kobi	https://www.facebook.com/lifewithtraceyandethan.kobi/	22	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/lifewithtraceyandethan.kobi	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482128680_1870558467017049_6916046486206234616_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TGwdUJepBdMQ7kNvgFDP9u5&_nc_oc=AdiDJ70tQwS02ofcLUlEVEVkFK9DS11p05CHgStJ74Wbam97eSwKXk1e60LidGUj0pt99D-upiheB5yGtIejzoXB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AeckUY5tpkObe-DDFw8N7-A&oh=00_AYCHZh1gGQI6S5DFJq6DugTE_hUlyp49EM5YCyfvdxxf3g&oe=67C9C655	PERSON_PROFILE	0	lifewithtraceyandethan.kobi	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,721,398	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2721384}'	Yes	2025-03-02 00:33	active	2668	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜	After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene. Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it. And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years. She just disappeared from his world completely. Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man. Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window. Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony." "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him. "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever. Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?" "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words. "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly. "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice." As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway? Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage. However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other. The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper. Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment. Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law. Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed. Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection. Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married. The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna. Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically. So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway! "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request." "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money! After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about. "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger. Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all! "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..." Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter. Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs! "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!" Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!" Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently. And then... Her stockings were ripped apart... The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her! "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain! Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel. He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him! Good! Very good! She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life. "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?" He finally called her name as he was on top of her. Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years. Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!" Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered! She was... beautiful! This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes. That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick. "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!" Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess. Two months later... In a hospital. "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!" Giving up? No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children! It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right... ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna Four years later. In the intensive-care unit of a hospital. "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!" Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!" Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days. Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed. He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%. In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group. Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government. So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days. However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world! No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced. "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!" Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little. Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured. She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end. Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl. "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!" "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered. And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter. "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!" "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..." Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?" A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?" Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question. Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene! Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it. And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either. It had been four years! Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them! She just disappeared from his world completely. "Joann... Joann!" "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..." The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed! They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated! Tap, tap, tap... From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels! Creak. The door of the ward was pushed open. The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more. She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few. "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?" "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed. "Joanna!" The others all gasped. She had changed so much. Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady! What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years! "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..." For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna. "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!" "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..." With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut! Beep! The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death! "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks. She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her! "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious. He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more! "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!" Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business." Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother! By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control. Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first." "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed." ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body. Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others. "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this. Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here." The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger. Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..." "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking. Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd. "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family." Bruce did not reply. During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him. The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family. Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life. "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying. "Mom, what are you talking about?" "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore." Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight." "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be. Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car... Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?" Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most. She had it all well-designed six years ago. First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything. After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance. Yet she did not expect that it would backfire. Bruce actually slept with Joanna. And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna. Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time" "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried. Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes. The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna. Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once. "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..." Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral. It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects. Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery. After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused. "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group." "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!" "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting." Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..." A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?" Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director." "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?" "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..." While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines. A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes. "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce. Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm. There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm. He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control. Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity. The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first. "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood. After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman. "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!" "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?" As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits. The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4. And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest. ----------------------------------------------------------- Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here! Install the APP to search for the title " The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife”🤩🤩	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/f0j	Novel Dreamscape Realm	https://www.facebook.com/61572423866367/	80	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	website.literiess.com	VIDEO		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/f0jefz24oggv4wh4qjjabrfz?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217350107420762&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481115170_1725525601374279_901662144433476776_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o10uB8M-WiwQ7kNvgHBygD9&_nc_oc=AdiPWDo7D4TlliV8jt_SSz7sRk5wgKg01OTgBcg0wgTdYG4otSd05yIJ6F4l-DV5SdE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AexBbr83-SbhljzuUaCAmTu&oh=00_AYC5iJZJY6L_qdSaMf7wcelmsGPiLpQypk37Kt3MTXEXug&oe=67C9C8C8	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Novel Dreamscape Realm	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,721,664	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-02 00:33	active	2668	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜	💖🔞💋The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. *** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." *** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me? .............................................................................. Hayden despised me. There was no way he would have carried me. Plus, I had no recollection of even going to the guest room last night. I thought it through and asked skeptically, "Are you sure? I remember falling asleep on the cou—" Suddenly, I caught myself and quickly stopped. If others found out that Hayden and I were sleeping separately, who knew what kind of gossip would start? The servant looked a bit confused but spoke confidently, "I was on duty that night, and I saw you go to the guest room at midnight. Later, Mr. Hayden Parker came to carry you back. Maybe you should check the guest room for your hairpin?" As soon as she finished, I hurried to the guest room and spotted my hairpin on the nightstand. So, maybe I sleepwalked last night, and then Hayden carried me back? No, that seemed way too unlikely. With my mind racing, I made my way downstairs, only to run into Nevin out of the blue. "I heard you're thinking about divorcing Hayden? That's quite bold of you to think you can make threats," he sneered, his eyes dripping with disdain and sarcasm. "It's none of your business," I retorted, trying to sidestep him, having no intention of engaging in this conversation. Nevin blocked my way. "Are you just playing hard to get again? With your lack of life skills, once you're divorced, do you think you can survive without Hayden's money?" "Why wouldn't I be able to make it on my own?" I frowned, irritated. Did he think divorced women have to wait around to fade away? What century did he think this was? "Oh? Besides bothering Hayden, have you ever accomplished anything meaningful?" Nevin rested his chin on his hand, pretending to think deeply. My heart clenched. For the past ten years, my life had revolved around Hayden, and everything I had done was about him. But now, he meant nothing to me, and so did the Parker family. I glared at Nevin, the memories of the humiliation he'd inflicted over the past year fresh in my mind. Anger welled up inside me, and I bit out, "I haven't divorced Hayden yet. You'd better show me some respect." Nevin froze, his eyes widening in disbelief before he burst into laughter. "What? You want respect? Do you even deserve it?" "If you're unsure, you can ask Xander," I said, holding his gaze without flinching, mirroring his scorn. "And by the way, you put someone in the hospital six months ago, and I helped you out. You haven't even thanked me." "You!" Nevin gritted his teeth, thrown by my unexpected reminder of old times. He bellowed, "I never asked for your help. You just butt into my affairs." "Really? I bet the guy who got beaten up still holds a grudge against you. Should I go talk to him?" I retorted, my tone as icy as winter. Nevin's expression changed completely. "I don't believe you would actually go to him. You..." Before he could finish, I turned on my heel and walked away. "Yvonne, are you insane? How dare you talk to me like that?" Nevin's glare pierced the air, his voice booming. Yet, his words only echoed into the silence of the empty living room. Seething, Nevin stormed into the company to find Hayden. "You think something's up with Yvonne? She's acting like a whole new person." Hayden was hunched over his desk, swamped with paperwork, scribbling signatures on documents. Without lifting his gaze, he queried, "Why'd you go to her?" "I ran into her at the Parker residence," Nevin explained, slowing down as he continued, "I heard she went to see Grandpa, probably about divorcing you." His eyes were locked on Hayden, eager to catch every detail. Hayden's hand, holding the Montblanc pen, froze. "What did Grandpa say?" he asked calmly, his lips barely parting. Nevin was about to reply when a burst of laughter rang out from beyond the door. "Is Yvonne planning to divorce you, Hayden? Didn't see that coming. You getting dumped is a new one." Hayden looked up casually, his charming eyes flicking toward the door as a cold glint crossed his face. The newcomer strolled in, at ease in a white casual suit and sporting a sly grin. "Yasir? Long time no see!" Nevin recognized him and jumped to his feet, his excitement palpable. Yasir Gibson was an old buddy of Hayden's, but they were like night and day. Yasir was all about eating, drinking, and having a good time, which made him a breeze to hang out with for Nevin. "You little troublemaker, I heard you invited Yvonne to the welcome party? Tsk, you are really bad. You knew Hayden had brought back his side piece—" "Yasir Gibson," Hayden interrupted, his tone laced with a clear warning. Yasir quickly got serious, rubbing his nose awkwardly. "Sorry, just a slip. But what about Joanna? What's your relationship with her?" He wasn't really aware of Hayden's business overseas. He'd only heard about the welcome party after the fact, unable to make it because of other obligations. After days of curiosity, he'd finally decided to stop by. "What do you think?" Hayden replied coldly, his tone icy. Yasir almost shivered at the frost in Hayden's words, his gaze flicking to the rosary bracelet on Hayden's wrist. "You've always steered clear of women, and even after getting hitched, you kept your distance from your wife. So, hearing that there's a woman in your life now—it's like a twist out of a fairy tale," he explained. In high society, it was rare to find someone without a taste for indulgence. If anyone else had an affair after marriage, it would seem normal. However, Hayden was renowned for his asceticism and was widely believed to be disinterested in women. As Yasir anxiously awaited Hayden's response, Hayden suddenly asked, "Who said I don't even touch my wife?" Yasir and Nevin gaped at each other, their looks exchanging a shared disbelief at Hayden's words. Finally, Nevin stammered, "Everyone in town knows you kicked Yvonne out of the room on your wedding night. You've never given a damn about her. How could you be interested in her now?" Hayden's handsome features darkened, his voice edged with a menacing tone. "How would outsiders know about my personal affairs? Did you spread it?" "I..." Nevin froze, feeling the air freeze in his lungs as he thought, 'Why is Hayden so furious?' The reason was plain as day. Hayden's usually serene eyes were now ablaze with fury. "If I catch wind of such rumors again, you'll be out of the Parker family." "I understand. " Nevin shuddered, beads of cold sweat dotting his forehead. "Get out!" Hayden barked, his irritation palpable. He might not have cared for Yvonne, but this was a family matter—it wasn't decent to air it out. Nevin was so frightened that he quickly slipped away. Yasir let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, poor Yvonne. She's been so devoted to you. Since you left a year ago, who knows how many cold stares she's had to deal with?" "What do you mean?" Hayden frowned, a hint of confusion crossing his face.	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2,726,102	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2726021}'	Yes	2025-03-02 01:48	active	2672	😍Read the next chapters👉	In Merika State, the two of them lay close together on the hotel bed. As their passion grew, Justin Yates’s husky voice, filled with allure, murmured, “Em, how about having a child with me?” Caught up in the moment, Emily Yates replied without thinking. It wasn’t until they were lying together afterward that she remembered what he had said. “A child?” she repeated, a trace of intimacy lingering in her eyes. The look stirred Justin’s desire again. She was a constant temptation to him. Pushing those thoughts aside, he pulled out a ring and slipped it onto her left hand. “Are you proposing to me?” she asked. “Yes.” “Can I finally have your child now?” Justin asked, smiling. His eyes were warm, but there was no love in them, as if he were gazing past her, waiting for someone else’s answer. “I’ll give you plenty,” she replied, momentarily surprised. Proposing in bed wasn’t exactly romantic or formal, but she didn’t mind. She had waited three years for this moment, and it was worth it. Three years ago, she had been injured near the beach, hitting her head on a rock. When she woke up, she had no memory. Justin had saved her. The first thing she saw when she woke was his face, and one look left her captivated. Later, she learned that Justin had paid her hospital bills. She also learned of his identity. He was the CEO of RC Corporation. He proposed that she be his contract lover, and without hesitation, she agreed. They signed an agreement, defining their relationship, and he gave her the name Emily Yates. Yes, she was drawn to his looks. Despite their arrangement, the past three years felt like any other relationship. In the first year, she was a hidden lover. In the second, he introduced her as his girlfriend to his circle. Now, with three years approaching, he was proposing. Once she was part of his social circle, she heard whispers about a woman who had been his first love, someone he cherished deeply in college. She had disappeared without a trace, and he had been searching for her ever since. Over the years, Justin had lost hope she was still alive. That was why he finally proposed. Emily didn’t mind. Everyone has a past. Looking at the diamond ring on her left ring finger, she felt like it had all been worth it. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Justin was showering. Calming down, Emily wrapped a towel around herself and got out of bed to pick up their scattered clothes. A soft clink echoed as something hit the floor. It was Justin’s cardholder. She bent down to pick it up, and a photo slipped out. It was old, with frayed edges, as if it had been looked at countless times. The woman in the photo looked like her but younger, just how she would have looked three years ago. Emily didn’t remember ever taking this photo, but she had lost her memory. Maybe she had forgotten. She was just about to put the cardholder back when a large, slender hand appeared, taking it from her. Justin emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp and falling over his eyes, now tinged with a hint of displeasure. “Don’t touch my things,” he said coldly, his tone a sharp contrast to the intimacy they had just shared. Turning away from her, he put the cardholder back in his briefcase, his whole demeanor suddenly distant and guarded. Emily froze. Was he really getting defensive over a photo? She looked at him, confused. Wasn’t that her old picture? Before she could ask, Justin seemed to realize that his reaction had been out of line. He turned back and grasped her chin. With a playful glint in his eye, he ran his thumb over her still-swollen lips, toying with them. His voice was cool, devoid of warmth, but his words were deeply suggestive, clearly aiming to change the subject. “We’re going to be late for the art exhibit. If you rather stay here, I wouldn’t mind going another round.” Her cheeks flushed at his teasing, and she gently pushed him away. Her thoughts were scattered, and she quickly forgot about the photo. Justin had come to Merika State on business and had received an invitation to an art exhibition by Haley Quinn. He brought Emily along, planning to take her to the show once his work was done. Haley, a painter who had withdrawn from the public eye three years ago, rarely held exhibitions, making this one a rare event. Emily dressed quickly, while Justin had already changed into a fresh suit. The gallery was close to the hotel, so they walked there. Arm in arm, they strolled down the street, enjoying the perfect atmosphere. Just as Emily felt an overwhelming sense of happiness, Justin suddenly stopped. “Justin, what’s wrong?” She followed his gaze. Across the street, a disheveled woman, her clothes too dirty to recognize their original color, was recklessly crossing the traffic, oblivious to the danger. The woman pushed Emily aside and wrapped her arms tightly around Justin’s waist. She sobbed uncontrollably, gasping for air. “Justin, I finally found you. You came looking for me, didn’t you?” Emily stumbled from the shove, the bright sunlight momentarily blinding her. The woman looked eerily familiar. She resembled the one in the photo from the cardholder and, in a way, even looked like Emily herself. “Emma? Is that really you?” Justin’s voice trembled, his eyes locked onto the woman in his arms, as if afraid she might disappear again. Just moments ago, he had proposed to Emily. Now, right there in the street, he held another woman. He gently wiped away the woman’s tears with a tenderness so delicate, as if afraid of breaking something precious. “Yes, it’s me,” the woman sobbed, nodding desperately. Frail as she was, she clung to him. Justin was known for his fastidiousness and love of cleanliness, but he now held her tightly. He was soothing her with gentle words, as if she were a lost treasure he had finally recovered. He was afraid that even the slightest rough movement might hurt her. They seemed oblivious to everything around them, including Emily. Justin seemed to have forgotten Emily was still there. The woman in his arms had cried herself into unconsciousness. He took off his expensive jacket and draped it over her. He then slipped his arms under her knees and held her tightly as he carried her back toward the hotel. Emily stood there, feeling like an outsider. Her arm still ached from where she had been shoved, and she could still feel the warmth of Justin’s touch lingering around her waist. Just minutes ago, he had been tangled up with her in bed, proposing marriage. Now, he was leaving her in the middle of the street, carrying a woman who seemed to come out of nowhere. He had tossed aside his usual grace, holding this woman, who looked like a beggar, and rushed back to the hotel. The people around them pointed and whispered, like they were watching some sort of spectacle. Emily wanted to follow him, but her first step faltered. She steadied herself against a nearby building, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the window. Her flawless makeup now showed a hint of disarray. Chapter 2 Tears had fallen without her noticing, smudging the fresh makeup around her eyes. Emily glanced down at the diamond ring on her left hand, a sense of foreboding spreading through her. The sudden appearance of this woman might shatter the happiness she had been waiting for. She couldn’t just stand here. She had to know who this woman was. After a moment to gather herself, she headed back to the hotel. The plane flew from Merika State back to Haven State. At Lichfield Hospital, Emily stood at the door of a hospital room, arms crossed, trying to see inside through the window. Justin’s friend, Zac White, the director of Lichfield Hospital, along with other doctors, were examining the restless woman on the hospital bed. Two female nurses held her steady as they conducted their checks. On the plane, her face had already been cleaned, and she had been given fresh clothes. “Emma Xander? Hasn’t she... disappeared for the past four years?” Zac was shocked. Where had Justin found her? The Yates and White families had pulled every string they could to find Emma, but after four years with no trace, they had finally given up. And now, here she was. After completing their examination, the doctors and nurses left the room. A heavy silence fell over the space. A moment later, Justin’s voice seemed to echo from a distance as he gazed at the woman, now sound asleep after a sedative. “How is she doing?” “She’s malnourished, traumatized, and a bit disoriented, but otherwise fine. She just needs some time to recover.” Justin stood by her bedside, clearly prepared to stay with her. Zac hesitated, wanting to say something, but thought better of it and left the room. He opened the door to find Emily waiting outside. Feeling awkward for his friend, Zac adjusted his silver-framed glasses and greeted her with a polite smile. “Hi, Miss Yates.” Emily nodded in acknowledgment. “Dr. White, what’s her name? And what is her relationship with Justin?” she asked bluntly, desperate to know who this woman was. Zac hesitated, uncertain how to explain that Emma was Justin’s long-lost first love. This was his friend’s private matter, after all, and not his to reveal. Before he could find the words, Justin opened the door and saw them standing outside. He frowned, clearly displeased. “Didn’t I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?” Justin’s voice dripped with disdain and impatience, as if his irritation had taken on a life of its own. Emily stood her ground, unafraid. She needed answers. “You proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now you’re holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And you’re not even coming home? Staying out all night?” “Stop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,” he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Seeing Justin’s dark expression, Zac stepped in, concerned that Emily might end up on the losing side of this argument. When Justin was angry, it rarely boded well for anyone. “It’s late. Let me arrange a car to take Miss Yates home,” Zac offered, trying to ease the tension. Emily, however, refused Zac’s offer. She wasn’t leaving without answers. “You think I’m being unreasonable? I’m your fiancée. You left me on the street in a foreign country to carry another woman away without a second thought. Did you ever consider how I felt? “I’ll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, you’re coming home with me.” Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justin’s arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justin’s personal bodyguard, William Carter. Emily was stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing. It felt as though her heart was being torn in two. Justin had always been there for her, always caring, always the first to pick up her calls, no matter if he was in a meeting or on a business trip. If she ever needed him, he would show up immediately. If she couldn’t be reached, he would search the whole city until he found her. But now, with this woman in the hospital room, he wouldn’t even let her near him? “What do you mean by this?” Emily’s voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didn’t respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancée he had just proposed to. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. “Don’t be childish.” Childish? Once, he had said he loved how she depended on him, how she claimed him for herself. And now he was calling her childish? “If you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!” Emily’s heart ached, squeezing painfully in her chest. She knew it wasn’t the right moment to bring this up, but she couldn’t accept the idea that her future husband would spend the night in the hospital with another woman. Zac stood nearby, listening in shock. Marriage? Had Justin really proposed to Emily? And what about Emma in the hospital room? Justin glanced over his shoulder, worried that the woman asleep in the hospital bed might hear them and wake up. Emily noticed the concern in his eyes. It was an expression she had seen many times when he had worried about her. But now, that look was for someone else. He turned back to Emily, his voice still icy. “If you don’t want to get married, we can call it off. This isn’t the place for your drama. William, have the driver take her home.” He didn’t like being threatened, especially when it came to his marriage. Without another glance at her, he opened the door to the hospital room and went back inside. William stepped forward, maintaining his respectful tone. “Miss Yates, please don’t make this difficult for me. It’s time for you to go home.” Zac looked at Emily with sympathy. “Miss Yates, it’s late. Maybe it’s best to talk things over with Justin another time.” But how could they ever discuss this again? Her fiancé had just left her humiliated, choosing to stay with another woman without a care for her dignity. The hospital hallway lights felt harsh, blinding her with their brightness. Realizing that staying there made her look like a fool, Emily decided she wouldn’t let herself be a spectacle for others to watch. Clenching her purse tightly, Emily turned to leave. As she took a step, her vision blurred, and she nearly collapsed. Both Zac and William rushed to steady her, their grip gentlemanly but firm. “I’ll walk you to the car,” Zac offered. Leaning against the wall, Emily took a moment to steady herself, then shook her head. “I’m fine. I can get back on my own.” Her footsteps wobbled as she walked down the hallway, but she managed to keep her head high until she was out of their sight. After returning to the hospital room, Justin glanced down at Emma, who lay pale and frail on the bed. A strange weight settled in his chest, and the pervasive smell of antiseptic only added to his irritation. He tugged at his shirt collar, unbuttoning the top two buttons, but the air still felt suffocating. He stepped back out into the hallway, finding Zac and William waiting there. Emily was gone. “She left?” he asked, visibly more at ease now that she was no longer around. He didn’t want her disturbing Emma’s rest. “Yes, she’s gone,” Zac replied, hands in the pockets of his lab coat, nodding. With both of them standing there, Justin didn’t bother asking how Emily had left. “I’m stepping out for a break,” he said. Chapter 3 “So, Emma Xander’s back. What are you going to do?” Zac asked, breaking the silence. He didn’t mention Emily, but they both knew what he meant. One woman was the college sweetheart, the first love who had once saved Justin’s life. The other was the girlfriend who had been with him for three years, sharing his most intimate moments, and now, his fiancée. After a long pause, Justin replied, his voice cold and detached. “She was just a stand-in. She could never compare to Emma.” He went on, his tone utterly indifferent, as if he hadn’t been the one to propose to Emily in Merika State. “The role of Mrs. Yates will never be hers. It can only belong to Emma.” In a way, Emily had saved him the trouble of saying it himself when she had brought up their marriage in the hallway. Zac and Justin had been close friends since childhood, both growing up in privileged families, each carrying a bit of that self-centered mindset typical of their social circle. But this time, Zac couldn’t help feeling sorry for Emily. Emily, though an orphan with no family or wealth, was straightforward and honest. Over the past three years, she had complemented Justin perfectly, and in Zac’s eyes, they had seemed genuinely happy together. On the other hand, considering how long Emma had been abroad, it wasn’t hard to guess what she might have gone through. Zac didn’t care about things like V-card or a woman’s past, but he had always found Emma to be somewhat pretentious. Even back in college, she often disregarded Justin’s concerns, running off on her own without a second thought. After graduation, she mysteriously vanished during an overseas reunion party organized by a close group of alumni. Despite mobilizing every possible connection, they never found her. Even the police suggested they give up, implying that a young woman disappearing overseas was likely gone for good. At that time, Justin hadn’t fully taken over the company and wasn’t yet experienced in handling crises like these. Around the same time, his father, Henry Yates, was in a car accident and died despite emergency treatment. After the funeral, Justin was suddenly thrust into the dual responsibilities of inheriting the company and fending off his uncle, Harry Yates, who was trying to seize control. Thanks to his grandfather’s intervention, Justin managed to stabilize the corporation. By then, the critical window to find Emma had long passed, and any chance of finding her had all but disappeared. Zac clearly remembered how Justin had been consumed with frustration and self-blame during those days. And then Emily had come into his life, bringing him some peace. For that, Zac was truly grateful to her. “Emily’s been with you for three years,” Zac said, trying to speak up for her. “She’s an orphan, with no one else in the world. Isn’t it a bit cruel to treat her like this?” “Then I’ll keep her around,” Justin replied casually, brushing it off like it was no big deal. “But marriage? That’s not going to happen.” His tone was so offhanded, as if having another woman around didn’t matter at all. He didn’t see a problem with it. Keep her around? Really? Was he expecting her to stay hidden away as his stand-in lover, someone he kept out of sight? A mistress? A side piece? Emily didn’t leave the hospital right away. She sat on a bench behind the flower bed, letting the cold night air wash over her. She hadn’t expected to find out the truth like this. It turned out she was only here because she happened to look almost exactly like his lost one true love. And since she had lost her memory, he saw the perfect opportunity to mold her into the image of the woman he truly missed, hiding the truth from her and using her as a substitute. All the affection and indulgence he had shown her, it was never really for her. It was for the woman he had lost. Emma Xander. So that was her name, the one he had loved all his life. That was why he named her Emily, a name that allowed him to keep calling out for the one he had always loved. Even in their most intimate moments, he would call her “Em.” Whenever he whispered “Em” in that deep, seductive voice, full of passion, she would lose herself completely, sinking further into him. It turned out he was simply looking at her face and calling out another woman’s name all along. It dawned on her that the photo in Justin’s wallet must have been of Emma, not her. She had foolishly assumed the woman in that picture was herself. What a joke. From start to finish, Justin had shaped her into the image of his hidden love, his one true love. And she had naively believed that she had won him over, making him fall in love with her. In truth, she was nothing more than a piece in their story. Emily felt her heart plunge from a mountaintop to the depths of despair. She had gone from being a proud fiancée to a hidden stand-in, a shadow. She had liked, maybe even loved Justin. But her pride couldn’t accept that she had been someone else’s replacement all along, or that she was now the secret other woman. Resolved to leave, she felt a small sense of relief that Justin had only proposed. They weren’t married yet, and breaking up would be far easier than going through a divorce. For a moment, she felt grateful for Emma’s sudden appearance. “Miss Yates, where are you?” the driver called, stepping out of the car after waiting a while. “I’m here.” Emily pulled herself from her thoughts, putting on her usual calm expression. “Is it just you? Where’s Mr. Yates?” he asked. “He’s not coming back.” Emily rose from the bench by the flower bed and walked back to the car with the driver. She wore a cream-colored, knee-length dress in a sweet, innocent style. As an artist, she was open to trying any look, but it was Justin who had said he liked this style. So, for the past three years, she had dressed this way for him. The spring breeze brushed her bare calves, sending a chill through her. Zac looked a bit uncomfortable, “Emily didn’t leave?” So, she had heard everything they had said. Justin’s tone was just as indifferent, cold, and unfeeling. “Good. Let her hear it. She needs to know her place and avoid causing any more scenes like tonight.” With that, he turned and walked away from the garden, completely unfazed by the fact that Emily had overheard him. Emily sat quietly during the ride back to Villa One. Mrs. Zimmer greeted her at the door, her face lighting up warmly after a few days apart. “You’re back! It must’ve been tiring, traveling with Mr. Yates.” Emily nodded wearily, barely acknowledging her. “Yes.” “Where’s Mr. Yates?” Mrs. Zimmer glanced behind her, looking for Justin. “He won’t be back tonight.” Emily’s voice was detached, as if his return made no difference to her. Mrs. Zimmer looked slightly disappointed at first, but then her face lit up with a knowing smile, the kind that came from having seen a lot in life. She took Emily’s suitcase and gently urged her to go get some rest in the bedroom. Once inside, Emily understood Mrs. Zimmer’s smile. The room was dimly lit, with candles arranged at various heights, casting a soft, romantic glow. Flowers and scented candles adorned the surfaces, and a bottle of champagne sat open on the table. Even the usual heavy gray curtains had been replaced with delicate lace, adding an air of intimacy. The bed was covered in thick rose petals, the entire room transformed into a romantic setting. Clearly, this had been Justin’s arrangement before their trip. Exhausted, Emily didn’t have the energy to clean up, and it was too late to bother Mrs. Zimmer. Chapter 4 Emily found the remote to turn on the lights, then looked for something handy to snuff out each candle one by one. Afterward, she retrieved her nightgown from the closet and headed for a shower. As she walked into the bathroom, she noticed the ring still on her left hand. She slipped it off and tossed it into the corner of her jewelry box. When she returned to the bedroom, she brushed all the rose petals off the bed and settled under the covers, pulling them over her head. She instinctively lay on the left side of the bed, where she was used to sleeping. Justin would always hold her close, gradually shifting over to the left with her until they were practically glued together. Now, the right side of the bed was glaringly empty. To fill the space, she scooted to the center, tossing the extra pillow onto the floor, finally feeling comfortable. She turned off the lights and went to sleep. Two days passed without any word from Justin. He was likely at the hospital with Emma or busy with work. Emily didn’t care and hadn’t reached out, maintaining a complete radio silence. The morning sun was bright, and the spring breeze was warm as she lounged on a deck chair in the villa’s garden, enjoying a face mask. Her mind wandered to practical matters. She had spent some time reviewing the contract she signed three years ago to be Justin’s “contract lover.” It was set to expire automatically after three years, which was now less than four months away. When it ended, she would receive a payout of twenty million. Between that, and the allowance and holiday bonuses he had given her over the years, she had saved nearly six million. She had barely spent any of it, so it was all tucked away. It seemed she would be in decent shape financially, and finding a job after leaving wouldn’t be too hard. As for a place to live, she could buy a similarly sized home, and maybe invite Helen to move in as a roommate. It would be nice to have company. She did regret not being able to take Mrs. Zimmer with her. If she could, it would be perfect. The phone on the coffee table buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. Emily picked it up, unlocked it with her fingerprint, and a new message notification popped up at the top of the screen. She tapped to open it. It was from her friend, Helen Walker. They had met a year ago while shopping, when Helen insisted on becoming friends after seeing her just once. With no memory of any past friendships, Emily had found Helen easy to talk to, and they had gradually become close. “How was your time in Merika State? When are you coming back?” Helen had attached a mischievous emoji with a smirk. “I’m already back.” “Already? That was quick.” “I thought Justin looked strong. Guess he didn’t last long? Not up to it?” “Not just ‘not up to it’. He can’t even get started.” Emily replied, seizing the chance to curse him. On the other end, Helen raised an eyebrow. It looked like Justin had managed to tick off her friend. But she wasn’t too concerned as they had argued before. Couples fought, and it usually blew over. “Perfect timing then. I’m heading to the TC Mall in a bit to stock up on some new clothes. Let’s hit the mall together and grab some food afterward. Get ready and meet me there.” “Sounds good. I’ll see you at the mall.” Emily agreed readily. She had spent the past couple of days clearing out the sweet, youthful clothes she didn’t like. Her wardrobe could use a refresh. She put down the phone and washed off her face mask. Glancing at the nearly empty wardrobe, she picked out a casual athletic outfit and did a quick, simple makeup look. Fresh and tidy, she got ready to head out. “Mrs. Zimmer, I’m meeting a friend to go shopping. I’ll have lunch out,” Emily said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Alright, Miss Yates. Will you be back for dinner?” Mrs. Zimmer, who was supervising the housekeeper’s cleaning, looked up to ask. Emily paused while slipping on her shoes, thinking about how unpredictable Helen could be and that they hadn’t seen each other in a while. She might not be back for dinner. “Not sure yet. I’ll text you later if I’ll be back in time.” “Understood.” As Emily opened the door, she found Justin’s assistant, Sam Spencer, just about to knock. “Hi, Sam,” she greeted him coolly, planning to step around him to leave. “Hi, Miss Yates. Mr. Yates has a flight out of town this afternoon for a business trip. Could I trouble you to help pack his things before you go?” Sam’s tone was respectful, as usual. Emily didn’t move. “Mrs. Zimmer, Justin’s going on a trip. Could you please help with his packing?” “Miss Yates, this…?” Sam’s face showed confusion. “What? Before I came along, didn’t Justin have someone to handle his luggage?” Her expression was calm, her tone light. “Of course. You’re absolutely right, Miss Yates,” Sam replied, beads of sweat forming as he carefully balanced his response, not daring to offend either side. In the past, Emily had always packed for Justin’s business trips. She had done it so many times that she knew exactly what he would need for any occasion. But now, she had no desire to continue. He had used her as a stand-in, and every time he watched her pack his bags, he must have thought she looked foolish. Three years. Now that she thought back, there had been plenty of strange looks and behaviors from Justin that she hadn’t picked up on. She had been utterly blind. But she wouldn’t be foolish anymore. Emily was ready to leave, but Sam was blocking the door, preventing her from going. She urged Mrs. Zimmer to hurry with the packing. Mrs. Zimmer quickly filled the suitcase and handed it to Sam, who was waiting in the living room. He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes had barely passed. That was fast. "Mrs. Zimmer, are you sure it’s all packed? Should we check to make sure nothing’s missing?" he asked cautiously. Emily replied without emotion, “Isn’t the flight at noon? If you keep dragging your feet, he’ll miss it. Besides, anything he needs can be bought over there.” She checked her watch, starting to feel a bit pressed for time. If she delayed much longer, Helen would end up waiting impatiently, and they would miss out on shopping before lunch. And who wanted to try on clothes with a full stomach? “Of course, Miss Yates. I’ll head over to the office to pick up Mr. Yates,” Sam said with a polite smile, making his way out. Emily nodded and headed down to the garage. She chose a white luxury car and drove off. Meanwhile, Sam took the suitcase to the sleek black car parked discreetly by the curb. He placed it in the trunk, then settled into the front passenger seat. The driver, Justin’s bodyguard, William, started the car. But instead of heading to the airport, they were bound for Lichfield Hospital. “How much longer until Emily’s contract is up?” Justin’s voice was calm and emotionless, as if he were discussing a routine business matter. Sam immediately understood that the question was directed at him. He quickly recalled the contract details. “Less than four months, Mr. Yates.” “Draft a new agreement and deliver it to her when the time comes,” Justin instructed. Keeping her around for three years had cost him little, and continuing to support her wasn’t an issue. But he was done with her. He wouldn’t touch her again or return to Villa One. Recalling the scene from the hospital hallway two nights ago, he added without hesitation, “Include a clause that ensures she never shows up in front of Emma again.” Sam was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his professional composure. “Understood, Mr. Yates.” Chapter 5 People said billionaires were cold and indifferent in their personal lives, switching women as easily as they changed clothes. For the past three years, Mr. Yates had only been with Miss Yates, making him seem like a devoted man. But it looked like he could move on in an instant. Who knew how long Miss Xander would last by his side? Sam had joined the company three years ago, right when Justin took over RC Corporation, so he wasn’t familiar with the complicated history between Emma and Justin. Inside TC Mall, Emily was browsing through clothes, each piece a far cry from her usual sweet and innocent style. “Babe, switching things up?” Helen asked, watching as Emily picked up a long black dress with a slitted hem. It would look stunning on Emily’s curves. Emily held the dress up to herself in the mirror, unfazed. “Yep, time for a change. Do you think this would look better with a shawl or a jacket?” She turned to give Helen a look. “A shawl, definitely. It’ll highlight your figure beautifully,” Helen replied with her usual style advice. “That’s what I thought too.” Helen eyed the dress. “That dress is so feminine. Will your guy even let you wear it out? Doesn’t Justin only let you wear those sweet, innocent schoolgirl outfits?” Helen couldn’t help but mentally criticize Justin’s taste. What kind of fashion sense did he have anyway? A multinational CEO, a man with a grip on the Haven State economy, yet he liked her to dress like a schoolgirl. “His taste doesn’t matter anymore. It’s not something I’m concerned about,” Emily replied casually, completely indifferent. She handed the dress to a fitting assistant with a similar build, having her try it on for her. High-end stores like this one often had staff who modeled the clothes for clients, so she didn’t have to try them on herself. Emily picked out a few more items in different styles for the assistant to model. If she liked them, she would buy them. When she was satisfied with her choices, she scanned her card and paid, then filled out the delivery details for Villa One. The clothes would be sent straight there. After they had finished shopping, they went for lunch. With no one else around, Emily finally shared her situation with Helen that she had been Justin’s stand-in for his one true love. Now that his true love had returned, she was planning to leave him. “That despicable man!” Helen burst out, her emotions flaring. “Keep it down.” Emily quickly covered Helen’s mouth and glanced around to see if anyone at nearby tables was paying attention to them. Helen lowered her voice but was still fuming. “Justin might look put-together, but he’s not even half a man. His first love disappears, so he goes and finds a stand-in? “Why didn’t he just get plastic surgery to look like her? Then he could see her every time he looked in the mirror. “Good for you for walking away. You should break up with him. No! Just breaking up is too good for that pompous human garbage! You need to dump him into the sewers!” LMAO, where did Helen even learn these insults from? Just then, the server brought out a tray with seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and a variety of salsas. Emily began assembling her own tacos, adding the toppings she liked best. “The contract’s up in four months. I’m planning to buy a place.” “What for? Just stay with me. I’ve got a room for you.” “My address is still tied to Justin’s place. Since I’ve decided to leave, I need a clean break. I’ll need my own place to change everything over,” Emily explained, outlining her plan. Her heart felt numb now, no longer as raw as it had been the night she’d learned the truth in the hospital garden. “Then you can cancel your lease and move in with me! We’ll be family!" Emily suggested excitedly. Helen suppressed the impulse to tell Emily that they were already family. Given Emily's amnesia, she didn’t want to overwhelm her with too much information all at once. Instead, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll move in with you. I’ll start looking around for a place for you. Actually the place I rent now is quite nice. The location and neighborhood are perfect. I’ll check if the landlord’s interested in selling, though it’s a resale property.” “I don’t care if it’s new or used. As long as it’s clean and ready to go, I’m good.” Emily didn’t need much. After leaving the cushy life she had been used to, she was perfectly fine doing things on her own. She found the independence kind of refreshing. After lunch, they picked up some accessories to go with the new outfits, light enough to carry back on her own. Emily said goodbye to Helen and drove back to Villa One. By the time she got back, the clothes she had bought that morning had already been delivered, ironed, and neatly hung in the walk-in closet by the house staff. She hadn’t bought much, just enough to last the next few months and to keep the move as hassle-free as possible. The women’s side of the closet was nearly empty, with only a few of her favorite pieces hanging. She grabbed a new loungewear set to change into and happened to glance over at the men’s side, packed with Justin’s clothes. Emily didn’t linger. She strode past it without a second thought. As she was heading to the bathroom, her phone rang from the sofa. She put down the clothes and picked up the call. “Hello, is this Miss Yates?” “Yes, this is.” “I’m a nurse from Lichfield Hospital. Your health screening results are in. When would be a convenient time for you to come pick them up?” Emily remembered that Justin had taken her for a checkup just before their trip to Merika State. She had forgotten all about it until this call. “I’ll come by tomorrow morning.” “Very well. Have a nice day.” The next day, Emily went to Lichfield Hospital. “Plan to have a baby?” “That’s right. Mr. Yates specifically requested it during his screening. Your health is excellent, Miss Yates. Your ovulation cycle is regular, so we recommend folic acid, Vitamin B1, and plenty of protein. With the right timing and frequency, you should be expecting good news soon.” The doctor adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly. Emily’s fingers tightened around the report, a heavy feeling settling in her chest. She had been trying hard not to think about Justin lately, but this report hit her unexpectedly hard. “Miss Yates, I’ll prescribe you two boxes of folic acid and Vitamin B1. Be sure to take them regularly.” Emily interrupted him, finding an excuse to refuse. “Thanks, doctor, but that won’t be necessary. I’ll get them on my own.” The doctor wasn’t surprised. Wealthy women like her often had access to premium brands from various sources, so declining hospital-prescribed supplements wasn’t unusual. Emily left the hospital in a daze, only coming to her senses when she reached a sunny spot outside. She tossed the health report into the trash bin. With Emma back, Justin clearly had no intention of having children with her. And she certainly didn’t want to give him one, either. It was easier to pretend she didn’t know what the checkup had really been for. Meanwhile, in the hospital’s garden, the spring sunlight was warm and gentle. Justin was pushing Emma’s wheelchair, letting her enjoy the sunshine. “Justin, you’re busy with work. You don’t have to be here with me all the time. I can manage on my own,” Emma said, her voice soft and considerate. “Focus on getting better. Don’t worry about anything else.” Justin felt a deep guilt about Emma’s disappearance, blaming himself for not protecting her better. He believed his negligence had allowed her to be taken and vanish without a trace. Over the past few days, he had tried to gather clues from her about what happened, but whenever he brought it up, she would break down, unable to share any details. Emily hadn’t expected to see Justin at the hospital. Hadn’t Sam said Justin was out of town on a business trip?	LEARN_MORE	https://www.lzwnyvvd.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	374	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.lzwnyvvd.com	VIDEO		https://www.lzwnyvvd.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=18085&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476166917_645980224467944_3102459196062518266_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FQVKCVHvILgQ7kNvgGhI9sg&_nc_oc=AdjZtzsxvLL3CsBp-AhOvorFR8fkq8AltsQq_geBvhES3iqOePUm03RKwh34E7sbhZ4YORrjqjnnk4eH6aZ0uazs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AfK3PZqfyeIZfeSZuWvYDDm&oh=00_AYBiSyUjjF-BLEwUHb47vGW7f1vij69kWv3iDACwLGlJ6Q&oe=67C9ECC3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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