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No 2025-03-02 02:54 active 2674 0 I found he cheated on with spy app Are you being cheated on? 🥺 ✅ Discover the spy app for cell phones! Try it now for free! 🔥 View compromising messages 🔎 Access the camera and photo gallery 🔥 Track location and get everything in real time 🔎 100% safe and legally compliant… 🔥access different apps such as Instagram, Facebook, tiktok, snapchat Click “Learn more” to try the app for free LEARN_MORE https://www.spyaffairdetect.online/step1 Raissa Viana https://www.facebook.com/raissavianac/ 4 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 www.spyaffairdetect.online VIDEO https://www.spyaffairdetect.online/step1 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481469514_1151512216428930_3616168933169185774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A4qarLrPBYUQ7kNvgGzND6x&_nc_oc=AdhV9d6LC6LTpwpqaIYxDKl7Sxp9VoVdK1rRMSDe519-sKbGkDtj_TCskxuzkjd5dhMi2-YWIOEdJETNQl-47G0c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AN5xyAWiJJSbdSAfA_O_Qrq&oh=00_AYDaTqHOiBVzEQGsqzhwYVVyiSwzn8X2noNA98T_0Wf-uQ&oe=67C9F317 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Raissa Viana 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 02:54 active 2674 0 Read next chapter Born into a society where girls were undervalued and often oppressed, her parents hid the fact that she was a girl to protect her from harm. However, after her parents died, she was adopted by a king and sold as a s*x slave to the ruthless Beast King. ===== UREKAI: In the days of old, the Urekai stood out as the strongest and most powerful beings in the world. The ancient tongue called them 'fearsome beasts' for: Like werewolves, they could transform into beasts. Like vampires, they consumed bl**d. And walked among humans with no one the wiser. The ageless, peaceful, selfless beings preferred to keep to themselves. Despite being feared and distrusted, they never responded with aggression. They granted passage to any species wishing to enter their lands beyond the great mountain and welcomed everyone. But five centuries ago, an unexpected species attacked the Urekais during their one night of weakness. The humans. While protecting his people, Grand King Daemonikai lost control of his mind, going feral. Becoming a danger to the same people whom he had given everything to protect. Although it seemed impossible, the Urekais managed to capture their king's beast form, imprisoning him in a secure cage, ensuring he could never escape. But, consumed by hatred for humans, the Urekai plunged themselves into darkness. Becoming the fearsome beasts others had always feared them to be. Wearing their monstrosity with pride. HUMANS: After invading the Urekais, a mysterious virus outbreak struck. No one knew where it came from, but many speculated their attack on the Urekais brought it on. While most males eventually recovered after a long struggle, the virus proved fatal for the majority of females. Survivors rarely gave birth to female children. Those left or born became scarce and sought-after commodities. In many kingdoms, greedy fathers sold their daughters to breeding houses. Some were forced into pleasure houses, existing solely for men's enjoyment. Some faced terrible abuse in exchange for protection. Even the wealthy and the privileged could not guarantee the safety of the females in their lives, as the mere sight of a female--be it an infant, a young girl, or an elderly woman--drew unwanted attention. Female children faced constant danger. They are not safe in the society. *** PROLOGUE HUMAN LAND: THE KINGDOM OF NAVIA. "It's a g-girl, your highness," Prince Garret froze. As he turned, looking at the palace healer, his hands resting on his exhausted wife's body, shook uncontrollably. He had secretly arranged the delivery months ago, and now they were hidden in one of the underground rooms in the palace, where his beloved wife, Pandora, was giving birth. "What did you just say to me?" Prince Garret hoped he heard wrong. Perhaps it had been a mistake. Please, gods, let it be a mistake! But the pity in the older man's face couldn't be disguised. The palace healer turned the little bundle. "The baby is a girl." Terror crossed Pandora's face as she adjusted herself to get a closer look at her baby. "No. Oh, the gods, please no..." She shook her head vigorously fresh tears gathering in her eyes. Tears welled in the healer's eyes. "I'm so sorry, your highness." "No!!!" Pandora cried out burying her face into her husband's waiting arms, sobs after sobs ripping from her throat. Garret felt numb as he held his wife. His first daughter, Aekeira, wasn't even four yet, and the king was already negotiating with the kingdom of Cavar to sell her to the highest bidder. Because, apparently, Navia 'could use more funds.' King Orestus might be Garret's brother, but he was a tyrant, and his word was law. Now, another girl child? Two daughters? Tears filled Garrett's eyes as he looked upon the crying bundle wiggling around in healer's arms. The world was not safe for either of his daughters. "I'll raise her like a boy," Pandora declared suddenly. The healer's eyes widened. "Are you suggesting we keep her identity a secret?" "Yes," Pandora affirmed, her resolve strengthening. "This child will never be seen as a girl. No one will ever find out!" "B-but, it's impossible to hide something like this, your majesty." The healer panicked. "The king will order our execution!" "Then, we take the secret to our grave." Pandora's voice was fierce. "I was unable to protect my first daughter, but by the Light-gods, I will protect my second." Too dangerous, but Garret was all for it too. This was their best chance to keep their daughter safe, and they would take it. "As far as we are concerned, the child I bore today was a male." Pandora looked at the baby. "His name is Emeriel. Emeriel Galilea Evenstone." Emeriel. It's a neutral name, and also means 'Sky's Protection' in the old tongue. Garret liked it. Fitting too, for their daughter would need all the luck and protection in the world. "I agree," Garret spoke aloud. With the plan fully in his mind, Garret swore the two other men in the room to secrecy. ********* That night, Garrett and his wife, stood by the baby's small cradle, watching their newborn sleep. Across the room, their three-year-old daughter, Aekeira, lay curled under a blanket, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm. "In all my years on this earth, I've never seen anyone bear two female children, Garrett," Pandora whispered, voice cracking. She glanced up at him, eyes glistening with tears. "I don't know what this means for us... or for them." Garrett placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Maybe it means they have a great destiny to fulfill." "Or a great sorrow in their future," Pandora's eyes drifted to their eldest, worriedly. "I'm so scared for them. How could something like this happen?" Perhaps you've been touched by the gods, my darling," Garrett said in comfort. "I really doubt that. Why me? Why us?" He had no answer to that. "If that's true," Pandora sniffled, brushing her fingers over the baby's soft cheek, "may that god always protect my babies. We won't always be here to do that." Garrett pulled his wife into his arms, holding her close, fighting to hide his own worry. Because, she was right. What were the odds of a couple in these times bearing not just one, but two daughters? None. Absolutely none. As he gazed at their sleeping children, prayer rose in his heart. Whatever god you are, please... protect our angels. Chapter 2 THE PRINCESS IN A 'PRINCE' DISGUISE Twenty-one Years Later PRINCE EMERIEL. "He's so pretty," a voice murmured. "It's the feminine prince," another one said. The third man had l*st in his eyes. "No man should have hair that gorgeous." Prince Emeriel ignored them all as he moved from the palace grounds into the building, head held high. Just because he was used to the unwanted attention, didn't mean it didn't make his skin crawl. He might have lived as a boy all his life, but it didn't exactly keep him all that safe. Men of Navia would stick their ph**llus in anything with a h*le, especially if it looked remotely feminine. But Emeriel's senses were always on high alert. Which is why he was probably the only twenty-one-year-old vi**in in Navia. That, and his sister, Princess Aekeira, always did everything in her power to protect him. To make sure his secrets remained tightly hidden. A carriage accident had taken their parents fifteen years ago, and King Orestus had adopted them. That tyrant made life a living hell for them. Emeriel entered the hallway to Aekeira's chambers when he heard it. Whimpers. Soft, pain-filled whimpers. That sound was coming from… Rage surged through Emeriel. Not this again! Determined, he stormed down the hall, and shoved the door open, unsheathing his s*ord. "Get away from my sister right this instant, Lord Murphy, or I swear to the sky I will cut you down where you stand!" Emeriel snarled. The minister of human affairs's face twisted with irritation, and he stopped thrusting. "Go away, little prince. You're ruining the fun." Emeriel hated the jab 'little prince,' but surely not as much as he hated being called a 'slight prince.' Over the years, Navians had given him a lot of names thanks to his small and feminine look. "Get away from her right now!" Emeriel strode purposefully toward the b*d, seizing hold of Lord Murphy and pushing him away from Aekeira. With a satisfying thud, the old oaf tumbled to the floor. Aekeira rose from the b*d, clutching her vulnerable body, her face red from crying, eyes tired and swollen. Emeriel pulled his sister into his arms, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Keira." "It was not your fault." "Why the hell would you do that!?" Lord Murphy rose angrily. "I won Princess Aekeira fair and square in the card game at the gathering last night. The king wagered with her and lost to me! I was supposed to have her for two hours at least!" Emeriel's eyes blazed as he whirled around, facing him. "If you put your hands on her again, I swear to the sky I will cut off your m*le or*an, Lord Murphy." "You will not dare!" "I'll gladly take whatever punishment the king gives," he stated with conviction, "but you will be without your manhood. Choose wisely." Lord Murphy's eyes widened, his hands flying protectively over his cr**ch, face reddening in anger. "The king will hear of this!" The minister snarled. Taking his clothes, he marched out of the room. "Oh, Em, why did you do that?" Aekeira's eyes filled with worry. "The king might punish you with the hot whip again." "I do not care. Let us go to my room." Putting his s*ord away, Emeriel could not even look his sister in the eyes, dangerously close to tears himself. Helping Aekeira into her clothes, he led her out, and down the hallway. That age-old guilt crept down Emeriel's spine. Aekeira always protected Emeriel, even when it made her the sole target. His sister never hated him, but Emeriel hated himself for it. Aekeira was always bubbly and always happy. But in times like this, when her body was vi**ated, she mostly looked tired then. Weary of the world. Worried about the next aristocrat the king would hand her over to. Much later, freshened up, Aekeira laid on the bed, closing her eyes. "Em? My worst nightmare when I was younger was thinking I would be sold to an aristocrat in Cavar, but now, I almost wish that heartless king went ahead with it, instead of changing his mind," Aekeira whispered. "Please, don't say that." Emeriel held her hand. "That kingdom is a horror play. Anywhere is better than Cavar, sister. Well, except beyond the great mountain, of course." Just the thought made Emeriel shiver. The Urekai dwelled beyond those mountains. "Sometimes I wish I could leave this godforsaken kingdom." A single tear slipped from Aekeira's eyes. Me too, Keira. Me too. ****** That night, after bathing, Emeriel stood before the mirror, staring at his reflection. His long, silken black hair fell over his shoulders, cascading like a waterfall. With his hair down like this, he looked like what he truly was. A girl. What would it feel like to live freely, like the person the mirror reflected? To not live in fear of the next man who might seek to take advantage of him, like they do his sister? Emeriel fantasized about marrying the man of his dreams. A protector. Someone powerful enough to keep him safe, shield him from predators, and sweep him off his feet with immense strength and love. All delusion. But a sweet one, nonetheless. Reality was far too ugly. Shaking it off, he crawled into bed and closed his eyes, letting sleep take him. . . The dream began as it always did. The man filled the doorway, hidden in the shadows. He was big, larger and more masculine than any man Emeriel had ever seen. Tall like a giant, he made Emeriel feel small, like a cornered prey. "Who are you?" Emeriel's drowsy voice came out shaky, filled with fear. "What do you want from me?" "You are mine," he said, voice deep as rolling thunder. "Meant to be on your knees for me. On your back. To be f**ked you so hard your legs quake. You were meant to beg for me all the time. Only mine." Emeriel's face burned with shock. So scandalized, he scrambled upright. "Y-you shouldn't say such improper things to me! It's wrong!" But the mysterious man stepped into Emeriel's bedroom, emerging from the shadows. As he did, his body shifted into a...beast. The most terrifying Emeriel had ever seen. A Urekai. "Oh gods, oh gods," Emeriel's breath hitched in terror, panic setting in. Of all the shapeshifters in the world, why a UREKAI!? He advanced with purpose. Its glowing yellow eyes bore into Emeriel, filled with hunger. Shaking his head fiercely, Emeriel scrambled backward. "No, no, no! Leave me alone!" he shouted, "Guards! Someone, help!" But no one came. The beast leapt onto the bed, got on top of Emeriel, trapping him under. Claws tore through his clothing, Emeriel's vulnerable female body was exposed to its yellow eyes. His powerful thighs forced Emeriel's apart...! Emeriel jolted awake with a scream. Body shaking and drenched in sweat, he glanced around the dark, empty room. "It was just a dream," he whispered, trembling. "Thank the gods. Just a dream." The same dream again. He'd had this dream for months now. He swallowed hard, running a shaky hand through his hair. "Why do I keep having such a scary nightmare?" It terrified Emeriel a lot. A Urekai? No one in this world prayed to meet a Urekai in their lifetime. Certainly not Emeriel. Yet, even with all the terror inside, the hotness of the dream lingered in his body. His feminine core felt different. W*t. What does this mean? Chapter 3 UREKAI Stepping outside the next morning, two warriors stopped before Emeriel. "The king summons you, my prince," One of them said. "Your presence is needed in the courtroom." Sh*t. That foolish minister wasted no time ratting on him. Emeriel let the way to court. It's just whipping, he will be fine. But, as he walked down the hall towards the door, it was eerily quiet. Something was wrong. The court was always noisy from the outside. Mutterings, murmurs, arguments were always expected. His worry deepened when the door opened, and all eyes didn't turn to gaze at him condescendingly. Instead, everyone's eyes were fixed at the center of the king's court. Emeriel's eyes followed theirs. Two men dressed in all-white apparel robes, with long, straight, waist-length black hair stood, appearing harmless. But a longer glance had Emeriel noticing muscles barely concealed under their robes, their slightly tipped ears, and their incredibly unnaturally handsome faces that were completely unreadable. He froze. Urekai. These ones looked expensive and aristocratic. Emeriel's throat went dry. No one prays to meet a Urekai face-to-face. "What do you say, King Orestus?" the Urekai with the long scar running from his cheek spoke. He looked the most intimidating. "No, this cannot happen," King Orestus protested, looking terrified, and doing a poor job of hiding it. The frown on Scarred Urekai's face deepened. Clearly, this was a being that did not take no for an answer. "You are mistaken if you think we are giving you a choice, human king," he said, taking a threatening step forward. The ministers of the court gasped, shrinking back into their seats. "Easy, Lord Vladya," the other Urekai spoke, his voice gentler. Imploring rather than commanding. The scarred Urekai, Lord Vladya, gave the king a hard look that would make any man tremble. "It is the least you can do, human king. Give us the princess, and we will leave quietly." "We are ready to pay for her," the other Urekai added, reaching into his robe and withdrawing a large bag of coins. Fear receded. The king's ears perked up with interest. "Money?" "Not just money, there are gold coins too," The non-scarred Urekai said. Everyone gasped, including Emeriel. Gold coins were rare and highly valuable. The Urekai continued, "All you have to do is hand the princess over, and this bag is yours." Wait… Princess? They couldn't possibly mean... The grand entrance opened again as two guards led Aekeira into the court. No, no, no, not my sister. Emeriel moved forward, but the guards who had escorted him stopped his movement. He bit his lip hard, trying not to draw attention to himself, but it was incredibly difficult. Surely, this couldn't be what he thought it was. It had to be a dream. There was no way the Urekai were here to buy his sister as a slave...! The two guards leading Aekeira to the center of the court, stopped a few feet from the Urekais. The terror on Aekeira's face mirrored Emeriel's feelings. "So, let me get this straight," King Orestus began, "All I need to do is sell her to you, and all this money is mine? There are no other conditions? Nothing else?" "Yes," the non-scarred Urekai responded. Lord Vladya moved forward, closing the distance between him and Aekeira, who was visibly shaking now. Cupping Aekeira's cheek tilting her head to the side to get a better look. He appeared utterly disgusted. "She'll do." King Orestus picked up his gavel and struck it hard on his desk. "Sold! From this moment on, Princess Aekeira belongs to the Urekais." "WHAT!?" The shout escaped Emeriel's lips before he could stop it. He ran toward the center of the courtroom and fell to his knees. "Please don't sell my sister to them. Not to the Urekais! Please, Your Majesty." The king gave him a bored look. "It's out of my hands now, Emeriel." It's out of his… Emeriel couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You can't let this happen. She's your niece too! How could you do this!?" He wasn't proud his voice turned the high-pitch of a girl's, as he practically screamed. But he didn't care. "You know a fate worse than death awaits her beyond the great mountain! How could you agree to sell her to them?" "As if he has a choice," Lord Vladya scoffed, his deep baritone filled with cynicism. Emeriel whirled around to face them, anger blanketing his features. But as he stared into those intimidating gray eyes, he couldn't bring himself to give in to his rage. He had read in one of the books that an Urekai had the power to take a life without physical contact. It might just be a rumor, but with his sister's life on the line, he had no intention of testing that theory. "I will go too. Where Aekeira goes, I go," Emeriel said, lifting his chin defiantly. Aekeira snapped her head toward Emeriel, her eyes widened in terror. "No! What are you doing, Em?" "I'm going with you," Emeriel stated firmly. Lord Vladya arched a perfectly shaped brow. "No. We have no need for you; we only need your sister." Emeriel stood. "I don't care. Take me too. If you leave me here, I will always try to come to her. I will cross the great mountains if I have to!" Lord Vladya laughed. There was no humor in the cold sound. "Without the rite of passage, the great mountain will swallow you whole. You'll never make it to the other side." "I'll take my chances," Emeriel vowed. "No! My brother is not coming," Aekeira interjected, before turning pleading eyes to Emeriel. "Don't do this, Em. I'm already doomed. I don't want you to face the same fate!" "If you come with us, you will be taken as our slave." Lord Vladya stated, pinning Emeriel with a stare. "Urekai do not care if you're male or female; you will serve in any way your master wants you. Whether it's in the mines or the cellar, on your back, bent over, or on your knees. If you agree to be our slave too, your freewill ends today." A shiver ran through Emeriel's spine. "Do you know what it means to be an Urekai's slave, little human? You're a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service." Fear seeped through his core. If everything he had heard growing up and read in books were true, being an Urekai's slave was worse than being a human's slave. And my dreams... I should be running in a different direction...! But he steeled his spine. "Where my sister goes, I go." "We did not agree to get two slaves," the second Urekai said. "That is settled then," Lord Vladya continued as if he never spoke. Reaching into his robe, the scarred Urekai pulled out another bag of coins, throwing both on the floor towards the king. "We will take both." "Sold!" King Orestus banged his gavel again. Chapter 4 SOLD TO THE UREKAI Aekeira cried for over an hour after they left the courtroom. At first, she had been angry, shouting at Emeriel about his foolish decision. And then, she broke down, crying as if her heart had been shattered. Now, they were left alone in a tiny room on the boat. Emeriel remained quiet throughout his sister's breakdown, the weight of his decision finally sinking in. By the Light-gods, he was now a slave. Lower than a lo*born. Lower than a carpet servant. And not just any slave, but a Urekai slave. Or many Urekai, Emeriel had no idea yet. He would serve those heartless, ruthless beings who despised humans. "You're a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service." A shiver coursed down Emeriel's spine. They were going to vi**late his body. What he had always dreamed of would finally coming true. Only now, it wouldn't be just one beast, it would be many. As many as his master wanted. Emeriel swallowed the bile rising in his throat. His breath seized as panic set in. "Breathe, Em. Come on," Aekeira appeared by his side, rubbing his back. "In... and out... come on, Em." Aekeira's voice was gentle, soothing, giving Emeriel no choice but to follow its sound. Aekeira continued rubbing his back. "Good girl. That's my girl." Two Urekai came in and forced them to take an unknown pill. Surely they hadn't paid all that money just to k*ll them before they even became slaves, right? Emeriel thought as she swallowed it. Minutes later, they both dropped unconscious on the floor. • Much later, Emeriel woke to the bumping ride of the carriage. His head woozy, his senses disoriented as he blinked several times to adjust his vision. They had been forced to take a pill. Rising, he walked to the carriage's wooden window and pushed it open. A gasp left him. They are in Urekai land. Emeriel could see dozens of them. But what had his jaw on the floor was the humans. There were plenty in sight. Many females nearly matching the number of males. Everyone knew the Urekais had acquired and held numerous humans captive after the war, but the sheer number he could see surpassed his expectations. And they were all slaves. Some were working in the fields, their weary bodies bent under the weight of their labor. Some were hauling heavy loads, their muscles straining with each step, under the watchful eyes of Urekai's. Some Urekais held whips, while some held s*ords. The sight turned Emeriel's stomach, making him sick. Is this to be our life now? Aekeira's gr**n of wakefulness echoed behind him and Emeriel quickly turned to his sister, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright, Kiera?" he asked, his voice hushed. Aekeira nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Where are we?" she asked, eyes scanning their surroundings. Their kingdom, Urai," Emeriel whispered, keeping his voice down so the carriage master would not overhear. Together, they took in the huge fortress in front of them. The carriage was headed straight for it. "This place looks highly luxurious," Aekeira said. Emeriel nodded. As royalty, they were well-acquainted with luxury, but this was on an entirely different scale. Which begged the question... Who exactly were the males who had purchased them? And if they weren't his and his sister's masters, then who was...? ******* They were brought into an empty room after passing numerous chambers and passages. "This shall be your quarters for now," a soldier announced. The room was surprisingly spacious and tastefully decorated. Not long after the soldiers left, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, growing closer with each passing moment. The door swung open, and an older human woman marched in. Accompanied by a younger human woman and three Urekai males. The older woman's gaze landed on Emeriel, and she did a double take. "You are one remarkably handsome male. I have seen a lot of pretty males in my time, but even I can hardly think of one who is half as pretty as you." Feeling uneasy, Emeriel took a step back, finding solace behind Aekeira, who spread her arms protectively to shield him from prying eyes. "Well, it's a shame you're not the one we came for," the woman said dismissively, turning away. "Prepare her, boys. Amie, get the bath ready." The three males closed in on Aekeira, beginning to undress her. Their hands removed her clothes, while another tended to her hair, undoing the knots. "What are you doing?" Emeriel asked, concerned. "Getting her ready for what is to come." The older woman didn't bother to look at him. "You can either stay or leave. I care not. But if you disturb me, I will have you reported to the soldiers and thrown into the dungeon." Numerous questions swirled in Emeriel's mind, but a shake of Aekeira's head silenced him. He watched helplessly as they undressed her, with the younger girl, Amie, preparing a large tub filled with water. Eventually, Emeriel decided to step out and explore, wandering the halls aimlessly. He followed one to a secluded passage that appeared hidden from casual glances. Voices echoed in the distance, so he moved closer towards them. "What shall we do with the boy? He was not part of the plan," one voice said. "I do not care, Lord Ottai. Perhaps we will think of something later." Lord Vladya's voice came. "For now, let us focus on the girl. The bad weather delayed our journey, I had expected us to return yesterday." His voice, chilling and authoritative, Lord Vladya added. "Time is running short; she must be in the forbidden chambers tonight." Forbidden chambers? Emeriel didn't like the sound of that at all. "Calm yourself, Vladya. That young girl cannot handle the beast," Lord Ottai added. "I do not care. They have made their b*ds, and they shall lie in them," Vladya said defiantly. A heavy sigh followed. "It would be heartless to send that girl in to service the beast without any inkling of what to expect. I know you have no love for humans, and frankly, neither do I, but we can surely do better than that," Lord Ottai reasoned. "Do as you wish, Ottai. Tell them everything or tell them nothing. I care not," Vladya stated. "Whether she lives or dies, I care not either. I shall throw in the pretty little prince next, and if he perishes too, I shall be on the next carriage to the next human kingdom to select another princess for him. That is the only aspect of this that concerns me." A silence fell after their exchange, leaving Emeriel's mind racing with fear and disbelief. Service the beast? Die? Chapter 5 YOUR PURPOSE HERE Emeriel was horrified. I must rescue Aekeira! We need to escape! "I know you are there, pretty prince. I can smell you," Lord Vladya's voice rang out. Emeriel gasped, frozen in place as Lord Vladya's imposing figure emerged from the door. Instinctively, Emeriel took a step back. Then another. Lord Vladya smirked. "I would advise against whatever thoughts are brewing in that little head of yours. You have no inkling of where you are, do you?" Emeriel could only discern they were in the tallest, most fortified fortress he had ever seen. He shook his head, his fear palpable. "You are in Ravenshadow," Lord Ottai said, coming up behind the scarred Lord. Ravenshadow? The Ravenshadow!? No, by the Light, this cannot be happening. "R-Ravenshadow Citadel? The home of the f-four grand rulers of the Urekais. The Whispering Abyss of great power?" Emeriel blurted out, unable to contain his terror any longer. Lord Ottai snorted. "That is what humans call it. We do not. But yes, you are correct. You are in the Ravenshadow Citadel, Prince Emeriel." "You do not need me to inform you that this is the most secure place in Urai, with vast lands in which you could get lost in if you attempt to escape." Lord Vladya smirked. "A vortex that would swallow you, never to be seen again. There is no escape from Ravenshadow." Emeriel heard their words, but his mind was consumed by a far greater fear. "The four grand rulers of the Urekais reside here?" Emeriel mused, dreadfully. "They do." Lord Ottai sounded mildly amused, drawing Emeriel's attention. Emeriel had no idea he'd said that out loud. Inching closer to Lord Ottai-He seemed the less intimidating and a preferable choice in that moment-Emeriel threw weary glances at the scarred lord. "I have heard rumors about Urekai." "What exactly did you hear?" Lord Ottai asked. "They are said to be deadly, unpredictable and almost feral in their actions." " Emeriel listed off on his fingers as he rambled. "Their mating habits are said to be as brutal as their killings, and while they have bl**dhosts, they prefer to drain humans' bl**d. And, after their king ran wild, they-" "Terrific. Just what I needed to hear," Lord Vladya added in a dry tone. Lord Ottai, still somewhat amused, spoke up, "I will leave the briefing to Lord Vladya. I need to attend to the council." What!? Please do not leave me with him! Emeriel almost shouted. But he bit his lips hard, restraining himself. Lord Vladya, however, did not hold back. "Think again, Lord Ottai. There is no way I will-" "Would you prefer Lord Zaiper handle the briefing then?" Lord Ottai asked quietly. A muscle twitched on Lord Vladya's jaw and he gave Emeriel a hard look, as if actually considering the option. Lord Ottai must have picked up on that, quickly adding, "You know you don't want that to happen. Besides, let us not forget the favor you owe me. Remember that?" Lord Vladya glared at him, and Lord Ottai offered a wolfish smile. "I believe it's time to collect. You do the briefing. Off I go." With that, Lord Ottai strode away, exuding an air of sophistication with every step. Finally, Emeriel and Lord Vladya stood facing each other. "Come." Lord Vladya began walking, and Emeriel fell into step behind him. "Forget whatever rumors may have spread in the human realm. Some may hold a grain of truth, but most are truly bizarre." Lord Vladya looked mildly annoyed. "However, I will not delve into the vast knowledge of our kind, for it is too extensive to cover. Instead, I will share the parts that pertain to your sister's presence here." Emeriel braced himself. "Five hundred years ago, and even before that, my people and humans coexisted peacefully. Grand King Daemonikai made sure of that." Grand King Daemonikai. The mere mention of the name had goosebumps spreading on Emeriel's skin, knees quaking in barely-concealed fear. One of the oldest Urekai to have ever existed, his reputation was known throughout the world, even to a child born in present times. He wasn't just one of the four rulers, he was the very first. The ultimate ruler. His power and strength were legendary. Some even suggested he couldn't be k*lled. That name, Daemonikai, was one that struck terror into the hearts of every species existing in this world. "His son, Alvin, made friends with a human prince." Lord Vladya continued. "During a conversation over a glass of champagne, Alvin, in a drunken state, told the prince the secrets of our people. The Eclipse Moon night." "A night when the Urekai were naturally stripped of their power and strength by the moon, right?" Emeriel asked, wondering if the rumors were true. "It comes every five hundred years, rendering you lots incredibly weak. Weaker than a newborn baby. Vulnerable to attack." The scarred Urekai stopped and eyed Emeriel, nodding before walking again. "What Alvin didn't know was the prince's father used his son to gather information about us. King Memphis had his eyes set on our land. To make a long story short, the humans breached our defenses and attacked us on the Eclipse Moon night, inflicting significant damage upon our kingdom." A shadow crossed Lord Vladya's eyes. "Many of our people were killed. The survival of the Urekai was largely due to the efforts of the four rulers, particularly Daemonikai." He looked distant, as if he could see that night playing out before him. "Daemonikai exerted every ounce of his strength to save his people. Sacrificed everything he had...knowing the consequences it would bring." Consequences? Emeriel suddenly felt bad. The humans regarded that night as a victory. Talked about it as a great achievement. But hearing it now, it was nothing short of barbaric. "After that night, everything changed," Lord Vlayda said. "Many Urekai lost their bondmates and children. Those who remained were hardened by the loss. Even our revenge did nothing to ease the pain in our hearts." "Your kind almost decimated the human population, forcing many into hiding." Emeriel couldn't keep the bitterness off his tone. "The Urekai took numerous slaves and nearly depleted the human lands of their females. And it did nothing?" As those chilling eyes once again stared at him. Emeriel snapped his mouth shut. "Then, Grand King Daemonikai gave in to his beast and went mad. His mind was completely lost, has remained so for the past five hundred years. The very people he sacrificed everything to protect are now in danger from him." Lord Vladya turned a corner. "The beast breaks free periodically, going on ruthless, brutal killing sprees. To prevent further loss, the beast is confined here in Ravenshadow." Okay... that sounded like a good idea. What was the problem? "But, confinement alone is not enough. Our inner beasts require two basic substance to survive: bl**d and s*x," Lord Vladya surveyed Emeriel with a piercing gaze. "And that is where your sister comes in." Emeriel grew unease. He did not like where this was going. "Princess Aekeira will fulfill the beast's s*xual needs. That is why she was acquired. As for you, since I have no use for you, both of you belong to the beast," Lord Vladya asserted firmly. "What?" The disbelieving whisper tore from Emeriel. "Surely, y-you can't mean that." "Tell Princess Aekeira to present to the beast. If she presents well, who knows? She might survive another day. I care little for the outcome." Emeriel collapsed to his knees, tears blurring his vision. "Please, Lord Vladya, don't subject her to this. To be a s*xual slave? To a beast...the king's beast? My sister will die!!" He screamed, his words tainted with anger. Lord Vladya did not bat an eyelash. "Good luck trying to run away from Ravenshadow. For every attempt, you will be met with fifty lashes of the whip." With that, he turned on his heel, stridingpassed terror, and Emeriel surged after him, but the Urekai soldiers blocked his path. "Who do you think you are!?" Emeriel screamed. "Do you consider yourself so all-powerful that you can dictate the fate of living beings!? You are nothing more than beasts! You're a monster, Lord Vladya!" Lord Vladya halted at the doorway, casting a glance over his shoulder. "That is a compliment, human prince. And to you, it is Grand Lord Vladya." Emeriel froze. Grand Lord? As in, one of the four rulers of the Urekai, that GRAND LORD!? Holy light-gods, we're doomed. Chapter 6 SERVING THE BEAST The night had descended upon them. Aekeira's face turned pale upon hearing everything from Emeriel. She had not uttered a single word in hours. Instead, tears streamed down her eyes. Emeriel could hardly recognize Aekeira after the "treatment" Livia had given her. Aekeira was incredibly beautiful, well-groomed, and all dressed up in that scanty piece of nothing. He despised the purpose behind her transformation and dreaded the impending arrival of the Urekai guards, who would soon take her away. "Let us escape," Emeriel suggested urgently. "This place is vast, and-" Aekeira shook her head. "I cannot risk your life, Em. Grand Lord Vladya warned you about the severe consequences of attempting to escape. Moreover, if we're caught, they will undoubtedly discover your secret when they strip you down to whip you. It is simply not an option." Emeriel approached his sister and shook her firmly. "Pull yourself together, Aekeira! You will be forced to serve a UREKAI in its BEAST FORM! One that has lost its sanity and has remained feral for over five hundred years! You cannot subject yourself to such a fate! You will die if you do this!" he screamed. "We have no other choice!" Aekeira screamed right back, "I will not put you in danger, Emeriel. Can't you understand? You are my younger sister. Our parents risked everything to protect you, and I will do everything in my power to do the same. Not because you are a burden, but because I am your elder sister, and I love you dearly!" Emeriel bit his lip, struggling to hold back tears. "And who will protect you, Aekeira? Who will ensure your safety?" Aekeira's desperate arms grasped Emeriel, as she gazed into his eyes. "They must never discover you are a girl, Emeriel. Never! Neither the humans nor the Urekais must find out." The door swung open, announcing Livia's return, accompanied by the young girl, Amie, and another group of Urekai soldiers. "It is time. Let us proceed," Livia declared as her eyes widened. "It is inadvisable for you to touch her now. You do not want to leave your scent on her. Release her immediately." "What do you mean? What will happen if I touch my sister?" Emeriel asked, quickly pulling away. "The beast must not detect any other scent on her. If it smells a scent it hates, it may become even more brutal–might even tear her apart. That is why you must not touch her, Emeriel." Livia nodded for the men to escort Aekeira out of the room, and Emeriel followed. The journey was long and silent, involving a lot of twists and turns. They passed by human slaves and Urekai maids within the vast fortress, but as they approached their destination, the faces grew scarce, and the surroundings became eerily quiet. Fear and goosebumps crept over Emeriel as they entered a haunting corridor. A strange sensation fell over Emeriel, and the silence became almost deafening. It felt as though they were walking through a graveyard. "This is as far as we go," Livia whispered at the entrance of the hallway. You can proceed from here, Aekeira." Emeriel ignored the head maid's words about not touching his sister and gripped Aekeira's arm tightly. "Don't do it," he pleaded, shaking his head vehemently. Aekeira did not turn to look at him, as she gently pulled her hand away and continued forward. ** Back at their chambers, Emeriel began to pace. He scratched his arm, feeling restless and irritable. All he wanted was for his sister to remain alive until the next day. Whether she was wounded or in pain, it didn't matter, as long as she was alive. It might have been selfish of him, but he couldn't bring himself to care. But as he paced, Emeriel felt really, really strange. Hot. So hot. As if he was burning from the inside... ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3& LEARN_MORE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65644322-fb_contact-e Fun Novels https://www.facebook.com/61563251196448/ 2,702 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.moboreader.net IMAGE https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65644322-fb_contact-eny21191_2-250222-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=7929461117168105&exdata=BE1BD394A303A39E99A4A46FB2FD26AE79A16387877A38A1 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481073609_3030490333771331_3598530342093476030_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K2G62t7dXE8Q7kNvgFPz4Zx&_nc_oc=AdgmPRit5oXYpZ_Phq0hqAPdHj58HsldTebk86IuMTcEnQhGK7jfnfopgV-GZx9_8Z3H_ow2wNAAVmChXxoHJEUY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvhvcO9cGkiRyiQzWDs650v&oh=00_AYBHUYIkxbHHE5OFadjKUBj0OUNh8hAzJSUUnyIWtZTwRQ&oe=67C9F332 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Fun Novels 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 02:54 active 2674 0 One Charger for ALL Your Apple Devices! Tired of juggling multiple chargers? Meet the Alpohub™ MagCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless, your all-in-one charging solution! 🔥 30W Ultra-Fast Charging – Power up your iPhone, Apple Watch & AirPods simultaneously 🧲 Strong Magnetic Hold – Perfect alignment for seamless charging 📏 Compact & Foldable – Fits effortlessly into your pocket or travel bag 🔋 Smart Protection – Overcharge & heat-resistant technology for safe, worry-free charging Say goodbye to clutter and hello to effortless power! 🛒 Upgrade Now – Limited Stock Available! https://alpohub.com/products/magnetic-foldable SHOP_NOW https://alpohub.com/products/magnetic-foldable Alpohub - Smartech https://www.facebook.com/61571709543442/ 10 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shop now 0 alpohub.com VIDEO Tired of juggling multiple chargers? Meet the Alpohub™ MagCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless, your all-in-one charging solution! 🔥 30W Ultra-Fast Charging – Power up your iPhone, Apple Watch & AirPods simultaneously 🧲 Strong Magnetic Hold – Perfect alignment for seamless charging 📏 Compact & Foldable – Fits effortlessly into your pocket or travel bag 🔋 Smart Protection – Overcharge & heat-resistant technology for safe, worry-free charging Say goodbye to clutter and hello to effortless power! 🛒 Upgrade Now – Limited Stock Available! https://alpohub.com/products/magnetic-foldable https://alpohub.com/products/magnetic-foldable 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481480236_623103833806370_7372471006924146184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5oly5OdivzUQ7kNvgHHAFgO&_nc_oc=AdhfzWZHgrvnc5TrbsCDgOpPflyvRsbzN8BOQfZ2tFh5kUWqtvR44Pa6bqUsxWl8muev91H75SxUI3VdZezNoazr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A4H5ChbAHzg7-ECOwtlBaVd&oh=00_AYCzjypizzx-SYyK2hkjeU7C-9lmbuCpphbhbGt9GUSrMQ&oe=67C9D6DA PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Alpohub - Smartech 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-01 02:46 active 2663 0 Collegiate Peaks Monarch Mountain & Surf Hotel Giveaway 2025 | Contest Rules What’s better than an epic ski day? One that includes two FREE lift tickets to Monarch Mountain and a cozy one-night stay at the Surf Hotel! ⛷️✨ Just comment below and tell us who you’d bring along (bonus points if they can actually keep up). You have until March 11th at 11:59 p.m. MT to enter! For 85 years, Monarch Mountain has been our community's go-to for powder days, family trips, and unforgettable runs. Now’s your chance to experience the magic—then unwind at Surf Hotel, Buena Vista’s riverside gem! ⏰ Winner announced Thursday, March 13th—be sure to follow us for all the exciting updates! 🚨 Heads up! We’ll ONLY contact winners via direct message from this official account. We’ll NEVER ask for payment or personal info. If you see suspicious comments saying you’ve won, please ignore and report them! No purchase necessary. Must be over 18 years old to enter. Official contest rules here: https://trst.in/jP9nTA Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. NO_BUTTON https://trst.in/jP9nTA Collegiate Peaks Bank https://www.facebook.com/100049629295272/ 333 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 No button 0 trst.in IMAGE https://trst.in/jP9nTA 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481291458_1018862846961330_8539738397361052989_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=214qCRHSVyIQ7kNvgF6yuou&_nc_oc=Adi4D09BZ5eu27OQopCs2enrJYrn0s1WkRaOFUblU0rZxPuDkJOhx71ROCHChSBaGY8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=AhmT_WNAPfFzUvw9iao51Q7&oh=00_AYBJAfJuORxZ1qOj_oe9i5fr6gftVBQkJpQn-lkuzQtFzg&oe=67C87F54 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Collegiate Peaks Bank 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 02:06 active 2673 0 Beach Haus Vacations ENTER TO WIN ‼️‼️‼️‼️ Here’s your chance to win 2 free general admission tickets to this years @boardwalkrockfest !! See rules below. Must do all 3 to be entered to win: 🤘 Follow @beachhausvacations 🤘 Tag 3 friends in the comments 🤘 Share to your story 🤩🤩You automatically get entered 5 times into the competition if you do the above rules, book a stay with us and send us a copy of your reservation. Find all our properties at Beachhausvacations.com and BOOK DIRECT to avoid fees. Use the code BOARDWALKROCK25 for a discount at checkout. 🏆 Winner will be announced on Friday March 14th! Beach Haus Vacations loves doing these things for you all. We can’t thank you enough for everyone’s participation and support of our small business. Thank you for entering ♥️♥️ LIKE_PAGE https://facebook.com/beachhausvacations Beach Haus Vacations https://www.facebook.com/beachhausvacations/ 425 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Like Page 0 facebook.com IMAGE https://facebook.com/beachhausvacations 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481313091_668503575603391_2231897251185541610_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_DmHPrQMbCMQ7kNvgH7t67V&_nc_oc=Adi_UCDzdjNLlgYXVqFU82V_69ayLY_-gNiLuuLtH2ptoyKy5BeOOOD8mSbPpzT16k3cF-5EZoffiMOOVTB99GdV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvzkHR20BCY0YraZEUODtFM&oh=00_AYCJL62f_30qXEh4NJ6yYmm5cju5FD06K4y3u2v-KSEi-Q&oe=67C9EBEB PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Beach Haus Vacations 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 01:30 active 2671 0 💉 Need Slimming Solutions? 👋 Do you offer Slimming Solutions Injections? 💉💼 Are you tired of pouring money into marketing without seeing the results you want for your medical aesthetics practice? 🤔 Let us help you. At MedSpa Advertising, we've spent millions perfecting our system over the past 5 years, so you don't have to. 💰💼 Our HIPAA-compliant Patient Surge System™ delivers new patients to your practice who are highly qualified, educated, and ready to buy. 💪🔒 With our expertise, you'll see your business grow, without having to do all the work. 📈👨‍⚕️ Our clients have seen amazing results with our system 👇 🤑 🤑 🤑 Jessica Barclay from ThrIVe Wheeling generated $77,122.45 in new patient revenue in just 3 months with our help! 💰💰💰 Brian Sidella from Forever Young MedSpa has worked with us for OVER 5 Years and generated over $3 million in revenue (and counting)! 💸 💸 💸 Ryan & Rachel DeVault from Radiant Divine have opened three additional locations while sleeping like babies because they know our system will produce results! 💪 We are a REAL BUSINESS with a REAL TEAM of people who speak your language, train, coach, and provide the highest level of WHITE GLOVE support and service to you and your staff...we are a true partner for your business!💯 👊 If you're interested in learning more about how our system works, tap [LEARN MORE] now to schedule a demo. This is NOT a sales call. It's either me or one of my personally trained team members. We turn down more people than we take because we only work with the right clients, that we know we can get results! 🙌 😎 Tap [LEARN MORE] right now and schedule a demo to start growing your practice with MedSpa Advertising! 🚀💰👨‍⚕️ LEARN_MORE https://www.medspaadvertising.com/book-a-call MedSpa Advertising https://www.facebook.com/MedSpaAdvertising/ 546 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 www.medspaadvertising.com VIDEO https://www.medspaadvertising.com/book-a-call 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481213966_1114282580450845_64101035440391879_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c7oWkg44R3kQ7kNvgEPpmnV&_nc_oc=AdjogF7QOPilvLNZUabUj6a6u3-zsta-8DalONxrNxvIJsYEqEIdt3NPyTVMA7pu-4ayHxIGJOsZ7Uxbe9r96oPT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AbpvRiodQqvZLFaKgWKT0CJ&oh=00_AYAnli8vWcYv5Q91IVq5rfZFLpYEr7mgtYHp3X1JDyrajg&oe=67C9CDC3 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 MedSpa Advertising 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 01:30 active 2671 0 🔥MASSIVE MATTRESS SALE: $49 Gets a New Mattress TODAY! "Buy NOW, Pay LATER" 🚨 𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 🚨 Tax Season Mattress Sale is HERE! 👉 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗪 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬: To kick-off the 2025 tax season we want to help you SLEEP BETTER & SAVE BIG on name-brand luxury mattresses! 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟱𝟬-𝟳𝟴% 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀! ✅ King Starting at $199 ✅ Queen Starting at $129 ✅ Full Starting at $99 ✅ Twin Starting at $79 ** 𝘋𝘌𝘓𝘐𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘠 𝘈𝘝𝘈𝘐𝘓𝘈𝘉𝘓𝘌 🤯 $𝟰𝟵 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬! We have the best deals in Salisbury & Rowan County. Why overpay with retail prices? 𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗗𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥: We are an authorized dealer for top brand mattresses like 𝐏𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲, 𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐚, 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱, 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐬, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞... Get the same name-brand mattresses at half the price with better service! Locally Owned & Operated - No Pushy Sales, Just Great Value! ➡ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲" 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁! MESSAGE_PAGE Carolinas Affordable Mattress https://www.facebook.com/CarolinasAffordableMattress/ 2,495 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Send message 0 VIDEO We offer the best deals on mattresses and furniture in the Salisbury area. Locally owned no pressure sales we help you get the best mattress for you at the best possible price in town! 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480707529_1287714675853876_5728095017175455407_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l-Jq5KKBA0MQ7kNvgGqw5Gu&_nc_oc=AdhigZtigZ7gM7JmHhVOnoV1C3FjLcd2gPWrkI3qzHoFiXzn36RSjU2QP7eukLLnSuuA8ozOKpN410zGNGG_Cnbw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ATjrwcuZKOCMLfvtg6MIOQT&oh=00_AYCRbqiXE0Fff2G38SPAlr-HMyEW1zDcEUExnzkw1npFGw&oe=67C9E846 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Carolinas Affordable Mattress 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 00:15 active 2667 0 🎉 Achieve Your Dream Curves! 🎉 "These gummies are not only delicious but incredibly effective! All it takes is a few gummies a day, and within the first month, I started seeing the changes! Now I feel more confident and love the way I look!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Sarah G. - Australia ✨ Naturally enhance your curves ✨ Boost your workout results ✨ Delicious daily nutrition treat ❌ No difficult workout routines ❌ No costly surgery required I've always dreamed of feeling more confident in my own skin, but I really struggled to find something that fit into my busy lifestyle. Then I discovered Bearvana Curves Gummies! Grab Yours Today & Save 40%! 🎉 SHOP_NOW https://mdsnatura.com/products/bearvana-curves-gum Vital Natural https://www.facebook.com/61571095598586/ 1 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shop now 0 mdsnatura.com VIDEO https://mdsnatura.com/products/bearvana-curves-gummies 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480828124_1202392387973678_662387458238729002_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aw43e5cugW8Q7kNvgG3K7L6&_nc_oc=Adj30FY_Hm_TM8pnURUFuPjfYkCT0b6ziwC38kD1OLtsG6DO25fbqc2Lt4SRegbbNW8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7tvlAXIzuCk2vNOrr6HMaD&oh=00_AYAQrM8fMBT8zH23jHOoNVSpPG0uvU3NdA31PYyFkRjzcg&oe=67C9BE3F PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Vital Natural 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 00:48 active 2669 0 VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE http://instagram.com/appletldr Apple TLDR https://www.facebook.com/AppleTLDR/ 41 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Visit Instagram Profile 0 instagram.com CAROUSEL http://instagram.com/appletldr 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467770479_1754279735308013_4424071164437709702_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VcVlIL94We8Q7kNvgF4kgDV&_nc_oc=Adivfa-goOs5IrYunAdiHDa0Bs2l9OYn95NBzyN42VgEPptEOB15gGSd-IfX3dGzV14&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APdEMoedHF9Omiq-cxamRGF&oh=00_AYB9hPuaDCE_FrcXS01owXLAz39AYQgLVXQ_JAu5WyLysQ&oe=67C9B8BA PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Apple TLDR 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 02:54 active 2674 0 Limited-Time Offer: Get $500 OFF a New Furnace! Turn your tax refund into year-round comfort! Upgrade to a new furnace and enjoy reliable heat—plus when you upgrade today you get an extra $500 OFF for extra savings! Stay warm & save big! GET_OFFER http://fb.me/ Shipley Energy https://www.facebook.com/ShipleyEnergy/ 16,311 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Get Offer 0 fb.me DCO Peace of mind and consistent comfort all year. http://fb.me/ 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481216733_1196118468800038_6713919721816118373_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=znUwPmaLR3wQ7kNvgHtffBf&_nc_oc=Adj0dbNe_tAJzDFZ0LNht_KJ7NfFzTNIX4-cgEt70myWkd7R-UjrZp-ypI-jw_iNai8cmctmmCbEjUTo5MHyZKZM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AIrDYliz9NPkWbdDyE2f6GA&oh=00_AYBciV_bSqiACErIDpEMksG_Sb48Fbzgow30xLDpMBgjVw&oe=67C9E1A4 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Shipley Energy 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 00:33 active 2668 0 🔥🔥🎬 <No One Messes With Ms. Keller> Nancy endures endless misery in her marital life. Her mother-in-law torments her, and Ethan's admirer adds to her woes. All her patience earns her no respite. 💧 Worse still, a terminal stomach cancer diagnosis looms large, putting her life on a ticking clock. But Nancy refuses to surrender! She fights back, breaks free from the past's chains, and starts her journey of self-renewal. 💪 Seeing the transformed Nancy, Ethan wakes up to his folly, frantic to win her back. But has he left it too late to fix his mistakes? 💕 #FemaleRebellion #MarriageCrisis #CancerSurvivor. The thrilling short drama is coming. Don't miss it! WATCH_MORE https://www.minishortstv.com/share/middle/nphiydsz MiniShorts https://www.facebook.com/61555610585344/ 18,176 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Watch more 0 https://www.minishortstv.com/share/middle/nphiydszny34sei0ois1falr?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}} VIDEO Click to watch whole episodes👉👉 https://www.minishortstv.com/share/middle/nphiydszny34sei0ois1falr?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481129749_878678607629258_4159798598275763899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7G3qwxjFJdUQ7kNvgExM-jy&_nc_oc=Adid5jBDRlzbzsOino50cL8KtP8yrtmRp_JMxDZg1qslxDQ2b3_5H_dvvI-2AEbmGwI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AKP70MYUoyrgsKhBidoRuFG&oh=00_AYCutkG1iTRm6HIHRqIBc5aqZXLh7aQoaVXF-NcAD_uSKw&oe=67C9C9FC PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 MiniShorts 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 02:06 active 2673 0 ✨ EASTER EGG SALE & GIVEAWAY! ✨ Looking for a one-of-a-kind Easter gift? Skip the pricey eggs and cliche chocolate and grab something magical—our exclusive INSPIR3D Dragon Eggs! 🐉🥚 💰 $15 OFF orders of $45+ with code EASTEREGGS (That’s a buy 2, get 1 free on our small dragon eggs!) Sale only available at https://www.inspir3d.biz but there are plenty of dragons already in stock at Hill of a Deal in Mt Vernon! 🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎁 Want a FREE large dragon with egg OR a magnetic plant pot of your choice? Here’s how to enter: ✅ LIKE & SHARE this post ✅ FOLLOW our page The winner will be contacted the Sunday before Easter (4/13) Happy Easter and thank you for supporting small businesses and being a part of our community! We appreciate you all! Shop now before the dragons hatch! 🐣🔥 #EasterEggs #DragonEggs #EasterSale #Giveaway #ShopSmall MESSAGE_PAGE Inspir3D, LLC https://www.facebook.com/100094255491052/ 126 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Send message 0 MULTI_IMAGES 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481293859_564818646594002_5360021212887333827_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sMDkxPzvTa4Q7kNvgEJsCGu&_nc_oc=Adh1bWIWzDE5CiGOm0iNsRZtUfTSGW1-bxefCcIbFW8m_90DjCU3JOmS2PMKQ1hvD-yBSAU50Izw6SAou7r7dFkx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaoQQCl0DPN8nt_XJUjLi-Y&oh=00_AYAizzMRi3_o4kHq5bkDKKYIrgx_fVAD71u6Ka-YJbd-Lg&oe=67C9E2BB PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Inspir3D, LLC 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 02:54 active 2674 0 Meet Muslim Singles for Dating and Marriage. Join Free Today! DOWNLOAD Muslims4Marriage.com https://www.facebook.com/Muslims4marriage/ 44,056 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Download 0 VIDEO 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481058307_654251877015662_5981093277459010426_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AfhuTvq6R3AQ7kNvgGjSGoi&_nc_oc=AdgJ11hD5nON3SkDJTnrOFKvANqxlha_BsgquPcvnTChDGe_JqIllD8pR3hmKapYvgkjKOkOrVvzIjqZsXFwv9bL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8d5Q9pCucFrVby5TFKYeNE&oh=00_AYDNde2olkMr0W5dTVSM8yhzF-BNwBWDzafCMJud6DkOOg&oe=67C9CB19 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Muslims4Marriage.com 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2025-03-02 00:33 active 2668 0 Milhares de minisséries sendo atualizadas👉Exclusivo do Moboreels Depois de descobrir a traição do marido Trevor, Joanna logo se divorciou dele. A fim de herdar a fortuna de sua família, ela contratou um gigolô para ter um filho. Vincent, o CEO do Grupo Riley que amava Joanna secretamente há anos e fingia ser um gigolô, foi escolhido por ela. Durante o momento íntimo, ele insistiu em usar uma máscara para esconder sua identidade, sabendo que ela havia jurado nunca mais se casar com um rico. Enquanto Trevor continuava a assediar Joanna, Vincent interveio para protegê-la, mantendo seu disfarce. Quando a verdadeira identidade de Vincent foi revelada, Joanna decidiu terminar seu relacionamento com ele e Trevor tentou separar os dois. Porém, Joanna também descobriu que foi Vincent, não Trevor, quem tinha salvado sua vida na festa daquele dia. WATCH_MORE https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16618409-fb-pt-xy30-01 Romance stories https://www.facebook.com/100083041066726/ 24,518 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Watch more 0 fbweb.moboreels.com VIDEO https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16618409-fb-pt-xy30-0103-mb2-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=430678&jump=1&exdata=109C71ABBCC62F057EB1AEE66631F631A0C0B878D588786A 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480708609_1715376676069508_3072470971252769759_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RVQs-UkoFBMQ7kNvgHWRsub&_nc_oc=AdjepKJt-oZ5XMkOVhfKGMLgWhBi_ZRDdwkywdkvts-tOn3M3lZLXlZt94e2H_F_S4A&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AH9N6Gso-w_yF2HkSEqtKMQ&oh=00_AYBGDvbN5Q1s0MezoZJhB9fFkZ486qGVaZiOK9GZ1gUQtA&oe=67C9B641 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Romance stories 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 02:54 active 2674 0 Invest in Year-Round Comfort—And Save $500! Turn your tax refund into year-round comfort! Upgrade to a new air conditioner and enjoy reliable comfort—plus when you upgrade today you get an extra $500 OFF for extra savings! Stay comfortable & save big! GET_QUOTE http://fb.me/ Shipley Energy https://www.facebook.com/ShipleyEnergy/ 16,311 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Get Quote 0 fb.me DCO Don't wait until your unit gives out. http://fb.me/ 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481247094_628954100024769_8867320525911579474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lM9BIYbWHfgQ7kNvgGFY-3e&_nc_oc=AdiTjaOj98xSRPEvhPmefpbWjFCvYkFOaj-4lG5rSJXU6TQRiKu1BCuI4cIw2Fqym-Dc1meNECyPrIOMgKT5OX6e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AIrDYliz9NPkWbdDyE2f6GA&oh=00_AYClUG4dXk72syavBMatOKRvNUsFhDZWyOEzmPJZGEOXVg&oe=67C9E1E9 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Shipley Energy 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 00:33 active 2668 0 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 Reelsy Drama https://www.facebook.com/61565619590909/ 680 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Watch more 0 fbweb.moboreels.com VIDEO https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-0103-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=223704&jump=0&exdata=8B3CE4BE877B271A6BEDF5F8482BD934200CE4BDEA7A0D86 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481315672_1296138514947657_7937004215726655749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o8ZoNOw_cfoQ7kNvgGoUat3&_nc_oc=AdjVxJJk95a8peUg6awJqOXrw9rkgAFeIesVWYRxYtxm9SvzQE-4nCIcKUmpo9NtFFI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AAeWJefpXv7vQ_baWLCYQ8F&oh=00_AYDh2XGQpgoVPdBnbAw_SjvVhIccLRqSAzeUsIkrAvVXYw&oe=67C9CD35 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Reelsy Drama 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-02 00:33 active 2668 0 🔞🔥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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No 2025-03-02 02:06 active 2673 0 ❗️SEATTLE FAMILY❗️ 🎟 TICKET GIVEAWAY 🎟 🇯🇲 LUCIANO MESSENJAH 🇯🇲 🇺🇲 Rootsonic Band 🇺🇲 Saturday, April 5th at Zanadu Studios: We're giving away TWO tickets to see the legendary Luciano Messenjah backed by Seattle's own Rootsonic Band 🔥🇲🇱💚💛❤🇲🇱🔥 To win, here's what you got to do: 1️⃣ Give our page a like 2️⃣ Tag the person you are taking with you if you win The contest closes on Sunday, March 9th. Enter today to win. 🗓 Saturday, April 5th, 2025 📍1520 Pike St NW, Auburn, WA ⚠️ Terms and Conditions: *One winner will win two tickets to Luciano Messenjah and Rootsonic Band, on April 5th, 2025 at Zanadu Studio. **The winner will be announced on March 10th, 2025. The winner will have 24 hours to respond. If there is no response, we will select another winner in this way until a winner claims the tickets. ***Must be a resident of the State of WA. ****Must be aged 21 or over. #LucianoMessenjah #RootsonicBand #TicketGiveaway #ZanaduStudios Jaymowine Wainaina #ReggaeInSeattle NO_BUTTON Reggae in Seattle https://www.facebook.com/ReggaeInSeattle/ 86,578 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 No button 0 VIDEO 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481052408_548017554309401_4474181577364248039_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KcX92M6t6-0Q7kNvgHiTjsW&_nc_oc=Adg4oGiTIVUgeqwzWllNBoXi2X3gz7QP_4ZjGWupY3EqPaQRe6LoswPIhgDBEFtlC5Q-LsWpTXg80gFqQc3xTKvi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AitmB2RGdCW_oZ1hvTUAwxM&oh=00_AYAHHD4ty9jgmRYTVDSC-bHk2QyifDxSNLkXrjQvDSYxgQ&oe=67C9EE89 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Reggae in Seattle 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2025-03-01 02:39 active 2663 0 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/ 352 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 fbweb.moboreader.net VIDEO https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65282322-fb_contact-enp26_6-1226-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=2030515880733998&exdata=E3D95798EE9F212CDDD6CD39B5B257719B2CE6CDC112B71A 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480769085_1284756919420751_5339155690241557834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mnRw7unAq0oQ7kNvgG0GDzH&_nc_oc=AdiJZtN7UV8gqmkJFx_QYAB5xvEdMSsa_Oz5obLHUNDKjc7ljot966qgiMebOvsDrJA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&_nc_gid=AGNr38VwVLenwZhcI9Cinqw&oh=00_AYBENELwnb5XEl4f9IM4Jt34eRq58rwrWMpkB-mym97MpA&oe=67C8A720 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Lime novel-E 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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