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2,765,737	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2765610}'	No	2025-03-03 18:27	active	2789		🚨TICKET & MERCH GIVEAWAY ‼️ Kameron Marlowe is giving away TWO merch shirts and TWO Preferred PIT Passes to Breakout at Big Creek!!! In honor of his new EP “Sad Songs For The Soul”, which just went top 10 on Spotify’s Most Listened Album weekly USA charts! How do I enter?? - Follow Kameron Marlowe, Breakout at Big Creek & 423 Productions - Share this post - Like this post - Tag your crew in the comments winner randomly selected March 9th 🎫 www.thecrossingbigcreek.com			423 Productions	https://www.facebook.com/423Productionsllc/	14,478	1969-12-31 18:00			IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481268090_1667036480851760_9084508591154375064_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6BozuBOzxXcQ7kNvgGXQlVt&_nc_oc=AdgtoLL6PbMB0jCcAWZySbbWu7dUQbLf0alFl0N7ziJ9hXSeWHydq9FjyLPQ1yPAc96-SB6CNhVGkz3ljBP4-v0o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMwOM9HjX3iNcl1M3vMbxCP&oh=00_AYD78Z2d5g7nMPPy0bf9iXuTo65QxaqYMzA4lJVASv0Rkg&oe=67CC0042	PERSON_PROFILE	0	423 Productions	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,765,646	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2765642}'	No	2025-03-03 18:27	active	2789			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/minalsampatllc	Minal Sampat LLC	https://www.facebook.com/minalsampatllc/	1,491	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/minalsampatllc	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481003656_1858665914869971_1205422685969096020_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hKHm4rjxpzkQ7kNvgGBrbfN&_nc_oc=Adjk7wXfR1TuCQTn6M0aLqb60wDVEYJDyUbN8qWHqE1pzCikGES2xbt8Z9xJV42dTgVq8bUZDrPyIiPruRTd-IZ1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJZLjB5dL1zRIyAgDzW6zlU&oh=00_AYBu3I_SBogCf6U2o17Tdt5ZnwFWF1JXrzg7Sv98VgAN3w&oe=67CC0D4E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Minal Sampat LLC	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,269	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2768268}'	Yes	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	Kickstart Confidence with 30 Days Free!	Parents: Give Your Child 30 Days to Build Confidence – For FREE! 🥋 Every parent dreams of seeing their child thrive – confident, focused, and ready to take on life’s challenges. But in today’s world, how do you give them the tools to truly succeed? At BKM Martial Arts, we do more than teach self-defense. We help kids become resilient, disciplined, and unstoppable: 💪 Confidence: From the first step on the mat, kids learn to believe in themselves. 🎯 Focus: Master discipline to stay on track and crush their goals. 🔥 Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks stronger than ever. 😄 Fun: Engaging classes that kids love to attend! Imagine your child standing taller, speaking with confidence, and achieving milestones you never thought possible. It all starts with martial arts. 🎉 For a limited time, your child can experience 30 days of classes FREE – no strings attached! But hurry – this exclusive offer is only available for the first 25 families who sign up. 👉 Click “Learn More” now to claim your child’s spot and start their transformation today! 📍 Located in The Woodlands, proudly serving families in 77384 and nearby areas.	LEARN_MORE	https://bkmmartialarts.kickstartmyfitnessjourney.c	BKM Martial Arts The Woodlands	https://www.facebook.com/61562791591020/	39	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	bkmmartialarts.kickstartmyfitnessjourney.com	IMAGE	I agree to terms & conditions and privacy policy provided by the BKM Martial Arts. By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from the BKM Martial Arts.	https://bkmmartialarts.kickstartmyfitnessjourney.com/home-page-live	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481461480_648331297996080_5143362256724032218_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UipjZ9Buw3MQ7kNvgE-vAal&_nc_oc=AdgES91B-YxaYxKjdvQsZP7O_gOCb3TNg1dWdZzkesCJJM0kmm25HjGIL2kUzeJj6-4jFOQsjpkAaqgx0Phu3_jL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AU1Og0WRYOQzsESf2fR-cdb&oh=00_AYCjQOnaxGGpMoPJ-IlwGs5snIAOzL6kozFeK37hpf4MQQ&oe=67CC0959	PERSON_PROFILE	0	BKM Martial Arts The Woodlands	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,157	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2768222}'	No	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	I got home after a long day, and my parents were waiting for me in the living room. "Catherine, sit down. We need to talk," my father said, looking quite agitated. "What's going on, Dad?" I asked tiredly. I had worked all day, gone to college at night, and upon getting home, all I wanted was to take a shower and crash into bed. But that wasn't possible. "Catherine, your cousin's wedding invitation has arrived," my mother said. "That little tramp is not my cousin!" I snapped, already getting angry. "Catherine, she is your cousin," my mother insisted. "You need to stop this childish behavior. Melissa already hit her and caused a scene here at home. Enough! She's my sister's daughter, which makes her your cousin." "I'm sorry, Mom, but she means nothing to me," I tried to stay calm. "She slept with my boyfriend in my bed. That's not something she should do." I had been dating Claude for four years; he was my first boyfriend, and I found him in my bed, in my room, sleeping with Kelly, my cousin! I was in shock. Of course, Melissa, my best friend, went after them. Since then, things had been tensed at home because my parents insisted it was silly and that I should act as if nothing had happened and go back to being around my cousin. "He was wrong, Catherine, since he was your boyfriend," my mother argued. "Kelly, poor thing, was seduced. He dishonored her, now he's marrying her so she won't be talked about badly in town." "Oh, Mom! Spare me! The whole town knows Kelly is a shameless woman..." I lost my patience. "Catherine, watch your language!" my father scolded me. "Look, if you don't want to be around Kelly, fine, but you're going to this wedding. And enough with this rude behavior." "I'm what?" I thought I had heard wrong. "You're going to your cousin's wedding, Catherine. That's an order! We're your parents, and you'll obey," my mother spoke angrily at me as if I were the one in the wrong. "I'm sorry, Mom, but I won't! I follow your rules, I'm a good daughter, but this time I can't. I was the one who was wronged! I have every right not to want to be the family joke anymore," I said, already crying. "ENOUGH, CATHERINE!" my father shouted, startling me. "You're going to this wedding, and that's final." "But, Dad..." "I don't want to hear it, Catherine! It's important to your mother to keep peace in the family. So you're going, period," my father said, leaving no room for argument. I spent the night crying in my room. The next day, I told Melissa everything. She wasted no time and arranged invitations to a masquerade ball, a gala event. She told my parents it would be crucial for my career since the city's most important businesspeople would be there. I could make valuable connections, and our professors had promised to introduce us to various entrepreneurs who could open doors for our professional future. At first, my parents weren't entirely convinced, but Melissa's parents talked to them and persuaded them that it would be an excellent opportunity for my future. So they agreed that I should take advantage of it. "Catherine, you can't say no to me! I've already bought the tickets and masks, and I even convinced your parents that this is a super important event for your professional future, which was such hard work. This party is going to be incredible, and you're not going to miss it!" Melissa looked at me with puppy dog eyes, clasping her hands together as if begging. I was sitting at my desk at work in the middle of a Thursday afternoon, between taking messages and making calls, when Mel showed up with coffee, chocolate muffins, and this persistence about getting me to agree to go to the masquerade ball, which was the biggest annual event in our city. "Oh, Mel, how is it that I can never say no to you? Alright, I'll go!" I agreed to go to the ball, but I still wasn't sure. Either way, I was going to sleep at Mel's house to avoid the wedding, but I wasn't planning on going to the party. However, Melissa kept pushing until she convinced me to go. On Saturday, we got ready at her place. "Wow, girl! You look absolutely stunning!" She handed me a beautiful golden mask, intricately designed like lace that covered up to my nose, and I put it on. I was wearing a shimmering red satin dress, and the mask matched perfectly. "So, are we ready?" "Yes, we're ready," I replied and grabbed my purse. "Oh, I forgot my perfume." "No problem, you can use my mom's new perfume. She won't mind." When Fred, Mel's boyfriend, saw us, he smiled, gave Mel a kiss, and said: "Girls, you look gorgeous! I think you'll leave this party with a new boyfriend, Cat." "No boyfriend, Fred. Actually, I think I'd better stay, I'm not in the party mood. Please, Mel, let me stay?" Chapter 2 There was no way out - my friend dragged me to the ball. As soon as we got in, Mel pulled us to the bar and whispered in my ear: "It's an open bar tonight, so you're going to drink until all that sadness washes away!" Mel handed me two tequila shots while holding two more in her hands. "Let's down these!" We knocked back the tequila, and Fred was already handing each of us a cosmopolitan. Melissa dragged me to the dance floor, and I was actually having fun. When a slow song started playing, Fred and Mel began slow dancing together. I took that as my cue to head to the buffet, but I didn't make it there. I felt someone grab my hand, and when I turned around, there was a man in a black mask smiling at me - and what a smile! He kissed my hand and pulled me close, whispering in my ear with a husky voice: "Surely the most beautiful woman in the room won't deny me a dance, will she?" "And why not? Let's dance," I smiled back at him. It was impossible to resist that seductive husky voice and that gorgeous crooked smile! He was tall with broad shoulders, had a charming smile and blue eyes - so blue they were almost violet. He had sinfully tempting lips, brown hair, and when he pulled me by the waist, I placed my hands on his chest and could feel he was a wall of well-defined muscle. Although the mask concealed his face, he was very charming and enchanting. "I've been watching you since you arrived," this mysterious man whispered in my ear. "You're so beautiful!" "You're kind. But you're not from around here, are you?" He had a powerful presence, radiating authority. "No. A friend convinced me to come to this party." "Looks like we have something in common - my friends convinced me to come too." "Lucky me!" "And why's that?" I smiled. "Because I was captivated the moment I saw you. You're stunning." As he whispered in my ear, I got goosebumps, feeling my face flush and my body tingle - he truly had me enchanted. "Even with the mask?" "Even with the mask! You're too beautiful." "You're such a charmer." "You think I'm charming?" "You know you are. And handsome too." "I'm glad you like what you see." "And what do you do for a living, handsome?" - I felt a bit dizzy, not sure if it was from the drink or the delicious cologne that man was wearing. I ended up stumbling over my own feet. "Are you okay?" "I think I need some air." "Come with me." - He pulled me into a dark hallway that led to an emergency exit and started fanning my face. - "I really want to kiss you. May I?" - I nodded yes. He looked into my eyes, held the back of my neck, and our lips met. It started slow but deepened; he pressed me against the wall, and the kiss intensified even more, almost taking our breath away. When he broke the kiss so we could breathe, we looked into each other's eyes - it was like throwing gasoline on fire. He ran his hand down my waist to my leg and pulled my leg up to his waist. I was completely surrendered by then, feeling his body against mine. I went crazy with desire and pulled him closer, wrapping my leg around his waist. "You're a great kisser!" - I smiled at him and felt my whole body tingle. "Oh, beautiful, you're incredible. I want you so badly, here, right now!" - he said between kisses and slipped his hand under my dress, pulling it up and reaching my underwear. I was on fire when he put his hand inside my underwear and yelled. - "Oh! So delicious! So hot, so wet!" - He said and kissed me harder while unzipping his pants. With a quick movement, like someone who had done this before, he tore my underwear and caressed my entrance, as if asking for permission. He looked into my eyes again and asked: "What do you want me to do?" "I want you inside me now!" I responded shamelessly, already panting with desire. I couldn't resist those eyes and that husky voice. I'd never been like this before - normally, I would have pulled away the moment he grabbed my hand, but tonight I had promised myself to have fun and live in the moment if someone interesting came along. And that's exactly what I was doing, living in the moment. Hearing me, he entered me slowly, watching as I leaned my head against the wall and savored every inch of him - and he was huge. He took the opportunity to scatter kisses along my neck. When he was fully inside, he paused and whispered between kisses in my ear: "Now I'm going to move." He pulled out only to thrust back in with full force this time, and it was incredible. I was completely lost and driven wild by his movements as he moved in and out of me frantically. We lost control and gave ourselves over completely, as if nothing else existed around us. I felt a haze in my eyes as my climax began to build, and I moaned softly in his ear. At that moment, he seemed to go crazy, lifting my other leg to his waist as I wrapped them around him. Kissing me intensely, he thrust even harder into me - it was heaven on earth. I came again, even more intensely than before, leaving me breathless. As I was coming, he whispered that he was close to his limit feeling me pulse around him, and soon I felt his hot release inside me. We stayed there against that wall, completely breathless, his forehead resting against mine. While kissing me, he slowly withdrew, and I was thoroughly satisfied - as Melissa would say. I smiled and he looked at me, gave me a soft kiss and said: "You're truly amazing!" He gently lowered my legs until my feet touched the ground, fixed my dress, adjusted his pants, and hugged me. It was so intimate, so affectionate - despite the wildness of our encounter and the intensity with which we'd given in to each other, he was still gentle with me. I'd never had such an incredible experience, but I'd only ever been with my ex until now. And my ex had never cared about hugging me afterward, or worried about my pleasure - for him, it was just about getting in and out until he was satisfied. So having a man care about me, about my pleasure, take care of me - it was new, and amazingly so. He kissed my neck and whispered in my ear: "So, beautiful, I still don't know your name." It took me seconds to process and finally realize that I'd just slept with a complete stranger whose name I didn't even know. Just as I was about to speak, he pulled his phone from his pocket and asked for a minute to answer it. He stepped away slightly and I could only hear him raising his voice saying: "What did you say?" At that moment, the stranger ran off as if he'd forgotten about me, or as if he was just running away from the woman he'd quickly hooked up with at the party. Of course, Catherine, you're an idiot! But so what? I was just having fun too, and I didn't even know who the guy was, and he didn't know who I was. All good. I pulled myself together, looked in vain for my underwear - no idea where he'd thrown it - and left that hallway. I went back to the table and found Mel and Fred making out. They soon stopped and focused on me: "Mel, I think I found the Big Bad Wolf!" I laughed, and she laughed with me. "When we get home, I want to know everything!" "Of course you do!" I replied with sparkling eyes. "Prince, I think we can go now. What do you think, Cat?" "I'm ready whenever you are!" I said, downing a glass of water. "Let's go then, girls!" Fred said and led us to the exit. We'd barely gotten home when Mel started demanding: "Tell me everything - who is he, how it went, how it didn't go, everything." I laughed and told her everything. When I finished speaking, my friend was staring at me open-mouthed and asked: "You guys used protection, right?" My heart started racing! We hadn't used protection. I shook my head no at her; I was in shock realizing how careless I'd been. She immediately tried to calm me down: "No, Cat, calm down. I'm sure nothing will come of it. But you should get some tests done to make sure everything's okay. I'm going to the kitchen to make us some tea. Don't freak out!" Chapter 3 On Monday during lunch, I met Mel. She handed me a small bag from a fancy store, and I looked at her, confused. "My mom asked me to give this to you. She said it's perfect for you and doesn't suit her," Mel said with a big smile. I opened the bag, and inside was the perfume I had worn to the ball. A huge smile spread across my face. I loved that perfume, and it was part of the best night of my life. I just hoped that my best night hadn't left me with an STD as a souvenir. With that thought, I thanked Mel and told her I'd call her mom later, then mentioned I wanted to call the lab to schedule some tests. I called the laboratory and was informed that I needed a doctor's prescription to get the tests covered by health insurance. Thank God the company provided health insurance for employees because otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do. My salary wasn't high, and what little was left after covering college expenses went to helping at home, since my mom didn't work outside the house and my dad didn't make much as a driver. So I made a doctor's appointment, but the earliest available slot was two weeks away, and I waited anxiously. The more days passed, the more nervous I became, though Mel did everything to calm me down. On the scheduled date, she went to the doctor's with me. With the list of tests in hand, she personally scheduled the lab work and insisted on accompanying me. Three weeks had passed since the party when I finally got the tests done. The results came back five days later, and I returned to the doctor. Of course, Mel was with me. The doctor checked the results and looked me in the eyes: "Miss Catherine, your health is excellent. You're healthy. But from now on, you'll need to take better care of yourself." I breathed a sigh of relief, but was I really about to get lectured by the doctor for having unprotected bedlife with a stranger? Well, I deserved it - not using protection was silly, I could have caught a disease. And then he continued: "Congratulations, you're conceived! I'm going to refer you to an OB-GYN for prenatal care..." I didn't hear anything else, just the blood pulsing in my ears. I couldn't believe this! conceived? How would I explain this? It's not possible. Me, of all people, the perfect goody-two-shoes who never stepped out of line, who always considered the consequences before doing anything, who was always responsible - the first time I let rationality slide, I ended up conceived and didn't even know who the father was! Mel held my hand and kept repeating: "Calm down, Cat, everything will be okay!" How could everything be okay? I didn't even know who the father was. I would have to tell my parents, their only daughter would break their hearts. They would be disappointed, hate me, and kick me out of the house. How could I explain that I don't even know what the father of my child looks like? I was already hyperventilating. Suddenly, I felt the doctor taking my hand and speaking calmly: "Easy now, dear! The situation, from what I can see, isn't ideal, but you can't get this nervous, it will harm your baby. Now you have to take care of yourself for the baby's sake. I'm sure the people who love you will support and help you. But you need to calm down because only you can ensure this baby develops healthily and is born strong. Do you understand me?" I looked at that short, white-haired, slightly chubby gentleman, with his glasses perched on the tip of his nose, and nodded positively. Somehow he calmed me down a bit, maybe because his eyes sparkled with a kindness and understanding that we rarely see these days. The doctor asked his secretary to bring me some chamomile tea, and while I drank it and tried to calm down, he gave all the information to Melissa, who listened attentively. We left the office and Melissa took me to a diner, saying we needed to eat something. As soon as I sat down, I felt the tears falling. My friend hugged me and told me once again that I wasn't alone. I looked at her and said: "The only thing I'm sure of right now is that I want you and Fred to be my child's godparents because I know you'll support them and give them lots of love." Her eyes sparkled, and she burst into tears, responding between sobs: "I'll be the best godmother in the world and I'll always be close to our baby! And I'm sure Fred will be very happy too!" She assured me she would always be by my side, made it clear that I wouldn't go through anything alone, and that she would be with me when I talked to my parents. My parents... oh! I started thinking and decided I wouldn't hide it from them for even a day; I would tell them that very night. I wouldn't go to college, I would go home to talk to them. Mel immediately supported me and said: "Let's go then, I'm with you!" When we arrived at my house, my parents were startled, and my mom came right over, worried: "Girls, didn't you go to class today? Is everything okay?" "Not really, Mom. I need to talk to you both." My parents immediately realized it was something very serious. We all sat in the living room and I told them what was happening, admitting I had been irresponsible by hooking up with a stranger at the party. I obviously didn't go into details, but I made it clear that I couldn't find my child's father again. The disappointment in their eyes was evident. My mother was sobbing uncontrollably, saying I was ruined. My father hadn't said anything yet. Seeing how upset my mother was, Melissa quickly went to the kitchen and came back with a glass of sugar water for her. Melissa always gives sugar water to nervous people, saying it calms them down - I never understood that. Finally, my father spoke: "You made a huge mistake and there's no going back." My parents were very simple people. My father was a tall, strong man, and my mother was an older version of me, but both had great character and solid principles they always made sure to pass on to me. Hearing my father emphasize that I had messed up made my heart ache even more. I started crying and said: "I know, Dad, I was irresponsible. But there's nothing I can do now. I'll drop out of college to raise my child. And I'm going to pack my bags..." "Pack your bags? You're very mistaken if you think you're leaving this house like that. You made a mistake, and you disappointed us, but we love you, we'll get through this and we'll help you. You're not alone, my daughter! And neither is this child!" My father said this and my heart filled with hope. "But Dad, I brought shame to you..." "You're not the first and won't be the last single mother in this world. We would have liked things to be different for you, not so difficult. You've always been so responsible! But if this is how it is, we'll face it together. You won't leave college - more than ever, you need to grow in life to take care of your child. You're going to be a single mother, your responsibility is huge. We'll help you, and even though it will be difficult, everything will work out." Melissa was already crying and quickly spoke to my parents: "Mr. Anthony, Mrs. Selina, you can count on me, I'll help with everything! Besides, I'm this baby's godmother, Cat is like a sister to me, and I'll always be around." My parents looked at her gratefully. I looked at those three feeling completely blessed to have them in my life, full of love for them and experiencing a totally new feeling for that little being still growing inside me, whose existence I had just discovered! As difficult as being a single mother would be, that night at the ball was the best night of my life. I could never forget those violet-blue eyes looking at me with adoration during our furtive encounter and everything my body experienced that night. I would always have that sweet memory with me. The following months were difficult. I kept the dress, shoes, mask, and perfume that Mel's mother gave me in a box. On difficult days, I would open that box and relive that night in my memory. Although I had a peaceful pregnancy, people's comments and cruelty were hard to bear. To make matters worse, after they got married, my ex and my cousin moved in with her parents, who lived on the same street as us. They made sure to humiliate me with nasty comments whenever they saw me and spread throughout the neighborhood that I didn't know who my child's father was and that I was a loose woman, which was why Claude had left me. I wanted to end them! Kelly's mother, who was my mother's sister, never missed a chance to come to our house and torment us, saying how fortunate it was that her daughter wasn't like me, that she was a good girl who had married a decent man. She seemed to have forgotten that she had stolen my boyfriend and slept with him in my bed. But I swallowed it all; it wasn't worth arguing with these people, and I didn't want to transmit negative feelings to my child. As the days went by, I loved that baby more and more. I had no idea such love could exist. Everything I did, I did for him. I would protect him from everything; I would give my life to him. And surprisingly, during the whole time of carrying with a baby, everything seemed to flow in my favor, things were falling into place and working out. My boss was great, understood my situation, and even gave me a small raise, which was a huge help! Mel and Fred showered me with attention, they were in love with their godchild even before knowing if it would be a girl or boy. They insisted on buying everything for the nursery, which turned out beautiful. Mel accompanied me to all appointments and every test, never missing anything. She even organized two baby showers - one at the company and another at college. My child would come into the world surrounded by love. I found out I was having a boy and decided to name him Peter. And so it was. Peter was born healthy, with a pair of huge violet-blue eyes that would never let me forget the night that changed my life, but was also the best night I'd ever had! I would never forget that man! My son was surrounded by love from the first moment. My parents were enchanted by their grandson. Mel and Fred came to our house every day to see their godson and check how we were doing. Mel was always there supporting me in everything. Her parents also came to visit Peter and said they would be honorary grandparents since they considered me their daughter too, which I found beautiful. They also surrounded me with care. They insisted on giving the stroller as a gift, and the day Peter was born, they came to the maternity ward with a huge basket of flowers and welcome balloons. After my maternity leave ended, my son stayed in my mother's care while I was at work and college. I worked hard and devoted all my time not spent at college or work to my son. With the help of my parents and my son's godparents, I managed everything and didn't miss any semester in college, graduating alongside my friend Melissa. It was a great moment for me and my family. With my diploma in hand, I would now pursue a better future, with the firm purpose that my son would never lack anything. Chapter 4 When I graduated, Peter was already two years old. By then, he was walking everywhere, always clinging to grandma - which was his first word. He was a beautiful boy with straight black hair, fair skin, a cute little upturned nose, and those huge violet eyes that made me sigh. He was my sunshine! And now I would have more time for him. After graduation, my boss called me in for a chat. He was an excellent boss and said he was very happy with my work at the company, but he knew I deserved to go far, so I should look for a job in my field, and he would understand. He assured me that my job at the construction company would be mine for as long as I wanted, and if I left and things didn't work out, I would always have a place to come back to. However, he advised that I should seek something in my field of study to provide a better future for my son. I was very touched by this and accepted his good advice. I told Melissa, and she immediately said she would talk to her father about reaching out to some contacts. It didn't take long before Mr. Oliver Larson, Mel's father, called me to his office and handed me a card, saying: "Catherine, I know you're an excellent girl and a good professional. I spoke with a friend, and he arranged an interview for you at Miller Group. It's for the position of CEO's assistant. If you get this job, you'll be working in your field at a global company. It's an excellent position, but it's not here in Bellwood. You would have to move to Paradise Port. I know it's a huge step, but I think you should consider it - it will be excellent for you. Anyway, send an email to the address on the card with your response, either declining the position or accepting the virtual interview." "Mr. Larson, I don't have words to thank you! You've always been so good to me! Miller Group is one of the largest business conglomerates in the country! Working there is a dream! I'll definitely accept the interview, and if I have to move, I will. I know it will be a great opportunity," I said with conviction. It wouldn't be bad to get away from those nasty family members, especially now that "queen" Kelly was conceived and her mother decided to ask for all of Peter's things for the child of that dishonest couple! Thankfully, my mom told her that was absurd, but it wouldn't matter anyway since I had already given everything Peter had outgrown to an acquaintance who was conceived. My mom had been very upset with her sister, as she was always dismissing my son, always referring to him as the fatherless boy, which really hurt my mom. Leaving this city, I'll only regret leaving my parents and friends behind, but I know they'll support me once again. I thanked Mr. Larson and left the office. When I got to my desk, I spoke with my boss, another Mr. Larson, but since he didn't like being called that, I addressed him by his first name: "Aldo, your brother got me an interview at Miller Group." He smiled: "I know, he just called me. I think you should grab this opportunity. If it doesn't work out, you can always come back." I smiled at him and immediately sent an email to schedule the interview. I quickly received confirmation that the interview would be the next day at ten in the morning, and since I had already taken the initiative to send my resume, the interview would be brief. That night at home, I talked to my parents, who understood, even though they were worried about how I would manage to raise a child alone in another city and got teary-eyed about being far from their grandson. They supported me as always and were happy about the opportunity I received. I asked them not to tell anyone. When Mel arrived - she came every day to see her godson - I told her everything, and she helped me prepare for the next day. At the time of the interview, I went to the meeting room at my workplace; my boss had given me permission. I sat down and waited for the call. I was interviewed by a very kind and intelligent woman, Mrs. Mariana Taylor. It was very pleasant; we talked for two hours. She gave me all the information about the position, salary, and benefits. At the end, she said: "Catherine, you're hired! You'll be replacing me since I'm taking a director position at the London branch, so you'll be taking over my position here. I'd like you to start as soon as possible because I'm leaving in ten days and would like to hand everything over to you before I go. And I'd rather not reschedule my departure. When can you start?" "I just need my boss to release me, but I think I can be there on Monday." - it was already Friday, would Aldo agree to release me today? "Perfect. You can send me an email confirmation after you talk to him. Do you have any questions?" "No, ma'am. Everything is clear." "Great! Welcome to Miller Group. I'm sure you'll do very well. I'll see you on Monday." She ended the call, and my heart was racing - I had done it. The job was great, the salary even better, and I would have chances to progress. It was a dream. But now it was time to rush and sort everything out. I immediately went to talk to my boss. He was happy about it, called accounting, and had them process my settlement right away. After that, he let me go, saying I would always have a place to come back if needed, but he knew I would do very well. I thanked him for everything and left. I sent the confirmation email to Mrs. Taylor, saying I would be at the company at eight on Monday morning, and went straight to talk to Mel and her father - I had to thank them. And that's when Mel surprised me: "Did you think you were going to take my godson away just like that? No way! My father got me an interview at Lynx World in Paradise Port. I'm moving with you, and we'll live together. What do you think?" This was perfect! I was overjoyed, but quickly asked: "Mel, what about Fred?" "Fred has already requested a transfer to the Paradise Port branch at his company; he'll have better opportunities there too. He's coming in fifteen days. Friend, it's a new life for all three of us." I was so happy. Mel had orchestrated everything. Fred would drive us there, and she would take care of Peter while I worked until we found a daycare. She already had three daycares to visit, and her father had already made available a furnished apartment in the city for us. It was too good to be true; I was even scared. Noticing this, Mel nudged me and said: "Learn to accept the good things life offers you!" I smiled at her, and we went to my parents' house. It was time to break the news and say goodbye. Paradise Port is on the other side of the country, so we wouldn't see each other for a while. My parents were happy until I said I would leave the next morning - then the farewell became sad. It was hard to leave them behind, but it was necessary. With the salary I would receive, I could help them now. That was good. The next morning, Fred and Mel arrived right on time. Mel's father had given her a pickup truck as a gift, which made moving our stuff much easier. Fred loaded everything into the truck, and off we went - it would be a full day on the road. We arrived in Paradise Port late Saturday night. Peter was exhausted but had enjoyed himself immensely during the trip - everything was new and exciting to him. We got settled in, ordered some food, and after eating, went to bed. On Sunday, we explored the city to get our bearings. Paradise Port was a huge, modern industrial city on the coast. Its port attracted lots of business, making it a first-world urban center. The apartment where we would be living was close to one of the daycares Mel had contacted, which was great. It wasn't far from the company either - I could get there in twenty minutes by subway. The apartment was beautiful, with a modern design, great ventilation, and huge windows that let in plenty of natural light. That evening, we dropped Fred off at the airport and headed home to rest. The next day would be a big one - I would be starting my new job, while Mel had her virtual interview and would schedule a meeting with the director of the daycare near our apartment to visit and talk. I tucked my son into bed; he was worn out from all the fun he'd had today. As I watched him sleeping peacefully, I felt confident that we would have a really good life here. Peter now had his own room, and Mel and I had planned to buy some things to make it feel more personal and give it our own touch. I grabbed the baby monitor and went to my room. I opened one of my boxes and started organizing everything. When I opened the last box, I took out the box containing my memories from the ball night. I opened it, ran my hand over that beautiful dress, and sighed once again. I picked up the perfume and thought, "Why not?" Starting tomorrow, I would wear this perfume every day - my salary was good, and when this bottle ran out, I could buy another. I put the box away, left the perfume on the dresser, and went to bed full of expectations for this new life that was opening up before me. Chapter 5 I showed up at the company at 8:00 a.m. Mrs. Taylor gave me a warm welcome and introduced me to everyone, and they were all very kind. The boss wasn't there - he was traveling and would return at the end of the week. The office was beautiful, very modern, decorated in white with stainless steel and green accents, managing to be both professional and welcoming. It was elegant, and I really liked it. I was particularly glad I had chosen to wear a black suit with a dark green silk blouse underneath and black heels. I would need to dress elegantly every day now, after all, I would be working directly with the company president. Mid-morning, I received a message from Mel saying she had managed to schedule an appointment with the director of the daycare near our apartment during lunch hour. I explained the situation to Mrs. Taylor and asked if it would be possible to leave during that time, assuring her I would be back on schedule. "So you have a child. How old is he?" she asked with a smile. "He's two years old. He's a very clever little boy. He wasn't planned, but he's the reason for my life!" "What's his name?" "Peter." "Peter. A strong name. You're not married, I know that, but what about your son's father, are you still together?" My heart sank - how could I explain to her that I didn't know who the father was? But I don't lie, so let's face the truth. I told her that Peter's father was someone I met at a party and never saw again. She looked at me seriously, but there was no judgment in her eyes. Then she said: "You have my respect, Catherine. It's not easy being a single mother, and it's very difficult to tell truths like this when you know they might trigger others' judgment. Thank you for your trust and honesty. Go take care of the daycare arrangements for your son, we'll continue this afternoon - no need to rush." I thanked her and said goodbye, heading off to meet Mel and Peter. My admiration and respect for Mrs. Taylor only grew. She's a woman in her mid-fifties, with very light blonde hair and almost transparent blue eyes. She's a beautiful and elegant woman, but most importantly, she's very welcoming. We got along very well. During the rest of the morning, she filled me in with information about the work, and I took notes on everything. At lunchtime, I left the building, and Mel was already waiting at the door with Peter. I got in the car, and we went to lunch before heading to the daycare. Mel and I loved the daycare, and Peter was already fitting in, running around with his new little friends - he's such an outgoing boy. That made me so happy! My son was happy! We decided not to look at other daycares since this one was excellent and very close to home, just three blocks away. We completed the enrollment and sorted out all the details. The director suggested we let Peter stay until the end of the day since he was having fun and could start adapting. Mel agreed to pick him up at the end of the day. Mel dropped me back at the company and told me she'd head home to prepare for her job interview later in the afternoon. I returned to my office, arriving before Mrs. Taylor. I sat at the desk and started reviewing everything she had already told me. The phone on the desk rang, and I wasn't sure what to do, but since this would be my desk, I answered in my most professional voice: "Miller Group, Executive Office, good afternoon, how may I help you?" I heard a deathly silence on the other end followed by a long sigh. Someone spoke up with obvious impatience, in a strong and slightly hoarse voice: "Put Mariana on." I was startled but kept my composure and replied: "I'm sorry, sir, but Mrs. Taylor hasn't returned from lunch yet. May I help you, or would you like to leave a message?" "Who is this speaking," he asked, even more impatiently. "My name is Catherine, I'm Mr. Miller's new executive assistant." "But I don't know you," he seemed to grow more impatient with each word. "It's my first day here, sir. Would you like to leave a message?" "Tell Mariana to call me as soon as she sets foot in the office." "Certainly, sir. And your name is?" "Looks like I'm your boss!" He snapped and hung up. Wow, what a stressed-out man! This wasn't in the job description. My throat immediately tightened. Had I already made a bad impression on my boss? I was so screwed! I started thinking I wouldn't last long in this job. Shortly after, Mrs. Taylor arrived and I passed on the message with a worried look on my face. She looked at me with a smile, as if understanding my concern, and asked: "Was he calm?" I looked at her and couldn't help myself: "He was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I'm pretty sure I could see his jugular vein popping out of his neck." She burst out laughing and then said: "You two are going to get along great! You'll tame the beast, I'm sure of it." I wasn't so sure about that. Maybe I shouldn't even unpack my bags, this man was going to eat me alive!	LEARN_MORE	https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17966&u	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	375	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	redtgb.com	VIDEO		https://redtgb.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17966&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475771615_1667196610862051_3092734711556473158_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wVwmLPrfmbEQ7kNvgGLE-sn&_nc_oc=AdjyvdMGvDlNLyeFbY2imf4PQJiW5udAclRFjcZaHXRAYBhX9gBqwwZk9WqoCs7uhTSN38uZePrQEr1kG_wcgtOy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9iapwPRn7WgUHe-EO9Q2lS&oh=00_AYD_a1EVKL4hVCqi8AK2GSpcP65038WwIy2WZapCMw99Jg&oe=67CC0E4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,767,120	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 18:54	active	2790	Comedy Night w/ Frankly Funny Comedy	Are you interested in craft beer, laughs, and a cool new spot to hang out? Join us at Trouvaille Brewing Company in Haymarket for an evening of chill vibes and hilarious comedy. 😆 Whether you’re coming with friends or flying solo, tonight will be a great way to kick back, enjoy an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, and laugh-out-loud with other awesome people. 🍻 🎤 Headlining the night is Angel Penn Also performing are the amazing Kelly Brown, Glenn Lawrence, and Eddie Colson. Watch as they rip apart the stage and the audience! You won't want to miss them. The Frankly Funny Comedy crew have made their mark on the DC comedy scene, and now they’re bringing their signature blend of wit and fun to Trouvaille. 🕗 Show starts at 8:00 PM. Come for the beer, stay for the laughs, and leave with memories that might just make this your new favorite hangout spot. Get your tickets now!	BUY_TICKETS	https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frankly-funny-comedy-	Trouvaille Brewing Company	https://www.facebook.com/trouvaillebrewingco/	3,582	1969-12-31 18:00	Buy tickets	eventbrite.com	EVENT	https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frankly-funny-comedy-at-trouvaille-brewingco-tickets-1230691173429?aff=ebdsoporgprofile	https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frankly-funny-comedy-at-trouvaille-brewingco-tickets-1230691173429?aff=ebdsoporgprofile	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481331337_610553335152402_3559812904559632612_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xBl3A6wvKlsQ7kNvgHjDIpV&_nc_oc=Adjc21WXbwCMqUwpeiLZGKYyGLI92a3SHb_dHd0dpYrCBndeCv_Uxx3BeiCPgyVT-p3cxzyfi8glrqaPHu8iJiOv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnajKkSUUtD80zDq-QWAqlh&oh=00_AYC3sKyB-O1pLa-vU9qivyHbqlTENdV7FG_Fqhija78b8g&oe=67CC15ED	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Trouvaille Brewing Company	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,280	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	Read next chapter	To survive, she climbed into her so-called uncle's bed. Two years later, she realized she was just a toy. Heartbroken, she left after seeing him at his first love's prenatal checkup. ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... 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/67687322-fb_contact-e	Heat Novel A	https://www.facebook.com/100089743291944/	609	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-ena255_2-0124-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=934080944896999&exdata=AC23F375AA3082EF11E40274CB43768C998D820692660482	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/477715792_1664784017798419_7068377936623763597_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BUDqJZ2ho9EQ7kNvgEc_r6Z&_nc_oc=AdhfipfELDY0mdKu5Doit3PvqMFkJKBv7HE5G0FIxqbpSECPO4agvrVd0kQOE6jPaIwMFlOwpi3e081lanoqr5Kf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AU1Og0WRYOQzsESf2fR-cdb&oh=00_AYCZ8LaagEhgtVeJ6Xzr6GOEgW_DTNEFk-eMW1L-It5DoQ&oe=67CC22F7	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Heat Novel A	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,144	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2768041}'	No	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,810	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	wwwedb.com	VIDEO	At six years old, I accidentally killed my parents. For the punishment I, an alpha female, became a slave in my own house.. My wolf's abilities were bounded, twice—a crippling blow that left me vulnerable. As if I were nothing more than property, my brother sold me to a ruthless alpha as part of some clan contract. The rumour I've heard about him that nine fiancee has been killed by him. Then, I discovered that this ruthless alpha, the one who now owned me, was my mate ...	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480685591_969870431908254_6212382039981941163_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=olxIkkx1hqUQ7kNvgHqU6Gl&_nc_oc=AdiiZ9X1sN5N_0ASHZUkQQeE4Z0MdGGVYwF3_S5AJbpcvlJzZzV5tTdt3F2TEQFr7dWQNWq8v5-Bc05GBK8jUnCe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABywi5LrjV6bWjCLndJN5zv&oh=00_AYDo-p7-HL98ahvLfT9Dpj6fHtcArk8OTUkvmRjDVhsrqA&oe=67CC168C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,766,823	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 18:51	active	2790		📢 ¡Te invitamos a nuestro seminario! 📢 ! De Inquilino a Propietario ! 🗓 Fecha: 15 de marzo ⏰ Hora: 11:00 AM 📍 Ciudad: Smyrna Dirección: 4409 Winslet Dr. Smyrna TN 37167 No te pierdas esta oportunidad de aprender e informarte acerca de como comprar una propiedad. !Regístrate hoy mismo! 📞 Contáctanos: Kelly Pino: (615) 840-3220 Silvana Gotera: (615) 968-0991 Exp Realty https://gforms.app/r/HPl1U66	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/kellypinorealtor	kellypinorealtor	https://www.instagram.com/_u/kellypinorealtor	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram profile	instagram.com	VIDEO		http://instagram.com/kellypinorealtor	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/468214814_3837454289857049_4122502072693983843_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=9jum0KTKUN4Q7kNvgFz0w0b&_nc_oc=AdgzJ5UJYuavUki-YPowKU6qBYAnBqbiMmqIApeDgZUAWKOacUDEAbDCRX1ANNIQK6O04Pfgjob31gNPtwc0x5K0&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDGCjCgVOt8RXR0Dq_WfCQ-cwYto5XekLHPMmKtG7vEHw&oe=67CC1EF2	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1	kellypinorealtor	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,766,621	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 18:50	active	2790	📚Meister der Spirituellen Kultivierung 😍Kostenlos lesen👉🔥💕	💕Die Welt durchlebte eine schwierige Zeit, und die spirituelle Energie schwand. Ein Kultivierender reiste um die Welt und traf auf ein unvergleichliches Genie mit einer natürlichen spirituellen Veranlagung. Dieses nahm den Kultivierer als Schüler an und schloss ihn zehn Jahre lang von der Welt ab. Nach dieser Zeit erreichte Finneas große Meilensteine in seiner Kultivierung und flog auf seinem Schwert den Berg hinunter, was den Beginn seiner legendären Reise markierte. Finneas: „Auf dem Weg der Unsterblichen begegnet man zwangsläufig Feinden. Ich bin unbesiegbar, und diejenigen, die sich mir entgegenstellen, werden ihr Ende finden!" —————————————————————— Der Mount Stokeris hatte steile und hohe Klippen mit alten Bäumen, die gen Himmel ragten. Ein abgeschiedenes Kloster stand einsam inmitten der Wolken auf dem Gipfel des Berges. Zwei Personen standen vor den Toren des Klosters, ein Älterer und ein Jugendlicher. "Finneas, ein Jahrzehnt ist vergangen, und du bist unbesiegbar in der gewöhnlichen Welt geworden. Es ist Zeit für dich, den Berg hinabzusteigen." Die Stimme von Melvin Frye, dem Älteren, trug die Last der Zeit. "Sag es einfach, wenn du mich schlagen willst." Finneas Lamorde sah den alten Mann mit einem Blick voller Groll an. Melvin schwieg einen Moment, bevor er sagte: "Eigentlich waren meine Handlungen zu deinem eigenen Besten!" "Hah!" Als Finneas diese Worte hörte, ließ er ein kaltes Schnauben los, antwortete aber nicht. Plötzlich fragte Melvin: "Finneas, verachtest du mich?" "Ich habe dich früher wirklich gehasst!" "Und jetzt?" "Es spielt keine Rolle mehr. Zehn Jahre sind vergangen, also hat es keinen Sinn, das anzusprechen." "Du hast recht, es ist sinnlos! Schließlich, wie viele Jahrzehnte hat ein Mensch in seinem Leben... Die Zeit ist so gnadenlos wie eine Klinge, die selbst die Arrogantesten niederhaut. Trotz meiner Stärke konnte ich nicht zu jenem unerreichbaren Ufer springen." Der alte Mann seufzte. Mit großer Anstrengung hob er seinen Blick und starrte in den fernen Himmel. In diesem Moment ging die Sonne im Westen unter und kündigte den Einbruch der Dämmerung an. Das Abendrot vermischte sich mit den Schichten der Wolken, sein verweilendes Licht fiel auf den weiten Wald und spiegelte einen atemberaubend schönen Glanz wider. "Der Sonnenuntergang ist schön, aber leider ist er vergänglich." Mit einem Seufzer fuhr Melvin fort: "Finneas, könntest du mich 'Meister Frye' nennen?" Finneas senkte den Kopf, die Mundwinkel trugen immer noch das gleiche unveränderte kalte Grinsen. Melvin schien daran gewöhnt zu sein, weiterhin wie gewohnt mit sich selbst zu sprechen. "Finneas, was denkst du, wie die Unsterblichen Welt ist?" "Finneas, ich habe Lust auf Knödel." "Finneas, mein Zahn schmerzt..." Die Szene wurde allmählich ruhig. Whoosh! Die Abendbrise wehte sanft und brachte eine Berührung von Kühle mit sich. Nach einer Weile der Stille spürte Finneas, dass etwas nicht stimmte, und sah zu Melvin auf. Zu seiner Überraschung stellte er fest, dass der alte Mann irgendwann die Augen geschlossen hatte und derzeit keinerlei Lebenszeichen mehr zeigte. Als Finneas diese Szene sah, trat er vor und hob grob Melvins Leiche hoch. Seine Stimme war kalt, als er sagte: "Versuchst du mich nicht nur zu überlisten, den Berg hinunterzugehen, damit du eine Ausrede findest, mich zu schlagen? Warum würdest du so absurde Längen gehen, um deinen Tod vorzutäuschen?" Aber egal, was Finneas sagte, Melvin zeigte keine Reaktion mehr. Sein Teint wurde allmählich lila, und seine Körpertemperatur kühlte langsam ab. Sein Körper war auf weniger als vierzig Kilogramm geschrumpft, ein krasser Gegensatz zu seinem einst ätherischen und majestätischen Auftreten. Erinnerungen begannen langsam in Finneas' Gedanken aufzutauchen. Vor zehn Jahren war er erst zweiundzwanzig, als er sein Studium abschloss. Um sein Versprechen an seine Freundin zu erfüllen, reiste er alleine mit dem Auto nach Yiefmery, um ihre Eltern in ihrem Zuhause zu treffen. Unerwartet traf er auf der Reise einen rätselhaften alten Mann. Der Ältere erwähnte, dass Finneas eine natürliche spirituelle Konstitution hatte und ein vielversprechender Sämling für die Kultivierung war. Trotz Finneas' Einwänden brachte Melvin ihn gewaltsam in diesen dünn besiedelten Berg. So verging ein ganzes Jahrzehnt! In diesen zehn Jahren unterzog Melvin ihn dem rigorosesten Training, das der Menschheit bekannt war. Jeden Tag musste er vor dem Morgengrauen aufstehen, um zu trainieren. Um sieben Uhr übte er seine Schläge. Um zehn Uhr übte er seine Tritte. Um zwölf Uhr übte er sein Schwertkampf. Um zwei Uhr nachmittags übte er die Augen des Äthers. Um sechs Uhr nachmittags übte er seine Arrays. Um neun Uhr abends konzentrierte er sich auf die Medizin. Nach Mitternacht begann er zu meditieren. Tag für Tag, Jahr für Jahr. Über das Jahrzehnt hinweg hatte er unzählige Male danach gestrebt zu entkommen, von diesem Ort zu fliehen und nach Hause zurückzukehren. Aber jedes Mal würde Melvin ihn mühelos zurückziehen und ihm eine schwere Tracht Prügel verpassen! Es gab sogar einmal, als die Prügel so heftig waren, dass sie ihm fast das Leben gekostet hätten. Obwohl die Unsterblichkeitskultivierung als eine große Chance angesehen wurde, war Finneas völlig gleichgültig. Seine Freundin wartete immer noch darauf, dass er sie fragte, während seine alternden Eltern und seine jüngere Schwester alle von ihm abhängig waren, um Geld zu verdienen und die Familie zu unterstützen. Wie konnte er hier bleiben? Leider blieb Melvin trotz all seiner Bitten ungerührt. Finneas hatte einmal subtil angedeutet, dass er eine Nachricht nach Hause schicken wollte, sogar auf Knien gebeten, aber der alte Mann stimmte immer noch nicht zu. Nachdem er ihn gründlich verprügelt hatte, sagte Melvin kalt: „Die Verfolgung der Unsterblichkeitskultivierung widersetzt sich den Himmeln, also musst du alle Bindungen zur sterblichen Welt abbrechen! Finneas, solange ich lebe, kannst du vergessen, jemals diesen Berg zu verlassen!“ Von diesem Moment an hegte Finneas einen tiefen Groll gegen Melvin! Er trainierte jeden Tag unermüdlich in der Hoffnung, schnell stärker zu werden. Sein Ziel war es, Melvin zu übertreffen, um diesen dann zu töten und so den Hass in seinem Herzen zu lindern. Und so verging ein Jahrzehnt im Nu! Er hatte sich zehn Jahre lang einem rigorosen Training gewidmet, aber anstatt den alten Mann zu übertreffen, wie er gehofft hatte, wurde er stattdessen mit dieser bestimmten Szene konfrontiert. In diesem Moment fühlte Finneas eine Leere in seinem Herzen. Er war nicht so fröhlich, wie er es sich vorgestellt hatte, noch war er so wütend. Alles, was da war, war eine ungestörte Ruhe. Oder vielleicht wäre es treffender zu sagen, dass er sich taub fühlte. Er konnte nicht anders, als zu denken, dass seine zehn Jahre des Durchhaltens jetzt völlig lächerlich erschienen. Der Abendwind begann stärker zu wehen. Die Temperatur in den weiten Bergen schien plötzlich unter den Gefrierpunkt gefallen zu sein. Ohne ein Wort zu sagen, legte Finneas Melvin still zur Ruhe. Dann drehte er sich um und stand da, seine melancholischen Augen starrten auf die saftig grünen Berge in der Ferne. Niemand konnte verstehen, was er in diesem Moment fühlte. Nach einer langen Weile sprach er endlich. „Ich kann nicht glauben, dass du dieses Mal wirklich fort bist! Dein Körper wird sich allmählich auflösen und ewig werden, ähnlich wie die Sandkörner in der Wüste. Auf gewisse Weise könnte dies als eine Form der Unsterblichkeit betrachtet werden. Mit diesem Abschied werden wir uns nie wiedersehen!“ Am Ende konnte sich Finneas einfach nicht dazu bringen, Melvin als „Meister Frye“ anzusprechen. Aber was bedeutete es schon, ob er es jetzt tat oder nicht? Er zog sein Schwert, verwandelte sich in einen Lichtstrahl und verschwand am Horizont. Wenn in diesem Moment ein Kultivierter anwesend gewesen wäre, wäre er zweifellos völlig erstaunt gewesen. Es war schwer zu glauben, dass in dieser modernen Ära jemand tatsächlich auf einem Schwert fliegen konnte! Eine halbe Stunde später kehrte Finneas endlich in die Heimat seiner Erinnerungen zurück. Seine Heimatstadt lag am Rande von Jacaster in Jussipi. Das Haus, an das er unaufhörlich dachte, war nichts weiter als ein bescheidenes, eingeschossiges Haus. Vor dem eingeschossigen Haus befand sich ein kleiner Teich, an dessen Seite sanft schwingende Weiden standen. „Also... nichts hat sich letztendlich geändert!“ Als er die vertraute Szene vor sich betrachtete, füllten sich Finneas' Augen schließlich mit Tränen. Ein Jahrzehnt war vergangen, seit er entführt worden war, und jetzt kehrte er endlich nach Hause zurück. Auch mit seinem gegenwärtigen Gemütszustand konnte er nicht anders, als einen Stich des Kummers zu spüren, kurz vor den Tränen. Damals, als er auf dem Berg gewesen war, hatte es unzählige Tage und Nächte gegeben, an denen er von einer solchen Szene geträumt hatte... Vom Schwimmen im Teich als Kind, vom Trubel der Straßen oder sogar von all seinen Freunden und seiner Familie. „Nachdem ich zehn Jahre lang spurlos verschwunden war, haben Mom und Dad wohl gedacht, dass ich tot bin, oder?“ „Und die kleine Alyssa... Als ich ging, war sie erst neun Jahre alt. Ich weiß nicht einmal, ob sie jetzt an der Universität ist!“ „Der alte Mann behauptete, dass der Weg zur Unsterblichkeit in der Kultivierung liegt und erfordert, dass man alle weltlichen Bindungen abbricht. Aber wenn das bedeutet, die Liebsten von uns abzuschneiden, was ist dann der Zweck der Kultivierung?“ Finneas seufzte lang, um seine chaotischen Emotionen zu beruhigen. War das nicht der Moment, auf den er all die Jahre gewartet hatte? In diesem Moment hallte plötzlich ein Schrei der Angst aus dem eingeschossigen Haus. "Ich lag falsch! Ich will die Umzugskompensation nicht mehr! Ich lag falsch, ich verstehe meinen Fehler jetzt!" "Bitte... Nein... Nein!" Klatsch! "Benehmen Sie sich!" Als er das hörte, änderte sich Finneas' Ausdruck abrupt. Ist das Lyssie? Wird sie angegriffen? "Verdammt!" Finneas' Ausdruck war eiskalt. Sein Körper schien zu teleportieren, als er auf die Tore des eingeschossigen Hauses zustürmte! Kapitel 2 Ich verabscheue dich In der Zwischenzeit, im einstöckigen Haus. Zwei glatzköpfige Brutale, ihre Körper mit Drachentattoos markiert, umgaben ein Mädchen, während sie bösartig lachten. "Sie ist absolut umwerfend!" "Mann, das ist erstaunlich! Wer hätte gedacht, dass dieser sture Mieter so wunderschön ist? Wir haben wirklich Glück gehabt!" "Lass mich los!" flehte Alyssa Lamorde verzweifelt und weinte. Ihre zarte Wange war von der Ohrfeige rosarot, mit Blutspuren, die aus den Mundwinkeln flossen. Sie kämpfte mit aller Kraft, aber es war völlig nutzlos! Egal, was sie tat, sie konnte die beiden kräftigen Männer nicht abwehren. "Hör auf zu kämpfen! Wenn wir zufrieden sind, lassen wir dich gehen!" "Keine Sorge, wir werden dich gut behandeln, weißt du..." Die beiden Männer hielten Alyssa fest, während sie böse grinsten. Tränen, klar wie Kristallperlen, fielen aus Alyssas Augen. Sie wusste, dass es heute Nacht kein Entkommen gab! In diesem Moment durchfuhr sie ein Schauer den ganzen Körper, als sie über ihre Erfahrungen in den letzten Jahren nachdachte. Sie hatte sich dagegen gesträubt, Geld für Kleidung auszugeben, und selbst als sie an die Universität kam, hatte sie nicht genug Geld, um teilzunehmen. Selbst beim Essen war sie immer vorsichtig und akribisch. Während des Neujahrs, als andere ein Familientreffen mit einem Tisch voller opulenter Mahlzeiten genossen, konnte sie nur alleine in ihrem einstöckigen Haus zusammengekauert im Bett liegen und beten, dass die kalte Nacht schnell vorübergehen möge. Schließlich ergab sich eine Gelegenheit, als sie die Nachricht erhielt, dass sie umgesiedelt werden würde. Unerwartet nutzte das Abrissunternehmen ihre Einsamkeit aus, indem es eine extrem niedrige Entschädigung für die Umsiedlung anbot. Sie lehnte ab, was dazu führte, dass diese beiden Männer kamen, um sie zur Unterwerfung zu zwingen. Sie verstand es wirklich nicht - was hatte sie falsch gemacht? Trotz all der Mühe, die sie darauf verwendete, ihr Leben in vollen Zügen zu genießen, schien es, als würde das Schicksal ihr einfach keinen Spielraum lassen. Vielleicht hätte ich diese Welt mit Mama und Papa verlassen sollen, als sie vor acht Jahren starben. Dann müsste ich nicht mehr leiden. Bei solchen Gedanken überkam Alyssa eine Welle überwältigender Erschöpfung und Verzweiflung, bis sie bewusstlos wurde. Als die beiden glatzköpfigen Brutalen sahen, wie Alyssa ohnmächtig wurde, lachten sie noch lauter. Knall! In diesem Moment wurde die Haustür des einstöckigen Hauses mit einem einzigen, kraftvollen Tritt aufgestoßen. Wie ein Blitz stürmte Finneas herein! Als er die Szene vor sich sah, füllten sich seine Augen sofort vor Wut, und er fühlte, als ob sein Herz in tausend Stücke zersprungen wäre! "Ah! Geh zur Hölle!" In einem Wutanfall ließ Finneas einen wütenden Schrei los und schleuderte eine Ohrfeige durch die Luft. Boom! Bevor die beiden kräftigen Männer überhaupt begreifen konnten, was passierte, wurden sie von Finneas zu einem Blutnebel reduziert! "Lyssie!" Überwältigt von Emotionen hielt Finneas seine bewusstlose Schwester fest in den Armen und konnte seine Tränen nicht zurückhalten. Er hatte nie in seinen wildesten Träumen gedacht, dass er bei seiner Rückkehr mit einem solchen Anblick konfrontiert würde. Als er den armseligen, knappen Kleidungsstil seiner Schwester und ihre gerötete, geschwollene Wange sah, fühlte er einen überwältigenden Schmerz. Es dauerte eine Weile, bis sich seine Emotionen allmählich stabilisierten. Danach holte er Alyssa ein sauberes Outfit zum Anziehen und reinigte sorgfältig alle Blutflecken im Raum. Er setzte sich erst neben seine Schwester, als er fertig war, und wachte schweigend über sie. Es schien, als könnte er sich nie daran sattsehen. Immerhin hatten sie sich seit einem Jahrzehnt nicht mehr gesehen! Die Veränderung bei Alyssa war signifikant. Sie war von dem winzigen Kind von damals zu einer atemberaubenden Schönheit herangewachsen. Gerade als Alyssa langsam die Augen öffnete. Als sie Finneas sah, erschrak sie und sprang schnell auf die Beine. Mit Misstrauen in ihrer Stimme fragte sie: "Wer bist du und wo sind die beiden Leute von vorhin hin?" "Ich habe sie vertrieben!" Finneas gab nicht zu, die beiden Schurken getötet zu haben. Immerhin war seine Schwester nur ein gewöhnlicher Mensch. Es war unvermeidlich, dass solche Dinge ihr Angst einjagen würden. Gleichzeitig fühlte er sich innerlich etwas zerrissen. Anhand ihrer Reaktion war klar, dass Alyssa ihn nicht erkannt hatte. Aber das war zu erwarten. Vor zehn Jahren war sie erst neun Jahre alt. In den letzten zehn Jahren war sein Haar lang gewachsen. Sowohl sein Aussehen als auch sein Auftreten hatten sich erheblich verändert. "Du hast sie vertrieben?" Alyssa warf Finneas einen zweifelnden Blick zu. Dennoch murmelte sie nach einem Moment des Zögerns: "D-Danke!" Trotz ihrer Worte blieb ihr Ausdruck vorsichtig, und sie hielt einen relativ sicheren Abstand zu Finneas. Als Finneas das vorsichtige Verhalten seiner Schwester sah, stieg Traurigkeit in seinem Herzen auf. Er konnte sich nicht vorstellen, was sie in den letzten zehn Jahren ohne ihn durchgemacht hatte! Was ist mit ihren Eltern passiert? Wo waren sie hingegangen? "Lyssie! Erkennst du mich nicht mehr?" Finneas kämpfte darum, sich zu beherrschen. "Wer bist du?" Alyssa sah auf, ein verwirrter Ausdruck auf ihrem Gesicht, als sie Finneas ansah. Sein Gesicht war von Müdigkeit und Melancholie gezeichnet. Auf den ersten Blick war er vielleicht nicht konventionell attraktiv, aber bei genauerem Hinsehen würde man entdecken, dass er einen einzigartigen, fesselnden Charme besaß. Darüber hinaus fand sie den Mann vor sich überraschenderweise irgendwie vertraut. Es schien, als hätten sie sich irgendwo schon einmal getroffen! "Ich bin es, dein großer Bruder, Finn!" Ein Hauch eines Lächelns schlich sich auf Finneas' Gesicht. "Finn?" Alyssa hielt einen Moment inne. Anschließend begann ein Gesicht aus den Tiefen ihrer Erinnerung langsam mit dem vor ihr verschmelzen. Ihr Körper zitterte sichtbar, und ihre Augen röteten sich schnell. Es war klar, dass glänzende Tränen drohten, aus ihren Augenwinkeln zu fließen. "Lyssie!" Finneas kämpfte wirklich darum, seine Emotionen in diesem Moment zu beruhigen. Er streckte vorsichtig seine Hand aus, in der Hoffnung, das Haar seiner Schwester zu zerzausen, so wie er es früher als Kinder getan hatte. Doch er hatte nicht erwartet, dass Alyssa nach einem kurzen Moment des Erscheinens benommen tatsächlich seine Hand wegschlagen würde. Dann schien sie sich in eine völlig andere Person zu verwandeln. Sie rieb sich die tränenfeuchten, roten Augen und schnappte: "Du irrst dich. Ich habe keinen Bruder!" "Lyssie, du..." Finneas war schockiert, dass seine Schwester solche Worte aussprechen würde. Er hatte gedacht, dass Alyssa bei seiner Rückkehr sich freudig in seine Arme werfen würde, so wie sie es früher als Kinder getan hatten. Überraschenderweise war der Ausdruck in ihrem Gesicht jetzt einer reinen Abscheu. "Nenn mich nicht Lyssie! Als unsere Eltern starben, warst du nicht auffindbar. Jetzt, wo unser Zuhause kurz vor der Zerstörung steht, tauchst du bequemerweise auf? Finneas, ich möchte wirklich nicht schlecht von dir denken, aber du hast mich wirklich enttäuscht!" Ein Zittern durchlief Finneas' Herz, und er fragte schnell: "Waren Mama und Papa gesund?" "Vor Jahren, als du gegangen bist und nie zurückgekommen bist, haben Mama und Papa ihr ganzes Vermögen ausgegeben, um dich zu finden. Am Ende wurden sie von einem Auto auf der Straße erfasst und starben einfach so." Alyssas Stimme war spürbar erstickt, als würde sie Tränen zurückhalten. "W-Wann ist das passiert?" "Vor langer, langer Zeit. Genauer gesagt im zweiten Jahr nach deinem Weggang." Sie betrachtete Finneas erneut, ließ ein kaltes, spöttisches Lachen los und sagte: "Hah! Was hast du in den letzten zehn Jahren gemacht, seit du uns verlassen hast, um so auszusehen? Hat dich Natalie verlassen? Bist du jetzt obdachlos und deshalb zurückgekommen? Finneas, du bist wirklich nicht menschlich!" Finneas trat schnell vor, packte Alyssas Arm. "Lyssie, lass mich erklären. Du magst es schwer glauben, aber in den letzten zehn Jahren war ich auf dem Pfad der unsterblichen Kultivierung..." "Lass mich los! Ich will deinen Unsinn nicht hören!" "Ich werde nicht loslassen! Ich werde dich niemals loslassen. Du bist meine Schwester..." "Finneas, dränge mich nicht. Wirst du nur glücklich sein, wenn du mich in die Ecke gedrängt hast, bis ich keine andere Wahl habe, als alles zu beenden?" Alyssas Stimme war hysterisch, ihre Emotionen schienen jeden Moment zusammenzubrechen. "Finneas, ich werde dir niemals vergeben! Niemals! Seit dem Moment, als unsere Eltern starben, bin ich allein auf dieser Welt ohne Familie zurückgeblieben. Denk nicht, dass ich dir vergeben werde, nur weil du mich gerettet hast!" Als Finneas das hörte, war er sprachlos und erstarrte vor Ort. Er ließ zu, dass Alyssa ihn aus der Tür schob. Dann wurde die Haustür mit einem lauten Knall zugeschlagen. Kapitel 3 Die neun Himmelskunst der Unsterblichen „L-Lyssie.“ Finneas starrte regungslos auf die fest verschlossene Tür, sein Herz schmerzte. Entgegen seiner Erwartungen kam es nie zu der ersehnten herzerwärmenden Familienzusammenführung. Stattdessen spielte sich eine Szene der Verwüstung ab. Man könnte sagen, dass es von dem Moment an, als er vor zehn Jahren von Melvin in die Berge zurückgebracht wurde, dazu bestimmt war, in Tragödie zu enden. Finneas stand an der Tür, holte erst einmal tief Luft, bis sich seine Emotionen allmählich beruhigten. Er musste zugeben, dass Melvins gnadenloses Training ihn wirklich beeinflusst hatte. Er fühlte, als ob sein Blut kalt geworden wäre, als ob er trotz allem schnell wieder zu sich kommen könnte, egal was passierte. Finneas seufzte schwer und begann langsam zu erklären: „Lyssie, damals bin ich wirklich zur Unsterblichen Kultivierung gegangen und wurde an einem Ort für zehn Jahre eingesperrt! Erst heute konnte ich herauskommen...“ Doch drinnen im einstöckigen Haus gab es keine Antwort. „Lyssie, egal was passiert ist, jetzt, da ich zurück bin, gehe ich nirgendwo hin! Mir ist es völlig egal, wie es mit der Umzugsentschädigung aussieht. Du bist meine Schwester, also ist es meine Pflicht, dich zu beschützen! Von jetzt an sind es nur noch wir beide, Bruder und Schwester, die sich aufeinander verlassen. Ich lasse nicht zu, dass dich jemand mehr belästigt.“ Knarren. Die Tore waren geöffnet. Alyssa sah Finneas mit einem komplizierten Ausdruck an. Natürlich glaubte sie Finneas' Behauptung, dass er zehn Jahre lang an einem Ort eingesperrt war, nicht. „Hat all dieses Gerede irgendeine Bedeutung?“ „Lyssie, nachdem unsere Eltern gestorben sind, müssen diese Jahre für dich ziemlich hart gewesen sein, oder?“ Finneas sagte, sein Herz schmerzte für sie. „Das geht dich nichts an.“ Alyssa schlug die Tür wieder zu. Dann lehnte sie sich gegen die Tür, hielt sich die Hände vor den Mund und Tränen liefen bereits über ihr zartes Gesicht. Sie wollte wirklich in die Arme ihres Bruders stürmen können, wie sie es früher als Kinder getan hatten, hemmungslos schluchzen und Trost bei ihm suchen. Aber jedes Mal, wenn sie daran dachte, wie Finneas nach dem Studium für eine Frau weggegangen war, zehn Jahre lang weggeblieben war und den Tod ihrer Eltern verursacht hatte, fand sie es unmöglich, ihm zu vergeben. Jetzt, da ihr Bruder während einer so sensiblen Zeit aufgetaucht war, als ihr Haus abgerissen werden sollte und sie eine Entschädigung für den Umzug erhalten würde, war es schwer, nicht über seinen wirklichen Grund für die Rückkehr zu spekulieren. „Lyssie, geh erst einmal gut schlafen. Ich werde draußen Wache halten. Wenn du etwas brauchst, ruf einfach nach mir“, sagte Finneas leise. Dann fand er einen relativ flachen Platz vor der Tür und setzte sich im Schneidersitz nieder. Sein Kopf war jetzt durcheinander. Er brauchte etwas Zeit, um seine Gedanken zu ordnen. Auf ihrer Suche nach ihm verloren ihre Eltern tragischerweise bei einem Autounfall ihr Leben. Danach musste seine jüngere Schwester so viele Jahre lang ein einsames und schwieriges Leben ganz alleine führen. Es war leicht vorstellbar, wie viel Mühsal und Ungerechtigkeit sie ertragen musste. „Da ich zurückgekehrt bin, sollte niemand mehr daran denken, Lyssie in Zukunft zu belästigen...“ Finneas seufzte schwer. Da seine Eltern bereits gestorben waren, lag sein einziger Fokus jetzt darauf, sich um seine jüngere Schwester zu kümmern und Unsterblichkeit zu erlangen. „Was Natalie betrifft...“ Finneas seufzte erneut. Natalie war tatsächlich seine Freundin von damals. Die beiden waren sieben Jahre lang zusammen, während drei Jahren in der High School und vier Jahren an der Universität. Obwohl sie sich liebten, waren sie letztendlich dazu verdammt, getrennt zu bleiben. Ein Jahrzehnt war vergangen, und Natalie war jetzt zweiunddreißig. Finneas vermutete, dass sie wahrscheinlich inzwischen verheiratet und Mutter war. „Vergiss es, was bringt es jetzt noch, darüber nachzudenken? Letztendlich war ich es, der sie enttäuscht hat.“ Finneas beschloss, nicht weiter darüber nachzudenken. Er nahm die Lotussitzhaltung ein und atmete meditativ ein und aus. Die Atemtechnik, die er praktizierte, war als die "Neun Himmel Unsterbliche Kunst" bekannt. Nach Melvin war dies eine höchste unsterbliche Technik, etwas, für das er sein Leben riskiert hatte, um es aus einer alten Ruine zu erhalten! Leider war diese Methode nicht für gewöhnliche Menschen geeignet. Sie konnte nur von denen kultiviert werden, die eine natürliche spirituelle Konstitution hatten. Das war der Grund, warum Melvin so aufgeregt war, als er Finneas zum ersten Mal sah. Nach allem, was passiert war, konnte auch Finneas erraten, warum Melvin so hart und gnadenlos zu ihm gewesen war. Melvin war bemerkenswert talentiert und schaffte es, in dieser modernen Ära die Urteilsphase zu erreichen. Leider konnte er letztendlich die Unfruchtbarkeit dieser Welt nicht überwinden. Am Ende seines Lebens hatte er es immer noch nicht geschafft, Unsterblichkeit zu erlangen. Unsterblichkeit zu erlangen war Melvins lebenslange Besessenheit. Deshalb suchte er im letzten Jahrzehnt seines Lebens Finneas auf. Er goss all sein lebenslanges Wissen in den jungen Mann und hoffte, dass Finneas derjenige sein würde, der die Ketten ihrer Welt brechen würde, um den Fluch zu zerstören, der zukünftigen Generationen die Unsterblichkeit verwehrte. Unter Melvins unmenschlichem Training erwies sich Finneas als würdig. In nur einem Jahrzehnt war er ein Kultivierender auf dem Höhepunkt der Goldenen Kernphase geworden. Der Weg der Kultivierung war in zehn Phasen unterteilt: Energieverfeinerung, Grundsteinlegung, Goldener Kern, Nascitseele, Seelenprojektion, Göttliche Transformation, Leere Verfeinerung, Transzendenz, Große Erhebung und Urteil. Jede Phase war weiter in zahlreiche Unterphasen unterteilt. Zum Beispiel könnte die Goldene Kernphase in drei Unterphasen unterteilt werden: Kernbildung, Kernkondensation und Kerntransformation. Ebenso könnte die Nascitseelephase auch in drei Unterphasen unterteilt werden: Seelenbildung, Seelenkondensation und Seelentransformation. Jeder kleine Durchbruch einer Unterphase war ein großer Fortschritt für den Kultivierenden und führte zu einem exponentiellen Anstieg seiner Stärke. Man könnte sagen, dass Finneas in dieser modernen Ära mit seiner Kultivierung auf dem Höhepunkt der Goldenen Kernphase praktisch unaufhaltsam war! Natürlich war dies nur etwas, was Melvin ihm erzählt hatte, als er noch lebte. Was die Details betrifft, war selbst Finneas nicht ganz sicher, da er bis jetzt noch keinen anderen Kultivierenden getroffen hatte. Die Nacht verging im Nu. Nach seiner Kultivierungssitzung öffnete Finneas die Augen und atmete eine verbrauchte Luft aus. Nach dem Durchbruch der Goldenen Kernphase würde es für ihn nicht einfach sein, weitere Fortschritte zu machen. Aufgrund der Knappheit an spiritueller Energie in dieser Welt würde es eine unglaublich lange Zeit dauern, die Nascitseele allein durch Meditation und Kultivierung zu bilden. Um schnell voranzukommen, müsste er alternative Methoden finden. In diesem Moment öffneten sich die Tore des einstöckigen Hauses. Alyssa, die eine Schüssel voller Kleidung trug, trat heraus, bereit, sie im nahegelegenen Teich zu waschen. Sofort war Finneas an der Seite seiner Schwester. "Lyssie, Wäsche waschen? Lass mich dir dabei helfen." "Das ist nicht nötig", antwortete Alyssa kalt. In der letzten Nacht hatte sie beobachtet, wie Finneas die ganze Nacht draußen saß. Dennoch war es unmöglich, den Groll in ihrem Herzen zu löschen. Sie dachte immer noch, dass die Rückkehr ihres Bruders dieses Mal höchstwahrscheinlich auf den Abriss und die Umsiedlung zurückzuführen war. "Es besteht kein Grund, höflich zu mir zu sein." Finneas schnappte sich prompt die Schüssel und ging zum Teich. Als er sich hinsetzte, bemerkte er, dass etwas nicht stimmte. Dies lag daran, dass die Waschschüssel mit Damenunterwäsche gefüllt war... Waschen... oder nicht waschen? Finneas war wirklich in einer Zwickmühle. Obwohl Alyssa seine eigene Schwester war, erkannte er immer noch die inhärenten Unterschiede zwischen Männern und Frauen an. Außerdem schien es ihm nicht ganz angemessen und ziemlich unangenehm, diese Art von intimer Kleidung mit den Händen zu schrubben... Trotzdem konnte Finneas, als er auf die verblassten Unterwäsche starrte, nicht umhin, einen Stich der Traurigkeit in seinem Herzen zu spüren. Für ein Mädchen war es wichtig, regelmäßig neue Unterwäsche zu kaufen, aber es schien, als ob Alyssa seit Jahren dieselben trug. "Was ist los? Kann jemand wie du auch verlegen sein?" Alyssa stand am Ufer, ihr Ton gleichgültig, als sie sprach. "Diese Kleidung ist zu alt. Mach dir keine Sorgen, ich werde dir später neue kaufen", versprach Finneas leise, während er die Wäsche wusch. "Hör auf zu tun als ob!" Alyssa drehte sich um und ging ins Haus. Bei diesem Anblick konnte Finneas nicht anders, als bitter zu lachen. Kapitel 4 Kelly Latiers Nachdem er die Wäsche fertig hatte, beschloss Finneas, rauszugehen und etwas Geld zu verdienen. Gerade als ein pinkfarbener Chevrolet Spark die baufällige Schotterstraße vor ihrem Haus hochfuhr. Ein Mädchen mit leichtem Make-up und auffälliger Kleidung stieg aus dem Auto aus. Sie sah etwa achtzehn oder neunzehn aus, trug ein weißes Kleid und schwarze Strümpfe. Mit einem jugendlichen, energiegeladenen Aussehen ähnelte sie einer zarten Porzellanpuppe. Ihr Name war Kelly Latiers, eine Klassenkameradin von Alyssa. Kelly warf einen neugierigen Blick auf Finneas, der an der Tür stand, und rief dann laut ins Haus: "Lyssie, bist du zu Hause?" Drinnen hörte Alyssa die vertraute Stimme und wischte schnell ihre Tränen weg. Dann lief sie heraus und fragte: "Kelly, warum bist du hier?" "Lyssie, hast du gerade geweint?" Kelly bemerkte Alyssas rote Augen und spürte sofort, dass etwas nicht stimmte. Dann dachte sie an etwas und warf einen misstrauischen Blick auf Finneas, der nicht weit entfernt stand. "Er sieht nicht wie ein guter Mensch aus. Hat er dich gemobbt?" "Nein, ich bin nur versehentlich hingefallen." Alyssa schüttelte den Kopf und zog Kelly ins Haus. Finneas wollte ihnen folgen, aber als er einen Schritt nach vorne machte, knallte die Tür zu. "Sie muss eine Freundin von Lyssie sein... Mit einer Freundin um sich herum sollte sich Lyssie besser fühlen", murmelte Finneas draußen vor sich hin. Es spielte eigentlich keine Rolle, ob er reinging oder nicht, denn sein scharfes Gehör ermöglichte es ihm, jedes Geräusch im Haus klar zu hören. Was ihn beunruhigte, war, dass Kelly glamourös und schön aussah, während seine Schwester wie Cinderella aussah. "Auch wenn Lyssie gesagt hat, dass dieser Ort bald umgesiedelt werden könnte, ist es nicht realistisch, sich auf die Umsiedlungskompensation zu verlassen. Ich muss schnell Geld verdienen!" Finneas überlegte einen Moment, dann hockte er sich in die Ecke, um dem Gespräch im Haus zuzuhören. In dem kleinen Raum gab es nur ein abgenutztes Bett und einen mit Büchern überhäuften Schreibtisch. Die beiden Mädchen saßen auf dem Bett und flüsterten miteinander, ohne zu bemerken, dass Finneas alles hörte, was sie aus der Ecke sagten. Wenn Kelly es wüsste, würde sie ihn definitiv mit ihrem feurigen Temperament ausschimpfen. "Lyssie, wer ist dieser gruselige Typ mit dem struppigen Bart und den langen Haaren?" "Ich weiß nicht, vielleicht ein Müllsammler, der hierher gekommen ist, um sich zu erleichtern." "Oh, kein Wunder, dass er so heruntergekommen aussieht. Ein erwachsener Mann, der so lebt, ist wirklich beschämend!" An der Wand in der Ecke war Finneas sprachlos. Alyssa wollte nicht, dass Kelly so über ihren Bruder sprach, also fragte sie schnell: "Kelly, warum bist du heute hierher gekommen?" "Oh! Es ist einen Monat her, seit die Schule begonnen hat. Der Administrator hat mich gefragt, wann du dich anmelden wirst. Wenn du nicht bald gehst, wird die Schule es als freiwilligen Rückzug betrachten." Kelly sagte schnell. Alyssa biss sich auf die Lippe und antwortete nicht. "Ist es wegen der Studiengebühren?" Kelly sah sich im Raum um und sagte dann: "Du kannst einen Studienkredit beantragen! Wie auch immer, es ist nicht einfach, an die Jacaster University zu kommen. Willst du wirklich aufgeben?" "Ich will nicht aufgeben, aber ich kann meinen Antrag auf Studienkredit nicht genehmigt bekommen." Alyssa lächelte bitter. "Warum nicht?" "Weil meine Bestätigung des benachteiligten Hintergrunds nicht bestanden hat!" "Verdammung! Wie kann das fair sein? Wie können sie dich nicht als benachteiligt betrachten? Warum haben sie es nicht genehmigt? Das ist empörend!" Kelly sagte wütend. Alyssa trug einen bitteren Ausdruck und antwortete nicht. Sie wusste, dass selbst wenn sie es Kelly erzählte, es nicht helfen würde. Kelly kam aus einer gewöhnlichen Familie, und wenn sie sich mit diesen Leuten einließen, wären sie auch in Schwierigkeiten. Sie wollte nicht, dass Kelly das erlebte, was sie letzte Nacht durchgemacht hatte. Was das Anrufen der Polizei betrifft? Nachdem sie es gestern gemeldet hatte, kamen nachts zwei große Kerle, um sie zu entführen. Sie glaubte nicht, dass es ein Zufall war. "Is it because of the relocation? Do they want to force you to sell the land cheaply?" Kelly asked keenly in a low voice. Alyssa nodded silently. Kelly clenched her teeth in anger. "Dmn! These bstards only bully a girl. If you had a man in your family, they wouldn't dare bully you!" Hearing this, Alyssa felt a pang in her heart. The situation had become serious enough that even having a man in the family might not solve it. "Forget it! I don't plan to go to university anymore. It isn't worth it. I'm alone, so it's fine if I can get by. I'll just live each day as it comes." "No, if necessary, I'll talk to the administrator and ask the classmates to donate for you." "Kelly, I can't live off others forever! Besides, going to university isn't always a good thing. I plan to work and see the world." Alyssa forced a smile. Just then... Bang! The door was forcefully pushed open from the outside, and Finneas strode in. This scene stunned the two girls in the room. "No, Lyssie, you have to go to college. Don't worry about the money; I'll take care of it!" Finneas' face was dark with anger. He couldn't believe his sister was skipping university because of money! He was a powerful Golden Core cultivator and couldn't stand the thought of his sister not having money for school. His heart ached. If he hadn't eavesdropped, he wouldn't have known any of this! And the verification documents? Who was stopping them from being approved? How dare they bully Alyssa? They all deserve to die! At that moment, Finneas had an overwhelming urge to kill those who dared to bully Alyssa. "Are you insane? Trespassing into a private residence is illegal!" Kelly quickly shielded Alyssa behind her and glared at Finneas. "I'm Lyssie's brother!" Finneas replied calmly. "Brother?" Kelly looked skeptical and then turned to Alyssa for confirmation. Alyssa had just said he was a scavenger here to take a dump." "My brother died ten years ago. This guy must be some nutcase." Alyssa replied expressionlessly. "Did you hear that? You nutcase, leave now! Otherwise, I'll call the police. Don't think you can bully us just because we're two girls!" Kelly shouted. Finneas took a deep breath and slowly said, "Lyssie, whether you acknowledge me or not, you have to go to university. And Kelly, I'm going out to earn the tuition money now. I'll be back before dark. Take care of Lyssie for me. I'm afraid she might do something stupid." After saying this, Finneas turned and left, quickly disappearing from their sight. This scene left Kelly stunned, her face filled with confusion. Jacaster University's tuition is over five thousand a year. How can a man who can't even afford new clothes earn that in a few hours? "He must be crazy! I heard that insane people aren't held responsible for murder. Good thing he left voluntarily," Kelly said, patting her chest in relief. Alyssa felt conflicted and remained silent. She thought he had returned to fight for the relocation compensation, but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe he really did not have a choice back then. Should I accept if he brings back over five thousand for my tuition? Alyssa was lost in thought. Her eyes gradually lost focus, drifting into memories of her childhood. Kapitel 5 Hunderttausend, um Ihr Problem zu lösen Nachdem er zu Hause weggegangen war, rannte Finneas direkt zum Stadtzentrum von Jacaster. Mit seiner Geschwindigkeit war eine vierzig Kilometer lange Reise nur eine Frage von Minuten. Wenn er mit seinem Schwert flog, würde es nur eine Minute dauern, aber das Stadtzentrum war überfüllt, also entschied er sich, nicht zu fliegen. Was das Geldverdienen betrifft? Finneas hatte zahlreiche Möglichkeiten, es zu verdienen. Das Einrichten von Arrays, die Verfeinerung von Medikamenten, die Herstellung von Talismanen, die Behandlung von Krankheiten und die Geomantie waren alles in seinem Fachgebiet. Jeder dieser Bereiche könnte ein Vermögen einbringen. Nach einem kurzen Moment des Nachdenkens kam Finneas auf einem Markt in Nord-Jacaster an. Dieser Markt, bekannt als Jaskait Market, war nicht der größte in Jacaster, aber zweifellos der vielfältigste. Hier wurde alles verkauft, von täglichen Notwendigkeiten und Hausmitteln bis hin zu Gold, Silber, Schmuck, Antiquitäten und Smaragden. Man konnte sogar ein paar Wahrsager, Exorzisten und Geomantie-Kundige finden. Die chaotische und gemischte Zusammensetzung des Marktes machte ihn zu einem rechtsfreien Raum, in dem selbst der Stadtrat eine Einmischung vermied. Finneas fand einen leeren Platz, setzte sich mit gekreuzten Beinen hin und schrieb mit einem roten Ziegelstein auf den Boden: Vermiete mich für zwei Stunden: Meister aller Trades, Preis verhandelbar. Nachdem er sich eingerichtet hatte, schloss Finneas die Augen und wartete darauf, dass jemand in Not auf ihn zukam. Der belebte Markt verbreitete schnell die Nachricht über sein Angebot, und viele Leute kamen, um sich das anzusehen, aber niemand erkundigte sich weiter. Seine Behauptung, ein Meister aller Trades zu sein, war zu übertrieben. Selbst eine Gottheit würde es nicht wagen, eine so kühne Behauptung aufzustellen. Lügner! Sie nahmen an, er sei ein Betrüger. Die Leute umringten Finneas, zeigten auf ihn und diskutierten. Einige kamen, um ihn mit absurden Fragen zu verspotten wie: "Kannst du Impotenz heilen?" oder "Kannst du seine Länge um fünf Zentimeter vergrößern?" Finneas ignorierte diese offensichtlich spöttischen Anfragen. In der Zwischenzeit beobachtete eine Gruppe von Männern in einem schwarzen Hummer, der in der Nähe geparkt war, Finneas genau durch das Fenster. Einer von ihnen sprach zu einem Mann mittleren Alters auf dem Rücksitz. "Boss, dieser Kerl ist zu jung. Er blufft definitiv. Wir sollten woanders suchen. Wenn wir nicht bald eine Lösung finden, könnte es auf der Baustelle zu großen Problemen kommen." "Es ist nicht einfach, einen Experten für Exorzismus zu finden", seufzte der Mann mittleren Alters. Er war Cameron Wheeler, Vorsitzender eines großen Bauunternehmens in Jacaster. In letzter Zeit plagten seltsame Vorkommnisse die Baustelle seines Unternehmens. Arbeiter berichteten, nachts Kinder weinen zu hören, und diejenigen, die nachsahen, fanden nichts. Als die Arbeiter in ihre Unterkunft zurückkehrten, hallten die Geräusche des Weinens von draußen erneut wider. Letzte Nacht behauptete ein Arbeiter, als er auf die Toilette ging, einen Wiesel gesehen zu haben, der ihn anlächelte. Es fragte: "Junger Mann, sehe ich aus wie ein Mensch oder ein Unsterblicher?" Der Arbeiter hatte noch nie ein so seltsames Ereignis erlebt. Er wagte es überhaupt nicht zu antworten und floh direkt zurück in seine Unterkunft. Doch sobald er zurückkehrte, wurde er ernsthaft krank und konnte nicht aufstehen. Trotz des Krankenhausaufenthalts konnten sie nichts finden. Er lag immer noch im Krankenhaus. Verzweifelt führte Cameron persönlich ein Team zum Jaskait Market, um einen Experten zu finden. Sie fanden mehrere scheinbar mächtige Experten, aber alle stellten sich als Betrüger heraus. Cameron rieb sich frustriert die Schläfen. Das Projekt hatte einen Wert von über zwei Milliarden, mit einem potenziellen Gewinn von einer Milliarde für ihn. Verzögerungen kosteten ihn schwer. "Boss, ich habe gehört, es gibt einen Experten in Süd-Jacaster." "Dieser alte Kerl ist ein Betrüger. Ich weiß es besser als du." "Was sollen wir dann tun?" "Ich bezahle euch nicht, um mir Fragen zu stellen! Nutzlose Idioten!" Mit seinem feinen Gehör hatte Finneas das Gespräch im Hummer bereits mitgehört. Das brachte ihn auf eine Idee, und er rief: "Meister aller Trades, besonders geschickt im Exorzismus! Kommt zu mir, wenn ihr Hilfe braucht!" Danach begann er zusammenzupacken und tat so, als würde er gehen. In diesem Moment stürzte ein Mann mittleren Alters aus dem Hummer und rief: "Junger Mann, warte!" Erwischt! Finneas lächelte spöttisch und hielt inne, um den Mann zu prüfen. Der Mann hatte ein quadratisches Gesicht und dicke Augenbrauen, strahlte eine Aura der Autorität aus - wahrscheinlich jemand aus der Unterwelt oder von hohem gesellschaftlichen Stand. Er war auf jeden Fall keine gewöhnliche Person. Am wichtigsten war, dass eine dunkle Aura den Mann umgab, was zeigte, dass er einer unmittelbaren Gefahr gegenüberstand. Es war ein Zeichen, das nur für jemanden mit Finneas' spiritueller Sicht sichtbar war. "Lassen Sie mich mich vorstellen. Ich bin Cameron Wheeler und ich -" "Ich habe nur begrenzte Zeit. Kommen Sie zur Sache." Finneas benahm sich wie ein arroganter Experte. Cameron betrachtete Finneas und erklärte dann die Situation auf der Baustelle. "Wo befindet sich Ihre Baustelle?" "Sie liegt ungefähr fünfzig Kilometer von den östlichen Vororten entfernt, am Fuße des Mount Riveria", antwortete Cameron. Nachdem Finneas das gehört hatte, hatte er eine grobe Vorstellung. Sie befanden sich im modernen Zeitalter, aber spirituelle Energie existierte immer noch, was zur Geburt von Dämonen führte. Die Arbeiter hatten wahrscheinlich einen schelmischen Wiesel getroffen, der nach Unsterblichkeit strebte. Dies bedeutete nicht, dass der Wiesel wirklich kurz davor stand, unsterblich zu werden. Vielmehr hatte es eine beträchtliche Zeit gelebt und spirituelle Intelligenz entwickelt. Daher griff es zu unkonventionellen Methoden, um seine Urbedürfnisse zu befriedigen. Solche Kreaturen würden vor Finneas erschreckt sein. Dennoch fragte er absichtlich: "Es gibt viele Experten auf diesem Markt. Warum kommen Sie zu mir?" "Vergessen Sie es. Sie sind alle Scharlatane, die hier nach Ruhm fischen", antwortete Cameron kalt und fuhr fort: "Ich verstehe, was Sie meinen. Wenn Sie damit umgehen können, werde ich Ihnen zwanzigtausend bezahlen." Finneas sah Cameron direkt an und sagte ruhig: "Mr. Wheeler, das ist keine einfache Angelegenheit. Es ist überaus ernst! Verzeihen Sie mir die Direktheit, aber wenn diese Situation nicht bald gelöst wird, werden Ihre Baustelle und sogar Sie selbst in Gefahr geraten. Haben Sie in letzter Zeit schlecht geschlafen?" Camerons Herz setzte einen Schlag aus. Er wusste, dass die Situation ernst war. Die Baustelle war seit Tagen geschlossen und kostete ihn täglich Zehntausende. Wenn diese Situation weitergehen würde, würde er enorme Verluste erleiden. Außerdem fühlte er sich in letzter Zeit nachts beobachtet. Aber wenn er das Licht einschaltete, war nichts in der Nähe. Das machte ihn ängstlich. Cameron zweifelte zunächst an Finneas. Er war verzweifelt und bereit, alles zu versuchen. Nachdem er Finneas' Worte gehört hatte, war er voller Schock. Ist dieser Pokerface-Mann ein echter Experte? "Junger Mann, was schlagen Sie vor?" "Erhöhen Sie den Preis." Cameron sah Finneas an. Anstatt wütend zu sein, war er überraschend erfreut. Die Forderung nach mehr Geld deutete auf Selbstvertrauen hin. "Wie viel?" "Hunderttausend. Ich garantiere, Ihr Problem zu lösen!" antwortete Finneas ruhig.	LEARN_MORE	https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?	Wie Lesen	https://www.facebook.com/61565407629595/	604	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.tapon.com	VIDEO		https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=de&id=294&brand=3&app=0&ppid=5506&pid=TTW2A&utm_source=TTW2A&utm_medium=__PLACEMENT__&utm_campaign=__CAMPAIGN_ID__&utm_term=__AID__&utm_content=__CID__&pixel_id=586505356679202&bacid=7916C20EFCF1BC2302E51717E910B7453664B9A65C34FBBBE6855F64C0ACB33B876883D1BF94D3F0A0449D3ADDA4526B611054F6CADE00DF&badid={{ad.id}}&ori_campaign_id=120215821560410784&ori_adset_id=120215821560610784&ori_ad_id=120215821565440784	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480990473_2733094343541541_6408720381346141300_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gLsJzgrhs6YQ7kNvgFRN0yR&_nc_oc=AdiiT4cuQ2UaKu6l0ngflHY9BBPE6nObOM_6kAlnLzd14HqOBMlS5t7ipfhS6jqdPBp3P-a8G8l_o38i018Wutbc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcXL6QLBWzRXtEboY3Y_yPv&oh=00_AYCt4MP5yY6-zV3TG92hM9jPgTh8Q8SIq6Gzjr1EFRu0JQ&oe=67CC361B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wie Lesen	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,767,158	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 18:54	active	2790	Bee Sales and Bee Leases for Ag Exemtpions	Bee Sales and Bee Leases for Ag Exemtpions - $300.00 HONEY BEES FOR SALE & LEASE - AG EXEMPTION QUALIFIED 🐝 What We Offer: FOR SALE: Established honey bee colonies perfect for: Beginning beekeepers Experienced apiarists expanding their apiaries Honey production Backyard pollination FOR LEASE: Agricultural exemption-qualifying bee leasing Professionally maintained hives Regular inspections included Perfect for property tax savings through ag exemptions No beekeeping experience necessary All colonies are healthy, locally-adapted, and managed by experienced beekeepers. We provide setup assistance and ongoing support. About Happy Bee Solutions: We're a local New Braunfels beekeeping company specializing in honey bee sales, leasing, removal services, and beekeeping education. Our mission is to support both bees and people through sustainable beekeeping practices. Contact Us: Paul: (210) 396-0183 Kelly: (210) 859-4700 Location: New Braunfels and Austin surrounding areas Delivery available #beekeeping #honeybees #agexemption #pollinators #sanantonio #localhoney #HappyBeeSolutions #BeeRemoval #BeeSales #AgExemptions Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/645378497848	Paul Daniel Rankin	https://www.facebook.com/Paul-Daniel-Rankin-542875192241872/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/645378497848706/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Paul Daniel Rankin	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,767,694	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 18:57	active	2790	The Story Behind “Cycling for a Cause” \| S5 E7	Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Joe Matthews retired Captain of the New York City Fire Department. As we explore his remarkable FDNY career, Joe shares how his experiences shaped his identity and resilience. Discover the transformative journey that led him to cycle coast to coast for charitable causes, and hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Joe also reflects on the emotional impacts of recent global events, drawing parallels to 9/11, and discusses his motivations behind his book, "Cycling for a Cause - A Cross-Country Adventure." Don’t miss this captivating conversation about perseverance, purpose, and making a difference. This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org Thank you to our new resource partner, FightCamp https://joinfightcamp.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddachinger/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/responder-resilience/id1606791260 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ya38lJn9YAaDHkSwZmX18 Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/ #ResponderResilience #FirstResponders #JoeMatthews #FDNY #FirefighterStory #CyclingForACause #CrossCountryCycling #CharityCycling #InspiringJourneys #UkraineInvasion #KneeSurgeryRecovery #EpicAdventures #CyclingAdventure	LEARN_MORE	http://www.respondertv.com/	Responder Resilience Podcast	https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/	998	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.respondertv.com	VIDEO		http://www.respondertv.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217933_647530254402601_154643963422267196_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D2-6YvJw3_AQ7kNvgFaAaHI&_nc_oc=Adh_gfDvmWxPjCMHAJHBYvgn51WeiAvkA5ZYIkt1HKQzUS3uhAUMVLnC0E8DbM4naHTBenDo4y302SyfPYtH3wQq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AA15pRfD5nhY-SWt4-yBAzf&oh=00_AYD6Bo0AxwTcc9z1ioM6PUYSTESIv4Ip-kNnMTZh6XCxTA&oe=67CC27B8	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Responder Resilience Podcast	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,766,291	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2766282}'	No	2025-03-03 18:29	active	2789	HIGHEST MULTIPLIER EVER! FSD17 F350 Platinum on Full Air Ride—75 ENTRIES per $1! 🎉💨	🔥 IT’S LAUNCH WEEK—FSD17 IS OFFICIALLY LIVE! 🔥 And this ain’t just a truck—it’s a full-blown, pavement-ripping F350 Platinum on Full Air Ride that’s ready to raise hell. 😳💨 🔥Full Loaded Platinum F350 🔥Heated & Cooled Seats 🔥Massaging Seats 🔥Remote Start 🔥Sunroof 🔥Full Air Ride kit front & rear 🔥Gooseneck Ball 🔥Full Color Match Launch week means one of the HIGHEST ENTRY MULTIPLIERS of the entire giveaway! For every $1 you spend, you’re getting 75 ENTRIES! 🚀 And don’t worry about taxes—we’re throwing in enough cash to cover ‘em. 💰 ⏳ But this giveaway only runs for 4 WEEKS. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Launch week is one of the BEST times to enter—so if you want to be the one holding the keys, get your entries in NOW!	SHOP_NOW	http://fsdsupply.com/	Full Send Diesel	https://www.facebook.com/FullSendDiesel/	60,718	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	fsdsupply.com	DCO	🚨 YOU can win this F350 Platinum —Launch Week with 75x Multiplier, Get Entered Now!	http://fsdsupply.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481078081_2020292235135661_2445972302109970442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xsXDLQ2TdusQ7kNvgHh86I3&_nc_oc=Adg8OURHNhfdK8n9YqonXDnyYftj96VYDA0UXsVGo_p9DAbYEai4KfmB9uCHcDPgDvM0SBV2uNP4zoGz2vKmKmkp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2ASQ_-u0lqXCw73PgOgkH8&oh=00_AYA0l7oT-Ly6ugCZ-4xTlnIIeGOME4-g5XEPRntsPZkxWw&oe=67CC053A	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Full Send Diesel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,510	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2768041}'	No	2025-03-03 19:11	active	2791	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,810	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	wwwedb.com	VIDEO		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481143631_1468187987475882_8678935545283355142_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CTmIbCxV904Q7kNvgFUXKS7&_nc_oc=AdhRoo1VT4dE4btpJivjEY_zffIdVGeB-j_4E_kF4db5pXjHlnkVkopFwMJbG7u3MwMMfWiLbjdSZU4V-DsZsR05&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AWhqfR4amSR0rP_DEQhMevh&oh=00_AYDmXGvE2kzP-y8X35I1gjMeKJUkFZBBROurAvcSA2p5ew&oe=67CC09F6	PERSON_PROFILE	0	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,398	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	Read next chapter	She was overjoyed when she found out she was pregnant, but she saw her husband having intimate with his first love. She left the divorce agreement in tears, hiding her pregnant belly and departing with a broken heart... ===== "Ms. Wright, congratulations! Your baby's very healthy." Jenessa Wright walked out of the hospital in a daze, clutching the pregnancy test result close to her chest. She was pregnant with Ryan's baby! Looking down, she absentmindedly caressed her still-flat belly and broke into a smile. Grinning like silly, Jenessa hurriedly took out her phone to call Ryan Haynes, her husband, excited to share the wonderful news. However, just as she was about to dial his number, her phone buzzed. It read, "Come to Imodon Hotel right now." It was a message from Ryan. Imodon Hotel? Why'd he want her to go there all of a sudden? Jenessa was puzzled, but she didn't hesitate for long. She hailed a cab and headed straight to the hotel. Since Ryan wanted to see her, she figured she might as well tell him the good news in person. With her heart pounding in anticipation, Jenessa arrived at the hotel. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she noticed the lobby was adorned with flowers and a brand-new red carpet, clearly prepared for a celebration. Jenessa paused, momentarily stunned, before remembering that today was their wedding anniversary. Could it be that Ryan had asked her to come here to surprise her? She smiled to herself, wondering idly how Ryan would react to the news of her pregnancy. Jenessa wove her way through the crowd, her plain attire blending into the festive scene unnoticed. It didn't take long for her to spot the dazzlingly handsome man, who easily stood out among the crowd. He was none other than her husband, Ryan Haynes, the father of their child. Just as a smile started to form on her lips, she spotted the woman standing next to Ryan, and her smile froze. That woman was Ryan's first love, Maisie Powell! Since when was Maisie back in town? Jenessa stood glued to her spot, paralyzed as she watched Ryan and Maisie entertain the guests like a perfect couple. Friends surrounded the two, and they seemed to be offering them their congratulations. "Maisie, you're finally home. This deserves a toast!" "Ryan, after all these years, you and Maisie have finally reunited. Doesn't that call for a celebratory drink?" Gradually, the teasing grew louder. Maisie, dressed to the nines in a s*xy red dress and exquisite makeup, chuckled graciously. "Quit teasing us, you guys. Ryan already has a wife." At the mention of Jenessa, the people around showed disdain. "Jenessa? Please! Ryan only married her to appease his grandma!" "Exactly! Ryan has always wanted to marry you. Right, Ryan?" Ryan, looking like a prince in his custom-tailored suit, radiated a cool, unique charisma. "Alright, enough already; stop teasing Maisie," he said coolly. "She can't drink; let me drink on her behalf." As soon as he said this, his friends' laughter and teasing grew even more intense. "Hey, Ryan, what the heck? You're being so protective of her, aren't you? Fine! If she can't drink, then you'll have to drink her share! And you're not allowed to leave until you've finished!" Amidst the boisterous teasing, Ryan remained cool and collected, but there was an unmistakable hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Next to him, Maisie lowered her head and blushed shyly. This loving scene was so glaring that it pierced Jenessa's heart. She didn't know when or how, but she somehow ended up outside the hotel, only realizing it when the cold raindrops hit her face. The chilly wind and drizzling rain enveloped her, and in no time, a fierce storm broke out, soaking her to her bones. Still, she didn't move an inch and simply stared blankly at the rain. Why had Ryan called her over? Was this all just a ploy to make her witness their affection and gracefully surrender her place as his wife to his beloved Maisie? Jenessa's breathing grew heavy. Looking around in a daze, she figured there was nothing she could do but leave this wretched place. With stiff, deliberate steps, she trudged home in the rain. Standing at the doorway, she gazed at the familiar house, her thoughts drifting. Two years ago, when her family was on the brink of bankruptcy, they tried salvaging their situation by marrying her off into the Haynes family. Ryan was initially unwilling, but because his gravely ill grandma kept pressuring him, he reluctantly agreed to the arranged marriage. Now that his grandma's health had improved and Maisie was back from abroad, Jenessa thought maybe it was time for her to pack her things and leave Ryan. Jenessa didn't know how long she stood in front of the house before the sound of a car engine reached her ears. Then, Ryan's deep voice spoke beside her. "Jenessa, why are you standing here, out in the rain?" Chapter 2 I Want A Divorce In a daze, Jenessa looked up, only to meet the stern gaze of the man standing before her. Was she seeing things? What was Ryan doing here? Maisie had just returned from abroad; shouldn't he be spending time with the woman he loved? Ryan couldn't help but frown when he didn't receive a response from Jenessa. Jenessa, soaking wet from the rain, looked like a drowned rat. With her long, dark hair plastered to her pale cheeks, water dripping steadily from the ends, she seemed so helpless and pitiful. "What on earth happened to you?" Ryan questioned, his tone sounding a bit harsher than intended. Jenessa recalled how gentle and affectionate he was with Maisie at the hotel earlier, causing her heart to ache. It was painfully clear that Ryan's attitude towards the woman he loved and the one he didn't were worlds apart. Trying hard to swallow the bitter taste in her mouth, Jenessa forced a smile and softly explained, "It started raining on my way back home, and I didn't have an umbrella, so I got drenched-" While speaking, her nose suddenly itched unbearably, and she couldn't help but sneeze loudly. But instead of pitying her, Ryan only frowned deeper. "You're not a child anymore. If you get caught in the rain, the first thing you should do when you get home is dry off and change your clothes. Do I really need to spell things out for you?" The smile on Jenessa's face stiffened. "I-I'm sorry..." "Go get changed quickly, or else you'll catch a cold." Ryan seemed too impatient with her to say anything more, so he bypassed her and walked inside the house. Catch a cold? Only then did Jenessa remember that she was pregnant; she couldn't afford to get sick, lest she put the baby in harm's way. With that in mind, she hurried to her room, took a hot shower, and let the warm water chase away the chill. Wrapped in a towel, she stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom, only to find Ryan standing in her way. She gasped in surprise and instinctively clutched her towel more tightly around her chest. Ryan's sharp gaze remained fixed on her, and upon noticing her reaction, he asked indifferently, "Why should you be nervous? It's nothing I haven't already seen." Jenessa's face flushed bright red as memories of their passionate, intimate nights together flashed before her eyes. Without waiting for a response, Ryan casually held out a cold medicine pill and a glass of water. "Here, take this." Jenessa hesitantly glanced at the pill in his hand, worried that it might not be good for the baby. "Well, I think I'll be fine without it. After all, I was only in the rain for a while." Unexpectedly, Ryan refused to let her off the hook. "Have you seen yourself in the mirror? You're as pale as a ghost. We're visiting Grandma tomorrow, so you'd better not get sick, you hear me?" But Jenessa, worried about the baby, stubbornly resisted. "I just need to drink something warm, that's all. I'm fine, really." At this point, Ryan's patience wore thin. He decisively popped the pill in his mouth and drank some water from the glass. "Ryan, what're you- Agh!" Before Jenessa could get another word out, Ryan leaned closer, his tall frame looming over her, and grabbed her delicate chin. Forcing her to raise her head, he planted his lips firmly on hers. The pill and water then flowed into her mouth, and he didn't loosen his grip until he was certain that she had swallowed the pill. The sudden kiss made Jenessa dizzy, washing away all her inhibitions. Ryan's desires were stirred, and he carried her over to the bed. He pulled away from her for the briefest of moments to undo his tie, his eyes burning with an all-consuming desire for her. When Jenessa met his intense gaze, she snapped back to reality and cried out, "No!" Trembling, she pushed against his rock-hard chest. "Hmm?" Ryan stopped in his tracks, wondering if he had misheard. He tried to kiss Jenessa again, but she decisively turned her head away, avoiding his eyes. "Ryan, I..." She gulped, struggling to get the words out. "I want a divorce." Her words extinguished Ryan's desires in the blink of an eye. Annoyance flashing across his face, he coldly grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him, his deep eyes staring piercingly into hers. "Say that again?" Jenessa's heart skipped a beat. Still, she managed to suppress the turbulent emotions inside her and bravely met Ryan's intense gaze. "I said, I want a divorce." A flicker of unreadable emotion crossed Ryan's eyes. "Why?" Jenessa was taken aback by his question, confusion and bewilderment evident on her face. Why else? To fulfill his wish to marry his beloved Maisie, of course. "Because..." Her voice trailed off feebly, unable to utter the obvious. "Is your family in financial trouble again? This is about money?" Ryan looked down at her icily. "Jenessa, don't you know your place? If you need something, just say it. Don't play these little games with me, because I do not have the patience for this bullshit." Jenessa quietly clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. So, Ryan assumed that her request for a divorce was just one of her games, an attempt to leverage the situation for her benefit? Jenessa smiled bitterly, but her eyes showed a look of uncharacteristically fierce determination. "Don't worry. I don't want anything but a divorce. Ryan, we were going to get a divorce sooner or later, so what difference does it make?" Ryan didn't respond immediately. He just stared at her with a strange, serious look in his eyes. His silence sent Jenessa into a trance, a mix of anxiety and inexplicable flicker of hope taking root in her heart. "Or... do you not want a divorce?" Chapter 3 Look Out, World! The thought that Ryan might want to stay married made Jenessa's heart skip a beat, her chest heaving from anticipation. However, under her hopeful gaze, Ryan scoffed coldly. "Jenessa, don't kid yourself." His tone was full of mockery, each word piercing her heart like a knife. "Do you really think I'd say 'no' to a divorce?" He locked eyes with her, his gaze icy cold. "Remember this, Jenessa-you're the one who asked for a divorce. You'd better not come crawling back to me when it's all said and done." With that, he got out of bed and left, slamming the door behind him. Jenessa lay despondently on the bed, her heart heavy with disappointment. Tears rolling down her cheeks, she gently placed a hand on her belly, feeling the little life growing inside her. She had originally planned to tell Ryan the good news, but in the span of just a few hours, they were on the brink of divorce. After thinking about it a moment or two, she decided it was best to keep Ryan in the dark about her pregnancy. Even if they separated ways, she could raise the baby on her own. Then, thinking about her job as Ryan's secretary, she felt a pang of helplessness. Ryan's grandma had arranged for her to work under Ryan to nurture their relationship, and back then, it seemed like a good idea. But now, things were different, and it was high time she left that job. The following morning, as soon as Jenessa arrived at the WorldLink Group's headquarters, a few of her more gossipy colleagues surrounded her. "Jenessa, we've been waiting for you all morning! What's going on with Mr. Haynes and that Maisie girl? Are they an item now?" "News of Mr. Haynes throwing a welcome-home party for international supermodel Maisie Powell went viral overnight. He even invited all his friends. Looks like he's planning to make their relationship public soon!" "I heard that after the party, they spent the night together. Maybe she's his future wife!" Jenessa felt a pang of bitterness as she listened. After a brief hesitation, she replied despondently, "I don't know much about it." Her colleagues exchanged glances and rolled eyes. Obviously, they didn't believe her. "Come on, Jenessa! You're Mr. Haynes' secretary. You know him better than anyone. How could you not know any insider information? Just spill the beans already!" Jenessa forced a weak smile. Everyone knew that she was Ryan's secretary, but very few people knew that she was also Ryan's wife. He was even reluctant to make their relationship public. With a soft sigh, she stood her ground more firmly. "I really don't know, okay? Enough with the gossip." The colleagues wanted to press her further, but Jenessa cut them off before they could get another word out. "I said there's nothing to say, so quit pestering me. Were you all hired just to gossip? Get back to work, all of you!" Her stern expression made them uneasy, but she was right; they had to comply. "Okay, okay, we get it." As Jenessa walked away, they couldn't help but mutter and grumble among themselves. "Who does she think she is? Acting all high and mighty. Humph! She's not the only secretary here." "Yeah, when she started working here out of the blue three years ago, we all thought she had some kind of relationship with Mr. Haynes. But in the end, he didn't pay her any special attention-never took her to meetings with clients. She's his personal secretary, but what of it? Just eye candy!" "Her days here are numbered. Once Maisie marries Mr. Haynes, Jenessa will be the first one to go. After all, who would trust a pretty secretary around their man?" "Exactly!" Their laughter and unrestrained chatter filled the office, but Jenessa turned a deaf ear to it all and walked straight to her desk, immersing herself in her work. She knew how those seemingly friendly colleagues truly saw her. But she couldn't argue with them, because even she herself felt like a joke. Before she knew it, it was time to get off work, and most of the secretaries had already gone home. Just as Jenessa was packing her things, she received a call from her best friend, Brinley Lloyd. "Hey, I saw the news this morning. What the hell is going on with Ryan and that Maisie girl? Just rumors, right?" Hearing the disbelief in Brinley's voice, Jenessa sighed heavily. "It's true." Brinley gasped in shock mixed with horror. "What the hell?!" Throughout the day, Jenessa had thought things through, so she was relatively calm as she explained, "In the first place, Ryan and I only got married as part of an agreement. I always knew he had no feelings for me; he only married me because his grandma insisted. Now that the woman he loves is back in the picture, there's no reason for me to stay. It's time to let them be together." Brinley felt both incredulous and indignant. "But... What about the baby? Weren't you going to surprise him?" "Would it be a wonderful surprise to him? Or a horrifying shock?" Jenessa instinctively touched her flat belly, a bitter smile on her lips. "Anyway, what matters is I've made up my mind- I want a divorce, and I'll raise this baby on my own. There's no need for him to know." "Seriously, a divorce? Are you sure about that?" Brinley sounded very concerned. "If you don't want him to know you're pregnant, then you can't keep working at WorldLink. Your belly will get bigger and bigger." "Don't worry, I'm way ahead of you. I'll resign soon. Then, I can finally go back to doing what I truly love." The mention of her long-lost dreams brought a rare smile to Jenessa's face. "Oh, my God! Jenessa, are you going back to your old career?" Brinley was thrilled. "That's fantastic! I always believed in you! You're a genius designer! Look out, world-Sloane Todd, a legend in the fashion design world, is coming! You shouldn't have wasted your talents as Ryan's secretary all these years. He's not worth it!" "Sloane Todd..." Jenessa felt a bit dazed at the mention of that long-forgotten pseudonym. For Ryan, she had lost herself for so long. She almost forgot who she truly was. "Jenessa." A magnetic, masculine voice suddenly sounded behind her. Startled, Jenessa whirled around to find a stern-looking Ryan standing behind her. Chapter 4 A Bun In The Oven "Ry-I mean, Mr. Haynes! What are you doing here?" Jenessa was so startled that she fumbled for the right words, having been caught completely off guard. She hurriedly ended the call, her jittery gaze searching Ryan's face for any signs of anger, feeling inexplicably scared and flustered. When had Ryan arrived? How much had he overheard? "Weren't we supposed to visit Grandma at the hospital today?" Ryan asked, impatience evident in his tone. Only then did Jenessa remember that they had indeed made plans that day. Lowering her head apologetically, she murmured, "I... I'm sorry." "Hmph," Ryan grunted indifferently. As though unwilling to spare another glance at her, he turned around and walked out, saying briskly, "Let's go." It took the dazed Jenessa a second before she snapped to her senses and quickly caught up to him. On the way to the hospital, her mind was in turmoil. A complex mix of emotions plagued her heart as she anxiously wondered if Ryan had overheard her conversation with Brinley. But then she figured, if Ryan had heard that she planned to secretly raise their baby on her own, he wouldn't be so calm now. The two sat side by side in the back seat in complete silence. Naturally, Jenessa's distracted demeanor was a bit hard to ignore. Ryan couldn't stand it anymore. Brows furrowed, he turned his head slightly and demanded, "What's going on with you?" His deep voice startled Jenessa, interrupting her thoughts. "N-nothing," she stammered hastily. "Is that so?" Ryan spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of doubt. Jenessa's racing heart pounded in her chest. Just as she opened her mouth to defend herself, Ryan's magnetic voice suddenly sounded again, this time a lot closer to her ear. "If it really is nothing, then why are you avoiding me? Why won't you look at me, hmm?" Jenessa, frozen in place, dared not move an inch. A barely audible scoff escaped Ryan as he reached out one hand, gently grasping the back of her neck. From the corner of her eye, Jenessa saw him leaning in slowly...... ...... ==== To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave, only to be caught by Ryan... 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://web.weread.mobi/57632322-fb_contact-enr25_	Hello Read	https://www.facebook.com/61550873765205/	1,009	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	web.weread.mobi	IMAGE		https://web.weread.mobi/57632322-fb_contact-enr25_2-c3-0727-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&exdata=E7C53BDECE0DE88B1E1EA0FC548373398A2B0AE7BE4D661C	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476898718_1130773538338899_149243696824001140_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AK-ygbJhZRQQ7kNvgEI-VLU&_nc_oc=Adg7aBdxux2RTnNVDuDGv2GEZdron6kFJK_WRqZtGFk54djgJBhhI8u-tsGApJnfShp9YMS1piaRhULaYSi78TfB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQ2twZbCXhXTIQuGz4BSo7n&oh=00_AYAtklDA7P0KfjiOWnSRZvlZEp6ZCoN5sBsz7f9WGch8xA&oe=67CC3C62	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Hello Read	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,336	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	Read next chapter	To survive, she climbed into her so-called uncle's bed. Two years later, she realized she was just a toy. Heartbroken, she left after seeing him at his first love's prenatal checkup. ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... 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/67687322-fb_contact-e	Heat Novel A	https://www.facebook.com/100089743291944/	609	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-ena255_2-0124-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=934080944896999&exdata=898E73583E5F98798C3D25C0CD8A0B9C4627383413AC29F2	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475900221_1779458969545438_6911658912470786350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p3HO5WYtSsAQ7kNvgEzptiz&_nc_oc=Adh0WxiHwiO6onKU1QY0OKdzWCoFDhrYcdwxM2_XjhajAjVIZxZbgJUU9itjgCd7enYgWZsq9f2oT5AxdW7ZZqol&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APS77mmIKW6ygww8fxpppuw&oh=00_AYChYJ-jQ_RSg05FM_FVartDvDlg3fOvI10vJpdDUGpv7Q&oe=67CC0928	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Heat Novel A	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,767,397	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2767400}'	No	2025-03-03 18:55	active	2790			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/persiankellybundy	Persian Kelly Bundy	https://www.facebook.com/61561804795840/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/persiankellybundy	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480977554_654229403792626_6495078018106705579_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2SV3vday4dUQ7kNvgHdoijT&_nc_oc=Adg7xRLrmq7zShnnhEASP_-wKHYzxXk5tBi04ti_VJpYXP-309QVwvPs64Ivy69lRJRH6-sunnnrGIV0ZA409ezZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxjCjxGpoWC0ADrewSYEwOa&oh=00_AYDKDYM6pf9a1IXbybLT5J7CMjS8lnIl1n4l0TGyOkybtA&oe=67CC1733	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Persian Kelly Bundy	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,766,713	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2767240}'	No	2025-03-03 18:50	active	2790	❤️😍O que acontece a seguir👉Clique aqui para continuar lendo👉	A Kelly, minha prima, roupou meu namorado Cláudio, quem eu namorava há 4 anos. Ele foi meu primeiro namorado, e os encontrei na minha cama! E agora, eles vão se casar... - Você vai ao casamento da sua prima, Catarina. Isso é uma ordem! Nós somos os seus pais e você vai obedecer. – Minha mãe falava brava comigo, como se eu fosse a errada nessa situação. - Ah, mãe! Me poupe e se poupe! A cidade inteira sabe que a Kelly é uma vadia... – Perdi a paciência. - CHEGA, CATARINA! – Meu pai gritou e me assustou. – Você vai a esse casamento e ponto final. - Mas, pai... - Não quero saber, Catarina! É importante pra sua mãe manter a paz na família. Então você vai e pronto. – Meu pai falou não dando margem para questionamentos. Fui para o meu quarto e passei a noite chorando. No dia seguinte contei tudo para a Melissa, que não perdeu tempo, arrumou os convites para um baile de máscaras...... No baile, um homem com uma máscara preta sorrindo pra mim. Ele beijou minha mão e me puxou para perto dizendo no meu ouvido com uma voz rouca: - A mulher mais linda do salão não vai me negar uma dança, vai? - Acho que preciso de um pouco de ar. - Vem comigo. - Ele me puxou para um corredor sem iluminação que dava para uma saída de emergência e ficou assoprando o meu rosto. – Eu quero muito te beijar. Posso? – Eu fiz que sim com a cabeça. Ele olhou nos meus olhos, segurou a minha nuca e nossos lábios se encontraram, começou lento, mas foi se aprofundando, ele me encostou na parede e o beijo se intensificou ainda mais, quase nos roubando o fôlego, quando ele interrompeu o beijo para respirarmos, nos olhamos nos olhos, foi como jogar gasolina no fogo, ele passou a mão pela minha cintura, desceu até minha coxa e puxou minha perna para sua cintura. Eu já estava completamente entregue nesse momento, sentindo seu corpo contra o meu, eu fiquei louca de tesão e o puxei para mais perto envolvendo sua cintura com minha perna. - Você beija bem! – Sorri pra ele e senti meu corpo todo se arrepiar. – Ah, linda, você é incrível, eu quero muito você, aqui, agora! – ele disse entre beijos e enfiou a mão sob o meu vestido o puxando pra cima e chegando a minha calcinha. Eu estava em chamas quando ele enfiou a mão dentro da minha calcinha e gemeu. – Ah! Que delícia! Tão quente, tão molhadinha! – Disse e me beijou com mais força, enquanto abria o zíper da sua calça. Com um movimento rápido, de quem já tinha feito aquilo antes, ele rasgou minha calcinha e acariciou minha entrada, como se pedisse permissão. Olhou nos meus olhos de novo e me perguntou: - O que você quer que eu faça? - Eu quero que você esteja dentro de mim agora! – Respondi sem nenhum pudor, eu já estava arfando de tanto tesão. Eu não resisti aqueles olhos e aquela voz rouca. Eu nunca fui assim, normalmente eu teria me desvencilhado dele no momento em que me puxou pela mão, mas aquela noite eu havia prometido a mim mesma que iria me divertir e se aparecesse alguém interessante eu viveria o momento. E era o que eu estava fazendo, vivendo aquele momento. Ao me ouvir, ele foi entrando em mim devagar, observando eu encostar minha cabeça na parede e aproveitar cada centímetro dele, e ele era enorme. Ele aproveitou para espalhar beijos pelo meu pescoço. Quando acabou de entrar ele parou e falou entre beijos no meu ouvido: - Agora eu vou me mexer. – E começou a sair, só pra entrar de novo com toda força dessa vez, e foi uma delícia, eu estava completamente entregue e enlouquecida com os movimentos dele que entrava e saia de mim freneticamente. Nos descontrolamos e nos entregamos totalmente, como se não tivesse nada ao nosso redor, eu senti uma névoa em meus olhos e o climax começando a se formar e gemi baixinho no ouvido dele, nesse momento parece que ele enlouqueceu, puxou minha outra perna para sua cintura e eu o entrelacei. Me beijando intensamente ele entrava e saia com mais força ainda em mim, era o paraíso na terra. Eu gozei gemendo na boca dele e foi um climax incrível, mas ele continuou o movimento e logo outro climax se formou, e gozei novamente, um climax ainda maior que o anterior que me deixou sem fôlego, enquanto eu gozava ele me disse baixinho que estava no limite me sentindo pulsar ao seu redor, logo eu senti o gozo dele quente dentro de mim. Ficamos ali encostados naquela parede, totalmente sem fôlego, a testa dele encostada a minha. Enquanto me beijava, ele começou a sair de mim e eu estava completamente bem comida, como diria a Melissa. Eu sorri e ele me olhou, me deu um selinho e disse: - Você é realmente incrível! Gentilmente ele baixou minhas pernas até meus pés tocarem o chão, colocou o meu vestido em ordem, arrumou sua calça e me abraçou. Isso foi tão íntimo, tão afetuoso, apesar da loucura daquele encontro e da ferocidade com que nos entregamos, ele ainda era cuidadoso comigo. Eu nunca tinha tido uma relação tão maravilhosa, mas eu só tinha transado com meu ex até então. E meu ex nunca tinha se preocupado em me abraçar depois, nem se preocupava com meu prazer, para ele a coisa se resumia a entrar e sair até ele estar satisfeito, então, o fato de um homem se preocupar comigo, com meu prazer, cuidar de mim, foi novidade, e uma novidade incrível. Ele me deu um beijo no pescoço e perguntou no meu ouvido: - Então, linda, eu ainda não sei o seu nome. Quando eu ia abrir a boca pra falar, ele puxou o celular do bolso e me pediu um minuto para atender. - O que você disse? – Nesse momento aquele estranho saiu correndo como se tivesse se esquecido de mim, ou como se só estivesse fugindo da rapariga que comeu rapidinho na festa. Voltei pra mesa. - Vocês usaram camisinha, né? Meu coração disparou! A gente não usou preservativo. Ela já foi logo me acalmando: - Não, Cat, calma. Com certeza não vai dar nada. Mas você deve fazer uns exames para garantir que está tudo bem. Não surta! Na data marcada Mel foi comigo ao médico. Com a lista de exames nas mãos ela mesma marcou o laboratório e fez questão de me acompanhar. Os resultados saíram cinco dias depois e eu voltei ao médico. Claro que a Mel estava comigo. O médico verificou os resultados e me olhou nos olhos: - Srta. Catarina, sua saúde está ótima. Você está saudável. Mas, daqui pra frente terá que se cuidar melhor. Eu respirei aliviada Ele continuou falando: - Parabéns, você está grávida! Eu não ouvi mais nada, só o sangue pulsando em meus ouvidos...	LEARN_MORE	https://alplk.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17914&ut	Casa dos livros	https://www.facebook.com/61558148557550/	25,332	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	alplk.com	VIDEO	🔥Mais grandes romances aqui🔥	https://alplk.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481119688_1073252301275229_3769568889654796858_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ups9OBerNjkQ7kNvgE082BF&_nc_oc=AdgCcQez2H74vw88YOnTnlptIGS5L527c7XTG__lnK0iM10whtl3gPd_fOa6Dn8A8UFfy52f3jz7kLVwLxJhj30A&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ATQ7gquP44wwVjEcFMurHsy&oh=00_AYDqyYoAD3T0NWRUBuzJmSRXPW5XYFj_j1-ztnWef4_B8w&oe=67CC1E2C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Casa dos livros	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,767,848	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2767836}'	No	2025-03-03 19:09	active	2791	Get Yours at 50% OFF + Free Shipping	The world's first 100% personalized ASTROLOGY BOOK for your self-growth & better relationships. ✨Custom design with your name & birth chart on the cover ✨Personalized birth chart analysis ✨Love & relationship insights ✨Personality & life path profile ✨Career & success guidance Take a 3-minute QUIZ to create your personalized Nordastro book!	LEARN_MORE	https://nordastro.com/start?qz=na1&locale=EN_US	Nordastro	https://www.facebook.com/61562597241042/	11,958	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	nordastro.com	VIDEO		https://nordastro.com/start?qz=na1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459637879_1036937218157525_6139811717928517404_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rr6SKOrkkqMQ7kNvgFftx4g&_nc_oc=AdjuKRuMRIKldTOr4juklEIlzYSQDYsUxh3VHoXZq75BNh3XZm_sgAGgloTAcaR1DthqSCtxJtHFNy0uAQYL0gRk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOzo_Ydl-8c0G7Zg5iBxICp&oh=00_AYBf2Pd8Zh0Gp6nLHVWmaP3I8ttgpwTrbAly-dNDFMnHIw&oe=67CC142E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Nordastro	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,768,329	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 19:10	active	2791	Read next chapter	She was overjoyed when she found out she was pregnant, but she saw her husband having intimate with his first love. She left the divorce agreement in tears, hiding her pregnant belly and departing with a broken heart... ===== "Ms. Wright, congratulations! Your baby's very healthy." Jenessa Wright walked out of the hospital in a daze, clutching the pregnancy test result close to her chest. She was pregnant with Ryan's baby! Looking down, she absentmindedly caressed her still-flat belly and broke into a smile. Grinning like silly, Jenessa hurriedly took out her phone to call Ryan Haynes, her husband, excited to share the wonderful news. However, just as she was about to dial his number, her phone buzzed. It read, "Come to Imodon Hotel right now." It was a message from Ryan. Imodon Hotel? Why'd he want her to go there all of a sudden? Jenessa was puzzled, but she didn't hesitate for long. She hailed a cab and headed straight to the hotel. Since Ryan wanted to see her, she figured she might as well tell him the good news in person. With her heart pounding in anticipation, Jenessa arrived at the hotel. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she noticed the lobby was adorned with flowers and a brand-new red carpet, clearly prepared for a celebration. Jenessa paused, momentarily stunned, before remembering that today was their wedding anniversary. Could it be that Ryan had asked her to come here to surprise her? She smiled to herself, wondering idly how Ryan would react to the news of her pregnancy. Jenessa wove her way through the crowd, her plain attire blending into the festive scene unnoticed. It didn't take long for her to spot the dazzlingly handsome man, who easily stood out among the crowd. He was none other than her husband, Ryan Haynes, the father of their child. Just as a smile started to form on her lips, she spotted the woman standing next to Ryan, and her smile froze. That woman was Ryan's first love, Maisie Powell! Since when was Maisie back in town? Jenessa stood glued to her spot, paralyzed as she watched Ryan and Maisie entertain the guests like a perfect couple. Friends surrounded the two, and they seemed to be offering them their congratulations. "Maisie, you're finally home. This deserves a toast!" "Ryan, after all these years, you and Maisie have finally reunited. Doesn't that call for a celebratory drink?" Gradually, the teasing grew louder. Maisie, dressed to the nines in a s*xy red dress and exquisite makeup, chuckled graciously. "Quit teasing us, you guys. Ryan already has a wife." At the mention of Jenessa, the people around showed disdain. "Jenessa? Please! Ryan only married her to appease his grandma!" "Exactly! Ryan has always wanted to marry you. Right, Ryan?" Ryan, looking like a prince in his custom-tailored suit, radiated a cool, unique charisma. "Alright, enough already; stop teasing Maisie," he said coolly. "She can't drink; let me drink on her behalf." As soon as he said this, his friends' laughter and teasing grew even more intense. "Hey, Ryan, what the heck? You're being so protective of her, aren't you? Fine! If she can't drink, then you'll have to drink her share! And you're not allowed to leave until you've finished!" Amidst the boisterous teasing, Ryan remained cool and collected, but there was an unmistakable hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Next to him, Maisie lowered her head and blushed shyly. This loving scene was so glaring that it pierced Jenessa's heart. She didn't know when or how, but she somehow ended up outside the hotel, only realizing it when the cold raindrops hit her face. The chilly wind and drizzling rain enveloped her, and in no time, a fierce storm broke out, soaking her to her bones. Still, she didn't move an inch and simply stared blankly at the rain. Why had Ryan called her over? Was this all just a ploy to make her witness their affection and gracefully surrender her place as his wife to his beloved Maisie? Jenessa's breathing grew heavy. Looking around in a daze, she figured there was nothing she could do but leave this wretched place. With stiff, deliberate steps, she trudged home in the rain. Standing at the doorway, she gazed at the familiar house, her thoughts drifting. Two years ago, when her family was on the brink of bankruptcy, they tried salvaging their situation by marrying her off into the Haynes family. Ryan was initially unwilling, but because his gravely ill grandma kept pressuring him, he reluctantly agreed to the arranged marriage. Now that his grandma's health had improved and Maisie was back from abroad, Jenessa thought maybe it was time for her to pack her things and leave Ryan. Jenessa didn't know how long she stood in front of the house before the sound of a car engine reached her ears. Then, Ryan's deep voice spoke beside her. "Jenessa, why are you standing here, out in the rain?" Chapter 2 I Want A Divorce In a daze, Jenessa looked up, only to meet the stern gaze of the man standing before her. Was she seeing things? What was Ryan doing here? Maisie had just returned from abroad; shouldn't he be spending time with the woman he loved? Ryan couldn't help but frown when he didn't receive a response from Jenessa. Jenessa, soaking wet from the rain, looked like a drowned rat. With her long, dark hair plastered to her pale cheeks, water dripping steadily from the ends, she seemed so helpless and pitiful. "What on earth happened to you?" Ryan questioned, his tone sounding a bit harsher than intended. Jenessa recalled how gentle and affectionate he was with Maisie at the hotel earlier, causing her heart to ache. It was painfully clear that Ryan's attitude towards the woman he loved and the one he didn't were worlds apart. Trying hard to swallow the bitter taste in her mouth, Jenessa forced a smile and softly explained, "It started raining on my way back home, and I didn't have an umbrella, so I got drenched-" While speaking, her nose suddenly itched unbearably, and she couldn't help but sneeze loudly. But instead of pitying her, Ryan only frowned deeper. "You're not a child anymore. If you get caught in the rain, the first thing you should do when you get home is dry off and change your clothes. Do I really need to spell things out for you?" The smile on Jenessa's face stiffened. "I-I'm sorry..." "Go get changed quickly, or else you'll catch a cold." Ryan seemed too impatient with her to say anything more, so he bypassed her and walked inside the house. Catch a cold? Only then did Jenessa remember that she was pregnant; she couldn't afford to get sick, lest she put the baby in harm's way. With that in mind, she hurried to her room, took a hot shower, and let the warm water chase away the chill. Wrapped in a towel, she stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom, only to find Ryan standing in her way. She gasped in surprise and instinctively clutched her towel more tightly around her chest. Ryan's sharp gaze remained fixed on her, and upon noticing her reaction, he asked indifferently, "Why should you be nervous? It's nothing I haven't already seen." Jenessa's face flushed bright red as memories of their passionate, intimate nights together flashed before her eyes. Without waiting for a response, Ryan casually held out a cold medicine pill and a glass of water. "Here, take this." Jenessa hesitantly glanced at the pill in his hand, worried that it might not be good for the baby. "Well, I think I'll be fine without it. After all, I was only in the rain for a while." Unexpectedly, Ryan refused to let her off the hook. "Have you seen yourself in the mirror? You're as pale as a ghost. We're visiting Grandma tomorrow, so you'd better not get sick, you hear me?" But Jenessa, worried about the baby, stubbornly resisted. "I just need to drink something warm, that's all. I'm fine, really." At this point, Ryan's patience wore thin. He decisively popped the pill in his mouth and drank some water from the glass. "Ryan, what're you- Agh!" Before Jenessa could get another word out, Ryan leaned closer, his tall frame looming over her, and grabbed her delicate chin. Forcing her to raise her head, he planted his lips firmly on hers. The pill and water then flowed into her mouth, and he didn't loosen his grip until he was certain that she had swallowed the pill. The sudden kiss made Jenessa dizzy, washing away all her inhibitions. Ryan's desires were stirred, and he carried her over to the bed. He pulled away from her for the briefest of moments to undo his tie, his eyes burning with an all-consuming desire for her. When Jenessa met his intense gaze, she snapped back to reality and cried out, "No!" Trembling, she pushed against his rock-hard chest. "Hmm?" Ryan stopped in his tracks, wondering if he had misheard. He tried to kiss Jenessa again, but she decisively turned her head away, avoiding his eyes. "Ryan, I..." She gulped, struggling to get the words out. "I want a divorce." Her words extinguished Ryan's desires in the blink of an eye. Annoyance flashing across his face, he coldly grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him, his deep eyes staring piercingly into hers. "Say that again?" Jenessa's heart skipped a beat. Still, she managed to suppress the turbulent emotions inside her and bravely met Ryan's intense gaze. "I said, I want a divorce." A flicker of unreadable emotion crossed Ryan's eyes. "Why?" Jenessa was taken aback by his question, confusion and bewilderment evident on her face. Why else? To fulfill his wish to marry his beloved Maisie, of course. "Because..." Her voice trailed off feebly, unable to utter the obvious. "Is your family in financial trouble again? This is about money?" Ryan looked down at her icily. "Jenessa, don't you know your place? If you need something, just say it. Don't play these little games with me, because I do not have the patience for this bullshit." Jenessa quietly clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. So, Ryan assumed that her request for a divorce was just one of her games, an attempt to leverage the situation for her benefit? Jenessa smiled bitterly, but her eyes showed a look of uncharacteristically fierce determination. "Don't worry. I don't want anything but a divorce. Ryan, we were going to get a divorce sooner or later, so what difference does it make?" Ryan didn't respond immediately. He just stared at her with a strange, serious look in his eyes. His silence sent Jenessa into a trance, a mix of anxiety and inexplicable flicker of hope taking root in her heart. "Or... do you not want a divorce?" Chapter 3 Look Out, World! The thought that Ryan might want to stay married made Jenessa's heart skip a beat, her chest heaving from anticipation. However, under her hopeful gaze, Ryan scoffed coldly. "Jenessa, don't kid yourself." His tone was full of mockery, each word piercing her heart like a knife. "Do you really think I'd say 'no' to a divorce?" He locked eyes with her, his gaze icy cold. "Remember this, Jenessa-you're the one who asked for a divorce. You'd better not come crawling back to me when it's all said and done." With that, he got out of bed and left, slamming the door behind him. Jenessa lay despondently on the bed, her heart heavy with disappointment. Tears rolling down her cheeks, she gently placed a hand on her belly, feeling the little life growing inside her. She had originally planned to tell Ryan the good news, but in the span of just a few hours, they were on the brink of divorce. After thinking about it a moment or two, she decided it was best to keep Ryan in the dark about her pregnancy. Even if they separated ways, she could raise the baby on her own. Then, thinking about her job as Ryan's secretary, she felt a pang of helplessness. Ryan's grandma had arranged for her to work under Ryan to nurture their relationship, and back then, it seemed like a good idea. But now, things were different, and it was high time she left that job. The following morning, as soon as Jenessa arrived at the WorldLink Group's headquarters, a few of her more gossipy colleagues surrounded her. "Jenessa, we've been waiting for you all morning! What's going on with Mr. Haynes and that Maisie girl? Are they an item now?" "News of Mr. Haynes throwing a welcome-home party for international supermodel Maisie Powell went viral overnight. He even invited all his friends. Looks like he's planning to make their relationship public soon!" "I heard that after the party, they spent the night together. Maybe she's his future wife!" Jenessa felt a pang of bitterness as she listened. After a brief hesitation, she replied despondently, "I don't know much about it." Her colleagues exchanged glances and rolled eyes. Obviously, they didn't believe her. "Come on, Jenessa! You're Mr. Haynes' secretary. You know him better than anyone. How could you not know any insider information? Just spill the beans already!" Jenessa forced a weak smile. Everyone knew that she was Ryan's secretary, but very few people knew that she was also Ryan's wife. He was even reluctant to make their relationship public. With a soft sigh, she stood her ground more firmly. "I really don't know, okay? Enough with the gossip." The colleagues wanted to press her further, but Jenessa cut them off before they could get another word out. "I said there's nothing to say, so quit pestering me. Were you all hired just to gossip? Get back to work, all of you!" Her stern expression made them uneasy, but she was right; they had to comply. "Okay, okay, we get it." As Jenessa walked away, they couldn't help but mutter and grumble among themselves. "Who does she think she is? Acting all high and mighty. Humph! She's not the only secretary here." "Yeah, when she started working here out of the blue three years ago, we all thought she had some kind of relationship with Mr. Haynes. But in the end, he didn't pay her any special attention-never took her to meetings with clients. She's his personal secretary, but what of it? Just eye candy!" "Her days here are numbered. Once Maisie marries Mr. Haynes, Jenessa will be the first one to go. After all, who would trust a pretty secretary around their man?" "Exactly!" Their laughter and unrestrained chatter filled the office, but Jenessa turned a deaf ear to it all and walked straight to her desk, immersing herself in her work. She knew how those seemingly friendly colleagues truly saw her. But she couldn't argue with them, because even she herself felt like a joke. Before she knew it, it was time to get off work, and most of the secretaries had already gone home. Just as Jenessa was packing her things, she received a call from her best friend, Brinley Lloyd. "Hey, I saw the news this morning. What the hell is going on with Ryan and that Maisie girl? Just rumors, right?" Hearing the disbelief in Brinley's voice, Jenessa sighed heavily. "It's true." Brinley gasped in shock mixed with horror. "What the hell?!" Throughout the day, Jenessa had thought things through, so she was relatively calm as she explained, "In the first place, Ryan and I only got married as part of an agreement. I always knew he had no feelings for me; he only married me because his grandma insisted. Now that the woman he loves is back in the picture, there's no reason for me to stay. It's time to let them be together." Brinley felt both incredulous and indignant. "But... What about the baby? Weren't you going to surprise him?" "Would it be a wonderful surprise to him? Or a horrifying shock?" Jenessa instinctively touched her flat belly, a bitter smile on her lips. "Anyway, what matters is I've made up my mind- I want a divorce, and I'll raise this baby on my own. There's no need for him to know." "Seriously, a divorce? Are you sure about that?" Brinley sounded very concerned. "If you don't want him to know you're pregnant, then you can't keep working at WorldLink. Your belly will get bigger and bigger." "Don't worry, I'm way ahead of you. I'll resign soon. Then, I can finally go back to doing what I truly love." The mention of her long-lost dreams brought a rare smile to Jenessa's face. "Oh, my God! Jenessa, are you going back to your old career?" Brinley was thrilled. "That's fantastic! I always believed in you! You're a genius designer! Look out, world-Sloane Todd, a legend in the fashion design world, is coming! You shouldn't have wasted your talents as Ryan's secretary all these years. He's not worth it!" "Sloane Todd..." Jenessa felt a bit dazed at the mention of that long-forgotten pseudonym. For Ryan, she had lost herself for so long. She almost forgot who she truly was. "Jenessa." A magnetic, masculine voice suddenly sounded behind her. Startled, Jenessa whirled around to find a stern-looking Ryan standing behind her. Chapter 4 A Bun In The Oven "Ry-I mean, Mr. Haynes! What are you doing here?" Jenessa was so startled that she fumbled for the right words, having been caught completely off guard. She hurriedly ended the call, her jittery gaze searching Ryan's face for any signs of anger, feeling inexplicably scared and flustered. When had Ryan arrived? How much had he overheard? "Weren't we supposed to visit Grandma at the hospital today?" Ryan asked, impatience evident in his tone. Only then did Jenessa remember that they had indeed made plans that day. Lowering her head apologetically, she murmured, "I... I'm sorry." "Hmph," Ryan grunted indifferently. As though unwilling to spare another glance at her, he turned around and walked out, saying briskly, "Let's go." It took the dazed Jenessa a second before she snapped to her senses and quickly caught up to him. On the way to the hospital, her mind was in turmoil. A complex mix of emotions plagued her heart as she anxiously wondered if Ryan had overheard her conversation with Brinley. But then she figured, if Ryan had heard that she planned to secretly raise their baby on her own, he wouldn't be so calm now. The two sat side by side in the back seat in complete silence. Naturally, Jenessa's distracted demeanor was a bit hard to ignore. Ryan couldn't stand it anymore. Brows furrowed, he turned his head slightly and demanded, "What's going on with you?" His deep voice startled Jenessa, interrupting her thoughts. "N-nothing," she stammered hastily. "Is that so?" Ryan spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of doubt. Jenessa's racing heart pounded in her chest. Just as she opened her mouth to defend herself, Ryan's magnetic voice suddenly sounded again, this time a lot closer to her ear. "If it really is nothing, then why are you avoiding me? Why won't you look at me, hmm?" Jenessa, frozen in place, dared not move an inch. A barely audible scoff escaped Ryan as he reached out one hand, gently grasping the back of her neck. From the corner of her eye, Jenessa saw him leaning in slowly...... ...... ==== To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave, only to be caught by Ryan... 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://web.weread.mobi/57632322-fb_contact-enr25_	Hello Read	https://www.facebook.com/61550873765205/	1,009	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	web.weread.mobi	VIDEO		https://web.weread.mobi/57632322-fb_contact-enr25_2-c3-0727-core3.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=1166169688155768&exdata=E7C53BDECE0DE88B6434241767571840D8A1DAFF590D8784	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476828969_948366570765008_1137502589884938195_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=15gO-lLfkmkQ7kNvgE2ImuL&_nc_oc=AditxT9fgQJLM1CI07y1Sd7JQ2b5lQ6BFATXeIiRwzmlm9Twy6RePlz7iU1g9zmvnKYawHAYskkzszIWNKt7M4Ze&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A4QjXXEWj6cuIGTDBI7ajKv&oh=00_AYAPXZ7-K7xX9lEIFJzbsXZVBuw9RJwChMpGL52cS6wPQA&oe=67CC1E5D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Hello Read	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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