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1,860,941	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1860835}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	1225714888589545	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	The noise was coming from across the hall. The jubilant exclamations. "Oh yes! Oh Alpha!"<br /> <br /> It hit me with a waive of nausea. My husband, my mate... was sleeping someone else in his bedroom across the hall. By the sounds of things, the woman was enjoying it a lot more than I had. I grasped my phone, but there was no use in calling anyone now. I knew the sickness that I had could not be helped by any doctor. There is no cure for the pain of an unfaithful mate. I knew it. And he knew it. He knew exactly what he was doing to me. I curled up on the floor, but there was no way to get any relief. I heard his lover scream in desire, just as the pain became so unbearable that I lost consciousness.<br /> <br /> That is how I woke up. Fell on my bedroom floor, smeared with my own blood. The stabbing pain was over and gone, but the ache of betrayal remained. It didn't matter that he didn't like me and I didn't like him... there was a thing that bonded us together that was beyond our control. My poor wolf was crying , whimpering, traumatized.<br /> <br /> I had just barely exited the room, when I felt an iron grip bite painfully into my arm, and spin me into the wall. I found myself face to face with Nolan.<br /> <br /> "Let me make something perfectly clear," he growled. "I do not want you, and I do not need you. You are only here in this house because my father is an old-fashioned fool. I will marry you to fulfill the treaty contract, but you will never be the Luna, and you will never be my mate." As if to punctuate his rejection, he gave me an extra shove against the wall, and then he stalked off in the other direction... and I was left staring after him... my mouth open, my face pale, and my arm aching.<br /> <br /> It wasn't a real rejection, right? I mean if he was formally rejecting me he would have to say the words. "I Nolan Pierceson of the Gold Mountain pack, do hereby reject you Nina..." And then I would reject him back, and the bond would break. But he hadn't said those words, exactly. Still there was a pain in my chest like something was ripping away. It was powerful enough that I had to hold my chest and gasp for breath. A few other people were trailing out of the dining room now, casting curious glances at me, and I knew I had to get upstairs before anyone started asking me questions that I couldn't answer. I was tired now, and I didn't really care who saw me limp as I dragged myself to the stairs and made my slow, painful climb up three flights. "Are you all right madam?" someone asked. I didn't even look at them, just ground out, "I'm fine." and kept climbing. Once I was at my floor, my legs were so bad I could barely walk at all. My left leg dragged, and I used the wall to balance as I made my way down the hall to my own door. Once inside I turned the lock, and fell across downstairs.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> I knew it was bad news when Daddy called me into the office to talk. When we want to discuss something nicely as a family, we do it around the dinner table. We don't get called into the office unless we are in trouble. As I followed Beta Phillip through the pack-house, I felt that heavy sense of foreboding weighing me down. I saw a sort of pity in Phillip's face when paused to let me catch up, and glanced back at me. I was already searching my mind, trying to think of what I might have done to get myself in trouble... but I'm really a pretty boring girl. I couldn't think of anything that might have triggered my father so badly that he would call me into the office.<br /> <br /> We came to a stop in front of the heavy oak door. Phillip knocked twice, and my father promptly called, "Enter!" Phillip opened the door, and stood aside for me to precede him into the room. It was so formal, it felt all wrong. And then he closed the door again, shutting me inside with my father. Daddy was hunched at his desk, and he didn't look happy. His handsome face was haggard, and somehow, he looked older today than he had just a few days ago. "Sit down, Nina."<br /> <br /> I limped to one of the leather wing backed chairs that faced his desk. I didn't limp because I had any recent injury, I just had bad legs. I sank gingerly down on the leather, sitting on the very edge, because somehow it didn't feel safe to relax. Daddy wasn't looking at me... he was looking at papers on his desk. He cleared his throat several times, as if he was struggling to find the right words. When he looked up, his face had hardened, and when he spoke, he spoke with his firm Alpha voice. Not his Daddy voice. That made me shrink back further into the chair.<br /> <br /> "Nina, as part of the treaty negotiations with the Gold Mountain Pack, I have agreed to a marriage alliance. You, Nina Boyton, will marry the Alpha's son, Nolan Pierceson on the next new moon."<br /> <br /> I felt like someone had punched me, knocked the air out of me. "What? Daddy! How could you??" I ,whispered in shock. Arranged marriages were an archaic thing of the past. Nobody did that any more, did they?<br /> <br /> Daddy looked pained. "I did it for the sake of our pack, Nina. We are a small pack, and since your mother..." he couldn't quite bring himself to say the word "died"..."We are weak and vulnerable. We need the protection of a larger, stronger pack. This political alliance will ensure our safety and our survival."<br /> <br /> I felt so many emotions whipping through me, I couldn't grab a hold of them. "But... why me?" I had two sisters, one older, and one younger. Janice was smart and strong, one of our best warriors. And the younger, Hannah was the beautiful one. None of us had found our mates, we were all single and available. I was almost sure if the Alpha of Gold Mountain had ever seen the three of us, he would have picked one of them. Not me. I am the most ordinary, non-descript, and insignificant of the Alpha's daughters. And then it hit me like a slap in the face. Without my father answering me, I knew why he had sacrificed me. I'm the weak one. I'm the expendable one. I'm the one with the "bad legs".<br /> <br /> "Its not what you think, Nina." My father said quietly. "It has nothing to do with your... condition." He never knew quite how to refer to my inexplicably weak legs. The pack doctors hadn't been able to diagnose the problem, even the human doctors had shrugged me off after a battery of inconclusive tests. I waited for him to explain. But my father didn't elaborate further, and that irritated me.<br /> <br /> "Don't I get a say in this? Don't you need my consent before you sell me off "for the sake of the pack"? What if I refuse?"<br /> <br /> My father's face blanched for a moment, and then darkened. "If you refuse, I will disown you, and you will be exiled from the pack."<br /> <br /> His words hit me like a slap in the face. My own father would throw me out of the family and out of the pack and make me go rogue? Who was this man, behind the desk? Surely this wasn't my Daddy. He wouldn't have done this to me. I felt a hot tear run down my cheek, and I could only think, if Mama had been alive, she never, ever would have allowed him to do this to me. For a few moments I seriously considered the option of refusing and being exiled. I didn't really stand a chance, as a lone she-wolf without a pack. I wasn't physically strong enough, but more importantly... I couldn't stand the idea of being forever separated from the family that I loved. Daddy was doing something terrible at that moment, that broke my heart. His responsibilities as Alpha had to come first... even if it meant sacrificing his own daughter. Although everything inside me was raging against it, I had to obey his order. Not only for him, but for the pack that I loved.<br /> <br /> My shoulders slumped forward in defeat. I could no longer meet his eye, and stared down at my toes instead. I couldn't find the words to speak, so I simply nodded. I didn't see his face, but I could hear the relief in his voice. I wonder if he'd secretly been worried that I would actually choose exile over a forced marriage. But when he spoke, it was the heartless, stern, Alpha voice again. "You will pack up your things. You will leave tomorrow in the morning."<br /> <br /> My head jrked up. "So soon? But you said, on the new moon?"<br /> <br /> "I said the marriage would take place on the new moon. The alpha has requested you to come immediately. Gretta will come and help you pack." He shuffled the papers on his desk, as if they were suddenly more important than his daughter. "You are dismissed."<br /> <br /> Dismissed? I don't ever remember my father speaking to me like that... like I was some underling to order about. I made my way back to my room in a stupor, passing pack members in the hall but not really seeing anyone, or hearing their greetings. I shut the door in my room and managed to lean back against it before the strength left my legs and I sank to the floor. Being forced to marry a stranger was bad enough, but it had deeper, more far reaching implications. I would be forever tied to a man I didn't love, and I would never get to experience the joy and completion of finding my mate. That's what every wolf longed for, as soon as they came of age. To find your goddess-given soul mate, the magical person who would complete you and make you whole. All happiness and satisfaction was tied up in that one, fated person. And I would be denied it, forever. Great big tears of self pity rolled down my cheeks as I absorbed the unfairness of it all.<br /> <br /> After awhile a knock came at the door, and Gretta, a sweet little omega who worked in the pack house poked her head in. "I was told to come assist you, Miss Nina." I sighed and hauled myself to my feet. I might as well resign myself to my miserable fate.<br /> <br /> "I need to pack," I said dully. "I'm leaving in the morning."<br /> <br /> "Oh, of course." She was too submissive to dare to ask where or why. I wondered if my sisters knew already, or if they were being kept in the dark too. I wasn't sure I could face them right now. I pulled two suitcases out of my closet that I had only used once when mother took us on a trip to Mexico. "What exactly do you want to pack?"<br /> <br /> I sighed and pulled open my drawers. "Just the absolute essentials Gretta," I said, pulling out my favorite clothes and throwing them on the bed. I was a no-nonsense kind of girl when it came to fashion. I preferred comfort over style, and I didn't own many nice or fancy things. I pulled a couple of nice dresses out of the closet and tossed them on the pile, for formal occasions. I wondered idly if there would be a real wedding dress for this farce of a marriage, or if we were just going to stand before the officiant in our street clothes while it was made legal.<br /> <br /> I looked around my room, trying to gauge what other things I needed to take. I slipped my mother's delicate porcelain jewelry box into the bag, wrapped carefully in one of my sweatshirts. There was the picture of my sisters and I, taken several years ago, our arms looped around each other, smiling happily at the camera. There was my leather bound journal, and my laptop. Other things seemed too childish to take to your marriage home... like the old, worn stuffed bear that had graced my pillow since I was six years old. But I did finally take the fuzzy lap-blanket, printed with cheerful sunflowers and butterflies, and tuck it in the top of my bag. After adding in the practical toiletries and other necessities, I sighed and declared the work finished. I felt a little sad that the entire of my 19 years of life could so easily be condensed into two suitcases, and another fat tear rolled down my cheek.<br /> <br /> I'd never felt so worthless and unloved in all my life. But now I had to face the facts. My own father considered me expendable. The Gold Mountain pack had demanded a bride, and I had been, quite literally, thrown to the wolves. A part of me wanted to call my sisters, to cry to them, to tell them how scared and worried I was about this great unknown responsibility that had just fallen on me... but I couldn't. I suppose I resented them. They would go on with their normal, happy lives after I left. My fate didn't matter much to them, in the grand scheme of things. Their sympathy at this point would only make me feel worse.<br /> <br /> I thanked Gretta for her help, and quietly closed the door behind her. My suitcases were standing neatly by the door. I grabbed my old, well loved teddy bear and curled up on the bed, and tried to shut my mind to all the hurt and all the worries that were eating at me. My mother would have said, "Chin up, sweetheart. Face the world head-on." Thinking of my sweet mother only made me cry harder, until I fell into an exhausted sleep.<br /> I awoke to a timid knock on the door. Dawn was barely breaking outside my window, and I was still sprawled across my bed in yesterday's clothes. My eyes felt puffy and gritty from crying. I had never eaten dinner, and my stomach was complaining. "Miss Nina?" Gretta called timidly. "The Beta says you should be prepared to leave in one hour."<br /> <br /> One hour. Jeezus, they weren't wasting any time in shipping me out of here. I dragged myself to the shower. The pain and weakness in my legs was always the worst first thing in the morning. I braced myself against the sink while I stripped down, and turned the shower on as hot as it could possibly go. I scrubbed and scrubbed at my skin as if I could wash away whatever fault, whatever weakness had made my father choose me. When my skin was pink and irritated, I washed my long, dark hair, and stepped out in a billow of herbal scented steam. What were you supposed to wear when you were being traded off to another pack? I felt like I should wear something black and ugly. After all, I was mourning the loss of my life, my hope, my freedom. But I decided against the funeral garb, and opted for a sun dress that was pretty, but casual. The bright turquoise color went well with my dark honey skin, and made my eyes look more gold than brown. I pulled my hair up into a lose bun, and fastened my favorite turquoise beaded choker around my neck, with the dainty, matching earrings. I stared at my reflection critically in the mirror. No matter how flattering the clothes, or pretty the jewelry, the young woman staring back at me was still just... me. The epitome of ordinary. Neither tall nor short, fat nor skinny, pretty nor ugly. I was simply unremarkable in every way... unless today you counted the fact that my eyes were still red and swollen and I was more pale than usual.<br /> <br /> At precisely 7:00 am there was a sharp knock on my door. I opened it, expecting to see my father, but instead it was his gamma, Pedro. "Miss Nina, your father said I am to drive you to the Gold Mountain pack. Are you ready?"<br /> It was a two hour drive from our small pack to the much larger Gold Mountain Pack territory. But you know when you DON'T want to arrive somewhere, it seems like the journey goes in the blink of an eye. If I were looking forward to this meeting, the two hours would have seemed forever. As it was, Pedro drove silently. My father's third had always been open and friendly with me, so I wondered if my father had given him orders not to talk to me. That hurt. Hurt on top of hurt seemed to be the order of the day. And I was hungry. I never went down for dinner the night before, and I had been rushed out of the house before I had a chance to eat breakfast this morning. With every grumble of my empty stomach, my mood was growing a little darker.<br /> <br /> I'd never been into Gold Mountain Territory. I'd only heard stories of the notorious pack. They were big, and strong, and brutal. Their warriors were considered the best, the elite, and reportedly trained relentlessly. They had no mercy on their enemies, and had reportedly wiped out entire packs who had betrayed them in one way or another. But I always took these kinds of stories with a grain of salt. Every pack wanted to be known as the biggest and the baddest, and stories tended to be exaggerated to bolster that reputation. My impression as we crossed the boundary and entered into their pack grounds was of absolutely beautiful, wild looking gardens, and a huge manor that would have fit our pack house inside it four times. It was T shaped and sprawled out into three wings, a beautiful structure built from native stone, with big windows framed by black shutters. It was fronted by a huge veranda and two big ornate doors that opened into the main hall.<br /> <br /> Pedro parked the SUV, and for the first time in the whole trip, Pedro turned and spoke to me. He laid his big, rough hand on mine in my lap. "Stay strong, Miss Nina. You can do this." That is all he said. He climbed out, and came around to open my door, as if I were someone important. He pulled my suitcases out of the boot, and then he escorted me up to the veranda, where a handful of people were waiting for me.<br /> <br /> There was a huge man, and I mean HUGE, who seemed to be about my father's age. He should have been nearly seven feet tall, with arms like tree trunks. His ruddy face was framed by two overgrown sideburns and a crazy mop of hair that reminded me of the Wolverine from the X-men comics. His eyes were a piercing pale blue, and quite cold as they watched me approach. Beside him, in sharp contrast, was a dainty little sprite of a woman. She barely cleared five foot, and was so petite it seemed like a strong wind might blow her away. She had long, curling blond hair, and beautiful green eyes, and a wide, friendly smile. I was so happy to see at least one smiling face, it eased my tension a bit. The other people stood back a bit from this couple, and seemed to be lower ranking pack members. They stared at me curiously.<br /> <br /> I concentrated really hard on controlling my uneven gate. I did not want these people to see me limping, and if I worked really hard, I could pull it off, but it took a lot of effort, and I had to move slowly. Under the circumstances, I thought it would seem appropriate that I approached a strange pack and strange people with slow caution. The pretty woman danced down the steps, and folded me into a warm and unexpected hvg. "Welcome to Gold Mountain, dear. I am Caydence, and my husband, Bernhard." She gestured to the lumberjack-giant who still stood on the steps. She didn't refer to herself as Luna, or her husband as Alpha, but it was obvious enough that they were the leaders. I looked around and wondered where the son was, the Nolan I was supposed to marry.<br /> <br /> As if sensing my inquiry, the Luna shook her golden curls. "My sons are not here at the moment, but you will meet them soon. Come, lets get you inside and get you settled." She looped her arm through mine, and with one last, helpless glance at Pedro, I let her drag me inside. The great pack house was as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside, tastefully decorated and thoroughly modern. She lead me through a maze of rooms and corridors in a sort of whirlwind tour. "The conference room is there, and that is the entertainment room... and oh, that's the nursery for the pups... there is a guest bathroom here, and the kitchen is this way. Have you eaten?" She didn't even wait for me to answer, "I'm starving, lets go get some breakfast." She lead me into a huge dining hall, that easily could have seated a hundred people. She pulled me toward a table for two, and no sooner had our backside's hit the seat of the chairs than a uniformed waitress appeared. I recognized her as an omega, by her submissive posture.<br /> <br /> "Kelly dear, this is Nina Boyton, Nolan's betrothed." The waitress peaked up at me in surprise, then quickly looked back down at her order pad. "Nina, this is Kelly, one of our regular kitchen staff. So, what will you have?" Before I could answer, she was putting in her order. "I'll have a four-egg omelette, with Swiss cheese and mushrooms, a blueberry muffin, toasted with butter, and four sausage links."<br /> <br /> I blinked in surprise. How could such a tiny woman put away so much food?? Luna Caydence looked at me expectantly. "Um...I'll also have a muffin, and a cup of tea, please."<br /> <br /> When the waitress had scampered away, Luna Caydence reached across the table and placed her hand over mine. "I'm sure this is a very difficult and uncomfortable transition for you, my dear. But I want you to know that I am here for you, you are most welcome in this family, and I will do everything in my power to make you comfortable. But Nolan..."<br /> <br /> I swallowed... there was something ominous about that. But Nolan what? I was too afraid to ask.<br /> <br /> "Nolan can be... difficult." She said vaguely. "His father and I, we hope that he will settle down now, and take up his responsibilities."<br /> <br /> I frowned and fiddled with the silverware. Difficult? What did difficult mean? I wanted to ask more... I wanted to know more about what this future husband of mine was like. But I couldn't find the words, and I had a feeling that Caydence was done talking about her son. She had moved on, saying how happy she was to have a woman in the family, that she had heard so many nice things about me... well I was sure that was a bunch of baloney. I bet she knew absolutely nothing about me, beyond my name and my marriagablility. Still, I liked Caydence, I appreciated her friendliness. I tried to hide my smile as an enormous platter of food was set before the tiny woman, and she dug into her eggs with gusto. I was feeling very hungry, and probably could have put away nearly as much food, but I didn't want to seem like a glutton, so I tried to nible at my muffin and act lady-like.<br /> <br /> After we finished, (and yes, she finished everything on her plate,) she lead me up the stairs. I swallowed down my horror as I looked at the flights of elegantly curving staircase that I would have to traverse to get to my guest room on the third floor. Navigating stairs were very difficult for my heavy, clumsy legs, and it made them ache something fierce. Was it too much to hope that somewhere in this gigantic house there was a service elevator? Desperately trying to hide my pain and discomfort, I grasped the hand rail, and pulled myself up the stairs behind the spritely woman as fast as I could without falling flat on my face. When we got to the third floor, she looked back at me, struggling up the last few steps, and frowned, but said nothing. She lead me down a long hall, and opened the door to a beautiful guest suite, with a big bed, and a private en-suite bathroom. My suitcases had already been deposited inside. "Make yourself comfortable my dear. I'll send Daisy to you when she's done cleaning up from breakfast. If there is anything you need, she can be of assistance. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to.." And just like that, she left me alone in the beautiful room, in the big, strange house.<br /> <br /> Daisy was a delightful young Omega who was assigned to be my maid. Not that I really needed a maid, mind you, but I was happy to have her as a companion. Her name suited her perfectly, because like the wild-flower, she was bright, cheerful, and sunny. Her smile was too wide for her little face, her nose turned up, and her dark blond hair was an uncontrollable riot of curls. Her blue eyes danced with good humor, and she just seemed like the kind of person that was genuinely happy right down to the core of her being. I loved her right away. She helped me unpack my few things, and then we sat together on the bed and we talked for a few minutes.<br /> <br /> "What is life like in the pack?" I asked her.<br /> <br /> She smiled (I don't think I'd seen her NOT smile, ever) "Oh its a good life," She said sincerely. "The Alpha runs a tight ship, we work hard, we train hard, but its a very fair pack, and we have a lot of fun too. We can't wait for your marriage celebration. I hear the Luna is planning a big party, and the whole pack will be invited. I love parties! Even if I have to work in the kitchen, we are allowed to take shifts so we all get to have a turn taking part in the festivities."<br /> <br /> I smiled. I already liked the way the Luna ran her household. In some packs, omegas were treated like slaves. I think at home we treated them fairly. They were paid wages for the work they did, but Daddy didn't exactly go out of his way to make them feel like they were valued members of our family. They were definitely looked down upon, and that had never really sat well with me. Not every member of the pack could be a warrior, and the omega's performed really valuable services by taking care of the children and providing domestic services that the hunters simply didn't have time for.<br /> <br /> "And what what about Nolan. What is he like?"<br /> <br /> For the first time, Daisy's perpetual smile faltered. She pasted it back on, but it wasn't quite as real as it had been before. "Oh he's very handsome." She said. "He's so tall, like the Alpha, but not so burly."<br /> <br /> "Okay, he's nice to look at, but what is he LIKE? What is his personality like."<br /> <br /> Daisy pushed herself off the bed. "I think its better if you get to know him for yourself, mistress. I don't want your impressions of him to be influenced by my opinions. I need to go see about preparing the food. If you need anything just call me." And she slipped away, quietly shutting the door behind her.<br /> <br /> Oh boy. I stared at my hands, at the short trimmed nails that hadn't seen a polish since my thirteenth birthday. All the things that Daisy HADN'T said spoke more loudly than the words she DID say. If Nolan was truly a great guy, she would have been eager to extol his virtues, right? She would have said, "He's really kind. He's really gentle. He's really just." But she didn't say anything. I suppose it was commendable that she chose silence over lies, but I was growing increasingly uneasy. The Luna called him "difficult", and my new friend wouldn't call him anything, except handsome. But it wouldn't matter if he was the most handsome man in the world if he was a complete as hole.<br /> <br /> I felt a little nervous going down to dinner, knowing that I would meet my husband-to-be. I tried to pick out a pretty outfit, without being overtly over dressed. I brushed out my hair and left it loose, as the long chocolate colored waves were maybe one of my best assets. I even tried to put on a little make up, just to add some definition to my eyes. I sighed at my reflection, dissatisfied but knowing that it was the best I could do. I grimaced at the prospect of going down all those stairs, and reminded myself that I needed to ask Daisy if there was a service elevator in the house. The way how it was all decked out with modern appliances, it seemed like it must have a lift hidden somewhere. But then again, they probably hadn't figured in the possibility of a disabled werewolf when they designed the manor.<br /> <br /> I can't describe to you what an ordeal it is for me to navigate a set of stairs. I have to creep down one step at a time. Left foot down, right foot down onto the same stair. And then repeat. If I try to march down the steps like a normal person, alternating feet on alternating stairs, one of my legs is sure to collapse, and I'll take an ugly tumble down. Ask me how I know... I'm embarrassed to say its happened more times than I can count. So I have to go down the stairs like a little kid, clinging to the rail, one step at a time, praying that no one is watching me. Luckily I seem to be the only guest on the third floor at the moment, and I'm nearly at the bottom before I start seeing other people scurrying around in preparation for dinner.<br /> <br /> Daisy came around the corner, her face split in a smile, and her eyes lighting up as she saw me, "Ah there you are mistress! Luna had just sent me to go fetch you. The meal is nearly ready. You look very nice, I love that top." She bubbled cheerfully, and took my elbow to guide me back toward the dining room. Unlike this morning, when the room had been empty, this evening it was crammed full. I swallowed nervously and did my best to straighten my spine and walk normally. From every table, heads turned and looked at me, and people whispered, and I felt the blood rush to my face. I'm not normally shy, but I can't say that I really like being the center of attention either.<br /> <br /> "Nina darling, over here!" The Luna stood, and gestured to an empty seat at what appeared to be the Alpha's table. Daisy patted me on the shoulder and went back to the kitchen, while I made my way to the Luna. I reminded myself that from now on, this was my family, and these were my people. I sat in the empty seat, and looked around, but I still didn't see anyone "tall and handsome" that should be Nolan. There was a slim and slight black man sitting opposite the Alpha, and next to the black man, a pretty and slightly plump white woman. "Our Beta, Floyd, and his wife, Moira." the Luna made the introductions. The beta gave me a look. It was not a nice look. Somehow I imagined it was the look a spectator would give a condemned prisoner. His wife Moira gave me a small, friendly smile, and offered her hand. "Welcome to the family, dear." she said. She had a beautiful, lilting voice.<br /> <br /> The waitstaff started going around the room serving the food. "Its Italian night," the Luna explained, as bowls of salads, plates of meat and cheese lasagna, and carving boards of hot sourdough bread where arranged at each table. The food smelled delicious, and the Luna did not hesitate to compliment the kitchen staff on their excellent work. "Oh Berta, please come and meet Nina Boyton. Nina, this is Berta, she is the manager of our kitchen, an absolute genius with food and hospitality." Berta flushed happily and bobbed in a curtsy.<br /> <br /> "Thank you, Luna. Nice to meet you Mistress. Welcome. If you'll excuse me, the dessert..." and she hurried off again.<br /> <br /> There was the quiet and content murmur of a room full of people where were eating and enjoying casual conversations... when the door suddenly slammed open, and all conversation ground to an abrupt halt. Into the now silent hall, two young men entered... and I immediately felt a strange and dizzy sensation over take me. I held my head at the temples and peaked through my hands at what must surely be Nolan... and his brother William. Daisy was right. He was handsome. He looked like some Roman god, with his shoulders squared, his jaw set, his hair flowing around his shoulders, a little rough stubble on his finely carved jawline. He was all muscle. But his eyes... oh his eyes... even from across the room I could see the unique blue-grey color of his irises, and they were cold. Ice cold and furious. And somehow I just knew that that fury was directed at me. I felt the childish urge to slide down in my chair and hide under the table.<br /> <br /> At the same time, I was bombarded by the sweetest and most intoxicating aroma... of what? Was that his aftershave? A cologne? He didn't look like the kind of man who would douse himself in cologne, but he smelled really, really good. Like fragrant cedar and something sweet and musky. While I was on one hand tempted to hide from those cold, angry eyes... on the other hand I had the insane urge to run to him, to bury my head in his neck, and inhale that sweet, attractive smell. His mouth pressed into a flat, hard line... which totally ruined the effect of his full, sensual lips, as he stalked over to the family table.<br /> Belatedly, I noted his brother. Both the Luna and Daisy and mentioned that there was a younger brother, William. William seemed to favor his mother's genetics. He was not as big or as intimidating as Nolan, His blond hair was neatly trimmed, and he had a more willowy, graceful figure. His eyes were very blue, and very amused. As much as his brother had eyed me with hatred, I had the distinct feeling that this one was laughing at me, and I didn't like it. If there is one thing I can not tolerate, its being laughed at.<br /> <br /> I didn't worry about the younger brother for long, because the closer Nolan stalked, the stranger I began to feel. I felt like I couldn't get enough oxygen in my body, and I wondered if I might actually pass out. I'm not one of those weak, fainting girls. I've never passed out in my life. But at that moment I was seeing funny little black spots around the edge of my vision, and I was awfully dizzy.<br /> <br /> "Nolan," Luna spoke, a sharp edge of disapproval in her voice, "Its nice of you to join us. I want you to meet Nina..." Nolan jrked out a chair, and instead of offering me a hand, or a greeting or a good old-fashioned "nice to meet you," he growled at me.<br /> <br /> He growled at me, and my inner wolf whimpered. Mate. She whispered.<br /> <br /> No. Oh no no no. This cold eyed, impolite Neanderthal of a man could not be our mate. My mind fought it even as my body responded to that pheromone he was pumping out. I looked him in the eye and I saw that he knew it too. And he had absolutely no intention of acknowledging it. He must have a thing of a lot of self control to be able to shrug off the mate bond, and slather butter on a piece of bread like nothing else mattered.<br /> <br /> He hates us. He doesn't want us.<br /> <br /> I picked up my fork and tried to push my sluggish mind into some coherent thought. What were the odds that I get thrown into an arranged marriage, and the husband forced on me is actually my mate? Like one in a billion, right? But then what are the odds that I finally meet my mate, and he hates me? He hasn't said the words, but I can feel the aura of rejection wafting off of him almost as surely as I can smell his cedar-scent. How utterly cruel and unfair was that? Its like the universe having some great cosmic laugh at my expense. Well, what am I going to do? I'm not going to cry in front of all these people. Most importantly, I'm not going to cry in front of that insufferable man. I pushed my shoulders back, I shut off my whimpering wolf, I lifted my chin, and I looked him straight in the eye, as I took a bite of the lasagna. I'm sure it was as delicious as it smelled, but in that moment it tasted like dirt in my mouth. But I'd be doomed if I let that man know that I had lost my appetite over him. I chewed and swallowed, and washed it down with a swig of water.<br /> <br /> He met my eyes briefly, and then he turned to his brother and completely ignored me.<br /> <br /> His brother however, at least had the decent manners to greet me, and to welcome me to the pack. His keen blue eyes traveled back and forth between his older brother, then across the table to me, and back again. Then he shrugged and dug into his food. He made polite conversation with his mother, and sometimes he included me. "How are you finding it here, Nina? Is your room comfortable? Do you need anything?"<br /> <br /> "Oh yes, everything is great." I said, forcing more enthusiasm into my voice than I actually felt. Oh yes, everything is peachy. I've just been yanked out of my childhood home for the sake of some cute treaty. Yes, your home is very nice, and most of the people have been very friendly, but the man I'm supposed to marry is a total bad idea. Everything is great. I forced myself to eat mechanically, and made it through half the lasagna on my plate before I gave up and sat back in my chair. I stared at Nolan. He looks like Jason Mamoa I thought. Without the beard and with better hair. I wonder if he had any tattoos hiding under his clothes. My sisters would be jealous... until they realized that he's an absolute tool.<br /> <br /> Dinner plates were cleared away, and I was eager to excuse myself, but before I could push away from the table, a decadent dessert of tiramisu was brought out. I was no longer hungry. Even the prospect of sugar wasn't appealing at the moment, but I was painfully aware that I was new, I was a guest, and I needed to behave accordingly. I took a couple of bites, and really wished I had the appetite to enjoy the dessert, but I was far too aware of the man across the table. It annoyed me that he was completely unaffected. He shoveled in his food, carried on conversation, and acted like I wasn't even there. When our eyes did meet, I was met with icy, angry daggers and some silent warning that I didn't really understand.<br /> <br /> Finally, when I saw a few other people excusing themselves around the room, I saw my opportunity to escape. "Luna, thank you for a lovely meal," I said politely. "Please excuse me," I pushed back my chair, said goodnight to the rest of the table, and did my best to make a dignified exit, but it was getting harder and harder to walk normally and my stress and my exhaustion seemed to be compounding on me. But the absolute last thing I wanted at that moment was for that arrogant bad guy to see that I had a fatal flaw. He already hated me for no reason, how much more would he despise me for my weakness?<br /> <br /> I had just barely exited the room, when I felt an iron grip bite painfully into my arm, and spin me into the wall. If I hadn't had the support of the wall behind me, I would have fallen over myself. I found myself face to face with Nolan. Where his hand bit painfully into my arm, I felt the sparks. Oh Goddess the sparks that everyone made such a big deal over... they were magical, erotic, passionate, blah, blah. Well they probably never felt those sparks when their mate was squeezing out of their arm, and probably leaving bruises in the process. They probably never felt those sparks when their mate was staring down at you like you were a piece of trash they'd like to throw in the compactor. Being sexually attracted to someone who was clearly out to hurt me did not feel magical. It felt sickening.<br /> "Let me make something perfectly clear," he growled. "I do not want you, and I do not need you. You are only here in this house because my father is an old-fashioned pig-headed dummy. I will marry you to fulfill the treaty contract, but you will never be the Luna, and you will never be my mate." As if to punctuate his rejection, he gave me an extra shove against the wall, and then he stalked off in the other direction... and I was left staring after him... my mouth open, my face pale, and my arm aching.<br /> <br /> It wasn't a real rejection, right? I mean if he was formally rejecting me he would have to say the words. "I Nolan Pierceson of the Gold Mountain pack, do hereby reject you Nina..." And then I would reject him back, and the bond would break. But he hadn't said those words, exactly. Still there was a pain in my chest like something was ripping away. It was powerful enough that I had to hold my chest and gasp for breath. A few other people were trailing out of the dining room now, casting curious glances at me, and I knew I had to get upstairs before anyone started asking me questions that I couldn't answer. I was tired now, and I didn't really care who saw me limp as I dragged myself to the stairs and made my slow, painful climb up three flights. "Are you all right madam?" someone asked. I didn't even look at them, just ground out, "I'm fine." and kept climbing. Once I was at my floor, my legs were so bad I could barely walk at all. My left leg dragged, and I used the wall to balance as I made my way down the hall to my own door. Once inside I turned the lock, and fell across the bed.<br /> <br /> "I will not cry." I chanted. "I will not cry." And I didn't. Nolan Pierceson, I wasn't going to shed a tear for him, nor was I going to wallow in self-pity. He didn't want me? Well I didn't want his arrogant bottom either. My body wasn't strong, but when I set my mind to something, I had an iron will. And I had firmly set my mind against Nolan, and the mating bond. I would play nice until the new moon. When the marriage ceremony was completed, and all the pack alliances signed and sealed, I would reject him myself. And then what? What do you do with the rest of your life?<br /> <br /> Well, I would worry about the rest of my life another day. For today I settled for hot bath. I soaked my aching legs, and scrubbed the make-up off my face. I tried to dismiss Nolan from my thoughts, but I couldn't help but wonder what had made him hate me so much, right from the start. Was it me? Or was it the forced marriage? I mean, I know I'm not much to look at, and I've got a disability, but I don't think he even realized that yet. I hadn't even had enough time to truly piss him off yet. So what was it that had him in such a yank?<br /> <br /> I sighed and pulled the plug out of the tub, letting the water drain down. Men were like aliens. Who could understand them anyway? And who would want to? I slipped into my pajamas and crawled into the bed, totally overwhelmed with everything my brain had had to process in just one day.<br /> <br /> I awoke to a knock on my door. I was pretty sure I had locked it the night before, but still the handle turned and the door opened. I was expecting Daisy's smiling face, but instead it was William. "Hey," he smiled at me, and it seemed like a genuine smile this time. "Mama wanted me to come call you down for breakfast."<br /> <br /> "Oh," I said sleepily, propping myself up on my elbows. "I guess I overslept. Give me a few minutes to get ready"<br /> <br /> "Okay." Instead of leaving, he sprawled himself in the corner seat by the window and waited. I glared at him and wondered if it was entirely appropriate for your future brother-in-law to be making himself comfortable in your bedroom when you aren't even dressed. I thought about demanding he leave, but then changed my mind. Who cared if he saw me in my nightgown? It wasn't like I was indecent. And it wasn't like I owed his brother any kind of fidelity. I flipped back the covers and hauled my heavy body out of bed. I knew his keen eyes were seeing everything. He saw how I limped to the bathroom, and for once, I didn't care. Let him see. Let him see every god thing and report it back to his brother. I slammed the door to the bathroom just to punctuate my own cranky thoughts.<br /> <br /> I turned on the water to brush my teeth and wash my face, but I heard his voice over the faucet. "So that was pretty intense last night." He was commenting. I heard the door to my closet open. What, was he going through my things? "I've never seen anyone stare down my brother before." There was the definite sound of a drawer opening and closing. "This is going to be a very, very interesting marriage."<br /> <br /> I spit out my tooth paste, and yanked the door open to find that he had set out a set of clothes for me, along with clean underwear and a bra. "What are you doing in my clothes?"<br /> <br /> "No worries, just hurrying along. You have nothing to fear from me, peanut. You aren't my type."<br /> <br /> I narrowed my eyes, "And what exactly IS your type?"<br /> <br /> William sighed. "Tall, dark and handsome." I stared at him, not quite comprehending. "Men, Nina. I'm gay."<br /> <br /> "Oh." Was all I could say. Well, I suppose that probably explained his excellent fashion sense. I scooped up the clothes off the bed and retreated back into the bathroom to change. He continued to talk to me through the closed door. "Nolan didn't want to get married. Dad told him if he didn't get married, he would pass the Alpha title to his beta."<br /> <br /> "Why his beta?" I poked my head out of the bathroom again. "Why not to you?"<br /> <br /> William laughed, "Sweetheart, my dad seriously struggles with my sexual orientation. Mostly he just tries to ignore it. And besides, I don't want it. I don't have the constitution of an Alpha." I wondered exactly what that meant, but he didn't elaborate, and I didn't feel it was polite to ask. I did think it was pretty that his father would pass him up as Alpha because of his sexuality. The fact that William was kind of the black sheep of the family made me like him a little more.<br /> <br /> "So? I didn't want to get married either. Its not like it was my idea. What's he got against me?"<br /> <br /> "Nolan is always angry, don't take it personally. You just do you, and let him growl and snarl and spit all he wants. I'm sure he'll get over it eventually."<br /> <br /> "Right." He'll get over it eventually. That sounded so promising, I thought sarcastically. I dragged a brush through my tangled hair and sighed. "Okay, ready. Let's go."<br /> <br /> He held open the door for me, and I hobbled through. He held out his elbow like a gentleman, which was weird, but nice, and I took advantage of it. I waited for him to say something about my limp. But he didn't. I expected him to take me down the stairs, but instead he turned down a different corridor. "Um, where are we going?"<br /> <br /> "There is an elevator at the end of the wing. Its private, for the Alphas to access the 4th floor. But you are marrying the future alpha, so I think you are permitted to use it." At that moment I could have touched him. He produced a key from his pocket and handed it to me. "This is my key, but you can use it until you get your own. I can always take the stairs." You had to insert the key and turn it to call the elevator. Once the doors slid open, you removed the key and selected your floor. I breathed a sigh of relief as the elevator carried us down to the ground floor. It opened into an unfamiliar area behind the kitchens, but William led me through the maze of halls back to the dining room.<br /> <br /> "Ah there you are!" Luna Caydence called from the table.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry Luna, I overslept."<br /> <br /> "Think nothing of it dear, but I wanted to go over some details of the wedding ceremony with you."<br /> <br /> Well, there went my appetite for breakfast. I didn't want to think about a wedding, let alone plan the details. "Your father sent over a dress," She was saying, and passed me a white box that was getting a little yellowed around the edges. I lifted the cover and felt tears burn behind my eyes.<br /> <br /> "Oh... my mother's dress." I whispered. I touched the delicate silk and lace. That was a strangely thoughtful and sentimental gesture on my father's part. Who forces their daughter into an arranged marriage, and then sends them a precious family heirloom? But it only made me feel more sad and distraught. I had dreamed that one day I would marry my soul mate, the love of my life, and I would wear my mama's dress, which had been HER mama's dress. It seemed wrong to wear such a special garment to a farce of marriage with a man who despised me.<br /> <br /> "Oooh, it was your mother's? How very special! Take it out dear, lets see it!"<br /> <br /> I didn't really want to take it out of the box, but I did. It was a simple and beautiful dress, with a fitted bodice, off-the shoulder sleeves, and a long, full skirt. The bodice was decorated with lace and tiny pearls, and the same lace edged the bottom of the long skirt. I was not as pretty or shapely as my mother, but we were a similar size, and I thought the dress would fit me well enough without needing any alterations. The Luna fawned over the dress. "Its very pretty, so elegent. You will look absolutely beautiful." She said kindly. I swallowed the knot in my throat and carefully folded it back into the box. Mama would have hated all of this. She would never have let this marriage happen, especially if she got a glimpse of the black-and-blue fingerprints that Nolan had left on my arm last night.<br /> <br /> I took a deep breath and set the box aside as breakfast arrived. I sipped my tea and listened as the Luna went over other details. Flowers and seating and ceremonial nuances. I didn't care, but I tried my best to act interested. When she asked me questions, I answered. "What is your favorite flower, dear?"<br /> <br /> "Sunflowers." I said without hesitation.<br /> <br /> "And your favorite color?"<br /> <br /> "Turquoise."<br /> <br /> She went on about bringing a stylist to do my hair and make up, and I swirled a spoon around in my yogurt. Really I just wanted this to be over. William came and sat and occasionally added his two cents to the conversation. The wedding ceremony would be on the back lawn, with seating for private guests only. The gazebo would be decorated out for the occasion. After it was all official, we would move to the pack meeting house, where we would be publicly celebrated, and Nolan would be presented as the new Alpha of the pack, and I would be presented as Luna.<br /> <br /> I choked on my tea. Nolan had said emphatically that I would "never be Luna." But it seemed that his parents had other ideas. What was I supposed to do? "Luna, I don't think--"<br /> <br /> The Luna gave me a hard look. "You are his wife. You will be the Luna. No matter what he says." That made me wonder if Nolan had already taken this argument to his mother. Would I still be the Luna after I rejected him? Would he divorce me once he had all his political ducks in a row? I wanted to bury my head in my hands. I gave William a pleading look, but he only shrugged back at me. So much for having an ally in the house.	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1,860,081	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	988038089635684		What’s the best engaged caption you’ve seen🥰	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/kellyjayjewellery	2080486758889359	KELLY JAY	https://facebook.com/kellyjayjewellery	4,262	277,274,678,813,552	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Visit Instagram profile	KELLY JAY	6601574034972	instagram.com		NONE	video		http://instagram.com/kellyjayjewellery		2024-06-04 00:17	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447752970_345797848258906_2975483157282868372_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mQ3jpR-qgXwQ7kNvgEa4uS5&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCUm5JE_0OfQ0oqSjhBsxSJNmcHuWdlba1JQhX-_LB3HA&oe=66656C50	person_profile	KELLY JAY JEWELLERY	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444769841_7629768397058696_9111004874638512934_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lma2HdClxacQ7kNvgFk0Lfb&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDiUprR9tcy6ZzYJwF8Et-cOzBdjJff3OjdnhZVOyh0vg&oe=66659ABA	3	KELLY JAY	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,943	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1860837}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	1260778408223668	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband, Pierce, uploaded a photo of him and his first love,Lexi together in his social media.<br /> Pierce put his arm around her waist and she smiled sweetly.<br /> See, Kelly? That's what happened when you you continue on the wrong path. <br /> Taking a deep breath, "We are over. let's get a divorce!" I said.<br /> His forehead creased. "Kelly.Did you see me smooching her or drilling her? I won't go intimate with her as long as you're carrying my name-"<br /> "I promise that I will be happy, Pierce. Without you by my side." I mocked.<br /> Your baby needs a strong mommy. <br /> I won't stay in this inferno long. I hope that bimbo falls into a manhole soon.<br /> ————————<br /> Kelly's POV<br /> Was it a blessing to marry your best friend?<br /> I was not very sure what Pierce thought but marrying him was a dream come true for me. And now what was more exciting, we were going to welcome our first child.<br /> "It's a good thing you're cautious. You could've lost your baby, Miss Monroe." The GYN told me seriously as she could see the shock in my eyes.<br /> I subconsciously touched my belly, and still couldn't believe a baby was lying there. Had I heard it right? I was pregnant? I was pregnant with a baby for Pierce! My best friend and my first crush!<br /> On the way out of the hospital, I couldn't wait to tell Pierce about our baby. I wondered what his reaction would be. Would he scream in happiness? Would he smooch me and all? God! I couldn't contain my happiness.<br /> I cupped my red face as I fantasized. But the moment I felt the cold from the simple ring on my finger, my wildly beating heart calmed down. I almost forgot that Pierce wasn't the type to be keen on having children, especially when our marriage was arranged by his family.<br /> Pierce was a complete gentleman, both as a friend and a husband. Every time we had intercourse, he was considerate but cautious, saying there was no need to add extra shackles when we were not ready.<br /> This baby, in a way, was out of plan.<br /> My mind was becoming restless as I sat in my car. Would this be good news for him? What if Pierce was still not ready for the baby?<br /> "Ma'am, is everything okay? Do you need to call the Boss?" My private driver Luke asked worriedly as he noticed my frown face. Luke was reliable like a family but if I chose to share, I still wanted Pierce to be the first to know this news. He's my baby's father.<br /> "No," I shook my head, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "He's on the flight. I'll talk to him later myself." So that I could sense his answer directly from his raw expressions. I was always good at that.<br /> I closed my eyes recalling the first day we met.<br /> His bright smile in the sunlight was so dazzling, he was a Prince. Long before we became best friends, I fell in love with him at first sight. But it was only an unrequited love, I knew it well.<br /> I slid down the car window to get some fresh air but accidentally caught a glimpse of our old high school. That bitter feeling filled my chest once again. Pierce is my first love but I'm not his.<br /> In high school, I was only a boring nerd in other's eyes while Pierce Anderson was the shining Quarterback. Everyone was surprised that we could be friends. Though enmity rose, I enjoyed being around him. I slowly realized that I didn't want just to be his friend.<br /> However, right when I was about to confess my feelings to him, another girl came into his life.<br /> I shook my head trying to get rid of those sad old memories. I gripped the cold wedding ring on my finger, telling myself the past was past. Pierce said they were over and I was his wife now. I was his wife who was carrying his baby now.<br /> our own hands. We enjoyed it. Yes, I must have I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and opened the door to our house. My heart calmed down as I breathed in the scent of home. Our home. It wasn't as luxurious as his family's villa but cozy. Pierce and I decorated it together with been overthinking. That woman had been out of our lives for a long time and my marriage with Pierce was as beautiful as a fairy tale for the past three years.<br /> I glanced at the clock on the wall. At this point,Pierce should have gotten off the plane. He was over a month of traveling for the sake of our family's business. Pierce was the President of ADE, the leading fashion magazine company all over Asia, and I was actually the Vice President of the company. We were not only life partners but also good partners at work.<br /> I really missed him. I dialed his number immediately. I really wanted to hear his voice now,to know when he would arrive home. I would prepare a good meal for him and he would prize me with a sweet smooch. And then we might have passionate intercourse like what he gave me the night before his business trip. Oops, I almost forgot I was pregnant now. I needed to tell him this first and then we could do something else instead.<br /> I was happily envisioning our lovely reunion and my heart dropped when a woman's voice came over the line.<br /> [Hello?]<br /> I snapped the phone as just one word came out.<br /> My phone fell to the floor and my body started shaking uncontrollably. NO! It couldn't be her! It couldn't be Lexi! She was already out of our life! I must have misheard.<br /> I rushed to the fridge in an attempt to calm myself with the aid of some beverage. But the moment I touched the bottle, I was reminded of the doctor's words and my baby. I needed to be cautious for my baby's sake. I turned to get a box of milk and walked toward the sofa.<br /> I didn't know what made me recognize that as Lexi's voice at that moment. I meant Lexi and I were never close. Lexi Gilbert was a typical blonde beauty that men would go crazy for. She was the popular cheerleader in high school while<br /> Pierce was the star quarterback. Better match than he and a nerd like me, right? It wasn't surprising that he had fallen for her.<br /> My pride couldn't stand watching the man I loved go crazy for another woman. So I had once tried to stay away from them silently but Pierce refused to quit from my life. Every time I drowned myself in a sea of books and studies to forget them,Pierce would appear at my doorway asking me out. I couldn't say no to his charming smile;I couldn't say no when he claimed it was his duty as my best friend to take me to enjoy the real world.<br /> To not ruin our friendship, I could only hide my broken heart, silently playing the role of his best friend by his side and watching his happy face for another girl. I finally got up the courage to study abroad as I learned that Pierce was planning to propose to Lexi. However, I never expected Grams would call to beg me back.<br /> I returned in a hurry only to see a lifeless Pierce.<br /> His heart was harmed badly, by Lexi. My beloved sunshine boy was nowhere to be seen, and my heart was bleeding. I started to hate Lexi from that moment. I gave up my cherished man to her,and how dared she harm him so badly! That witch!<br /> Pierce didn't tell anyone what happened except he was over with Lexi. Grams arranged our marriage.<br /> I didn't understand why he agreed until the day I heard him say that marrying anyone but Lexi would be the same for him.<br /> It was so fcking hurt but I still walked into this marriage without a second thought. My cherished boy was broken and I wanted to fix him, not caring if I would ruin myself in the process.<br /> I fell asleep at home feeling so insecure and worried. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone caressing my cheek.<br /> Slowly, I opened my eyes and I realized I had fallen asleep in the living area.<br /> Someone lifted me from the couch. I immediately recognized his scent and touch as I looked at him with heavy-lidded eyes.<br /> "Peirce….."<br /> "Hmm," he hummed as he walked towards the stairs. "Why did you sleep on the couch?"<br /> I stared at his face when he gently put me down on the bed. He caressed my hair and smooched my forehead. He was always so gentle and that was why I loved him so much. Even when making love,he was very considerate of my feelings. We'd been apart for over a month, my body missed him and my heart wanted him.<br /> "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you," I said as I caressed his cheek.<br /> "Just met a friend. You said you were waiting for me, is it something urgent?"<br /> Looking at his gentle face, suddenly I didn't want to ruin the moment. so I closed my parted lips and swallowed the truth back in my stomach once again. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, I will have the courage to face all the puzzles.<br /> I shook my head and pouted, telling him that I was sleepy. He chuckled and carefully carried me to the bed. The moment he was about to leave me after giving me a goodnight smooch, I panicked for some reason. I then quickly grabbed him and smooched him with all my passion, trying to undress him, trying to make him touch me more and deeper. I missed him. I wanted him. I felt that the only way I could feel at ease was to let him put himself inside me again. To make sure he was still mine.<br /> "Wait Kels," Yet he stopped me by pinning my crazy hands on the bed. "I thought you said you're sleepy and you need to rest."<br /> "But I think I miss you more now." I looked at him with innocence and I could catch desire flashing in his eyes but I didn't know why it faded soon. He used to be happy when I became the initiative one.<br /> As if noticing my confusion, he chuckled and playfully pinched my nose, "I'll just take a shower.<br /> I smell beverage."<br /> I just nodded and watched him as he walked toward the bathroom. But drowsiness struck again so I closed my eyes to take a nap. However,it was already morning when I opened my eyes again and Pierce was beside me, putting a tray of food on the bedside table.<br /> "Hey!" I greeted and smiled when I realized what he'd done. He prepared breakfast for me. In bed.<br /> The sweetest.<br /> He smiled and sat on the bed. "Good morning."<br /> I grinned as I sat on the bed. He carried the tray and put it beside me. I shot an eyebrow up and tilted my head as I stared at his handsome face.<br /> His eyes are deep brown. His eyebrows were thick and black, complimenting his beautiful eyes. His nose was proud and pointed and his lips were red and thin. He literally looks like a seductive bad boy.<br /> Even Damon Salvatore would be embarrassed to stand beside him. No one stands a chance against this man.<br /> "What is this? Is this a bribe? You stood me up last night, bad boy."<br /> He didn't laugh. He heaved a sigh and gently tucked my hair on my ears before he held my hand and stared into my eyes. "I have something to tell you."<br /> I felt my heart race. I thought about our baby in my womb. He's got something to tell. I have something to tell him too.<br /> "W-What is it?" I asked as I felt my voice tremble.<br /> He took a deep sigh. "You know you're important to me, right?"<br /> I slowly nodded with parted lips. I couldn't answer. I'm scared of what he's about to say. I have a bad feeling about this.<br /> "You were my best friend before we got married.<br /> You are one of the few people I treasure..."<br /> I hid my balled fists under the sheet. I don't know why he's telling me all this but I felt tears pooling in the corner of my eyes already.<br /> "Kelly..." he paused and squeezed his eyes closed before he looked at me again in the eyes. "I-I think it's time for us to divorce."<br /> "P-Pierce..." I felt my heart clench.<br /> He smiled. "I know you don't have feelings for me either. You just married me because of my grandparents. You just did this because you love them. Now it's time for our real happiness, Kelly."<br /> I shook my head, "W-What are you talking about, Pierce?"<br /> "Lexi is back, Kelly. My first love is back."<br /> -<br /> Kelly's POV<br /> I got off the bed and tried to leave but Pierce grabbed my hand. I immediately wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks before he could see them. He stood in front of me and looked at my face as I tried so hard to look down and avoid his eyes.<br /> I felt my heart breaking into pieces. I thought...I thought I could make him fall in love with me within those three years together. I thought his feelings would level up and would see me as a woman rather than just a best friend. I was stupid for hoping and dreaming so high.<br /> I failed. No matter how hard I tried, his heart belonged only to his first love Lexi.<br /> "Kelly..."<br /> I sucked my breath and swallowed the pain as I looked at him. I faked a smile, "I need to wash up before eating."<br /> He stared into my eyes as if trying to figure out what I was thinking. I know he knew me too well so I tried so hard to hide my pain and smiled at him.<br /> He sighed and let go of my hand. "Okay. I'll wait for you here. Let's eat and go to work together."<br /> Together? How cruel could he be? He still wanted us to get along like he didn't ask for a divorce? He wanted us to stay the way we were right after he told me that his first love was back and he wanted to divorce me?<br /> Oh Pierce, what was going on in your head?<br /> If I used to be able to force myself to stay in the seat of his best friend wishing him happiness, I no longer had that courage after the three years we'd shared. There's no way I could endure that kind of torture again, especially when I'm carrying his baby.<br /> The baby...I had thought it was good news for us but now...it would be more like a burden to him, I guess. A burden that would prevent him from getting his true love and freedom.<br /> I knew how an unwanted child to grow up. My parents were divorced even before my mother died and the new family of my father hated me and it hurts like inferno. I don't want my baby to experience the same thing I felt. I need to keep my baby away from it.<br /> I faked a smile again. "We can't. I need to visit the studio for the photoshoot of our new models.."<br /> "I'll go with you-"<br /> "No." I pushed his hand. His eyes followed my hand before he lifted his face to look at me again.<br /> "You have some documents to sign. Our schedules are already organized, remember?"<br /> "But.."<br /> "I have a personal driver, Pierce. I'll be fine to go alone."<br /> He sighed and slowly nodded. I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom. I immediately opened the shower and stood under the cold water. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I covered my mouth to suppress my sobs.<br /> My shoulders were trembling really badly and when I thought about my baby, I swallowed hard and tried to calm myself down. I wiped my face and caressed my belly. I need to be strong. I need to stay calm. I shouldn't put my baby's life on the line just because I got my heart broken. I have to deal with this smartly.<br /> I sucked my breath and finished my bath. When I got out of the bathroom, I was shocked to see Pierce was still there. He was struggling to fix his tie in front of the full-length mirror. I also noticed my pair of heels and dress on the bed.<br /> "Hey! I picked your dress for today."<br /> Since our marriage wasn't public, Pierce said he would try to do little things for me as a husband.<br /> He did it well and I used to enjoy these sweet moments but now, it was going to kill me.<br /> I grabbed the dress and went inside the walk-in closet. I felt him following me. I put the white dress back and picked a red one. When I faced him , his forehead was creased.<br /> I smiled. "I prefer red today. I'd feel beautiful in this dress."<br /> His eyes went to the dress I was holding and his face immediately calmed down. He nodded and walked towards me.<br /> "I see. Help me fix this first."<br /> I put my dress on his arm and started fixing his tie. I could feel his eyes staring intently and it was making my heart beat so fast. I took a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip as I struggled to fix the tie. My vision is becoming blurry again.<br /> -<br /> "Kelly..."<br /> I jumped in shock. "Hmm?”<br /> "Are you okay?"<br /> I looked at him and smiled, "Yeah."<br /> "I have another thing to say."<br /> ? finished fixing his tie so I immediately grabbed the dress from him. I glanced at him before I other time. I'm going to be late."<br /> walked past him and spoke.. "Let's just talk some I heard him sigh as he followed me again. I grabbed my underwear and got dressed while he was standing behind me. He's silent the whole time as if he's thinking about something.<br /> "You should eat before you leave."<br /> I faced him and nodded. "I will. You should go now."<br /> "Kelly, we're on the same page, right?"<br /> I stared at him. No, Pierce. We're never on the same page. All of these are just my stupid fantasies. I thought you had feelings for me and I was so wrong.<br /> "If it's about the divorce, I understand everything,Pierce. I know what I have to do. Just give me some time because I'm really busy with the company. I will not run away."<br /> "Kelly, I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm also doing this for you. You've been caged with me ever since we got married. I know you're not happy because deep inside, you also want to find the man you deserve. Someone who will really love you. Not me. Not someone who's half-hearted."<br /> "I understand what you're trying to say, Pierce," I said and tried to turn my back but he held me by the waist, keeping me in place.<br /> He did everything to capture my eyes and he succeeded. He looked at me worriedly. "You are my best friend. I don't wanna lose you, Kels.<br /> You're one of my few people..."<br /> "I know," I said out of frustration. He looked shocked, so I calmed myself down. "I-I know. You don't have to worry. I'm just stressed about work.<br /> It's not about our divorce."<br /> His lips parted and he slowly nodded as if he was able to breathe properly. He walked towards me and I froze when he gently smooched my forehead...<br /> "Thank you, Kelly," he whispered. My heart clenched. It had been three years but I was still such a coward. Why couldn't you just tell him that you love him, Kelly? He's your husband and you're carrying his baby! Tell him and he might change his mind!<br /> I swallowed hard and was about to tell him but his phone rang. I didn't miss the caller ID. Again, it was Lexi.<br /> called Luke and he's waiting outside. Eat before "? gotta go." He scratched his head in apology and I didn't miss the upturned corners of his mouth. "I you go, okay?"<br /> With that, he left our room. The tears I had managed to suppress burst out again. Why would I think I could have a chance? He made his choice already the moment he asked for the divorce, didn't he?<br /> Whenever it came to Lexi, I was always the one he would abandon.<br /> -<br /> Kelly's POV<br /> I entered the studio wearing just two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone was looking my way as I walked along the hallway. They're all greeting me with a smile but my face remains stoic, not showing any emotions at all.<br /> The conversation with Pierce this morning was still lingering in my head, but I couldn't let it affect my work.<br /> I couldn't fail my work after I failed my marriage.<br /> I took a deep breath to adjust my condition.<br /> However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos.<br /> "We can't! She's not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She'd get mad."<br /> "We can just tell her the truth. She's nice."<br /> "Not in this situation, Lily! She'd scold us-”<br /> "What's happening here?" I asked as I graced the room.<br /> The staff were now looking at me with worried expressions and I knew then that there was a problem.<br /> "G-Good morning, Miss Monroe."<br /> Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurts.<br /> I stared at her blankly, "What?"<br /> "W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen,our model has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we're changing our model so.she doesn't want to come here. She's even...<br /> threatening to file a case against us."<br /> She bowed his head. I gritted my teeth and roamed my eyes around. "Where's the marketing manager?"<br /> "S-She's still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe."<br /> I massaged my forehead and squeezed my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger. I felt everyone around me jump in shock. I groaned and sucked my breath before looking around.<br /> "Miss Monroe..."<br /> "What is this, Miss Hayley? You are the marketing manager, what is happening?"<br /> "Miss Monroe, I don't know how it happened but Miss Chen heard that you are changing our model.<br /> She's about to file a case against us-"<br /> Changing the model? How come I didn't know about this? Miss Chen had always been our trustful partner and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only cause a lot of trouble for the company.<br /> I would never allow such a cheap mistake.<br /> "I never asked for that. You must be mistaken."I cut her words to save time, " Fix this mess or I have to fire you!"<br /> "Miss Monroe...It's Mr. President who asked us to change it." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He ordered that as soon as he came back from his business trip yesterday."<br /> I was hit by the truth. Pierce's order? Why didn't he tell me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first.<br /> "It shouldn't be..." I was confused. Pierce was not a clueless businessman. He kept a clear distinction between work and relationships, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret.<br /> "Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back.<br /> "M-Mr. President..." Hayley bowed with respect as she saw the man who suddenly appeared behind me.<br /> "I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I gritted as I turned around to question him.<br /> He knew clearly how much effort I put into winning this project. I hardly had a good sleep those days and Miss Chen was the ideal one for us to work with. I remembered he agreed on it too.<br /> But now...he just changed the model as he liked without telling me in advance. I felt like a hard slap on my face.<br /> "Go ahead for the work. I'll make it clear to her."<br /> He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger that was about to spew out of my eyes.<br /> "Answer me, Pierce! Why do you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't hold my anger and he just touched my shoulder whispering to me,"This is not the place to talk. Let me explain it to you in the car."<br /> I looked around to notice others sneaking glances at us. Then I shook away his hands and walked toward the parking lot. But along the way, my heart was heavier and heavier. I had a feeling that I was not going to enjoy his explanation.<br /> "Now, say it." I blurted it out as we sat in his car.<br /> He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again. I couldn't stand his stares. I couldn't withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to look at me.<br /> He has no feelings for me and it hurts so much.<br /> "I-I..." he paused and sighed. "I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She's also fit to be our model so I agreed-"<br /> "What?" I asked in disbelief.<br /> He pressed his lips together and looked away. He messed his hair up before he shook his head and held my hand.<br /> "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor and I can't say no."<br /> I took my hand back and looked at him in both pain and anger. "You can't say no to her so you'd rather harm the company, our company. You betrayed me, Pierce."<br /> "Kels, come on. You know how much I love her.<br /> She's my first love."<br /> Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she's your first love. She's always the one you want no matter what it takes. As long as she frowned a bit, you could turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You are so heartless, Pierce.<br /> "Well, you've decided. I don't have a say in this since you're the President. Just go. I'll be in the office." I said coldly as I opened the car door to walk out.<br /> "Kelly..."<br /> I looked him in the eyes. "Go home early. Let's talk about our divorce at home tonight."	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/ZHJlYW1zLzIwMDU0NS8y	166808959854743	Cha113	https://facebook.com/61553795020468	20	1,100,691,967,696,188	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cha113	120212249091090264	b.chaptersapps.com		NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/ZHJlYW1zLzIwMDU0NS8yMDI0MDYwNDE3Mzc1Ni9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}		2024-06-04 04:48	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447779450_3638330759764855_1950337035644305601_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nxbxLmE5RLkQ7kNvgEOpFkW&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCDY0KovsXUv8L_10Zd8jlBmIlGO4ppCddtpgPA3n-MGQ&oe=6665973B	person_profile	Cha113	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447667380_454416683901390_7281680121098582966_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YWgKFJVRL1YQ7kNvgE8UAUU&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC8M0VPlXjOI5oP9LyzBo5N_peWnIyi4eMrT46gR9DTXA&oe=666595FB	3	Cha113	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,811	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1860819}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	1534283347487905	🔥🔥🔥🔥 Read <Goodbye, Husband> 👉👉👉	While those thugs were tearing into me, my husband was having dinner with his first love for celebrating their ten-year ""anniversary"" of meeting.<br /> <br /> I tried to send him a desperate voice note via WhatsApp, but all I got back was, [Don't think this will grab my attention. I won’t go home tonight, you stupid clown.]<br /> Honestly, I breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't come rushing to save me. Knowing him, I'd probably have ended up worse off.<br /> Fast forward three days, my husband, Mr. Top Forensic Guy, was analyzing evidence from a city-wide murder that had everyone gossiping.<br /> He was going on and on about the victim's last moments, how she fought for her life and all. Little did he know, he was dissecting the death of his wife—the one he hate.<br /> *<br /> So, there I was, tossed in a pile of garbage like yesterday's news. An old man, walking his dog, then stumbled upon the scene and the furry pet chewed a black bag like a toy. The old man figured it was some discarded meat, until out popped…… <br /> Pretty soon, there were moreand bodies all over town. It was like a nightmare come to life. The cops were all over it, setting up some special task force to crack the case.<br /> Who got called in? None other than my husband, Steven Craig, the forensic analyst prodigy in town. He was on site, analyzing blood spatters like it was some messed-up art exhibit.<br /> But even he was taken aback by the horror show. ""This is some next-level brutality,"" he whispered, face going pale.<br /> The Criminal Investigation team leader, Xander Young, wanted him to break it down. And Steve was pointing out every detail like he was Sherlock Holmes. ""See these stains? Looks like someone did some organ harvest. And those marks on the wall? Poor victim was awake the whole time.""<br /> Xander's scratching his head, saying, ""So, according to the forensic guys, our victim's a young woman under thirty. I mean, who could she have ticked off to end up like this?""<br /> But Steve got a hunch. ""This isn’t no random brutal hit. Someone's got a grudge and they're just getting started.""<br /> And you know what? He was spot on. This just went to show, my husband's instincts were sharper than a scalpel.<br /> I'd love to see his face when he finally pieced it all together.<br /> So, they found a ring in the scene, the key physical evidence.<br /> Steven picked it up all nonchalant, but Xander suddenly went quiet and whispered, ""Steven, isn't this ring a dead ringer for yours?""<br /> Steven took a quick peek inside the ring, smooth as could be, without a single engraving. He didn't sweat it and just brushed it off. ""Eh, it's probably just the same style. These rings were everywhere back then, you know?""<br /> Once he was done, he lingered by the scene entrance for a while, lost in his thoughts. After a bit of contemplation, he glanced down and dialed my phone.<br /> It rang for a few seconds before he quickly hung up, no second thoughts.<br /> ""Look at her, acting all high and mighty after throwing fits every day! Whatever she isn't picking up, it’s not her, though!""<br /> He was so sure of himself because our wedding ring had engravings on it.<br /> But seriously, my husband, being the forensic whiz that you are, shouldn’t you know that metal engravings are the first to go? It only took me six months to buff out our initials.<br /> <br /> Part 2<br /> So, the forensic team was doing their thing, patching me up with like five or six people pulling all-nighters. Meanwhile, my body was just lying there on the table. I was feeling queasy at the sight of all those body parts.<br /> Xander pointed to my body and said, ""Look, the head's gone, fingers too and there's a chunk missing from the ankle.""<br /> Meanwhile, Steven was silent, probably thinking about what made those parts different.<br /> Finally, he spoke up, ""So, who's the unlucky one?""<br /> Xander shook his head. ""We gotta wait for the DNA results. As soon as someone files a missing person report, we'll jump on it and try to ID our mystery guest.""<br /> My husband nodded, but he wasn’t giving my body more than a quick glance. Was he grossed out? But to be real, this whole mess was thanks to him.<br /> Later at the meeting, Steven threw out his wild theory.<br /> ""I've been poking around recent cases and it seems like we've got a pattern here. Similar stuff's gone down in Yorehaven. They're into some seriously twisted stuff—gutting people, bleeding them out and cutting them into pieces. Looks like someone's trying to make a statement to gain some street reputation.""<br /> Xander's eyebrows shot up like he was trying to catch a fly with it.<br /> ""Yorehaven... So, like, you’re saying this is just like what those drug gangs pulled?"" Xander asked, scratching his head.<br /> Steven nodded and answered, ""Pretty much.""<br /> Xander acted fast by giving an order, ""Alright, let's hit up Yorehaven PD. Maybe they could lend a hand.""<br /> After the meeting, a junior cop was practically glued to Steven, singing his praises. ""Mr. Craig, you are a legend! You figured out our next move in a flash!""<br /> I was dying to chime in with the praise, wondering how Steven would react when he cracked the case wide open. But Steven just gave a nonchalant nod. From childhood, he had so many admirers that he got sick of hearing that kind of praise a long time ago.<br /> ""Hey, Mr. Craig, hold up!"" The young cop suddenly stopped him, plucking a long, curly hair from Steven's jacket.<br /> The cop smirked. ""Your missus doing alright?""<br /> Steven's tone was as cold as ice. ""None of your business."" He snatched the hair and shoved it in his pocket, then strode off.<br /> Left behind, the cop awkwardly rubbed his nose. I wished I could give him a pat on the back, but my hand just passed through him.<br /> I wanted to tell him, if he found my head, he'd see I had short, straight hair. That one on Steven's shoulder belonged to Kelly.<br /> That night I got murdered, Kelly was snuggled up to my husband, leaving behind that little souvenir.<br /> <br /> Part 3<br /> I hadn't been home for three days and my husband hadn't even tried to find me. Last time we argued about Kelly, I crashed at my best friend's place for a few days. He just assumed I was mad again and didn’t want to deal with it.<br /> Then Kelly called him, her voice trembling. ""Steven, there's supposed to be a thunderstorm tonight and I'm so scared. Can you come stay with me?""<br /> I saw Steven's grip on his phone tighten and loosen. He said, ""I'm married, Kelly. It's not really convenient for me to come to your hotel.""<br /> Just when I thought he might be showing some common sense, he added, ""But you can come to my house. She's not home.""<br /> Even Kelly was surprised. ""Steven, are you sure? What if she suddenly comes back? We wouldn't be able to explain ourselves.""<br /> I snorted. She knew exactly what she was doing and here she was, playing the innocent.<br /> Steven asked, ""What do we need to explain to her? This is my home and you’re my friend. Don’t worry about what she thinks.""<br /> He sounded so sure of himself. ""Besides, she’s not coming back.""<br /> Kelly went quiet for a moment, then asked, ""How do you know?""<br /> Realizing her tone might've been off, she quickly added, ""I mean, did Sabrina get mad at you again?""<br /> Steven nodded. ""Yeah, on our 10th anniversary, I told her I was going to see you.<br /> ""It's so frustrating. Even though we're just friends, she's always suspicious! I married her, but that’s never enough for her! Unlike you, Kelly. You've put up with so much over the years and never complained. I should be apologizing to you.”<br /> I almost laughed when I heard him. No sane person celebrated their 10th anniversary with their ex after getting married. And the day they celebrated was the day I died.<br /> Steven, are you planning to celebrate your anniversary next year or mark my death?<br /> *<br /> Kelly rushed over to my place and as soon as she saw Steven, she practically leaped into his arms. ""Steven, it's so dark and creepy outside, I'm freaking out!""<br /> I couldn't help but roll my eyes. It's dark every night and I had never seen her this scared before.<br /> Steven gave her a reassuring hug, patting her back gently. ""Don't worry, I've got you.""<br /> He showed her the candles he bought, a bunch of emergency ones, clearly meant to calm her down. ""With these, even if the power goes out in a storm, we'll still have light,"" he explained.<br /> Kelly sighed, leaning against his shoulder. ""Steven, you're my hero.""<br /> It was getting late and Kelly needed to freshen up and hit the bed. She headed into my bathroom, shutting the door behind her and started raiding my skincare stash without a second thought. After she was done, she left everything in a mess, not bothering to put the caps back on properly.<br /> She chuckled to herself. ""Sabrina won't mind, she's not coming back anyway.""<br /> In the mirror, I watched Kelly silently, being all transparent. Outside, thunder rumbled and when lightning struck, a figure materialized on the floor. Kelly screamed and called out for my husband.<br /> Steven burst through the door like a hero, scooping Kelly up in his arms and shielding her. She trembled against him, muttering, ""Isn't this kinda risky? What if your wife shows up....""<br /> Steven shrugged. ""I don’t know.""<br /> He glanced up, the lightning casting a cold glare on his face. ""Even if she did, she's got no right to say anything. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't leave and we wouldn't have missed out on all these years together.<br /> ""You don't gotta worry about her. If she kicks the bucket out there, it's no skin off my nose.""<br /> Alright, husband, your wish is my command. I hope you're truly as indifferent as you claim to be.<br /> <br /> Part 4<br /> At the late-night police station, the task force was still grinding away on my case. Xander called for a break and Steven went to grab a sandwich.<br /> One of his colleagues teased him, ""Hey, Mr. Craig, how's a married guy with a fan club of ladies like you ending up in the line for food with us single dudes? What about your wife? Didn't she come to deliver your midnight snack tonight?""<br /> Steven's face darkened and his sandwich hit the table. ""Why bring her up? It's gross.""<br /> Xander sensed tension. ""Yeah, it's been a while since we saw your wife around. She used to show up with snacks whenever you pulled an all-nighter.""<br /> Steven shot him a look. ""All those snacks end up in your belly, don't they? Still hungry?""<br /> Xander's expression turned serious. ""Seriously though, is your wife okay? Is she... missing?""<br /> Steven snorted. ""Missing? If she had any backbone, I'd respect her. She's like a pesky little dog, always underfoot. It's been quiet for two days now, so can we stop talking about her?""<br /> Standing on the sidelines, I smirked. Husband, you wouldn't have to put up with me nagging you anymore. Must be a relief.<br /> ""Mr. Young, we've ID'd the body!"" A cop barged in, waving the DNA results, but his face was twisted in an ugly mix of emotions.<br /> Xander reached for the results, but the cop hesitated. ""I think Mr. Craig should take a look first....""<br /> Steven looked up, puzzled. ""Why me? I'm not the head who is in charge to crack the case. Why show it to me?""<br /> Xander glanced at the results and his expression turned serious. ""Your wife... have you been in touch with her lately?""<br /> ""Yeah, she even sent me a voice message a few days back.""<br /> ""A few days? Has it been more than three days?""<br /> Steven's eyes widened as realization dawned. He shot up from his seat. ""What are you saying?""<br /> <br /> [Super short novel, the follow-up will be more exciting! Please download our APP to read more! ]"	LEARN_MORE	https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adore	226177680578601	Adoread	https://facebook.com/61556400142540	614	2,199,928,930,362,396	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Adoread	120209251378000265	client.adoread.com		NONE	video		https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adoread/27141920543?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}		2024-06-04 11:07	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/446851041_1019999049779558_6616974962055333099_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KiA203xypa0Q7kNvgGIZVmp&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAkrTgj3is4U1kSHfdV7G1QwMqDoGPAArVvfK8bReuG8Q&oe=66656AF9	person_profile	Adoread	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445422991_3628817384038199_1259305210441984682_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DkgGABMkPPgQ7kNvgH3Ij9f&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYChWTAK_MK8aeetks6uRO7kpwts1H5731M_f1vEEqAmiw&oe=666583F7	3	Adoread	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,823	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1861371}'	No	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	973487021093817		The 24 Honda Civic EX-L is a sleek and stylish sedan that offers a perfect blend of performance and luxury. With a fuel-efficient engine, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features, this car is perfect for daily commuting or road trips. The EX-L trim level offers premium amenities such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. Experience the perfect combination of comfort, style, and efficiency with the 24 Honda Civic EX-L. Click the link below for more info!<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kellygrimsleyhonda.com%2Fnew-Odessa-2024-Honda-Civic-EX%2BL-19XFL1H79RE021846&h=AT10JCruASEkj0g5ZI9rq_dR_ES51r0duKD8wHXJarZCC63r9KxmVZSkx3VCNPKAomvHZRSwgaR7-iuaK63uPQjdv3vQ1m8SlJEh0bradncJy-wGoMCRARgjUw33PMwGDl3Z2fQ3NvL_Gw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.kellygrimsleyhonda.com/new-Odessa-2024-Honda-Civic-EX+L-19XFL1H79RE021846</a>	MESSAGE_PAGE		150084315051367	Kelly Grimsley Honda	https://facebook.com/KellyGrimsleyHonda	1,985	424,872,380,435,548	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Send message	Kelly Grimsley Honda	120213017217980260			NONE	multi_images				2024-06-04 11:10	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/444964914_477349891521066_4105843473491557453_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lFDmLErRKKoQ7kNvgH5vHxH&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDiT1JpZxT7qhFheLAuF1jbFJPI_lCEhOSsSCF_C8KWHw&oe=66657948	person_profile			3	Kelly Grimsley Honda	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,414	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1860415}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	915764840587817		{{product.brand}}	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/kellyurbanphotography	112848238736797	Kelly Urban Photography	https://facebook.com/photogbykelly	626	1,400,907,223,959,993	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Visit Instagram Profile	Kelly Urban Photography	6627303535245	instagram.com		NONE	dco		http://instagram.com/kellyurbanphotography		2024-06-04 15:51	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447510967_2770563906415730_8778016774887631204_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QtiuKrmiInoQ7kNvgHNbB6S&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDbxSNKdXH5xhEjtOVNWV3Giwj-wJmjIjTRdDtyO1UfRg&oe=66657207	person_profile	Kelly Urban Photography	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447499396_446717847971009_7251536801462214303_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QKIrqfN_7H0Q7kNvgGipF7L&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDfzzKrQMTQR2gkAMsHq6lDTn7WJNg2aZMkJi786BIP9A&oe=666598C9	3	Kelly Urban Photography	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,436	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	346006778591661	A Natural, Proven Solution For Anxiety Disorder	My wife felt like she was dying...<br /> She called me at work but I couldn't pick up.<br /> I'm sure this made things worse in those moments. <br /> <br /> When I called back, she said she felt like she was having a heart attack!<br /> <br /> We rushed to the ER and my wife was in total fear for her life!!<br /> <br /> They ran tests. But, everything came back normal. <br /> WHAT?!? NORMAL???? <br /> <br /> They sent us on our way after every test result told them my wife was 'perfectly healthy'. <br /> <br /> This was nearly 15 years ago... and if someone would have told me that we'd be helping THOUSANDS of people get their life back from the SAME thing that tried to rob my wife of a normal life???<br /> <br /> I would NEVER believe them!! However, here we are today serving over 34,000 people worldwide! 🤯<br /> <br /> Our Anxiety-Free Tea is a magical blend of 100% alkaline herbs including: Blue Vervain, Damiana, Burdock, Dandelion, Sarsaparilla, Fennel, and Elderberry<br /> <br /> Click the link below to order and/or find more information!	LEARN_MORE	https://cerebralteas.com/products/original-anxiety	1074987589555673	Cerebral Teas	https://facebook.com/cerebralteas	8,629	1,059,642,222,502,783	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cerebral Teas	120209216737160240	cerebralteas.com		NONE	video		https://cerebralteas.com/products/original-anxiety-free-tea-14-day-supply		2024-06-04 15:08	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447560225_1887595031699712_7050426316291352749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WPTkpYrd_w4Q7kNvgFlYetl&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB5d01NnhjHirPjBaLjomWxM1BHJjMZG5eR8uqBvEdYhg&oe=66657636	person_profile	Cerebral Teas \| Anxiety Recovery Experts	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447421505_1311456596479366_1274213500924726959_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T5oekQ9LReoQ7kNvgG-1HvA&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBrZIYv13UaNViFtT-Re6c1GfYZsWLbos4YsbK4nsAgLQ&oe=66657DA3	3	Cerebral Teas	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,859,454	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1859292}'	No	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	2757594714390379	Kehinde - Sunglasses	Shop Your Vibe with 20% off SITEWIDE with your first order KellyObi.com	SHOP_NOW	https://kellyobi.com/products/kehinde-sunglasses?v	116791414665998	Kelly Obi New York	https://facebook.com/KellyObiNewYork	9,618	0	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Kelly Obi New York	120209836439930606	kellyobi.com	5704	NONE	dpa		https://kellyobi.com/products/kehinde-sunglasses?variant=44259232383274		2024-06-03 20:07	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447418494_7671177792951861_4356034293644312387_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fvHh8fhffNQQ7kNvgFKqJeC&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCdMWcMDpLke3WugnAWKUDV3_8izm1koEqYpladXgIocA&oe=66659255	person_profile	Kelly Obi New York	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447250354_427890393468498_5768777398582990297_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TdoaN60SAQYQ7kNvgGmEv-f&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDnBmhcPj-xcrqQcmon6Zw7EfClOaqIixzAEs7HDtKBAw&oe=66659AC1	3	Kelly Obi New York	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,035	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1860682}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	766904502195785	Get Your Quote In Mins	Upgrade Your Windows for Less! Get Affordable, Energy-Efficient Replacement Now.<br /> <br /> New Windows = Lower Bills & Comfort in Your Home	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	120534674649468	Kelly Window and Door	https://facebook.com/KellyWindowAndDoor	379	464,717,792,763,251	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Get quote	Kelly Window and Door	6644380278728	fb.me		NONE	image	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	http://fb.me/		2024-05-29 14:28	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/446943957_993474795642098_5874957630652203351_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DUW3eG-j__MQ7kNvgFS7Dy_&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAES7w6fsdMZzCiI35VBWZ5HDhx6q2hb-8Lkv7eRNw4hg&oe=6665738C	person_profile	Kelly Window and Door	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/446975427_1843018462845617_767386375597238122_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FJ6c1GWNQvsQ7kNvgGoWJj0&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBHAgD-gJMjD8XFJmW9QaeHvES80xg-HK4H1zLE1N90kA&oe=66658736	3	Kelly Window and Door	2024-05-29 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,858,893	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1858894}'	No	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	2573197446182359	2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL SUV	✅ Check our FRESH updated inventory and buy RISK-FREE with our 3-Day Money Back Guarantee! Get amazing value for your Money!	SHOP_NOW	https://kellymitsubishiemmaus.com/vehicles/2024-mi	171036012951167	Kelly Mitsubishi	https://facebook.com/KellyMitsubishi	976	0	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Kelly Mitsubishi	120208155865230678	kellymitsubishiemmaus.com	57	NONE	dpa	🔒 Tap For Price!	https://kellymitsubishiemmaus.com/vehicles/2024-mitsubishi-outlander-sel-m249086-ja4j4wa87rz030664?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={{adset.name}}&utm_content=Mitsubishi%20Outlander%20JA4J4WA87RZ030664&dealer_vendor=sokal		2024-05-31 23:37	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447297689_488035970313231_5986043694385904071_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wOh4hfCU_HwQ7kNvgFooVS5&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC8zXdN6bcj3_Xm33NV52Im7tZ_hnPWav9sgEfyjx34Qg&oe=66657378	person_profile	Kelly Mitsubishi☘️	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447297372_467671195726940_199893831859235831_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pyXtesReTjcQ7kNvgFA8wt1&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAurFm03uyVsnKKo5Xl1dVwl-tEAdHz8DJDqJWW8eddtw&oe=666597BE	3	Kelly Mitsubishi	2024-06-01 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,858,734	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1858737}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	371316489288575	Cola - Sunglasses	Shop Your Vibe 💕kellyobi.com Up to 20% Off Your First Order Free worldwide shipping	SHOP_NOW	https://kellyobi.com/products/cola-sunglasses?utm_	116791414665998	Kelly Obi New York	https://facebook.com/KellyObiNewYork	9,618	0	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Kelly Obi New York	120209841582740606	kellyobi.com	49592	NONE	dpa	Shop the Vibe	https://kellyobi.com/products/cola-sunglasses?utm_content=Facebook_UA&utm_source=facebook&variant=44180599079210		2024-06-04 02:34	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442498114_946015337207410_3860761713755045925_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=12v6vFhk4CEQ7kNvgFDlki8&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAdPVIQZs-d9gw0DLQxdyx8sXISczef235k7tbNIn2ftA&oe=666587B7	person_profile	Kelly Obi New York	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441880071_1832261530617142_6098282531218919207_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rH5hDPvTFZkQ7kNvgG0A82j&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDpec_Wumdp06h4JozaP-LbozUv6L0sfoB-wsKt6BANOw&oe=66657BAF	3	Kelly Obi New York	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,858,726	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1858776}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	3695196784102391	Hema - Handbag	Shop Your Vibe with 20% off SITEWIDE with your first order KellyObi.com	SHOP_NOW	https://kellyobi.com/products/hema-handbag?variant	116791414665998	Kelly Obi New York	https://facebook.com/KellyObiNewYork	9,618	0	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Kelly Obi New York	120209835444250606	kellyobi.com	5704	NONE	dpa		https://kellyobi.com/products/hema-handbag?variant=44206521549098		2024-06-03 18:42	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447777726_1013727733510744_2606827486913311473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Djbll0vWZCoQ7kNvgGq1NLU&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBfzCgTLIN448xHB0QC-vGvYzmBGWMJhAnNbs6N0syybg&oe=66657285	person_profile	Kelly Obi New York	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447613262_809006277856913_5898622274697420559_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Iv9TtpVvw10Q7kNvgGPf7u0&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDNmdxYmiQx4XNXPfc_jQWVrU5lxlenJ469aXqtxYAUpg&oe=66659B71	3	Kelly Obi New York	2024-06-03 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,858,740	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1859190}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	488970300140277	Cola - Sunglasses	Shop Your Vibe with 20% off SITEWIDE with your first order KellyObi.com	SHOP_NOW	https://kellyobi.com/products/cola-sunglasses?vari	116791414665998	Kelly Obi New York	https://facebook.com/KellyObiNewYork	9,618	0	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Kelly Obi New York	120209836439780606	kellyobi.com	5704	NONE	dpa		https://kellyobi.com/products/cola-sunglasses?variant=44180599079210		2024-06-03 20:07	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447720858_1147292523256250_2209267558766134792_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4kRl75c8kdoQ7kNvgGa3CV2&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBoLPTMNLyTsIrNYBucRQPsPzuGlIijxMIPP9AmeUlKJg&oe=66658BA4	person_profile	Kelly Obi New York	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447811733_1130974758173750_3877996048533765846_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7FlanPutrEkQ7kNvgGT-7sU&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA3TOQMsynDMDZcwcRrDU6Mof7eVl0Iv-KDY1T20A1amA&oe=66656625	3	Kelly Obi New York	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,859,785	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1859682}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:24	active	937	337605709161092	BuildingYour Dream Team	MORE GROWTH. MORE FREEDOM. MORE PROFITS. MORE IMPACT. Your step-by-step guide to getting out of the weeds of your business and building a self-led, productive, and profitable team that allows your business to grow without you. What's Inside: 📈The mindset, skillset, and tools needed to elevate from super-employee to visionary CEO, and lead your team to extraordinary levels of success 📈 How to work less and earn more while growing your business at lightning speed by building an unstoppable team 📈 How to attract, manage, engage, and retain top performers for life 📈 How to build a wildly profitable team that contributes to your bottom line in multiples of what they cost you Download your FREE copy instantly, click the link below!	LEARN_MORE	https://kellyroachcoaching.com/experts-agency-bigg	101792586054033	The Business Advisory	https://facebook.com/thebusinessadvisory	6,997	0	2024-06-03 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	The Business Advisory	6590866678659	kellyroachcoaching.com		NONE	dco		https://kellyroachcoaching.com/experts-agency-bigger-than-you		2024-06-03 12:08	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445404742_417380357788795_4403070745841422920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uWQI2sNNUoYQ7kNvgHoN-pQ&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBWrHWMOfq_Jvqo5-lDrJtcdrxcYyL6W28lBON58YXc-g&oe=66659018	person_profile	The Business Advisory \| CEO Coaching + Masterminding	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445502807_425021547104778_3296511601443733053_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T8V2jK7QB6EQ7kNvgFi6ShT&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBchfnpl0cNjf8O25JzWCR8s1e2kL4aRQUfkqdTkGhJlQ&oe=666597D9	3	The Business Advisory	2024-06-03 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,735	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1861371}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	362475693113704	Llámanos Para Cuotas!	Seguros para Negocios!<br /> 📲214-243-7082	MESSAGE_PAGE		268271079693331	Prime Commercial Insurance - USA	https://facebook.com/We.Offer.General.Liability.Insurance.972.999.3862	9	1,019,111,729,639,612	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Send message	Prime Commercial Insurance - USA	120210011003470114			NONE	video			{"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Necesitas Seguro General Liability, W. Compensation, o Umbrella para tu Negocio?"}],"text":"Hola {{user_first_name}}! Necesitas un seguro ( Insurance ) para tu Negocio?"}},"user_edit":true,"autofill_message_edited":false,"ice_breakers_edited":true,"welcome_message_edited":true,"surface":"boosted_post"}	2024-06-04 12:07	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/446805768_3388020444829900_1993824836963627223_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3P6yub84w04Q7kNvgHZWjk3&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCOLI2Y68NVjNCkJ_VeDGGNm9gJ5bo9AtnOxQCj1RmdjQ&oe=66656B1E	person_profile	Prime Commercial Insurance - U	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447673837_335893509538937_5912511142093340864_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v3sRE3tSkMcQ7kNvgFQ8C10&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC8_wCiRVjYmKiuouQQffeB-ITLwSCxTtUwp0yE0MiqiQ&oe=666596BA	3	Prime Commercial Insurance - USA	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,860,813	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1860811}'	No	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	1178759916479514	🔥🔥🔥🔥 Read <Goodbye, Husband> 👉👉👉	While those thugs were tearing into me, my husband was having dinner with his first love for celebrating their ten-year ""anniversary"" of meeting.<br /> <br /> I tried to send him a desperate voice note via WhatsApp, but all I got back was, [Don't think this will grab my attention. I won’t go home tonight, you stupid clown.]<br /> Honestly, I breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't come rushing to save me. Knowing him, I'd probably have ended up worse off.<br /> Fast forward three days, my husband, Mr. Top Forensic Guy, was analyzing evidence from a city-wide murder that had everyone gossiping.<br /> He was going on and on about the victim's last moments, how she fought for her life and all. Little did he know, he was dissecting the death of his wife—the one he hate.<br /> *<br /> So, there I was, tossed in a pile of garbage like yesterday's news. An old man, walking his dog, then stumbled upon the scene and the furry pet chewed a black bag like a toy. The old man figured it was some discarded meat, until out popped…… <br /> Pretty soon, there were moreand bodies all over town. It was like a nightmare come to life. The cops were all over it, setting up some special task force to crack the case.<br /> Who got called in? None other than my husband, Steven Craig, the forensic analyst prodigy in town. He was on site, analyzing blood spatters like it was some messed-up art exhibit.<br /> But even he was taken aback by the horror show. ""This is some next-level brutality,"" he whispered, face going pale.<br /> The Criminal Investigation team leader, Xander Young, wanted him to break it down. And Steve was pointing out every detail like he was Sherlock Holmes. ""See these stains? Looks like someone did some organ harvest. And those marks on the wall? Poor victim was awake the whole time.""<br /> Xander's scratching his head, saying, ""So, according to the forensic guys, our victim's a young woman under thirty. I mean, who could she have ticked off to end up like this?""<br /> But Steve got a hunch. ""This isn’t no random brutal hit. Someone's got a grudge and they're just getting started.""<br /> And you know what? He was spot on. This just went to show, my husband's instincts were sharper than a scalpel.<br /> I'd love to see his face when he finally pieced it all together.<br /> So, they found a ring in the scene, the key physical evidence.<br /> Steven picked it up all nonchalant, but Xander suddenly went quiet and whispered, ""Steven, isn't this ring a dead ringer for yours?""<br /> Steven took a quick peek inside the ring, smooth as could be, without a single engraving. He didn't sweat it and just brushed it off. ""Eh, it's probably just the same style. These rings were everywhere back then, you know?""<br /> Once he was done, he lingered by the scene entrance for a while, lost in his thoughts. After a bit of contemplation, he glanced down and dialed my phone.<br /> It rang for a few seconds before he quickly hung up, no second thoughts.<br /> ""Look at her, acting all high and mighty after throwing fits every day! Whatever she isn't picking up, it’s not her, though!""<br /> He was so sure of himself because our wedding ring had engravings on it.<br /> But seriously, my husband, being the forensic whiz that you are, shouldn’t you know that metal engravings are the first to go? It only took me six months to buff out our initials.<br /> <br /> Part 2<br /> So, the forensic team was doing their thing, patching me up with like five or six people pulling all-nighters. Meanwhile, my body was just lying there on the table. I was feeling queasy at the sight of all those body parts.<br /> Xander pointed to my body and said, ""Look, the head's gone, fingers too and there's a chunk missing from the ankle.""<br /> Meanwhile, Steven was silent, probably thinking about what made those parts different.<br /> Finally, he spoke up, ""So, who's the unlucky one?""<br /> Xander shook his head. ""We gotta wait for the DNA results. As soon as someone files a missing person report, we'll jump on it and try to ID our mystery guest.""<br /> My husband nodded, but he wasn’t giving my body more than a quick glance. Was he grossed out? But to be real, this whole mess was thanks to him.<br /> Later at the meeting, Steven threw out his wild theory.<br /> ""I've been poking around recent cases and it seems like we've got a pattern here. Similar stuff's gone down in Yorehaven. They're into some seriously twisted stuff—gutting people, bleeding them out and cutting them into pieces. Looks like someone's trying to make a statement to gain some street reputation.""<br /> Xander's eyebrows shot up like he was trying to catch a fly with it.<br /> ""Yorehaven... So, like, you’re saying this is just like what those drug gangs pulled?"" Xander asked, scratching his head.<br /> Steven nodded and answered, ""Pretty much.""<br /> Xander acted fast by giving an order, ""Alright, let's hit up Yorehaven PD. Maybe they could lend a hand.""<br /> After the meeting, a junior cop was practically glued to Steven, singing his praises. ""Mr. Craig, you are a legend! You figured out our next move in a flash!""<br /> I was dying to chime in with the praise, wondering how Steven would react when he cracked the case wide open. But Steven just gave a nonchalant nod. From childhood, he had so many admirers that he got sick of hearing that kind of praise a long time ago.<br /> ""Hey, Mr. Craig, hold up!"" The young cop suddenly stopped him, plucking a long, curly hair from Steven's jacket.<br /> The cop smirked. ""Your missus doing alright?""<br /> Steven's tone was as cold as ice. ""None of your business."" He snatched the hair and shoved it in his pocket, then strode off.<br /> Left behind, the cop awkwardly rubbed his nose. I wished I could give him a pat on the back, but my hand just passed through him.<br /> I wanted to tell him, if he found my head, he'd see I had short, straight hair. That one on Steven's shoulder belonged to Kelly.<br /> That night I got murdered, Kelly was snuggled up to my husband, leaving behind that little souvenir.<br /> <br /> Part 3<br /> I hadn't been home for three days and my husband hadn't even tried to find me. Last time we argued about Kelly, I crashed at my best friend's place for a few days. He just assumed I was mad again and didn’t want to deal with it.<br /> Then Kelly called him, her voice trembling. ""Steven, there's supposed to be a thunderstorm tonight and I'm so scared. Can you come stay with me?""<br /> I saw Steven's grip on his phone tighten and loosen. He said, ""I'm married, Kelly. It's not really convenient for me to come to your hotel.""<br /> Just when I thought he might be showing some common sense, he added, ""But you can come to my house. She's not home.""<br /> Even Kelly was surprised. ""Steven, are you sure? What if she suddenly comes back? We wouldn't be able to explain ourselves.""<br /> I snorted. She knew exactly what she was doing and here she was, playing the innocent.<br /> Steven asked, ""What do we need to explain to her? This is my home and you’re my friend. Don’t worry about what she thinks.""<br /> He sounded so sure of himself. ""Besides, she’s not coming back.""<br /> Kelly went quiet for a moment, then asked, ""How do you know?""<br /> Realizing her tone might've been off, she quickly added, ""I mean, did Sabrina get mad at you again?""<br /> Steven nodded. ""Yeah, on our 10th anniversary, I told her I was going to see you.<br /> ""It's so frustrating. Even though we're just friends, she's always suspicious! I married her, but that’s never enough for her! Unlike you, Kelly. You've put up with so much over the years and never complained. I should be apologizing to you.”<br /> I almost laughed when I heard him. No sane person celebrated their 10th anniversary with their ex after getting married. And the day they celebrated was the day I died.<br /> Steven, are you planning to celebrate your anniversary next year or mark my death?<br /> *<br /> Kelly rushed over to my place and as soon as she saw Steven, she practically leaped into his arms. ""Steven, it's so dark and creepy outside, I'm freaking out!""<br /> I couldn't help but roll my eyes. It's dark every night and I had never seen her this scared before.<br /> Steven gave her a reassuring hug, patting her back gently. ""Don't worry, I've got you.""<br /> He showed her the candles he bought, a bunch of emergency ones, clearly meant to calm her down. ""With these, even if the power goes out in a storm, we'll still have light,"" he explained.<br /> Kelly sighed, leaning against his shoulder. ""Steven, you're my hero.""<br /> It was getting late and Kelly needed to freshen up and hit the bed. She headed into my bathroom, shutting the door behind her and started raiding my skincare stash without a second thought. After she was done, she left everything in a mess, not bothering to put the caps back on properly.<br /> She chuckled to herself. ""Sabrina won't mind, she's not coming back anyway.""<br /> In the mirror, I watched Kelly silently, being all transparent. Outside, thunder rumbled and when lightning struck, a figure materialized on the floor. Kelly screamed and called out for my husband.<br /> Steven burst through the door like a hero, scooping Kelly up in his arms and shielding her. She trembled against him, muttering, ""Isn't this kinda risky? What if your wife shows up....""<br /> Steven shrugged. ""I don’t know.""<br /> He glanced up, the lightning casting a cold glare on his face. ""Even if she did, she's got no right to say anything. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't leave and we wouldn't have missed out on all these years together.<br /> ""You don't gotta worry about her. If she kicks the bucket out there, it's no skin off my nose.""<br /> Alright, husband, your wish is my command. I hope you're truly as indifferent as you claim to be.<br /> <br /> Part 4<br /> At the late-night police station, the task force was still grinding away on my case. Xander called for a break and Steven went to grab a sandwich.<br /> One of his colleagues teased him, ""Hey, Mr. Craig, how's a married guy with a fan club of ladies like you ending up in the line for food with us single dudes? What about your wife? Didn't she come to deliver your midnight snack tonight?""<br /> Steven's face darkened and his sandwich hit the table. ""Why bring her up? It's gross.""<br /> Xander sensed tension. ""Yeah, it's been a while since we saw your wife around. She used to show up with snacks whenever you pulled an all-nighter.""<br /> Steven shot him a look. ""All those snacks end up in your belly, don't they? Still hungry?""<br /> Xander's expression turned serious. ""Seriously though, is your wife okay? Is she... missing?""<br /> Steven snorted. ""Missing? If she had any backbone, I'd respect her. She's like a pesky little dog, always underfoot. It's been quiet for two days now, so can we stop talking about her?""<br /> Standing on the sidelines, I smirked. Husband, you wouldn't have to put up with me nagging you anymore. Must be a relief.<br /> ""Mr. Young, we've ID'd the body!"" A cop barged in, waving the DNA results, but his face was twisted in an ugly mix of emotions.<br /> Xander reached for the results, but the cop hesitated. ""I think Mr. Craig should take a look first....""<br /> Steven looked up, puzzled. ""Why me? I'm not the head who is in charge to crack the case. Why show it to me?""<br /> Xander glanced at the results and his expression turned serious. ""Your wife... have you been in touch with her lately?""<br /> ""Yeah, she even sent me a voice message a few days back.""<br /> ""A few days? Has it been more than three days?""<br /> Steven's eyes widened as realization dawned. He shot up from his seat. ""What are you saying?""<br /> <br /> [Super short novel, the follow-up will be more exciting! Please download our APP to read more! ]"	LEARN_MORE	https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adore	226177680578601	Adoread	https://facebook.com/61556400142540	614	3,323,397,411,295,010	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Adoread	120209251460060265	client.adoread.com		NONE	video		https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adoread/27141920543?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}		2024-06-04 11:15	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/445369542_7913183905413162_7421755483138793288_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=36T-B5dy2y0Q7kNvgFjjZt-&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCeMeNTZGZlw36stBoMQAfhl706VcqO7mNWpVF5VrM6wQ&oe=6665739E	person_profile	Adoread	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447671093_1262194144759919_1791216520815573001_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gKrouV6UndMQ7kNvgErowWr&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAEu3ZJDIiI1CXLGQvV5NLQb9ZzOaqrOxvWD5t8ovc_sQ&oe=66657B84	3	Adoread	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,861,301	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1861302}'	Yes	2024-06-04 19:25	active	937	335244332931148	Celebrities Who Showed Just How Out of Touch They Are	"Celebrity Misfires: Attempts at Humor, Relatability, or Wisdom That Backfired Due to Extreme Out-of-Touchness"	LEARN_MORE	https://bridesblush.com/trends/celebs-out-of-touch	341998795654067	Wedding Trends	https://facebook.com/latestweddingtrends	0	1,694,292,978,007,992	2024-06-04 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn More	Wedding Trends	120212309369790034	bridesblush.com		NONE	dco	How Celebs Tried to Be Funny and Ended Up Seeming Out-of-Touch	https://bridesblush.com/trends/celebs-out-of-touch-syn/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=Celebrity%20Out%20of%20Touch%20Spt%20ENG%20Dynamic%20B2B%20256%20DSH%208200%20-%20Unknown%20WW%20FB%20DSH&network_code=DSH&utm_term=content&v=1		2024-06-04 05:30	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447702507_800245398494068_8638593721498333023_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5ULs5rFNwwoQ7kNvgFFoHeH&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD66-KpKqP3-96Kac78Q-ilWvotcHlxcodhPvH6txJb1Q&oe=6665735F	person_profile	Wedding Trends	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/446733892_479824344706899_3342970702723227795_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=q0b3qMhHgZ4Q7kNvgHU6q1t&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDa20NV3Nn9P6C1zIJelc7MFcizuf00M_UWvCPjYN48Mg&oe=66657453	3	Wedding Trends	2024-06-04 02:00	View Edit Delete

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