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1,809,282	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	805664207821988	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband killed a woman inour second home? It was still unknown. What I can confirm is that he betrayed me with that died woman.<br /> <br /> “Sarah. I didn’t do this. I didn’t kill her, I swear it. I couldn’t do it. I was copulating with her, but I would never hurt her—you have to believe me.”<br /> “Adam, I need you to understand, I am here as your lawyer, not your wife.”<br /> “I need you to tell me everything… every single detail. Do not leave anything out. Do you understand?”<br /> "Yes."<br /> “When did you two first meet?”<br /> “About a year and a half ago.”<br /> “And how did you meet?”<br /> I close my eyes and take a deep breath, remembering that warm summer day—the day Kelly entered my life.<br /> ————————<br /> Adam Morgan<br /> Sarah is gone when I open my eyes. For the first time in a long time, I wake up feeling good—like everything is going to be okay. Sarah finally wants what I want: a family. We’re on the same page. All this time, I’ve been several chapters ahead of her, and now she’s caught up. I hope she’ll take a step back from the firm and focus on starting a family. I have a feeling what we did last night took, and in nine months we’ll be welcoming a baby Morgan to the world. This is what I was meant to be, a father.<br /> I slide out of bed and put on a pair of boxers, balled up beside the nightstand. With a bit of pep in my step, I brush my teeth, rearrange my bedhead, and throw a couple handfuls of water in my face. Today is going to be a good day. It’s 11:30am, and I slept in a bit longer than I intended, but it doesn’t matter, because today is the first day of the rest of my life.<br /> As I go down the stairs, it hits me like a smack in the face… Kelly. I shouldn’t have done that. I shouldn’t have written that note. I should have ended it last night. I run back up the stairs to retrieve my cell phone. Just as I grab it, the doorbell rings. I quickly put on a pair of pants and a T-shirt and slip my phone into my pocket. The doorbell rings again.<br /> “Jesus Christ. I’m coming!”<br /> There are several loud knocks.<br /> “Hold on!” I make my way down the hallway, down the stairs, and to the front door. I swing it open and find two men standing there in matching attire: tan Dickies uniforms, complete with utility belts and wide-brim hats. The looks on their faces are similar, stern and frustrated… or is that disgust or discontent? I can’t really tell. I rub my eyes. The one on the left, a tall white male, with a hard jaw and piercing green eyes speaks first.<br /> “I’m Sheriff Ryan Stevens. Are you Adam Morgan?” he asks.<br /> I nod.<br /> The one on the right speaks next, an even taller black man with broad shoulders, and a visage that looks chiseled from stone. “I’m Deputy Marcus Hudson. We need to ask you some questions about your whereabouts yesterday evening.”<br /> “What’s this about?” I grip the front door with one hand and exchange glances with both the sheriff and his deputy. There are two squad cars parked on the street.<br /> “We just need you to answer a few questions for us,” Sheriff Stevens reiterates with a little more sternness and impatience.<br /> I take a step back, still gripping the door. “Well, what’s going on?” Confusion spreads across my face as I furrow my brow. I try to remain cool, calm and collected but that’s easier said than done when I have no idea why two members of law enforcement are suddenly at my door.<br /> “Maybe this would be easier if we did this back at the station,” Sheriff Stevens suggests to me.<br /> “How would that be easier? What is going on? Is Sarah okay? Did something happen to her?” My first thought goes to Sarah, always. She’s a high-profile lawyer with a number of enemies due to the nature of her job. She’s had death threats in the past. She’s been harassed, and once she was physically assaulted. I know she’s been working on a big case, although I’m not sure of the details. Because I never really asked her about it. I should have.<br /> “Mr. Morgan. Try and remain calm,” Sheriff Stevens says.<br /> “I’m calling my wife.” I pull my phone from my pocket and try to throw the door closed. Sheriff Stevens stops it with his foot, and he and Deputy Hudson push inside.<br /> “Get out of my house!”<br /> The two men in uniform charge forward and grab me. They throw both my arms behind my back. My cell phone drops to the floor just before I complete my call. I struggle. I know whenever you see people struggling against the cops, you always think as a spectator, What an idiot. Don’t fight the police. You’ll never win that battle. But when you find yourself in that situation, when you have no idea what’s going on, whether the ones you love are okay, or why this is happening…<br /> I throw Sheriff Stevens to the ground and get my arm free. The sheriff mumbles something like “You bimbo” under his breath and stands back up, charging at me. Deputy Hudson still has one of my hands behind my back.<br /> “All right, I’ve had enough of this.” Deputy Hudson brings his knee into my face. I drop instantly to the ground. Blood sprays from my nose into a puddle beneath me on the floor. Deputy Hudson drives his knee into my back, while the sheriff handcuffs me.<br /> “You just had to do that, didn’t you?” Sheriff Stevens says with a chuckle and a look of disappointment.<br /> “I miss getting a little dirty,” Deputy Hudson says with a grin, I assume, as I can’t see his face.<br /> Deputy Hudson stands up, brushing himself off. They pull me to my knees. “Are you ready to come down to the station now, you bimbo?”<br /> I spit blood at his feet. “You’re gonna regret that.” I glare at him.<br /> “I doubt that,” he says. “Now, you have the right to remain silent…”<br /> Two hours later I find myself alone in a small interrogation room with a stale cup of coffee on the table in front of me. A large one-way mirror is on the wall to my left. I drop my head into my hands. My foot taps the floor with fervor as my patience has worn thin.<br /> “I want my phone call,” I scream within the empty room. “I want my phone call!”<br /> The door opens, and Sheriff Stevens and Deputy Hudson enter carrying Styrofoam cups of coffee.<br /> Sheriff Stevens sets a bottle of water in front of me. “Thirsty?”<br /> I pick up the water, chug it, and crunch up the empty bottle. I toss it into a trash can by the door. They take their time settling into their chairs across from me. They give each other a glance as they casually sip their coffee. They’re trying to look calm, but their clenched jaws and strained eyes give away the fact that they’re pissed off.<br /> “I want my phone call.” I still have no idea why I’m here. These bimbos roughed me up a bit and threw me into the back of a squad car. I haven’t been charged with anything, and I’ve been sitting in this room for over an hour. I don’t know if Sarah is okay. I don’t know how I’m involved in any of this.<br /> “Mr. Morgan—can I call you Adam?” Sheriff Stevens asks, as if we’re on a first-name basis, as if he’s trying to be personable with me. These backwoods. I’m tired of this, and I just want to know what is going on, so I nod with no enthusiasm.<br /> “Good. Well, you can call me Ryan and this guy,” he pats the deputy on the back, “you can call him Marcus. Now, we’re here to ask you a few questions, and hopefully, you’ll decide to cooperate with our investigation—unlike earlier. Do you understand?”<br /> I take a deep breath and rub my forehead with my hands, trying to soothe the headache I have coming on. “Yeah.”<br /> “Excellent. Now, can you tell us where you were last night?” Sheriff Stevens asks.<br /> My eyes dart around the room. “I was at my lake house over on Lake Manassas until around midnight. Then, I drove home.”<br /> They nod. Deputy Hudson pulls a notepad and a pen from his shirt pocket and begins jotting down notes. “Were you alone at the lake house?”<br /> “No.”<br /> “Who were you with?”<br /> “What’s this got to do with anything? I want my lawyer right now. I’m not answering anything else until I know what’s going on and why I’m here.” I stand up, kicking back my chair and shaking the table. The cups of coffee spill and two other deputies immediately charge into the interrogation room, restraining me.<br /> Deputy Hudson stands quickly flinging his chair back. He charges at me, grabbing me by the neck. His eyes bulge, and his lips purse as he comes within two inches of my face. “Listen up! Kelly Summers was stabbed to death in your bed. Perhaps you want to start telling us what really happened, because, with the amount of evidence stacked against you, your days are numbered.” He pushes me against the wall as Sheriff Stevens pulls him off telling him to cool it.<br /> “I’m not going to cool it. Kelly was a good girl. She was family, and this white-collar comes into our town and kills her.” Deputy Hudson spits. Drops of sweat accumulate at his hairline.<br /> “Wha— what are you talking about? Kelly? She was fine when I left,” I sputter, choking on my own words. “How? How did this happen?” I collapse. The room spins and spins. The deputies let me fall to the ground as they take a step back.<br /> Who would hurt Kelly? The text messages from her husband. I recall them, each more menacing than the last and full of threats. It had to havebeen him. “Her husband. It had to have been her husband. Check her phone. Check her texts,” I plead—trying to put all the pieces together, trying to make sense of it.<br /> “Don’t you talk about her husband!” Deputy Hudson points his finger right in my face.<br /> Sheriff Stevens pushes him away from me. He turns back toward me. “We’re looking at all angles, but like the deputy eloquently said, this isn’t looking good for you.”<br /> “I would never hurt Kelly. I-I-I couldn’t. I loved her.” I drop my head into my hands.<br /> “That’s great,” Sheriff Stevens says with a hint of sarcasm. “Why don’t you follow one of these deputies and go call your wife?”<br /> ------<br /> Adam Morgan<br /> Sheriff Stevens escorts me to a pay phone hung on the wall in the center of a long corridor. Deputy Hudson is only a few steps behind the sheriff, watching my every move.<br /> “Make it quick,” Sheriff Stevens commands as he stops in the doorway.<br /> I pick up the phone and hold it to my ear, closing my eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath. How can I tell her what’s happened? How could I have done this to her?<br /> I open my eyes and dial Sarah’s cell phone number.<br /> The phone rings and rings and then her voice is there. But it’s her voicemail. I consider leaving a message but decide I can’t tell her I cheated on her and I’m now a suspect for my mistress’s murder over voicemail. I turn my back toward Sheriff Stevens and Deputy Hudson. They’re chatting while keeping an eye on me.<br /> “Hurry up, Mr. Morgan,” Deputy Hudson says.<br /> I wave my hand at him dismissively. I redial Sarah. She doesn’t pick up. I pull the receiver hook down, and this time I dial a different number.<br /> “Hello,” Eleanor says with apprehension.<br /> “Mom… I’m in trouble. I need your help.”<br /> ------<br /> Sarah Morgan<br /> My phone rings. I pull it out, and on the screen, in all caps, it says ELEANOR. Immediately, there’s a lump in the back of my throat, and I swallow hard to force it down. I don’t want to deal with her now, and I almost don’t answer it, but something in my gut urges me to take the call.<br /> “Sarah Morgan,” I say in an overly professional tone in an attempt to convey my importance to her.<br /> “Sarah, Adam’s been trying to call you. Why didn’t you answer my son’s calls?” There is irritation and frustration in Eleanor’s voice. What else is new?<br /> “I was in court.”<br /> “Oh yes, I forgot you worked.”<br /> I roll my eyes. “What do you mean you forgot? Adam hasn’t written a book in four years. Who do you think…?” I decide to not even finish the sentence as there’s no point. She has always hated the fact that I work. I’ve never been sure if it’s resentment or her credence in traditional and outdated gender roles.<br /> “It’s neither here nor there. Adam needs you. He’s at the Prince William County Sheriff’s Station.”<br /> Anne mouths, “Are you okay?” I nod.<br /> Matthew sips at a fresh martini the waitress just delivered.<br /> “Wait, what? In Virginia? What happened? Is he okay?” My thoughts blend into one another as if they had just been thrown into a Vitamix.<br /> “I’m not sure. But it’s serious, and you need to get there. I’m trying to catch a flight tonight or tomorrow.”<br /> Anne sets her fork down listening intently. Matthew leans in closer.<br /> “Okay. I’ll go right now.” My voice becomes panicked.<br /> The phone line cuts out. I freeze not knowing what to do. What could have happened? I just saw him this morning. But in my experience, everything can change in a moment.<br /> “Sarah. What’s going on?” Anne asks pulling me from my frozen state.<br /> “That was Adam’s mom. He… needs me. I-I have to go.” I stand up putting my black suit jacket on.<br /> “I’ll come with you.” Matthew stands.<br /> I nod, but I’m on autopilot. I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m just doing it. I slip my phone into my Hermes tote bag. Before I take off, I place three hundred-dollar bills on the table for lunch.<br /> “I can get this.” Anne tries to hand me back the money.<br /> “No. Just finish up and go back to the office. I’m sure it’s nothing. I’m sure everything’s fine, and I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” In my gut, I know it’s not okay. Things may never be the same again.<br /> “Okay. I’ll cancel your meetings for the day and please don’t worry about anything at the office. Just take care of whatever is going on and keep me updated.”<br /> I bite my lip and nod. Matthew and I rush out of the restaurant.<br /> It’s an hour later that I find myself face to face with a man by the name of Sheriff Ryan Stevens. He matches the rough description of millions of men on this planet. Sandy brown hair kept high and tight in typical, ex-military-turned-police fashion adorns his head, sitting just north of his intense green eyes. These eyes have seen a lifetime of experience already and show as much fatigue as the rest of his face. The detail that I notice the most, though, is how he carries himself. This is a man in charge; this is a man who cares about his work; and this is a man not to be crossed. Despite the lethargy and years of abuse to his body by his line of work, his spirit is matched by none, even deputies half his age.<br /> I’m seated across from him in a small, disorganized office. Matthew is waiting for me in reception. I wanted him in here with me, but not until I knew what was going on. I still am unclear, and I have yet to see Adam, but I’ve been assured that he is all right and that I will be able to speak with him after I’ve talked to the sheriff regarding the incident my husband was involved in.<br /> “Mrs. Morgan, thank you for your patience,” Sheriff Stevens says.<br /> “Sarah is fine.”<br /> “Ryan is fine as well.” There’s a bit of snark in his voice, but there’s kindness in his eyes.Whether that kindness is for me or not, I don’t know.<br /> “What is going on?” I cross one leg over the other, leaning back in my chair.<br /> “I need to ask you a few questions before you see Adam.”<br /> “Okay.”<br /> “Was Adam with you last night?”<br /> I take a moment to think of the night before. I came home late from going out with Anne. But Adam came home later than me. He said he had been at the lake house writing, which is the norm. He goes there to write frequently and stays there for days at a time. It was one of the main reasons we had gotten the lake house. He was having trouble for the longest time putting words on paper, and when he came to me with the idea of buying a vacation home close enough for him to work at, but far enough out of the city for us to vacation to, I was on board right away. It was the perfect solution. Although I’ve rarely been there. Anne’s spent more time there than I have. She spent a week there this past summer as a part of her Christmas bonus, one week paid time off at my lake house. It was nice she had the opportunity to use it for what we had intended it for—vacation. Work kept me too busy to take frequent weekend trips, but it turned Adam’s writing around. He’s been churning out pages like never before.<br /> “Yes, at some point,” I finally land on.<br /> “And what point was that?”<br /> I pause trying to think over my answer carefully.<br /> “Well, I had fallen asleep. But I woke up around 2am and he was there. He could have been home for much longer.”<br /> Sheriff Stevens nods and jots down a few words on a pad of paper in front of him. He glances up at me and then writes down a couple more words. He chews on the end of his pen and glances at me again—this time, running his eyes over my body. “And that’s at your home in D.C., correct?”<br /> “Yes.”<br /> “What happened after he got home?”<br /> “We talked.” I let out a small cough. “And we had copulation.” I know something terrible has happened. This is an interrogation, and there’s no sense in holding any information back. Adam couldn’t have done anything wrong, so honesty is the only thing that is going to make this all go away, whatever this is.<br /> “Is that usual for you two?”<br /> “A husband and a wife having copulation, Sheriff Stevens?”<br /> “No, you and Adam?”<br /> “What does this have to do with anything?” I’m irritated, and I’m done playing games with this small-minded sheriff. I tear apart men like him every day. I may be here as Adam’s wife, but I am a defense attorney.<br /> The sheriff taps his pen against the desk. He’s waiting for me to speak as he has no intention of answering my question. He’s trying to get an understanding of Adam’s and my relationship, but why? What could he think Adam has done? Sure, we don’t have the perfect marriage, but who does? And why is it any of his business?<br /> “We’re trying for a baby,” I say not actually answering his question, but side-stepping it. If he doesn’t answer my questions, I won’t answer his.<br /> “Congratulations.” There’s a hint of sarcasm in his voice.<br /> “Are we done?”<br /> “No, Mrs. Morgan. Do you know a Kelly Summers?”<br /> “No.” I let out a deep breath. Maybe she’s our cleaning lady? No, that’s not her name. I shake my head adding to my resounding no.<br /> He nods and underlines something on his notepad. He selects a file folder from a stack of papers and pulls out an 8x10 photo, placing it in front of me. It’s a picture of a beautiful girl with long brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. She’s smiling. She’s younger—probably late twenties. She is a stark contrast to Sheriff Stevens, where he is serious, worn down, on a mission; she is carefree, letting life take her as it wants.<br /> “This is Kelly Summers. Are you sure you don’t know her?”<br /> I pull the photo a little closer and lean in really taking it in. Her beauty is truly captivating. Her freckles spread lightly along her nose, her lips are full, and her cheekbones are prominent.<br /> “I don’t know her.” I push the photo back toward him. He nods, taking the picture and putting it back in the folder.<br /> “Are you and Adam having marital problems?” He taps his fingers on the desk.<br /> “You know what, Sheriff Stevens? This is getting ridiculous. I don’t know what Adam and I have to do with this Kelly woman, and I’ve had enough. I want to see my husband right now.” I’m half standing when Sheriff Stevens slams his hand on the desk.<br /> “Sit down!”<br /> “Or what? You’ll arrest me? Take me to my husband.” I stare him down. Although he is large, he is so small to me.<br /> He flips open the folder and throws a dozen crime scene photos on the desk. Right away, I notice that they’ve all been taken in our lake house. A woman is lying in our bed, covered in blood. Her eyes are expressionless. Her torso and chest are mutilated, skin gouged and scraped. I drop my purse, and my hands immediately cover my mouth as I let out a gasp and a whimper.<br /> I drop to the side of the desk regurgitating a bit of my lunch into my mouth. The acid burns as I try to force it back down, but this only makes my eyes well up with tears even more.<br /> And then it hits me. Now I know why I’m here.<br /> I feel a pat on my back. It’s Sheriff Stevens. He’s trying to calm me down.<br /> “I’m sorry.” He hands me a Kleenex and keeps his hand on my back. I stand facing him, though my legs are a bit wobbly beneath me. I wipe my mouth and pat at my eyes, trying to compose myself. This isn’t like me. I don’t break down. I’m strong. He asks me if I’m okay and I nod. Where I once was just trying to figure out why I was here, I now need to go into lawyer mode, because this “kind and simple” sheriff routine is really the work of a seasoned pro, watching, calculating.<br /> There’s a knock on the door. Sheriff Stevens keeps a hand on my shoulder—still trying to play nice. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I regain control of my breathing and attempt to compose myself.<br /> The door opens, and I turn to find a tall black man in similar clothing as Sheriff Stevens. His eyes are cold, bloodshot, and they do not meet mine. He says, “He wants his lawyer.”<br /> Sheriff Stevens nods. “Marcus, this is Sarah, Adam’s wife. This is Deputy Hudson.” I shake his hand.<br /> His eyes bounce off me. There’s a rage in them. “Should I let him call his lawyer?”<br /> Before Sheriff Stevens can speak, I interrupt. “There’s no need.”<br /> “Why?” they both ask in unison giving each other a puzzled look.<br /> “I’m his lawyer.”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/U2hlcGhlcmQvMTc5MTQ0	102673059542883	Shep002	https://facebook.com/100093452425291	61	1	1,659,032,778,248,235	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Shep002	120211156028080659	a.shepherdsapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/U2hlcGhlcmQvMTc5MTQ0LzIwMjQwNTE1MTQ0NjQ2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-15 01:49	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436356475_449825667697917_707369590595136734_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rXRjP9GowSkQ7kNvgHV3ZLl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCJn-9k-5uMEHRQqZkpu4dmKmhUqdQ9XrhY4Ye94y0jUQ&oe=664B3E52	person_profile	Shep002	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436614251_802868414765478_5895192184173262677_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0AzdeJG7p94Q7kNvgFg1F-1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArYXJ51KsOnj6308OYYVkMoIoGMYNHtTIn2hQF4a3TDg&oe=664B3319	3	Shep002	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,248	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809269}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	381805358158776	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNzkxOTE	123823310705302	ForFun-100	https://facebook.com/100094441775812	98	1	412,088,131,637,559	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	ForFun-100	120210818402330361	a.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNzkxOTEvMjAyNDA1MTUxNDUwMjEvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-15 01:56	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441165340_417986217812596_7533164872381660116_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u7tniU-qVdQQ7kNvgGSQwqF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD3J3rWKFF7JsdlQx2Ms_O4qB_dbDsyVvc_om0dQVufaw&oe=664B39D9	person_profile	ForFun-100	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441070750_923130966229387_4031882498818036223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wNh4Ii3OCBUQ7kNvgEYjKxM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCH5HxS12k5KoClQKG3gUsIV-63vYJAiCj2v5L5823bTA&oe=664B30EB	3	ForFun-100	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,267	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809332}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	465214069257333	👉👉Click to read more !👈👈	🔞🔞"The plane crashed, and I found myself stranded on a deserted island with a billionaire. It felt like a romantic encounter. He said, 'Are you sure you want to do this? Because once I enter your body, you'll officially belong to me.'"🔞🔞<br /> ---------------------------------------------------<br /> Three years had passed when Zoe returned from her studies abroad, only to face a near-death experience as her plane crashed.<br /> <br /> Little did she know, it was all part of a sinister plan orchestrated by her own parents. Their motive was to eliminate Zoe and claim the inheritance left behind by her late grandfather.<br /> <br /> To compound her shock, Zoe discovered the ultimate betrayal: her boyfriend, Darius, had long abandoned their love and surreptitiously developed feelings for her sister, Pola.<br /> <br /> Consumed by a burning desire for retribution, Zoe made a bold decision—to marry Robin.<br /> <br /> With unwavering determination, she swore to herself that she would never let her enemies escape unscathed.<br /> <br /> Finally, the day of reckoning arrived, presenting Zoe with the opportunity she had long awaited—a chance for her revenge.<br /> <br /> As soon as she entered Robin's office, Zoe was stunned by the scene before her.<br /> <br /> Dozens of elegantly dressed women simultaneously stopped what they were doing and turned their gaze to Zoe. They greeted her in unison, "Mrs. Owen."<br /> <br /> Confused by the sight before her, Zoe turned to Robin for an explanation. He handed her a golden invitation and said, "Tonight is their wedding reception. Didn't you know?"<br /> <br /> The names Darius and Pola sent a shiver down her spine, casting a shadow over her emotions. After a moment, she managed to ask, "Are you inviting me to their wedding?"<br /> <br /> Robin's lips curved into a mischievous smile as he replied, "Why not? It's a perfect opportunity. Don't you want to avenge your mother's death?"<br /> <br /> "But... I'm not ready yet," Zoe hesitated. The Balls didn't know she was still alive, and her sudden appearance was bound to cause a stir.<br /> <br /> "You just need to dress up nicely and accompany me," he said, standing up and walking towards her, his hands cupping her face as he rubbed it gently. "Leave the rest to me. You don't have to worry."<br /> <br /> His gaze shifted to the makeup artist and stylist, and they immediately swarmed around him.<br /> <br /> "Hey, wait..." Zoe's protest was drowned out in the chaos. She found herself like a doll, sitting in a velvet chair, at everyone's mercy.<br /> <br /> As the makeup artist and stylist worked their magic, transforming Zoe's appearance, she felt both excited and anxious.<br /> <br /> Several hours later, Zoe emerged from the dressing room, barely recognizing herself in the mirror.<br /> <br /> The stylist had skillfully styled her hair into an elegant updo, while the exquisite makeup on her face accentuated her natural beauty. She wore a captivating evening gown that hugged her figure, exuding elegance and confidence.<br /> <br /> Robin, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, stood waiting by her side. When he saw her refreshed appearance, he couldn't help but widen his eyes in admiration.<br /> <br /> "You look stunning," he whispered softly, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.<br /> <br /> Blushing, Zoe smiled, feeling a surge of confidence within her.<br /> <br /> Taking a deep breath, she prepared to face the challenges ahead. "Thank you, Robin. I'm ready."<br /> <br /> In her heart, she was having a silent conversation with herself.<br /> <br /> They took away Grandpa's company!<br /> <br /> They brutally killed Dolcie!<br /> <br /> When I was kidnapped, they just stood by and did nothing!<br /> <br /> It's my time to vent my anger. I shouldn't be timid! I shouldn't be soft-hearted! I shouldn't feel uneasy about this!<br /> <br /> They owed me!<br /> <br /> It's time to take it back!<br /> <br /> Everything that belonged to me! I'm now demanding it back!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ……<br /> <br /> In the Sky Garden of the Gallino Hotel.<br /> <br /> Darius was in a white suit and Pola was in a strapless golden dress. They were holding wine glasses, and chatting with guests with a light smile. There were smiles in their eyes.<br /> <br /> Pola drained the glass of wine, her gaze lofty and noble. She had always enjoyed being the center of attention, and now, looking around the room, there wasn't a single female guest who could attract as much attention as she did.<br /> <br /> The hair ornament on her head was made of gold. It was as if she was afraid that others wouldn't know about her immense wealth. Even the hem of her dress was hand-sewn with golden threads, and her high heels were gold-plated.<br /> <br /> When she was enjoying herself, there was already quite a stir at the entrance of the garden.<br /> <br /> Holding onto Robin's arm, Zoe took graceful steps onto the red carpet.<br /> <br /> She was dressed in a champagne-colored gown, looking noble and elegant. Her hair was coiled up at the back of her head, adorned with a delicate and dazzling crown. The intricate and exquisite diamond necklace around her neck was eye-catching, and the thick, elegant diamond bracelets on her wrists added to her nobility.<br /> <br /> As soon as she appeared, she instantly outshone everyone present.<br /> <br /> All the guests were unable to take their eyes off Zoe.<br /> <br /> It was the first time in their lives to see such a refined and elegant woman!<br /> <br /> Zoe was clean, and simple, but had outstanding features and a graceful demeanor. Her eyes were clear and cold yet not lacking in spirit.<br /> <br /> "Zoe?"<br /> <br /> Zoe, in her high heels, arrived at the garden just as Pola had finished toasting the guests and was about to leave. Their gazes met in mid-air, causing Pola to drop her wine glass with a clatter, which drew a flurry of attention.<br /> <br /> At first, Pola thought she was wrong. Because Zoe suddenly appeared in front of her, wearing a champagne-colored dress that was a limited edition. There was only one set in the world. Pola had begged several managers for that dress, but they all refused her.<br /> <br /> Looking at the diamond Zoe was wearing and the gemstone high heels with jewels embedded, how could she afford them?<br /> <br /> Wasn't Zoe dead? Wasn't she kicked out? How could she possibly appear at the wedding in such a glamorous image?<br /> <br /> How could it be?<br /> <br /> Compared to Pola's panic, Zoe was much more composed.<br /> <br /> Zoe walked towards Pola step by step, like a queen returning in triumph, carrying an aura that towered over everyone else, crushing Pola's panic with each step.<br /> <br /> Zoe says to Pola, "Bitch, I'm not gonna make it easy on you from now on."<br /> <br /> 👇👇👇>>>>>>>>>>>>>👇👇👇<br /> <br /> 💕💕Click the button below to install [RosyRead] <br /> <br /> To continue reading 💕💕	LEARN_MORE	https://www.rosymance.com/landingpage-new.html?pix	100344252868372	Kelly White	https://facebook.com/100086485784589	301	1	1,690,695,048,424,946	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Kelly White	120211151995640483	www.rosymance.com	NONE	video		https://www.rosymance.com/landingpage-new.html?pixel_id=713027707555740&book_no=ff8080818beac72d018bf0ba46a90052&page_no=ff8080818f622257018f6726133605c4&language=en_us&type=2&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}	2024-05-15 03:11	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441517998_3736659696596952_9205666851124218286_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EldV7XpRd1kQ7kNvgFezQcs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYC8KV4Iuw_UAFS8weaYTAYzSI_01_sL8khOAbwdego8HA&oe=664B1831	person_profile	Kelly White	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441475658_830125508546432_1548774970486955161_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jZNfqxEVtgIQ7kNvgE4-Pxi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYCFzzgXCH9WXl9_si9hDkMLB1HOgCH6ckA83ed_Yl9Itw&oe=664B2F92	3	Kelly White	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,809,293	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809260}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	949442293341111	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	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1,809,298	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809268}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	971421304387917	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzkyMzEvMjA	123910400815364	Mob001	https://facebook.com/61553314005849	56	1	319,450,527,699,013	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Mob001	120209395861800415	a.mobobooks.com	NONE	video		https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzkyMzEvMjAyNDA1MTUxNDUxMjcvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-15 01:57	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442490372_1128941765025221_6093371326739984405_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=40aQb-cSMXsQ7kNvgHg89mZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBSYzWPdFOdQAb8qtoXzWCdRMbIQuWx_5O_Cop6jDedOg&oe=664B3B73	person_profile	Mob001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442475171_3908290479394559_8475942945550193455_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-CSJabBzzX8Q7kNvgFmfiME&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDEULrEzZJCPcrwBSML7rY0315Zfg5QX8B41ZACxn0Ceg&oe=664B0B3F	3	Mob001	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,307	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809260}'	No	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	1102806744166732	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	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1,809,315	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809262}'	No	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	1140646097250445	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	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1,809,329	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809261}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	1574862303243922	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"I, James Rodriguez, soon to be alpha of Eclipse Pack reject you, Nikolina Reed as my mate and Luna. “ <br /> The pain was blinding for Nikolina. Her next words took both of them by surprise. She was anything but weak and she knew she deserved a lot better than some douche bag who was disrespectful towards his own mate. Alpha or not, he shouldn't be the one who gets the last laugh.<br /> ***<br /> Nikolina POV<br /> 4 hours earlier<br /> I woke up in a very good mood. I am finally eighteen and today is the day I find my mate. It actually depends on both sides. If they are of age, they'll find each other soon enough, seventeen is the youngest you can be when you find your mate.<br /> However, most of the time, the guy or the girl have to wait for their other half to come of age, which I think is a great idea.<br /> Yes, I'm a werewolf, specifically the current Beta's daughter and soon to be Beta's sister. The disappointment of the family. But that's okay; I'm not very inclined to make them proud or follow in their footsteps, but mostly they want Alex to do it.<br /> Don't get me wrong. I'm not abused or bullied; except for the occasional remarks, shunned from society, the usual stuff.<br /> They say I'm ugly, but I know better than to believe that. I could have been popular due to my blue eyes and gold speckles, blonde hair and hourglass figure. But I like to keep to myself. Plus my hair was naturally blonde unlike my mother's peroxide bleached hair that comes out of bottles and pricey extensions. Actually, dad and Alex both have brown hair so I don't know how I have blonde hair. For months, I even checked the roots of my hair to find some sort of discoloration to prove that even my hair was bleached. But in vain.<br /> My mom was the stereotypical cheerleader in high school while my dad was the “douche” and quarterback. Apparently they want me to be like them, and social hierarchy exists in packs as well. And my brother is following our parents footsteps, sleeping with more than half of the population, while I'm not.<br /> They revel in attention and bullying people who are lower than them, as they say. To the outside world, my family and I love each other. On the inside it’s an extreme hate relationship, something the pack is aware of except for the Alpha and Luna.<br /> If they knew the truth, my parents, Tiffany and Mark, would lose their respect and beloved Alex's position would be taken away from him. Which would obviously take his popularity down a notch. Horrifying for him. Entertaining for me.<br /> Anyways, today is also the soon-to-be Alpha's eighteenth birthday. James Rodriguez.<br /> Sometimes I wonder how someone as sweet and kind as Diana and George, produce a kid like James.<br /> In short, James is the snobby player. It’s actually really surprising how none of the girls are pregnant yet...<br /> Back to me, I dressed up with more care than usual. I wore a baby pink sundress with black gladiator sandals. I applied a bit of winged liner to make my eyes pop. I've always read stories about loving mates. Who knows how much of it is true? For all I know, it’s some made up fantasy to make mates seem like the ultimate endgame. Maybe one day, I would meet my mate and then we could run away towards the sunset............or something, I don't really care.<br /> Apparently, all mates are compatible with their other half. It’s like love at first sight and the males getting all possessive about their mates is very appealing and a turn on, or so I've heard.<br /> It's all hearsay. And I think it’s stupid. It’s like the males are all custom made robots. Why else would their behavior be so alike?<br /> And there was a paragraph about heat and shifting and marking. Maybe, my mate's gonna go all caveman on me and tear my throat out.<br /> I'm just kidding, morbid thoughts on my birthday are kind of my thing. And its wishful thinking. I don't care. He might even be an omega and I still wouldn't care. Even if he's a human, it wouldn't matter. And if he's not in this pack then..... Oh well... It's better for me. I don't want to stay in a pack where I have no respect and people treat me bad. Status had once mattered to me. But when you have parents like mine, you kind of start praying not to ever be like them.<br /> Not once did they look at me but of course, Alexander was doted on by everyone. Kids. Parents. Friends. You name it.<br /> Apparently, it's because he's a boy. And according to my mother, girls are good for getting screwed, getting hit on, obeying their men, acting flirty along, and popping out heirs.<br /> And lucky for you all, my mother happens to be exhibit A.<br /> You should all be jealous because it's not everyday that you have a live walking, talking example to show the word and tell them what a hoe your mother is.<br /> Third Person POV <br /> Nikolina walked to school as she was not allowed a car. Though Alex was the proud owner of a shiny Silver Volvo. Double standards were very common in the Reed family. She had always wanted her own car, something that was a stunning shade of bright canary yellow, but that dream was nowhere close to becoming a reality.<br /> All of a sudden, she smelt an amazing scent; peppermint and honey. Lydia purred and rolled around in happiness, barely able to contain her excitement.<br /> On searching for the source, her eyes met warm, hazel orbs. His eyes expressed lust and adoration as they raked all over her body.<br /> Realization finally hit her hard when she saw that James-freaking-Rodriguez was her mate! The next Alpha of Solaris Eclipse Pack. And he was Portia's long-standing boyfriend.<br /> You know what he did next? James went back to groping the head cheerleader. “Portia.... “ Oh, sorry. Rookie mistake. Portia Scott.<br /> Tears threatened to fall while her wolf Lydia whimpered, seeing her mate touch another...<br /> “Our mate is beautiful.” James's wolf, Jace said. Nikolina was more than just beautiful. Many males of the pack thought she was gorgeous but never mentioned it out loud due to the fear of facing Alex's wrath. Alex was the one to start it all: the petty insults, the hateful words and making an outcast out of her. Others had just followed his footsteps. And of course, some of the girls were shallow enough to find happiness by making Nikolina feel miserable, because they were insecure about themselves.<br /> But the main issue was, though James thought Nikolina was pretty, he would never accept her as his mate and Luna. Though she was Beta Mark's daughter and was of high status, both him and his ego considered her a nobody. He knew about the insults and he had done it as well. In his eyes, she was worthless and all everyone ever did was talk down on her and she never fought back.<br /> He couldn't have a... thing like that as his mate. Beauty just wasn't enough for him, being a ruthless woman was a requirement.<br /> “She might be beautiful but I don't want her. She's a nobody. If people know that she is my mate, I would become the laughing stock of my pack. Seriously, people walk all over her. She can never be my Luna.” That was the thought going through his mind as he sucked on Portia's neck hard enough to bruise.<br /> “Ow! You're hurting me, boo! You know Kelly has my concealer today.” Portia whined but still made no move to shove James away. She just proceeded to grind her lower body into James and trying to get as close as humanly possible without getting rid of her clothes in public.<br /> James finally pried Portia off his body and walked towards his mate. In some ways, Portia was like a bloodsucking leech or an annoying wart, never leaving without a fight.<br /> “Baby, where are you going? I need you!” Her voice was like a cat dragging its claws across a board.<br /> James just signalled her to shut up before walking towards his mate. He would do the right thing, of course, as the future Alpha of Solaris Eclipse Pack and give Nikolina what she deserves.<br /> He stopped in front of her and asked, “What's your name?”<br /> “Nikolina,” she stated. He soon noticed that she had no friends and no car and he felt the curious stares on his back as everyone's attention was on him.<br /> “I, James Rodriguez, soon to be alpha of Eclipse Pack reject you, Nikolina Reed as my mate and Luna. “ As he rejected her, Jace whimpered and cowered. And James felt bad but he knew this was the right thing to do for himself and the pack. From his perspective, Nikolina was someone who brought out the worst in people and Portia was way more deserving to be his mate and Luna, considering that she was fearless and wasn't afraid to fight dirty for her rights.<br /> James was an egoistic douche bag who mistook petty behavior for fearless but he was blinded by the greed for power and popularity.<br /> The pain was blinding for Nikolina. She would have collapsed if not for the anger that surged through her. She was furious. At James. The Moon Goddess. Not realizing how painful rejection was. Her fate. It was a never ending list.<br /> It felt like she was being drowned in liquid bleach, her lungs burned and she saw red. Anger took over the pain she was feeling and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how hurt she was.<br /> Her next words took both of them by surprise. She was anything but weak and she knew she deserved a lot better than some douche bag who was disrespectful towards his own mate. Alpha or not, he shouldn't be the one who gets the last laugh.<br /> “I, Nikolina Reed, accept your rejection as my mate and Alpha. I sincerely hope you get the clap!”<br /> With that, she turned on her heel and left the school premises.<br /> “Who needs a mate? Especially someone like James. People like him need girls like Portia by their sides, who cater to their whims and needs and whatever freaky carnal desire they might have.” Nikolina thought darkly. She wasn't going to give in to her pain and this rejection was the final push that encouraged her to chase after her freedom and break bonds with the family who had clipped off her wings.<br /> James felt a tiny bit of hurt realizing that she didn't even think twice before accepting the rejection and all he could wonder was how did she not burst into tears or grovel at his feet to take her back. Jace did not talk. He just whimpered, feeling the loss of his mate. Before James could think of it anymore, Portia dragged him to an empty classroom to distract her beloved Jamie boo. It seemed as if James wasn't the least bit affected by the incident with Nikolina, because his actions didn't falter as he hitched Portia's skirt up and ripped her panties, drilling her like an animal and releasing himself on her clothes and face as he left her alone to clean up.<br /> Nikolina POV<br /> “Well, he can go drill his toy as much as he wants.” I thought darkly while making my way towards home. All Lydia did was whimper. The moment I saw James, I knew something like this was bound to happen. You don't have any expectations when someone like him is supposed to be your destined mate. He was born with a big ego and he can just stuff it up his.<br /> “Maybe he regrets hurting us, you know.” Lydia whimpered.<br /> Before I could reply, searing hot pain flooded my senses. I felt myself fall on the pavement and the pain started to become more intense. It is obvious, isn't it? He's already drilling someone just minutes after rejecting me. It felt like my body was set on fire and the blistering flames charred my skin.<br /> I slowly got up and almost keeled over as my vision turned white. Dizziness washed over me. I had to clench my fists and dig my fingers hard enough to draw blood. Getting away from him and this stupid pack is my best bet. He was doing it intentionally considering the fact he knows that we're both connected unless one of us dies or gets marked by another. Walking never felt so strenuous and with every step I had to force myself to not curl up on the pavement and cry. I know I deserve someone better but I did want to cry my pain away.<br /> After what seemed like hours, the pain slowly ebbed away. Painful times ahead. The only problem is that the mate bond doesn't break even after being rejected. Only if the rejected is marked by the first mate or by another, or if one of the mates die, will the bond break.<br /> I entered my house and went to my room to pack my bags. You know, in every werewolf story the rejected mate writes letters before leaving. There's no logic to it. I mean, don't you get it? No one cares if you leave. No one cares if you die. No one cares if you slit your throat or get molested or murdered. That's the harsh truth. Why should I open my feelings on a letter make them feel pity? I can just run away and live my best life, away from them. It's not like they will send out search teams for you.<br /> I don't want pity. I can do better than that. I picked up my red lipstick and wrote in capitals before leaving. I know I'm dramatic but it serves them right. They'll remember this for years to come: women can walk away without feeling a twinge of guilt or regret.<br /> Showing vulnerability would only make me seem weak and I've let people walk over me way too many times.<br /> My mom was probably busy getting her hair done or something. That's the only thing she ever does. Or her nails. Or maybe she was out shopping with snobby people like herself. It's obvious that birds of a feather flock together. The only thing I ever liked about her is that she cooked for us, sometimes. Mom made a mean lasagna.<br /> Dad was probably with Alpha George. That's usually where he is. But then again, he also has this terrible habit of getting drunk during daylight hours. And once he even groped some other girl in front of the whole pack. Mom turned an ugly shade of red as she kicked him in the crotch. Those were the good days. It was fun when he laid on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on his groin and mom was nowhere around.<br /> Leaving was better for me anyway. Nothing was tying me down to this place. No friends. No proper family. I would be doing myself and them a favor.<br /> I took my dad's sleek black Porsche for my escapade. I might as well leave loaded and in style, besides it's high time I had a car.<br /> Just as I reached the pack border, I said, “I, Nikolina Reed, break all ties with the Solaris Eclipse Pack.” The patrol guards looked at me, but its not like they would stop me.<br /> The pack links broke and with that I revved up the engine and sped through the borders, driving towards my new life. A better life. It was a blessing that this pack did not care enough to stop me.<br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna continue this incredible story? Please download our App and search for novel ID: 99168!	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1,809,335	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809260}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	2142900756083137	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.libynovel.com/ad/bGlieS8xNzgzMjYvMjAyNDA	103784952720276	LiB001	https://facebook.com/100092993101023	60	1	833,567,398,616,792	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	LiB001	120209691160470579	a.libynovel.com	NONE	video		https://a.libynovel.com/ad/bGlieS8xNzgzMjYvMjAyNDA1MTQxNjA0MDkvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-14 03:14	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441460964_834673468683104_6026974678410326531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=18N7bMSeqpMQ7kNvgHPxCHW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDV8CShPxiVm0EHzuQtqaeCRgmrx2p6kEUQ9QYXRm29Qw&oe=664B2AB6	person_profile	LiB001	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441970103_964670338531921_6893314102635069523_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LNhv8-0nC7IQ7kNvgG5Fh0R&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBr5CLpov4mgiQ8wUVyEFK-QEPIsTp4Do00bbjFbVo86w&oe=664B1FD4	3	LiB001	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,351	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809278}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	3771115463171398	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," Paul said.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul lets out a yelp and smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling on his hip.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.<br /> ————————<br /> SAWYER<br /> The plane is quiet, and I'm not surprised after the meeting this afternoon. Bruce and I are on the same page about where we want this project to go, but Paul was obnoxiously against it. After today, there were clear lines drawn between the two of them and what the direction of the company should be. Father and son going head to head in front of a client isn't exactly what I'd call a successful business trip, and the sooner I can get home to Chloe the better.<br /> Bruce gets a call and for whatever reason decides to go to the private room at the back of the plane to answer it. As soon as the door is closed, Paul starts talking.<br /> "You could have backed me up." He sounds indignant and like a spoiled jerk.<br /> "I would have if I agreed with you," I tell him flatly, and he huffs before dramatically sitting back in his seat.<br /> "Like it or not, I'm the future of this company. You're just an employee." He thinks he's threatening me, but he really has no clue how his father's company operates.<br /> "I'm a consultant, Paul. I'm not an employee. I'm only an advisor to your father until I terminate my contact." It's not my intention to say it like he's five, but it's been a long twenty-four hours, and I'm sick of his nonsense. I've been over it for the past three years, but I've managed to bite my tongue. Bruce pleaded with me not to quit until this project is finished.<br /> "Even better." He's so delusional he thinks that means he's in charge.<br /> Deciding that talking to him is a bad idea, I pull out my phone and text Chloe. After I let her know what time I'll be home, I look back through all the pictures she sent me yesterday. There were lots of the bridal shower and food, but I like the ones she sent me while she was getting ready. <br /> Her legs are undressed as she spreads them wide and she shows me the strip of silk covering her private part. I begged her to pull them to the side and let me see all of her, but she was being a tease.<br /> Last night, I made her get on a video call so I could watch her use the vibrator I bought her. I sat there sipping scotch while she banged herself and moaned my name. I was so hard, but all I did was watch. My balls ache with anticipation, but she's worth waiting for.<br /> Mom is on the phone with Bruce. Is everything okay?<br /> The deal didn't go exactly as planned. I'll tell you when I get home.<br /> Okay.<br /> Kelly is here getting the rest of the gifts from the shower. She said Paul is coming over to help her take them home.<br /> Great.<br /> That bad?<br /> Nothing you can't fix.<br /> I'll be ready the second we're alone.<br /> Maybe we should meet at a hotel?<br /> We'll give them five minutes to get their stuff and leave. Then we make our escape.<br /> Deal.<br /> I'm still grinning when she sends me a dozen emojis that include lips and something that looks like water. Yeah, I plan on doing that to every inch of her body.<br /> "Everything okay?" I ask Bruce when he comes back to his seat.<br /> "Fine," he says dismissively and then directs his attention to Paul. "You embarrassed me today."<br /> The words are heavy, and I don't think I should be here for this discussion. I go to unbuckle and get up from my seat, but Bruce holds out a hand to stop me.<br /> "No, you stay for this, Sawyer. You were made to look like a fool just as much as I was in that conference room."<br /> "Dad—"<br /> "Be quiet," Bruce snaps, and it's the first time I've ever heard him speak to his son this way. "That's what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I've made the mistake of thinking that eventually you'll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I'm disappointed to say that's not been the case."<br /> "You can't be serious." Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.<br /> "I'm serious enough to suspend you from your board seat."<br /> The blood drains from Paul's face as his eyes widen. "You don't have the power to do that."<br /> I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.<br /> "Monday morning you're going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you're not welcome to help run it."<br /> The finality in Bruce's words might as well be a nail in Paul's coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe's home.<br /> It's not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. "This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you've shown. You're passionate, and we need that on our side."<br /> Paul looks at his father, and there's something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that's stripped away with Bruce's next words.<br /> "Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it's high time he joins us permanently. Don't you agree, Sawyer?"<br /> The urge to tell him no way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.<br /> "There she is," Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a peck on Chloe's cheek. "We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer."<br /> Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. "Everything okay?" she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.<br /> "Not even close," I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I'm making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I'm not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I'm lying.<br /> Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn't been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn't please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It's better than the attitude I got all those years ago.<br /> Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he's having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I'm going to ache for the affection he gives me when he's here.<br /> I know Sawyer wants a family, and I've seen how he's grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he's really shown his love for me. It's sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he's closer to Bruce than to Paul.<br /> "You didn't join me in the shower," Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a buss on my neck. "Sorry, my little scaredy kitten."<br /> "I swear you can come out of nowhere." I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. "In more ways than one."<br /> He gives my hip a small slap and busses me again. "If you would have joined me in the shower, I could've released twice this morning."<br /> "I didn't want to wash your smell away," I admit. "I'm going to miss you today." Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. <br /> "I'll wander the hallways all alone." I'm teasing, but doesn't every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer's fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.<br /> "Is he picking you up?" I ask because I didn't make him anything to eat. Luke is Sawyer's only employee and knows how to do just about everything—and he does.<br /> "I have him handling a few things for me today, but you can always call him."<br /> I've always lived in the city, but Sawyer doesn't like when I take random rides or that one time I tried to ride the bus. He scooped me right up within minutes of landing in New York, and he believes someone else might do the same. I think he's joking about that, but I could be wrong.<br /> "Here, let me get you a plate. Oh, and I sat your coffee there." I point to the travel mug so he can take it with him. "Are you excited about today?"<br /> "Excited?" He chuckles.<br /> "I mean, if you take Paul's feelings on this whole thing out of it."<br /> "I don't care how Paul feels. He needs to grow up."<br /> "He's getting married. That might help." I set the plate down in front of one of the chairs at the kitchen island and turn it so the heart pancakes face out.<br /> "Come eat with me."<br /> "Let me make a plate," I start to say but he snags me around the waist and lifts me to sit on the island.<br /> "We can share." He offers me a bite of bacon, and I take it, unable to resist both bacon and Sawyer. He's trying to distract me from talking about Paul. His temper has gotten short with him over time, but all I want is for everyone to get along.<br /> "His fiancée is really sweet." Sawyer shrugs, bringing a piece of pancake to my mouth. "You have to eat some too."<br /> "What are your plans today?" Seems like I'm not the only one avoiding a subject.<br /> "Maybe I'll call Kelly." I bring the topic of Paul's fiancée right back. "She asked me if I wanted to go to her dress fitting."<br /> "Bet you'd be gorgeous in a wedding dress." His lips turn up in a half smile.<br /> "Someone had no patience." I roll my eyes, but I'm not the least bit sorry that we eloped.<br /> "I wish I could say I regret it, but I couldn't wait, kitten." He takes a big bite of his pancake and grins at me.<br /> "You know I don't mind that I didn't have a wedding. I love how all of it was a whirlwind and how badly you wanted your ring on my finger." Sawyer leans in to buss me, and right then his phone rings.<br /> At first he ignores it, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. He mutters a curse under his breath, and when he pulls it out, I see Bruce's name on the screen.<br /> "So it begins," Sawyer mutters under his breath. "I better get going."<br /> There's no time for me to ask him what's wrong before he drops another buss on my lips and rushes out the door.<br /> ...<br /> SAWYER<br /> Staring down at my watch I shake my wrist to make sure it's not broken. It's also possible time has stopped moving and I'm stuck for the rest of my life.<br /> "Come on, it's only been an hour." Luke comes up beside me and passes me a liquor. "I'll have you out of here soon."<br /> "Not soon enough," I grumble just loud enough for him to hear.<br /> "It's his bachelor party." Luke takes a drink of his liquor, and I roll my eyes.<br /> "No it's not. That was last weekend in Vegas. Or did you forget about the call from the hotel manager at three in the morning?"<br /> "You're right. It's his bachelor..." Luke stops to think about what exactly this is. "Cocktail hour?"<br /> "Then we're in agreement. I've been here long enough."<br /> Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make a fool of himself.<br /> Thankfully, I'd gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don't think Paul was too upset I couldn't make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don't care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight's event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it's been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.<br /> Oh, how wrong he was.<br /> Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I'm swamped with all the new business, and tonight I'm once again taken away from Chloe because of work.<br /> "He won't even know I'm gone," I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me.<br /> "Looks like he's coming to say hi." Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.<br /> "Coward," I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.<br /> "Look at all of them." He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.<br /> The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that's part of the financial firm came. I'm beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.<br /> "Yep. That's all of them," I agree and try not to let Paul's wobbly weight make me lose my footing.<br /> "They'll all be answering to me. Just you wait." His last words are slurred like he's been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.<br /> "Absolutely," I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.<br /> I've already felt bad enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn't do the same now. How did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?<br /> Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being a jerk is the least I can do for my bride. She's my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.<br /> "You missed an epic time in Vegas." He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. "They don't make women like that here."<br /> "Hmm," I answer noncommittally.<br /> "Willing and waiting. Am I right?" He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.<br /> "I wouldn't know, I've never been."<br /> "Oh that's right. You ran off with Flowy." He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. "Guess I don't blame you there, I wouldn't want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding."<br /> "What?" The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He's wasted and talking nonsense.<br /> "I mean, Dad's loaded, but you'll bet it's locked up tight. That's the only way to keep them these days." He's leaning closer to me like he's telling me a secret, and I'm beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. "Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line." Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. "She had no idea. Don't think she read it. Oh well."<br /> "Sounds like a great way to start a marriage," I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn't on my side.<br /> "What did you just say to me?" His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.<br /> "Nothing." I take a drink of my liquor and try to keep my mouth shut. It's not worth it. He's not worth it.<br /> "You think you're hot, don't you? So smug." He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it's empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.<br /> It's really a shame the service is so good because he's brought a refill at an alarming speed.<br /> "No, I don't think I'm hot because I'm honest with my wife."<br /> "Wife?" He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. "One word from me and she'll be finished with you."<br /> "Are you threatening me?"<br /> Excited sounds come from beside us, and I turn to see Chloe walking in the doors of the restaurant. She looks gorgeous in a figure-hugging black dress as she comes in and says hello to the employees she knows. <br /> A few of them she greets with hugs and then she sees me at the bar. When our eyes lock, all of the anger and frustration that was building up melts away. There she is, my girl. Always and forever my calm in the storm.<br /> "Perfect timing. About time she knew the truth," I heard Paul say.<br /> ...<br /> CHLOE<br /> I hadn't planned to come tonight, but I missed Sawyer so much. It was hard to mask the hurt that hit me when he told me he wouldn't be making it home for dinner. I had a whole night planned out for us and was working on it all day.<br /> He's been busy these past few weeks so I wanted to do something special. My husband has always been more than perfect and he's given me a fairytale the last three and a half years. I'm not going to guilt him over working so hard.<br /> I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by since I know a lot of the employees. That feeling is confirmed when I spot Sawyer across the room. Excitement bubbles in my chest when he realizes it's me and his eyes light up. He's never been one to hide his affection, and it's never mattered who was around.<br /> When I put on this little black dress, I was hoping it might get me into a bit of trouble. My plan is to lure him away early. It covers more than the outfit I planned on wearing when he got home tonight, which was only an apron.<br /> "Chloe, didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Luke says and then gives me a peck on the cheek.<br /> He's my favorite of my husband's friends and one of the only ones he spends time with. None of the other men that he used to play poker with ever come around. That's why I'm surprised to see them all here, but I guess it's Paul's bachelor party so it makes sense. Sawyer stopped going to poker night after we got married.<br /> "I thought I'd swing by and say hi."<br /> "Sawyer will be happy. He's in a bad mood."<br /> "Oh, what's⁠—"<br /> "Hey sis." Paul throws his arm around Luke's shoulder, who immediately shrugs it off. Then Paul sways on his feet.<br /> "Hi, Paul. How is the party?" I keep the smile pasted on my face to be polite, but he's the reason Sawyer had to take over for the company.<br /> "About to get a whole lot better."<br /> "Paul." Sawyer's hand comes down on his shoulder and Paul flinches. Some of the liquid in his glass spills out, and I'm guessing things are still bad between the two of them. "Don't." The warning in Sawyer's tone is clear.<br /> "Is everything okay?" I ask because the tension is heavy.<br /> "No it's not. Your husband—" The word slips off his tongue with utter distaste.<br /> "I'm warning you." The hand Sawyer has on Paul's shoulder squeezes.<br /> Paul lets out a yelp and jerks out of Sawyer's hold, then splashes more of his drink onto the floor. I take a step back so it doesn't land on my heels.<br /> "Oh you don't want her to know what you did?" Paul smirks, but Sawyer looks murderous. "That you're no better than the rest of us?"<br /> "What?" I push, wanting to know what is going on.<br /> "We're leaving."<br /> Sawyer shoves Paul back, and he stumbles before bumping into Luke. Luke manages to save him from falling down.<br /> "He banged you on a bet," Paul blurts out loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/bm92ZWxXb3JsZC8xNzkyOTE	128522263674865	Libb002	https://facebook.com/61551403614101	51	1	1,121,080,289,100,607	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	Libb002	120210941744310299	b.mylibapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/bm92ZWxXb3JsZC8xNzkyOTEvMjAyNDA1MTUxNDUzMjAvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-15 02:02	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442488783_748006913919113_8975021061108840032_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TkOK4VQhvNgQ7kNvgE7V51r&_nc_oc=AdjC6Ex302g8NDNkyn2-q-cmGWBAl9LH6K4s9biUOP6rFwRhwOMyJGH_IHy0znqvfNs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD3l__Q-SWD7yzdhc-3SOoovuGcBEiiD3q82CwureVPPw&oe=664B30BE	person_profile	Libb002	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441359749_411501611722220_8096407861315966780_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=arHaSQSEnrIQ7kNvgEyn6SN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA-5-UWkgqlFMDqRDqm9CGfQvLo2TrJOerG3XY9ZlrxOA&oe=664B1383	3	Libb002	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,398	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	1104946947435844	We are LIVE with the BEST tops for spring!!!!!	See CUTE denim to pair with your favorite top on the LIVE now!!!!!	SHOP_NOW	https://avalaneboutique.com/collections/tops	576443205888434	Ava Lane Boutique	https://facebook.com/AvaLaneBoutique	123,373	1	1,544,425,119,468,607	2024-05-15 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	1	1	Shop now	Ava Lane Boutique	6574223892256	avalaneboutique.com	NONE	video		https://avalaneboutique.com/collections/tops	2024-05-15 10:17	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441551618_1126944171910778_5017451973964022272_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RVsKK1eq8U4Q7kNvgHDrBp8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDp_5l_bbD8j_T6TE8vOs9bUbBXbxDNg7qRRw5WdyFMCg&oe=664B397F	person_profile			3	Ava Lane Boutique	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,364	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	484997857286797	Click to get your free bottle🎁	Just as Kelly Clarkson 🖥 recommends, ♥️ set to be the trend of 2024! ♥️ Offering 286 free trials, plus buy 2 get 2 free. Don't miss out on the hype!	ORDER_NOW	https://elnid.com/hhbz1/	247307845850452	Planetalis Rosny sous Bois	https://facebook.com/PlanetalisRosny	2,445	6	3,602,184,756,665,219	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Order now	Planetalis Rosny sous Bois	6578741906811	elnid.com	NONE	video		https://elnid.com/hhbz1/	2024-05-14 11:48	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/443717780_909346387629444_3532321673859014705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=77iAamE4ObQQ7kNvgGXeDl0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDYcEOGqRbalgnGPlneQnNCXQC-BbdfkA1YNuxvGmV0qg&oe=664B2110	person_profile	Planetalis Rosny sous Bois	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436107017_746827254332329_5439476837769895720_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MlHYsG2Lf-EQ7kNvgFQ-bdn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC-5Z8eUYVz7OVVmxhADYKBiB9Rl5aTcSkaNPmKjhX5AA&oe=664B11DC	3	Planetalis Rosny sous Bois	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,370	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	1030761568475505	Free Returns &7-Day Trial! Try it Risk-FREE!	👍Featured On Shark Tank® \| FDA Approved Claim Your Free Trial Bottle Today +10M Satisfied Customers, 100% Safe & Secure. 60 Days Money Back Guarantee. Claim Your Free Trial today. 100% Safe & Secure. Hurry Offer Valid Till Stocks Last!	LEARN_MORE	https://prettybuy.life/jg4ldi0.html	321048041088892	Harley Dan	https://facebook.com/61559717906869	0	5	780,486,790,728,832	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn More	Harley Dan	120209455854440471	prettybuy.life	NONE	dco	{{product.description}}	https://prettybuy.life/jg4ldi0.html	2024-05-15 10:50	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441935775_400276866329692_4635666672056227060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DmRZqZeje4MQ7kNvgEo6arh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBUkRP7XBNGk-8y5imICCwZFWy_as0vMKeEvNxzrmmtWQ&oe=664B088C	person_profile	Harley Dan	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442399296_1262564198463897_9157448561466525208_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KblAaJxq2boQ7kNvgE83u9Z&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYArio4MfUBvpsMvoWfymMAiaXf4v5l68-DkrRGx-yK3oA&oe=664B1464	3	Harley Dan	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,389	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809596}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	260513640480086		Find us on the Maple Street end of Brandywine Blvd surrounded by my friends and and a few of my favorite off the hook talented people. #thefairypotterandpixieproperties #bellefontede #delawareevents #bellefonteartsfestival #thefairypotter	CALL_NOW		709558849178494	The Fairy Potter & Pixie Properties	https://facebook.com/ThePixieProperties	974	1	1,003,176,777,901,674	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Call now	The Fairy Potter & Pixie Properties	6598562755666		NONE	multi_images			2024-05-15 10:36	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440940366_7690815737641621_2197539403471839913_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VeX8g31Hy4IQ7kNvgG3gHE3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCvnyzEzmQeBaG-ZRFy7OGimrV3_8mP7htmwtKZcAyu8A&oe=664B2886	person_profile	The Fairy Potter	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435988476_3809070029417190_3682430958919404491_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oYB9-w5Qnd4Q7kNvgHMIumD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDoSoyxGSs_jOOZtyP_7j8cGKD2F9cBthx4kjdEPUEDBg&oe=664B0E60	3	The Fairy Potter & Pixie Properties	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,411	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809409}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	1586907138544074	Save Big, Shine Bright	💰 Save BIG with our Limited Time Offer! Get them Now and SAVE!	SHOP_NOW	https://hvhnd.com/collections/Shoe-Warehouse?map_i	180715008449407	Kelly Paula Centrella	https://facebook.com/61553176151663	11	2	368,529,079,549,078	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Shop now	Kelly Paula Centrella	120208644681560003	hvhnd.com	NONE	image		https://hvhnd.com/collections/Shoe-Warehouse?map_id=1925877	2024-05-15 02:06	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442418792_1456380595239040_4731709536335970762_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vxJflkHbh98Q7kNvgGlx1pM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDoW4uM3QhvTaQDsNDG5IDrZD7NDdXgYtToiyNm9gEb4Q&oe=664B08D5	person_profile	Kelly Paula Centrella	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442452513_463898289537322_90138619038756414_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BWXnU1vjekEQ7kNvgH36mdL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBLm8Lb3j2rDQsh-EDk0KWva-TBy9z0awcM_UbWLFMiKg&oe=664B0C2F	3	Kelly Paula Centrella	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,408	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809409}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	287247407793011	Save Big, Shine Bright	💰 Save BIG with our Limited Time Offer! Get them Now and SAVE!	SHOP_NOW	https://hvhnd.com/collections/Shoe-Warehouse?map_i	180715008449407	Kelly Paula Centrella	https://facebook.com/61553176151663	11	42	405,797,635,756,252	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Shop now	Kelly Paula Centrella	120208644685770003	hvhnd.com	NONE	image		https://hvhnd.com/collections/Shoe-Warehouse?map_id=1925877	2024-05-15 02:05	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230404_848812477080056_7027313866357349022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2cPAnFgn7C0Q7kNvgGkpX6m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBxFh687qi4cCv-i5LHZqtls-FpV_GnQmn91AJxz20ZaQ&oe=664B0B8B	person_profile	Kelly Paula Centrella	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438231234_1104725400614176_5942848096942465753_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LkAWJEwgmesQ7kNvgGnmvcu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWRG2x4HusgFlm2LER0v65eNJW6wl8-1FxyETGM6CHDg&oe=664B20AD	3	Kelly Paula Centrella	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,809,425	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1809596}'	Yes	2024-05-15 19:24	active	795	822384259752427		OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, May 18th 11am to 12:30pm<br /> <br /> 615 Hercules Trail, Madison WI ~ JUST LISTED 🎉 $339,900<br /> Simply adorable and move in ready! Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths plus lower level for future expansion, spacious kitchen and dining area with stainless steel appliances & breakfast bar, bright & cheery living room with huge windows, main level ½ bath and attached 2 car garage. Sit and enjoy the warm summer evenings from your cozy front porch or private deck. Close to everything Madison has to offer...several parks, shopping, restaurants and busline.<br /> MLS #1977108<br /> <br /> Home video:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FH0oaPcD_3qU&h=AT38HkH_PjEhKz5jZj4_qiXzcH81kxj0ZphwSjMPx1zMOqmWSO5jq_4OzFIdWc20QCISYF_w5_njgAAAfxrV1kKxxAGagep95jLaCUpiyHb3PBXhU2AitBjJ4D9ZmSKLifEQacdBfg_Hpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://youtu.be/H0oaPcD_3qU</a><br /> <br /> #home for sale madison<br /> #house for sale madison			159345788204797	Kelly Bennett & Associates - First Weber Inc.	https://facebook.com/KellyBennettRealEstate	483	1	1,272,226,170,414,438	2024-05-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0		Kelly Bennett & Associates - First Weber Inc.	120211174729390216		NONE	multi_images			2024-05-15 09:56	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441866627_350608514699375_7551583694903137276_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6AN9Gqlm9qcQ7kNvgGLOv42&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBa98xrbMg0UGTC5o20uOto_NeHabKB_L6gNXvJ3SwcSA&oe=664B1E14	person_profile			3	Kelly Bennett & Associates - First Weber Inc.	2024-05-15 02:00	View Edit Delete

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