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1,649,339	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1649769}'	Yes	2024-05-03 04:04	active	665	447843681089749	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	After my boyfriend broke up with me because he found his mate, my father told me a shocking fact.<br /> "Dante Pelosi. The Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack."<br /> Mate!<br /> I flinch in recognition, an eerie feeling of hope filling me. Conflicting with the sense of rejection, it's too much. <br /> How can my wolf be so happy when I feel like complete mass right now?<br /> "That was-- the Alpha?" I whisper.<br /> "Your mate," Dad states, getting to his feet abruptly.<br /> "What--" I huff, pushing the breakfast tray aside.<br /> "You heard me, Alanna. I saw the look in your eyes when you saw him from the truck. Your eyes were glowing...and so were his. That only happens when you first set eyes on your mate."<br /> Dad towers over the bed once more, arms crossed over his chest as I watch me with a knowing smile.<br /> "That's impossible!" I insist, avoiding eye contact.<br /> "No, it isn't. And you're blushing."<br /> "Well, we've been invited to his house. He wants to meet you face to face."<br /> ————————<br /> Alanna's POV<br /> I've been waiting for this night for as long as I can remember. Tonight, the packs will finally know about Kurt and I.<br /> "Aly, we have to leave soon. Kurt said he'll pick you up at eight." Ryan, my older brother repeats in exasperation.<br /> I'm too busy attacking my auburn locks with a flat iron, wondering if my navy dress is formal enough for this evening. I wouldn't want Kurt to think I'm underdressed, especially since he's deciding to make such an important announcement at such a prestigious event.<br /> It's the annual Moonlight Gala, the one night where all twelve werewolf packs in the country are reunited. Whether we like it or not, all of us must get along and the Moonlight Gala is an attempt to encourage social relations between each pack. Only high ranking pack members are allowed to attend, which is why this is such a big deal for me.<br /> Kurt and I are not mates. We've been dating for over a year and we couldn't be happier.<br /> Despite his position as Alpha, Kurt has the same beliefs as me - mates are a myth, they don't exist. By taking me as his 'plus one' to the Moonlight Gala, he's making a statement. I'm the girl he wants to be with and no supposed soulmate can change that. I am his soulmate.<br /> "I think you're making a big mistake, Aly." Reese, my other brother chips in.<br /> I continue to feign ignorance, pausing to glance briefly at my twin brothers who are both staring back in concern, their identical faces showing disapproval. As senior pack fighters, Ryan and Reese are on good terms with Kurt. However, they can't stop him from seeing me. I know they're starting to dislike Kurt due to his audacity by dating me so openly.<br /> "This is my life, guys. My choice. My decision." I hate being so stuck up with my brothers. The three of us are inseparable and any spats between us are usually light hearted.<br /> "Aly, one day ... Kurt will find his mate. He's an Alpha. Do you really think he'll ditch the future Luna of this pack for a teenage romance?" Ryan refuses to give up, his tanned features turning red.<br /> I slam the flat irons down on the dresser, refusing to take the bait. They'll never understand what Kurt and I share. No-one will. I walk past their towering frames, slipping on my black stilettos.<br /> "If it were up to us, we'd put a stop to this. Dad would put a stop to this." Reese adds, scratching his shaven chin.<br /> That's when I cave in, huffing indignantly.<br /> "Well he can't. None of you can!" I snap, losing what little composure I have.<br /> Ryan and Reese blink in surprise, slightly hurt by my temperamental reaction. I'm never like this, I'm usually so calm, this whole situation has been throwing me off for the past few months. Instantly, I regret losing temper. They're only looking out for me.<br /> "Dad is Kurt's Beta." I whisper calmly, smoothing my hair down. "Therefore he can't question Kurt's actions. He can't stop us from being together, so he'll just have to deal with it."<br /> We're interrupted by a brisk knock on my bedroom door. My father pokes his head around the corner, the signature frown present on his broad face.<br /> "Alanna, Kurt is here. Don't keep the Alpha waiting." His disapproving eyes scan my appearance, frown growing harsher.<br /> "I'm ready." I nod, reaching for my clutch purse.<br /> There's nothing else left to say and to avoid another argument, it's easier to leave without another word. Dad steps aside, ready to let me pass.<br /> "Think about what you're doing, Alanna." He states, grabbing my elbow firmly. "This will end badly and you'll be the one with the tainted reputation."<br /> Don't overreact. He's just doing his part as the concerned parent. We should listen to him.<br /> I ignore my wolf, tuning out her protests. She's waiting for our 'mate' and according to her, Kurt is a waste of time. Even his Alpha status isn't attractive to her and wolves love power and dominance.<br /> "I'll see you guys at the Gala." I mutter tersely, prising my arm out of Dad's grip without looking back.<br /> He reluctantly lets me go with a deep sigh. I leave my family standing in my bedroom in awkward silence as I hurry down the stairs to meet Kurt in the manicured driveway.<br /> He's sat in his sleek sports car, nodding his head to the thumping rap music as he checks his appearance for the hundredth time, spiking up his short, corn blonde hair.<br /> He senses my presence as soon as I close the front door, leaning out of the window with a lazy grin. As I approach the car, he flashes his all-American smile in my direction with a wink of his cerulean eyes.<br /> "Hey babe, you look hot." He calls, as I walk around the car and open the door, slipping inside.<br /> You know what else they call a babe? A pig. So technically, he compared us to a pig.<br /> I hush my wolf silently, wishing she'd give up with the snide comments already. Yes, I know she hates Kurt but he's our Alpha and she has to respect him.<br /> He didn't even bother getting out of the car to open your door.<br /> "You ready, Aly?" Kurt asks lightly, squeezing my knee in affection. He starts the car, reversing out of the driveway and speeding off down the road, ready to make the fifteen minute journey to the manor where the Gala will be held.<br /> "Of course, babe. I'm so glad we're going together." I emphasise the word, trying to annoy my wolf. She responds with a growl, showing her distaste regarding my choice of words.<br /> "Good, I can't wait to show you off to the other Alphas." Kurt waggles his eyebrows playfully, making me giggle. Of course, I don't cackle like I usually do. Instead, I use my girly, reserved tone because I know he hates my real laugh.<br /> Oink oink. Stop acting like a Barbie doll. I love your laugh.<br /> "How come we're leaving without the rest of the pack?" I inquire, wondering why Kurt insisted on picking me up so early. The Gala doesn't start till late.<br /> "As Alpha, I have to turn up a little early. The Gala's being held on our turf this year, so I need to greet all the other packs personally." He grumbles, rolling his eyes as he steps on the accelerator, zooming down the dark country road.<br /> He's not our Alpha. He never will be. He's just a pretender.<br /> Stop making this so difficult! Why can't you just agree with me for once?<br /> I'm just stating what everybody else thinks. This fool will never be the great Alpha his father was.<br /> Michael is gone. Kurt's taken over and he's doing a decent job despite being so young, while having to deal with his father's death. Now stop it.<br /> "I was thinking, we should go away for a while. A vacation." Kurt unknowingly disrupts the mental argument I'm having with my wolf.<br /> "I'd love that." My smile fades instantly. "But I don't think Dad would approve."<br /> "Mike can't object." Kurt insists arrogantly, raising an eyebrow in superiority. "As my Beta, he has to listen to everything I say."<br /> Prick.<br /> --<br /> "I can't keep my hands off you." Kurt whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my skin.<br /> "Well you'll have to. We've got a sea of werewolves watching our every move and my Dad's pacing the halls like a madman every time he looks at us." I murmur back, placing a hand over his larger one.<br /> He tightens his grip on my waist, grabbing a delicate flute of champagne from a waiter. I study my shoes nervously, wondering if I've done the right thing by showing up here.<br /> Every werewolf regarded me with a shocked expression as I stood by Kurt's side, letting him welcome each pair to the event. There are thousands of people present, all hailing from every corner of the country.<br /> Alanna, this is a big mistake. You're ruining your reputation. These people think you're a side chick.<br /> I'm silent, beginning to agree with my wolf for once.<br /> So far, eleven out of the twelve packs have show up. In the process, each Alpha and Luna of their respective packs have silently judged me like I'm some sort of escort. I'm such an idiot, thinking I can parade around here like I'm attached to Kurt's hip. Everyone will disapprove and unsurprisingly, they all do.<br /> Maybe I should leave, I don't think I can take the glares and whispering any longer. Kurt won't be happy but this is a minefield that I'd rather dodge before the damage becomes irreparable.<br /> "Where's the Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack?" I recall the name of the remaining pack who are yet to arrive, looking up at Kurt's face. He pulls a face, snorting derisively.<br /> "You mean that prick, Dante Pelosi? He never turns up, sends his Betas along instead. Must be intimidated by me." Kurt announces loudly, catching the attention of a few people.<br /> "I don't think I've ever met him." I mumble to myself, studiously ignoring the group of girls shaking their heads and pointing in my direction as lean in and gossip.<br /> The tinkering chimes of broken glass makes me jump, as I look around for the source of the noise. Kurt's deep exhale of breath grabs my attention as I peer up at him, taken aback by the dumbstruck look on his face.<br /> It's him who is responsible for the noise, his shattered champagne glass at his feet. Kurt's mouth hangs open, his thunderstruck look refusing to let up.<br /> "Kurt?" I call anxiously.<br /> He doesn't reply, blinking repeatedly as he automatically lets go of me, stepping away.<br /> "Kurt?!" I repeat, trying to follow his line of vision. What's gotten him in such a state?<br /> "Mate." He grunts, his cerulean eyes shimmering brightly.<br /> I can feel my heart pounding, as if fissures are already starting to emerge with each palpitation. This can't be happening. This was meant to be our chance to declare our love. How can this be happening to me? Kurt loves me, he already said he doesn't want his mate.<br /> "Mine." Kurt breathes, moving further away from me and stepping forward.<br /> "Mine." A girlish voice repeats, echoing faintly through the palatial banquet hall.<br /> I gasp uncontrollably, my body shaking as I watch a petite woman step out of the throngs of people, approaching Kurt with a similar, glassy eyed look. They stop in front of each other as if they're long lost lovers, finally reunited.<br /> Aly, we need to leave. Don't put yourself through this.<br /> Kurt pulls the pretty girl towards him, planting a passionate peck on her lips. She melts into his touch, responding with equal ferocity. They continue to eat each other's faces and I'm frozen to the spot, unable to look away as I watch the love of my life smooch another woman.<br /> Tears are running silently down my face as I shudder from the silent sobs emitting from my body. I'm aware that every pair of eyes are trained on me, watching my reaction to this public embarrassment I'm facing. Whispers fill the hall, growing louder and louder until the room is positively buzzing.<br /> "Aly, come on. We're leaving." Ryan's angry voice whispers.<br /> My brothers appear out of nowhere, each of them flanking my side protectively. I still can't move, unable to tear my eyes away from Kurt while he continues to smooch us newly found mate. I think I'm going to be sick, bile and humiliation rising in my throat.<br /> Reese and Ryan pull me way from the heartbreaking scene, forcing my attention to the crowd of stunned onlookers.<br /> "What are you looking at?!" Reese spits at some stranger, causing some of the chatter to fade.<br /> I'm quickly escorted out of the building, Ryan pausing to lift me into his arms as I stagger dangerously on my heels. My sobs grow louder and my wolf is solemnly silent, letting me grieve. I bury my face into Ryan's shoulder, sniffling. They were right, everyone was right.<br /> "Let's go home." Reese mutters, a faint jangle of car keys accompanying his rapid footsteps.<br /> Somehow, we make it to the busy parking lot, ignoring the curious valets. I look over Ryan's shoulder, glancing back at the retreating lights of the impressive manor. Somewhere inside, Kurt is fawning over his mate while I'm left to pick up the pieces. The very thought is enough to set me off again.<br /> "Come on Aly, he's not worth it." Ryan whispers sadly, hugging me tighter.<br /> We make it to the Reese's monster truck and Ryan flings the door open settling me in the back seat and following suit. Reese jumps into the front, starting up his beloved truck with its familiar roars.<br /> I'm leaning against Ryan, letting my brother pat my back in comfort. He says nothing more, a pained expression marring his face. I know Reese must look the same, although I can't see him. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, back stiff with anger.<br /> "Alanna?" Dad's muffled voice calls in concern.<br /> Wiping my nose, I look out of the large window to find Dad approaching the truck, accompanied by a tall figure. The sidelights of the truck illuminate their profiles and I find my father looking unsettled and flustered for first time ever.<br /> "He found his mate!" Reese roars in disgust, thrusting a thumb back in the direction of the manor, for Dad's benefit.<br /> Dad closes his eyes in expectance, nodding as if he was waiting for this to happen.<br /> "Take your sister home. I'll be back soon."<br /> Without another word, he looks back at the anonymous figure still shrouded in darkness behind him.<br /> It can't be ...<br /> My wolf is restless, yipping in excitement and making a fuss. It's wreaking havoc on my emotions, my wolf seemingly giddy with elation while I try to deal with my fresh heartbreak.<br /> The mysterious figure steps forward, finally revealing themselves.<br /> My soft sobs are halted immediately, mouth going dry. My eyes widen in shock as a delicious feeling of warmth invades my body, stretching from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes.<br /> Staring back at me stands a breathtakingly gorgeous man, golden eyes gleaming wickedly in the artificial light. His strong, ethereal features are marred with shock as he's rooted to the spot, his tousled dark brown hair ruffling gently in the breeze.<br /> I gasp at the funny sensations taking over me and I feel like jumping out of the truck and throwing myself at him. His broad, imposing body is tense, unmoving as he portrays every emotion I'm feeling.<br /> Reese begins to move the car, cruising slowly past this delectable man. I lock eyes with him properly, every ounce of air being knocked out of me.<br /> "Mine." I hear a deep, sensual voice float towards me.<br /> Reese floors it, forcing the large truck forward and leaving the elusive man behind.<br /> "Wait--" I protest.<br /> Ryan looks down at me in confusion as I crane my neck back, trying to catch one last glimpse of this gorgeous stranger.<br /> I spot his substantial figure, imposing and immovable. Darkness makes it difficult to see and he fades into distance as Reese continues to zoom away and out of the manor grounds, leaving everything behind.<br /> Mate!<br /> My wolf howls with longing, trying to take over my body and force me to shift, in an attempt to get back to the manor, back to the handsome stranger. I grab the seat in protest, remembering Kurt. The manor is the last place I should be right now.<br /> My conflicted state just makes things worse and I feel physically sick, huddling against Ryan for some sort of solace.<br /> "Alanna. Starving yourself won't change things."<br /> I huddle further underneath the covers, letting the darkness enclose me. I've been keeping a low profile these past few days, sticking to the solace of my bed.<br /> I hear Dad sigh in exasperation, the clinking of cutlery sounding out as he sets down whatever food he has. Just when I think he's given up, my snug covers are cruelly torn away from me.<br /> "Dad!" I mumble, curling up into a ball. "I'm not hungry. Please, just give me my covers back."<br /> I open an eye reluctantly, watching my Dad tower over my bed with a disapproving look. He says nothing, launching the bed covers out of the open window.<br /> "Leave me alone!" I yell, burying my face into the pillows.<br /> "No." He replies firmly.<br /> I feel the bed sink down a couple of inches, Dad deciding to take a seat near me. Clearing his throat awkwardly, I know I'm in for an uncomfortable talk.<br /> "If this is the part where you say 'I told you so', then save it. I feel like such an idiot." I whisper hoarsely.<br /> "I'm not here to rub it in, Alanna. I'm worried about you. So are your brothers. The-- the Gala ended last week and you've been hiding in your room ever since."<br /> "What else can I do? I'm the laughing stock of the whole pack, Dad. I lost both my dignity and my boyfriend in a matter of moments." My voice trembles dangerously and the warning of tears already has my Dad fidgeting.<br /> "Are you more upset about Kurt finding his mate or your reputation amongst the pack?" My father, ever the professional. Not a hint of emotion in his tone.<br /> "Both?" I snort tearfully, getting up to face him.<br /> Dad says nothing, nodding to himself. After a few seconds, he reaches for the breakfast tray and places it on my lap. Setting a spoon in the palm of my hand, he gestures for me to eat.<br /> "Dad, I'm really not hungry." I whisper.<br /> "Just a few bites, Alanna. For me?" His rare plea catches me off guard and I try my hand at a few mouthfuls.<br /> Cracking a small smile, Dad watches me force down some food. It's eerily comforting, sitting here with him after so long. We barely spend more than a few moments together nowadays.<br /> "Where are the boys?" I ask, the sudden urge to see my brothers taking over. Dad's smile vanishes instantly.<br /> "Alpha Kurt and his mate have moved in together. Her name is Claire. Her initiation ceremony into the pack is happening tonight. She will be announced as our Luna later tonight."<br /> I drop the spoon heavily, gasping in disbelief. Tears begin to form in my eyes and I blink them back angrily.<br /> "So soon?! It's only been a few days!"<br /> "Kurt wants her in the pack immediately. The boys have been issued orders to help with the function tonight." A look of anger flashes across his face. "You were also ordered to attend...but I stepped in and put my foot down."<br /> The nerve! I told you he was a jerk!<br /> "Despite everything, he still thinks I'll attend?!" I exclaim, breathing heavily. "Not once has he called or even contacted me to-- to draw a line under things! He's just tossed me aside like I meant nothing!"<br /> Dad nods, rubbing his face tiredly. Lines are starting to appear too frequently across his broad face and I wonder just how many worries he has placed on his shoulders.<br /> "Kurt has stated that he owes you nothing. What happened between you guys was a mere fling. You knew from the start that his loyalties would lie somewhere else. This was your choice from the beginning. You coerced him."<br /> "So he's trying to save his own skin now? Trying to prove to his mate that he was loyal from the start?" I scoff, wiping away my angry tears.<br /> Dad pats my shoulder tersely, back rigid with anger.<br /> "As Beta, Kurt seems to think my allegiances to him are prioritised over my daughter."<br /> "I refuse to go, Dad! I'd rather throw myself off a cliff, then be seen--"<br /> "I know, I know. And I'd never let you go there...not by yourself, anyway."<br /> Tears fall silently and I huff intermittently, feeling like a fool. Kurt has well and truly played me.<br /> "Alanna, do you remember the night of the Gala? When you were leaving with your brothers?"<br /> My stomach jolts and I nod. I remember feeling uneasy and my wolf was yipping with excitement, which I couldn't pinpoint.<br /> "Yeah...I remember seeing you with-- someone else." I pace myself, feeling butterflies for no reason.<br /> "That's right, Dante Pelosi. The Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack."<br /> Mate!<br /> I flinch in recognition, an eerie feeling of hope filling me. Conflicting with the sense of rejection, it's too much. How can my wolf be so happy when I feel like complete mass right now?<br /> "That was-- the Alpha?" I whisper.<br /> "Your mate." Dad states, getting to his feet abruptly.<br /> "What--" I huff, pushing the breakfast tray aside.<br /> "You heard me, Alanna. I saw the look in your eyes when you saw him from the truck. Your eyes were glowing...and so were his. That only happens when you first set eyes on your mate."<br /> Dad towers over the bed once more, arms crossed over his chest as me watches me with a knowing smile.<br /> "That's impossible!" I insist, avoiding eye contact.<br /> "No it isn't. And you're blushing."<br /> "Well, we've been invited to his house. He wants to meet you face to face."<br /> I gesture to my food stained pyjamas and greasy hair, shaking my head furiously. Dad just shrugs, as if there's no problem.<br /> "You have time to make yourself look presentable. This is your chance, Alanna. To avoid Kurt and his mate."<br /> "But Dad--" I insist, yet I'm cut short.<br /> "No excuses, Alanna. Be ready by seven. Presentable or not, you are going. It's either this, or the initiation."<br /> With nothing left to say, Dad leaves the room while I stare into space, absolutely bewildered.<br /> "Listen, Aly. Dad's trying to protect you." Reese explains, watching me comb my tousled locks vigorously. "I know Dante. He's a pretty cool guy; one of those modern Alphas who are destined for greatness. Nothing like Kurt."<br /> The mention of his name flips my stomach with disgust. Whatever feelings I had for that loser have been quashed. Atleast, that's what I'm trying to tell my stubborn brain.<br /> "You should wear this coral dress." Ryan adds, poking his head out of my closet and tossing the outfit towards my bed.<br /> "I don't want to." I grumble, folding my arms and ignoring the exasperated looks I'm getting. "Don't look at me like that! I'm not dolling myself up so I can be objectified."<br /> You didn't have a problem when Kurt objectified you...<br /> My wolf and her snide comments are testing my limits. She might think we've found our mate but I beg to differ. Mates don't exist, despite what everyone thinks. What Kurt suffered from was a major infatuation, not a bond.<br /> "Aly! Look, even if this wasn't an important introduction, you would still have to look presentable. Dante is one of the main Alphas and you're the daughter of a Beta. But forget all that; the bottom line is - Dante could potentially be your mate." Reese scolds me with a frown.<br /> "How do you know? How does anyone know? If you don't recall that night, we were all preoccupied. If he were my mate, I'd have felt it. I would have noticed his presence." My voice is laced with heavy sarcasm, my usual stubbornness on the topic of soulmates.<br /> "Okay, I'll accept that." Reese nods reluctantly, his serious face plastered on. "But Dad was with Dante when he first saw you. Remember, you were in the truck so maybe he didn't see enough of you to react. Dad said he had never seen Dante so restless and he only caught wind of your scent."<br /> "Don't forget your reaction." Ryan adds, lounging on my bed. "I saw you freeze up and hesitate. You couldn't resist him."<br /> I stay quiet, knowing I've been defeated. There was definitely some weird chemistry between Dante and I, that's for sure. Soulmates? Definitely not, but it could be something else.<br /> "Someone's blushing..." Reese sings, grinning at me.<br /> "No-- I'm just thinking." I reply defensively, reaching for my makeup to distract me.<br /> "Don't overthink. Go with the flow. Get ready and just give the guy a chance." Ryan talks in short bursts, jumping to his feet.<br /> "Now that you're a little more accepting, we'll leave you to get ready. You have an hour." Reese launches a scrunchie at my face, exiting the room with his super speed before I can yell at him.<br /> Ryan chuckles, pointing at the coral dress one last time and following Reese's footsteps.<br /> I face my mirror with a frown, ditching my sneaky master plan. I had been plotting to look deliberately ugly; frizzy hair, no make up and stained clothes, to put this Dante guy off. Now come to think of it, there's no reason why I have to put a dampener on my appearance. If anything, I should look extra presentable.<br /> "Prove that I still got it." I mutter to myself, the shame of Kurt's rejection getting me worked up.	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1,649,960	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1649584}'	Yes	2024-05-03 04:05	active	665	3523383391307916	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"You have a wolf, Aster...Lee?"she asked quickly correcting names.<br /> I nodded, ashamed.<br /> "When? How long?"she asked her eyes filled with joyous wonder, "You should come back with me. There's always a spot in the pack. Alpha Biel is such a-”<br /> I shook my head quickly, "I can't come back with you. I can't ever go back, I was exiled, remember?”<br /> "That was before your wolf,"she said with a warm smile, "You're pack. Surely your wolf wants a pack.”<br /> She did. She wanted a pack more than she wanted to breathe, I shook my head, "We can't go back.”<br /> —<br /> Aster<br /> May 10 Years Ago<br /> I was in my car trying not to catch a glimpse of my newly blackened eye. It seemed that even though I was a soon to be exiled human dud, Kendrick's flunkies still weren't afraid to show me who was boss. It stung and was starting to swell. I looked down at the clock. I had forty minutes to get 60 miles. I'd never make it.<br /> I was so angry. I hated them all. As if life hadn't been hard enough having been raised in the pack. I had spent every day of my life for years preparing to become a wolf, to find a mate, and raise a litter of pups, and I wouldn't get any of it. The people I'd been raised with, my friends, my pack, tortured me for it. I waited for my wolf so I could join them and end my misery. I was patient. I sat outside on the forest border every night for years willing the wolf to come out of me.<br /> "Flowers bloom all year round, Aster dear,"my mom would say as she wiped my tears after each new wolf made its way into the world, "You're a September flower. Your wolf will come.”<br /> But she never came. I watched all my friends go through the change and pair up under my nose. One day, they'd be normal, the next they'd be glued at the hip to another wolf, having become one of them. I prayed to the moon goddess for years to show me my wolf. I wanted to be a part of the pack. I wanted to be a real member of my family. I wanted friends. By age 17, they'd all changed, but not me. I'd held out hope that maybe a younger wolf would recognize me as his mate, at least then I could stay. But none had claimed me.<br /> The anger grew painful in my gut. I pressed my foot down on the gas, better to risk a speeding ticket than a brutal whipping for my mother. My car was nearing its limit when the pain in my gut grew worse.<br /> I could hardly breathe, I couldn't think. I heard popping and my hips burned with a fire I'd never felt before. My arms hurt like they were being pricked by thousands of tiny pins. I looked down at them, they'd started sprouting fur. I had to pull over. I was so close to the border. One mile, maybe two but I couldn't concentrate. Black fur was burning its way through my body and I could feel each follicle widen to accept it.<br /> I was changing<br /> I opened the car door and quickly took off the cap and gown. The popping in my back prevented me from saving my sundress and shoes. I collapsed on the side of the road. It hurt so bad. I crawled into the ditch, if a human saw me changing it would be the end of their lives, and mine.<br /> I wasn't a dud.<br /> The joy of not being a failure temporarily blocked out the pain as every bone in my body broke and reshaped. My knees popped backward as my femur shortened. My nose and jaws elongated. I closed my eyes as a girl and reopened them as a wolf.<br /> I heard howls miles in the distance. The pack was running to celebrate the commencement. I longed to run with them. Then I felt it.<br /> The unmistakable pull.<br /> I'd heard it described every Sunday at shifter school. It encompassed every part of my being. I needed to go to it. To him, to my mate. Wherever he was I needed to be. He was in the woods away from my car. I raced, unsteady on my four paws at first but quickly finding my pace. I was a wolf. I was running as a wolf. I raced pulled by the invisible leash leading me to my mate. The one the moon goddess had made just for me. I knew he'd love me. He wouldn't care I was almost a dud; he'd just want me.<br /> I heard another howl, this one closer, mournful, mine. I howled back, joining his song, the song of my mate. His howl abruptly cut off. He was on the move. The leash rapidly changed directions pulling me a new direction. I needed to follow it, I had to find him. I raced through the trees not caring about anything but finding the wolf who had half my soul. I caught a glimpse of a black fluffy tail. Nearly there, he was leading me home, that had to be it, he couldn't be running from me. He needed me as much as I needed him.<br /> I raced faster and harder trying to catch up to him, but he was so much faster. The tether urged me on. I was panting trying to keep up. I was racing leaping over fallen trees and ducking under low branches. My wolf was thrilled with the chase. We leapt over another tree and my paw found an awkward footing. I heard a metallic click-<br /> Snap<br /> Sharp pain radiates up my right front paw. A pained whine escapes my throat. I was caught in a bear trap. Its terrifying jaws dig into my thin leg like a dinosaur's maw. I loose a desperate howl begging for my mate to come back and find me. To help me out of this trap. I knew I couldn't shift out if it, I'd lose my paw for sure. I needed help. I whined and howled again.<br /> I heard the snap of a twig and looked in the direction. A big black wolf with golden eyes was watching me. I whined and whimpered. It was him, my mate. He'd come back for me. I motioned to my leg and the trap and barked hoping he'd see it and understand. He could release me, take me back to the pack doctors and save my leg.<br /> The wolf's fur rippled, and the painful sound of popping bones echoed in the silent summer forest. Several agonizing seconds later Kendrick Biel stood in front of me. He shifted so fast, so easily compared to my shift. The pain of the shift was nothing compared to what I was experiencing now.<br /> I whimpered, pleading with this man to save me. He strode over and my heart leapt. He was going to save me. He touched my head and my wolf leaned into his caress. He pet back my ears and shushed me soothingly.<br /> "You need to leave,"he said finally, he continued to lovingly stroke my fur, "I don't want you here.”<br /> He stood up and shifted again. His wolf wouldn't touch mine as it walked away. I whined again begging him to come back to at least release me. I tried to shift but the pain in my leg was too much. He got several yards away and I heard the sounds of his low growl. His wolf sat near a tree and watched me.<br /> Instincts kicked in. If my moon blessed mate wasn't going to free me from the trap, I'd die in it. The trappers would come back, find their prize, and my fur would be mounted on their walls. No one would ever know what happened to Aster Fields. My mother would assume I never wanted to talk to her again. Easterville would assume I just never showed up. No one would know I died. Except Kendrick, who no doubt would never admit I was his mate.<br /> I couldn't die here. I couldn't give the bastards the satisfaction. I stared into his golden eyes and chewed. My first shift on four legs would be my last one. There was no coming back from this. A part of me hoped as I tore through the fur and flesh, that this was a test. That he needed me to prove that his mate was tough enough to be an alpha female. That she had the guts to do what needed to be done to survive. I looked back at him when I'd exposed bone. He was still watching me. He was going to make me do this. I whimpered. It hurt so bad. I didn't want to do this.<br /> I gave him one last look. I vowed; this would be the last chance he ever had to be my mate. He'd either save me from the trap now, or never see me again. Kendrick's wolf continued to stare at me, silent, motionless, impassive. I looked down at the raw flesh and exposed bone. This was it. I bit down as hard as I could, hearing the sickening crunch as the bones broke. I was free. My paw was not. I looked up and Kendrick's wolf was gone.<br /> The exposed bones were splintered and sickening to look at. There was nothing I could do about that. I was bleeding heavily. Instincts told me to lick the wound. The copper taste of blood did not soothe my wolf. I whined when I caught sight of what remained of my paw still in the trap. Black fur, pink muscles, pale white bones. Revulsion riled in me. I wanted to vomit. I couldn't believe what I had done. I continued to lick my wounds. There was no going back, I did what I had to do to survive.<br /> I heard howls of more wolves. Maybe Kendrick had gone to get them to hunt me down. Maybe his plan all along was for me to die. I needed to get back to my car, I needed to keep moving. I sniffed the ground until I picked up a scent I recognized as my strawberry shampoo. I followed it. The grace I had lacked when I first shifted was back tenfold. I'd lope several steps and forget I'd lost a paw and I'd crash to the ground landing hard on the already splintered bones. I'd yelp and try to bite back my pained cries. I couldn't let them find me.<br /> I found the tree line before the ditch where my torn sundress laid. I made it. I willed my body to shift. Sunday shifter school had made it sound easy. Just picture yourself as a human and human you'd become. It wasn't easy. I had to imagine forcing my toes through my claws and reshaping my body back together. It felt like it took hours before my body was human again. The moon was high overhead and I was exhausted. But I needed to keep going. I needed to get out of here, away from pack land. Away from him. I was undressed. I was bloody, and my arm was still bleeding where a hand had once been.<br /> I wrapped the stump in the torn dress. It was a painful process. Every nerve ending felt exposed. Every brush of the fabric rioted protestations through to my core. I pulled the commencement robe over my body, grateful that I'd been given one three sizes too large. I sat in the driver's seat of my car and tried to force myself to go.<br /> I still felt the tug. That pull toward Kendrick. I wanted to race back to town, tell the pack I'd changed, and he was mine. But I couldn't let that happen. They could never know what I was. Who I was. I leaned over painfully to turn the key in the ignition, it roared to life. I had to stay leaned to get steering column to switch gears and get the car into drive. I'd never been more grateful to have an automatic with a steering wheel gear shift. I didn't know how I'd have managed if I'd had to try to shift from the center.<br /> I put the car in drive and let my foot off the gas. I had to focus. I had to get out of here. Away from the pack. I needed to get to Easterville. Only a thousand miles to go before I could sleep.<br /> <br /> Lee <br /> December Present day<br /> "And you have to charge it?"my mother was fascinated with my bionic hand. She asked me to show her all the articulating movements to prove that I was truly able to function.<br /> "How did you afford this?"she asked still mesmerized by the technology.<br /> Evan laughed, "One of our regulars, Louie, got together with a couple other regulars, who got together with the town council, and they hosted a huge carnival fundraiser called ‘Bionic Barmaid' and raised enough money for a fancy new arm, as well as a small repair fund.”<br /> I was still incredibly humbled by the generosity of the town, "That Louie,"was all I could manage to say.<br /> "Wow,"my mother agreed, "That is... wow,"after a few minutes of us silently eating she finally asked the question she wanted to ask, "How did you... how did...”<br /> Evan raised his eyebrow at me, "She doesn't know?"I shrugged.<br /> A growl rose low in Evan's throat, "Evan, you're scaring her,"I hissed. <br /> "Lee's wolf chewed it off after it got caught in a trap,"Evan growled. My mother's eyes widened, and she looked at me with a renewed interest.<br /> "That can't be,"she muttered, lost in thought. "Oh, it can be and if that jerk ever sho-”<br /> "Evan!"I shouted, "Not now."Evan had no idea what a riled grizzly could do to a submissive wolf even if they both remained in human form.<br /> Evan stood abruptly from his chair, "I need to run the credit cards receipts from last night.”<br /> After Evan disappeared into the back office my mother leaned over the table, "Who's Lee?”<br /> "I'm Lee, mom,"I told her, "I go by my middle name here. I didn't want to be Aster the dud anymore.”<br /> "You have a wolf, Aster...Lee?"she asked quickly correcting names.<br /> I nodded, ashamed.<br /> "When? How long?"she asked her eyes filled with joyous wonder, "You should come back with me. There's always a spot in the pack. Alpha Biel is such a-”<br /> I shook my head quickly, "I can't come back with you. I can't ever go back, I was exiled, remember?”<br /> "That was before your wolf,"she said with a warm smile, "You're pack. Surely your wolf wants a pack.”<br /> She did. She wanted a pack more than she wanted to breathe, I shook my head, "We can't go back.”<br /> "What happened, Aster?""I can't tell you.”<br /> "Can you at least tell me how long?”<br /> "Since graduation,"I said hanging my head low. "No,"she breathed, "It can't be.”<br /> I sagged in my chair, "You can't tell anyone-”<br /> "You're the wolf from the trap,"she whispered, "Kendrick's mate.”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.vampirefictions.com/ad/dmFtcGlyZW5vdmVsc	111461702053888	Vam005	https://facebook.com/61550884130918	30	1	1,624,197,875,014,408	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Vam005	120207451012900122	a.vampirefictions.com	NONE	video		https://a.vampirefictions.com/ad/dmFtcGlyZW5vdmVscy8xNjgyNTMvMjAyNDA0MzAxMDAwNDgvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-29 21:04	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438109896_776583674538846_6036575668809930163_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aGHaCPfX75sQ7kNvgFSi7Oc&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDGWzHQATxF04W5j9Obq37eVLrvS0QImQx7QfuNhGbDmA&oe=663A62F2	person_profile	0	Vam005	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438081787_1090648075327773_8029543806252185002_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d0kdlGK8PgIQ7kNvgEBwOAb&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAvOlRpdOeLJLjIJS1sa4lF_kfc3I52PPMTiZK3BYX4yQ&oe=663A60D8	3	Vam005	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,649,171	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-03 04:04	active	665	346247395131008	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I woke up in bed and stretched. Instantly, my muscles all revolted against that idea. My entire body was sore, but my core made sure to remind me that it'd taken a beating the night before. I wiped my eyes and sat up, unsure of where I was for a moment. Until I looked around. There were toned and undressed hips all around me. I smiled to myself as I captured the image in my mind for rainy days in my future. Mack, Jones, and Xavier were all tangled in the different blankets they'd brought with them to bed the night before. Earlier that morning, really.<br /> The back of the tour bus was a bedroom, fitted with one massive bed that took up the entire room. The normal tour bus accommodations existed between the bathroom and large bedroom, but no one had volunteered to sleep in their usual bed. They'd each found a way to wrap around me in the big bed and didn't miss the chance to take me once more before we passed out for good.<br /> －－－－－－<br /> Layla<br /> "Oh, yeah! Eat me, Matty!" The woman screaming for my boyfriend was the lead singer of a moderately popular band called The Homewreckers. It was an aptly named band, apparently. Of course, she sounded amazing as she screamed. I always felt like a choking chimpanzee when I came out loud.<br /> I stood in the doorway of The Homewreckers' dressing room and took a deep breath. Unfortunately, it was scented with weed. "Hey, Matthew?"<br /> Matthew, who'd always told me he hated being called Matty, yanked his head out of Miriam Dark's private part and spun around to face me. It was almost comical how fast he spun and how wide his eyes were. He was white collar handsome. His hair was always perfectly cut, his eyebrows were never too long or bushy, and he shaved his face twice a day. He had nice blue eyes and a nice smile. Nice body, nice manhood, nice guy. Well, maybe not a nice guy. After all, his face was covered in another woman's private partl fluids.<br /> "Layla! What are you doing here?" He climbed to his feet and I watched in disgust as he shoved his flaccid manhood back into his nice dress pants. Then, as an afterthought, he wiped his face and stumbled closer to me. "This isn't..."<br /> I rolled my eyes. "It isn't what it looks like? God, Matthew, at least be original."<br /> Miriam took her time closing her legs and gently patted Matthew's shoulder. "Are we done here, Matty? Or do you think you'll be finished soon and want to finish here?"<br /> Laughing, I rolled my shoulders and leveled a hard stare at Matty. "We're done. Whatever we had is over, so feel free to finish playtime with whoever and whatever. I'm on vacation for a few days, so don't call me."<br /> He rushed after me and grabbed my arm. "Wait a second, Layla. I'm sorry. I messed up. Just give me a second to explain."<br /> I yanked my arm free and scowled at him. "Don't touch me."<br /> "Come on, Layla. Don't be like this. Talk to me. I feel terrible." He tried to take my hand again. "Please, baby."<br /> I wasn't going to let him see that I was upset. He didn't deserve that. Instead, I stepped away from him and snarled. "Touch me and I'll break every one of your fingers, Matty. Go and finish sleeping with your client. I believe she's still waiting."<br /> "Jesus. You work for me, Layla! How do you think this is going to go?"<br /> I backed away from him. "I think it's going to go just fine. Like I said, I'm on vacation. Don't call me. Don't message me. Don't think about me. As my ex-boyfriend or my boss."<br /> " Maybe not you, the perfect Layla.You have to accept that." He followed me. "I know that. I shouldn't have started anything with Miriam, but when I'm on the road with the band, it's hard. I miss you and she's there."<br /> My heart hardened and I took a deep breath. "How long have you been sleeping with her?"<br /> He swallowed so hard I saw his Adam's apple bobble. "Come on, Layla. None of this will matter. I'll stop. I'll stop and we can get engaged. You want that, right?"<br /> I gagged. "Ew, Matthew. There's not a chance that I'm getting engaged to you! I'd rather stick my papilla in a truck winch and turn it on."<br /> Miriam sauntered out of her dressing room topless and looked me over. "We've been slept for a year. Matty eats private part like a champ."<br /> A real smile stretched my lips. "Now I know you're full of foolish talk. He might get an climax, but a champ? Hardly. Anyway, enjoy him. I hope him not having a girlfriend doesn't ruin your lady boner."<br /> "Miriam, go back inside! Layla, just stop and talk to me!"<br /> Miriam and I both answered Matthew in unison. <br /> I looked at her and shrugged. "Maybe you're not all bad."<br /> Without waiting for either of them to say anything else, I turned around and walked away, ignoring Matthew as he called my name. Eventually he stopped and I walked faster. I needed to get out of there before I cried. I wasn't about to cry backstage at a music festival. Someone would probably jump out and tit punch me as some anti-crying ritual.<br /> As I walked faster, I couldn't fight the way my eyes filled with tears. No matter how lackluster Matthew was, I'd devoted years of my life to him. I'd just wasted my vacation time on him, too. I thought sneaking out to meet him on the road would be fun and lend some much needed excitement to our relationship. Things hadn't been good...ever...but I'd hoped that we could at least get back to a place where I didn't dread seeing him at work every day.<br /> I wiped at my eyes and felt the mascara I'd coated my eyelashes with earlier. Stupid. I swore and stomped my way farther away from Matthew and the ugly end of our relationship. The image of his hip in the air while he happily ate Miriam Dark's hoo-hah like a pig in slop would forever be burned into my memory.<br /> I couldn't wait to get back home to my apartment and destroy everything of Matthew's that he'd left behind. I needed to update my social media. I didn't do much on it anymore, but I couldn't stand the idea of people thinking I was still with the loser. I'd have to call Grandma. That thought made me want to sob. She hated Matthew, but she liked that I wasn't alone in LA. Knowing I was single again was going to worry her. And if she told Jagger, my older brother, about me being single, Jagger would call and demand to know what'd happened. Then, he would try to fly out and kick Matthew's hip. It was just a mess.<br /> Growling out a frustrated sound, I looked down to make sure I stepped over a big mess of cords. I couldn't believe someone had left the stage like that. It was a hazard. Not to mention, it would be so easy to show if someone tripped over the wrong cord.<br /> I should've been paying attention because when the crowd's wild cheering broke through my self-pitying stupor, I looked up to see how close I'd gotten to the main stage. Unfortunately, a man with a guitar was coming off the stage, looking back at another man behind him. I was moving too fast to stop in time and he wasn't looking. It happened so fast that I didn't even make a sound as I smacked right into the man and felt pain before bouncing off his hard body and going down hard. Those tangled cords.<br /> I heard a deep voice growl above me, but I reached up to feel my forehead and felt something wet. I knew my eyes went as wide as softballs and when I pulled my fingers down and saw red, I groaned. Blood was my kryptonite. My vision darkened and I gagged on my way down.<br /> <br /> Mack<br /> "Well." By the time I realized what was happening, the curvy brunette was flat on the ground. I dropped to my knees next to her and swore when I saw the blood on her forehead. "This is a new form of falling for me."<br /> Xavier squatted on her other side and frowned. "Not really a great time for joking. You knocked her out."<br /> Jones sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Where'd she come from? Also, maybe look where you're going from now on. You ran the poor thing over. Big time."<br /> I brushed her hair out of her face and had a completely ridiculous moment of feeling like I was staring down at Sleeping Beauty. She was gorgeous. I gently patted her soft cheek. "Ma'am? Hello?"<br /> "Great work. She's jumping right to life." Jones looked over his shoulder. "You've got about thirty seconds to get her on her feet and out of the way before the crowd beats back security and runs back here."<br /> I could hear the commotion he was hearing and ground my teeth. We'd just come off an amazing show. I had planned on going to a bar and getting hammered. Taking care of a Disney princess hadn't been in my plans, but it didn't look like I had an option. I couldn't just leave her on the ground and I didn't know any of the stage hands enough to trust them with an unconscious woman.<br /> "Fine." I stood up and lifted her body over my shoulder. Her head and arms hung limply and bounced off my hip, but I figured it was better for her than getting trampled to death. "Let's get her to our bus and get the medics to check her out. She'll be safe there until she can wake up and go."<br /> Xavier nodded once and charged ahead, clearing a path. He was a giant of a man and no one was dumb enough to stay in his way. They didn't understand what a gentle soul he was. I was thankful for that when they jumped out of our way, though. Especially with a crowd of rabid fans chasing after us.<br /> Jones barked at security to make sure no one followed us out into the artist lot and slammed the heavy metal door shut behind us. He swore and scowled at the door like it was the problem. "What do we even pay security for if they can't keep people away?"<br /> The woman over my shoulder groaned and grabbed my hips. I waited to see if she would say anything else, but she didn't. Her arms fell limp again and I released a breath at not having her scream and freak out while dangling over my shoulder.<br /> "I'll call the medic." Xavier hurried ahead to the bus.<br /> "This puts a damper on my plans." I sighed and glanced over at Jones. "We put on a good show and I was planning on drinking my face off to celebrate."<br /> "The medics are quick. We'll get her taken care of, apologize, and then send her on her way. With the medics, hopefully." He ran his eyes over the full hip over my shoulder. "Too bad you knocked her out before seeing if she wanted to drink with us."<br /> I laughed. "She sure is pretty. I doubt she'll be in a forgiving mood, though. I should've been looking at where I was going."<br /> "Why change now? Forget what I said earlier. We're in our forties. Let's not waste our time. Old dogs and new tricks, you know." He reached the bus before me and opened the door. "You put your guitar down."<br /> I winced. "I'll send a text to Shane as soon as I put her down."<br /> "I'll do it now. They're going to have to chase down whatever fan saw it and took it, probably. I highly doubt it's still sitting where you left it."<br /> I didn't want to think about my baby being in someone else's hands so instead, I focused on the woman in my arms. I climbed the steps and entered the bus, letting the cool AC wash over my overheated skin. The first space on the bus was a living room with four comfortable couches and I eased the unconscious woman down on one of them.<br /> Stretched out on the couch, her curves were even more noticeable. She was wearing tight black jeans and a low-cut top that was black and mostly straps and lace. I didn't get it, but I liked it. It was bad for me to notice her body, but the top curves of her breasts were spilling out of the shirt deliciously.<br /> I forced my eyes to her forehead and frowned. The cut was definitely from my baby. It looked like either a cord or a corner of my guitar had hit her just perfectly to leave a small cut. The skin around the cut didn't look too angry and overall, she looked okay. Besides being unconscious. I ran my hands under the back of her head and felt around to see if I found a lump from her hitting her head on the ground, but there was nothing.<br /> "The medics are tied up at another stage." Xavier growled in frustration and stared down at the woman. "Cut looks fine. Anything along the back of her head?"<br /> I shook my head. "No. She seems fine, honestly."<br /> "I don't like that she passed out." He sat down across from her and rested his elbows on his knees. "Go ahead and shower. I'll watch over her until you're back."<br /> Xavier, Jones, and I had served in the military together. We'd each done enough time to know how to take care of basic medical emergencies and several other things we'd never need in civilian life. It'd been a long time since any of us had to do first-aid in the field, but we could still hold our own.<br /> "Sure. I'll be fast." I winced. "I'm the one who plowed her over. I should be the one that has to explain it."<br /> I showered as fast as possible in the small bus bathroom but I still wasn't fast enough. By the time I shut the water off, I could already hear a husky female voice I didn't recognize ranting away. I wrapped a towel around myself and rushed out to apologize and get her to stop chewing out Jones and Xavier.<br /> What I found wasn't her chewing them out, though. She was pacing back and forth in front of where they sat on their own couches with her hands on her hips and fury on her face. She wasn't angry at us, though. Nope. It seemed another man had pissed in her cereal that morning.<br /> "This is just the cherry on the cake. Why not get a scar to memorialize the day I walked in on my boyfriend cheating on me? I'm so angry I could punch him in the manhood."<br /> I swear all three of us males cringed. I also had to rearrange my thinking. She was no Disney princess. She had spunk, to say the least.<br /> "She had the nerve to brag about his oral skills. Please. I literally have had better climaxs humping my hand. Either her needs are rock bottom, which is great for her if that's the case, or she was just lying to try to hurt me. I'm embarrassed, sure! It's not everyday you walk in on your boyfriend motorboating Miriam Dark's private part lips, but whatever. I'm just pissed. I came all the way here. I shaved. I put lotion on every inch of my body. Even the backs of my knees. Did I care that they're going to get sweaty faster now? Nope. I wanted to be smooth."<br /> I leaned against the doorway and let myself really look at her. She was taller than I'd thought and had legs that stretched on for miles. The black jeans hugged her full hip and hips in a way that made my mouth water. Her waist clipped in just enough that my hands would fit in the notch perfectly if I was taking her from behind. Her shirt made her full breasts look even more delicious while she was standing and I was at half-mast almost immediately.<br /> Her body, as stunning as it was, nearly touched on the beauty that was her face. Her big blue eyes were surrounded by dark eyelashes and her pouty mouth was stained red. She had dark brown hair down to her shoulders that curled wildly. If she hadn't been swearing, her creamy skin would've really made her look like a Disney princess. She could've probably gone down to Florida and got a job playing one of them right then. I'd never been attracted to a Disney princess before, though.<br /> "And you want to know the worst part? I work for the stupid prick. And no, before anyone has the jackass assumption that I'm sleeping my way into my position, I'm not. I'm better at his job than he is and I've been sticking around for even longer than I should've because he kept promising that he'd put in a good word with his boss for me. Because I deserve it. I do his work. I can't remember the last time he's had to do a single thing. At least he chose to sleep with Miriam himself. Although, I'm pretty sure I'd be better at that, too."<br /> Jones snorted and held up his hands when the little firecracker spun on him. "I'm not disagreeing with you, honey. I'm just enjoying hearing you eviscerate this manhoodhead."<br /> She stared at him and slowly her face darkened and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. She looked absolutely distressed and I hated it.<br /> "What's wrong?" I made myself known and was rewarded with watching her eyes trail down my chest. The way her eyes got all bedroom heavy and she licked her lips turned that almost solid shaft into a full blown shaft. I had to shift to hide it from her curious eyes.<br /> She glanced back at Jones and then at Xavier. "Oh."<br /> Xavier stood up and inched towards her. "Are you okay? Your head... Is it hurting?"<br /> She looked up at him and I saw the way her body naturally swayed towards my giant of a best friend. Something about that made me want to hug her. Some women treated Xavier and his size like a threat and it hurt him. "Oh. I can't believe I didn't realize before now. You're JAX."<br /> Jones sighed and nodded. "Yep."<br /> She pushed her curls back from her face. "Don't worry. I'm not going to fangirl. I'm just mortified. I work for your record label and this is now the most unprofessional vacation I've ever taken. I have to go. Can you just forget you ever saw me?"	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1,650,663	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.00038004750593824226,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-05-03 04:05	active	665	944468860705248	#1 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯?	"𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤'𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞! 😍😍"	WATCH_MORE	https://sciatiease.com/fb/bem2/?ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad	281415728381640	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve Pain?	https://facebook.com/61557461678633	10,757	0	1,022,780,299,266,761	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve Pain?	120210603445630608	sciatiease.com	NONE	video	sold out 7 times at walmart??	https://sciatiease.com/fb/bem2/?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&source={{site_source_name}}&placement={{placement}}&cpid=1d5d64f1-d289-4918-97a0-d5d5e684f00a&lpid=94e273f5-0164-43c9-aa0f-23d490d56568	2024-05-02 08:14	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440382206_428144876616741_3693886333779131947_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uzAf3XQc0KcQ7kNvgGTCpVq&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfB4MQasQbhJNkl2HFxAq3YJg0fiUpB_O5g9Ty7et6VH7A&oe=663A5CC7	person_profile	0	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve P	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440556176_2225135231154194_1523021366244482739_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zNorBObG5-4Q7kNvgHVf2MO&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDL72Z-ISB_MHRc57KcXW0NU6X-jXPy-FvnL_YTMtoH7A&oe=663A6667	3	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve Pain?	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,646,870	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1646217}'	No	2024-05-03 04:01	active	665	950674990121319	$75 Spinal Decompression Adjustment	Hey Edinburg! We are giving 50 Vouchers for a Detailed Spine and Nerve System Examination with X-Rays, all with the Purchase of a $75 Spinal Decompression Adjustment along with a report of findings. (Normally a $200 Total Value)⁣<br /> ⁣<br /> If you're ready to take control and start living a pain free life then click below to sign up and claim your VOUCHER!	LEARN_MORE	https://drtaglechiro.net/adjustment-voucher-home-x	202638133112304	PT Chiropractic Wellness Center	https://facebook.com/DrPabloTagleIII	4,848	1	355,454,277,512,397	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	PT Chiropractic Wellness Center	120210081723960286	drtaglechiro.net	NONE	video	Book an appointment today.	https://drtaglechiro.net/adjustment-voucher-home-x	2024-05-02 14:27	https://scontent.fmri1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440091586_421027027310320_96912242200523481_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ys8y2Wq4o5IQ7kNvgGJXIHa&_nc_ht=scontent.fmri1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDICMc82U3QabRxg0xwX4oXNtumhZ3zUz2navX_2hmUgQ&oe=663A5D26	person_profile	0	PT Chiropractic Wellness Center	https://scontent.fmri1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439960859_992243595838871_8069611047805316365_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xu1s4OBCy9EQ7kNvgEbInfl&_nc_ht=scontent.fmri1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBv8vCipQALQ2OSg15DXiEo54k8aDsgIvJxQd6m38twcA&oe=663A701A	3	PT Chiropractic Wellness Center	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,648,173	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-03 04:03	active	665	397200309964987		Benefits of Prenatal Massage 🤰🏽💞<br /> .<br /> ✨ Reduction of muscle and joint pain<br /> ✨ Decreased stress and anxiety<br /> ✨ Improved sleep quality<br /> ✨ Promotion of blood circulation (more nutrients for baby!)<br /> ✨ Relief of tension in the back and neck<br /> ✨ Relief of sciatic nerve pain<br /> ✨ Relief of calf cramping and tingling sensations in legs<br /> ✨ Reduction of swelling and fluid retention<br /> ✨ Helps maintain a state of relaxation and well-being during pregnancy<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> A prenatal massage bundle offers discounts on regular massage during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum stage for both mother and partner 💖	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/melissa_montano_cmt	219009534639097	melissa_montano_cmt	https://www.instagram.com/_u/melissa_montano_cmt	0	1	958,568,482,592,764	2024-05-02 02:00	ig_ads_identity	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Visit Instagram profile	melissa_montano_cmt	120208752573320375	instagram.com	NONE	video		http://instagram.com/melissa_montano_cmt	2024-05-02 12:03	https://scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/435286731_1684209878776232_3956411716935759462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=tCNFl3LJX4gQ7kNvgGIYIcW&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AfBI5-4j9tf6X_Z72vtOt56TZEB_8noBWi8OY5lU2VNWKg&oe=663A9172	ig_ads_identity	1	Melissa Montano, CMT	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440759923_1215849793115006_2359637342702356521_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v6cVVnJIVMMQ7kNvgE-oMHg&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA2huLYBGZl1uqQ56Ivg20pzea26sqSJ_K0EOEi9t8QaA&oe=663A7848	3	melissa_montano_cmt	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,644,919	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1644917}'	No	2024-05-03 04:01	active	665	442141001731709		"So your boyfriend betrayed you at the wedding and slept with your bridesmaid?" The young billionaire whispered with his hand grabbing Isabella's, who was in a wedding gown.<br /> "Do you need me to help you seek revenge? Whether it's the scumbag who betrayed you or your stepmother, they're nothing in front of me."<br /> Isabella looked at the handsome man in front of her and nodded.<br /> "Marry me, and we'll let them regret it for the rest of their lives."<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Betrayal<br /> Up on the massive screen, a couple in their birthday suits were all tangled up, getting hot and heavy, and the surround sound was blasting every moan and breath.<br /> <br /> The lady had curves for days and her skin was mad smooth. Then there came a close-up of their faces.<br /> <br /> Isabella Sorenson was struck dumb, staring up at the screen, and she felt like she'd just been punched in the gut. The naked couple were none other than her main squeeze Zachary Winslow and her bestie Scarlett Pearson.<br /> <br /> And no joke, they were both right there next to her because today was supposed to be Isabella and Zachary's engagement party.<br /> <br /> Just a second before, that screen was showing cute throwbacks of Zachary and Isabella growing up together, while some dude was talking all mushy about it. It went from little Isabella at three to Zachary at seven, and then instead of more childhood pictures, the screen switched to the hookup video.<br /> <br /> "Ah!" Scarlett let out a scream and threw her arms around Zachary.<br /> <br /> Now, if anybody was still clueless about who were up on that screen, everything was out in the open. While Isabella was stuck on the spot, Zachary was hugging Scarlett.<br /> <br /> The whole place exploded with whispers and gasps.<br /> <br /> "Yo, ain't that Isabella's ride-or-die?" one guest whispered.<br /> <br /> "Seriously, Ms. Sorenson got played?" chimed in another.<br /> <br /> "Yo, check out that bod!" somebody else hollered.<br /> <br /> "What's going on?" Isabella's father, Nathan Ingram, was freaking out, trying to cover up the screen, but this screen was enormous. Though he was like pushing six feet, he looked straight-up silly trying to block it.<br /> <br /> Terence Winslow, Zachary's father, was beet red but he bolted toward the control room to turn off the screen.<br /> <br /> Scarlett, her eyes leaking like a faucet, hit Isabella with the puppy dog eyes. "Isabella, didn't you pinky swear to let this go? I promised I'd ditch Zachary and leave town the second you're engaged. Why you gotta blast this now? Are you trying to ruin me?"<br /> <br /> When Scarlett clung to Zachary, he looked kinda red-faced but went wide-eyed the second he heard what Scarlett said. Holding her firmly, he asked, "What are you saying, Scarlett? Isabella forced you to leave?"<br /> <br /> It was as if a bomb had detonated within Isabella's mind, leaving her stunned and disoriented. She stared blankly at Zachary, her childhood sweetheart. Ever since she could remember, Isabella had made up her mind to spend the rest of her life with Zachary.<br /> <br /> 'When did he and Scarlett become a thing? And when did I ever agree not to pursue this matter? What's going on here? What are they talking about?' Isabelle wondered.<br /> <br /> "How could you be so vicious, setting up your own fiancé and best friend?" Zachary's sister, Megan Winslow, shoved Isabella on the shoulder.<br /> <br /> Isabella, in a daze, didn't see that coming and staggered backward until she ended up right beside Nathan.<br /> <br /> Nathan was filled with fury. Raising his hand, he slapped her in the face. "Look at what you've done! You've brought disgrace upon both our families!"<br /> <br /> Before Isabella could even regain her balance, she was knocked to the ground by the slap. Zachary grew anxious and instinctively wanted to help her up, but Scarlett tightened her grip on his arm.<br /> <br /> Isabella turned and caught a glance of the smugness in Scarlett's eyes.<br /> <br /> "How can you hit your child? Come on, get up, Isabella." A voice was heard as a pair of hands helped Isabella to her feet.<br /> <br /> Terence sighed, "Isabella, don't blame your father. What you did was really out of line."<br /> <br /> Lorelai Winslow, Zachary's mother, pointed at Scarlett and said, "Where did you come from? You must have seduced my son. Get out of here! I'll never let you become part of our family!"<br /> <br /> Scarlett hid behind Zachary like a scared puppy.<br /> <br /> Zachary positioned himself protectively in front of Scarlett, his voice firm as he addressed his mother. "Mom, don't blame Scarlett. Isabella, she's your best friend. You can't push her to the brink like this!"<br /> <br /> With Terence's support, Isabella finally got back to her feet. A solitary tear traced its path down her cheek. As she gazed up at Zachary, the man she had loved for most of her life, she realized he had become a stranger in the blink of an eye.<br /> <br /> 'Scarlett's supposed to be my best friend. He knows that. They play me and now it's my bad?' she thought.<br /> <br /> "Isabella, I can't even with you. Zach, how can you tie the knot with her? After you're hitched, who knows what stories she'll spin? Can't trust her. Not one bit!" Megan was throwing shade at Isabella before turning to Zachary, all concerned.<br /> <br /> Megan had been in the same class as Isabella back in high school, but they never really hit it off. Megan always teamed up with Yvonne Ingram to give Isabella a hard time. Plus, Megan detested the idea of Isabella becoming part of her family.<br /> <br /> "Zip it! Isabella is the eldest daughter of the esteemed Sorenson family. And who's that chick? Does she possess the same standing as Isabella? How could the Winslow family be cool with letting just anyone in?" Lorelai snapped off, not realizing she was pretty loud.<br /> <br /> Lorelai wasn't Isabella's number one fan, but she was all about that social ladder. Having Isabella marry in was like a major level-up for Zachary. No other high-class family had a daughter that could touch Isabella's status. Plus, Isabella was the kind of person one could sway pretty easy.<br /> <br /> So yeah, Lorelai had to make it crystal clear—they couldn't let Isabella slip away.<br /> <br /> At first, Isabella kind of felt thankful to her future mother-in-law for stepping up, but then it hit her why she really did it.<br /> <br /> "Yes! Isabella, you're the eldest daughter of the Sorenson family. You should consider the reputations of the Sorenson family, the Ingram family, and the Winslow family before doing this!" Yvonne chimed in, looking all stressed.<br /> <br /> "Isabella, you've just crushed your dad. His heart's in pieces," Winona said, sounding all sweet but sad.<br /> <br /> Winona and Yvonne dropping those lines just made Nathan and Terence pull grumpier faces. 'She's gotta grow up. Can't be airing our dirty laundry like this!' they thought.<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Proposal<br /> Isabella looked at the people around her.<br /> <br /> Her father, Nathan, was boiling mad.<br /> <br /> Her stepmother, Winona, and her half-sister, Yvonne, were getting a kick out of the drama.<br /> <br /> Her future father-in-law Terence was just shaking his head, and future mother-in-law Lorelai was cringing.<br /> <br /> Her would-be sister-in-law Megan was glaring holes through her.<br /> <br /> Her fiancé, Zachary, didn't know what to do. In his arms was the pitiful woman, Scarlett, who was once her best friend.<br /> <br /> These folks were Isabella's whole world. And just like that, the world flipped, leaving Isabella as the one everyone was pointing fingers at.<br /> <br /> Isabella brushed away the tears and said lightly, "I hereby announce that Zachary Winslow and Isabella Sorenson's marriage contract has been canceled. We have nothing to do with each other from now on. I wish you happiness!" Then she bounced off the stage.<br /> <br /> Her dad Nathan jumped in, "Hold up, you think it's just up to you? You and Zachary were a done deal before you were even a twinkle. Don't even try to ditch this without my say-so!" Nathan had always been tough on Isabella, mostly because having Isabella around was a constant reminder that he was kind of a live-in son-in-law and his kids had to take their mom's last name. Big-time embarrassment for a guy who made it big.<br /> <br /> "And Isabella, cool it, will ya? Zachary messed up, and we'll make him say sorry. This marriage thing wasn't just your call, it's our families' deal. Don't go and have a meltdown. I got your back," Terence tried to smooth things over.<br /> <br /> Then he whirled around and snapped at Zachary, "Zachary! Drop that girl already!"<br /> <br /> Zachary looked like he didn't know what hit him.<br /> <br /> Scarlett, all tears and drama, shoved Zachary away. "Go after Isabella, Zachary. My bad, it's all on me. I'm no match for Isabella. I'm sorry, Isabella. Forgive me, okay? Don't go."<br /> <br /> Zachary just stood there, silent as a ghost.<br /> <br /> "Isabella, hold it! Are you deaf?" Nathan was beside himself with rage. He thought, 'She's always done what I said, like a perfect little robot. Why's she ignoring orders today?'<br /> <br /> Isabella stopped cold, her hands balled into fists so tight they hurt. She spun around to face Nathan.<br /> <br /> Now Nathan got real. "Come on, it's nothing. Why you making a big deal? Zachary and his folks are cool now. What more do you need? Who else would deal with your drama? You gotta see where your bread's buttered!"<br /> <br /> Isabella just felt this chill and said real slow, "He deserves better than me. I'll find someone else, no biggie."<br /> <br /> Nathan lost it, "Who else would even look at you?"<br /> <br /> But Isabella, she didn't even flinch. Shoulders back, head high, she walked right out the door.<br /> <br /> The crowd was eating up the drama like it was prime-time TV.<br /> <br /> Zachary and Isabella's engagement was like the hot gossip among the rich folks. Their families were tight, and with Isabella and Zachary set to tie the knot, the business was booming.<br /> <br /> The engagement party was just for show. They were heading for the altar anyway. But then, the plot thickened like in a soap opera.<br /> <br /> Zachary did Isabella dirty with her own bestie. Feeling burned, Isabella put them on blast right there in front of everyone.<br /> <br /> Instead of feeling sorry for her, people were ragging on Isabella. She was pretty shaken up when she realized that nobody seemed to care about her side of the story. But could she really get mad when her own dad dissed her too?<br /> <br /> Isabella stepped down from the stage and nearly took a spill in her killer heels. Just in time, one guy reached out and saved her from a faceplant.<br /> <br /> "Thanks," Isabella mumbled, looking down.<br /> <br /> A chill voice came from up top, "Watch your step."<br /> <br /> Isabella regained her balance, raised her head, and met a pair of deep, calm eyes. She was momentarily stunned, charmed by the handsome face before her. This guy was something else—strong brows, dark blue eyes, the works. He was all smiles and chill vibes.<br /> <br /> She took a breath and laid it all out there, completely honest. "Hi! Are you single?"<br /> <br /> He was stunned but nodded.<br /> <br /> Ignoring the crowd's shocked gasps, Isabella was like, "I'm Isabella Sorenson, 22, still in college at University of Moulmore. I have 40% shares in Sorenson Multimedia and will inherit all the inheritance left by my granddad and mom when I turn 25. But for now, I'm penniless. I need to marry someone. You in?"<br /> <br /> Isabella locked eyes with the guy. She was ticked off for sure, but she didn't give a flip. Her life's been no cakewalk. She fell hard for Zachary, and he didn't even say 'my bad' for stabbing her in the back.<br /> <br /> Her mom's parting advice to Isabella was to play it cool, to roll with the punches. For years, she put up with the drama and what'd she get? Zilch, just a slap in the face and zero backup.<br /> <br /> Isabella thought, 'I'd rather throw the baby out with the bathwater at this point. They're all drooling over my wealth and gearing up to rip me off, right? Fine! I'll marry someone random and not give them a dime!'<br /> <br /> Then, like clockwork, someone in the peanut gallery was like, "Holy cow! Did Isabella just lose it? What's she yapping about now? Poor Zachary."<br /> <br /> "Totally shameless! Just grabs a guy and pops the question? And after Zachary's folks bent over backwards to get her to forgive him!" added another voice.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 It Is Him<br /> Isabella stood next to the stage, and everybody caught every word she said. Nathan, Terence, and the crowd beelined to her.<br /> <br /> "Isabella Sorenson! Have you flipped your lid?" Nathan's face was all red.<br /> <br /> "No kidding! What's that even mean?" Winona added, looking all shook up.<br /> <br /> "Are you crazy? You're practically giving away your assets by doing this!" Lorelai was devastated.<br /> <br /> Isabella completely ignored the people behind her and focused on the man before her. "Sir, do you hear me? Marry me, and you will have a fortune in three years. It's a bargain."<br /> <br /> The man's clear gaze met hers, and he chuckled. "You know, guys usually do the proposing." His voice was low and sexy.<br /> <br /> Isabella was speechless, the crowd zipped it for a hot second, then split their sides laughing. They figured he ditched her.<br /> <br /> Nathan almost couldn't resist the urge to storm forward and kick Isabella. "Isabella! Get back here right now!"<br /> <br /> The man's low voice sounded right after Nathan finished his sentence. "I'll marry you."<br /> <br /> Complete silence ensued.<br /> <br /> "My name is Clayton Murray. I'm 28 years old and single. I work at Rayson International. Ms. Isabella Sorenson, will you marry me?" Clayton fixed his gaze upon Isabella.<br /> <br /> Tears fell from Isabella's big eyes. "Thank you! Yes, I will!"<br /> <br /> Inside, she's throwing high fives to luck. Finally, she could breathe. Didn't matter who he was as long as she was pulling herself out of the quicksand.<br /> <br /> And just like that, the crowd went wild.<br /> <br /> "Say what? That's Clayton Murray from Rayson International?" someone gasped.<br /> <br /> "Whoa, the legendary second son of the Murray family?" someone else hollered.<br /> <br /> "No way! I heard Clayton doesn't mix with ladies. Could this be a fake?" somebody wondered.<br /> <br /> "Bummer. Mr. Murray's like a ghost—never seen in public or snapping selfies. How can we even know if it's really him?" another person pitched in.<br /> <br /> "He looks legit. I mean, who would have the guts to fake being Mr. Murray? Plus, dude's got charm—I hear the real Clayton's a looker," came a comment from the crowd.<br /> <br /> Isabella dried her eyes and spun around to face the stage crowd. "Just to be clear—Zachary and I are done. We're out of each other's lives. Next up, I'm marrying—"<br /> <br /> She had to check with Clayton because she blanked on his name.<br /> <br /> "Clayton." He gave her a small grin.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, Clayton!" Isabella said, staring them down without a wince.<br /> <br /> Nathan boomed, "Hold up; you're the Clayton Murray?"<br /> <br /> Clayton just gave a cool nod. "That's me."<br /> <br /> Terence's expression darkened. He glared at Zachary and Scarlett, thinking, 'It's all this little punk's fault!'<br /> <br /> Megan and Yvonne were stunned. 'How's he so drop-dead gorgeous?' they wondered incredulously.<br /> <br /> Clayton swept his glance across the stage. "You all must be Isabella's family. Sorry for taking the liberty to announce our marriage in this way today. I'll pay you a visit someday."<br /> <br /> After saying that, he turned around and linked arms with Isabella, his tone gentle as he spoke to her. "Let's go. What's going on here is none of our business."<br /> <br /> "Mr. Murray, don't be fooled by Isabella! Over the years, she has been a nuisance, trying all means to curry favor with Zach just to get married to him. A woman even Zach has abandoned doesn't deserve you!" Megan shouted eagerly. ''I won't let Isabella have such an excellent man all to herself! I'm better than her. Mr. Murray should marry me. Isabella is nothing compared to me!' she thought.<br /> <br /> "Yes, Mr. Murray. Please wait! Isabella hasn't gotten my dad's permission." Yvonne's soft voice was filled with anxiety. She wasn't as foolish and reckless as Megan, but she, too, wanted Clayton to herself. 'Everyone will think Clayton and Isabella are engaged if they leave like this. I won't allow this! Such an outstanding man should be mine,' she mused.<br /> <br /> "Dad, say something! How can you let Isabella leave like this? Mr. Winslow hasn't agreed to cancel the engagement yet!" Yvonne urged.<br /> <br /> Nathan met his beloved daughter's gaze and cleared his throat. "Isabella! Come back!"<br /> <br /> Terence and Lorelai exchanged glances before the latter shouted, "Isabella, stop messing around. Come back and let's talk things out."<br /> <br /> Isabella tightened her fists, and Clayton patted her on the arm as reassurance.<br /> <br /> He stopped, turned around, and glanced at the people on the stage. "Thank you, Mr. Zachary Winslow, for falling in love with someone else and giving Isabella to me."<br /> <br /> Everyone, including Isabella, looked at Clayton in surprise.<br /> <br /> Gazing at Clayton's side profile, Isabella thought, 'I'm so lucky today. This random man that I chose supports me without hesitation.'<br /> <br /> Clayton then looked at Nathan. "Mr. Ingram, do you have a problem with your daughter marrying me?"<br /> <br /> His voice was gentle and calm, but his domineering aura made Nathan flinch.<br /> <br /> "Zachary, my stomach hurts." An anguished voice rang out at that moment. Scarlett, grabbing Zachary, held her stomach and bent over in pain.<br /> <br /> "Scarlett, what's wrong?" The anxiety and concern in Zachary's voice were obvious.<br /> <br /> Isabella's gaze dimmed, and her heart ached when she saw how much Zachary cared for Scarlett. Lorelai and Terence looked at Scarlett furiously.<br /> <br /> Scarlett admitted timidly, "I-I have been pregnant for two months."<br /> <br /> "What? A-Are you pregnant with Zachary's child?" Lorelai was in shock.<br /> <br /> Scarlett nodded in pain. "Zachary, my stomach hurts."<br /> <br /> Zachary panicked and said, "T-Then, what should we do?" He didn't expect Scarlett to be pregnant. He looked at Isabella below the stage and averted his gaze upon noticing her tear-filled eyes.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Conspiracy<br /> "What are you still standing around for? Quick, get her to the hospital. The child's safety comes first," Lorelai said urgently, placing her future grandchild's well-being above all else.<br /> <br /> Clayton covered his mouth and stifled a chuckle. "Even in this situation, you still want your daughter to marry into a family like this, Mr. Ingram? What exactly do you hope to gain from the Winslow family?"<br /> <br /> His words caused a visible shift in everyone's expression.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Nathan's expression was grim.<br /> <br /> Marrying Isabella to Zachary was a strategic move for both families. However, if Clayton was willing to wed Isabella, he would become Nathan's son-in-law, with Rayson International as Nathan's backing.<br /> <br /> The value of one hundred Avid Ventures Real Estate paled in comparison to Rayson International. In the face of years of friendship and mutual benefits, Nathan was torn between loyalty and opportunity. He was a businessman, and he knew what he wanted.<br /> <br /> Clayton saw the calculative glint in Nathan's eyes, turned to Isabella, and softly inquired, "Shall we go?"<br /> <br /> Isabella tore her eyes away from Zachary and Scarlett, nodding gently.<br /> <br /> She visited the graves of her granddad and mother, George and Irina Sorenson, tenderly wiping their photos clean with a tissue.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Granddad, Mom. Zachary and I are no longer together. Our marriage won't be happening," she murmured.<br /> <br /> Caressing Irina's photo on the tombstone, she couldn't control her tears. "I've tried to heed your advice, Mom, enduring everything. But now, I'm at my wit's end. I'm only 22 years old, still too young to take over the company with my current ability," she confessed.<br /> <br /> "I thought things would be fine once I got married, but now..." Isabella muffled her sobs with her hand, her body trembling as she knelt before the tombstone, curled into a small ball of grief.<br /> <br /> Since Irina's passing, Isabella had learned to endure silently through countless trials, enduring disdain from Nathan, Winona, and Yvonne. Growing up in a home that no longer felt like hers was a constant struggle, yet she clung to the hope that marrying Zachary would bring her freedom. She believed that everything would soon be fine.<br /> <br /> When Nathan told her about the engagement party that was about to be held, Isabella was overjoyed. They had planned to get married after her university graduation the following year, and once that happened, she'd finally be free.<br /> <br /> Zachary was the man she loved dearly, and she believed the union arranged by George and Irina must be the best course. After all, Zachary was the guardian angel George and Irina had chosen for her.<br /> <br /> Throughout her childhood, Zachary had been her constant companion, treating her with great care.<br /> <br /> George passed away when Isabella was just eight years old, followed by Irina when Isabella turned ten, enveloping her world in hues of gray.<br /> <br /> When Isabella turned twelve, Zachary left for his studies abroad.<br /> <br /> Tearfully, Isabella clung to his hand, reluctant to let him go, fearful of losing the sole connection she had left to George and Irina.<br /> <br /> She vividly recalled Zachary's promise as he held her hand and said, "Isabella, wait for me. I will come back and marry you when I'm grown up." Those words echoed constantly in her mind.<br /> <br /> Throughout the years, Isabella dedicated herself entirely to Zachary. She nurtured their relationship meticulously, treasuring their brief annual reunions, and worked tirelessly to mold herself into the person he admired, adapting to his preferences.<br /> <br /> Despite enduring ridicule, sarcasm, and insults from Megan and Yvonne, she clung to the belief that everything would be fine after she married Zachary.<br /> <br /> Marrying Zachary had been Isabella's primary motivation and ultimate goal throughout those years. Every future scenario she envisioned concluded with her union with Zachary.<br /> <br /> She firmly believed that marrying him would breathe new life into her existence, heralding a fresh chapter and a brighter future.<br /> <br /> Whenever she faced punishment and was locked in a dark room, whenever she suffered from hunger, whenever she faced difficulties, the mere thought of that envisioned future fueled her with boundless courage.<br /> <br /> Alas, that hope was shattered. The day she had dreamed of would never materialize. The envisioned future dissolved, leaving behind a shattered world. Isabella felt as though her heart had been torn from her chest, leaving behind an agonizing void.<br /> <br /> After a long while of weeping silently, Isabella raised her head, wiping away tears with trembling hands, and pledged, "Granddad, Mom, from now on, I'll live for myself. I'll do my best to not let you down." Despite the pain, she knew that life must persist, regardless of the circumstances.<br /> <br /> As Isabella left the cemetery, the sun had already descended below the horizon.<br /> <br /> Clayton's car waited silently by the gate, catching Isabella off guard. Stepping out of the vehicle, Clayton opened the passenger seat door for her. She said in a low voice as she settled into the seat, "Thank you."<br /> <br /> Clayton got back in the car and glanced at Isabella. Her eyes and nose were red, and she looked exhausted. "Let's find a place for you to rest," Clayton suggested.<br /> <br /> Isabella shook her head, recognizing the inevitability of confronting what lay ahead. "Mr. Murray, thanks for your help today," she croaked, her voice strained from emotion.<br /> <br /> Clayton started the car and asked, "Where do you want to go?"<br /> <br /> "Could you please drive me home?" Isabella requested softly.<br /> <br /> After confirming the address, Clayton fell into silence as Isabella leaned against the window, closing her eyes for the journey home.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, at the Ingram residence, Nathan, Winona, and Yvonne sat facing each other on the couch in solemn silence.<br /> <br /> Breaking the silence, Yvonne implored, "Dad, you can't allow Isabella to marry Mr. Murray."<br /> <br /> Nathan, having deliberated the matter during his return journey, felt a disquieting unease despite acknowledging the potential benefits of Isabella's union with Clayton. When pressed by Yvonne, he couldn't help but raise his gaze to meet hers, questioning, "Why?"<br /> <br /> Yvonne hesitated, not knowing what to say, thinking, 'I can't say I should be the one to marry Mr. Murray, right?' She glanced at Winona.<br /> <br /> Winona, pouring a cup of coffee for Nathan, said with composure, "Nate, it's widely known that Isabella and Zachary have been engaged to each other since childhood. Considering her background, it's not suitable for her to wed into the Murray family. Won't they look down on her?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 Stirring Up Trouble<br /> Nathan furrowed his brow in response, stating, "That's her decision to make. If she chooses to marry Mr. Murray, and if the Murrays look down on her, she only has herself to blame."<br /> <br /> Winona exchanged a meaningful glance with Yvonne before continuing, "While that may be true, she's still your daughter. If there's talk about her outside, it inevitably reflects on us as well. That's not good."<br /> <br /> Winona looked up at Nathan, who listened intently. "I'm not her biological mother, so I have no authority to discipline her," she began. "As you can see, she rarely communicates with us these years and has her own ideas. What happened today was saddening. She humiliated you in front of everyone. It's one thing for her to disrespect me over the years, but the way she treated you today was unacceptable. Despite my efforts, she only acknowledges Irina as her mother, thinking that we owe her."<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Winona's eyes as she sniffled. "I know what you're thinking. A marriage of convenience with the Murray family will benefit the company greatly. However, if Isabella doesn't stand by you, then..."<br /> <br /> Her words trailed off, but her meaning was clear.<br /> <br /> Yvonne's gaze flickered as she inwardly praised her mother's wisdom. "Exactly, Dad. We can't squander resources. Even if Isabella married into the Winslow family, there's no guaranteeing she'll put in a good word for you. Your partnership with Mr. Winslow has been smooth-sailing, and that's based on your friendship with him, not Isabella's involvement," Yvonne chimed in.<br /> <br /> Nathan suddenly realized what had been bothering him. Isabella's defiance had caught him off guard. He desired a compliant daughter, not one with her own convictions. He glanced at them, took a sip of coffee, and asked in a deep voice, "So, what do you guys suggest?"<br /> <br /> Winona and Yvonne exchanged a glance. Winona gently proposed, "Nate, we can't trust Isabella, but we can rely on Yvonne. She's our biological daughter."<br /> <br /> Nathan's focus shifted to Yvonne, who appeared bashful. "Mom, we're talking about Isabella. Why bring me up?"<br /> <br /> Winona's expression grew stern. "Yvonne, I'm serious. You're our daughter. You can't just enjoy the privileges your father provides. You must share his burden, understand?" she chided.<br /> <br /> Yvonne straightened up, raising her hand in a playful gesture. "Yes, Mom, I understand. I'll be there for Dad whenever he needs me," she vowed with a smile.<br /> <br /> Nathan was reassured by her promise. Nodding, he remarked, "Winona, you've raised her well. Isabella, on the other hand, is truly disappointing."<br /> <br /> Winona smiled faintly, "My hands are tied. Anything I say as her stepmother could easily be misinterpreted as having ulterior motives."<br /> <br /> "Hmph! It's because she doesn't know what's best for her," Nathan snorted. Then, he frowned. "Are you suggesting that Yvonne should marry into the Murray family?"<br /> <br /> Winona nodded, affirming, "We can trust Yvonne. She's our sweetheart."<br /> <br /> "But Yvonne is only twenty," Nathan voiced his concern. He had always cherished Yvonne and had never contemplated marrying her off at such a young age.<br /> <br /> Knowing that he was wavering, Winona smiled reassuringly, "So what if she's twenty? We can arrange for the marriage now and wait for Yvonne to graduate from university before holding the wedding. That doesn't make much difference."<br /> <br /> Nathan cradled his forehead, contemplating her proposal.<br /> <br /> "Dad, if it benefits our family, I'm in. Trust me; I'll try my best to ensure our family's prosperity," Yvonne declared resolutely, biting her lip as if determined to sacrifice herself for the family.<br /> <br /> Nathan eventually nodded in agreement, which put a smile on Yvonne's face.<br /> <br /> However, Winona intervened softly, "But, Nate, we're not acquainted with Mr. Murray. Perhaps we'll need Isabella to introduce us?"<br /> <br /> Yvonne was taken aback, immediately objecting, "Why should she introduce us? As we saw today, she asked Mr. Murray to marry her on the spur of the moment. Mr. Murray agreed as soon as she mentioned it. So, why can't we approach him directly?"<br /> <br /> Yvonne considered herself superior to Isabella. She mused inwardly, 'In terms of appearance and figure, I'm much better than that country bumpkin. Why should Isabella, who's inferior to me, get to marry such a perfect man? Since Mr. Murray agreed to Isabella's proposal, he'd agree to mine too.'<br /> <br /> Nathan thought her words made sense and pondered for a moment. "Well, how about we pay a visit to Rayson International tomorrow?"<br /> <br /> Outside the Ingram residence, Clayton parked the car and glanced at Isabella who was already asleep in the passenger seat.<br /> <br /> It should've been her engagement party that day. She wore a white knee-length dress, her pinned-up hair already disheveled, with several strands hanging down. Her delicate face appeared particularly pale. She didn't change much since childhood. As she jumped down from the stage, Clayton was struck by the pain and resolution reflected in her eyes.<br /> <br /> 'It seems like she's been struggling all these years,' Clayton thought, tenderly tucking her hair behind her ear.<br /> <br /> Isabella's long lashes quivered slightly as she stirred awake at his touch, momentarily confused upon seeing Clayton.<br /> <br /> "Are you awake?" Clayton asked gently.<br /> <br /> Isabella blinked, and the memories of what happened flooded back. She took a deep breath, attempting to quell the overwhelming pain pulsating through her veins.<br /> <br /> Gazing toward the Ingram residence, she was enveloped by a chilling coldness. This place had been her home, yet since the age of ten, she felt like a superfluous presence there.<br /> <br /> Previously, Zachary's presence had somewhat eased the void left by George and Irina. However, at present, she was all alone.<br /> <br /> The gate of the residence was like a gaping maw, ready to devour her and the legacy of George and Irina at any moment.<br /> <br /> "Do you need me to go in there with you?" Clayton asked softly, observing Isabella, who was staring into space.<br /> <br /> Isabella slowly shook her head. Staring directly ahead, she spoke to Clayton in a composed but distant manner. "Mr. Murray, can we make a deal? I need to leave this place now, but they won't allow me to rent a house independently. Our school's in the middle of renovations, and once the new semester kicks off, students like us who are in the senior year will have to find internship positions on our own, and we can no longer live in dorms. The only option left for me is to get married. Once I get married, I can leave for good."<br /> <br /> Clayton tightened his grip on the steering wheel.<br /> <br /> "I propose we marry, and I'll move into your residence. I'll reside there and pay you rent. If I face financial constraints, I'll provide you with a promissory note. I've mentioned that I'll inherit some assets after turning twenty-five. At that point, I'll settle all my debts to you. Then, we'll proceed with divorce proceedings, and I'll allocate half of the inheritance I receive to you as compensation for marrying me now," Isabella explained.<br /> <br /> Chapter 6 Realization<br /> Isabella declared resolutely, "I will draft a formal agreement stating our rights and responsibilities. Our union will only be a sham marriage. Should you happen to develop feelings for someone else during this time, I ask that you wait until we've been married for at least a year before seeking a divorce. I assure you, my commitment to our arrangement stands firm, and you will receive every cent of your compensation as promised. With this agreement in place, we can ensure fairness for both parties."<br /> <br /> Noticing a pen and paper tucked under the armrest, Isabella grabbed them, jotting down her phone number before passing it to Clayton. "Here is my contact information. Take your time to ponder my proposal; however, I expect your response within three days. Do not delay." With that, Isabella exited the car and left, leaving Clayton staring at the note in his hand blankly.<br /> <br /> Her decisiveness left Clayton momentarily stunned.<br /> <br /> He couldn't help chuckling as he watched Isabella walk away in determined strides. "Isabella, I'm back. I'll stand by your side no matter what you do," Clayton murmured, thinking, 'I'll let her do whatever she wants. Whatever happens, I'll clean up after her.' Even if she didn't know who he was, Nathan did. Nathan'd never dare to lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> *****<br /> <br /> Dinner was served in a peaceful ambiance.<br /> <br /> "Ms. Sorenson, you've returned." One of the maids, Elsie Anderson, was surprised to see Isabella.<br /> <br /> Isabella paid no heed to the mix of surprise and disdain the other three were displaying. "Dad, Winona." Dipping her head, she greeted them before settling at the table, accepting the soup bowl offered by Elsie.<br /> <br /> She hadn't eaten anything since morning and was starving. Clayton had suggested taking her to dinner earlier, but she had declined. She would have to face this sooner or later, so why delay it?<br /> <br /> "Isabella, why are you only back now? Mom and Dad were too worried to eat," Yvonne said, sharing a meaningful glance with Winona.<br /> <br /> Nathan's expression darkened.<br /> <br /> Isabella finished her soup and put down the spoon. Disregarding the cold leftovers on the table, she explained, "I went to visit Grandpa and Mom. I needed to inform them that Zachary and I have called off our engagement."<br /> <br /> Nathan sneered, "And they didn't reprimand you?"<br /> <br /> Isabella lowered her head in silence.<br /> <br /> "Isabella, you've pissed your dad off today. How could you embarrass him in front of everyone?" Winona said softly.<br /> <br /> "Mom, don't blame Isabella. Remember, she's the eldest daughter of the Sorenson family and the designated heiress of Sorenson Multimedia. Dad wouldn't hold it against her. Who knows what those shareholders might say if he did?" Yvonne interjected, stealing glances at Nathan.<br /> <br /> Nathan's expression darkened further as his gaze bore into Isabella.<br /> <br /> Isabella quietly ate the food Elsie gave her. She had gotten used to such drama. Winona and Yvonne always sowed discord between her and Nathan. Then, endless insults would ensue that would sometimes escalate into physical abuse.<br /> <br /> She was a Sorenson, and her father was an Ingram. That was one of her sins.<br /> <br /> Nathan didn't lose his temper. Instead, he snorted derisively before leaving the dining room.<br /> <br /> Winona shot a glance and Yvonne and Isabella before following Nathan out.<br /> <br /> As soon as her parents left, Yvonne abandoned her facade of dignity. Casting a scornful glance at Isabella, who remained meek and reserved as always, she said sarcastically, "I'm amazed you still have the nerve to stay alive. If I were in your shoes, I'd have put an end to it all by now. Maybe flung myself into a river or hung myself. Anything's better than living like this. Your fiancé despises you and cheats on you with your closest friend. Aren't you devastated? How do you even have an appetite?"<br /> <br /> After taking the final bite, Isabella met Yvonne's gaze with indifference. "I've found someone willing to wed me."<br /> <br /> Yvonne scoffed, "Wake up, will you? Do you honestly believe you're the eldest daughter of the Sorenson family?"<br /> <br /> Isabella merely looked at her coldly. Yvonne often carried herself with elegance and composure in public. Isabella was perhaps the only person who had seen her true colors.<br /> <br /> She thought, 'Does Yvonne ever get tired of pretending? I pretend to be indifferent and weak because Winona and Yvonne forced me to, but no one's forcing Yvonne. So why is she pretending?'<br /> <br /> "What're you looking at?" Yvonne bellowed at Isabella. Isabella's charming face never failed to anger her. 'Why does she get all the luck? A wealthy grandfather and mother, and even that envy-inducing face!' she seethed inwardly.<br /> <br /> Yvonne sent her plate hurtling toward Isabella.<br /> <br /> Isabella rose from her seat, narrowly dodging the plate as it crashed to the ground.<br /> <br /> "What's wrong?" Winona asked loudly.<br /> <br /> Yvonne glared at Isabella.<br /> <br /> Normally, Isabella would've quickly apologized to Winona, saying she had accidentally broken the plate. Yet, today, Isabella simply turned to face the incensed Yvonne in silence.<br /> <br /> Elsie interjected fearfully, "Mrs. Ingram, I'm sorry; I accidentally dropped a plate."<br /> <br /> Both Isabella and Yvonne looked at Elsie at the same time.<br /> <br /> Yvonne shot daggers at Elsie before exiting the dining room.<br /> <br /> Elsie tugged at Isabella's arm, whispering, "Ms. Sorenson, just endure it. This too shall pass."<br /> <br /> Endure. It was a mantra instilled in Isabella since childhood by Elsie and also what her late mother said to her. Today, however, she realized that enduring only made things worse.<br /> <br /> Isabella hurried to the bathroom, changing out of the dress and cleansing herself of the shame it carried. She then returned to her room on the second floor, a windowless storeroom bereft of sunlight year-round. She even had to use the maid's bathroom. Besides Elsie, no one would regard her as the family's eldest daughter.<br /> <br /> The luxurious room that her grandfather and mother decorated was handed over to Yvonne just a month after Winona and Yvonne's arrival. Isabella's living quarters changed each time she made a "mistake" until she found herself relegated to the storeroom, a decision that satisfied Winona and Yvonne at last.<br /> <br /> This was the consequence of endurance.<br /> <br /> Isabella curled up on the cramped bed, the air stifling and hot. The wind could only filter in when the door was opened. Yet, she didn't want to move, let alone open the door.<br /> <br /> Isabella closed her eyes, the events of the day replaying in her mind. She watched them unfold once more like a distant observer.<br /> <br /> The moment Zachary started dating Scarlett remained a mystery to her.<br /> <br /> Since Zachary's return from abroad, he started work in his family's company, leaving little opportunity for him and Isabella to spend time together. Isabella was never one to inconvenience others, so she never interrupted Zachary's work. Understanding his desire for a compliant girlfriend, she made every effort to fit that mold.<br /> <br /> Ever since Zachary returned, the two families celebrated festivals together, which Isabella enjoyed.<br /> <br /> Zachary didn't treat her poorly or particularly well, but he and Yvonne were tight. They got along well, even though Zachary used to dislike Yvonne as a kid.<br /> <br /> Chapter 7 Truth<br /> Today, Scarlett claimed Isabella had forgiven them, which was nonsense. Isabella didn't know anything about their affair.<br /> <br /> Isabella wondered, 'Why would she say that? Was it to make Zachary turn against me? If that's the case, it's obvious who played the video. However, Scarlett isn't stupid. There are so many ways to let me know, so why did she choose this one? Doing so will only cause her more harm than good. Oh, right, because doing so makes it seem like my handiwork. No one will suspect Scarlett of selling herself out. As for Zachary, he is always on Scarlett's side. He never admitted his mistake or apologized. He kept emphasizing that Scarlett is my good friend and that I should be nice to her. Zachary, am I being nice to her by letting you go? Why do you take everything I do for granted?'<br /> <br /> Isabella's heart ached as she recalled the tender look Zachary reserved for Scarlett.<br /> <br /> Zachary had never looked at her like that before. 'I'm just not worth his affection, huh?' she pondered.<br /> <br /> Lorelai's words hit Isabella like a sudden storm. Throughout the years, Lorelai treated Isabella well. Isabella once believed she was sincere and even vowed to take good care of Lorelai after the marriage.<br /> <br /> However, it turned out that Lorelai valued her social status and assets. That was probably her second original sin.<br /> <br /> Isabella held a significant 40% stake in Sorenson Multimedia, making her the company's largest shareholder. However, because of her youth, all the dividends from this ownership were directed into a trust established by her grandfather, which remained inaccessible until she reached the age of 25. She wouldn't receive her inheritance from her grandfather and mother until that time.<br /> <br /> Today, she finally realized that the Winslow family's acceptance of her wasn't based on genuine affection or sympathy for her loss of her mother. It also wasn't due to their acquaintance with her late mother and grandfather either. Instead, it was because of the assets she would eventually possess.<br /> <br /> They were kind to her because of her assets, and cruel to her for the same reason.<br /> <br /> Nathan had always been eyeing the property Isabella could inherit, especially because Yvonne didn't have any. When Isabella turned 18, Nathan deemed her old enough to handle her inheritance. He once pressured her to draft a document pledging half of the property to Yvonne. However, his plan was thwarted when the lawyer and four key company shareholders intervened.<br /> <br /> George and Irina foresaw the possibility of someone coveting the assets and therefore imposed an age restriction of 25. At 18, Isabella didn't have the authority to transfer her future assets.<br /> <br /> Nathan had married into the Sorenson family, so any child he had with Irina must carry the Sorenson name, while offspring from other relationships would not inherit this family name.<br /> <br /> Thus, Isabella was the only heiress of the Sorenson family.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, if Nathan decided to transfer his shares to Yvonne rather than Isabella, the four main investors would pull out their money from Sorenson Multimedia. The company had always been in the hands of the Sorenson family, and it would stay that way.<br /> <br /> If the major investors withdrew their support, the company would collapse, as Nathan's 30% stake alone wouldn't be enough to sustain it. Nathan's family eventually gave up on their plan.<br /> <br /> Instead of trying to butter Isabella up to get their way, they chose to resent her even more. Isabella couldn't help but admire them for that, for they didn't yield in the face of greed.<br /> <br /> Another way to access her wealth was by letting her marry Zachary.<br /> <br /> In this scenario, her property would serve as her dowry, to be shared with the Winslow family upon marriage. Given Isabella's infatuation with Zachary, she would likely agree to this arrangement. Consequently, Nathan collaborated with the Winslow family on various investment and development endeavors in recent years, aiming to reap the maximum benefits in due time.<br /> <br /> "Grandpa, Mom, 25 isn't a safe age either. If I were an idiot, I'd still be an idiot at 25 years old," Isabella murmured.<br /> <br /> Luckily, misfortune wasn't the only thing the heavens bestowed upon her. At least Zachary found his true love. She wondered if that had anything to do with divine intervention.<br /> <br /> Getting out of bed, she used a nearby book to fan herself.<br /> <br /> 'Time to draw up a contract for Clayton. If he's sensible, he'll agree to my terms,' she thought. Isabella needed to move out as soon as possible. She had neither the energy nor the mood to deal with Yvonne and Winona's tricks anymore.<br /> <br /> They wouldn't let her rent a place outside, because that would make it hard for them to control her. Also, that would bring disgrace upon the Sorenson family. The only escape route left was to get married.<br /> <br /> The identity of her partner hardly mattered, as long as he was a true gentleman. She would draft a pact, ensuring her safety and rights were protected. And in return, she would offer him the benefits he rightly deserved, for he would be her savior.<br /> <br /> She needed to find a place to settle down and focus on earning money, aiming to gather 300 thousand dollars within a year to finance her studies in Upria for the next five years. It wasn't much, but she could continue earning while studying.<br /> <br /> Her future needed replanning. This time, she was on her own, and she vowed to protect herself from harm.<br /> <br /> The next morning, Nathan took Yvonne to Rayson International. As they stood outside the towering structure, Yvonne was exhilarated.<br /> <br /> Amidst the bustling heart of the city, the building stood tall and majestic. The employees were in a hurry, but their demeanor radiated confidence and pride unmatched by those of other companies.<br /> <br /> A smile crept onto Yvonne's face as she envisioned herself as the owner of this impressive building and the wife of its esteemed boss, overseeing these elite professionals in the future.<br /> <br /> Clayton accepted the document from his assistant, Johnny Lawton, signing it before instructing, "Get in touch with Kayson and have him find a place for me near University of Moulmore. Something around 1,000 square feet, suitable for two people, and fully equipped with all the essentials."<br /> <br /> Johnny answered, "Okay."<br /> <br /> Seeing that Clayton was reading a contract, Johnny called Kayson.<br /> <br /> After a while, Kayson entered. "Boss, what do you think about Moonlight Apartment near University of Moulmore? It's just a ten-minute stroll from the campus, and boasts a thriving community with all the amenities you could need."<br /> <br /> Clayton thought for a moment, but the name didn't ring a bell. "Okay. Go ahead and purchase a unit."<br /> <br /> Kayson laughed, "Boss, that's our property. You reserved a suite for yourself on the 28th floor. I was wondering why you never brought it up again. Turns out you forgot."<br /> <br /> Johnny glared at him. "Cut the crap and get it sorted already."<br /> <br /> Clayton glanced at Kayson but remained silent. Kayson stuck out his tongue playfully, heading toward the door. "Boss, will you be living alone or will Mr. Maguire be joining you?"<br /> <br /> Without looking up, Clayton responded, "It'll be me and my wife."<br /> <br /> Chapter 8 Will You Marry Me Instead?<br /> Clayton continued working on the document while Johnny and Kayson stiffened. Johnny, usually collected, also stared at Clayton in disbelief.<br /> <br /> Kayson's mouth hung open. "Y-You and who, Boss?"<br /> <br /> Clayton glanced up at them, answering flatly, "My wife. Do you have a hearing problem?"<br /> <br /> Kayson gaped in shock at Clayton, who kept working, then turned to the equally dumbfounded Johnny.<br /> <br /> Another assistant, Weston Quinn, entered the office. "Mr. Murray, Mr. Nathan Ingram and his daughter are here to see you."<br /> <br /> Clayton didn't look up. "Did they make an appointment?"<br /> <br /> Weston shook his head. "No, but he mentioned Isabella Sorenson. Said you'd know right away."<br /> <br /> Clayton's head snapped up at once. "All right, bring them up."<br /> <br /> Weston was stunned, for he seemed to have caught a glimpse of a smile on Clayton's face.<br /> <br /> However, he blinked and thought his eyes must've been playing tricks. Noticing how Kayson was rooted in his spot, Weston presumed Kayson had been lectured again and hurriedly turned to leave.<br /> <br /> Clayton glimpsed at Kayson. "Why are you still here?"<br /> <br /> Kayson jolted out of his daze, murmuring, "T-This feels too surreal..."<br /> <br /> Clayton glanced at Johnny, who quickly composed himself, clenched his fists, and cleared his throat before saying, "This information is somewhat... unexpected. It's only normal that Kay needs a moment to process it, Mr. Murray."<br /> <br /> Johnny then glared at Kayson. "What are you still waiting for? Go get it done."<br /> <br /> Promptly, Kayson exited the room, still looking thunderstruck.<br /> <br /> He had just shut the door when he saw Hendrix Henderson working in the personal assistants' office. "Hens, let me pinch you and see if it hurts!" Kayson reached for Hendrix's handsome face, but Hendrix swatted Kayson's hand away with a folder.<br /> <br /> "Oh, get lost. Pinch yourself." Hendrix scowled. "What's the matter with you this early in the morning? You got scolded again? You were in there for so long."<br /> <br /> Kayson retracted his throbbing hand in a heartbeat. "Ouch, that hurts! So this isn't a dream!"<br /> <br /> Hendrix rolled his eyes, used to how Kayson would act up at least a few times a day.<br /> <br /> All four of Clayton's personal assistants were men. Johnny had been with Clayton the longest and resembled Clayton most, as cold and aloof. Weston and Hendrix, while mostly reserved, still wore their emotions on their faces from time to time. As for Kayson, he was the lone constant jokester of the group.<br /> <br /> Kayson looked at Hendrix intently. "Do you have any idea what I was tasked with?"<br /> <br /> Hendrix couldn't be bothered to answer, knowing Kayson would continue talking regardless of whether there was any response.<br /> <br /> Kayson's Adam's apple bobbed. "Boss told me to buy him an apartment. He said it's for him and his wife."<br /> <br /> Hendrix's fingers that were flying over the keyboard froze. "Are you still half-asleep? You must've heard wrong, and so absurd at that. Watch yourself, or Johnny will come give you an earful!"<br /> <br /> Kayson snatched the folder from Hendrix and insisted, "It's true! Johnny is in there. He heard it too. Ask him if you don't believe me."<br /> <br /> Before Hendrix could reply, they spotted Weston leading Nathan and Yvonne over. Kayson's eyes widened at the sight of Yvonne while he nudged Hendrix.<br /> <br /> Hendrix looked over, thinking, 'My, isn't she a beauty? What's going on here? Could she be the "wife" that Boss was referring to?'<br /> <br /> Weston was perplexed when he caught sight of the duo's transfixed gazes. 'What's up with those two? Why do they look so stunned?' he wondered.<br /> <br /> Yvonne had been pumped up the moment she stepped into the lobby. The low-key yet lavish interior of Rayson International made the Sorenson Multimedia and the Winslow family's Avid Ventures Real Estate that she was familiar with seem like night and day.<br /> <br /> As she expected, meeting Clayton was no easy feat. Clayton never entertained visitors without appointments despite Nathan making his identity known.<br /> <br /> Luckily, Isabella's name had worked in their favor. 'Looks like he still remembers yesterday's incident. In that case, he will surely recognize me, too. The gown I wore was tailor-made and cost ten times more than Isabella's, practically making me the star of the event. There's no way he'll forget my pretty face,' she mused in glee.<br /> <br /> Yvonne's heart raced involuntarily when she saw Clayton's assistant coming to escort them upstairs. She thought giddily, 'My goodness, Weston's quite the looker. What a pity that he isn't pursuing a celebrity career.'<br /> <br /> They had taken the private elevator up to Clayton's office, where another two astonished yet dashing men stood by the entrance. Yvonne was beyond thrilled on the inside, confident they were amazed by her beauty. 'I knew it. No one will overlook my looks with Isabella absent. See, even Mr. Murray's assistants are mesmerized by me,' she pondered, brimming with confidence and anticipation.<br /> <br /> After Weston knocked on the door, a deep voice rang out from inside. "Come in."<br /> <br /> Weston opened the door and politely gestured for Nathan and Yvonne to enter. "Mr. and Ms. Ingram are here, Mr. Murray."<br /> <br /> Clayton looked up, his gaze and voice turning cold as he questioned Weston, "Didn't you say Ms. Isabella Sorenson was here?"<br /> <br /> Weston turned quizzically to Nathan.<br /> <br /> Nathan was all smiles as he stepped forward eagerly. "Hello, Mr. Murray! I'm Nathan Ingram. Isabella's my daughter."<br /> <br /> Clayton did not get up or spare a glance at Nathan's extended hand. "Where's Isabella?"<br /> <br /> Nathan awkwardly retracted his hand. "Ah, Isabella. She's, uh..."<br /> <br /> "Mr. Murray, my sister wanted us to inform you that she can't marry you," Yvonne chimed in gently while staring at Clayton.<br /> <br /> Clayton arched an eyebrow at the father-daughter duo.<br /> <br /> Nathan clenched his fist at his side and said solemnly, "That's right. We've come to explain the situation. Isabella is already engaged, so she can't marry you. But I have another—"<br /> <br /> "Mr. Ingram!" Clayton interrupted frigidly. "Hasn't it already been made clear to everyone yesterday? Isabella called off the engagement with her ex-fiancé and asked me to marry her. If she wants to go back on her word, she'll have to tell me herself!"<br /> <br /> Nathan's face fell as it dawned on him that Clayton was serious about the marriage.<br /> <br /> Yvonne became anxious. "I don't think you understand, Mr. Murray. Her and Zachary's marriage contract is set in stone. It was personally arranged by her mother. Isabella can't call the shots!"<br /> <br /> Clayton leaned back, arms crossed. "Oh? How about me, then? Mr. Ingram, as I said yesterday, nobody has dared to stop me from doing anything I want. Have you forgotten that, or did you choose not to believe me?"<br /> <br /> Clayton stared at Nathan, who instinctively lowered his head in the face of Clayton's overwhelmingly imposing aura. A shiver ran down Nathan's spine. "O-Of course not, Mr. Murray."<br /> <br /> "Then what are you doing here now?" Clayton's voice was utterly icy.<br /> <br /> Yvonne boldly met his eyes. "Mr. Murray, I'm Yvonne Ingram, 20 this year, currently a sophomore at the University of Moulmore, majoring in economics and management, and future heiress to Sorenson Multimedia. Will you marry me instead?" She had dressed to the nines to meet him today, convinced that she could catch his fancy.	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1,647,651	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1647641}'	No	2024-05-03 04:02	active	665	1114595546553161	Relief's Just a Botox Away! 🙌	Most people know that Botox is effective at reducing wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, but did you know that it can also help with migraine headaches?<br /> <br /> Botox blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals to and from the brain. <br /> <br /> It’s basically a roadblock that stops the pain before it gets to the nerve endings in the head and neck.<br /> <br /> Pretty cool, right?<br /> <br /> Botox can also help with things like acne, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms.<br /> <br /> So whether you’re looking to get rid of the crows' feet around the eyes, or looking to find relief from migraines or any of the other symptoms mentioned, Botox is considered to be a safe, quick, and affordable option.<br /> <br /> So where can you get Botox?<br /> <br /> There’s a local clinic in Chesterfield Missouri that gets amazing reviews for their Botox treatments, plus they offer free consultations for first time patients.<br /> <br /> 👉 Interested? Click the Learn More button down below and complete the form. <br /> <br /> *As with any cosmetic treatment or procedure, individual results may vary. We always strive to provide the best results possible.	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	247682808427390	Gilded Leaf Medspa	https://facebook.com/61556657890421	19	0	957,931,592,327,989	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Gilded Leaf Medspa	120211033673600333	fb.me	NONE	video		http://fb.me/	2024-05-02 12:46	https://scontent.fcps4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439278146_1447234499254458_1126544516987331393_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yVtd4I3aUOoQ7kNvgEhHTWN&_nc_ht=scontent.fcps4-1.fna&oh=00_AfBvGX_c644b8Ywf3BsWZQccbO1ZGS2Ide_CwmKP7ksSNQ&oe=663A6BAD	person_profile	0			3	Gilded Leaf Medspa	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,650,630	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1650420}'	No	2024-05-03 04:05	active	665	954306963366274	sciatic nerve pain? AVOID this type of milk?	"𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤'𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞! 😍😍"	WATCH_MORE	https://sciatiease.com/fb/bemsd2/?ad_id={{ad.id}}&	100422331945056	Health Report News	https://facebook.com/100076274320152	14,627	0	763,212,349,267,185	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Health Report News	120210603213640608	sciatiease.com	NONE	video	#1 vitamin at walmart for sciatic nerve pain?	https://sciatiease.com/fb/bemsd2/?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&source={{site_source_name}}&placement={{placement}}&cpid=6a19fe51-93ac-454a-8a38-5757dd3b3bde&lpid=4555d55a-4277-48db-8aa2-c49d333c34ff	2024-05-02 08:06	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440936190_1428242991123474_7212557650438818018_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=40UWQUfhj60Q7kNvgEgFt-t&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBiOVNJbVVcX0r73fOQMpnw3JcIilK3mcTYb3K7wDzs4Q&oe=663A6FCA	person_profile	0			3	Health Report News	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,647,666	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1647641}'	Yes	2024-05-03 04:02	active	665	1521883325038609	Botox: More Than Wrinkles 😲	Most people know that Botox is effective at reducing wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, but did you know that it can also help with migraine headaches?<br /> <br /> Botox blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals to and from the brain. <br /> <br /> It’s basically a roadblock that stops the pain before it gets to the nerve endings in the head and neck.<br /> <br /> Pretty cool, right?<br /> <br /> Botox can also help with things like acne, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms.<br /> <br /> So whether you’re looking to get rid of the crows' feet around the eyes, or looking to find relief from migraines or any of the other symptoms mentioned, Botox is considered to be a safe, quick, and affordable option.<br /> <br /> So where can you get Botox?<br /> <br /> There’s a local clinic in Chesterfield Missouri that gets amazing reviews for their Botox treatments, plus they offer free consultations for first time patients.<br /> <br /> 👉 Interested? Click the Learn More button down below and complete the form. <br /> <br /> *As with any cosmetic treatment or procedure, individual results may vary. We always strive to provide the best results possible.	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	247682808427390	Gilded Leaf Medspa	https://facebook.com/61556657890421	19	0	957,931,592,327,989	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Gilded Leaf Medspa	120211033673220333	fb.me	NONE	video		http://fb.me/	2024-05-02 12:46	https://scontent.fcps4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441252720_1171603060657019_1427494068612614330_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WZubnIBNe1wQ7kNvgG-Kxbf&_nc_ht=scontent.fcps4-1.fna&oh=00_AfC55OcyZOblEtGT6qrNtjKx8H7nfdq5HBaAd4_iukdbeA&oe=663A6D79	person_profile	0	Gilded Leaf Med Spa	https://scontent.fcps4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441212541_7736914836328801_8344695809864392484_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mliQTH4wOx8Q7kNvgFGDQmX&_nc_ht=scontent.fcps4-1.fna&oh=00_AfCeXD2iEbunGZbAkbfoSyJYwQ3jFOhCoHFooKJUEW1tdA&oe=663A6041	3	Gilded Leaf Medspa	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,644,880	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-05-03 04:00	active	665	1113513629953272	A New Way To Manage IBS	Co-founder of Mindset Health, Alex Naoumidis, spoke to Dr. Simone Peters in a live Q&A about all things IBS.<br /> <br /> Together, they discuss gut-directed hypnotherapy, the importance of securing a diagnosis, the link between IBS and depression, and how the Nerva program works to help you self-manage your IBS symptoms.<br /> <br /> Click the link below to see if Nerva could work for you: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftry.nervaibs.com%2Fstart-free-trial-1%2F&h=AT2KvzC2wsaNVxCgr6u013S5Dbh8b8NN9ujOeudSsMsuL4IdTLfX4uTO16HQ_Ab9vfSh95zhyBMLc-EqhH7BWfv0WW0GUiaMZJ0tDj1YgpntwvuaCthlMzT4VKKmg-sw6AdL8aAFtvsEaRAtLQjzr7KXnLUHulz3A0HRsQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://try.nervaibs.com/start-free-trial-1/</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://try.nervaibs.com/start-free-trial-1/	2304140729809624	Nerva: IBS & Gut Care	https://facebook.com/nervaibs	31,747	2	716,957,889,957,930	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Nerva: IBS & Gut Care	120201316745690466	try.nervaibs.com	NONE	video	🧠 ⚡️🧠 ⚡️🧠 ⚡️🧠 ⚡️	https://try.nervaibs.com/start-free-trial-1/	2023-11-14 22:29	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402506513_302854402665694_8005153968159793847_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-uIEgtocyHsQ7kNvgHfwuLE&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBwf1f6nsiBkcviGfl7UPhS0zLbg--h8YWm3BHQcbvFUQ&oe=663A5DA8	person_profile	0	NERVA: Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402558903_901577840824140_5470492178154236977_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1X5-0hCT4YEQ7kNvgHhTCzq&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBwOKBZpDPSiiWwJFZSqQ6jYNxEABWVUZk8mDViphUp_A&oe=663A8E3A	3	Nerva: IBS & Gut Care	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,642,897	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1648681}'	Yes	2024-05-03 04:00	active	665	778320024364796	New Neuropathy Therapy in Broken Arrow	Pain, numbness & tingling from Peripheral Neuropathy can be successfully treated.<br /> <br /> And it doesn’t require medication or surgery.<br /> <br /> At Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic in Broken Arrow, we help patients get relief from:<br /> <br /> ✅Numbness<br /> ✅Diabetic nerve pain<br /> ✅Sharp, electric-like pain<br /> ✅Burning or tingling<br /> ✅Muscle weakness<br /> ✅Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort<br /> ✅Sensitivity to touch<br /> ✅Pain when walking<br /> <br /> Too many neuropathy sufferers are forced to either live with the pain, numbness, and tingling, or try to cover up the pain with prescription medications that do not actually help them to get better.<br /> <br /> Learn more about modern neuropathy therapy in Broken Arrow at Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic. Schedule your evaluation today.	LEARN_MORE	https://nerverenewalnow.com/	101837292446394	Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic	https://facebook.com/NerveRenewalNeuropathyClinic	196	1	455,348,443,621,315	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic	120210460067020613	nerverenewalnow.com	NONE	image	Medicare & VA Approved	https://nerverenewalnow.com/	2024-04-30 12:56	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441037965_7396564200473317_8998345602763676723_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aFs_magDV8UQ7kNvgEg3J4G&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBLTm00e9zZBJ6h6WXYKyDQBBZNqcz80RmTITR1BWJ2tw&oe=663A64F3	person_profile	0	Nerve Renewal \| OK Neuropathy Clinic	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441058341_974431620437077_7689362617899965925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1lABCZjd96gQ7kNvgGVVrMi&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBXgzPDFvbQBznsu2k56v4qGLg7hPSA8SQ9QPPOUMN_VA&oe=663A68A8	3	Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic	2024-04-30 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,644,710	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-05-03 04:00	active	665	1770834813410295		RAW & UNSCRIPTED Customer Phone Call with Mother #sweetgingervaporrub #painrelief	LEARN_MORE	https://charleswarrenpresents.com/products/all-nat	107040371517410	Charles Warren Presents	https://facebook.com/CharlesWarrenPresents	6,776	13	329,967,423,376,916	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Charles Warren Presents	120208140667970630	charleswarrenpresents.com	NONE	video		https://charleswarrenpresents.com/products/all-natural-sweet-ginger-vapor-rub	2024-04-28 22:48	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438275828_1553160375246825_3356998702531107530_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qVq64Qsu0swQ7kNvgHy06ds&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBmryln8j89R9GlqH0hVz-h5FmRsZKAQGIfwT9Nf3-NBw&oe=663A8D81	person_profile	0	North Carolina Sweet Ginger Vapor Rub Stick	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438239202_979976717086479_6135812755496417391_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=epraffqX6XcQ7kNvgElzgwf&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDhE3F-u1fLT6hNu2bM5IIvdL39ssgyFLyojblBvjPV_w&oe=663A9152	3	Charles Warren Presents	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,647,898	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1647907}'	No	2024-05-03 04:02	active	665	1133976924587614	$49 Neuropathy Pain Relief Evaluation	Hey Somerset County! For the next week we are giving away 50 vouchers for a $49 Neuropathy Pain Relief Evaluation. This evaluation will include a Thermal Digital Scan to check for circulation. A 16 point Neurological exam as well as Metabolic testing to learn more about what you are experiencing and how we can help you get out of pain in the fastest time possible! (Normally a $300 value)⁣<br /> ⁣<br /> Get a voucher NOW by clicking the link below! Ready to take control and alleviate your pain?⁣<br /> ⁣<br /> Click below to sign up and claim your voucher now!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.livingwell-4life.net/optin	106850080751503	Living Well 4 Life Center	https://facebook.com/100028153676507	76	1	1,110,431,670,373,469	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Living Well 4 Life Center	120205978656870654	livingwell-4life.net	NONE	image	Book an appointment today.	https://www.livingwell-4life.net/optin	2024-02-23 15:05	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428617768_932978078426363_530116524888836250_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=86-g8cyxpKUQ7kNvgGCrKdS&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCIwQBpGmU9IqEyT3RxsMcg_eCobHA19pCkvGwqwjPm3w&oe=663A8ACE	person_profile	0	Dr. Steven Loniewski	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/429649793_1060059781747430_213862775354699594_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A8QSvsWEu-MQ7kNvgFVSpCH&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD0LSdOnn9pbyMiAnGitjn3Q53wSd9ZIlRcbRe3WRd7Yw&oe=663A6529	3	Living Well 4 Life Center	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,650,490	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1650497}'	No	2024-05-03 04:05	active	665	659481056325893	#1 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯?	"𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤'𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞! 😍😍"	WATCH_MORE	https://sciatiease.com/fb/sdxbem2bairv2try/?ad_id=	100422331945056	Health Report News	https://facebook.com/100076274320152	14,627	0	789,522,253,079,402	2024-05-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Health Report News	120210603177890608	sciatiease.com	NONE	video	sold out 7 times at walmart??	https://sciatiease.com/fb/sdxbem2bairv2try/?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&source={{site_source_name}}&placement={{placement}}&cpid=e49f8bde-850f-4979-82e9-ca3089be6721&lpid=8e01b9ab-0735-4b39-8588-4927e49bb666	2024-05-02 08:05	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440114659_1199953974320261_2625196760622811278_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ol4g3HozoGYQ7kNvgGzntqb&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfD1KumOiIQh0yvsYwemM-_LtC0UtzTCOb3OOVdXmDr7kA&oe=663A9240	person_profile	0	Live Smart		3	Health Report News	2024-05-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,649,306	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1649171}'	Yes	2024-05-03 04:04	active	665	430661546362249	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I woke up in bed and stretched. Instantly, my muscles all revolted against that idea. My entire body was sore, but my core made sure to remind me that it'd taken a beating the night before. I wiped my eyes and sat up, unsure of where I was for a moment. Until I looked around. There were toned and undressed hips all around me. I smiled to myself as I captured the image in my mind for rainy days in my future. Mack, Jones, and Xavier were all tangled in the different blankets they'd brought with them to bed the night before. Earlier that morning, really.<br /> The back of the tour bus was a bedroom, fitted with one massive bed that took up the entire room. The normal tour bus accommodations existed between the bathroom and large bedroom, but no one had volunteered to sleep in their usual bed. They'd each found a way to wrap around me in the big bed and didn't miss the chance to take me once more before we passed out for good.<br /> －－－－－－<br /> Layla<br /> "Oh, yeah! Eat me, Matty!" The woman screaming for my boyfriend was the lead singer of a moderately popular band called The Homewreckers. It was an aptly named band, apparently. Of course, she sounded amazing as she screamed. I always felt like a choking chimpanzee when I came out loud.<br /> I stood in the doorway of The Homewreckers' dressing room and took a deep breath. Unfortunately, it was scented with weed. "Hey, Matthew?"<br /> Matthew, who'd always told me he hated being called Matty, yanked his head out of Miriam Dark's private part and spun around to face me. It was almost comical how fast he spun and how wide his eyes were. He was white collar handsome. His hair was always perfectly cut, his eyebrows were never too long or bushy, and he shaved his face twice a day. He had nice blue eyes and a nice smile. Nice body, nice manhood, nice guy. Well, maybe not a nice guy. After all, his face was covered in another woman's private partl fluids.<br /> "Layla! What are you doing here?" He climbed to his feet and I watched in disgust as he shoved his flaccid manhood back into his nice dress pants. Then, as an afterthought, he wiped his face and stumbled closer to me. "This isn't..."<br /> I rolled my eyes. "It isn't what it looks like? God, Matthew, at least be original."<br /> Miriam took her time closing her legs and gently patted Matthew's shoulder. "Are we done here, Matty? Or do you think you'll be finished soon and want to finish here?"<br /> Laughing, I rolled my shoulders and leveled a hard stare at Matty. "We're done. Whatever we had is over, so feel free to finish playtime with whoever and whatever. I'm on vacation for a few days, so don't call me."<br /> He rushed after me and grabbed my arm. "Wait a second, Layla. I'm sorry. I messed up. Just give me a second to explain."<br /> I yanked my arm free and scowled at him. "Don't touch me."<br /> "Come on, Layla. Don't be like this. Talk to me. I feel terrible." He tried to take my hand again. "Please, baby."<br /> I wasn't going to let him see that I was upset. He didn't deserve that. Instead, I stepped away from him and snarled. "Touch me and I'll break every one of your fingers, Matty. Go and finish sleeping with your client. I believe she's still waiting."<br /> "Jesus. You work for me, Layla! How do you think this is going to go?"<br /> I backed away from him. "I think it's going to go just fine. Like I said, I'm on vacation. Don't call me. Don't message me. Don't think about me. As my ex-boyfriend or my boss."<br /> " Maybe not you, the perfect Layla.You have to accept that." He followed me. "I know that. I shouldn't have started anything with Miriam, but when I'm on the road with the band, it's hard. I miss you and she's there."<br /> My heart hardened and I took a deep breath. "How long have you been sleeping with her?"<br /> He swallowed so hard I saw his Adam's apple bobble. "Come on, Layla. None of this will matter. I'll stop. I'll stop and we can get engaged. You want that, right?"<br /> I gagged. "Ew, Matthew. There's not a chance that I'm getting engaged to you! I'd rather stick my papilla in a truck winch and turn it on."<br /> Miriam sauntered out of her dressing room topless and looked me over. "We've been slept for a year. Matty eats private part like a champ."<br /> A real smile stretched my lips. "Now I know you're full of foolish talk. He might get an climax, but a champ? Hardly. Anyway, enjoy him. I hope him not having a girlfriend doesn't ruin your lady boner."<br /> "Miriam, go back inside! Layla, just stop and talk to me!"<br /> Miriam and I both answered Matthew in unison. <br /> I looked at her and shrugged. "Maybe you're not all bad."<br /> Without waiting for either of them to say anything else, I turned around and walked away, ignoring Matthew as he called my name. Eventually he stopped and I walked faster. I needed to get out of there before I cried. I wasn't about to cry backstage at a music festival. Someone would probably jump out and tit punch me as some anti-crying ritual.<br /> As I walked faster, I couldn't fight the way my eyes filled with tears. No matter how lackluster Matthew was, I'd devoted years of my life to him. I'd just wasted my vacation time on him, too. I thought sneaking out to meet him on the road would be fun and lend some much needed excitement to our relationship. Things hadn't been good...ever...but I'd hoped that we could at least get back to a place where I didn't dread seeing him at work every day.<br /> I wiped at my eyes and felt the mascara I'd coated my eyelashes with earlier. Stupid. I swore and stomped my way farther away from Matthew and the ugly end of our relationship. The image of his hip in the air while he happily ate Miriam Dark's hoo-hah like a pig in slop would forever be burned into my memory.<br /> I couldn't wait to get back home to my apartment and destroy everything of Matthew's that he'd left behind. I needed to update my social media. I didn't do much on it anymore, but I couldn't stand the idea of people thinking I was still with the loser. I'd have to call Grandma. That thought made me want to sob. She hated Matthew, but she liked that I wasn't alone in LA. Knowing I was single again was going to worry her. And if she told Jagger, my older brother, about me being single, Jagger would call and demand to know what'd happened. Then, he would try to fly out and kick Matthew's hip. It was just a mess.<br /> Growling out a frustrated sound, I looked down to make sure I stepped over a big mess of cords. I couldn't believe someone had left the stage like that. It was a hazard. Not to mention, it would be so easy to show if someone tripped over the wrong cord.<br /> I should've been paying attention because when the crowd's wild cheering broke through my self-pitying stupor, I looked up to see how close I'd gotten to the main stage. Unfortunately, a man with a guitar was coming off the stage, looking back at another man behind him. I was moving too fast to stop in time and he wasn't looking. It happened so fast that I didn't even make a sound as I smacked right into the man and felt pain before bouncing off his hard body and going down hard. Those tangled cords.<br /> I heard a deep voice growl above me, but I reached up to feel my forehead and felt something wet. I knew my eyes went as wide as softballs and when I pulled my fingers down and saw red, I groaned. Blood was my kryptonite. My vision darkened and I gagged on my way down.<br /> <br /> Mack<br /> "Well." By the time I realized what was happening, the curvy brunette was flat on the ground. I dropped to my knees next to her and swore when I saw the blood on her forehead. "This is a new form of falling for me."<br /> Xavier squatted on her other side and frowned. "Not really a great time for joking. You knocked her out."<br /> Jones sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Where'd she come from? Also, maybe look where you're going from now on. You ran the poor thing over. Big time."<br /> I brushed her hair out of her face and had a completely ridiculous moment of feeling like I was staring down at Sleeping Beauty. She was gorgeous. I gently patted her soft cheek. "Ma'am? Hello?"<br /> "Great work. She's jumping right to life." Jones looked over his shoulder. "You've got about thirty seconds to get her on her feet and out of the way before the crowd beats back security and runs back here."<br /> I could hear the commotion he was hearing and ground my teeth. We'd just come off an amazing show. I had planned on going to a bar and getting hammered. Taking care of a Disney princess hadn't been in my plans, but it didn't look like I had an option. I couldn't just leave her on the ground and I didn't know any of the stage hands enough to trust them with an unconscious woman.<br /> "Fine." I stood up and lifted her body over my shoulder. Her head and arms hung limply and bounced off my hip, but I figured it was better for her than getting trampled to death. "Let's get her to our bus and get the medics to check her out. She'll be safe there until she can wake up and go."<br /> Xavier nodded once and charged ahead, clearing a path. He was a giant of a man and no one was dumb enough to stay in his way. They didn't understand what a gentle soul he was. I was thankful for that when they jumped out of our way, though. Especially with a crowd of rabid fans chasing after us.<br /> Jones barked at security to make sure no one followed us out into the artist lot and slammed the heavy metal door shut behind us. He swore and scowled at the door like it was the problem. "What do we even pay security for if they can't keep people away?"<br /> The woman over my shoulder groaned and grabbed my hips. I waited to see if she would say anything else, but she didn't. Her arms fell limp again and I released a breath at not having her scream and freak out while dangling over my shoulder.<br /> "I'll call the medic." Xavier hurried ahead to the bus.<br /> "This puts a damper on my plans." I sighed and glanced over at Jones. "We put on a good show and I was planning on drinking my face off to celebrate."<br /> "The medics are quick. We'll get her taken care of, apologize, and then send her on her way. With the medics, hopefully." He ran his eyes over the full hip over my shoulder. "Too bad you knocked her out before seeing if she wanted to drink with us."<br /> I laughed. "She sure is pretty. I doubt she'll be in a forgiving mood, though. I should've been looking at where I was going."<br /> "Why change now? Forget what I said earlier. We're in our forties. Let's not waste our time. Old dogs and new tricks, you know." He reached the bus before me and opened the door. "You put your guitar down."<br /> I winced. "I'll send a text to Shane as soon as I put her down."<br /> "I'll do it now. They're going to have to chase down whatever fan saw it and took it, probably. I highly doubt it's still sitting where you left it."<br /> I didn't want to think about my baby being in someone else's hands so instead, I focused on the woman in my arms. I climbed the steps and entered the bus, letting the cool AC wash over my overheated skin. The first space on the bus was a living room with four comfortable couches and I eased the unconscious woman down on one of them.<br /> Stretched out on the couch, her curves were even more noticeable. She was wearing tight black jeans and a low-cut top that was black and mostly straps and lace. I didn't get it, but I liked it. It was bad for me to notice her body, but the top curves of her breasts were spilling out of the shirt deliciously.<br /> I forced my eyes to her forehead and frowned. The cut was definitely from my baby. It looked like either a cord or a corner of my guitar had hit her just perfectly to leave a small cut. The skin around the cut didn't look too angry and overall, she looked okay. Besides being unconscious. I ran my hands under the back of her head and felt around to see if I found a lump from her hitting her head on the ground, but there was nothing.<br /> "The medics are tied up at another stage." Xavier growled in frustration and stared down at the woman. "Cut looks fine. Anything along the back of her head?"<br /> I shook my head. "No. She seems fine, honestly."<br /> "I don't like that she passed out." He sat down across from her and rested his elbows on his knees. "Go ahead and shower. I'll watch over her until you're back."<br /> Xavier, Jones, and I had served in the military together. We'd each done enough time to know how to take care of basic medical emergencies and several other things we'd never need in civilian life. It'd been a long time since any of us had to do first-aid in the field, but we could still hold our own.<br /> "Sure. I'll be fast." I winced. "I'm the one who plowed her over. I should be the one that has to explain it."<br /> I showered as fast as possible in the small bus bathroom but I still wasn't fast enough. By the time I shut the water off, I could already hear a husky female voice I didn't recognize ranting away. I wrapped a towel around myself and rushed out to apologize and get her to stop chewing out Jones and Xavier.<br /> What I found wasn't her chewing them out, though. She was pacing back and forth in front of where they sat on their own couches with her hands on her hips and fury on her face. She wasn't angry at us, though. Nope. It seemed another man had pissed in her cereal that morning.<br /> "This is just the cherry on the cake. Why not get a scar to memorialize the day I walked in on my boyfriend cheating on me? I'm so angry I could punch him in the manhood."<br /> I swear all three of us males cringed. I also had to rearrange my thinking. She was no Disney princess. She had spunk, to say the least.<br /> "She had the nerve to brag about his oral skills. Please. I literally have had better climaxs humping my hand. Either her needs are rock bottom, which is great for her if that's the case, or she was just lying to try to hurt me. I'm embarrassed, sure! It's not everyday you walk in on your boyfriend motorboating Miriam Dark's private part lips, but whatever. I'm just pissed. I came all the way here. I shaved. I put lotion on every inch of my body. Even the backs of my knees. Did I care that they're going to get sweaty faster now? Nope. I wanted to be smooth."<br /> I leaned against the doorway and let myself really look at her. She was taller than I'd thought and had legs that stretched on for miles. The black jeans hugged her full hip and hips in a way that made my mouth water. Her waist clipped in just enough that my hands would fit in the notch perfectly if I was taking her from behind. Her shirt made her full breasts look even more delicious while she was standing and I was at half-mast almost immediately.<br /> Her body, as stunning as it was, nearly touched on the beauty that was her face. Her big blue eyes were surrounded by dark eyelashes and her pouty mouth was stained red. She had dark brown hair down to her shoulders that curled wildly. If she hadn't been swearing, her creamy skin would've really made her look like a Disney princess. She could've probably gone down to Florida and got a job playing one of them right then. I'd never been attracted to a Disney princess before, though.<br /> "And you want to know the worst part? I work for the stupid prick. And no, before anyone has the jackass assumption that I'm sleeping my way into my position, I'm not. I'm better at his job than he is and I've been sticking around for even longer than I should've because he kept promising that he'd put in a good word with his boss for me. Because I deserve it. I do his work. I can't remember the last time he's had to do a single thing. At least he chose to sleep with Miriam himself. Although, I'm pretty sure I'd be better at that, too."<br /> Jones snorted and held up his hands when the little firecracker spun on him. "I'm not disagreeing with you, honey. I'm just enjoying hearing you eviscerate this manhoodhead."<br /> She stared at him and slowly her face darkened and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. She looked absolutely distressed and I hated it.<br /> "What's wrong?" I made myself known and was rewarded with watching her eyes trail down my chest. The way her eyes got all bedroom heavy and she licked her lips turned that almost solid shaft into a full blown shaft. I had to shift to hide it from her curious eyes.<br /> She glanced back at Jones and then at Xavier. "Oh."<br /> Xavier stood up and inched towards her. "Are you okay? Your head... Is it hurting?"<br /> She looked up at him and I saw the way her body naturally swayed towards my giant of a best friend. Something about that made me want to hug her. Some women treated Xavier and his size like a threat and it hurt him. "Oh. I can't believe I didn't realize before now. You're JAX."<br /> Jones sighed and nodded. "Yep."<br /> She pushed her curls back from her face. "Don't worry. I'm not going to fangirl. I'm just mortified. I work for your record label and this is now the most unprofessional vacation I've ever taken. I have to go. Can you just forget you ever saw me?"	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1,649,117	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":0.8958333333333334,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-05-03 04:04	active	665	239325069270533	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"And you have a mate..." his eyes narrow on my mark and I feel the need to just claw it off.<br /> "My mate found his mate and now I'm just ... the luna of our pack." My chin begins to wobble as tears form in my eyes.<br /> I shouldn't be crying, but I know that he won't accept me. I'm ruined ... I'm marked, claimed to be someone elses ...<br /> "Why are you crying?" he inches closer and only stops when he's in front of me. I want to fall into his arms, to beg him not to reject me, to save me, but how can I when I'm claimed ...<br /> "You're going to reject me." my eyes squeeze shut as I suck my lips into my mouth.<br /> "You might be marked, but I can fix that."<br /> "How?" I stare up at him with teary eyes, "We remove it." he shrugs, his eyes filled with lust.<br /> ————————<br /> JESSICA'S POV<br /> Nick and I have been married for three years, we are high school sweethearts and married when we were twenty when neither of us found our mates. These days, fated mates are rare and hard to come by ... we both agreed I'd be a good Luna to the pack since I trained with him, I learned to be a luna from his mother and we have been inseparable since we were in diapers.<br /> He's my best friend and my true love.<br /> We made a promise to never leave, to never break the bond, to never reject one another when we found our real mates, which is likely to never happen.<br /> We are attending a ball tonight, but my insides are twisted, as if the Moon Goddess herself wants to shield me from whatever is going to happen, I tried to talk Nick into staying at home, but as stubborn like all alpha's are, he refused and said that we would get a bad name if we didn't attend.<br /> Sitting in the car while our driver takes us to a nearby pack, a strong and mighty one.<br /> I know it's our duty to attend, but holding his hand in the back seat, something is terribly wrong.<br /> We arrive and there are a line of cars outside, one by one driving by , guests getting out, wearing gowns and suits.<br /> It's our turn and Nick opens the door, holding his hand out to me and I happily take it as we get out, photos are taken and a red carpet is rolled out as if we were famous.<br /> Nick looks handsome with his dark blonde hair gelled back, his chiseled jaw tense, and the edges of his lips curled up into a small smile.<br /> We arrive inside and we're led to the ballroom, servants with trays walking with snack food and drinks pace all over while the guests stand and chat.<br /> I notice the alpha of The Deep Mountain pack greeting people, making rounds to greet and speak, there's a stage in the middle against the wall, a bar to the side and a dance floor in the middle where couples are dancing elegantly.<br /> I smile at my surroundings and freeze when I look at Nick, staring at a beautiful dark haired girl .<br /> "Nick." I tug at his hand, but it's like he's under a spell, frozen in time as the girl stares back at him.<br /> "Nick." I tug harder, his shoulder shrugging back, "Huh?" he turns to me with a frown, his fingers letting go of my hand and I feel cold.<br /> "I'm going to grab a drink." he smiles at me before walking off towards the bar, closer to the strange woman.<br /> I was an omega and the room is filled with power, I could even feel hers because she is of a higher rank.<br /> I gulp as I watch him walk to the bar, his eyes locked on hers and she elegantly turns in her navy blue dress, walking towards him with dark lustful eyes.<br /> I can't be ... but it is ... it's his mate ..<br /> I stand frozen and a shoulder bumps into me, making my head turn at the woman glaring and snarling, "Watch where you are going!" she scolds and I apologize before walking over to the bar, joining my mate's side while he absentmindedly stares at the woman next to him.<br /> I clear my throat, but there's no response from him.<br /> He doesn't even notice me ..<br /> "Nick." I smile , hope filling my heart as he glances at me, fear flashing through his perfect green orbs as he steps back and then looks at her again.<br /> "Jess, this is Tiffany ... my mate." he smiles awkwardly at me but when he looks at her, it's a genuine smile ...<br /> "Nick." I frown in concern and he takes my hand, giving it a tight squeeze, "Don't worry, I know what to do." he smiles, "Shall we talk outside?" the gloominess in his eyes makes me relax only for a minute until she holds out her hand, smiling gracefully with her full lips and pretty blue eyes.<br /> My heart sinks when her hand hooks into his arm and they head to the balcony. alone ...<br /> I should go with ... but it is a private matter.<br /> 'He's ours...' Zola, my wolf, whimpers.<br /> I stand at the bar, staring carelessly at my mate walking off with his true mate and I inch closer, frowning as every nerve in my body is burning to follow them.<br /> I glance around and there are so many people that they don't even notice until the Luna of the Deep Mountain pack steps closer, "Jessica, is it? From the West Pack?" I nod, trying not to be rude when I look at the balcony and not at her while she speaks to me.<br /> "Oh honey, it's done." she shakes her head and I frown, cocking my head at her in confusion.<br /> "What do you mean?" My eyes stare into her honey ones.<br /> "He found his mate, I'm sorry but it's fated and you are now the other woman." she sighs, glancing at the balcony doors.<br /> I stare at her, my heart racing a million miles an hour and I excuse myself.<br /> I step out of the house, moving around the arriving couples when I feel my heart squeeze, pain taking over and I know what it meant ... Disgust fills me and I start to run, glancing over my shoulder no one notices and I shift, my beautiful pastel pink dress ripping to shreds as I run into the woods.<br /> The pain had stopped, but I did not return home until after midnight, finding Nick sitting on the couch, watching tv.<br /> "Jessica, where have you been?" he stands as I slam the door shut, standing undressed in front of him.<br /> I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at him. "Excuse me?" I shake my head at him, "Where have I been? What have you been doing!" I growl, making his eyes widen in shame and his gaze flicks to the floor when he scratches his nape.<br /> "That's what I thought, you couldn't even resist ten minutes before sleeping her, could you?" I see the pure rage filling me.<br /> "I didn't, I swear..." he promises, but I don't believe him.<br /> Scoffing, I strut past the couch to our room, "Can we talk?" he yells and I turn , "Did you reject her?" I frown and he falls silent, raking a hand through his hair.<br /> "Then no, we can't ." I turn and walk to our room.<br /> He follows me, closing the door behind us, "Jess, I love you. I promise I will reject her, I just ... I couldn't, it's much more difficult than you think." he frowns, explaining himself.<br /> "And will you go and do it?" I grab clothes from the closet, "I will, just ... I need time." he begs and I snort, "Can I come when you do it?" the silence says it all, he doesn't want me there ...<br /> "You're saying you'll do it, but you won't, because you are weak." I tut, shaking my head.<br /> "I will, I just need to distance myself, to keep myself away and then I'll do it when I have the strength to." he explains, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.<br /> I hum, ignoring him as I strut past him toward the bathroom and he reaches for me, grabbing my wrist and I snarl at him, making him let me go instantly, "Don't touch me after sleeping someone else." I grit out, backing up into the bathroom and I slam the door shut, the heavy thud shaking the windows and I lock the door.<br /> I take a hot shower, the water pouring down on me as my back slides down the tiled wall, tears streaming down my face as I weep.<br /> I hear the door handle jiggle and I wipe the fog from the glass door, staring at the handle go up and down as he tries to enter.<br /> I feel a tug at the mind link, but I shut him out.<br /> He disgusts me, he promised, both of us promised one another that we would immediately reject our mates before the bond grew and he is letting it grow, making it ten times more difficult to reject them.<br /> I can't believe I trusted him ... I expose his mark in the crook of my neck, I hold our love dear in my heart and he just let it all go down the drain, letting it sink into the sewers.<br /> I am nothing under his shoe and here I am, still loving him with every breath I take.<br /> After sitting more than an hour under the steaming water, it turns cold and I sit for another half an hour before standing and I shut the water off, taking my time to get dressed and when I stride out in silk booty shorts and a thin strap silk top, I notice how Nick lays in bed, his thumbs circling one another as he stares at the ceiling.<br /> He doesn't even notice me and I am sure he's thinking about her.<br /> The one who stole his heart within a second, the one who is going to steal my life, my bed, my position and my mate.<br /> We are real mates, we accepted one another, we marked each other, we might not be fated, but we are real or we were before her.<br /> ==<br /> My heart starts racing as we head further up the stairs, my pulse is beating in my ears and the musky scent is intensifying. When we reach the top, there's an entire living room in the middle and then two halls, but the scent up here is stronger ... "What's that smell?" I ask Louis without hesitation. He turns to me, his arched brows furrowing together, "The sweaty smell? Must be Nate, my alpha, but please, call him Alpha Nathaniel, he doesn't like strangers calling him Nate, or anyone else. As his best friend, I have perks." he winks at me, his smile so genuine and he seems like a totally different guy in his own pack than what he was at the party.<br /> I wet my lips and it still stings, it's taking forever to heal but I could feel it start from the inside.<br /> "Louis! Have you seen my phone?" Nate's voice comes from the opposite hall. "No, I've been out doing your job!" Louis yells back and the power lingering in the air is suffocating me. I'm stiff and upset about the stupid dress I thought would impress Nick.<br /> "Come.." Louis tugs me down the other hall, away from Alpha Nathaniel and once I enter his room, I'm shook. Everything is so white except for a few decorations. "Wow." I breathe out, his room is bigger than Nick and I's.<br /> He marches over to his closet and grabs a shirt, tossing it at me, "The bathroom is over there." he nods behind me and I turn, smiling before looking over my shoulder at him, "I'll be right back." he struts over to the door and I head inside the bathroom, the white marble walls knock the air right out of my lungs and I stand for two minutes and just look at everything.<br /> The bathtub looks huge, almost like a hot tub, the shower has benches built in and is large with great shower head equipment, the sink is built into a large white counter with beautiful engraved cupboards below it.<br /> I quickly undress and put Louis' white shirt on that fits me like a dress. I drape my dress over my arm and pick up my heels before exiting the bathroom, standing awkwardly looking at the bed ... wondering if he'll come back to peck me ...<br /> I know I shouldn't think of it, but I've been feeling so alone ... It doesn't matter if Nick slept next to me last night, his mind wasn't with me ... he didn't want me in his bed ... he wanted her.<br /> He didn't even come near me when all I wanted was for him to hold me, to tell me I'm still important too ... but he didn't. When he climbed into bed, he turned his back to me and fell asleep, but it seemed forced, like he didn't want to see me at all.<br /> The door opens and Louis stands there, his eyes trailing me standing in his shirt. "You are tiny, aren't you?" he comes inside, holding out his hand and I take it, "Let's get that dress fixed." he grins and leads me down the hall again.<br /> Before taking the first step, a clearing of a throat makes us stop, "Louis, who's this?" Alpha Nathaniel's voice makes a shiver run down my spine and Louis turns first, "Jessica." he smiles and before he could explain anything, I turn, freezing when our eyes lock.<br /> My lips part as I stare into Alpha Nathaniel's beautiful olive orbs, his entire body language changes, his laid back look now tense.<br /> "Mate." he growls lowly and I gasp, fear and excitement mixing inside of me. My stomach flutters and Louis let's go of me, stepping aside, "Nate, I didn't know." he moves away from me and Alpha Nathaniel's eyes lock on my busted lip, his eyes flicking a bright silver as he looks at Louis, "What happened to her lip?" he grits out, anger clear in his tone.<br /> "Her..." , "Wait!" I blurt out, looking at Louis with pleading eyes and Alpha Nathaniel's head snaps to my direction, curiosity visible in his gaze, "Why wait?" Alpha Nathaniel asks, his tone calm when speaking to me.<br /> "I just ... I think I should tell you." I pick at my nails nervously, hoping that he wouldn't reject me.<br /> Louis walks over to me, "Give me the dress, I'll get it cleaned." he smiles and Alpha Nathaniel gives him a weird look as I hand it over.<br /> "Excuse me." Louis mutters before trotting down the stairs, leaving me alone with Alpha Nathaniel.<br /> "So, what happened?" he asks, his muscles tensing. I want to inch closer, every fibre of my being wants to be near him ... but his gaze falls to my neck, looking at the mark embroidered into my flesh.<br /> "My mate his Louis for dancing with me and he accidentally hit me too ... I was in the way." his eyes flash bright, anger written all over his face, "Accidentally?" he frowns, dragging his large veiny hand through his black hair. "Yes, I believe so." I gulp, his aura makes me feel like running away.<br /> "And you have a mate..." his eyes narrow on my mark and I feel the need to just claw it off.<br /> "My mate found his mate and now I'm just ... the luna of our pack." My chin begins to wobble as tears form in my eyes.<br /> I shouldn't be crying, but I know that he won't accept me. I'm ruined ... I'm marked, claimed to be someone elses ...<br /> "Why are you crying?" he inches closer and only stops when he's in front of me. I want to fall into his arms, to beg him not to reject me, to save me, but how can I when I'm claimed ...<br /> "You're going to reject me." my eyes squeeze shut as I suck my lips into my mouth. I flinch as his fingers brush over my cheek, wiping the tears away and sparks erupt in my face, sending a calm sensation down my back.<br /> "You might be marked, but I can fix that." his hand brushes my raven hair back over my shoulder, his thumb dragging over my mark and it slightly stings because he isn't the man who gave it to me ...<br /> "How?" I stare up at him with teary eyes, "We remove it." he shrugs, his eyes filled with lust.<br /> I step back, "How?"<br /> I never heard of a mark being removed ... and if someone did, they sure didn't survive to tell the tale.<br /> "It's a rare ritual, but you seem tough enough." he shrugs, making my blood run cold ... I'm not tough ... I was an omega before being a luna ...<br /> "I was an omega before being a luna." I blurt out, feeling like it's a fact he has to know.<br /> "But you are a luna, it changes your status. Didn't you feel yourself change?" his fingers drag down the side of my arm before he takes my hand and I feel like I might just jump him right here.<br /> "Let's get you out of Louis's shirt ... I know he's kind but you smelling like him pisses me off." his eyes widen, his jaw tense and I follow him without hesitation.<br /> Walking into his room is like walking into a fancy black interior design room, the walls are black, his bedding his black, his cupboards are black ... everything is black with beautiful gold detailing.<br /> "Wow." I breathe out as I absentmindedly march over to the double doors and just open them without asking. I step outside onto the patio, staring at the dark forest that surrounds us. We're far from the ground and I turn, looking at the dark exterior.<br /> Alpha Nathaniel joins me outside with a black t-shirt, not that I expected anything else, "Here, this will suit you much better." he grins, handing me the black shirt. "Where's your bathroom?" he frowns at my question, "Inside." he nods to behind him and I smile up at him, his emerald eyes glistening as he watches me pass him.<br /> I could feel his eyes on me as I disappear into the bathroom and it's even bigger than Louis' ...<br /> I find it extremely weird that the guy who brought me home is my mate's beta ... for Goddess sake ... I thought of pecking him!<br /> I take a few minutes to glance around the bathroom, staring at myself in the full length bathroom mirror across from me.<br /> My lip is almost fully healed at least ...<br /> Nick ... oh Goddess, what do I tell Nick?	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