Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Adarchiveid	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Pageid	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Collationcount	Collationid	Enddate	Entitytype	Gatedtype	Hidedatastatus	Isaaaeligible	Isactive	Isprofilepage	Cta Text	Pagename	Ad Creative	Caption	Effective Authorization Category	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Instagram Actor Name	Instagram Profile Pic Url	Version	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
1,778,043	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1777945}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:33	active	760	1135762577660950	FREE VIP WORKOUT	⭐️HEY MEN IN THE MOORESVILLE AREA👇<br /> <br /> Have you heard about D1 Training in Mooresville?! We understand starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, but we're here to support you every step of the way. That's why we're offering a FREE VIP WORKOUT❗️<br /> <br /> D1 Training provides men with customized programming to help achieve your fitness goals. Our 5-Star⭐️ Training Program is based on a Division 1 strength & conditioning program and includes a dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core & conditioning, and a cool-down stretch.<br /> <br /> We get it – stepping into a new fitness environment can be intimidating. That's why every workout at D1 Training is led by a certified coach who offers guidance and motivation, creating a supportive atmosphere to help ease any nerves.<br /> <br /> Our state-of-the-art facility features the same multilayered synthetic turf and top-of-the-line equipment used by top universities and professional athletes🤩<br /> <br /> At D1 Training, we're more than just a gym; we're a community. We're dedicated to providing a proven, professional, positive, and peer-supported environment.<br /> <br /> Click ‘Get Offer’ now and enter your information on the next page to secure your spot for a 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 VIP Workout!<br /> <br /> P.s. Limited spots available, first come first serve. Don't let nerves hold you back – take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!	GET_OFFER	http://fb.me/	112237423755885	D1 Training - Mooresville	https://facebook.com/D1Mooresville	1,401	1	808,358,720,773,752	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Get offer	D1 Training - Mooresville	120210595812250079	fb.me	NONE	image	Limited Spots Available	http://fb.me/	2024-05-08 12:06	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441249576_884996230309740_4677498455249006364_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QScuCziZwjsQ7kNvgEFTyce&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfC7WiK7JIxH4_-hsG92qqh3y4gvkPA8ST1C1vdhR9ldbg&oe=6641CAF2	person_profile	D1 Training - Mooresville	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440313279_1091857508588392_512500567196086058_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JmDsSJIf2ncQ7kNvgGeoe0G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDoRW4Z1bXVDAvz2CpEaunaxvQBg2WyobwTxkCb0xGl5Q&oe=6641C140	3	D1 Training - Mooresville	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,094	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778204}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	289932907501372	🔥🔥 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.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE3MTgwMS8yMDI0	128135990379169	Myno003	https://facebook.com/61550840804079	87	1	1,153,857,715,841,793	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Myno003	120208576283540442	a.menovels.com	NONE	video		https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE3MTgwMS8yMDI0MDUwODEwNTU1MS9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:02	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440415166_752521837039531_418745015514629864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nA2USWkWdSgQ7kNvgGft2KD&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAODF2iKN0b76u4T6xH3-nE6uAwVjXWVxdmam4Iig8qGQ&oe=6641F211	person_profile	Myno003	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440850849_294196600414857_4322535669743443601_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B7hdo8qYcugQ7kNvgGkXc5m&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCs8nXpGNJ_XLjIlfLrfGTcpOaj_Jx_4-hCqLiC0EOs7g&oe=6641CDCA	3	Myno003	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,106	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778276}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	357868900122905	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	This was the first time in my life I felt so humiliated, and the one who humiliated me was my own mate.<br /> "Hayden , is this how you treat your mate?" I asked through gritted teeth.<br /> "Mate?" he laughed. "Do you think I care about you being my mate ? For me , a mate is just a stepping stone to become stronger . An Alpha needs a Luna to make them and their packs stronger," he said coldly.<br /> __________<br /> "Help!"<br /> A woman's cry attracted the pack members around the area.<br /> They were terrified to see two figures falling from the high cliff. They recognized the two figures - one of them was Sofia , the former's Alpha mate, and the other was Charlotte, the current Alpha's mate.<br /> Both of them plunged toward the sea below the cliff. Charlotte felt the cold sea water enveloping her body, and she nearly drowned due to swallowing the seawater. Luckily,pack members began to rescue them.<br /> Hayden, who was patrolling around the area,naturally heard the cries too. He quickly went to the scene and saw Sofia, who was bleeding profusely.<br /> "Charlotte.. I know you are jealous of my relationship with Hayden, but there really is nothing going on between us . Why did you push me off the cliff?" Sofia's weak voice sounded before she passed out.<br /> Hearing Sofia's words, Hayden was furious, and he looked angrily at Charlotte.<br /> Charlotte herself had sustained injuries from her fall, her arms were scratched by the rocks on the sea, leaving a long gash, and her forehead was also knocked on a small rock, but Hayden took no notice of her.<br /> " That pretentious bimob ! Tell them the truth ,Charlotte," my wolf, Lexi, growled.<br /> " Hayden , I can explain . " Charlotte tried hard to say those words despite the pain all over her body.<br /> Hayden sneered. "Explain? Everyone saw what had happened and heard Sofia's words . "<br /> "But she pushed-" Charlotte frantically tried to explain what really happened.<br /> " Enough ! If there's something wrong with her and her baby, I'll punish you personally,"<br /> Hayden cut her off and said harshly as he picked Sofia in his arms and ran toward the pack's infirmary.<br /> At that time , Charlotte knew there was no use for her to tell the truth. No one would believe her, not even her own mate.<br /> Her heart hurt as if it was being stabbed by multiple knives, and yet she couldn't do anything about it.<br /> This wasn't the first time she was framed by Sofia and Milla, Hayden's younger sister. And just like today, he never asked her about what happened; he always listened to their side of the story and blamed her for everything.<br /> Three years of being mated and married to him, she always tried her best to make Sofia and Milla happy, knowing how much they meant to Hayden , yet they kept treating her like an Omega.<br /> Sometimes even worse. She had to serve them all the time.<br /> Charlotte knew the reason for it. They thought she was just an orphan she-wolf and not on par with Hayden , the ruthless Alpha of the third largest pack, the Red Claw Pack.<br /> They thought she didn't deserve to be the Luna of the pack due to her background.<br /> To be Hayden's mate, she purposely cut ties with her family to ensure Hayden wouldn't know her real identity. She just wanted to be his mate and serve him like a good Luna .<br /> Sometimes she thought, would it make a difference if they knew about her real background? But she didn't want them to know . She wanted Hayden to love her for her ,not her as the powerful Alpha-in-line.<br /> Because of that, she had endured every insult, humiliation, and abuse from Sofia and Milla, yet she still served them as a good sister-in-law.<br /> She didn't tell Hayden about it as they were Hayden's family, and she always humbled herself in front of them .<br /> Hayden became the Red Claw Pack's Alpha when his brother died, leaving Sofia as a widow and pregnant with his child.<br /> Charlotte was over the moon when she met him and knew he was her mate . But who would have thought that Sofia, the widow of Hayden's late brother, was more important than Charlotte?<br /> Ever since Hayden claimed Charlotte as his mate and married her, he seldom cared for her. Instead, he spent more time with Sofia.<br /> He was even more protective of Sofia.<br /> Everyone could see the way he treated Sofia,and there were rumors that Hayden was in love with her .<br /> Charlotte's mind was in a mess, and her body was drenched; her arm and forehead were bleeding.<br /> It took her every effort just to stand up.<br /> Luckily, Noah, the Beta of the Pack, was kind enough to help Charlotte. He supported her to go to the infirmary to treat her wounds .<br /> "Thank you, Noah," Charlotte said with gratitude as they walked slowly toward the infirmary.<br /> Charlotte kept thinking if she had told Hayden of her real identity, would he believe her instead of Sofia? Should she tell him the truth?<br /> " You need to tell him the truth , " Lexi growled to remind her. Even her wolf hated Sofia and Hayden.<br /> But would he believe her? As Hayden said,there were many witnesses.<br /> When Sofia jumped back from the cliff, she grabbed her hand to pull her along. But for onlookers, it looked like what Sofia had described.<br /> Charlotte's hand was on Sofia's chest, and she had no doubt it looked like she was pushing Sophia, and Sophia was just trying not to fall when she reached for Charlotte's hand, but unfortunately, she was pulled along, and they both fell into the sea.<br /> Charlotte had to admit that Sofia was the master of scheming.<br /> Thinking of the blood flowing from the bottom part of Sophia's body, Charlotte knew there might be a huge chance that she would miscarry , and this wouldn't be good for her .<br /> "I'm going to punish you personally,"<br /> Hayden's harsh words rang in Charlotte's mind again.<br /> "You still need to try to explain," Lexi growled .<br /> "I wanted to explain, but he didn't want to listen to me," I told her.<br /> "Try explaining again, " she growled.<br /> Charlotte knew Lexi was angry with what Sofia had done.<br /> Charlotte was hoping that her mate would believe her , but she had little doubt about it .<br /> After staggering slowly, with the help of Noah, they finally reached the infirmary.<br /> Before she was able to see a doctor about her wounds, she was summoned by Hayden through their mindlink, "Come straight to Sophia's ward."<br /> His cold voice sent shivers down Charlotte's spine, yet she had no courage to disobey him.<br /> Her legs moved slowly toward Sofia's ward,and somehow she had a foreboding feeling as she got closer to her destination.<br /> If Hayden was always on Sofia's side all this time, would he believe her just this once?<br /> She prayed to the Moon Goddess that he would believe her , at least just this once .<br /> Standing in front of Sofia's ward, Charlotte took a deep breath before pushing the door open, only to be greeted by Hayden's cold gaze.<br /> Hayden's cold gaze froze me in my spot.<br /> It didn't help that I was still drenched, and the cold on my body hadn't subsided.<br /> His gaze made me feel even colder, as if I was once again submerged in icy water.<br /> "Stay there!" he commanded harshly.<br /> He didn't care that the blood on my arms and forehead was dripping down, tainting the white floor of the ward with red splotches of blood.<br /> Sofia was lying on the bed looking pale and weak , and the doctor was examining her .<br /> There were nurses , the Gamma couples , and some pack members gathered outside the ward.<br /> I could hear the murmuring of the pack members outside the ward.<br /> "I can't believe the Luna dared to push Sofia down the cliff."<br /> "Who would have thought that she was so heartless?"<br /> "Isn't it obvious that she was jealous? The Alpha favors Sofia more than the Luna. She must've thought Sofia was a threat and wanted to kill her."<br /> Hearing their hurtful remarks and looking at the accusing gazes of everyone in the room,I felt myself going pale. I clenched my t-shirt tightly and bit my lips. It hurt<br /> " I'm sorry , but we couldn't save your baby , "<br /> the doctor said after checking and putting Sofia on the drip.<br /> The doctor's words seemed to be like a death sentence to me.<br /> Sofia began crying hysterically. "Why? Why must this happen to me ? I've lost my mate ,and now I lost the only gift he left me. I've lost our baby ! "<br /> Sofia's wail was very heartbreaking . If I didn't know the truth, I might even be moved to tears by her performance of being a heartbroken widow who had lost her child.<br /> "Charlotte!" Hayden's sister, Milla, suddenly approached me and raised her hand high,giving me a slap on the cheek.<br /> I wasn't expecting it and couldn't stop her or dodge it. My mate just looked at us coldly with no intention of stopping his sister.<br /> " Are you happy now ? " she glared at me . " You have killed her baby ! You are very vicious for pushing her off the cliff! Kneel and apologize to her!"<br /> I looked at Hayden and tried to explain," Hayden , I can explain . . "<br /> Hayden sneered. "What can you explain?<br /> That you viciously pushed her off the cliff and jumped with her so everyone thinks that you were also a victim?"<br /> "But she pushed herself down the cliff and pulled me along!"I tried to explain what really happened frantically.<br /> "Do you think everyone is stupid and blind?<br /> Why would Sofia jump off the cliff when it's dangerous for her condition?" Hayden snarled.<br /> " But I really didn't push her ! " I kept trying to defend myself and told him the truth .<br /> "Enough!" Hayden roared, and his Alpha aura rolled off his body, making everyone,including me, cower in fear. "Stop lying and trying to slander Sofia . "<br /> "You have killed my brother's baby. Kneel and apologize to Sofia just like Milla had said," he said coldly.<br /> His words made me freeze in my spot again.<br /> Why wouldn't he believe me? Why would he believe someone else's words but not his mate's? Was it true that he was in love with Sofia?<br /> I didn't even want to apologize to Sofia,much less kneel. For my mate to ask me to do those two things was humiliating ! And it angered me.<br /> "I'm not going to kneel or apologize. I didn't do anything wrong,"I growled.<br /> "If you don't kneel and apologize, I will dissolve our matebond, " he said indifferently.<br /> I froze again. He would terminate our mateship because of Sofia?<br /> "prick!"Lexi growled.<br /> " Hayden , you are too much ! " I yelled at him .<br /> "I'm the Luna of the pack, and I will never kneel in front of anyone! And no one can force me to! It's in the pack's rule!"<br /> " The pack's rules ? " Hayden snorted .<br /> I straightened my back and lifted my chin.<br /> "It's stated that no one can force a Luna to kneel or apologize for something she didn't do!"<br /> To my surprise, Hayden laughed.<br /> "Charlotte, do you think, as the Luna of the pack, you can do anything freely and not apologize for your wrongdoings?" he mocked me.<br /> "It seems to me you have been abusing your power as the Luna of the pack."<br /> He stood up and came to stand before me.<br /> Reaching out his hand , he pinched my chin forcefully.<br /> " And to let you know , I was the one who made those rules, and as the maker of the rules, I am now telling you to kneel and apologize to Sofia," he snarled.<br /> From the corners of my eyes, I saw Milla had a gleeful expression, and Sofia had a triumphant smile.<br /> "You believe someone else's words rather than your mate ? " I , stupidly , still thought that I could make him believe me instead of that bimob, Sofia.<br /> " Enough , Charlotte ! No matter how many times you tried to deny it, the evidence is clear . Everyone saw what you did ! " He released my chin forcefully, and I staggered back a few steps from the force.<br /> " You . . You really don't believe me ? " I felt my heart turning cold. There really was no use in defending myself now.<br /> I looked at Sofia and saw her looking weak and pitiful once again, with tears streaming down her face.<br /> Heh, Sofia really was a good actress!<br /> " I don't like to repeat my words , Charlotte .<br /> Kneel and apologize or I'll break our matebond and divorce you, "Hayden said coldly.<br /> "I will NEVER kneel or apologize for something I didn't do," I said stubbornly and left the hospital without turning to look at Sofia, Milla, or even Hayden.<br /> "Charlotte!" Hayden roared out my name, but I ignored him and kept walking toward the pack's main house, where I lived with Hayden as the Alpha and Luna of the pack.<br /> Just as I stepped into the hall , I heard the screech of a car . I turned around to see a fuming Hayden.<br /> "Charlotte, are you still unwilling to kneel and apologize?" he asked with narrowed eyes.<br /> "I've told you before. I won't kneel or apologize for something I didn't do," I told him coldly.<br /> "Guards!" he yelled before I could say anything further.<br /> Two guards appeared out of nowhere and seized my arms.<br /> "Make her kneel!" Hayden commanded.<br /> My eyes widened in disbelief. I couldn't believe that Hayden would do this to his own mate.<br /> I struggled as the guards pulled me toward the door. Once outside, they pushed down my shoulders. As a future Alpha, my strength was not ordinary. I could withstand their forces and kept standing upright.<br /> Hayden was looking at me with cold eyes and not saying anything. Seeing that the guards could not make me kneel, he came to us and kicked the back of my knees .<br /> I was shocked and wasn't prepared for it. My knees buckled under me, and he successfully made me kneel on the ground with his kick.<br /> "Kneel here and think of what you have done," he said coldly before telling the guards to ensure I kept kneeling. He then turned around and entered the house once again, slamming the door shut behind him.<br /> The guards kept their hands on my shoulders, pushing me down and disabling me to stand up.<br /> This was the first time in my life I felt so humiliated, and the one who humiliated me was my own mate.<br /> I felt rage course through every nerve of my body. I couldn't believe my mate was so heartless.<br /> "Prick," Lexi cursed.<br /> I agreed with her. Hayden was a prick.<br /> The wind blowing strongly around me didn't help . I felt so cold that my body shivered until my teeth chattered. I hadn't changed from my wet clothes , and my wounds hadn't been cleaned and bandaged.<br /> After Goddess knew how many hours of kneeling, Hayden finally came out.<br /> " Hayden , I-" I still had hopes that he would listen to me, but his next words wiped away all my hopes.<br /> "Have you thought about what you have done ? Are you ready to apologize to Sofia ? "<br /> he cut off my words coldly.<br /> " Hayden , is this how you treat your mate ? " I asked through gritted teeth.<br /> "Mate?" he laughed. "Do you think I care about you being my mate ? For me , a mate is just a stepping stone to become stronger . An Alpha needs a Luna to make them and their packs stronger," he said coldly.<br /> I gasped and felt all my blood drained from my body . " You . . You never care about me ?<br /> You never love me?"<br /> " Love ? " he sneered and looked at me as if I was a clown. "I only claimed you as my mate and married you to save the trouble of my pack not having a Luna . "<br /> I looked at him and felt my heart breaking.<br /> Three years.. Three years of being his mate and his Luna. Three years of trying hard to be the perfect Luna for him . And that was all I was to him? A mean to save trouble and a stepping stone to become stronger?<br /> "Are you willing to admit your mistake?" he asked impatiently.<br /> I lifted my chin stubbornly. "NEVER!"<br /> " Then kneel until you admit your mistake , " he spat and turned back to go into the house again.<br /> "Alpha." Suddenly Beta Noah appeared.<br /> "Sofia is awake, and she's been crying nonstop . "<br /> "What? Has the doctor seen her yet?"<br /> Hayden asked anxiously.<br /> "She's hysterical and did not let anyone come near her," Beta Noah reported.<br /> "Alright, I'll go to the hospital now," Hayden said.<br /> He then turned to me and said, "Don't make any trouble anymore, or you'll know the consequences."<br /> After warning me, he left in a hurry with Beta Noah. The two guards followed them as they were Hayden's personal guards.<br /> I let out a bitter laugh. How stupid was I to think that mates should fall in love with each other?<br /> After hearing his words, I had no hopes for Hayden anymore. All I felt was disappointment.<br /> I tried to stand up despite my legs being numb from kneeling for too long. I reached out and touched the walls for support and walked slowly toward our bedroom .<br /> "Are you going to leave that prick?" Lexi asked as I was changing my clothes.<br /> " Yes . Is it okay with you ? " I asked her . I knew severing the matebond hurt so much for me,but especially for Lexi. I didn't know how it'd affect Lexi.<br /> "I'd rather you leave him than stay mated with him," Lexi growled.<br /> "Won't it affect you?"I asked.<br /> " It will . It will hurt for a while , but I'll manage .<br /> I want you to be happy, Charlotte," she said.<br /> Her words nearly made me cry. Lexi was the only one who cared for me in the three years of being married to Hayden.<br /> "Alright, don't cry now," she tried to comfort me . " What's your next plan ? "<br /> "Leave here and go back to the Moon Crest Pack," I told her and began packing my stuff.<br /> "Good," she said, and I could feel how proud she was of me for taking this bold action.<br /> After I finished packing, I dragged my suitcase and went out without anyone noticing. Everyone was either busy cooking nutritious meals for Sofia in the kitchen or going to the hospital to take care of her.<br /> How ironic, I thought. He let everyone take care of someone who wasn't his mate, while no one cared for his mate who was injured.<br /> Looking at the starless night sky, I felt tears stinging my eyes again. Three years of trying to be his perfect mate went down the drain because of another female.<br /> I began walking toward the pack's border while dragging my suitcase.<br /> The wind began to howl, and I shivered again because of the cold.<br /> "Charlotte, don't you want to go to the hospital to get your wounds treated first?"<br /> Lexi asked anxiously.<br /> "And meet those bimobes? No, thank you,"I answered, and Lexi stopped talking.<br /> The more I walked, the weaker I felt. My breathing became heavier, my wounds began to throb, and I felt my vision begin to blur.<br /> " Charlotte , let's go to the hospital first , " Lexi's anxious voice sounded in my mind .<br /> My body swayed, and I fell to the ground,feeling all my energy drained. I couldn't even move an inch of my body. I felt darkness start to pull me in.<br /> What should I do?<br /> An image popped into my mind, and I struggled mightily to open up a mindlink I hadn't used for the last three years.<br /> " Charlotte ? " a man asked in disbelief once our mindlink opened up.<br /> "Leo Help me Pick me up at the<br /> Red Claw Pack's border, "I said with much difficulty before succumbing to the darkness.<br /> I Don't Love Him Anymore	LEARN_MORE	https://c.whastory.com/ad/dmlvbGV0cy8xNzE5MDcvMjAy	150910818114898	Wha004	https://facebook.com/61554431895436	11	1	2,524,405,644,614,476	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Wha004	120211970798490460	c.whastory.com	NONE	video		https://c.whastory.com/ad/dmlvbGV0cy8xNzE5MDcvMjAyNDA1MDgxMTA0MTAvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:07	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440450385_454949443855700_4509804144323457010_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LTEkeT93g1cQ7kNvgF1DsZG&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDxUiPf69ycxjMsiOTM5SajbgaQgIraz9oi1eyyZF4N_w&oe=6641D87D	person_profile	Wha004	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438165219_1619267708843499_5569158029053146265_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5WgP3M1phsMQ7kNvgH8lyLv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDb67-HlnEP5vRA_pHo4CgxHGMHYKZtxpmM0BllyuFxPg&oe=6641D75E	3	Wha004	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,105	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778271}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	356878703584697	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband had been having an affair with his assistant. I could hear the sounds of moans pouring from our bedroom before I opened the door.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them having intercourse from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. <br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice.Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec."<br /> ————————<br /> Vivian<br /> I took a deep breath compose myself as the my introduction to the crowd began. My heart felt as if it was in my throat right now. It felt like the weight of the world was centered on my shoulders.<br /> If I was successful, not only would it launch my modeling career at age 28, but I would increase funding for this campaign.<br /> Since majority of the crowd outside of these curtains did not have my skin tone, I had to impress them.<br /> Today is the beginning of a campaign launching models with brown skin into the dominantly pale skinned model industry. I will be the face of the campaign and in order to be successful, I must make these rich people want to fund this campaign.<br /> And I will succeed.<br /> There has never been a fashion show like this, where I haven't had my hair straightened, my make up has not been contoured on my face to match those around me, and I am not walking fiercely down the walkway as if I'm walking on fire.<br /> I had always been confident in myself as a black woman yet I still found myself getting stage fright before my shows. Even more so with the bold campaign I was now launching.<br /> And after many failed seductive attempts with my husband lately, I wasn't sure if I could seduce the crowd before me.<br /> Instead I am to walk slowly, very seductively. My natural kinky curls framed my face, I have little to no make up on so that I appear soft as I am, completely naturally.<br /> The curtains are pulled back and as I began my walk down the aisle, it is not hard at all to seduce the crowd.<br /> I capture everybody's attention and when I pass them, the from the corner of my eye, I can see the effect I have on them and I couldn't help how it boosted my confidence.<br /> My walk is so natural and graceful that I practically glide down the run way. The bronze light is soft and makes my brown skin glow in the dark like highlight. The sway of my hips is mesmerizing to the crowd, so I pause and I turn slowly looking at all the faces to give them my best seductive smile.<br /> Many have lost their composure, becoming flustered by my attention. I hold my smirk, this is my crowd now.<br /> I almost falter when I see that my husband is not among the crowd. Once upon a time, he was always the first face that I graced with my smiles. He had never missed one of my shows in the beginning, looking up at me just as entranced as the rest of the crowd.<br /> I can feel my eyes watering so I quickly look away from them and continue making my way down the runway.<br /> When I finish with the crowd, I walk back up the runway and into the darkness hiding me from the crowd as they all cheer. In the darkness I hold my face, I can't help the excitement that overcomes me. I did it!<br /> My husband had promised to be here today. If he wasn't behind stage with the rest of my crew then I didn't know what this would mean for our marriage. I could worry about all that tomorrow though.<br /> Tonight, I fuccccckkking owned that crowd and I was sure going to celebrate my success on my birthday.<br /> I let out the breath that I had been holding and recompose myself then I walk behind stage to the small group gathered for me. I grin victoriously, strutting up to them saucily.<br /> "You did it, Vi! They all looked like they wanted to eat you up." My best friend and manager Naomi screams running up to me to hug me while all my co-workers clap and shout congrats. "How about some birthday cake before the next show?"<br /> I give Naomi the biggest hug and nod.<br /> "What's wrong girl?" She asks noticing something is wrong right away.<br /> I want to be happy but I have this really terrible feeling in my chest. I hug her back trying not to smile awkwardly as I ask her if my husband Richard made an appearance tonight.<br /> "No, I didn't see him? Was he supposed to be here?" She asked.<br /> "Yes." I replied. I could see the look of pity on her face as she shook her head, it had been about 4 years since he had been to one of my modeling gigs. And what type of message did that send? He was my husband and should've been here to support me.<br /> Part of me isn't really surprised, I knew when I refused to quit modeling and depend fully on Richard financially that our marriage would change.<br /> But this job is what helped get his business up and running when we graduated college with no immediate careers in sight. So I decided to keep modeling even after Richard became financially stable, despite it not being anything closely related to what I'd majored in.<br /> Naomi attempts to cheer me up with the double chocolate layer cake she baked me for my birthday and I grin at her trying my best not to let my intuition eat away at my happiness, nobody wanted an unhappy campaign model right?<br /> I finally manage to escape Naomi and her devil addicting double chocolate cake, making my way out front to the crowd to make my appearances and answer questions for those who had attended the opening show before the next show started.<br /> Afterwards when it was time for the second show, I made my way backstage to my booth to check my phone for any messages from Richard. He was a very successful business man that had recently become the owner of the company he had worked for, thanks to me, why shouldn't he take days off to support my career? Why else was his secretary always around for then?<br /> The bad feeling in my chest only increase at that point, and I recognized it as my intuition. Something was up and I was so angry that I seemed like the only one who wanted our marriage so I was gonna confront Richard about it. After not locating my phone, I realized that I had left my phone at home and since this was the second show I could afford to leave. I was only required to show my face at the after party that started in 6 hours and I would be back by then.<br /> I grabbed my bag and dipped before anyone noticed, sneaking another slice of Naomi's cake as I went.<br /> When I finally made it home I sat in the car for a moment smashing on the piece of cake because Richard hated when I ate sweets. It was my birthday, I deserved to smash my face in it!<br /> When I finished, I walked into the house instantly noticing the clothing littered the floor. There were female clothing scattered among the trail that led upstairs. A sickening feeling overcame me at that moment but I forced the cake that had suddenly came up back down, following the trail of clothing up the stairs to my bedroom door slowly, quietly.<br /> I could hear the sounds of moans and groans pouring from our bedroom.<br /> My husband had grown bold, it seemed. Obviously he had no respect for me if he passed up one of the most successful campaign launches for my career to bring a bimbo to our house to have an affair.<br /> I almost turned to leave, wanting to just walk away with my heart partially intact but I knew I had to see this. I tried to mentally prepare myself for this. I wanted to know who the bimbo was.<br /> To bring a woman to our home and have intercourse with her in our bed on my birthday? He was so disrespectful and just asking to be caught. As I stepped closer to the door, I could hear her telling him how much she loved him through the door.<br /> He responded, telling her that he loved her too. I closed my eyes counting to ten and gathering what remained of my resolve.<br /> I can do this, I thought. I must see this.<br /> I forced myself to open the door, my eyes widening as I saw them in the act up close and personal.<br /> I realized that he had been having an affair with his assistant, Emily. The sad part is that this did not appear to be just a regular experience. They were making love and the familiarity of it told me that it had been happening for quite a while. I couldn't have prepared myself for the pain that I felt slicing through my heart in a thousand years.<br /> My soul was in agony, this was not something that the mind couldn't rationalize for the sake of saving my heart from breaking into pieces. It had been in my face all along and I had been blind to it because we had started attending marriage counseling together. What a joke the marriage counselling must have been to both of them.<br /> My marriage was over. And that one thought kept repeating inside my head like a broken record.<br /> It's over.<br /> I dropped my bag at the door, turning to run away from the sight of them. I couldn't take the pain of watching them anymore. My marriage to Richard had meant everything to me, we had been married 10 years.<br /> I managed to hold my sobs as I ran outside of my home, past my car, and down the streets of our beautiful neighborhood. I just let myself run freely, trying to run myself to exertion to exchange the pain from my heart to the pain in my legs. My silk dress had ripped all up my thighs exposing my lace panties, too delicate for the strain that my pumping legs made. I did not care at all, not pausing to cover myself or look if anybody was looking at me.<br /> When I finally stopped to catch my breath and look around I was just at the local park 10 minutes away from my home. I finally let my sobs out, breaking down completely as I saw that the park was empty.<br /> Richard had been my high-school best friend turned sweetheart after prom, when I gave him my first time. I had always loved him, just fell in love our senior year. I had wanted to have children with him and grow old with him, I did everything right to keep him happy. I had never looked back and regretted anything until now. I knew that we were never supposed to be more than friends but I still married him after high-school because he had been the only guy I wanted to be with.<br /> Richard had cheated once before in college but that was just a one time at a party. He hadn't came back to our dorm that night and that next morning, I had just knew. I forgave him since we were still basically kids in college, told him he was still who I wanted and that I wouldn't dream of sleeping with another man. But still once a cheater, always a cheater.<br /> He destroyed me..<br /> Everything else I could deal with. Marriage was about forgiveness and making sacrifices, right?But sharing intimacy with another? That was the worst type of betrayal. I couldn't stay with him after this. I couldn't forgive him for this, but I was too weak to walk away. Love didn't just fade away, the hurt was still there stabbing me in my chest. I wanted him to hurt, I knew that he loved me. I was the real mastermind behind his company. He couldn't afford to lose me.<br /> But I had nothing left to give. I had put everything including my soul into my marriage, only for it to shatter before my eyes. I couldn't stand another thought of being on this Earth without him after this, either.<br /> He was my only best friend after all.<br /> How would I end it?<br /> My LIFE.<br /> How would I commit suicide?<br /> Pills? Hanging? Knife? Bridge?<br /> I could have a peaceful death. I would drown myself, let the water end the anguish that brewed inside my heart. And when they found my body, he would know.<br /> He did this. He lost me, forever.<br /> ---<br /> Vivian<br /> Silence makes many people very uncomfortable. It's non existence is deafening, it can be insistent and unable to escape. People cannot stand the thought of being alone in silence. People crave interaction with people, they crave attention.<br /> I, however, craved intimacy. And I was not just talking about intercourse.<br /> Intimacy wasn't about who could touch my body, it was about who could touch my soul.<br /> Intimacy was the purest form of connection, something I lacked in my marriage.<br /> Now I wished that I could capture that silence for myself. I wanted to bottle that silence, preserve it just for me so that I could release it every time my thoughts overwhelmed my head.<br /> I studied the ripples that my legs made in the pond.<br /> Beautiful, I thought, tilting my head up to look up into the dark sky. I closed my eyes, if I waited any longer I would lose my nerve. I sucked in my breath, desperately trying to taste the sweetness of summer one last time but it was too late. I tasted bitterness on my tongue and I felt it engulfing me, tainting the taste that I had wanted to savor. I gasped, inhaling fresh air, despair filled me at the thought that I would leave this world with my soul not at peace. I forced myself to believe that I could taste the final sweet taste of summer and it subdued my mind as I gently stretched my legs side to side before sliding into the water allowing the water to close over my face without panicking.<br /> The water was colder as I floated underneath it. My dress seems tighter, constricting my gentle movements so I removed it, ripping it off my body before I really started to panic.<br /> Peaceful. Peaceful. Peaceful. I chanted inside my head, all I wanted was to die peacefully. Something inside me won't allow that though, something rebels. I am rebelling.<br /> I've never been a coward, why should I start now?<br /> Because it hurts...<br /> Suddenly loud ringing starts in my ears and I gasp stupidly, releasing the the little air that I had been holding onto. The water has changed, becoming insistent and dragging me down. The fear consumes me, I am really terrified to die. What happened to dying peacefully?<br /> Just fight for your life. My conscience screams.<br /> I desperately fling my arms back and forth, pumping my legs to swim to the surface of the water. I swim until I can see a glimmer of light in the dark water, the surface was just there but my body is weaker now. I can barely move because I've driven my body to exertion.<br /> I am just about to reach the surface when my breath finally gives out and I am forced to swallow the water.<br /> I've tempted Satan with my soul, now he is going to make me drown.<br /> You were almost there, I couldn't help thinking as I began to jerk uncontrollably, the water inducing spasms of my larynx. Within 30 seconds, the laryngospasms begin to weaken and I'm losing consciousness. My life begins flashing before my eyes and as my brain skims through my wonderful childhood, it isn't long before I see Richard. He was my first best friend. My first love. My first everything and my life with him flashed.<br /> Realizing that I loved him. Marrying him after high school graduation. The discovery of his infidelity in college. Choosing to stay and work through our problems. Graduating college with honors with him at my side. Pursuing a modeling career to help support us while he became stable. Then finally coming home tonight to discover that that infidelity had never ceased.<br /> The pain of knowing that 10 years of my life had been wasted in a one-sided loveless marriage with a cheating prick did not hit me as hard as earlier. The pain was just gone, I had not loss much with Richard... only time.<br /> Then my flashes stop and I see what could be, my life starting anew. Dating, a faithful relationship with the man of my dreams, having children in my little farm house. I want it so bad but it is just out of my grasp. The water is pulling me down, refusing to allow me to float just under the waterline anyone. I am sinking like a stone.<br /> I know that brain failure is imminent but I also know that there is one last chance to survive.<br /> My body forces me to inhale again and with that force, I propel myself upwards. I finally break the surface of the water, spitting up all that awful tasting water that I had pretended tasted so sweet. I climb out of the pond, looking down at the misleading peaceful looking waves.<br /> I ripped off the remainder of my underwear hating the feeling of wet clothing on my skin, decidi<br /> ng right then and there that I would never step foot in any large body of water ever again. I start my walk back to my home.<br /> When I opened the door to the house and made my way pass the clothing, I smiled a very dark smile.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them making love from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> And now I would not go silently.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. They were making love, it was no question.<br /> The door smacked the wall hard alerting them that I was here. Emily's shocked gasp filled the air.<br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice." I commented before making my way to my walk in closet. "Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec." I grabbed a dress for the after party that I was now late for and made my way to the bathroom humming happily.<br /> At the angle that I took the pictures, the affair was unmistakable. I smiled at them again when I passed. Emily now scrambled to grab the covers that they had kicked on the floor. I chuckled, I had already saw everything she had to offer, with the comforter out of her reach she was now using Richard to shield her and neither of them would make eye contact with me.<br /> "At least own up to what y'all were doing, be adults about it. I'm not mad." I said.<br /> "Vivian, I can-" Richard began to try to make that dumb hip excuse, with that dumb hip look on his face pissing me off. The nasal sound of his voice was pissing me off. Everything about him was pissing me off. What did I ever see in him? Love sure blinded the outta me if I was just noticing this now.<br /> "Explain? No need to Richard, I see you both right now. Again, continue if you wish, I'll be on my way in a minute." I said, shutting the bathroom door and showering.<br /> I thanked fate for allowing me to leave my phone home in order to discover the affair. I took my sweet time, going all out with my routine and appreciating the warm water after I had been floating in that cold hip water for close to 3 hours. I even started to sing, ignoring Richard when he knocked on the door calling my name.<br /> After I got done I continued ignoring him while I dried, lathered myself with oils, and did my hair. my time was all my own again. My days of answering to him were over.<br /> "Freedom," I sang, opening the door and pushing past him. "Why were you undressed? What do you mean you're not mad?" He was frowning at the dress that I had on. "Where are you going Vivian?" He asked.<br /> "Not today, Richard." I said, ignoring his question. Both of them were now dressed and she sat on the perfectly made as if the affair had never happened.<br /> "Vivian, I would like to apologize," She began as we made eye- contact. I could almost respect her, but she was the worst type of person. They both were. <br /> "How long?" I asked her.<br /> "About-" She began.<br /> "Emily shut it, Vivian its not what you think. We-"<br /> "Save it, Richard. I was speaking to Emily, woman to woman. Now, how long?" I said looking at her. I saw his disbelief that I had just cut him off. I had never did it before but then again, I had never disrespected him by cheating or even entertaining the thought either.<br /> "About 4 years." Longer than I thought initially, but now that I thought back he had stopped attending my shows around that time.<br /> "Wow, I hope you both have a good night. <br /> I'm out." From the corner of my eye I notice Richard eyeing me. I turned getting him a 360 view of my dress and his face turned red. "Where are you going, Vivian?" He said it possessively.<br /> "To have passionate intercourse with a random stranger, Richard." I could feel a hysterical laugh building inside me but I manage to hold in in, smiling instead. "Its only fair that I make up for all the intercourse I've been missing out on due to your negligence. Enjoy your secretary, husband. When we're divorced, feel free to marry her because when I'm done with you, nobody will come near either of you again." I said, leaving them dumbfounded.<br /> I made a show of bending to grab my purse at the doorway, turning back to smile seductively at Richard.<br /> I giggled, standing and holding my head high as I walked out of the house to my car. I had never been insecure of my body but since Richard treated me as if I'd been invincible, and not from a lack of trying on my part, for the past two years I had been questioning myself. I mean slowly losing my self confidence as the significant other.<br /> Never again... Near death experiences had a way of making you see what really mattered.<br /> My happiness.<br /> Call me selfish or whatever. I have missed out and tonight I was going to make up for it.<br /> Nothing could make me stay to work things out at this point, I was divorcing him. With the proof I had, I would destroy him then take everything that he had. I wasn't walking away from this 10- year investment empty handed.<br /> Once, he told me that he would give me the world.<br /> But I could settle with his bank account.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzE3NDcvMjA	123910400815364	Mob001	https://facebook.com/61553314005849	54	1	424,860,717,069,014	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Mob001	120209086233000415	a.mobobooks.com	NONE	video		https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzE3NDcvMjAyNDA1MDgxMDU0MDQvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441301781_816404990404932_418847975896164947_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jNusxydVz-0Q7kNvgFe_Gwm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDyA8cw_Isb6Fpj4R7ReGQ7gyuThd6q_m5_w6z0GceWdA&oe=6641EAAD	person_profile	Mob001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440753844_1001302291459597_5360819016307670385_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=21VJA-9PxiUQ7kNvgEqh1_4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDBxmwiRDRBN9QJlJOg6Vo5lquFMy04UbfWOcqNAFzGHA&oe=6641E387	3	Mob001	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,091	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778336}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:33	active	760	265874539939076	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"We have a new assignment tomorrow." My boss says, leaning against his desk.<br /> "Where to go?" I ask.<br /> “Hilton Head Island. Pack some formal clothes in case we rub elbows with some powerful people.” He walks towards me.<br /> “Sounds good. Are we undercover for this job?” I stare at him.<br /> ”Yes. We'll come up with a backstory.“ His hand is on my waist.<br /> “Why don't we just pretend to be a couple?” I can feel my hands sweating. <br /> “Smart. That's the most plausible reason.” He smiles.<br /> ————————<br /> BOBBI<br /> "I've been here all morning and he still hasn't shown up. At this point it's almost lunchtime and I haven't done a single thing today. It just seems weird to me."<br /> "I told you, Tyson keeps odd hours." Jessica's reassuring voice comes through my phone's speaker.<br /> "But it's my first day and I have no idea what I'm even supposed to be doing.”<br /> "I told you everything you need to know."<br /> "You did not. You said in addition to my computer skills I'd also be answering the phone and doing some clerical type of work."<br /> "See. I did tell you."<br /> "Jessica, there's no business phone here."<br /> "He probably locked it up in his office."<br /> "Alright, I ‘ll try to find, but..."<br /> "Sorry, hon, but I need to go. You can find the phone." And she hangs up.<br /> I'm starting to think I never should've listened to Jessica. When she told me she was changing jobs and thought I should take her position, I should've politely declined. At the time, I was working from home, like many people do now. But when she reminded me I'm barely twenty-six years old and suggested maybe I needed to return to the real world, I guess it struck a nerve.<br /> It takes me several attempts—nineteen to be exact—but I finally catch the tumbler just right so the lock turns over and the door pops open.<br /> Too dark to see anything, I reach blindly through the opening and feel around on the wall until I find the light switch.<br /> Once the room is lit up, I muster the courage to push the door wide open and step inside. I have to say, at first sight it's very disappointing. His office is nearly as empty as the room out front.<br /> There's an old metal desk in the middle of the room, like the one I've been sitting at all morning. Behind the desk there are several black duffel bags stacked against the wall in a corner.<br /> I poke around the desk and check inside the drawers but don't find anything. It's completely empty. Weird.<br /> I run over to the door and check the front room again to be sure I'm still alone. I am.<br /> There are four, no five, bags total and they're all exactly the same. I don't see any name brand or decals on the solid black bags. They appear to be cheap, generic polyester. But upon closer inspection they're a thicker canvas material.<br /> I lift one from the top of the pile and place it on the floor before dropping to my knees. It seems full and it's heavy enough for me to need both hands while moving it.<br /> My heart is racing as I grab the strap and start to unzip the bag. I can almost hear it beating over the sound of the floor creaking under my feet.<br /> I move to adjust my feet and remember I'm kneeling. It wasn't me making the floor creak.<br /> I immediately spin around to see a man standing in the open doorway smiling at me. "Hi."<br /> And oh my God, he's gorgeous.<br /> "Jessica sent me." It's all I can think of right now.<br /> "To steal from me?" He laughs a little, and I think my heart may have just skipped a beat.<br /> "I was looking for the phone." Did I really just say that?<br /> "Well, it's definitely not in there." He points down to my hand, which is still firmly gripping the strap of the duffel bag.<br /> Why am I still holding the strap?<br /> "I'm sorry. This is so embarrassing. I can't believe this is how I'm meeting my new boss on my first day. Wait, you are my new boss, right?"<br /> God, I hope so. Look at that body.<br /> "No, I'm not your new boss." He steps in, closing the door behind him. "I'm your new daddy."<br /> What?"I'm not sure what you mean." I get up to leave but there's nowhere to go. He's standing in front of my only way out.<br /> "I think you know exactly what I mean." He takes off his shirt and slowly unbuttons his pants as he approaches. He shifts from side to side, herding me back and into the corner until I trip and lose my footing on the stack of duffel bags.<br /> I end up on my stomach and before I can turn over or get up, he's on me. I can feel the heat of his breath on my neck. "Don't fight it."<br /> Grabbing my hips, he moves me onto all fours in front of him. He's too strong and I can't stop him, or maybe it's that I don't want to stop him.<br /> The skin of his stomach gently touches the small of my back and I feel something else suddenly pressed up against my hip. And it's huge.<br /> I reach back, desperately trying to get my hands on what must be the most beautiful...<br /> "Hello... anybody home over there?"<br /> Why is he waving at me?<br /> "I asked your name." He's still standing by the door, and he looks confused. "I told you mine and now you tell me yours. That's how these things usually work."<br /> Jesus Christ, I really need to stop reading so much smutty romance.<br /> "Umm, sorry." I drop the bag strap and stand up. "My name is Bobbi."<br /> "Well, Bobbi Lee," he says with a half smile, "if you're all done rifling through my bags, I could use a minute or two alone here."<br /> "Of course." I awkwardly try to step around him and head for the door, but then I notice his shirt.<br /> "Well, plain old Bobbi Lee," he says with a half smile, "if you're all done rifling through my bags, I could use a minute or two alone here."<br /> "Of course." I awkwardly try to step around him and head for the door, but then I notice his shirt.<br /> "Are you okay?" The material is torn, and it looks like he's bleeding. "Is that blood?"<br /> "What? No, no." He lifts his t-shirt, revealing a large and very painful looking hematoma on his chest. "It's just a little bruise."<br /> "That's not little. What happened?" Before I realize what I'm doing, I've walked over to him and am tracing my finger along his skin around the discolored and swollen flesh.<br /> A smile flashes across his face. "It's no big deal. Some idiot shot me this morning."<br /> My eyes widen. "Someone shot you and it's no big deal?" I can't believe how casual he seems about it.<br /> "It was only a bean bag round, so I'm sure it looks much worse than it feels." He turns away, taking off his shirt, and I can take a hint.<br /> "Personally, I don't think a bean bag chair is worth getting shot over, but that's just me. I'm a futon kind of gal." Now I feel like I'm talking too much. "All right then, if you need me, I'll just be in the next room, staring at the wall like I have been all morning."<br /> "Oh yeah, the phone." He opens one of the desk drawers, pulls out an old, black flip phone, and tosses it to me. "I have the charger for it around here somewhere."<br /> "Are you kidding? How old is this thing?" It slips out before I can stop myself.<br /> "Is it old?" He seems completely unaware of how weird this is. "I thought flip phones were back."<br /> "Not the original ones."<br /> He laughs out loud, and I can see him grimace a bit at the end. "Well, I guess I'm kind of an original guy." He winks at me.<br /> "You're a little weird."<br /> "Says the girl I just caught snooping around her new boss's office, and on her first day too."<br /> He's got me there.<br /> "I know when I'm beat. So, I'm going to head back out and sit behind my desk." I turn to leave and hold the ancient cell phone up as I go. "Maybe I'll see if I can still get dial-up internet on this thing."<br /> As I sit down, I hear him punching the keypad to the closet I noticed in the back of his office. I hear duffel bags being slid across the floor and the grunts and groans of a man who's in more pain than he wanted to admit. I hear him step through the door and close it.<br /> And then I don't hear anything. Fifteen minutes go by without a sound from inside his office.<br /> What is he doing in that closet?<br /> The door is still wide open, so I get up and walk around the front room, pretending to stretch.<br /> His office is still empty and the door behind his desk is still closed.<br /> How big is that closet?<br /> The flip phone suddenly starts vibrating on the desk across the room and I quickly scramble back to silence it before he catches me in yet another embarrassing situation.<br /> Maybe I'll just stay put until he comes back out.<br /> The phone immediately vibrates again and a steady stream of text messages begin arriving over the next several minutes.<br /> Before I can finish scrolling through the tiny display, without a touch screen, I hear the door open inside his office.<br /> When he reappears, he's buttoning a new shirt and he's in a completely different set of clothes, at least as far as I can tell.<br /> “So how do I work? No computer.” I ask.<br /> “Don’t worry.” He said as he walked out of the office, returning seconds later with two of the black duffel bags.<br /> "This is for you." Slowly unzipping one of the bag, he pulls out a laptop.<br /> "Is there anything you'd like me to get started on today?" Gripping the edge of the desk, I roll myself back over and open the laptop.<br /> "There's a credit card in the side pocket of the bag. Feel free to set this space up however you'd like, within reason."<br /> "You want me to set this space up however I'd like?"<br /> He shrugs. "Within reason. And why not? You'll be the one working in it."<br /> "Okay. Is there anything else?"<br /> "You've got the phone, right?"<br /> "I do." I hold up the world's oldest flip phone.<br /> "Great. Just let me know if there are any messages I need to hear."<br /> "Is that all?"<br /> "Thankfully, yes."<br /> "All right then, is there anything else you need from me before I go?"<br /> “No.” He smirks before heading toward the door.<br /> I watch his back disappear from the door, preparing to plan the decoration of the office.<br /> *<br /> TYSON<br /> "Umm, good morning?"<br /> Bobbi suddenly appears at the open door to my office.<br /> She's early.<br /> "Hey." I jump up and turn off the music. "You're here early."<br /> "I am here early and I was hoping to steal you for a few hours this morning, if possible?" Her smirk says it all.<br /> "Steal me?"<br /> Bobbi takes her time, slowly scanning the nearly empty room I'm now calling my office. "We still have some work to do here."<br /> “Yes, we will do it. But before that, accompany me on a mission.” I say.<br /> “Wow, it’s so cool. Where are we going?” She asks.<br /> “Follow me.” I reply.<br /> Once we're in my car and on the way, Bobbi asks again, "Where are we going?"<br /> "A few years ago, I took on a client—a married couple that needed help separating. I got the woman settled into a new life down here at the beach. But…he's found her."<br /> "What's the plan, boss?"<br /> "I'm going to drive straight up to her cottage, go inside, pick her up, then escort her out of there."<br /> "And if her husband is there?"<br /> “Could I have let him discover us?” I sneer.<br /> “Okay, let me look forward to it.” She says.<br /> Fifteen white-knuckled minutes later, we speed over the Cooper River Bridge and onto Folly Island.<br /> The roads are narrow, and I spot him the moment we turn onto her street. "That's him in the black pickup on the right."<br /> "Oh no. He is here. What are you going to do?" she whispers, as if Sharyn's husband might hear her.<br /> "Ignore him." I drive right by his truck and straight into the driveway. "At least for now. Get out and walk straight to the side door. I'll be right behind you."<br /> She immediately does exactly what I instructed and within seconds we're inside.<br /> "Bobbi, this is Sharyn. Sharyn, this is Bobbi."<br /> I dispense with the quick introductions and get to the point. "Are you ready to go?"<br /> “Yes.” She answers immediately.<br /> “Let’s go.” I say.<br /> We quickly return to the car, and at that moment, a rampaging car appears on the road. Ron stick his head out of the driver's seat, "Don't even think about running away, Sharyn, you can never leave me."<br /> "Leave me alone!" Sharyn ducks down on the floor of the back seat, screaming, "Just leave me alone!"<br /> “What now?" she asks.<br /> "Don't underestimate my driving skills." I say.<br /> I start the engine and the car quickly merges into traffic. I haven’t raced in a long time and this is so cool.<br /> "I, I kind of want to throw up," she say.<br /> "Hang on, girl, I can get rid of him in a minute," I reply.<br /> "Thank you so much." Sharyn cries.<br /> "You're welcome, this is my mission." I say.<br /> Bobbi spends the next twenty minutes comforting and encouraging Sharyn as we drive back to the office. After I make some arrangements and book her flight, it's time to drop her off at the airport.<br /> "Thank you, both of you." Sharyn hugs us on the sidewalk outside the departure terminal.<br /> "This is for you." I hand her an envelope with as much cash as I could put together on short notice. "It's not much but it'll get you started. Let me know when you're settled."<br /> She tears up and hugs me again. "I cannot thank you enough. You're a saint."<br /> "Good luck, Sharyn."<br /> She turns and walks into the terminal without looking back.<br /> “I had a great day.” Bobbi watches Sharyn walking away and says.<br /> “Me too.” I say.<br /> *<br /> BOBBI<br /> "Spill all the details about your new job," Lauren says over the sound of the blade in her hand hitting the wooden chopping board.<br /> I shift my weight on the bar stool and rest my forearms on the counter. "I was out with Tyson today taking care of some work-related stuff and he got a phone call that sent him rushing to the aid of a client in Folly Beach. He had helped her escape an abusive husband, and today the husband found her."<br /> "You're kidding me."<br /> I shake my head. "Nope."<br /> "What happened?"<br /> "We raced off to her house and got her out while her maniac husband trying to catch up with us."<br /> "Oh my God."<br /> "Right?" I squeal the question. "It was insane, and Tyson calmly raced until we were completely free of the man."<br /> "Jesus, a chase too? It sounds like an action movie."<br /> "It was scary but also exhilarating at the same time."<br /> I nod effusively. “He also gave Sharyn some money to start her life in another place. He was so kind.”<br /> "Wow. You like this guy, huh?" Lauren asks.<br /> I nibble on my bottom lip while I allow myself to ponder what my feelings for Tyson are. In terms of physicality, he fits everything I'm attracted to. But who doesn't like a tall, dark, and handsome man?<br /> “Maybe yes.” I say.<br /> “What are you going to do?" She asks.<br /> “Actually I_” The text alert goes off on my phone.<br /> Tugging it from my back pocket, I glance at the screen. "Hold on a sec, this is Tyson texting me."<br /> Still want to go away with me?<br /> Sure. Where are we going?<br /> Hilton Head Island. Pack some formal clothes in case we rub elbows with some powerful people.<br /> Okay.<br /> I'll pick you up at noon.<br /> Sounds good. Are we undercover for this job?<br /> Yes. We'll come up with a backstory.<br /> Why don't we just pretend to be a couple? That's the most plausible reason we'd be together.<br /> That works.<br /> I send him one more text with my address and then I meet Lauren's curious gaze.<br /> "I'm going away with him this weekend," I confess.<br /> "What?" she shrieks excitedly.<br /> "Calm down. It's for work. He said I handled today so well, he could use my help this weekend on Hilton Head Island."<br /> "Girl, you need to take advantage of this opportunity and seduce him."<br /> "Funny you mentioned that. I just suggested we pretend to be a couple."<br /> Lauren grins. "It's a sign."<br /> I laugh. "It's a sign all right.”<br /> "Because you're desirous," Lauren states.<br /> "You're not completely wrong, but I'm not going to seduce Tyson. In fact, I'm going to text him back and tell him I changed my mind." My thumbs tap against the screen, typing out the message. Lauren slaps my phone from my hold before I hit send, then grabs it from the table before I can.<br /> "What" I frown.<br /> "You're not going to cancel on Tyson," she states.<br /> "I'm not?"<br /> "Nope. You're going to pack your bag and be waiting when he comes to pick you up.<br /> My nose crinkles with concern. "He said to pack some formal clothes. What am I going to do?" I don't own anything that comes close to mildly dressy, never mind formal.<br /> "Leave that to me." Lauren rises and takes hold of my hand, drawing me to my feet. "I have a closet full of beautiful dresses just going to waste. I'm sure we can find something that will let you have intercourse..."	LEARN_MORE	https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvMTcxNzA2	110620302003689	Pop001	https://facebook.com/100092038763039	397	1	380,188,768,355,305	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Pop001	120208869386170338	a.shepherdsapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvMTcxNzA2LzIwMjQwNTA4MTA1MDQyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 21:56	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442428402_1630571511071675_706349647164895179_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b5fNINj0n_YQ7kNvgERTwLA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDs-6kNcbJQT3GEU-2W8Ny53TIj9-mdOOO820IvA5O6MQ&oe=6641F2E1	person_profile	Pop001	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436224998_1817805272032158_4419341930392749363_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y8dtEHfvtFoQ7kNvgEqeCE1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfC0Rm-SMuC9o2VkRmFt3-i3K6qs506l2ZzL66dX76EC0A&oe=6641EB32	3	Pop001	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,125	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778271}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	418661324320108	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband had been having an affair with his assistant. I could hear the sounds of moans pouring from our bedroom before I opened the door.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them having intercourse from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. <br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice.Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec."<br /> ————————<br /> Vivian<br /> I took a deep breath compose myself as the my introduction to the crowd began. My heart felt as if it was in my throat right now. It felt like the weight of the world was centered on my shoulders.<br /> If I was successful, not only would it launch my modeling career at age 28, but I would increase funding for this campaign.<br /> Since majority of the crowd outside of these curtains did not have my skin tone, I had to impress them.<br /> Today is the beginning of a campaign launching models with brown skin into the dominantly pale skinned model industry. I will be the face of the campaign and in order to be successful, I must make these rich people want to fund this campaign.<br /> And I will succeed.<br /> There has never been a fashion show like this, where I haven't had my hair straightened, my make up has not been contoured on my face to match those around me, and I am not walking fiercely down the walkway as if I'm walking on fire.<br /> I had always been confident in myself as a black woman yet I still found myself getting stage fright before my shows. Even more so with the bold campaign I was now launching.<br /> And after many failed seductive attempts with my husband lately, I wasn't sure if I could seduce the crowd before me.<br /> Instead I am to walk slowly, very seductively. My natural kinky curls framed my face, I have little to no make up on so that I appear soft as I am, completely naturally.<br /> The curtains are pulled back and as I began my walk down the aisle, it is not hard at all to seduce the crowd.<br /> I capture everybody's attention and when I pass them, the from the corner of my eye, I can see the effect I have on them and I couldn't help how it boosted my confidence.<br /> My walk is so natural and graceful that I practically glide down the run way. The bronze light is soft and makes my brown skin glow in the dark like highlight. The sway of my hips is mesmerizing to the crowd, so I pause and I turn slowly looking at all the faces to give them my best seductive smile.<br /> Many have lost their composure, becoming flustered by my attention. I hold my smirk, this is my crowd now.<br /> I almost falter when I see that my husband is not among the crowd. Once upon a time, he was always the first face that I graced with my smiles. He had never missed one of my shows in the beginning, looking up at me just as entranced as the rest of the crowd.<br /> I can feel my eyes watering so I quickly look away from them and continue making my way down the runway.<br /> When I finish with the crowd, I walk back up the runway and into the darkness hiding me from the crowd as they all cheer. In the darkness I hold my face, I can't help the excitement that overcomes me. I did it!<br /> My husband had promised to be here today. If he wasn't behind stage with the rest of my crew then I didn't know what this would mean for our marriage. I could worry about all that tomorrow though.<br /> Tonight, I fuccccckkking owned that crowd and I was sure going to celebrate my success on my birthday.<br /> I let out the breath that I had been holding and recompose myself then I walk behind stage to the small group gathered for me. I grin victoriously, strutting up to them saucily.<br /> "You did it, Vi! They all looked like they wanted to eat you up." My best friend and manager Naomi screams running up to me to hug me while all my co-workers clap and shout congrats. "How about some birthday cake before the next show?"<br /> I give Naomi the biggest hug and nod.<br /> "What's wrong girl?" She asks noticing something is wrong right away.<br /> I want to be happy but I have this really terrible feeling in my chest. I hug her back trying not to smile awkwardly as I ask her if my husband Richard made an appearance tonight.<br /> "No, I didn't see him? Was he supposed to be here?" She asked.<br /> "Yes." I replied. I could see the look of pity on her face as she shook her head, it had been about 4 years since he had been to one of my modeling gigs. And what type of message did that send? He was my husband and should've been here to support me.<br /> Part of me isn't really surprised, I knew when I refused to quit modeling and depend fully on Richard financially that our marriage would change.<br /> But this job is what helped get his business up and running when we graduated college with no immediate careers in sight. So I decided to keep modeling even after Richard became financially stable, despite it not being anything closely related to what I'd majored in.<br /> Naomi attempts to cheer me up with the double chocolate layer cake she baked me for my birthday and I grin at her trying my best not to let my intuition eat away at my happiness, nobody wanted an unhappy campaign model right?<br /> I finally manage to escape Naomi and her devil addicting double chocolate cake, making my way out front to the crowd to make my appearances and answer questions for those who had attended the opening show before the next show started.<br /> Afterwards when it was time for the second show, I made my way backstage to my booth to check my phone for any messages from Richard. He was a very successful business man that had recently become the owner of the company he had worked for, thanks to me, why shouldn't he take days off to support my career? Why else was his secretary always around for then?<br /> The bad feeling in my chest only increase at that point, and I recognized it as my intuition. Something was up and I was so angry that I seemed like the only one who wanted our marriage so I was gonna confront Richard about it. After not locating my phone, I realized that I had left my phone at home and since this was the second show I could afford to leave. I was only required to show my face at the after party that started in 6 hours and I would be back by then.<br /> I grabbed my bag and dipped before anyone noticed, sneaking another slice of Naomi's cake as I went.<br /> When I finally made it home I sat in the car for a moment smashing on the piece of cake because Richard hated when I ate sweets. It was my birthday, I deserved to smash my face in it!<br /> When I finished, I walked into the house instantly noticing the clothing littered the floor. There were female clothing scattered among the trail that led upstairs. A sickening feeling overcame me at that moment but I forced the cake that had suddenly came up back down, following the trail of clothing up the stairs to my bedroom door slowly, quietly.<br /> I could hear the sounds of moans and groans pouring from our bedroom.<br /> My husband had grown bold, it seemed. Obviously he had no respect for me if he passed up one of the most successful campaign launches for my career to bring a bimbo to our house to have an affair.<br /> I almost turned to leave, wanting to just walk away with my heart partially intact but I knew I had to see this. I tried to mentally prepare myself for this. I wanted to know who the bimbo was.<br /> To bring a woman to our home and have intercourse with her in our bed on my birthday? He was so disrespectful and just asking to be caught. As I stepped closer to the door, I could hear her telling him how much she loved him through the door.<br /> He responded, telling her that he loved her too. I closed my eyes counting to ten and gathering what remained of my resolve.<br /> I can do this, I thought. I must see this.<br /> I forced myself to open the door, my eyes widening as I saw them in the act up close and personal.<br /> I realized that he had been having an affair with his assistant, Emily. The sad part is that this did not appear to be just a regular experience. They were making love and the familiarity of it told me that it had been happening for quite a while. I couldn't have prepared myself for the pain that I felt slicing through my heart in a thousand years.<br /> My soul was in agony, this was not something that the mind couldn't rationalize for the sake of saving my heart from breaking into pieces. It had been in my face all along and I had been blind to it because we had started attending marriage counseling together. What a joke the marriage counselling must have been to both of them.<br /> My marriage was over. And that one thought kept repeating inside my head like a broken record.<br /> It's over.<br /> I dropped my bag at the door, turning to run away from the sight of them. I couldn't take the pain of watching them anymore. My marriage to Richard had meant everything to me, we had been married 10 years.<br /> I managed to hold my sobs as I ran outside of my home, past my car, and down the streets of our beautiful neighborhood. I just let myself run freely, trying to run myself to exertion to exchange the pain from my heart to the pain in my legs. My silk dress had ripped all up my thighs exposing my lace panties, too delicate for the strain that my pumping legs made. I did not care at all, not pausing to cover myself or look if anybody was looking at me.<br /> When I finally stopped to catch my breath and look around I was just at the local park 10 minutes away from my home. I finally let my sobs out, breaking down completely as I saw that the park was empty.<br /> Richard had been my high-school best friend turned sweetheart after prom, when I gave him my first time. I had always loved him, just fell in love our senior year. I had wanted to have children with him and grow old with him, I did everything right to keep him happy. I had never looked back and regretted anything until now. I knew that we were never supposed to be more than friends but I still married him after high-school because he had been the only guy I wanted to be with.<br /> Richard had cheated once before in college but that was just a one time at a party. He hadn't came back to our dorm that night and that next morning, I had just knew. I forgave him since we were still basically kids in college, told him he was still who I wanted and that I wouldn't dream of sleeping with another man. But still once a cheater, always a cheater.<br /> He destroyed me..<br /> Everything else I could deal with. Marriage was about forgiveness and making sacrifices, right?But sharing intimacy with another? That was the worst type of betrayal. I couldn't stay with him after this. I couldn't forgive him for this, but I was too weak to walk away. Love didn't just fade away, the hurt was still there stabbing me in my chest. I wanted him to hurt, I knew that he loved me. I was the real mastermind behind his company. He couldn't afford to lose me.<br /> But I had nothing left to give. I had put everything including my soul into my marriage, only for it to shatter before my eyes. I couldn't stand another thought of being on this Earth without him after this, either.<br /> He was my only best friend after all.<br /> How would I end it?<br /> My LIFE.<br /> How would I commit suicide?<br /> Pills? Hanging? Knife? Bridge?<br /> I could have a peaceful death. I would drown myself, let the water end the anguish that brewed inside my heart. And when they found my body, he would know.<br /> He did this. He lost me, forever.<br /> ---<br /> Vivian<br /> Silence makes many people very uncomfortable. It's non existence is deafening, it can be insistent and unable to escape. People cannot stand the thought of being alone in silence. People crave interaction with people, they crave attention.<br /> I, however, craved intimacy. And I was not just talking about intercourse.<br /> Intimacy wasn't about who could touch my body, it was about who could touch my soul.<br /> Intimacy was the purest form of connection, something I lacked in my marriage.<br /> Now I wished that I could capture that silence for myself. I wanted to bottle that silence, preserve it just for me so that I could release it every time my thoughts overwhelmed my head.<br /> I studied the ripples that my legs made in the pond.<br /> Beautiful, I thought, tilting my head up to look up into the dark sky. I closed my eyes, if I waited any longer I would lose my nerve. I sucked in my breath, desperately trying to taste the sweetness of summer one last time but it was too late. I tasted bitterness on my tongue and I felt it engulfing me, tainting the taste that I had wanted to savor. I gasped, inhaling fresh air, despair filled me at the thought that I would leave this world with my soul not at peace. I forced myself to believe that I could taste the final sweet taste of summer and it subdued my mind as I gently stretched my legs side to side before sliding into the water allowing the water to close over my face without panicking.<br /> The water was colder as I floated underneath it. My dress seems tighter, constricting my gentle movements so I removed it, ripping it off my body before I really started to panic.<br /> Peaceful. Peaceful. Peaceful. I chanted inside my head, all I wanted was to die peacefully. Something inside me won't allow that though, something rebels. I am rebelling.<br /> I've never been a coward, why should I start now?<br /> Because it hurts...<br /> Suddenly loud ringing starts in my ears and I gasp stupidly, releasing the the little air that I had been holding onto. The water has changed, becoming insistent and dragging me down. The fear consumes me, I am really terrified to die. What happened to dying peacefully?<br /> Just fight for your life. My conscience screams.<br /> I desperately fling my arms back and forth, pumping my legs to swim to the surface of the water. I swim until I can see a glimmer of light in the dark water, the surface was just there but my body is weaker now. I can barely move because I've driven my body to exertion.<br /> I am just about to reach the surface when my breath finally gives out and I am forced to swallow the water.<br /> I've tempted Satan with my soul, now he is going to make me drown.<br /> You were almost there, I couldn't help thinking as I began to jerk uncontrollably, the water inducing spasms of my larynx. Within 30 seconds, the laryngospasms begin to weaken and I'm losing consciousness. My life begins flashing before my eyes and as my brain skims through my wonderful childhood, it isn't long before I see Richard. He was my first best friend. My first love. My first everything and my life with him flashed.<br /> Realizing that I loved him. Marrying him after high school graduation. The discovery of his infidelity in college. Choosing to stay and work through our problems. Graduating college with honors with him at my side. Pursuing a modeling career to help support us while he became stable. Then finally coming home tonight to discover that that infidelity had never ceased.<br /> The pain of knowing that 10 years of my life had been wasted in a one-sided loveless marriage with a cheating prick did not hit me as hard as earlier. The pain was just gone, I had not loss much with Richard... only time.<br /> Then my flashes stop and I see what could be, my life starting anew. Dating, a faithful relationship with the man of my dreams, having children in my little farm house. I want it so bad but it is just out of my grasp. The water is pulling me down, refusing to allow me to float just under the waterline anyone. I am sinking like a stone.<br /> I know that brain failure is imminent but I also know that there is one last chance to survive.<br /> My body forces me to inhale again and with that force, I propel myself upwards. I finally break the surface of the water, spitting up all that awful tasting water that I had pretended tasted so sweet. I climb out of the pond, looking down at the misleading peaceful looking waves.<br /> I ripped off the remainder of my underwear hating the feeling of wet clothing on my skin, decidi<br /> ng right then and there that I would never step foot in any large body of water ever again. I start my walk back to my home.<br /> When I opened the door to the house and made my way pass the clothing, I smiled a very dark smile.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them making love from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> And now I would not go silently.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. They were making love, it was no question.<br /> The door smacked the wall hard alerting them that I was here. Emily's shocked gasp filled the air.<br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice." I commented before making my way to my walk in closet. "Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec." I grabbed a dress for the after party that I was now late for and made my way to the bathroom humming happily.<br /> At the angle that I took the pictures, the affair was unmistakable. I smiled at them again when I passed. Emily now scrambled to grab the covers that they had kicked on the floor. I chuckled, I had already saw everything she had to offer, with the comforter out of her reach she was now using Richard to shield her and neither of them would make eye contact with me.<br /> "At least own up to what y'all were doing, be adults about it. I'm not mad." I said.<br /> "Vivian, I can-" Richard began to try to make that dumb hip excuse, with that dumb hip look on his face pissing me off. The nasal sound of his voice was pissing me off. Everything about him was pissing me off. What did I ever see in him? Love sure blinded the outta me if I was just noticing this now.<br /> "Explain? No need to Richard, I see you both right now. Again, continue if you wish, I'll be on my way in a minute." I said, shutting the bathroom door and showering.<br /> I thanked fate for allowing me to leave my phone home in order to discover the affair. I took my sweet time, going all out with my routine and appreciating the warm water after I had been floating in that cold hip water for close to 3 hours. I even started to sing, ignoring Richard when he knocked on the door calling my name.<br /> After I got done I continued ignoring him while I dried, lathered myself with oils, and did my hair. my time was all my own again. My days of answering to him were over.<br /> "Freedom," I sang, opening the door and pushing past him. "Why were you undressed? What do you mean you're not mad?" He was frowning at the dress that I had on. "Where are you going Vivian?" He asked.<br /> "Not today, Richard." I said, ignoring his question. Both of them were now dressed and she sat on the perfectly made as if the affair had never happened.<br /> "Vivian, I would like to apologize," She began as we made eye- contact. I could almost respect her, but she was the worst type of person. They both were. <br /> "How long?" I asked her.<br /> "About-" She began.<br /> "Emily shut it, Vivian its not what you think. We-"<br /> "Save it, Richard. I was speaking to Emily, woman to woman. Now, how long?" I said looking at her. I saw his disbelief that I had just cut him off. I had never did it before but then again, I had never disrespected him by cheating or even entertaining the thought either.<br /> "About 4 years." Longer than I thought initially, but now that I thought back he had stopped attending my shows around that time.<br /> "Wow, I hope you both have a good night. <br /> I'm out." From the corner of my eye I notice Richard eyeing me. I turned getting him a 360 view of my dress and his face turned red. "Where are you going, Vivian?" He said it possessively.<br /> "To have passionate intercourse with a random stranger, Richard." I could feel a hysterical laugh building inside me but I manage to hold in in, smiling instead. "Its only fair that I make up for all the intercourse I've been missing out on due to your negligence. Enjoy your secretary, husband. When we're divorced, feel free to marry her because when I'm done with you, nobody will come near either of you again." I said, leaving them dumbfounded.<br /> I made a show of bending to grab my purse at the doorway, turning back to smile seductively at Richard.<br /> I giggled, standing and holding my head high as I walked out of the house to my car. I had never been insecure of my body but since Richard treated me as if I'd been invincible, and not from a lack of trying on my part, for the past two years I had been questioning myself. I mean slowly losing my self confidence as the significant other.<br /> Never again... Near death experiences had a way of making you see what really mattered.<br /> My happiness.<br /> Call me selfish or whatever. I have missed out and tonight I was going to make up for it.<br /> Nothing could make me stay to work things out at this point, I was divorcing him. With the proof I had, I would destroy him then take everything that he had. I wasn't walking away from this 10- year investment empty handed.<br /> Once, he told me that he would give me the world.<br /> But I could settle with his bank account.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzE3NDcvMjA	123910400815364	Mob001	https://facebook.com/61553314005849	54	1	1,127,720,395,206,566	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Mob001	120209086242540415	a.mobobooks.com	NONE	video		https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzE3NDcvMjAyNDA1MDgxMDU0MDQvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 21:59	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440451174_315451331431524_5303587820123299498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B1vYEEyOdwYQ7kNvgGPXr0V&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDNYBIj4FbZpgIngX7NcjATK5cBHoFfozojzKePHVQTVg&oe=6641F112	person_profile	Mob001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438129105_843059640996200_7329296098047756347_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Pee12eg4u84Q7kNvgH5LQFB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAJvUzZb6bZ4dGZ7-Kl6FBI2oJWZQNM8gmRq_BSlnbN1A&oe=6641E5B1	3	Mob001	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,134	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778385}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	429409349808555	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"Justin, though you are my twin sister's mate. My dad is really mad at you and Raven being mates." Twin sister Reagan said to my mate.<br /> "I don't mind rejecting her, but I would have been embarrassed to face my mate" Justin said.<br /> "My father has decided to appoint me as his future Alpha not my sister Raven. So, I will be your luna." Reagan said to Justin.<br /> ******** <br /> I silently run through the woods letting my wolf Emerald out tonight. She has been anxious all day, well really the last few days, and I could tell that she needed to come out for a run. <br /> Alpha Cole Walker is the Alpha of the Blood Walker pack. He is said to be one of the most dangerous Alphas in the United States. It is said that he would hurt anyone who dared to enter his pack uninvited. Due to this fact, most of our pack members studiously avoid this area altogether.<br /> My twin sister, Reagan, is the golden child of the pack. They all love her unconditionally. She is cherished and appreciated, no matter what she does. They all seem to ignore the fact that she is a horrible and mean she-wolf. I was born first, and with that should come the respect that after I find my mate, I will officially be the Luna here, and he will take over as the Alpha of the pack. Yet they all treat her as the next Luna. <br /> My sister and I are the only children that our parents had. The Goddess never blessed them with another child, even though they tried for years. My father, Alpha Graham Sullivan, is very strict with me. I am not allowed to leave my room other than to eat my meals and then return back to my room again. I am also not allowed to leave our pack for any reason. I have never even crossed the border of the Sliver Blade pack in my life. <br /> I was the Alpha's daughter, but I was not a valued member of this pack. Telling on me has always resulted in a bonus for whoever told on me to my father. I have had to learn how to overcome this on my own. It has made me very independent over the years, as well as a very good climber. I use the tree outside my window at the pack house, to climb up and down to get in and out of my room.<br /> From my vantage point, I can see who is coming now and rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain. It was Reagan, and she was pulling the arm of a pretty large guy, as she headed toward the grassy bank near my tree. I realized right this moment that I have picked a terrible place to hide. I should have doubled back and then climbed in my window to my room and I would have been safe and sound in my room. Reagan is clearly out with one of her many men, as she was allowed to stay out and do whatever she wanted to. I mean how else could she beat me to finding her mate if she didn't flirt with all the unmated men in our pack? I rolled my eyes again and then froze when I looked at them again and got a good look at his face.<br /> That smell coming off of him was starting to drive me wild, he smelled like freshly baked cinnamon buns, and I was now pissed off. She had come here with the guy that I had a crush on, someone with whom she had never shown any interest in before. It was our Beta's son and the guy that I have had a crush on for the last year and a half.<br /> "No, don't stop them, Raven, she has already been dating with him for the last few months. This is not the first time, it has been well before he returned to the pack earlier this week. They are together now, dating, and they have both vowed to reject their actual mates to stay together to take over and run this pack. Please, just try to bear it, I will help you get through it. I am glad that you are in a secure location, this may make you pass out" Emerald linked me, and I felt physically sick.<br /> "How do you know this? Did she know that he is my mate? Why can't I approach him? Maybe he wants me, Emerald. Please let me stop this. He might not know that I am his mate, he may still want me, want US! I don't want to lose him, Emerald. He may not be aware his true mate is here. Can't he already smell our scent up here, like I smelled his scent? Are you sure that this is the only way? Please Emerald" I linked her back, and I feel the tears that are already sliding down my face. I have questions, and I need answers.<br /> I am frustrated. I don't want to give up on my true mate. He doesn't even know that I am here, and I do want him. I don't want to give him up, especially not to my sister Reagan. I don't know if I can survive this level of betrayal.<br /> "I can't wait for mom and dad to announce to the pack that we will be the Alpha and Luna tomorrow. This is something that I have really wanted for the last 8 years. I am so glad you decided that we could be chosen mates. " My sister says to my mate.<br /> "Besides, I am also glad that you are willing to lead the Silver Blade pack with me. I have a feeling that my freak of a sister who keeps staring at you is going to be crushed when she finds out that we are together. You dodged by deciding to accept me as your chosen mate. I know that she has a crush on you, so she would probably try to ask you out or something when she sees that you are back from break." She adds.<br /> "I think we will be so happy together. Raven will be so angry when she finds out that we planned this months ago. I cannot wait for her to find out. I even told mom to have her sit on the front row for the pack meeting tomorrow, so I can see her face when dad makes the announcement. I am going to put her next to you so it will hurt her more when dad calls you up on stage. When she realizes that her crush is going to be my mate, she is going to be so jealous of me. I am so going to get a picture of her face when she finds out, as I will want to remember that moment for a long time" I heard Reagan say to him, and I was so choked up I couldn't hold in the sob of pain that managed to escape.<br /> It wasn't loud, but with werewolf hearing, it was loud enough. I just stayed completely still and prayed that they hadn't heard me, but Justin started talking when my sob escaped, and they had no reaction, so I think I am safe.<br /> "I have always thought that you were a she-wolf, Reagan. I am so glad that you came up to my training with your offer, and for us to get extra special time together. If Raven were allowed to move around the pack, I don't think that she would be missing the fact that she is my mate. I scented her today when I got back to the pack and confirmed she is my mate. Per our agreement, I don't mind rejecting her, as I am clearly getting the better sister out of this deal. I would have been embarrassed to have to call that freak of nature my mate" Justin said, and with it, my heart was completely crushed.<br /> These two evil people deserved each other, and I will not waste another tear on his betrayal. He "chose" her, so he can keep her. She will never be faithful to him, and he will not ever be able to trust that their children are his either. She was just doing this to ensure that they become the next Alpha and Luna. She is what he wanted, so she can have him. I am thoroughly disgusted by both of them, and I will not allow them to make me sad one more day. I had already decided to get out of this horrible pack, and I will not miss the Silver Blade pack for a second. <br /> "She is your mate? Are you serious? Oh, this is the best" Reagan said as she laughed out in joy at hearing this information. "Justin, why haven't you mentioned this to me before?" Reagan continued.<br /> "I just found out about it earlier today as I have been gone for my training for the last 4 months. I caught my mate's scent and followed it so I could go ahead and reject them. I realized it was coming from the Alpha level, and when I went up and it led me straight to her door, it was really faint, but I sensed it. She doesn't even know it yet. I am sure that this information is not going to go over well with your parents. They may be upset when they find out. Are they still going to want us to move forward with our plan? Or are they going to want me and Raven to be mates because we are true mates?" Justin asked Reagan. I have to admit, I was interested in her reply as well, but I already suspected what the answer was going to be.<br /> "Oh no Justin, you will definitely be staying with me. I know dad is really going to get a kick out of you and Raven being mates. Mom might feel a little bad for her, but I think that this is great. I could not be happier that her true mate, will become my chosen mate.<br /> We will rule the Silver Blade pack together, and it will hurt her every day to see us together. It is my pack any way, it was never going to be hers. Maybe if we are lucky since she doesn't have a wolf, she won't be able to scent you, and your rejection might even hurt her when you do it. That would be the best-case scenario for all of us" Reagan said, and I could tell that Justin was a little shocked at how hateful she was. Reagan could tell that Justin was not liking this side of her so she quickly changed her attitude and started cooing at Justin, "She doesn't deserve you, baby, I love you and I want you. Hopefully, you will come to love me too.<br /> I was just worried, I don't want you falling in love with my sister after we have already mated." Reagan said to Justin, looking up at him adoringly through her long lashes. I have to admit, she really knows how to work people to do what she wants them to. Her ability to look innocent and pure is without measure, she could have been an actress.<br /> "Dad hates Raven. He will be very happy about this. He has never loved her since the day that she was born. Mom might be a little upset, but she will get over it. She and dad are chosen mates, she gave up her true mate to become the Luna of the Silver Blade pack. She did it herself, and if it is good enough for her, then it is good enough for me to do it as well. We make the perfect couple. We will have strong pups, and our pack will flourish" Reagan said, and I am stunned. I knew my dad was mean, but to hate me, why? What reason could he possibly have for hating me? My parents have told the whole pack numerous times through the years that they were true mates. They are very affectionate with each other in front of the pack. I didn't even know that they weren't true mates. What else don't I know about them?<br /> "We will do the same thing. You will have to reject Raven first thing in the morning, or after the pack meeting. But you will have to do it where no one else will hear you. Dad is going to tell the pack that we are true mates, so they will fully support us. Dad thinks that it would be a mistake to not have the pack's full support behind us when we go to take it over from my parents" Reagan said, and I am amazed at all the plans that they have kept away from me. Just another thing that shows how much difference there is between Reagan and me. I hear them touching again and wonder when they plan on leaving the area, don't they need to get back to the pack house?<br /> I narrow my eyes at Reagan, as she is ecstatic about getting to truly rub all of my misfortune in right now. Justin is getting the opportunity to reject me, so the situation that we are now in is all positive for them.<br /> "Raven, why are you out of the house? Are you supposed to be out here? Are you OK? That fall looked like it hurt pretty bad" I hear my sister ask me with an innocent look on her face like she cared about me. She was fully aware of how I am kept a prisoner here at the Silver Blade pack. I really have to get out of here. I needed to check and see how badly I am hurt because I don't know if I even have time to go pack a bag now. I may be having to leave here with nothing, but I am OK with that. I just need to get the heck out of here. I will figure out what I need to do after I am safely free of Silver Blade.<br /> "Are you ignoring me, Raven? Are you sure you want to do that to me? Fine then, I will just make sure that you get punished for leaving your room. You are not supposed to be out here anyway. I will just let dad know that you are out here, and he will take care of you" Reagan said with a smirk, and then she started mind linking. <br /> I and my wolf were running away from this pack. But they caught us immediately.<br /> "If you come back here now Raven, I won't punish you for leaving your room without permission" I heard my father tell me. <br /> "Nothing in the world could possess me to do that father," I told him, and I see his eyes glazing over as he goes to link someone. I could care less what they have to say to me, and I turned to walk away. <br /> "You will get punishment in the Blood Walker pack. You know how dangerous they are Raven, you have heard this fact for your whole life. They cannot be trusted, and you are now a rogue. We have told you, and the whole pack, exactly what happens to those who trespass on their land. The moment they scent you they will move in, and you will die today. Is that what you want? Do you want to die? I will get you more freedom in the pack. I will allow you to go to the library every day instead of once a week. How does that sound?" my mother's voice is calming and comforting. She has never before sounded as nice as this, and I know that dad put her up to try to lure me back into the Siler Blade pack. They must be desperate to do it, so I want to see how far they intended to go with it.<br /> "Let me ask you this mother. Was the plan to get Justin to take Reagan as a chosen mate her idea, or dad's?" I asked her. Mom is not a very good liar. I can see her expression as we are only about 20 feet apart from each other right now. <br /> "I don't know what you are talking about Raven, they are mates," my mom said to me, and now I smirk at her. Clearly, mom was keeping me out of the loop and doesn't know that I know for a fact that they aren't.<br /> "Thanks for always lying to me mom. That makes it so much easier on me. I will not be coming back to the Silver Blade pack. This is the last time, Goddess willing, that you all will probably see me and actually I am welcoming the death that is coming to me. It will be better than the life I have lived since Reagan tried to hurt me, and my own dad called me a liar when I told him what actually happened. Justin is not her mate mom, and I know this because he is MY mate. It is disgusting what all you three have done to me and allowed to be done to me my whole life. I never deserved to be treated the way I was. I can only hope that I can find my way and get to live a life that allows me to find someone who loves me and realizes that I am a good person. I don't think that is too much to ask for, do you mom? It seems like you and dad are willing to do anything to get me to come back over the fence, but we both know that if I did come back, I would either immediately be thrown in the cells. So, I will take my chances over here, where at least I have a chance" I told them and turned again to leave. I only made it a few steps before I was stopped again by my father's hateful words.<br /> "You are ungrateful daughter, How do you have the nerve to say that to me? I have clothed and fed you, provided you a room, and let you go to school. I did take care of you, and it is disgusting to see how you repay me. Lying about Justin being your mate. Trying to take your sister's mate away from her. I know that I can speak for your mother as well as myself when I say that we hope the Blood Walker pack disposes of you quickly. I only wish I could punish you myself" my dad roared out, and the hate was coming off of him in waves.<br /> "You disgust me father," I told him and the tone I used to draw out the word father let him know just how little I thought of him being my father. "I have never done anything to cause a problem or disruption in the pack, or in the family. I did what I was told this whole time. Even as knowing that you let the whole pack know that I was fair game if they wanted to hurt me, and they did dad, over and over again. You know what, it was my family that really took the award for the most torment. Your unwarranted hate, mom never supporting me, and my sister allowed to try to hurt me, and incite others up against me made me realize that life will be much better on this side of the border than it was on that side. Even if I only live an hour more, it would be better than the years I spent over there."<br /> I wiped off my tears and walked past them, suddenly, I hear something coming to me…<br /> <br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna listen more? download our App and check more! Novel ID: 98441!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	281724568351187	AudioAdventure	https://facebook.com/61557514568940	1	2	1,150,960,752,909,778	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	AudioAdventure	120209496197720502	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kstudio.khitkun	2024-05-08 04:44	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438174107_1519422691969586_8050151013539728247_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=slQv6hM6gTgQ7kNvgG-NB_C&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCocQVXHM12RWCmdFa-9x0pLX1llW3kIeH-3xp0qLCYtw&oe=6641DD36	person_profile	AudioAdventure	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438145045_748519347270415_1204300549123437457_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BZThTwJXV_wQ7kNvgEblyT6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCdHfip3njokOLLqjKfn9VfrLBu_R5ojXbxjNjg52imzA&oe=6641D054	3	AudioAdventure	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,160	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778306}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	723897569821229	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	What’s more embarrassing than a butt dial? Butt dialing your boss… And leaving a dirty voicemail when you’re uhh… “thinking” about them.<br /> Just had a sexual fantasy with my boss. I stand on legs that are just as shaky as he said they’d be. My throat hurts from moaning and I’m sore as all get-out. As I stand, my phone clatters to the floor.<br /> I reach down to pick it up—<br /> And freeze in horror.<br /> Ruslan’s name is lighting up my screen.<br /> And the call is active.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been masturbating to the absolute filthiest fantasy I’ve ever had, starring Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> ————————<br /> Emma<br /> If anyone has a reason to cry, it’s me. My boss is an arrogant prick and my sister is dead and her husband is more of a burden than a help and I have three innocent kids I’m doing my best to raise right but I can’t seem to catch a break and I need sleep and food and more coffee and a vacation and a fresh start and—the list just goes on. One reason for each of my thousand tears.<br /> “Auntie Em! Auntie Em, wake up.”<br /> I come to with a start. The sun is slanting in through the blinds and I have absolutely no freaking idea what planet I’m on. I feel a sharp line of pain on my cheek. It takes me a long moment to realize that it’s because I have a shoelace plastered to my skin. I peel it off with a wince and look up to see Josh standing over me.<br /> “Auntie Em, it’s 7:45. We’re late for school.”<br /> The next fifteen minutes are a blur. I get the girls up and dressed in the least coordinated outfits in the history of terrible parenting. I hurl random food into their lunchboxes with no regard for nutritional value. And then we’re all sprinting out the door.<br /> Ben, needless to say, doesn’t so much as lift a finger to help.<br /> I get the evil eye from the receptionist at the kids’ school when I drop them off well into first period. I just pop a peck on each of their foreheads and then turn to Bane.<br /> I get another evil eye from the lobby receptionist there, too, but I don’t quite realize why until I’m in the elevator up to the thirtieth floor and I catch sight of my reflection in the polished bronze.<br /> I look like an absolute shitshow. My hair is a rat’s nest on my head and my blouse is on backwards. The fashionable one-shoulder cutout is framing my frayed bra strap instead of a tasteful slice of arm.<br /> Wet street dogs are more put-together than I am.<br /> It’s way too late to go back now, though. I can already imagine Ruslan’s eyebrow. It’s probably halfway up his scalp by now. His voice is going to be absolutely frigid when he hears me come stumbling in. Something like:<br /> “You have got to be kidding me.”<br /> Wait. That wasn’t my imagination. That was actually his voice.<br /> I open my eyes and turn around to realize that the elevator doors have opened—and who should be standing there but my beloved, benevolent boss?<br /> Sure enough, his eyebrow is locked and loaded and that cruelly sharp jaw of his clenched so tight that I wonder idly if he has a good dentist on speed dial.<br /> I open my mouth to defend myself, but what is there even to say? “I’m sorry,” I blurt. “I fell asleep after—It was a long night and—I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”<br /> He doesn’t so much as blink. “I expect you to dress appropriately for your job, Ms. Carson,” he growls. “Not do the walk of shame through my building.”<br /> I frown. “The walk of—? Hold on. No, that’s not what this is. I didn’t—”<br /> “You’re wearing yesterday’s skirt and flaunting your undergarments like you think you can seduce your way out of being—” He checks his watch. “—two and a half hours late. I’m not sure if you think I’m stupid or easy. I’m also not sure which of those two would offend me more.”<br /> One word snags my attention. “Seduce?” I parrot stupidly.<br /> Out of nowhere, thoughts of what it would look like to seduce Ruslan Oryolov come prancing through my head.<br /> Wrapping his tie around my fist and bringing that smirking snarl down to my lips for a taste.<br /> Lying back on his desk, pencil skirt hiked above my hips, while he shoves my panties to the side and devours me like his last meal.<br /> On my knees on his office carpet as he stands over me and—<br /> “Ms. Carson, I’m not interested in your explanations. Go do your job. Before I find someone else to do it for you.”<br /> With that, he brushes past me and gets on the elevator. I turn and look dumbly at him as the doors close on his face. The last thing I see is the arrogant slant of his mouth.<br /> Then that, too, disappears.<br /> My cheeks are burning red for the rest of the day. Luckily, I have an extra cardigan at my desk, so I’m able to cover up the worst of my wardrobe malfunction.<br /> But my phone keeps pinging all day long with messages from Ruslan. Do this. Send that. Fax this. Email that. He’s as unbearable as ever. Everything from the expiration date on his coffee creamer to the status of the conference room chairs he’s so anal about merits yet another scathing comment from him. And after yesterday’s nightmare, I’m running on fumes.<br /> My only saving grace is that he has a gala tonight, so he’s scheduled to leave the office at 5:00 P.M. sharp. I’m counting down the last ten seconds until the clock strikes five like I’m a Times Square partier on New Year’s Eve.<br /> “Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… One…”<br /> Ping. Another text. I moan and look down to see the devil’s name pop up on my phone.<br /> RUSLAN: My office. Now.<br /> Goddammit. I was so close.<br /> Sighing, I get up and slink inside.<br /> “Shut the door,” he orders. It’s dark in here. The curtains are sealed tight and the temperature is Arctic. He’s a mass of shadows behind his desk, huge and fragrant. The only thing I can see is the sharp light of his amber eyes.<br /> “Sit.” A shadowy hand points at the chair across from his desk.<br /> I perch at the edge of the seat in question. My nerves are buzzing and frayed. I’m so, so tired. But I can’t show him that. Matter of fact, I refuse to show him that.<br /> I won’t give the smug prick the satisfaction of thinking he’s outlasted me.<br /> “I asked you yesterday if I had your full attention,” he begins. “I’m not so sure I do. So let me say this: if your priorities lie anywhere other than this company, then I will find a new assistant. I’m not a nice man, Ms. Carson. So believe me when I tell you that this is not the kind of place where you get three strikes before something bad happens. You mess up once—you’re gone. Am I making myself clear?”<br /> I swallow. “Yes, sir.”<br /> He nods. “Good. Be here on time tomorrow. Dress like you intend to keep your job. Now, if you’ll excuse me… there’s the door.”<br /> He looks down at his phone and poof, it’s like I don’t exist anymore.<br /> But I. Am. Pissed.<br /> He doesn’t know what I’m going through. He doesn’t know Ben is snoring and farting in my living room, or that three little kids are waiting on me to pick them up from after-school care. He doesn’t know that I buried my sister or that I’m barely keeping my head above water. He doesn’t know anything.<br /> “No.” I blurt it before I can think better of it. “No. No. I’m not some little worm under your shoe, Mr. Oryolov. I’m a—I mean, screw you, I’m a person! I have a life and hobbies and people who depend on me. I’m real! So I’d appreciate it very much if you’d pull your smug head out of your smug prick and treat me with some respect for once.”<br /> Ruslan blinks.<br /> Blinks.<br /> Blinks.<br /> “Is there something else, Ms. Carson?”<br /> That’s when I realize that my whole little tirade took place entirely in my head. It wasn’t real. All imagined. Just a pleasant little detour to a fantasy land where I give him my two cents and then some.<br /> I swallow past the nasty taste in my throat and stand. “No, sir,” I say quietly. “Nothing at all.”<br /> -<br /> I ended the call with my best friend, Phoebe.<br /> Then a face pops up on the black screen of my mind’s eye.<br /> It’s Ruslan because, like I told Pheebs, he haunts me even when I’m off the clock. He’s smiling that smile she described. That come-to-bed-and-let-me-show-you-what-I-can-do-to-you smile. The camera of my imagination pulls back and floats down.<br /> Imaginary Ruslan is wearing an ivory white button-down shirt with the top two buttons undone. Enough to see a dusting of dark chest hair and the edge of a tattoo I can’t quite make out. He flexes his forearms in front of him. Those knuckles crack, louder than I expected, and I let out a surprised little gasp.<br /> I like when you make that noise, he croons. Shall I see if I can make you do it again?<br /> I’m nodding before I’m even realizing what I’m doing. “Make me moan,” I plead.<br /> I’m also touching the inside of my knee before I realize what I’m doing. But it’s not my hands that are doing it—or at least, it doesn’t feel like it’s my hands. It’s Ruslan’s hands, huge and powerful, palming my thigh and drifting up under the edge of my pencil skirt.<br /> You’ve been a naughty assistant, he growls, breath minty in my face where it mingles with the woodsy spice of his cologne. There’s a faint laugh on the edge of his voice, like he knows that this whole thing is crazy but he’s just going with it because it’s hotter than it is ridiculous. You’ve been so very, very bad. Step into my office and shut the door.<br /> The rest of the world disappears like I just followed his orders. Gone is my messy apartment and the lingering smell of burrito cheese. Ruslan is all I smell now.<br /> That cologne.<br /> That breath.<br /> Beneath it, that musk that sets my nerve endings on fire.<br /> “Are you going to punish me, Ruslan?” I whisper.<br /> I’m on the literal edge of my seat, grinding and bucking against my fingers. Imaginary Ruslan has me eating out of the palm of his hand. I’d do anything for him. Say anything. Be anything.<br /> Imaginary Ruslan is every bit the cruel prick that real Ruslan is. He said he’d keep my orgasms to himself, but I feel like I stole this one from him. The euphoria of it rips through me in one endless lightning bolt after the next, until finally, what feels like an hour later, I come back to something like normal consciousness with drool on my lips and my fingers wet and sticky with my own desire.<br /> I stand on legs that are just as shaky as he said they’d be. My throat hurts from moaning and I’m sore as all get-out. As I stand, my phone clatters to the floor.<br /> I reach down to pick it up—<br /> And freeze in horror.<br /> Ruslan’s name is lighting up my screen.<br /> And the call is active.<br /> The reality of what is happening clicks in my gut immediately, but it takes a few delayed moments before my head comes to terms with it.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been on a call with Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been masturbating to the absolute filthiest fantasy I’ve ever had, starring Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, my phone has been recording every last moan and gasp and breath and twitch I made while I begged for his mercy and pleaded for him to make me come.<br /> Did Ruslan hear the whole thing?<br /> -<br /> “It’s over. My life as I know it is over. R.I.P. to me.”<br /> “I’m sorry, who is this?”<br /> “Pheebs!”<br /> She chuckles while I stare at my reflection in the mirror and try not to throw up. My phone is lying on the bathroom counter on speakerphone, mostly because my palms have been sweating since I saw the meeting invite in my calendar for today.<br /> 9:00 A.M. – 09:07:32 A.M.: Emma Carson 1-on-1 with Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> “Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Anyway, rewind, take a deep breath, then tell me what’s going on in your big girl voice. Unburden yourself. Take all the time you need. Just make it quick because I have a 9 o’clock appointment.”<br /> I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet now, the same way that Reagan does when she needs to pee really bad. “Yeah, so do I. With him.”<br /> “Ah. Oh, wait—oh.”<br /> I first called Phoebe last night right after realizing what I’d done. Her reaction was a dizzying mixture of pride and horror. I believe her exact words were, “Sure, it’s mortifying, but I’m glad you got your rocks off. Knew you had it in you.”<br /> She’s a little more reassuring now that things are escalating out of control. “That doesn’t necessarily mean he heard the voicemail, Em. Maybe this is just a standard, no-big-deal, super-boring-business-stuff Thursday morning meeting.”<br /> “It’s scheduled for seven minutes and thirty-two seconds. Precisely.”<br /> “Hm.” There’s a beat of silence. “Doesn’t look good, does it?”<br /> “Seriously? That’s all you’ve got for me? I’m gonna lose my job, Phoebe!”<br /> “You don’t know that for sure. Just take a deep breath and go in there, see what he wants. Play it cool, y’know?”<br /> “And what if what he wants is to kick my arse to the curb with a recommendation letter that claims I’m a dirty bimbo?”<br /> “I mean, there’s probably a market for that.” I moan as Phoebe’s laughter fades into a serious tone. “Listen, boo: whatever happens, you’re a strong, smart, confident woman and you’re gonna land on your feet. And until you do, I’ve got your back.”<br /> Her words mean everything to me, but I know that Phoebe doesn’t have much margin for error in her life, either. She struggles just as hard as I do. If she is able to help, it still wouldn’t put a dent in all the bills and loans looming over me.<br /> “Thanks for the pep talk. I’ve gotta go to my doom now.”<br /> “Keep your pecker up!”<br /> I blink. “Huh?”<br /> “Oklahoma talk. It means, like, ‘break a leg,’ but for Midwesterners.”<br /> If I weren’t worried about losing my job and ending up homeless on the street with three kids, I’d laugh. Instead, I say one more miserable goodbye, then spend a solid three minutes dry-heaving into one of the empty bathroom stalls.<br /> Once I’ve sufficiently bruised my stomach lining, I slink out of the bathroom and waste the remaining two minutes before the meeting standing outside of Ruslan’s door, watching the clock steal my life away one second at a time.<br /> “You okay, Emma?” asks Katie Miller, another of the executive assistants on this floor, as she passes by.<br /> “Dandy,” I mumble. “Just waiting for the noose.”<br /> “What was that?”<br /> “Nothing. I like your earrings. Have a good day.”<br /> She raises her brow a smidge. I’m not usually so dismissive, but I can’t concentrate on small talk right now. Not when I’m T-minus thirty seconds away from the end of my career.<br /> Dear God, I know I don’t pray to you often. Or, well, ever. But please help me out today and I’ll definitely consider starting on a more semi-regular basis.<br /> Great. Now, I’m bargaining with God. New low, Emma. New low.<br /> I take a deep breath and walk into his office. The shades are tight, snuffing out all the light of the Manhattan morning beyond. It’s like a bear cave in here—and the grizzly in question is sitting at his desk, scrolling through his phone. He doesn’t acknowledge me until I’m standing in front of his desk.<br /> “Sit.”<br /> The moment my rear end is parked, he puts his phone down and looks at me. Just looks at me.<br /> In the eighteen months that I’ve worked for him, he’s never once given me the benefit of his full attention. Even during our morning meetings, he’s either on his phone, flipping through files, or typing away on his laptop. I used to be annoyed about it. I’m only now realizing I should have been grateful.<br /> Should I say something?<br /> Maybe he wants me to break the silence. Maybe I’m supposed to give him an explanation, an apology, something. But the more the silence stretches on, the less I’m capable of breaking it.<br /> I decide once again that those amber eyes of his should be outlawed.<br /> “I heard the voicemail,” he says at last.<br /> I can’t place his tone. Amusement? Anger? Disbelief?<br /> “Do you have anything to say, Ms. Carson?”<br /> I launch into the apology I spent most of last night practicing in the mirror. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Mr. Oryolov. I have no idea what I was thinking. The whole thing was an accident; I didn’t realize I’d dialed you. I was so tired and out of it and… I can assure you that it will never happen again. I swear.”<br /> My cheeks are flushed with embarrassment, but I try to keep my voice steady. I can’t sound too desperate, although that’s exactly what I am.<br /> “Tell me, Ms. Carson: what would you do in my place?”<br /> “I would give the plucky, hard-working assistant another chance, maybe?” It’s a long shot, but I figure, what the heck? I just wish I’d asked it without my voice rising to an Alvin and the Chipmunks pipsqueak at the end.<br /> His mouth twitches with the promise of a smile, but it’s gone as quick as it came. “I know what you sound like when you climax, Emma. Is that the soundtrack you want running through all our interactions from now on?”<br /> Flushing the brightest of reds, I shake my head. “If we could maybe just forget this whole thing—”<br /> “The way I see it, there are only two options here.”<br /> I hold my breath.<br /> “One, I fire you.”<br /> There it is. I knew it. I’m done for. I’m going to need to call the welfare office and see what—<br /> “Or two… I give you exactly what you want.”<br /> I almost choke on my own saliva. What little is left in my gaping mouth. “W-what?”<br /> Silently, Ruslan offers me the blue folder lying in front of him. I pick it up with shaky hands and open the cover. It takes me a few long moments to figure out what on earth I’m looking at.<br /> A… contract?<br /> I read through the first page, feeling a strange sensation bubble up in my chest.Then, since I’m clearly misunderstanding something, I read through the first page again. And again. And again.<br /> Only then do I look up. “Is this a joke?”<br /> He doesn’t blink. “I never joke.”<br /> “It’s just that, it seems like, from what I read, um—”<br /> “I will offer you money and security in exchange for live encores of the little performance you sent me last night. In addition to meeting my other needs.”<br /> “And by ‘needs,’ you mean…intercourse?”<br /> He tilts his chin down and regards me solemnly. “How explicit would you like me to be, Ms. Carson?”<br /> What.<br /> “So this—” I raise the blue folder in my hand. “—is a sugar daddy contract?”<br /> His brow furrows. “I’d prefer to call it a ‘Friend With Benefits’ contract.”<br /> “But we’re not friends.”<br /> He smirks. “Fair enough. No, we’re not.”<br /> There’s a throbbing in my head that reminds me of the first time I got drunk. Sienna and I had snuck into Dad’s study the eve of my sixteenth birthday and stolen a 1984 Chateau Latour. We passed it back and forth, taking turns sipping from the bottle like it was cheap bagged drink until the whole thing was gone.<br /> For a moment, I think about what Sienna would say if she were here. Would she be outraged or intrigued? Would she slap the smug prick and storm out?<br /> Or would she grin and say, Double the price and I’m in.<br /> What would you do, Si?<br /> And then it hits me, a bolt of lightning straight to the chest, almost like she’s speaking to me herself. I miss her so much, it hurts. But she left little bits of herself behind, in all three of her children. The same kids I’m working off to protect.<br /> That right there is the answer.<br /> Sienna would have done whatever was best for her children.<br /> So I don’t slap him. I don’t storm out. I sit there and stare at my arrogant, prick boss who always gets exactly what he wants.<br /> And what he wants… is me.<br /> I meet Ruslan’s steely gaze. “What happens if I say no?”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.funstorys.com/ad/RnVuU3RvcnkvMTcyNTgwLzI	142292175627960	Fun003	https://facebook.com/61551606164621	66	1	970,737,374,493,373	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Fun003	120209474936090696	a.funstorys.com	NONE	video		https://a.funstorys.com/ad/RnVuU3RvcnkvMTcyNTgwLzIwMjQwNTA4MTYxNDI1L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-08 03:18	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950602_1587455692101278_6573616080931112382_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BIbp956VVtEQ7kNvgFBb7Hh&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDI0ipxq8xDtFXaVqr-ZJuKEgFxt4DTETf5cCh86Z_csg&oe=6641E2E2	person_profile	Fun003	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440853425_978925703879934_457878227196053153_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fWqhbvmTOUYQ7kNvgHOoEYY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBBBoJM0xjQ5ZkZEzBj_s9KcPdK0foh8CkMdNQwlQxT2A&oe=6641EEEF	3	Fun003	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,884	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-08 18:43	active	760	386984854335946	continue watching	🔥❤️Elena, hiding her identity as the heiress, faces bullying from colleagues at work and even has her award-winning project stolen‼️Meanwhile, Charles mistakes Chloe for his fiancée, not realizing his actual fiancée is Elena! Surprisingly, 🥰Charles unknowingly falls in love with Elena... When will all the truths be revealed❓ Embark on Elena and Charles's sweet romance‼️🥰❤️😘👇	LEARN_MORE	https://dramapi.mediaradiance.com/api/track/dynami	228883993638292	Shotshort	https://facebook.com/61556269190754	3	1	1,151,606,375,852,702	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Shotshort	120207395333690138	dramapi.mediaradiance.com	NONE	video		https://dramapi.mediaradiance.com/api/track/dynamicLandingPageThrV2/21a4fe511ae69cae182715e4e300d93a?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}	2024-05-07 04:37	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438170101_1473349933293989_2291468483836793529_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eKrd5er1xY8Q7kNvgGBCnvT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA44mJiiy9baAYgHws9I0nkxRs1Zuvdw08KJLuPSqHisA&oe=6641C0E8	person_profile	Shotshort	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438162177_706273921504577_4718747348182810483_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JWUg0o8nZy4Q7kNvgGAs_-s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfALLaSqn4Kor9tQ9hh3-OrbUnIzsLwJWJw0tLz_6NhYbQ&oe=6641DE97	3	Shotshort	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,210	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778099}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:35	active	760	912437237302827	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.<br /> <picture attachment><br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping. Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> ___________<br /> <br /> Everything was set on the table. Dinner, candles, cranberry juice for me and spirits for him, and pasta. All on the table that was covered in a table cloth. I was wearing a blood red knee length dress that flowed with every step I took. The spaghetti straps resting securely on my shoulder blades. I wore the diamond necklace he had gotten me for our four year anniversary. My hair settling on my back, the curls swaying back and forth as I walk from the kitchen to the dining room. I noticed the clock and sent him a quick text.<br /> I have a surprise for you! can't wait until you get home.<br /> I smile and press send, waiting patiently for him to arrive.<br /> 3 hours later<br /> I watch as the candles slowly start to die for the fifth time. I look back at my phone and let out a shaky breath as I reread the text that had a picture attached to it.<br /> He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.<br /> <picture attachment><br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping. Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> 3 months earlier<br /> "Okay but if you had to choose one person to take to an island who would it be?"<br /> He asks me as my legs rest on his lap and we share another night of long-random talks.<br /> "Well what kind of question is that? I'll obviously take Johnny Depp."<br /> I let out a laugh as he frowns at my response.<br /> "I'm joking silly! of course I'll take you!"<br /> He smiles<br /> "That's much better."<br /> He gives my leg a pat.<br /> "I love you."<br /> "I love you too Luke."<br /> "No matter what happens right?"<br /> "No matter what happens."<br /> I assure him.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> I move to sit on the couch and cross my legs letting my thoughts wander. He was a lying prick who deserves to rot in inferno along with his little friend. I wonder how many times he had cheated on me with that blonde bimbo. Probably as he slept with you he was thinking about her. All the pecks he shared with you, he was thinking of pecking her. All those passionate nights he had with you, he was thinking about her. All those I love you's meant nothing to him when they escaped his mouth, he just saw you as someone to return home to. He knew you wouldn't leave him, that is if you didn't find out about his little secret.<br /> All these thoughts clouded my mind making me become more aware of how the signs were there but I never paid attention to any of them and how tightly he had me wrapped around his finger. I was just a toy for him to play with when he got home and he needed someone to be next to, someone he knew would never leave him. And that someone was me. And yet again a memory fills my head.<br /> <br /> 2 months earlier<br /> "Sorry I'm late babe, work was piling up."<br /> He says and I notice his hair was a mess and his shirt untucked.<br /> "You probably did have a busy day, if you would let your hair be a mess like that."<br /> Giving me a nervous laugh he gives my cheek a peck.<br /> "I'm going to take a bath if you want to join me."<br /> I say, whispering in his ear.<br /> "Maybe another day Nikky, I'm really tired."<br /> I felt rejected, that was the fifth time this month. I gave him a smile and nodded walking to our bathroom to start my bath.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> "Well, of course, he didn't want to be with me because he had already had his time with the bimbo."<br /> I say out loud as I just sat there staring at nothing, I suddenly got an idea. Getting up I make my way to my bedroom and go to my closet and take out all his clothes along with his shoes. Laying them all on the bed I go back to the kitchen and grab a bunch of black garbage bags and start putting all his clothes in them. Once I was done with everything that belonged to him I called our landlord and asked him if he could help me with some garbage that I had. I waited patiently by the door and when I heard the knock I opened it and gave him a smile.<br /> "Mr. Jackson thank you so much for helping me."<br /> I say and guided him to the bedroom where the bags were.<br /> He saw that there were hangers laying on the bed and that drawers were open and empty. He doesn't say anything but grabs as many bags he could until he had them all out the door.<br /> "Will that be it, Miss. Anderson?"<br /> He asks giving me a gentle smile.<br /> "Yes, thank you for your help Mr. Jackson."<br /> I say and he nods and I close the door.<br /> I wonder if all those trips he took that were supposedly just for meetings were actually him and the bimbo getting together for a vacation.<br /> <br /> 1 month earlier<br /> "That's so weird, that you have to go at such a short notice."<br /> I say as I keep my eyes on Luke walking in and out of the closet, as he set his things neatly in his suitcase.<br /> "I know, it's an important meeting and I can't miss it for anything."<br /> He gives me a small smile and I get up and go to our bathroom and get his toothbrush.<br /> "Forgetting something?"<br /> I say and he pecks my forehead.<br /> "You're a lifesaver."<br /> "I try."<br /> I say making my way to our sofa that was in our bedroom, I bring my legs up and rest my chin on top of my knees. All while watching my boyfriend pack his things. As I sat there, I quickly remember the fourth of July party.<br /> "But what about my family's fourth of July party? You know your family is also invited."<br /> He walks over and crouches in front of me.<br /> "No worries, I'll be back before that."<br /> I smile and nod as he gives my forehead a peck.<br /> "Love you and don't forget to lock the doors."<br /> He tells me as he zips up his suitcase.<br /> "I'm not a child Luke."<br /> I say and he smiles.<br /> "I know you're not, but I've never had a twenty- five year old girlfriend."<br /> That's right he always had someone closer to his age and I was five years younger than him.<br /> "Be careful."<br /> I say getting up and walks towards him.<br /> "Always am Nikky."<br /> He grabs my waist and gives me a quick peck.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> He was going on vacation with her, while you stayed home like a complete fool just waiting for him to come home. She's probably closer to his age and a lot more mature than you. And when he gets tired of your childish acts, that's when he leaves with her. With those thoughts in my head, I start searching the whole house for any pictures that might have him in them or remind me of him. I gather all the pictures I could find and take them to the living room. Setting the pictures down on the floor I grab the matches and start lighting one up, throwing it in the fireplace. Grabbing the pictures I start to throw one by one in letting the fire engulf them, making it that all that was left was the sparks and ashes.<br /> With every picture I burned, memories of him were vanishing along with my love for him. Everything was finally coming to pieces. All the trips he took, all those long nights at work, all those rejections were part of his lies. Just a cover up for where he truly was, sleeping around with some bimbo. All while I was at home waiting for him and giving him my love. As the pictures burned my hatred for him grew.<br /> "Babe I'm home."<br /> My head snaps up at the sound of his voice. A voice that once gave me comfort, but now disgusted me.<br /> "In the living room."<br /> I quickly hide the pictures under the couch, and put on a fake smile.<br /> He comes in with his black suit all wrinkled, his shirt un tucked, his tie loose around his neck. His blue eyes held a hint of guilt. A look I knew was fake just like the excuse he was about to give me. He was holding a bear that held a little black box, and a bouquet of red roses. Usually I would accept the gifts and forgive him, but that was before I knew his little cheating adventures. I hold my fake smile as I looked over the gifts in his hands.<br /> "So am I forgiven?"<br /> He says breaking the silence, and all I do is smile.<br /> "Oh babe it's fine, let me guess work was piling up today?"<br /> Let's see what you say you lying scumbag.<br /> I notice his eyes flicker with relief and he lets out a breath.<br /> "You know me so well babe, happy four years Nikky."<br /> He sets the bear, roses and small box on the couch. He comes closer and wraps his arms around me. All I wanted to do at that moment was push him off of me. But trying my best I hug him back. Huh he smells of cheap perfume.<br /> "I'll be back, I'm going to change and then we could have dinner."<br /> I just nod and watch him walk off to my room. I wait until he realizes that his clothes are nowhere to be found. Well at least he hasn't checked the garbage.<br /> "Nikky?"<br /> "Yea?"<br /> I respond looking at his confused face.<br /> "Why aren't any of my clothes in there?"<br /> Tell him now.<br /> "They're in the garbage."<br /> I respond.<br /> "Why?"<br /> "Well I thought since you probably have clothes at her house I could just throw away all the clothes you have here. And plus I need more space for the shoes and more clothes I want to buy."<br /> "What are you talking about?"<br /> He says confused.<br /> "Well I'm talking about the bimbo's house where you stay I'm pretty sure every night for a little sleepover."<br /> "So you assume I cheated on you?"<br /> "Oh no I'm not assuming anything, I have proof that you cheated on me."<br /> I push past him and grab my phone, opening the message and making him look at the picture. As he does his eyes go wide. He opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off.<br /> "Don't you dare say that this isn't you."<br /> I snap and he looks up at me with guilt in his blue eyes.<br /> "Don't do this."<br /> He pleads.<br /> "Leave."<br /> "Nikky come on please let me explain."<br /> "Explain what Luke?! How you cheated on me for who knows how long and yet you have the nerve to come home knowing well what you have done!"<br /> "Nikky it was a mistake!"<br /> "A mistake! No what you did was not a mistake but a choice."<br /> He doesn't say anything.<br /> "Leave! And take this because I don't want anything to do with you!"<br /> I throw the roses and bear at him, along with the little box. And the necklace I was currently wearing.<br /> "Ple-<br /> "Leave now before I call the police."<br /> He stands there looking at me.<br /> "Leave!"<br /> I bang on his chest and push him out the door. Once he is out the door I slam it shut and that's when I feel it. My heart clenches and a sob escapes my throat, tears following right after. And that's when I break, I fall to the ground and let out sobs as I realize that the guy I had loved had broken my heart and didn't think twice when he cheated on me. The guy I was having a baby with had broken me. Grabbing my stomach I let out another sob.<br /> I'm so sorry baby.<br /> <br /> The seconds turned to hours which turned to days. I had moved out from the apartment into a smaller one closer to the city. My once flat belly was now a small round bump, being 1 month pregnant and alone brought a lot of complications for me, emotionally wise. I had yet to tell my parents, for all they knew Luke and I were still a thing. I had told no one about the break up except for my best friend Charlie, who I called up the next day to help me find a new place. A place were I could start fresh, with new memories. Just my baby and I.<br /> I was meeting my mom and dad for brunch today so to make sure my bump wasn't noticeable I decided to wear a large black shirt and black leggings and a pair of vans. My hair which was once long was now above my shoulders.<br /> Mom: Sweetie why don't you invite Luke over to eat with us? Your father and I haven't seen or heard from him in a while<br /> I sigh as I look at the text.<br /> Well of course you haven't heard from the scumbag, we broke up because he cheated. And now I'm having his baby.<br /> That's what I wanted to text her, but of course I didn't. But instead replied with the same excuse. Luke was at work and couldn't make it.<br /> "Come on little bean, we have to go meet grandma and grandpa."<br /> I rub my belly and smile. Yea I was already talking to the baby, who was probably the size of a bean if not a bit larger.<br /> Walking out of the apartment I head over to my car and drive off to the cafe that was twenty minutes away.<br /> Driving was always something that I dreaded, because my mind tends to wander to questions I would rather most likely avoid. And the biggest one of course was, When are you going to tell Luke that you're pregnant? Or are you not going to? Personally I would rather keep my baby away from him and not let him know, but he is the father and legally has the right to know.<br /> Before I could get anymore into the subject, I turn the radio on, raising the volume up to drown my thoughts.<br /> By the time I get there parking was already full, so I'm forced to park a block away.<br /> "Great, that means more walking little bean. Which isn't a bad thing. But mommy gets tired."<br /> Dad: Kiddo are you almost here?<br /> I look at the text and chuckle, my dad was always impatient when it came to food.<br /> Me: Yes dad, had to park a block away but I should be there in three minutes.<br /> I turn the engine off and walk out to the crisp air. It was mid-September and the weather in Chicago was getting a bit cooler as fall approached.<br /> I start walking and as I do I start to feel nervous, the fact that my parents will finally know that Luke and I broke up and that I was pregnant and was going to be a single mom was quite the thing to get me all nervous.<br /> It'll be fine, no need to get all worked up about it. You are an adult and they can't tell you what to do anymore.<br /> I kept telling myself as I opened the door and was welcomed with the scent of coffee and warmth. I search the whole place and spot my parents all the way in the back, my dad waving his hands and my mom laughing as she brought the mug to her lips.<br /> Smiling at them I walk towards their table causing them both to get up and greet me with a hug.<br /> "Kiddo Long time no see! How's Luke?"<br /> Just the mention of that name made my stomach churn.<br /> "Yea dad it has been a long time."<br /> I reply ignoring the last part.<br /> "Mom."<br /> I say giving her a hug.<br /> "Darling, how I've missed you. Woah looks like someone is gaining a bit of weight."<br /> Come on Nikky it's now or never. You have to tell them.<br /> "Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you guys about."<br /> I explain, biting on the inside of my cheek.<br /> "Of you gaining weight?"<br /> My dad asks as he sits back down.<br /> And before I can answer a waitress comes by.<br /> "Can I get you anything to drink?"<br /> "Yea she'll have an espresso."<br /> My mom answers.<br /> I shake my head.<br /> "Actually I'll just have a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and a chocolate chip muffin please."<br /> "Alrighty, then I'll be right out with that."<br /> "Hot chocolate?"<br /> "Yea I just wanted to try something different."<br /> I say playing around with the hem of my shirt.<br /> "So what did you want to talk about Nikky?"<br /> My mom says sitting back down and I follow sitting across from her and my dad.<br /> "Well, um okay, how do I tell you guys."<br /> Quit stalling and just tell them Nikky!<br /> "Nikky just spit it out. You know you can tell us anything."<br /> I nod, reassuring my mom that I knew that.<br /> "Okay, well I'm uh pregnant."<br /> There I said it.<br /> I looked at both my parents who had a blank stare. That is until my mother broke into a smile and stood up, making me stand up as well.<br /> "Sweetie congratulations! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"<br /> She wraps her arms around me and sways us side to side.<br /> "Come on let me get a hug."<br /> My dad says and my mom lets go letting my dad congratulate me by giving me one of his famous bear hugs.<br /> "Can't believe we're going to be grandparents."<br /> I look over at my mom who was on the verge of crying.<br /> "Mom please don't cry."<br /> I plead knowing that I had yet to tell them the other part of the news and not know how they would react with the second part once I had told them.<br /> "So how did Luke react?"<br /> They both look at me with the biggest smiles on their faces.<br /> "He doesn't know."<br /> I say and my mom blinks and my dad just smiles.<br /> "Of course! you want to make it a surprise!"<br /> I shake my head no.<br /> "We broke up, have been for a while now. I left the apartment and got a smaller one closer to the city. Charlie helped me pick it out."<br /> "You're not going to keep it am I right?"<br /> My mother asks looking rather angry.<br /> I was taken aback from her remark, does she mean an abortion?<br /> "No, I plan on keeping my baby."<br /> "Nikky do you know what our friends will say when they find out about this?"<br /> I don't answer her but just continue staring at both my parents, letting her comment process.<br /> Why would I want to have an abortion? This baby was a blessing for me and there was no way that I was going to end my little bean's life. Sure being a single mom would be a bit more challenging but I had my friends, and I thought I had my family but apparently they don't approve.<br /> "Or if you don't want an abortion, we can have it be adopted."<br /> I look at my mother with a look of disgust.<br /> "It's a baby, not it. And I will not have an abortion nor will I have the baby be adopted."<br /> I speak low as to not cause a scene, not that it mattered.<br /> "Nikky listen to your mother, this won't be good for your reputation. Think about it, you'll be a single mom living on your own and not even married with a baby on the way."<br /> I scoff.<br /> "Are you listening to yourself, dad?! Not married and with a baby? This is the twenty-first century, things change and not being married and with a kid is one of them."<br /> Before my mom could reply the waitress comes with our stuff.<br /> "Actually I'll like to have my things to go please."<br /> I say giving her a small smile.<br /> She looks between my mom and I and nods, maybe she could sense the tension going on.<br /> "Of course."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> I turn back to my parents.<br /> "Don't worry, we won't be causing you or your reputation any more trouble."	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvMTcxOTM4	195308346990040	Cha114	https://facebook.com/61553929473251	13	1	465,599,905,906,210	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Cha114	120207865989680258	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvMTcxOTM4LzIwMjQwNTA4MTEwODE4L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:12	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438299850_436990682490003_5812413733426350826_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MbLFs5nvW-QQ7kNvgERzXoz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBnTYeuGj0MJfba-jtA-r-rzSki82kTqB5tT0M6QgZ9nQ&oe=6641D348	person_profile	Cha114	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438259925_995585692222677_1348336911979444220_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3JJYNtaIFg4Q7kNvgHP1iuk&_nc_oc=AdgTso6iS9lbOx_IG6diHij0rUVX-sct-I16lGi8IyY9mSdVOr2B8wxyU2-ERnwNTtw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCovwr4NQrrXEzM95ivJsURmY4-rFV5hVkymibwwOA3cQ&oe=6641F06E	3	Cha114	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,540	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1777945}'	No	2024-05-08 18:39	active	760	1183155832855749	$49 First Exam	Know someone suffering from constant headaches or migraines? 🛑✋ STOP taking pain medication and consider chiropractic care! Headaches and migraines signal underlying body imbalances, such as compressed nerves or poor posture. These issues can lead to tension and pain, so addressing the root cause is essential rather than just treating the symptoms. We understand how debilitating this can be. That's why we're offering a special on your first chiropractic exam! Our expert care focuses on realigning your spine, relieving nerve pressure, and correcting posture to tackle the problem at its source. ✅ Experience a holistic approach to headache and migraine relief - no medications, no surgery ✅ Discover the benefits of chiropractic care in improving your overall health ✅ Take your first step towards a life free from pain Don't let headaches and migraines hold you back any longer. Book your appointment today and feel the difference chiropractic care can make. #HeadacheRelief #MigraineRelief #ChiropracticCare FIRST EXAM INCLUDES: 🔎 Consultation: This involves a comprehensive review of your medical history, a physical examination focusing on your spine and posture, and a discussion about your health concerns and goals to tailor a personalized treatment plan. 🔎 Posture Exam: We will carefully assess your spinal alignment and posture, possibly using visual observation and imaging tests, to identify any irregularities or imbalances leading to discomfort or impacting your overall health. 🔎 Palpation Exam: We will examine your spine and surrounding tissues for tenderness, warmth, or irregularities, helping to pinpoint areas of discomfort or dysfunction. *** Medicaid, Medicare, Personal Injury & Auto Accident Injury cases excluded by law.*	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	133893540037455	Courtley Chiropractic	https://facebook.com/CourtleyChiropractic	1,443	1	434,040,809,083,835	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn More	Courtley Chiropractic	120208323540220389	fb.me	NONE	dco	200+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Online Reviews!	http://fb.me/	2024-05-08 08:36	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441517984_1863719157434807_2647829598489140999_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-Zh8xAyOG2IQ7kNvgH1VJKb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCYQrQg3f2KgLPofe2pUnz5hmGhSIzMioAt8GZ3SPIOXA&oe=6641D789	person_profile	Courtley Chiropractic	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440356556_976066483867253_155543094260928244_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ykle15PMfegQ7kNvgFZK_ZN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBVtPCnKEPnifUbzqYz9_SUo9lkb6kHrTQhb343-i0T0A&oe=6641EAC9	3	Courtley Chiropractic	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,345	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778203}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1878722002547770	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Xavier, you’d better get this straight: it's me who's dumping you, not the other way round." It took all her willpower not to lash out at the cheating couple. <br /> "I hope you two have a long, 'happy' life together," she spat.<br /> Her boyfriend of three years, the one she had been with through thick and thin, was now engaged to her elder sister.<br /> "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that I’m here to help." Charles tapped his cufflink, his gaze steady and serene as he watched Noelle.<br /> He was her guardian angel in her darkest hour. "Marry me. I'll bring you unimaginable happiness!"<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> Autumn had painted Brookville in shades of gold and crimson when Noelle Shaw stepped off the plane. She grabbed her suitcase and walked out into the crisp air, a familiar sense of home wrapping around her.<br /> A whole year had passed since she left to pursue a corporate training program overseas, and now, she was back just in time.<br /> Her third anniversary with her boyfriend Xavier Harris was just days away, and she had been working nonstop to make it back early enough to surprise him.<br /> She hailed a cab and headed straight for Xavier's office. The moment she walked through the front doors, Alice, the receptionist, gave her a look of total shock. "Ms. Shaw? You’re back? Are you here for the CEO's engagement party?"<br /> Noelle's brow creased in confusion. "The CEO's engagement party? What are you talking about, Alice?"<br /> "It's Mr. Harris's engagement party with your sister!"<br /> "What?" Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and the happiness drained from her face. "Whose engagement party?"<br /> Alice seemed to realize she had dropped a bombshell and nervously swallowed. "The CEO... and your sister..."<br /> "Where is it happening?"<br /> "The... Golden Oasis Hotel."<br /> It felt like a punch to the gut. Noelle spun on her heel and rushed out. "Driver, take me to the Golden Oasis Hotel, please."<br /> She had not even made it inside the hotel when she saw a huge photo by the entrance. There Xavier was with his arm around Winter Shaw, who looked stunning in her elegant dress. They were gazing into each other's eyes, lost in a world of love.<br /> On her way over, Noelle was psyching herself up. Xavier was her boyfriend. He was hers! The idea of him getting engaged to her sister was just too bizarre. As she arrived, however, reality hit her like a ton of bricks.<br /> She walked in just in time to catch Xavier whispering sweet nothings into Winter's ear, making her cheeks turn a rosy pink.<br /> Noelle felt a surge of anger, her eyes blazing with fury.<br /> How ludicrous it was. Her boyfriend of three years, the one she had been with through thick and thin, was now cozying up to her elder sister while she had been miles away.<br /> Winter Shaw was mingling and toasting with the guests arm in arm with Xavier when she spotted Noelle. Her face drained of color, and her grip on Xavier's hand tightened without her even realizing it.<br /> Xavier's eyes met Noelle's. He paused for a split second, then flashed Winter a comforting smile before walking over to Noelle. "Hey Noelle, did you come to celebrate me and your sister's big day?"<br /> His voice, which was usually so warm and gentle, felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Noelle clenched her jaw. "Celebrate? Celebrate you stabbing me in the back? And Winter, really? Are you that desperate for a man? You knew he was mine, and you... you both..."<br /> Before she could finish, a slap snapped her head to the side, leaving her cheek throbbing.<br /> Holding her face, tears brimming in her eyes, she looked up in disbelief. "Mom!"<br /> "Don't you dare call me 'mom' right now! What kind of daughter or sister acts the way you're acting? It's your sister's engagement, and you can't even be happy for her? Instead, you show up here to make a scene. You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Jade Jones was fuming, her eyes shooting daggers at Noelle.<br /> Noelle's heart clenched. "Mom, what are you even saying? Xavier's my boyfriend."<br /> "Your boyfriend? Xavier is your sister's husband. Why do you have to challenge your sister for everything? I’m so disappointed in you."<br /> Noelle could not help but laugh. She stared at her mother, Jade, who had the nerve to twist the truth so blatantly. She turned to Xavier. "Xavier, come on. Tell us who you're really dating."<br /> His brow creased, his gaze on Noelle filled with uncertainty. The firm grip he felt, however, brought him back to the moment. "Noelle, I'm sorry, but there's only ever been one person for me, and that's your sister."<br /> Noelle's heart felt like it was being sliced open as she listened to Xavier's emotionless confession.<br /> What a joke! What bitter irony!<br /> "Xavier, you’d better get this straight: it's me who's dumping you, not the other way round." It took all her willpower not to lash out at the cheating couple. "I hope you two have a long, 'happy' life together," she spat.<br /> <br /> Noelle bolted from the hotel, her previously defiant face now streaked with tears.<br /> Out of nowhere, a black Cayenne screeched to a halt, its tires screaming against the pavement. Caught off guard, she tumbled to the ground.<br /> The driver gulped, his eyes darting to the man in the back seat, "Sir... Sir?"<br /> The man in the back, unfazed by the nearby accident, merely glanced at the passenger seat beside him. "Ronald, go see what happened."<br /> "Right away, sir." Ronald was out of the car in a flash, checking the front for any damage.<br /> About six feet ahead of the car, a woman sat on the ground with her eyes wide open, looking totally freaked out. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, and she had obviously been crying. "Miss? Are you okay? Do you need a ride to the hospital?"<br /> Noelle was scared out of her wits. She just gazed at Ronald, lost in shock, until she finally managed to pull herself together and stand up. Without a word, she tried to sidestep him, eager to get away.<br /> Ronald was puzzled by her reaction. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need any..."<br /> "I... I'm fine, really, I'm okay." Noelle's eyes darted to the black Cayenne. She could not shake off the feeling that someone was watching her, and it sent shivers down her spine. She scowled, hating the feeling, and hobbled away as fast as she could.<br /> Ronald watched her go, confused. He wanted to stop her, but she was dodging him like he was bad news, leaving him speechless.<br /> Back in the car, Ronald noticed the man in the backseat craning his neck to watch the woman through the window. "Sir, we're at the hotel. Do you want to head straight in, or would you like to get out here?"<br /> The man, Charles Hoffman, did not say a word, and Ronald did not dare to make a move.<br /> Watching the petite figure disappear into the distance, Charles let out a slight smirk and tapped his finger against his knee in a steady beat. "Let's head back!"<br /> Ronald was taken aback. "But sir, isn't today..."<br /> Before he could finish, Charles cut him off with a piercing look. "The show's over. There's nothing left to see," Charles said, his words heavy with implication. "Ronald, you seem to be losing your touch."<br /> The Majestic Lounge was Brookville's hotspot, its lights blazing and music pumping every night. Noelle's friend, Rowena Smith, always said it was the prime spot for a wild time after dark.<br /> Noelle was not one for these scenes, but tonight, she was hunched over the bar, downing drinks as if there was no tomorrow. She peered at the sea of unfamiliar faces swirling around her through half-closed eyes.<br /> "Hey there. Did you come here alone?"<br /> A hand clamped onto Noelle's shoulder, the stranger's touch lingering a bit too long. Noelle jerked away, revulsion coursing through her. "Back off."<br /> The guy shot a knowing look at his buddy and smirked at Noelle. "Feisty, aren't you? Back off? Ladies like you just play hard to get, secretly hoping for some attention."<br /> He moved in as if to plant a buss on her, but Noelle shoved him back and stood up, her stance unsteady and her heart racing. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog. "I said back off! Is that so hard to understand?"<br /> She stumbled, nearly toppling over, but the man caught her, his arm snaking around her waist. "See, you’re saying no, but your body's telling a different story."<br /> <br /> Trapped in the man's grip, Noelle struggled to break free, her body refusing to cooperate. Her vision was blurry as she glared at him. "What are you trying to do?"<br /> "Just having a bit of fun..." He chuckled, his voice dripping with sleaze as he steadied her. "Let's go somewhere more entertaining, shall we?"<br /> Noelle might have been out of it, but she could still sense the danger in the man's tone. However, her whole body ached, and she knew she was no match for them. She scanned the area for anyone who could help her, but she was invisible to the passersby.<br /> She spotted a figure approaching through her haze. Acting instinctively, she shoved the two men aside and bolted, slamming right into the newcomer. "Save me!" she gasped.<br /> Her fingers dug into the fabric of the man's shirt, and she inhaled a sharp, clean scent. "Please, save me," she pleaded.<br /> Charles squinted, taking in the woman who had just collided with him. There was a flicker of something sharp in his gaze.<br /> Noelle did not let go, pressing herself against him. Her lips, tainted with the strong smell of booze, were inches from his face, and her cheeks were unnaturally rosy.<br /> "Sir..." Ronald, who was standing a few steps back, watched in disbelief. She had the nerve to approach Charles, yet he was not pushing her away?<br /> Charles shot a cold look at the two men harassing Noelle. "Time to leave, don't you think?"<br /> "You… Who do you think you are? Do you even know who I am? I had my eye on that girl," one of the men blurted out.<br /> Charles smirked and let out a soft laugh. "You laid a hand on her? Which hand was it? Show me!"<br /> The courage of the other man drained away when he met Charles's icy stare. "Uh... Mr. Hoffman, we didn't realize who you were. We... we haven't touched her, not at all," he stammered, realizing they were in deep trouble.<br /> "Ronald," Charles shot him a look before scooping Noelle into his arms like she was the heroine in some epic romance, “give these guys a lesson they won't forget. Make it clear that The Majestic Lounge isn't for scum like them."<br /> With Noelle in his arms, Charles spun on his heel and left. Ronald gave a curt nod. "Understood." A sly grin spread across his face as he faced the two troublemakers. "So, which one of you was it that touched the lady?"<br /> The two guys exchanged panicked glances, too scared to utter a word. Ronald let out a mocking scoff. "What, did both of you touch her? Mr. Hoffman wants to let you keep a little bit of your offending hand as a souvenir."<br /> They dropped to their knees with a thud, as pale as ghosts, begging, "Please, have mercy! You can't do this. My dad is a big shot at Evergreen Group..."<br /> Meanwhile, Charles, with Noelle in his arms, was like a walking iceberg.<br /> Noelle felt she was being drained of blood and eaten alive by a swarm of ants. She whimpered, overcome by a wave of dizziness, "It's so hot..."<br /> Charles glanced down at his shirt, which was now a mess thanks to Noelle, and his gaze frosted over. He held her tighter and picked up the pace to the elevator.<br /> Though she was barely conscious, she caught a glimpse of the man's strong profile. The chill from his body was oddly soothing, and she snuggled closer without thinking. Charles's eyes darkened just as the elevator doors slid open, and he stepped out into the unknown.<br /> <br /> At the top of The Majestic Lounge was a room that belonged to Charles alone. He swung the door open and carried Noelle in. She was feeling so awful that she hung onto Charles like she was trying to meld into him, her limbs all over the place with nary a hint of elegance.<br /> He managed to detach Noelle from himself with a bit of a struggle and gently placed her in the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, he dialed Ronald’s number. "I need ice, and make it quick."<br /> Once he ended the call, he saw Noelle trying to get out of the tub. He gently but firmly pushed her back down and turned on the cold tap. "Stay still!"<br /> His voice was firm and grew even more intense as he noticed how the water in the tub accentuated her figure. His gaze sharpened.<br /> Ronald was fast, arriving shortly with two buckets of ice. "Here's the ice, sir."<br /> "Hold on," Charles instructed Ronald. "Just set them down and leave, thanks." His tone was cool and detached.<br /> Ronald raised an eyebrow at Charles's unusual sternness. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and left as told.<br /> Once alone, Charles brought the ice buckets into the bathroom.<br /> Noelle was submerged in the icy water, her body shaking uncontrollably. Her mind was still foggy, and Charles's expression was grim.<br /> Noelle was burning up inside, feeling like she was on the brink of collapse. The icy water was a harsh contrast to that, enveloping her in a torturous chill. She squirmed in agony, but Charles's hands kept her steady, and his voice cut through the haze. "Hang in there. It'll pass soon."<br /> ...<br /> Noelle's eyes fluttered open, her body feeling sore and like it had forgotten how to function. She lay still, gazing up at the stark white ceiling. As the fog in her brain slowly lifted, the memories of last night started to play like a movie in her head.<br /> Her face drained of color as panic flickered across her features. She flung off the covers and was relieved to find herself in pajamas, untouched. Still, that aching... where did it come from?<br /> "You're awake?" A chilly voice cut through the silence, and Noelle's head whipped toward the door. There she saw a man clad in cool elegance and fancy threads who was obviously not your average Joe. His face was so drop-dead gorgeous that even a beauty queen would swoon at him.<br /> Noelle's brow creased in confusion. She did not know this man. As the reality of her situation hit her, she blurted out, "Who are you?" Her voice sounded so harsh and grating that it scared her. The words came out as a dry, quacking mess.<br /> Charles arched an eyebrow, not bothering with an answer. He strolled over, poured her a glass of water, and handed it to her with smooth and elegant hands.<br /> Noelle was taken aback for a second but then grabbed the glass, downing the water with an eagerness that bordered on uncouth. Once the glass was empty, she eyed Charles suspiciously. "Are you the one who rescued me?"<br /> He did not say yes or no, but Noelle let out a relieved breath. "Okay. Thanks for whatever you did last night." She glanced down at her clothes, a silent question hanging in the air, and her expression turned to one of confusion. However, her gratitude remained evident despite the puzzlement.<br /> Charles's gaze landed softly on Noelle's face, his mind replaying her stunning presence from the night before and stirring something within him. "It’s all good, Ms. Shaw. Don’t worry about it," he said, sidestepping the potential embarrassment with a smooth deflection.<br /> Noelle bit her lip, fighting the urge to say more. She would have to deal with the fallout and act like this whole mess never happened. Then, it hit her. "How did you find out my last name is Shaw?"<br /> "Surprised? There's been a lot of buzz about a Ms. Shaw today. Have you not heard?" Charles said, casually fiddling with his cufflinks, looking the picture of cool.<br /> Noelle's face drained of color. "What... What are you talking about?"<br /> "There are many versions of your story. Which one do you want to hear?"<br /> "Who are you, really? And what do you want from me?"	LEARN_MORE	https://c.read4funs.com/ad/aXJvbWFuY2UvMTcxMjc4LzI	193365490526262	ForFun-120	https://facebook.com/61554751622817	74	1	421,194,414,187,446	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	ForFun-120	120210837679780664	c.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://c.read4funs.com/ad/aXJvbWFuY2UvMTcxMjc4LzIwMjQwNTA3MTYwOTQ2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 03:23	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438299562_1613122372844275_7698827050425162813_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w7vWCQJwmCsQ7kNvgE8jDRl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfB3ltL0-HtYtNtyxI3g1vgrOrhsgcaOk7yAvrVvp-OmEw&oe=6641C87C	person_profile	ForFun-120	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425491821_822097969768489_4910011732913355272_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U-eSHpLAvukQ7kNvgF6-osJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfD2S8vAPQCyquusZCfyAhvuQx2tpR7LWZ_QMJhHD-KARQ&oe=6641E85B	3	ForFun-120	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,371	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778226}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	3575360699391369	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.<br /> <picture attachment><br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping. Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> ___________<br /> <br /> Everything was set on the table. Dinner, candles, cranberry juice for me and spirits for him, and pasta. All on the table that was covered in a table cloth. I was wearing a blood red knee length dress that flowed with every step I took. The spaghetti straps resting securely on my shoulder blades. I wore the diamond necklace he had gotten me for our four year anniversary. My hair settling on my back, the curls swaying back and forth as I walk from the kitchen to the dining room. I noticed the clock and sent him a quick text.<br /> I have a surprise for you! can't wait until you get home.<br /> I smile and press send, waiting patiently for him to arrive.<br /> 3 hours later<br /> I watch as the candles slowly start to die for the fifth time. I look back at my phone and let out a shaky breath as I reread the text that had a picture attached to it.<br /> He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.<br /> <picture attachment><br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping. Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> 3 months earlier<br /> "Okay but if you had to choose one person to take to an island who would it be?"<br /> He asks me as my legs rest on his lap and we share another night of long-random talks.<br /> "Well what kind of question is that? I'll obviously take Johnny Depp."<br /> I let out a laugh as he frowns at my response.<br /> "I'm joking silly! of course I'll take you!"<br /> He smiles<br /> "That's much better."<br /> He gives my leg a pat.<br /> "I love you."<br /> "I love you too Luke."<br /> "No matter what happens right?"<br /> "No matter what happens."<br /> I assure him.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> I move to sit on the couch and cross my legs letting my thoughts wander. He was a lying prick who deserves to rot in inferno along with his little friend. I wonder how many times he had cheated on me with that blonde bimbo. Probably as he slept with you he was thinking about her. All the pecks he shared with you, he was thinking of pecking her. All those passionate nights he had with you, he was thinking about her. All those I love you's meant nothing to him when they escaped his mouth, he just saw you as someone to return home to. He knew you wouldn't leave him, that is if you didn't find out about his little secret.<br /> All these thoughts clouded my mind making me become more aware of how the signs were there but I never paid attention to any of them and how tightly he had me wrapped around his finger. I was just a toy for him to play with when he got home and he needed someone to be next to, someone he knew would never leave him. And that someone was me. And yet again a memory fills my head.<br /> <br /> 2 months earlier<br /> "Sorry I'm late babe, work was piling up."<br /> He says and I notice his hair was a mess and his shirt untucked.<br /> "You probably did have a busy day, if you would let your hair be a mess like that."<br /> Giving me a nervous laugh he gives my cheek a peck.<br /> "I'm going to take a bath if you want to join me."<br /> I say, whispering in his ear.<br /> "Maybe another day Nikky, I'm really tired."<br /> I felt rejected, that was the fifth time this month. I gave him a smile and nodded walking to our bathroom to start my bath.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> "Well, of course, he didn't want to be with me because he had already had his time with the bimbo."<br /> I say out loud as I just sat there staring at nothing, I suddenly got an idea. Getting up I make my way to my bedroom and go to my closet and take out all his clothes along with his shoes. Laying them all on the bed I go back to the kitchen and grab a bunch of black garbage bags and start putting all his clothes in them. Once I was done with everything that belonged to him I called our landlord and asked him if he could help me with some garbage that I had. I waited patiently by the door and when I heard the knock I opened it and gave him a smile.<br /> "Mr. Jackson thank you so much for helping me."<br /> I say and guided him to the bedroom where the bags were.<br /> He saw that there were hangers laying on the bed and that drawers were open and empty. He doesn't say anything but grabs as many bags he could until he had them all out the door.<br /> "Will that be it, Miss. Anderson?"<br /> He asks giving me a gentle smile.<br /> "Yes, thank you for your help Mr. Jackson."<br /> I say and he nods and I close the door.<br /> I wonder if all those trips he took that were supposedly just for meetings were actually him and the bimbo getting together for a vacation.<br /> <br /> 1 month earlier<br /> "That's so weird, that you have to go at such a short notice."<br /> I say as I keep my eyes on Luke walking in and out of the closet, as he set his things neatly in his suitcase.<br /> "I know, it's an important meeting and I can't miss it for anything."<br /> He gives me a small smile and I get up and go to our bathroom and get his toothbrush.<br /> "Forgetting something?"<br /> I say and he pecks my forehead.<br /> "You're a lifesaver."<br /> "I try."<br /> I say making my way to our sofa that was in our bedroom, I bring my legs up and rest my chin on top of my knees. All while watching my boyfriend pack his things. As I sat there, I quickly remember the fourth of July party.<br /> "But what about my family's fourth of July party? You know your family is also invited."<br /> He walks over and crouches in front of me.<br /> "No worries, I'll be back before that."<br /> I smile and nod as he gives my forehead a peck.<br /> "Love you and don't forget to lock the doors."<br /> He tells me as he zips up his suitcase.<br /> "I'm not a child Luke."<br /> I say and he smiles.<br /> "I know you're not, but I've never had a twenty- five year old girlfriend."<br /> That's right he always had someone closer to his age and I was five years younger than him.<br /> "Be careful."<br /> I say getting up and walks towards him.<br /> "Always am Nikky."<br /> He grabs my waist and gives me a quick peck.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> He was going on vacation with her, while you stayed home like a complete fool just waiting for him to come home. She's probably closer to his age and a lot more mature than you. And when he gets tired of your childish acts, that's when he leaves with her. With those thoughts in my head, I start searching the whole house for any pictures that might have him in them or remind me of him. I gather all the pictures I could find and take them to the living room. Setting the pictures down on the floor I grab the matches and start lighting one up, throwing it in the fireplace. Grabbing the pictures I start to throw one by one in letting the fire engulf them, making it that all that was left was the sparks and ashes.<br /> With every picture I burned, memories of him were vanishing along with my love for him. Everything was finally coming to pieces. All the trips he took, all those long nights at work, all those rejections were part of his lies. Just a cover up for where he truly was, sleeping around with some bimbo. All while I was at home waiting for him and giving him my love. As the pictures burned my hatred for him grew.<br /> "Babe I'm home."<br /> My head snaps up at the sound of his voice. A voice that once gave me comfort, but now disgusted me.<br /> "In the living room."<br /> I quickly hide the pictures under the couch, and put on a fake smile.<br /> He comes in with his black suit all wrinkled, his shirt un tucked, his tie loose around his neck. His blue eyes held a hint of guilt. A look I knew was fake just like the excuse he was about to give me. He was holding a bear that held a little black box, and a bouquet of red roses. Usually I would accept the gifts and forgive him, but that was before I knew his little cheating adventures. I hold my fake smile as I looked over the gifts in his hands.<br /> "So am I forgiven?"<br /> He says breaking the silence, and all I do is smile.<br /> "Oh babe it's fine, let me guess work was piling up today?"<br /> Let's see what you say you lying scumbag.<br /> I notice his eyes flicker with relief and he lets out a breath.<br /> "You know me so well babe, happy four years Nikky."<br /> He sets the bear, roses and small box on the couch. He comes closer and wraps his arms around me. All I wanted to do at that moment was push him off of me. But trying my best I hug him back. Huh he smells of cheap perfume.<br /> "I'll be back, I'm going to change and then we could have dinner."<br /> I just nod and watch him walk off to my room. I wait until he realizes that his clothes are nowhere to be found. Well at least he hasn't checked the garbage.<br /> "Nikky?"<br /> "Yea?"<br /> I respond looking at his confused face.<br /> "Why aren't any of my clothes in there?"<br /> Tell him now.<br /> "They're in the garbage."<br /> I respond.<br /> "Why?"<br /> "Well I thought since you probably have clothes at her house I could just throw away all the clothes you have here. And plus I need more space for the shoes and more clothes I want to buy."<br /> "What are you talking about?"<br /> He says confused.<br /> "Well I'm talking about the bimbo's house where you stay I'm pretty sure every night for a little sleepover."<br /> "So you assume I cheated on you?"<br /> "Oh no I'm not assuming anything, I have proof that you cheated on me."<br /> I push past him and grab my phone, opening the message and making him look at the picture. As he does his eyes go wide. He opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off.<br /> "Don't you dare say that this isn't you."<br /> I snap and he looks up at me with guilt in his blue eyes.<br /> "Don't do this."<br /> He pleads.<br /> "Leave."<br /> "Nikky come on please let me explain."<br /> "Explain what Luke?! How you cheated on me for who knows how long and yet you have the nerve to come home knowing well what you have done!"<br /> "Nikky it was a mistake!"<br /> "A mistake! No what you did was not a mistake but a choice."<br /> He doesn't say anything.<br /> "Leave! And take this because I don't want anything to do with you!"<br /> I throw the roses and bear at him, along with the little box. And the necklace I was currently wearing.<br /> "Ple-<br /> "Leave now before I call the police."<br /> He stands there looking at me.<br /> "Leave!"<br /> I bang on his chest and push him out the door. Once he is out the door I slam it shut and that's when I feel it. My heart clenches and a sob escapes my throat, tears following right after. And that's when I break, I fall to the ground and let out sobs as I realize that the guy I had loved had broken my heart and didn't think twice when he cheated on me. The guy I was having a baby with had broken me. Grabbing my stomach I let out another sob.<br /> I'm so sorry baby.<br /> <br /> The seconds turned to hours which turned to days. I had moved out from the apartment into a smaller one closer to the city. My once flat belly was now a small round bump, being 1 month pregnant and alone brought a lot of complications for me, emotionally wise. I had yet to tell my parents, for all they knew Luke and I were still a thing. I had told no one about the break up except for my best friend Charlie, who I called up the next day to help me find a new place. A place were I could start fresh, with new memories. Just my baby and I.<br /> I was meeting my mom and dad for brunch today so to make sure my bump wasn't noticeable I decided to wear a large black shirt and black leggings and a pair of vans. My hair which was once long was now above my shoulders.<br /> Mom: Sweetie why don't you invite Luke over to eat with us? Your father and I haven't seen or heard from him in a while<br /> I sigh as I look at the text.<br /> Well of course you haven't heard from the scumbag, we broke up because he cheated. And now I'm having his baby.<br /> That's what I wanted to text her, but of course I didn't. But instead replied with the same excuse. Luke was at work and couldn't make it.<br /> "Come on little bean, we have to go meet grandma and grandpa."<br /> I rub my belly and smile. Yea I was already talking to the baby, who was probably the size of a bean if not a bit larger.<br /> Walking out of the apartment I head over to my car and drive off to the cafe that was twenty minutes away.<br /> Driving was always something that I dreaded, because my mind tends to wander to questions I would rather most likely avoid. And the biggest one of course was, When are you going to tell Luke that you're pregnant? Or are you not going to? Personally I would rather keep my baby away from him and not let him know, but he is the father and legally has the right to know.<br /> Before I could get anymore into the subject, I turn the radio on, raising the volume up to drown my thoughts.<br /> By the time I get there parking was already full, so I'm forced to park a block away.<br /> "Great, that means more walking little bean. Which isn't a bad thing. But mommy gets tired."<br /> Dad: Kiddo are you almost here?<br /> I look at the text and chuckle, my dad was always impatient when it came to food.<br /> Me: Yes dad, had to park a block away but I should be there in three minutes.<br /> I turn the engine off and walk out to the crisp air. It was mid-September and the weather in Chicago was getting a bit cooler as fall approached.<br /> I start walking and as I do I start to feel nervous, the fact that my parents will finally know that Luke and I broke up and that I was pregnant and was going to be a single mom was quite the thing to get me all nervous.<br /> It'll be fine, no need to get all worked up about it. You are an adult and they can't tell you what to do anymore.<br /> I kept telling myself as I opened the door and was welcomed with the scent of coffee and warmth. I search the whole place and spot my parents all the way in the back, my dad waving his hands and my mom laughing as she brought the mug to her lips.<br /> Smiling at them I walk towards their table causing them both to get up and greet me with a hug.<br /> "Kiddo Long time no see! How's Luke?"<br /> Just the mention of that name made my stomach churn.<br /> "Yea dad it has been a long time."<br /> I reply ignoring the last part.<br /> "Mom."<br /> I say giving her a hug.<br /> "Darling, how I've missed you. Woah looks like someone is gaining a bit of weight."<br /> Come on Nikky it's now or never. You have to tell them.<br /> "Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you guys about."<br /> I explain, biting on the inside of my cheek.<br /> "Of you gaining weight?"<br /> My dad asks as he sits back down.<br /> And before I can answer a waitress comes by.<br /> "Can I get you anything to drink?"<br /> "Yea she'll have an espresso."<br /> My mom answers.<br /> I shake my head.<br /> "Actually I'll just have a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and a chocolate chip muffin please."<br /> "Alrighty, then I'll be right out with that."<br /> "Hot chocolate?"<br /> "Yea I just wanted to try something different."<br /> I say playing around with the hem of my shirt.<br /> "So what did you want to talk about Nikky?"<br /> My mom says sitting back down and I follow sitting across from her and my dad.<br /> "Well, um okay, how do I tell you guys."<br /> Quit stalling and just tell them Nikky!<br /> "Nikky just spit it out. You know you can tell us anything."<br /> I nod, reassuring my mom that I knew that.<br /> "Okay, well I'm uh pregnant."<br /> There I said it.<br /> I looked at both my parents who had a blank stare. That is until my mother broke into a smile and stood up, making me stand up as well.<br /> "Sweetie congratulations! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"<br /> She wraps her arms around me and sways us side to side.<br /> "Come on let me get a hug."<br /> My dad says and my mom lets go letting my dad congratulate me by giving me one of his famous bear hugs.<br /> "Can't believe we're going to be grandparents."<br /> I look over at my mom who was on the verge of crying.<br /> "Mom please don't cry."<br /> I plead knowing that I had yet to tell them the other part of the news and not know how they would react with the second part once I had told them.<br /> "So how did Luke react?"<br /> They both look at me with the biggest smiles on their faces.<br /> "He doesn't know."<br /> I say and my mom blinks and my dad just smiles.<br /> "Of course! you want to make it a surprise!"<br /> I shake my head no.<br /> "We broke up, have been for a while now. I left the apartment and got a smaller one closer to the city. Charlie helped me pick it out."<br /> "You're not going to keep it am I right?"<br /> My mother asks looking rather angry.<br /> I was taken aback from her remark, does she mean an abortion?<br /> "No, I plan on keeping my baby."<br /> "Nikky do you know what our friends will say when they find out about this?"<br /> I don't answer her but just continue staring at both my parents, letting her comment process.<br /> Why would I want to have an abortion? This baby was a blessing for me and there was no way that I was going to end my little bean's life. Sure being a single mom would be a bit more challenging but I had my friends, and I thought I had my family but apparently they don't approve.<br /> "Or if you don't want an abortion, we can have it be adopted."<br /> I look at my mother with a look of disgust.<br /> "It's a baby, not it. And I will not have an abortion nor will I have the baby be adopted."<br /> I speak low as to not cause a scene, not that it mattered.<br /> "Nikky listen to your mother, this won't be good for your reputation. Think about it, you'll be a single mom living on your own and not even married with a baby on the way."<br /> I scoff.<br /> "Are you listening to yourself, dad?! Not married and with a baby? This is the twenty-first century, things change and not being married and with a kid is one of them."<br /> Before my mom could reply the waitress comes with our stuff.<br /> "Actually I'll like to have my things to go please."<br /> I say giving her a small smile.<br /> She looks between my mom and I and nods, maybe she could sense the tension going on.<br /> "Of course."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> I turn back to my parents.<br /> "Don't worry, we won't be causing you or your reputation any more trouble."	LEARN_MORE	https://a.topicksapp.com/ad/dGlnZXJyZWFkZXIvMTcxOT	183677941496513	Picks103	https://facebook.com/61554329588198	17	1	1,648,489,065,914,436	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Picks103	120208776118910429	a.topicksapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.topicksapp.com/ad/dGlnZXJyZWFkZXIvMTcxOTMzLzIwMjQwNTA4MTEwODE3L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:12	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441178107_437079022394070_7549652178016573324_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rchji2LN0i4Q7kNvgF9hTo_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCai2vZR3YfdRfHfptu_RtcCMzu6VmJAMq5dYaSKxGu_A&oe=6641F4D7	person_profile	Picks103	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438160948_1179777483030449_4742280104718528852_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=39qeomBHkgcQ7kNvgF2ntbp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDIm6P_3llrYzSpDkDNEQFmFBP-wui0xc0zYYN2Btcrqw&oe=6641DAC2	3	Picks103	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,416	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778853}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:38	active	760	970373321428773	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	In her previous life, she spent eight years of her life madly in love with Ian Holcomb. <br /> But all she got in return was a divorce certificate and a terrible death in a mental institution.<br /> Now she'd traveled three years back in time, she wouldn't make the same mistakes anymore. <br /> "I've drawn up a divorce agreement. Let's go get the divorce settled before City Hall closes for the day."<br /> She wouldn't remain madly in love with Ian, nor would she wait for him to respond to her. <br /> He could do whatever he wanted and be with whoever he wanted. It no longer had anything to do with her. <br /> From now on, she only wanted to live for herself and her family!<br /> ————————<br /> "Since you're in such a hurry to die, why don't you just stab yourself and end it? Why go to the trouble of jumping off a building and causing a scene?" A man's voice rang out. It was filled with contempt.<br /> "I wanted to stab—" Suddenly, Sage Joyner found that something was wrong with what Ian Holcomb had said. When had she jumped off a building?<br /> "You're finally awake, Mrs. Holcomb." The housekeeper, Wanda May, came over with a glass of water and some pills. "Does your head hurt? The doctor said you have minor symptoms of a concussion and prescribed some medication for you. Do you want to take it now?"<br /> Sage didn't answer. She found that she was lying on a bed in a spacious bedroom. From the furnishings, it seemed to be the master bedroom at the Holcomb residence.<br /> She hadn't seen the inside of this place since being sent to a mental institution two years ago. Could Ian have suddenly brought her home?<br /> No, something was wrong.<br /> Sage was certain she'd stabbed herself in the heart. Even if she'd made it out alive, there was no way she hadn't undergone surgery.<br /> She looked down at herself. There weren't any injuries on her chest! Instead, her head and wrist had been wrapped in gauze.<br /> Ian frowned at her, taking in her expression as it morphed from suffering to shock. His patience ran out. "Find yourself a taller place next time if you still wanna jump off buildings. Throwing yourself off the second floor isn't gonna kill you!"<br /> With that, he strode out of the room.<br /> Sage couldn't be bothered about him. She continued to check the rest of her body. After spending two years at the mental institution, she'd become gaunt and haggard. But now, her skin was flawless, smooth, and supple.<br /> Her arms and body were also free from the wounds and bruises the carers and patients at the mental institution had inflicted on her.<br /> "Mrs. Holcomb, Mr. Holcomb was only saying that because he was angry." Wanda thought she was saddened by Ian's words and tried to console her. "Couples don't bear grudges against each other. As long as you talk to him properly, Mr. Holcomb—"<br /> "What day is it today, Wanda?" Sage interrupted urgently. She was still reeling from what had happened.<br /> Wanda gave her a confused look. "It's Ms. Shekdotter's birthday. You heard about Mr. Holcomb celebrating her birthday for her, so you called him to come home …"<br /> Sage didn't have time to explain despite knowing Wanda had misunderstood her. She quickly glanced around and grabbed her phone from the bedside table. The date was three years ago!<br /> Suddenly, she recalled something. She shot out of bed and ran to the conservatory. As expected, it was a mess. There'd been all sorts of expensive flowers inside, but now, all that was left of them were bald stems.<br /> Three years ago, Sage had been enraged upon hearing that Ian wanted to celebrate Ivy Shekdotter's birthday with her. And when she'd heard about him buying flowers for Ivy, she'd trashed the conservatory in a fit of rage.<br /> The shards of ceramic had cut her on the wrist. She'd ignored the pain and jumped from the second-floor balcony. Though the bushes beneath had cushioned her fall and prevented her from breaking any limbs, she'd still knocked her head against the bricks around the bushes and had fainted on the spot.<br /> So … she'd gone back three years in time?<br /> "Why are you in the conservatory again, Mrs. Holcomb? There are ceramic shards everywhere; please, don't do anything rash again!"<br /> Wanda was afraid of Sage kicking up a fuss again and followed her, wanting to talk some sense into her. "Mr. Holcomb cares about you. That's why he returned after hearing that you were injured … Mr. Holcomb!"<br /> Sage looked up when Wanda's tone turned nervous. Ian wasn't the only one walking toward them. Ivy, dressed demurely, was with him. They stood shoulder to shoulder before her, looking like a match made in heaven.<br /> "Haven't you had enough of this, Sage? When will you stop causing trouble?" Ian snarled.<br /> Sage laughed silently. She was his wife, yet he treated her worse than he did an outsider.<br /> But before she could say anything, Ivy said, "Don't be so fierce toward Sage, Ian."<br /> She turned to Sage and explained, "Ian didn't drop by just to celebrate my birthday, Sage. It's just that my father invited him over for a meal because he hadn't seen Ian in ages.<br /> "I didn't expect you to get the wrong idea about this and even get hurt. I feel terrible, which is why I came over to explain the situation to you. Please, don't be mad at Ian anymore. This is all my fault."<br /> Ivy's tone was soft and gentle, as was her smile. Her apology also sounded earnest.<br /> Sage could still remember how Ivy had also followed Ian home in her previous life. She'd given her the same explanation. But at the time, they'd been in the bedroom.<br /> Sage had listened to Ivy's explanation but had been enraged to see them looking so perfect standing side by side. In a fit of rage, she'd screamed at Ivy to get lost and had grabbed a vase from the bedside table and flung it at Ivy.<br /> The vase had hit Ivy in the head, making her bleed and faint. Ian had been furious. He'd immediately lifted Ivy into his arms and taken her to the hospital. Then, he'd stayed there to take care of her for a few days.<br /> From that day onward, they grew closer to each other …<br /> The words that had enraged Sage in her previous life no longer affected her in this life. She even smiled nonchalantly. "Thanks for explaining everything to me, Ms. Shekdotter. I'm not mad. Your father wanted to have a meal with Ian, right? You guys should get going. Don't keep him waiting!"<br /> Ivy was taken aback, obviously not expecting Sage to react like that.<br /> Even Ian frowned. What was she playing at now? She wasn't kicking up a fuss despite him reprimanding her. She was even telling him and Ivy to go have a meal together. Just two hours earlier, she'd jumped off the balcony because she'd failed to force him to return home.<br /> Did she think she could win his heart by pretending to back down?<br /> Now that Ian understood what Sage was up to, he sneered. Then, he turned to Ivy and said, "Since she's given the green light, let's go."<br /> With that, he turned and left without another look back. Ivy hesitated, told Sage to rest well, and ran after Ian.<br /> Wanda was worried when she saw this. "Mrs. Holcomb, you can't let Mr. Holcomb leave with Ms. Shekdotter no matter how mad you are …"<br /> "I'm not," Sage said calmly. Now that she was sure she'd traveled three years back in time, she wouldn't make the same mistakes anymore. She wouldn't remain madly in love with Ian, nor would she wait for him to respond to her.<br /> He could do whatever he wanted and be with whoever he wanted. It no longer had anything to do with her. From now on, she only wanted to live for herself and her family!<br /> "I'm starving, Wanda. Could you make me something good to eat?" Sage said.<br /> Throughout her time in the mental institution, she'd only been given a watery bowl of oats daily alongside her medication. It had resulted in her getting stomach cancer. Now, she wanted a delicious meal to compensate herself for everything she'd gone through.<br /> Wanda was surprised. "... Of course. I'll get on it right now."<br /> "I'll go with you!" Sage followed Wanda to the kitchen.<br /> Neither of them noticed Ian standing not too far away. He'd turned back and was watching them with a deep frown. He thought he'd catch Sage throwing a crazed fit upon suddenly turning back. He'd even thought about how he was going to teach her a lesson.<br /> Yet when he returned, he found that Sage wasn't throwing a tantrum at all. She'd even asked Wanda to cook her something!<br /> Why was she suddenly acting so out of character? This had to be a new scheme of hers!<br /> The thought irritated Ian to no end. He turned and left again.<br /> --<br /> Sage spent the next three days recuperating at home. The wounds she'd gotten from jumping off the balcony had pretty much healed completely, and she had a steady mental state.<br /> Ian hadn't shown up since leaving with Ivy three days ago. Surprisingly enough, he'd still stay away from home in this life despite Ivy not getting hurt.<br /> Not that Sage cared. She'd already decided to cut Ian out of her life and put an end to this awful marriage. Once everything was taken care of, they would take their respective paths and live their respective lives.<br /> Sage dug out Ian's phone number and called him. It rang for ages, but no one answered. Then, it hit her. She'd almost forgotten about how Ian almost never answered her calls because he didn't want her to bother him.<br /> And so, she texted him. "Are you free now? Bring your identification and the necessary documents so we can head to City Hall and get divorced."<br /> Ian didn't reply to her message. Sage thought he hadn't read it, so she sent it again. Just like before, it went unanswered.<br /> She thought about it and decided to seek him out at Holcomb Corporation. The receptionist recognized her.<br /> After all, after marrying Ian, Sage had made a point of announcing their marriage at the company to ward off any women who were interested in him.<br /> Now, when the receptionist saw Sage, she couldn't help smiling with a hint of mockery. "Sorry, but you'll have to make an appointment if you want to see Mr. Holcomb."<br /> Everyone knew Ian couldn't care less about her and even despised her. Sage didn't let the receptionist's attitude bother her. Instead, she pulled out an envelope. "Please pass this to Ian, then."<br /> With that, she turned to leave. She'd only taken a few steps when she heard the receptionist say mockingly, "I bet it's yet another disgusting love letter. God, she doesn't even know how embarrassing she is!"<br /> Then, she threw the envelope into the trash can.<br /> Sage turned around. "Who gave you permission to throw that away? Pick it back up!"<br /> The receptionist wasn't afraid of her. "Why waste time on that? Mr. Holcomb's not gonna read it anyway. He's told us to throw everything that you've left here for him!"<br /> In the past, Sage worried that Ian would push himself too hard. She would always drop by and deliver little trinkets and snacks to help him destress. She'd even written him letters to convey her feelings to him.<br /> So, this was how he'd treated her care and concern. Even a mere receptionist dared to do whatever she wanted with the things Sage had left!<br /> Sage glared at the receptionist. "Regardless of whether Ian looks at the things I bring, you still don't have the right to throw them away. Now, pick the envelope up!"<br /> The receptionist curled her lip, saying scornfully, "Fine. What's the point of pretending to be the president's wife when you're just clinging to him like the sorry woman you are?"<br /> "You—"<br /> "What's going on here?"<br /> Sage was about to make the receptionist apologize when a man's stern voice rang out. She turned to see it was Ian's assistant, Terry Zane. And beside him was Ian, who wore a black tailor-made suit.<br /> He was handsome, and his complexion was flawless. Even with an icy expression, he was charismatic. In the past, Sage's heart would always race, and she would blush when she saw him. She would speak to him shyly and tenderly. Now, she didn't even want to say a word to him.<br /> "Mrs. Holcomb," Terry greeted her politely.<br /> Sage didn't respond to him gleefully as she'd done in the past. From beginning to end, Ian had never acknowledged her as his wife. The fact that Terry had addressed her as "Mrs. Holcomb" was only him being polite.<br /> "What's happened here?" Terry didn't know what Sage was thinking. He repeated his question.<br /> The receptionist glanced at Ian and said in grievance, "Mr. Holcomb instructed us not to accept anything that Mrs. Holcomb brought, but she kept forcing me to deliver an envelope to him. I didn't dare to go against her, so …"<br /> At that, Ian scowled. He turned to Sage and snarled, "Who gave you the right to boss people around like this?"<br /> Sage said truthfully, "I did nothing of the sort, and I didn't force her to do anything. She threw my things away, so I—"<br /> "That's enough!" Ian interrupted her impatiently. "You're the one in the wrong, yet you keep trying to shift the blame. You're beyond rescue, Sage!"<br /> He hadn't even bothered to find out the whole truth before deciding that she was in the wrong. It was no wonder the receptionist had the nerve to frame her. She supposed that in Ian's eyes, she had and always would be a horrendous person.<br /> Sage couldn't be bothered to explain any further. She smiled faintly. "You won't need to bear with me for much longer."<br /> She picked the envelope up from the trash can and continued, "I've drawn up a divorce agreement. Let's go get the divorce settled before City Hall closes for the day."<br /> When Terry heard this, he surreptitiously waved the receptionist away and backed away from them.<br /> "I called and messaged you, but you never answered or replied. That's why I came to the company." Sage handed the envelope to him.<br /> Ian didn't accept it. He sneered. "Is this all that you've come up with after laying low for a few days? Is this some new trick?"<br /> Sage's smile remained in place. "You won't believe me no matter what I say, anyway. The best way to prove my innocence is for us to go to City Hall right now."<br /> Ian's brows furrowed even tighter when he saw her faint smile and emotionless gaze. He'd never seen her like this before.<br /> Sage had shamelessly chased after him for years. She'd pulled all sorts of tricks to marry him. Now, she was demanding a divorce? It was the biggest joke of the century! He bet this was yet another way to attract his attention.<br /> "Since you're in such a rush to head to City Hall, you must have something else lying in wait there for me," Ian said coldly. "Don't you have anything to do other than clinging to me and harassing me?"<br /> To Ian, all of Sage's love and care was nothing more than harassment and trouble. Once again, Sage was glad that she'd woken up from her dream. She pulled the divorce agreement out of the envelope. "Look, you can sign the divorce papers now. At least that'll prove that I'm not harassing you."<br /> Ian's patience ran out as he looked at the divorce agreement. Since Sage wanted to throw a tantrum by demanding a divorce, he would make her wish come true!<br /> "Get me a pen!" Ian barked.<br /> "Mr. Holcomb, Mr. Jones and the others are still waiting for you to sign the contract. It's almost time." Just then, Terry walked over to remind Ian in a low voice.<br /> This was regarding an important business deal Holcomb Corporation had been negotiating for a while. Sage's sudden appearance was causing them to almost be late.<br /> Ian immediately forgot about Sage. He and Terry hurried out of the building.<br /> "Ian!" Sage ran after him.<br /> "Drag her away!" On Ian's orders, a few security guards surrounded Sage.<br /> She knew he was a workaholic; it seemed like there wouldn't be time for them to get the divorce over with today. Sage had no choice but to shout, "I'll see you at City Hall at 9:00 am tomorrow!"<br /> Ian got into the waiting car with a poker face, then sped off without a word.<br /> Did this mean he would be there or not? Sage bet he would. He couldn't wait to be free of her, after all. She relaxed...	LEARN_MORE	https://a.crazynovelapp.com/ad/TXlsaWIvMTcxMjA1LzI	110371118787366	Cra0002	https://facebook.com/100094748252543	45	1	961,970,562,289,380	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Cra0002	120208458249940761	a.crazynovelapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.crazynovelapp.com/ad/TXlsaWIvMTcxMjA1LzIwMjQwNTA3MTYwNjAwL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 03:15	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441873872_421639800724948_1724373635387138909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kiPOn3ReIO4Q7kNvgGc5Ued&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfChaFKsdQl-bVgFfDY6fY--TEfebtrxm7ooPU_NiqhICQ&oe=6641CAE7	person_profile	Cra0002	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440080660_805584607758584_6859594384132760205_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kUPDj9kV_joQ7kNvgE7avGy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCIDoApfNnGObFWxjOEDsULW8oyJsoJMu7VJPjjq8CCuA&oe=6641DADE	3	Cra0002	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,958	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778933}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	952561929845111	Read More	She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup!<br /> =============<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns<br /> <br /> Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. <br /> <br /> All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom."<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. <br /> <br /> Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. <br /> <br /> At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. <br /> <br /> They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. <br /> <br /> It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. <br /> <br /> Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. <br /> <br /> After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. <br /> <br /> Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. <br /> <br /> Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. <br /> <br /> Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. <br /> <br /> In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. <br /> <br /> She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. <br /> <br /> Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. <br /> <br /> Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. <br /> <br /> She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? <br /> <br /> Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. <br /> <br /> He was something to see now. <br /> <br /> "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. <br /> <br /> What? He was on his way out? At this hour? <br /> <br /> Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late."<br /> <br /> Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up."<br /> <br /> With that, he headed for the door. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel."<br /> <br /> Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. <br /> <br /> Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. <br /> <br /> "What's the matter?"<br /> <br /> There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. <br /> <br /> A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?"<br /> <br /> Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. <br /> <br /> "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. <br /> <br /> Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. <br /> <br /> After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. <br /> <br /> A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. <br /> <br /> However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. <br /> <br /> The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today."<br /> <br /> Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. <br /> <br /> Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was the man in the picture! <br /> <br /> So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? <br /> <br /> This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. <br /> <br /> Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. <br /> <br /> The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. <br /> <br /> "Hello!"<br /> <br /> It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. <br /> <br /> She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. <br /> <br /> The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. <br /> <br /> The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. <br /> <br /> Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. <br /> <br /> Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. <br /> <br /> It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. <br /> <br /> After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks.<br /> <br /> At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. <br /> <br /> All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel?<br /> <br /> Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. <br /> <br /> It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. <br /> <br /> Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? <br /> <br /> She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. <br /> <br /> She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. <br /> <br /> "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?"<br /> <br /> The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. <br /> <br /> "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?"<br /> <br /> "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. <br /> <br /> "You know what, forget it!"<br /> <br /> The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. <br /> <br /> They were talking about her as if she were an object. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. <br /> <br /> Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. <br /> <br /> "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her."<br /> <br /> Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..."<br /> <br /> Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. <br /> <br /> Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. <br /> <br /> The woman was indeed Lauren! <br /> <br /> Absence made the heart grow fonder! <br /> <br /> Every word drove a knife into her heart. <br /> <br /> Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. <br /> <br /> She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. <br /> <br /> "Raegan?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 One-sided Love<br /> <br /> Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. <br /> <br /> Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!"<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. <br /> <br /> Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? <br /> <br /> With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it."<br /> <br /> Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. <br /> <br /> Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. <br /> <br /> It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. <br /> <br /> To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. <br /> <br /> Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. <br /> <br /> In the elevator. <br /> <br /> Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. <br /> <br /> She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. <br /> <br /> Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. <br /> <br /> She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. <br /> <br /> Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. <br /> <br /> She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. <br /> <br /> Several employees were chatting inside. <br /> <br /> "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back."<br /> <br /> "And who is that?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!"<br /> <br /> "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?"<br /> <br /> "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!"<br /> <br /> Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. <br /> <br /> The love was one-sided. <br /> <br /> "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?"<br /> <br /> A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. <br /> <br /> Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. <br /> <br /> The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. <br /> <br /> With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?"<br /> <br /> Raegan said nothing to that. <br /> <br /> Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool."<br /> <br /> Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself."<br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. <br /> <br /> The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. <br /> <br /> Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?"<br /> <br /> It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. <br /> <br /> She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..."<br /> <br /> Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. <br /> <br /> Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. <br /> <br /> Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!"<br /> <br /> Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness."<br /> <br /> Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. <br /> <br /> Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. <br /> <br /> Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. <br /> <br /> This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. <br /> <br /> Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. <br /> <br /> Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?"<br /> <br /> These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. <br /> <br /> "That's enough!"<br /> <br /> Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. <br /> <br /> The entire room fell silent. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. <br /> <br /> But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me."<br /> <br /> The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. <br /> <br /> Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?"<br /> <br /> His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. <br /> <br /> No one dared to make a sound at this moment. <br /> <br /> Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. <br /> <br /> When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. <br /> <br /> Raegan could understand why he took this stand. <br /> <br /> However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. <br /> <br /> Was she truly insignificant to him?<br /> <br /> Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. <br /> <br /> Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. <br /> <br /> Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you."<br /> <br /> Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..."<br /> <br /> "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. <br /> <br /> She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. <br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. <br /> <br /> Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! <br /> <br /> The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. <br /> <br /> Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!"<br /> <br /> Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. <br /> <br /> As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. <br /> <br /> Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. <br /> <br /> Tessa trembled at once. <br /> <br /> With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone."<br /> <br /> The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. <br /> <br /> She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..."<br /> <br /> Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards."<br /> <br /> Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here."<br /> <br /> Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please."<br /> <br /> It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. <br /> <br /> They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. <br /> <br /> Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. <br /> <br /> Closing hour soon rolled by. <br /> <br /> Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. <br /> <br /> He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home."<br /> <br /> Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. <br /> <br /> She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. <br /> <br /> In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. <br /> <br /> How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? <br /> <br /> Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. <br /> <br /> All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. <br /> <br /> Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. <br /> <br /> Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. <br /> <br /> In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. <br /> <br /> Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> Did he come to pick her up? <br /> <br /> At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. <br /> <br /> Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? <br /> <br /> The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. <br /> <br /> Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. <br /> <br /> Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. <br /> <br /> This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Let's Divorce<br /> <br /> Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. <br /> <br /> It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. <br /> <br /> Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. <br /> <br /> She was Lauren. <br /> <br /> Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. <br /> <br /> She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?"<br /> <br /> Raegan was stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. <br /> <br /> After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay."<br /> <br /> She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. <br /> <br /> Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. <br /> <br /> When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. <br /> <br /> The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. <br /> <br /> Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. <br /> <br /> Love could move mountains, they said. <br /> <br /> Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. <br /> <br /> It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. <br /> <br /> As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. <br /> <br /> His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a moment. <br /> <br /> Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? <br /> <br /> Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. <br /> <br /> Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. <br /> <br /> There were five missed calls from Mitchel. <br /> <br /> This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. <br /> <br /> Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! <br /> <br /> Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. <br /> <br /> But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring."<br /> <br /> Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours."<br /> <br /> After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. <br /> <br /> He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. <br /> <br /> "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. <br /> <br /> He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. <br /> <br /> Would they have a future? <br /> <br /> Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?"<br /> <br /> The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce."<br /> <br /> "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. <br /> <br /> "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon."<br /> <br /> Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. <br /> <br /> "We will be strangers?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?"<br /> <br /> His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. <br /> <br /> His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... <br /> <br /> After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again."<br /> <br /> After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. <br /> <br /> How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. <br /> <br /> Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. <br /> <br /> It was high time she stopped being a fool. <br /> <br /> Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. <br /> <br /> The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. <br /> <br /> Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. <br /> <br /> His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..."<br /> <br /> "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now."<br /> <br /> A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. <br /> <br /> Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. <br /> <br /> He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. <br /> <br /> "Stop this, will you?"<br /> <br /> A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. <br /> <br /> He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. <br /> <br /> "You have a fever?"<br /> <br /> Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. <br /> <br /> This made the whole situation complicated. <br /> <br /> Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. <br /> <br /> Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?"<br /> <br /> The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. <br /> <br /> He then headed for the elevator. <br /> <br /> In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course."<br /> <br /> "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. <br /> <br /> Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital.<br /> <br /> Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. <br /> <br /> "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. <br /> <br /> He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. <br /> <br /> "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!"<br /> <br /> &13&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-FB_CONTACT-E	106206892171576	Love Story City	https://facebook.com/100083614308933	17,592	1	1,562,804,447,625,095	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Love Story City	120208810894090493	fbweb.moboreader.net	NONE	image		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-FB_CONTACT-ENJ57_9-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=961225&accid=1325826931416330&jump=1	2024-05-06 21:02	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438172839_427547056583859_6596688852573732153_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tRvYxDAt-tIQ7kNvgHLPzkM&_nc_oc=AdhvM_9E_7i7mzeoRnQu2wEPPMlkawJyHBxMpUv2m4SHQHCIBCJf_P8wFPkzOkpcKQk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDP-tOelD5Lt8tlWZCAGkdrC1l5ntY_667eS74JrlFwtQ&oe=6641E785	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438160268_1931504187306716_5665053931752674942_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CiH863ACgOsQ7kNvgG1Xi-f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCGvQ7LnC-qjuIcHwe5SC71LNcaHZK3ljV88G4Lps-1vg&oe=6641DEA4	3	Love Story City	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,429	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-05-08 18:38	active	760	799516891800437		Your daily intake of magnesium is only one, easy-to-take pill away! Qunol® Ultra Magnesium Glycinate Complex is formulated for superior absorption and to be gentle on your stomach. Try it today and feel the difference for yourself!	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/qunolgummies	1510554529258886	Qunol	https://facebook.com/QunolOfficial	336,441	1	451,156,637,409,097	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Visit Instagram profile	Qunol	6555284341387	instagram.com	NONE	video		http://instagram.com/qunolgummies	2024-05-08 10:04	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438196705_1157915815564481_5436443624372003623_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDA7KqLcXXQQ7kNvgEAN_3J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDt3ELMsb2P92EeBd03x8m90oOQ2-5HO_1GbFnsUIQaEA&oe=6641F2FF	person_profile	Qunol Gummies	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438196645_1199667587710093_6588533670814062242_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Uulv20Z10xsQ7kNvgFNp3-s&_nc_oc=AdglPJ3ZpoQ1jLN1g2V4IFt-EXRfIWopV75aQvAtR3hU0pDY3gsIT11HVvrWHdpRN8A&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfANKvv_eLI4CacMc-1crCHv3bty5OzaZufqQFJnixKzeA&oe=6641E3B1	3	Qunol	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,430	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778779}'	No	2024-05-08 18:38	active	760	1153490612658952	To find out, listen to the audioseries 'My Vampire System' (FREE for a limited period of time) Click on the link below to download the PocketFM app, now!	The thought of trying to survive a fight against a bunch of superheroes at once scares the hell out of me.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.r	100575081546002	Blue Sea	https://facebook.com/100069599781612	8,539	1	3,704,964,973,092,523	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	Blue Sea	120209571571960581	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.pocketfm	2024-05-08 09:56	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442411141_443140454902164_5681231498529990182_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0fXj2SoPNZEQ7kNvgH2A7sa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC8VF57ySZ9jllEOJdENtT-TEI-SrpSXDlem0rkfW9Wog&oe=6641D4FE	person_profile	Blue Sea	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442443190_422039737195572_31626770105666655_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TMVZxLQRVV4Q7kNvgGR-CHk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBtQqiHEFDxdLJuADXlUOCTod7aQgS14pb23BRtkqZt9w&oe=6641F140	3	Blue Sea	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,466	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778467}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:39	active	760	991304795193239	No More Neuropathic Foot Pain!	New Neuropathy Breakthrough In Huntsville! Folks Are Ditching Gabapentin for this safe & affordable pain relief treatment. <br /> <br /> Peripheral Neuropathy refers to conditions that result when nerves carrying messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged or inflamed. <br /> <br /> When these nerves are damaged, we can experience endless Burning 🔥, Numbness and Tingling, Chronic Pain 🤕 and even Loss of Balance.<br /> <br /> Rebelution Healthcare uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA cleared. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> ✅ Consultation with one of our medical professionals<br /> ✅ Thermal imaging device to determine blood flow and nerve damage<br /> ✅ Stimulates blood flow<br /> ✅ Naturally promotes nerve regeneration process (no harsh medication)<br /> <br /> Thorough testing is so critically important in helping patients suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy and we here at Rebelution Healthcare want to help as many people as we can.<br /> <br /> Click below to learn more about the underlying cause of your discomfort and find out about the revolutionary treatment and how it can change your life!<br /> <br /> Our goal is to get our patients back to doing the things they love with the people they love without drugs, needles or surgery and in as painless a way as possible.<br /> <br /> 🎉 Step into 2024 with newfound energy and freedom. No more restless nights or days overshadowed by foot pain.<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> People can and do overcome their Neuropathy!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.rebelutionhealthcarehuntsvilleoffer.co	352896392419196	Rebelution Healthcare	https://facebook.com/rebelutionhealthcare	1,842	1	1,161,018,201,704,907	2024-05-08 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Rebelution Healthcare	120209707802580369	rebelutionhealthcarehuntsvilleoffer.com	NONE	image	Folks Are Ditching Gabapentin For This Safe & Affordable Treatment	https://www.rebelutionhealthcarehuntsvilleoffer.com/neuropathy	2024-05-08 09:20	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301316_450573420961187_7867212990071151089_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tjyWw6n10vsQ7kNvgGC3kki&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDWskhR4g-p0OeUu10Nq_spQCvvRL0-sI17FS2NPLZN6A&oe=6641DCD5	person_profile	Drs. Josh and Mollie Rood	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301088_669331428653711_7777353142670802204_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qHs3jQMsFN8Q7kNvgHXYzkd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAzH2sT7nXfaVUE95ctmdIdPeMmIKSJoQk30Yfrd3_i9w&oe=6641D4FB	3	Rebelution Healthcare	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,488	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778499}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:39	active	760	313177225172363	Client Acquisition So Simple It’d Make Elon Cry	“Big boy Elon ❤️’s this funnel….” Tesla did 2 million in preorders of the Cybertruck with it… Which could equate to 120 billion in sales. Holy side hustles batman And I’m gonna show you what this has to do with a lil’ selling system. That can flood your business…. 90-480+ pippin’ hot leads in the next 42 days. No cold-emailing. No DM’ing strangers. No begging for referrals. No hoping and praying. Just a calendar booked solid... With super-qualified, red-hot appointments. Watch this free video to see how we do it. Then click the link and book a call. https://go.kingkong.co/strategy P.S. This thing is unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard about. It combines AI, Viral hooks and a ‘secret blend’ of 11 herbs and spices… that convert like crazy! Go see for yourself: https://go.kingkong.co/strategy	LEARN_MORE	https://go.kingkong.co/strategy	562378543780840	King Kong Co.	https://facebook.com/kingkongco	44,917	1	350,626,320,842,991	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn More	King Kong Co.	6610984817780	kingkong.co	NONE	dco	(Watch Carefully. Then Click)	https://go.kingkong.co/strategy	2024-04-21 22:12	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437708112_1591507995119353_2077774410756904250_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xC4xJmpaWocQ7kNvgEyx3Ez&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC-5IZmMEkG14XioON0Eoud4CxujwwnqTE-9TBQrJIrWw&oe=6641CD3A	person_profile	King Kong®	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438097536_983693403313311_539693983471645137_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VuzDebBWTwoQ7kNvgFSMEWA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA6alYcKazDzM5MckMUMTGTZznjcaBa5AfK4seOeK5gkQ&oe=6641D8E3	3	King Kong Co.	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,042	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778474}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:33	active	760	2112626632447922		🌸 Join us this Friday, May 10th, for our Mother's Day Sale! 🌷Treat mom to a special day with FREE FOOD, huge discounts, and a chance to win a pampering gift basket! Plus, as always, enjoy<br /> ✨FREE Delivery<br /> ✨No Credit Checks<br /> ✨Everyone is preapproved! <br /> Don't miss out! #MothersDaySale #TreatMomRight<br /> <br /> 📍 1005 N Pine St Suite B, DeRidder, LA 70634<br /> ☎ 337-221-9124	CALL_NOW		554311254629349	Affordable Home Furnishings	https://facebook.com/ahfderidder	633	1	427,363,189,925,437	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Call now	Affordable Home Furnishings	120207325587500352		NONE	multi_images			2024-05-08 12:11	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440331062_1480640412821192_6093846543340122680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Aup5Ga8S7TgQ7kNvgF9aifI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCpm1435YQxwZBn-HHTjDtFtdOeeOBqtiEfQZcgft8TVw&oe=6641DFE8	person_profile			3	Affordable Home Furnishings	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete

Page 28 of 44, showing 20 record(s) out of 866 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads