Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Page Is Profile Page	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,187,809	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628		From Sturgis, North Dakota to the Florida Keys, cruise down miles of memory lane with Kelly from our Parts Department! 🫵🏍️ And we wanna know... What's your favorite ride?	SHOP_NOW	https://www.quadcitieshd.com/--inventory?condition	McGrath Quad Cities Harley-Davidson	https://www.facebook.com/McGrathQuadCitiesHD/	12,021	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	www.quadcitieshd.com	VIDEO	https://www.quadcitieshd.com/--inventory?condition=pre-owned&location=mcgrath+quad+cities+harley-davidson&make=harley-davidson%C2%AE&pg=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawF6PAlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQrnHlnihWREWZyvKfd0ZE6RPSAqCKApTAfv_fmPe3aaRyMGkStSj3uC6g_aem_F-1qv1KvdEC-P5oZF5ANyQ&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_campaign=promo-used&utm_content=1507839755	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463365713_1088458196125155_1382686299045227261_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UYSwBsTKMFsQ7kNvgFqYOJU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3jSAC8iGeWgSeJgn3do1lE&oh=00_AYCWqX5RCQTEJABm02X1Ft29ojrKNz_j_qbUvMfr2IpOsw&oe=671399FD	PERSON_PROFILE	0	McGrath Quad Cities Harley-Davidson	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,187,811	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Benna Ford Jeep Ram Saturday Morning Cartoons 10.12.2024	Thank you for tuning in to Saturday Morning Cartoons! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! We have just received RAM and Jeep incentive enhancements that you simply Do Not Want To Miss! 2024 RAM 1500 Classic Warlock Quad Cab 4X4 #RS136903 MSRP: $57,905 SAVE $3,905 OFF MSRP + Available 0.9% APR For 72 Mos.!* (Click For Details) https://bit.ly/RAMWarlockLowAPROffer 2024 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 4X4 #RL113151 MSRP: $60,455 Total Savings Of $8,701 OFF MSRP!* (Click For Details) https://bit.ly/JeepAdventureDaysGladiatorSpecialOffer 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 #RC252943 MSRP: $55,790 Total Savings Of $7,861 OFF MSRP!* (Click For Details) https://bit.ly/JeepAdventureDaysGrandCherokeeSpecialOffer The Largest Pre-Owned 4X4 Sale in the Twin Ports is continues with over 100 SUVs, crossovers, and trucks available now! These have been SALE PRICED TO MOVE! https://bit.ly/ShopUSEDSelectionHere CASH FOR CLUNKERS \| Get $1,500 Minimum Trade-In Value on your next pre-owned vehicle purchase! Push, Pull, Or Drag it In! Interested in finding out what you may qualify for? Check out our new 30-Second Pre-Approval! (click for details) https://bit.ly/30SecondPreApproval What’s your Trade-In worth? Find out here! (click for details) https://bit.ly/GetTradeValueHere 715-394-8669 Cash For Clunkers offer valid on pre-owned vehicle purchases of $9,999 or more. Not to be combined with any other offers. See dealer for complete details. Must have a title. Offer ends 10/31/2024.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.bennaford.com/usedspecialsbenna	Benna Ford Roush	https://www.facebook.com/bennafordroush/	3,327	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.bennaford.com	VIDEO	https://www.bennaford.com/usedspecialsbenna	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462955473_1111936830563642_1524015175731354900_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LuHm806_M1oQ7kNvgFky7Sw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A3jSAC8iGeWgSeJgn3do1lE&oh=00_AYBMTI64TaLs8t066xAWT4DL8RKLgA7Qngau8ojr3pTbbg&oe=6713AC2F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Benna Ford Roush	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,187,819	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2187676}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Fit & Strong in 30s In Just 8 Weeks!	🎯We are looking for Marlborough ladies to experience our brand new 8-Week Fit Over 30 Program 💪 Our program is designed to change your life. And we don't care what shape you are in! We just need you to try our program at your own pace. Let our coaches help you while having fun! 👏 👉 This is not a "magic pill" or "gimmick" Reserve your spot by tapping the ‘Learn More’ button below! WE ARE LOOKING FOR... ✔️Women who are ready to change their lives with the help of our coaches ✔️Women who do not have to be in good shape to start ✔️Women who want PERSONALIZED nutrition that they can enjoy ✔️Women who want to drop inches, tone, feel better, & keep their immune system safe ✔️Women who want to enjoy personalized attention ✔️Women who want to to participate in a dynamic workouts combining cardio, strength, and flexibility ✔️Women who want to feel better all day long with more energy than you've had in a long time ✔️Women who want to join an AMAZING and SUPPORTIVE community to thrive in 💎 No Catches or Gimmicks! 💎 👉 We will give you all the tools you'll need to successfully meet your goals ✔️ Reserve your spot NOW by clicking the ‘Learn More' button 🔥 HURRY - SPOTS ARE GOING QUICKLY 🔥	APPLY_NOW	http://fb.me/	SPENGA	https://www.facebook.com/spengamarlborough/	1,487	1969-12-31 18:00	Apply Now	fb.me	DCO	http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461161955_1556691661644618_7852177790486001000_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YpHXvtIKKvsQ7kNvgGvVzR0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3jSAC8iGeWgSeJgn3do1lE&oh=00_AYBZTa5XjobJjIUJC0lNFQLzwE8Ey4xOSek4jDCR_Yz54A&oe=6713A029	PERSON_PROFILE	0	SPENGA	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,403	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Solid Wood Chairs	Solid Wood Chairs - $40.00 Selling two solid wood chairs as-is. $40 for both. FCFS. Message me for more information. Learn more about this listing on Facebook Marketplace: https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1204161897530884/	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/120416189753	Tony Kelly	https://www.facebook.com/Tony-Kelly-209714466629180/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1204161897530884/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Tony Kelly	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,402	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Why 100k+ Christians Have Bought This Piano Book	Imagine sitting down at a piano and being able to JUST PLAY PIANO! Even if you're a beginner... even if you think you're not talented or are "too old." Our unique picture method actually makes learning incredibly easy, even if you know nothing. For a limited time you can get our most popular book, our gospel book, and a bonus book for free. You'll be able to play gospel songs you've sung in church you're whole life, Just cover shipping and handling and I'll send you yours today!	LEARN_MORE	https://pianobypictures.gospelonthegopiano.com/fre	Gospel on the Go	https://www.facebook.com/100063679353101/	14,888	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	pianobypictures.gospelonthegopiano.com	VIDEO	https://pianobypictures.gospelonthegopiano.com/free-gift-pbp	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462961557_573431911789002_6734641400188736436_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Oh8i7d3TA7UQ7kNvgHVlGx2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Ah9rm84rcawZUeDS-f45hLz&oh=00_AYDSmI989mChA5TxCF7C3b-yuXvp4TcxcasYcK0w1WfDYA&oe=6713AECA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Gospel on the Go	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,405	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Farmhouse Dining Table	Farmhouse Dining Table - $275.00 300.00 Round sturdy dining table. Solid wood. Chairs available for an additional cost. FCFS. Please msg me for dimensions. Learn more about this listing on Facebook Marketplace: https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1240300290336361/	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/124030029033	Tony Kelly	https://www.facebook.com/Tony-Kelly-209714466629180/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/1240300290336361/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	Tony Kelly	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,408	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188406}'	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Continue watching 👉👉	Love Found in Disguise Kelly Jensen and Lena Zane are twins who were separated due to their parents' divorce. Years later, Kelly’s mother is admitted to the hospital with heart failure, leaving Kelly no choice but to seek help from Lena. Fortunately, Lena agrees to assist, but with one condition—Kelly must marry Jackson Hunt in her place.Kelly agrees and begins living a double life as both Mrs. Hunt and Ms. Jensen.	WATCH_MORE	http://itunes.apple.com/app/id6445905219	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	6,860,628	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	itunes.apple.com	VIDEO	http://itunes.apple.com/app/id6445905219	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462763354_1923055981509002_8237932893613730022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u9z3yby6_WUQ7kNvgGU5d2W&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ah9rm84rcawZUeDS-f45hLz&oh=00_AYCoYkLq5mV6MjYXktmj4TQCGDssfSEIO1lpEG1_Gm-Ylg&oe=6713A818	PERSON_PROFILE	0	DramaBox- movies&drama	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,407	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188406}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	Continue watching 👉👉	Love Found in Disguise Kelly Jensen and Lena Zane are twins who were separated due to their parents' divorce. Years later, Kelly’s mother is admitted to the hospital with heart failure, leaving Kelly no choice but to seek help from Lena. Fortunately, Lena agrees to assist, but with one condition—Kelly must marry Jackson Hunt in her place.Kelly agrees and begins living a double life as both Mrs. Hunt and Ms. Jensen.	WATCH_MORE	http://itunes.apple.com/app/id6445905219	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	6,860,628	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	itunes.apple.com	VIDEO	http://itunes.apple.com/app/id6445905219	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462745214_1776729892730868_2244035827720191323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=anfq7F1uhwsQ7kNvgHavhxA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Ah9rm84rcawZUeDS-f45hLz&oh=00_AYCnjKIb1xdLbqG1ZROR-HFCkHHZWj4lIkF7NOczjIZoYg&oe=6713970C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	DramaBox- movies&drama	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,409	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628		Gregg for Hesperia Recreation and Park District 2024	LEARN_MORE	http://truelibertyprotectionservices.com/	Kelly Gregg	https://www.facebook.com/kelly.gregg.92/	941	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	truelibertyprotectionservices.com	VIDEO	http://truelibertyprotectionservices.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463128184_1272583550600697_6842069417973549933_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LI2q4Ont7OoQ7kNvgEkb5CS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Ah9rm84rcawZUeDS-f45hLz&oh=00_AYCxNFwNMoEZgYhO9gF5J4-V6FZlypQ6Fg0hM-7d2mQAZw&oe=6713954F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Kelly Gregg	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,430	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband confessed that he had an affair with my assistant. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. "Cammy, I'm sorry,It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." ———————— Camille I tapped my nails against the desk and stared at the clock, my insides roiling. Fifteen minutes late and counting. Stephen wasn't usually one to keep people waiting, which was upsetting enough. But he wasn't answering his phone or responding to my texts either, which only upset – and worried – me further. I smiled politely at his team, Ricardo, and Tracey, sitting across from me. This was originally his meeting to run, not mine. The fact that he wasn't there left me feeling put on the spot and more than a little uncomfortable. Stephen Doyle was my fiancé' and partner in Zesta Creative Design. He was the financial guru who handled the tedious details that allowed me to focus on the fun stuff. Ricardo and Tracey were interns from the local university, both majoring in finance and accounting like my darling beau, and together, we were supposed to go over the position and their responsibilities. However, given Stephen's absence, it appeared that I'd be handling the meeting alone. I'd turned my face back to the handbook, when the door opened, and my fiancé' stepped through, looking frazzled. His sandy blonde hair, which he kept trimmed short to his head with just a little length on top, was standing on end as if he hadn't bothered to brush it that morning. His eyes were tired, but there was a sparkle in them as if whatever kept him up late last night had been worth it. He'd canceled our date without an explanation, so I had no idea what could have gotten him so excited this morning. Stephen was a strapping, good-looking man. A former quarterback in college, where we met, he looked like he could step onto the field even today. Usually, he wore designer suits and dressed to perfection, looking every bit the part of CFO. Today, however, he was wearing a button-up shirt and jeans. I cocked an eyebrow as he joined me at the conference table. "Sorry," he said. "I had something come up at the last minute." He was smiling wide, but he wouldn't look at me. He kept resisting my gaze, instead of delving into the handbook and reading the exact same page I'd just finished up. "Would you two give us a minute?" I asked. The interns nodded and slipped out of the room, almost seeming grateful to have an out – if only for a few minutes. Maybe they knew something was up, that the world was about to come crashing down around me and wanted to get outside the blast radius. Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Either way, they scurried out of the conference room like their hair was on fire and waited outside the door. "Stephen? Is everything okay?" I asked. "MmmHmm," he said, finally meeting my eyes. When he did though, the smile on his face disappeared completely. The look in his eyes was guarded, and his expression was suddenly colder than the Arctic tundra. "Should we really be having this conversation here, Cam?" he asked. I shrugged and put my pen down on the table, leaning back in my chair. "You tell me? You're the one who canceled last night, without an excuse," I said. "And today, you're twenty minutes late to your own meeting. I think I have a right to ask you what's going on. If not as your fiancé', then at least as your business partner." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I would rather have this discussion in private." "We're alone. No one can hear us through the door," I said. My voice started to crack. Over the last year or so, things had grown tense in our relationship. Okay, perhaps a bit more than tense. There was a tension between us that seemed to be growing by the day. His sister had popped out baby number three and Stephen was eager to get started on our family, even though our wedding wasn't scheduled until later in the year. We figured it couldn't hurt to get started though, so I went off all birth control and figured we'd be pregnant in no time. There we were though, ten months later, and still no pregnancy. I knew it stressed him out, and he'd started distancing himself from me. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive, but it felt like he thought I was broken, or somehow, less than a woman for not being able to conceive. "Fine," he grumbled. "Do youremember Jessica?" "Jessica Harvey? Yeah, of course. She was my assistant for years," I said. Jessica had quit our company out of the blue about three months back. It was completely unexpected, and I was still reeling from the shock of losing someone I'd counted on for years, someone I'd considered a friend for so long. We didn't talk much anymore. I tried to get together for coffee dates now and then, just to keep up with her. She was always too busy though – or was just avoiding me, I feared. I wanted to ask her what I'd done wrong, but she'd ghosted me, and that's where we were at. "Yeah, well, there's something you need to know," Stephen said. He looked out the large, glass window out to the sprawling city of Los Angeles below. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. My chest tightened, and a cold chill swept through my body. I didn't believe my ears. Not at first. As I stared at him, looked deep into his eyes though, I came to see the truth. "Cammy, I'm sorry," Stephen said. His voice didn't sound all that sorry, though. He shrugged and threw his hands in their air. He acted like this was somehow my fault. As if I'd somehow driven him into her arms. Into her bed. "It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." "Camille, we have a business to run together," he argued. I wiped at my eyes, not allowing the tears to fall. I knew he was right. This company was initially mine, but he'd invested a lot of his own money over the years. Like it or not, we'd have to find a way to work together, at least until I could figure something else out. There was no way I was going to be tied to this man for the rest of my life. "Fine," I mumbled. I packed my things up and put it all into my briefcase as calmly as I could. I was trembling, but I didn't think Stephen could tell. I hoped not. I needed to appear calm and in control of myself. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. "You can meet with your interns alone," I said. "I'll make myself scarce, and we can talk about the company later." "You're handling this better than I thought you would, Cam," he said. For a second, I thought I heard the regret in his voice. Like on some level, he realized what a prick he was being and felt bad. Even if I had though, what good would it do now? The damage was done, and this was one bell that could not be un-rung. I glared at him. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him what a junk he was. I wanted to lash out. What would that accomplish other than make me look like an unhinged psycho, though? My head was spinning, and I couldn't think straight. Better to cool off before I said or did something I'd regret later. Like he said, we still had a business to run together, and like it or not, we'd have to work together for the good of Zesta. At least, for now. "For what it's worth, Cam," Stephen said, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I'm sorry you're broken. I know how much you wanted to have children of your own, and this can't be easy to hear." I clutched my briefcase to my chest, keeping my hands busy instead of using them to show Stephen how I really felt about him. A homicide charge for strangling the life out of him probably wouldn't be a good look for the company. I didn't say another word though, and slipped out of the conference room, coming face to face with the interns who looked at me, puzzled expressions on their faces. "Stephen is going to take over from here. I have somewhere I need to be," I lied. I held my head up high and smiled politely at Ricardo and Tracey as I held the door open for them. Tracey gave me a look, her eyes filled with concern, but then looked away quickly. Ricardo seemed oblivious, ducking into the room and shaking hands with my fiancé' – scratch that, my ex-fiancé.' I shut the door behind them and hurried down the hall to my office, avoiding eye contact with everyone as I passed. I walked briskly past the cubicles of our employees until I got to the end of the hall, to my corner office, and slunk inside, falling against the door as I closed it behind me. As soon as I was alone, I didn't have to keep my composure. I let it all out. I slid to the floor and held my knees to my chest. The tears came hard and fast, but there was more than just sadness over the relationship ending – I was pissed about the betrayal. Grief and rage flooded my body in equal measure. --- "Complete jackass," my friend agreed. "And you really think this Jessica bimbo is pregnant with his kid? Pfft, I'm pretty sure he's the one shooting blanks." "You think so?" My voice cracked a bit at the question. I put my glass down on the table and smoothed out my skirt, focusing on my hands instead of Liv. While I could agree that the entire situation was all kinds of screwed up, I still wasn't sure if I believed him about me being unable to have kids or not. I was leaning toward him being right, simply because it made sense. Because somehow, somewhere deep down, I figured this was somehow my fault. "I think his side piece has a side piece of her own," Liv said, flagging down the waiter. "And seriously, what better revenge would there be than him realizing she's sleeping around on him and then finding out you can really have kids after all, huh?" "I suppose," I said, shrugging. "You suppose?" Liv asked as the waiter poured us more water. "Wouldn't you love to wipe that smug look off his face and tell him that he's the one who's broken?" "Well, yeah, but I don't think that's the case, Liv," I said grumpily. "Aren't you a Negative Nelly?" Liv said, rolling her eyes. When I didn't say anything, she sighed and added, "Just humor me, alright?" "Fine," I said, shrugging. "I guess I have nothing to lose." Well, except for all my dreams of one day having a child with a man I loved, sure, but since I already figured that was the case, it wasn't like I'd be getting any worse news. At least I hoped not. I didn't think I could take any more. --- Preston Dr. Preston Winters , M.D. The name plate had been added to the door recently. It was a matte silver with black lettering. Simple and yet, classy. I was the newest doctor to be brought on at the Hollywood Hills Women's and Children Center, and seeing my name officially listed on the office door was thrilling. A dream come true for someone who wasn't even sure they'd survive medical school, much less my residency. Getting to this point in my career had been harder than I ever imagined it to be, but I couldn't have asked for a better clinic to start with. Our receptionist, Kelly, was sitting at the front desk when I entered. She smiled politely at me, pushing her glasses up higher on her nose. "Good morning, Miss Temple," I said, stepping through the door and into the back. "Good morning, Dr. Winters. Looks like you have a full day today," Kelly said, scanning the appointment calendar in the computer with a furrowed brow. "Looks like you're taking a few of Dr. Garcia's patients today, her son is sick." "Not a problem. That's why they brought me on," I said. "Your first patient will be here right at nine," she said. "She requested the earliest possible appointment with Dr. Garcia." "Shouldn't be a problem," I said, continuing down the hall toward my office. My personal office was already coming together. Several bookshelves filled with medical journals sat behind a large oak desk. The obligatory diploma and a few personal pictures hung on the pale blue walls. I sat down at my desk, which had several photos on top as well. One photograph of my mom was prominent, a reminder of why I'd gone into this field in the first place. My other reminder was in another frame beside her photo. It was of a little boy wearing a soccer uniform and shooting the camera a gap-toothed grin. He had his mother's large, brown eyes, but my family's naturally tanned complexion and sandy blonde hair. There was a knock at my door, pulling me out of my brief reverie. "Yes?" One of the nurses, Paola, popped her head in and said, "Sorry to bother you, but your first patient is here and keeps asking when Dr. Garcia will see her. Says she has to be back at work by ten-thirty, at the latest." "I'll be right there," I said, chuckling to myself. So many people schedule doctor's appointments, expecting to be in and out in an hour or less like this was some cheap fast-food joint. We catered to a higher-end clientele, meaning many of the people were impatient and entitled. It came with the territory there in Hollywood Hills, I supposed. Since I was taking on Dr. Garcia's patients at the last minute, I hadn't had a chance to look over the patient's file. I was walking in blind, essentially. I followed Paolo to the room, and before I entered, she handed me the file on her. I glanced down, started to read through it when the door opened. "Hello? I really need to –" Big, sparkling, sapphire blue eyes stared back at me, and they grew wider once she saw me stepping through the door. Couldn't say I wasn't a little bit surprised myself. I couldn't help but note the mahogany curls and how they fell just perfectly over her cool, pale skin, gently touching her freckled shoulders – shoulders that were undressed thanks to the sleeveless pink sundress she was wearing. Looking into her face, I realized I knew her from somewhere. I couldn't place it right away, but I'd seen that face somewhere before. We handled a lot of celebrities, and she was definitely attractive enough to be a model or actress, but I wasn't sure that was it. I looked down at the name on file. "Camille O'Hare? Is that –" "Preston? Preston Winters, is that you?" she stammered. "Yeah, that's me," I said and smiled. When I heard her speak, the pieces fell into place, and I knew where I knew her from. High school. A long time ago in a galaxy far away. There was no mistaking her though. "No offense, but where's Dr. Garcia?" Camille asked, looking past me at Paola, who still stood in the doorway. "Apparently, I'm Dr. Garcia today," I said, giving my old high school friend the once over. Camille looked good. It was an unprofessional thought, but one I couldn't shake. I almost didn't recognize her. "Glad to see you still remember me," I said. Paola stepped away to help another patient, and I walked into Camille's room, opening her file on the table and reading through it. I closed the door behind us when Camille stepped back inside, her jaw nearly on the floor. "So, you really did it, huh?" she asked. She flopped up on the examining room table, her arms crossed in front of her. She was smiling, though a bit tense. But I took the smile as a good sign. "You made it through medical school," she said. "Either that or I'm really good at faking it," I teased, turning to face her, mirroring how she folded her arms in front of her chest. I had a hard time concealing my amazement at the transformation. Camille had changed a lot since high school. Her porcelain skin was clear and smoother than it had ever been back then. Her hair was a tad darker with some highlights in it now, and longer too. She used to keep her hair cut short, but the length did wonders for bringing out the soft features of her perfectly oval face. "As you can tell, I'm not Dr. Garcia," I said. "She had a family issue and won't be in today. But if you'd like to reschedule and wait for her, we can arrange it." She bit her bottom lip and looked away. I could tell she was considering it. Not that I blamed her, given our past. Instead of answering my question outright, she smiled at me softly. "You look good, Preston," she said. "I know it's been what, ten years? But I'm glad to see you're doing well." "You seem to be doing well too," I said, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with her. Camille's dress showed off some ample cleavage, and I was having a hard time not admiring it. I'm a professional. I couldn't have made it this far if I checked out my patients like a pervert. It was difficult though because I am still a man, and Camille was different. "Paola mentioned you were in a hurry to get back to work so I won't take too much of your time," I said. "If you'd like to reschedule, we can arrange for you to see Dr. Garcia another time." "I can't reschedule," she sighed. "There are no other doctors here today?" "No, I'm afraid not," I said. "It's just me at the moment." She took a deep breath, and the smile that had been on her face earlier fell as she stared at her hands. She picked at her perfectly manicured nails as if the nail polish was chipping, but she was only fidgeting. She looked tense and uncomfortable. "I mean, I guess it's been ten years or so since we –" she cut herself off, clearing her throat before continuing, "I think it'll be fine. You're a professional, after all." "Of course," I said, my voice softening. "I take my job very seriously, and what happened in our past will stay in the past, Camille." She turned her face up and met my gaze. In her eyes, I saw so much pain. I was taken aback at first, assuming that look was because of me, but then she wiped at her eyes and shook her head. "I'm here because my fiancé – err, my ex-fiancé – believes I can't have children." I pulled out her file, read through some of the notes from her past visits. "Have you seen a fertility specialist before?" I asked. She shook her head, and again, she looked away. "No, but we've been trying for well over a year, and there's been no luck." "You know it takes two to make a baby, right?" I asked. "It very well could be –" "He apparently got another woman pregnant pretty recently." "Oh," I said, closing the file. I figured that this went deeper than her medical history anyway. Her blue eyes were wide and filled with fear as she looked to me for answers. Being in this field, I often worked with women worried about their fertility. She wouldn't be the first woman I'd seen who was fearful about her chances of ever having a baby. She just so happened to be first who'd admitted such personal details as to why she believed she was the problem. "You'd been trying for a year, no birth control?" I asked. "I was never on the pill, I used non-hormonal methods. No hormones to wean myself off of, I thought I'd get pregnant pretty easily, but –" she stammered, taking a deep breath and seeming to gather her composure before speaking again, "but obviously that hasn't happened. As you should be able to see in my history, my periods have never been regular, and while I've never been diagnosed officially, Dr. Garcia suspected I might suffer from ovarian cysts." I opened the file again and looked through the notes, studying them a little more in depth. There was one little note mentioning some discomfort and cramping from a few months back, which could be cysts, or it could have been cramps. "Is there something we can do, Preston?" she asked.pregnating her and proving that prick ex of hers wrong caused a tightness low in my groin. Or maybe, just the idea of being with her again was causing it. Either way, blood rushed down my body, forcing me to turn away from Camille, afraid she'd notice my reaction. "Well, I will complete an exam, and we can run some tests," I said and cleared my throat. I cursed at my lower body as I pretended to read through her file some more, waiting for my shaft to get the message that this wasn't the time or place for such antics. As soon as I felt my body listening to me, I turned back around and gave her what I hoped was a comforting smile. "Do you mind lying down for me?" I asked.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzk	Lett010	https://www.facebook.com/100092431237661/	165	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.letsreadnovel.com	VIDEO	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzkxLzIwMjQxMDExMTYwNjM2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462694756_1270577060644000_1290219083185060697_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PlI7XjPB6vQQ7kNvgEWF689&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AbXW0kz8zcD1BiufzXbAJLY&oh=00_AYBfjsWIw6VgbFOWRczqQkud-Bv5moReR0JxsS8XStnX5g&oe=6713AD65	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lett010	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,435	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188430}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband confessed that he had an affair with my assistant. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. "Cammy, I'm sorry,It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." ———————— Camille I tapped my nails against the desk and stared at the clock, my insides roiling. Fifteen minutes late and counting. Stephen wasn't usually one to keep people waiting, which was upsetting enough. But he wasn't answering his phone or responding to my texts either, which only upset – and worried – me further. I smiled politely at his team, Ricardo, and Tracey, sitting across from me. This was originally his meeting to run, not mine. The fact that he wasn't there left me feeling put on the spot and more than a little uncomfortable. Stephen Doyle was my fiancé' and partner in Zesta Creative Design. He was the financial guru who handled the tedious details that allowed me to focus on the fun stuff. Ricardo and Tracey were interns from the local university, both majoring in finance and accounting like my darling beau, and together, we were supposed to go over the position and their responsibilities. However, given Stephen's absence, it appeared that I'd be handling the meeting alone. I'd turned my face back to the handbook, when the door opened, and my fiancé' stepped through, looking frazzled. His sandy blonde hair, which he kept trimmed short to his head with just a little length on top, was standing on end as if he hadn't bothered to brush it that morning. His eyes were tired, but there was a sparkle in them as if whatever kept him up late last night had been worth it. He'd canceled our date without an explanation, so I had no idea what could have gotten him so excited this morning. Stephen was a strapping, good-looking man. A former quarterback in college, where we met, he looked like he could step onto the field even today. Usually, he wore designer suits and dressed to perfection, looking every bit the part of CFO. Today, however, he was wearing a button-up shirt and jeans. I cocked an eyebrow as he joined me at the conference table. "Sorry," he said. "I had something come up at the last minute." He was smiling wide, but he wouldn't look at me. He kept resisting my gaze, instead of delving into the handbook and reading the exact same page I'd just finished up. "Would you two give us a minute?" I asked. The interns nodded and slipped out of the room, almost seeming grateful to have an out – if only for a few minutes. Maybe they knew something was up, that the world was about to come crashing down around me and wanted to get outside the blast radius. Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Either way, they scurried out of the conference room like their hair was on fire and waited outside the door. "Stephen? Is everything okay?" I asked. "MmmHmm," he said, finally meeting my eyes. When he did though, the smile on his face disappeared completely. The look in his eyes was guarded, and his expression was suddenly colder than the Arctic tundra. "Should we really be having this conversation here, Cam?" he asked. I shrugged and put my pen down on the table, leaning back in my chair. "You tell me? You're the one who canceled last night, without an excuse," I said. "And today, you're twenty minutes late to your own meeting. I think I have a right to ask you what's going on. If not as your fiancé', then at least as your business partner." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I would rather have this discussion in private." "We're alone. No one can hear us through the door," I said. My voice started to crack. Over the last year or so, things had grown tense in our relationship. Okay, perhaps a bit more than tense. There was a tension between us that seemed to be growing by the day. His sister had popped out baby number three and Stephen was eager to get started on our family, even though our wedding wasn't scheduled until later in the year. We figured it couldn't hurt to get started though, so I went off all birth control and figured we'd be pregnant in no time. There we were though, ten months later, and still no pregnancy. I knew it stressed him out, and he'd started distancing himself from me. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive, but it felt like he thought I was broken, or somehow, less than a woman for not being able to conceive. "Fine," he grumbled. "Do youremember Jessica?" "Jessica Harvey? Yeah, of course. She was my assistant for years," I said. Jessica had quit our company out of the blue about three months back. It was completely unexpected, and I was still reeling from the shock of losing someone I'd counted on for years, someone I'd considered a friend for so long. We didn't talk much anymore. I tried to get together for coffee dates now and then, just to keep up with her. She was always too busy though – or was just avoiding me, I feared. I wanted to ask her what I'd done wrong, but she'd ghosted me, and that's where we were at. "Yeah, well, there's something you need to know," Stephen said. He looked out the large, glass window out to the sprawling city of Los Angeles below. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. My chest tightened, and a cold chill swept through my body. I didn't believe my ears. Not at first. As I stared at him, looked deep into his eyes though, I came to see the truth. "Cammy, I'm sorry," Stephen said. His voice didn't sound all that sorry, though. He shrugged and threw his hands in their air. He acted like this was somehow my fault. As if I'd somehow driven him into her arms. Into her bed. "It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." "Camille, we have a business to run together," he argued. I wiped at my eyes, not allowing the tears to fall. I knew he was right. This company was initially mine, but he'd invested a lot of his own money over the years. Like it or not, we'd have to find a way to work together, at least until I could figure something else out. There was no way I was going to be tied to this man for the rest of my life. "Fine," I mumbled. I packed my things up and put it all into my briefcase as calmly as I could. I was trembling, but I didn't think Stephen could tell. I hoped not. I needed to appear calm and in control of myself. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. "You can meet with your interns alone," I said. "I'll make myself scarce, and we can talk about the company later." "You're handling this better than I thought you would, Cam," he said. For a second, I thought I heard the regret in his voice. Like on some level, he realized what a prick he was being and felt bad. Even if I had though, what good would it do now? The damage was done, and this was one bell that could not be un-rung. I glared at him. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him what a junk he was. I wanted to lash out. What would that accomplish other than make me look like an unhinged psycho, though? My head was spinning, and I couldn't think straight. Better to cool off before I said or did something I'd regret later. Like he said, we still had a business to run together, and like it or not, we'd have to work together for the good of Zesta. At least, for now. "For what it's worth, Cam," Stephen said, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I'm sorry you're broken. I know how much you wanted to have children of your own, and this can't be easy to hear." I clutched my briefcase to my chest, keeping my hands busy instead of using them to show Stephen how I really felt about him. A homicide charge for strangling the life out of him probably wouldn't be a good look for the company. I didn't say another word though, and slipped out of the conference room, coming face to face with the interns who looked at me, puzzled expressions on their faces. "Stephen is going to take over from here. I have somewhere I need to be," I lied. I held my head up high and smiled politely at Ricardo and Tracey as I held the door open for them. Tracey gave me a look, her eyes filled with concern, but then looked away quickly. Ricardo seemed oblivious, ducking into the room and shaking hands with my fiancé' – scratch that, my ex-fiancé.' I shut the door behind them and hurried down the hall to my office, avoiding eye contact with everyone as I passed. I walked briskly past the cubicles of our employees until I got to the end of the hall, to my corner office, and slunk inside, falling against the door as I closed it behind me. As soon as I was alone, I didn't have to keep my composure. I let it all out. I slid to the floor and held my knees to my chest. The tears came hard and fast, but there was more than just sadness over the relationship ending – I was pissed about the betrayal. Grief and rage flooded my body in equal measure. --- "Complete jackass," my friend agreed. "And you really think this Jessica bimbo is pregnant with his kid? Pfft, I'm pretty sure he's the one shooting blanks." "You think so?" My voice cracked a bit at the question. I put my glass down on the table and smoothed out my skirt, focusing on my hands instead of Liv. While I could agree that the entire situation was all kinds of screwed up, I still wasn't sure if I believed him about me being unable to have kids or not. I was leaning toward him being right, simply because it made sense. Because somehow, somewhere deep down, I figured this was somehow my fault. "I think his side piece has a side piece of her own," Liv said, flagging down the waiter. "And seriously, what better revenge would there be than him realizing she's sleeping around on him and then finding out you can really have kids after all, huh?" "I suppose," I said, shrugging. "You suppose?" Liv asked as the waiter poured us more water. "Wouldn't you love to wipe that smug look off his face and tell him that he's the one who's broken?" "Well, yeah, but I don't think that's the case, Liv," I said grumpily. "Aren't you a Negative Nelly?" Liv said, rolling her eyes. When I didn't say anything, she sighed and added, "Just humor me, alright?" "Fine," I said, shrugging. "I guess I have nothing to lose." Well, except for all my dreams of one day having a child with a man I loved, sure, but since I already figured that was the case, it wasn't like I'd be getting any worse news. At least I hoped not. I didn't think I could take any more. --- Preston Dr. Preston Winters , M.D. The name plate had been added to the door recently. It was a matte silver with black lettering. Simple and yet, classy. I was the newest doctor to be brought on at the Hollywood Hills Women's and Children Center, and seeing my name officially listed on the office door was thrilling. A dream come true for someone who wasn't even sure they'd survive medical school, much less my residency. Getting to this point in my career had been harder than I ever imagined it to be, but I couldn't have asked for a better clinic to start with. Our receptionist, Kelly, was sitting at the front desk when I entered. She smiled politely at me, pushing her glasses up higher on her nose. "Good morning, Miss Temple," I said, stepping through the door and into the back. "Good morning, Dr. Winters. Looks like you have a full day today," Kelly said, scanning the appointment calendar in the computer with a furrowed brow. "Looks like you're taking a few of Dr. Garcia's patients today, her son is sick." "Not a problem. That's why they brought me on," I said. "Your first patient will be here right at nine," she said. "She requested the earliest possible appointment with Dr. Garcia." "Shouldn't be a problem," I said, continuing down the hall toward my office. My personal office was already coming together. Several bookshelves filled with medical journals sat behind a large oak desk. The obligatory diploma and a few personal pictures hung on the pale blue walls. I sat down at my desk, which had several photos on top as well. One photograph of my mom was prominent, a reminder of why I'd gone into this field in the first place. My other reminder was in another frame beside her photo. It was of a little boy wearing a soccer uniform and shooting the camera a gap-toothed grin. He had his mother's large, brown eyes, but my family's naturally tanned complexion and sandy blonde hair. There was a knock at my door, pulling me out of my brief reverie. "Yes?" One of the nurses, Paola, popped her head in and said, "Sorry to bother you, but your first patient is here and keeps asking when Dr. Garcia will see her. Says she has to be back at work by ten-thirty, at the latest." "I'll be right there," I said, chuckling to myself. So many people schedule doctor's appointments, expecting to be in and out in an hour or less like this was some cheap fast-food joint. We catered to a higher-end clientele, meaning many of the people were impatient and entitled. It came with the territory there in Hollywood Hills, I supposed. Since I was taking on Dr. Garcia's patients at the last minute, I hadn't had a chance to look over the patient's file. I was walking in blind, essentially. I followed Paolo to the room, and before I entered, she handed me the file on her. I glanced down, started to read through it when the door opened. "Hello? I really need to –" Big, sparkling, sapphire blue eyes stared back at me, and they grew wider once she saw me stepping through the door. Couldn't say I wasn't a little bit surprised myself. I couldn't help but note the mahogany curls and how they fell just perfectly over her cool, pale skin, gently touching her freckled shoulders – shoulders that were undressed thanks to the sleeveless pink sundress she was wearing. Looking into her face, I realized I knew her from somewhere. I couldn't place it right away, but I'd seen that face somewhere before. We handled a lot of celebrities, and she was definitely attractive enough to be a model or actress, but I wasn't sure that was it. I looked down at the name on file. "Camille O'Hare? Is that –" "Preston? Preston Winters, is that you?" she stammered. "Yeah, that's me," I said and smiled. When I heard her speak, the pieces fell into place, and I knew where I knew her from. High school. A long time ago in a galaxy far away. There was no mistaking her though. "No offense, but where's Dr. Garcia?" Camille asked, looking past me at Paola, who still stood in the doorway. "Apparently, I'm Dr. Garcia today," I said, giving my old high school friend the once over. Camille looked good. It was an unprofessional thought, but one I couldn't shake. I almost didn't recognize her. "Glad to see you still remember me," I said. Paola stepped away to help another patient, and I walked into Camille's room, opening her file on the table and reading through it. I closed the door behind us when Camille stepped back inside, her jaw nearly on the floor. "So, you really did it, huh?" she asked. She flopped up on the examining room table, her arms crossed in front of her. She was smiling, though a bit tense. But I took the smile as a good sign. "You made it through medical school," she said. "Either that or I'm really good at faking it," I teased, turning to face her, mirroring how she folded her arms in front of her chest. I had a hard time concealing my amazement at the transformation. Camille had changed a lot since high school. Her porcelain skin was clear and smoother than it had ever been back then. Her hair was a tad darker with some highlights in it now, and longer too. She used to keep her hair cut short, but the length did wonders for bringing out the soft features of her perfectly oval face. "As you can tell, I'm not Dr. Garcia," I said. "She had a family issue and won't be in today. But if you'd like to reschedule and wait for her, we can arrange it." She bit her bottom lip and looked away. I could tell she was considering it. Not that I blamed her, given our past. Instead of answering my question outright, she smiled at me softly. "You look good, Preston," she said. "I know it's been what, ten years? But I'm glad to see you're doing well." "You seem to be doing well too," I said, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with her. Camille's dress showed off some ample cleavage, and I was having a hard time not admiring it. I'm a professional. I couldn't have made it this far if I checked out my patients like a pervert. It was difficult though because I am still a man, and Camille was different. "Paola mentioned you were in a hurry to get back to work so I won't take too much of your time," I said. "If you'd like to reschedule, we can arrange for you to see Dr. Garcia another time." "I can't reschedule," she sighed. "There are no other doctors here today?" "No, I'm afraid not," I said. "It's just me at the moment." She took a deep breath, and the smile that had been on her face earlier fell as she stared at her hands. She picked at her perfectly manicured nails as if the nail polish was chipping, but she was only fidgeting. She looked tense and uncomfortable. "I mean, I guess it's been ten years or so since we –" she cut herself off, clearing her throat before continuing, "I think it'll be fine. You're a professional, after all." "Of course," I said, my voice softening. "I take my job very seriously, and what happened in our past will stay in the past, Camille." She turned her face up and met my gaze. In her eyes, I saw so much pain. I was taken aback at first, assuming that look was because of me, but then she wiped at her eyes and shook her head. "I'm here because my fiancé – err, my ex-fiancé – believes I can't have children." I pulled out her file, read through some of the notes from her past visits. "Have you seen a fertility specialist before?" I asked. She shook her head, and again, she looked away. "No, but we've been trying for well over a year, and there's been no luck." "You know it takes two to make a baby, right?" I asked. "It very well could be –" "He apparently got another woman pregnant pretty recently." "Oh," I said, closing the file. I figured that this went deeper than her medical history anyway. Her blue eyes were wide and filled with fear as she looked to me for answers. Being in this field, I often worked with women worried about their fertility. She wouldn't be the first woman I'd seen who was fearful about her chances of ever having a baby. She just so happened to be first who'd admitted such personal details as to why she believed she was the problem. "You'd been trying for a year, no birth control?" I asked. "I was never on the pill, I used non-hormonal methods. No hormones to wean myself off of, I thought I'd get pregnant pretty easily, but –" she stammered, taking a deep breath and seeming to gather her composure before speaking again, "but obviously that hasn't happened. As you should be able to see in my history, my periods have never been regular, and while I've never been diagnosed officially, Dr. Garcia suspected I might suffer from ovarian cysts." I opened the file again and looked through the notes, studying them a little more in depth. There was one little note mentioning some discomfort and cramping from a few months back, which could be cysts, or it could have been cramps. "Is there something we can do, Preston?" she asked.pregnating her and proving that prick ex of hers wrong caused a tightness low in my groin. Or maybe, just the idea of being with her again was causing it. Either way, blood rushed down my body, forcing me to turn away from Camille, afraid she'd notice my reaction. "Well, I will complete an exam, and we can run some tests," I said and cleared my throat. I cursed at my lower body as I pretended to read through her file some more, waiting for my shaft to get the message that this wasn't the time or place for such antics. As soon as I felt my body listening to me, I turned back around and gave her what I hoped was a comforting smile. "Do you mind lying down for me?" I asked.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzk	Lett010	https://www.facebook.com/100092431237661/	165	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.letsreadnovel.com	VIDEO	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzkxLzIwMjQxMDExMTYwNjM2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462687910_951750826969801_7595977360297740666_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AEP5ky9Uo3YQ7kNvgH0N6Oi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AbXW0kz8zcD1BiufzXbAJLY&oh=00_AYBYWRI81deLuX-iqRuNVCNIXTeMxTcCSgYr8i8_ckR-dg&oe=6713A51E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lett010	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,437	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188431}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I cannot feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him. "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You are my mate." he growls. ———————— Hope POV I was standing talking to mom and Luna Maria when all of a sudden Zayn had me in a possessive hold against his rock hard chest. When did he get back and why is he holding me like his life depends on it? I pushed at his chest to get out of his dominating grip but he is too strong. He keeps saying MINE over and over again. Oh my god, am I his mate? But...but he's a womanizer and why can't I feel the mate bond? this kind of scares me and his aggressive hold on me isn't helping either. I call out for my parents but they seem helpless in front of Zayn. Then I call for Jason but Luna doesn't let him touch me. Luna Maria tells Zayn to let me go and when he does I jump into my moms arms. I don't know why he scared me. Maybe because I was caught off guard? My dad and the Alpha take Zayn inside. While he was walking away he looked back at me with a pained expression on his face or was that a pissed off expression...Matt smiles at me, "you're in for the ride of your life" he says. Kyle gestures for him to follow and they both go inside. "I'm sorry he scared you Hope. Alpha's are very possessive of their mate and sometimes it's hard for them to control their emotions especially during their first encounter." Luna says apologetically. My mom looks shocked still. She hasn't said anything. Finally, Emily shows up. She's running towards us " Oh my god, you're my brother's mate!" she sing songs loudly. I guess she's happy. "If I'm his mate why can't I feel the mate bond?" I ask. "You have to be 18 to feel the mate bond", mom says. "it's ok" Luna says, "I just hope he didn't scare you too much. Are you ok?" "I'm fine" I whisper. "Oh don't worry dear, you will feel his mate bond when you turn 18 in a few months." I can tell that Luna and my mom are very happy about my mate. Mom looks shocked but happy and Luna doesn't look shocked at all she's smiling from ear to ear. Luna orders some sandwiches and snacks for us from the kitchen before she goes inside to see Zayn. I haven't had anything to eat yet so I eat 2 sandwiches and finally start to relax again. I need to go home and gather my thoughts. This is all so crazy. I barely know Zayn! "Mom, I think I'm going to head home.... I " You're not going anywhere" I hear Zayn's deep voice from behind me. "You can't tell me what to do!", I spit back looking up at him. God he is so gorgeous.... but that's not important right now... "I can't! you're staying here so we can talk.", he growls at me. Then he shocks me and says, "please stay" Zayn POV It hurt to leave her and come inside with dad and Beta Brian. I was livid and it took everything in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her up to my bedroom. But I don't want to scare her anymore than I already have. Her dad is silent and looks like he is concerned. Hope is his only child I can't blame him. But I hope he doesn't try and convince me to stay away from her. "Brian I can't tell you how happy I am that your daughter and my son are mates." my dad starts. "Hope is an amazing young lady." he continues. Beta Brian smiles but he still has that look on his face. "Zayn, you are everything I want for my daughter. I'm sure you will treat her the way she deserves. But she's not even 18 yet. and you're almost 28." I feel my blood start to boil, I try to cut him off but he lifts up his hand letting me know he's not done yet. "Despite your age difference, the Moon Goddess did choose her for you." Just then mom walks in, she gives me a big hug "What time did you get back?" she asks. I was so preoccupied with my baby that I forgot to say hello to mom. I hug her back and buss her on the head. "I got in late last night but I didn't want to wake you." She looks so happy to see me as always, or is it that I finally found my mate. I know my parents like Hope a lot. My train of thought keep going back to her! She is not little anymore. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on ...and she is all mine. "Zayn, I have a dinner party planned for this evening I want everyone in a good mood by then" mom says and I nod shoving my hands into my pockets. She puts her hand on my shoulder "She's going to need some time to get to know you. Be patient son." mom says. Patient....... right. I was never given the gift of patience. I walk out of dad's office towards the backyard again. I see Hope with her mom and Emily. I hear her saying she wants to leave, poor girl she doesn't know what she's in for..... "You're not going anywhere" I say. locking my eyes on her. She blushes under my stare giving me a sense of satisfaction "you can't tell me what to do!" "I can't ! you're staying here so we can talk." Then I shock myself by saying, "please stay" what this girl is doing to me. I never beg. "Hope put your clothes on, you're coming with me so we go somewhere private to talk." or... keep your clothes off, Hunter says in my head. Her mom gives her a quick buss on the forehead and leaves us alone taking Emily by the hand with her. Hope stands up in her bikini and starts to put on her shorts then T. shirt, watching her get dressed screws my head and it takes all my self control not to act like a caveman. Hope POV If he thinks I'm going anywhere with him he is crazy! Did I mention how hot he is? He is about 6"6 with dark hair and dark eyes, a sharp jawline covered with a light stubble and oh my god his mouth. He's wearing dark dress pants and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I keep watching his bulging powerful muscles. He sees me gawking at him and he smirks. This guy has a reputation with women, he must be used to them falling at his feet all the time. I feel like a drooling idot right now. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I say trying to gain some composure. "Oh and why is that?" he asks with a seductive grin on his lips. "I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I CANNOT feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You ARE my mate." he growls. His voice is doing things to me that I cannot describe or explain. "Since you have so many women you don't need me then.", I say with conviction. He stares at me for a minute ... " You're different, you were chosen by the Moon Goddess for ME. You were made for ME." I can feel how possessive he is and it sends chills down my spine. I can't feel the mate pull and I really don't know him at all but I do feel comfortable being close to him. "We don't know much about each other, but I would like to change that. He pauses for a few seconds, still looking into my soul with those beautiful eyes. "Will you give us a chance?" He asks with pleading eyes.... and I answer with a hesitant nod. -- Next day at Kelly's party We have been at the party for about an hour now and we are all having so much fun we're all drinking, dancing and playing all sorts of games. Then Emily comes rushing over with her phone in hand. "Hope, where's your phone?" before I answer her, I register what's going on and start walking outside to the car. I left the pack house without letting my parents know where I was going and then I got distracted and forgot to call them. I check my cell phone and find ten missed calls from both mom and dad and a dozen text messages from an unknown number. I call mom right away and she picks up on the first ring. "Hope, where are you?" She sounds frantic. "Mom don't worry ...." I'm cut off when I hear Zayn's voice on the line. "Where are you?" he asks in a low chilling voice. "I'm at a friends house with Emily and ...." "You have half an hour to be back or I'm coming to find you." I hang up the phone, this can't be happening. I call dad. "Princess where are you? and why did you leave without telling anyone?" He asks as soon as he answers "I'm sorry it happened so fast. I'm on my way home now." "okay, I'll see you soon then" he replies and I hang up. Emily comes over "Mom called again she said we need to get home asap." we get everybody and head back to the pack. This time Emily and I are riding with Jason and Derek. As soon as we enter our pack borders I see security all over our territory. Someone must have been really worried. They pull us over immediately and one guy walks over to us "The Alpha wants to see you all in his office now." he says. Oh goddess. We continue all the way up to the pack house and Jason parks the car in front of the mansion for a minute I feel like I can't breathe. As we walk inside we are greeted by Mom and Luna both standing with their hands folded. "Why didn't you let us know you were leaving? we have been worried sick!" mom says. "I'm sorry" I say and she hugs me. "The important thing is that you're back now" Luna says. "Where's dad" I ask. "He went home, do you want me to wait for you?" mom asks looking towards the Alpha's office. "No it's okay, go ahead I'll be there in a bit." She smiles at me and walks out the door. Everybody else has already entered Zayn's office. I walk in " well well well look who it is" Zayn says in a low voice with a menacing look on his face. I walk over and stand next to the rest. He is sitting behind his desk and we are all standing waiting for him to say something. I take the initiative to speak since they are all quiet. "I'm sorry we worried you but we're back now" I pause he has his head down now "And it's not the first time we go out at night to a friends house outside our territory." He stands up slowly and takes off his suit jacket. The first three buttons on his shirt are undone and he rolls the sleeves up a few times then sits down again. He looks at me "Are you done?" I stay quiet for a few seconds then say "Y..yes, so can we go? we have school tomorrow." He gets up, comes around his table and stands in front of us with his hands jammed in his pockets. "If this ever happens again, you will regret it." He says looking at the guys. "Alpha I'm sorry we should have told someone we were leaving" Jason says "YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, GET OUT" Zayn grits through his teeth and if looks could kill, Jason would be ten feet under. Jason leaves quickly and the rest of us remain quiet. "All of you get out..except for you" he says pointing to me, I swallow hard. They all leave and I'm left alone with him. He takes slow calculated steps towards me with his head down and hands still in pockets. He circles around me once then stops right behind me. I gulp and put my head down. He doesn't have to say a word, the power and aura coming off him speak volumes and I can feel his breath on my neck. "What did I say about respect?" He asks "I...I ......" he doesn't wait to hear what I have to say "You left with your friends without even thinking for a second about me..." He pauses for a few seconds like he's having an internal battle with his wolf. "Zayn I didn't think going ........" he cuts me off again "Leave" He growls at me and I'm in shock. I want to explain myself but I can't, he told me to leave. I wait a few seconds but I feel like crying all of a sudden so I turn around and leave. All I can think about is he is going to reject me. Maybe it's for the best?? Then why do I feel so heart broken all of a sudden. .. -- I'm rushing home feeling like I was going to have a break down. "How could he humiliate me like that?" He's going to reject me and this will all be over. Maybe it's for the best? but I should at least get a chance to explain myself. I'm not leaving! He can't tell me what to do! So I turn around and head back to the pack house determined to get him to listen to me. I'm going to tell him that things were moving too fast and I haven't had time to process everything. I walk inside the pack house again and straight to Zayn's office. I hope he's still in here. Without knocking I open the door and step in. I almost fall over from what I see. I can literally feel the color drain from my face and I gasp in shock. Crystal is sitting on his desk and he is leaning propped up on his arms, bussing her as she has her legs around his waist. He looks up and his eyes meet mine. He pushes her legs off him and starts to walk towards me in a rush, but I run away. I hate him!!	LEARN_MORE	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8y	Wha002	https://www.facebook.com/61554783541379/	58	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.whastory.com	VIDEO	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8yMDI0MTAxMTE2MDE0MC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462456379_1210727653538115_4227614864232017172_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cas6_wOCdAUQ7kNvgFmaTEV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYBU2IzUj1dlCs6NVumbLKNFWGumIVgXTnrYRQktGhqZqw&oe=6713B082	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,439	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188431}'	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I cannot feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him. "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You are my mate." he growls. ———————— Hope POV I was standing talking to mom and Luna Maria when all of a sudden Zayn had me in a possessive hold against his rock hard chest. When did he get back and why is he holding me like his life depends on it? I pushed at his chest to get out of his dominating grip but he is too strong. He keeps saying MINE over and over again. Oh my god, am I his mate? But...but he's a womanizer and why can't I feel the mate bond? this kind of scares me and his aggressive hold on me isn't helping either. I call out for my parents but they seem helpless in front of Zayn. Then I call for Jason but Luna doesn't let him touch me. Luna Maria tells Zayn to let me go and when he does I jump into my moms arms. I don't know why he scared me. Maybe because I was caught off guard? My dad and the Alpha take Zayn inside. While he was walking away he looked back at me with a pained expression on his face or was that a pissed off expression...Matt smiles at me, "you're in for the ride of your life" he says. Kyle gestures for him to follow and they both go inside. "I'm sorry he scared you Hope. Alpha's are very possessive of their mate and sometimes it's hard for them to control their emotions especially during their first encounter." Luna says apologetically. My mom looks shocked still. She hasn't said anything. Finally, Emily shows up. She's running towards us " Oh my god, you're my brother's mate!" she sing songs loudly. I guess she's happy. "If I'm his mate why can't I feel the mate bond?" I ask. "You have to be 18 to feel the mate bond", mom says. "it's ok" Luna says, "I just hope he didn't scare you too much. Are you ok?" "I'm fine" I whisper. "Oh don't worry dear, you will feel his mate bond when you turn 18 in a few months." I can tell that Luna and my mom are very happy about my mate. Mom looks shocked but happy and Luna doesn't look shocked at all she's smiling from ear to ear. Luna orders some sandwiches and snacks for us from the kitchen before she goes inside to see Zayn. I haven't had anything to eat yet so I eat 2 sandwiches and finally start to relax again. I need to go home and gather my thoughts. This is all so crazy. I barely know Zayn! "Mom, I think I'm going to head home.... I " You're not going anywhere" I hear Zayn's deep voice from behind me. "You can't tell me what to do!", I spit back looking up at him. God he is so gorgeous.... but that's not important right now... "I can't! you're staying here so we can talk.", he growls at me. Then he shocks me and says, "please stay" Zayn POV It hurt to leave her and come inside with dad and Beta Brian. I was livid and it took everything in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her up to my bedroom. But I don't want to scare her anymore than I already have. Her dad is silent and looks like he is concerned. Hope is his only child I can't blame him. But I hope he doesn't try and convince me to stay away from her. "Brian I can't tell you how happy I am that your daughter and my son are mates." my dad starts. "Hope is an amazing young lady." he continues. Beta Brian smiles but he still has that look on his face. "Zayn, you are everything I want for my daughter. I'm sure you will treat her the way she deserves. But she's not even 18 yet. and you're almost 28." I feel my blood start to boil, I try to cut him off but he lifts up his hand letting me know he's not done yet. "Despite your age difference, the Moon Goddess did choose her for you." Just then mom walks in, she gives me a big hug "What time did you get back?" she asks. I was so preoccupied with my baby that I forgot to say hello to mom. I hug her back and buss her on the head. "I got in late last night but I didn't want to wake you." She looks so happy to see me as always, or is it that I finally found my mate. I know my parents like Hope a lot. My train of thought keep going back to her! She is not little anymore. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on ...and she is all mine. "Zayn, I have a dinner party planned for this evening I want everyone in a good mood by then" mom says and I nod shoving my hands into my pockets. She puts her hand on my shoulder "She's going to need some time to get to know you. Be patient son." mom says. Patient....... right. I was never given the gift of patience. I walk out of dad's office towards the backyard again. I see Hope with her mom and Emily. I hear her saying she wants to leave, poor girl she doesn't know what she's in for..... "You're not going anywhere" I say. locking my eyes on her. She blushes under my stare giving me a sense of satisfaction "you can't tell me what to do!" "I can't ! you're staying here so we can talk." Then I shock myself by saying, "please stay" what this girl is doing to me. I never beg. "Hope put your clothes on, you're coming with me so we go somewhere private to talk." or... keep your clothes off, Hunter says in my head. Her mom gives her a quick buss on the forehead and leaves us alone taking Emily by the hand with her. Hope stands up in her bikini and starts to put on her shorts then T. shirt, watching her get dressed screws my head and it takes all my self control not to act like a caveman. Hope POV If he thinks I'm going anywhere with him he is crazy! Did I mention how hot he is? He is about 6"6 with dark hair and dark eyes, a sharp jawline covered with a light stubble and oh my god his mouth. He's wearing dark dress pants and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I keep watching his bulging powerful muscles. He sees me gawking at him and he smirks. This guy has a reputation with women, he must be used to them falling at his feet all the time. I feel like a drooling idot right now. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I say trying to gain some composure. "Oh and why is that?" he asks with a seductive grin on his lips. "I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I CANNOT feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You ARE my mate." he growls. His voice is doing things to me that I cannot describe or explain. "Since you have so many women you don't need me then.", I say with conviction. He stares at me for a minute ... " You're different, you were chosen by the Moon Goddess for ME. You were made for ME." I can feel how possessive he is and it sends chills down my spine. I can't feel the mate pull and I really don't know him at all but I do feel comfortable being close to him. "We don't know much about each other, but I would like to change that. He pauses for a few seconds, still looking into my soul with those beautiful eyes. "Will you give us a chance?" He asks with pleading eyes.... and I answer with a hesitant nod. -- Next day at Kelly's party We have been at the party for about an hour now and we are all having so much fun we're all drinking, dancing and playing all sorts of games. Then Emily comes rushing over with her phone in hand. "Hope, where's your phone?" before I answer her, I register what's going on and start walking outside to the car. I left the pack house without letting my parents know where I was going and then I got distracted and forgot to call them. I check my cell phone and find ten missed calls from both mom and dad and a dozen text messages from an unknown number. I call mom right away and she picks up on the first ring. "Hope, where are you?" She sounds frantic. "Mom don't worry ...." I'm cut off when I hear Zayn's voice on the line. "Where are you?" he asks in a low chilling voice. "I'm at a friends house with Emily and ...." "You have half an hour to be back or I'm coming to find you." I hang up the phone, this can't be happening. I call dad. "Princess where are you? and why did you leave without telling anyone?" He asks as soon as he answers "I'm sorry it happened so fast. I'm on my way home now." "okay, I'll see you soon then" he replies and I hang up. Emily comes over "Mom called again she said we need to get home asap." we get everybody and head back to the pack. This time Emily and I are riding with Jason and Derek. As soon as we enter our pack borders I see security all over our territory. Someone must have been really worried. They pull us over immediately and one guy walks over to us "The Alpha wants to see you all in his office now." he says. Oh goddess. We continue all the way up to the pack house and Jason parks the car in front of the mansion for a minute I feel like I can't breathe. As we walk inside we are greeted by Mom and Luna both standing with their hands folded. "Why didn't you let us know you were leaving? we have been worried sick!" mom says. "I'm sorry" I say and she hugs me. "The important thing is that you're back now" Luna says. "Where's dad" I ask. "He went home, do you want me to wait for you?" mom asks looking towards the Alpha's office. "No it's okay, go ahead I'll be there in a bit." She smiles at me and walks out the door. Everybody else has already entered Zayn's office. I walk in " well well well look who it is" Zayn says in a low voice with a menacing look on his face. I walk over and stand next to the rest. He is sitting behind his desk and we are all standing waiting for him to say something. I take the initiative to speak since they are all quiet. "I'm sorry we worried you but we're back now" I pause he has his head down now "And it's not the first time we go out at night to a friends house outside our territory." He stands up slowly and takes off his suit jacket. The first three buttons on his shirt are undone and he rolls the sleeves up a few times then sits down again. He looks at me "Are you done?" I stay quiet for a few seconds then say "Y..yes, so can we go? we have school tomorrow." He gets up, comes around his table and stands in front of us with his hands jammed in his pockets. "If this ever happens again, you will regret it." He says looking at the guys. "Alpha I'm sorry we should have told someone we were leaving" Jason says "YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, GET OUT" Zayn grits through his teeth and if looks could kill, Jason would be ten feet under. Jason leaves quickly and the rest of us remain quiet. "All of you get out..except for you" he says pointing to me, I swallow hard. They all leave and I'm left alone with him. He takes slow calculated steps towards me with his head down and hands still in pockets. He circles around me once then stops right behind me. I gulp and put my head down. He doesn't have to say a word, the power and aura coming off him speak volumes and I can feel his breath on my neck. "What did I say about respect?" He asks "I...I ......" he doesn't wait to hear what I have to say "You left with your friends without even thinking for a second about me..." He pauses for a few seconds like he's having an internal battle with his wolf. "Zayn I didn't think going ........" he cuts me off again "Leave" He growls at me and I'm in shock. I want to explain myself but I can't, he told me to leave. I wait a few seconds but I feel like crying all of a sudden so I turn around and leave. All I can think about is he is going to reject me. Maybe it's for the best?? Then why do I feel so heart broken all of a sudden. .. -- I'm rushing home feeling like I was going to have a break down. "How could he humiliate me like that?" He's going to reject me and this will all be over. Maybe it's for the best? but I should at least get a chance to explain myself. I'm not leaving! He can't tell me what to do! So I turn around and head back to the pack house determined to get him to listen to me. I'm going to tell him that things were moving too fast and I haven't had time to process everything. I walk inside the pack house again and straight to Zayn's office. I hope he's still in here. Without knocking I open the door and step in. I almost fall over from what I see. I can literally feel the color drain from my face and I gasp in shock. Crystal is sitting on his desk and he is leaning propped up on his arms, bussing her as she has her legs around his waist. He looks up and his eyes meet mine. He pushes her legs off him and starts to walk towards me in a rush, but I run away. I hate him!!	LEARN_MORE	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8y	Wha002	https://www.facebook.com/61554783541379/	58	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.whastory.com	VIDEO	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8yMDI0MTAxMTE2MDE0MC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462802811_572422268684613_8529158602566936958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-LYe4NYWo8Q7kNvgFQ1zsp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYDnPfqB7WFETh8MKH2D4TlJyRGADpzsGV7pIYxXyGqJGg&oe=67139328	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,441	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188431}'	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I cannot feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him. "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You are my mate." he growls. ———————— Hope POV I was standing talking to mom and Luna Maria when all of a sudden Zayn had me in a possessive hold against his rock hard chest. When did he get back and why is he holding me like his life depends on it? I pushed at his chest to get out of his dominating grip but he is too strong. He keeps saying MINE over and over again. Oh my god, am I his mate? But...but he's a womanizer and why can't I feel the mate bond? this kind of scares me and his aggressive hold on me isn't helping either. I call out for my parents but they seem helpless in front of Zayn. Then I call for Jason but Luna doesn't let him touch me. Luna Maria tells Zayn to let me go and when he does I jump into my moms arms. I don't know why he scared me. Maybe because I was caught off guard? My dad and the Alpha take Zayn inside. While he was walking away he looked back at me with a pained expression on his face or was that a pissed off expression...Matt smiles at me, "you're in for the ride of your life" he says. Kyle gestures for him to follow and they both go inside. "I'm sorry he scared you Hope. Alpha's are very possessive of their mate and sometimes it's hard for them to control their emotions especially during their first encounter." Luna says apologetically. My mom looks shocked still. She hasn't said anything. Finally, Emily shows up. She's running towards us " Oh my god, you're my brother's mate!" she sing songs loudly. I guess she's happy. "If I'm his mate why can't I feel the mate bond?" I ask. "You have to be 18 to feel the mate bond", mom says. "it's ok" Luna says, "I just hope he didn't scare you too much. Are you ok?" "I'm fine" I whisper. "Oh don't worry dear, you will feel his mate bond when you turn 18 in a few months." I can tell that Luna and my mom are very happy about my mate. Mom looks shocked but happy and Luna doesn't look shocked at all she's smiling from ear to ear. Luna orders some sandwiches and snacks for us from the kitchen before she goes inside to see Zayn. I haven't had anything to eat yet so I eat 2 sandwiches and finally start to relax again. I need to go home and gather my thoughts. This is all so crazy. I barely know Zayn! "Mom, I think I'm going to head home.... I " You're not going anywhere" I hear Zayn's deep voice from behind me. "You can't tell me what to do!", I spit back looking up at him. God he is so gorgeous.... but that's not important right now... "I can't! you're staying here so we can talk.", he growls at me. Then he shocks me and says, "please stay" Zayn POV It hurt to leave her and come inside with dad and Beta Brian. I was livid and it took everything in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her up to my bedroom. But I don't want to scare her anymore than I already have. Her dad is silent and looks like he is concerned. Hope is his only child I can't blame him. But I hope he doesn't try and convince me to stay away from her. "Brian I can't tell you how happy I am that your daughter and my son are mates." my dad starts. "Hope is an amazing young lady." he continues. Beta Brian smiles but he still has that look on his face. "Zayn, you are everything I want for my daughter. I'm sure you will treat her the way she deserves. But she's not even 18 yet. and you're almost 28." I feel my blood start to boil, I try to cut him off but he lifts up his hand letting me know he's not done yet. "Despite your age difference, the Moon Goddess did choose her for you." Just then mom walks in, she gives me a big hug "What time did you get back?" she asks. I was so preoccupied with my baby that I forgot to say hello to mom. I hug her back and buss her on the head. "I got in late last night but I didn't want to wake you." She looks so happy to see me as always, or is it that I finally found my mate. I know my parents like Hope a lot. My train of thought keep going back to her! She is not little anymore. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on ...and she is all mine. "Zayn, I have a dinner party planned for this evening I want everyone in a good mood by then" mom says and I nod shoving my hands into my pockets. She puts her hand on my shoulder "She's going to need some time to get to know you. Be patient son." mom says. Patient....... right. I was never given the gift of patience. I walk out of dad's office towards the backyard again. I see Hope with her mom and Emily. I hear her saying she wants to leave, poor girl she doesn't know what she's in for..... "You're not going anywhere" I say. locking my eyes on her. She blushes under my stare giving me a sense of satisfaction "you can't tell me what to do!" "I can't ! you're staying here so we can talk." Then I shock myself by saying, "please stay" what this girl is doing to me. I never beg. "Hope put your clothes on, you're coming with me so we go somewhere private to talk." or... keep your clothes off, Hunter says in my head. Her mom gives her a quick buss on the forehead and leaves us alone taking Emily by the hand with her. Hope stands up in her bikini and starts to put on her shorts then T. shirt, watching her get dressed screws my head and it takes all my self control not to act like a caveman. Hope POV If he thinks I'm going anywhere with him he is crazy! Did I mention how hot he is? He is about 6"6 with dark hair and dark eyes, a sharp jawline covered with a light stubble and oh my god his mouth. He's wearing dark dress pants and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I keep watching his bulging powerful muscles. He sees me gawking at him and he smirks. This guy has a reputation with women, he must be used to them falling at his feet all the time. I feel like a drooling idot right now. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I say trying to gain some composure. "Oh and why is that?" he asks with a seductive grin on his lips. "I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I CANNOT feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You ARE my mate." he growls. His voice is doing things to me that I cannot describe or explain. "Since you have so many women you don't need me then.", I say with conviction. He stares at me for a minute ... " You're different, you were chosen by the Moon Goddess for ME. You were made for ME." I can feel how possessive he is and it sends chills down my spine. I can't feel the mate pull and I really don't know him at all but I do feel comfortable being close to him. "We don't know much about each other, but I would like to change that. He pauses for a few seconds, still looking into my soul with those beautiful eyes. "Will you give us a chance?" He asks with pleading eyes.... and I answer with a hesitant nod. -- Next day at Kelly's party We have been at the party for about an hour now and we are all having so much fun we're all drinking, dancing and playing all sorts of games. Then Emily comes rushing over with her phone in hand. "Hope, where's your phone?" before I answer her, I register what's going on and start walking outside to the car. I left the pack house without letting my parents know where I was going and then I got distracted and forgot to call them. I check my cell phone and find ten missed calls from both mom and dad and a dozen text messages from an unknown number. I call mom right away and she picks up on the first ring. "Hope, where are you?" She sounds frantic. "Mom don't worry ...." I'm cut off when I hear Zayn's voice on the line. "Where are you?" he asks in a low chilling voice. "I'm at a friends house with Emily and ...." "You have half an hour to be back or I'm coming to find you." I hang up the phone, this can't be happening. I call dad. "Princess where are you? and why did you leave without telling anyone?" He asks as soon as he answers "I'm sorry it happened so fast. I'm on my way home now." "okay, I'll see you soon then" he replies and I hang up. Emily comes over "Mom called again she said we need to get home asap." we get everybody and head back to the pack. This time Emily and I are riding with Jason and Derek. As soon as we enter our pack borders I see security all over our territory. Someone must have been really worried. They pull us over immediately and one guy walks over to us "The Alpha wants to see you all in his office now." he says. Oh goddess. We continue all the way up to the pack house and Jason parks the car in front of the mansion for a minute I feel like I can't breathe. As we walk inside we are greeted by Mom and Luna both standing with their hands folded. "Why didn't you let us know you were leaving? we have been worried sick!" mom says. "I'm sorry" I say and she hugs me. "The important thing is that you're back now" Luna says. "Where's dad" I ask. "He went home, do you want me to wait for you?" mom asks looking towards the Alpha's office. "No it's okay, go ahead I'll be there in a bit." She smiles at me and walks out the door. Everybody else has already entered Zayn's office. I walk in " well well well look who it is" Zayn says in a low voice with a menacing look on his face. I walk over and stand next to the rest. He is sitting behind his desk and we are all standing waiting for him to say something. I take the initiative to speak since they are all quiet. "I'm sorry we worried you but we're back now" I pause he has his head down now "And it's not the first time we go out at night to a friends house outside our territory." He stands up slowly and takes off his suit jacket. The first three buttons on his shirt are undone and he rolls the sleeves up a few times then sits down again. He looks at me "Are you done?" I stay quiet for a few seconds then say "Y..yes, so can we go? we have school tomorrow." He gets up, comes around his table and stands in front of us with his hands jammed in his pockets. "If this ever happens again, you will regret it." He says looking at the guys. "Alpha I'm sorry we should have told someone we were leaving" Jason says "YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, GET OUT" Zayn grits through his teeth and if looks could kill, Jason would be ten feet under. Jason leaves quickly and the rest of us remain quiet. "All of you get out..except for you" he says pointing to me, I swallow hard. They all leave and I'm left alone with him. He takes slow calculated steps towards me with his head down and hands still in pockets. He circles around me once then stops right behind me. I gulp and put my head down. He doesn't have to say a word, the power and aura coming off him speak volumes and I can feel his breath on my neck. "What did I say about respect?" He asks "I...I ......" he doesn't wait to hear what I have to say "You left with your friends without even thinking for a second about me..." He pauses for a few seconds like he's having an internal battle with his wolf. "Zayn I didn't think going ........" he cuts me off again "Leave" He growls at me and I'm in shock. I want to explain myself but I can't, he told me to leave. I wait a few seconds but I feel like crying all of a sudden so I turn around and leave. All I can think about is he is going to reject me. Maybe it's for the best?? Then why do I feel so heart broken all of a sudden. .. -- I'm rushing home feeling like I was going to have a break down. "How could he humiliate me like that?" He's going to reject me and this will all be over. Maybe it's for the best? but I should at least get a chance to explain myself. I'm not leaving! He can't tell me what to do! So I turn around and head back to the pack house determined to get him to listen to me. I'm going to tell him that things were moving too fast and I haven't had time to process everything. I walk inside the pack house again and straight to Zayn's office. I hope he's still in here. Without knocking I open the door and step in. I almost fall over from what I see. I can literally feel the color drain from my face and I gasp in shock. Crystal is sitting on his desk and he is leaning propped up on his arms, bussing her as she has her legs around his waist. He looks up and his eyes meet mine. He pushes her legs off him and starts to walk towards me in a rush, but I run away. I hate him!!	LEARN_MORE	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8y	Wha002	https://www.facebook.com/61554783541379/	58	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.whastory.com	VIDEO	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8yMDI0MTAxMTE2MDE0MC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462631124_1293873825110906_2274598509209676157_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BEpryxBO6hkQ7kNvgFJomk8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYCqkyhIsLo6rqX03MdMdqlxXCwv7T5tRW5-pRioWw9wog&oe=6713A287	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,438	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188431}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I cannot feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him. "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You are my mate." he growls. ———————— Hope POV I was standing talking to mom and Luna Maria when all of a sudden Zayn had me in a possessive hold against his rock hard chest. When did he get back and why is he holding me like his life depends on it? I pushed at his chest to get out of his dominating grip but he is too strong. He keeps saying MINE over and over again. Oh my god, am I his mate? But...but he's a womanizer and why can't I feel the mate bond? this kind of scares me and his aggressive hold on me isn't helping either. I call out for my parents but they seem helpless in front of Zayn. Then I call for Jason but Luna doesn't let him touch me. Luna Maria tells Zayn to let me go and when he does I jump into my moms arms. I don't know why he scared me. Maybe because I was caught off guard? My dad and the Alpha take Zayn inside. While he was walking away he looked back at me with a pained expression on his face or was that a pissed off expression...Matt smiles at me, "you're in for the ride of your life" he says. Kyle gestures for him to follow and they both go inside. "I'm sorry he scared you Hope. Alpha's are very possessive of their mate and sometimes it's hard for them to control their emotions especially during their first encounter." Luna says apologetically. My mom looks shocked still. She hasn't said anything. Finally, Emily shows up. She's running towards us " Oh my god, you're my brother's mate!" she sing songs loudly. I guess she's happy. "If I'm his mate why can't I feel the mate bond?" I ask. "You have to be 18 to feel the mate bond", mom says. "it's ok" Luna says, "I just hope he didn't scare you too much. Are you ok?" "I'm fine" I whisper. "Oh don't worry dear, you will feel his mate bond when you turn 18 in a few months." I can tell that Luna and my mom are very happy about my mate. Mom looks shocked but happy and Luna doesn't look shocked at all she's smiling from ear to ear. Luna orders some sandwiches and snacks for us from the kitchen before she goes inside to see Zayn. I haven't had anything to eat yet so I eat 2 sandwiches and finally start to relax again. I need to go home and gather my thoughts. This is all so crazy. I barely know Zayn! "Mom, I think I'm going to head home.... I " You're not going anywhere" I hear Zayn's deep voice from behind me. "You can't tell me what to do!", I spit back looking up at him. God he is so gorgeous.... but that's not important right now... "I can't! you're staying here so we can talk.", he growls at me. Then he shocks me and says, "please stay" Zayn POV It hurt to leave her and come inside with dad and Beta Brian. I was livid and it took everything in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her up to my bedroom. But I don't want to scare her anymore than I already have. Her dad is silent and looks like he is concerned. Hope is his only child I can't blame him. But I hope he doesn't try and convince me to stay away from her. "Brian I can't tell you how happy I am that your daughter and my son are mates." my dad starts. "Hope is an amazing young lady." he continues. Beta Brian smiles but he still has that look on his face. "Zayn, you are everything I want for my daughter. I'm sure you will treat her the way she deserves. But she's not even 18 yet. and you're almost 28." I feel my blood start to boil, I try to cut him off but he lifts up his hand letting me know he's not done yet. "Despite your age difference, the Moon Goddess did choose her for you." Just then mom walks in, she gives me a big hug "What time did you get back?" she asks. I was so preoccupied with my baby that I forgot to say hello to mom. I hug her back and buss her on the head. "I got in late last night but I didn't want to wake you." She looks so happy to see me as always, or is it that I finally found my mate. I know my parents like Hope a lot. My train of thought keep going back to her! She is not little anymore. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on ...and she is all mine. "Zayn, I have a dinner party planned for this evening I want everyone in a good mood by then" mom says and I nod shoving my hands into my pockets. She puts her hand on my shoulder "She's going to need some time to get to know you. Be patient son." mom says. Patient....... right. I was never given the gift of patience. I walk out of dad's office towards the backyard again. I see Hope with her mom and Emily. I hear her saying she wants to leave, poor girl she doesn't know what she's in for..... "You're not going anywhere" I say. locking my eyes on her. She blushes under my stare giving me a sense of satisfaction "you can't tell me what to do!" "I can't ! you're staying here so we can talk." Then I shock myself by saying, "please stay" what this girl is doing to me. I never beg. "Hope put your clothes on, you're coming with me so we go somewhere private to talk." or... keep your clothes off, Hunter says in my head. Her mom gives her a quick buss on the forehead and leaves us alone taking Emily by the hand with her. Hope stands up in her bikini and starts to put on her shorts then T. shirt, watching her get dressed screws my head and it takes all my self control not to act like a caveman. Hope POV If he thinks I'm going anywhere with him he is crazy! Did I mention how hot he is? He is about 6"6 with dark hair and dark eyes, a sharp jawline covered with a light stubble and oh my god his mouth. He's wearing dark dress pants and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I keep watching his bulging powerful muscles. He sees me gawking at him and he smirks. This guy has a reputation with women, he must be used to them falling at his feet all the time. I feel like a drooling idot right now. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I say trying to gain some composure. "Oh and why is that?" he asks with a seductive grin on his lips. "I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I CANNOT feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You ARE my mate." he growls. His voice is doing things to me that I cannot describe or explain. "Since you have so many women you don't need me then.", I say with conviction. He stares at me for a minute ... " You're different, you were chosen by the Moon Goddess for ME. You were made for ME." I can feel how possessive he is and it sends chills down my spine. I can't feel the mate pull and I really don't know him at all but I do feel comfortable being close to him. "We don't know much about each other, but I would like to change that. He pauses for a few seconds, still looking into my soul with those beautiful eyes. "Will you give us a chance?" He asks with pleading eyes.... and I answer with a hesitant nod. -- Next day at Kelly's party We have been at the party for about an hour now and we are all having so much fun we're all drinking, dancing and playing all sorts of games. Then Emily comes rushing over with her phone in hand. "Hope, where's your phone?" before I answer her, I register what's going on and start walking outside to the car. I left the pack house without letting my parents know where I was going and then I got distracted and forgot to call them. I check my cell phone and find ten missed calls from both mom and dad and a dozen text messages from an unknown number. I call mom right away and she picks up on the first ring. "Hope, where are you?" She sounds frantic. "Mom don't worry ...." I'm cut off when I hear Zayn's voice on the line. "Where are you?" he asks in a low chilling voice. "I'm at a friends house with Emily and ...." "You have half an hour to be back or I'm coming to find you." I hang up the phone, this can't be happening. I call dad. "Princess where are you? and why did you leave without telling anyone?" He asks as soon as he answers "I'm sorry it happened so fast. I'm on my way home now." "okay, I'll see you soon then" he replies and I hang up. Emily comes over "Mom called again she said we need to get home asap." we get everybody and head back to the pack. This time Emily and I are riding with Jason and Derek. As soon as we enter our pack borders I see security all over our territory. Someone must have been really worried. They pull us over immediately and one guy walks over to us "The Alpha wants to see you all in his office now." he says. Oh goddess. We continue all the way up to the pack house and Jason parks the car in front of the mansion for a minute I feel like I can't breathe. As we walk inside we are greeted by Mom and Luna both standing with their hands folded. "Why didn't you let us know you were leaving? we have been worried sick!" mom says. "I'm sorry" I say and she hugs me. "The important thing is that you're back now" Luna says. "Where's dad" I ask. "He went home, do you want me to wait for you?" mom asks looking towards the Alpha's office. "No it's okay, go ahead I'll be there in a bit." She smiles at me and walks out the door. Everybody else has already entered Zayn's office. I walk in " well well well look who it is" Zayn says in a low voice with a menacing look on his face. I walk over and stand next to the rest. He is sitting behind his desk and we are all standing waiting for him to say something. I take the initiative to speak since they are all quiet. "I'm sorry we worried you but we're back now" I pause he has his head down now "And it's not the first time we go out at night to a friends house outside our territory." He stands up slowly and takes off his suit jacket. The first three buttons on his shirt are undone and he rolls the sleeves up a few times then sits down again. He looks at me "Are you done?" I stay quiet for a few seconds then say "Y..yes, so can we go? we have school tomorrow." He gets up, comes around his table and stands in front of us with his hands jammed in his pockets. "If this ever happens again, you will regret it." He says looking at the guys. "Alpha I'm sorry we should have told someone we were leaving" Jason says "YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, GET OUT" Zayn grits through his teeth and if looks could kill, Jason would be ten feet under. Jason leaves quickly and the rest of us remain quiet. "All of you get out..except for you" he says pointing to me, I swallow hard. They all leave and I'm left alone with him. He takes slow calculated steps towards me with his head down and hands still in pockets. He circles around me once then stops right behind me. I gulp and put my head down. He doesn't have to say a word, the power and aura coming off him speak volumes and I can feel his breath on my neck. "What did I say about respect?" He asks "I...I ......" he doesn't wait to hear what I have to say "You left with your friends without even thinking for a second about me..." He pauses for a few seconds like he's having an internal battle with his wolf. "Zayn I didn't think going ........" he cuts me off again "Leave" He growls at me and I'm in shock. I want to explain myself but I can't, he told me to leave. I wait a few seconds but I feel like crying all of a sudden so I turn around and leave. All I can think about is he is going to reject me. Maybe it's for the best?? Then why do I feel so heart broken all of a sudden. .. -- I'm rushing home feeling like I was going to have a break down. "How could he humiliate me like that?" He's going to reject me and this will all be over. Maybe it's for the best? but I should at least get a chance to explain myself. I'm not leaving! He can't tell me what to do! So I turn around and head back to the pack house determined to get him to listen to me. I'm going to tell him that things were moving too fast and I haven't had time to process everything. I walk inside the pack house again and straight to Zayn's office. I hope he's still in here. Without knocking I open the door and step in. I almost fall over from what I see. I can literally feel the color drain from my face and I gasp in shock. Crystal is sitting on his desk and he is leaning propped up on his arms, bussing her as she has her legs around his waist. He looks up and his eyes meet mine. He pushes her legs off him and starts to walk towards me in a rush, but I run away. I hate him!!	LEARN_MORE	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8y	Wha002	https://www.facebook.com/61554783541379/	58	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.whastory.com	VIDEO	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8yMDI0MTAxMTE2MDE0MC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462533978_837951145028241_846637252378447460_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jOC8H9mWLP8Q7kNvgFDGNNg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYAD1h8IwLAnonu-brgsFiXd6wjlxA2gD9Xhk69icZf9sQ&oe=67139346	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,440	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188431}'	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I cannot feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him. "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You are my mate." he growls. ———————— Hope POV I was standing talking to mom and Luna Maria when all of a sudden Zayn had me in a possessive hold against his rock hard chest. When did he get back and why is he holding me like his life depends on it? I pushed at his chest to get out of his dominating grip but he is too strong. He keeps saying MINE over and over again. Oh my god, am I his mate? But...but he's a womanizer and why can't I feel the mate bond? this kind of scares me and his aggressive hold on me isn't helping either. I call out for my parents but they seem helpless in front of Zayn. Then I call for Jason but Luna doesn't let him touch me. Luna Maria tells Zayn to let me go and when he does I jump into my moms arms. I don't know why he scared me. Maybe because I was caught off guard? My dad and the Alpha take Zayn inside. While he was walking away he looked back at me with a pained expression on his face or was that a pissed off expression...Matt smiles at me, "you're in for the ride of your life" he says. Kyle gestures for him to follow and they both go inside. "I'm sorry he scared you Hope. Alpha's are very possessive of their mate and sometimes it's hard for them to control their emotions especially during their first encounter." Luna says apologetically. My mom looks shocked still. She hasn't said anything. Finally, Emily shows up. She's running towards us " Oh my god, you're my brother's mate!" she sing songs loudly. I guess she's happy. "If I'm his mate why can't I feel the mate bond?" I ask. "You have to be 18 to feel the mate bond", mom says. "it's ok" Luna says, "I just hope he didn't scare you too much. Are you ok?" "I'm fine" I whisper. "Oh don't worry dear, you will feel his mate bond when you turn 18 in a few months." I can tell that Luna and my mom are very happy about my mate. Mom looks shocked but happy and Luna doesn't look shocked at all she's smiling from ear to ear. Luna orders some sandwiches and snacks for us from the kitchen before she goes inside to see Zayn. I haven't had anything to eat yet so I eat 2 sandwiches and finally start to relax again. I need to go home and gather my thoughts. This is all so crazy. I barely know Zayn! "Mom, I think I'm going to head home.... I " You're not going anywhere" I hear Zayn's deep voice from behind me. "You can't tell me what to do!", I spit back looking up at him. God he is so gorgeous.... but that's not important right now... "I can't! you're staying here so we can talk.", he growls at me. Then he shocks me and says, "please stay" Zayn POV It hurt to leave her and come inside with dad and Beta Brian. I was livid and it took everything in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her up to my bedroom. But I don't want to scare her anymore than I already have. Her dad is silent and looks like he is concerned. Hope is his only child I can't blame him. But I hope he doesn't try and convince me to stay away from her. "Brian I can't tell you how happy I am that your daughter and my son are mates." my dad starts. "Hope is an amazing young lady." he continues. Beta Brian smiles but he still has that look on his face. "Zayn, you are everything I want for my daughter. I'm sure you will treat her the way she deserves. But she's not even 18 yet. and you're almost 28." I feel my blood start to boil, I try to cut him off but he lifts up his hand letting me know he's not done yet. "Despite your age difference, the Moon Goddess did choose her for you." Just then mom walks in, she gives me a big hug "What time did you get back?" she asks. I was so preoccupied with my baby that I forgot to say hello to mom. I hug her back and buss her on the head. "I got in late last night but I didn't want to wake you." She looks so happy to see me as always, or is it that I finally found my mate. I know my parents like Hope a lot. My train of thought keep going back to her! She is not little anymore. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on ...and she is all mine. "Zayn, I have a dinner party planned for this evening I want everyone in a good mood by then" mom says and I nod shoving my hands into my pockets. She puts her hand on my shoulder "She's going to need some time to get to know you. Be patient son." mom says. Patient....... right. I was never given the gift of patience. I walk out of dad's office towards the backyard again. I see Hope with her mom and Emily. I hear her saying she wants to leave, poor girl she doesn't know what she's in for..... "You're not going anywhere" I say. locking my eyes on her. She blushes under my stare giving me a sense of satisfaction "you can't tell me what to do!" "I can't ! you're staying here so we can talk." Then I shock myself by saying, "please stay" what this girl is doing to me. I never beg. "Hope put your clothes on, you're coming with me so we go somewhere private to talk." or... keep your clothes off, Hunter says in my head. Her mom gives her a quick buss on the forehead and leaves us alone taking Emily by the hand with her. Hope stands up in her bikini and starts to put on her shorts then T. shirt, watching her get dressed screws my head and it takes all my self control not to act like a caveman. Hope POV If he thinks I'm going anywhere with him he is crazy! Did I mention how hot he is? He is about 6"6 with dark hair and dark eyes, a sharp jawline covered with a light stubble and oh my god his mouth. He's wearing dark dress pants and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I keep watching his bulging powerful muscles. He sees me gawking at him and he smirks. This guy has a reputation with women, he must be used to them falling at his feet all the time. I feel like a drooling idot right now. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I say trying to gain some composure. "Oh and why is that?" he asks with a seductive grin on his lips. "I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I CANNOT feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You ARE my mate." he growls. His voice is doing things to me that I cannot describe or explain. "Since you have so many women you don't need me then.", I say with conviction. He stares at me for a minute ... " You're different, you were chosen by the Moon Goddess for ME. You were made for ME." I can feel how possessive he is and it sends chills down my spine. I can't feel the mate pull and I really don't know him at all but I do feel comfortable being close to him. "We don't know much about each other, but I would like to change that. He pauses for a few seconds, still looking into my soul with those beautiful eyes. "Will you give us a chance?" He asks with pleading eyes.... and I answer with a hesitant nod. -- Next day at Kelly's party We have been at the party for about an hour now and we are all having so much fun we're all drinking, dancing and playing all sorts of games. Then Emily comes rushing over with her phone in hand. "Hope, where's your phone?" before I answer her, I register what's going on and start walking outside to the car. I left the pack house without letting my parents know where I was going and then I got distracted and forgot to call them. I check my cell phone and find ten missed calls from both mom and dad and a dozen text messages from an unknown number. I call mom right away and she picks up on the first ring. "Hope, where are you?" She sounds frantic. "Mom don't worry ...." I'm cut off when I hear Zayn's voice on the line. "Where are you?" he asks in a low chilling voice. "I'm at a friends house with Emily and ...." "You have half an hour to be back or I'm coming to find you." I hang up the phone, this can't be happening. I call dad. "Princess where are you? and why did you leave without telling anyone?" He asks as soon as he answers "I'm sorry it happened so fast. I'm on my way home now." "okay, I'll see you soon then" he replies and I hang up. Emily comes over "Mom called again she said we need to get home asap." we get everybody and head back to the pack. This time Emily and I are riding with Jason and Derek. As soon as we enter our pack borders I see security all over our territory. Someone must have been really worried. They pull us over immediately and one guy walks over to us "The Alpha wants to see you all in his office now." he says. Oh goddess. We continue all the way up to the pack house and Jason parks the car in front of the mansion for a minute I feel like I can't breathe. As we walk inside we are greeted by Mom and Luna both standing with their hands folded. "Why didn't you let us know you were leaving? we have been worried sick!" mom says. "I'm sorry" I say and she hugs me. "The important thing is that you're back now" Luna says. "Where's dad" I ask. "He went home, do you want me to wait for you?" mom asks looking towards the Alpha's office. "No it's okay, go ahead I'll be there in a bit." She smiles at me and walks out the door. Everybody else has already entered Zayn's office. I walk in " well well well look who it is" Zayn says in a low voice with a menacing look on his face. I walk over and stand next to the rest. He is sitting behind his desk and we are all standing waiting for him to say something. I take the initiative to speak since they are all quiet. "I'm sorry we worried you but we're back now" I pause he has his head down now "And it's not the first time we go out at night to a friends house outside our territory." He stands up slowly and takes off his suit jacket. The first three buttons on his shirt are undone and he rolls the sleeves up a few times then sits down again. He looks at me "Are you done?" I stay quiet for a few seconds then say "Y..yes, so can we go? we have school tomorrow." He gets up, comes around his table and stands in front of us with his hands jammed in his pockets. "If this ever happens again, you will regret it." He says looking at the guys. "Alpha I'm sorry we should have told someone we were leaving" Jason says "YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, GET OUT" Zayn grits through his teeth and if looks could kill, Jason would be ten feet under. Jason leaves quickly and the rest of us remain quiet. "All of you get out..except for you" he says pointing to me, I swallow hard. They all leave and I'm left alone with him. He takes slow calculated steps towards me with his head down and hands still in pockets. He circles around me once then stops right behind me. I gulp and put my head down. He doesn't have to say a word, the power and aura coming off him speak volumes and I can feel his breath on my neck. "What did I say about respect?" He asks "I...I ......" he doesn't wait to hear what I have to say "You left with your friends without even thinking for a second about me..." He pauses for a few seconds like he's having an internal battle with his wolf. "Zayn I didn't think going ........" he cuts me off again "Leave" He growls at me and I'm in shock. I want to explain myself but I can't, he told me to leave. I wait a few seconds but I feel like crying all of a sudden so I turn around and leave. All I can think about is he is going to reject me. Maybe it's for the best?? Then why do I feel so heart broken all of a sudden. .. -- I'm rushing home feeling like I was going to have a break down. "How could he humiliate me like that?" He's going to reject me and this will all be over. Maybe it's for the best? but I should at least get a chance to explain myself. I'm not leaving! He can't tell me what to do! So I turn around and head back to the pack house determined to get him to listen to me. I'm going to tell him that things were moving too fast and I haven't had time to process everything. I walk inside the pack house again and straight to Zayn's office. I hope he's still in here. Without knocking I open the door and step in. I almost fall over from what I see. I can literally feel the color drain from my face and I gasp in shock. Crystal is sitting on his desk and he is leaning propped up on his arms, bussing her as she has her legs around his waist. He looks up and his eyes meet mine. He pushes her legs off him and starts to walk towards me in a rush, but I run away. I hate him!!	LEARN_MORE	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8y	Wha002	https://www.facebook.com/61554783541379/	58	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.whastory.com	VIDEO	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8yMDI0MTAxMTE2MDE0MC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462721556_943710437588019_288135045785152496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AroSr5bXtMAQ7kNvgGjfcWg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYA8gbgNNqEt722G0KiM6K-zlJe1cDhruRRf_hyQshgJhQ&oe=6713B41E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,442	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188430}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband confessed that he had an affair with my assistant. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. "Cammy, I'm sorry,It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." ———————— Camille I tapped my nails against the desk and stared at the clock, my insides roiling. Fifteen minutes late and counting. Stephen wasn't usually one to keep people waiting, which was upsetting enough. But he wasn't answering his phone or responding to my texts either, which only upset – and worried – me further. I smiled politely at his team, Ricardo, and Tracey, sitting across from me. This was originally his meeting to run, not mine. The fact that he wasn't there left me feeling put on the spot and more than a little uncomfortable. Stephen Doyle was my fiancé' and partner in Zesta Creative Design. He was the financial guru who handled the tedious details that allowed me to focus on the fun stuff. Ricardo and Tracey were interns from the local university, both majoring in finance and accounting like my darling beau, and together, we were supposed to go over the position and their responsibilities. However, given Stephen's absence, it appeared that I'd be handling the meeting alone. I'd turned my face back to the handbook, when the door opened, and my fiancé' stepped through, looking frazzled. His sandy blonde hair, which he kept trimmed short to his head with just a little length on top, was standing on end as if he hadn't bothered to brush it that morning. His eyes were tired, but there was a sparkle in them as if whatever kept him up late last night had been worth it. He'd canceled our date without an explanation, so I had no idea what could have gotten him so excited this morning. Stephen was a strapping, good-looking man. A former quarterback in college, where we met, he looked like he could step onto the field even today. Usually, he wore designer suits and dressed to perfection, looking every bit the part of CFO. Today, however, he was wearing a button-up shirt and jeans. I cocked an eyebrow as he joined me at the conference table. "Sorry," he said. "I had something come up at the last minute." He was smiling wide, but he wouldn't look at me. He kept resisting my gaze, instead of delving into the handbook and reading the exact same page I'd just finished up. "Would you two give us a minute?" I asked. The interns nodded and slipped out of the room, almost seeming grateful to have an out – if only for a few minutes. Maybe they knew something was up, that the world was about to come crashing down around me and wanted to get outside the blast radius. Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Either way, they scurried out of the conference room like their hair was on fire and waited outside the door. "Stephen? Is everything okay?" I asked. "MmmHmm," he said, finally meeting my eyes. When he did though, the smile on his face disappeared completely. The look in his eyes was guarded, and his expression was suddenly colder than the Arctic tundra. "Should we really be having this conversation here, Cam?" he asked. I shrugged and put my pen down on the table, leaning back in my chair. "You tell me? You're the one who canceled last night, without an excuse," I said. "And today, you're twenty minutes late to your own meeting. I think I have a right to ask you what's going on. If not as your fiancé', then at least as your business partner." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I would rather have this discussion in private." "We're alone. No one can hear us through the door," I said. My voice started to crack. Over the last year or so, things had grown tense in our relationship. Okay, perhaps a bit more than tense. There was a tension between us that seemed to be growing by the day. His sister had popped out baby number three and Stephen was eager to get started on our family, even though our wedding wasn't scheduled until later in the year. We figured it couldn't hurt to get started though, so I went off all birth control and figured we'd be pregnant in no time. There we were though, ten months later, and still no pregnancy. I knew it stressed him out, and he'd started distancing himself from me. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive, but it felt like he thought I was broken, or somehow, less than a woman for not being able to conceive. "Fine," he grumbled. "Do youremember Jessica?" "Jessica Harvey? Yeah, of course. She was my assistant for years," I said. Jessica had quit our company out of the blue about three months back. It was completely unexpected, and I was still reeling from the shock of losing someone I'd counted on for years, someone I'd considered a friend for so long. We didn't talk much anymore. I tried to get together for coffee dates now and then, just to keep up with her. She was always too busy though – or was just avoiding me, I feared. I wanted to ask her what I'd done wrong, but she'd ghosted me, and that's where we were at. "Yeah, well, there's something you need to know," Stephen said. He looked out the large, glass window out to the sprawling city of Los Angeles below. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. My chest tightened, and a cold chill swept through my body. I didn't believe my ears. Not at first. As I stared at him, looked deep into his eyes though, I came to see the truth. "Cammy, I'm sorry," Stephen said. His voice didn't sound all that sorry, though. He shrugged and threw his hands in their air. He acted like this was somehow my fault. As if I'd somehow driven him into her arms. Into her bed. "It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." "Camille, we have a business to run together," he argued. I wiped at my eyes, not allowing the tears to fall. I knew he was right. This company was initially mine, but he'd invested a lot of his own money over the years. Like it or not, we'd have to find a way to work together, at least until I could figure something else out. There was no way I was going to be tied to this man for the rest of my life. "Fine," I mumbled. I packed my things up and put it all into my briefcase as calmly as I could. I was trembling, but I didn't think Stephen could tell. I hoped not. I needed to appear calm and in control of myself. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. "You can meet with your interns alone," I said. "I'll make myself scarce, and we can talk about the company later." "You're handling this better than I thought you would, Cam," he said. For a second, I thought I heard the regret in his voice. Like on some level, he realized what a prick he was being and felt bad. Even if I had though, what good would it do now? The damage was done, and this was one bell that could not be un-rung. I glared at him. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him what a junk he was. I wanted to lash out. What would that accomplish other than make me look like an unhinged psycho, though? My head was spinning, and I couldn't think straight. Better to cool off before I said or did something I'd regret later. Like he said, we still had a business to run together, and like it or not, we'd have to work together for the good of Zesta. At least, for now. "For what it's worth, Cam," Stephen said, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I'm sorry you're broken. I know how much you wanted to have children of your own, and this can't be easy to hear." I clutched my briefcase to my chest, keeping my hands busy instead of using them to show Stephen how I really felt about him. A homicide charge for strangling the life out of him probably wouldn't be a good look for the company. I didn't say another word though, and slipped out of the conference room, coming face to face with the interns who looked at me, puzzled expressions on their faces. "Stephen is going to take over from here. I have somewhere I need to be," I lied. I held my head up high and smiled politely at Ricardo and Tracey as I held the door open for them. Tracey gave me a look, her eyes filled with concern, but then looked away quickly. Ricardo seemed oblivious, ducking into the room and shaking hands with my fiancé' – scratch that, my ex-fiancé.' I shut the door behind them and hurried down the hall to my office, avoiding eye contact with everyone as I passed. I walked briskly past the cubicles of our employees until I got to the end of the hall, to my corner office, and slunk inside, falling against the door as I closed it behind me. As soon as I was alone, I didn't have to keep my composure. I let it all out. I slid to the floor and held my knees to my chest. The tears came hard and fast, but there was more than just sadness over the relationship ending – I was pissed about the betrayal. Grief and rage flooded my body in equal measure. --- "Complete jackass," my friend agreed. "And you really think this Jessica bimbo is pregnant with his kid? Pfft, I'm pretty sure he's the one shooting blanks." "You think so?" My voice cracked a bit at the question. I put my glass down on the table and smoothed out my skirt, focusing on my hands instead of Liv. While I could agree that the entire situation was all kinds of screwed up, I still wasn't sure if I believed him about me being unable to have kids or not. I was leaning toward him being right, simply because it made sense. Because somehow, somewhere deep down, I figured this was somehow my fault. "I think his side piece has a side piece of her own," Liv said, flagging down the waiter. "And seriously, what better revenge would there be than him realizing she's sleeping around on him and then finding out you can really have kids after all, huh?" "I suppose," I said, shrugging. "You suppose?" Liv asked as the waiter poured us more water. "Wouldn't you love to wipe that smug look off his face and tell him that he's the one who's broken?" "Well, yeah, but I don't think that's the case, Liv," I said grumpily. "Aren't you a Negative Nelly?" Liv said, rolling her eyes. When I didn't say anything, she sighed and added, "Just humor me, alright?" "Fine," I said, shrugging. "I guess I have nothing to lose." Well, except for all my dreams of one day having a child with a man I loved, sure, but since I already figured that was the case, it wasn't like I'd be getting any worse news. At least I hoped not. I didn't think I could take any more. --- Preston Dr. Preston Winters , M.D. The name plate had been added to the door recently. It was a matte silver with black lettering. Simple and yet, classy. I was the newest doctor to be brought on at the Hollywood Hills Women's and Children Center, and seeing my name officially listed on the office door was thrilling. A dream come true for someone who wasn't even sure they'd survive medical school, much less my residency. Getting to this point in my career had been harder than I ever imagined it to be, but I couldn't have asked for a better clinic to start with. Our receptionist, Kelly, was sitting at the front desk when I entered. She smiled politely at me, pushing her glasses up higher on her nose. "Good morning, Miss Temple," I said, stepping through the door and into the back. "Good morning, Dr. Winters. Looks like you have a full day today," Kelly said, scanning the appointment calendar in the computer with a furrowed brow. "Looks like you're taking a few of Dr. Garcia's patients today, her son is sick." "Not a problem. That's why they brought me on," I said. "Your first patient will be here right at nine," she said. "She requested the earliest possible appointment with Dr. Garcia." "Shouldn't be a problem," I said, continuing down the hall toward my office. My personal office was already coming together. Several bookshelves filled with medical journals sat behind a large oak desk. The obligatory diploma and a few personal pictures hung on the pale blue walls. I sat down at my desk, which had several photos on top as well. One photograph of my mom was prominent, a reminder of why I'd gone into this field in the first place. My other reminder was in another frame beside her photo. It was of a little boy wearing a soccer uniform and shooting the camera a gap-toothed grin. He had his mother's large, brown eyes, but my family's naturally tanned complexion and sandy blonde hair. There was a knock at my door, pulling me out of my brief reverie. "Yes?" One of the nurses, Paola, popped her head in and said, "Sorry to bother you, but your first patient is here and keeps asking when Dr. Garcia will see her. Says she has to be back at work by ten-thirty, at the latest." "I'll be right there," I said, chuckling to myself. So many people schedule doctor's appointments, expecting to be in and out in an hour or less like this was some cheap fast-food joint. We catered to a higher-end clientele, meaning many of the people were impatient and entitled. It came with the territory there in Hollywood Hills, I supposed. Since I was taking on Dr. Garcia's patients at the last minute, I hadn't had a chance to look over the patient's file. I was walking in blind, essentially. I followed Paolo to the room, and before I entered, she handed me the file on her. I glanced down, started to read through it when the door opened. "Hello? I really need to –" Big, sparkling, sapphire blue eyes stared back at me, and they grew wider once she saw me stepping through the door. Couldn't say I wasn't a little bit surprised myself. I couldn't help but note the mahogany curls and how they fell just perfectly over her cool, pale skin, gently touching her freckled shoulders – shoulders that were undressed thanks to the sleeveless pink sundress she was wearing. Looking into her face, I realized I knew her from somewhere. I couldn't place it right away, but I'd seen that face somewhere before. We handled a lot of celebrities, and she was definitely attractive enough to be a model or actress, but I wasn't sure that was it. I looked down at the name on file. "Camille O'Hare? Is that –" "Preston? Preston Winters, is that you?" she stammered. "Yeah, that's me," I said and smiled. When I heard her speak, the pieces fell into place, and I knew where I knew her from. High school. A long time ago in a galaxy far away. There was no mistaking her though. "No offense, but where's Dr. Garcia?" Camille asked, looking past me at Paola, who still stood in the doorway. "Apparently, I'm Dr. Garcia today," I said, giving my old high school friend the once over. Camille looked good. It was an unprofessional thought, but one I couldn't shake. I almost didn't recognize her. "Glad to see you still remember me," I said. Paola stepped away to help another patient, and I walked into Camille's room, opening her file on the table and reading through it. I closed the door behind us when Camille stepped back inside, her jaw nearly on the floor. "So, you really did it, huh?" she asked. She flopped up on the examining room table, her arms crossed in front of her. She was smiling, though a bit tense. But I took the smile as a good sign. "You made it through medical school," she said. "Either that or I'm really good at faking it," I teased, turning to face her, mirroring how she folded her arms in front of her chest. I had a hard time concealing my amazement at the transformation. Camille had changed a lot since high school. Her porcelain skin was clear and smoother than it had ever been back then. Her hair was a tad darker with some highlights in it now, and longer too. She used to keep her hair cut short, but the length did wonders for bringing out the soft features of her perfectly oval face. "As you can tell, I'm not Dr. Garcia," I said. "She had a family issue and won't be in today. But if you'd like to reschedule and wait for her, we can arrange it." She bit her bottom lip and looked away. I could tell she was considering it. Not that I blamed her, given our past. Instead of answering my question outright, she smiled at me softly. "You look good, Preston," she said. "I know it's been what, ten years? But I'm glad to see you're doing well." "You seem to be doing well too," I said, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with her. Camille's dress showed off some ample cleavage, and I was having a hard time not admiring it. I'm a professional. I couldn't have made it this far if I checked out my patients like a pervert. It was difficult though because I am still a man, and Camille was different. "Paola mentioned you were in a hurry to get back to work so I won't take too much of your time," I said. "If you'd like to reschedule, we can arrange for you to see Dr. Garcia another time." "I can't reschedule," she sighed. "There are no other doctors here today?" "No, I'm afraid not," I said. "It's just me at the moment." She took a deep breath, and the smile that had been on her face earlier fell as she stared at her hands. She picked at her perfectly manicured nails as if the nail polish was chipping, but she was only fidgeting. She looked tense and uncomfortable. "I mean, I guess it's been ten years or so since we –" she cut herself off, clearing her throat before continuing, "I think it'll be fine. You're a professional, after all." "Of course," I said, my voice softening. "I take my job very seriously, and what happened in our past will stay in the past, Camille." She turned her face up and met my gaze. In her eyes, I saw so much pain. I was taken aback at first, assuming that look was because of me, but then she wiped at her eyes and shook her head. "I'm here because my fiancé – err, my ex-fiancé – believes I can't have children." I pulled out her file, read through some of the notes from her past visits. "Have you seen a fertility specialist before?" I asked. She shook her head, and again, she looked away. "No, but we've been trying for well over a year, and there's been no luck." "You know it takes two to make a baby, right?" I asked. "It very well could be –" "He apparently got another woman pregnant pretty recently." "Oh," I said, closing the file. I figured that this went deeper than her medical history anyway. Her blue eyes were wide and filled with fear as she looked to me for answers. Being in this field, I often worked with women worried about their fertility. She wouldn't be the first woman I'd seen who was fearful about her chances of ever having a baby. She just so happened to be first who'd admitted such personal details as to why she believed she was the problem. "You'd been trying for a year, no birth control?" I asked. "I was never on the pill, I used non-hormonal methods. No hormones to wean myself off of, I thought I'd get pregnant pretty easily, but –" she stammered, taking a deep breath and seeming to gather her composure before speaking again, "but obviously that hasn't happened. As you should be able to see in my history, my periods have never been regular, and while I've never been diagnosed officially, Dr. Garcia suspected I might suffer from ovarian cysts." I opened the file again and looked through the notes, studying them a little more in depth. There was one little note mentioning some discomfort and cramping from a few months back, which could be cysts, or it could have been cramps. "Is there something we can do, Preston?" she asked.pregnating her and proving that prick ex of hers wrong caused a tightness low in my groin. Or maybe, just the idea of being with her again was causing it. Either way, blood rushed down my body, forcing me to turn away from Camille, afraid she'd notice my reaction. "Well, I will complete an exam, and we can run some tests," I said and cleared my throat. I cursed at my lower body as I pretended to read through her file some more, waiting for my shaft to get the message that this wasn't the time or place for such antics. As soon as I felt my body listening to me, I turned back around and gave her what I hoped was a comforting smile. "Do you mind lying down for me?" I asked.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzk	Lett010	https://www.facebook.com/100092431237661/	165	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.letsreadnovel.com	VIDEO	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzkxLzIwMjQxMDExMTYwNjM2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462580959_522958280349680_7626606753715586939_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J9ULESfY2gUQ7kNvgFwWMJJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYCge7e-7sELts-7u3bNVwFTaTOhk-n7S5mbhPJUsLExug&oe=67139E39	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lett010	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,445	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188430}'	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband confessed that he had an affair with my assistant. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. "Cammy, I'm sorry,It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." ———————— Camille I tapped my nails against the desk and stared at the clock, my insides roiling. Fifteen minutes late and counting. Stephen wasn't usually one to keep people waiting, which was upsetting enough. But he wasn't answering his phone or responding to my texts either, which only upset – and worried – me further. I smiled politely at his team, Ricardo, and Tracey, sitting across from me. This was originally his meeting to run, not mine. The fact that he wasn't there left me feeling put on the spot and more than a little uncomfortable. Stephen Doyle was my fiancé' and partner in Zesta Creative Design. He was the financial guru who handled the tedious details that allowed me to focus on the fun stuff. Ricardo and Tracey were interns from the local university, both majoring in finance and accounting like my darling beau, and together, we were supposed to go over the position and their responsibilities. However, given Stephen's absence, it appeared that I'd be handling the meeting alone. I'd turned my face back to the handbook, when the door opened, and my fiancé' stepped through, looking frazzled. His sandy blonde hair, which he kept trimmed short to his head with just a little length on top, was standing on end as if he hadn't bothered to brush it that morning. His eyes were tired, but there was a sparkle in them as if whatever kept him up late last night had been worth it. He'd canceled our date without an explanation, so I had no idea what could have gotten him so excited this morning. Stephen was a strapping, good-looking man. A former quarterback in college, where we met, he looked like he could step onto the field even today. Usually, he wore designer suits and dressed to perfection, looking every bit the part of CFO. Today, however, he was wearing a button-up shirt and jeans. I cocked an eyebrow as he joined me at the conference table. "Sorry," he said. "I had something come up at the last minute." He was smiling wide, but he wouldn't look at me. He kept resisting my gaze, instead of delving into the handbook and reading the exact same page I'd just finished up. "Would you two give us a minute?" I asked. The interns nodded and slipped out of the room, almost seeming grateful to have an out – if only for a few minutes. Maybe they knew something was up, that the world was about to come crashing down around me and wanted to get outside the blast radius. Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Either way, they scurried out of the conference room like their hair was on fire and waited outside the door. "Stephen? Is everything okay?" I asked. "MmmHmm," he said, finally meeting my eyes. When he did though, the smile on his face disappeared completely. The look in his eyes was guarded, and his expression was suddenly colder than the Arctic tundra. "Should we really be having this conversation here, Cam?" he asked. I shrugged and put my pen down on the table, leaning back in my chair. "You tell me? You're the one who canceled last night, without an excuse," I said. "And today, you're twenty minutes late to your own meeting. I think I have a right to ask you what's going on. If not as your fiancé', then at least as your business partner." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I would rather have this discussion in private." "We're alone. No one can hear us through the door," I said. My voice started to crack. Over the last year or so, things had grown tense in our relationship. Okay, perhaps a bit more than tense. There was a tension between us that seemed to be growing by the day. His sister had popped out baby number three and Stephen was eager to get started on our family, even though our wedding wasn't scheduled until later in the year. We figured it couldn't hurt to get started though, so I went off all birth control and figured we'd be pregnant in no time. There we were though, ten months later, and still no pregnancy. I knew it stressed him out, and he'd started distancing himself from me. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive, but it felt like he thought I was broken, or somehow, less than a woman for not being able to conceive. "Fine," he grumbled. "Do youremember Jessica?" "Jessica Harvey? Yeah, of course. She was my assistant for years," I said. Jessica had quit our company out of the blue about three months back. It was completely unexpected, and I was still reeling from the shock of losing someone I'd counted on for years, someone I'd considered a friend for so long. We didn't talk much anymore. I tried to get together for coffee dates now and then, just to keep up with her. She was always too busy though – or was just avoiding me, I feared. I wanted to ask her what I'd done wrong, but she'd ghosted me, and that's where we were at. "Yeah, well, there's something you need to know," Stephen said. He looked out the large, glass window out to the sprawling city of Los Angeles below. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. My chest tightened, and a cold chill swept through my body. I didn't believe my ears. Not at first. As I stared at him, looked deep into his eyes though, I came to see the truth. "Cammy, I'm sorry," Stephen said. His voice didn't sound all that sorry, though. He shrugged and threw his hands in their air. He acted like this was somehow my fault. As if I'd somehow driven him into her arms. Into her bed. "It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." "Camille, we have a business to run together," he argued. I wiped at my eyes, not allowing the tears to fall. I knew he was right. This company was initially mine, but he'd invested a lot of his own money over the years. Like it or not, we'd have to find a way to work together, at least until I could figure something else out. There was no way I was going to be tied to this man for the rest of my life. "Fine," I mumbled. I packed my things up and put it all into my briefcase as calmly as I could. I was trembling, but I didn't think Stephen could tell. I hoped not. I needed to appear calm and in control of myself. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. "You can meet with your interns alone," I said. "I'll make myself scarce, and we can talk about the company later." "You're handling this better than I thought you would, Cam," he said. For a second, I thought I heard the regret in his voice. Like on some level, he realized what a prick he was being and felt bad. Even if I had though, what good would it do now? The damage was done, and this was one bell that could not be un-rung. I glared at him. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him what a junk he was. I wanted to lash out. What would that accomplish other than make me look like an unhinged psycho, though? My head was spinning, and I couldn't think straight. Better to cool off before I said or did something I'd regret later. Like he said, we still had a business to run together, and like it or not, we'd have to work together for the good of Zesta. At least, for now. "For what it's worth, Cam," Stephen said, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I'm sorry you're broken. I know how much you wanted to have children of your own, and this can't be easy to hear." I clutched my briefcase to my chest, keeping my hands busy instead of using them to show Stephen how I really felt about him. A homicide charge for strangling the life out of him probably wouldn't be a good look for the company. I didn't say another word though, and slipped out of the conference room, coming face to face with the interns who looked at me, puzzled expressions on their faces. "Stephen is going to take over from here. I have somewhere I need to be," I lied. I held my head up high and smiled politely at Ricardo and Tracey as I held the door open for them. Tracey gave me a look, her eyes filled with concern, but then looked away quickly. Ricardo seemed oblivious, ducking into the room and shaking hands with my fiancé' – scratch that, my ex-fiancé.' I shut the door behind them and hurried down the hall to my office, avoiding eye contact with everyone as I passed. I walked briskly past the cubicles of our employees until I got to the end of the hall, to my corner office, and slunk inside, falling against the door as I closed it behind me. As soon as I was alone, I didn't have to keep my composure. I let it all out. I slid to the floor and held my knees to my chest. The tears came hard and fast, but there was more than just sadness over the relationship ending – I was pissed about the betrayal. Grief and rage flooded my body in equal measure. --- "Complete jackass," my friend agreed. "And you really think this Jessica bimbo is pregnant with his kid? Pfft, I'm pretty sure he's the one shooting blanks." "You think so?" My voice cracked a bit at the question. I put my glass down on the table and smoothed out my skirt, focusing on my hands instead of Liv. While I could agree that the entire situation was all kinds of screwed up, I still wasn't sure if I believed him about me being unable to have kids or not. I was leaning toward him being right, simply because it made sense. Because somehow, somewhere deep down, I figured this was somehow my fault. "I think his side piece has a side piece of her own," Liv said, flagging down the waiter. "And seriously, what better revenge would there be than him realizing she's sleeping around on him and then finding out you can really have kids after all, huh?" "I suppose," I said, shrugging. "You suppose?" Liv asked as the waiter poured us more water. "Wouldn't you love to wipe that smug look off his face and tell him that he's the one who's broken?" "Well, yeah, but I don't think that's the case, Liv," I said grumpily. "Aren't you a Negative Nelly?" Liv said, rolling her eyes. When I didn't say anything, she sighed and added, "Just humor me, alright?" "Fine," I said, shrugging. "I guess I have nothing to lose." Well, except for all my dreams of one day having a child with a man I loved, sure, but since I already figured that was the case, it wasn't like I'd be getting any worse news. At least I hoped not. I didn't think I could take any more. --- Preston Dr. Preston Winters , M.D. The name plate had been added to the door recently. It was a matte silver with black lettering. Simple and yet, classy. I was the newest doctor to be brought on at the Hollywood Hills Women's and Children Center, and seeing my name officially listed on the office door was thrilling. A dream come true for someone who wasn't even sure they'd survive medical school, much less my residency. Getting to this point in my career had been harder than I ever imagined it to be, but I couldn't have asked for a better clinic to start with. Our receptionist, Kelly, was sitting at the front desk when I entered. She smiled politely at me, pushing her glasses up higher on her nose. "Good morning, Miss Temple," I said, stepping through the door and into the back. "Good morning, Dr. Winters. Looks like you have a full day today," Kelly said, scanning the appointment calendar in the computer with a furrowed brow. "Looks like you're taking a few of Dr. Garcia's patients today, her son is sick." "Not a problem. That's why they brought me on," I said. "Your first patient will be here right at nine," she said. "She requested the earliest possible appointment with Dr. Garcia." "Shouldn't be a problem," I said, continuing down the hall toward my office. My personal office was already coming together. Several bookshelves filled with medical journals sat behind a large oak desk. The obligatory diploma and a few personal pictures hung on the pale blue walls. I sat down at my desk, which had several photos on top as well. One photograph of my mom was prominent, a reminder of why I'd gone into this field in the first place. My other reminder was in another frame beside her photo. It was of a little boy wearing a soccer uniform and shooting the camera a gap-toothed grin. He had his mother's large, brown eyes, but my family's naturally tanned complexion and sandy blonde hair. There was a knock at my door, pulling me out of my brief reverie. "Yes?" One of the nurses, Paola, popped her head in and said, "Sorry to bother you, but your first patient is here and keeps asking when Dr. Garcia will see her. Says she has to be back at work by ten-thirty, at the latest." "I'll be right there," I said, chuckling to myself. So many people schedule doctor's appointments, expecting to be in and out in an hour or less like this was some cheap fast-food joint. We catered to a higher-end clientele, meaning many of the people were impatient and entitled. It came with the territory there in Hollywood Hills, I supposed. Since I was taking on Dr. Garcia's patients at the last minute, I hadn't had a chance to look over the patient's file. I was walking in blind, essentially. I followed Paolo to the room, and before I entered, she handed me the file on her. I glanced down, started to read through it when the door opened. "Hello? I really need to –" Big, sparkling, sapphire blue eyes stared back at me, and they grew wider once she saw me stepping through the door. Couldn't say I wasn't a little bit surprised myself. I couldn't help but note the mahogany curls and how they fell just perfectly over her cool, pale skin, gently touching her freckled shoulders – shoulders that were undressed thanks to the sleeveless pink sundress she was wearing. Looking into her face, I realized I knew her from somewhere. I couldn't place it right away, but I'd seen that face somewhere before. We handled a lot of celebrities, and she was definitely attractive enough to be a model or actress, but I wasn't sure that was it. I looked down at the name on file. "Camille O'Hare? Is that –" "Preston? Preston Winters, is that you?" she stammered. "Yeah, that's me," I said and smiled. When I heard her speak, the pieces fell into place, and I knew where I knew her from. High school. A long time ago in a galaxy far away. There was no mistaking her though. "No offense, but where's Dr. Garcia?" Camille asked, looking past me at Paola, who still stood in the doorway. "Apparently, I'm Dr. Garcia today," I said, giving my old high school friend the once over. Camille looked good. It was an unprofessional thought, but one I couldn't shake. I almost didn't recognize her. "Glad to see you still remember me," I said. Paola stepped away to help another patient, and I walked into Camille's room, opening her file on the table and reading through it. I closed the door behind us when Camille stepped back inside, her jaw nearly on the floor. "So, you really did it, huh?" she asked. She flopped up on the examining room table, her arms crossed in front of her. She was smiling, though a bit tense. But I took the smile as a good sign. "You made it through medical school," she said. "Either that or I'm really good at faking it," I teased, turning to face her, mirroring how she folded her arms in front of her chest. I had a hard time concealing my amazement at the transformation. Camille had changed a lot since high school. Her porcelain skin was clear and smoother than it had ever been back then. Her hair was a tad darker with some highlights in it now, and longer too. She used to keep her hair cut short, but the length did wonders for bringing out the soft features of her perfectly oval face. "As you can tell, I'm not Dr. Garcia," I said. "She had a family issue and won't be in today. But if you'd like to reschedule and wait for her, we can arrange it." She bit her bottom lip and looked away. I could tell she was considering it. Not that I blamed her, given our past. Instead of answering my question outright, she smiled at me softly. "You look good, Preston," she said. "I know it's been what, ten years? But I'm glad to see you're doing well." "You seem to be doing well too," I said, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with her. Camille's dress showed off some ample cleavage, and I was having a hard time not admiring it. I'm a professional. I couldn't have made it this far if I checked out my patients like a pervert. It was difficult though because I am still a man, and Camille was different. "Paola mentioned you were in a hurry to get back to work so I won't take too much of your time," I said. "If you'd like to reschedule, we can arrange for you to see Dr. Garcia another time." "I can't reschedule," she sighed. "There are no other doctors here today?" "No, I'm afraid not," I said. "It's just me at the moment." She took a deep breath, and the smile that had been on her face earlier fell as she stared at her hands. She picked at her perfectly manicured nails as if the nail polish was chipping, but she was only fidgeting. She looked tense and uncomfortable. "I mean, I guess it's been ten years or so since we –" she cut herself off, clearing her throat before continuing, "I think it'll be fine. You're a professional, after all." "Of course," I said, my voice softening. "I take my job very seriously, and what happened in our past will stay in the past, Camille." She turned her face up and met my gaze. In her eyes, I saw so much pain. I was taken aback at first, assuming that look was because of me, but then she wiped at her eyes and shook her head. "I'm here because my fiancé – err, my ex-fiancé – believes I can't have children." I pulled out her file, read through some of the notes from her past visits. "Have you seen a fertility specialist before?" I asked. She shook her head, and again, she looked away. "No, but we've been trying for well over a year, and there's been no luck." "You know it takes two to make a baby, right?" I asked. "It very well could be –" "He apparently got another woman pregnant pretty recently." "Oh," I said, closing the file. I figured that this went deeper than her medical history anyway. Her blue eyes were wide and filled with fear as she looked to me for answers. Being in this field, I often worked with women worried about their fertility. She wouldn't be the first woman I'd seen who was fearful about her chances of ever having a baby. She just so happened to be first who'd admitted such personal details as to why she believed she was the problem. "You'd been trying for a year, no birth control?" I asked. "I was never on the pill, I used non-hormonal methods. No hormones to wean myself off of, I thought I'd get pregnant pretty easily, but –" she stammered, taking a deep breath and seeming to gather her composure before speaking again, "but obviously that hasn't happened. As you should be able to see in my history, my periods have never been regular, and while I've never been diagnosed officially, Dr. Garcia suspected I might suffer from ovarian cysts." I opened the file again and looked through the notes, studying them a little more in depth. There was one little note mentioning some discomfort and cramping from a few months back, which could be cysts, or it could have been cramps. "Is there something we can do, Preston?" she asked.pregnating her and proving that prick ex of hers wrong caused a tightness low in my groin. Or maybe, just the idea of being with her again was causing it. Either way, blood rushed down my body, forcing me to turn away from Camille, afraid she'd notice my reaction. "Well, I will complete an exam, and we can run some tests," I said and cleared my throat. I cursed at my lower body as I pretended to read through her file some more, waiting for my shaft to get the message that this wasn't the time or place for such antics. As soon as I felt my body listening to me, I turned back around and gave her what I hoped was a comforting smile. "Do you mind lying down for me?" I asked.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzk	Lett010	https://www.facebook.com/100092431237661/	165	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.letsreadnovel.com	VIDEO	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzkxLzIwMjQxMDExMTYwNjM2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462747793_1511885259461496_4055644648493231546_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F3HZSY-hFvAQ7kNvgFXJQwA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYDAYpLRgSPHf_Y-COFS3ymTkFJsdLXFqNjh3Wa-tc1voA&oe=6713A281	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lett010	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,444	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188431}'	No	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I cannot feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him. "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You are my mate." he growls. ———————— Hope POV I was standing talking to mom and Luna Maria when all of a sudden Zayn had me in a possessive hold against his rock hard chest. When did he get back and why is he holding me like his life depends on it? I pushed at his chest to get out of his dominating grip but he is too strong. He keeps saying MINE over and over again. Oh my god, am I his mate? But...but he's a womanizer and why can't I feel the mate bond? this kind of scares me and his aggressive hold on me isn't helping either. I call out for my parents but they seem helpless in front of Zayn. Then I call for Jason but Luna doesn't let him touch me. Luna Maria tells Zayn to let me go and when he does I jump into my moms arms. I don't know why he scared me. Maybe because I was caught off guard? My dad and the Alpha take Zayn inside. While he was walking away he looked back at me with a pained expression on his face or was that a pissed off expression...Matt smiles at me, "you're in for the ride of your life" he says. Kyle gestures for him to follow and they both go inside. "I'm sorry he scared you Hope. Alpha's are very possessive of their mate and sometimes it's hard for them to control their emotions especially during their first encounter." Luna says apologetically. My mom looks shocked still. She hasn't said anything. Finally, Emily shows up. She's running towards us " Oh my god, you're my brother's mate!" she sing songs loudly. I guess she's happy. "If I'm his mate why can't I feel the mate bond?" I ask. "You have to be 18 to feel the mate bond", mom says. "it's ok" Luna says, "I just hope he didn't scare you too much. Are you ok?" "I'm fine" I whisper. "Oh don't worry dear, you will feel his mate bond when you turn 18 in a few months." I can tell that Luna and my mom are very happy about my mate. Mom looks shocked but happy and Luna doesn't look shocked at all she's smiling from ear to ear. Luna orders some sandwiches and snacks for us from the kitchen before she goes inside to see Zayn. I haven't had anything to eat yet so I eat 2 sandwiches and finally start to relax again. I need to go home and gather my thoughts. This is all so crazy. I barely know Zayn! "Mom, I think I'm going to head home.... I " You're not going anywhere" I hear Zayn's deep voice from behind me. "You can't tell me what to do!", I spit back looking up at him. God he is so gorgeous.... but that's not important right now... "I can't! you're staying here so we can talk.", he growls at me. Then he shocks me and says, "please stay" Zayn POV It hurt to leave her and come inside with dad and Beta Brian. I was livid and it took everything in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her up to my bedroom. But I don't want to scare her anymore than I already have. Her dad is silent and looks like he is concerned. Hope is his only child I can't blame him. But I hope he doesn't try and convince me to stay away from her. "Brian I can't tell you how happy I am that your daughter and my son are mates." my dad starts. "Hope is an amazing young lady." he continues. Beta Brian smiles but he still has that look on his face. "Zayn, you are everything I want for my daughter. I'm sure you will treat her the way she deserves. But she's not even 18 yet. and you're almost 28." I feel my blood start to boil, I try to cut him off but he lifts up his hand letting me know he's not done yet. "Despite your age difference, the Moon Goddess did choose her for you." Just then mom walks in, she gives me a big hug "What time did you get back?" she asks. I was so preoccupied with my baby that I forgot to say hello to mom. I hug her back and buss her on the head. "I got in late last night but I didn't want to wake you." She looks so happy to see me as always, or is it that I finally found my mate. I know my parents like Hope a lot. My train of thought keep going back to her! She is not little anymore. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on ...and she is all mine. "Zayn, I have a dinner party planned for this evening I want everyone in a good mood by then" mom says and I nod shoving my hands into my pockets. She puts her hand on my shoulder "She's going to need some time to get to know you. Be patient son." mom says. Patient....... right. I was never given the gift of patience. I walk out of dad's office towards the backyard again. I see Hope with her mom and Emily. I hear her saying she wants to leave, poor girl she doesn't know what she's in for..... "You're not going anywhere" I say. locking my eyes on her. She blushes under my stare giving me a sense of satisfaction "you can't tell me what to do!" "I can't ! you're staying here so we can talk." Then I shock myself by saying, "please stay" what this girl is doing to me. I never beg. "Hope put your clothes on, you're coming with me so we go somewhere private to talk." or... keep your clothes off, Hunter says in my head. Her mom gives her a quick buss on the forehead and leaves us alone taking Emily by the hand with her. Hope stands up in her bikini and starts to put on her shorts then T. shirt, watching her get dressed screws my head and it takes all my self control not to act like a caveman. Hope POV If he thinks I'm going anywhere with him he is crazy! Did I mention how hot he is? He is about 6"6 with dark hair and dark eyes, a sharp jawline covered with a light stubble and oh my god his mouth. He's wearing dark dress pants and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I keep watching his bulging powerful muscles. He sees me gawking at him and he smirks. This guy has a reputation with women, he must be used to them falling at his feet all the time. I feel like a drooling idot right now. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I say trying to gain some composure. "Oh and why is that?" he asks with a seductive grin on his lips. "I don't know anything about you other than you're a womanizer and I CANNOT feel the mate bond so you could be making all this ...." He stops my rant by picking me up from my seat as I squeal and puts me on his lap. Sparks go through my body when he places his hand on my face he turns my face to look at him, he clenches his jaw and stares right at me "Watch how you speak to me. I don't tolerate disrespect." I try to get up but he pulls me down against him "Don't test my patience baby I don't have much of it." he says. "I am not in desperate need of a woman that I would make this up. You ARE my mate." he growls. His voice is doing things to me that I cannot describe or explain. "Since you have so many women you don't need me then.", I say with conviction. He stares at me for a minute ... " You're different, you were chosen by the Moon Goddess for ME. You were made for ME." I can feel how possessive he is and it sends chills down my spine. I can't feel the mate pull and I really don't know him at all but I do feel comfortable being close to him. "We don't know much about each other, but I would like to change that. He pauses for a few seconds, still looking into my soul with those beautiful eyes. "Will you give us a chance?" He asks with pleading eyes.... and I answer with a hesitant nod. -- Next day at Kelly's party We have been at the party for about an hour now and we are all having so much fun we're all drinking, dancing and playing all sorts of games. Then Emily comes rushing over with her phone in hand. "Hope, where's your phone?" before I answer her, I register what's going on and start walking outside to the car. I left the pack house without letting my parents know where I was going and then I got distracted and forgot to call them. I check my cell phone and find ten missed calls from both mom and dad and a dozen text messages from an unknown number. I call mom right away and she picks up on the first ring. "Hope, where are you?" She sounds frantic. "Mom don't worry ...." I'm cut off when I hear Zayn's voice on the line. "Where are you?" he asks in a low chilling voice. "I'm at a friends house with Emily and ...." "You have half an hour to be back or I'm coming to find you." I hang up the phone, this can't be happening. I call dad. "Princess where are you? and why did you leave without telling anyone?" He asks as soon as he answers "I'm sorry it happened so fast. I'm on my way home now." "okay, I'll see you soon then" he replies and I hang up. Emily comes over "Mom called again she said we need to get home asap." we get everybody and head back to the pack. This time Emily and I are riding with Jason and Derek. As soon as we enter our pack borders I see security all over our territory. Someone must have been really worried. They pull us over immediately and one guy walks over to us "The Alpha wants to see you all in his office now." he says. Oh goddess. We continue all the way up to the pack house and Jason parks the car in front of the mansion for a minute I feel like I can't breathe. As we walk inside we are greeted by Mom and Luna both standing with their hands folded. "Why didn't you let us know you were leaving? we have been worried sick!" mom says. "I'm sorry" I say and she hugs me. "The important thing is that you're back now" Luna says. "Where's dad" I ask. "He went home, do you want me to wait for you?" mom asks looking towards the Alpha's office. "No it's okay, go ahead I'll be there in a bit." She smiles at me and walks out the door. Everybody else has already entered Zayn's office. I walk in " well well well look who it is" Zayn says in a low voice with a menacing look on his face. I walk over and stand next to the rest. He is sitting behind his desk and we are all standing waiting for him to say something. I take the initiative to speak since they are all quiet. "I'm sorry we worried you but we're back now" I pause he has his head down now "And it's not the first time we go out at night to a friends house outside our territory." He stands up slowly and takes off his suit jacket. The first three buttons on his shirt are undone and he rolls the sleeves up a few times then sits down again. He looks at me "Are you done?" I stay quiet for a few seconds then say "Y..yes, so can we go? we have school tomorrow." He gets up, comes around his table and stands in front of us with his hands jammed in his pockets. "If this ever happens again, you will regret it." He says looking at the guys. "Alpha I'm sorry we should have told someone we were leaving" Jason says "YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, GET OUT" Zayn grits through his teeth and if looks could kill, Jason would be ten feet under. Jason leaves quickly and the rest of us remain quiet. "All of you get out..except for you" he says pointing to me, I swallow hard. They all leave and I'm left alone with him. He takes slow calculated steps towards me with his head down and hands still in pockets. He circles around me once then stops right behind me. I gulp and put my head down. He doesn't have to say a word, the power and aura coming off him speak volumes and I can feel his breath on my neck. "What did I say about respect?" He asks "I...I ......" he doesn't wait to hear what I have to say "You left with your friends without even thinking for a second about me..." He pauses for a few seconds like he's having an internal battle with his wolf. "Zayn I didn't think going ........" he cuts me off again "Leave" He growls at me and I'm in shock. I want to explain myself but I can't, he told me to leave. I wait a few seconds but I feel like crying all of a sudden so I turn around and leave. All I can think about is he is going to reject me. Maybe it's for the best?? Then why do I feel so heart broken all of a sudden. .. -- I'm rushing home feeling like I was going to have a break down. "How could he humiliate me like that?" He's going to reject me and this will all be over. Maybe it's for the best? but I should at least get a chance to explain myself. I'm not leaving! He can't tell me what to do! So I turn around and head back to the pack house determined to get him to listen to me. I'm going to tell him that things were moving too fast and I haven't had time to process everything. I walk inside the pack house again and straight to Zayn's office. I hope he's still in here. Without knocking I open the door and step in. I almost fall over from what I see. I can literally feel the color drain from my face and I gasp in shock. Crystal is sitting on his desk and he is leaning propped up on his arms, bussing her as she has her legs around his waist. He looks up and his eyes meet mine. He pushes her legs off him and starts to walk towards me in a rush, but I run away. I hate him!!	LEARN_MORE	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8y	Wha002	https://www.facebook.com/61554783541379/	58	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.whastory.com	VIDEO	https://a.whastory.com/ad/V2hhdHNSZWFkLzMyMzcwMS8yMDI0MTAxMTE2MDE0MC9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462698545_545368891516090_1975999853889473974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jAYrtphZ2agQ7kNvgGO-Vfy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYBrsQ2LzfbpYa04RsMfnBpCubTGOLclGsxwGjX6Ljmylw&oe=6713AD7E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wha002	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,188,449	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2188430}'	Yes	2024-10-14 21:03	active	1628	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband confessed that he had an affair with my assistant. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. "Cammy, I'm sorry,It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." ———————— Camille I tapped my nails against the desk and stared at the clock, my insides roiling. Fifteen minutes late and counting. Stephen wasn't usually one to keep people waiting, which was upsetting enough. But he wasn't answering his phone or responding to my texts either, which only upset – and worried – me further. I smiled politely at his team, Ricardo, and Tracey, sitting across from me. This was originally his meeting to run, not mine. The fact that he wasn't there left me feeling put on the spot and more than a little uncomfortable. Stephen Doyle was my fiancé' and partner in Zesta Creative Design. He was the financial guru who handled the tedious details that allowed me to focus on the fun stuff. Ricardo and Tracey were interns from the local university, both majoring in finance and accounting like my darling beau, and together, we were supposed to go over the position and their responsibilities. However, given Stephen's absence, it appeared that I'd be handling the meeting alone. I'd turned my face back to the handbook, when the door opened, and my fiancé' stepped through, looking frazzled. His sandy blonde hair, which he kept trimmed short to his head with just a little length on top, was standing on end as if he hadn't bothered to brush it that morning. His eyes were tired, but there was a sparkle in them as if whatever kept him up late last night had been worth it. He'd canceled our date without an explanation, so I had no idea what could have gotten him so excited this morning. Stephen was a strapping, good-looking man. A former quarterback in college, where we met, he looked like he could step onto the field even today. Usually, he wore designer suits and dressed to perfection, looking every bit the part of CFO. Today, however, he was wearing a button-up shirt and jeans. I cocked an eyebrow as he joined me at the conference table. "Sorry," he said. "I had something come up at the last minute." He was smiling wide, but he wouldn't look at me. He kept resisting my gaze, instead of delving into the handbook and reading the exact same page I'd just finished up. "Would you two give us a minute?" I asked. The interns nodded and slipped out of the room, almost seeming grateful to have an out – if only for a few minutes. Maybe they knew something was up, that the world was about to come crashing down around me and wanted to get outside the blast radius. Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Either way, they scurried out of the conference room like their hair was on fire and waited outside the door. "Stephen? Is everything okay?" I asked. "MmmHmm," he said, finally meeting my eyes. When he did though, the smile on his face disappeared completely. The look in his eyes was guarded, and his expression was suddenly colder than the Arctic tundra. "Should we really be having this conversation here, Cam?" he asked. I shrugged and put my pen down on the table, leaning back in my chair. "You tell me? You're the one who canceled last night, without an excuse," I said. "And today, you're twenty minutes late to your own meeting. I think I have a right to ask you what's going on. If not as your fiancé', then at least as your business partner." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I would rather have this discussion in private." "We're alone. No one can hear us through the door," I said. My voice started to crack. Over the last year or so, things had grown tense in our relationship. Okay, perhaps a bit more than tense. There was a tension between us that seemed to be growing by the day. His sister had popped out baby number three and Stephen was eager to get started on our family, even though our wedding wasn't scheduled until later in the year. We figured it couldn't hurt to get started though, so I went off all birth control and figured we'd be pregnant in no time. There we were though, ten months later, and still no pregnancy. I knew it stressed him out, and he'd started distancing himself from me. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive, but it felt like he thought I was broken, or somehow, less than a woman for not being able to conceive. "Fine," he grumbled. "Do youremember Jessica?" "Jessica Harvey? Yeah, of course. She was my assistant for years," I said. Jessica had quit our company out of the blue about three months back. It was completely unexpected, and I was still reeling from the shock of losing someone I'd counted on for years, someone I'd considered a friend for so long. We didn't talk much anymore. I tried to get together for coffee dates now and then, just to keep up with her. She was always too busy though – or was just avoiding me, I feared. I wanted to ask her what I'd done wrong, but she'd ghosted me, and that's where we were at. "Yeah, well, there's something you need to know," Stephen said. He looked out the large, glass window out to the sprawling city of Los Angeles below. "I've been seeing her for the last few months, and –" "Wait, say that again?" I stammered. My chest tightened, and a cold chill swept through my body. I didn't believe my ears. Not at first. As I stared at him, looked deep into his eyes though, I came to see the truth. "Cammy, I'm sorry," Stephen said. His voice didn't sound all that sorry, though. He shrugged and threw his hands in their air. He acted like this was somehow my fault. As if I'd somehow driven him into her arms. Into her bed. "It just happened. All the stress around us trying - and failing - to have a baby," he said. "And well, I needed to feel like a man again, I guess. I don't expect you to understand, but this has nothing to do with you." "Having a baby was your idea, Stephen," I scoffed. "You were the one so adamant that we get pregnant right away. It was you that pressured me into going off birth control so your parents would get to meet your children before they passed." "Yeah, I know. I know," he said softly. "Its just intercourse got to be rather boring, you know? Monotonous. It was like we were just mechanical and clinical about trying to get pregnant and it took some of the fun and pleasure out of it." I stared at him, slack-jawed, and fought the urge to smack out of him. I was better than that. I wouldn't let my anger get the best of me, no matter how much of a jerk he was being right now. "Okay, so why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "Did you end things with her?" "No, in fact –" he took a deep breath and looked away, "Jessica is pregnant with my child, Camille. It's obvious now why we were having problems. It wasn't me – it was you. I know it sounds harsh, but I can't be with someone who can't give me children. No matter how much I love you." Tears welled up in my eyes, and this time, it was my turn to look out the window and away from him. I couldn't stand to look at him, knowing that for months now, he'd been sleeping with my former assistant and friend behind my back. Knowing that he thought there was something wrong with me because he'd been able to knock her up. "Get out," I said. My voice didn't crack, and I sounded firm. In control. Good for me. "What? We still have to meet with –" "I said, get out. I can't be in the same room with you right now." "Camille, we have a business to run together," he argued. I wiped at my eyes, not allowing the tears to fall. I knew he was right. This company was initially mine, but he'd invested a lot of his own money over the years. Like it or not, we'd have to find a way to work together, at least until I could figure something else out. There was no way I was going to be tied to this man for the rest of my life. "Fine," I mumbled. I packed my things up and put it all into my briefcase as calmly as I could. I was trembling, but I didn't think Stephen could tell. I hoped not. I needed to appear calm and in control of myself. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. "You can meet with your interns alone," I said. "I'll make myself scarce, and we can talk about the company later." "You're handling this better than I thought you would, Cam," he said. For a second, I thought I heard the regret in his voice. Like on some level, he realized what a prick he was being and felt bad. Even if I had though, what good would it do now? The damage was done, and this was one bell that could not be un-rung. I glared at him. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him what a junk he was. I wanted to lash out. What would that accomplish other than make me look like an unhinged psycho, though? My head was spinning, and I couldn't think straight. Better to cool off before I said or did something I'd regret later. Like he said, we still had a business to run together, and like it or not, we'd have to work together for the good of Zesta. At least, for now. "For what it's worth, Cam," Stephen said, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I'm sorry you're broken. I know how much you wanted to have children of your own, and this can't be easy to hear." I clutched my briefcase to my chest, keeping my hands busy instead of using them to show Stephen how I really felt about him. A homicide charge for strangling the life out of him probably wouldn't be a good look for the company. I didn't say another word though, and slipped out of the conference room, coming face to face with the interns who looked at me, puzzled expressions on their faces. "Stephen is going to take over from here. I have somewhere I need to be," I lied. I held my head up high and smiled politely at Ricardo and Tracey as I held the door open for them. Tracey gave me a look, her eyes filled with concern, but then looked away quickly. Ricardo seemed oblivious, ducking into the room and shaking hands with my fiancé' – scratch that, my ex-fiancé.' I shut the door behind them and hurried down the hall to my office, avoiding eye contact with everyone as I passed. I walked briskly past the cubicles of our employees until I got to the end of the hall, to my corner office, and slunk inside, falling against the door as I closed it behind me. As soon as I was alone, I didn't have to keep my composure. I let it all out. I slid to the floor and held my knees to my chest. The tears came hard and fast, but there was more than just sadness over the relationship ending – I was pissed about the betrayal. Grief and rage flooded my body in equal measure. --- "Complete jackass," my friend agreed. "And you really think this Jessica bimbo is pregnant with his kid? Pfft, I'm pretty sure he's the one shooting blanks." "You think so?" My voice cracked a bit at the question. I put my glass down on the table and smoothed out my skirt, focusing on my hands instead of Liv. While I could agree that the entire situation was all kinds of screwed up, I still wasn't sure if I believed him about me being unable to have kids or not. I was leaning toward him being right, simply because it made sense. Because somehow, somewhere deep down, I figured this was somehow my fault. "I think his side piece has a side piece of her own," Liv said, flagging down the waiter. "And seriously, what better revenge would there be than him realizing she's sleeping around on him and then finding out you can really have kids after all, huh?" "I suppose," I said, shrugging. "You suppose?" Liv asked as the waiter poured us more water. "Wouldn't you love to wipe that smug look off his face and tell him that he's the one who's broken?" "Well, yeah, but I don't think that's the case, Liv," I said grumpily. "Aren't you a Negative Nelly?" Liv said, rolling her eyes. When I didn't say anything, she sighed and added, "Just humor me, alright?" "Fine," I said, shrugging. "I guess I have nothing to lose." Well, except for all my dreams of one day having a child with a man I loved, sure, but since I already figured that was the case, it wasn't like I'd be getting any worse news. At least I hoped not. I didn't think I could take any more. --- Preston Dr. Preston Winters , M.D. The name plate had been added to the door recently. It was a matte silver with black lettering. Simple and yet, classy. I was the newest doctor to be brought on at the Hollywood Hills Women's and Children Center, and seeing my name officially listed on the office door was thrilling. A dream come true for someone who wasn't even sure they'd survive medical school, much less my residency. Getting to this point in my career had been harder than I ever imagined it to be, but I couldn't have asked for a better clinic to start with. Our receptionist, Kelly, was sitting at the front desk when I entered. She smiled politely at me, pushing her glasses up higher on her nose. "Good morning, Miss Temple," I said, stepping through the door and into the back. "Good morning, Dr. Winters. Looks like you have a full day today," Kelly said, scanning the appointment calendar in the computer with a furrowed brow. "Looks like you're taking a few of Dr. Garcia's patients today, her son is sick." "Not a problem. That's why they brought me on," I said. "Your first patient will be here right at nine," she said. "She requested the earliest possible appointment with Dr. Garcia." "Shouldn't be a problem," I said, continuing down the hall toward my office. My personal office was already coming together. Several bookshelves filled with medical journals sat behind a large oak desk. The obligatory diploma and a few personal pictures hung on the pale blue walls. I sat down at my desk, which had several photos on top as well. One photograph of my mom was prominent, a reminder of why I'd gone into this field in the first place. My other reminder was in another frame beside her photo. It was of a little boy wearing a soccer uniform and shooting the camera a gap-toothed grin. He had his mother's large, brown eyes, but my family's naturally tanned complexion and sandy blonde hair. There was a knock at my door, pulling me out of my brief reverie. "Yes?" One of the nurses, Paola, popped her head in and said, "Sorry to bother you, but your first patient is here and keeps asking when Dr. Garcia will see her. Says she has to be back at work by ten-thirty, at the latest." "I'll be right there," I said, chuckling to myself. So many people schedule doctor's appointments, expecting to be in and out in an hour or less like this was some cheap fast-food joint. We catered to a higher-end clientele, meaning many of the people were impatient and entitled. It came with the territory there in Hollywood Hills, I supposed. Since I was taking on Dr. Garcia's patients at the last minute, I hadn't had a chance to look over the patient's file. I was walking in blind, essentially. I followed Paolo to the room, and before I entered, she handed me the file on her. I glanced down, started to read through it when the door opened. "Hello? I really need to –" Big, sparkling, sapphire blue eyes stared back at me, and they grew wider once she saw me stepping through the door. Couldn't say I wasn't a little bit surprised myself. I couldn't help but note the mahogany curls and how they fell just perfectly over her cool, pale skin, gently touching her freckled shoulders – shoulders that were undressed thanks to the sleeveless pink sundress she was wearing. Looking into her face, I realized I knew her from somewhere. I couldn't place it right away, but I'd seen that face somewhere before. We handled a lot of celebrities, and she was definitely attractive enough to be a model or actress, but I wasn't sure that was it. I looked down at the name on file. "Camille O'Hare? Is that –" "Preston? Preston Winters, is that you?" she stammered. "Yeah, that's me," I said and smiled. When I heard her speak, the pieces fell into place, and I knew where I knew her from. High school. A long time ago in a galaxy far away. There was no mistaking her though. "No offense, but where's Dr. Garcia?" Camille asked, looking past me at Paola, who still stood in the doorway. "Apparently, I'm Dr. Garcia today," I said, giving my old high school friend the once over. Camille looked good. It was an unprofessional thought, but one I couldn't shake. I almost didn't recognize her. "Glad to see you still remember me," I said. Paola stepped away to help another patient, and I walked into Camille's room, opening her file on the table and reading through it. I closed the door behind us when Camille stepped back inside, her jaw nearly on the floor. "So, you really did it, huh?" she asked. She flopped up on the examining room table, her arms crossed in front of her. She was smiling, though a bit tense. But I took the smile as a good sign. "You made it through medical school," she said. "Either that or I'm really good at faking it," I teased, turning to face her, mirroring how she folded her arms in front of her chest. I had a hard time concealing my amazement at the transformation. Camille had changed a lot since high school. Her porcelain skin was clear and smoother than it had ever been back then. Her hair was a tad darker with some highlights in it now, and longer too. She used to keep her hair cut short, but the length did wonders for bringing out the soft features of her perfectly oval face. "As you can tell, I'm not Dr. Garcia," I said. "She had a family issue and won't be in today. But if you'd like to reschedule and wait for her, we can arrange it." She bit her bottom lip and looked away. I could tell she was considering it. Not that I blamed her, given our past. Instead of answering my question outright, she smiled at me softly. "You look good, Preston," she said. "I know it's been what, ten years? But I'm glad to see you're doing well." "You seem to be doing well too," I said, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with her. Camille's dress showed off some ample cleavage, and I was having a hard time not admiring it. I'm a professional. I couldn't have made it this far if I checked out my patients like a pervert. It was difficult though because I am still a man, and Camille was different. "Paola mentioned you were in a hurry to get back to work so I won't take too much of your time," I said. "If you'd like to reschedule, we can arrange for you to see Dr. Garcia another time." "I can't reschedule," she sighed. "There are no other doctors here today?" "No, I'm afraid not," I said. "It's just me at the moment." She took a deep breath, and the smile that had been on her face earlier fell as she stared at her hands. She picked at her perfectly manicured nails as if the nail polish was chipping, but she was only fidgeting. She looked tense and uncomfortable. "I mean, I guess it's been ten years or so since we –" she cut herself off, clearing her throat before continuing, "I think it'll be fine. You're a professional, after all." "Of course," I said, my voice softening. "I take my job very seriously, and what happened in our past will stay in the past, Camille." She turned her face up and met my gaze. In her eyes, I saw so much pain. I was taken aback at first, assuming that look was because of me, but then she wiped at her eyes and shook her head. "I'm here because my fiancé – err, my ex-fiancé – believes I can't have children." I pulled out her file, read through some of the notes from her past visits. "Have you seen a fertility specialist before?" I asked. She shook her head, and again, she looked away. "No, but we've been trying for well over a year, and there's been no luck." "You know it takes two to make a baby, right?" I asked. "It very well could be –" "He apparently got another woman pregnant pretty recently." "Oh," I said, closing the file. I figured that this went deeper than her medical history anyway. Her blue eyes were wide and filled with fear as she looked to me for answers. Being in this field, I often worked with women worried about their fertility. She wouldn't be the first woman I'd seen who was fearful about her chances of ever having a baby. She just so happened to be first who'd admitted such personal details as to why she believed she was the problem. "You'd been trying for a year, no birth control?" I asked. "I was never on the pill, I used non-hormonal methods. No hormones to wean myself off of, I thought I'd get pregnant pretty easily, but –" she stammered, taking a deep breath and seeming to gather her composure before speaking again, "but obviously that hasn't happened. As you should be able to see in my history, my periods have never been regular, and while I've never been diagnosed officially, Dr. Garcia suspected I might suffer from ovarian cysts." I opened the file again and looked through the notes, studying them a little more in depth. There was one little note mentioning some discomfort and cramping from a few months back, which could be cysts, or it could have been cramps. "Is there something we can do, Preston?" she asked.pregnating her and proving that prick ex of hers wrong caused a tightness low in my groin. Or maybe, just the idea of being with her again was causing it. Either way, blood rushed down my body, forcing me to turn away from Camille, afraid she'd notice my reaction. "Well, I will complete an exam, and we can run some tests," I said and cleared my throat. I cursed at my lower body as I pretended to read through her file some more, waiting for my shaft to get the message that this wasn't the time or place for such antics. As soon as I felt my body listening to me, I turned back around and gave her what I hoped was a comforting smile. "Do you mind lying down for me?" I asked.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzk	Lett010	https://www.facebook.com/100092431237661/	165	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	a.letsreadnovel.com	VIDEO	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMzIzNzkxLzIwMjQxMDExMTYwNjM2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462846602_851439990450151_8094946639476237541_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qEpnqveSMWUQ7kNvgFqT52A&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AyK19cDVHWwTQwaE6VIkBH6&oh=00_AYAqME9P3nn82ZPLf4ZunanBOwDPbt29AeYDELaLLzxkIw&oe=67139B14	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lett010	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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