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No | 2024-11-21 19:36 | active | 1905 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | As the daughter of Alpha, I have been abused by my brother Alpha Trey and the pack, all because of an unforgivable mistake I made at 6. Ouch! Beta Kyle rudely kicks me to the floor in front of the office door and yells, âUseless Stupid Wolf! Clean the office asap! Our guest, Alpha Dane will be arriving soon!â Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didnât mess around and he had the largest pack. âHe is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!â Beta Kyle continues. He digs his nails into my thinning skin before he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but 4 years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. âUhheemâ Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that donât quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. âIs this the way you greet all Alphaâs?â His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. âIâm sorry.â I whisper, getting to my feet. âIâŚI thought I was alone.â I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. âCome forward.â He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to kill me. I step around the corner, doing as Iâm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. âYou smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?â I nod, though I couldnât tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. âI would prefer it if you spoke to me.â He growls, âIâm not in the mood to play games.â âYes.â I whisper. I couldnât help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? âWhy do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.â âIâŚâ I hated the question. âSpit it out, I havenât got all day!â His deep voice sends a shiver through me, âYou should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Itâs rude to not look at them.â Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. âMy Wolf abilities were bound,â I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasnât interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, âWhy would someone do that?â If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. âIt was a punishment.â I whisper. It wasnât far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. Thereâs a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldnât tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me âNeah, what the fuck are you doing in my office?â He turns to the crimson eyed man. âI am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.â Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. âI wouldnât do that if I were you.â Alpha Daneâs voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. âNeah,â My name rolls off of his tongue, âwas kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.â What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. âGet out now!â Alpha Trey seethes. I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. I try to keep myself busy to stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace is short-lived when I hear my brother calling out for champagne and some glasses. Quickly finding what he asked for, I bow my head as I re-enter the office. I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move; even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one has ever watched me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should haveâŚ. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. âNeah is your sister, correct?â Alpha Dane questions my brother. âShe is.â Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. âWhy do you treat her like shit?â Straight to the point, my brother wouldnât like that. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didnât know what to do. I couldnât move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. âShe's an unforgiven murderer.â Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. âMurdered who?â Alpha Daneâs voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. âOur parents.â | LEARN_MORE | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783& | New world publications | https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/ | 3,761 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | wwwedb.com | DCO | https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463716564_849071077033660_7419585111381032995_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5voDGHAmT6oQ7kNvgGBqtmp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AIoy_gYI-oSrKTGHT0EQkml&oh=00_AYCzkecoPWXpjPyRp_9ll2-_1nWIJqSkue6AqgnnGriKtQ&oe=6745B334 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | New world publications | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281)
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Yes | 2024-11-21 19:36 | active | 1905 | 0 |
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | February in Sureton City was wet. It had been drizzling throughout the day, leaving the roads damp. The cold wind brought with it the rain, making Freya Somner shiver. She held an umbrella and curled up while crouching before the entrance to the city hall. It was already 5:00 pm. Would that person come? She was worried as she thought about her grandfather, Neil Somner, who lay sick in bed. Had he finished his IV drip? Would he need to use the restroom? Had Thomas Talbot already gone home? She looked up and scanned the empty streets. The city hall would close for the day at 5:30 pm. She would just grit her teeth and wait for another half an hour, then. If that person didn't show up, she could blame him and tell Neil and Thomas that he'd stood her up. It wasn't because she didn't want to marry him or anything. Neil was sick. As a traditional medicine practitioner, he knew his time was running out. Freya was his only concernâshe would be alone in the world once he passed. He'd contacted Thomas, whom he'd saved many years ago. Thomas had promised Neil that he would do everything in his power to help if Neil ever needed it. All Neil had to do was make the call. Years had passed since then, but the call had miraculously gone through. Thomas had shown up the very next day. Neil had explained the situation to him and asked Thomas to help care for Freya in the future. Thomas had generously said, "It's only natural for me to care for her. How about thisâI have many grandsons, so I'll have one of them marry Fae as a way of repaying you. That way, she won't be alone." Neil had agreed, leaving Freya with no room to object. She didn't want to marryâshe could take care of herself and was fine alone. She was currently staying at the dormitory her university had prepared for graduate students. She even had 2,300 a month as financial aid. Eating at the hospital's and university's cafeterias was cheapâshe only needed to spend 15 a day on food. However, Neil had insisted. He felt that it was hard to predict the future, and he would only be able to rest in peace once he saw that marriage certificate. That way, he'd be able to face Freya's parents in the afterlife with no regrets. Freya's parents had died after falling off a cliff. They'd been searching for a herbal catalyst to save Thomas back in the day. It had rained that day, just as it had on this day. Freya had seen her parents' corpses entwined with one another, their hands still clutching the herbal catalyst. After her parents passed away, she and Neil depended on each other for survival. It was on that day that she'd suddenly grown up. She'd studied hard and skipped grades, sitting for her SATs at 17 years old. Then, she'd gotten into Sureton University's medical faculty, joining the seven-year integrated bachelor's and master's program. She only had two years to go before she could graduate and officially start working. Things were starting to look good. Then, Neil had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. It was taking his life away. The screeching of brakes pulled Freya out of her reverie. She looked up at the offroad vehicle before her. It was painted a military green and covered in mud, and the tires were soiled. It was clear the car had ventured through the mountains. The door opened, blocking the man's face from her view. Still, she'd gotten a glimpse of his chiseled features. His bushy brows, tall nose, and deep-set eyes formed a handsome, honest face. With the door open, all Freya could see was the army pants enveloping his long legs and the leather boots he wore. It was a cold day, yet he only wore an olive green T-shirt. He stepped away from the car. Before Freya could take a closer look at his face, he approached her, stopping before her so his boots were level with her eyes. "Are you Freya Somner?" he asked, his voice deep and somewhat daunting. "Yeah." "Let's get married, then." He turned and headed into the city hall. Chapter 2 Freya wanted to stand up, but she'd been crouching for so long that her legs had gone numb. "What's wrong?" the man asked. "My legs have gone numb." She was lifted off her feet as soon as the words were out of her mouth. An unfamiliar scent enveloped her, and she felt her face burn. The man placed her on the seat before the counter. "Get your identification." She kept her head lowered as she obediently placed the things on the counter. "Daniel Talbot," the staff said. "That's me," the man said. "Freya Somner." "Here," Freya said. She looked up at the staff. The staff looked at the identification she held, then at Freya. The latter's eyes were spirited but also carried a hint of naivety. Freya was only 22, but Daniel was already 28. He'd even carried her in. That made the staff suspect whether Freya had been forced into this. She asked, "Are you here to get married at your own will?" "Yes, I am," Freya said. "Alright, then. Fill up these forms, please." At 5:30 pm, Freya and Daniel walked out of the city hall. Freya looked down at her marriage certificate. She'd gone from being single to married once the staff stamped the certificate. She'd married a man she'd met for the first time without even dating him. The whole thing had only taken a matter of minutes. Daniel stopped and looked at her. "Where are you headed now?" She had kept her head down and hadn't been paying attention to the distance between them. She walked right into his chest. Pain spread through her, starting from her nose. Tears welled in Freya's eyes. How could his chest be as hard as a wall? She clamped a hand over her nose and looked at him tearily. "I'm going back to the hospital." He was so tall that her eyes were only level with his chest. It was incredibly muscular and looked just like the diagrams she'd seen in her medical texts. "Get in the car," he said. Freya struggled to open the door. She tugged it with all her strength, but it didn't budge. Daniel saw her from the driver's seat. He waved at her, gesturing for her to back up. Then, he opened the door from inside. "Which hospital are you going to?" he asked. "The county tumor hospital, the one at Percat Street. Thanks." Freya obediently settled in her seat. "Your seatbelt," he said. She put it on, and he started the car. She noticed that his hands and arms were tanned, with protruding veins. He oozed strength and power. Suddenly, Freya's stomach rumbled. The sound was magnified in the silent car. She instinctively held her stomach, her face turning beet red. What was wrong with her? Why did she keep embarrassing herself? Was there something about her that made her incompatible with Daniel? Her stomach continued to rumble for a while. Finally, the car stopped. Freya thought they'd arrived at the hospital and moved to open the door. Then, she looked out and said, "We're not at the hospital." Daniel had already gotten out of the car, though. He headed to a fruit store without looking back at her. Soon, he returned with a bag full of fruits. "I don't know what your grandfather likes, so I bought a little of everything." "He can't eat anything. Doctor's orders." Daniel looked at her, perhaps because she sounded too calm. Only then did Freya notice how deep-set his eyes were. There was a hint of dominance in them. "You have them, then." He placed the bag on her lap. "Have some to tide the hunger. I'm in a rush." Freya wondered whether he was showing his concern for her. A wave of warmth surged in her as she peeled a banana. It was sweet. ⌠The nurse had just removed Neil's IV drip when Freya and Daniel arrived at the ward. Thomas took the marriage certificates from Daniel and Freya and held them before Neil. He said happily, "Look at this, Neil. They're official marriage certificates with the stamps and all. They're genuine!" Neil smiled and nodded weakly. "That's great. I won't have anything to worry about anymore." "Come closer so Neil can see you, Dan," Thomas said. Daniel stepped forward. "Hi, Grandpa." Neil's smile widened. "HiâŚ" He held Daniel's hand and said, "I'll leave Freya in your hands from now on. She's a softie but is stubborn on the inside. I hope you'll be more tolerant of her and take the time to explain your thoughts to her if you two ever get into an argument." Tears streamed down Freya's face when she heard this. Daniel said, "I will, Grandpa." "Don't worry, Neil. We won't mistreat Freya. Daniel has property and a carâI'll have him show Freya around his place right now. She can move in when she's free," Thomas said. Freya forgot about crying and stared at Thomas in shock when she heard that. Didn't she and Daniel only have to get married? Why did they even have to live together? "Go on, then. It's still light out, so you can see what the place is like," Neil said. Daniel and Freya headed to his place under Thomas' urging. Chapter 3 Daniel's apartment was in Sureton City's central commercial area. It was an expensive area with good infrastructureâthe medical and education systems were well-established. The residential area was right next to Sureton City's largest park. Freya looked at the minimalist, almost stark apartment. The marble coffee table was covered in a layer of dust. "This is your home?" "Yeah." Daniel also saw the dust. "I don't usually stay here." That didn't make sense at all. Why would anyone not live in their own home? Freya couldn't understand it. "There's a card here that you can use to pay for the utilities." He opened a drawer in the TV cabinet to show her. "If anything needs fixing, you can speak to the management office. "I'll have someone clean up the place later. There are two rooms, so you can pick whichever one you want. Feel free to use the study as wellâŚ" Freya observed the place. It was well renovated but showed no signs of being lived in. There weren't even any plates or utensils around. "What am I to you?" she suddenly asked. "My wife." "But I feel like your mistress," she said boldly. She didn't know whether Daniel had a girlfriend or anythingâperhaps he'd only married her due to Thomas' pressure. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made her wait a whole afternoon for him, only arriving right before the city hall closed for the day. "What are you getting at?" Daniel asked. "I'm fine with getting a divorce if you already have a partnerâour grandfathers have seen the marriage certificates, anyway. I don't want to inadvertently end up as a homewrecker." She respected the elderly but wouldn't do anything immoral just to comply with Neil's and Thomas' wishes. Daniel understood now. "I'm single. I usually stay at the military camp in the mountains." Freya recalled his offroad vehicle and the mud on it. That, coupled with his outfit, made her realize just who he was. "I'm sorry for misunderstanding you." "It's fine. I'll take you back to the hospital nowâyou can move in here whenever it's convenient for you." "What about you?" she blurted. Then, she disdained herself for asking. What did his matters have to do with her? "I need to head back after this. There's an urgent mission I need to handle." That was the last thing Daniel said to her. ⌠Shortly after Daniel left, Neil's condition took a turn for the worse, and a new semester started. Freya bustled back and forth between the university and the hospital daily. On days when Neil felt better, he could even hold Freya's hand and reminisce with her. Neither of them mentioned that rainy night, though. He kept telling her that life was long and that she had to live well independently. However, he also told her she couldn't expect to do everything herself. She had to give in occasionally. Daniel looked like a good man, and they had to communicate with each other. They had to understand each other⌠Neil said many things. Freya wanted to object to everything and tell him that none of that mattered. She wanted him to know that she only wanted to spend her life with him in a small town called Floriver Town. She wanted to read medical texts and pick herbs with him. However, as a doctor, she was rational enough to know there was no chance of them ever returning to that life. The reports and data she saw every day were enough to tell her that Neil's condition was deteriorating. She cried almost daily throughout that month but hid it well. Neil never noticed. One day, white clouds floated in the blue sky. Freya drew the curtains, allowing the sunlight to stream into the room. Neil was in good spirits. "The weather is so nice today, Fae. Maybe you should take me off my oxygen tube now." He sounded calm, but Freya faltered while clipping his nails. She acted like she hadn't heard him and moved on to the next finger. "I can't take it anymore, Fae. I'm on drug every day, but it still hurts so bad. I'm begging you, okay?" His plea made Freya's nose prickle. Tears rolled down her face and landed on the floor, fading within seconds. Neil was a proud and strong man who'd never begged anyone in his life. Now⌠It looked like she really had to let him go. She slowly shut her eyes, sounding choked up as she said, "Okay. I'll get a doctor after I'm done clipping your nails." "The weather is so nice today that I feel so much more relaxed," Neil said. He lifted a hand with difficulty to caress her head one last time. It reminded her of how he'd praised her whenever she could memorize the things she'd read in the medical texts. After Freya signed the necessary documents, the doctor removed Neil's oxygen tube. She stood by his bedside and held his hand until his body became devoid of warmth. Thomas helped her with Neil's funeral, after which he urged her to move into Daniel's apartment. Chapter 4 Two years passed in the blink of an eye. "There's no time to eat, Dr. Somner. We're being dispatched for a house call." Freya was in a hospital's emergency room. When she heard the nurse, Jade Winton, call her, she put a folder over her unfinished instant mac and cheese and left the doctor's lounge. "Where's Dr. Wood?" she asked while wearing a mask. She hurried to catch up with Jade. "He's accompanying Lena for a prenatal check. I've called him, and he's on his way." Jade grabbed a first-aid kit and an extra bag of gauze and bandages. She handed them to Freya. "What's the situation? Why do we need so many bandages and gauze?" "A luxury jewelry store was robbed. The store's staff called the police, but the robbers discovered them and took ten staff hostage. We're being dispatched to provide medical assistance," Jade said. She told Freya everything she knew, then added, "Don't be rash later. Leave everything to Dr. Wood." "Got it. Thanks, Jade." Freya's mentor, Jason Wood, arrived at the same time as Freya and Jade. He was a tall, skinny man whose hairline was receding. He'd come from a prenatal check with his wife, Lena Johnson, and had already changed into his uniform. It made him look particularly spirited. "What's the situation?" he asked as he got into the car. "A jewelry store's been robbed. The robbers are armed," Jade said. Silence descended upon the car. They didn't know what they were facing but had to go at it regardless. Medicine knew no borders, and all lives were equal in worth. They had to save lives as long as they were at risk. When Freya and the others arrived, the police had already secured the scene. A crowd consisting of spectators and staff from various media outlets gathered behind the police line, surrounding the place and making it hard for anyone to get through. Police cars and vehicles belonging to a SWAT team were parked outside the jewelry store. There were also three buses with the windows tinted black. Freya followed Jason out of the car. A man who looked like an administrator hurried over to them, looking anxious. "The robbers need a doctor in there to save their comrade. Which one of you two will go in?" Freya looked at the jewelry store. It had three floors and was a corner lot with an expansive view. A mall was behind it, which meant it probably had more than one exit. "I'll go," Jason said, dragging Freya out of her reverie. She gave him a disagreeable look. "No way. I'll go, Dr. Wood. You have parents and children to care for, and Lena's conceived with your second child. You can't go in there." "You can't, either. You're inexperienced." Jason's attitude was firm. "The situation is complicated. I'm the only one who can head in there." Freya didn't argue with him. She turned to the administrator and volunteered. "I'll go, sir. I've passed the medical board exam and can practice independently. I don't have any dependents or relatives to care for." He looked at her. She was young and so nervous that she clenched her fists, but her expression was calm. She was bold, but her courage needed some training. "You can go, then. We don't know the situation inside, so we can only act when the Falcon Strike Unit arrives. All you need to do when you get in there is to save whoever is injured. Drag things out for as long as possible while ensuring your safety and wait for help." "Understood, sir." Freya wore her medical cap and gave herself a mental pep talk. "FreyaâŚ" Jason started. "I have to gain experience since I don't have it, Dr. Wood. You have to give me a chance," she said. That was what medicine was like. One had to be bold and careful while constantly defeating one's old self. That way, one would only become a better version of oneself. Jason knew what Freya was like. She'd met various people when treating patients. When some of them criticized or insulted her, she wouldn't take it lying down. Her retorts left much to be desired, though. For instance, if a patient said she was incapable and that a doctor online had told them this and that, she would say, "I'll leave, then. You can ask your online doctor to treat you." Once, someone had shouted at her, saying she was useless. She'd clapped back, calling that person the useless one. "Do you guys have a bulletproof vest or something? Give one to her." Jason knew nothing he said would change Freya's mind. The administrator gave one of his subordinates a look. A member of the SWAT team brought a bulletproof vest over. Freya took her doctor's coat off and put the bulletproof vest on over her T-shirt. Then, she put her uniform on. Chapter 5 Jade handed Freya the first-aid kit before hanging the stethoscope from her neck. "You're just going to ignore everything I told you before we came here, aren't you? You're bound to get into trouble if you continue like this." "No one is more suitable than me, Jade," Freya said calmly. "It's not like the military region's general hospital lacks doctors. If you turn them down, they'll arrange for someone else to come." "But it's too far away. They'll take at least 30 minutes to arrive. That doesn't conform to the principles of pre-hospitalization emergency care." Jade was one of the emergency room's most experienced nurses, so she knew Freya was right. It was the only thing they could do under the circumstances. The administrator held a loudspeaker and shouted toward the store, "The doctor is coming. Open the door." A hoarse voice rang out as soon as the words were out of his mouth. "Put the first-aid kit on the ground and turn in a circle. Then, take everything out of the first-aid kit and lay them on the ground." Freya did as told. She'd just placed the final tool on the ground when the hoarse voice rang out again. "Put the things back in and come inside." Freya packed everything back. She was about to enter the store when she felt a cool breeze. Curious, she looked in the direction it had come. A helicopter was hovering in midair in one of the jewelry store's blind spots. A tall figure in camouflage slid down the rope and made a smooth landing. It happened in seconds. Freya stared at the man, finding his figure incredibly familiar. He wore a black mask, and his sharp eyes flitted past her. Then, he hid behind the wall. Another team member landed behind him. "Come in," the hoarse voice urged loudly. He sounded impatient. Freya knew she had to enter the store since these people had yet to infiltrate it. Once she understood that, she didn't hesitate to head inside. As soon as she pushed open the door, she smelled the metallic scent of blood. Suddenly, someone grabbed her by the neck and roughly dragged her inside. Then, he flung her onto the floor and commanded, "Save him." She looked at the man on the floor. His mask, shaped like a pig's head, had been thrown aside. He looked ashen while struggling to breathe and had cyanosis of the nail bed. These were all signs of a lack of oxygen. Freya checked him and concluded that he was having an asthma attack. His throat had swelled up, leading to breathing difficulties. She searched his bag while muttering, "Where's the inhaler?" Asthma patients would bring their inhalers when they were out, but she didn't find one in his bag. "What are you looking for?" a man in a mask shaped like a dog's head asked. "His inhaler," she said. "He doesn't have one. Do a cricothyrotomy on him right now." Freya was taken aback. "How are you related to him? You know how to save him?" Suddenly, he pressed a gun to her forehead. "Shut up if you don't want to die. Just do as I say!" The iciness of the metal made Freya's heart clench. Her mind went blank for a second, and she couldn't think. "Hurry up!" He kicked her shoulder. The pain made her snap to her senses. She forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath before commencing anatomical positioning and sterilization. Then, she inserted a thick injection needle into the cricothyroid membrane. The process didn't take long, and the man gradually started looking better. Suddenly, a black thing landed not far from Freya. Before she realized what it was, a few more followed. The inside of the store was quickly filled with smoke, and people started yelling. The alarm went off. Freya wanted to take advantage of the chaos to hide, but a hand wrapped around her neck. A gun was pressed to her forehead, and someone snarled, "You're coming with me." Chapter 6 The man dragged Freya to a secluded corner to hide. The cold feeling against her temple made her compliant. Her palms grew sweaty as she stood there, and she could hear her heart racing. No matter how nervous or scared she was, she could only place her faith in the Falcon Strike Unit and tightly hold the needle in her hand. A few minutes later, red lights flashed at them. The man dragged Freya out of their hiding spot. Before she could even see what was happening, she heard a muffled groan behind her. Then, there was a thump, and the robber's hand fell before her. She was still lost when a team of three surrounded her. A familiar voice said, "Take her out, Rabbit." "Roger, Falcon." This voice belonged to a woman. Rabbit, or Loren Smith, turned to Freya. "Come with me." Freya turned to look at the familiar man while following Loren out. He glanced at her while walking up the stairs, and his sharp eyes matched the ones in her memory. She asked Loren, "Is the person you called Falcon Daniel Talbot?" Loren faltered. Then, she continued walking out while observing their surroundings. She didn't respond to Freya's question, but Freya knew she was right. After leaving the jewelry store, the situation outside left no room for Freya to be pensive. She threw herself into workâthe jewelry store's staff had more or less been injured. Jason was rescuing the most critically injured ones, so she had to handle those who were only bruised or scraped. The injured staff came and went as she stopped the bleeding, cleaned wounds, and bandaged them. "Freya." She looked up in the middle of stopping a patient's bleeding to see black leather boots before her. Then, she raised her head to find Daniel standing before her. She looked away and continued with her work. "Yes?" "Help me clean this up." He'd taken his mask off, his tanned face unreadable. It had been two years since they'd last seen each other. Now that they were reunited, Freya still couldn't help feeling a little scared of him. Based on what she remembered, he was a little domineering, and he spoke and acted brusquely. "I'm almost done here." She picked up the pace and recorded the time. Then, she called out to Jade, who was somewhere behind her, "I'm done with the last one, Jade. They can be sent to the hospital now." She turned back to Daniel. "Have a seat." She sterilized her hands and scanned him. There didn't seem to be any wounds on him, so she asked, "Where's your injury?" "The side of my abdomen." He lifted his shirt, revealing the bandage around his waist. Freya crouched before him, finding that the bandage had already been stained with blood. She removed it and looked at the stitches on the neat woundâit was a knife wound. He asked, "How have you been for the past two years?" "Not too bad." "I was on a mission abroad when your grandfather passed. I've only just returned." Freya faltered. Daniel was explaining why he had missed Neil's funeral. Her voice remained calm as she said, "I understand." They didn't speak anymore after that. Freya didn't ask about the wound, merely cleaning it and bandaging it again. She stood up and took off her gloves, throwing them into the medical waste bin. "You'll have to be careful with your wound for some time. It'll take longer for you to recover if you keep reopening it." "Thanks," he said. "You're welcome." Their conversation was polite and distant. "This is yours, right?" Daniel suddenly held out a sandalwood bracelet with an emerald pendant in the middle. Freya's face was carved on itâit didn't look much like her, though. It was a bracelet her father had made for her. "Yes, it is. Thanks." She reached out for it. Her fingers brushed against his palm as she took the bracelet from him, making her heart skip a beat. She immediately retracted her hand. "I'm leaving." Daniel stood up. He straightened his shirt and returned to his unit. Freya watched as the helicopter started up. The blades spun, lifting the aircraft into the air. Then, it flew away. "Let's go, Dr. Somner. We're taking a police car back," Jade called. Freya snapped to her senses. The helicopter was no longer in sight. All that was left was a vortex cloud left from its tail. She tightened her grip on the bracelet and packed everything up. Then, she ran to Jade with the first-aid kit and medical waste bag in hand. ⌠After the incident, Jason requested that she be placed under counseling and given a month off. Freya returned to work after only three days at home, though. "Go home and rest," he said. "I need to do something with my hands, Dr. Wood." Jason pressed a hand to his forehead and threw her a pair of gloves. "Go to the debridement room and change the dressing for the patients there. You're not allowed to go on house calls or dispatches in the future." "Why?" Freya didn't get it. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15224&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15224&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465249817_520746214095774_6444994746307294846_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NnSR5wYHPYMQ7kNvgEbZQZs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUgm1eHH88bIH1GPnxL_uvb&oh=00_AYBzHJ99AEzGjqx1T5K2l-CD5pt-mk4X8mrls8hwnOSKVg&oe=6745C32B | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | For three days and three nights, Joseph gave me no respite. He had come to live with me as my husband, one I had little respect for. Not only would I never let him touch me, but I'd done everything in my power to belittle him. But now that my fortune had all but disappeared, and he was suddenly a rich man, it was like he was taking his revenge. He seemed to savor every last act we performed. ... My husband came to me with nothing. It wasn't even him I liked; it was his brother. But at a class reunion, I had too much to drink and he took advantage. Not only that, but everyone we knew found out. My father was disgraced. He felt the only thing to do to save our family honor was for me to marry this man. But he did have one condition, that the man who despoiled me would come and live with us in our family home. My new husband's parents were divorced. His father had all but abandoned him after remarrying and now he had nothing. As for me, my family was rich, and I was my parents' little princess. My husband could hardly have dreamed of a better match. So, just like that, we were married. No one even considered what I wanted. I wanted his brother. Naturally, I resented him and everything he'd done. I wouldn't let him near me. I made him sleep on the floor. I would mock him at mealtimes, along with my brother. We'd sneer at him and refuse him food. He'd still do things for me, like bring me umbrellas in the rain, but I'd make sure to insult him nonetheless. I couldn't feel easy letting him get away with what he'd done. Despite all this, he never seemed to mind. It was like he had no temper, no self-respect. Whatever me or my family said and did, he would always sit there meekly and take it. Objectively, he wasn't bad to look at. If he hadn't been so introverted and if his grades hadn't been so bad then he'd probably have got a lot more attention at school. His brother was a different story. Handsome, outgoing, with impeccable grades, he was what you might call a bit of a schoolyard celebrity. To think that our burgeoning romance was snuffed out so cruelly by my husband's actions was a source of great pain and anger. In the middle of the night, I got out of bed and kicked my husband awake, demanding a drink. He immediately pulled himself to his feet and dutifully got me a glass of water. As there was a slight autumn chill in the air, he even warmed it up for me. Such thoughtfulness might have charmed me, but all I could think of was how he'd used me the night of our class reunion. My anger flared and I threw the whole glass of water in his face. His only reaction was to go to the bathroom to dry himself off. Watching him quietly slink away, I almost felt a pang of guilt for my actions. That is, until I reminded myself once more of what he'd done and how my life would never be the same again. This was our life for the first three years of marriage. But a lot can happen in three years. For example, my family losing our fortune, or me starting to fall for my husband, or even... him deciding he wanted a divorce. When he handed me the divorce papers, he said it was because his childhood sweetheart had returned. I have to admit, at that moment, I was in shock. It was like a great weight was crushing my body and I could hardly breathe. But I had too much self-respect to let him see how he was hurting me. With as carefree an expression as I could muster, I took the pen from his hand and signed the papers. As soon as I had done so, he asked me, not unkindly, "Would you like my driver to take you home?" It took me a while to react. The villa I was in, the villa I had called home for over 20 years, was no longer mine. My family was broke. All of our possessions had been sold off. All this while he, the man who had forced me into marriage when he had nothing to his name, had secretly started his own company and built his own fortune behind my back. To add insult to injury, it was he who had bought our family home. Not that I could blame him completely. Or that I had any claim to his wealth. He had worked hard to get where he was, without a penny of help from me or my family, all while suffering in silence. He stared at me in silence, waiting for my response. He suddenly seemed so reasonable, while I was now ashamed of how I'd treated him. After all that I'd put him through, it would be only natural for him to use this reversal of fortunes to exact his revenge. But he wasn't doing so. If anything, he seemed just as meek and mild-mannered as before. "There's no need. I'll find my own way back." I replied. As soon as I'd finished speaking, I turned and hurried outside. His voice called after me, calmly, "What did you come to see me about?" "Nothing" I called back, without even turning my head. It was raining outside and I clutched the gift I was carrying tightly to keep it dry. Today was our third-year anniversary. I'd never done anything nice for him before, but since realizing I had developed feelings for him, I thought it might be nice to celebrate a nice occasion together. I'd never dreamed that what awaited me was a pile of divorce papers. I smiled a bitter smile as the rain soaked through my clothing and left me drenched. The next day, I woke up sniffling. I lay there in bed, feeling too weak to get up. Eventually, a commotion outside disturbed me from my malaise. I dragged myself feebly out of bed. When I made it outside, my father was sitting atop a crumbling wall, declaring to all that he wanted to terminate his life. We were now living in a dilapidated apartment block. Conditions in the building were poor, but the rent was cheap. My mother was crying and wailing, screaming at my father that if he jumped, she would follow suit. My head was pounding as I tried to talk my father down. I tried to tell him that money isn't everything, that as long as we have each other we'd be fine. My father looked at me, suddenly quiet. His eyes seemed to be burning into my soul. "Go ask Joseph for help. He's family. He wouldn't abandon us now." Having heard my father's words, my mother hastily added, "Of course! Maybe we haven't always seen eye to eye, but he's your husband. He's certain to help." I could almost have laughed. My parents still had no idea about our divorce. I tried to tell them he wouldn't help, but my father started becoming hysterical once more. He left me with no choice. I had to go crawling back to Joseph. To my "husband". Before I left, my mother insisted on spending the last of our money to get me a new outfit: a long dress with a deep-cut V-neck and a pair of pointy leather shoes. She also helped me do my make-up so I was dolled up to the nines. As I looked myself up and down in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of revulsion. I didn't look at all like someone asking for help. I looked more like I was on a mission to seduce. But even if I turned up on his doorstep in my birthday suit, I doubt he'd give me more than a cursory glance. At that time, I couldn't understand why he'd slept with me at our class reunion. Could it be that he was just as drunk as I was? Had he mistaken me for his sweetheart? I quickly put those thoughts out of my mind. Even though I was doomed to fail, I would go to ask him for help. That way my parents could give up on the fantasy that he might save us. After making some inquiries, I discovered that he was at his company's offices. And so, that's where I went. I headed inside, while my parents, who had accompanied me this far, waited outside. The looks of pure, desperate hope on their faces were almost too much for me to bear, knowing how much this would disappoint them. When I arrived at his office, I was greeted by a sea of unfriendly faces. I could make out people talking about me as I passed. Nothing I heard was nice. I pretended not to notice. I straightened my shoulders and made straight for his personal office. But as soon as I saw him, I could feel my confidence fade. He was sitting on his chair, radiating poise, smiling broadly as he watched me approach... Chapter 2 I stood there wringing my fingers in shame as I explained why I had come. Joseph's gaze grew stern as he asked, "And why do you think I should help you?" It was clear that I had been right to think he would reject me. "Please, forget I even came." After everything we put him through, my family should be happy he wasn't seeking revenge. To come here asking him for help was nonsense. I'd swallowed my pride for my parents' sake, but obviously, we'd get no help from him. I was beginning to get angry at myself for even trying. I started to leave but he called me back. "Tell me. What do you have to offer in return? If I feel like it's worth it, then I'm sure we can make a deal." I froze in my tracks. My mind was whirring but I could think of nothing to offer him. Nothing except my body. But if he wanted that, we'd been married for three years. While we didn't share a bed, we at least shared a room. In three years, he'd never once made a move. I lowered my head, mumbling through my shame, "Just forget I came." Unexpectedly, he walked over and stood in front of me. He was a good head taller than me. He leaned over slightly and whispered against my ear. "You came here dressed like that. Why play coy now?" I felt my body stiffen and my shame burned even brighter. I wanted so desperately to turn and run. He put his hands around my waist and flashed me a knowing smile. "Three years of marriage. Every night, sleeping alone on the floor. You don't think I've dreamed of that body of yours? Why not offer me that?" My eyes grew wide. For a moment, I doubted my own ears. At last, I asked, "What are you saying?" He stared at me, his eyes as deep and impenetrable as a bottomless ocean. A sense of panic rose up inside me. Wordlessly, without looking away, he moved his fingers up and gently pulled down the straps of my dress. My cheeks flushed red and I pushed him away. I shouted, angrily, "If you won't help, just say so! I didn't expect you to anyway. There's no need to insult me like this!" Joseph looked at me, a hard-to-read expression crossing his face, like a mixture of anger and amusement. He said, "You think this is an insult?" "Is it not?" He clearly had feelings for someone else. To act this way towards me could be seen as nothing but insulting. He suddenly turned away and sat back down in his chair. When he raised his head to look at me once more, his gaze was cold. He sneered, "The way you're dressed, I thought you were serious, but it seems you haven't thought this through. If you're not here to make a deal, then I suggest you leave." I never expected him to help. Having had my prediction confirmed, I turned and left the office. As soon as I stepped outside the building, my parents were there to ask me how things went. "Will he help us?" My father asked urgently. All I could do was shake my head. My father's rage erupted. "The ungrateful swine. Now he's made his fortune he's forgotten his own family? If I'd have seen him for what he is, I'd never have let him marry you!" My mother joined in. "He always acted so civil, like a dutiful son-in-law. But now that he doesn't need us, he leaves us out in the cold!" I let out a helpless sigh. "There's no use cursing him now. Besides, he never took a penny from us, never made use of your connections. He's entitled to his business. "And it's not like we treated him much like a part of the family. Surely, you can see why he might not want to help us." My parents didn't respond, but it was clear from their expressions that they weren't impressed. Looking at them like this, my head, still heavy from whatever illness I'd caught the night before, began to hurt even worse. That evening, my brother took his phone and called each of his old friends, asking them for help. Back when we had money, they'd pick up the phone and come out drinking in a flash. Now that we were destitute, not a single one would answer. In his fury, my brother smashed the phone. I lay curled up in bed and tried to comfort him. "This is the world we live in. Friendship isn't what it used to be." My mother was sitting nearby, crying. The financial straits we were in meant it was unlikely we were ever going to recover. The best we could hope for was to somehow pay off our debts. My family's creditors were making daily appearances, demanding money. The calls were so frequent that it was impossible to focus our attention on anything else. My father was desperate. "Anna, why not try asking Joseph for a loan? He has money. At the very least, he should be able to lend us some." Then my mother chimed in. "Even if you divorced, wouldn't he have to give you some of his money?" I curled up tighter beneath the blankets. How was I supposed to tell them I hadn't got a single penny out of our divorce? My brother had heard as much as he could take. "That's enough! Sending Anna off to beg for mercy is degrading. Don't you remember how we treated him when he was with us?" Suddenly, a flash of realization crossed my mother's face. She quickly asked, "Did Joseph insult you when you went to see him?" I shook my head. "No. Of course not." My mother looked reassured. Almost to herself, she muttered, "Of course he wouldn't. He's always been such a well-mannered person, not to mention obedient. He clearly likes and admires you. How could he possibly insult you?" I barely suppressed a scornful laugh and said nothing in response. My father let out an anguished sign. He turned his gaze towards the unlocked balcony and declared his desire to end his life once more. Hearing this, my mother again started crying. By now, my head was ready to explode. All we needed was money. Even just a little would help stave off our creditors for a time, while we could work on getting more. A few days later, once my health had sufficiently recovered, I set out to find work. Most jobs I could find paid too little to put a dent in our debts, but I'd heard you could make good money trading booze in the high-end clubs. I'd seen this myself when I used to go clubbing with my friends. The customers in those places were crazy tippers. I picked my favorite club from the old days and went in to see if I could land myself a job. The manager recognized me immediately and was happy to bring me on board. He even let me start off by working the VIP tables. Serving those rich kids and big shots meant I was bringing in a decent living in tips. I never thought that one day, one of the VIPs I was serving would turn out to be Joseph. He would never have frequented an establishment such as this. At least, not while we were married. In fact, back then, if I was ever going to the club on a night out with friends, he would try to persuade me not to. He always said places like this were bad news. Of course, whenever to tried to stop me, I would insult and belittle him, until he gave in and left. He always seemed so innocent and naive. Yet here he was now. It was almost as if his meek and obedient nature had all been an elaborate ruse. He was staring at me in silence. The condescension in his gaze made me want to run and hide. If I'd have known he would be here tonight, I'd have swapped tables with one of the other staff. Just as I was hoping for the earth to swallow me up, a cacophony of wolf whistles caught my attention. As I looked around to see where they were coming from, I realized that everyone at the table with Joseph was one of my brother's erstwhile friends. Fair-weather would be a nice way to describe them. Now that Joseph was rich, these fawning hangers-on had flocked to him instead. They knew all about how I'd treated him, and now, as if to curry favor, they were making sure to humiliate me in turn. I could see it would be best to leave. Just as I was about to take my tray of drinks and go, a male voice piped up. Chapter 3 "Hey! Aren't you Anna? Joseph's wife? What's wrong? Feeling shy? Come have a drink. "Hold on a second ... Why are you wearing that uniform?" As soon as he finished speaking, the table erupted in laughter. I gripped the sides of my drinks tray and took a deep breath. What choice did I have? They'd already seen me, and they were going to have their fun no matter what I did. It's not like I could escape now. Who knew, maybe I could even get a few tips from them if I weathered the storm. My family's creditors weren't going anywhere. My father was still proclaiming daily how he didn't want to go on living, my mother was a one-woman waterworks, and my brother was running himself ragged as a delivery driver. Now wasn't the time for clinging on to hollow pride. I walked back over to their table, working hard to force a smile. I put on my best attempt at a jaunty voice and said, "What a coincidence. I didn't expect to see you all here. We're all friends; if you're happy with the service, feel free to leave a little something extra." "Ha ha ha." I was greeted by scoffs and sneers from the man who had called me over. I remembered his face. Back when my family had money, he was always following us around like a star-struck sycophant. Now that we had fallen on hard times, we were suddenly beneath him. I felt a strong urge to reach out and slap his grinning face. But now wasn't the time for self-indulgence. Money was more important. So, I stood there smiling politely and said nothing. This manâPhil, I think his name wasâsuddenly leaned across and put his face close to mine. With an obvious air of smug satisfaction, he jeered, "Look what we have here. Is this the same arrogant Anna, scion of the great Tate family? Not so high and mighty now your parents' money's all gone." The table erupted into mocking laughter once more. Will, another of my brother's old friends, joined in. "If you want a little something extra, then you'll have to work for it. You should know what kind of service people want in a place like this. Why not pull down that dress and give us a sneak peek of what's on offer?" My hands gripped the drinks tray so hard my knuckles went white. I looked over at Joseph. He was sitting there, completely unsympathetic to my plight. I lowered my gaze and placed the drinks tray carefully on the table. Forcing a smile, I said, "Please don't misunderstand. I'm here to serve drinks. We all used to get along once. If you want something to drink, it would be my pleasure to help". "Ha! Have things really got that bad for the illustrious Tates?" Phil dismissively threw his card down on the table, before saying, almost magnanimously, "There's 3,000 on that card. Get on all fours and bark like a dog and you can have it all." Another wave of cruel laughter washed over the table. The commotion had drawn the attention of a few people from the surrounding tables. I felt like a thousand eyes were on me. Two of those eyes belonged to Joseph. He was staring at me impassively, his expression hard to read. I stood there, frozen to the spot. Suddenly, Will threw his own card down on the table. "There's 10,000 on that one. Bark like a dog and then spend the night with us and you can have that one too." I stared at him in disbelief. My family may have lost all our moneyâabout the only thing these leeches cared aboutâbut as far as they were aware, I was still Joseph's wife. I couldn't believe they would dare talk to me like this in front of him. Unless Joseph had already told them about our divorce, but even then, they would have needed some sort of signal from him, otherwise they'd never have the courage to act like this. "What? I thought you needed the money. Now's hardly the time for self-respect." Will was smirking, menacingly. "You won't find a better deal than this anywhere else." He had a point. If my family was ever going to recover, at some point I was going to have to do a few things I wasn't happy about. I stared back at that mocking, moronic face. Just looking at him filled me with revulsion. I picked up the credit card, with its 10,000, and threw it back at Will. "If you want me for a night, then you're going to have to do better than this. Make it a million and I'm all yours." I remembered Will from his days mooching off my brother. He was one of those guys who liked to act the part, but when it came time to pay up, he was as stingy as they came. For him, parting ways with a large amout of money was like cutting off one of his own limbs. Yet now, he was willing to part with 10,000 just to humiliate me. It was hard to imagine what I could have done for him to hate me so much. Was I really that horrible of a person before? "Ha ha ha. Will, you're never going to get what you want being that close-fisted. This is THE Miss Anna Tate. 10,000 is a low-ball offer." The laughter erupted once more. Will's face had turned bright red and he shot me an angry look. "I'm not sure she's even worth that." He said, dismissively. I did my best to ignore him and turned to pick up Phil's card. "So, all I need to do is bark like a dog and this 3,000 is mine?" Phil's mocking expression suddenly turned to one of shock. He clearly never imagined I would take him seriously. I knew full well that Phil was just the same as Will: all bark and no bank account. I could see the unease on his face as he said, "The arrogant Anna Tate, looking down on all of us. Quit joking. There's no way you'd ever put aside your pride and go through with it." He reached over and tried to take his card back. I pulled the card back out of his reach. "Who said I was joking? It's not exactly hard to bark, is it? A few quick woofs and I make 3,000. Sounds like a good bit of business to me." Panic spread across Phil's stricken face. He stared at the card in my hand, desperate to take it back. Will's face had returned to its normal color. "Hurry up and bark then. I want to see how convincingly you beg." All of my pride was gone. All I could think of was the creditors knocking at our door, my parents' despair, and my brother wearing himself thin working for pennies. I took a deep breath, cleared my head, and said, "Okay." But just as I was getting down on all fours, a pair of hands lifted me back up. I looked around in surprise to find Joseph firmly grasping my elbows. My heart jumped. "Get out." His voice was soft but all of my brother's old friends heard him clearly. They all stood up from the table and headed outside. As Phil walked past, he grabbed the credit card from my hand, a grim look on his face. Joseph's eyes bored into me. "Is your family really that broke?" I extricated myself from his grasp and took a step back. "I think you're very clear on what our situation is like, Mr. Hertz." Our family's fall from grace was big news across the city. Everyone and their dog knew what dire straits we were in. There was no way Joseph wasn't already acutely aware. "Mr. Hertz?" He seemed amused, yet his gaze darkened. I had no idea what was going through his mind right then. To be honest, I just wanted him to leave. I waved towards the drinks tray, which was still sitting on the table. "If you're satisfied with my service, please feel free to leave a tip." Joseph continued to stare at me in silence, his gaze deep and impenetrable. I wasn't really hoping for a tip. I just wanted to find a way to end our conversation. I forced another smile and turned to leave. Joseph suddenly called out, "I'll give you a million." I froze, hardly believing my ears. I turned back to face him. "What did you say?" He took a step forward. Our faces were now only inches apart. He stared into my eyes. "I'll give you a million ... but you have to spend the night with me." Chapter 4 My lips quivered with barely suppressed rage. I wanted to scream at him. But this wasn't the Joseph from my marriage. He was rich now, and powerful. I swallowed my anger and replied curtly, "Joseph, please don't joke with me like this. I have work to do." "It's the same offer you gave to Will. Why not leave it open to me?" Joseph said quietly, his voice cold. I frowned. "That was hardly an offer. He was never going to accept it." "You told him that if he gave you 1,000,000, you'd spend the night with him. Well, I have a million, so why won't you spend the night with me?" I couldn't help but drop my smile. I had only given Will that "offer" because I knew he didn't have a million to give me. Did Joseph really think I was being serious? He walked over to me. He said, "Your family is in dire straits. All you need to do is spend one night with me and 1,000,000 could be yours." My hands tightened with fury. I understood exactly why he was doing this. To humiliate me. I did my best to control the emotion in my voice as I smiled at him coldly. "So, now you have money you think you're suddenly above me? It's true, my family is broke, but I'm not about to stoop so low as to trade my body!" Having said all I needed to, I turned around and hurried away. My eyes were already wet with tears. A tide of complex emotions swelled up inside me. With my brothers' old friends, it didn't matter how much they insulted me, I couldn't care less. But with Joseph, it was different. His humiliation filled me with pain and sadness. I hurried to the club's entrance hall where I was shocked to find my brother. He was dressed in his delivery driver's uniform and was surrounded by his old "friends". For the sake of a couple of notes, he was kneeling on the floor before them. At that moment, my remaining pride and self-respect crumbled to nothing. I bit my lip, tears streaming from my eyes. To make a little money, my brother was willing to reduce himself to this, while I was too proud to face up to Joseph's insult and make our family a million. I turned around and ran up the stairs I had just come down, praying that Joseph was still there. I sprinted back to his table to find him still sitting there. It was almost as if he knew I would come crawling back. There was a smile plastered on his face. I tried to compose myself as I approached him. "You must really hate me for how I treated you before." Without waiting for him to respond, I went on, "Fine. As long as you help my family pay off their debts, you can humiliate me any way you want, for as long as you please." Joseph lowered his gaze to his glass. He smiled even wider. "You'd be willing to be my mistress?" I took a deep breath. "Yes." He'd got rid of me as his wife, to replace me with his sweetheart, but he still wanted to keep me as his mistress. The shame was almost too much to bear. The next day, my father returned home visibly excited. He told us that our debts had all been repaid. My mother cried tears of joy as she asked my father how this had happened. He told her that Joseph had come to his senses and stepped in to help us. He had even bought us a home to live in. Suddenly, Joseph had become an angel in my mother's eyes. How he must love me to help us so much. All I could do was force a smile and bite my tongue. That afternoon, Joseph sent his driver to pick me up. My parents had no reason to be suspicious; as far as they knew, I was still his wife. To them, I was on my way to spend a happy evening with my husband, not to be used as a toy for his carnal gratification. Joseph was now living in the villa that had once belonged to my family. Not much had changed; our old servants and staff were now his. Servants are expected to follow their master, and ours had joined in more than a few times with our humiliation of Joseph. The fact that he had kept them on after taking ownership of the villa showed how magnanimous he could be. I just wondered if that magnanimity would extend to his treatment of me. Thinking back to his demeanor at the nightclub, I somehow doubted it. Our former servants and I were two different cases. At worst, they'd merely been unkind to him in passing. But I had berated him, hit him, thrown things at him, and humiliated him in front of others. Recalling my past treatment of Joseph left me feeling uncomfortable. If I'd have known that one day our roles would be reversed, I'd have been a lot nicer to him from the start. Poppy, our old maid, led me to his door. "Master Joseph asked you to wait for him here. Also ... " She paused, as though uncomfortable with what she had been asked to say. "He asked that you wash yourself before his return." My heart sank. Clearly, both of us could see what he wanted from me. But what other choice did I have? I'd already agreed to be his mistress. I was well aware that I was giving up my dignity. Joseph's room was the very same bedroom we had shared while we were married. Yet now, it felt very different. Before, there had been a mat on the floor by the side of the bed. That was where Joseph had slept while I looked down on him from my bed on high, making sure to remind him of his place. That mat was no longer here. Neither was my high and mighty feeling of superiority. Another thing that was missing was my husband's meek and obedient facade. The past is the past, I reminded myself, as I entered the bathroom with a heavy heart and turned on the shower. After getting clean, I laid down on the bed to await Joseph's return. I'd signed on to be his mistress, so I might as well play the part. Things had certainly changed since the last time I was here, but lying on that bed, I thought to myself that it could have been a lot worse. My family's debts, at the very least, had been paid off. My parents could rest easy. My brother would no longer have to work himself to the bone or prostrate himself at the feet of false friends. All of these things came as a comfort to me. I had no idea when Joseph would return. Tired out from the last few days of working and worrying, I soon fell asleep. When I awoke, there seemed to be a great weight pressing down on me. As my senses gradually returned, I realized that Joseph was on top of me. What's more, his hands were moving underneath my clothes. "How ... How dare you!" Without thinking, I raised my hands to push him off. But before I knew it, he had grabbed hold of my wrists and forced them down. "Even now, your pampered temper's still intact." He jeered at me. I gazed around at the familiar room and then at the familiar man before me. It took me a while to fully remember where I was. This bedroom we were in was now his, and I was nothing more than his mistress. My arms went limp, I meekly let out a soft apology, "I'm sorry". He laughed, standing up and heading towards the bathroom. As he cleaned himself, I wrung my hands nervously. Before all this, once I had begun to have feelings for him, the thought of his touch on my body had not been an unpleasant one. But this was different. There was nothing mutual or respectful about our current situation. This was simply possession and revenge. In such circumstances, the thought of what was to come was horrifying, but I had nowhere to run. After what seemed like an age, he finally emerged from the bathroom. The sound of the door opening once more was almost more than my frayed nerves could take. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15053&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15053&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464613788_1229065298338733_5472258890189944958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y4gEEvy0UiEQ7kNvgF9A1oA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUgm1eHH88bIH1GPnxL_uvb&oh=00_AYDxtjLzlCKlgJGehL1IMuHaeoKn_-UAvN8tDf368dPvzw&oe=6745AC21 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461342866_403665495877678_8039372569247806790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pi5R4WJUIpIQ7kNvgEzCJgZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUgm1eHH88bIH1GPnxL_uvb&oh=00_AYCziqgVwSsEtkSI1je0xlNeCG5D80Nh619118VtCqXg6g&oe=6745A035 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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â¤ď¸đ click to read on đ | Riley Allen tried to save her marriage, but when she found her husbandâs mistress was carrying a baby and she lost her own child at the same time, she quickly realized it was not worth fighting for. To get enough money to save her motherâs life, Riley signed an unfair divorce paper and gave up the career she carefully built. But why did Adrian King, the hottest Billionaire and her ex-husbandâs past rival, propose to her who had nothing? - "I only need one favor from you," Adrian said, staring into Riley's eyes and declared, "After your divorce is finalized, marry me." "W-what?" Riley gulped. Adrian didn't respond. He pointed to his assistant and ordered, "Explain, Clint." "Miss Allen, the other day, in order to bring you to the hospital and ensure your health, Mr. King missed his engagement party with his fiancĂŠe, Leni Eros, an heir to the Eros Empire in Dowel City. And because of it, Miss Leni Eros canceled their marriage," Clint continued, "So, Mr. King needs a new wife." Riley's heart raced. 'What in the world did he think of? He abandoned a beautiful heiress to bring me to the hospital!' 'But did he have to stay with me until ten in the evening?' He didn't have to hug me and comfort me!' Rileyâs brow unwittingly raised. "So, it was my fault that you lost your fiancĂŠe?" "I'm not blaming you," Adrian replied. "You said you'd do me a favor, and this is the favor I asked for." "I may not be the wealthiest in my family, but I am at least richer than Brian. I can provide for all your needs, take care of your mother's hospitalization. I can also help you build an even better jewelry company. Lastly, I will ensure you get justice for what Brian has done to you." Adrian raised his chin, narrowed his eyes, "I promise you, he will be punished." "And don't worry. This is a simple arrangement," Adrian assured Riley as he fixed his tie. "You don't need to know all the details, but what I'm saying is that marrying is advantageous to me in many ways." "Like a contract marriage?" Riley clarified. "Hmm," Adrian answered. "You could say that, but this will be a respectful one. "Adrian ran his fingers through his long, dark hair. "What do you think, Riley?" Riley blinked again. | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15430&u | Happyday | https://www.facebook.com/61558228850235/ | 1,406 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15430&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465910637_3831521507176109_6733139206015814204_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z0wOOR6zWdwQ7kNvgE8vRZP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYAhHpiaz-NgnmZwYJEC_os4B7Xnxs5CoPz05xHTl_I_JA&oe=67459AB4 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Happyday | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrettâs victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." âOh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463384564_1258191665321352_3920804691950976922_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=owKWd7ipD7gQ7kNvgHYKfEG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A--hbIVMe4X0xy7L2vieAjo&oh=00_AYAf5DyxXbM_d005Anb13Zspff2gTgA5XMvelv-snwAumA&oe=6745BC15 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | When Helena Lane arrived at the police station, dawn had yet to break. Tiny snowflakes swirled in the night wind, melting as soon as they touched the ground, leaving a muddy mess. Two hours earlier, Helena had received news that her newlywed husband, Kenneth Keller, had been arrested on suspicion of assault. Not wanting to alarm her family, she came alone as his lawyer and closest relative. Seated in the visitation room, Helena was focused on cleaning the grayish mud off her high heels when Kenneth entered, escorted by two officers. Seeing her, his eyes flickered with a hint of surprise before he casually slouched into the seat across from her, looking more relaxed than he ever did at home. There wasnât a hint of panic in his demeanor and certainly no trace of fear. As the heir to one of Greenwickâs most powerful family empires, Kenneth was notorious for his rebellious streak, acting with complete disregard for convention and authority. Fear? It was something others felt around him, not the other way around. Had it not been for the high-ranking officer overseeing the case, he wouldnât have been here at all, no matter what trouble he caused. Helena stared at him, expressionless, and got straight to the point. âMr. Keller, care to explain what happened last night?â Kenneth draped his arms over the back of the chair, lazily studying the woman seated opposite him, who looked all serious and professional. Her camel cashmere coat was pressed to perfection, her clear, unblemished face free of makeup, and her low ponytail perfectly in place. She showed none of the anger or panic one might expect from a wife whoâd just learned of her husbandâs charges. Her demeanor was all business. âAnd are you asking as the corporate attorney, orâŚâ he let his lips curl slightly, pausing deliberately, then lowered his voice to a murmur, âas my wife?â The low, suggestive tone seemed to linger in the air, but Helena remained unfazed, her gaze cool. âIs there a difference?â He raised an eyebrow. âIf youâre here as an attorney, I want a replacement.â He paused, then gave her a sidelong glance, a touch of mischief gleaming in his eyes. âIf youâre here as my wife, then you should start by calling me âhoney.ââ Helena glanced at him, completely unamused by the little game he was playing in a situation like this. This was all too typical of him. âIf the charges stick, youâll be looking at three to ten years behind bars.â Helenaâs cool voice was laced with sarcasm as she added, âTired of your fancy feasts, Mr. Keller? Thought youâd try bread and pickles for a change?â Kenneth met her mildly annoyed gaze. He was entirely unfazed and even held a roguish grin. âWhat, worried about me?â Seeing that Kenneth had no intention of cooperating, Helena, who had only come as a formality, decided not to waste any more time and rose to leave. âThis is the police station, Mr. Keller. Talking nonsense here is more troublesome than keeping silent,â she reminded him, urging him not to spout off. âAnd remember, we signed a prenuptial agreement.â Feelings of attachment had no place in their contractual, paper-thin marriage. Were it not for the fact that he was needed at the South City project bidding event that afternoonâor the concern that his grandmother would worry if she learned of his arrestâshe wouldnât have bothered with him at all. It wasnât until Helenaâs figure disappeared through the door that Kenneth slowly withdrew his gaze. She hadnât even glanced back, completely indifferent to whether or not heâd assaulted another woman. But then again, to her, their marriage was never real. Sheâd personally drafted the prenuptial agreement and had never considered him a life partner. In truth, she had never intended for him to play any lasting role in her life. The roguish smile on his handsome face faded gradually. His eyelids lowered, and his eyes held a barely perceptible hint of disappointment. Ten minutes later, Helena found herself outside the interview room, facing the lead officer, Eric Langston. After five years, Ericâs aura was more intimidating than ever, radiating a fierce, unapproachable presence that surpassed even what she remembered. Helena had anticipated seeing Eric at the police station, but when she finally faced him, she paused for a couple of seconds to collect herself. Five years ago, Helena could never have guessed that, Eric, her frugal, hardworking seniorâa man sheâd worked part-time jobs withâcame from a prominent family. That was until Ericâs mother warned her, âA beggar of unknown origin, a stray the Keller family took in, daring to latch onto my son? Take a good look at yourself! âMy son has a fiancĂŠeâsomeone whose family background, upbringing, and character make you unworthy to even shine her shoes. Oh, and in case you didnât know, theyâll be going abroad together soon. âYouâd better understand your place and stop shamelessly clinging to my son. Getting rid of someone as low as you is easier than squashing an ant.â Before she turned seven, Helena had been forced to beg on the streets, only to be rescued during a police raid on a human trafficking ring. Since her parents were never identified through the DNA database, she was sent to an orphanage. She grew up used to the scorn of others but never had she felt such raw humiliation. It was as though her dignity had been ripped away, thrown to the ground, and trampled upon. Any feelings she had for Eric vanished completely. If he hadnât hidden his identity, she wouldnât have suffered this shame. Out of pride and resentment, she never saw him again after that, even after he graduated. As time went by, Helena realized that Ericâs mother had been behind it all and that she might have directed some of her resentment toward him unfairly. With a polite yet distant smile, Helena broke the silence. âEric, itâs been a long time.â Eric assessed Helena with an impassive gaze. Seeing her composed demeanor, he raised his brows slightly and nodded. He then turned and entered the interview room first. Helena exhaled deeply, steeling herself as she followed him inside as a witness. Her marriage to Kenneth was a well-kept secret. Aside from close family, no one knew they were married. Kenneth refused to cooperate with the police, adamantly withholding any details about what happened the previous night. Left with no choice, Helena had to implement a backup plan: testifying as his wife. After all, rumor had it that in Wellington's criminal investigations division, Eric was known as the âJudge"âonce he set his sights on someone, even the smallest sins from birth would be unearthed. Kenneth, being the reckless type, was bound to have skeletons in his closet. With the South City project at a critical juncture and Kennethâs role as CEO on the line, this was the worst possible time for a scandal. Moreover, his grandmother's frail health couldn't withstand such a shock. Helena knew she had to protect him, both for professional and personal reasons. Once the deposition was complete, Eric regarded Helena with a complicated expression. âWhen did you and Mr. Keller get married?â Helena met his intense gaze, feeling a slight ripple in her heart before quickly composing herself. She replied calmly, âAlmost a month ago. Would you like to see the marriage certificate?â It had only been a month since Eric had applied for a transfer back to Greenwick. Had it not been for a minor delay in the paperwork... Ericâs gaze darkened, and after a moment, he spoke with difficulty, âAre you certain you were with him the entire night?â After a brief pause, he added, âAs a lawyer, you should be aware of the consequences of perjury.â Sensing his doubt, Helena took a deep breath and responded with professional confidence. âAccording to Article 305 of the Criminal Code, committing perjury is punishable by up to three years in prison or detention. In serious cases, it carries a sentence of three to seven years. "And if a lawyer commits a crime intentionally, their license will be revoked. Which is precisely why my testimony carries even more weight.â Kenneth had been accused of breaking into a hotel room at 12:37 a.m., assaulting a female celebrity, and not leaving until more than two hours had passed. Testifying as his wife, Helena claimed that Kenneth had been home until just before midnight, stepping out only at 11:57 p.m. By her calculations, even in the fastest sports car, it would take at least an hour to reach the hotel from their house. Moreover, she had obtained all surveillance footage from the route Kenneth took after leaving, each clip showing him driving past, proving he had no time to commit the crime. Chapter 0002 "The police retrieved hotel surveillance screenshots that show the perpetrator wearing a mask. Basing suspicion on nothing more than a similar build and hairstyle is clearly insufficient evidence.â Helenaâs voice was calm but precise, each word landing with conviction. Eric felt a slight ringing in his ears from her firm tone. Watching her, who was radiating professional confidence, he couldnât help but recall how she once dominated the debate stage back in college with the same spirit. The secondary officer, noticing Ericâs silence, couldnât hold back. âThe victim identified him personally, and we found DNA that matches Mr. Kellerâsâthatâs our strongest evidence!â Helenaâs sharp, clear gaze didnât waver; she remained as composed as ever, unshaken. âAfter more than two hours of alleged assault, not a single fingerprint or any other biological trace was recovered from the victim or the scene. I have every reason to believe Kenneth is being framed.â The secondary officer protested, âWhat if he knew how to cover his tracks, cleaning the scene thoroughly?â âWhat if?â Helenaâs lips curved slightly, and her eyes held a confident gleam. âWhat if he wasnât there at all? Itâs the policeâs duty to eliminate reasonable doubt; the law doesnât permit presumption of guilt.â The officer was left speechless, eventually turning to Eric for backup, only to see him staring at Helena in a daze. Unable to resist, he nudged Eric with his elbow. âYouâŚdo you really believe him?â Eric finally came to his senses, his voice hoarse as he asked. Helena paused, taken aback. Did she believe Kenneth? Ever since she was adopted by the Keller family at ten, supposedly due to a favorable fortune reading, she had witnessed Kennethâs defiance and disregard for rules and morals, his actions always based on his whims. But when she received the news of his arrest around three in the morning, even knowing the police had collected his DNA, her first move hadnât been to go to the station. Instead, sheâd instructed someone to look for evidence of his alibi. Subconsciously, when it came to this matter, she actually trusted Kenneth! No matter how he usually acted out, heâd never crossed that line. This realization brought an inexplicable unease to her heart. She averted her gaze from Eric and said softly but firmly, âI only trust the evidence.â Eric watched her, remaining silent for a long time. With the alibi evidence presented, Kennethâs suspicion was reduced. Given his influential status, the police had no choice but to grant Helenaâs request for bail. âSomeone actually managed to wrest a detainee from the captainâs handsâlooks like weâre in for a miracle,â murmured an officer. "Miss Lane works for the legal department at Keller Corporation, doesnât she? Sheâs not only beautiful but also impressively skilled with criminal casesâdefinitely worth a second look." "Sheâs actually two years his juniorâtheyâre both alumni. With all her achievements, how did they not know each other back then?" Eric stood by the window, the officers' murmurs buzzing in his ears, his sharp gaze fixed on the scene below. The tall, commanding figure of a man walked out of the police station, following a slender woman. From behind, they looked like a perfect match, though it stung to watch. Ericâs hands, hanging at his sides, clenched instinctively. Memories from five years ago surfaced vividly. At graduation, his family arranged for him to study abroad. Before leaving, he asked Helena to meet him, intending to confess his feelings. If she was willing, heâd take her with him; heâd even secured a spot for her at the same school. But from evening until dawn, he waited for five long hours. Helena never showed, and then she blocked his number. Unable to let go, he sought her out that night, only to witness Helena stepping out of Kennethâs car, her clothes disheveled. Sensing his presence, Kenneth shifted to block her view, shielding her as they headed toward the house. One of Kennethâs security guards quickly covered Ericâs mouth and dragged him to the side entrance. Eric struggled, desperate to confront Helena and find out what had happened but was met with Kennethâs unrestrained fist. "Sheâs mine. Try to get close to her again, and I donât care if your last nameâs LangstonâIâll end you life." After that night, every attempt Eric made to see Helena was thwarted by Kenneth. Finally, Kenneth âaccidentallyâ called him, letting him hear Helena say she didnât want to see him and never would. Eric had given himself five years to let go, yet he still couldnât. But now, he had come back only to find he was one step too late! Back then, Eric sensed that Helena had feelings for him. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the surge of resentment and resisted the urge to rush down and pull Helena away. Kenneth, initially following leisurely behind Helena, suddenly quickened his pace as they approached the car, as though sensing something. He wrapped an arm around her, his touch overly intimate. Helenaâs body went rigid, and she instinctively tried to push him off with a frown. "Whatâs gotten into you now?" "Didnât sleep all nightâcanât walk straight," Kenneth replied, completely unbothered, practically leaning his full weight onto her shoulder. Helena muttered, âServes you right,â under her breath. Realizing they were almost at the car and that she couldnât budge him, she gave up and resigned herself to dragging him along like a dead weight. Fortunately, ever since Kenneth had pushed her into the fountain when she was twelve, sheâd kept up with self-defense training over the years, enough to prevent him from easily knocking her over. Finally reaching the car, Kenneth, in a rare moment of consideration, opened the door for her and even held a hand above the frame to protect her from bumping her head. Helena eyed him warily. âWhat are you up to now?â From the first day sheâd met Kenneth, sheâd learned that the prettier the smile, the more dangerous the person. "I'm Kenneth Keller; you can call me Ken!" Helena had never seen such a beautiful boy before. Standing in the sunlight, he looked like a porcelain doll that glowed. His bright smile eased some of her nervousness at being in her new home. She shyly placed her hand in his. But the next moment, his smile turned malicious and dangerous. She felt something slimy squirm in her palm, and when she looked down, a small green snake was flicking its tongue at her. Horrified, Helena fainted instantly. He was worse than the kids who bullied her back at the orphanage. As Kenneth grew older, his methods of teasing and tormenting Helena became endlessly inventive. Helena went from feeling nervous and afraid to a constant state of vigilance, learning to gauge the level of danger just by reading his expressions and movements. Just like now. Her entire body tensed, ready to respond at any moment. Kennethâs roguish grin spread across his finely sculpted face, softening with an unusual gentleness. âComing all the way here early in the morning to rescue me from 'Judge Langston'âthanks for the effort, honey.â Helena held his gaze for a few seconds, assessing the threat level. Confirming it was low, she mentally deactivated her alert. She rubbed her arms discreetly, trying to shake off the goosebumps, then leaned down and got into the car. Kenneth shut the door for her and made his way around to the passenger side. Before getting in, he shot a smug, defiant grin and lifted his brows at a particular window of the police station, oozing satisfaction. âWhere did you actually go last night?â Helena finally asked after theyâd driven a fair distance from the station. Though sheâd found enough evidence to prove Kenneth didnât have time to commit the crime, the police had still found his DNA at the scene, a fact that couldnât be overlooked. Without clearing up this detail, his suspicion wouldnât fully dissipate. Knowing his movements would allow Helena to defend him more effectively and prevent further police scrutiny. Kenneth reclined lazily in his seat, adopting his usual indifference. He shot back with her own words, âDid you forget about the prenuptial agreement you drafted yourself, Miss Lane?â No interference. No questions. It was the most crucial clause in their marriage agreement, second only to asset divisionâthe very foundation of their contractual union. âMr. Keller, I have no intention of prying into your private life,â Helena said, keeping her eyes on the road as she gripped the steering wheel, patiently explaining, âRight now, youâre only out on bail. The police havenât dropped their suspicions. Knowing your whereabouts last night is the only way to clear you.â Kenneth suddenly sat up, turning to study the sharp lines of her profile. His eyes flickered slightly, and his voice held a faint, almost undetectable trace of tension. âDo youâŚbelieve I didnât do it?â Chapter 0003 Helena ignored Kennethâs odd look and said coolly, "What kind of woman could you possibly not get, Mr. Keller? You donât need to stoop to something so low." In terms of looks, wealth, and power, Kenneth was a constant presence in the countryâs top three "Most Eligible Bachelors" lists. Women who fawned over him numbered in the thousands. A month ago, on that fateful night when heâd let his guard slipâan infatuated woman had drugged him, leading to an unexpected encounter with a drunken Helena. Kenneth scoffed and settled back into his seat, smirking. âSince you know me so well, Miss Lane, why donât you take a guess at where I was last night?â Helena frowned slightly. âMr. Keller, your lack of cooperation will only prolong the police investigation.â âAnd so what?â Kenneth scoffed, raising an eyebrow. âAre you worried the police will dig too deep, or are you more concerned that someone else might come up empty-handed?â Realizing heâd let slip more than he intended, Kenneth quickly shifted his focus, glancing at the upcoming intersection. âTake a left here and drop me off at the Starlight Club.â Ignoring his veiled jabs, Helena kept her tone professional. âThe afternoonâs bidding event is important. Youâll need to attend in top form.â Without a word, she continued driving in the opposite direction, away from the club. Kenneth was silent for a moment, then lifted his gaze with a wry smile. âMiss Lane, are you planning to breach the marriage agreement? Because if thatâs the case, then I could ask you to fulfill certain marital duties.â Screech! The car came to an abrupt halt. The white sedan quickly reversed direction and headed straight for Greenwickâs largest entertainment club. When Kenneth chose to be reckless, nothingânot even a contractâcould rein him in. The only reason he upheld their agreement was that Helena had followed it to the letter. If she broke it, what right did she have to expect him to do the same? Though Kenneth was unpredictable, he never shirked his responsibilities. After a night out and a morning spent at Starlight, he still showed up impeccably dressed and right on time for the afternoon bidding event. But as soon as it ended, he vanished once again. Helena was on her way back to the office when she received a call from Kennethâs grandmother, Rachel Wilson. âHelena, the bidding event is over, right? Donât forget to come home with Kenneth for dinner tonight!â That was when it hit Helenaâit was the end of the month. The Keller family rule required every family member in Greenwick to return home for dinner on the last day of the month, no matter how busy they were. Kenneth never took that family rule seriously; it was always up to Helena to remind him. This time, however, sheâd been too busy reviewing bid documents and dealing with Kennethâs issues at the police station that morning, so the reminder had slipped her mind. Not wanting to disappoint Rachel, Helena reluctantly called Kenneth three times. But he didnât answer his phone. Kenneth was too independent to tolerate bodyguards trailing him. His protection detail consisted of covert security, hidden and discreet. Helena hesitated, ultimately deciding not to ask them for his whereabouts. They only answered to Kenneth, and they might not tell her anyway. Besides, if he found out sheâd been trying to track him down, who knew what kind of reaction sheâd face? Left with no choice, Helena headed to the Starlight Club on the off chance heâd be there. It seemed her luck was in her favor. She had been to the club a few times before with her friend, Miranda Cook, so the manager recognized her. Upon learning she was looking for Kenneth, he graciously offered to pass along the message. After a few minutes, the manager returned, looking pale, and shook his head apologetically. "Miss Lane, Iâm sorry, but Mr. Keller said heâs unavailable." Helena lowered her gaze, keeping her expression unchanged. When the manager had opened the door to enter, sheâd caught a quick glimpse inside. In the room, a sultry woman in a skimpy outfit was moving suggestively to the music, clinging to a pole in a dance. She hadnât seen Kenneth directly, but with such a lively atmosphere, it was clear he wasnât short of female company. So, he was irritated that sheâd interrupted his fun. Helena offered the manager a polite smile, slipped him a few bills from her wallet as a tip, and left the club, heading back to her car. âFive minutes. If you donât come down by then, Iâm leaving. You can explain yourself to Grandma.â Helena pulled out her phone, found Kennethâs profile picture, and quickly sent him a message. The last text sheâd sent him was a month ago, forwarding the marriage agreement, to which heâd replied with a curt âWhatever.â After hitting send, she set a five-minute countdown on her phone, leaned back in her seat, and closed her eyes to rest. Kenneth had been raised by Rachel and held a deep respect for her. Helena had once overheard someone joking, âKenneth Keller fears nothing and no oneâexcept a call from his grandmother.â While an exaggeration, there was truth to it. Kenneth, like an untamed stallion, answered to no one⌠except Rachel. Sure enough, with five seconds left on the countdown, the passenger door flew open. As Kenneth slid into the car, a blast of icy wind rushed in, making Helena shiver as her eyes snapped open. âGrown some nerve, havenât you? Threatening me now?â Kennethâs eyes narrowed even further, his gaze sharp and dangerous. Before Helena could respond, her phoneâs alarm went off. It was the countdown reminder. She casually switched it off and started the car. âYou flatter me, Mr. Keller. I didnât mean to ruin your fun, but today is a special case. After all, Grandma is waiting for you.â Kennethâs frustration turned to a bitter smile as he replied with a mocking tone, âToo bad your last name isnât Keller. Otherwise, people might think youâre her real grandchild.â With a frustrated exhale, he slammed the passenger door shut, making the car jolt slightly as it pulled away from the curb. The biting chill that had entered quickly faded, replaced by the warmth of the carâs heaterâset to full, just the way Helena liked it in the cramped space since she hated the cold. Helena kept her hands steady on the wheel, stealing a quick sideways glance at Kenneth. The dim overhead light cast a warm, amber glow over his sculpted profile, softening the sharp lines of his face and adding an unreadable depth to his eyes. She lowered her gaze, instinctively avoiding any unnecessary confrontation. When Rachel chose Helena from the orphanage, sheâd been explicit about her intentions: adopting and supporting Helena was all for the benefit of her grandson, Kenneth. Helena was to be his subordinate, his friend, his partner, and possibly even his wife. But not even Rachel could have predicted that Kenneth would see Helena as a rival. From her first day in the Keller family, Kenneth had made it his mission to give Helena a hard time. Initially, Helena thought her presence was unwelcome and that perhaps he genuinely disliked her. Later, she realized it was jealousy driving him. He resented her for the affection Rachel showed her, feeling as if she had stolen his exclusive bond with Rachel. Once Helena understood that, she stopped trying to earn Kennethâs approval and kept her distance as much as possible. Her path was clear: to be Kennethâs loyal subordinate, protect him, and repay the Keller familyâs support and care. Everything unfolded as she planned. After graduating from college, she joined Keller Corporationâs legal department, shielding Kennethâs reckless behavior and ensuring he maintained his CEO position. But everything changed the night they, both drunk, slept togetherâand were caught by Rachel. To ease Rachelâs worries, Kenneth approached Helena with a proposal for a contractual marriage. In exchange, once the timing was right, they would divorce, and she would be free to live her life as she pleased. Freeing herself from the burden of the Keller familyâs debt was something Helena secretly yearned for; deep down, she had no desire to remain entangled with Kenneth. But then, just as they were settling into the marriage, Rachel fell ill, diagnosed with a terminal condition after being hospitalized from the initial shock. To ease Rachelâs mind, Helena agreed to Kennethâs proposal. Though she wasnât Rachelâs biological granddaughterâand Rachelâs decision to adopt her had been partly self-servingâover the years, Helena had felt genuine love and care from Rachel. In her heart, she had come to see Rachel as her only family in the world. Not wanting to leave any regrets behind for her, Helena resolved to make this contract marriage appear as genuine as possible. Until the end, she would maintain the pretense of playing the role of a devoted wife to give Rachel peace. Chapter 0004 At the entrance of the Keller Estate. After Helena parked the car, Kenneth silently stepped out. Seeing this, Helena quickly got out as well and hurried to follow. They had to put on a complete act in front of Rachel, pretending to be a deeply affectionate couple. Fortunately, Kenneth kept his composure. Just as they approached the main gate, he paused for a brief moment. Seizing the opportunity, Helena stepped forward, gently wrapping her hand around his arm. Kennethâs movements stiffened slightly. He slowly lowered his gaze, eyeing her slender hand resting on the crook of his arm. Helena took a deep breath, lifted her gaze, and smiled at him. âFor Grandmaâs sake, please bear with me, dear husband.â âLikewise.â Kennethâs thin lips curved slightly, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. âThank you for your hard work, dear wife.â After a brief pause, he lifted his other hand and firmly pressed down on the back of Helenaâs hand, giving her a meaningful smile before striding forward. Caught off guard, Helena stumbled slightly, managing to steady herself after a moment. Yet, his smile left her heart racing, filled with unease. She couldnât shake the feeling that Kenneth was quietly plotting something again! The Keller Estate was a traditional classical manor, elegant and refined, crafted with ingenuity. The architecture lay nestled by hills and waters, with layered courtyards and pavilions. Helena and Kenneth followed the servant for a while before arriving at the main dining hall. Inside the brightly lit dining hall, the large mahogany dining table, intricately carved, was already surrounded by family members. The Keller family of Greenwick had nearly a century of history, but by Kenneth's grandfather's generation, the line had dwindled to just two sons and a daughterânone of whom had lived up to expectations. Kennethâs grandfather, Walter Keller, had three children, each a disappointment in their own way. The eldest son was rebellious, storming out of the family home after Walter opposed his marriage to a mysterious dancer. Since that day, he vanished without a trace. The second son, Kennethâs father, Raymond Keller, made his escape with a mistress, choosing to leave on the rainy night of Kennethâs third birthday, only to meet his end in a car accident. Walterâs only daughter went abroad for school, fell for a delinquent, and chose to sever ties with her family rather than return. Hurt by his children, Walter grew indifferent toward Kenneth, instead investing his hopes in the extended familyâs descendants. Near the end of his life, he nearly handed over the Keller family assets to his nephew. But Rachel intervened decisively. Leading a team of lawyers, she reclaimed control over the Keller family, defying opposition to appoint Kenneth as CEO of Keller Corporation. However, in the years Walter had been lenient, the extended family had embedded themselves within the Keller Corporation, securing key positions in various critical departments. Now and then, they continued their schemes, still aiming to wrest control of Keller Corporation from Kenneth. Rachel was fully aware of everything, but her age left her with limited strength; all she could do was maintain the delicate balance between Kenneth and the extended Keller family. In the banquet hall, only the members of the extended family were seated alongside Rachel. The head seat remained vacant, and the tableware set, as always, was reserved for Walter. Rachel, who had been listlessly listening to their complaints, brightened as soon as she saw Kenneth and Helena enter. Her eyes sparkled as she beckoned them over with a smile. "Ken, Lena, you're back! Come, have a seat!" The relatives who had been talking with Rachel were visibly displeased at being ignored, despite their attempts to hide it. Kenneth, however, appeared oblivious, leading Helena with confidence to sit beside Rachel. Leaning in, he whispered something to Rachel that had her laughing with joy, her gaze shifting periodically to Helenaâs abdomen. Helenaâs unease only grew stronger. With Rachel present, she couldnât say anything directly, so when Kenneth turned to look at her, she shot him a warning look to stay quiet. He merely smirked with a laid-back, roguish grin, which made her grit her teeth and glare at him with even more frustration. To onlookers, however, this seemed like an affectionate exchange, with the young couple exchanging flirtatious glances. Not only had they kept everyone waiting, showing up late to the family dinner without so much as an apology, but they were now putting on a show of intimacy, clearly not taking the others seriously. Recalling Kenneth's usual audacious demeanor, the uncles were increasingly irritated. Kennethâs eldest relative, Jerome Keller, was the first to break the silence. âI thought the bidding meeting for the South City project ended this afternoon. Did you two go off to a celebration party afterward?â With Jerome setting the tone, other relatives quickly chimed in. "What celebration could possibly be more important than a family dinner? Ken, we may overlook certain things you do outside, but traditions passed down through generations deserve respect." âHelena, Grandma has spent years teaching and guiding you, yet instead of keeping Ken in check, you go along with his antics. Youâre letting her down!â Subtle verbal jabs came at her from all directions. Helena, long accustomed to this, kept her gaze lowered and ignored their insinuating remarks, turning a deaf ear to the sharp-edged words aimed her way. After all, with Kenneth here, he would be the one to handle these people when things got out of control. Sure enough, in the next instant, Kenneth's smile vanished. He suddenly hurled the expensive teacup in his hand, sending it crashing across the room. The sharp sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the banquet hall, creating an atmosphere of intense pressure that radiated from him, silencing everyone in an instant. Even the small child in someone's arms was too frightened to make a sound. âCelebration dinner, family dinnerâit doesnât matter. If thereâs food, just eat and be content, but know your limits. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make what you eat go right back out. âThe biggest rule in the Keller family is that there are no rules. Otherwise, none of you would be here making pointless remarks. âNeither I nor Grandma see any issues with Helena being the next matriarch, yet you all feel entitled to judge. If youâre so eager to critique, should I air some of your dirty laundry so we can all evaluate each other?â Kenneth crossed his arms and leaned back, one leg resting casually over the other, his gaze lingering on Jerome for a moment before sweeping lazily around the room. His expression was like that of a grim reaper in idle contemplation, deciding which one of them he might claim next. The unfiltered suggestion, the blatant sarcasmâeven an obvious challenge glimmered in his eyes. Hearing the implication behind his words, the extended members of the family felt both offended and afraid, their discomfort evident as they instinctively looked toward Jerome for direction. "Ken, weâre your elders, just offering reminders for your own good and for the familyâs sake," Jerome replied, holding Kennethâs sharp gaze for a moment before shifting to Helena. "Since we're on the topic of secrets, why donât we let Helena explain why she was at the police station this morning?" At that, Helenaâs heart skipped a beat. Sheâd received a call from the police that morning and had promptly informed the PR department to keep the news tightly contained. Yet somehow, Jerome knew she had gone to the police station that morning! Helena instinctively glanced at Kenneth, only to find him seated there, arms crossed, a faintly amused look in his eyes as he noticed her gaze. Years of understanding between them meant that with just one look, Helena grasped his intention. He was subtly hinting at Jeromeâs embezzlement, deliberately provoking him by implying he could make him spit it back out. Jerome, who had never taken Kenneth seriously, wasnât one to tolerate a threat and quickly struck back. But in doing so, he unwittingly exposed his weakness. Yet Kenneth had used her as bait without warning, setting her up as part of his ploy to corner Jerome! Helena clenched her fists discreetly, gritting her teeth in silence. Her instincts hadnât let her downâKenneth was definitely up to something, setting this trap with her squarely in the middle of it. She knew he was about to throw her under the bus, yet she had no choice but to play along, as if she were a willing partner in the scheme. It was maddening! If not for Rachelâs presence, Helena truly would have loved to walk out and let Kenneth handle this on his own. Sensing the tension, Rachel looked over anxiously and asked, âLena, is everything alright?â âGrandma.â Helena took a deep breath, calming herself before gently patting Rachelâs hand with a reassuring smile. âIf something was wrong, would I still be here sitting beside you?â Rachel still seemed unconvinced and glanced at Kenneth, who nodded lazily with a faint smile, which finally put her at ease. Taking advantage of the moment, Helena shot Kenneth a quick glare before turning back, her expression subtly mocking as she looked at Jerome. âUncle Jerome, I didnât expect you to be so concerned about me, knowing my whereabouts in such detail. To an outsider, it might look as if youâd had someone tailing me!â Helena indirectly called out Jeromeâs surveillance, tossing the ball back into his court with effortless poise. âAs your niece-in-law, I may not be the brightest, but I truly donât understand what youâre implying. Why donât you clarify what exactly it is that Iâve done thatâs so questionable?â Chapter 0005 Jerome knew heâd misspoken, yet he hardly cared that Helena had caught him slipping. âThis morning, you rushed off to the police stationâwasnât it to reconnect with that new captain of the station, Eric Langston?â Helenaâs heart skipped a beat. Not only was Jerome fully aware of her whereabouts, but he also knew she was acquainted with Eric. Sheâd underestimated Jerome. After all, when she met Eric seven years ago, he was reserved and unapproachable, always keeping his distance from others. Moreover, his mother had erased all traces of her connection with Eric to remove the stain she posed on their family, clearing all records and keeping everything well-hidden. Almost no one knew that she and Eric had been familiar with each other, let alone shared a faintly ambiguous past. If Jerome had the means to uncover her connection with Eric, he could just as easily find out why Kenneth had gone to the police station. Hinting at an old flame between her and Eric was clearly an attempt to drive a wedge. If she didnât deny it, Rachel would naturally start to doubt her relationship with Kenneth. And even if Kenneth knew the truth, Jeromeâs words would plant seeds of suspicion in his heart that would, over time, lead to cracks. On the other hand, denying it would inevitably drag up the accusations of assault against Kenneth. If Rachel found out, it would not only make her question their story of falling in love over time and choosing to marry but also leave her disappointed in Kenneth. Jerome would then seize the opportunity to make even more outrageous demands. "Uncle Jerome, you really give me too much credit." Helenaâs mind raced, though her expression remained unreadable. "If I actually had any history with Mr. Langston, Iâd certainly have asked him to treat you a bit more courteously before your visit." Jeromeâs pupils contracted, and his expression, like a fractured mask, began to crack silently. Ericâs position was indeed unique, and Jerome had specifically arranged a visit to him on the first day he arrived in Greenwick. There were countless people eager to meet him, and Jerome had struggled through numerous attempts just to secure an appointment. When they finally met, Ericâs demeanor was cold and cutting, his gaze sharp and distant, as though heâd seen right through Jeromeâs intentions from the start. In an attempt to bridge the gap, Jerome had mentioned Helena, who had once been Ericâs schoolmate. Unexpectedly, what was initially supposed to be a brief five-minute meeting turned into a half-hour conversation with Eric. And just last night, despite the gravity of the incident surrounding Kennethâwitnesses and evidence stacked against himâHelena had still managed to bail him out from the station. After all, Eric wasnât just any officer; he was known as the "Judge." Sensing an opportunity, Jerome had dropped hints in front of everyone, trying to gauge Helenaâs relationship with Eric, hoping it would strain her connection with Kenneth. Without Helenaâs support, he was certain Rachel would eventually see Kenneth as the reckless badboy he truly was. At that point, they could employ a few well-planned moves to seize everything from the Keller family. Yet Jerome hadnât anticipated that young Helena would maintain her composure so well, even managing to turn the tables on him. The Kellers had strict rules: family members could pursue either business or government, but never both. His secret meeting with Eric was already a breach of those family principles. Noticing the scrutinizing looks from the other relatives, particularly the sharp stares from Rachel and Kenneth, Jerome felt a pang of unease, uncertain how Helena had learned of his visit with Eric. His chest tightened as he gritted his teeth and pressed on, âSo if it wasnât to catch up with Mr. Langston, why did you rush to the station first thing this morning?â Before Helena could respond, she sensed something amiss and instinctively stood to shield Rachel. A loud bang erupted in the next instant. Kenneth, without warning, flipped the entire dining table in Jeromeâs direction. Jerome had no time to dodge as dishes, utensils, and food crashed down onto him. A plate of green vegetables landed squarely on his head, resembling a makeshift hat perched on his hair. Ignoring Jeromeâs disheveled appearance and the twisted fury on his face, Kenneth leaned back in his seat, casually wiping his fingers. His movements were graceful, his expression relaxed as if he were seated in a tranquil riverside pavilion, leisurely listening to a distant melody. âIt seems the Keller family meal doesnât suit everyoneâs taste,â Kenneth said, his voice calm. âIn that case, no one needs to eat.â He paused briefly before adding, âAnd as for the end-of-month family dinner tradition, itâs time we canceled that as well.â With a casual wave, his private guards and bodyguards emerged, promptly escorting all extended relatives out of the estate. Rachel looked on, momentarily stunned, before giving Kenneth a disapproving glance. âKen, youâve managed to offend all your relatives.â Kenneth raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. âThey openly disrespected me. Did they really think they wouldnât offend me?â Beside him, Helena felt her eye twitch. Would it ever end? Heâd clearly wanted to cancel the end-of-month dinner for a while and had finally found his excuse, all under the pretense of âprotectingâ her. Rachelâs gaze shifted between Helena and Kenneth, her expression softening as she smiled knowingly. âSeeing how well you two get along really puts my mind at ease!â âWell, since youâre at ease, how about cooperating with the doctor and focusing on getting better?â Kenneth stepped forward, gently holding Rachelâs arm, while his other hand reached around to brush Helenaâs cheek, his eyes on her. âWhat do you say, darling?â Though filled with frustration, Helena had no choice but to offer a sweet smile and nod. With an exaggerated sigh, Rachel looked longingly at Helena. âAh, if I could just hold a great-grandchild in my arms, Iâd be content even in death!â Helenaâs mind immediately flashed back to Kennethâs earlier whispered words to Rachel, which had made her repeatedly glance at Helenaâs abdomen. He must have said something he shouldnât have! After hesitating for a few seconds, she couldnât bear to let Rachel down and spoke gently, âGrandma, as long as you take care of yourself, Iâm sure that day will come.â Rachel beamed with joy at Helena's response. Since the family dinner had been cut short, Rachel instructed the staff to bring out fresh dishes. With Helena and Kenneth accompanying her, she enjoyed an extra small plate of pasta, a rare treat, and asked them both to stay overnight at the estate so they could join her for breakfast in the morning. Kenneth, evidently too tired to return to the Starlight Club for his usual late-night revelry, surprisingly agreed. Helena, with no other choice, stayed as well. They returned to the room Rachel had prepared for them. The spacious room was decorated with romantic touches, and in the soft glow of flickering candles, the atmosphere felt thick with unspoken tension. The bed, draped in pure white sheets, was scattered with red roses arranged in a large heart shape, their rich fragrance filling the air. Helena and Kenneth exchanged glances, both speechless. She quickly found the light switch and turned on the overhead lights. The bright light dispelled much of the room's suggestive atmosphere. Helena turned to Kenneth, choosing a decidedly unromantic topic. "Do you think Jerome had anything to do with the false accusations against you?" Though phrased as a question, there was a tone of certainty in her voice. Kenneth didnât respond. Instead, he looked down at her with a cold, assessing gaze. âMr. Langstonâheâs still lingering around you, isnât he?â Seeing she didnât immediately respond, he pressed on bluntly, as if worried she might misunderstand his meaning. âIf youâre truly interested in rekindling things with him, just say so. Thereâs no need to sneak around behind my back.â Kenneth was one of the few who knew about her past with Eric. His use of the word "rekindling" was laced with sarcasm. Helena couldnât stand it anymore and snapped, âKenneth, whatâs gotten into you? Havenât I played along enough with all your schemes?â Kenneth met her gaze, which was now blazing with anger, and seemed momentarily at a loss. After a couple of seconds, he responded in a low voice, âI just donât want to be blindsided with a betrayal like tonight.â Thinking of Jeromeâs earlier provocations, Helena took a deep breath, about to reassure Kenneth. But an inexplicable sensation began to rise within herâa warmth that felt like a spark, ready to spread like wildfire through her body. Sensing something was off, she looked up at Kenneth, only to find his face slightly flushed, his intense gaze fixed on her. In the depths of his eyes, there was a fierce, flickering heat as if a flame had been ignited and was burning wildly. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15543&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15543&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466919986_534033072870870_7540673277837274692_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W-XebbGdZEUQ7kNvgHLNO7I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYBfjiUEAH_uKDzjd13i6Kjhu5DZiqM717mqHE-PCETeMA&oe=6745B552 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | After a tragic accident left Emily Yates without her memories, she fell in love with her savior, Justin Yates, unaware that he was hiding the truth and using her as a stand-in for his first love. For three long years, Emily poured everything into the relationship, hoping he would love her back. But on the day Justin proposed, he held his "one true love" in his arms and left Emily stranded on a foreign street, still expecting her to remain his secret mistress. * âDidnât I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?â Justinâs voice dripped with disdain and impatience, as if his irritation had taken on a life of its own. Emily stood her ground, unafraid. She needed answers. âYou proposed to me in Merika State just 16 hours ago, but now youâre holding another woman and completely ignoring me. And youâre not even coming home? Staying out all night?â âStop being unreasonable. Leave. Now,â he ordered, his voice cold and commanding, his gaze on her as though she were an unruly employee who had crossed the line. Emily wasnât leaving without answers. âYou think Iâm being unreasonable? Iâm your fiancĂŠe. You left me on the street in a foreign country to carry another woman away without a second thought. Did you ever consider how I felt? âIâll go, but only if you leave the hospital with me. There are doctors and nurses here to care for that woman. Right now, youâre coming home with me.â Desperate, Emily reached out to grab Justinâs arm. But before she could make contact, her arm was blocked by Justinâs personal bodyguard, William Carter. Emily was stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing. It felt as though her heart was being torn in two. âWhat do you mean by this?â Emilyâs voice trembled, mirroring the unease in her heart. Justin didnât respond. He stared at her with cold, detached eyes, as if she were a stranger and not the fiancĂŠe he had just proposed to. Finally, he spoke, his words sharp and emotionless. âDonât be childish.â Childish? Once, he had said he loved how she depended on him, how she claimed him for herself. And now he was calling her childish? âIf you want to stay here with her, then what about our marriage? You proposed to me just today!â | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15056&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464524242_869324355322502_5461206031477697920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_B6lCVrByTwQ7kNvgHqaYIo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AIoy_gYI-oSrKTGHT0EQkml&oh=00_AYCoWkPI3yg6QeZKHR3Z4RMvS3QKQoW3-I9K69CvLk7euw&oe=67459FEA | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ЧиŃаŃŃ ŃНодŃŃŃŃŃ ĐłĐťĐ°Đ˛Ńđ | ĐОгда Она ŃСнаНа, ŃŃĐž ноСнакОПŃĐš ĐźŃĐśŃина, Ń ĐşĐžŃĐžŃŃĐź Она ĐżŃОвоНа ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐżĐľŃвŃŃ ĐąŃаŃĐ˝ŃŃ Đ˝ĐžŃŃ, ОкаСаНŃŃ ĐľĐľ СакОннŃĐź ĐźŃМоП пО дОгОвОŃоннОŃŃи, Она ŃĐžŃНа Ń ŃПа! ===== ĐаПиННа ĐĐľŃŃОва ŃĐľĐłĐžĐ´Đ˝Ń Đ˛ŃŃНа СаПŃĐś. РноŃŃаŃŃŃŃ Đ´ĐťŃ Đ˝ĐľŃ, ĐśĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ° нигдо но ĐąŃНО виднО. Đна ОгНŃдоНа ĐżŃŃŃŃŃ ĐşĐžĐźĐ˝Đ°ŃŃ, и ĐľŃ ĐťĐ¸ŃĐž ŃŃаНО йоНŃĐź, ŃНОвнО ĐżŃĐžŃŃŃĐ˝Ń. Đна ŃŃвŃŃвОваНа ŃĐľĐąŃ ŃОвоŃŃоннО ŃниМоннОК. ĐаПиННа но МоНаНа ŃĐľŃпоŃŃ ŃŃĐž ĐžŃкОŃйНонио! ĐĐž ŃŃĐž Она ПОгНа пОдоНаŃŃ? ĐĄ ŃаПОгО ŃĐžĐśĐ´ĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ˛ŃĐľ аŃпокŃŃ ĐľŃ ĐśĐ¸ĐˇĐ˝Đ¸ кОнŃŃОНиŃОваНиŃŃ Đ´ŃŃгиПи ĐťŃĐ´ŃПи. ХаПО ŃОйОК ŃаСŃПооŃŃŃ, ŃŃĐž каŃаНОŃŃ Đ¸ ĐľŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐźŃМоŃŃва. ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ĐżŃинŃдиН Đş ŃŃĐžĐźŃ ŃĐžŃĐˇŃ ĐžŃĐľŃ, ŃоНОвок, кОŃĐžŃŃĐź ŃĐżŃавНŃНа МаднОŃŃŃ. ĐŃ Đ´ĐľĐ´ŃŃка ŃайОŃаН ŃĐžŃŃŃОП Ń Đ ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐžĐ˝Đ° ĐОвикОва, ĐłĐťĐ°Đ˛Ń ĐźĐžĐłŃŃĐľŃŃвоннОК ŃоПŃи ĐОвикОвŃŃ . ĐĐž Đ´ĐžŃаднОК ŃĐťŃŃаКнОŃŃи Они пОпаНи в ŃМаŃĐ˝ŃŃ Đ°Đ˛Đ°ŃиŃ, в кОŃĐžŃОК дод ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ĐżĐžĐłĐ¸Đą, ŃпаŃĐ°Ń Đ ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐžĐ˝Đ°. РпОŃНоднио ПоŃŃŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐąĐžĐťŃŃĐ°Ń ĐşĐžĐźĐżĐ°Đ˝Đ¸Ń, кОŃĐžŃОК ŃĐżŃавНŃНа ĐľŃ ŃоПŃŃ, воСдо и вŃŃĐ´Ń ĐżĐžĐłŃŃСНа в ОгŃОПнŃŃ Đ´ĐžĐťĐłĐ°Ń . Đни Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐťĐ¸ŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ĐłŃани йанкŃĐžŃŃŃва. ĐĐľŃПОŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃŃĐž, ĐľŃ Ń Đ¸ŃŃŃĐš ĐžŃĐľŃ ĐžŃкаСаНŃŃ ĐżŃĐžŃиŃŃ ĐżĐžĐźĐžŃи Ń ŃоПŃи ĐОвикОвŃŃ , СнаŃ, ŃŃĐž ŃŃĐž ĐžŃĐźĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ´ĐžĐťĐł, кОŃĐžŃŃĐš Они Đ´ĐžĐťĐśĐ˝Ń ĐąŃНи ŃоПŃĐľ ĐĐľŃŃОвŃŃ . ĐПоŃŃĐž ŃŃОгО Он ĐżŃидŃПаН пНан, ŃОгНаŃнО кОŃĐžŃĐžĐźŃ Đ˛Đ˝ŃĐş РОдиОна, ĐиŃаНиК ĐОвикОв, МониŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ĐаПиННо. ĐŁŃиŃŃĐ˛Đ°Ń ĐąĐžĐłĐ°ŃŃŃвО ŃоПŃи ĐОвикОвŃŃ , Они ĐąŃНи ŃвоŃонŃ, ŃŃĐž ŃĐľ дадŃŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃŃио донŃги в ОйПон на ŃŃĐşŃ Đ¸ ŃĐľŃĐ´ŃĐľ ĐаПиННŃ. Đ, в каŃĐľŃŃво дОпОНниŃоНŃнОгО йОнŃŃа, Они, накОноŃ, ŃŃŃанОвиНи ĐąŃ ĐąĐžĐťĐľĐľ ĐżŃĐžŃĐ˝ŃŃ ŃвŃĐˇŃ Ń ŃоПŃŃĐš ĐОвикОвŃŃ , кОŃĐžŃĐ°Ń ĐąŃНа ĐąŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐşĐžĐ˝Đ˝Đž ŃĐşŃопНона. РаСŃПооŃŃŃ, ŃоПŃŃ ĐОвикОвŃŃ Đ˝Đľ ПОгНа пОСвОНиŃŃ Ńойо ĐžŃкаСаŃŃŃŃ ĐžŃ ŃŃОгО ĐżŃодНОМониŃ, инаŃĐľ Они ŃиŃкОваНи пОŃĐľŃŃŃŃ ĐťĐ¸ŃĐž в ŃОП иНи инОП ŃĐťŃŃао. ĐиŃаНиК ŃĐľŃиН вŃŃаСиŃŃ ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ˝ĐľĐ´ĐžĐ˛ĐžĐťŃŃŃвО вŃоП ŃŃиП, но ŃвивŃиŃŃ Đ˝Đ° йанкоŃ, Ń ĐžŃŃ Đ˝Đ° Đ˝ŃĐź но ĐżŃиŃŃŃŃŃвОваНО никОгО, ĐşŃОПо ŃНонОв ŃоПоК. ĐĐ˝ ŃакМо ĐžŃкаСаН ĐаПиННо в иŃпОНŃСОвании ŃаПиНии ĐОвикОвŃŃ Đ¸ СапŃĐľŃиН оК гОвОŃиŃŃ ĐťŃĐ´ŃĐź, ŃŃĐž Она огО Мона. Đа ĐżŃĐžŃŃМонии вŃогО ŃŃОгО, ĐžŃ Đ˝Đ°ŃаНа и Đ´Đž кОнŃа, никŃĐž но пОŃŃŃдиНŃŃ ŃĐżŃĐžŃиŃŃ ĐźĐ˝ĐľĐ˝Đ¸Đľ ŃаПОК ĐаПиННŃ. ХоКŃĐ°Ń ĐžĐ˝Đ° ŃŃĐžĐ¸Ń Ń ĐżŃŃПОК ŃпинОК и ŃаŃĐżŃавНоннŃПи пНоŃаПи. ĐŃ ŃĐľŃниŃŃ, вОСПОМнО, ŃНогка Đ´ŃОМаНи, нО в ĐłĐťĐ°ĐˇĐ°Ń ŃиŃаНОŃŃ ŃĐżŃŃĐźŃŃвО. Đна но ŃОйиŃаНаŃŃ ĐżĐžĐ´Đ´Đ°Đ˛Đ°ŃŃŃŃ ŃниМониŃ. ĐĐž как оК ŃНодŃĐľŃ ĐżĐžŃŃŃпиŃŃ? Đ ŃĐž вŃоПŃ, кОгда довŃŃка ŃаСПŃŃĐťŃНа Đž ŃОП, как ĐżŃОводŃŃ ĐżĐľŃвŃŃ ĐąŃаŃĐ˝ŃŃ Đ˝ĐžŃŃ, Она пОНŃŃиНа ŃООйŃонио ĐžŃ ĐžĐ´Đ˝ĐžĐš иС ŃĐ˛ĐžĐ¸Ń ĐşĐžĐťĐťĐľĐł. ĐонŃина ĐżŃĐžŃиНа ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ĐżĐžĐ´ĐźĐľĐ˝Đ¸ŃŃ ĐľŃ Đ˝Đ° нОŃнОК ŃПоно. Та но ŃŃаНа дОНгО ŃаСдŃĐźŃваŃŃ. Đна вŃŃНа иС СаНа и вŃСваНа ŃакŃи, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐžŃĐżŃавиŃŃŃŃ Đ˛ йОНŃниŃŃ. ĐгнОвониоП пОСМо Она ОкаСаНаŃŃ Đ˛ кОПнаŃĐľ ĐžŃĐ´ŃŃ Đ° поŃŃОнаНа йОНŃниŃŃ, ĐżŃОвоŃŃŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐżĐ¸Ńи паŃионŃОв, а ĐľŃ Đ˛ĐľŃĐľŃноо пНаŃŃĐľ давнО ŃПониНОŃŃ ĐąĐľĐťŃĐź НайОŃаŃĐžŃĐ˝ŃĐź Ń Đ°ĐťĐ°ŃОП. ĐноСапнО двоŃŃ Ń ĐłŃОПкиП ŃŃŃкОП ŃаŃĐżĐ°Ń Đ˝ŃНаŃŃ Ń Đ˛Đ˝ĐľŃноК ŃŃĐžŃĐžĐ˝Ń Đ¸ ŃдаŃиНаŃŃ Đž ŃŃонŃ. ĐĐľ ŃŃпоНа ĐаПиННа пОднŃŃŃ ĐłĐťĐ°ĐˇĐ°, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ˛ĐˇĐłĐťŃĐ˝ŃŃŃ, ŃŃĐž ĐżŃОиŃŃ ĐžĐ´Đ¸Ń, как двоŃŃ ŃнОва ĐˇĐ°Ń ĐťĐžĐżĐ˝ŃНаŃŃ. ĐаŃоП Она ŃŃĐťŃŃаНа ŃоНŃОк вŃкНŃŃаŃоНŃ, и в пОПоŃонии ŃŃаНО ŃоПнО. ĐĐž ĐľŃ Ńпино ĐżŃОйоМаН Ń ĐžĐťĐžĐ´ĐžĐş. ÂŤĐŃĐž...Âť ĐĐľ ŃŃпоНа Она дОгОвОŃиŃŃ, как ĐľŃ ŃОНкнŃНи на ŃŃОН. ĐŃŃа канŃоНŃŃŃĐşĐ¸Ń ĐżŃинадНоМнОŃŃоК ŃпаНа на пОН, и в ŃŃĐžŃ ĐźĐžĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐžĐ˝Đ° пОŃŃвŃŃвОваНа, как Đş ĐľŃ Ńоо ĐżŃиМаНŃŃ Ń ĐžĐťĐžĐ´Đ˝ŃĐš ĐžŃŃŃŃĐš Đş*аК Đ˝*Ма. ÂŤĐ˘Đ¸Ń Đž!Âť - ŃвиŃопО ĐżŃĐžŃопŃаН нападавŃиК. ĐовŃŃка одва ПОгНа ŃаСгНŃĐ´ĐľŃŃ ĐťĐ¸ŃĐž ĐźŃĐśŃинŃ, Ń ĐžŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž гНаСа вŃдоНŃНиŃŃ. Đни ПоŃŃаНи в ŃŃŃкНОП ŃвоŃĐľ, огО вСгНŃĐ´ ĐąŃĐť пОНОн йдиŃоНŃнОŃŃи. РвОСдŃŃ Đľ вОкŃŃĐł Đ˝Đ¸Ń Đ˛Đ¸ŃаН СнакОПŃĐš ĐˇĐ°ĐżĐ°Ń ĐśĐľĐťĐľĐˇĐ°, и Она пОнŃНа, ŃŃĐž ŃŃĐžŃ ŃоНОвок Ńанон. ĐНагОдаŃŃ ĐźĐ˝ĐžĐłĐžĐťĐľŃĐ˝ĐľĐźŃ ĐžĐąŃŃĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ¸ ОпŃŃŃ Đ˛ŃаŃа, ĐаПиННа ŃПОгНа ŃĐžŃ ŃаниŃŃ ŃпОкОКŃŃвио. ĐаŃоП Она ПодНоннО ŃОгнŃНа ĐžĐ´Đ˝Ń Đ˝ĐžĐłŃ, пНаниŃŃŃ Đ°ŃакОваŃŃ ĐźŃĐśŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń ĐşĐžĐťĐľĐ˝ĐžĐź. ĐĐž ŃĐžŃ Đ˛Đ¸Đ´ĐľĐť ĐľŃ Đ˝Đ°ŃквОСŃ. Đак ŃОНŃкО Он пОŃŃвŃŃвОваН ĐľŃ Đ´Đ˛Đ¸ĐśĐľĐ˝Đ¸Đľ, ŃĐž Ń ŃиНОК ŃМаН ĐľŃ Đ˝ĐžĐłĐ¸ вПоŃŃĐľ и ĐżŃиМаН Đş ŃŃĐžĐťŃ ŃвОиПи ПОŃĐ˝ŃПи ĐąŃĐ´ŃаПи. ĐĐ´ŃŃĐł в кОŃидОŃĐľ пОŃĐťŃŃаНŃŃ ŃŃĐź ŃагОв. Đни напŃавНŃНиŃŃ ĐżŃŃПО в кОПнаŃŃ ĐžŃĐ´ŃŃ Đ° поŃŃОнаНа. ÂŤĐŃŃŃŃоо, Ń Đ˛Đ¸Đ´ĐľĐťĐ°, как Он ŃŃĐť ŃŃда!Âť ĐĐžŃŃаŃĐžŃнО ĐąŃНО ОднОгО ĐşŃика Đž пОПОŃи, и ŃŃи ĐťŃди вОŃваНиŃŃ ĐąŃ Đ˛ кОПнаŃŃ. ĐŃŃаŃвŃиŃŃ, ĐźŃĐśŃина ОпŃŃŃиН ĐłĐžĐťĐžĐ˛Ń Đ¸ пО**НОваН ĐаПиННŃ. Đна ŃŃаНа йОŃĐžŃŃŃŃ Đ¸ ĐąŃНа ŃдивНона ŃоП, ŃŃĐž ŃПОгНа НогкО ĐžŃŃОНкнŃŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž. ТоП йОНоо, ŃŃĐž ĐźŃĐśŃина йОНŃŃĐľ но ŃĐłŃОМаН оК Đ˝*МОП. ĐŃŃНи довŃŃки СаПоŃаНиŃŃ. Đ ŃŃĐžŃ ĐźĐžĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ŃĐžŃ, ĐşŃĐž Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐťŃŃ ĐżĐž ŃŃ ŃŃĐžŃĐžĐ˝Ń Đ´Đ˛ĐľŃи, ŃŃ Đ˛Đ°ŃиНŃŃ ĐˇĐ° ŃŃŃĐşŃ. ĐŃинŃв ŃĐľŃонио, ĐаПиННа ĐżŃиŃŃĐ˝ŃНа ĐźŃĐśŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń Đş Ńойо и ОйвиНа ŃŃкаПи огО ŃĐľŃ. Đа ŃŃĐžŃ ŃаС Она пО**НОваНа огО. ÂŤĐŻ ĐźĐžĐłŃ Đ˛Đ°Đź пОПОŃŃÂť, - ĐżŃОйОŃПОŃаНа Она пОд нОŃ, надоŃŃŃ, ŃŃĐž ĐľŃ ŃŃŃĐ°Ń Đ˝Đľ ĐąŃĐť СаПоŃон. ĐŃĐśŃина ŃŃПнО ŃгНОŃĐ˝ŃĐť. ĐĐźŃ ĐżĐžŃŃойОваНаŃŃ ŃокŃнда, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżŃинŃŃŃ ŃĐľŃонио, СаŃоП Она пОŃŃвŃŃвОваНа огО гОŃŃŃоо Đ´ŃŃ Đ°Đ˝Đ¸Đľ Ń ŃвОогО ŃŃ Đ°: ÂŤĐŻ вОСŃĐźŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃĐľĐąŃ ĐžŃвоŃŃŃвоннОŃŃŃ ĐˇĐ° ŃŃО. ĐгО ĐłĐžĐťĐžŃ ĐąŃĐť ниСкиП и ĐżŃиŃŃгаŃоНŃĐ˝ŃĐź. ĐĐž Он, ĐżĐžŃ ĐžĐśĐľ, нопŃавиНŃнО пОнŃĐť. Đна Ń ĐžŃоНа, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ˛ŃŃ ŃŃĐž ĐąŃНО ĐżŃиŃвОŃŃŃвОП. ĐĐ˝ но дОНМон ĐąŃĐť ни Са ŃŃĐž ĐąŃаŃŃ ĐžŃвоŃŃŃвоннОŃŃŃ. Đ ŃНодŃŃŃŃŃ ŃокŃĐ˝Đ´Ń Đ´Đ˛ĐľŃŃ ŃнОва ŃаŃĐżĐ°Ń Đ˝ŃНаŃŃ. ĐаПиННа и ĐźŃĐśŃина ŃŃŃ ĐśĐľ ŃНиНиŃŃ Đ˛ ĐžŃĐľŃоднОП пО**ĐťŃĐľ. ĐĐľŃПОŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° Đ¸Ń ĐˇĐ°ŃŃŃдниŃоНŃнОо пОНОМонио, ĐźŃĐśŃина ОйнаŃŃМиН, ŃŃĐž огО ŃоНО ŃŃоагиŃОваНО на СвŃĐş. ĐĐ˝ ПОг ĐąŃ ĐżĐžŃĐľŃŃŃŃŃŃ Đ˛ Đ˝ŃĐź, ĐľŃНи ĐąŃ ĐťŃди Са двоŃŃŃ Đ˝Đľ СагОвОŃиНи. Ч*ŃŃ Đ˛*СŃПи! Đа ŃŃĐž Мо ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐž Ń**ŃŃŃаŃŃŃ ĐżĐ°ŃĐžŃка. ЧŃвак, Они и впŃĐ°Đ˛Đ´Ń ĐˇĐ°Đ˝Đ¸ĐźĐ°ŃŃŃŃ ŃŃиП в йОНŃниŃĐľ. ĐПоКŃĐľ Ń ĐžŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐźĐ˝ĐžĐłĐž ĐżŃиНиŃиŃ!Âť ĐĄĐ˛ĐľŃ Đ¸Đˇ кОŃидОŃа ĐżŃОникаН в кОПнаŃŃ, ĐžĐąĐ˝Đ°ĐśĐ°Ń ĐżĐ°ŃŃ. ĐднакО ŃоНО ĐźŃĐśŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń ĐąŃНО ĐžĐąŃ Đ˛Đ°ŃонО ĐаПиННОК, ŃĐşŃŃĐ˛Đ°Ń ĐľĐłĐž НиŃĐž ĐžŃ ĐťŃйОпŃŃĐ˝ŃŃ ĐłĐťĐ°Đˇ ноСванŃŃ ĐłĐžŃŃоК. ЧŃĐž Đś, ŃŃĐž ŃĐžŃнО но ĐиŃаНиК. ĐŃĐžŃ ŃйНŃдОк ŃŃМоНО Ńанон. ĐоваМнО, наŃкОНŃкО ŃОйНаСниŃоНŃна МонŃина, Ń ŃОПноваŃŃŃ, ŃŃĐž Ń Đ˝ĐľĐłĐž Ń Đ˛Đ°ŃĐ¸Ń ŃиН ŃдоНаŃŃ Ń Đ˝ĐľĐš ŃŃĐž-нийŃĐ´ŃÂť. ÂŤĐĐž, ŃŃвак, ŃŃа МонŃина иСдаŃŃ Đ´ĐžĐ˛ĐžĐťŃнО ĐżŃиŃŃĐ˝ŃĐľ СвŃки, а?Âť ÂŤĐаŃкниŃŃ Đ¸ пОŃовоНиваКŃŃ! ĐаП Đ˝ŃМнО наКŃи ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń ĐşĐ°Đş ПОМнО ŃкОŃоо, инаŃĐľ ĐźŃ ĐżĐžŃĐľŃŃоП гОНОвŃ!Âť ĐĐžŃĐťŃŃаНŃŃ ŃĐžŃĐžŃ Đ¸ ŃĐžĐżĐžŃ Đ˝ĐžĐł, и ĐźŃĐśŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń ĐąŃĐžŃиНиŃŃ ĐżŃĐžŃŃ, а двоŃŃ Đ˛ĐľŃĐ˝ŃНаŃŃ Đ˛ ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ¸ŃŃ ĐžĐ´Đ˝ĐžĐľ пОНОМонио. ĐŃĐśŃина СнаН, ŃŃĐž огО ĐżŃĐľŃНодОваŃоНи ŃŃНи, нО ĐžŃОСнанио ŃОгО, ŃŃĐž ŃопоŃŃ ĐžĐ˝Đ¸ ĐžŃŃаНиŃŃ ĐžĐ´Đ˝Đ¸, пОдоКŃŃвОваНО на огО ŃаПООйНаданио. ĐĐ˝ ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐž ŃĐžŃваНŃŃ, и Đ˝ĐľĐžĐśĐ¸Đ´Đ°Đ˝Đ˝Đ°Ń Đ˛ĐžĐťĐ˝Đ° Đż**ĐžŃи ĐˇĐ°Ń ĐťĐľŃŃĐ˝ŃНа огО. ĐŃĐžŃ ĐżĐžŃОк Мо**Đ˝Đ¸Ń Đ˝Đľ ОйОŃŃĐť ŃŃĐžŃОнОК и ĐаПиННŃ. ĐОСПОМнО, доНО ĐąŃНО в Đ¸Ń ĐąĐťĐ¸ĐˇĐžŃŃи, иНи в ŃОП, как инŃиПнО Они каŃаНиŃŃ Đ´ŃŃĐł Đ´ŃŃга, а ĐźĐžĐśĐľŃ ĐąŃŃŃ, вО вноСапнОП ĐżŃиНиво адŃонаНина, нО на пОвоŃŃ Đ˝ĐžŃŃŃ ĐżĐžĐ´Đ˝ŃНаŃŃ ĐąŃĐ˝ŃаŃŃĐşĐ°Ń ĐśĐ¸ĐťĐşĐ°, Đž кОŃĐžŃОК Она даМо но пОдОСŃоваНа. ĐĐž ŃŃОгО ПОПонŃа довŃŃка МиНа ŃĐľŃОК ОднООйŃаСнОК МиСнŃŃ, вŃогда пОдŃинŃŃŃŃ ĐżŃавиНаП и пНанаП, ŃŃŃанОвНоннŃĐź Đ´ĐťŃ Đ˝ĐľŃ Đ´ŃŃгиПи. Đа ŃŃĐžŃ ŃаС - Ń ĐžŃŃ ĐąŃ ŃаС - Она ŃОйиŃаНаŃŃ ĐżĐžĐąĐ°ĐťĐžĐ˛Đ°ŃŃ ŃойŃ. ĐовŃŃка ĐžŃĐąŃĐžŃиНа ŃвОи СапŃĐľŃŃ Đ¸ ĐżŃодОŃŃавиНа ĐźŃĐśŃино ŃĐ˛ĐžĐąĐžĐ´Ń Đ´ĐľĐšŃŃвиК, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐžĐ˝ доНаН вŃŃ, ŃŃĐž ĐˇĐ°Ń ĐžŃĐľŃ. ĐОгда Они СакОнŃиНи, ĐźŃĐśŃина ноМнО пОŃоНОваН ĐľŃ Đ˛ ŃŃĐşŃ. ÂŤĐŻ ĐżŃĐ¸Đ´Ń ĐˇĐ° ŃОйОК, - ĐżŃĐžŃопŃаН Он, в огО гОНОŃĐľ вŃŃ ĐľŃŃ ŃĐťŃŃаНиŃŃ ĐžŃгОНОŃки наŃНаМдониŃ. РСаŃоП Он ŃŃŃĐť, Ńак Мо вноСапнО, как и ĐżŃиŃŃĐť. ĐŃĐžŃНО ноПаНО вŃоПони, ĐżŃоМдо ŃоП ĐаПиННа ŃПОгНа пОднŃŃŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° нОги. ТиŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń Đ˛ кОПнаŃĐľ наŃŃŃиН СвОнОк ĐľŃ ŃоНоŃОна. Đна ОгНŃдоНаŃŃ Đ¸ ОйнаŃŃМиНа, ŃŃĐž Он ĐťĐľĐśĐ¸Ń Đ˝Đ° ĐşŃĐ°Ń ŃŃОНа. ĐаПиННа ŃŃ Đ˛Đ°ŃиНа ŃоНоŃОн, пОка Он но ŃпаН, и наМаНа на ĐşĐ˝ĐžĐżĐşŃ ĐžŃвоŃа. ÂŤĐОкŃĐžŃ! - ŃаСдаНŃŃ Đ˛ĐˇĐ˛ĐžĐťĐ˝ĐžĐ˛Đ°Đ˝Đ˝ŃĐš гОНОŃ. -Đ ŃонŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐžŃНОМнОК пОПОŃи ŃОНŃкО ŃŃĐž ĐżŃивоСНи паŃионŃа. ĐĐ˝ пОпаН в аваŃĐ¸Ń Đ¸ пОНŃŃиН ŃĐľŃŃŃСнŃĐľ ŃŃавПŃ. ĐаП Đ˝ŃМнО, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ˛Ń Đ˝ĐľĐźĐľĐ´ĐťĐľĐ˝Đ˝Đž ОкаСаНи ĐľĐźŃ ĐżĐžĐźĐžŃŃ!Âť ĐаПиННа ĐżŃĐžŃиŃŃиНа гОŃНО, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐłĐžĐťĐžŃ ĐˇĐ˛ŃŃаН ŃОвнО: ÂŤĐĽĐžŃĐžŃĐž, Ń ĐąŃĐ´Ń ŃĐľŃоС ПинŃŃŃÂť. Đна пОНОМиНа ŃŃŃĐąĐşŃ Đ¸ напŃавиНаŃŃ Đş двоŃи, нО ĐžŃŃанОвиНаŃŃ Đ˝Đ° пОŃОго. Đна ОгНŃдоНа ŃойŃ. Đна и впŃĐ°Đ˛Đ´Ń ĐˇĐ°Đ˝ŃНаŃŃ Ń*ĐşŃОП Ń Đ˝ĐľĐˇĐ˝Đ°ĐşĐžĐźŃоП в ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐąŃаŃĐ˝ŃŃ Đ˝ĐžŃŃ. ĐŃĐž ĐąŃĐť ŃаПŃĐš вОСПŃŃиŃоНŃĐ˝ŃĐš пОŃŃŃпОк в ĐľŃ ĐśĐ¸ĐˇĐ˝Đ¸! ĐĐž ŃоКŃĐ°Ń ĐąŃНО но вŃĐľĐźŃ ĐżŃаСднОваŃŃ ŃвОК пОŃŃŃпОк иНи ŃаСПŃŃĐťŃŃŃ Đž огО пОŃНодŃŃвиŃŃ . ĐаПиННа ĐżŃивоНа ŃĐľĐąŃ Đ˛ пОŃŃдОк и ĐžŃĐżŃавиНаŃŃ Đ˛ ŃонŃŃ ŃĐşŃŃŃоннОК пОПОŃи. ĐĐľŃŃ ĐžŃŃаŃОк нОŃи Она ĐąŃНа СанŃŃа ŃайОŃОК. ĐОгда Она Đ˝Đ°ĐşĐžĐ˝ĐľŃ ĐžŃвОйОдиНаŃŃ, ŃМо йНиСиНŃŃ ŃаŃŃвоŃ. ĐĐľŃĐ˝ŃвŃиŃŃ Đ˛ кОПнаŃŃ ĐžŃĐ´ŃŃ Đ° поŃŃОнаНа, Она ОйнаŃŃМиНа, ŃŃĐž в кОПнаŃĐľ ĐąŃНО вŃŃ Ńак Мо ĐłŃŃСнО. Đ Ńки довŃŃки ŃМаНиŃŃ Đ˛ ĐşŃНаки, а в гОНОво ĐżŃОноŃНиŃŃ Đ˛ĐžŃĐżĐžĐźĐ¸Đ˝Đ°Đ˝Đ¸Ń Đž ĐąŃŃнОП ĐżŃĐžŃНОК нОŃŃŃ. ХпаŃийО, ŃŃĐž пОдПониНа ПонŃ, дОкŃĐžŃ ĐĐľŃŃОва, - кОННога ĐаПиННŃ, Яна ĐгаŃОнОва, вОŃНа Ń ĐąĐťĐ°ĐłĐžĐ´Đ°ŃнОК ŃĐťŃйкОК. Та вŃдавиНа иС ŃĐľĐąŃ ŃĐťŃйкŃ: ÂŤĐОМаНŃĐšŃŃа. ÂŤĐаНŃŃĐľ Ń ŃĐżŃавНŃŃŃ ŃаПа. Тойо ŃНодŃĐľŃ Đ˛ĐľŃĐ˝ŃŃŃŃŃ Đ¸ ноПнОгО ĐžŃĐ´ĐžŃ Đ˝ŃŃŃ, - Яна пОŃПОŃŃоНа на ĐąŃПаги, ŃаСйŃĐžŃаннŃĐľ пО пОНŃ, и ĐżŃипОднŃНа ĐąŃОви. - ЧŃĐž СдоŃŃ ĐżŃОиСОŃНО? ĐĐžŃĐľĐźŃ Đ˛ŃŃ Đ˛Đ°ĐťŃĐľŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° пОНŃ?Âť ĐаПиНа в панико ĐžŃвоНа гНаСа и ĐžŃвоŃиНа: ÂŤĐĐš, Ń ŃĐťŃŃаКнО ŃŃОниНа Đ¸Ń . ĐОМаНŃĐšŃŃа, ĐżŃийоŃиŃŃ ĐˇĐ´ĐľŃŃ. ĐŻ ŃŃŃаНа, пОŃŃĐžĐźŃ ĐżĐžĐšĐ´ŃÂť. Яно пОкаСаНŃŃ ŃŃŃаннŃĐź ĐžŃĐ˛ĐľŃ ĐаПиННŃ, нО Она но ĐżŃидаНа ŃŃĐžĐźŃ ĐˇĐ˝Đ°ŃониŃ. Đни пОпŃĐžŃаНиŃŃ, и МонŃина ĐżŃинŃНаŃŃ ŃОйиŃаŃŃ ŃаСйŃĐžŃаннŃĐľ воŃи. Đна одва ŃŃпоНа наŃаŃŃ, как в двоŃŃŃ ĐżĐžŃвиНŃŃ ŃаП диŃокŃĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ, а Са ниП - пОПОŃник ĐиŃаНиŃ. ĐНава 2 ЧŃвŃŃвО Đ˛Đ¸Đ˝Ń ÂŤĐŃĐž вŃаŃ, доМŃŃивŃĐ°Ń Đ˛ŃĐľŃа воŃĐľŃОП, - ŃкаСаН диŃокŃĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ. - ĐОкŃĐžŃ ĐŻĐ˝Đ° ĐгаŃОнОва. ĐŃŃиŃŃĐľĐ˝Ń ĐиŃаНиŃ, ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐŃНОв, вОŃŃĐť в кОПнаŃŃ Đ¸ пОŃПОŃŃоН на ŃайНиŃĐşŃ Ń Đ¸ĐźĐľĐ˝ĐľĐź на НайОŃаŃĐžŃнОП Ń Đ°ĐťĐ°ŃĐľ ĐŻĐ˝Ń. ÂŤĐОКдŃĐźŃĐľ ŃĐž ПнОК. Яна ĐąŃНа в СаПоŃаŃоНŃŃŃво. ÂŤĐŃда ĐźŃ Đ¸Đ´ŃĐź?Âť ĐĐž диŃокŃĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ Đ˝Đľ ĐˇĐ°Ń ĐžŃоН ĐžŃвоŃаŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ĐľŃ Đ˛ĐžĐżŃĐžŃ. ĐĐ˝ Ń ŃиНОК пОŃŃĐ˝ŃĐť ĐľŃ ĐˇĐ° ŃŃĐşŃ Đ¸ ŃкаСаН: ÂŤĐŃĐžŃŃĐž пОКдŃĐźŃĐľ. ĐĐľ СаŃŃавНŃĐšŃĐľ гОŃпОдина ĐОвикОва МдаŃŃÂť. ĐŃкОŃĐľ Она ОкаСаНаŃŃ Đ˛ кайиноŃĐľ диŃокŃĐžŃа йОНŃниŃŃ. ĐиŃаНиК ŃидоН на дивано, огО Ń ŃĐ´ĐžŃавОо и ĐźŃŃĐşŃНиŃŃОо ŃоНО ĐžŃкинŃНОŃŃ Đ˝Đ°ĐˇĐ°Đ´ в нопŃинŃМдŃннОК пОСо, а дНиннŃĐľ нОги ĐąŃНи ŃĐşŃĐľŃĐľĐ˝Ń ĐżĐľŃод ниП. ĐŃМнО ĐąŃНО иПоŃŃ ĐžŃŃŃŃĐš гНаС и ĐżŃиŃПОŃŃĐľŃŃŃŃ ĐżĐžĐ˛Đ˝Đ¸ĐźĐ°ŃоНŃноо, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżĐžĐ˝ŃŃŃ, ŃŃĐž огО ĐłŃĐąŃ ĐąŃНи йНодноо ОйŃŃнОгО. Đ ŃŃаŃŃŃŃ, ŃоСкиК ĐˇĐ°ĐżĐ°Ń Đ´ĐľĐˇĐ¸Đ˝ŃиŃиŃŃŃŃогО ŃŃодŃŃва, кОŃĐžŃŃĐź ĐąŃНи ĐżŃОпиŃĐ°Đ˝Ń ŃŃĐľĐ˝Ń ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ, ŃĐşŃŃваН ĐˇĐ°ĐżĐ°Ń Đş**ви на огО кОМо. ĐĐ˝ ĐąŃĐť ĐžĐ´ĐľŃ Đ˛ ŃиŃŃŃĐš ŃŃŃĐ˝ŃĐš кОŃŃŃĐź, кОŃĐžŃŃĐš ŃакМо пОПОг ŃĐşŃŃŃŃ ĐşŃаŃĐ˝ŃĐľ ĐżŃŃна, в ĐżŃĐžŃивнОП ŃĐťŃŃао вŃŃŃовОМивŃио ĐąŃ Đ˛ŃĐľŃ ĐžĐşŃŃМаŃŃĐ¸Ń . РогО вŃŃаМонии НиŃа ŃŃвŃŃвОваНаŃŃ ĐśŃŃŃкОŃŃŃ, кОŃĐžŃĐ°Ń Ńак и гОвОŃиНа, ĐąŃĐ´ŃĐž Он пОйŃваН в ŃаПОП адŃ, и ŃŃĐž Ń Đ˝Đ¸Đź но ŃŃĐžĐ¸Ń ŃŃŃиŃŃ. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐżĐžĐ´ĐžŃŃĐť Đş Đ´Đ¸Đ˛Đ°Đ˝Ń Đ¸ накНОниНŃŃ ĐżĐžĐąĐťĐ¸ĐśĐľ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżŃĐžŃопŃаŃŃ ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń Đ˝Đ° ŃŃ Đž: ÂŤĐидоОСапиŃи Ń ĐşĐ°ĐźĐľŃ Đ˝Đ°ĐąĐťŃĐ´ĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐżŃĐžŃНОК нОŃи ĐąŃНи наПоŃоннО пОддоНанŃ, ŃкОŃоо вŃогО, ŃŃĐž ŃдоНаНи ваŃи нападавŃио. Đни пОдŃиŃŃиНи ŃĐťĐľĐ´Ń Đ¸ ŃĐąŃаНи вŃĐľ вОСПОМнŃĐľ ŃНики. ĐŃĐž дОкŃĐžŃ ĐŻĐ˝Đ° ĐгаŃОнОва, доМŃŃивŃĐ°Ń ĐżŃĐžŃНОК нОŃŃŃ. ĐиŃокŃĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ ŃаП пОдŃвоŃдиН ŃŃĐž. ĐŻ ŃакМо поŃопŃОвоŃиН СапиŃи. ĐŃĐž доКŃŃвиŃоНŃнО Она. ТОНŃкО ŃОгда ĐиŃаНиК пОднŃĐť гНаСа. ĐŁ ĐŻĐ˝Ń ŃоСкО поŃĐľŃ Đ˛Đ°ŃиНО Đ´ŃŃ Đ°Đ˝Đ¸Đľ и Она пОнŃНа, ŃŃĐž поŃод ноК ŃаП йОŃŃ ĐşĐžŃпОŃаŃии ÂŤĐаŃаПаŃĐ˝ŃÂť. ÂŤĐŃ ŃĐžŃ ŃоНОвок, кОŃĐžŃŃĐš пОПОг Пно ĐżŃĐžŃНОК нОŃŃŃ?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиН ĐиŃаНиК, ОгНŃĐ´ŃĐ˛Đ°Ń ĐľŃ Ń ĐłĐžĐťĐžĐ˛Ń Đ´Đž нОг. Яна ŃŃŃ ĐśĐľ ĐżŃигнŃНа гОНОвŃ, но ŃĐľŃаŃŃŃ Đ˛ŃŃŃĐľŃиŃŃŃŃ Ń ĐłŃОСнŃĐź вСгНŃдОП ĐźŃĐśŃинŃ. ÂŤĐа... Đ-ŃŃĐž ĐąŃНа ŃÂť, - Она но ŃОвŃоП пОниПаНа, Đž ŃŃĐź идŃŃ ŃĐľŃŃ, нО СнаНа, ŃŃĐž в ĐľŃ Đ¸Đ˝ŃĐľŃĐľŃĐ°Ń Đ˛ĐžĐšŃи в дОвоŃио Đş ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń ĐОвикОвŃ. ĐŃгОда но СаŃŃĐ°Đ˛Đ¸Ń ŃĐľĐąŃ ĐśĐ´Đ°ŃŃ. Так ŃĐťŃŃиНОŃŃ, ŃŃĐž в ЌонŃŃаНŃнОП вОоннОП гОŃпиŃаНо ŃОйиŃаНиŃŃ ĐžŃОйŃаŃŃ ĐşĐ°Đ˝Đ´Đ¸Đ´Đ°ŃОв Đ´ĐťŃ ĐżŃĐžŃ ĐžĐśĐ´ĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐżŃакŃики. Đ Ń ĐžŃŃ ŃŃĐž ĐąŃНО ОйОСнаŃонО как ŃакОвОо, вŃĐľ в ŃŃОК ĐžŃŃаŃНи СнаНи, ŃŃĐž инŃĐľŃĐ˝Ń Đ˛ кОноŃнОП иŃОго ĐąŃĐ´ŃŃ ĐżŃинŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃайОŃŃ Đ¸ дОМивŃŃ Đ´Đž кОнŃа ŃвОоК каŃŃĐľŃŃ Đ˛ ŃŃОП ŃŃŃоМдонии. ĐŃНи ŃĐś на ŃĐž пОŃНО, ЌонŃŃаНŃĐ˝ŃĐš вОоннŃĐš гОŃпиŃĐ°ĐťŃ Đ¸ĐźĐľĐť Đ´ĐžŃŃŃĐż Đş ŃĐľŃŃŃŃаП, кОŃĐžŃŃĐľ ĐąŃНи наПнОгО ĐťŃŃŃĐľ, ŃоП в ŃŃОК йОНŃниŃĐľ. Яна пНаниŃОваНа пОдŃŃМиŃŃŃŃ Ń ĐиŃаНиоП в надоМдо иŃпОНŃСОваŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž ŃвŃСи, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżĐžĐżĐ°ŃŃŃ Đ˛ ĐťŃŃŃŃŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ. ÂŤĐŻ ĐźĐžĐłŃ ĐşĐžĐźĐżĐľĐ˝ŃиŃОваŃŃ Ńойо вŃоП, ŃоП ŃŃ ĐˇĐ°Ń ĐžŃĐľŃŃ, даМо ĐąŃакОП, - вноСапнО ĐżŃĐľŃваН ĐľŃ ĐźŃŃНи Ń ĐžĐťĐžĐ´Đ˝ŃĐš ĐłĐžĐťĐžŃ ĐиŃаНиŃ. ĐгО НиŃĐž ĐžŃŃаваНОŃŃ ĐžŃŃŃŃанŃннŃĐź, нО ĐźŃŃĐťŃ Đž вŃĐľŃаŃноК нОŃи ŃĐźŃĐłŃиНа ĐśŃŃŃĐşŃŃ ĐťĐ¸Đ˝Đ¸Ń ĐľĐłĐž ŃŃа. ЧŃĐž Đś... ĐŻ...Âť - ŃŃĐž ĐąŃНО наŃŃОНŃкО ноОМиданнО, ŃоП Яна ПОгНа Ńойо ĐżŃодŃŃавиŃŃ, ŃŃĐž Она Ń ŃŃŃдОП ПОгНа пОдОйŃаŃŃ ŃНОва. ÂŤĐŃĐ¸Ń ĐžĐ´Đ¸ кО Пно, как ŃОНŃкО ĐżŃиПоŃŃ ŃĐľŃонио, - вŃŃаН ĐиŃаНиК и МоŃŃОП пОпŃĐžŃиН ĐониŃа даŃŃ ĐľĐš ŃвОК кОнŃакŃĐ˝ŃĐš ŃоНоŃОн. ĐиŃокŃĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ ĐżĐžŃпоŃиН и ĐżŃодНОМиН ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń ĐżŃОвОдиŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž Đş вŃŃ ĐžĐ´Ń. ÂŤĐ ŃŃОП Đ˝ĐľŃ Đ˝ĐľĐžĐąŃ ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐźĐžŃŃи, - ĐžŃкаСаНŃŃ ŃĐžŃ, и вŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž пОводонио ŃнОва ŃŃаНО Ń ĐžĐťĐžĐ´Đ˝ŃĐź. ĐаŃоП Он ĐžŃŃанОвиНŃŃ, как ĐąŃĐ´ŃĐž огО кОо-ŃŃĐž ĐžŃониНО. ĐĐ˝ ОйоŃĐ˝ŃĐťŃŃ Đş диŃокŃĐžŃŃ Đ¸ ŃкаСаН: ÂŤĐОМаНŃĐšŃŃа, пОСайОŃŃŃĐľŃŃ Đž ноК. ÂŤĐОноŃнО, - СавоŃиН огО диŃокŃĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃниŃŃ Ń Đ˛ĐľĐśĐťĐ¸Đ˛ĐžĐš ŃĐťŃйкОК. УйодивŃиŃŃ, ŃŃĐž Они Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐžĐ´ŃŃŃŃ Đ˛Đ˝Đľ ĐżŃодоНОв ŃĐťŃŃиПОŃŃи, ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐżĐžĐ´ĐžŃŃĐť Đş ĐиŃаНиŃ. ÂŤĐаŃаНŃник, - ОйŃаŃиНŃŃ ĐžĐ˝ ŃĐ¸Ń Đ¸Đź, нО наŃŃĐžŃŃоНŃĐ˝ŃĐź гОНОŃОП, - Đ˛Ń Đ˛ĐľĐ´Ń ŃМо МонаŃŃ. ĐŻ но Đ´ŃПаŃ, ŃŃĐž ĐąŃак ŃвНŃĐľŃŃŃ ĐżŃиоПНоПŃĐź ваŃианŃОП Đ´ĐťŃ ĐłĐžŃпОМи ĐгаŃОнОвОК. ĐаП ŃНодŃĐľŃ ĐžŃкаСаŃŃŃŃ ĐžŃ ŃŃОгО ĐżŃодНОМониŃÂť. ĐŃĐąŃ ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń Đ´ŃŃĐ˝ŃНиŃŃ ĐżŃи ŃпОПинании Đž огО ĐąŃако, а НиŃĐž ĐľŃŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃŃĐľ пОПŃаŃноНО, кОгда Он пОдŃПаН Đž МонŃино, на кОŃĐžŃОК огО СаŃŃавиНи МониŃŃŃŃ. Тойо ŃŃĐž, МиŃŃ Đ˝Đ°Đ´ĐžĐľĐťĐž?Âť - ĐżŃигŃОСиН Он ŃĐ˛ĐžĐľĐźŃ ĐżĐžĐźĐžŃникŃ. Đ˘ĐžŃ ĐżĐžĐ˝ŃĐť, ŃŃĐž ŃкаСаН ŃĐž, ŃогО но ŃНодОваНО, и ŃŃŃ ĐśĐľ СадŃОМаН. Đ ŃŃĐžŃ ĐźĐžĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐžĐ˝ но СнаН, ĐşŃĐž йОНŃŃĐľ вŃогО ĐˇĐťĐ¸Ń ĐľĐłĐž йОŃŃа - Đ˝ĐžĐ˛Đ°Ń Đ˝ĐľĐ˛ĐľŃŃа иНи ŃоНОвок, ŃŃĐžŃŃиК Са вŃĐľŃаŃниП нападониоП. ТоП вŃоПоноП ĐаПиННа воŃĐ˝ŃНаŃŃ Đ˝Đ° виННŃ, кОŃĐžŃŃŃ Đ´ĐžĐťĐśĐ˝Đ° ĐąŃНа доНиŃŃ Ń ĐźŃМоП. ĐкОнОПка ŃŃĐľĐ´Đ˝Đ¸Ń ĐťĐľŃ, ĐикŃĐžŃĐ¸Ń Đ ĐžĐźĐ°Đ˝ĐžĐ˛Đ°, вŃŃŃĐľŃиНа ĐľŃ Đ˛ ŃОКо, на ĐľŃ ĐťĐ¸ŃĐľ ĐąŃНО напиŃанО йоŃпОкОКŃŃвО. ÂŤĐĐžŃĐľĐźŃ Đ˛Đ°Ń Đ˝Đľ ĐąŃНО вŃĐľŃа воŃĐľŃОП, гОŃпОМа?Âť ÂŤĐŻ дОНМна ĐąŃНа пОдПониŃŃ ĐşĐžĐťĐťĐľĐłŃÂť, - ĐžŃвоŃиНа Ńа. ĐŃ ĐłĐťĐ°ĐˇĐ° ĐąŃНи пОкŃаŃновŃиПи и ŃНоСиНиŃŃ ĐžŃ ŃŃŃаНОŃŃи. Увидов ŃŃĐž, ĐикŃĐžŃĐ¸Ń ŃĐľŃиНа но наŃŃаиваŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃвОŃĐź. ĐаПиННа пОднŃНаŃŃ Đ˝Đ°Đ˛ĐľŃŃ Đ¸ пОгŃŃСиНаŃŃ Đ˛ ваннŃ. ĐŃ ĐźŃŃНи новОНŃнО воŃĐ˝ŃНиŃŃ Đş ĐżŃодŃĐ´ŃŃоК нОŃи, и Она пОŃŃвŃŃвОваНа, как ĐľŃ ŃŃки наŃаНи гОŃĐľŃŃ. Đна Đ˛ĐˇĐ´ĐžŃ Đ˝ŃНа и пОгŃŃСиНаŃŃ Đ˛ вОдŃ, как ĐąŃ ŃпаŃаŃŃŃ ĐžŃ ŃŃовОМнŃŃ Đ˛ĐžŃпОПинаниК. ĐŃ ŃŃвŃŃва пО ŃŃĐžĐźŃ ĐżĐžĐ˛ĐžĐ´Ń ĐąŃНи ŃПоŃаннŃПи, и Она но СнаНа, Ń ŃогО наŃаŃŃ. Đна даМо но ĐżŃодŃŃавНŃНа, ŃŃĐž ŃŃĐž ĐąŃĐť Са ŃоНОвок. ĐОНоо ŃОгО, Она ŃопоŃŃ ĐąŃНа СаПŃМоП. ĐŃ ŃŃОК ĐźŃŃНи Она пОŃŃвŃŃвОваНа винŃ. ĐĐľŃПОŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ОйŃŃĐžŃŃоНŃŃŃва, кОŃĐžŃŃĐľ ĐżŃивоНи Đ¸Ń Đş Đ˝ŃноŃĐ˝ĐľĐźŃ ĐżĐžĐťĐžĐśĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń, ŃĐ°ĐşŃ ĐžŃŃаваНŃŃ ŃакŃОП: Она и ĐиŃаНиК ŃвНŃŃŃŃŃ ĐźŃМоП и МонОК. ĐаПиННа вŃŃНа иС ваннŃ, ОдоНаŃŃ Đ¸ ŃнОва ĐżŃигОŃОвиНаŃŃ Đş вŃŃ ĐžĐ´Ń. Đак ŃОНŃкО Она ŃĐżŃŃŃиНаŃŃ Đ˛Đ˝Đ¸Đˇ, ĐикŃĐžŃĐ¸Ń ŃŃŃ ĐśĐľ СаŃŃĐľŃиНаŃŃ Đ˛ĐžĐşŃŃĐł ноŃ: ÂŤĐŃ ĐžĐżŃŃŃ ŃŃ ĐžĐ´Đ¸ŃĐľ Ńак ŃкОŃĐž? ĐĐžŃĐľĐźŃ ĐąŃ Đ˛Đ°Đź ŃнаŃаНа но пОСавŃŃакаŃŃ?Âť Та пОŃПОŃŃоНа на вŃоПŃ. ÂŤĐĐľŃ, Ń ĐžĐżĐžĐˇĐ´Đ°Ń Đ˝Đ° ŃайОŃŃÂť. ĐикŃĐžŃĐ¸Ń ĐˇĐ˝Đ°ĐťĐ°, ŃŃĐž ĐаПиННа вŃаŃ, пОŃŃĐžĐźŃ ĐžĐ˝Đ° пОниПаНа, ŃŃĐž Đ´ĐťŃ ŃŃОК ПОНОдОК довŃŃки ŃвНŃĐľŃŃŃ Đ˝ĐžŃПОК ĐżŃОвОдиŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃайОŃĐľ ноŃПоŃоннОо кОНиŃĐľŃŃвО вŃоПони. ТОгда Она ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐ˝ŃНа оК ŃŃакан ПОНОка: ÂŤĐŃпоКŃĐľ Ń ĐžŃŃ ĐąŃ ŃŃĐž. ĐŃŃĐžŃОМнО, ОнО гОŃŃŃоо. ХпаŃийО, - ŃĐ¸Ń Đž ĐżŃОиСноŃНа довŃŃка, ŃОгŃĐľŃĐ°Ń ĐˇĐ°ĐąĐžŃОК ŃкОнОПки. ÂŤĐĐľ Са ŃŃО, - ĐťŃйоСнО ŃĐťŃйнŃНаŃŃ ŃкОнОПка. ĐОСПОМнО, ŃŃĐžŃ ĐąŃак и ĐąŃĐť вŃĐ˝ŃМдоннŃĐź, нО Она Đ´ĐžŃŃаŃĐžŃнО Ń ĐžŃĐžŃĐž СнаНа, ŃŃĐž ноНŃĐˇŃ ŃПОŃŃĐľŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ŃвŃŃОка. ĐаМо йоС ŃиŃŃНа ĐśĐľĐ˝Ń ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń ĐОвикОва ĐаПиННа - ĐżŃĐžŃĐľŃŃиОнаНŃĐ˝ŃĐš вŃаŃ, и ŃŃĐž Đ´ĐľĐťĐ°ĐľŃ ĐľŃ ĐąĐžĐťĐľĐľ ŃоП Đ´ĐžŃŃОКнОК ŃваМониŃ. ĐОпив ПОНОкО, ĐаПиННа воŃĐ˝ŃНа ŃŃакан ĐикŃĐžŃии и напŃавиНаŃŃ Đş вŃŃ ĐžĐ´Ń. ĐднакО Она но пОŃНа ŃŃĐ°ĐˇŃ Đ˛ кОПнаŃŃ ĐžŃĐ´ŃŃ Đ° поŃŃОнаНа. Đна вŃŃНа иС дОПа пОŃанŃŃĐľ, пОŃĐžĐźŃ ŃŃĐž оК Đ˝ŃМнО ĐąŃНО СаКŃи в ŃŃаŃиОнаŃ. ĐŃ ĐźĐ°ŃŃ ĐąŃНа пОПоŃона в ĐžŃдоНонио инŃонŃивнОК ŃĐľŃапии. ĐаПиННа ПОНŃа вОŃНа в паНаŃŃ Đ¸ ĐżŃОвоŃиНа ŃĐžŃŃĐžŃнио ПаŃĐľŃи. ĐонŃина пО-ĐżŃĐľĐśĐ˝ĐľĐźŃ Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐťĐ°ŃŃ Đ˛ ĐżĐťĐžŃ ĐžĐź ŃĐžŃŃĐžŃнии. ĐĄĐľŃĐ´ŃĐľ довŃŃки СанŃНО. ĐŃ ĐźĐ°ŃŃ ŃŃŃадаНа ĐžŃ ŃĐľŃĐ´ĐľŃнОК нодОŃŃаŃĐžŃнОŃŃи и Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐťĐ°ŃŃ Đ˛ ĐşŃиŃиŃĐľŃкОП ŃĐžŃŃĐžŃнии. ĐдинŃŃвоннŃĐź ŃпОŃОйОП ŃĐžŃ ŃаниŃŃ ĐśĐ¸ĐˇĐ˝Ń ĐźĐ°ŃĐľŃи ĐąŃНа поŃĐľŃадка ŃĐľŃĐ´Ńа, кОŃĐžŃаŃ, ĐľŃŃĐľŃŃвоннО, ОйОŃНаŃŃ ĐąŃ Đ˛ ŃоНОо ŃĐžŃŃĐžŃнио. ĐŃнОвнОК ĐżŃиŃинОК, пО кОŃĐžŃОК ĐаПиННа ŃОгНаŃиНаŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ĐąŃак, ĐąŃНО ŃĐž, ŃŃĐž ĐľŃ ĐžŃĐľŃ ŃĐłŃОМаН ŃĐ´ĐľŃМаŃŃ Đ´ĐľĐ˝Ńги, Đ˝ĐľĐžĐąŃ ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐźŃĐľ Đ´ĐťŃ ĐžĐżĐľŃаŃии. ТопоŃŃ, кОгда Она вŃŃНа СаПŃĐś, как ŃОгО ŃŃойОваН ĐľŃ ĐžŃĐľŃ, вŃŃ, ŃŃĐž иП ĐąŃНО Đ˝ŃМнО, ŃŃĐž наКŃи ĐżĐžĐ´Ń ĐžĐ´ŃŃогО дОнОŃа ŃĐľŃĐ´Ńа. ĐаПиННа ĐąŃĐžŃиНа гОŃŃкиК вСгНŃĐ´ на ПаŃŃ: ÂŤĐаПа, Ń ŃĐľĐąŃ Đ˛ŃНоŃŃ. ĐŻ ОйоŃаŃÂť. ĐŃ ĐźĐ°ŃŃ ĐąŃНа ŃаПŃĐź йНиСкиП ŃоНОвокОП, ĐľŃ ĐłĐťĐ°Đ˛Đ˝ĐžĐš пОддоŃМкОК и надŃМнŃĐź дОвоŃоннŃĐź НиŃОП. ĐоОМиданнО СаСвОниН ŃоНоŃОн. ĐовŃŃка Đ´ĐžŃŃаНа ŃоНоŃОн иС каŃПана и ĐžŃвоŃиНа на СвОнОк. ÂŤĐиНа, - ŃаСдаНŃŃ ĐźŃĐśŃкОК гОНОŃ. - Đно Đ˝ŃМнО, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ŃŃ ĐžĐşĐ°ĐˇĐ°ĐťĐ° Пно ĐžĐ´Đ˝Ń ŃŃĐťŃĐłŃÂť. ĐНава 3 ЧаŃŃĐ˝ŃĐš паŃĐ¸ĐľĐ˝Ń ĐаПиННо пОСвОниН ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ Đ¤Đ°ĐťŃкОв. Đни ŃŃиНиŃŃ Đ˛ ОднОП ПодиŃинŃкОП ŃнивоŃŃиŃĐľŃĐľ, Ń ĐžŃŃ ĐžĐ˝ ĐąŃĐť на два гОда ŃŃаŃŃĐľ ĐľŃ. ĐаŃоП Он ŃĐľŃ Đ°Đť Са ĐłŃаниŃŃ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżŃОдОНМиŃŃ ĐžĐąŃŃонио, и ŃопоŃŃ ĐąŃĐť иСвоŃŃĐ˝ŃĐź ŃĐşŃпоŃŃОП в ŃвОоК ОйНаŃŃи. ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ Đ˛Ńогда Ń ĐžŃĐžŃĐž СайОŃиНŃŃ Đž ĐаПиННо, пОŃŃĐžĐźŃ ĐžĐ˝Đ¸ ĐąŃНи дОвОНŃнО йНиСки. РкакОК ŃŃĐťŃго идŃŃ ŃĐľŃŃ?Âť - ĐżŃŃПО ŃĐżŃĐžŃиНа ĐаПиННа. ÂŤĐŁ ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐľŃŃŃ ĐżĐ°ŃионŃ, Đ˝ŃМдаŃŃиКŃŃ Đ˛ НоŃонии, ОднакО Ń ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐżĐžŃвиНОŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐžŃНОМнОо доНО, и Ń Đ˝Đľ Đ´ŃПаŃ, ŃŃĐž ŃĐźĐžĐłŃ ĐˇĐ°Đ˝ŃŃŃŃŃ ŃŃиП в йНиМаКŃоо вŃоПŃ. ĐОМаНŃĐšŃŃа, вОСŃПи паŃионŃа пОд ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐşŃŃНО, - пОпŃĐžŃиН ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ. ĐаПиНа вСгНŃĐ˝ŃНа на ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ŃаŃпиŃанио. ĐĄĐľĐłĐžĐ´Đ˝Ń Ń Đ˝ĐľŃ Đ˝Đľ ĐąŃНО доН в ĐžŃиŃĐľ, и, ĐľŃНи но ŃŃиŃаŃŃ Đ´Đ˛ŃŃ ĐžĐżĐľŃаŃиК, СапНаниŃОваннŃŃ Đ˝Đ° пОНдонŃ, Она ĐąŃНа ĐżŃакŃиŃĐľŃки ŃвОйОдна. ÂŤĐа, кОноŃнО. ĐŃда Пно пОдŃĐľŃ Đ°ŃŃ?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиНа ĐаПиННа. ÂŤĐŻ напиŃŃ Ńойо адŃĐľŃ. ĐОгда дОйоŃŃŃŃŃŃ ŃŃда, ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐž ŃкаМи ĐžŃ ŃанникаП, ŃŃĐž ŃŃ ĐżŃĐ¸ĐľŃ Đ°ĐťĐ° Đş гОŃĐżĐžĐ´Đ¸Đ˝Ń ĐаНаŃникОвŃ, и Они ОйО вŃŃĐź пОСайОŃŃŃŃŃÂť, - ĐžŃвоŃиН ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ. ÂŤĐОгОвОŃиНиŃŃÂť, - ĐžŃвоŃиНа довŃŃка. ÂŤĐŃŃ ĐşĐžĐľ-ŃŃĐž, - дОйавиН ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ, и огО ŃОн ŃŃаН ŃĐľŃŃŃСнŃĐź. - ĐикОгда Đ˝Đ¸ĐşĐžĐźŃ ĐžĐą ŃŃОП но гОвОŃи и но СадаваК НиŃĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ˛ĐžĐżŃĐžŃОв. ĐŃŃ, ŃŃĐž Ńойо Đ˝ŃМнО ŃдоНаŃŃ, ŃŃĐž вŃНоŃиŃŃ ĐżĐ°ŃионŃа. ÂŤĐŻŃнО. ĐĐľ вОНнŃĐšŃŃÂť, - ĐžŃвоŃиНа ĐаПиННа. Đни пОпŃĐžŃаНиŃŃ, и ĐаПиННа вŃСваНа ŃакŃи, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ´ĐžĐąŃаŃŃŃŃ Đş паŃионŃŃ. ĐĐľŃŃĐž ОкаСаНОŃŃ Đ˛ ĐżŃĐľŃŃиМнОП ŃаКОно, СапОНноннОП виННаПи, ĐžŃнаŃŃннŃПи ŃиŃŃоПаПи йоСОпаŃнОŃŃи вŃŃŃогО ŃŃОвнŃ. Đак и ОМидаНОŃŃ, на Đ˛Ń ĐžĐ´Đľ довŃŃка ŃŃОНкнŃНаŃŃ Ń ŃŃŃОвОК ĐžŃ ŃанОК. ĐаПиННа пОŃНодОваНа инŃŃŃŃĐşŃиŃĐź и ŃпОПŃĐ˝ŃНа гОŃпОдина ĐаНаŃникОва. ХдоНав СвОнОк, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ŃйодиŃŃŃŃ Đ˛ ĐżŃавдивОŃŃи ĐľŃ ŃНОв, ĐžŃ Ńанник ĐżŃигНаŃиН ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ Đ˛Đ˝ŃŃŃŃ. ĐовŃŃка НогкО наŃНа виННŃ. Đна пОднŃНаŃŃ ĐżĐž ŃŃŃпонŃкаП и пОСвОниНа в двоŃŃ. ЧоŃоС ноŃкОНŃкО ŃокŃнд двоŃŃ ĐžŃĐşŃŃНаŃŃ. ĐаСаНОŃŃ, ŃŃĐž ŃиŃŃаŃĐ¸Ń Đ´ĐľĐšŃŃвиŃоНŃнО ĐąŃНа ŃŃĐžŃнОК. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐźŃŃиНŃŃ. Đни МдаНи ФŃĐ´ĐžŃа, нО вПоŃŃĐž ŃŃОгО на пОŃОго ОкаСаНаŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐˇĐ˛Đ°Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐłĐžŃŃŃŃ. ÂŤĐŃĐžŃŃиŃĐľ, вŃâŚÂť - наŃаНа довŃŃка. ĐС ŃкаСаниК ФŃĐ´ĐžŃа ĐаПиННа ŃМо ŃдоНаНа вŃвОд, ŃŃĐž ŃŃĐžŃ ĐżĐ°ŃĐ¸ĐľĐ˝Ń ŃĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐťĐ¸ŃнОо ĐżŃĐžŃŃŃанŃŃвО, и ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ¸ĐˇĐąĐľĐśĐ°ŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐżŃиŃŃнОŃŃоК, Она ŃĐžŃНа ŃаСŃПнŃĐź надоŃŃ ĐźĐ°ŃĐşŃ. ĐоСОпаŃнОŃŃŃ ĐąŃНа в ĐżŃиОŃиŃĐľŃĐľ. ÂŤĐОкŃĐžŃ Đ¤Đ°ĐťŃкОв пОпŃĐžŃиН ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐżŃĐ¸ĐľŃ Đ°ŃŃ ŃŃда, - ŃкаСаНа ĐаПиННа. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐźĐľĐťŃкОП вСгНŃĐ˝ŃĐť на апŃĐľŃĐşŃ, кОŃĐžŃŃŃ ĐžĐ˝Đ° Đ´ĐľŃМаНа: ÂŤĐŃ ĐˇĐ˝Đ°ĐľŃĐľ, ŃŃĐž доНаŃŃ?Âť ÂŤĐа, дОкŃĐžŃ Đ¤Đ°ĐťŃкОв даН Пно инŃŃŃŃĐşŃии. ĐŻ ŃĐžŃ ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń Đ˛ŃŃ Đ˛ ŃŃŃОгОК кОнŃидонŃиаНŃнОŃŃи, - ĐžŃвоŃиНа довŃŃка. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐˇĐ˝Đ°Đť, ŃŃĐž ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ Đ˝Đľ поŃодаН ĐąŃ ŃвОи ОйŃСаннОŃŃи ŃОПŃ, ĐşŃĐž но СаŃĐťŃĐśĐ¸Đ˛Đ°ĐľŃ Đ´ĐžĐ˛ĐľŃĐ¸Ń Đ¸ĐťĐ¸ нокОПпоŃонŃон, пОŃŃĐžĐźŃ ŃŃвоŃдиŃоНŃнО кивнŃĐť и впŃŃŃиН ĐаПиННŃ. ĐĐ˝ ĐżŃОвŃĐť ĐľŃ ĐźĐ¸ĐźĐž ŃĐžŃкОŃнОК гОŃŃинОК, СаŃоП ввоŃŃ ĐżĐž НоŃŃниŃĐľ в ŃпаНŃĐ˝Ń. РкОПнаŃĐľ ĐąŃНО ŃоПнО. ÂŤĐак Ń ĐąŃĐ´Ń ĐżŃОвОдиŃŃ ĐťĐľŃонио йоС ŃвоŃа?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиНа ĐаПиННа. ĐОгда ĐиŃаНиК ŃŃĐťŃŃаН МонŃкиК гОНОŃ, ŃĐž пОŃпоŃнО ŃŃ Đ˛Đ°ŃиН ŃвОК пидМак и наŃŃĐ˝ŃĐť огО на НиŃĐž. ÂŤĐкНŃŃи ŃвоŃÂť, - ĐżŃикаСаН Он ŃĐşĐ˛ĐžĐˇŃ ŃканŃ. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ŃŃНкнŃĐť вŃкНŃŃаŃоНоП, и кОПнаŃŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐťĐ¸Đť ŃŃкиК ŃвоŃ. ĐĐľŃвОК ĐźŃŃĐťŃŃ ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ĐąŃНО ŃĐž, ŃŃĐž ĐłĐžĐťĐžŃ ĐżĐ°ŃионŃа ĐąŃĐť дОвОНŃнО СнакОПŃĐź, ОднакО Она ĐžŃĐźĐ°Ń Đ˝ŃНаŃŃ ĐžŃ ŃŃĐ¸Ń ĐźŃŃНоК. Đна ŃвидоНа ŃоНОвока, НоМаŃогО на ĐşŃОваŃи, ŃŃŃ ĐąĐľĐťĐ°Ń ĐżĐ°ŃĐ°Đ´Đ˝Đ°Ń ŃŃйаŃка ĐąŃНа в ĐżŃŃĐ˝Đ°Ń Đ´Đ°Đ˛Đ˝Đž СаŃĐžŃ ŃоК ĐşŃОви. ĐаПиННа но Ń ĐžŃоНа вдаваŃŃŃŃ Đ˛ пОдŃОйнОŃŃи и ŃĐľŃиНа ŃĐžŃŃодОŃĐžŃиŃŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃĐ°Đ˝Đ°Ń . ĐŃĐśŃина ŃвнО но Ń ĐžŃоН вŃдаваŃŃ ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐťĐ¸ŃнОŃŃŃ, пОŃŃĐžĐźŃ Đ´ĐľĐ˛ŃŃка ĐľŃŃĐľŃŃвоннŃĐź ОйŃаСОП ŃваМаНа огО ĐłŃаниŃŃ Đ¸ воНа ŃĐľĐąŃ ĐżŃиНиŃнО. Đна пОŃŃавиНа ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ°ĐżŃĐľŃĐşŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃŃПйОŃĐşŃ Đ¸ Đ´ĐžŃŃаНа Ń Đ¸ŃŃŃгиŃĐľŃкио инŃŃŃŃПонŃŃ. ĐаПиННа нОМниŃаПи ŃаСŃоСаНа ŃŃйаŃĐşŃ ĐżĐ°ŃионŃа, ОйнаМив огО ŃанŃ, кОŃĐžŃŃĐľ ĐąŃНи пОкŃŃŃŃ ŃОнкиП ŃНОоП ПаŃНи. Đна ŃĐąŃаНа вŃŃ Đ¸, накОноŃ, ŃвидоНа дво СиŃŃŃио ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń Đ˝Đ° ĐżŃавОК ŃŃĐžŃОно ŃĐžŃŃа ĐźŃĐśŃинŃ. ĐаПиННа наŃаНа НоŃонио, ОйŃайОŃав ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń ŃвОиПи НОвкиПи ŃŃкаПи. ĐŃŃ ŃŃĐž вŃĐľĐźŃ ĐžĐ˝Đ° ĐžŃŃаваНаŃŃ ŃпОкОКнОК, а ĐľŃ Đ´Đ˛Đ¸ĐśĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐąŃНи ĐąŃŃŃŃŃПи и ŃŃŃокŃивнŃПи. ÂŤĐŃŃŃ ĐťĐ¸ Ń Đ˛Đ°Ń Đ°ĐťĐťĐľŃĐłĐ¸Ń Đ˝Đ° аноŃŃоСиŃ?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиНа Она ŃĐľŃоС нокОŃĐžŃОо вŃоПŃ. Đ ŃŃаŃŃŃŃ, ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń ĐąŃНи ногНŃйОкио и пОвŃодиНи НиŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐąĐžĐťŃŃŃŃ ŃаŃŃŃ ĐşĐžĐśĐ¸, ОднакО ŃŃойОваНОŃŃ Ń Đ¸ŃŃŃгиŃĐľŃкОо вПоŃаŃоНŃŃŃвО. ĐŃĐžŃĐľŃŃ ŃŃойОваН ĐżŃĐ¸ĐźĐľĐ˝ĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐźĐľŃŃнОК аноŃŃоСии. ĐаПиННа гОвОŃиНа ŃпОкОКнО, пОŃŃи ŃĐ¸Ń Đž, ŃŃĐž ŃоСкО кОнŃŃаŃŃиŃОваНО Ń ĐľŃ ĐąĐľĐˇŃПнŃĐź гОНОŃОП ĐżŃĐžŃНОК нОŃŃŃ. ĐĐžŃŃОПŃ, ноŃПОŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ОйПон ноŃкОНŃкиПи ŃНОваПи, ĐиŃаНиК ŃОвŃоП но ŃСнаН ĐľŃ. ÂŤĐĐľŃÂť, - ŃкаСаН Он ŃвОиП ОйŃŃĐ˝ŃĐź Ń ĐžĐťĐžĐ´Đ˝ŃĐź гОНОŃОП, ĐżŃĐž ŃĐľĐąŃ Đ˛ĐžŃŃ Đ˛Đ°ĐťŃŃ ĐľŃ ĐżŃĐžŃĐľŃŃиОнаНиСП. ĐаПиННа ĐżŃиŃŃŃпиНа Đş ĐżŃигОŃĐžĐ˛ĐťĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ°Đ˝ĐľŃŃоСии, а СаŃоП ввоНа ĐľŃ Đ˛ ОйНаŃŃŃ Đ˛ĐžĐşŃŃĐł Ńан. ĐĐź ĐżŃиŃНОŃŃ ĐżĐžĐ´ĐžĐśĐ´Đ°ŃŃ ĐżĐ°ŃŃ ĐźĐ¸Đ˝ŃŃ, пОка наŃаНОŃŃ Đ´ĐľĐšŃŃвио ĐżŃопаŃаŃа, пОŃНо ŃогО Она наНОМиНа ŃвŃ. ĐŃиПоŃнО ŃĐľŃоС ŃĐ°Ń ĐаПиННа Đ˝Đ°ĐşĐžĐ˝ĐľŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐşĐžĐ˝ŃиНа. Đ ŃоНОП, НоŃонио ĐżŃĐžŃНО ĐąŃŃŃŃĐž и ŃŃпоŃнО. ĐаПиННа пОŃПОŃŃоНа на ŃвОи Ок**вавНоннŃĐľ ŃŃки и ŃкаСаНа: ÂŤĐно Đ˝ŃМнО в ŃйОŃĐ˝ŃŃÂť. ÂŤĐŃ ĐźĐžĐśĐľŃĐľ иŃпОНŃСОваŃŃ ŃŃ, ŃŃĐž вниСŃÂť, - ĐžŃвоŃиН ĐониŃ. ĐаПиННа пОŃпоŃнО пОкинŃНа ŃпаНŃĐ˝Ń. УйодивŃиŃŃ, ŃŃĐž довŃŃка воŃĐ˝ŃНаŃŃ Đ˝Đ° поŃвŃĐš ŃŃаМ, ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐˇĐ°ĐşŃŃĐť двоŃŃ Đ¸ пОŃпоŃиН Đş ĐиŃаНиŃ. ÂŤĐŻ ŃСнаН, ŃŃĐž йандиŃŃ, напавŃио на Đ˛Đ°Ń Đ˛ŃĐľŃа, пОдОŃĐťĐ°Đ˝Ń ĐŃŃŃПОП. ĐĐ˝, воŃĐžŃŃнО, ĐžŃŃаŃннО Ń ĐžŃĐľŃ Đ¸ĐˇĐąĐ°Đ˛Đ¸ŃŃŃŃ ĐžŃ Đ˛Đ°Ń, ĐžŃОйоннО пОŃНо ŃОгО, как Đ˛Ń Đ˛ŃŃиŃНиНи огО ŃпиОнОв в ваŃоК кОПпании, - ŃкаСаН ĐониŃ. ĐиŃаНиК СаŃŃОнаН ĐžŃ ĐąĐžĐťĐ¸, ŃŃаМиваŃŃŃ, а СаŃоП пОдŃŃĐ˝ŃĐťŃŃ Đş ĐşŃĐ°Ń ĐşŃОваŃи и ОпŃŃŃиН нОги на пОН. ĐĐ˝ вŃгНŃдоН ŃНайŃĐź, нО огО гНаСа вŃĐżŃŃ Đ˝ŃНи ОпаŃĐ˝ŃĐź йНоŃкОП. ĐŃĐśŃина поŃовŃĐť ĐżŃОнСиŃоНŃĐ˝ŃĐš вСгНŃĐ´ на ŃвОогО пОПОŃника. ÂŤĐŃа МонŃина, на кОŃĐžŃОК Ń ĐąŃĐť вŃĐ˝ŃМдон МониŃŃŃŃ, Đ¸ĐźĐľĐľŃ ĐşĐ°ĐşĐžĐľ-НийО ĐžŃнОŃонио Đş ĐŃŃŃĐźŃ?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиН Он. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐżĐžĐ˝Đ¸ĐˇĐ¸Đť гОНОŃ: ÂŤĐа ŃаПОП доНо, ĐŃŃŃĐź ŃвŃСаНŃŃ Ń Đ˛Đ°ŃиП ŃĐľŃŃоП, ĐиŃОнОП. ĐĐ˝ ŃŃŃоПиНŃŃ Đ˛ŃдаŃŃ ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ´ĐžŃŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐźŃĐś Са ŃНона ŃоПŃи ĐОвикОвŃŃ , нО, ĐżĐžŃ ĐžĐśĐľ, никОгда но ŃаŃŃПаŃŃиваН ваŃогО ĐşŃСона ĐĐťŃŃ, как ĐżĐžĐ´Ń ĐžĐ´ŃŃогО кандидаŃа. ĐОНМнО ĐąŃŃŃ, ĐŃŃŃĐź дОгОвОŃиНŃŃ Ń Đ˝Đ¸ĐźÂť. ÂŤĐĐ˝ но поŃĐľŃŃаŃŃ ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ŃдивНŃŃŃ ĐşĐ°ĐśĐ´ŃĐš донŃ. ĐĄ ПОоК ŃŃĐžŃĐžĐ˝Ń ĐąŃĐ´ĐľŃ Đ˝Đľ воМНивО ĐżŃОПОНŃаŃŃ Đ˛ ĐžŃвоŃÂť, - ŃкаСаН ĐиŃаНиК. Đа вŃĐľĐźŃ ĐžŃŃŃŃŃŃĐ˛Đ¸Ń ĐиŃаНиŃ, в гОŃОдо ĐżŃОиСОŃНО ПнОгО ŃОйŃŃиК, в кОŃĐžŃŃŃ ĐąŃĐť СаПоŃан ĐĐťŃŃ. ÂŤĐŻ ŃĐťŃŃаН, ŃŃĐž Ń ĐĐťŃи ĐľŃŃŃ ĐˇĐ°Ń ŃдаНŃĐš ĐąĐ°Ń "ШаŃĐź" на ŃНиŃĐľ ĐŃйаŃŃкаŃÂť, - ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐ˝ŃĐť ĐиŃаНиК. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń Đ˛ŃŃ ĐżĐžĐ˝ŃĐť Ń ĐżĐžĐťŃŃНОва. ÂŤĐа, пОŃкОНŃĐşŃ ŃпиОнОв вŃгнаНи иС кОПпании, ŃŃĐžŃ ĐşĐťŃĐą ŃŃаН Đ¸Ń ĐľĐ´Đ¸Đ˝ŃŃвоннŃĐź иŃŃĐžŃникОП Đ´ĐžŃ ĐžĐ´Đ°, и ĐľŃНи огО СакŃĐžŃŃ, ŃĐž иП ĐżŃидŃŃŃŃ Đ´ĐžĐ˛ĐžĐťŃнО ŃŃгО, - ŃкаСаН ĐониŃ. ÂŤĐОПОги иП в ŃŃОП, - ŃкаСаН ĐиŃаНиК, и огО ĐłĐžĐťĐžŃ ŃŃаН на ОкŃĐ°Đ˛Ń Đ˝Đ¸ĐśĐľ. ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ŃŃОНкнŃĐťŃŃ Ń ĐаПиННОК, кОгда ŃĐżŃŃкаНŃŃ Đ˛Đ˝Đ¸Đˇ. ĐĐ˝ ĐżŃодпОНОМиН, ŃŃĐž ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ ĐżŃОинŃŃŃŃĐşŃиŃОваН довŃŃĐşŃ ĐˇĐ°Ńаноо, ОднакО ŃĐľŃиН ноПнОгО ĐľŃ Đ˝Đ°ĐżŃгаŃŃ Đ´ĐťŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃŃогО ŃŃŃокŃа: ÂŤĐŃНи Đ˛Ń ŃаŃŃкаМоŃĐľ Ой ŃŃОП кОПŃ-нийŃĐ´Ń, Đ˛Đ°Ń Đ˝Đ°ŃŃĐ¸ĐłĐ˝ĐľŃ ŃМаŃĐ˝Đ°Ń ŃПоŃŃŃÂť, - ŃкаСаН Он. ĐŃНи ŃĐťŃŃ Đž ŃŃĐ°Đ˛ĐźĐ°Ń ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń Đ´ĐžĐšĐ´ŃŃ Đ´Đž ĐŃŃŃПа иНи огО ŃŃна ĐĐťŃи, Они ОйŃСаŃоНŃнО пОвоŃĐ˝ŃŃ ŃŃĐž в ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐżĐžĐťŃСŃ. ĐаПиННа кивнŃНа: ÂŤĐŻ ŃĐžŃ ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń ŃŃĐž в ŃаКно. ĐŻ ŃОНŃкО вОСŃĐźŃ ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ°ĐżŃĐľŃĐşŃ Đ¸ ноПодНоннО ŃКдŃÂť. ĐОгда довŃŃка воŃĐ˝ŃНаŃŃ Đ˛ ŃпаНŃĐ˝Ń, ŃĐž ОйнаŃŃМиНа ĐźŃĐśŃинŃ, ŃŃĐžŃŃогО Ń ĐžĐşĐ˝Đ° напŃĐžŃив двоŃи. ĐĐ˝ ŃŃĐžŃĐť Đş ноК ŃпинОК, ОднакО довŃŃка ПОгНа ŃаŃŃПОŃŃĐľŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž ŃиŃОкио пНоŃи и ĐźŃŃĐşŃНиŃŃŃŃ ŃпинŃ. ĐгО ŃоНО ĐąŃНО ŃŃŃОКнŃĐź, ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐž идоаНŃĐ˝ŃĐź. ÂŤĐŃ ŃаСво но ŃŃНи?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиН ĐźŃĐśŃина наŃПоŃНивŃĐź гОНОŃОП. ĐĐ˝ но ОйоŃĐ˝ŃĐťŃŃ, нО какиП-ŃĐž ОйŃаСОП пОнŃĐť, ŃŃĐž Она ŃПОŃŃĐ¸Ń Đ˝Đ° ногО. ĐОСПОМнО, Он пОŃŃвŃŃвОваН ĐľŃ ĐłĐžŃŃŃиК вСгНŃĐ´. ĐаПиННа ŃĐźŃŃŃннО ОпŃŃŃиНа гОНОвŃ. Đак ĐąŃ ĐľĐš но Ń ĐžŃоНОŃŃ ŃŃĐž ĐżŃиСнаваŃŃ, нО ŃŃĐžŃ ĐźŃĐśŃина СаинŃĐľŃĐľŃОваН ĐľŃ. ĐНава 4 ĐĄŃаМиŃОвка ĐаПиННа, ОпŃŃŃив гОНОвŃ, ŃĐžŃОпНивО вСŃНа ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ°ĐżŃĐľŃĐşŃ. ĐŃĐžŃиŃŃив гОŃНО, Она даНа ĐźŃĐśŃино ноŃкОНŃкО ŃкаСаниК. Đак ĐąŃ ŃаП ни ĐąŃНО, Она вŃŃ ĐśĐľ ĐąŃНа вŃаŃОП. ÂŤĐаП ноНŃĐˇŃ ĐżĐžĐşĐ° ПОŃиŃŃ ŃвОи ŃанŃ. ĐоСинŃиŃиŃŃĐšŃĐľ Đ¸Ń ŃаС в Đ´ĐľĐ˝Ń Đ¸ нОŃиŃĐľ ŃвОйОднŃĐľ ŃŃйаŃки, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ˝Đľ ŃаСдŃаМаŃŃ ŃанŃÂť. Đна пОŃŃавиНа ĐąŃŃŃНОŃĐşŃ Ń ŃайНоŃкаПи и ŃŃйик Ń ĐźĐ°ĐˇŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃŃПйОŃĐşŃ. ÂŤĐŻ ĐžŃŃавНŃŃ Đ˛Đ°Đź ŃŃи НокаŃŃŃва. ĐиŃаНиК ŃŃĐž-ŃĐž ĐżŃОйОŃПОŃаН в Снак ĐżŃиСнаŃоНŃнОŃŃи, нО но ОйоŃĐ˝ŃĐťŃŃ. ĐаПиННа ŃОМо йОНŃŃĐľ ниŃогО но ŃкаСаНа и ŃŃĐ°ĐˇŃ ĐśĐľ пОкинŃНа виННŃ. ĐОгда Она воŃĐ˝ŃНаŃŃ Đ˛ йОНŃниŃŃ, ĐąŃНО ŃМо пОŃŃи ОдиннадŃаŃŃ Đ´Đ˝Ń. Đна напŃавиНаŃŃ Đ˛ ŃŃОНОвŃŃ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżĐľŃокŃŃиŃŃ. Đдва ŃŃŃŃОивŃиŃŃ ĐˇĐ° ŃвОиП ŃŃОНОП, ĐľŃ Đ˛ŃСваНи в ĐşĐ°ĐąĐ¸Đ˝ĐľŃ ĐłĐťĐ°Đ˛Đ˛ŃаŃа. ÂŤĐŻ ĐžŃĐżŃавНŃŃ ĐŻĐ˝Ń Đ˛ ЌонŃŃаНŃĐ˝ŃĐš вОоннŃĐš гОŃпиŃĐ°ĐťŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃŃаМиŃОвкŃÂť, - ŃкаСаН гНаввŃĐ°Ń ŃОнОП, но ŃĐľŃĐżŃŃиП вОСŃаМониК. ĐаПиННа ĐąŃНа пОŃŃŃŃона и ŃкаСаНа: ÂŤĐĐž Ń Đ´ŃПаНа, ŃŃĐž Đ˛Ń ŃМо ŃĐľŃиНи ĐžŃĐżŃавиŃŃ ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń?Âť ÂŤĐаПиННа, Ń ŃвоŃон, ŃŃĐž ŃŃ ĐˇĐ˝Đ°ĐľŃŃ Đž ŃОП, ŃŃĐž вŃŃ Đ˛ŃŃОкОŃĐľŃ Đ˝ĐžĐťĐžĐłĐ¸ŃнОо ОйОŃŃдОванио наŃоК йОНŃниŃŃ ŃпОнŃиŃОваНОŃŃ ĐşĐžŃпОŃаŃиоК "ĐаŃаПаŃĐ˝Ń". ĐŃĐľĐˇĐ¸Đ´ĐľĐ˝Ń ĐОвикОв НиŃнО пОпŃĐžŃиН ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐżĐžĐˇĐ°ĐąĐžŃиŃŃŃŃ Đž Яно. ĐŻ но ĐźĐžĐłŃ ĐżĐžĐˇĐ˛ĐžĐťĐ¸ŃŃ Ńойо пОКŃи ĐżŃĐžŃив огО вОНи. ĐаПиННа ĐžŃĐľŃиниНаŃŃ ĐżŃи ŃпОПинании иПони ĐиŃаНиŃ. ĐĽĐžŃŃ ĐžĐ˝Đ¸ и ĐąŃНи ĐžŃиŃиаНŃнО МонаŃŃ, нО Они никОгда но вŃŃŃĐľŃаНиŃŃ. Đна видоНа ĐźŃĐśŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń ŃОНŃкО в ĐśŃŃĐ˝Đ°ĐťĐ°Ń Đ¸ инОгда в нОвОŃŃŃŃ ĐżĐž ŃоНовиСОŃŃ. ĐнаŃиŃ, Он и Яна? ĐĄĐľŃĐ´ŃĐľ ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ŃкнŃНО, нО Она ĐžŃŃаваНаŃŃ ŃпОкОКнОК. ÂŤĐĐžŃ ĐşĐ°Đş?Âť ÂŤĐа, йОŃŃŃ, Ń ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ŃвŃĐˇĐ°Đ˝Ń ŃŃки. ĐĐžŃĐťŃŃаК, ĐаПиННа, ĐźŃ ĐžĐąĐ° СнаоП Đž ŃĐ˛ĐžĐ¸Ń ŃпОŃОйнОŃŃŃŃ , нО...Âť - гНаввŃĐ°Ń Ń ĐžŃоН ŃŃпОкОиŃŃ Đ´ĐľĐ˛ŃŃĐşŃ, нО но СнаН, как. ĐаПиННа вŃдоНŃНаŃŃ ŃŃоди ŃĐ˛ĐžĐ¸Ń ŃвоŃŃŃникОв йНагОдаŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐ˛ĐľŃĐžŃŃĐ˝ĐžĐźŃ ŃаНанŃŃ Đ¸ ĐżŃĐžŃĐľŃŃиОнаНŃнОК ŃŃико. ĐНаввŃĐ°Ń ŃониН ĐľŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃŃĐľ вŃĐľŃ ĐžŃŃаНŃĐ˝ŃŃ . ÂŤĐŻ пОниПаŃÂť, - ĐżŃОйОŃПОŃаНа ĐаПиННа Ńойо пОд нОŃ. ĐовŃŃка гОвОŃиНа Ńойо, ŃŃĐž Она ĐąŃНа но в ŃОП пОНОМонии, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ŃаŃŃŃŃаиваŃŃŃŃ Đ¸Đˇ-Са вПоŃаŃоНŃŃŃва ĐиŃаНиŃ. ĐĐ˝ ĐąŃĐť вŃĐ˝ŃМдон МониŃŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ноК, и, ĐľŃŃĐľŃŃвоннО, Она но ПОгНа ŃаŃŃŃиŃŃваŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃĐž, ŃŃĐž Он ĐąŃĐ´ĐľŃ ĐˇĐ°ĐąĐžŃиŃŃŃŃ Đž ноК. ÂŤĐно ĐľŃŃ Đ˝ŃМнО пОдгОŃОвиŃŃŃŃ Đş ОпоŃаŃии, Ńак ŃŃĐž Ń ĐżĐžĐšĐ´ŃÂť, - ŃПиŃоннŃĐź гОНОŃОП ŃкаСаНа довŃŃка. ĐаПиННа пОниПаНа, ŃŃĐž ниŃогО но ĐźĐžĐśĐľŃ ŃдоНаŃŃ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ¸ĐˇĐźĐľĐ˝Đ¸ŃŃ ŃиŃŃаŃиŃ. ĐНаввŃĐ°Ń ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐž Đ˛ĐˇĐ´ĐžŃ Đ˝ŃĐť и ŃПОŃŃоН, как Она ŃŃ ĐžĐ´Đ¸Ń. ĐаПиННа Ń ŃĐ˝ŃŃСиаСПОП пОгŃŃСиНаŃŃ Đ˛ ŃайОŃŃ, ĐżŃŃаŃŃŃ Đ˝Đľ Đ´ŃПаŃŃ Đž ŃŃаМиŃОвко. Đна йоС СаПинки ĐżŃОвоНа ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Đ˛ŃĐžŃŃŃ ĐžĐżĐľŃаŃиŃ, СаŃоП ŃĐ˝ŃНа ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ Ń Đ¸ŃŃŃгиŃĐľŃĐşŃŃ ŃĐžŃĐźŃ Đ¸, пОŃПОŃŃов ввоŃŃ , ŃŃŃаНО пНŃŃ Đ˝ŃНаŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃŃŃĐť. ĐПоннО в ŃŃĐžŃ ĐźĐžĐźĐľĐ˝Ń Đ˛ гОŃŃинŃŃ Đ˛ĐžŃНа Яна и ŃкаСаНа: ÂŤĐĐ´ŃавŃŃвŃĐš, ĐаПиННа, - пОпŃивоŃŃŃвОваНа Она, ŃŃкО ŃĐťŃйаŃŃŃ. - Đ˘Ń ŃвОйОдна воŃĐľŃОП? ĐĐžĐˇĐ˛ĐžĐťŃ ŃгОŃŃиŃŃ ŃĐľĐąŃ ŃМинОП. ÂŤĐСвини, нО Ń ĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐľŃŃŃ Đ´ĐľĐťĐ°, Ń ĐşĐžŃĐžŃŃПи Đ˝ŃМнО ŃаСОйŃаŃŃŃŃ ĐżĐžĐˇĐśĐľÂť, - воМНивО ĐžŃкаСаНаŃŃ ĐаПиННа. ĐовŃŃка но ĐąŃНа в Ń ĐžŃĐžŃĐ¸Ń ĐžŃнОŃониŃŃ Ń ĐŻĐ˝ĐžĐš. Đни ĐąŃНи ĐżŃĐžŃŃĐž кОННогаПи, а но пОдŃŃгаПи. Đйо ОкОнŃиНи Один и ŃĐžŃ ĐśĐľ ŃнивоŃŃиŃĐľŃ Đ˛ ОднО и ŃĐž Мо вŃоПŃ. ĐŃŃ ŃОгда Яна ĐąŃНа ŃОК ĐľŃŃ ŃŃŃŃкОК. Đна ĐąŃНа ĐžŃĐľĐ˝Ń Đ°ĐźĐąĐ¸ŃиОСнОК и вŃогда Ń ĐžŃоНа пОкŃаŃОваŃŃŃŃ Đ¸ ĐżŃивНокаŃŃ Đ˛ŃоОйŃоо вниПанио. ĐаПиННа, в ŃĐ˛ĐžŃ ĐžŃĐľŃодŃ, ĐżŃодпОŃиŃаНа ĐžŃŃаваŃŃŃŃ Đ˝ĐľĐˇĐ°ĐźĐľŃнОК и ĐąŃНа пОгŃŃМона в ŃвОи книги. ĐОМнО ŃкаСаŃŃ, ŃŃĐž довŃŃки ĐąŃНи айŃОНŃŃнО ŃаСнŃПи. ĐОнŃŃнОо доНО, ŃŃĐž Они но ĐžŃĐľĐ˝Ń Ń ĐžŃĐžŃĐž НадиНи. ÂŤĐ, ĐžŃĐľĐ˝Ń ĐśĐ°ĐťŃ, - ŃкаСаНа Яна, вŃгНŃĐ´Ń ĐżĐžŃоПŃ-ŃĐž ŃĐźŃŃŃннОК. - ĐООйŃĐľ-ŃĐž Ń Ń ĐžŃоНа Ń ŃОйОК кОо Đž ŃŃĐź пОгОвОŃиŃŃÂť. ĐаПиННа вŃŃаНа и пОдОŃНа Đş ŃĐ˛ĐžĐľĐźŃ ŃкаŃŃикŃ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ĐżĐžĐ˛ĐľŃиŃŃ Ń Đ°ĐťĐ°Ń. ÂŤĐОвОŃи, - ŃкаСаНа Она, но гНŃĐ´Ń Đ˝Đ° ĐŻĐ˝Ń. Đ˘ĐžŃ ŃакŃ, ŃŃĐž ĐľŃ ĐşĐžĐťĐťĐľĐłĐ° Ńак иНи инаŃĐľ ŃвŃСаНаŃŃ Ń ĐиŃаНиоП, ĐľŃŃ ĐąĐžĐťŃŃĐľ ĐžŃдаНиН ĐĐ°ĐźĐ¸ĐťĐťŃ ĐžŃ ĐŻĐ˝Ń. ТŃ, дОНМнО ĐąŃŃŃ, ŃĐťŃŃаНа, да? Đно ĐžŃĐľĐ˝Ń ĐśĐ°ĐťŃ. ĐŻ пОнŃŃĐ¸Ń Đ˝Đľ иПоНа, ŃŃĐž диŃокŃĐžŃâŚÂť ÂŤĐŃŃ Đ˛ пОŃŃдко, - поŃойиНа ĐаПиННа. ĐднакО Яна ĐľŃŃ Đ˝Đľ вŃŃ ŃкаСаНа и ĐżŃОдОНМиНа: ÂŤĐ ĐľŃŃ, ПОМоŃŃ ŃĐžŃ ŃаниŃŃ Đ˛ ŃокŃĐľŃĐľ ŃĐž, ŃŃĐž вŃĐľŃа воŃĐľŃОП ŃŃ Đ˛ŃŃНа на ŃĐźĐľĐ˝Ń Đ˛ĐźĐľŃŃĐž ПонŃ? ĐнаоŃŃ, пОŃкОНŃĐşŃ Ń ŃОйиŃаŃŃŃ Đ˛ ЌонŃŃаНŃĐ˝ŃĐš вОоннŃĐš гОŃпиŃаНŃ, Ń Đ˝Đľ Ń ĐžŃŃ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ŃŃĐž ĐżŃиŃиниНО какио-НийО ĐżŃОйНоПŃÂť. ĐĐľŃПОŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃĐž, ŃŃĐž ĐżŃĐžŃŃйа ĐŻĐ˝Ń ĐąŃНа ноОйŃŃнОК, ĐаПиННа но Đ´ŃПаНа Ой ŃŃОП и ĐžŃвоŃиНа: ÂŤĐŻ Đ˝Đ¸ĐşĐžĐźŃ Đ˝Đľ ŃкаМŃÂť. Đ ĐťŃйОП ŃĐťŃŃао, но ĐąŃНО ниŃогО ŃŃŃаннОгО в ŃОП, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ Đ˛ĐˇŃŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃĐľĐąŃ ŃĐźĐľĐ˝Ń ĐşĐžĐťĐťĐľĐłĐ¸. ĐŃĐľĐźŃ ĐžŃ Đ˛ŃоПони иП ĐżŃĐ¸Ń ĐžĐ´Đ¸ĐťĐžŃŃ ŃŃаНкиваŃŃŃŃ Ń ĐťĐ¸ŃĐ˝ŃПи ŃŃоСвŃŃаКнŃПи ОйŃŃĐžŃŃоНŃŃŃваПи. Đа ŃĐľŃŃиŃĐžŃии йОНŃниŃŃ. ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ ŃидоН на СадноП ŃидонŃĐľ Đ´ĐžŃОгОК ŃŃŃнОК ПаŃинŃ, кОŃĐžŃĐ°Ń ĐąŃНа ĐżŃипаŃкОвана Ń Đ˛ĐžŃĐžŃ. ÂŤĐŃ, - ŃкаСаН Он гОНОŃОП, поŃопОНноннŃĐź гОŃĐ´ĐžŃŃŃŃ, - ŃŃĐž Đ´ŃПаоŃŃ Đž ПОоК ŃŃониŃĐľ? ĐŁ Đ˝ĐľŃ ĐžŃНиŃĐ˝ŃĐľ ŃпОŃОйнОŃŃи, но Ńак Ни?Âť Đ ŃдОП Ń ĐźŃĐśŃинОК ŃидоН ĐиŃаНиК, ĐžŃкинŃвŃиŃŃ Đ˝Đ° ŃĐżĐ¸Đ˝ĐşŃ ŃидонŃŃ. ĐĐ˝ ŃнОва пОдŃПаН Đž вŃаŃĐľ, кОŃĐžŃŃĐš НоŃиН огО, и вŃпОПниН, какиПи ŃпОкОКнŃПи и ŃĐžŃĐ˝ŃПи ĐąŃНи ĐľŃ Đ´ĐľĐšŃŃвиŃ. Đа ŃаПОП доНо, ĐźŃĐśŃина ĐąŃĐť пОŃаМон ĐľŃ ŃпОŃОйнОŃŃŃПи. ÂŤĐŃĐž гОŃпОМа ĐОНкОва, - вдŃŃĐł СагОвОŃиН ĐониŃ. ĐиŃаНиК ОпŃŃŃиН ŃŃокНО как ŃаС в ŃĐžŃ ĐźĐžĐźĐľĐ˝Ń, кОгда Яна пОдОŃНа Đş ПаŃино. ĐŃОви ФŃĐ´ĐžŃа пОднŃНиŃŃ, и Он ŃкаСаН: Яна?Âť ĐĐľĐ˝Đ¸Ń ĐžĐąĐľŃĐ˝ŃĐťŃŃ Ń Đ˛ĐžĐ´Đ¸ŃоНŃŃкОгО ПоŃŃа и ŃĐżŃĐžŃиН: ÂŤĐŃ ĐˇĐ˝Đ°ĐľŃĐľ ĐľŃ?Âť ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ ĐşĐ¸Đ˛Đ˝ŃĐť, огО вСгНŃĐ´ СайНоŃŃоН ĐžŃ ĐťŃйОпŃŃŃŃва. ÂŤĐна ĐąŃНа ŃŃŃдонŃкОК на гОд ПНадŃĐľ в ПОŃĐź ŃнивоŃŃиŃĐľŃо. ĐиŃĐ°ĐťĐ¸Ń ŃŃаНО ĐťŃйОпŃŃнО, кОгда Он ŃŃĐťŃŃаН ŃŃĐž. ĐнаŃиŃ, ŃŃа довŃŃка но ŃОНŃкО ŃпаŃНа огО ĐżŃĐžŃНОК нОŃŃŃ, нО и СаНоŃиНа огО ŃанŃ? ÂŤĐŃĐž ŃŃĐ´Ńйа?Âť - вОŃкНикнŃĐť ĐониŃ. ĐŃĐľĐťĐľĐ˝Đ˝Đ°Ń Đ˝Đ°ĐşĐžĐ˝ĐľŃ ŃĐľŃиНа даŃŃ ĐľĐłĐž йОŃŃŃ ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń Đ˝Đ° ĐťŃйОвŃ? ÂŤĐакОгО ŃŃŃŃа ŃŃ Đ˝ĐľŃŃŃŃ?Âť - ŃĐżŃĐžŃиН ФŃĐ´ĐžŃ, Đ˝Đ°Ń ĐźŃŃивŃиŃŃ, поŃĐľĐ˛ĐžĐ´Ń Đ˛ĐˇĐłĐťŃĐ´ Ń ĐžĐ´Đ˝ĐžĐłĐž ĐźŃĐśŃĐ¸Đ˝Ń Đ˝Đ° Đ´ŃŃгОгО. ...... ЧŃĐž ĐąŃĐ´ĐľŃ Đ´Đ°ĐťŃŃĐľ? ĐОНиŃĐľŃŃвО гНав СдоŃŃ ĐžĐłŃаниŃонО, наМПиŃĐľ на ĐşĐ˝ĐžĐżĐşŃ Đ˝Đ¸ĐśĐľ, ŃŃĐžĐąŃ ŃŃŃанОвиŃŃ ĐżŃиНОМонио и ĐżŃОдОНМиŃŃ ŃŃонио йОНоо ĐˇĐ°Ń Đ˛Đ°ŃŃваŃŃĐ¸Ń ĐłĐťĐ°Đ˛! (ĐŃ ĐąŃĐ´ĐľŃĐľ авŃОПаŃиŃĐľŃки поŃонапŃĐ°Đ˛ĐťĐľĐ˝Ń Đ˝Đ° книгŃ, кОгда ĐžŃĐşŃОоŃĐľ ĐżŃиНОМонио) &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.litradnovie.com/10251418-fb_contact- | Lime novel | https://www.facebook.com/100090847180115/ | 862 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.litradnovie.com | IMAGE | https://fbweb.litradnovie.com/10251418-fb_contact-ruj17_6-1108-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=1016312736312375&rawadid=120213513062690790 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465843702_1298259351192217_2429688139503879232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8BcaImsfErIQ7kNvgFaWYsg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AN9IFGtRXwCWLeji_vgs1Yk&oh=00_AYDcDw43xeWlZQX_nMYQLBWwr0flpX8qNPXk0BeqpqqKJg&oe=67459D3F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lime novel | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465016650_546682848318838_7095522676840014546_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XYo6ovBETywQ7kNvgFgccv4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5jz7ZpxlbeEAcuB0df0uRZ&oh=00_AYDG6w9gE0BZHy477ihk8oVbhJmrQ2-HkWjWuXC8zO3dGQ&oe=6745B6A1 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read more FREE chaptersđ | This wasnât the first time I received photos of Owen cheating on me. The blonde hair and slender build of the woman kissing him reminded me of my best friend Josie. Could it beâŚ? No, she would never do that to me! With trembling fingers, I dropped my phone. How could my husband cheat on me?! I thought I was the most important person in his life. After 7 horrible years at the orphanage, I was adopted by Owenâs family. I saved Owen's life when we were young. His family was so grateful that they took me in. How could Owen betray me after everything we went through?! We grew up together and were always inseparable. We fell in love and got married when we were 22 years old. I canât believe that was almost 3 years ago now. But Owen had been acting very strange lately. These photos seemed to explain why⌠I had to confront him. âOwen?â I called out. âOwen, where are you?â He didn't answer. He must be upstairs. I walked up the stairs and heard him talking to his friend Simon on the phone. As I was about to knock on the door, I overheard: âNo, I donât think I love her anymore.â His words gave me icy chills. âYou should be happy, Simon. I know you like Noah. If we get a divorce, you can have her.â Owen continued. âHe said...what?â I couldnât believe my ears and cried in my heart, âHow dare he talk about me like that? I wasn't just some object he could give away! â Hearing Owenâs frivolous talk with his friend, I felt sick. I grew up with him and got married for so many years. But he recently acted like a stranger. Did he have a new love? Why did he treat me in such a cruel way?! I was almost to open the door to question him, but suddenly I hesitated, âQuestion him and then what? Do I want divorce? No, I donât think so. Anyway, I have to calm down. At least I need to have a talk with him first. I need to know what happened to our marriage.â So, I quietly made my way back downstairs. I tried to forget about what I heard by preparing dinner. As I was dishing up our pasta, the delightful scent of italian herbs drifted through the house. I heard Owen come downstairs. âJust in time for your dinner, hun!â I said, trying to sound normal. But he was wearing his coat and gelled hair. He looked handsome as ever and ready to leave. I could smell his aftershave - my favorite smell in the world. âWhere are you going? Itâs getting late and dinner is ready.â I said. âDinner with a client. Donât wait for me.â Owen replied and left without hesitation. I sat alone at the table, looking at the food Iâd carefully prepared for him. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I listlessly turned the spaghetti round and round with my fork. I wasnât hungry. After storing away the leftovers, I stared at the TV for a while. Nothing could get my mind off of Owen and whoever that blonde tramp was. I made my way to the bathroom. I washed my mascara stained face and looked at myself in the mirror. Why did he stop loving me? Am I not beautiful enough? Did I not do enough to make him happy? I gave my body a scrutinizing glance, suddenly seeing all the parts of me that werenât perfect. My belly wasnât as flat as it used to be. Maybe I shouldâve had my lips done, like my friend Josie. Mine always used to be fuller than hers. But now she had the plump, luscious lips of a model. After washing up, I went to bed. Dropping my face into my pillow, I felt miserable. I tried to fall asleep, but my mind kept wandering. Where was Owen? And with who? Will he even come home tonight? At 1 am, I finally heard the key turn in the front door. From all the stumbling I could hear Owen was very drunk. I swiftly made my way downstairs to help him to the bedroom. He started kissing me and said a blurry name. I tried to identify what it was. After he repeated it many times, I was shocked. It sounded like... âJoiseâ! âJosieâŚ? Were you with Josie?â I asked with panic in my voice. I helped his heavy body into bed. He grunted some words I couldnât understand. I couldnât believe my husband cheated on me with my best friend. I cried and pleaded with him to see that it was me, not Josie. He pushed me away. As his head hit the pillow, he started snoring right away. Looking at my husband - completely drunk - I didnât recognize the man I knew and loved. I tried to sleep next to him. But it felt like I was lying next to a stranger. I went downstairs and sat on the sofa all night, wide eyed, thinking about what happened between us. The next morning, Owen came downstairs after a shower. I wanted to ask him how he was feeling. He must be hungover. When I got up from the couch, I felt very weak and feverish. The sleepless night must've made me sick. âOwen, are you OK?â I asked as I struggled to walk over to him. I really wanted to hug him. If only for a sense of comfort. He swept my arms away and told me to leave him alone. I was so weak and dizzy, his push made me fall. Owen was stunned for a moment. Then he said coldly, âIf youâre sick, go see a doctor.â I scrambled up to my feet, and looked at him with a shocked expression. Suddenly, his phone rang. As he lifted it to his ear, the screen lit up. I could clearly see who was calling: âJosieâ. Chapter 2 - Hope Noah My heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said âJosieâ. He answered: âHello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.â I couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen. When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldnât hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance. Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend. I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes. It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he wouldâve never let me suffer like this. âIâll pick you up later.â Owen said, ready to go. I grabbed his hand and begged him to stay with me. âPlease, donât leave. I'm sick, Owen. I need to see a doctor. Iâm too weak to be all by myself.â He was very impatient. He said he had some important business to deal with. I couldnât help crying as I watched him leave. My husband and my best friend were betraying me, behind my back. I walked up the stairs slowly, carefully holding on to the railing. I was so weak and fragile. Bed rest was my best option right now. I really needed my husband to take care of me. When we got married, he vowed to me: âIn sickness and in health, in good times and badâ. This was definitely a bad time, and he was nowhere to be seen. When I woke up from my nap, I felt even worse. In my feverish haze, I reached for my phone and tried to call Owen. I opened my recent contacts and found that Owen had not had any calls with me these days at all. I had to open the contact list to look for him, but a few minutes later I dialed out with a headache and dizziness. Almost immediately I heard: âHello, Noah?â The voice on the phone sounded very deep. I figured Owen got a cold after his late night out. âIâm so sick, Iâm so weak. I need to get to the hospital. Please, come back, pleaseâŚâ I pleaded, my voice weak and trembling. âIâll be right there.â Said the voice on the phone and hung up right away. His voice sounded different from before. And his tone was a little urgent. Whatâs wrong? I didnât have enough energy to think about it. At least he might still care about me. That comforted me a lot. Before long, there was a heavy knock on the door. Did Owen leave his key? I opened the door, expecting to look into Owen's gray eyes, but found Raymond's kind, hazel brown eyes instead. What was he doing here? Raymond was Owenâs uncle. He was only several years older, but very mature. He was tall, tanned and handsome. His chocolate brown hair matched his eyes. With his strong, square jaw and muscular body. I always thought Owen was one of the most attractive men I knew. It wasn't until Raymondâs appearance that I realized how dominant the handsome genes are in this family in terms of good looking. After living in Australia for most of his life, he had come back several years ago to take over his familyâs business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single. âDoes Owen know youâre sick?â Raymond said, looking concerned. âHow did you know I'm sick? Do I look that terrible?â I asked, suddenly aware that I was only wearing my little nightgown, had no make-up on and had my hair up in a messy bun. Raymond smiled. âDon't worry, Noah. I got your call earlier.â Oops, I must have pressed the number of âOwenâs Bossâ instead of âOwenâ. I apologized for the inconvenience. âYou are a member of our family, Noah. Itâs my duty to take care of you. And you are never an inconvenience to me.â Raymond said as he took me by the arm to support me. He led me to his streamlined, dark gray Mercedes to drive me to the hospital. I sat down on the cream colored leather seat. His car smelled brand new. The seat was heated, which helped warm me up, but I was still shivering. Raymond took off his suede blazer and handed it to me. His simple act of kindness made me feel warm, inside and out. âThank you, Raymond. This means a lot to me.â I said with a relieved sigh. âOf course, Noah. Whenever you need me, Iâll be there.â He responded. He still had a slight Australian accent. He asked me what happened. I wouldnât have shared my familyâs private problems with another man who I didnât even know very well. But at that time, I was on the very edge of a breakdown. I really needed someone to talk to. Yet when I lost two of my closest persons on the same day, my husband and my best friend, who else could I talk to? âI donât think Owen loves me as much as before. It seems that he has some secrets with another woman, who used to be my best girlfriend. I couldn't sleep all night. I think that's what caused my fever.â I concluded. I was in tears again by the time I finished the story. âHow could they do this to you? You are the best thing that's ever happened to Owen. If he can't see that, he is an even bigger idiot than I thought!â Raymond shouted out. His shocked, angry expression showed me how much he cared. âPlease, don't say a word about this to Owen. I haven't confronted him yet. I need to do this myself.â I responded. We sat quietly for a while, his hand resting very close to my thigh. I felt so weak and miserable. But his presence helped. When seeing the private doctor, I tried to get out of the car but almost fell. Raymond flung an arm around me, just in time to catch me. I blushed as I looked up to him. My face was very close to his. His piercing eyes looked at me with an intensity I hadnât seen before. I smelled something fresh. It might be his aftershave. I remembered Owen also used it, and I always told he that I love what he smelled. But I found Raymondâs aftershave smelled a little special. âRaymond? Noah? What are you doing?!â I suddenly heard Owenâs angry voice. Chapter 3 - Truth Noah Raymond quickly let go of me as Owen approached us. Just before taking a step back. I stumbled over to my husband. I wanted to lean on him for support, but he didnât seem to care about me at all. All I could read on his face was anger. I tried to be strong and stand by myself, shivering with fever. âSo, youâve got a new love, huh? I saw you flirting with my uncle!â Owen spat his angry words at me. I turned pale. How could he say this to me? Especially after what he had done? I wasnât the one who couldnât be trusted! âOwen! How dare you talk to her like that! Itâs not our familyâs manner!â Raymond berated him. He was fuming with rage at the injustice. He also knew about Owen's betrayal. Owen was a little timid when Raymond got angry. Although Raymond was only 31 years old, he had become a successful CEO. He had idolized Raymond when he was a child. And now, Raymond was also his boss. Owen had recently started working at his company. Raymondâs fists were clenched and his tense muscles were visible through his buttoned up shirt. He looked like he was about to hit Owen. I didnât want them to fight over me, so I tried to calm them both down. âRaymond, itâs okay. Owen will take me in to see a doctor. Thank you for driving me here.â I said gratefully. âPlease, donât say anything about Josieâ, I tried to tell him mentally through the look in my eyes. He nodded slightly, as if he understood. He relaxed and his eyes softened when he looked at me. I turned back to my angry husband. I couldnât detect any sign of trust in his eyes. I supposed he should be concerned about my health rather than the relationship between me and Raymond. âOwen, I can explain. I tried to call you, but I was so sick I accidentally dialed Raymondâs number. He brought me to see the doctor. You should be grateful to him. Without him I would still be miserable in bed, all alone.â Owen grabbed me and said, âWell, I was just on my way to come and get you. Then I saw you get out of uncle Raymond's car and âfallâ right into his arms.â He looked at Raymond with an arrogant smirk. âYou can go back to your important job now, uncle. Iâll look after my wife.â Raymondâs eyes were cold, but he respected my wishes. He didn't object. After warning Owen that heâd better take good care of me, he got back in his car and drove off. Although I was glad I could lean on Owen, something didn't feel right. I realized I was still wearing his suede jacket. It was so soft and warm, protecting me from the cold autumn wind. When the doctor dealt with my fever, Owen didnât want to speak to me, let alone look at me. He was engaging himself in typing on his phone. The doctor told me I shouldn't have waited much longer. My fever was so high I could have fainted. After getting examined and taking medicine for my fever, Owen drove me home. We sat next to each other in our car that held many memories. All our road trips and getaways together. Those times were over now. After an uncomfortable silence, I decided to address the elephant in the room. âOwen⌠What is going on? Do you still love me? Do you still regard me as your wife?â I asked. âSo what? Whose wife do you want to be?â Owen hissed. I couldn't believe how horrible he was to me after what he had done. âI know you cheated on me, Owen.â I uttered with pain in my voice. âYouâve been seeing Josie, right?â Owen stopped the car with a jerk and pulled over. We sat in silence for a while as he processed my words. âWhat do you know, Noah?â he pressed, looking me in the eyes at last. I finally confronted him about all the things that had been weighing heavily on my heart. I explained: âSomeone sent me photos of the two of you together. The first time, they didn't show your face. So I didnât want to believe it. But in the ones I received yesterday, it was clearly you. All those nights, when you told me you had to leave town for business... You lied to me. You spent them at a hotel with another woman! Then, last night, you kissed me and called me Josie. And this morning, I saw it was her calling you. You pretended it was a client. âOwen, we have grown up together since we were kids. I always thought we knew each other the most and could trust each other. I canât believe you would cheat me like that!â I cried, âOwen, did you fall in love with another woman... Is she my best friend Josie?!â His eyes showed a moment of doubt. Then, resolution. His mouth tightened as he clenched his jaw. Just when I thought he wouldnât answer, Owen said: âItâs true. I love her. I love Josie.â Chapter 4 - Hurt Noah I just couldn't accept it. I loved him so much. How could he cheat on me? âWhy, Owen? I thought we loved each other. I thought we would be together forever. Did I do something wrong?â I cried. Owen didn't respond. He drove us home in silence. His cruelty was too much for me to bear. I stared at the raindrops on the window. I felt more depressed than ever. That afternoon, Owen left again. I tried having some food and a nap, hoping that would help me heal. But I just couldn't fall asleep until Owen came back home in the early evening. I had to talk to him. I got out of bed and met him at the top of the stairs. âOwen, we need to talk about what happened. You can't keep going out and avoiding me.â He was obviously drunk again. All he said was, âI donât have anything to say to you. I am moving out, Noah. I supposed our years of marriage is a mistake!â I took his hands in mine and begged him to stay and try to work it out. But he shook off my hands and pushed me away. I was standing right on the edge of the staircase. His push made me lose balance, and I tumbled down the stairs. I managed to grab onto the railing so I didnât fall all the way down. But my head hit the wall when I tried to break my fall. I felt my forehead was bleeding. It was so painful that I couldnât get up. I thought Owen would help me, but only heard: âYou lost your footing. Itâs not my fault.â There was a sudden knock on the door. Owen stumbled past me down the stairs. âRaymond? What are you doing here? Now is not a good time.â âI came to ask you what is going on. You need to give me an explanation. You havenât ⌠Noah?â Raymond suddenly saw me sitting on the stairs behind Owen. He pushed Owen aside and ran over to me in alarm. Seeing my messy hair and injured forehead, he instantly knew what happened between us. He punched Owen in the face. âThis is how you treat your wife?! I donât believe you. Donât you see Noah is bleeding? Did you hurt her? What a disgusting thing you smelled! You drunk idiot!â Raymond raged at his nephew. I didnât even have time to explain. Raymond immediately wrapped me up in his suit jacket and took me to see the doctor. âTwice in one day? That must be a record.â The doctor said wearily. I gave her a wry grin and answered, âNot by choiceâŚâ The doctor took care of my wounds. I needed a couple of stitches and had some pretty bad bruises, but I would be okay. Thankfully, I didn't break any bones. It was getting dark outside. The autumn breeze was busy blowing the leaves off the maple trees surrounding the hospital parking lot. Raymond and I made our way back to the car. Our feet rustled through the thick carpet of yellow, brown and scarlet red leaves. After my second - and hopefully last - doctor's visit of the day, we sat next to each other in silence. We were back in his beautiful Mercedes. I could get used to these comfortable, heated seats. I felt a bit embarrassed. Raymond kept on having to save me. At least this time, I was wearing clothes and make-up, and my brown hair was neatly tied in a long, wavy ponytail. âI donât normally need so much help, you know.â I broke the ice. âI happen to be a strong, independent woman most of the time.â Raymond laughed heartily. âJokes aside, I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me.â I continued. âWhy did you come over tonight, Raymond?â âOwen hadnât come to work at the company for days. And I wanted to speak to him about what happened this morning, with you. I tried to call him, but he never answered. I decided to come over. To see for myself what was wrong with him.â Raymond explained. âI just canât believe what he did to you!â He continued. âIf he ever does anything like that again, please tell me. Iâll teach him a lesson.â His stern face showed how much he meant it. I took a deep breath. He had a way of making me feel safe and secure. âThank you, Raymond. Iâm okay now. It was an accident. Owen didnât push me off the stairs on purpose. He didnât mean to hurt me.â I explained. Raymond looked a little angry, but he still carefully drove me home. âGoodbye, Raymond. Thank you again, for everything.â I said with feeling as he hugged me. âBye, Noah. Itâs been my pleasure. Please be safe. Call me if you need anything.â He said. He gently patted me on my head as comfort as if I was a little girl and got back in his car. His simple actions made me feel warm. I thanked him and walked home. I entered the house. It was quiet and dark downstairs. I walked up to our room. When I opened our bedroom door, all I could see was Owen and Josie kissing on the bed. Chapter 5 - The Necklace Noah I couldnât believe my eyes! While the hours I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didnât he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous! Even though I had seen Owen and Josieâs betrayal before in photos, witnessing it in real life was way worse. It felt like a million knives stabbed me in the chest. My heart shattered. âHow dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for Godâs sake!â I cried out. They hadnât heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasnât so devastated, it mightâve been funny. Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josieâs blonde hair was disheveled. They were both in their underwear. Clothes were spread out all over our bedroom floor. I tried to hold back my tears. I didn't want to show them my pain. My crying might come across as weakness. I demanded an explanation. âI donât believe this. Owen! Did you forget I am your wife?! Josie, why did you betray me too?! I treat you as my best friend. How dare you take my husband away from me!â I insisted. Josie hid away in Owenâs arms. Owen comforted her gently, then snapped at me: âYouâve already seen us together anyway, haven't you, Noah?â âI am done with you.â He continued. âOur whole relationship was based on a lie. Josie shouldâve been with me all along!â I didnât understand. âWhat are you talking about, Owen?â He held up a delicate golden necklace with a tear shaped ruby that had been resting on Josieâs collarbone. âRemember this, Noah? The truth has finally come out. It was Josie who saved my life all those years ago, not you. You pretended that it was you in front of my parents. Youâve made her suffer long enough!â I was shocked. Why did Josie have my necklace? I couldn't believe her betrayal. I tried to explain to Owen that I lost that necklace before I was adopted by his family. I told him I would never lie to him. Especially about something so important. But Owen didnât believe me. âJosie,â I cried. âHow could you do this to me? Why would you steal my necklace? You know how much it means to me! Weâve been best friends since the orphanage, havenât we? Does that mean nothing to you?â âNoah, you know this necklace has always belonged to me. I was the one who saved Owen. But you stole my life to be adopted,âJosie played innocent with me, âI should have been the one who grew up with Owen! I see you as my sister, so I never attempted to reveal your lie until Owen found this necklace in my old jewelry box several months ago.â This convinced Owen even more that I had been bullying her. He wrapped his arms around her. Over his shoulder, when he couldnât see, Josie gave me a quick, mean smirk. I knew Josie had a mean side. She always had, even when we were kids. But so far, she had only taken it out on her boyfriends and whoever got on her bad side, not on me. I never thought she might treat me in such a mean way! I had searched everywhere but couldn't find my necklace. It turned out that she was the thief who was always around me. How could she tell such outrageous lies as if it were naturalďź I left the bedroom, rushed downstairs and broke down on the couch. Oh, what a nightmare! How could I make Owen see the truth? A little later, Owen and Josie came downstairs, all dressed up again. Josie was wearing her Prada pumps and the sleek, mint green dress I gifted her for her birthday. It accentuated her long legs and slender silhouette. I had to admit, she looked beautiful. I used to dress in a simple way such as simple jeans, white blouse and sneakers. Maybe I looked less attractive compared to Josie. Owen had an arm around Josieâs waist and warned me, âYouâd better stay out of our life from now on. Iâll move to another villa with Josie.â I couldn't believe it. After 3 years of marriage, he trusted her story over mine. And now he wanted nothing to do with me. We used to be happily married. Our whole lives, ever since I saved him, we had been so close. We used to laugh together, cry together, play pranks on each other⌠But now, everything changed, simply because of a necklace. In fact, ânecklaceâ is just an excuse for his betrayal. I didnât believe our years of affection couldnât prove my heart. âNoah, my life was ruined by you. You owe me that.â Josie said. âOne day youâll both regret this. I didnât do anything wrong.â I sobbed. As they walked out, I faintly heard Owen reply: âItâs my fault. I should have found you earlier, or you wouldnât have suffered so much.â I could only guess at his last insult as the door closed behind them. I zoned out in front of the TV and poured myself some of Owenâs whisky. The past couple of days had been the worst of my life ever since I lost my parents. My body and mind had been through so much. I felt numb. I must have fallen asleep on the couch. The sudden loud jingle of my phone ringing woke me up. The bright midmorning sun was shining in through the large windows. Looks like I slept in late. Disoriented, I picked up my phone and saw it was Owen calling. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear. Before I could say a word, I heard Owenâs angry shouting: âHow dare you do this to Josie! Those guys you hired? You must pay for what you have done!â Chapter 6 - Choice Noah âWhat?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what youâre talking about.â I replied to the angry voice on the phone. âMore lies! I canât believe you, Noah. You're despicable!â Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear. âOwen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?â âJosie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!â He ended the call before I could reply. What was this about? Would my life ever go back to normal? I decided to find out what was going on. My fever was over. Although my head still hurt, the wound was healing rapidly. I took a refreshing shower and got into a pencil skirt and light blue blouse. I combed my hair and decided to wear it in natural loose waves today. After a quick breakfast, I slipped into my high heels and coat, and made my way to my car. It was a crisp sunny day. I arrived at the hospital. At least it wasn't me who needed to see the doctor this time. âOh, itâs our âold friendâ.â The nurse said jokingly. I smiled as she directed me to Josieâs room. As soon as I knocked on the door, Owen opened it with an enraged look on his face. âFinally! That took you long enough.â He whispered angrily. âJosie is sleeping.â He came out and gently closed the door behind him. We walked towards the chairs in the hallway. âI have no idea what happened, Owen.â I said honestly. âCan you please tell me what is going on? Some guys attacked her?â âAre you still pretending you weren't behind this? You are unbelievable.â He shook his head, then continued. âJosie was attacked by some hooligans this morning, on her way to work. She shouted out and fainted from fear. Thankfully, a police officer was nearby. He heard her scream. She has a heavy concussion from the fall. She'll have to stay here a few days to recover.â âWhat? That's horrible!â I replied in shock. Although I was angry with Josie, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. âStop your act now, Noah. Those guys were arrested. They told the police someone paid them to kidnap Josie, because she broke up a marriage.â No wonder he doubted me. But I couldnât believe the trust between us was so fragile. âWould you believe me if I swore to you it wasn't me?â I asked with a last glimmer of hope. His reply made it clear to me that there was no hope left for us: âNever again will I believe a single word you say, Noah.â I refused to apologize. I didn't have anything to do with this. If anyone needed to stand out and make an apology, it was them for what they had done to meďź On my way out, I contacted a friend who had lots of connections all over the city. I asked her to investigate the situation. I also called the office on my way home, to let them know I was still recovering from my fever and head wound. My boss was understanding. She told me to take as long as I needed. In the evening, Owen came home just as I was about to have dinner. âI didnât prepare your dinner. I guess you would have dinner with Josie?â I said plainly. I didnât know why he came back at this time, but I didnât care about it anymore. He ignored my words and said, âYou still donât want to apologize, right? You have two choices, Noah. Apologize and make amends with Josie, or divorce me and get out of this house!â âJosie is the one who betrayed us both. She lied to you, Owen. She stole my necklace. She is the one who should apologize!â I argued. Owen burst out in rage and slapped me in the face. I stared at him in disbelief. I was totally disappointed. Over the past few days he had hit me, pushed me, cheated on me. He had hurt me in every way. I made up my mind. âI choose divorce.â I said coldly. âGood. My lawyer will contact you in the next morning,âOwen said ruthlessly with a wicked smile, âOh, Iâve prepared another âsurpriseâ for you. Hope you will enjoy it!â | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463746090_1935842656910759_3812755172762740403_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KheIiI5-NMMQ7kNvgESJNDY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYD_6_k8iXzHFNSR01kZxJ7UB03JWoioZhOmmhD1hT1Sqg&oe=6745B888 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-11-21 19:36 | active | 1905 | 0 | Read next chapterđ | As the real heiress returns, onlookers mock at how the fake heiress will end. She, however, comes back as the daughter of a top billionaire, taking on the role of a judge in the real heiress competition, terminating her foster parents'contract, backed by business tycoons, and stunning everyone! ===== "Madisyn, for years, we've raised you, never imagining you capable of such cruelty. This house can no longer bear your presence. You must leave immediately." Declared the imposing woman before Madisyn Chapman, her gaze laden with disdain and a bitter chill, her elegant attire contrasting sharply with the harshness of her words. "Mom, please, it was an accident. I lost my footing and tumbled down the stairs on my own. Madisyn had no part in this," said a young girl from her seat on the sofa. Just half an hour prior, Jenna Chapman, the biological daughter of the Chapmans, had suffered a fall on the staircase. At that time, Madisyn had been alone on the upper floor. Everyone believed Madisyn had pushed Jenna... Now, the looks that the Chapmans shot at Madisyn were filled with venom and disgust, a stark contrast to their attitude just a week prior, when they had professed their reluctance to ever part with her. Madisyn looked down at the floor, a fleeting shadow of irony passing through her eyes. Once, Madisyn was the sole daughter of the Chapmans. Though she never basked in parental favoritism, she lacked for nothing, her basic needs always met. The facade shattered when Jeffry Chapman, whom she had known as her father, met with a grave accident necessitating an urgent bl**d transfusion. The subsequent tests unveiled a startling truth--Madisyn was not his biological child. Jeffry then harnessed his extensive network to uncover the whereabouts of his true daughter, Jenna. The Chapman family was a prestigious household in Gemond, and news like this naturally spread quickly. To manage the public narrative and preserve their esteemed reputation, they declared an unwavering commitment to Madisyn, the girl they had raised, asserting their intention to treat her as their own for a while longer before she returned to her biological family. Behind closed doors, however, their plans were starkly different. They wanted to quickly send Madisyn away at once. Upon Jenna's arrival, the Chapman family blamed Madisyn for Jenna's years of hardship, relegating Madisyn from her room to a mere storage space, diminishing her status drastically. She was tasked with menial chores, her status far beneath even those of the household servants. Jenna, however, still wanted Madisyn gone. She had crafted several schemes against Madisyn, yet her parents turned a blind eye, their disdain for Madisyn thinly veiled. These tribulations stripped away any illusions Madisyn had about her former family, fueling a resolve to confront the injustices imposed upon her. As the tensions reached a boiling point, she faced Jenna, her voice resolute as she said, "I'll leave, but not before setting the record straight, Jenna!" Jenna's composure wavered under the intensity of Madisyn's icy stare, her body trembling slightly. Was this the same Madisyn who had once submitted quietly to every slight? A dark glint flickered in Jenna's eyes. She was the rightful heiress to the Chapman family assets, not this usurper, Madisyn, who had been living in luxury undeserved. She had to drive this impostor out! "Madisyn, I have no idea what you're going on about!" Jenna's voice dripped with feigned confusion. "Ever since I reclaimed my rightful place, receiving the affection rightfully owed to me by our parents, I've sensed your discontent. Despite your actions, I've remained tolerant. But my legs... how could you? Dancing is my soul's expression. Had I known you coveted the national competition spot so desperately, I would not have contested it." Her insinuation was clear: Madisyn had sabotaged her out of it. The gaze of Jenna's mother, Phyllis Chapman, hardened at Jenna's words, her voice laced with disdain. "Jenna, you possesses a remarkable talent that Madisyn could never hope to match. That competition spot was yours by right. And you, Madisyn!" She turned sharply towards Madisyn, adding, "Pack your belongings and leave immediately!" Madisyn's usually somber expression seemed only to fuel her contempt. Meanwhile, Jenna, ever the docile and talented daughter, shone brightly in her eyes--a true Chapman. Amidst the unfolding drama, Jeffry finally broke his silence, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Madisyn, our agreement was to keep you until the public scrutiny waned, yet here we are, facing your deep-seated resentment towards Jenna. We have no choice but to return you to your true family today." Jenna's eyes glittered with a triumphant gleam as her father pronounced Madisyn's imminent departure. In stark contrast, Madisyn's face remained an unreadable mask as she went up the stairs to gather her possessions. Her prolonged stay on the upper floor kindled a flicker of anxiety in Jenna. "What if she attempts to take everything with her?" After all, everything of value in the house rightfully belonged to her--how could she allow a fake to leave with any part of her wealth? Eventually, Madisyn reappeared, descending the staircase slowly, her movements deliberate. She carried a small, unassuming black bag. As her gaze swept coolly across the living room, it unsettled Jeffry enough for him to divert his eyes. Phyllis's eyebrows knitted together at the sight of Madisyn's minimal luggage. "Is that all you've packed? What's in there? Show me," she demanded, suspicion lacing her tone. Jeffry, however, raised a hand to halt his wife's interrogation. "Let her be." It was probably just the bank card he gave her, which had a mere hundred thousand dollars left on it. Unfazed, Madisyn placed her bag squarely on the table, her expression stoic. "Inspect it if you must." Phyllis, unable to mask her distrust, scoffed. "Maybe she has packed something valuable," she muttered as she unzipped the bag. Peering inside, she found nothing more than a notebook, a few seeds, and a small stack of cash--hardly the valuables she had feared. Phyllis, her face flushed with embarrassment from her baseless accusation, straightened up. "I'll let the driver take you there," she said crisply. Jeffry, the weight of the situation bearing down on him, reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. "Madisyn, when you return, listen to your parents. They're farmers, yes... but they are good, simple people. You should help them." Madisyn looked at the offered card with her beautiful eyes, her expression calm. "Everyone has their own destiny to fulfill," she replied quietly, pushing the card back towards Jeffry. "But before I leave, there needs to be clarity. Jenna, how did you truly fall down those stairs? This is your last chance to tell the truth." Jenna seethed internally, infuriated by Madisyn's serene composure, which seemed to elevate her above everyone else despite her humble origins. Madisyn was not from a wealthy family! She was just two farmers' daughter! "Madisyn, what are you implying? That I threw myself down the stairs?" Jenna retorted. "My legs are my life; they are essential for my dancing. Why would I ever get them injured?" As she spoke, Jenna's emotions crescendoed, and she dissolved into theatrical tears, collapsing into Phyllis's arms. Suddenly, Jennainstinctively leaped to her feet because of a shattered vase. Silence enveloped the room as everyone, including Phyllis and Jeffry, turned their shocked gazes towards her. Jenna's sudden agility was startling--didn't she say she couldn't stand up because of her injuries? &9& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/60743322-fb_contact-e | Hello reading | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | fbweb.moboreader.net | VIDEO | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/60743322-fb_contact-enp65_2-c1-0824-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&rawadid=120216829110110091 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465712113_900585168685357_8115681049421410501_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qnmZuObvx1IQ7kNvgFT8CvM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AN9IFGtRXwCWLeji_vgs1Yk&oh=00_AYBER0ACG5G-ZBZy_Q6tpLaG_MRkM5unkFeNyAWDjnQrtQ&oe=674594DD | REGULAR_PAGE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đĽđĽClick to read the next chapter for freeđ | After six years, Stella Richard finally came back this familiar city. She walked out of the airport and hailed a taxi. When the taxi moved, all the memories she had tried to forget over the years began to flood her mind... Stella shook her head, chasing those thoughts away. This time, she hadnât come back to dwell on old, useless memories. She was back because her boss had asked her to return. He told her that their company was at a dead end, and he wanted her to come back and solve the crisis. At first, Stella didnât want to come, but after some thought, she decided to return... Six years ago, her boss had helped her during the most difficult time of her life, and she wanted to repay the favor... As for everything else, she no longer cared... At the Company... As Stella arrived, she noticed that most of the employees were engaged in a lively discussion. As she walked by, snippets of conversation reached her ears. "I heard that there are so many companies who want to buy our company." "Really! That means weâll have a new boss." "I just hope that our new boss should be good-looking, like a Korean drama CEO." "Hey! Do you know whoâs going to buy the company?" Stella heard their chatter but didnât care about the gossip. She knew these people didnât actually care about who would buy the company or for what price. They just wanted to gossip. But she... She cared... and she was here to secure a good deal for her company. "Of course, itâll be Kingstonâs, the RK Group. Who else in the city is powerful enough to challenge them?" Stella, who had been about to continue walking, stopped in her tracks. A name, both familiar and unfamiliar, reached her ears. "The Kingstons..." "RK Group..." Suddenly, memories Stella had locked away began to surge like a storm. Her mind was filled with those memories like a flood. Stella felt dizzy. It was as if she were still trapped in that RK mansion, surrounded by cold walls. Stella had thought she had long forgotten about him, but it seemed that it was just her illusion. [Flashback] Six Years Ago... In the RK Mansion... Stella walked out of the gate inside the living room. But her expression was somber. She moved as if in a daze. "Madam, what happened to you? Why do you look so pale and weak?" The one who spoke was Mia. She was working for Kingston's for years and always treated Stella like her daughter. Seeing her pale face and weak demeanor, Mia was worried. "Mia... Donât worry, Iâm fine. Itâs just..." Stella glanced at the reports in her hand and said, "I havenât had my period for two months, and when I went to the hospital..." She didnât finish her sentence, looking at Mia with a mix of expectation and worry. They just stared at each other. Mia understood what Stella wanted to say. She was pregnant. But Mia also knew about the relationship between Mr. RK and Stella. She didnât know what to say. In the end, she just congratulated her. Stella didnât say anything and kept staring at the reports in her hand. She had been married to Rene Kingston for three years. But theirs was not a marriage of love... It was a contract marriage, with a three-year time limit. Because the woman he loved was her sister. RK had been about to marry her sister, Sophia, but for some reason, Stella had ended up replacing her sister. From the day they married, he had told her that their marriage was just a three-year contract and nothing more. For RK, their marriage was indeed just a contract, but for Stella, it was a beautiful gift from God. Because only she knew how happy she was when she found out she was going to marry RK. The man she had loved throughout her youth. All these years, Stella had given her best in this marriage, hoping that maybe, just maybe, their marriage would work out. Maybe he wouldnât divorce her. Maybe he would want to stay with her... Maybe he would give their relationship a chance because of the child... Stella was still lost in thought when suddenly, a voice came from the door, shattering all her hopes and illusions. "I donât want this child." The voice was cold and hard. Stella and Mia both turned to look in the direction of the voice. RK was standing at the door, staring at Stella. His face was cold and expressionless. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking. He had a very handsome face and blue eyes. His blue eyes were like the deep ocean. If you looked into them. Then you would be drowned in it. Chapter 2 RK walked in and stood in front of Stella. He appeared like a king, towering above the world and looking down upon everyone as if they were nothing. With his tall frame and commanding aura, he exuded an undeniable power. Stella sat on the sofa, overwhelmed by his presence. She remained seated, staring at him, shocked by his words. She never expected this man to be so cold-blooded, uttering such harsh words without a second thought. There was no hesitation in his voice when he said he didnât want the child. Stella looked into his eyes, trying her best to remain calm and hold back her tears. She didnât want to appear weak in front of this cold man. The two of them just stared at each other in silence. After a while, RK walked over and sat opposite Stella. As he sat down, his assistant, Alex Triston, placed a stack of papers on the table. At the top of the papers were the words "Contract Expired." Alex looked at Stella and said, "Miss Richard, according to your contract with Mr. RK, three years have now been completed. Please sign here and finalize the process." Stella noted the change in how Alex addressed herâfrom Mrs. RK to Miss Richard. Even though she still hadn't signed her name. A mocking smile appeared on her face. She was sure that Alex wouldnât have dared to take her so lightly, if it hadnât been ordered by someone, of course, and that someone was none other than her husband. RK took the pen and signed his name without a pause or thought. After finishing, he looked at Stella and said, "You can stay here for a week and look for the house." Stella looked into the man's eyes which are calm as a lake. There was no regret, sadness, or hesitationânothing. It was as if he felt nothing about their relationship, which had suddenly gone through such a big change. But as this thought crossed her mind, she scolded herself. "Stella, are you a fool? How can you expect any regret or sadness from this stone-hearted man?" But still, she couldnât control her emotions. Because she had loved this stone-heated man for so many years. Stella didnât say anything and just looked at the man with whom she had spent the past three years. She had seen his face every day, yet now, as she looked at him, she still found him strikingly handsome. But... he was also the man who had shattered her heart into a thousand pieces. She didnât want to show her vulnerability in front of him, so she tried her best not to cry. Her hand trembled as she held the pen. She looked at the papers, saw his elegant and strong handwriting, and signed her name. Just like her heart, her handwriting was also broken. Stella was shattered inside, but she didn't show this on her face. After she signed her name, she took a deep breath and said, "I am very grateful to Mr. Kingston that he allowed me to stay here for a week, but after our contract expires I don't think I should stay here. I will leave immediately." After speaking, Stella glanced at Mia and asked, "Mia, can you help me pack my things?" Mia looked at Stella's face and saw how hard she trying not to cry and her heartache. She didn't want to do this, but she had to do it. Stella went upstairs to pack her belongings, while RK watched her retreating figure, his emotions unreadable. Stella looked around the room where she had lived for three years, her eyes turned blurred... She can't hold back her tears. She knew their marriage would end someday, but she hadnât anticipated such intense pain in her heart. Stella didnât have many things to pack. She just packed her belongings but left everything RK had bought untouchedâ not even a single piece of clothing. Mia watched her in silence, unsure of what to say. Stella wiped away her tears and said, "Mia, donât worry about me. Iâm fine. Itâs just that Iâm not his Mrs. Right." With that, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. Downstairs... RK was still sitting on the sofa, watching Stella. But Stella didn't want to look at him and was ready to leave... "Where are you going?" Suddenly, his cold voice cut through the silence. Stella paused and turned to look at him. She hadnât been on good terms with her family from the beginning, and after her marriage, it had been nearly impossible to maintain any connection with them. As for him, they were now divorced, so she felt no reason or obligation to tell him where she was going. "I donât think my whereabouts has anything to do with Mr. Kingston. Weâre already divorced and have nothing to do with each other. Mr. Kingston must be focused on his future wife, not on his ex-wife..." Stella's tone was cold and it was like she was throwing daggers from her mouth. She couldnât comprehend his hypocritical behavior. She wondered if it was her imagination or not, but it felt as though, after mentioning his future wife, the temperature in the room had dropped a lot. She felt a chill spread through her body and decided to leave. "Wait a second." His voice was firm and allowed no rebuttal. Chapter 3 Stella heard his voice and stopped. There was a little bit of hope in her heart. The man's eyes were dark and cold, filled with mysterious thoughts, and a layer of fog surrounded him. Suddenly, he spoke, "I don't want this child. Don't forget to take it out." RK looked at the woman in front of him and thought. She seemed like a pure and beautiful woman, and he didn't want her to carry his burden. Stella's hand, which was holding her luggage, trembled, and the little bit of hope in her heart vanished. She felt like someone had stabbed a knife into her heart. He had broken her heart so many times, but... she didnât know why she still felt hurt every time it happened. "Boooom." His words exploded in her head like a bomb, and the little bit of hope she had left in her heart was also gone. The hands holding the bag tightened. She felt like someone had stabbed her heart, and she could smell the blood. Suddenly, she laughed at herself. She felt like a fool. How could she expect anything from a man who was so cold toward his child? "If you don't want this child, then why did you sleep with me?" She wanted to yell at him, but in the end, she didnât say anything. He had once told her that he liked children, which was why she hadnât taken the pills. But... It was as if he liked children but not with her. Stella's heart was in so much pain, but she didnât want to let him see her tears. She didnât turn around, keeping her back facing him. Stella took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Kingston, donât think too much. I also donât want this child at all. I have already decided to get rid off it." She was about to leave but then stopped and said, "One more thing, I hope we donât see each other again in this life." After she said, Stella didnât stop for a minute and left. At first, she didnât want to leave this place, but now... She felt suffocated. Stella held her bag tightly and left without looking back. RK watched the womanâs back, struggling to keep herself straight and not stumble. His eyes were dark and filled with unreadable emotions. Only after her figure disappeared from his sight did his tense back relax. [Flashback end] "I am sorry, I didnât see you..." Suddenly, a man bumped into Stella, who was standing in the hallway. Files fell to the ground. But because of this she also came back from the memories from six years ago. "No, I am sorry," she said, helping him pick up the files before going into the elevator. As the elevator door opened, Jack Paul stood outside and greeted her. Jack Paul looked at Stella with a smile and said, "Stella, here you are. How are you? You are new here. If you need anything, please feel free to tell me." Stella looked at him and nodded. "I am fine, thank you." As they talked, they went to his office and sat down. Jack looked at Stella and said, "Stella, I am very happy that you accepted my offer and came back." As he spoke, he handed her a red file and continued, "I am sure you have heard that our company is going to be acquired by someone. This file contains the reports I made; take a look." Stella took the file and nodded. Jack continued, "Many companies want to buy our company, but among all of them, RK Groups is the best. However, the price offered by Mr. RK was too low." He paused and said, "This time, I ask you to come back so that you can turn the situation around." "RK Groups... Rene Kingston..." Stella's hands holding the file trembled. The memories she had locked away deep down in her heart suddenly resurfaced. Stella calmed herself and said, "I will do my best." "Thatâs good," Jack laughed and said. "Now that you have taken on this project, I am not worried anymore." Chapter 4 The next day, at a coffee shop... Stella had already organized all the documents and asked the negotiation director of the RK Group to meet her at the coffee shop. As she was waiting, a man wearing a black suit and gold-rimmed glasses came over. But when he walked over and saw Stella, he looked shocked. Stella also looked at the person in front of her and was shocked, too. Because the one standing in front of her was RK's assistant, Alex Triston. For a moment, both of them stayed quiet. It was Stella who took the initiative and said, "Long time no see." Alex heard her words and quickly regained his composure. He nodded and sat down. Stella didnât waste much time and went straight to the point. "Mr. Triston, here are the documents. If you find them satisfactory, please sign them." As she spoke, she pushed the documents in front of him. Alex looked at the eye-catching price of 70 million and was shocked. "Miss Richard, the RK Group can only offer 40 million. The price your company is asking for is very high." Stella didnât want to sign this contract from the beginning. She would never let that man become her boss. She felt like she was wasting her time on the RK Group and should find another company. "It's alright, but we can't sign this contract." She said, packing her things and deciding to leave. Alex saw that she was about to leave and that she wasnât interested in this deal, and he panicked. He rushed over and stopped her. "Miss Richard, please wait. Let me call and ask about the price again." Stella stopped and nodded. "Of course." Alex stepped to the side and made a call. **** At the RK Group's CEO office... RK was sitting in the head chair, listening to a report from the marketing department, when his phone rang. RK glanced at the phone and hung up. He didnât like being disturbed at work. But after a few seconds, it rang again. The people standing in the office saw his cold expression and trembled. They felt like the person on the other side was about to die. RK's face didnât look good, and the people reporting to him felt a chill down their spines. RK picked up the phone and asked, "What is it?" His voice was cold. Alex reported the situation on the other side. "Tell them itâs not going to happen. 70 million is too much; theyâre not worth it." After he finished speaking, he was about to hang up. But Alex said something that made him pause for a while. His fingers tapped on the table, and after a minute, he replied, "Okay, then let's agree to 70 million." After that, he paused for a moment and added, "Tell her Iâm coming to the company, and ask her to personally explain to me how itâs worth 70 million." After he spoke, he hung up the phone. There were some unknown emotions in his deep blue eyes. The people from the marketing department heard his words and were shocked. "The CEO is going to personally sign the contract." "Is that negotiation really worth his visit?" Moreover, they knew that in this negotiation, Mr. Kingston didnât need to be personally involved. All of them had question marks on their faces. **** Alex wasnât too far away, so Stella could hear parts of his conversation. She heard Alex directly reporting her name to the person on the other side of the phone. Within just three minutes... "Miss Richard, wait! Mr. Kingston said that they have no problem with your price. The agreement must be set according to your companyâs plan. Let's quickly sign the deal so that no one can back out." After he finished speaking, he took out the documents, signed his name, and handed the pen to Stella. Looking at his arrogant attitude, as if he had already bought her company, Stella was a little shocked. She stared at the pen in a daze. She hadnât expected the agreement between the two companies to go so smoothly and effortlessly. Stella felt like she had made her stand clear by not lowering her price and being firm in her decision. But who would have thought that RK would be even more determined than she was in the acquisition of the company? He even agreed to sign the contract at her price. "Didnât he pride himself on never changing his decisions, no matter what? Then why did he change this one?" she thought. "Was it because, after living with the love of his life, he changed?" But no matter what. Now, what could she do? Stella took the pen and signed her name. She didnât care about him anymore. Anyway, she wasnât going to stay here. Usually, she didnât want him to become her boss, but what could she do? She needed to finish this job and leave quickly. Alex put the documents back, shook hands with her, and said, "Miss Richard, from now on, weâre colleagues in the same company. Please take care of us in the future!" Stella just gave him a forced smile. Only she and God knew how much she didnât want this man to be her boss. Alex looked at her and added, "Miss Richard, please go back to the company quickly. Mr. Kingston will be there in a while. He said he wants you to... personally explain how your company is worth 70 million." Alex also didnât know why his boss wanted Miss Richard to do it personally, after what happened between them before. But as an assistant, he could only do as he was told. ***** On the way back to the company... Stella was sitting in the car, but her mind was filled with thoughts of how RK would soon become her boss. "Ahhh! Stella, youâre the best. You just signed the contract as soon as you showed up!" The one who speak was the assistant to the director of the company. "Stella, you donât know, but before you came, Mr. Paul sent many people to negotiate with Mr. Kingston, but he only kept lowering the price." She hugged Stella and said happily, "Stella, youâre our lucky star." Stella just lowered her head and didnât speak. Because it wasnât what she wanted. Lily continued, "Stella, you just came back, so you probably donât know much about the city, right?" As she spoke, she leaned closer to Stellaâs ear and whispered, "Let me tell you, Mr. Kingston is the most handsome man in X City. Heâs not only handsome but also rich and capable. Heâs the dream man of many women in the world." Stella heard her words and felt speechless. "I heard that he had a fiancĂŠe before, but he already left her, six years ago," Lily said. "He didnât marry her sister?" Stella couldnât believe they hadnât married yet. Didnât he give her a divorce because he wanted to marry her sister? She thought that by now, they must be married, have children, and be living happily together. "Stella, here you are." When Jack heard that Stella had reached an agreement with RK Groups, he personally came to welcome her with a big smile on his face. "Stella, you didnât disappoint me. Quickly, go to the meeting room and sit for a while. Mr. Kingston will be here soon, and you will come with me to welcome him." | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14852&u | Indulge in story | https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ | 842 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14852&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463900914_573500055114908_7293454514498053516_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bUTNS9UOB6QQ7kNvgFkChfs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoVwcBqbDTXJy8a8quxnlH-&oh=00_AYBdAfQPi4VyVQ4wXwhX7rafDXREEEQ7M-PEKRD7HsHOJw&oe=6745A35F | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Indulge in story | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | In Debra's last life, she loved Juan so much, but everyone knew that the one he cherished was Shelia. After Debra was drained of her last bit of value by Juan, she tragically died on the operating table. Reborn in this life, Debra swears never to repeat the same mistakes, and she will make Juan regret what he has done! "Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!" "Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away." The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled. The operating room reeked of blood. She had never seen so much blood before. At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. 'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?' The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan..." "What?" "Juan Nichols..." The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier. Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City. The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken away. Please, come and see her for the last time." But Juan's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from Debra's eyes. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? Even at this point, you wouldn't come to see me.' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating the patient's vital signs had disappeared. Debra felt her soul leaving her body. Her withered, frail body collapsed weakly on the bed. Debra felt exhausted. At just twenty-seven, she died from postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital. In her lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she met a tragic fate. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophieâs voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. It only lowered her status and self-esteem. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." Marion made no comments. Randy clicked his tongue. "Juan's taste is just terrible, preferring a skinny woman to his beautiful woman. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" he cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462490777_1052928846505021_1590141424373732974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UQdLw9pMPj4Q7kNvgHLCHu8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A--hbIVMe4X0xy7L2vieAjo&oh=00_AYBN0O59ybpWdIbncngUlTu7cDpk85I_-9nGFy910Qvgmg&oe=6745B393 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing severe postpartum hemorrhage. Please, come and see her for the last time." The doctor anxiously pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone. But Juan Nichols's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from the eyes of the woman lying on the bed. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? ' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating Debra's vital signs had disappeared. In Debra's lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she died alone and tragically. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophieâs voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress she has never tried on before. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. ... In the evening, the auction venue was filled with celebrities, and Juan walked to the entrance with Shelia. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when his assistant Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise and praise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464175395_1248916862910202_8685270570837841720_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g5uY3yqjIyoQ7kNvgErYkDH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A--hbIVMe4X0xy7L2vieAjo&oh=00_AYCmI7r72K-gE2LfEl_3PCJfa4gtWpvDqivJEZSCLJ9voQ&oe=6745A3B8 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | It had been three years of marriage. Justine Thorpe finally found her husband, Ash Vanderbilt, in the OB-GYN clinic of a hospital. He hadn't shown up for three months. However, he was not alone. Another womanâhis mistressâwas with him. She bore more than a passing resemblance to Justine. Her name was Jenny Thorpe, and she had been living as Justine's replacement in the Thorpe family for 16 years. Justine had suspected her husband of having an affair for at least six months, but she never imagined it would be with Jenny. Not that the revelation was entirely surprising, now that she thought about it. Everyone in Sol's upper class knew that Ash's true love had always been his childhood friend. Justine was the devil who had gotten in the way. Seeing Ash and Jenny together somehow relieved Justine. The mystery was finally solved. She watched them enter the elevator. Ash's delicate eyelashes were lowered as he spoke softly to his companion. Justine had never seen him this gentle before. Jenny was grazing her slightly protruding belly, nodding bashfully. Justine and Jenny closely resembled each other, yet Justine could never mimic the seductive femininity that Jenny exuded. Suddenly, Jenny lifted her head and met Justine's gaze before ducking into Ash's arms as if frightened. "Ashie!" she mumbled. Just as always, Jenny was putting on a show again. Ash looked up with a glare. His eyes met Justine's, and the gentleness on his face dissipated, replaced by that all-too-familiar apathy and annoyance. Justine and Ash were married only because their parents had wanted them to be. She had lost her parents when she was three, though, and while she had been missing, Jenny had come out of nowhere and stolen Justine's identity. By the time Justine was finally found. Ash's mind had already been setâhe only cared for his "childhood friend". The seniors in the family had had to force him to take Justine's hand. Justine did not mind. The only thing she loved about Ash was his looks, but even that was beginning to wear thin. He seemed more and more like a stranger to her. - The elevator door shut. Justine thought their encounter was dramatic. Just imagine how much of a soap opera episode it would be like if she ran at Ash, slapped him, and then confronted Jenny! "Jean! When did you get here? I was just about to grab this medicine for you!" Justine turned to meet Iris Carr, her manager. She smiled and signed, "An expecting mother needed help." Iris studied her heart-stopping beauty and felt a pang in her heart. Justine was so gorgeous, kind, gentle, and an extraordinary dancer. She was a mute who outshone so many people Iris had known. She had even been the prima ballerina of a well-known ballet company, until⌠"Here. Your painkillers," Iris said, her eyes reddening slightly as she choked back a sob. "How could you just⌠injure your spine? You finally managed to become the prima ballerina of the Academie Royale! If you could just finish this tour, you could have..." Becoming the prima ballerina of the Academie Royale ballet company was the dream of countless dancers worldwide. And Justine had been considered after just one interviewâit was incredible! The tragedy weighed heavily on Iris. Justine had always been silent about her family matters, leading Iris to list her as orphaned on her resume, stating she had grown up in an orphanage. Over time, Iris had even come to believe it herself. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became. Justine smiled faintly, seemingly unaware of the sympathy in Iris' face, as she received the painkillers. A year ago, Ash's uncle had hired a hitman on his life. Justine's attempt to save him resulted in her spinal injury. Ash had found the best doctors money could buy and purchased expensive medical equipment for her. The medical team later concluded that her treatment was complete. Unfortunately, two months later, her old injury was aggravated while she was preparing for the tour. After another examination, Justine's career was essentially over. While the spinal injury wouldn't affect her daily life, she could no longer dance. Justine had informed Ash immediately, but he had yet to respond. Maybe he never cared. She had cried her heart out after returning from the hospital, but ultimately, she accepted her fate. This was not the end of the world. After some reflection, Justine decided to continue her tour. She would get treatment alongside it, determined to end her career as a ballet dancer on a high note. This evening's performance would be her last. However, that morning, she woke up to find her painkiller supply depleted. Justine squeezed the paper bag, her eyes feeling dry. It was as if she were a character in a soap opera. Meeting Ash and Jenny felt like a cruel joke. The pain in her spine flared slightly. Regret washed over her. If only she had never tried to save Ash. Instead, he survived long enough to become a villain, insulting the handsome face Justine once adored. She tucked the painkillers into her pocket and took out her phone. Her long lashes veiled the coldness in her eyes as she looked down at the screen. She then selected Ash's number, typed a message, and sent it immediately. - "Why was she in the OB-GYN, Ashie?" At the basement parking lot, Jenny subconsciously shielded her belly and added, "Could she be, you knowâŚ" "That's impossible," Ash replied firmly. Jenny looked away to hide her surprised glee. So Justine had never managed to sleep with him in all three years of marriage? Well, it wasn't that surprising. Everyone in Sol knew that, as a boy, Ash had almost been strangled to death by his mute and mentally ill mother. Traumatized, Ash harbored hatred for his birth motherâand for people who were mute like her. Thus, when his maternal grandparents forced him to marry Justine, it felt like a cruel joke aimed at Ash. There was no way he would ever sleep with her. Poor Justine! A laughingstock, was she not? So what if she was beautiful? What if she could perform some snobby, pretentious dance? Ash had still abandoned her. How could she ever compete with Jenny for Ash's heart? Jenny suppressed her glee and pretended to look sad. "Oh, Ashie⌠I bet the one person Justine hates the most is me. You are aware of what transpired. She nearly took my life when she returned to the Thorpes. And now she saw us at the OB-GYN," she said. "I should explain myself to her once I get back. I don't want her to throw another fitâ" "She won't," Ash interjected. Justine was his simp, always obeying his wishes. For years, there had been fabricated scandals circulating online about celebrities sleeping with him, yet Justine had never questioned him about any of it. She trusted himâlike a machine programmed to smile and serve him. "Don't overthink it, Jenny. She won't hurt you," he added. "I'll have someone escort you home safely." Jenny still looked like she was about to cry. She was on the verge of getting into Ash's car when she suddenly caught sight of Justine in the parking lot. Ash had assured her that everything would be fine, but what made him so certain? Jenny could never forget the day Justine chased her with a kitchen knife like a rabid dog. It was a true display of Justine's character. Did she really believe she could charm Ash into loving her by hiding her true nature? Did she think she could be Mrs. Vanderbilt forever? It was almost laughable. "Juju!" Jenny called out cheerfully. Justine had always hated that nickname and would go ballistic over it. What if she reacted that way again this time? Ash's expression darkened as he shot a brief glance at Justine, immediately noticing how thin she had become. Justine turned to them and nodded politely as if she had no idea who they were. She signed to the woman beside her, entered her ballet company's car, and drove away. Jenny gritted her teeth. She did not take the bait! She squeezed out some crocodile tears and grabbed Ash's sleeve. "Ashie, Ashie! Did you see that? She didn't even acknowledge us! This is all my fault! I shouldn't have come to you for help even if I have no one else to turn to⌠Because we were engaged before, so this had to look really bad⌠"Oh no, I'm the one who ruined your marriage! I should have just stayed with those guys!" she sobbed. Ash ignored her. He was fixated on what Justine had signed: "I don't know them. They mistook me for someone else." "Ashie, you gotta chase after her!" Jenny cried out as though she cared about preserving Ash and Justine's relationship. Ash was unfazed. He absent-mindedly glanced at the sleeve Jenny was grabbing and realized that Justine had bought this coat for him. She had won a ballet competition that day and used the prize money to purchase it, presenting it almost like a tribute. Ash yanked the sleeve away from Jenny. "I've told you. She won't mind." At that moment, his phone vibrated. Ash scanned the screen, and his eyes suddenly grew bitterly cold as the words leaped into view: [I want a divorce.] Chapter 2 At the Grand Theater of Sol. A towering man stood in the darkness where the audience gathered. He felt as cold as winter. His eyes were fixed on the stage as the Black Swan darted across it, agile and mesmerizing. The Black Swan's movements were fluid and firm, sensual and tempting. The man almost wished he could possess her right now. The performance was nearing its end, so the man turned away and strode toward the backstage. - The performance ended. Justine felt a quiet pain in her waist, but she gritted her teeth through the production. The crowd erupted in ovation. She took one last yearning glance at the stage and her adoring audience before returning backstage. Iris had been watching her every move with concern. "Is it hurting? I can cancel the fan meeting and photo session if you need it. You can rest in the breakroom, and once the rest of the performance is over, I'll come for you," Iris suggested. Justine waved reassuringly. Many of these fans had traveled all the way to Sol to see her performanceâto meet her. How could she let them down? Soon, the photo session concluded. After checking in with Justine, Iris left to direct the stage. Suddenly, Justine found herself alone. She looked around as memories flooded back. Ballet had been a part of her for as long as she could remember. Concerned that Justine's disability might hinder her job prospects, the orphanage's director had signed her up for ballet classes after discovering her talent, despite the lack of funding from the orphanage. All that hard work and dedication was gone like the wind because of her career-ending injury. How could anyone not feel regret? Justine removed her makeup and pressed her hand against her waist, trying to support it as she tiredly headed to the prima ballerina's room. It was dark inside. She reached for the light switch. Suddenly, from the shadows, a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside. Then, the door shut and locked behind her. Panic surged through Justine. The scent enveloping her was familiar. Why was Ash there? Before she could answer her own question, he pressed his lips forcefully against hers. More kisses followed, violent and punishing. Justine wanted to shove him away, but Ash was a hulking mass of angry muscle, dominating her completely. Fear surged as she bit his tongue, tasting blood, but he didn't stop. Jenny had no idea how wrong she was about Justine and Ash's life. Their marriage had been consummated quickly, thanks to the "intervention" of some elders. Although Ash might resent Justine's existence, he was undeniably addicted to her body. They had known each other for so long and so well that they instinctively understood how to arouse and please one another. This knowledge was etched into their flesh, a part of their movements. Justine's thoughts spiraled into chaos. Suddenly, she felt a bite on her shoulder. She could tell Ash was upset just from the strengthâand it irritated her. What was his problem?! He had always wanted this divorce! he had signed the paper with his name on the day of their wedding! With Justine gone, he would finally be able to marry the woman he really wanted, right? So why is he angry now? Because she was the one who had suggested it instead of him? The backstage was starting to fill with people. She could even hear one of the assistant artistic directors rushing past her room. If anyone were to knockâor even openâher door, Justine would be famous in the scene for the worst reason possible! Justine bit her lips, forcing herself not to let out even a should. Unfortunately, this only made Ash more beastly. He hated silence, so he did everything he could to make her scream and yelp. - The light was on, bright and blinding. Ash sat languidly on the couch, his shirt and suit surprisingly neat. In contrast, Justine's expensive ballet dress lay torn. After a shower, she slipped into an oversized practice garment while Ash glared at her. "A divorce?" he asked, cutting straight to the chase. It was difficult to discern his emotions from his voice. Justine studied himâhe was still as handsome as ever, but gone was the youthful, teenage look she once loved. In its place stood an indifferent, reserved man in a suit. Her eyes no longer sparkled with admiration and yearning when she looked at him. She nodded firmly. Ash snickered. "What? Because of Jenny?" For some reason, the thought of Justine exploding over his affair with Jenny excited him. Unfortunately, she simply shook her head determinedly. "I don't love you anymore," she signed. "That's why I want a divorce." Reality shattered Ash's fleeting excitement. Her straightforwardness left no room for ambiguityâshe didn't even hint at clinging. His mind went blank. Suddenly, he recalled that rainy night many years ago when that woman had pushed him into the mud, signing furiously, "I don't love you anymore! I am not your mother! You are disgusting, just like your father! Go away! I don't want to see you anymore!" It felt as though all emotions had drained from him. Ash rose and glared at Justine frostily. "Suit me just fine. You stole this marriage from Jenny back then, anyway. She finally gets what's always been hers." "Congratulations," Justine signed earnestly. Ash was stunned. He had not expected that from her. He remembered Jenny begging Justine not to take him away when Justine had taken out a lipstick and written on the wall, right in front of their parents, 'He is mine, and only mine!' The same woman⌠just congratulated Jenny. Rage inexplicably flared within him. Granted, this marriage should have ended sooner. It had been delayed because she had saved his life while sustaining grievous injuries a year ago, but now she was the one requesting a divorce. That worked to Ash's advantage, right? He had no reason to be mad. "My lawyer will contact you tomorrow at noon to finalize our divorce," he said. Justine nodded. Surprisingly, she felt not a hint of sadness or longing. "Good. We can announce our divorce at the family dinner tomorrow evening," she signed. Ash looked away from her. she had this all planned out, hadn't she? It was as if she could not wait to have every tie with him severed. Chapter 3 Ash sneered and went through the door. Justine watched his hulking frame, suddenly recalling hazy memories of her teenage past: a younger version of him, tall and lean, with his back against her. Despite her earlier calm, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. "JustineâŚ" He had stopped by the door and turned to face her. "I no longer answer to my grandfather, Justine. So there's zero chance of you going back to being my wife after this. Don't regret it. "And most importantlyâdon't give Jenny trouble. You've tormented her enough." Ash understood how obsessive her love had been. Justine's life was so devoid of meaning that the only two things she had were ballet and him. This was why Ash was convinced that Justine's sudden change of attitude stemmed from spite after seeing Jenny. Once she calmed down, he was sure she would regret this decision. His job was to ensure her regret was futile. She could no longer return to himâand he would never accept her. Justine was kind and courteous to everyone except Jenny. Ash had never managed to protect her well enoughâthe poor girl had endured much of Justine's wrath. That was why he was determined not to let Jenny suffer for him any longer, no matter how hysterical Justine could be. "Trust me, Mr. Vanderbilt. You should say this to her," Justine signed, her eyes gentle as always. "She should not mess with me." Otherwise, Jenny would suffer worse. - Justine was nothing if not determined. When Ash was her prize, no oneânot could have gotten in her way. But now that she wanted him out of her life, she wouldn't shed a tear for him. After Ash left, Justine cleaned up the room. She picked up the torn pieces of her favorite ballet dress. It had been tailor-made for herâa piece of luxury she had won in an international competition. Fixing it would require a lot of money. She had to demand compensation for it in the divorce agreement! Just then, she heard Iris' voice from outside. "Jean? Are you up?" The performances had ended a while ago. Iris had arrived earlier, but the light in the room had been off, so she had assumed Justine had been sleeping. Justine lit a lavender candle, and once the stench of Ash's intrusion faded, she opened the door. "It's over?" she signed. "Other troupes have all left except for your group! Everyone's waiting for you at the party," Iris replied, doing her best to mask her sadness. Yes, it was a party, all rightâa farewell party. Suddenly, Justine's phone rang, startling her. Few people ever called her phone. Those who knew her preferred video calls. But this was an audio call. "Looks like a landline number," Iris murmured. She quickly looked it up on the Internet. "That's⌠Eudaimonia Home in Saintwood. Why is a nursing home calling you at this hour?" Justine answered the call before Iris finished her explanation. "Is this Justine Thorpe? Good evening. This is Eudaimonia Home. Mrs. Aurora Roch hasn't been feeling too well for the past two days. If you can, please come here as soon as possible. She would like to meet you." Justine was shocked. - The trip took three hours, and it was already one in the morning when Justine arrived. The nurse who had called her led Justine to Aurora's room. "She's been expecting you," the young woman said. The sight of a sickly, bony woman on a sickbed greeted Justine. Aurora had once been the director of Glascape Orphanage and had been a mother figure who raised Justine. She was the one who had recognized the potential ballerina in her and let her shine. Three years ago⌠While suffering from an incurable disease, Justine's grandfather found her in the orphanage and wanted her to return home. Justine refusedâuntil some bloggers discovered Glascape Island. The rustic beauty of the fishing town quickly spread across the Internet, attracting several corporations eager to transform it into a tourist destination. At that critical moment, Aurora was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Justine faced a difficult choice. She needed money to prevent the island's purchase and save Aurora. Thus, she approached her grandfather and agreed to a deal. Soon after, Aurora informed Justine that she had contacted a hospital abroad where she would receive treatment. They parted ways but promised to stay in touch. "The treatment went well," she would say. "I met someone I love in the wonderful continent of Aestra. I would like to spend my last few years there." Justine believed her. Aurora had discovered her stomach cancer at an early stage, so her chances of recovery were high. Justine sincerely hoped Aurora was living happily out there, free from any shackles. Then Justine decided to marry Ash. That was when Aurora suddenly came to see her. They had a big argument, and afterward, Aurora stopped contacting Justine. - For years, Justine had been trying to locate Aurora. She would ask around and chase down leads, but she never managed to find herâuntil today. On her way to the hospital, the nurse provided details about Aurora's illness. The cancer cells had been spreading even back when they had their fight. "Jean, is that you?" Aurora's voice sounded familiar and foreign at the same time. Justine approached her, choking back tears. Aurora examined her face and smiled. "Oh, Jean. You're even more beautiful now!" she whispered. Justine studied her in disbelief. Suffering had taken so much from her. Aurora was left with nothing but bones and skin! Justine could not help but cry. "I thought you found someone you love! A-And you're spending your last days somewhere in Aestra!" Justine signed slowly. "So why are you here? Why are you⌠dying?" Aurora's eyes reddened. "I'm so sorry. I lied." Justine cast her eyes at Aurora's face, shakily holding her hands. She pressed her forehead against the back of Aurora's handsâjust like she used to when she was a child. But there was no warmth left in Aurora's hands. They were frighteningly cold. "Love, you're all grown up now. You have to⌠learn to accept death⌠Mine⌠and Ares'..." Ares⌠Justine felt her blood freeze. Memories flooded herâit was a beautiful day. A young man ran across the white waves as they rolled. He laughed and turned back to her, his smile brighter than the sun. "Come over here for a hug, Little Justine!" he had called. Pain coursed through Justineâs limbs. She met Aurora's gaze, her eyes brimming with tears of agony. Chapter 4 Aurora knew exactly what was on her mind. She had raised this child, after all. Half a year after Ares' death, the Thorpe family located Justine in Glascape. Aurora hadn't wanted to be separated from the young woman, but Justine's worsening mental state had made her reconsider. Justine had taken it poorly, wasting all her time searching for news about a man who was already dead. She had been a woman possessedâeveryone feared she would become more self-destructive. Aurora had hoped that sending Justine away to a new place with her original family might help her move on. That was why she had accepted the Thorpes' offer. Thus, Justine returned to Sol. Who would have thought Justine would marry someone not long after? Aurora knew how much Justine had loved Ares. There was no way she could have accepted another man in her life so soonâlet alone a husband. Fearing it was a political marriage of convenience at the cost of her child's agency, Aurora had rushed to Sol. That was when she met Ash Vanderbilt. The young man had just returned from studying abroad. Most terrifying, though, was how much he resembled Ares physically. The only difference between them was the feeling they evoked. Justine had gone mad! She had latched onto Ash as if he were her last hope, utterly convinced in her denial that Ash Vanderbilt was an amnesiac Ares Vance. Any mention of the truthâAres' deathâwould send Justine into uncontrollable hysteria. So why was she so different today? Why was she looking at Aurora with such crushing dejection in her eyes⌠without a single retort of denial? "Y-You know⌠he's not him, d-don't you?" Aurora whispered shakily. Justine nodded tearfully. Of course, she knew! Ahhh, Ash could not muster even the smallest amount of the kindness Ares had so effortlessly displayed. However, back then, Justine could not bear the thought of living in a world without Ares. She had deluded herself, clinging to an impostor, surviving through Ash's superficial semblance of him. How else could she have lived this long? But Ash... was a disappointment. He wore those suits so frequently now that it had become harder and harder to see Ares' ghost in him. Aurora let out a pained sob. "No, no, no. How cruel has he been to youâŚ" How cruel had Ash been to Justine? How much hurt had she endured to break a spell so ingrained in her? What had it taken for Justine to admit she had been living in a delusion? The implication stabbed Aurora like a knife. The equipment connected to her began to beep shrillily in alarm. Justine panicked. She was about to call the nurse when Aurora suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Jean⌠once I'm gone, you're not bound to anyone in this world anymore⌠Do you understand me?" she croaked. "Leave them. Go home. L-Live⌠your life... You are free, Jean." Justine nodded frantically, pressing the emergency button over and over. Aurora's breathing grew erratic, but her eyes were fixed on Justine. She could not leave just yet. Her precious girl was still there, all alone. No one would stand for her. No one would speak for her. Alone. "J-Jean..." she whispered one last time, holding Justine's hand. "C-Call me..." Justine trembled. "Call me... M-Mom..." Aurora exhausted all her strength. Her body collapsed into Justine's arms, her breath short. The old woman was hyperventilating, looking at Justine with a pleading gaze. Justine had not been born mute. It was traumaâfrom before her time in the orphanageâthat had caused her mutism. Aurora had taken her to countless specialists, but the effects of the treatments had been discouragingly small. Now, all Justine could hear was the ringing in her ears. She nodded vigorously and opened her mouth, trying to force out a sound. Her throat felt strange. Panic welled inside her. Time seemed to slow. All she could produce was silence. The nurses rushed into the room, and Justine felt herself being pulled away from Aurora. Chaos surrounded her, accompanied by the incessant ringing in her ears. It wasn't until she heard the long beep from the machine that the ringing finally subsided. One of the nurses gently closed Aurora's eyes. She had been watching Justine until the very end. Then, they covered her pain-twisted face with a piece of white cloth. It was not the first corpse Justine had ever seen. The first time was at a funeral home in Glascape. Aurora had howled, her voice thick with tears, "Ares! no, no!" 'You see this, Ares? You loved me so much, and yet I wasn't there when you ended your life. I never even visited you once in so many years. 'She raised me, right? She just wanted me to call her Mom. And I couldn't even do that. 'I'm a terrible person,' Justine thought. - Aurora had left notes for her burial. There was to be no funeral. She wanted to be cremated immediately. She had also appointed Justine to decide what to do with her ashes and belongings. As Aurora was pushed into the crematory, the nurse who had cared for her the longest collapsed to her knees in tears, howling. But Justine could only watch in cursed silence. Her lips were pale as she tried to call out to Aurora in her mind. - The first snow had arrived on Sol. Ash's meeting had just ended. Robin Letto, his secretary, rushed to his side. "Mr. Vanderbilt! Ms. Pearce said she can't seem to contact Mrs. Vanderbilt," she said hesitantly, too afraid to even breathe too loudly. Ashâs mood had been in the gutters today. It was as if the air itself could freeze around him. Logically, after regaining full control over the family business and outmaneuvering his uncles, Ash should have been overjoyed. Yet, he was the exact opposite. Ash frowned. "Fine." He expected her to regret it, but he hadn't expected it to happen so soon. Now, divorce was back on the table. Despite Ash's thoughts, there was a renewed spring in his step, something even he failed to notice. Nearby, Robin acutely sensed the change in his demeanor. His mood, unexpectedly, seemed to have improved. Ash returned to his office and booted up his laptop. The document he had been working on appeared on the screen: the divorce agreement. He had been revising the terms of the compensation Justine was entitled to receive. The offers were generous. The money alone would be enough for her to live comfortably for a lifetime. He had purchased a property for her abroad. Knowing she had been accepted as the prima ballerina of the Academie Royale, he had bought her a villa in Voue, the capital city of Charlemagne, where the ballet company was based. To Ash, these gestures were his way of expressing gratitude for saving his life. - At noon, a meticulously dolled-up Jenny stepped into Ash's car, and they drove to a Michelin-starred restaurant she had been eager to visit for ages. Grinning sweetly, she cooed, "Ngaww, I don't know what came over me! I just had to eat at this restaurant! You're such a gem, Ashie!" Ash smiled faintly. "I'm glad you're happy." Jenny nodded firmly. "Of course I am! You're always so nice to me." She hesitated for a moment. "Um⌠Did Justine⌠you knowâŚ" Ash's smile faded. "Let's just eat." Jenny felt a surge of satisfaction at his darkened expression at the mere mention of Justine. Lunch soon ended, and Ash needed to return to work. "I've kept you long enough, Ashie! Good luck with work!" she said brightly. "I'm off to meet my friends for afternoon tea!" Ash briefly glanced at her belly. "Please take care of yourself." "Of course!" she chirped, waving him off. Once he was out of sight, Jenny's smile disappeared. The innocence drained from her expression as she dialed a number. "Hey. Are you sure Justine will be at the Thierry family's soiree?" she asked. | LEARN_MORE | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14797&ut | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | beokn.com | DCO | https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14797&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465733853_502380432950668_5964851641982863637_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6gk_XGdZO9gQ7kNvgFNilLr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A--hbIVMe4X0xy7L2vieAjo&oh=00_AYDKF9H2oyMAHV9wEOh0sJs4bHk2Z74exkGhAKeiJchWpg&oe=67459863 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | In Debra's last life, she loved Juan so much, but everyone knew that the one he cherished was Shelia. After Debra was drained of her last bit of value by Juan, she tragically died on the operating table. Reborn in this life, Debra swears never to repeat the same mistakes, and she will make Juan regret what he has done! "Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!" "Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away." The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled. The operating room reeked of blood. She had never seen so much blood before. At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. 'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?' The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan..." "What?" "Juan Nichols..." The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier. Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City. The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken away. Please, come and see her for the last time." But Juan's voice was filled with indifference. "She's still alive? Call me when she's dead." With that, he hung up the phone. All the light disappeared from Debra's eyes. 'Juan, do you hate me so much? Even at this point, you wouldn't come to see me.' The machine emitted a flat, cold beep, indicating the patient's vital signs had disappeared. Debra felt her soul leaving her body. Her withered, frail body collapsed weakly on the bed. Debra felt exhausted. At just twenty-seven, she died from postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital. In her lifetime, she loved Juan dearly. As the only daughter of the Frazier family, she should have enjoyed the best life. But to marry Juan, she sacrificed herself and her family. In the end, she met a tragic fate. Debra slowly closed her eyes. Given another chance, she would never make the same mistakes. ... "Madam, Mr. Nichols wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Sophie asked. Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring his family along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' "Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." Sophieâs voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan Miles. Shelia liked white dresses, so she followed suit, just to earn a little favor from Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to wear cheap clothes for a man. It only lowered her status and self-esteem. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," Sophie said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." Sophie sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." Marion made no comments. Randy clicked his tongue. "Juan's taste is just terrible, preferring a skinny woman to his beautiful woman. Don't you think?" Randy turned around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" he cursed, quickly catching up with Marion. Shelia, in a white dress, held Juan's arm timidly. "I've never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back." "You'll get used to it. You'll be attending these events frequently in the future," Juan said. Shelia nodded. Juan was about to enter with Shelia when Joe spoke up. "Sir, won't we wait for Mrs. Nichols?" Juan frowned. "Didn't I ask you to tell her not to come today?" Joe glanced at Shelia, and she quickly said, "It's not Joe's fault. I told him not to inform Debra. With my status, I'm afraid of gossip, so I thought it would be better for Debra to accompany you in." Shelia lowered her head like a scared hare. Juan rubbed his temples. He didn't want Debra to show up at all. "Mr. Nichols," Shelia murmured, biting her lip. "It's alright." Juan patted Shelia's head and said to Joe, "Go intercept her and send her away." In the crowd, there were murmurs of surprise. Joe looked over and was also shocked. "I'm afraid it's too late." | LEARN_MORE | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | thebvhwysgng.com | DCO | https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462143534_1670092790224824_679006321541673997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Z34kmNOrzeQQ7kNvgFVBAx9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A--hbIVMe4X0xy7L2vieAjo&oh=00_AYAEF8Q47KyFNK5g6JD7n5tSVl1Gw5A1ieLWbVyRNbJhoA&oe=6745C977 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wifeâs veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "Sheâs unlike any woman Iâve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, sheâs talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasnât seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "Itâs fine. If she says anything unpleasant, Iâll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Donât you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. âWhy put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.â âOh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464198210_1335425697867830_3839403089342624662_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lQDsKZmCergQ7kNvgE0wjf9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5jz7ZpxlbeEAcuB0df0uRZ&oh=00_AYDNjOC0mMhiLErdto4JLe3pqtYQPnUO3UgivCMsI8yWMQ&oe=6745A200 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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đAttention! Do not read in publicďźđ | "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before herâher husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she wonât be a concubine. Sheâll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that sheâs still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I donât really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrettâs victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estateâs affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, sheâs different from any woman you know. As a general, sheâs above household squabbles and wouldnât want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "Thatâs them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." âOh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?â Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren familyâs life respectable, and this was her reward. âEnough,â Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. âIâve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion wonât change anything.â As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. âMy lady, my lord has really crossed the line!â Lulu, Carissaâs maid, said, wiping her tears. âDonât call him that!â Carissa gave her a stern look. âWe never consummated the marriage. Heâs not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.â âWhy the dowry list?â Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. âSilly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.â Lulu gasped. âLeave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?â Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered â assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her familyâs former glory seemed impossibleâat least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren familyâs fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. âLulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.â ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissaâs arrival to the king three times. âYour Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,â he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. âI canât summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.â âThe guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. Sheâs been standing there for over an hour without moving.â Salvador felt a pang of guilt. âBarrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didnât want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.â âYour Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,â Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. âAlright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, Iâll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,â said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. âAs always, you're wise, Your Majesty!â ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... | LEARN_MORE | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | shgjfh.com | DCO | https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463430846_3918983931754783_3857163581980999957_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qgEnLtrBeNMQ7kNvgFeow2O&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5jz7ZpxlbeEAcuB0df0uRZ&oh=00_AYDFSvh8AVl0Dy8tjM80ZyxLnEKWCyLjPwtB35lEqPDzxQ&oe=6745AC61 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Read more FREE chaptersđ | This wasnât the first time I received photos of Owen cheating on me. The blonde hair and slender build of the woman kissing him reminded me of my best friend Josie. Could it beâŚ? No, she would never do that to me! With trembling fingers, I dropped my phone. How could my husband cheat on me?! I thought I was the most important person in his life. After 7 horrible years at the orphanage, I was adopted by Owenâs family. I saved Owen's life when we were young. His family was so grateful that they took me in. How could Owen betray me after everything we went through?! We grew up together and were always inseparable. We fell in love and got married when we were 22 years old. I canât believe that was almost 3 years ago now. But Owen had been acting very strange lately. These photos seemed to explain why⌠I had to confront him. âOwen?â I called out. âOwen, where are you?â He didn't answer. He must be upstairs. I walked up the stairs and heard him talking to his friend Simon on the phone. As I was about to knock on the door, I overheard: âNo, I donât think I love her anymore.â His words gave me icy chills. âYou should be happy, Simon. I know you like Noah. If we get a divorce, you can have her.â Owen continued. âHe said...what?â I couldnât believe my ears and cried in my heart, âHow dare he talk about me like that? I wasn't just some object he could give away! â Hearing Owenâs frivolous talk with his friend, I felt sick. I grew up with him and got married for so many years. But he recently acted like a stranger. Did he have a new love? Why did he treat me in such a cruel way?! I was almost to open the door to question him, but suddenly I hesitated, âQuestion him and then what? Do I want divorce? No, I donât think so. Anyway, I have to calm down. At least I need to have a talk with him first. I need to know what happened to our marriage.â So, I quietly made my way back downstairs. I tried to forget about what I heard by preparing dinner. As I was dishing up our pasta, the delightful scent of italian herbs drifted through the house. I heard Owen come downstairs. âJust in time for your dinner, hun!â I said, trying to sound normal. But he was wearing his coat and gelled hair. He looked handsome as ever and ready to leave. I could smell his aftershave - my favorite smell in the world. âWhere are you going? Itâs getting late and dinner is ready.â I said. âDinner with a client. Donât wait for me.â Owen replied and left without hesitation. I sat alone at the table, looking at the food Iâd carefully prepared for him. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I listlessly turned the spaghetti round and round with my fork. I wasnât hungry. After storing away the leftovers, I stared at the TV for a while. Nothing could get my mind off of Owen and whoever that blonde tramp was. I made my way to the bathroom. I washed my mascara stained face and looked at myself in the mirror. Why did he stop loving me? Am I not beautiful enough? Did I not do enough to make him happy? I gave my body a scrutinizing glance, suddenly seeing all the parts of me that werenât perfect. My belly wasnât as flat as it used to be. Maybe I shouldâve had my lips done, like my friend Josie. Mine always used to be fuller than hers. But now she had the plump, luscious lips of a model. After washing up, I went to bed. Dropping my face into my pillow, I felt miserable. I tried to fall asleep, but my mind kept wandering. Where was Owen? And with who? Will he even come home tonight? At 1 am, I finally heard the key turn in the front door. From all the stumbling I could hear Owen was very drunk. I swiftly made my way downstairs to help him to the bedroom. He started kissing me and said a blurry name. I tried to identify what it was. After he repeated it many times, I was shocked. It sounded like... âJoiseâ! âJosieâŚ? Were you with Josie?â I asked with panic in my voice. I helped his heavy body into bed. He grunted some words I couldnât understand. I couldnât believe my husband cheated on me with my best friend. I cried and pleaded with him to see that it was me, not Josie. He pushed me away. As his head hit the pillow, he started snoring right away. Looking at my husband - completely drunk - I didnât recognize the man I knew and loved. I tried to sleep next to him. But it felt like I was lying next to a stranger. I went downstairs and sat on the sofa all night, wide eyed, thinking about what happened between us. The next morning, Owen came downstairs after a shower. I wanted to ask him how he was feeling. He must be hungover. When I got up from the couch, I felt very weak and feverish. The sleepless night must've made me sick. âOwen, are you OK?â I asked as I struggled to walk over to him. I really wanted to hug him. If only for a sense of comfort. He swept my arms away and told me to leave him alone. I was so weak and dizzy, his push made me fall. Owen was stunned for a moment. Then he said coldly, âIf youâre sick, go see a doctor.â I scrambled up to my feet, and looked at him with a shocked expression. Suddenly, his phone rang. As he lifted it to his ear, the screen lit up. I could clearly see who was calling: âJosieâ. Chapter 2 - Hope Noah My heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said âJosieâ. He answered: âHello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.â I couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen. When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldnât hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance. Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend. I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes. It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he wouldâve never let me suffer like this. âIâll pick you up later.â Owen said, ready to go. I grabbed his hand and begged him to stay with me. âPlease, donât leave. I'm sick, Owen. I need to see a doctor. Iâm too weak to be all by myself.â He was very impatient. He said he had some important business to deal with. I couldnât help crying as I watched him leave. My husband and my best friend were betraying me, behind my back. I walked up the stairs slowly, carefully holding on to the railing. I was so weak and fragile. Bed rest was my best option right now. I really needed my husband to take care of me. When we got married, he vowed to me: âIn sickness and in health, in good times and badâ. This was definitely a bad time, and he was nowhere to be seen. When I woke up from my nap, I felt even worse. In my feverish haze, I reached for my phone and tried to call Owen. I opened my recent contacts and found that Owen had not had any calls with me these days at all. I had to open the contact list to look for him, but a few minutes later I dialed out with a headache and dizziness. Almost immediately I heard: âHello, Noah?â The voice on the phone sounded very deep. I figured Owen got a cold after his late night out. âIâm so sick, Iâm so weak. I need to get to the hospital. Please, come back, pleaseâŚâ I pleaded, my voice weak and trembling. âIâll be right there.â Said the voice on the phone and hung up right away. His voice sounded different from before. And his tone was a little urgent. Whatâs wrong? I didnât have enough energy to think about it. At least he might still care about me. That comforted me a lot. Before long, there was a heavy knock on the door. Did Owen leave his key? I opened the door, expecting to look into Owen's gray eyes, but found Raymond's kind, hazel brown eyes instead. What was he doing here? Raymond was Owenâs uncle. He was only several years older, but very mature. He was tall, tanned and handsome. His chocolate brown hair matched his eyes. With his strong, square jaw and muscular body. I always thought Owen was one of the most attractive men I knew. It wasn't until Raymondâs appearance that I realized how dominant the handsome genes are in this family in terms of good looking. After living in Australia for most of his life, he had come back several years ago to take over his familyâs business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single. âDoes Owen know youâre sick?â Raymond said, looking concerned. âHow did you know I'm sick? Do I look that terrible?â I asked, suddenly aware that I was only wearing my little nightgown, had no make-up on and had my hair up in a messy bun. Raymond smiled. âDon't worry, Noah. I got your call earlier.â Oops, I must have pressed the number of âOwenâs Bossâ instead of âOwenâ. I apologized for the inconvenience. âYou are a member of our family, Noah. Itâs my duty to take care of you. And you are never an inconvenience to me.â Raymond said as he took me by the arm to support me. He led me to his streamlined, dark gray Mercedes to drive me to the hospital. I sat down on the cream colored leather seat. His car smelled brand new. The seat was heated, which helped warm me up, but I was still shivering. Raymond took off his suede blazer and handed it to me. His simple act of kindness made me feel warm, inside and out. âThank you, Raymond. This means a lot to me.â I said with a relieved sigh. âOf course, Noah. Whenever you need me, Iâll be there.â He responded. He still had a slight Australian accent. He asked me what happened. I wouldnât have shared my familyâs private problems with another man who I didnât even know very well. But at that time, I was on the very edge of a breakdown. I really needed someone to talk to. Yet when I lost two of my closest persons on the same day, my husband and my best friend, who else could I talk to? âI donât think Owen loves me as much as before. It seems that he has some secrets with another woman, who used to be my best girlfriend. I couldn't sleep all night. I think that's what caused my fever.â I concluded. I was in tears again by the time I finished the story. âHow could they do this to you? You are the best thing that's ever happened to Owen. If he can't see that, he is an even bigger idiot than I thought!â Raymond shouted out. His shocked, angry expression showed me how much he cared. âPlease, don't say a word about this to Owen. I haven't confronted him yet. I need to do this myself.â I responded. We sat quietly for a while, his hand resting very close to my thigh. I felt so weak and miserable. But his presence helped. When seeing the private doctor, I tried to get out of the car but almost fell. Raymond flung an arm around me, just in time to catch me. I blushed as I looked up to him. My face was very close to his. His piercing eyes looked at me with an intensity I hadnât seen before. I smelled something fresh. It might be his aftershave. I remembered Owen also used it, and I always told he that I love what he smelled. But I found Raymondâs aftershave smelled a little special. âRaymond? Noah? What are you doing?!â I suddenly heard Owenâs angry voice. Chapter 3 - Truth Noah Raymond quickly let go of me as Owen approached us. Just before taking a step back. I stumbled over to my husband. I wanted to lean on him for support, but he didnât seem to care about me at all. All I could read on his face was anger. I tried to be strong and stand by myself, shivering with fever. âSo, youâve got a new love, huh? I saw you flirting with my uncle!â Owen spat his angry words at me. I turned pale. How could he say this to me? Especially after what he had done? I wasnât the one who couldnât be trusted! âOwen! How dare you talk to her like that! Itâs not our familyâs manner!â Raymond berated him. He was fuming with rage at the injustice. He also knew about Owen's betrayal. Owen was a little timid when Raymond got angry. Although Raymond was only 31 years old, he had become a successful CEO. He had idolized Raymond when he was a child. And now, Raymond was also his boss. Owen had recently started working at his company. Raymondâs fists were clenched and his tense muscles were visible through his buttoned up shirt. He looked like he was about to hit Owen. I didnât want them to fight over me, so I tried to calm them both down. âRaymond, itâs okay. Owen will take me in to see a doctor. Thank you for driving me here.â I said gratefully. âPlease, donât say anything about Josieâ, I tried to tell him mentally through the look in my eyes. He nodded slightly, as if he understood. He relaxed and his eyes softened when he looked at me. I turned back to my angry husband. I couldnât detect any sign of trust in his eyes. I supposed he should be concerned about my health rather than the relationship between me and Raymond. âOwen, I can explain. I tried to call you, but I was so sick I accidentally dialed Raymondâs number. He brought me to see the doctor. You should be grateful to him. Without him I would still be miserable in bed, all alone.â Owen grabbed me and said, âWell, I was just on my way to come and get you. Then I saw you get out of uncle Raymond's car and âfallâ right into his arms.â He looked at Raymond with an arrogant smirk. âYou can go back to your important job now, uncle. Iâll look after my wife.â Raymondâs eyes were cold, but he respected my wishes. He didn't object. After warning Owen that heâd better take good care of me, he got back in his car and drove off. Although I was glad I could lean on Owen, something didn't feel right. I realized I was still wearing his suede jacket. It was so soft and warm, protecting me from the cold autumn wind. When the doctor dealt with my fever, Owen didnât want to speak to me, let alone look at me. He was engaging himself in typing on his phone. The doctor told me I shouldn't have waited much longer. My fever was so high I could have fainted. After getting examined and taking medicine for my fever, Owen drove me home. We sat next to each other in our car that held many memories. All our road trips and getaways together. Those times were over now. After an uncomfortable silence, I decided to address the elephant in the room. âOwen⌠What is going on? Do you still love me? Do you still regard me as your wife?â I asked. âSo what? Whose wife do you want to be?â Owen hissed. I couldn't believe how horrible he was to me after what he had done. âI know you cheated on me, Owen.â I uttered with pain in my voice. âYouâve been seeing Josie, right?â Owen stopped the car with a jerk and pulled over. We sat in silence for a while as he processed my words. âWhat do you know, Noah?â he pressed, looking me in the eyes at last. I finally confronted him about all the things that had been weighing heavily on my heart. I explained: âSomeone sent me photos of the two of you together. The first time, they didn't show your face. So I didnât want to believe it. But in the ones I received yesterday, it was clearly you. All those nights, when you told me you had to leave town for business... You lied to me. You spent them at a hotel with another woman! Then, last night, you kissed me and called me Josie. And this morning, I saw it was her calling you. You pretended it was a client. âOwen, we have grown up together since we were kids. I always thought we knew each other the most and could trust each other. I canât believe you would cheat me like that!â I cried, âOwen, did you fall in love with another woman... Is she my best friend Josie?!â His eyes showed a moment of doubt. Then, resolution. His mouth tightened as he clenched his jaw. Just when I thought he wouldnât answer, Owen said: âItâs true. I love her. I love Josie.â Chapter 4 - Hurt Noah I just couldn't accept it. I loved him so much. How could he cheat on me? âWhy, Owen? I thought we loved each other. I thought we would be together forever. Did I do something wrong?â I cried. Owen didn't respond. He drove us home in silence. His cruelty was too much for me to bear. I stared at the raindrops on the window. I felt more depressed than ever. That afternoon, Owen left again. I tried having some food and a nap, hoping that would help me heal. But I just couldn't fall asleep until Owen came back home in the early evening. I had to talk to him. I got out of bed and met him at the top of the stairs. âOwen, we need to talk about what happened. You can't keep going out and avoiding me.â He was obviously drunk again. All he said was, âI donât have anything to say to you. I am moving out, Noah. I supposed our years of marriage is a mistake!â I took his hands in mine and begged him to stay and try to work it out. But he shook off my hands and pushed me away. I was standing right on the edge of the staircase. His push made me lose balance, and I tumbled down the stairs. I managed to grab onto the railing so I didnât fall all the way down. But my head hit the wall when I tried to break my fall. I felt my forehead was bleeding. It was so painful that I couldnât get up. I thought Owen would help me, but only heard: âYou lost your footing. Itâs not my fault.â There was a sudden knock on the door. Owen stumbled past me down the stairs. âRaymond? What are you doing here? Now is not a good time.â âI came to ask you what is going on. You need to give me an explanation. You havenât ⌠Noah?â Raymond suddenly saw me sitting on the stairs behind Owen. He pushed Owen aside and ran over to me in alarm. Seeing my messy hair and injured forehead, he instantly knew what happened between us. He punched Owen in the face. âThis is how you treat your wife?! I donât believe you. Donât you see Noah is bleeding? Did you hurt her? What a disgusting thing you smelled! You drunk idiot!â Raymond raged at his nephew. I didnât even have time to explain. Raymond immediately wrapped me up in his suit jacket and took me to see the doctor. âTwice in one day? That must be a record.â The doctor said wearily. I gave her a wry grin and answered, âNot by choiceâŚâ The doctor took care of my wounds. I needed a couple of stitches and had some pretty bad bruises, but I would be okay. Thankfully, I didn't break any bones. It was getting dark outside. The autumn breeze was busy blowing the leaves off the maple trees surrounding the hospital parking lot. Raymond and I made our way back to the car. Our feet rustled through the thick carpet of yellow, brown and scarlet red leaves. After my second - and hopefully last - doctor's visit of the day, we sat next to each other in silence. We were back in his beautiful Mercedes. I could get used to these comfortable, heated seats. I felt a bit embarrassed. Raymond kept on having to save me. At least this time, I was wearing clothes and make-up, and my brown hair was neatly tied in a long, wavy ponytail. âI donât normally need so much help, you know.â I broke the ice. âI happen to be a strong, independent woman most of the time.â Raymond laughed heartily. âJokes aside, I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me.â I continued. âWhy did you come over tonight, Raymond?â âOwen hadnât come to work at the company for days. And I wanted to speak to him about what happened this morning, with you. I tried to call him, but he never answered. I decided to come over. To see for myself what was wrong with him.â Raymond explained. âI just canât believe what he did to you!â He continued. âIf he ever does anything like that again, please tell me. Iâll teach him a lesson.â His stern face showed how much he meant it. I took a deep breath. He had a way of making me feel safe and secure. âThank you, Raymond. Iâm okay now. It was an accident. Owen didnât push me off the stairs on purpose. He didnât mean to hurt me.â I explained. Raymond looked a little angry, but he still carefully drove me home. âGoodbye, Raymond. Thank you again, for everything.â I said with feeling as he hugged me. âBye, Noah. Itâs been my pleasure. Please be safe. Call me if you need anything.â He said. He gently patted me on my head as comfort as if I was a little girl and got back in his car. His simple actions made me feel warm. I thanked him and walked home. I entered the house. It was quiet and dark downstairs. I walked up to our room. When I opened our bedroom door, all I could see was Owen and Josie kissing on the bed. Chapter 5 - The Necklace Noah I couldnât believe my eyes! While the hours I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didnât he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous! Even though I had seen Owen and Josieâs betrayal before in photos, witnessing it in real life was way worse. It felt like a million knives stabbed me in the chest. My heart shattered. âHow dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for Godâs sake!â I cried out. They hadnât heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasnât so devastated, it mightâve been funny. Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josieâs blonde hair was disheveled. They were both in their underwear. Clothes were spread out all over our bedroom floor. I tried to hold back my tears. I didn't want to show them my pain. My crying might come across as weakness. I demanded an explanation. âI donât believe this. Owen! Did you forget I am your wife?! Josie, why did you betray me too?! I treat you as my best friend. How dare you take my husband away from me!â I insisted. Josie hid away in Owenâs arms. Owen comforted her gently, then snapped at me: âYouâve already seen us together anyway, haven't you, Noah?â âI am done with you.â He continued. âOur whole relationship was based on a lie. Josie shouldâve been with me all along!â I didnât understand. âWhat are you talking about, Owen?â He held up a delicate golden necklace with a tear shaped ruby that had been resting on Josieâs collarbone. âRemember this, Noah? The truth has finally come out. It was Josie who saved my life all those years ago, not you. You pretended that it was you in front of my parents. Youâve made her suffer long enough!â I was shocked. Why did Josie have my necklace? I couldn't believe her betrayal. I tried to explain to Owen that I lost that necklace before I was adopted by his family. I told him I would never lie to him. Especially about something so important. But Owen didnât believe me. âJosie,â I cried. âHow could you do this to me? Why would you steal my necklace? You know how much it means to me! Weâve been best friends since the orphanage, havenât we? Does that mean nothing to you?â âNoah, you know this necklace has always belonged to me. I was the one who saved Owen. But you stole my life to be adopted,âJosie played innocent with me, âI should have been the one who grew up with Owen! I see you as my sister, so I never attempted to reveal your lie until Owen found this necklace in my old jewelry box several months ago.â This convinced Owen even more that I had been bullying her. He wrapped his arms around her. Over his shoulder, when he couldnât see, Josie gave me a quick, mean smirk. I knew Josie had a mean side. She always had, even when we were kids. But so far, she had only taken it out on her boyfriends and whoever got on her bad side, not on me. I never thought she might treat me in such a mean way! I had searched everywhere but couldn't find my necklace. It turned out that she was the thief who was always around me. How could she tell such outrageous lies as if it were naturalďź I left the bedroom, rushed downstairs and broke down on the couch. Oh, what a nightmare! How could I make Owen see the truth? A little later, Owen and Josie came downstairs, all dressed up again. Josie was wearing her Prada pumps and the sleek, mint green dress I gifted her for her birthday. It accentuated her long legs and slender silhouette. I had to admit, she looked beautiful. I used to dress in a simple way such as simple jeans, white blouse and sneakers. Maybe I looked less attractive compared to Josie. Owen had an arm around Josieâs waist and warned me, âYouâd better stay out of our life from now on. Iâll move to another villa with Josie.â I couldn't believe it. After 3 years of marriage, he trusted her story over mine. And now he wanted nothing to do with me. We used to be happily married. Our whole lives, ever since I saved him, we had been so close. We used to laugh together, cry together, play pranks on each other⌠But now, everything changed, simply because of a necklace. In fact, ânecklaceâ is just an excuse for his betrayal. I didnât believe our years of affection couldnât prove my heart. âNoah, my life was ruined by you. You owe me that.â Josie said. âOne day youâll both regret this. I didnât do anything wrong.â I sobbed. As they walked out, I faintly heard Owen reply: âItâs my fault. I should have found you earlier, or you wouldnât have suffered so much.â I could only guess at his last insult as the door closed behind them. I zoned out in front of the TV and poured myself some of Owenâs whisky. The past couple of days had been the worst of my life ever since I lost my parents. My body and mind had been through so much. I felt numb. I must have fallen asleep on the couch. The sudden loud jingle of my phone ringing woke me up. The bright midmorning sun was shining in through the large windows. Looks like I slept in late. Disoriented, I picked up my phone and saw it was Owen calling. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear. Before I could say a word, I heard Owenâs angry shouting: âHow dare you do this to Josie! Those guys you hired? You must pay for what you have done!â Chapter 6 - Choice Noah âWhat?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what youâre talking about.â I replied to the angry voice on the phone. âMore lies! I canât believe you, Noah. You're despicable!â Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear. âOwen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?â âJosie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!â He ended the call before I could reply. What was this about? Would my life ever go back to normal? I decided to find out what was going on. My fever was over. Although my head still hurt, the wound was healing rapidly. I took a refreshing shower and got into a pencil skirt and light blue blouse. I combed my hair and decided to wear it in natural loose waves today. After a quick breakfast, I slipped into my high heels and coat, and made my way to my car. It was a crisp sunny day. I arrived at the hospital. At least it wasn't me who needed to see the doctor this time. âOh, itâs our âold friendâ.â The nurse said jokingly. I smiled as she directed me to Josieâs room. As soon as I knocked on the door, Owen opened it with an enraged look on his face. âFinally! That took you long enough.â He whispered angrily. âJosie is sleeping.â He came out and gently closed the door behind him. We walked towards the chairs in the hallway. âI have no idea what happened, Owen.â I said honestly. âCan you please tell me what is going on? Some guys attacked her?â âAre you still pretending you weren't behind this? You are unbelievable.â He shook his head, then continued. âJosie was attacked by some hooligans this morning, on her way to work. She shouted out and fainted from fear. Thankfully, a police officer was nearby. He heard her scream. She has a heavy concussion from the fall. She'll have to stay here a few days to recover.â âWhat? That's horrible!â I replied in shock. Although I was angry with Josie, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. âStop your act now, Noah. Those guys were arrested. They told the police someone paid them to kidnap Josie, because she broke up a marriage.â No wonder he doubted me. But I couldnât believe the trust between us was so fragile. âWould you believe me if I swore to you it wasn't me?â I asked with a last glimmer of hope. His reply made it clear to me that there was no hope left for us: âNever again will I believe a single word you say, Noah.â I refused to apologize. I didn't have anything to do with this. If anyone needed to stand out and make an apology, it was them for what they had done to meďź On my way out, I contacted a friend who had lots of connections all over the city. I asked her to investigate the situation. I also called the office on my way home, to let them know I was still recovering from my fever and head wound. My boss was understanding. She told me to take as long as I needed. In the evening, Owen came home just as I was about to have dinner. âI didnât prepare your dinner. I guess you would have dinner with Josie?â I said plainly. I didnât know why he came back at this time, but I didnât care about it anymore. He ignored my words and said, âYou still donât want to apologize, right? You have two choices, Noah. Apologize and make amends with Josie, or divorce me and get out of this house!â âJosie is the one who betrayed us both. She lied to you, Owen. She stole my necklace. She is the one who should apologize!â I argued. Owen burst out in rage and slapped me in the face. I stared at him in disbelief. I was totally disappointed. Over the past few days he had hit me, pushed me, cheated on me. He had hurt me in every way. I made up my mind. âI choose divorce.â I said coldly. âGood. My lawyer will contact you in the next morning,âOwen said ruthlessly with a wicked smile, âOh, Iâve prepared another âsurpriseâ for you. Hope you will enjoy it!â | LEARN_MORE | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&u | Random Reading | https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ | 321 | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Learn More | 0 | redtgb.com | DCO | https://redtgb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=14837&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} | 1969-12-31 18:00 | https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463312667_1475866000469340_6412121946724874326_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nUcwFTmmo70Q7kNvgGq0T7t&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5jz7ZpxlbeEAcuB0df0uRZ&oh=00_AYBTqfomFQFR3ZRWfNmXRrQqVK4hj1d4v6syuDl99_NLAQ&oe=6745B401 | PERSON_PROFILE | 0 | 0 | 0 | Random Reading | 0 | 0 | 1969-12-31 18:00 | View Edit Delete |
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